September is Library Card Sign-Up Month — a time when libraries across the country remind parents that the most important school supply of all is a library card.Thousands of public and school libraries join each fall in a national effort to ensure every child has access to one of the most unique institutions in our democracy: the library.Library cards are generally free to those living in the library's service area. In most cases, borrowing privileges are granted on the spot. Some libraries may require some form of identification, proof of residency or the signature of a guardian.Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifelong learning and opportunity.Today's libraries are modern community centers for information, education and entertainment. Libraries offer books, magazines, audio- and videotapes, computers, access to the Internet and other multimedia materials. Libraries also offer a variety of programs and events to stimulate an interest in reading and learning.I challenge each and every one of you. If you don't have a library card — GET CARDED! If you know someone who is without a library card, tell them — GET CARDED! If that person is a child, help them — GET CARDED!For further information please check out the library's Web site at www.plumcreeklibrary.org/Luverne or call us at 507-449-5040.

I enjoyed the editorial on etiquette for the new multi-use path by Lori Ehde. As a parent and grandparent, I feel these are important issues that need to be addressed. The article gave us guidelines to be able to ride on the path in a safe and courteous manner. I enjoy seeing families riding together and wearing the necessary protective equipment they need to ride safely. Falls from motorized and non-motorized vehicles are the No. 1 cause of head injury in the nation. Wearing the proper protective equipment is one of the safety issues being addressed at the Community Safety Forum Thursday evening, Sept. 11, at the Luverne Elementary Commons. Linda WenzelLuverne

Saturday. Aug. 16, Amar Daaseeren and his sister, Beyermaa, natives of Mongolia, visited briefly in the home of Luella Schlueter. Amar, 29, attends ESL classes in the Cities at which Bonnie Olson, daughter of Luella, teaches. He wants to become more fluent in speaking the American language. His sister, 29 ???, has been a student at Mankato University for the past couple of years, seeking a degree in business administration. Their father is an engineer. The youth in Mongolia are expected to get a high school education. They have a parliament form of government and their language is Mongolian.Mongolia is located south of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Russia). China borders the country where lies the Gobi Desert. Amar said there are lots of animals in his country and some folks are nomads, herding their camels, goats and sheep, etc., from watering place to watering place.Amar asked Bonnie if she could locate a farm which they could visit to learn more of farming in our country. She thought of the Glen and Ann Boeve farm which is the "Rock County Farm of the Year." They were taken there and Glen showed his herds of cattle, the pigs, the feeders, buildings, silos and all. He was interested in alfalfa, to know if it is good feed for the animals and to know how it was stored. He hopes to take back to his country some of the things he learned. He was very impressed with the layout and the big machinery. We thank the Boeves for taking the time to show off their farm. Sam and Glenda McGaffe, Katie and Samantha, vacationed last week from Sunday to Wednesday at Lake Okoboji. Dean and Peggy Goettsch and Alice Goettsch attended the Hageman family reunion a week ago Sunday at Alpha. Dale Jorgenson, brother-in-law to Evelyn Rogness, and a friend, Dwight Baire, Phoenix, Ariz., visited her on Friday afternoon. Alice Kolsrud returned home Wednesday after visiting her sisters and their husbands, Joyce and Ivert Anderson and Dotty and Norman Johnson, in the Cities area.Larry, Deb and Derek Hook spent Saturday and Sunday in the home of her mother, Lorne Heller, at DeSmet, S.D. Dick and Audrey Heidenson drove to Apple Valley for a visit in the home of their daughter, Jan and Mark Ausland. They took in the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, seeing the production of "Sound of Music. They also spent a day at the State Fair.Last week Wednesday, Dean and Peggy Goettsch, Tony and Annette, visited Peggy’s mother, Helen Schoen, at Freeborn. On Thursday Dean and Peggy attended the State Fair and returned home Friday. Last Monday, Joanne Goehle went to Winona to visit in the home of Rick and Michelle Nester until Thursday evening. Friday of last week, Pat Nester, Winona, and Andrew Carmany, Tyler, came here to spend until Sunday. Marilyn Metzger and her mother, Mary Carter, met Mary’s brother, Robert Feragen, and his wife at the airport in Sioux Falls and they came here for a visit. They had been visiting folks in Canada and now are in