The loving husband and I embarked on a new and daring marital experiment. We decided to plant the big flowerpots on the deck — together as husband and wife. We wanted to design, purchase and pot in one joint effort. I cautioned the loving husband early on in the project that this might end up in divorce. I reminded him of another couple that had a close call when they remodeled their bathroom together. Apparently he was willing to take that risk. I activated the design portion of the project by examining some library books on container gardening. I love flowers and I have an excellent flower garden, but I do not have a natural talent for pots. To me a geranium with a couple of marigolds stuck in the side makes an excellent planter. The loving husband has a better eye for arrangement and I’m willing to admit it. Still, I wanted to go into the design phase with some knowledge. We needed plants for height, plants to drape over the edge, and some big and flowery units in the middle. The actual design-phase began at George’s greenhouse, where we meandered around for about 30 minutes. The loving husband picked out things he liked and I would say, "Oh, that’s lovely." Occasionally I would give him advice on what can and can’t grow in full sun. It went semi-smoothly and we proceeded to purchasing. The loving husband paid for the selections, so that went extremely well. The final stage was potting. Rather than pot each planter together (way too stressful) we went with a division of labor. I took one pot. He took the other. We deliberated. We arranged and re-arranged. We agreed and disagreed. We dug, planted and watered. Finally we placed the pots in their pre-designated spot on the deck. His looked better than mine and, as of Tuesday, June 8, we are still married. A word of wisdom for marital experimentation: Start on a small project, like going to the library together. If it goes well, advance very slowly to remodeling the bathroom. Lots of new books are coming in for your summer reading pleasure. You might like "Till Death Do Us Part," by Kate White. When Bailey Weggins receives a phone call from Ashley Hanes, she assumes Ashley needs a fashion or publishing related favor. After all, Bailey only met the woman once when they were both bridesmaids in a wedding, and they had nothing in common. It turns out that two of the bridesmaids from the wedding have died in what appeared to be freak accidents. One was electrocuted in her bathtub and the other had a fatal reaction to antidepressants. Ashley is sure there is more to it and convinces Bailey to investigate. Then, Ashley's lifeless body is found at the bottom of a flight of stairs, and Bailey realizes that she easily could be next on the killer's list. Also new on the fiction shelf is "Memorial Day," by Vince Flynn. Seven days before Memorial Day, the nation's capital is buzzing with last-minute preparations to unveil the magnificent new memorial honoring the men and women who fought in World War II. Despite the energy of the city, Mitch Rapp senses trouble. A spike in CIA intelligence has pointed to a major terrorist attack on the United States. Rapp immediately leaves for Afghanistan to lead a Special Forces unit on a daring commando raid. Their target: an al Qaeda stronghold. Within a subterranean room, they discover a treasure trove of maps, computer files, and bills of lading for multiple freighters heading to the U.S. — all pointing to plans for a nuclear attack on Washington, DC. Information is relayed to CIA headquarters, and a nuclear emergency support team scrambles to the scene. In a few hours, the freighters have been located and disarmed and the danger has been averted. Mitch Rapp can't shake the feeling that the operation seemed just a bit too easy. Rapp follows his instincts on a quest to unearth the whole truth. What he finds is truly terrifying, and Rapp must find a way to prevent a disaster of unimaginable proportions.

Hardwick and Kenneth newspapersThe following was printed in the Rose History in 1911:Hardwick’s first news journal was the Hardwick News. It was a six-column folio and was founded by A.M. and D.J. Ross May 18, 1899, the mechanical work being done in the office of the Rock County News at Luverne. The News celebrated its first birthday by changing management, A.H. Higley being the purchaser. When the Rock County News suspended publication the plant was moved to Hardwick, and thereafter it was used in putting forth the Hardwick News. A partnership was formed between E.S. Holman, the former publisher of the Rock County News, and Mr. Higley, who continued publication in partnership, the latter being editor and manager. With this change came a change in politics — from republican to democratic. When the plant was installed the size of the paper was increased to a five-column quarto. From August to December 1902, the News was conducted under a lease by J.S. Randolph, and thereafter by the former publishers. Holman & Higley suspended publication of the News July 6, 1906, alleging lack of support. An effort was made to form a company of local businessmen to take over the plant and continue publication, but the attempt was unsuccessful. December 15, 1909, C.C. Lowe, of the Luverne Journal, and Charles J. Olsen began publication of the Hardwick Star. A few months later Mr. Lowe became sole publisher and installed C. Milton Schultz as editor and local manager. The Star was purchased by William R. Minard, formerly of Little Rock, Iowa, and that gentleman took possession August 3, 1910. Mr. Minard has since conducted the paper in a creditable manner.The Kenneth Pioneer, established May 3, 1902, by B.H. Berry, had an existence of a few months. It was a five-column quarto.Donations to the Rock County Historical Endowment Fund can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, P.O. Box 741, Luverne, MN 56156.Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

