Last month Israeli customs officials in Haifa seized a shipment of 450 singing, dancing Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein dolls. The battery-powered Chinese-made action figures were confiscated under a law banning incitement. "The law doesn’t exactly say that you cannot own a bid Laden doll, but neither he nor Saddam Hussein are exactly good educational role models," one of the customs officials told Reuters news services. Making understatements must have been part of his job description. There’s no way of knowing whether the singing, dancing dolls were rerouted to another country or whether they made it through U.S. ports of entry. We already have watchdog agencies monitoring the safety of toys, but how many toys are scrutinized for political incitement? It’s very possible that as a result of the hectic holidays, amid the flurry and excitement of opening presents and the shrieks of joy, similar dolls began lurking in our children’s toy boxes. While we weren’t looking, Junior’s toy box may have become a tinderbox of terrorism and foreign intrigue. The following warning signals might indicate if singing and dancing terrorist figures have found their way into your home and are influencing your children when you’re not around. The signs might also determine whether a flashing orange light on top of your roof should call for heightened security in your neighborhood. The first indication of trouble might be when unusual accumulations of sand, resembling miniature desert dunes, are found at the bottom of your child’s toy box. Barbie dolls, in fact all of the girl dolls, are covered from head to toe with black burkas. Skimpy doll clothes, such as Malibu Barbie’s two-piece bikini, are inexplicably missing. The G.I. Joe dolls have lost their usual smiles and now have grim, determined looks on their little doll faces and real ammunition in their guns. For some unaccountable reason, your two-year-old can’t say his name, but he knows all of the words to the old Iraqi national anthem, "Al-Salam Al-Jamhouri." Your small children know how to dance the "attan", once very popular in Afghanistan. When your toddler has a temper tantrum, he shakes his fist and calls you a "capitalist infidel." Tiny towers, made with Tinker Toys and resembling oil rigs, are scattered over the floors of your home. Your small son, who is even forbidden to cross a street without an adult present, announces that he would like camels for his next birthday and you have a strong suspicion he’s not talking about a brand of cigarettes. Last but not least, he tells you that if you can’t come up with camels, his second choice would be a dead goat for the Afghan game of "buzkashi." During the course of the game, a dead goat is thrown into a ditch and hundreds of male players on horseback try to grab the goat and carry it to a goal. It’s sort of a cross between American football and working for an animal rendering business. The truly terrifying part of that request would be having the parents look up from their newspapers and automatically respond, "Whatever, son. Just keep up those grades."

10 years ago (1993)"St. Cloud magician Greg Kahler presented his show to Hills-Beaver Creek Elementary students on Wednesday. He used several students in his act, including little Ashley Kroon. Kahler has been in the business for 10 years and performs during the summer with his children."25 years ago (1978)"Mrs. Nyla Reker was officially sworn in on Dec. 2 as a part-time postal clerk at the Beaver Creek Post Office. Mrs. Reker will be working mostly on Saturday mornings and when the postmaster, Merlin Wynia, is on vacation."50 years ago (1953)"Work was started this week on the new home in Hills, as a basement was being dug for Ida Sexe. Site of the new home will be on the lot between Emma Rye and Morton Nelson homes. Digging operations were quite good up until Tuesday afternoon, when it got very cold, workmen said. Work will be continued in the home providing the cement block work can be done."75 years ago (1928)"The Rock County 4-H Club consisting of all of the officers of the five general 4-H Clubs, namely the Snappy 4-H Club of Kenneth; Happy Harvesters of Magnolia; Royal Purple of Luverne; Willing Workers of Beaver Creek; and Blue Ribbon Club of Hills met at the home of the president, Wayva Baustian of Hardwick, on Friday evening, Dec. 28.The purpose of the meeting was to receive reports of the year and elect officers for 1929. Wayva Baustian presided at the meeting. Reports were given by the secretary, Thelmar Lien, Beaver Creek, and treasurer, Lloyd Ellsworth."100 years ago (1903)"Rural Free Delivery Inspector J.F. Elston, Newark N.J., was here Monday and in company with the postmaster, went over the proposed Steen route. A change was made so the route will be 28 1/2 miles with 102 families to serve. It will probably be in operation the first part of March."

