Hills-Beaver Creek Elementary is among the Top 50 elementary schools in Minnesota.
The U.S. News and World Report recently released its annual education report, ranking schools on their performance on state-required tests and how well they prepare their students for high school.
The report used public assessment data from the 2018-19 school year.
“Each state gives standardized tests measuring student proficiency in subjects related to mathematics and reading/language arts … to determine whether learning in core subjects is achieved and to review how well schools are educating our students,” the report stated.
The report, available on the U.S. News.com website, examined and ranked the 102,610 K-12 schools for parents and guardians to find the right school for their children.
The report also ranked the 1,171 elementary schools in Minnesota.
H-BC Elementary ranked 47th in the state. The school scored 94.71 out of a possible 100.
Stillwater Gate 4/5 Elementary topped the state with a score of 100.
Other local elementary schools in the top 150 and their scores included:
•Luverne, 141st, 83.91;
•Lake Benton, 134th, 84.71;
•Canby, 82nd, 90.69;
•St. James, 63rd, 92.87;
•Minneota, 62nd, 92.99;
•Springfield, 26th; 97.13.
In 2019 Hills-Beaver Creek Elementary was designated a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education for achieving high levels of student achievement or made significant improvements in closing the achievement gap among student groups.
 
H-BC Secondary ranked 172nd in state
The U.S. News and World Report also ranked Minnesota high schools, examining advance placement examination rates, passing percentages on the AP exams, math and reading assessments and graduation rates.
Scores were again based out of a possible 100.
Hills-Beaver Creek Secondary school ranked 172 out of the state’s 877 high schools with a score of 50.36 out of 100.
The Math and Science Academy in Woodbury was the top Minnesota high school with a score of 99.45.
Other area high schools ranking in the top 175 in the state included:
•Adrian Secondary, 175th, 49.89;
•Edgerton Secondary, 102nd, 67.43;
•Redwood Valley, 132,
•New Ulm, 107th; 65.93
•Luverne, 106th, 66.05;
•Fairmont, 99th, 67.84;
•Marshall, 54th, 83.1;
•Red Rock Central, 28th, 89.59.

Minnesota farmers who want to improve safety on their farms can now apply for funding through two programs from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) that help with the cost of buying, shipping and installing eligible safety equipment.
“There’s very little that can comfort a family who has lost someone due to a preventable accident on the farm,” Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said. “Fortunately small safety improvements can prevent that from being necessary, and we’re grateful to offer support so farmers can make those changes.”
Now in its second year, the Grain Storage Facility Safety Cost-Share program reimburses up to 75 percent of the cost to buy, ship and install eligible safety equipment for on-farm grain bins or silos. The program will pay up to $400 per bin or silo, with a limit of $2,400 per farm per year.
The first year of the program reimbursed 91 farmers an average of $831 to install guardrails, platforms, auger shields, safety harnesses and more.
For more information and to apply, visit the MDA’s Grain Storage Facility Safety Cost-Share webpage at www.mda.state.mn.us. Follow the “Business Dev. Loans/Grants” tab, then under “Grants”, “View all Grants & Funding”.
The Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) Rebate Program makes tractor safety equipment affordable and simple to order. Minnesota’s program reimburses farmers and schools at least 70 percent of the cost to purchase, ship and install a rollover protection kit, limiting the cost to no more than $500 per tractor.
The National ROPS Rebate Program (NRRP) works with farmers to identify and price the appropriate rollover protection kits for their tractors.
For more information and to apply, visit the MDA’s ROPS Rebate Program webpage listed above.
Both programs are accepting applications through June 30, 2022, or until all funds are exhausted. Funding for these programs comes from the Minnesota Legislature and private donations.

