By Lori EhdeTwo rural Hills men appeared Monday in Rock County District Court on controlled substance charges after authorities found a meth lab in their home Saturday.Authorities arrested 50-year-old Donald Frederick Wilson and 45-year-old Darwin Gene Otten after searching their home in the early morning hours of Saturday, Nov. 12.According to information from the Rock County Sheriff’s Department, the High Risk Entry Team was used to force entry to the home, which is located in Section 17 of Martin Township."We had knowledge of a 9 millimeter handgun on the property," Rock County Investigator Jeff Wieneke said. He said that’s why the entry team was used to execute the search warrant, and that’s why they did so at night. "Darkness provides more protection for the entry team," Wieneke said.In addition to recovering the handgun, a long list of items used to manufacture meth were also seized, mostly in a shop and corn crib on the premises.The list includes, for example, starter fluid, paint stripper, acetone, pseudoephedrine, glass jars, rubber gloves, coffee filters, lithium batteries, drain opener, anhydrous ammonia tanks, a hot grill, a bong and miscellaneous containers with colored, layered mixtures.Ten officers serve on the Southern Minnesota, Northern Iowa High Risk Entry Team. Nine additional officers assisted with the arrest, including highway patrol officers.Wieneke said only a small amount of meth was actually recovered at Wilson’s place, but he said that’s becoming typical."When people cook around here, they usually don’t produce more than 6 or 8 grams of finished product," he said.He said new laws have made it more difficult for meth cookers to get large enough quantities of pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in meth production.But he added that meth users locally are increasingly buying from dealers who get their product from Mexico.On Monday, Wilson was charged with first degree controlled substance crime for manufacturing meth and fifth-degree controlled substance crime for possessing meth.Otten was charged with two first-degree controlled substance crimes — one for attempted manufacture of meth and one for conspiracy to produce meth (for possessing the precursors to produce meth). He was also charged with fifth-degree controlled substance crime for possessing methAs of Tuesday, they were still in custody at the Prairie Justice Center, Worthington. Wilson is being held on a $20,000 bond and Otten has a bond of $5,000.Ordinance requires owners to clean upThe two men were living on a rented acreage owned by Charlie Sandager, Hills.Dawn Sandager said she’s not surprised about the meth lab, and had in fact been in contact with law enforcement about suspicious activity there."We’d see traffic in and out of there — for three to five minutes at a time," she said. "We’ve had suspicions about what was going on."She described Wilson as a nice man who has rented the property since the early 1990s, but this was the fourth search warrant executed on the property since 2000. Three were for controlled substance crimes and one for stolen property.Saturday’s search was the first to produce an active meth lab, and the Sandagers, as owners, are responsible for the costs of cleaning up the toxic waste, according to a new county meth ordinance.Nobles Rock Public Health Sanitarian Jason Kloss said clean-up costs can range from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the size of house, extent of contamination and length of time meth was manufactured there.Kloss will assess the site on Thursday to advise the Sandagers on the clean-up process."All I know is we’re responsible," Dawn Sandager said Tuesday. The meth products and ingredients were removed after the arrest, but a sampling on Thursday will determine the extent of further cleanup necessary.The Sandagers may need to hire an environmental cleanup company to conduct testing on the property.If enough volatile chemicals and meth residue are found, then they’ll have to proceed with ripping out all absorbent surfaces (furniture, carpet, etc., washing the walls with a chemical-soap mixture and repainting the interior. A meth lab was seized on a rental acreage near Hardwick earlier this year, and that home was recently burned because the owners determined the house wasn’t worth the cost of restoring it.

