By Sara StrongThere’s a possible new development in the works for home construction east of the city of Luverne. Ed Elbers, through All States Realty, applied for the rezoning of agricultural land to residential.The County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved the rezoning after a recommendation from the County Planning and Zoning Board, which hosted a public hearing.Commissioner Richard Bakken cast the only vote against the rezoning.The city of Luverne still has to approve it, because of the development’s proximity to town.The preliminary plat shows the lots available would be along the east side of County Road 9 (landfill road), north of County Road 4 (Main Street). The homes would be north of the few homes that are currently in that area.Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board Paul Doherty said he isn’t in favor of the rezoning.He objected in a number of ways. Doherty said the impact of all the septic systems should be closely examined. He also said that people who want open spaces and an acreage to live on have many opportunities in the county without taking away current ag land."Agriculture is too big of an industry for the county to restrict it in this way," Doherty said.Although the county may be able to do without the lost farm land, Doherty said the overall impact is still felt. For instance, Doherty fears that the "neighborhood" will get lots of political power. He said farmers or livestock producers may want to locate nearby or change their operations in the future, and homeowners could band together and halt the permitting process, as happened with a gravel pit in the recent past.The development will be called Valley View because of its picturesque setting overlooking the Rock River valley. The plat has 15 sites suitable for construction in size of .65 acres to 1.97 acres.The subdivision sites will have individual septic treatment systems and rural water connections.Most recently, the land had been used for alfalfa, but had also grown soybeans and corn.There are no prices set for the lots yet, and if the zoning goes through, the next step is getting roads inside the area for home access.

Mindy Kemper (right), Lismore, is starting as the new Hardwick Postmaster, replacing the retiring Nancy Patton, Hardwick. Kemper has worked for the U.S. Postal Service for eight years between Luverne and Worthington. She is married to Chris Kemper and has two children, Collin and Alexia.Patton plans to stay in Hardwick and enjoy more time with her husband, Don, and time for riding their four motorcycles and traveling in their motor home. In her 33 years as a postal worker in Hardwick, Patton did much more than the job description called for. She helped people wrap packages at Christmas and wrote out checks for elderly customers to sign. "I sure hope they keep the small post offices open," she said. "It does become a gathering place for people." Don even made a wooden bench for people to sit on in the office. "The people here are so nice, and some of them needed to rest a little when they came in."

MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYMAY 21, 2003Dana Dahlquist, President of the Hills EDA called the meeting to order at 7:45 P.M. Board present: Dana Dahlquist, Jim Jellema, Keith Elbers and Linus Svoboda. Absent: Arlen Leenderts. Employees present: Connie Wiertzema, EDA Secretary; Joanne Goehle, EDA Treasurer. Guests present: Wilmer Elbers, Mike Kerkhove and Amy Brandt. Wilmer Elbers was invited to the meeting to discuss a proposal for the EDA to purchase Lots 1 and 2 in Park View Third Addition.Mike Kerkhove and Amy Brandt were invited to describe the foundation of the manufactured home they are proposing to purchase from Centennial Homes. The Council also inquired whether they would be interested in purchasing a lot in Park View Third Addition, rather than in the Fourth Addition. This would allow for only stick built construction in Park View Fourth Addition. Kerkhove and Brandt will give the proposal some thought. A motion was made by Jellema, seconded by Svoboda to purchase Lots 1 and 2 in Park View Third Addition for $21,000, with all sewer line costs running north of a manhole located in the middle of East Sixth Street, to be deleted from United Enterprises Assessment costs. Motion carried. No further discussion, meeting adjourned at 8:55 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaEDA Secretary(6-5)

MINUTES OF THE HILLSECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYMAY 13, 2003Dana Dahlquist, President of the Hills EDA called the meeting to order at 8:45 P.M. Board present: Dana Dahlquist, Jim Jellema, Keith Elbers and Linus Svoboda. Absent: Arlen Leenderts. Employees present; Connie Wiertzema, EDA Secretary and Joanne Goehle, EDA Treasurer. Guests present: Gerald Haak, Mike Kerkhove and Amy Brandt, and Jolene Farley-Hills Crescent.Motion by Jellema, seconded by Svoboda to approve of the April 8th minutes. Motion carried. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Elbers to approve payment of the April expenditures. Motion carried. Gerald Haak was invited to the meeting to discuss water diversion within Park View Third and Fourth Additions. Haak questioned whether sewer assessment costs for Park View Third Addition could be reduced, due to a manhole that was not necessary. The Board will invite Steve Kor to a special meeting on May 21st at 7:00 P.M. to continue discussion on these matters. Haak quoted a selling price of $11,000 per lot, for Lots 1 and 2 in Park View Third Addition. Elbers informed the Board that Lot 2 in Park View Fourth Addition has been sold. Mike Kerkhove and Amy Brandt described a manufactured home that they are considering moving in. The Board questioned the foundation of the home, and will consider reviewing a model at Centennial Homes. No further business, meeting adjourned at 9:35 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaEDA Secretary(6-5)

MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETINGOF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILMAY 21, 2003 AT 7:00 P.M.Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. with the following Council members present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, Dana Dahlquist, and Keith Elbers. Absent: Arlen Leenderts. Employee present: Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer; Wayne Ward, City Maintenance; and Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk. Guests present: Steve Kor from Dakota Land Surveying, and Gerald Haak. The Council invited Steve Kor and Gerald Haak to the meeting to discuss the water diversion through Park View Third and Fourth Additions. Kor referred to the drainage plat map, which also notes where culverts need to be installed. The water flow through Park View Fourth Addition will be diverted around Josephine Drive toward Josephine Avenue, which will then run-off into the west ditch along Josephine Avenue and flow south. Kor will set stakes to obtain the correct elevations for culverts to be installed. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Svoboda to accept AB Excavation’s proposal to construct the street and divert the water through Park View Fourth Addition in the amount of $3,000. Motion carried.Ward was instructed to obtain a price for a sewer line casing, for Lots 4 and 5 in Park View Fourth Addition. Should the proposed plans for these lots transform, the cost of this casing will be assessed back to the property owner. The Council inquired about the cost of Lots 1 and 2 in Park View Third Addition. Haak quoted a price of $11,000 per lot. Ward presented the Council with prices from Leuthold’s Plumbing for water and sewer line installation for Park View Fourth Addition. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Svoboda to accept a proposal from DRG as discussed at the May 13th meeting. Motion carried. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to approve of a building permit application for Jeff Schwab to construct steps and a wood deck. Motion carried. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to adjourn at 7:45 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(6-5)

BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATIONANDMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETINGOF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILMAY 13, 2003 6:00 P.M.Mayor Jim Jellema called the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. with the following Council members present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, Dana Dahlquist, and Keith Elbers. Absent: Arlen Leenderts. Employee present: Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk, Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests present: Tom Houselog-Rock County Assessor, Mark Hovland-Deputy Assessor, Gerald Haak, Wendell Bengtson, Carmine Immediato, Jeff Bass, Matt Taubert-Meulebroeck, Taubert & Co.; and Jolene Farley-Hills Crescent. Houselog and Hovland reported to the Council that residential values increased less than one percent, and apartment buildings up 10% overall. From October 2001 to September 2002 there were nine residential sales totaling $437,900.00, compared to the estimated value of those properties totaled $399,200.00.There was discussion to cut future Board of Equalization meetings to one-half hour, unless there is a need for additional time. The City Council was in agreement with that. The regular meeting of the Hills City Council was opened, while Houselog and Hovland remained at the meeting. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Elbers to approve of the April 8th minutes. Motion carried. The Council approved payment of $400 to Paul Ageson Construction for sand for the new volleyball court at Jacobson Park. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Dahlquist to approve payment of the April expenditures: General $2,511.44; Park $1,257.03; Fire $355.66; Street $3,661.26; Legion $1,018.57; Barbershop $411.53; Sewer $1,303.12; Garbage $3,348.78; Recycling $1,095.52; Water $5,032.71; Baseball $19.39; Softball $32.85. Motion carried. TREASURER’S REPORT:General Checking $ 40,196.42General Fund CD#1778, 2.5%, 10/21/03 318,306.69General Fund CD#17792, 2.5%, 5/29/03 133,372.00General Fund CD#17760, 2.5%, 3/15/05 20,226.85Sewer Fund CD#17877, 2.5%, 10/18/03 50,441.78Fire Truck Rep. Fund CD#17710, 1.75%, 1/13/04 19,878.80Hills EDA Security Deposit Account 2,971.96Hills EDA Checking 4,184.12Southern Hills Apts. Checking 4,741.22Southern Hills CD#17554, 2.5%, 7/20/03 17,534.93Southern Hills CD#17759, 2.5%, 3/15/05 5,056.71EDA CD#17384, 2.65%, 4/7/03 27,617.27EDA CD#17268, 1.75%, 1/26/04 10,454.41TOTAL $654,983.16The Treasurer was instructed to use general fund CD#17792, along with additional funds from general fund CD#1778 to pay Rock County Rural Water for waterline improvements. A list of delinquent utility accounts was presented to the Council. Elbers suggested adding a $30 service fee for insufficient checks. The Council tabled the discussion on making changes to payment requirements and disconnection notices. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Elbers to approve of the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Elbers to approve of the following building permit applications: Harvey Gehrke - garage; Myron Sandbulte – addition to home; Dean Knobloch – cement driveway; Henry Van Wyhe – storage building; H-BC High School – locker room addition; Scott Harris – fence; and Justin Ovre – cement driveway. Motion carried. At 7:00 P.M. the Council approved of and closed the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting and continued with the regular City Council meeting. The Council opened sealed bids for the sale of the depot building located at 214 South Main Avenue. Bids were received from Kelly Demuth, Bud Bush, and Eugene Immediato. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Dahlquist to accept the bid from Immediato in the amount of $10,000. Immediato noted his intentions for the property, to open a mini-grocery/convenience store and delicatessen. All Council in favor, motion carried. Jeff Bass appeared at the meeting to discuss replacing the front door and window of the Post Office, and relocate the air conditioner. Bass offered to complete the project for approximately $2,500, not including the cost of the commercial steel door and frame. No other bids were received for this project. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to hire Bass. Motion carried. The Council asked Jeff Bass to submit a written estimate to replace and down size the window in the maintenance room of the American Legion building. The Council agreed to donate $150 to Friendship Day.Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Elbers to purchase 50 chairs from Brown & Saenger at $9.50 each; and two tables from Office Max at $49.99 each, for the American Legion building. Motion carried. The Council agreed to rent Chuck Kuntze storage space at $1.00 per day, household items only, until his home is constructed in the EDA’s new housing addition. The Council instructed the Clerk to send letters to property owners regarding lawn care, abandoned vehicles, and miscellaneous junk items. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to approve of the Fire Department’s proposed budget for 2004 in the amount of $31,425.00. Motion carried. MAINTENANCE REPORT:The Council discussed installation of outside remote water meters, it was suggested to gradually begin installation on a few existing homes, and on all newly constructed homes. Ward presented a written proposal from DRG for installation of water and sewer lines for Park View Fourth Addition. Ward was instructed to obtain a second written proposal. Ward was instructed to test the flow of water in the alley near the water tower for precautionary purposes.Ward was instructed to obtain costs for the installation of a street, culverts and ditch work for Park View Fourth Addition. Ward informed the Council that the engineers for Rock County Rural Water would not allow for a fire hydrant to be installed along the new main water line. Ward was asked to dispose of the merry-go-round at Rez Park.The Council discussed complaints received regarding dandelions on certain property within the city limits. Matt Taubert, City Auditor, reviewed the 2002 audit report. Taubert informed the Council that the State is changing the way property and equipment is reported in the 2004 audit, which will require more bookkeeping requirements. Taubert will contact the City Office to review these new requirements. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Elbers to adjourn at 8:45 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(6-5)

Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671Minutes5/12/03The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semimonthly meeting at 7:30 pm in the library in Hills, MN. Board members present were Baker, Larson, Boeve, Leuthold, Esselink, and Harnack. Absent was DeBoer. Also in attendance was Superintendent Deragisch.Visitors to the meeting were Jil Vaughn, District Administrator and Jolene Farley of The Crescent. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harnack and he recognized the visitors. Patriot Pride: The elementary concert was very well done. The track kids did very well in the Howard Wood Relays. Dance recital was held at the elementary school. Administrative reports were given for the elementary school by Jil Vaughn and the high school report by Superintendent Deragisch.The minutes stand approved as sent out.Motion by Esselink, second by Boeve and carried to approve the bills.Motion by Esselink, second by Baker, and carried to table tree removal services. Motion by Larson, second by Leuthold, and carried to approve the contracts for the Southwest 2003-2004 in the following amounts: Service Cooperative dues $ 1309.25 Cooperative Purchasing $ 150.00 Media Services Based on participation Health & Safety Programs $ 1487.20 Drug & Alcohol Program Based on participation Regional Management $ 7483.75 Tech. Services $ 750.00 Special Ed Services $20,868.75 Regional Special Needs $ 2775.05Motion by Boeve, second by Leuthold, and carried to approve the following programs for 2003-2004: MSHL; Title I, II, IV, IX; Goals 2000; Drug and Violence Grants.Legislative update was given by Esselink.Negotiations update was given by Esselink.Discussion was held about community service projects for the high school.Insurance update was given by Superintendent Deragisch. Building project update was presented by Superintendent Deragisch. Dates to Remember: May 18, 2003 Baccalaureate 2:00 pm May 20, 2003 High School Awards 7:00 pm May 23, 2003 Graduation May 27, 2003 School Board meeting 7:30 p.m.Agenda items for the next meeting: tree removal locker room projectThe meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.Ann Boeve, Clerk(6-5)

Delmar Groen, 80, George, Iowa, died Saturday, May 31, 2003, at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in George. Services were Tuesday, June 3, at Bethel Reformed Church of Ellsworth. Burial was in the church cemetery. Delmar Groen was born to John and Amelia (Boomgaarden) Groen on Oct. 29, 1922, in rural Ellsworth. He was raised on the family farm in the Ellsworth and Little Rock, Iowa, areas. He attended country school up to the 8th grade.He married Engelina Gronewold on Jan. 17, 1944, at Bethel Reformed Church of Ellsworth. The couple farmed in the George area and while farming, he drove a truck for other farmers hauling grain. He also worked as a butcher. He retired from farming in 1983. They moved to George and he continued working as a butcher. He also drove a school bus.Mr. Groen enjoyed fishing, working with horses and playing cards.Survivors include his wife, Engelina Groen, George; three sons, James (Bonnie) Groen, Sibley, Iowa, Larry (Marianne) Groen and Donald (Audrey) Groen, all of George; four daughters, Janice Broesder, Marlys (Marlin) Stellinga, all of Sheldon, Iowa, Karen (Tony) Wright, Topeka, Kan., and Ellyn (Jeff) Johnson, Little Rock; 20 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one brother, Arthur Groen, Rock Rapids, Iowa; one sister, Helene Kruger, George; and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Groen was preceded in death by his parents.Roste Funeral Home, Rock Rapids, was in charge of arrangements.

10 years ago (1993)"Ron Solberg has been nominated as the 1992-93 Teacher of the Year by the Hills-Beaver Creek Education Association. This award recognized excellence in education and expresses an appreciation for an outstanding individual in the field of education. This nomination gives evidence to an individual who has exceptional skill and dedication to an active teaching career."25 years ago (1978)"David Tilstra, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arvin Tilstra, Steen, was named the top Mystery Sleuth in the MS Read-A-Thon in the Hills-Beaver Creek Schools. David read 20 books and collected $77 from 33 sponsors." 50 years ago (1953)"Sid Christianson, District manager of Interstate Power Co., called at The Crescent office last Friday afternoon. He indicated that if possible, Interstate will have installed the new street lighting system here before the Sioux Falls Band plays its annual concert. At present they are awaiting the arrival of the fixtures and other equipment necessary."75 years ago (1928)"Commencement exercises will be held in the auditorium tomorrow evening, June 1st, when the following 17 seniors will receive their diplomas: Ernest Christianson, Ralph Dickman, William Goodwin, Juliet Helgeson, Grace Hellwig, Eugene Iverson, Helga Jacobson, Alice Johnson, G. LeRoy Tvedt, Inez Lien, Thelmer Lien, Lydia Nelson, Pearline Qualley, Mildred Rogness, Harold Ruud, Asle Skattum and Cynthia Sundal." 100 years ago (1903)"When everybody in the community is doing their best to plant trees and beautify our town, it seems like the height of rascality for someone to come along with a jack knife and notch and peel the bark from young shade trees which some thrifty property holder has given his best care and protection. Still, this is what some unprincipled jack-a-nape has done with all the trees on the north side of old man Qualley’s residence lots. It is a genuine sacrilege and the culprit, if caught, will be most severely dealt with. Every citizen should consider himself a committee of one to protect the young trees from such depredations."