MINUTES OF THE TRUTH-IN-TAXATION MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILDECEMBER 9, 2003 – 6:00 P.M.Mayor Jim Jellema called the Truth-in-Taxation meeting to order with the following members present: Mayor Jim Jellema, Councilmen-Linus Svoboda, Keith Elbers, Dana Dahlquist, and Arlen Leenderts. Employees present: Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer; and Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk. No guests attended the Truth-in-Taxation meeting.Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Elbers to schedule the public hearing to certify the final 2004 property tax levy for Wednesday, December 10th at 6:00 P.M.No further discussion, meeting adjourned at 6:30 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(12-31)

MINUTES OF THE HILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYDECEMBER 8, 2003Dana Dahlquist, President of the Hills EDA called the meeting to order at 6:45 P.M. Board present: Dana Dahlquist, Jim Jellema, Keith Elbers, and Linus Svoboda. Absent: Arlen Leenderts. Employees present: Connie Wiertzema, EDA Secretary and Joanne Goehle, EDA Treasurer. Guest present: Brenda Winter-Hills Crescent. Elbers requested a change in the November 11th minutes. Motion by Jellema, seconded by Svoboda to approve of the minutes with the following correction, that the Board agreed to have All States Realty sell and set-up an association for forming condos, along with the EDA’s attorney. Motion carried. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Jellema to approve payment of the November expenditures. Motion carried. The Board approved of the Treasurer’s report.Elbers informed the Board that construction on Lot 5 in Park View Fourth Addition may be delayed until spring due to weather conditions. The Board discussed the possibility of a lot line discrepancy between Lot 3 in Park View Fourth Addition and the baseball field. Dakota Land Surveying will relocate pins and confirm findings to the Board. Elbers informed the Board that paperwork has been initiated to sell Southern Hills Apartments as condos, and to form an association for such. No further business, meeting adjourned at 6:53 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaEDA Secretary(12-31)

MINUTES OF A PUBLIC HEARING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILDECEMBER 10, 2003 – 6:00 P.M.Mayor Jim Jellema called this public hearing to order at 6:00 P.M., with the following members present: Mayor Jim Jellema, Councilmen-Linus Svoboda and Keith Elbers. Council absent: Arlen Leenderts and Dana Dahlquist. Employees present: Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer and Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk. The public hearing was held in order to approve of the City’s final levy for year 2004. No guests attended this hearing.Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Elbers to adopt the City’s final property tax levy for year 2004 in the amount of $50,016. Motion carried. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to adjourn at 6:12 P.M. Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(12-31)

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILDECEMBER 8, 2003 – 6:00 P.M.Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order with the following Council members present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, Keith Elbers and Dana Dahlquist. Absent: Councilman Arlen Leenderts. Employees present: Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer, Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk; and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guest present: Brenda Winter-Hills Crescent.Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Elbers to approve of the November 11th minutes, with a correction in the description for an access easement. The easement does not angle to the alley, but from the southwest corner of Kelly’s Roadhouse Bar go south for a width of 15’ and straight west to the alley. Also, pay out any accumulated vacation prior to 2003, at the 2002 wage; and any current years accumulated vacation at the 2003 wage. Payments to be made by December 31st. Motion carried. TREASURER’S REPORT:Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to approve payment of the November expenditures: General $5,717.62; Park $1,484.20; Fire $2,289.30; Street $2,482.38; Legion $681.76; Barbershop $35.34; Sewer $1,503.76; Garbage $1,824.58; Recycling $458.00; Water $4,749.44; Baseball $69.55; Softball $0.00; Civil Defense $0.00. Motion carried.General Checking 34,413.01General Fund CD#17947, 2.5%, 12/2/03 234,392.53General Fund CD#$17760, 2.5%, 3/15/05 20,477.61Sewer Fund CD#18171, 1.0%, 1/18/04 30,070.57Fire Truck Replacement Fund CD#17710, 1.75%, 1/13/04 20,051.31Hills EDA Security Deposit Account 1,964.56Hills EDA Checking 4,308.28Southern Hills Apts. Account 5,716.66Southern 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 10,538.57EDA CD#18160, 1.5%, 10/17/04 20,000.00TOTAL 415,015.93Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to file a lien against the owner of a mobile home for past due utilities. Motion carried. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to approve of the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried. Christmas tree pickup is scheduled for January 5th – 9th. Trees must be placed at the curb. After January 9th, residents are responsible for hauling trees to the compost pile. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to adopt a Resolution Amending the City’s Elderly Housing Revenue Note, for the Tuff Assisted Living Apartments. The City is not financially obligated, but the City’s passage of this Resolution is necessary in order for the Tuff Home to have their interest rate reduced on a Note from 6.50% to 4.50%. Dahlquist abstained. Motion carried. The Council discussed complaints regarding the speed of snowmobiles in the ditch between Rebecca Avenue and County Highway Six. These complaints have been reported to the Rock County Sheriff’s office. The Council passed a Resolution regarding fines for picking up dogs that habitually run at large. The first offense is $25. Thereafter, the fines double for each offense that a dog is picked up by the City.Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Elbers to approve of building permits for Derek Bundesen and Rodney Verhey for new home constructions, and to waive water and sewer tapping fees. Motion carried. The Council discussed an inquiry for the City to sell the empty lot north of the hardware store for the construction of a pole building, in comparison to the appearance of the newer existing buildings. The Council tabled discussion until the January meeting. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Elbers to begin charging Ryan Burgers $10 a month rent, for allowing his mobile home on city-owned property located at the end of South Church Avenue. Motion carried.The City’s Truth-in-Taxation meeting is scheduled for December 9th at 6:00 P.M. Remind the Fire Department to replace the flag at the fire hall.Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to adjourn at 6:45 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(12-31)

