"I have a hankering," wrote a man named Lin Yutang, "to go back to the Orient and discard my necktie. Neckties strangle clear thinking." As it turns out, clear thinking isn’t the only thing being strangled when men wear neckties. Think jugular vein. A recent article in the British Journal of Ophthalmology reports that tight neckties increase the risk of glaucoma, the leading cause of preventable blindness. A tight necktie can evidently increase blood pressure by constricting the jugular vein, causing a backup of blood to the eye than can damage the optic nerve. If men ever needed an excuse to throw away their neckties, this is it. Neckties in men’s wardrobes are a prime example of the worn-out expression, "It’s always been done this way." The "four-in-hands" and bow ties worn today are almost identical to the neckwear worn first in the United States back in the 1870s. By comparison, if women would still be wearing things dating back to that time, we would have closets filled with whalebone corsets, long dresses with bustles and hoop skirts. Today’s neckties are descendants of ascots, cravats and other men’s neckwear too difficult to spell or pronounce and dating back to the 1700s. In light of the news about neckties, men might question the motives of family members who repeatedly give them ties for Christmas and birthdays. Neckties rarely wear out and they are truly gifts that keep on giving. One humorist once observed, "Nothing lasts as long as a necktie you don’t like." That’s particularly true if the ties in question reveal holiday trees with real flashing lights, hula dancers or neon pink flamingos. For every man in this country there must be at least "one ugly tie in the back of the closet" story. The ties are never thrown away, perhaps because of unspoken fears that the givers might find out or that the neckwear police might show up at the front door. Neckties are difficult to knot and they must be terribly uncomfortable because men are seen loosening them whenever they can. Ties are often unsightly stain traps for foods that might otherwise plummet from fork to floor unnoticed. Surely, with the exception of women’s pantyhose, no other garment has been cursed as often as men’s neckties. This world might be a better place without neckties. Of course, we would no longer be able to sing in church, "Blest be the Tie that Binds." Now it’s all about the tie that blinds. Given the link between possible blindness and tight neckwear, we might have negative reactions to, and different interpretations of, everyday expressions — "tie-dyed," "to tie one on," "tie-breakers" and "to risk one’s neck." A necktie-less world might also be safer. Dangling ties are undoubtedly dangerous for men working near moving parts of heavy machinery or restoring old wringer washers. When A.E. Housman wrote "Shropshire Lad" in 1896, he had another neckwear in mind, but it was deadly nevertheless — "And naked in the hangman’s noose, the morning clocks will ring a neck God made for other use than strangling in a string." The comparison is a natural for an eventual revolution against men’s neckwear — a hangman’s noose and a tight necktie.

Jeanette Jellema, 77, Luverne, died Monday, Aug. 25, 2003, at Luverne Hospice Cottage following a long illness. Services were Wednesday at United Methodist Church in Luverne. Burial was in Luverne Memorial Gardens, rural Luverne. Jeanette Harding was born to Richard and Jennie (Hughes) Harding on Dec. 25, 1925, in Hardwick. She grew up and attended school in Hardwick. Following her education, she worked at Honeywell in Minneapolis and later, at Campbell Soup in Worthington and Sathers in Round Lake.She married Ocke Jellema on Nov. 25, 1945, in Adrian. Following their marriage, they lived in various communities before moving to a farm near Kenneth in 1953. They retired from farming in 1984 and moved to Luverne where they were custodians at United Methodist Church for several years. She has spent the past 11 months as a Luverne Hospice patient. Mrs. Jellema was a member of United Methodist Church and VFW Auxiliary. She enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting and working in her flower garden. She liked to bowl and attend dances.Survivors include her husband, Ocke Jellema, Luverne; two sons, Jim (Marilyn) Jellema, Hills, Leland (fiancé Katina Dykes) Jellema, Rock Rapids, Iowa; one daughter, Carroll (Allan) Miller, Worthington; a special daughter, Pam (Dan) Dobson Luverne: three grandchildren, Ryan and Wade Jellema and Jodi Harnack; a great-grandson, Easton Harnack; three brothers, Glenn Harding, Aitkin, James Harding, Kentucky, and Richard Harding, Ellendale; and one sister, Lila Blattner, Anoka.Mrs. Jellema was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Norman, a granddaughter, Stacey, and a sister, Margaret. Hospice of Luverne Community Hospital will plant a tree in memory of Jeanette Jellema.Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.

