Irene G. Fleming, 98, Little Falls, died Wednesday, July 13, 2005, in Little Falls. Her husband, Dana, was a former Superintendent of Schools in Hills.She was buried in Atwater. Irene Fleming was born on Aug. 11, 1906, in St. Louis, Mo. At an early age she and her mother took a paddleboat from St. Louis to Minneapolis and then moved to South Dakota where her mother became a housekeeper for a widowed man and father of four boys. They moved back to Minneapolis when she was in the fifth grade. She later graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis. Among her classmates were movie actress Ann Sothern (Harriet Lake) and actor Eddie Albert (Heiberger). She attended MacPhail School of Music for a year. She married Dana Fleming in 1927 and they moved to Hills where Mr. Fleming was hired as Superintendent of Schools. He was superintendent in Hills from 1927 to 1948. They moved to Atwater in August 1952 where he was again Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Fleming died in August 1967 after an extended illness. She worked for 27 years during her husband’s illness and after his death. Her favorite job was being a senior companion in the Willmar area. It was a new program and she was able to give suggestions to improve the program. She later moved to Little Falls in the mid-90s to be closer to her daughter and her family. Survivors include two sons, James Fleming and Paul (Dolores) Fleming; one daughter, Karen (Jack); eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister Maclynn Ericksen; and many friends.Mrs. Fleming was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and two brothers.

10 years ago (1995)"For Melvin Hecht and Earl ‘Bud’ Johnson, airplanes have brought them life-long joy.Both men construct model airplanes in their spare time and have been doing so since their teenage years. Hecht also flies the model airplanes in Sioux Falls as part of a radio-controlled airplane club.Johnson started his collection more than 15 years ago, but he says he’s been fascinated by airplanes ever since he was young." 25 years ago (1980)"Leanne Goehle has been playing softball this summer with the Stockman’s team in Sioux Falls. A tournament was held last Friday through Sunday in Aberdeen, S.D. Her team won the tournament in the fast-pitch.Her team now will compete in the tournament in Lansing, Mich., beginning in August."50 years ago (1955)"Sealed bids were opened last Thursday night by the Village Council for the drilling of a new well on the site located near the present water tower. Engineers Wm. Mohr and Claude Thompson of Luverne were present to assist the council in letting the bids, and upon their advice, the letting of the bids was held up until Friday evening, Aug. 5, when a final decision is expected to be made." 75 years ago (1930)"It must be admitted that most of our citizens do as much trading in Hills as possible, with the exception of a line here and there that must be bought outside the town. Still, there are a few that really think they get better bargains elsewhere, but if those same people would stop and consider for a moment they would find the outside merchant does not pay a cent in taxes in Hills. We want every store in Hills to continue doing business, and so do you, so why not encourage them by doing your trading at home."100 years ago (1905)"It seems our neighboring town of Steen is not immune from light-fingered gentry either. Sunday night they entered the store of A.G. Tangeman and took the whole cash register outdoors and tapped it. Mr. Tangeman is authority for the statement that all the robbers secured was about 75 cents in pennies."

Our weather continues to go from the sublime to the ridiculous! It was so chilly and cold all spring that it hardly felt like spring. Suddenly we have a change in the weather that gave us an opportunity to leave our jackets in the house. It actually felt like summer. Needless to say, I think it is about time! The other day I heard them giving dates for future entertainments and would you believe the dates were in October! At that rate we had better enjoy our summer weather now.Melba Boeve attended the ceremony to present the Boy Scout Eagle Award to David Boeve, son of Brian Boeve, in Sioux Falls, S.D., Sunday afternoon. This is a very special award. Former Steen Reformed Church pastor Roger Punt and his wife, Judy, from Sully, Iowa, were Tuesday dinner guests in the Jo Aykens home. Joyce Aykens was also home to visit with them. Last weekend guests in the home of their mother were Joel and Carla Overlander from Circle Pines, John and Julie Springman, Forest Lake, Brian Boeve, Sioux Falls, and Ron and Cheryl Hup, Hills. Sunday, July 10, Beth Sakurai, Joyce Aykens, Worthington, Ginger France, Sioux City, Iowa, Bill and Bertha Bosch, Steen, Linda and Les Hengeveld and son David, Valley Springs, S.D., Paul and Carole Aykens, Orange City, Iowa, Don and Mike Bonnema, Rock Rapids, Iowa, and Jo Aykens enjoyed dinner together at the Pizza Ranch in Rock Rapids. Beth Sakurai from Japan returned to her home in Japan on Wednesday after spending several weeks visiting relatives here. The Dick and Laura Aukes family reunion was Friday at the Luverne City Park. The couple are Orrin Aukes’ parents. Mildred Keunen spent several days this past week visiting in the home of Ginger France in Sioux City and also with her houseguest, Beth Sakurai, from Yokahama, Japan.Bill De Yager had an auction of some of his tractor collection this past week. It was a very good