Madison, S.D., before returning to their home in Texas. Wilmer and Betty Elbers attended the Family Bible Conference at Lake Okoboji over the Labor Day weekend. Sunday, gathering at the home of Tom Goehle was Rick and Michelle Nester, Patrick and Nicole, Winona; Steve, Leanne, Alyssa, Andrew, Elliot and Allison Carmany, Tyler; Mark, Brenda, Zach, Katie and Colby Hadler, and Amber Rieck, Edgerton; Dorothea Hamann and Vivian Holst, both of Luverne, and Joanne Goehle, celebrated the birthdays of Vivian Holst and the first birthday of Colby Hadler. Hans and Susan Erickson and daughter, Siri, Eagan, spent the weekend in the parental Wendell Erickson home.Steve and Marilyn VanWyhe and Justin, Steen, and Heather VanWyhe and Jess Beeler, Hutchinson, spent Labor Day at Lake Okoboji. Perry Lien of California was in Hills Sunday greeting old friends. He was visiting Gene and Shirley Sundem in Sioux Falls and he and his wife had attended a Lien gathering with all his sisters present. His wife also was visiting her relatives in Clark and Madison, S.D. Tom and Joanne Goehle hosted the Hills-Beaver Creek-Edgerton-Ellsworth track team at a morning pancake breakfast Monday.

Whoever said, "If you don’t like the weather in Minnesota wait 15 minutes!" was so right. It has been longer than the 15 minutes but Saturday was a very hot, humid day. However, when Sunday morning arrived and I awoke and climbed out of my nice warm bed, what a shock was in store for me. It was very chilly in my house and the first thing I did was to shut the windows. Even then I was uncomfortably cold and strongly considered putting on my sweater but since I was going to go to church I decided to shiver for a little while. What a difference a day makes! The weather forecast sounds like our temperatures will be cooler and I, for one, will not miss the extreme heat we so often have in August. On the other hand, I am not ready for even a light frost and neither is my garden as the beans I planted at least two months ago, just came up after our two little showers of rain. But I guess we take what we get. We just can’t have everything!The Steen Softball Team hosted their annual tournament on Labor Day. It was a nine-team tournament which began Saturday evening when they played two games and continued on Labor Day. It was a perfect day for the tournament. At noon there was a special dedication of the playground equipment which was purchased with the memorial money given in memory of Duane Sandbulte for the many years he had given working with the team. Harold Wissink was also honored at that time. He is the oldest living member of the teams who played in the 1930s. The championship games were played Labor Day night. The Championship game was played between the two Hills teams with Hills Town winning the championship. Everyone has been asking me if I found my kittens. No, I have not and I don’t have a clue as to what happened to them. I do know that I really miss them. They were always with me when I went outdoors. To tell the truth I have shed many tears as I miss them so much. When you live alone your pets are your family. I still hope for their return as I love white cats and have struggled many years to have some to call my own. If anyone finds them please return them to me. To purchase a white Persian cat costs $500. The Steen community extends their sympathy to the Jellema family on the death of Jeanette Jellema. She was the mother of Jim Jellema and grandmother of Jodi Harnack and Wade Jellema. Her husband was Ocke Jellema. Dries and Laura May Bosch attended a breakfast at the Hills United Reformed Church on Saturday. Erin Boeve has accepted a scholarship to Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, where she will play volleyball in 2004. Arnold and Jane Bonnema enjoyed their granddaughters, Julie Haugom and family and Joline Bonnema from the Cities on Sunday. Pete and Judy Boeve, Sioux Falls, were Sunday evening supper guests in the home of her mother, Henrietta Huenink. Mildred Paulsen attended the Daughters of the Nile Banquet and program in honor of their new queen, Tuesday evening in Sioux Falls.The first day of school in the Hills-Beaver Creek schools was Tuesday, Sept. 2. Other days to remember are Homecoming which is Sept. 15 and 16 with coronation on Sept. 15. The first home football game is Sept. 6 with Southwestern United at Hills. Let’s "Go Pates." We’ll be cheering for you. That sounds like they are getting off to a good start. Wednesday, Sept. 9 and 10, the Bible League Retreat will be at the Oaks Hotel in Sioux Falls. Kenneth Blume is the featured speaker. Steve Elzenga will also speak. The banquet is Tuesday evening. Dries and Laura May Bosch attended the LifeLight Christian Concert Saturday morning at the fairgrounds in Sioux Falls. Their granddaughter, Isabel Bosch, daughter of Tom and Amy Bosch returned home with them and spent Labor Day with them.Wednesday noon, Mildred Paulsen attended a reunion of former conference and district officers of