It’s been five years.
Five years ago, I completed treatment for anal cancer and was told the cancer was gone.
I was also told, in so many words, “If you make it five years, you’ll be considered cancer-free.” (They don’t say “cured” anymore.)
So here I am five years later. 
I made it.
A friend once told me, “A day will come when you don’t even think about cancer.”
I’m still waiting.
It seems ungrateful to complain. To God be the glory that I’m not dead. 
I celebrated the sixth birthday of my oldest granddaughter this week. Lots of little girls didn’t have a grandma at their birthday because their grandmas didn’t “make it.”
Maybe it’s all the attention that COVID has gotten in the past year that’s bothering me. They say 600,000 Americans died of COVID in the past year. Well, 600,000 Americans died of cancer last year, too. (And millions in the years before that.)
COVID has created “long haulers.” They are people who suffer symptoms long after the disease should have disappeared. Ongoing suffering is terrible, and I wish them all a rapid return to complete health.
But cancer survivors are long haulers, too. 
Others don’t see the scars and missing body parts reflected in our bathroom mirrors. Arms and legs swollen from radiation damage are hidden under long sleeves and compression stockings. Quick trips to the bathroom and the humiliation of not quite making it are hidden, too.
We don’t talk about post-cancer “romance” in polite company, or any company really. Sometimes the grief is overwhelming. 
We “survivors” (oh, how I hate the term) find encouragement when we catch up in the grocery store.
“How ya doin’? Sucks, huh?” “Yah. You?” 
“Same.”
“But hey, we’re not dead, right?” “Gotta be thankful for that.”
And so we are. 
We are a little bit mad about the compression stockings, the bathroom trips, the missing body parts, the brain fog and all the other life-altering impacts of cancer and its treatment.
But mostly we are grateful that we are still here and can say things like, “Happy sixth birthday, Sweet Tenley Louise. Grandma loves you.”

Norberg: After challenging year, hope is on the horizon
To the Editor:
After a challenging year, hope is on the horizon. Independent pharmacies across the state are playing a crucial role in helping vaccinate Minnesotans and provided critical care throughout the pandemic.
For many independent pharmacies, such as the two I own, joining a Pharmacy Services Administrative Organization (PSAOs), offers independent pharmacies the administrative services needed to run a small business. PSAOs help independent pharmacies prioritize patient needs.
PSAOs also play a key role in consulting with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) on behalf of independent pharmacies. PBMs are organizations within the pharmaceutical supply chain that play a key role in determining drug prices – often taking in big chunks of the profits they negotiate at the expense of patients and independent pharmacies. Predatory practices by PBMs result in huge profits for them, while patients pay more for prescriptions and many small pharmacies are forced to close their doors.
Without proper government oversight, PBMs will continue to go unchecked and threaten the vitality of Minnesota’s independent pharmacies. I am hopeful that the current bipartisan legislation that will help lower drug costs and better regulate PBMs becomes law this year. SF 2178 is included in both the House and Senate State Government Finance Omnibus bills and is an important step forward –  but there is definitely a lot more work to be done.
Minnesota must check these behemoth PBMs to protect patients and ensure independent pharmacists can continue to provide top quality care, vaccinations and health services in our communities.
Jay Norberg
Pipestone