Services for Emil Feucht are at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at Apostolic Christian Church in Lester, Iowa, with the church ministers officiating. Burial will follow at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 8:30 p.m. at the Apostolic Christian Fellowship Hall in Lester with the family present from 3 to 5 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Emil Feucht, 94, Hills, died Monday, Aug. 25, 2003, at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills.Emil William Feucht was born to Carl and Pauline (Knobloch) Feucht on Nov. 4, 1908, south of Lester. When he turned 21 years old in 1929, he started farming with his brother, Ben. They farmed together for seven years. In 1936, he farmed in Minnesota and in the spring of 1937 he went into the hatchery business in Lester. He married Ruby Sexe on Nov. 20, 1937, in Hills. The couple lived in Lester. The couple bought a farm northwest of Hills in 1942 and farmed there until retirement in 1978. They also rented land in South Dakota, which they eventually bought. During his farming years he did custom work for the neighbors in the area, baling hay, combining and windrowing. They moved to Hills in 1987. In the fall of 2001 they moved to Tuff Village in Hills. He moved to Tuff Memorial Home in August 2003. Mr. Feucht hobbies included tilling gardens, planting lawns, witching water, and fishing and camping. He was noted for his big bountiful gardens.Survivors include his wife, Ruby Feucht, Hills; four children and their spouses, RoseAnn (Tom) Srader, Pensacola, Fla., Jerry (Judi) Feucht, Lester, Ronald (Sandra) Feucht, Hills, and Marlene (Paul) Stueven, Welcome; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Paul Feucht, Canton, S.D., John Feucht, Elgin, Ill., and Raymond Feucht, Lester; and two sisters, Emma Gerber, Lester, and Pauline Schick, Washington, Ill.Mr. Feucht was preceded in death by his parents, one granddaughter, Tanya Stueven, six brothers, August, Sam, Alfred Ernest, Ben and Carl Feucht, and three sisters, Martha Wagenbach, Lydia Mogler and Emilia Banwort. Roste Funeral Home, Hills, is in charge of arrangements.

Bats in my belfry make for a long nightBy Jolene FarleyThere must be healthy bat population this year. The first indication I had that my home had become a local hangout for bats was when I had my house painted this spring.My painter told me while painting the third story, he heard movement and rustling in certain areas of the house. (My house is a two-and-a-half story with an unfinished walk-up attic.) In the three years I have lived in the house, I have disposed of two bats, with no "bat detail" in the last two years. There are two doors to the third story, one at the bottom of the stairs and an insulated door at the top of the stairs.We take extra care to make sure the attic doors are always shut, which makes sense considering the attic walls aren’t insulated and I wouldn’t be crazy about my utility bills if the door was left open.We also plugged a hole that was drilled in the wall to run new electrical wiring to the third story. Since the extra precautions, we have had no more bats in our living area. But, this summer I have heard scratching or scuffling noises outside my bedroom walls. The noises have become increasingly louder and more frequent.Sunday night was the worst. I was trying to sleep and it wasn’t going well with constant movement, beginning at nightfall, outside my bedroom. I am fairly certain the animals cannot get into the house, but the noise they made isn’t conducive to a good night’s sleep. The bats and I keep different hours.After a while of listening to the noise Sunday, I decided I needed to call in reinforcements. I didn’t feel up to an encounter with a flying mouse. My helper started by shining a flashlight around outside to see if he could see anything. He said he didn’t notice anything unusual.The next step was scouting out the attic. I assured my helper that if I heard him scream while he was in the attic, I would call 911.He opened the first door and turned the light on, then he slowly opened the door at the top of the stairs. He shone the flashlight into the cracks and crevices. He disturbed a bat, but he managed to shoo it outside after opening an attic window. My hero. We both thought his work was done — he had rescued a damsel in distress.The bat had other ideas. Apparently, the animal wanted to get back in. I was awakened by more scratching and scuffling noises. On a mission, I contacted the local Extension Office and they tracked down some tips to relocate my bats. One solution involves bat watching in the middle of the night, then climbing a ladder to the third story of the house, again in the dark, to plug all possible entrance routes.I wonder who I can talk into doing that. …If you see me, and I have deep, dark circles under my eyes, you know all my efforts haven’t worked — the animals still live at my house and I haven’t slept. The bats have won.

