I am very disappointed in the results of the Janklow hearing. Janklow took the life of a son, brother, father, and uncle and he walked away with a very light sentence. Individuals who have committed lesser crimes have been given enormous fines and more lengthy jail time. Is it who we know? Or is the job we hold or the position in society? Is it because one can shed a few tears at an opportune time? Remember, this man could not even recall the victim’s name correctly during a press conference.How many times does an individual have to be told not to speed? Speed kills. Janklow thought it was a joke when a patrol officer would try to stop him. Janklow used speeding as a topic when he was in office, he knew that he was guilty many times of speeding. He even commented that he may have stopped speeding if they would have done something about it. Now, he is serving a 100-day sentence for carelessly taking the life of another. In addition, after serving one month, he will be allowed to participate in a work release program. He no longer holds his political position, but will be allowed 10 hours release daily. Just what job will he be performing during this extended workday? Why 10 hours? Isn’t a workday normally eight hours? How will Janklow commute to this job? He surely can’t be trusted driving a car. This whole situation was avoidable, instead a needless death occurred. Does the punishment fit the crime in his case? I wonder.Nancy WalgraveGoodhue

On Tuesday, March 2, the people of Minnesota get the awesome chance to get involved with a political party with our precinct caucuses. All across the state, the "average Joes" come together to prepare for the 2004 election and express their thoughts on the direction their respective party is heading. When it comes to politics in Minnesota, it all starts here.I’m writing today to encourage every reader to attend their precinct caucuses, with a special encouragement for young people. It’s been said for years, "the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow." Discouragingly, teenagers have little or no interest in getting involved with elections or political parties. Some of the reasons for this apathy stem from lack of understanding of the political process, and the feeling that all politicians are corrupt. By attending the precinct caucuses, you will get a deeper understanding for the process leading up to Election Day, and also a chance to "clean up" your party. If you want to get politically active to make society a greater place, this is the place to start.Even if you are not yet old enough to vote, there is no excuse not to be active in the process. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved besides entering a voting booth, especially in Rock County, where there is an organization specifically for teens, the Teen Age Republicans.The 2004 election will be here and gone before we know it. Unless "the people" get involved, our government cannot truly be "of the people, for the people, and by the people." Help make our democracy stronger; attend your precinct caucus!For Republicans of Rock County, that means going to the Blue Mound Banquet Center at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2. For Democrats, it’s the Luverne Elementary School Commons. Currently, the Independents and Greens have no caucusing in Rock County.See you at the caucus!Joe SchomackerChairman, Luverne Teen Age RepublicansDeputy Chair, Minnesota Teen Age Republicans

I would like to share a nice story with you that concerns a "phantom snow blower" who showed a kindness to us.Several weeks ago when there was heavy snow for several days, I awoke to a white world on a Sunday morning. What a bummer. Everything was covered with snow, including our vehicle, and I wondered how I would get to the hospital to visit my husband who was a patient there. Lo and behold, a red pickup with a snow blower on a trailer pulled up across the street and the "phantom" (Who was that masked man?) blew snow away from our sidewalks and driveway! It was a wonderful thing to think that someone would show us such consideration. He came not one morning but two in a row. We have tried to find out who you are, but you are a mystery man. I hope that we do discover who you are and thank you in person some day.June PolzinLuverne

I want to thank Sen. Jim Vickerman and Rep. Doug Magnus for their bipartisan leadership in supporting legislation to foster fair competition between nonprofit community hospitals and for-profit outpatient surgery centers and diagnostic imaging facilities. Hospitals comply with many regulations and quality standards that don’t apply to outpatient surgery centers and diagnostic imaging facilities. We need to update yesterday’s rules to ensure they make sense for today’s health care marketplace.Fostering fair competition is important for everyone in the community. Luverne Community Hospital, a member of Sioux Valley Hospitals and Health System, provides services to everyone. Governed by a nonprofit board, we don’t have conflicts of interest over referrals. We meet all of the community’s needs, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For-profit diagnostic imaging facilities and outpatient surgery centers can’t say the same. And when they come into a community and have none of the limits and rules that govern hospitals, they threaten the financial health of the hospitals themselves. As authors of the legislation that was introduced this week, Sen. Jim Vickerman and Rep. Doug Magnus have had the foresight to recognize the need for action. So on behalf of our 191 employees and our patients, thanks for your help, Sen. Vickerman and Rep. Magnus.Gerald E. CarlCEOLuverne Community Hospital