Saturday, Oct. 23, was National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.
Locally a drop box is available at the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. The box is available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Last year 200 pounds of pills were collected from the drop box.
Nationally 420 tons of medications were collected this spring.
That’s 839,543 pounds of pills that didn’t find a way into abusive hands or into the environment.
The Take Back Day is sponsored twice a year by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Take Back Day happens locally every day through the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.
The drop-off box, located in the lobby, is only for pills. (No liquids are accepted.)
Disposal of the prescription pills through the law enforcement office has several benefits.
First, proper disposal lessens the misuse and potential for deadly consequences from accidental poisoning, overdose or abuse.
The DEA found the majority of misuse came from prescription drugs obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. Teenagers, as an age group, are more likely to misuse prescriptions designated for someone else.
Secondly, proper disposal saves our environment. More specifically, proper disposal prevents harmful ingredients from reaching and contaminating our precious groundwater, rivers and lakes.
Also, prescription drugs thrown in the garbage can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold.
Proper disposal of unused pills saves lives and protects the Earth, and prevents the active ingredients from being made into something that is harmful and is no longer considered in safe medical use.
To ready pills for disposal, empty the bottles into a clear, sealable bag and drop the bag into the drop box. The plastic prescription bottles can be thrown in the garbage; they should not be recycled. Remove the label or scratch out personal information to protect your identity.
Once a year the Rock County Sheriff’s Office transports the pills to an incinerator.
This week is designated Red Ribbon Week.
Since 1988 through the National Family Partnership, Red Ribbon Week is an annual catalyst to show intolerance for drugs in our schools, workplaces and communities. The wearing of a red ribbon shows a commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Whether you wear a red ribbon or not, please dispose of your prescription drugs safely at the law enforcement center.
And it’s free.

Carson and Gracie carved a Jack-o-lantern one crisp autumn day in early October. They selected a well-shaped, nicely textured pumpkin with a well-positioned flat spot for optimal display.
On a Saturday between college homework, they scooped out the innards, baked the seeds and carved a toothy smile that they illuminated with a battery-powered votive candle.
And life was good.
It grinned proudly on our front porch, as if to usher in the changing seasons.
The wind blew, the temperature dropped and brightly colored leaves littered the lawn and the porch.
And Jack smiled on.
Until Mother Nature changed her mind and returned to summer-like weather.
The humans enjoyed the Indian summer, but Jack did not. His expression fell and his teeth shriveled inward.
On the third day of sunshine and 70 degrees, he sank into himself and began to ooze.
The wicked witch after a bucket of water came to mind, as did Frosty the Snowman when he was trapped inside. In both cases, nothing remained but a hat in a puddle.
Not unlike the pumpkin stem on the porch.
It was sad.
And to think of how big and bold the expression was to begin with.
The pumpkin carvers eventually scooped the mess into a bucket to dispose of in soybean stubble rows behind the grove. They never actually verbalized it, but the two were clearly deflated.
Not unlike the pumpkin.
It occurred to me there were life lessons to be learned from the gone-too-soon Jack-o-lantern.
For one, Halloween pumpkins should be carved closer to Halloween Day (when cooler fall weather preserves them better).
Old cliches also came to mind as Jack’s happy face drooped day by day.
“All good things must end.”
“Never trust a crooked smile.”
“Mother Nature always gets her way.”
Carson and Gracie didn’t enjoy cleaning up the slimy mess, but the short-lived Jack-o-lantern served a purpose in its albeit short existence.
The young couple enjoyed an old tradition and the fruits of their labor (seasoned, baked  pumpkin seeds).
I enjoyed their creative spirit and was momentarily wistful for the time when only Mom could operate the sharp tool to create pumpkin smiles.
Yes, the Great Pumpkin experience was a great lesson in life.
… for the 20-somethings, the 50-somethings and all who wish for Jack’s smiles to last a little longer on the porch.
Happy Halloween, dear readers. May all your Great Pumpkin experiences be memorable.

Question: I drive school bus and am a retired firefighter. Recently one of our buses was stopped – eight ways on, stop signs deployed – when two fire apparatus approached red lights and sirens. The apparatus did not slow and sped past the bus. I’ve always said regardless of what type of emergency vehicle, they must stop and wait for the school bus driver to shut down the eight ways (indicating safe to proceed). 
According to statute it says all vehicles must stop. ALL being the key word. But some argue that statute 169.03 subdivision 2 allows emergency vehicles to proceed. Your input greatly appreciated.
Answer: With school back in session, this is a great topic. That statue you cite is correct. “The driver of any authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call, upon approaching a red or stop signal or any stop sign shall slow down as necessary for safety, but may proceed cautiously past such red or stop sign or signal after sounding siren and displaying red lights, except that a law enforcement vehicle responding to an emergency call shall sound its siren or display at least one lighted red light to the front.”
The emergency vehicle would need to handle it like any other stop sign/semaphore and could proceed with caution. Let me emphasize that “caution” is the key word.
We all need to keep in mind the importance of safety around school buses, both drivers and children, when it comes to getting on or off the bus.
 