A new study may explain why people in love often resemble each other in appearance and behavior. It may also be why couples in my high school chose to wear matching sweaters when they were "going steady." An Italian scientist, Donatella Marazziti, recently theorized in New Scientist magazine that when couples fall in love their individual testosterone levels alter. The levels fall in men and rise in women. As a result, they become more like each other. "It’s as if nature wants to eliminate what can be different in men and women, because it’s important to survive at this stage," noted Marazziti, who does her work at the University of Pisa. However, after two years and the couples in her study were no longer madly in love, the testosterone levels were back to normal. The study may solve many puzzles about early love. For example, we can understand why the burliest guy in the world is humming tunes to love ballads. At the same time, the woman in his life is beginning to show a genuine interest in televised sports. It could be the reason why he tries writing love poetry. His words may not sound as romantic as, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways," but his version of "Roses are red, violets are blue," may cause her to laugh and punch him in the arm. He may consider giving up watching games on TV with his guy friends at the same time she seems particularly happy spending time with those same friends. All at once, dancing will seem like a very natural activity for him, and she will mention how she would like "to rough it" and go fishing with him for the first time. While he actually cares about which song will become known forever as "their song," she is feverishly memorizing the names of every team in professional basketball, baseball, football and hockey. At the same time he wishes he could cook a special meal for her — a meal perhaps with pasta, glasses of wine and soft music — she wants to be around him when he works on his car. "I love the smell of your garage," she coos. While sharing walks with the woman he loves, he suddenly becomes aware of colorful sunsets, flower gardens, and a cobalt blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds that resemble baby ducks and soft baby rabbits. At the mention of the word "rabbits," she reminds him that she would like to go hunting for the first time and "bag a few." The small gifts he chooses for her are exceedingly romantic — a single rose, a book of poetry, scented soaps. However, when he offers her a glass for her soda, she responds, "Nah, I’ll just drink it straight from the can." He takes notes on how to dress from his now favorite TV show, "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," and he thinks the Fab Four really seem to make sense. Meanwhile, she asks if she may have his old, cast-off shirts because "they’re so comfy." He wishes he could help out in the kitchen. She wishes she could go tent camping in some remote, primitive location. The more dangerous, the better. At first, he pretends to like chick flicks, but after sitting through a few, he sheds real tears when the guy on the movie screen finally gets the girl while beautiful, heart-wrenching music swells to a dramatic crescendo in the background. The Italian study may also explain why the relationships get back to normal after a year or two.

Legislative leaders and the governor are working to find agreement on an agenda for a special session. It is my hope that compromise rules the day and common ground is reached so the Legislature can pass a bonding bill.A bonding bill is important because it will provide much needed construction, 10,000 jobs across the state, as well as new buildings and repairs to buildings at state colleges and universities, veterans‚ homes and state parks. The bonding bill also includes a number of important environment-related projects and repairs to roads and bridges. The Senate’s bill during the session included funding for the Dementia Unit at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, Casey Jones Trail, anddamage caused by Minnesota River flooding. While I cannot guarantee that a special session bill would have these items, I will work hard on behalf of southern Minnesota.Jim VickermanState Senator, Dist. 22

On behalf of the 21 members of the Lewis & Clark Rural Water System, a big thank-you to Congressman Gil Gutknecht for recently coordinating and participating in a meeting in the area with Congressman David Hobson from Ohio. Hobson is Chairman of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee. This subcommittee determines Lewis & Clark’s funding levels in the House. The meeting, which focused on the urban and rural benefits of the project, was an excellent opportunity for Gutknecht and local sponsors to explain and demonstrate to Hobson the importance of the project to not only southwest Minnesota, but also the entire tri-state region. Luverne, Rock County Rural Water, Worthington, and Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water are part of the Lewis & Clark project. Hobson talked about the value of the Lewis & Clark partnership among federal, state, and local levels of government, which is a model he said needs to be encouraged. He also talked about the importance of completing projects as soon as possible in order to keep costs from increasing as a result of inflation. In the end, Hobson expressed his support for project funding, which will provide a big boost to the project in the House. Thanks again to Gutknecht for helping bring the Chairman to the area, as well as for the steadfast support and strong leadership he has provided to ensure this vital water pipeline project becomes a reality, especially during the past six months when South Dakota has been without a representative. He and Congressman King from northwest Iowa have really stepped up to the plate to fill in the gap, which is greatly appreciated. Troy LarsonExecutive DirectorLewis & Clark Rural Water System