It’s about time that Minnesota catches up with the rest of the country on smoke-free workplace policies. Two Minnesota legislators introduced a bill last week that would make all workplaces 100 percent smoke-free, including restaurants and bars. The bill is modeled after successful smoke-free laws in California, Connecticut, Delaware, New York, Maine and Massachusetts. Arizona, Maryland, Rhode Island, Georgia, Washington, and Idaho are all considering similar laws. We’re talking about 25 percent of the U.S. adopting such policies. Minnesota needs to catch up! A 17-year-old girl from Burnsville stood up at a press conference in the Twin Cities last week and said that she had to leave her high school hockey banquet because of the smoke. This could easily happen at our own Luverne Country Club. Actually, it did happen to me at a Big Buddies Golf Fund-raiser last summer. I agree with the Burnsville teenager when she said that "it sucked." Secondhand smoke will suck the life right out of you. Of course, opponents will say that smoke-free policies will be bad for business owners. This has never happened. Revenue will either increase or stay the same for both restaurants and bars as has been shown recently in New York and in our own Duluth. Others may say that the government has gone too far. The government regulates food and water safety; shouldn’t they also regulate indoor-air quality, especially when secondhand smoke is a known killer? The local health inspector would be on full alert if any eating establishment had a problem with rat feces. Secondhand smoke kills a lot more people than rat poop but very few people say anything about it.I say kudos to Sen. Dibble and Rep. Latz for bringing forth legislation that will protect the rights of all Minnesotans to breathe clean air. I hope Minnesotans will support their efforts. Your legislators need to hear from you.Paula AndersonLuverne

Scott Allen Hubbling, 29, Hardwick, died Friday Feb. 20, 2004, at his father’s farm near Hardwick, as a result of an accident. Services were Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Luverne Christian Reformed Church. The Rev. George Koopmans officiated. Burial was in Luverne Memorial Gardens Cemetery, rural Luverne.Scott Hubbling was born to Richard and Minnie (Berghorst) Hubbling on June 9, 1974, in Sioux Falls, S.D. He was raised on the family farm near Hardwick. He graduated from Southwest Christian High School, Edgerton, in 1992. He attended Willmar Vocational College for industrial welding for one year. Following his education, he returned home and began working in construction. He later worked for Amtech Manufacturing near Rock Rapids, Iowa, then Lundstra Farms near Sioux Falls, and later at Cor-Tech Manufacturing in Luverne. In 1997, he took over the milking operation on his father’s farm near Hardwick. Mr. Hubbling was a baptized member of Luverne Christian Reformed Church. He loved farming and milking his cows. He also enjoyed welding, snowmobiling, enduro racing, dirt biking and working on his pickup truck. He also was quick to lend a helping hand to his friends and neighbors. Survivors include one daughter, Justine Hubbling-Hanson, Ash Creek; his girl friend, Laura Clark, Hardwick; his father, Richard Hubbling and his stepmother, Angie Hubbling, Hardwick; one brother, Shane Hubbling, Hardwick; two sisters, Rebecca (Mark) Konz, Mankato, and Amanda Hubbling and her boy friend, Matt McClure, Magnolia; his grandparents, John and Alberta Hubbling, Luverne; four stepbrothers, Brandon, Mitchell, Joshua, and Ethan Ganun, all of Hardwick; one stepsister, Amanda Ganun, Hardwick; and many other relatives and friends.Mr. Hubbling was preceded in death by his mother, Minnie Hubbling, in 1998, and his grandparents, Sidney and Marie Berghorst. Hartquist Funeral Home, Engebretson Chapel, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Hills Economic Development Authority will hold a public hearing at 6:00 P.M., Central Standard Time, on Tuesday, March 9, 2004, in the City Council Chambers located in the City Hall, 301 S. Main, Hills, Minnesota, to consider the conversion to condominiums of the Southern Hills Apartments and the subsequent sale thereof. The terms and conditions of the proposed sale are available for public review at the Hills City office, 301 S. Main, Hills, Minnesota. The Hills Economic Development Authority will meet to decide if the sale is advisable. All citizens are encouraged to attend the hearing, ask questions, and/or give comments. Any citizen may also submit written questions or comments prior to the hearing by addressing them to the Economic Development Authority, PO Box 172, Hills, Minnesota, 56138Anyone needing reasonable accommodations or an interpreter should contact the City Clerk’s Office, 301 S. Main, PO Box 172, Hills, Minnesota, 56138 (507)-962-3290./s/ Dana DahlquistPresident(2-26)

