By John RittenhouseThe Hills-Beaver Creek girls’ basketball team broke into the win column in Red Rock Conference play by defeating Murray County Central 57-52 in Hills Thursday.The Patriots played an outstanding defensive game against the Rebels and that proved to be the main reason why H-BC was able to snap a three-game losing skid.H-BC threw full-court pressure at MCC, which coughed up the ball 25 times in the game compared with H-BC’s 12 turnovers in the contest."Their turnovers were the deciding factor in the game," said Patriot coach Tom Goehle. "They beat us on the glass, but we did a tremendous job of putting pressure on them all night. The turnover differential is what won the ballgame for us."H-BC sported a 13-12 lead after eight minutes of play before increasing the difference to two points (29-27) by halftime.Patriot senior Erin Boeve led a 20-14 third-quarter assault on the Rebels by scoring 12 of her team-high 14 points in a period that ended with the hosts boasting a 49-41 advantage.The Patriots led by as many as 12 points in the fourth quarter before MCC rallied late in the stanza to pull within four points (56-52) of the hosts. H-BC capped the scoring with a late free throw.Boeve and Amanda Olson led H-BC on the boards with nine and seven rebounds.Cassi Tilstra charted a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists in the game. She also had a team-high five steals. Brittney Rozeboom added four steals to the winning cause.H-BC was scheduled to play in Pipestone Monday andhost Southwest Christian Tuesday, but both games were postponed. The H-BC-SWC game will be played Monday, while the H-BC-Pipestone contest will be played Feb. 23.The Patriots will host Edgerton Public Friday.Box scoreRozeboom 3 0 1-2 7, Fransman 1 0 0-0 2, Bush 0 1 1-2 4, Sandstede 3 0 0-0 6, Tilstra 2 1 3-6 10, Hoyme 0 0 0-0 0, Boeve 6 0 2-3 14, Olson 1 0 0-0 2, Mulder 5 0 2-2 12.Team statisticsH-BC: 23 of 51 field goals (45 percent), nine of 15 free throws (60 percent), 37 rebounds, 12 turnovers.MCC: 19 of 44 field goals (43 percent), 13 of 30 free throws (43 percent), 42 rebounds, 25 turnovers.

Hills-Beaver Creek junior Tom LeBoutillier drives to the basket in front of Ellsworth?s Lee Farrell during Monday?s boys? basketball game in Hills. H-BC secured a 72-65 win over the Panthers to up their season record to 4-0.By John RittenhouseA winter storm outside couldn?t match the intensity inside the Hills-Beaver Creek High School gym Monday, where the H-BC Patriots squared off against Ellsworth in a boys? basketball showdown.H-BC and Ellsworth, two of the area?s top teams, met in an early-season game between two friendly rivals.For now, H-BC owns bragging rights over the Panthers by handing the state runners-up from last season a 72-65 setback at the end of a competitive game.The win ups H-BC?s record to 4-0. Ellsworth slips to 1-3 with the loss.H-BC got off to a fast start by scoring the first five points of the opening quarter before sporting a six-point lead (9-3) after Trey Van Wyhe connected for a field goal at the 4:41 mark of the period.The Panthers whittled H-BC?s lead down to three points twice, but a late surge by the hosts, capped by a field goal from Tyler Bush with five seconds remaining, gave H-BC a 24-15 advantage at period?s end.Tom LeBoutillier gave the Patriots a 12-point advantage (27-15) when he converted a three-point play early in the second period.Ellsworth, however, countered with a 20-4 run that ended with Adam Sieff converting a three-point play with 1:21 remaining in the first half to give the Panthers a 35-31 edge.H-BC answered with a field goal by Van Wyhe before Zach Wysong drained a three-point