Shame!That is the best printable word I can come up with. I had to stop in Luverne on my way home Monday the 7th. I could not help but notice all the American flags flying at the top of their masts. I was first struck by Country Kitchen but then, as I drove out of town 10 minutes later, I see they had taken care if it. It was nice to see the Courthouse was at half-mast. So, too, was the Armory. The park was rendering proper honors as well. Soooooo? McDonald’s, City Hall, City Centre Apartments, Agri-Energy, Gold’n Plump, power plant and Country Club what exactly is your excuse? Minnwest Bank had the Highway 75 branch done but not Main Street. I can ALMOST stomach "I support the troops but not their Commander in Chief." Almost. I still throw up every single time. What is it that you don't like about Ronald Reagan? Was it the cut in taxes from 79 percent to 28 percent? Was it the idling of thousands of nuclear missiles that had been pointed our way? Was it that Pres. Reagan fired the first shots in the War on Terror? Or is it just a subtle reminder that this is the land of Humphries, Mondale, and Wellstone? Maybe I just answered my own question. The rule that says if you can't fly it right just take it down, REALLY applies to Luverne apparently. That’s a SHAME.Joe BalounVeteranFormer Luverne ResidentNever More Proud American

10 years ago (1994)"‘Soup’s on!’Home-delivered meals are back in Beaver Creek. It’s the result of combined efforts of Pastor Sarah Richardson, volunteers from the Beaver Creek Presbyterian Church, Tuff Memorial Home, and Carol Wulf, coordinator of the Aging program in Rock County."25 years ago (1979)"Hills Stainless Steel and Equipment Co. and A.R. Wood Manufacturing Co. announce that they have signed a letter of intent for the sale of the Luverne Fire Apparatus Co. to Hills Stainless Steel and Equipment Co. Transfer of control of the business is in progress and should be completed by mid-August. Under the new ownership Luverne Fire Apparatus Co. will continue to operate in its present facility at 308 E. Maple in Luverne. "50 years ago (1954)"Vermayne Sundem received a telephone call Tuesday morning, informing him that he had won the state essay contest, sponsored by the VFW Auxiliary. Vermayne had won the county and regional previously. As a result of his efforts he receives $100 as a prize and then goes to Hibbing soon where he will receive other honors. He also earned the right to enter the national contest, which is coming up very soon."75 years ago (1929)"Miss Tilda Rossum and mother and brothers, Oscar and Lewis, attended graduation exercises in Luverne last Friday night. Miss Tilda’s niece, Miss Martha Lunde was one of the graduates from the high school." 100 years ago (1904)"The Ebenezer Church of the Evangelical Association, located on the southwest corner of Section 31, Luverne Township, which for the past 10 years has been better known as the Pleasant View Church, is one of the oldest church organizations in the western half of Rock County and possibly the first church organized in the county outside of Luverne. This splendid Christian organization began teaching the blessed gospel as early as 1872, which was about the time that many of our oldest pioneers came west and took claims in Martin, Clinton, Luverne and Beaver Creek Townships, then an apparent wilderness, with Sibley, Iowa, the nearest railroad town. Charter members of the congregation were Mr. and Mrs. Fred Nuffer, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Bertuleit, Emelia Bertuleit, Mr. and Mrs. John Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Loose, Mrs. John Loose, Mary Loose, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Nurenberg Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. C. Carner."

Madison Elbers, spent from Monday through Wednesday in the home of her grandparents, Wilmer and Betty Elbers. Mitchell spent from Thursday until Sunday in the Elbers home. Both are from Valley Springs, S.D.Norris and Lavon Meland, Florence, S.D., spent Friday afternoon with Vic and Fran Sandager. The couples worked together in New Guinea.Friday Joanne Goehle and Tom attended the high school graduation at Winona when Nicole Nester was one of 365 graduates and one of eight graduating with high honors. She is the daughter of Rick and Michele Nester. Friday evening guests in the Wilmer and Betty Elbers home were Marvin and Carol Brommer and Arvin and Cena Mae Tilstra. Wayne and Barb Schlueter came Friday from Kansas and picked up Luella Schlueter to go to the wedding on Saturday of Kari Schlueter and Paul Croft at Lake Park. The reception was at Fair Hills Resort on Lake Pelican which I highly recommend for anyone’s vacation, Kari is the daughter of Gerry and Sue Schlueter. Harriet Skattum spent the Memorial weekend from Friday until Tuesday morning in the home of her daughter, Margo and Dewayne Edwards, in Forestburg, S.D.Bob and Twila Kirsch were Sunday dinner guests in the home of Deb and Luke Mathias at Heron Lake. David and Grace Hofman, children of Seth and Susan Hofman, Melvin, Iowa, spent from Thursday until Sunday in the home of their grandparents, Chuck and Rheta DeBoer. Gretchen Edwards came from Yuma, Ariz., Thursday to spend overnight with her grandmother, Harriet Skattum. Gretchen is a registered nurse.Wednesday night Merlin and Bill Veenhof, Luverne, Shirley Olson and Bob and Twila Kirsch, met a friend from Harlingen, Texas, to spend the evening at Rock Rapids Country Club. Cliff and Vi VanWyhe attended the Luverne High School commencement Sunday afternoon and the reception for their grandson, Justin, at the home of his parents, Steve and Marilyn VanWyhe in Steen. Relatives and friends gathered at the home of Charlie and Dawn Sandager Saturday afternoon to honor their son Lucas, a graduate of Luverne High School. A reception for Katie Sandager, daughter of Mike and Nancy Sandager, was at her home Sunday afternoon following the graduation service at Luverne High School.Ron Solberg motored to Lansing, Kan., a week ago Friday to pick up his grandchildren, Bret and Jo Solberg. The Solbergs and the children went to Wheaton to visit Jan’s mother, Hattie Walz, and to Fosston to visit Ron’s mother, Violet Solberg. The children are spending this week in Hills with their grandparents.