sale but be assured everyone, he still has more tractors and will be enjoying them.The Steen softball team will play at Steen on July 22. They will play Northwest Iowa on Tuesday. Steen will be at Lester, Iowa, on July 26. Most of us have been busy planting our gardens and now they are up (and so are the weeds). When I saw this article titled "While You Work in Your Garden," I thought what a great opportunity to get some thinking done. I know our thoughts will not be the same as are printed in the article. However, we know that we are all different, so our thoughts will be also!While You Work in Your GardenBy Wilferd A. PetersonThe next time you are out turning the soil in your garden think about the following beautiful words written by Hobart Franks:"Today I picked up a clod from my yard, broke it, and as it sifted through my fingers, I realized for the first time that this was more than just dust: this was really a tiny piece of America!"I owned a rare treasure — a bit of the only soil left in the world today where a man can stand free and unafraid. I was standing on a piece of America, a few feet around and a thousand miles deep! Here alone in all the world could I build my future knowing that it would be secure; and rear my children with the assurance that they, and their children, could enjoy that same security. "I could stand on my piece of America, think freely and say what I thought, do what I pleased, shrink from no man, and call upon whatever God I chose. "Three deeds protect my land. One is locked in my strong box — a purchase deed. The others are enshrined and locked in the hearts of every American — the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution."I am a fortunate man, the indisputable owner of my own life, and of the land on which I live it. "I am an American!"

Edyth and Don Briggs drove to Sioux City, Iowa, Friday, July 15, and met with Marg Winters, Deb Peipho, Pat Teiger and Barb Diekers for a visit. Ray Nelson celebrated his 89th birthday on Sunday, July 17. Ray and Lois planned the day by first attending the Luverne Community Hospital open house and then attending two municipal band concerts in Sioux Falls. Lois is a member of the band and plays the French horn. There were concerts at 3 p.m. at McKennan Park and at 8 p.m. at Terrace Park. Edyth and Don Briggs attended the 50th wedding anniversary for Gene and Gwen Peters of Rock Valley, Iowa, on Sunday. Joanne Goehle enjoyed watching her great-niece Tiana Vogt of Bonesteel, S.D., play in the state softball tournament in Sioux Falls on Friday, July 15. Colby Hadler of Edgerton spent the weekend with Joanne Goehle. Joanne was able to have grandson Colby visit with her while Colby’s parents attended a Twins game in Minneapolis. Betty and Wilmer Elbers traveled to Rapid City, S.D., July 11 through July 15 and attended a Vander Haar reunion totaling 114 people from all over the United States. Daughter Twila Walker, Luverne, traveled with Betty and Wilmer to the reunion, while daughter Peggy Iverson and granddaughter Coryn of Charlotte, N.C., met them in Rapid City. On Sunday, July 17, Betty and Wilmer hosted a dinner for Peggy and Coryn, Dorothy Petersen, Sioux Falls, Janette and Roann Bleyenburg, Edgerton, and Cheryl Elbers and children of Valley Springs, S.D. The family was able to visit before Peggy flew back to Charlotte on Sunday. Coryn will spend a couple of weeks with her grandparents, Betty and Wilmer, before returning to N.C.Harriet Skattum was joined by relatives Emery and Jean Larsen of Clearwater Township, Mich., and daughter Ann Trucinski of Temperance, Mich., on Monday, July 11, at her home. On Tuesday, Gary and Noreen Greve, Verona, Wis., arrived. As a group they traveled to Huron, S.D., to visit relatives and then on Saturday, July 16, to Sinai, S.D., for the interment of Harriet’s sister, Irene Schade, who passed away last April. Harriet returned home following the services. Mae Top received surprise guests on Friday, July 15, for the afternoon. Vernon and Annette Wiese of Sioux Falls arrived to spend the afternoon with Mae.Pete Hoff spent most of the weekend in Sioux Falls watching four granddaughters participate in the Fastpitch Championship Tournaments. Granddaughters Jessie Lunstra and Heidi Hoff of the Brandon Speed 12 and younger team took first place. Granddaughter Kelly Hoff of the Brandon Blast 14 and younger team took fourth place. Granddaughter Rachel Hoff of the Brandon Speed 18 and younger team took second place. On Sunday, July 17, the Sioux Valley Luverne Medical Center hosted an open house for the new facility. Wendell Erickson, Scott Kessler, both of Hills, and Arvin Tilstra, Steen, represented the Hills American Legion veterans organization for the county. The county veterans organizations contributed money to cover the cost of the flag pole in front of the hospital and were participants of the flag raising in honor of the open house ceremony. Deb, Luke and Alison Mathias of Heron Lake were Saturday visitors with Bob and Twila Kirsch. On Sunday, Floyd and Mary Kraetsch of Luverne visited with Bob and Twila at their home in Hills. Relatives who visited Grace Wassenaar recently were: Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Ackerman, Tavares, Fla.; Mr. and Mrs. Mike Kraayenbrink and children, Sibley, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Denny Ohlhawse and children, Sac City, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Jim Reindl and