I read Doug and Colleen Deutsch’s letter to the editor on autism in the April 22 paper, and I agree 100 percent with what they had to say. My son, who is autistic, too, is in the third grade in Luverne and I and my new husband, Rich, are grateful to all of the Luverne Elementary staff, Family Services and the HSI staff for all their hard work and for loving Ethan for who he is. We also appreciate all the kids who adore Ethan! You guys are the best thing for Ethan. We moved here the end of June of ‘98 from Rochester. Ethan had been through a battle of tests but no doctor had told me what was wrong with my little guy. The staff at Luverne schools went with us to Sioux Falls and it was there that Ethan was diagnosed with autism. Ever since the diagnosis he has come a long way with the help of everyone. I personally have thanked and would like to again thank Colleen Deutsch for introducing me to many autism facts out there. They have been very helpful.We live in Hardwick and the community around here is great! Everyone helps each other out and gets the help they need. We love it here! In our eyes, Ethan could not be any more perfect! We wouldn't trade him for anything. If it weren't for moving here I am not sure what would have happened to Ethan. In Rochester he was going to special ed, but all he did there was play because no one knew what was wrong with him. No parent wants to admit their child has a problem. I am so happy that we did figure all this out before it got way out of hand. Ethan is a very happy loveable guy, thanks to all that adore him.Rich and Angie HubblingEthan Ganun, Hardwick

Arson Awareness WeekBy the time you finish reading this sentence, an arson fire somewhere in the U.S. will destroy $600 worth of property. By the end of the year, a half-million arson fires will cost U.S. citizens more than 2 billion dollars. Arson fires kill 300 children every year and injure 3,000 more. The saddest part is that one third of those children killed die in fires they set themselves. For most people, the word "arsonist" brings to mind a dangerous criminal with some kind of axe to grind. But the majority of arsonists are not hardened criminals — they’re children. More than half of those arrested for setting destructive fires are under the age of 18.This year, May 28, is Minnesota Arson Awareness Week and the focus is "Youth Fire Setting and Juvenile Arson — the Preventable Fires." The fire protection and law enforcement communities want you to understand that education and intervention can change our shocking arson statistics. All you have to do is learn a little about the topic and pay close attention to events around you. Talk to your local fire officials; we can provide information for your family, school, or church group. Go to the State Fire Marshal Web site at www.fire.state.mn.us.Get involved and help make others aware of juvenile arson. The best way to solve the problem is to intervene before these young people hurt themselves and their communities. Donald C. DeutschFire ChiefCity of Luverne

NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEWFOR THECITY OF LUVERNEThe Board of Review of the City of Luverne will meet on Tuesday, the 11th day of May, 2004, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 203 E. Main Sreet-2nd floor, starting at 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Property owners who wish to appeal the valuation or classification of their property are hereby notified to appear at this meeting. The Board of Review cannot act on current year property taxes. They can only act on the valuation or classification of property for the 2004 assessment year for property taxes to be paid in 2005. MARIANNE PERKINSCITY CLERK(4-29)