Would you believe we have had three or more beautiful spring-like days in a row! I even got to my garden and planted one whole row of sweet corn. I am just hoping that the weather will hold and I can catch up on the weed population. I can’t believe how fast they grow! I was reading the other day that gardening was the most popular pastime in America. Well, I know you can pass a lot of time there but I never thought of it as being a pastime. Perhaps I don’t understand that as for me, I think it is work, even hard work at times. Perhaps it is all in the way you look at it. Steve and Marilyn VanWyhe had an open house Sunday afternoon in honor of their son, Justin, who graduated from Luverne High School this year. Congratulations to him. His sisters, Amber and Heather, were home to help him celebrate. Melvin and JoAnn Paulsen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Ramada Inn in Sioux Falls this weekend. Those attending were Floyd Paulsen, Indiana; Mark Paulsen and family, Marshall; their grandson, Glen Paulsen, and family, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Melvin’s sister, Donna and husband, Wayne, Randall, Long Prairie; JoAnn’s sister and husband, Joyce and Otis Wells, California; Melvin’s mother, Laura Paulsen, Hills; and Johnny and Marilyn Howland, Rapid City, S.D.Pastor Dan and Karen Ramaker returned home Monday from visiting relatives in Wisconsin and celebrating their wedding anniversary there. Happy Anniversary to them!Guest pastors in Steen Reformed Church this week were Brian Dengler, morning service, and the Rev. Fred Wilgenburg, evening service. Thursday evening guests in the Mildred Paulsen home were some relatives of the Steen family for whom this town was named, Cathy Lykes and her husband, Seattle, Wash. Kathy’s grandfather was John Steen and his brother was Pete Steen. Ole Steen and Otis Steen were also relatives. She would welcome any information that anyone has about Pete Steen as they know very little about him. I have their address if anyone has something to share.An open house for the 50th wedding anniversary of Arvin and Cena Mae Tilstra was Saturday afternoon at Steen Reformed Church. Those coming from a distance to help them celebrate were Marv and Carvill Brommer, Ontario, Calif.; Taylor Withrow, Amarillo, Texas; Linda Soehl, Howell, Mich.; Charles and Bobbie Timmer, Norfolk, Neb.; Cindy Gannon, Katie and Janet, Black Hawk; Larry and Joan Moeller, Mitchell, S.D.; and Cena Mae’s mother, Elizabeth Elbers, who is 95 years old, from Hills. There were many other friends and relatives from the surrounding area who also attended.Winnie Scholten attended a cousin’s family reunion Sunday afternoon at Orange City, Iowa. Spring has arrived! The Steen softball team played their first game of the season Friday evening. They played Carmel, Iowa, and won their first game. Way to go!The Girls’ League of Steen Reformed Church had their annual campout on June 6 and 7. I am sure a good time was had by all.With the arrival of June we find that it has been a very popular month for weddings. It reminds me of this little rhyme about June, moon, croon, spoon, honeymoon! Now I am not sure that is what happens in June but there are always many weddings. I did happen onto a little history that might enlighten us on the subject. The June tradition started back in the days of the Roman Empire. The idea was originated by men, but in more modern times the women began deciding such matters. The boys in togas, which was a garment, believed June was luckier for marriages than any other month. They even named it for Juno, the god of love. The tradition of marriage in June was carried down through the Middle Ages to now — and somewhere along the line the women took over the privilege of naming the date. I think it has not changed much since then. I would like to give a few words of advice to the brides-to-be as they embark upon a brand new life style:Marry a man who is a fortune in himself. Horses, lands and large inheritances are well enough, but the wheel of fortune may be gone in a few years. There are some things, however, which are a perpetual fortune — good manners, geniality of soul, kindness, intelligence, sympathy, courage, perseverance, industrious and wholeheartedness. Marry such a one and you marry a fortune, whether he has an income of $50,000 a year or an income of $1,000. Good luck and best wishes to all of the brides-to-be and the new brides in June this year!