Motorists
•Motorists must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying red flashing lights and an extended stop-arm. Motorists traveling in the opposite direction on a divided roadway are not required to stop.
•Motorists should slow down, pay attention and anticipate school children and buses, especially in neighborhoods and school zones.
•The best way to be aware of your surroundings at all times is to put the distractions away.
 
Students
•When getting off a bus, look to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder.
•Wait for the bus driver to signal that it's safe to cross.
•When crossing the street to get on the bus or to go home, make eye contact with motorists before proceeding. 
You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober.  Help us drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.
If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at Statue 169.791 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)

 
Blake: We should require vaccinations
To the Editor:
To prevent further spread of the coronavirus, we should require everyone to get fully vaccinated (including a possible third dose), unless exempted by a sincerely held religious belief or medical condition. We should write to our legislators and executives at all levels of government.
Alvin Blake,
Luverne

Dispatch report
Oct. 15
•Complainant on 51st Street, Luverne, reported a runaway child.
•Complainant on W. Interstate Drive requested assistance with warrant.
•Complainant on Buckingham Street, Hardwick, requested information on protection orders.
•Complainant on W. Luverne Street, Magnolia reported unknown bikes parked at location.
•Complainant east-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 9, Luverne, reported a vehicle for road and drive laws.
•Buffalo County Sheriff’s office reported a recovered stolen vehicle.
•Complainant on W. Main Street reported a phone outage.
•Complainant on W. Interstate Drive attempted contact on subject with warrant.
•Complainant on S. East Park Street reported burning in the area.
•Complainant on 121st Street and 90th Avenue, Steen, reported a driving complaint.
Oct. 16
•Roadside assistance was provided eastbound on Interstate 90, mile marker, 7, Luverne.
•Complainant on 171st Street and 200th Avenue, Kenneth, reported a vehicle blocking the roadway.
•Complainant in Magnolia reported gunshots.
Oct. 17
•Complainant on 200th Avenue, Luverne, reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported Veterans Home having phone issues.
•Security camera outage was reported at location in Luverne.
•Complainant on Elm Street reported harassing communication.
•Complainant on 220th Avenue, Magnolia, contacted subject with Lyon County warrant.
Oct. 18
•Complainant reported he lost his wallet.
•Complainant on County Road 4, west of Manley, reported a road blockage/closure.
•Complainant on S. Cottage Grove Avenue reported a car on fire.
•Complainant on 30th and 51st Street, Hills, reported a fire at location.
Oct. 19
•Complainant at Veterans Memorial Park reported some kids are tipping over trash cans.
•Complainant at Veterans Memorial Park reported some kids are tipping over trash cans.
•Complainant on W. Luverne Street reported a runaway.
•Complainant on N. Spring Street reported theft of packages.
•Complainant on Park Avenue, Kenneth, attempted to contact subject with out-of-state warrant.
Oct. 20
•Complainant requested to speak to deputy about some elder abuse.
•Complainant requested to speak to law enforcement about fraud and phone hacking.
•Complainant east-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 12, Luverne, reported a driving complaint.
Oct. 21
•Property was found at location on N. Kniss Avenue.
In addition, officers responded to 4 motor vehicle accidents, 2 deer accidents, 1 transport, 17 ambulance runs, 3 paper services, 4 animal complaints, 3 fingerprint requests, 2 alarms, 2 drug court tests, 2 purchase and carry permits, 2 stalled vehicles, 14 traffic stops, 9 abandoned 911 calls, 1 test, 1 welfare check and 2 reports of cattle out.

The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on Oct. 5, 1932.
 