the United Methodist Women at the Travelodge in Worthington. In today’s world everyone’s age is important to them from the youngest child to the eldest one present. We used to try to keep our age a secret but it is almost an impossibility today. As I was thinking about this I ran across an article with this question, "How old are you." That is a question that most of us don’t think about. This article tells us what we should be doing through the years, so thought we might like to see what we should or should have done and perhaps learn a thing or two. This article was written by Robert George. He begins with our ages."The 20s are molding years, when the young person forms those habits that shall decide his career. Then he finishes his schoolwork, stands before the altar, exchanges a home, and looks the world in the face. The 30s are years of discouragement. It is a time of battle without the poetry and dream of youth. It is often a time of disillusionment.The 40s are the years of vision, when a person finds themselves, finishes his castles in the air, and knows the value of his dreams. Life comes to ripening in the 50s. These should be the years of jubilee and a person should be able to do his best work then. At 60, a person has committed enough mistakes to make them wiser, far above his juniors. He should live better and do better work than in any decade of his life. No man has a right to retire in his 60s; the world has great need of his wisdom and skill. And, some of the best work in the world is done in the 70s and 80s.Now doesn’t that make you feel wonderful?

The Village is into its 3rd year of existence. It was Arnold S. who was the first to move in. At the time, air conditioning was limited, however, caregivers were always present. Only his and one other apartment was cool. The remaining villagers waited until later so as to receive the cool air that hot August. Arnold S. still lives in the same apartment but spends time in the dining room playing "Whist" or "Rummy" with his neighbors or sometimes Clair Crawford when he comes to visit Mom. Have you ever seen yellow watermelon? R.N. brought one from her family residing near Omaha, Neb., for us to taste. We did question what the yellow fruit was on our table. We thought cantaloupe but it had black seeds. The taste is no different than the popular red watermelon that’s so good this year. In celebration of National Spam Day we had Spam and crackers one day after bingo. The little square cans are still available. We recalled how we fried slices with potatoes or chopped it for eggs or a hot dish. Still tastes the same. They must have the same recipe. Even before coming to the Village, Erma had a spelling bee at Tuff Home. She continues today for residents enjoy it and are really good at it. The ex-school teacher couldn’t just go over and ask the group to spell elephant. No, she creates question and answer games. Like, what word has five letters and starts with C, meaning a two-door hard top car. Answer: coupe, now spell it. Or she has true and false questions regarding the same word. Now, do you know the only three words in the dictionary beginning with DW? Identify and spell them or what is the only word with three sets of double letters in it? School must have been fun if you were in Erma’s second grade class. The bell she received upon retirement sits on our table as a centerpiece for school is now open. We’ve had lots of visitors coming and going. We are saddened to know many of them came to see Ruby out of respect for her husband. Emil passed away at 93 years of age and we, too, wish to extend our sympathy. There have been other visitors, too. Marie’s daughter, Ardyth, has come to enjoy dinner with her on occasion. Palma’s sons visited from the Cities. Berdella’ sister came from California. Jim and Linda Elliot are with Linda’s parents, Alta and Dave Olson, and the Palisade Lutheran Church ladies came to see us, our building and Martha, who is a member of that church. Carolyn Schubbe Randal came for her H-BC class reunion and visited Mom. We’ve been comparing ears of corn. There have been some from Harvey Metzger who resides right over the Minnesota/Iowa line, some from the field behind our building and from caregiver Roze’s farm. The little kernels we’ve been eating are now hard and dented. Fall is here. Once again Alice made pickles from five big grocery bags the Beyenhof’s brought. We have been blessed with beautiful flowers and plants. A tall green plant was given as a memorial to Jeanette Jellema. I’m sorry I don’t know its name but it is in a most attractive planter as well. A spray of blooms of every kind sits in the entry as a remembrance of Emil and Katherine Fikse brought a bouquet from her garden of zinnias exactly like the one she brought last week. We thank them all. Oh yes, have you come up with the answers to Erma’s questions? The DW words are dwarf, dwell and dwindle. The word with three sets of double letters is bookkeeper.I’ll keep you posted.