shot at the buzzer to give the Patriots a 36-35 lead at the intermission.The Patriots opened the third quarter with an 11-0 run that ended with them opening a 47-35 lead when Kale Wiertzema nailed a field goal at the 4:30 mark of the period.H-BC led by 13 (55-41) when Van Wyhe converted a three-point play with 1:17 left in the quarter, but three-point shots by Ellsworth?s Todd Alberty and Sieff in the final minute of the period made it a 56-47.Alberty hit a three at the 2:30 mark of the fourth quarter to bring the Panthers within five points (66-61) of H-BC for the second time in the quarter. H-BC?s Wiertzema, Wysong and Tyler Bush made two free throws each to ice the game for the Patriots.Wiertzema scored 26 points, pulled down six rebounds and passed for six assists for the winners. Van Wyhe added 12 points and nine rebounds to the winning cause. Bush added 11 points and nine assists.Alberty led the Panthers with 26 points and 14 rebounds. Sieff scored 11 points and recorded six assists. Lee Farrell netted 13 points and Brian Gacke charted eight rebounds for EHS.The Patriots host Fulda tonight before playing at Edgerton Public Monday. Ellsworth hosts Dawson-Boyd tonight and Sioux Valley-Round Lake-Brewster Monday.Box scoreEllsworthJanssen 4 0 0-0 8, Schilling 0 0 0-0 0, Sieff 3 1 2-2 11, Alberty 5 4 4-4 26, Herman 1 0 0-0 2, Gacke 1 0 3-6 5, Farrell 2 3 0-0 13.H-BCBush 3 0 5-6 11, Wysong 1 1 2-5 7, Broesder 0 1 1-2 4, Wiertzema 5 4 5-6 26, Van Wyhe 5 0 2-4 12, Spykerboer 2 0 0-0 4, LeBoutillier 3 0 2-3 8.Team statisticsEllsworth: 24 of 54 field goals (44 percent), 13 of 21 free throws (62 percent), 34 rebounds, 10 turnovers.H-BC: 25 of 63 field goals (40 percent), 16 of 26 free throws (62 percent), 28 rebounds, eight turnovers.

10 years ago (1993)"Luverne will see tenants at the Minnesota Veterans Nursing Home within about six weeks, according to Rich Zierdt of the Minnesota Veterans Nursing Home Board. Home Administrator Pam Barrows said plans are to open the facility to patients during the last week of January.Part of the start-up procedure for the nursing home involves awarding many contracts for services. The contract for physician?s services at the local nursing home has been awarded to Dr. Nate Rud, Luverne, who practices in Adrian."25 years ago (1978)"City of Luverne employees will receive an eight percent cost of living increase in 1979. The salary increase is an across-the-board adjustment, in addition to range or merit raises.All hourly city employees received an increase of $.32 an hour for 1978. The increase was based on 6.5 percent of the average employee wage, at that time $4.97 an hour."50 years ago (1953)"A newspaper, giving an account of the death of president George Washington, is on display in the Star Herald window. It was issued at Kingston, N.Y., on January 4, 1800 and is owned by Hans T. Kvaas, Luverne, who has had it framed to preserve it. Also in the frame are several small flags with only 13 stars in the blue field, like those made at the time there were only 13 colonies."75 years ago (1928)"Rock County?s 4-H livestock judging team, composed of Magnus Christensen, Miss Olga Kolsrud and Joseph Thorin, who had the honor of representing Minnesota in the national contest at the Chicago International Livestock Exposition, ranked ninth in swine judging and seventeenth in final placing."100 years ago (1903)"Ray Parriott has retired from the firm of Schwartz & Parriott, the dissolution of partnership taking effect Friday, and E.C. Schwartz is now the sole proprietor. Watson Van Sickle will remain with Mr. Schwartz and the business will be conducted in the future on the same general lines as before."