Last year COVID-19 put the kibosh on my annual three-day fishing trip.
For the past six years a couple of my buddies and I have been spending a few days fishing Lake Sharp on the Missouri River. We camp at the West Bend State Park in South Dakota.
It’s not really camping when one of those buddies has a 40-foot RV. As good fortune would have it, the other buddy has a 20-foot Lund that we fish out of.
You’re asking yourself, “What does Peterson bring to the party?” My contribution to the trip is that I handle all the paper work, such as campsite reservations and fees, state park parking fees, and I bring the minnows.
The first day of the trip was pretty much for travel and setting up camp. It had been two years since our last fishing outing, so we had a lot of catching up to do, and fishing would have to wait until the next day.
I have to tell you when the three of us met for the first time in two years, a fist bump just wasn’t going to cut it. A tight-gripped handshake led to a bear hug that only buddies can fully appreciate.
The fishing was great; 36 walleyes found themselves in the live well over the three days. All of them were 16 to 19 inches in length.
For our group the attraction to West Bend is the fishing, of course, followed closely by the accommodations. When you catch that many fish, you need a darn good fish cleaning station, and they have the best I’ve ever seen.
Next on the accommodations list is the bathroom and shower facility. Again first rate, very clean, always hot water, but also busy.
As a seasoned West Bend visitor, I have figured out the earlier you get to the shower in the morning, the less likely you’ll run into other showergoers.
So, early on Day 2, as I was making my way to the shower/bathroom facility, I noticed two others headed to the same place.
To give you a clear picture of the upcoming event let’s say the facility is at 12 o’clock, there is a guy at 3 o’clock, I am at 6 o’clock and the third guy is at 9 o’clock.
After a quick assessment of the two other guys, I determined the 3 o’clock guy wasn’t carrying a towel or bag, so he was a bathroom kind of guy.
The 9 o’clock guy had towel and bag in tow, so he was definitely a shower guy.
There are two shower stalls and you never know until you get inside if either of them is being used, so beating 9 o’clock guy to the door was of great importance.
I kind of took a quick sideways glance at 9 o’clock guy only to catch him giving me the same glance. The race was on.
This wasn’t a running race, but the walking pace was kicked up a notch or two.
With only about 30 feet left to the door, I had a slight edge on 9 o’clock guy and was feeling good about my pending victory.
The victory smirk on my face was short-lived because it was about at that time I rammed my right foot big toe into an elevated crack in the sidewalk. OMG! I just broke my toe.
I stumbled forward on my left foot followed by my now broken right foot big toe, and trust me that didn’t go well. Anticipating a face plant into the sidewalk, I was able to throw myself to the left and landed with great authority on the grass.
Lying on the ground with broken toe, sore body and completely embarrassed, I noticed 9 o’clock guy hadn’t even broken stride, didn’t offer up any words of concern or help – he was just headed to the door.
I couldn’t let 9 o’clock guy beat me to the door, so with broken toe, sore body and a deflated ego, I sprang to my feet (it was more like struggling to my feet) but continued my way to the door.
I am not sure if 9 o’clock guy was overcome by sympathy, but he seemed to let up on the gas and I was able to reach the door ahead of him.
By the time I had showered and dressed, my toe was black and blue and three times its normal size. The 9 o’clock guy was now in the shower and 3 o’clock guy was still in the bathroom.

