Tax season always makes me hostile. To make matters worse, the State of Minnesota published their tax-form book without an index. It’s disturbing. Librarians have built their reputation on finding the unfindable for their patrons. But we need an index; at the least, a table of contents. Are we supposed to page through the whole book to find the M1PR? Perhaps I'm overly-sensitive. Just know, that we are here to help you find a form and photocopy it. We charge 15¢ plus tax per page. Yes, that’s tax on tax-forms; doesn’t seem right to me either. We still have some Federal forms and instruction booklets and we can get almost any form you need off the Internet. Of course, you can find them yourself at www.taxes.state.mn.us for State forms and www.irs.gov for Federal forms. On to more cheerful subjects; new fiction. We have "The First 48" by Tim Green, the story of a father who'll do anything to find his missing daughter — including kidnap the U.S. Senator he believes abducted her. Tom Redmond is a former cop turned lawyer in upstate New York who couldn't be prouder of his daughter, Jane, an investigative journalist for the Washington Post. But just as she prepares to break a front-page story on one of the most powerful Senators in Congress, Jane mysteriously disappears. Suspecting foul play, Redmond drives to Washington. He knows that if an abducted victim is not found within the first 48 hours of a kidnapping, the odds of that person being found alive are very slim. And as time ticks by with no sign of Jane, Redmond is forced to confront the Senator — and take matters into his own hands. Also new on the shelf is "Shadow Account" by Stephen Frey. An investment banker in the maverick firm Phenix Capital, Conner Ashby is doing all right for himself. At 27, he’s practically the right-hand man of the company’s founder, a wealthy old pro looking to make a big comeback on The Street while grooming Conner for a place at the top. Between his career and his gorgeous girlfriend, it’s a good life, until a wayward E-mail crosses Conner’s computer, and plunges his near-perfect world into a terrifying downward spiral.ŒThe Œoperation‚ is way out of hand. If we don’t do something, it’s going to detonate. It’s a communication not meant for Conner’s eyes, between people he doesn’t know, about a company he’s never heard of, a company that’s engaged in corporate fraud on a massive scale. With no way to trace the E-mail, it’s impossible for Conner to act on the volatile discovery. But with millions of dollars at stake, high-powered careers in the balance, and hell to pay if the truth comes out, whoever clicked the Œsend‚ button by mistake isn’t about to take any chances. And for Conner, the evening that began in the arms of a beautiful woman ends in a harrowing race for his life.

History of Rock County HeraldThe following was printed in the Rose History in 1911:"The founder of the Herald sold in February, 1875, to A.C. Croft, and that gentleman sold a half interest, on June 3, 1876, to his former foreman, A.L. Stoughton. The paper was published under the firm name of Croft & Stoughton until September 13, 1878, when the junior member of the firm became sole proprietor. Mr. Stoughton presided over the destinies of the Herald alone until the spring of 1879, when Herbert J. Miller, who was destined to be the publisher of the paper for more than 30 years and to play an important part in the affairs of the community, was admitted as a partner. On May 2, 1879, the Herald printed this modest announcement of the transfer: ‘In accordance with a long cherished plan, we take pleasure in introducing to our readers as associate editor and proprietor, Mr. H.J. Miller, formerly of Stoughton, Wis., recently of the Reinbeck (Iowa) Herald, and a gentleman whose acquirements and experience will redound to the interest of our patrons.’The publishing firm now became Stoughton & Miller, but almost immediately the management devolved upon the junior member, Mr. Stoughton leaving in the fall of 1879 to attend the University of Wisconsin. Under the direction of Mr. Miller the Herald began to improve and continued to do so until it developed into one of the best and most liberally quoted country journals of the state. Mr. Miller wielded a trenchant pen and he made the Herald a powerful influence in the affairs of the city, county and state. In January 1882, J.W. Hardwick who had been engaged in teaching school at Drake station, bought Mr. Miller’s interest in the Herald, the latter taking a position on the editorial staff of the Minneapolis Evening Journal at that time. Early in June of the same year Mr. Miller was obliged to foreclose a mortgage on Mr. Hardwick’s interest in the Herald, and he again became one of the publishers. A few months later, on Sept. 1, 1882, Mr. Stoughton sold his interest to Mr. Miller, who then became the sole owner and publisher. Herbert J. Miller continued to publish the Herald until his death, May 8, 1909. From July 8, 1884, to Nov. 26, 1889, it was published semi-weekly, and for a few months during the Spanish-American War in 1898 the Daily Herald was issued. Owing to ill health, in May, 1907, Mr. Miller announced his withdrawal from active management of the paper and installed A.O. Moreaux as manager and editor. Since Mr. Miller’s death the Rock County Herald has been published by his estate, Mr. Moreaux continuing in charge. Under the gentleman’s control the Herald has maintained its former high standing and is one of the best and most liberally quoted country journals in the state. The pioneer journal has always been republican in politics. Its size has varied from a five-column paper, with only two pages printed in the home office, to a 12-page, six-column paper, all printed at home, which is the present form."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.