Luverne Firemen are Hosts to 300 Visitors …
 (Continued from last week)
The visiting firemen who registered for the convention were: E. F. Zierke, George Duhmal, W. F. Schendel, Blue Earth; Edward Schueller, A. F. Zwaschka, Adrian Klein, Frank J. Fiebyn, Sleepy Eye; Wm. Kephort, George H. Ostiwald, R. C. Kephart, J. W. Will, Jr., Lakefield; V. E. Hayecroft, Edw. C. Yager, John J. Trowbridge, Bert Zwirt, L. H. Eager, Madelia; L. L. Willmert, Walter G. King, John Lasso, G. Malmin, A. G. Mass. Kent, Henry Luscher, H. A. Roske, C. S. Kent, W. B. Weber, J. F. Kopplin, Blue Earth; W. P. King, Jackson; Jos. F. Auel, Minneapolis; Ben E. Baugerter, W. H. Anderson, Mankato; E. S. Allen, Gus Running, Jas. Larson, Roy Gibson, A. E. Karst, Claude Karst, Ivor Jacobsen, John Keyman, G. E. Shafer, Valley Springs; B. L. Kingsley, state fire marshal, Minneapolis; L. M. Gladhill, J. F. Tinnis, Eli M. Pfieffer, H. H. Weissert, Adrian; R. F. Schultz, F. J. Herchow, C. A. Wayland, Sven Edmunson, Ivanhoe; Peter Jenson, John L. Olson, Oscar Handeland, Chas. A. Kaikai, Storden; C. M. Hanson, A. N. Erickson, Windom; R. E. Braden, deputy fire marshal, Minneapolis; E. R. Henke, Carl L. Hagger, C. W. Duncan, Blue Earth; L. S. Tobias, Julius Franz, W. E. Bushnell, John Piszek, Pipestone; R. A. Lynn, A. M. Kephart, W. H. Weinberg, Jack Ford, Dave Rorebeck, H. B. Grove, W. H. Huntley, R. S. Miller, Spirit Lake, Iowa; J. W. Pierce, A. D. Brown, Pipestone; Ben. E. Bangerter, W. H. Anderson, Mankato; Frank Pinney, Valley Springs, F. A. Newcomer, S. C. Toffleman, H. C. Toresdahl, Dan Moriarty, Pipestone; Nels Madsen, Hans P. Hansen, Ruthon; W. V. Leach, Valley Springs; A. A. Peterson, G. R. Stoakes, Hardwick; Otto P. Meyer, V. J. Fromm, J. F. Ewans, H. Pratt, P. Rheinhart, Currie; R. G. Hart, Pipestone; J. W. Else, F. L. Howe, Carl Barhydt, Roland Pinney, Valley Springs; John S. Thurman, John. C. Frohloff, Rock Rapids; Abran B. Diek, B. N. Hiebert, Henry P. Rempel, John D. Hippner, Peter A. Janyor, Mountain Lake; D. A. Braken, Otto Glese, Jasper; Fred Pfaender, John F. Herrog, Frank Niemann, Otto Niemann, New Ulm; Bert Sodemann, J. J. Overland, Hardwick; J. A. Roberts, Rock Rapids; August Niemann, Otto Stieler, C. E. Schmidt, Andrew Steinke, E. Adolphson, Springfield, O. A. Schofer, H. T. Myers, Dell Rapids; J. W. Stamman, Fritz Petersen, John Hoffman, Hardwick; Chas. A. Lehman, Conrad Ronning, Jim Williamson, D. J. Sinclair, H. L. Storhal, Jasper; G. A. Wicks, W. H. Beto, Dell Rapids; Ray F. Marth, C. W. Eddy, Paul Nonast, C. M. Stevens, T. C. Blaine, A. D. Gill, Peter Jordt, Albert Larson, Lake Benton; C. W. Sherman, Barney Richeter, L. J. Sisterman, C. R. Holleran, Ellsworth; M. C. Piszek, A. H. Westphall, Floyd Totman, Pipestone; C. A. Moede, Windom; M. O. King, Ed Scheppman, Art C. Ruthenbuk, Herman Kuhlman, Okabena; Dick Craig, Valley Springs; O. W. Gammort, Mat J. Tinbus, Walnut Grove; C. A. Hoard, A. Pilling, E. W. Davies, G. W. Knaack, Pipestone; J. A. Crane, P. J. Gillam, C. A. Moede, Milo Wymie, R. D. Allens, Windom; A. W. Olson E. E. Converse, Walnut Grove; A. C. Thomspon, J. P. Schemen, Henry O. Jelle; J. E. Eitreim, John Julson, Garretson; James P. Lund, Jasper; B. Y. Gray, Arthur Mortenson, A. Isakson, F. O. Baukson, Canton, S.D.; H. A. Geick, Rock Rapids; L. M. Aelann, Henry Stube, H. A. Ellis, E. J. Bruin, Slayton; C. L. Perrizo, L. A. Peterson, E. A. Iverson, Jasper; S. A. Tysland, H. Edwards, W. Transs, Canton; W. O. Shilquist; R. Sawyer, G. C. Olson, Wilmont; J. A. Daldrup, Rock Rapids; M. N. Johnson, E. H. Storerau, C. E. Sanders, C. C. Macfadden, Sherburn’ S. O. Simerson, Pipestone; Nick Bach, Ned Smith, A. Myerelas, Joe Stavas, Lismore; S. L. Pinchas, Geo. H. Shields, Geo Edwards, Woodstock; J. L. Howard, Thos. Flynn, H. R. Porkmann, Currie; J. P. Heins, J. F. Schrader, Hardwick; R. L. Woodman, V. G. Totman, E. F. Fields, I. L. Demaray, Pipestone; George E. Holliday, Rock Rapids; I. A. Jacobson, Valley Springs; W. H. Lake Alex Mitchell, Jasper; Wm. G. Bruns, Wm. Joul, Wilmont; S. Swanson, Web Drummond, Dell Rapids; Gerhard Lewis, C. M. Thompson, B. H. Hansen, Frank J. Sell, Adrian; Arnold Staver, Lismore; J. J. Kies, Lee Shell, Worthington.
         Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