DISTRICT COURTPROBATE DIVISIONFIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICTNOTICE AND ORDER OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORSSTATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKESTATE OF Melvin J. Wynia, a/k/a Melvin Wynia DECEDENTIt is Ordered and Notice is given that on January 5, 2004 at 9:00 (a.m.) a hearing will be held in this Court at the Rock County Courthouse, 204 East Brown, Luverne, Minnesota, for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of Decedent, dated August 15, 1994 and codicil (N/A) to the will dated N/A, and separate writing (N/A) under Minn. Stat. 524.2-513 ("Will"), and for the appointment of Arlene Wynia whose address is: 1210 N. Linden, Luverne, Minnesota 56156 as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in a SUPERVISED administration. Any objections to the petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the Estate, including the power to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the Estate. Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred. /s/ Timothy K. Connell 12/10/03Timothy K. Connell Judge Date/s/ Sandra L. Vrtacnik 12/10/03Sandra L. Vrtacnik Court Administrator DateAttorney For Personal RepresentativeDonald R. KlosterbuerSkewes, Klosterbuer & Vajgrt, L.L.P.120 N. McKenzieBox 538Luverne, MN 56156-0538Telephone 507 283-9111Attorney License #56674(12-18, 12-24)

Law Library 9:00 A.M.Rock County Courthouse December 02, 2003Chair Boyenga called the meeting to order with all Commissioners present. Motion by Bakken, seconded by Jarchow, to approve the December 2, 2003 County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Hoime, to approve the November 18, 2003 County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Bakken, to approve the following consent agenda items, declared carried on a voice vote. 1. FSA Contract 107-790-03 with Elder Care Services Inc., to provide Case Management services to one Medical Assistance CADI client; effective 12/1/03 ? 6/30/04.Randy Ehlers, Family Services Agency Director, presented information regarding the Food Support Enhanced Funding Grant; Rock County FSA was notified that they were to receive a grant for $5,841.72. Mr. Ehlers requested authorization to use that money to fund the additional .2 FTE for Financial Worker services through December 31, 2005; motion by Wildung, seconded Hoime, to authorize the .2 FTE Financial Worker through December 31, 2005, declared carried on a voice vote. Mr. Ehlers stated that they would be meeting with Pipestone County to discuss the Collaborative and the possibility of merging the Rock County and Pipestone County Collaboratives. A Mental Health Consortium meeting will be in Redwood on Friday, December 5th; motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken to name Randy Ehlers as the Rock County delegate to the Southwestern Mental Health Consortium, declared carried on a voice vote.Randy Ehlers also supplied the County Board with a Financial Worker statistical sheet from 1992 to present; the board thanked him for his efforts in preparing the document. Terrie Gulden, Heartland Express Transit Director, presented a departmental operational manual; motion by Wildung, seconded by Jarchow, to adopt the manual, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board thanked Mr. Gulden for his efforts. Mr. Gulden also stated that he was notified of a slight increase in grant funding in 2004 and that the monies will stay in the Heartland Express budget. Linda Bakken and Nancy Kaczrowksi led a discussion regarding the SHARE program. Last year they served 500 individuals (145 families) in providing food, clothing and toys during the holiday season. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Jarchow, to enter into a contract for 2004 with Jere Ohme for County Recording services, declared carried on a voice vote. Resolution No. 41-03, establishing the Minnesota Service Cooperatives VEBA Plan and Trust and Health Reimbursement Arrangement for Active Employees, was approved on a motion by Jarchow, seconded by Wildung, and declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board was informed that on Friday, December 5th was the Township Annual meeting. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to change the Section 125 Plan administrator of Secure Benefits Systems, Inc. to MII Life, declared carried on a voice vote. Gloria Rolfs, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims with an additional claim of $384.70 payable to Heartland Technologies, Commissioner?s Per Diems of $140.00, and an affidavit of lost warrant number #44362 for $125.00; motion by Wildung, seconded Jarchow, to pay the claims with the additional warrant and per diems, declared carried on a voice vote. A complete listing of the claims is available by request at the Auditor/Treasurer?s office. General $18,253.72LEC 1,059.43Road & Bridge 17,034.15Welfare 30,516.90Landfill 251.96TOTAL $67,116.16Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to accept the fund balance report, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Jarchow, to issue lost warrant payment (#44589) to Anoka Technical College for $125.00, declared carried on a voice vote.The Auditor Treasurer presented the following resolutions regarding tax forfeited properties requesting the state and cities municipalities to classify the identified properties as conservatory land and offer them up for sale; motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to approve the following resolutions, declared carried on a voice vote. oResolution No. 42-03, tax forfeited property located in Lot 1, Kitterman?s Addition to the Unincorporated Village of Ash Creek oResolution No. 43-03, tax forfeited property located in Lot 9 of Block 1 to Sybesma Subdivision to the City of Luverne oResolution No. 44-03, tax forfeited property located in Lot 14 in Block 1 to Sybesma Subdivision to the City of Luverne oResolution No. 45-03, tax forfeited property located in the SE 1/4 of 26-104-44Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Bakken to declare the following equipment listing from Family Services a surplus, declared carried on a voice vote. o#1046 ? 