By Lori EhdeNew City Administrator Greg Lafond doesn’t officially start until Sept. 2, but he’s been spending time in Luverne getting to know the community and the people he’ll be working with.He stopped at the Star Herald office Thursday, Aug. 14, to talk about his plans and expectations for the job.Lafond comes to Luverne after working as treasurer and clerk for the city of Altoona, Wis., a 7,800 population suburb of Eau Claire, Wis.On his resume, he lists 30 years of experience in government work, stemming from a political science degree from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.Early in his career, he worked for a Wisconsin legislator and then for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.In recent years, he established a financial consulting business, working with both public and private agencies.With this professional background, Lafond said he’s picked up some valuable management techniques — particularly in personnel management — he plans to apply in Luverne."What many municipalities struggle with is personnel management," Lafond said. "When you consider 80 percent of your budget is salaries, you better make it your No. 1 priority in terms of management."Specifically, he plans to encourage government officials to seek citizen input."We need to understand a couple of things in city government," Lafond said. "Residents and citizens are our customers, as in any business — and this is a business — and you need to provide service that’s acceptable and at times exceptional."Lafond plans to join local civic organizations, visit churches and, in general, immerse himself in the community."I’m not a three-piece-suit guy," he said. "My home phone number is on my business card.At the same time, Lafond said he hopes resident participation in local government will also improve."I’m disappointed that more people didn’t participate in last night’s (Aug. 13) comprehensive plan meeting," he said. "We should have a broader cross section represented."The comprehensive plan will be an immediate priority for Lafond."Luverne is at a key point right now," he said. "The comprehensive plan will establish the economic plan and financial modeling of the city for the next seven to 10 years."In addition to reaching out to residents, Lafond plans to strengthen city relationships with the county, school district and Chamber of Commerce.Lafond said he was attracted to Luverne for a number of reasons. "Luverne has some tremendous assets," he said, mentioning the school system, parks and the Pool and Fitness Center. "These three things can be used as the basis for economic development," he said.He also listed the new hospital project, Luverne’s location on major highways, its recreational opportunities and historical features as other strengths.On the personal side, he’s 55 years old, single and the father of two grown sons, one of which works for the Wisconsin DNR and the other is completing his doctorate in international finance."I love to hunt and fish, and I play a little golf … If anyone wants to play for money, let me know," he said, describing his hobbies.Lafond makes it clear he’ll go out of his way to be accessible to both city staff and local residents, but he makes a few "sacred" exceptions: During the first week of January he’ll be in his condo in Cancun, Mexico, and in the second week of June he’ll be fishing in Canada.Lafond encouraged residents, business people and local government workers and officials to get in touch with him early on. "The door’s open," he said.