children, Gilroy, Calif.; and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Reindl and children of the Cities. They came to attend the wedding of Ryan Behr and Abbey Franken in Luverne. Ryan is the son of Ron and Nelva Behr of Hills. Mary Carter returned July 17 from an extended vacation. Mary left the first part of June and flew to Sun City, Ariz., and stayed with her son Ron and Joyce Carter. While at Ron’s she was able to see the Reagan Memorial. From Ron’s, Mary traveled to Camarilla, Calif., and stayed with son John and Julie Carter, where she was able to visit with her brother Don and Louise Feragen of Santa Barbara, Calif. In California, she was able to enjoy the beach and fish dinners. Mary’s son, Tom and Missy Carter of Arizona, traveled to Camarilla to visit with Mary. Kristie Hoelker, sister of Sonja Berg, is a patient at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls.Harriet Kolsrud passed away Friday, July 15. Funeral services were Tuesday, July 19, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. Ron DeJongh and two daughters of Eden Prairie and Patty and David Morris, Fridley, spent overnight Friday in the home of their parents, Harvey and Etta DeJongh, coming to attend the funeral on Saturday of Chester DeJongh at Rock Rapids. Harvey and Etta DeJongh attended the five o’clock wedding Saturday afternoon of their grandson, Steven Van Heerde, and bride, Christi Runia, at Volga, S.D.

Check out the history of the downtown buildingsDuring the All-School Reunion you will have the opportunity to check out the "Who’s who of Luverne’s Main Street buildings."Although it’s a work in progress, Betty Mann has taken on the task of finding the history of Main Street buildings.The history of the various buildings will be posted on the buildings, so you can wander up and down Luverne’s Main Street and see how many of the former occupants you remember.Do you remember who used to be in the building I’m writing this column from?Prior to 117 W. Main becoming the Rock County Star Herald, cars were being repaired at Don’s Body Shop at this site. And before it was Don’s Body Shop, did any of you ever buy a car from Rapp Motors?Prior to that, the history is still in question. Some think there might have been a livery stable here. We may find that out later.How about Ben Vander Kooi’s current law office?Prior to Ben Vander Kooi Sr. setting up shop, the building was at one time used by KLOH radio, before KQAD’s time, as their "Window on Main Street."They actually shared space with the Vander Kooi Law Office. Ben Jr. said he still has the "Window on Main Street" sign in his basement.Betty has traced the use of the Vander Kooi Law Office back to a post office run by C.O. Hawes, son of Luverne’s founder Philo Hawes.Hawes later went into the music, jewelry and school supplies business with a man named Harroun.Then it became the Bert Leas Jewelry Store, followed by Stan Remme Variety Store.Two more businesses occupied the space before Ben Sr. took over, Coast to Coast and Remme Variety. If the history of Luverne’s Main Street interests you, check it out when you’re in town.Not too late for the talent contestIf you’ve been thinking about entering the talent contest at the fair, you have one more week to make up your mind.Whether you’re under 12, a teen between the ages of 13 and 18, or want to take a shot at the open class, there is a spot for you.You will also be competing for $50, $75 or $100 prizes in each of the three categories along with a chance to advance on to the Minnesota State Fair competition.Next Thursday, July 28, is your last chance to sign up.A stage, sound system, lighting and piano will be set up and waiting for you.Last year 23 separate acts performed before a crowd of more that 400 people.What tree is that?If you find yourself asking that question every now and then, the National Arbor Day Foundation has a pocket guide available for identifying trees.The 72-page guide will help identify 135 tree varieties found in the eastern and central U.S.Many well-known trees, such as oak, maple, spruce, and pine, are included along with lesser-known species such as horsechestnut and mockernut hickory, sassafras and shadbush, persimmon and pawpaw, and pagodatree and pecan.The guide uses illustrations of the trees, leaves and needles and their acorns, berries, seedpods, cones, and other unique features for identification.To obtain a copy of the guide, send $3 to "What Tree Is That?" at The National Arbor Day Foundation, Nebraska City, NE 68410, or go online to arborday.org.The National Arbor Day Foundation was established to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com

By Lori EhdeMainStreet Financial Services in Luverne has bragging rights to being the first securities office in the country to use electronic signature technology.Local Financial Advisor Mike Cox said he’s pleased to be the beta testing site for the technology known as eSignature."We’re pretty excited about this," Cox said. "This will really be a great thing for our office."As a beta testing site, Cox’s office will provide feedback on how the new system works. Twenty other agents under Cox’s office of supervisory jurisdiction within INVEST Financial Corporation are also testing the equipment.INVEST is a member of National Planning Holdings Inc., which has developed the Web-based technology.Cox admits the technology itself isn’t a big deal. "For 25 years, people have been swiping their cards," he said. "We’re behind the rest of the world when it comes to this."The reason it’s