4 drawer Hon legal size file o#1950 ? Computer center o#2174 ? Computer workstation o#2175 ? Computer workstationThere was a brief discussion regarding service fees; motion by Hoime, seconded by Jarchow, to table the fee structure until the December 16 County Board meeting. Eric Hartman, Land Management Office Director and Joel Carlson, Consultant for the Lyon County Regional Landfill presented a number of issues pertaining to solid waste and flow control and specific discussions regarding solids as it relates to the Waste to Energy Facility in Redwood Falls. The County Board took no action. Holli Arp, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, presented a revised Memorandum of Understanding agreement between Rock County and the University of Minnesota; motion by Bakken, seconded by Hoime, to approve the agreement, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to allocate 25% Collaborative duties time to the Office Manager position at Extension to include a quarterly review for the first year on the services provided, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Bakken, seconded by Hoime, to approve a Memorandum of Intent with the University of Minnesota to provide Nutrition Education Program services, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Jarchow, to approve an amendment to the Swimming Pool agreement as well as terminate the Ambulance agreement with the City of Luverne, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board directed the Administrator to draft a response to be sent to the City of Luverne requesting that the Assessing contract be amended to reflect $35,700 for one year for assessing services in 2004, and to review and meet prior to the June 20, 2004 to negotiate a new long term agreement. The County Board briefly discussed the policy regarding municipal fines pertaining to city functions and took no action. The County Board appreciated the efforts of staff members who prepared reports for the December 1st City/County joint meeting. Commissioner Jarchow briefly discussed RSVP and their financial position; the County Board took no action. With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was declared adjourned. Ron Boyenga, Chairman of the BoardATTEST:Kyle J. Oldre, Clerk to the Board(12-18)

ORDINANCE NO. 255, THIRD SERIES.AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF REAL ESTATE(Lots 2 and 3, Block 1, Veteran?s Addition) THE CITY OF LUVERNE DOES HEREBY ORDAIN:SECTION 1. Pursuant to City Charter, Section 12.05, the City Council is authorized to sell or convey the following described real estate located in the City of Luverne, County of Rock, State of Minnesota, described as follows, to-wit:Lot Two (2) and Lot Three (3), in Block One (1), Veteran?s Addition to the City of Luverne, Rock County, Minnesotato Sioux Valley Regional Health Services, dba Luverne Community Hospital. SEC. 2. The Mayor and City Administrator are hereby authorized and directed to execute such legal documents as are necessary to accomplish this sale and are further authorized to execute and deliver a warranty deed to the property upon complete fulfillment of all terms and conditions.(12-18)

It seems like the Star Herald?s editorial page goes through ebbs and tides ? many good letters to the editor and then all of a sudden, none.I love it when our readers are brave enough to express their opinions on our pages. I congratulate those who do, even if I don?t agree with their message. Just for the record, I really dislike the letters that have more innuendo than substance, and use sarcasm rather than just state their point. Newspapers aren?t supposed to make readers work that hard to understand, and nobody likes to spend their time reading deeply between the lines. I?ve compiled excerpts from my favorite letters published in 2003. These are well-written letters that clearly state an opinion and show us the true purpose of an editorial page:
I always thought the Christmas season went at least through New Year?s Day. How come the Luverne city crews took the Christmas decorations along Highway 75 down the day after Christmas? What kind of impression does this give to the many, many cars going north and south as well as local residents? Betty IvelandLuverne
I also find it ironic that Mr. Sandbulte and the Republican Party are opposed to abortions, but clearly don?t care about the American people without: health insurance, medications, food, homes and jobs; and then they still claim to be Pro-Life. They are willing to give the wealthy every tax break in the book but won?t spend a nickel to take care of their own citizens. They are just Pro-Birth, NOT Pro-Life!George Gronholz Luverne