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILFEBRUARY 10, 2004Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order at 6:02 P.M. with the following Council members present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, and Keith Elbers. Councilman Arlen Leenderts arrived at approximately 6:40 P.M. Absent: Councilman Dana Dahlquist. Employees present: Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests present: Donnie Deutsch, Jeff Bass, Justin Hinks, and Jolene Farley-Hills Crescent. Donnie Deutsch and Jeff Bass requested the Council’s approval on the revised mutual aid agreement between the Hills and Luverne Fire Departments. The updated agreement will include charges for man and truck hours, over an 8 hours work period, in order to obtain reimbursement from FEMA, and will not be charged against the Hills Fire Department. The Council approved of the revised mutual aid agreement. Deutsch will forward a copy of the fully executed Agreement to the City of Hills. Jeff Bass informed the Council that the Hills Fire Department will provide the City with roofing specs, in order to obtain bids on replacing the roof on the fire hall. The Council also requested that specs for replacing overhead doors be submitted. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Elbers to approve of the minutes of January 13th. Motion carried. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to approve of the January expenditures. Motion carried. Justin Hinks approached the Council with information for building a skate park ramp for skateboards, rollerblades and bicycles. Hinks felt that a decent ramp would cost less than $11,000; and that insurance waivers could be signed prior to use of the skate ramp, which could be fenced in and used only during the time a skate park attendant is present. The Council requested additional time to review the information prior to making a decision. The Treasurer will be instructed to transfer money on a monthly basis, into a separate fund for the purpose of replacing the pickup and tractor. In accordance with the 2004 budget a total of $10,000 was budgeted for these replacements. Transfers to be retroactive to January 2004. December expenditures: General $15,460.01; Park $663,09; Fire $2,268.25; Street $1,262.44; Legion $631.63: Barbershop $0.00; Sewer $746.44; Garbage $1,095.04; Recycling $0.00; Water $3,726.77; Baseball $0.00; Softball $0.00, Law Enforcement $8,944.00; Civil Defense $0.00.General Checking 100,667.39General Fund CD#18197, 2.5%, 12/4/04 237,314.41General Fund CD#17760, 2.5%, 3/15/05 20,477.61Sewer Fund CD#18255, 1.5%, 7/19/04 40,646.36Fire Truck Replacement Fund CD#17710, 1.75%. 1/13/04 23,228.20Hills EDA Security Deposit Account 2,471.78Hills EDA Checking 4,569.07Southern Hills Apts. Account 6,736.55Southern Hills CD#17759, 2.5%, 3/15/05 5,119.40EDA CD#17850, 2.5%, 5/7/05 27,963.43EDA CD#17268, 1.75%, 1/26/04 10,631.54EDA CD#18160, 1.5%, 10/17/04 20,000.00TOTAL 499,825.74The Council reviewed past due utility accounts. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to approve of the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried. The Council discussed the amount of man and machine hours that are involved in removing snow from Main Avenue, and whether other alternatives could be taken. The Postal Service removed items from the American Legion maintenance room. Plans for replacing the plumbing in this rental space was tabled, pending Alvin Hoogeveen’s decision to relocate his barbershop. Councilman Arlen Leenderts joined the meeting. A Lot Lease was signed by Glenn and Shaun Swenson, following their purchase of a mobile home owned by Ryan Burgers, and located on City property at 120 West 2nd Street.Discussed a complaint of vehicles parking in an alley in the evenings during school activities. The Council reviewed correspondence requesting an ice rink. In the past, the Fire Department formed an ice rink, but that the upkeep was very time consuming. It was suggested that the Rez could be used for skating. No action was taken. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Elbers to grant Keith Walraven a building permit for a garage. Motion carried. The 4-H Club’s park grant application was denied, and inquired whether the City could donate funds toward new playground equipment at Rez Park. The Council tabled a decision pending written plans, drawings, and cost proposals from the 4-H Club. Also, requested information on what the Hills’ Lions intentions are for donating toward the project. The Council approved the replacement of a copy machine for the City Office for approximately $600. Discussed complaints regarding snow removal from alleys. Publish ads requesting that snow is not to be thrown in the streets after the snowplow has passed, and for residents to help the City in removing snow from fire hydrants.No further business, meeting adjourned at 6:59 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(2-26)

Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671Minutes2-09-04The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semimonthly meeting at 7:30 pm in the library in Hills. Board members present were Leuthold, Larson, Boeve, Harnack, DeBoer, and Esselink. Absent was Baker. Also in attendance was Superintendent Deragisch. The meeting was called to order by Clerk Ann Boeve.Chairman Harnack recognized the visitors to the meeting. Visitors were Mr. Holthaus, Jodi Ackerman, Cindy Larson and Jolene Farley of The Crescent. Patriot Pride: Superintendent Deragisch showed a video of the mock trial team Erin Boeve had her 1000th reboundRecognition of our paraprofessionals doing a fantastic job for H-BCHeather Erickson, Wanda Hoyme, Haley Tollefson, Mavis Schmidt, Amy Spykerboer, Mardi LeutholdElementary report given by Mr. Holthaus.High School report given by Superintendent Deragisch. Minutes of the January 12 meeting stand approved as sent. Motion by Leuthold, second by Esselink and carried to approve administration to make recommendations for adjustments in curriculum, programs and staff for the following year. Motion by Esselink, second by DeBoer, and carried to make February 12 a full day and having a full day of classes on Monday, April 12. Jodi Ackerman presented information about a proposed choir trip. Discussion was held concerning GASB 34.A report on the winter convention was given to the board by Harnack, Leuthold, and Superintendent Deragisch. Legislative update was given by Esselink. Information was presented concerning the heating systems in the high school. Committee meetings were scheduled. Deficiency List – Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 9:30 am. Transportation Comm. – Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 9:30 am. Finance Comm. –Dates to Remember: Parent Teacher Conferences February 12 School Break February 13 – 16 School Board Mtg. February 23Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm.Ann Boeve, Clerk(2-26)