taken so long in the securities industry, he said, is a cautious Securities and Exchange Commission."We’re dealing with people’s goals and objectives and their retirements," Cox said. "The SEC wants to test it to make sure it’s foolproof."MainStreet’s first client signed electronically on June 28, and Cox said his colleagues were standing by to see how it worked. "In a phone call to the program developers in Florida and Michigan, I could hear people cheering in the background," he said. "It did what they wanted it to do. Change is never easy, but we wanted to do this. … We never looked at it as a big deal, but to the programmers it was a big deal."Through an electronic signature pad in his office, Cox can have his clients e-sign required account opening and trading forms instead of having to navigate through piles of paper documents.E-signed documents are available live throughout the corporation, making processing more efficient.Among other things eSignature software:o eliminates the need to store hard copy files, oimmediately ensures paperwork is filled out completely and accurately, ooffers timely processing for both the client and the agent.Within five years, the goal is to become completely paperless, Cox said."What it will eventually lead to is electronic storage of client information," Cox said. "This will make it easier and more efficient."Cox checks in monthly with the software analysts to report on how the system is operating and to offer suggestions."Someone has to do the beta testing, and I’m thrilled to be the test site," Cox said.He said there will always be a need for "wet" signatures with real ink, but that method will soon be the exception.

By Lori EhdeThe party’s over, and reality is settling in for hospital and clinic staff who have started the process of moving into their new quarters on the north edge of Luverne.According to hospital administration, Sunday’s public open house accommodated 3,000 to 4,000 people for tours and refreshments."It went amazingly well," said Diane Westenberg, hospital executive assistant.She admitted to worrying about how it would go, not knowing how many people to expect."I had nightmares about people lined up at the door and out into the parking lot," she said. "But we had none of that. We were so pleased."It’s not a scientific figure, but Westenberg said 3,500 people came Sunday."That’s a lot of people," she said. "It was steady until 8 o’clock. I think the last group left at about 9."She said part of the reason things went smoothly Sunday was that so many helpers were involved.About 60 trained volunteers led groups of people between points of interest, and roughly 80 hospital and clinic employees were on hand to offer information about the various highlights in the hospital and clinic."We had a lot of nice comments," Westenberg said. "It was just an awesome day."Moving process started this weekWith construction wrapped up and the open house party out of the way, the moving process started Monday.Staff in the clinic offices moved Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and hospital business office staff was scheduled to move today, with hospital administration moving Friday.Two moving trucks were on hand Monday and Tuesday, in addition to several inmates with Community Corrections working off sentences to serve.A good share of the clinic office move was taken care of by office workers themselves — one box at a time.Workers said this week will require patience to get through, but they said the end result will be worth it."It’s exciting," said insurance specialist Zoe Harnack. "We’re the first ones in."Next week will be a period of settling in and moving remaining medical equipment and records.The first day of business will be Friday, July 29.More to look forward toHospital CEO Jerry Carl said seeing the new hospital and clinic reach completion after nearly three years of planning and building has been gratifying."It’s wonderful, and certainly something to be proud of," he said Tuesday. "To get good feedback from the community is very satisfying, and our staff deserves a good deal of the credit for that. The time has been stretched and stretched."He also credited donors and volunteers who generously helped to pull things together."The support from our local people has been wonderful," he said. "The community has been excited and supportive, and when the community puts that trust in your hands, it gives you confidence to get the job done."Carl has announced he will retire next spring but said he’s glad to be on board while the new facility gets started.Another exciting development on the horizon for Sioux Valley Luverne Medical Center will be the process of switching to paperless medical records.Starting in January, patient files will become electronic, allowing for improved physician access to information, improved privacy for patients and improved efficiency for everyone.Luverne is the first hospital in the entire Sioux Valley network of health care facilities to use the paperless system, called Epic.Because of it’s relatively small size and brand new technology, Luverne is the perfect test site for the technology."This is just a phenomenal thing that will help us be more efficient," Carl said.He’s been at the helm of Luverne’s hospital for 18 years and said he’s pleased to be leaving when things are going so well."If you’re writing a conclusion to your career, you couldn’t have scripted it better," Carl said Tuesday. "How could you make it better than that?"