By Lori EhdeThe Minnesota Department of Agriculture is warning soybean growers to scout their fields and be prepared to take action to control soybean aphids, which are reaching near-record levels in local fields.Wednesday night last week, Bruce Potter of the University of Minnesota, spoke to Rock County soybean producers on the Jeff Thorson farm about the aphid threat.Some local fields have seen infestations of more than 1,000 per plant, while others are at a less-threatening 200 to 300 per plant.In most cases, however, producers are opting to spray their fields, because infestations can multiply rapidly. One Rock County producer reportedly noted 50 aphids per plant on Aug. 8, and four days later, there were 250 per plant.Rock County soybean producer Steve Tofteland attended Wednesday’s meeting on the Thorson farm and said many farmers are opting to spray their fields."We’re seeing bean leaf beetles, too, so you can get them both if you spray," Tofteland said. "Plus, it’ll get the grasshoppers, too."Depending on the level of infestation, farmers can see five to eight bushels per acre yield loss if the soybean aphids are left untreated."Some have seen a 14-bushel loss, compared to treated plants in the same field," Tofteland said.That, he said, makes it worthwhile to consider the cost of chemical application. It costs roughly $9.50 to $13 per acre, respectively, for ground and air applications.By mid-week last week, many local ag chemical businesses were getting behind on ground applications, and local residents are noticing low-flying planes applying from the air.Harlan Solma, who applies chemicals for Farmers Union Co-op Oil customers, said he’s sprayed 20,000 acres in Rock County last week, he anticipated another 10,000 this week. He said there are roughly 90,000 acres of soybeans planted in Rock County this year.Over the last few weeks, MDA Plant Pest Survey staff reported dramatic increases in soybean aphid levels in southeast Minnesota.Recent data shows dramatic increases in soybean aphid levels in southeast Minnesota over the past few weeks, and they’re on the rise in western and northern Minnesota. In many areas, this year’s population levels now rival — and in some areas surpass — those of 2001, when the aphids caused considerable damage to crops.Most Minnesota soybean fields are now blooming and setting pods. At these stages of growth, it is critical to protect plants from heavy aphid pressure.Producers urged to monitor soybean plantsMDA Pest Survey Coordinator Mark Abrahamson recommends growers monitor and evaluate numbers of soybean aphids in their fields at least once a week in areas where aphids are not abundant.He suggests they monitor more frequently in areas with greater aphid numbers."One of the toughest parts of dealing with soybean aphids is that infestations can be unpredictable," Abrahamson said. "Regular monitoring is crucial because aphid levels can vary drastically from field to field. Last week we found two fields near East Grand Forks with thousands of aphids per plant while nearby fields were barely infested."Depending on weather and other factors, heavy aphid infestations can cause up to 20 percent yield loss. When populations rise above certain thresholds, it is considered economical to conduct treatments. The following thresholds are suggested by University of Wisconsin and the University of Illinois experts: 200 aphids per plant during bloom, 1,000 aphids per plant during early pod set, and 1,500 aphids per plant during late pod set.Abrahamson notes that before taking any action against a soybean aphid infestation, farmers should closely examine a number of aphids to determine if they are developing wings. Crowded conditions will cause aphids to begin having offspring that grow wings and disperse from the field. Treatments are generally not recommended if aphids are winged as they will likely be leaving the field soon anyway.Growers can find out more about soybean aphids and their management through the following Web site: www.soybeans.umn.edu. Weekly updates on major Minnesota crop pests are also available from the Minnesota Pest Report, a free weekly publication published by the MDA Plant Pest Survey Program that is available electronically or in hard copy.To subscribe, contact Mark Abrahamson at 651-296-6509 or via e-mail at mark.abrahamson@state.mn.us

By Sara StrongRock County is closer to balancing its budget after Rock County Family Services and Highway Department each trimmed $150,000 from their budgets.As the two largest county budgets, these departments were important first places to cut for the Board of Commissioners. Considering these recommended cuts, the county has $200,000 more to go in order to balance the 2004 budget."Personnel-wise, we’re to the limit, in my opinion," County Engineer Mark Sehr told the Rock County Board of Commissioners Tuesday.He factored in an early retirement among other savings to come up with the $150,000 reduction.In order to cover long hours in the winter and prevent overtime, Sehr would like to hire intermittent help for road plowing."We’ll do what we have to do, that’s for sure," Sehr said.Sehr estimates the county will bring in an additional $15,000 from the county gravel tax. He is also postponing a rotary snow