Rodney J. Stroh, 62, Beaver Creek, formerly of rural Rock County, died Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, in his home.Services were Saturday, Dec. 27, at Palisade Lutheran Church in rural Rock County. The Rev. Ray Heidenson officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne. Rodney Stroh was born to Jerry and Effie (Anderson) Stroh on July 17, 1941, in Luverne Township, rural Rock County. He attended country school in District 4 West, Luverne Township. He graduated from Luverne High School in 1959. He married Dorothea "Dottie" Sandstede on July 3, 1963. After their marriage, the couple lived on a hobby farm west of Luverne where they raised cows and chickens. The couple later divorced. He was self-employed in the construction business. Mr. Stroh was a member of Palisades Lutheran Church, rural Rock County. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting, bowling and gardening. Survivors include his three children, Debbie (Sam) Kruger, Beaver Creek, Brian (Janelle) Stroh and Paula Stroh, all of Lakeville; four grandchildren, Austin and Emily Kruger, and Connor and Logan Stroh; two brothers, Dave (Judy) Stroh, and Harold (Carol) Stroh, all of Luverne; one sister, Helen Biren, Owatonna; and several nieces and nephews.Mr. Stroh was preceded in death by his parents.Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

Doris Lillian Skillman, 91, Sioux Falls, S.D., died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls. Funeral services were Saturday, Dec. 27, at Augustana Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Doris Swanson was born to Andrew and Esther Matilda (Nelson) Swanson on Feb. 28, 1912, in Valley Springs, S.D.She was the sister of the late Art Swanson of Hills.

Valoris Engebretson, 78, Luverne, died Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at her home under hospice care. Services were Saturday, Dec. 27, at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. The Rev. Gary Klatt officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne. Valoris June Reinke was born to Benard and Martha (Greenfield) Reinke on June 14, 1925, in Burchard. She was baptized on June 21, 1925, in Balaton. She attended country school in Burchard. She graduated from high school in Balaton. She continued her education in nurse’s training in Minneapolis.She married Norman W. Engebretson on June 29, 1946, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tyler. After finishing college the couple moved to Luverne. Mr. Engebretson served his apprenticeship with Smith Funeral Home in Luverne for two years. He became manager of the Rock County Burial Association on July 1, 1949. They later bought the business on June 1, 1953. In 1969, they began construction of the present day Engebretson Funeral Home which was completed in 1970. She helped her husband in all facets of the funeral business. Mrs. Engebretson was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. She served on many Circles and the Guild. She taught Sunday School and was a Stephen Minister. She belonged to Mrs. Jaycee’s and the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority since 1955 and a member of the Order of the Rose and Silver Circle. She enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, gardening and was an avid reader. Survivors include three sons, Dan (Nancy) Engebretson, Rosemount, David (Andrea) Engebretson, St. Louis, Mo., and Mark Engebretson, West Palm Beach, Fla.; two daughters, Jane Engebretson, Roseville, and Mary (Keith) Gunderson, Canton, S.D.; five grandchildren, Ali de Kock, Nathan Engebretson, Michael Wynia, Katie Gunderson, and Elyse Engebretson; one brother, Kenneth (Marie) Reinke, Colorado Springs, Colo.; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. Mrs. Engebretson was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Norman, on Sept. 27, 1995. A tree will be planted by Hospice of Luverne Community Hospital in memory of Valoris. Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge in arrangements.