By Lexi MooreHills-Beaver Creek band students Jessica Penning and Rebecca Crawford will spend their Saturday mornings until spring practicing with the elite Sioux Empire Youth Orchestra in Sioux Falls.The orchestra will celebrate its 30th anniversary this season.The group is comprised of orchestra students from the region who improve their musical talents by rehearsing and performing challenging music with peers who have a common interest in orchestral music.The orchestra accepts students ages 6 to 22 years old. Musicians are accepted into the program following auditions or conductors’ approval.Conductors place the students in one of five groups that will best accommodate the individual musical abilities and interests.The five groups are Prelude, Symphonia, Philharmonia, Brass/Wind Ensemble and the Youth Symphony Orchestra.H-BC students Jessica and Rebecca were placed in both the Brass/Wind Ensemble and the Youth Symphony Orchestra.Jessica, a senior who lives outside of Beaver Creek, began playing the flute in fifth grade because it was the instrument no one else wanted to play. She discovered early on that making music was just as interesting as listening to it."As I grew older and learned more about music," Jessica said. "I realized that music helps calm the soul and that I love teaching others the art of music."Her talents grew as she did and helped her earn the prestigious position of first flute in the youth orchestra. Although this will be her fourth season playing with the group, she has had to audition every year.Jessica will major in music education at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, next fall.This will be the first season H-BC sophomore Rebecca will play with the orchestra. She began playing an instrument when she was in eighth grade.She will be playing the alto and tenor saxophones with the youth orchestra this season. She also knows how to play the trumpet.Jessica convinced Rebecca to audition for the orchestra because it would be fun and help her improve at band by playing more difficult material."I wanted to have an enjoyable band experience."The experience must be enjoyable because the girls are on the road to Sioux Falls by 8:15 a.m. on Saturday mornings for rehearsal.This Saturday, Nov. 19, their rehearsal with the brass/wind ensemble will be open to the public. Music lovers interested in attending can arrive at the Augustana Humanities Building at 9 a.m.The orchestra will have five performances this season. Tickets can be purchased the day of the concert at the ticket counter. The "Night in Vienna Gala" in March require an advance ticket purchase.The girls said they are excited to be working on music for their winter concert featuring the Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Brass/Wind Ensemble. They will be playing "Fingal’s Cave" by Mendelssohn, "Gabriel’s Obor" from the film, "The Mission," by Ennio Morricone, "Kol Nidrei, Agagio fur Violoncello," by Bruch, and "Suite Algerienne" by Saens.Both Patriot musicians will have solos in the performance.Jessica encourages residents to come to the winter concert to hear what an orchestra is all about."Mark your calendars," she said, "because this is a great chance to see many young musicians who have a love of music and enjoy playing."SIDEBARSioux Empire Youth Orchestra PerformancesJan. 8, 2006Winter Concert featuring Youth Symphony Orchestra and Brass/Wind EnsembleKresge Recital Hall Augustana College at 4 p.m.Freeman Academy, 7 p.m.March 4, 2006Sioux Empire Youth Orchestra- Youth Symphony Orchestra GalaNight in ViennaHoliday Inn City CenterHave a ball and raise fundsfor Sioux Empire Youth Orchestra.Holiday Inn City Centre, 6:00 -10:00 p.m.April 9, 2006All-Orchestra Showcase ConcertBrandon Performing Arts Center at 4 p.m.May 14, 2006Youth Symphony and Wind/Brass EnsembleSpring ConcertKresge Recital HallAugustana College at 4 p.m.

By Lexi MooreJamie Arp, who grew up attending Hills-Beaver Creek schools while living in Hills, was awarded the Air Force’s Levitow Honor Graduate Award on Sept. 29 at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.This award is presented to the top professional military education graduate from Air Force Airman Leadership Schools for outstanding leadership and scholastic achievement.The Levitow Honor Award was created to honor Sergeant John L. Levitow, an AC-47 gunship loadmaster who became the lowest ranking Airman ever to receive the Medal of Honor for exceptional heroism during wartime.Arp joined the Air Force in 2001 and has been stationed at the Air Force base in Mountain Home since 2001. She spent three months in Iraq during the summer of 2004.Her parents, Ron and Betty Arp, live outside of Steen and were unable to attend the ceremony.Jamie will be stationed in Korea for the next year.