plow truck purchase and has the county on a waiting list for a used model. State money was cut by about 10 percent to counties for road and bridge maintenance, so projects will be prioritized and some delayed. The total Highway Department budget is proposed to be $1,670,600. Of that the county levy is $596,600.Family ServicesRock County Family Services plans to cut expenses and increase revenues where it can to come up with $150,000 in cuts from its overall $2.14 million budget. Of the total budget, the county levies $867,104 for Family Services.The Retired Senior Volunteer Program will continue to be funded as Family Services Director Randy Ehlers found other cuts and revenues to help his budget.Out of home placements are what Ehlers calls the "driving factor" behind his budget. In the past few years the out of home placements have cost the county anywhere from $306,617 to $519,281.Out of home placements are expensive because the county is paying for room and board, and sometimes treatment, of children removed from the home. They could be placed in foster homes, residential facilities or jails, depending on the individual case.The collection officer at Family Services may be able to help the county recapture money spent on prisoners while they were jailed. Some counties have started similar programs and Rock County will be considering it.Other increased revenue will come to Family Services through fees for Family Child Care licenses, which are proposed to be $150 for new or renewed. The county will probably also charge a $100 fee for the criminal background check necessary for the license process. The Board, with the exception of Commissioner Richard Bakken, supported the concept of the fee.

By Sara StrongThis week, Randy Scott’s old and new friends are remembering him in the same way — as a good guy, who worked hard and made time to play hard.His relatives are remembering Scott, Hardwick, as a loving and giving member of their family. The 55-year old was killed Saturday when his motorcycle collided with a car driven by South Dakota Congressman Bill Janklow at a rural Moody County, S.D., intersection, near Trent. The intersection was specifically at 240th Street and 480th Avenue.Scott was westbound behind friend, Terry Johnson, when Janklow ran a stop sign while driving south.The investigation by the South Dakota State Patrol will conclude the point of impact and speed at which the accident took place. They are waiting for results of blood alcohol tests from both drivers. Janklow suffered only minor injuries.Scott’s friends describe the tragedy as a cruel irony. He had just purchased the motorcycle this spring and was so proud of it. After years of working hard, he intended to take time to enjoy himself. He had even quit smoking.‘So many good qualities’The accident itself is getting regional and national attention, but local people are focusing on Scott.Besides close friends and family, and those who knew him best, much of Rock County recognized Scott as an outgoing man with a large farm and cattle operation and gravel truck business.Russell Knutson, rural Magnolia, said Scott was a "unique individual" with many unsung talents.Knutson and Scott had been friends since attended school together in Hardwick. Even now they talked daily, and worked together on farm equipment, construction projects and almost anything one or the other had going. "He had so many good qualities," Knutson said. "He even had a memory like an elephant. If you met him once, he’d remember you and talk to you again."Knutson said Scott was non-judgmental and was known to reach out to people outside his group of best friends. "There was absolutely no shyness in him," Knutson said. "He could talk to President Bush and then turn around and talk to a bum on the street."Knutson, his wife, Kris, and their four children will miss the time they spent with Scott.Kris Knutson said, "He had a heart as big as Texas, that’s for sure."Russell Knutson said, "Anyone who disliked him probably had a lot of dislikes in life. He was a happy person who knew how to cheer up people, even when he could use the cheering up."Knutson saw his friend for the last time Friday.Other friends, Craig and Lori Martinson, haven’t known Scott that long, but grew close to him last year.Martinson, rural Hardwick, said he is serious when he says Scott was a true giver.For example, Martinson wanted to borrow some things for work on his acreage, and instead of just loaning him tools, Scott helped Martinson with the work."He was just one of those guys who would do anything for you," he said.Scott graduated from Luverne High School in 1967. He graduated from Pipestone Vocational School in 1968. He joined the U.S. Army on Jan. 21, 1969, and was honorably discharged on Oct. 20, 1970. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Scott was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick. He was an active member of the Hardwick Fire Department from 1983 to 2003, serving as fire chief and for the past eight years, as assistant fire chief. He was also a past commander of the Arthur Moeller Legion Post #478 in Hardwick. Survivors include a son, J.R. Scott; two daughters, Brandee Scott, and Tess Johnson. His mother, Marcella Scott, still lives in Hardwick.