This is the week we celebrate what some people call work and other people call labor. For one woman in England, work isn’t really work until she goes into labor. She’s a full-time surrogate mother. According to The Week magazine, the 36-year-old woman has given birth to eight babies in eight years. She is paid up to $8,000 for carrying each child, with a good share of her income going for maternity clothing. Supposedly, each new adventure with morning sickness, stretch marks and swollen feet is worth "the joy of helping infertile couples." Personally, my own idea of helping an infertile couple would be offering to mow their lawn or delivering a couple dozen home-baked cookies to their front door. "When I’m not pregnant," swooned the surrogate mother, "I feel like I’ve been fired from a job I love." Those words let us know that we are dealing with someone quite different from the rest of us. Any woman who would say "pregnant" and "love" in the same breath would undoubtedly stretch the truth about another things. She would also exaggerate about the joys of jogging on sun-baked asphalt in 100-degree heat, exercising until her heart-rate doubles or smiling through bikini waxing sessions. On the flip side, there might also be certain advantages to being a full-time surrogate mother. According to a recent Gallup Poll, 16 percent of Americans see obesity as evidence of a character flaw, but saying, "I just had a baby", is a perfect excuse for those critics. Smuggling a few extra pounds onboard would never be a problem when you’re constantly "eating for two." You would always be amused by the reactions of people who ask, "What are you hoping for, a boy or a girl?", and they’re told, "Actually, a new dishwasher." With "the glow of pregnancy" constantly in effect, you could cut down on light bulb purchases and reduce electrical bills substantially. You can live with other families, all waiting for their children to be delivered, and cut down on housing costs completely. You could land a second job, receive regular checks and never have to report for work because you could go on paid maternity leave for 15 to 20 consecutive years. Few bosses would anticipate hiring an employee wishing to have that many children. In order to keep your business, the local medical center might offer you incentives similar to those in a frequent flyer program. They might also adopt a punch card plan where, after receiving nine punches, a 10th delivery would be totally free. While you’re always pregnant with other people’s children, you would never have to stand next to a sink and wash dishes after another family get-together. Someone is guaranteed to look at you and say, "Take a load off your feet and rest a while." You would never have to wear another uncomfortable, tight-fitting waistband. Perennial pregnancies might also be a good excuse to avoid strenuous exercising, marathon running and invitations to climb high, treacherous mountains. It would be a free pass to avoid things you don’t want to do. Given these advantages, any pregnancy might be a joyful experience.