Village Voice:The Village Library has moved from the garden room to the exercise room on the lower level. The hours at Tuff Village are from 9 to 11 a.m. the first and third Saturday morning of the month and from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday evening of the month. Come in and check out our selection of books available.We’re happy to report Berdella DeBoer was able to return on Monday after being a patient in Luverne Community Hospital.We would like to thank Cami Verhey for volunteering and assisting with our weekly bingo game. The Village Circle from Bethlehem Lutheran Church had their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday afternoon in the garden level room.Thursday, Alice Goettsch, Martha Bakken, Ruby Feucht, Palma Sundem, Signe Egebo, Carolyn Crawford, Arnold and Dorothy Thorin, Deb Bowman, Mary Jo Susie and Judy DeNoble attended the El Riad Shrine Circus in Sioux Falls, S.D.Saturday tenants watched the video entitled "Granny."We would like to thank Mavis Aukes from Beaver Creek for sharing the two ostrich eggs with us. Tuff Home News: Tuff Memorial Home and Tuff Village are planning to publish and sell a cookbook. Recipes are wanted for the cookbook that will be sold at our Fall Bazaar in November. Open submissions accepted from tenants, residents, staff, family members and former staff members. Label recipe with your name. Submissions need to be in by May 31, to allow time for proofing and printing. Sample contents to include: appetizers, sauces, beverages, breads, rolls, pastries, meat, main dishes, soup, salads, vegetables, bars, cookies, cakes, desserts, pies and misc.National Nursing Home Week will be observed May 9 to May 14. The theme for this year is "Embracing Our Heritage." Special events are planned throughout the week. Watch for details later.Opal Swanson, 91, and a resident of Tuff, died on Monday evening. Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 30, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. National Park Week was observed on Wednesday. Residents enjoyed trivia questions about national parks in the United States. A number of residents reminisced about the vacations to the national parks. Several residents toured through Hills on a golf cart enjoying the beautiful tulips at Jacobson Park. We would like to thank Erwin DeBoer for the use of his golf cart.Thursday the following residents enjoyed the El Riad Shrine Circus in Sioux Falls: Grace Walters, Ronald Kellenberger, Bob Olson, Loretta Boysen, Ione DeHaan, Eva Cragoe, Daniel Brower, and Connie McKenney. Staff members included: Dana Dahlquist, Lou Kellenberger and Judi Feucht. Volunteers who assisted: Sharon Gayer and Donna Day.In observance of National Volunteer Week, which was April 18 – April 24, a volunteer dinner was served in our activity room. The menu served was: French dip/hoagie buns, potato salad, baked beans, strawberry tapioca salad, fresh fruit, veggie relish with dip and various desserts. Door prizes were awarded to: Laura Paulsen, Joanne Goehle, Dick Heidenson, Dennis Roning, Doris Rodman and Francis Stanley. Special music was provided by Emily Crabtree, Tammy Moeller, Courtney Hoogendoorn and the freshman choir from Hills-Beaver Creek, along with their director Jodi Ackerman. We would like to welcome Ron Kellenberger to room #2. Residents observing their birthdays in the month of May: Henrietta Wassenaar, May 1; William Verhey, May 5; Evelyn Belknap, May 12; and Ione DeHaan, May 14. Staff members are: Kristen DeSmet, May 6; Pastor Lowell Berg, May 11; Gertrude Rozeboom, May 17; Abbey Metzger and Lana Boer, May 27.

Services for Opal Swanson will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 30, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills with burial following in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 29, with the family present from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Roste Funeral Home of Hills. Opal K. (Sjolseth) Swanson, 91, Hills, died Monday, April 26, 2004, at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. Opal Sjolseth was born to Dan and Ida Sjolseth on July 8, 1912, in Hills. She graduated from Hills High School and attended the University of Minnesota and Luverne Normal School. She taught country school near Garretson, S.D.She married Arthur Swanson on Sept. 18, 1937, in Hills. They lived on a farm near Valley Springs, S.D., before moving to Hills in 1941. They later purchased the Hoyme farm near Hills. Mrs. Swanson was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills where she served as an officer in Ladies Aid, circle and Tuff Auxiliary. She also participated in Treble Singers, Bible Studies, Bethel Series and as a Sunday school teacher. She designed and made many liturgical banners and helped decorate the church each Christmas. She delivered Meals on Wheels, was active in Senior Citizens, Community Clubs and worked for various causes, such as Trash for Cash. She was a talented homemaker and avid gardener and was known for the beautiful wedding cakes she created.Survivors include three sons, David (Nancy) Swanson, Hills, Steven (Patricia) Swanson, Woodbury, and Stuart (Marjorie) Swanson, Greer, S.C.; one daughter, Mary (Peter) Herr, Deerfield, Ill.; 10 grandchildren, Peter (Betsy) Herr, Elizabeth Herr, Stacey Swanson, Jennifer (Chad) Nelson and Chris Swanson, Matthew, James and Thomas Swanson, Lance (Linda) Swanson and Alana (John) Wilson; six great-grandchildren, Taylor and Jaxon Nelson, Sophie and Breck Swanson and Ethan and Kyle Wilson. Mrs. Swanson was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Arthur, and two brothers, Douglas and Robert. Memorials may be directed to the Special Gifts fund at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.

Ruby Steuck, 81, Pipestone, died Friday, April 23, 2004, at Ashton Care Center in Pipestone. She was the mother of Shirley Walraven, Hills.Services were Tuesday, April 27, at St. Leo Catholic Church in Pipestone. Burial was in Old Woodlawn Cemetery, Pipestone. Survivors are four sons, James Steuck, Lake Crystal, Robert Steuck, Maple Grove, Tim Steuck and Bill Steuck, both of Pipestone; three daughters, Shirley Walraven, Hills, Sharleen Ludolph and Suzanne Steuck, both of Pipestone; 18 grandchildren; and five great-granddaughters.Hartquist Funeral Homes Pipestone Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671Minutes4-12-04The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semimonthly meeting at 7:30 pm in the library in Hills.Board members present were DeBoer, Larson, Esselink, Boeve, Baker, and Leuthold. Superintendent Deragisch was also in attendance. The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Esselink. Vice-Chairman Esselink recognized the visitors to the meeting. Visitors were Jolene Farley of The Crescent and Principal Holthaus. Patriot Pride: The band and choir did very well in the contest in Fulda Congratulations to Tim Lange and the students who performed at the dinner theater Trey VanWyhe is selected to visit Washington, D.C. Jessie Leenderts and Aaron Aristeo have been selected to MN Student Leadership ForumElementary report was given by Mr. Holthaus.High School report was presented by Superintendent Deragisch.The meeting was turned over to Chairman Harnack. The minutes of the last meeting were approved as sent out.Motion by DeBoer, second by Baker, and carried to approve the bills. Legislative update was given by Esselink.Results of the 8th and 10th grade testing were discussed.Update was given concerning the special education bill. Revenues and expenditures were discussed.Dates to remember: April 23, 2004 Prom April 26, 2004 School Board MtgMeeting adjourned at 8:55 pm.Ann Boeve, Clerk(4-29)