This year’s senior class at Luverne High School were bid goodbye and good luck Friday morning by kindergarten through 11th-grade students lining the parking lots at the school campus in Luverne. The 87 graduates finished commencement practice at the elementary and were given a sendoff from school by the younger classmen. The congratulatory sendoff of the seniors began as an annual tradition several years ago and was moved outside due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Dispatch report
May 21
•Complainant on W. Edgehill Street reported he lost a binder.
•Complainant reported theft.
•Complainant on Hampshire Circle reported a scam.
•Complainant westbound on Interstate 90, Magnolia, reported a semitrailer went in and out of the ditch.
•Complainant on N. Estey Street reported threats and harassment.
•Complaining on County Road 4, east of County Road 9, Luverne, reported trash on the road.
May 22
•Complainant on W. North 2nd Street, Hills, reported someone banging on her windows.
•Complainant on E. South Street, Magnolia, reported breaking glass noise.
•Complainant on S. Blue Mound Avenue and E. Main Street reported suspicious activity.
•A warrant was issued in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.
May 23
•Complainant on W. Main Street reported a lost Android phone.
•Complainant on N. Oakley Street reported strange text messages.
•Complainant on N. Estey Street reported vandalism at location.
•Complainant west-bound on Interstate 90, mile markers 6 and 7, Luverne, reported two bags of trash on the road.
•Complainant on E. Main Street reported a body was found/sudden death.
•Complainant east-bound on Interstate 90, from the South Dakota state line near Beaver Creek, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant east-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 1, Beaver Creek, reported a bicyclist on the shoulder of the interstate.
May 24
•Complainant on W. Mead Court reported harassment.
•Complainant on N. Summit Avenue, Hills, reported kids throwing frisbee across the railroad tracks.
•Complainant east-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 10, Luverne, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on N. Cedar Street reported a vehicle all over the road.
•Complainant on Mead Court and Cedar Street reported a vehicle fire at location.
•Complainant on Fairway and Lindale reported a downed tree limb in the roadway.
May 25
•Complainant on Highway 75, southbound from County Road 20, Luverne, reported a vehicle for a driving complaint.
•Complainant reported his wallet was stolen.
•Complainant on Capitol Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota, reported a warrant hit.
May 26
•Complainant requested RCSO assistance with a warrant arrest.
•Complainant requested information on subject that was arrested.
•Complainant on 71st Street, Luverne, reported lots of smoke and a possible ditch fire.
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue requested extra patrol in the area.
•Complainant requested to speak with state patrol.
•Complainant on W. Dodge Street and N. Donaldson Street reported speeding, reckless driving and littering.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported possible fraud/theft.
•Complainant on County Road 7, Hardwick, reported a bicyclist riding on the wrong side of the road.
•Complainant on Interstate 90, between mile markers 4 and 5, near Beaver Creek, reported a fire in the median.
•Complainant east-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 8, Beaver Creek, reported motorist assist.
May 27
•Complainant on 40th Avenue, Hills, reported road closure for repairs and maintenance.
•Complainant on Mead Court reported a subject with a warrant.
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue requested a deputy for a theft report.
•Complainant on 80th Avenue reported theft of catalytic converter.
•Complainant reported harassing mail.
•Complainant on W. Mead Court reported harassing communication.
•Complainant requested information about a trooper.
•Complainant on State Highway 23, mile marker 16, near Beaver Creek, reported reckless driving and littering.
•Complainant on U.S. Highway 75, mile marker 8, Luverne, found a trailer ramp near location.
In addition, officers responded to 2 motor vehicle accidents, 2 deer accidents, 7 escorts, 8 ambulance runs, 1 parking violation, 1 paper service, 7 animal complaints, 1 fingerprint request, 10 burn permits, 1 background check, 1 alarm, 4 drug court tests, 5 purchase and carry permits, 2 stalled vehicles, 11 traffic stops, 11 abandoned 911 calls, 3 tests, 1 welfare check, 1 OFP and 4 follow-ups.

Monday, June 7: Salisbury steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner roll, cake with frosting.
Tuesday, June 8: Fiesta chicken casserole, corn, applesauce, dessert.
Wednesday, June 9: Chicken Parmesan, spaghetti, broccoli, dessert.
 Thursday, June 10: Barbecue pork riblet on a bun, coleslaw, fresh fruit, gelatin with whipped topping.
Half-Price Day sponsored by American Reformed Church.
Friday, June 11: Chicken-fried steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots, dessert.
LSS Dining offers well-balanced and affordable meals in a community atmosphere.
Call Lynette Hoiland at 283-9846 to arrange to pick up a dinner or for home-delivered meals.
Gift certificates are available at the meal site or online at www.lssmn.org/nutrition.

Danielle LaFleur, a licensed practical nurse at Sanford Luverne Clinic, received the Florence Nightingale Award earlier this month at a Sanford Health nursing recognition event conducted in Sioux Falls.
“LaFleur fills many roles in the Luverne clinic,” said clinic director Laurie Jensen.’
“She acts as the primary nurse for Dr. (Myles) Tieszen, our general surgeon. She also plays an important role in supporting patients with psychological needs.”
Each year Sanford Health honors nurses and other health care professionals during National Nurses Week. Awards are given in nine categories. This year 320 nominations were submitted.
The Florence Nightingale Award recognizes nurses for outstanding involvement in the practice of the art and science of nursing — as evidenced by strength of character, commitment and competence that has been recognized through their peers as an outstanding asset to the community, nursing profession and the Sanford Health organization.
LaFleur’s nomination comments included:
•Danielle exhibits strong organizational and critical thinking skills with attention to detail to avoid error and delay treatment.
•She understands the challenges of Telehealth, coordinating patient needs with a remote physician. She floats through the clinic, helping wherever she is needed.
•Danielle is an efficient, caring and compassionate nurse and deserves to be recognized as an exceptional example of an LPN working to the top of her licensure.

The following appeared in The Rock County Star-Herald on Feb. 2, 1950.
 