10 years ago (1993)"The Hills Economic Development Authority received an earful of information Wednesday night at their second in a series of community development meetings. After their first meeting in August, the EDA agreed that there is a need for housing in Hills.Tom Serie of F&L Management and Development Inc., presented his theories to the local EDA on developing housing for the city of Hills."25 years ago (1978)"Mr. and Mrs. Fred Paulsen were honored guests for Senior Citizens at the State Fair on Friday. Gov. Perpich presented ribbons to the Seniors as they were recognized before a large audience." 50 years ago (1953)"Two young men, one about five foot, 10 inches, and the other much shorter, possibly five foot, two inches, with a gun, held up Noll’s Station at Beaver Creek Monday evening at about 8:30 p.m. Their loot amounted to about $125 in cash, reported Sheriff Neil Roberts. They resorted to no rough stuff but simply demanded the money and then left in a late model, yellow Oldsmobile 98. No resistance was offered to the holdup men, during the robbery." 75 years ago (1928)"Herman Skovgaard, who is doing such good work in instructing and leading the Juvenile band that was recently organized, would like a lot more new members, especially in the bass section. He is also looking for a boy to handle the bass drum. The bass drum belongs to the band so the boy will not need to spend one cent to join. There are several young men contemplating joining the band after school starts, and after a while the Crescent hopes to print the name and instrument played by every member of the band. All right, who is coming into the bass section? See Mr. Skovgaard for further particulars." 100 years ago (1903)"More prisoners escape from the South Dakota Penitentiary at Sioux Falls than any other similar institution in the United States. Evidently, there is too much politics connected with our South Dakota state prison."

Geraldine "Geri" Aberle, 99, Sioux Falls, S.D., formerly of Hills, died Saturday, Aug. 30, 2003, at Dow Rummel Memorial Home. Services were Tuesday, Sept. 2, at First Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sioux Falls. Ruth Geraldine Finke was born to August and Ella (Dunn) Finke on Nov. 15, 1903, in Hills. She moved with her family to Sioux Falls in 1918. She graduated from Washington High School and later, Sioux Falls College. She taught in Ord, Neb., for three years and later, at Sioux Falls Lincoln Elementary for six years. She married Arthur T. Dennis on Jan. 1, 1937, in Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Dennis died Aug. 17, 1957.She married Lyle F. Aberle Oct. 8, 1963. Mr. Aberle died March 6, 1964. Mrs. Aberle was a 60-year member of First Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls. She was also a member of Sioux Falls College Women’s Board and a former trustee, the Sioux Falls Women’s Club, Eastern Star, BD Chapter of P.E., AAUW, and the Gray Ladies of the American Red Cross. Survivors include two stepgrandchildren, Don Dennis, Federal Way, Wash., and Steve Dennis, Bellevue, Wash.; three cousins, Ruth Kentfield, Bethal, Conn., May Meinburg, Brandon, S.D., and Dorothy Greenlee, Hill City, S.D.; numerous stepgreat-grandchildren, and stepgreat-great-grandchildren; and many cousins.Mrs. Aberle was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, and three stepchildren, Robert, Fred and Marjorie Kessler. Heritage Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, was in charge of arrangements.

By Jolene FarleyShoppers have the chance to use their purchases to earn funds for the Hills-Beaver Creek Music Department through the School Cents program. The School Cents program, scheduled from Monday, Sept. 1 through Friday, Oct. 31, this year, assists schools with funding programs in need. Each participating school can select an area that will benefit from the rewards of the program. Elementary Band Instructor Brent Steinert said he’s excited about the program. "They write you a check," he said. "The check is given to us before Christmas." Steinert said what the money will be used for depends on the amount earned by shoppers. "For the music department, there are some different instruments we need," he said. If the funds raised are more substantial, he said he would look at different options. Hills-Beaver Creek shoppers will compete with 15 area schools for $300 to $7,000 in prizes. The school with the most receipts from the Empire Mall, Empire East and Empire HyVee, all of Sioux Falls, S.D., wins top prize.Every dollar spent at the malls is equal to one point, and Empire HyVee receipts are worth double points. Receipts can be dropped in School Cents drop boxes in the Empire East, Empire HyVee or near the Harvest Café Court at the Empire Mall. For those who don’t want to turn in receipts, a Point Pass Card can be used. Point Pass Cards can only be redeemed at mall guest services, located outside Younker’s southwest entrance to the Empire Mall. To "even the playing field," School Cents rankings will be compiled by dividing the receipt generated points by elementary enrollment figures. Rankings will be based on points per student. Every week, two shoppers will be rewarded with a $50 Empire Mall Gift Certificate, one winner from the Point Pass program and another through turning in receipts.