10 years ago (2011)
•City of Luverne Public Works Department employees this week have been preparing a large wall of a downtown building for a mural.
The mural will go on the west wall of 123 West Main St., greeting motorists as they drive east from Highway 75.
Sioux Falls sign painter and artist Gary Hartenhoff has been commissioned to paint a 16-by-80-foot series of panels that tells that story of Luverne in the form of postcards.
One of the scenes, for example, depicts author Fred Manfred having a conversation with photographer Jim Brandenburg at the Blue Mounds State Park. …
The $25,000 mural is funded by $15,000 from sponsors and $10,000 from a grant through the state Legacy Act.
 
25 years ago (1996)
•Hills-Beaver Creek athletes may have new, spacious locker rooms next year if bids come in affordable rates.
At their Monday night meeting, H-BC School Board members discussed the possibility of adding nearly 3,800 square feet to the high school for locker rooms.
The current locker rooms, located in the basement, are less than half that size — including showers.
 
50 years ago (1971)
•The second theft of calves from a Beaver Creek township farm this year was reported this week by Sheriff Ole Hommen.
The latest theft was discovered Oct. 14 by Gordon Helgeson who reported that 11 Holstein heifer calves had been stolen from the barn on the farm a mile and a half west of Beaver Creek the previous night. The calves had been in the barn when Helgeson was there doing chores the previous evening. The next morning, there was evidence that a truck had backed up to the west door of the barn and loaded them there. Entry to the barn yard was made through a gate. The gate was closed the next morning, and so was the barn door, according to Mrs. Helgeson.
Also stolen the same night was a portable air compressor and a portable heater.
 
75 years ago (1946)
•It isn’t often that the postal inspectors check a post office and hand out a rating of 100 per cent. But that was the honor given Postmaster Jerry Davis at Magnolia. And, in addition, he received a letter of commendation from the postal inspector.
 
100 years ago (1921)
•Under the provisions of her last will, now on file in probate court, Mrs. Lisa Gunderson, a pioneer settler of Martin township, who died Sunday bequeaths to Iver K. Moen, an old acquaintance, her quarter section farm adjoining the village of Hills, and all her livestock, farm implements and other personal property, subject to the fulfillment of seven other gifts, aggregating $5,010.
Mrs. Gunderson, who was 84 years old, was the widow of the late Andream Gunderson, who died in 1913, and the main beneficiary of her will, who is at present residing in Montana, was for a time following Mr. Gunderson’s death, employed by Mrs. Gunderson in operating her farm.
Of the seven other beneficiaries mentioned, Mrs. Gunderson gave her two sisters, Mrs. Maren Skjellrud, of Woodstock, and Mrs. Gunhild Myhre, of Bode, Ia., each $5.00; a brother, Hans Kindseth, of Nordre Land, Norway, $1,000; Orly Nash, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Nash, $500; Rev. C. J. Jorgensen, of Hills, $1,000; the Lutheran Board of Missions, of Minneapolis, $2,000; and Bethesda Homes,” of Willmar, $500.
In the will Mrs. Gunderson stipulates that Mr. Moen is to have the right to mortgage or sell the real estate or personal property as he sees fit, providing the other gifts are made, but relates that while she would like to have the horses and cattle kept on the place until they die, Mr. Moen considers it necessary to sell them, they are not to be disposed of in the neighborhood, but must be shipped to some livestock center.