Next week the Crescent will be delivered or mailed to all residents in the reading area for free.Why?Well, long ago the folks at Tollefson Publishing decided to start sending this special issue of both the Crescent and the Star Herald to thank current readers and show non-readers what they are missing.Last year for this issue I was still new and didn’t understand the importance such an issue presents to me as the editor of the paper.Next week almost three times as many people as in a normal week will see the front of the Crescent. I can’t expect all of them to open it and read, but I am pretty sure they will at least glance at the front.If you are reading this column, you are probably a subscriber or a loyal online reader – meaning you already know how much I enjoy my job and how thrilled I am to be covering the happenings of my hometown and surroundings.Next week I need to convince people who have never read any of my stories or laughed at my columns to make reading the Crescent a part of their week. My goal is to produce a paper so interesting and fun that they’ll want to get the paper the next week and the week following.To do this, I have asked many people to help me pack the pages of the Crescent with columns, ideas, advertising and news stories.This week I want to thank those people. They are making my job easier and your paper better.I feel the Crescent is a good newspaper and I want to see it stay around for years to come. Without the help of these generous contributors and advertisers, that will not be possible. So, as I get closer to my Thanksgiving holiday, I am thankful for you, my readers, all of those individuals who submit items for publishing and those advertisers that have stayed with the Crescent through all of its changes.Maybe next week, as a team, we can present a stellar product that homes can’t be without.Be thankful this yearThanksgiving is always a time to pause and reflect on the things and people we are thankful for.As we fight off the crowds in the baking aisle, drive over the hills toward our Thanksgiving meals and cuddle on the couch with some home movies, don’t forget to think about all of the soldiers and families affected by our country’s various military activities.Another group of folks to think about while counting your blessings are all of the Americans whose lives have been flipped upside down by natural disasters.In addition, pause and send some warm thoughts to the orphans, parents and citizens in Pakistan who are still homeless because of a terrible earthquake that destroyed their lives just weeks before facing the same harsh weather we face in Minnesota.Steen and Beaver Creek Thanksgiving newsThis year Cheryl Pavel will be putting together the Thanksgiving news of the area. I encourage families from Beaver Creek, Steen and Hills to call her with your holiday plans.Normally, Cheryl covers the local news in the Hills area, but during the holidays she is welcoming news from families of Beaver Creek and Steen as well.Call her before or after Thanksgiving weekend with news of your travels, meals and parties. Her number in Hills is 962-3344. Story ideas or comments can be emailed to Lexi Moore at lexim@star-herald.com or called in at 962-3561.

MINUTES OF THE HILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY NOVEMBER 7, 2005Linus Svoboda, President of the Hills EDA, called the meeting to order at 6:43 P.M. with the following Board members present: Linus Svoboda, Keith Elbers, Jim Jellema, and Pete Hoff. Board member absent: Ross Metzger. Others present: Connie Wiertzema, EDA Secretary; Joanne Goehle, EDA Treasurer; and Lexi Moore, Reporter-Hills Crescent. Motion by Jellema, seconded by Elbers to approve the minutes of October 11th. Motion carried. Motion by Elbers seconded by Hoff to approve payment of the October expenditures. Motion carried. The Board agreed that no cash adjustments are necessary regarding the LP contract between the EDA and Southern Hills Condo Association. Motion by Jellema, seconded by Elbers to transfer the security deposits for unit #500 ($502.52), and for unit #502 ($500.84) to the new owner. No further business, meeting adjourned at 6:50 P.M./s/ Connie J. WiertzemaConnie J. WiertzemaEDA Secretary(11-17)

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILNOVEMBER 7, 2005Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. with the following council members present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, Keith Elbers, and Pete Hoff. Council absent: Ross Metzger. Employees present: Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer; Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk; and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests: Lexi Moore-Hills Crescent. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Hoff to approve the minutes of September 13th and October 11th. Motion carried. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Hoff to approve payment of the October expenditures; General $7,981.96; Park $2,388.59; Fire $1,461.13; Street $3,173.61; Legion $1,186.09; Sewer $1,618.62; Garbage $3,033.42; Recycling $2.00; Water $13,766.37; Civil Defense $143.00. Motion carried. General Checking 9,038.03General Fund CD#18924, 3.55%, 6/9/05 (prev. #18614) 246,637.06General Fund CD#19056 (prev. #188764) 4.25%, 9/15/06 122,287.95Fire Truck Replacement Fund CD#18647 cashed in May 2005 0.00Hills EDA Security Deposit Account 1,938.48Hills EDA Checking – Acct. #1248 120,436.61Southern Hills Condo Acct. #1263 189.89EDA CD#18870, 3.25%, 5/7/06 75,630.77EDA funds will be invested into a CD at the December meeting, following the sale of the last condo unit. Also, EDA funds will be set aside toward the reimbursements to Bundeson, Kuntz and Hyink. Motion by Hoff, seconded by Svoboda to approve the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Hoff to approve of Sally Van Wyhe’s building permit application for a new home; and to Betty Bakken for a garage. Motion carried. Information was received from the city attorney that Ryan Burgers will have his mobile home removed from the City’s property by December 31, 2005. The Clerk was instructed to draft papers for Burgers’ signature regarding such. Ward informed the Council that Warren Baker will install a culvert on City property in Park View 3rd Addition. Also, that DRG Mechanical will install water lines to Sally Van Wyhe and Bernice Sandbulte’s new homes, and to John Van Maanen’s storage building. The Council instructed Ward to set up more fencing around the recycling area toward Tedd Larson’s property.The Council denied a request from the Post Office to use the township office for storage space. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Hoff to approve the Sunday Open Gym Contract, and to hire Myron Sandbulte as head supervisor. Motion carried. Proposals will be obtained for the installation of a drop ceiling and florescent lighting in the American Legion auditorium,Motion by Elbers, seconded by Hoff to adjourn at 6:43 P.M./s/ Connie J. WiertzemaConnie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(11-17)

Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671Minutes10-26-05The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semimonthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the library in Hills. Board members present were Boeve, Leuthold, DeBoer, Harnack, Esselink, Baker and Crawford. Superintendent Deragisch and Principal Holthaus were also in attendance.The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harnack. Visitors to the meeting were recognized by the chairman. The only visitor was Lexi Moore of The Crescent. Motion by DeBoer, second by Esselink, and carried to approve the agenda with the addition of item 6.4 Snow Removal. Patriot Pride: FCA – thank you to the communities for donating to the Katrina victims.Jessica Penning and Rebecca Crawford for their participation in the South Dakota Youth Symphony.Elementary report was given by Mr. Holthaus.High School report was presented by Superintendent Deragisch.The minutes of the last meeting were approved as sent out. Motion by Esselink, second by Crawford, and carried to approve the Seniority List. Motion by Crawford, second by DeBoer, and carried to accept with regrets the resignation of school psychologist Jolene Keckler effective November 11, 2005. The Board extends their thanks for her years of service to the district. Motion by Leuthold, second by Baker, and carried to advertise for snow removal bids. Dates to Remember: November 8 School Board Election 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Canvas of Votes 8:15 p.m. November 21 School Board meetingAgenda items for next meeting: First reading of policy #506, #514, & #515Opening of snow removal bidsMeeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.Ann Boeve, Clerk(11-17)

10 years ago (1995)"Doug Bos has the distinction of being a member of a select group of individuals to receive Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) status in Minnesota. Currently there are only 260 individuals in Minnesota who have completed the CCA program which began in 1993."25 years ago (1980)"Mrs. Lois Nelson is teaching a seventh-grade and ninth-grade science class a the high school this year. She has been teaching for 18 years, 17 of those in Hills."50 years ago (1955)"At the regular monthly meeting of the Village Council, members chose to ask for a raise in wages. Presently, councilmen get the sum of $35 per year, while the mayor gets $60. The new wage would be $75 per year for councilmen and $125 for the mayor." 75 years ago (1930)"Orlando Skattum and Curtis Hoyme tried out the new golf course in Beaver Creek last Saturday evening." 100 years ago (1905)"Lars Hovland informed a Crescent reporter that they have recently finished a cattle barn, corn crib and chicken house for A.O. Skattum."

By Lexi MooreResidents living in Independent School District No. 671, Hills-Beaver Creek, voted Tuesday night to keep incumbents Tim Baker and Lois Leuthold on the School Board. Candidates Harley Fransman and Chris Harnack were also elected.Tuesday’s election in Hills, Beaver Creek and Steen brought out 18 percent of possible voters, with 224 votes cast.The School Board election was the only item on the ballot.Voters were asked to choose up to four names from five candidates appearing on the ballot.Chris Harnack, son of current Board Chairman Alan Harnack, received the highest vote tally at 190. Fransman, Baker and Lois Leuthold received 183, 181 and 162 votes. Stuart Leuthold received the fewest votes at 116. There were 11 write-in votes.Chris Harnack and Fransman will join the board beginning in January 2006 and remain for a term of four years.Although they cannot be sworn into office until January, the board has invited them to be visitors at the remaining meetings this year.Board members Roland Crawford and Alan Harnack, whose terms will end in December, elected not to file for re-election.Current board members and Superintendent David Deragisch said they were happy with the turnout on Tuesday night and congratulated all of the candidates for their participation in the election.