County Receives Larger Allotment For 1950 Soil Conservation Practices
 
No Definite Information Available as Yet About 1950 Corn Acreage Cuts
The 1950 appropriations for agriculture conservation practices in Rock county will be $51,600, about $2,000 more than in 1949, Leonard Arp, Rock county PMA chairman, announced on Monday.
The funds will be available for payment to farmers who are carrying out conservation practices for the 1950 program, Mr. Arp said. An official announcement of practices which must be followed to qualify farmers for payments has not yet been received in his office, he added, but it is expected that the program will be very similar to that of 1949.
Largest appropriation to counties in this area will be Murray county’s $89,100. Nobles county will receive $75,800; Jackson will get $65,600; Cottonwood, $64,800; and Pipestone, $56,600.
Corn Acreage Data
No information has been received about corn acreage adjustments for Rock county so far. “However,” Mr. Arp stated, “we have been informed that there is to be a cut of 19.7 percent in acreage for the entire commercial corn area.” The state of Minnesota has not yet announced acreage allocations for the individual counties. Mr. Arp would not speculate about when these allocations could be expected to be made.
Mr. Arp set the three-year average of acres in the county planted in corn at “approximately 110,000.” He said that the figure could not be entirely accurate because some farmers still refuse to submit any information about their farms and in other cases it has been impossible to secure complete information about crops.
 
         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)
•A Luverne High School sophomore will pull double duty at the Minnesota State Class A Tennis Championship next week.
One week after helping the Cardinals win the Section 3A Team Tournament, Joey Vajgrt qualified for the Class A Singles Tournament by placing second at the Section 3A Individual Tournament Thursday and Tuesday in Redwood Falls.
It’s the second straight season Vajgrt advances to the state classic as Section 3A’s runner-up.
 
25 years ago (1996)
•The writing’s been on the wall for several years, but this time local Land O’ Lakes employees heard the bad news for real.
On Friday, Land O’ Lakes company officials in St. Paul announced as of Aug. 1 the Luverne facility will no longer receive milk directly from member farms, and it will discontinue condensing operations.
“We’ve been expecting it for several years, really,” said plant manager Cliff Hansen. “This is the fourth time we’ve been considered for not receiving milk. Every time, at the last minute, they’ve found funding to keep it going.”
 
50 years ago (1971)
•Mike Wynia assumed duties as a Luverne Police patrolman last week as part of the summer replacement program instituted by Chief Chester Bendt. Wynia has just completed his first year at Alexandria-Area Vocational Technical School and is studying law enforcement. The program at the school aids a student in the field of law enforcement. In Luverne Wynia will be filling in for patrolmen on vacation and assisting in other areas.
Wynia is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Wynia of rural Edgerton. Wynia’s wife, Sandra and their 18-month-old daughter, Michelle Lynn, will be joining him in Luverne. He is a graduate of Edgerton High School.
 
75 years ago (1946)
•The memories of many residents and former residents of Beaver Creek were turned back Thursday to the days when Civil War veterans were busy making a new town a pleasant and profitable place in which to live.
Like dozens of Memorial days in the past, Memorial day of 1946 was another homecoming day for many of the former residents of the town, but it was different in one respect. A memorial, in the form of a new 30-ft. flag pole, was dedicated at the Beaver Valley cemetery, where it had been erected in the memory of 15 Civil War veterans, one Spanish-American war veteran, and five World War I veterans, and also in the memory of the town and community’s first settlers. 
 
100 years ago (1921)
•A. O. Moreaux was on Saturday appointed by Governor J. A. O. Preus as a member of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Tidewater Commission to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Michael Dowling, of Olivia. The other members of the commissions are A. H. Comstock, of Duluth, and J. L. Record, of Minneapolis. Mr. Moreaux accepted the appointment the first of this week.
The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Tidewater Commissions was created by the 1919 legislature for the purpose of promoting the project of establishing a deepwater way connection for ocean-going vessels between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean and to promote the construction thereof. Among other things the project will require the canalization of the St. Lawrence river from Montreal so as to permit passage of the largest ocean-going vessels. Accomplishment of the project would make Duluth and certain other cities on the Great Lakes ocean ports and make possible the shipment of the great resources of the heart of the continent to the markets of the world without breaking bulk, and therefore at a minimum of cost.