By Lori EhdeThe Minnesota Department of Agriculture is warning soybean growers to scout their fields and be prepared to take action to control soybean aphids, which are reaching near-record levels in local fields.Wednesday night last week, Bruce Potter of the University of Minnesota, spoke to Rock County soybean producers on the Jeff Thorson farm about the aphid threat.Some local fields have seen infestations of more than 1,000 per plant, while others are at a less-threatening 200 to 300 per plant.In most cases, however, producers are opting to spray their fields, because infestations can multiply rapidly. One Rock County producer reportedly noted 50 aphids per plant on Aug. 8, and four days later, there were 250 per plant.Rock County soybean producer Steve Tofteland attended Wednesday’s meeting on the Thorson farm and said many farmers are opting to spray their fields."We’re seeing bean leaf beetles, too, so you can get them both if you spray," Tofteland said. "Plus, it’ll get the grasshoppers, too."Depending on the level of infestation, farmers can see five to eight bushels per acre yield loss if the soybean aphids are left untreated."Some have seen a 14-bushel loss, compared to treated plants in the same field," Tofteland said.That, he said, makes it worthwhile to consider the cost of chemical application. It costs roughly $9.50 to $13 per acre, respectively, for ground and air applications.By mid-week last week, many local ag chemical businesses were getting behind on ground applications, and local residents are noticing low-flying planes applying from the air.Harlan Solma, who applies chemicals for Farmers Union Co-op Oil customers, said he’s sprayed 20,000 acres in Rock County last week, he anticipated another 10,000 this week. He said there are roughly 90,000 acres of soybeans planted in Rock County this year.Over the last few weeks, MDA Plant Pest Survey staff reported dramatic increases in soybean aphid levels in southeast Minnesota.Recent data shows dramatic increases in soybean aphid levels in southeast Minnesota over the past few weeks, and they’re on the rise in western and northern Minnesota. In many areas, this year’s population levels now rival — and in some areas surpass — those of 2001, when the aphids caused considerable damage to crops.Most Minnesota soybean fields are now blooming and setting pods. At these stages of growth, it is critical to protect plants from heavy aphid pressure.Producers urged to monitor soybean plantsMDA Pest Survey Coordinator Mark Abrahamson recommends growers monitor and evaluate numbers of soybean aphids in their fields at least once a week in areas where aphids are not abundant.He suggests they monitor more frequently in areas with greater aphid numbers."One of the toughest parts of dealing with soybean aphids is that infestations can be unpredictable," Abrahamson said. "Regular monitoring is crucial because aphid levels can vary drastically from field to field. Last week we found two fields near East Grand Forks with thousands of aphids per plant while nearby fields were barely infested."Depending on weather and other factors, heavy aphid infestations can cause up to 20 percent yield loss. When populations rise above certain thresholds, it is considered economical to conduct treatments. The following thresholds are suggested by University of Wisconsin and the University of Illinois experts: 200 aphids per plant during bloom, 1,000 aphids per plant during early pod set, and 1,500 aphids per plant during late pod set.Abrahamson notes that before taking any action against a soybean aphid infestation, farmers should closely examine a number of aphids to determine if they are developing wings. Crowded conditions will cause aphids to begin having offspring that grow wings and disperse from the field. Treatments are generally not recommended if aphids are winged as they will likely be leaving the field soon anyway.Growers can find out more about soybean aphids and their management through the following Web site: www.soybeans.umn.edu. Weekly updates on major Minnesota crop pests are also available from the Minnesota Pest Report, a free weekly publication published by the MDA Plant Pest Survey Program that is available electronically or in hard copy.To subscribe, contact Mark Abrahamson at 651-296-6509 or via e-mail at mark.abrahamson@state.mn.us