By Fred Manfred Jr.Guest columnistThis is the second excerpt from "Elizabeth," a full-length play written by 14 Luverne students during a theater class taught by the author in 1996-97. It is a historical drama about Rock County from 1912-39. Following is most of the final act. "Chris," 18, son of the play's principals, and Barbra, 17, meet for a Saturday date in the Fall of 1939.CHRIS: Yeah. Well, why don't we sit for awhile. On the porch. Before we go, I mean. BARBRA: Why Christopher English. I do believe you're nervous. You're acting like it was our first date. LONG SILENCE. Well, the grand opening of "The Wizard of Oz" awaits us. What is it you want? We don't have reserved seats at the Palace, you know.CHRIS: Ah. Have you used your new gas iron yet? Beats heating 'em on the stove, huh?BARBRA: Our gas iron?! Christopher?!CHRIS: Mother hasn't gotten one yet. I hope you didn't mind ironing the old-fashioned way. She let you use it, didn't she?BARBRA: Yes, she did. And I appreciate them letting me get ready at your house. But what is all this gibberish.CHRIS: Barbra. You're right. I am nervous. I'm nervous every time I'm with you. I don't know what it is. I can't control it. Sometimes I feel sick to my stomach. BARBRA: You're in love is all. Those are butterflies in there CHRIS: Yeah. I guess.BARBRA: But it's a good sick, Chris. Isn't the world crazy?! You're sick in love in Minnesota ... and Hitler and Mussolini are sick in Europe. And it wasn't long ago our parents survived a world war, Depression and a dust bowl. Now, I guess it's our turn. CHRIS: You mean the winter of '36 wasn't our big trial? BARBRA: For country folk it was ... snow so high we walked over the tops of telephone poles and grain roofs. No equipment to open roads. They finally got 75 cleared to the state park.CHRIS: And below zero all of January. But there was still school 'cause most kids lived in town. BARBRA: The only way we got around was by bobsled. What a trial that was! Up at four in the morning. Throw on the wool underwear. Hitch up the horses ... who were not exactly excited about going out. Drive 'em for about half mile, then exchange them for another team at the neighbors. Drive 'em, unhook, hook up and drive 'em again. Eventually we made it to town!CHRIS: What was so important in town?BARBRA: Kerosene. Coffee. Flower. Chewing tobacco. But I don't think anything is worth the effort it takes to pull horses out of a snowbank.CHRIS: I never realized it was so bad in the country.BARBRA: So bad that my frugal father sprang 25 cents to pay Myhre's to develop a role of black-and-white of all the snow in the yard.CHRIS: It's been a tough decade, hasn't it?BARBRA: Tougher if we had been adults.AFTER A PAUSE, CHRIS: I am an adult now, Barbra. Eighteen. PAUSE. And there's rumblings over in Europe. PAUSE. Big rumblings. I might ... I might have to —BARBRA MOVES CLOSE TO CHRIS: Don't say it, Chris. Not tonight at least. Let's just live in Luverne tonight, where it's safe. Where a girl can sit with her guy in the Palace balcony and help Dorothy and Toto find the end of the rainbow.