By Sara QuamRock County cashed its first local government aid check from the state of Minnesota Tuesday.This year in total, the county will receive $941,558 in two halves.The complicated funding formula gives Rock County an estimated $40,720 increase next year, for state aid in 2006 to be $982,278.State aid in 2005 for some other counties of interest include: Lincoln County — $622,890Lyon County — $1,211,248Murray County — $791,729Nobles County — $1,082,426Yellow Medicine County — $820,316Pipestone County — $1,140,470Cottonwood County — $968,410Jackson County — $781,887In other business Tuesday, the board:
Directed County Engineer Mark Sehr to negotiate with the city of Luverne on the maintenance and snow removal work the county pays the city of Luverne to complete on county state aid highways within the city limits.The city now gets $6,800 per mile for portions of streets such as Main, Blue Mound, Dodge, Warren, Cedar, Luverne and Lincoln, for examples.The annual allotment is $49,000 to the city of Luverne.Sehr said the city has been doing good work and the county can’t do it on its own with the manpower it has. But after comparing with other similar-sized cities and counties, Sehr said they pay cities from $2,000 to $4,000 per mile. "I think they can do it for closer to $4,100," Sehr said.The current dollar amount the city receives was set with the previous county engineer and previous Luverne public works director.
Was introduced to Justin Decker, new employee of the Land Management Office.
Decided to contribute $1,000 to the Southwestern Methamphetamine Task Force. The group requested money from its three member counties — Rock, Nobles and Pipestone — in order to continue operations.

By Sara QuamThe Luverne City Council met for about five hours Monday night in a visioning or strategic planning session. Council members used the meeting as an opportunity to meet more casually, not voting on issues.The meeting was facilitated by Bill Radio, Director of Member and Public Relations for Missouri River Energy Services. Radio is a former city manager and administrator, so government issues are a part of his experience.He said to the Council, "Why do you think we are doing this?"Council member Pat Baustian said, "It is helpful for any city administrator to see where we are coming from."He also said it’s important to learn and get input from city workers.Council member Bob Kaczrowski said, "On the flip side of that, I think it’s important to see where we’re coming from as a Council."Council member Maynard Lafrenz said it is good for newly elected Council members to learn what they can expect and get the opportunity to establish direction for the city.Council member Esther Frakes said that elected people get the chance, in the setting of a visioning session, to individually share goals while trying to reach a consensus as a group.Radio said, "I’m always in awe of people who serve on city commissions of any sort because the work versus material growth isn’t even close. It’s kind of a thankless job, so I’m thanking you now."A big part of the meeting was acknowledging the city’s strengths and weaknesses in order to be able to accomplish the goals of the Council.City staff and council members listed those strengths and weaknesses.Strengths from both were: osolid infrastructure (technology, roads, services)olocation, Interstate 90 and Highway 75oproximity to Sioux Fallsohospital and medical facilities, including nursing homesocommunity pride and attitudeoparks and recreational facilitiesogood schoolNegatives from both were:ocompetition with Sioux Falls ointer-governmental relationsolong-range goals and visionocity administrator/ continuity in leadershipBoth the Council and staff listed opportunities they saw:oold hospital campus oarea around new hospitalotax-free JOB Zoneodevelop city campgroundThreats to the city’s productivity included:oa decrease in government aid from the stateoan aging populationointergovernmental agencies trustounfunded mandatesThe Council members said they had a few clear goals for the city. One was to grow and not be stagnant, but control the growth so the city keeps its well-planned appearance and flow.Another goal was that, even in times of budget crunches, to help preserve the quality of life in Luverne, especially city services.The council will review information shared at the meeting and try to find ways to accomplish various goals the meeting outlined.