10 years ago (1994)"Two of Hills-Beaver Creek’s girls’ relay teams made impressive showings at Thursday’s Cardinal Relays in Luverne.The 400-meter foursome of Joni Brouwer, Amber Olson, Michelle Feucht and Amy Behr raced to a second place finish with their time of 54.20.The 800-meter team of Brouwer, Mary Moser, Feucht and Behr clocked in at 1:54.7, good enough for second place laurels."25 years ago (1979)"Rock County Commissioners are looking into the possibility of arranging for a joint powers agreement with the city of Hills which would enable them to use county park funds to assist Hills Jaycees in developing the proposed Reservoir (Rez) Park in Hills."50 years ago (1954)"A number of new cars have put in their appearance here lately. Andrew Van Wettering has a Ford. Otto Popkin a Dodge. Walter Tecken an Olds. Mae Mithun a Buick. Noticed several others parked Sunday at the Reformed Church but don’t know whose they are. Could be visitors."75 years ago (1929)"On Friday evening, May 10, the senior class of Hills High School will present their class play ‘The Prince of Liars.’ The following are in the cast: Frederick Nuffer, Orly Nash, Joseph Nordby, James Westby, Inez Rortvedt, Evelyn Dell, Irene Rortvedt Alyce Herreid and Clara Nelson."100 years ago (1904)"Halvor Halverson, southeast of town, met with an accident Wednesday, and it is a miracle that he escaped with but a few scratches. His team, hitched to a drag, started to run away and endeavoring to stop them he was knocked down, trampled upon, and the heavy drag passed over him. Mr. Halvorson wore a heavy duck coat, and this may, in a measure, account for his miraculous escape."

Peter Hoff motored to Sioux City, Iowa, Thursday to watch his granddaughter’s fast-pitch softball game. Angie Hoff, daughter of Doug and Lois Hoff, Sioux Falls, S.D., plays on the Iowa Lakes College, Estherville, Iowa, softball team. Their team played Morningside College at North Sioux City, Iowa. Weekend guests in the home of Brad and Leah Callahan were her parents, Vern and Bergie Osterloo, and her sister, Paige, Rapid City, S.D. Paige had been in a high school golf tournament in Sioux Falls over the weekend. Wendell Erickson was among those who took in the festivities Friday when Gov. Tim Pawlenty was there to officially welcome the Total Card Co. to Luverne. Riley Lentz, Lakefield, was an overnight guest Saturday in the home of his grandparents, Robert and Twila Kirsch.Steve Schubbe came from San Diego, Calif., Friday along with Carolyn Randall and son, Nathan, Stillwater, to see their mother, Erma Schubbe. They left for the Cities Sunday accompanied by Erma. Erma and Steve will fly to California where Erma will spend some time with Steve and his wife Flora. A belated Easter celebration was Sunday at the home of Cliff and Vi VanWyhe with a 4 p.m. dinner. Present were Tom and Matt VanWyhe, Ron, Lexia, Lindsay and Ashley DeWit, Sioux Falls; Steve and Marilyn and Justin VanWyhe, Steen; Amber and Travis Arends, Warrenton, Mo.; and Dr. Heather VanWyhe, Hutchinson. Bob and Twila Kirsch attended the 80th birthday open house for John Moret Saturday in Jeffers. John and family formerly lived in Hills when he was an Interstate Service repairman.Dick and Audrey Heidenson and Wendell and Kathryn Erickson attended the Al Opland spring show "Croonin’ and Cruisin’ " in Pipestone Friday night.Rheta DeBoer attended the "Morning of Joy" conference Saturday morning at the Ramkota Inn in Sioux Falls.Joanne and Tom Goehle went to Tyler Sunday to attend Alyssa Carmany’s confirmation at First English Lutheran Church. Brenda Hadler and Colby, Edgerton, were Saturday visitors here. Wade Warner, Larchwood, Iowa, was a visitor last Monday in the Cliff and Vi VanWyhe home.