Now more than ever, Mattel’s Barbie doll needs a reality check. In light of her recent separation from Ken, rumors are flying around and they need to be examined. According to the Associated Press, "After 43 years as one of the world’s prettiest pairs, the perfect plastic couple is breaking up." A well-placed source from Mattel explains, "Barbie and Ken feel it’s time to spend some quality time — apart." At first glance, it’s Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck (the couple also known as Bennifer) all over again — a girl who likes to change outfits often and a guy who always seems to have the same expression on his face. However, after 43 years, Kenarbie hardly had a whirlwind romance. Theirs was more of a "no weather in the forecast" kind of relationship. A few of us, who have been observing the couple throughout the years, would like to ask, "Weren’t they married? What about those beautiful wedding dresses? Shouldn’t Kenarbie stick this out for seven more years and be able to celebrate their golden anniversary?" Things between them must be pretty serious to give up frosted sheet cakes, molded cream cheese candies, crepe paper streamers and balloons. A spokesman for Mattel explained to the AP that Ken was reluctant to marry and "all those bridal Barbie dolls in toy chests around the globe are really just examples of Barbie’s wishful thinking." (It must be something like the two-piece bathing suits and tight shoes some of us keep in the backs of our closets.) Another problem bothering Kenarbie fans who aren’t mathematically challenged is Barbie’s age. Because she made her first public appearance in 1959 at the New York Toy Show, people assume that was also the day she was born. They think she will soon be 45. Actually, given the fact that she appeared to be 18 or older in 1959, her real age is at least 63. That changes things considerably. Plans have been made to introduce a new look for Barbie — "Cali (short for California) Barbie." In addition to skateboarder shorts, a skimpy bikini top, metal hoop earrings and a deeper tan, Cali Barbie will have another accessory — Blaine, the Australian boogie boarder. The one obvious difference between Barbie’s two suitors is that Blaine is able to bend his knees. What’s-his-name couldn’t. What does Barbie expect? If she’s 63, then Ken is at least her age. In his defense, not being able to bend one’s knees at 63 isn’t all that rare. Perhaps Barbie should take a new look at Ken and count her blessings — he’s loyal, he still has all of his hair and he always has a pleasant smile on his face, A post-menopausal woman could do worse. And that’s what Barbie is. Since 1959 she has been everything — a swimsuit model, a rock star, a teacher, a nurse and a military medic. She has traveled to, and stayed in, 150 countries. In a real world, she would have grandchildren, varicose veins and elastic waistbands. Patricia O’Connell of Business Week magazine thinks the real reason for Kenarbie’s split is simple. "To Barbie, Ken is an accessory, just like her pink convertible or her beach house. Mattel merely extended Barbie’s consumerist mentality to her boyfriend. Besides, Ken was never all that hot." Goodbye, Ken, we’ll miss you. Hello, Blainarbie.

In reading the Sioux Falls Argus Leader Wednesday morning, I came across this Letter to the Editor concerning the Luverne High School basketball coach and team. The compliments paid by this referee seem to be something that all of us need to be reminded of sometimes.I believe that the accolades given to Coach Rops and his team are indicative of the way many people think of the faculty, administration and students of the Luverne Public Schools. I want to commend Coach Rops and his team for a job well done! I also want to say "thanks" to all the people who make the Luverne public education system what it is. We are blessed to have so many dedicated individuals provide future direction for the young people of our community. Keep up the great work! We’re proud of you!Audrey WildungLuverne

Tom Rops, head boys’ basketball coach at Luverne High School, knows that first and foremost he is an educator. His actions tell me he is committed to building strong citizens.I don't know Rops but had an opportunity to referee a boys’ basketball game between his Luverne Cardinals and the Windom Eagles.Throughout the game, he was coaching his student athletes and not questioning my judgment or my partner's judgment (Keith Matthiesen). On one occasion, I was in front of the Luverne bench as one of his players was complaining about a call. Coach Rops told the player we were consistent and the player needed to adjust. This was a hard-fought game into the fourth quarter and coach Rops' Cardinals ended up losing the game.Yet, I can't help but think that the student athletes and the Luverne community won the bigger battle. The coaches coached, the players played, and the referees refereed. What a novel idea.Sportsmanship first. Student athletes today, America's leaders tomorrow.I referee because I believe in America's future — our youth.Mark A. Nelsen, basketball refereeSioux Falls, S.D.This letter first appeared on March 17 in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader

Welcome HomeThe war in Iraq is now entering the second year. In the last 12 months, the forces of the United States military secured a quick victory over the Iraqi military, and have since settled in to a long battle with the insurgency of hardcore loyalists and foreign fighters. In Iraq, Afghanistan, and other parts of the world, high-level terrorist leaders have been captured or killed. Most of the famous "deck of 52" most wanted in Iraq have been taken care of. Many other important events have happened during the last year.First, we must take notice that many of our local Guardsmen have returned from six months active duty service in England. A great appreciation should be shown for those who left their spouses, children, families and friends to serve their country. Through their sacrifice they made their personal contribution to the greater War on Terror. Thank-you and welcome home.As other soldiers have returned from Iraq, there seems to be a very distinct difference between what you see on the news and what they speak of. Most of them have spoken of the good that is going on in Iraq, to include the projects that have refurbished hospitals and reopened schools. It seems, from their accounts, that the insurgency is limited to a small percentage of the population. That is not to say that we have not suffered too many dead and wounded in this war. One serviceman dying for his country is one too many, and many of the wounded will carry their scars and pain for the rest of their lives. But it seems to me, as in past wars, that the feeling is the same in the ranks. Most of them believe that what they are doing is vital to the security of our nation and honorable.On the day of the anniversary of the beginning of the war there were again protests. If you watched the news, they received more press in one day than any of our servicemen’s good work has in an entire year. That is a sad reflection on our society. Earlier this month, Spain was attacked by terrorists who sought to undermine the upcoming election. It worked. The Socialist party took control of the government and it was made apparent that their support of the war was over and they would be cuddling up to France. I think now any election in any country can be the catalyst for terror attacks. The Spanish people did a great disservice to many other countries with their knee jerk reaction.There are many varied opinions on the importance of this war and what it means to the next generation of kids leaving our small towns for larger cities. In the matter of our servicemen and women, I would hope that we could all put our politics aside and make sure that they do not end up receiving the same treatment as those returning home 30 years ago did.Curtis HendelAdrian

Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671Minutes3-8-04The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semimonthly meeting at 7:30 pm in the library in Hills.Board members present were Leuthold, Baker, Boeve, Harnack, DeBoer, and Esselink. Larson was absent. Superintendent Deragisch was also in attendance. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harnack.Chairman Harnack recognized the visitors to the meeting. The only visitor was Jolene Farley of The Crescent. Patriot Pride: Thank-you notes from the 4th and 5th graders FCA was featured in a national publication Congratulations to the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams Steve Esselink will participate in the national basketball tournamentElementary 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 DeBoer, second by Baker, and carried to approve the bills.Motion by Leuthold, second by Baker, and carried to approve a pairing agreement with Luverne School District for girls’ softball.Legislative update was given by Esselink.A personnel committee meeting was scheduled for March 22. Updates were given to Leuthold for the policy committee and Esselink for the transportation committee.Concession stand totals for 2003-2004 were given.The district long distance telephone service provider will be changed from One Star to Rochester Telecom Systems, Inc.Dates to Remember: March 22 School Board meeting at 7:30 pm March 22 Personnel committee meeting at 6:30 pmMeeting adjourned at 8:40 pm.Ann Boeve, Clerk(3-25)

Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671Minutes3-22-04The 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, Harnack, Esselink, Boeve, Baker, and Leuthold. Superintendent Deragisch and elementary principal Holthaus were also in attendance.The meeting was called to order by Chairman Harnack.Chairman Harnack recognized the visitors to the meeting. Cindy Larson was the only visitor. Patriot Pride: The elementary and high school received the Jostens’ 5 Star Achievement AwardThank-you to the Patriot Partners for their donation of $500 to the elementary music program and $500 to the high school music programCongratulations to the teams and coaches for a successful basketball seasonSteve Esselink was named NAIA All AmericanMatt Larson received an honor for being in the top 4% of real estate agentsLloyd DeBoer received an honor for 30 years of service to the City of Beaver CreekElementary 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 Boeve, and carried to accept the resignation of Marie LaRock.Motion by Leuthold, second by Esselink, and carried to grant a five year leave of absence to Cindy Larson. Matt Larson abstained from the vote. Legislative update was given by Esselink.The officers signed the Southwest Cooperative contracts for the 04-05 school year, the Assurance of Compliance Report, and the Minnesota State High School League questionnaire was completed. Discussion was held on a preliminary 2004-05 budget.Dates to Remember: March 26 Early dismissal for inservice April 12 School Board meetingMeeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.Ann Boeve, Clerk(3-25)