Our pool/fitness center will be adding new dry land equipment to open new options for exercise. We would like to challenge the pool/fitness center administration and management to create new options for water exercise. Linda Bakken, Elaine Harms, Connie Wieneke. Tara Block, Jenny Braa, Harveen Gluf, Suzanne Gluf, Marge Harms, Kathleen Jacobsma, Bonita Jacobsma, Karen Jarchow, Karla Kvaale, Tonya Light, Stephanie Morgan, Deb Vogt
The recent traffic crash that took the lives of four teenagers from the Worthington area was a tragedy. It is made more tragic by the fact that the losses would probably have been prevented through the use of seatbelts. Sadly, this crash underscores and continues a long pattern of teenage traffic fatalities in Minnesota ? for the last several years, traffic crashes have been the leading cause of deaths among teens in our state. Kathy Swanson
The worn out policies of the DFL have done nothing more than enslave and create dependents out of those less fortunate. DFL is like Robin Hood, stealing for those who have to give to those who have not, but the truth is, Robin Hood is still a thief!Rev. Jeffrey A. LeeBlaine
Now that the issue with Mike Gangestad has been resolved, I think that somebody should be looking into the supervisor of the utility department, Red Arndt.He (Red) seems to always be able to point a finger at someone else when something goes wrong, but when all is well, Red is the first to take credit for it. ? What this position requires is someone to be available when needed ? because it could be and can be deadly. By the way, what kind of qualifications does a person in Red?s position need? Wouldn?t you need an electrician?s license, lineman?s license and be a people person (someone who listens to the residents of Luverne and his employees?)Gary Shamatt, Luverne
I thought it was a misprint in last week?s news article that stated Mr. Hylen is getting a $40,000 plus severance package (wages, insurance, sick leave, vacation pay). Can this be true? A mediator just found him to be in the wrong in regard to firing Mike Gangestad, which in turn will cost this city more than anyone will ever know. It kind of makes me wonder why the City Council would be so forgiving and just let him leave his job without any reprimand. This almost seems like a reward for a job done poorly.Lee BittermanLuverne
It is with great dismay that I have watched the events unfold in Luverne in the past few weeks. With the departure of Matt Hylen as our administrator, we have lost a talented and enthusiastic worker for Luverne.First, let it be understood that a binding arbitrator?s decision carries weight only because both parties agree to abide by the decision. ? Secondly, it should be no secret to anyone that Mayor Gust has wanted to get rid of Mr. Hylen from the beginning of his term. Why? Because Mr. Hylen did his job in putting together the Jubilee Tax Increment Project which citizen Gust opposed and which he now occupies.Jim KirchhoferLuverne
This is the third year that Fledgling Field will have alfalfa growing there.I was told, after the first year, that it wouldn?t be there the next year. Well, that didn?t happen and it?s still there. ? Let?s make Fledgling Field a park for children or build a funeral home.Karen MartensLuverne
The other day I called our local radio station to request a song by the Country music group, "The Dixie Chicks." I was told that they could not play any Dixie Chicks songs. ?For you that are unaware of what this is all about, let me explain. Some months ago the group, The Dixie Chicks, made a statement about Bush. ? After that remark, virtually all of the radio stations in the country stopped playing their music. So much for freedom of speech.I read just recently where a woman in Iraq was jailed for making negative remarks about Saddam Hussein. Well now, what makes that country so different from ours? She was jailed, the Dixie Chicks are being put out of business. Sounds quite similar to me.Leroy HeerenLuverne
Rock County seems to want to discourage growth. When the Chairman of the County Planning and Zoning Board said he doesn?t like to see housing developments, one mile outside the city limits of Luverne, that is not a good omen. ? There are many building sites in Rock County overlooking the beautiful Rock River Valley. Many of these sites are on marginal land which has poorer productive capabilities. ?These strict interpretations of the zoning laws are just discouraging growth in Rock County. Gene AshbyRural Luverne
Is the council that afraid of listening to concerns that we, the public, have on staff reduction and other budget cuts that they are proposing? I thought the council was elected to listen to our concerns. Apparently, I was wrong.Troy ThoneLuverne
The new Sioux Valley Hospital in Luverne will be good for business and employ up to 230 people. But before the area people dig out their hard-earned donations for the fund-raisers aimed at raising $1 million, I hope Sioux Valley will publish the yearly pay of its Top 10 highest-paid executives. Marvin KroontjeMagnolia
I was so saddened by the tragic news of the death of Randy Scott of Hardwick. Randy was my childhood friend and I have many happy memories of those innocent days in the ?60s.? It?s not too late for Congressman Janklow to live up to his actions and forfeit his office since he no longer deserves the public?s support, respect and confidence.Bruce W. "Buzz" AndersonEagan

I know you are all sitting on the edge of your chairs waiting to find out who has been named "Library Patron of the Year." As you may know, this distinction is awarded to a patron who has demonstrated an unselfish dedication to making the library a better place for all citizens. Well, the wait is over. Library Patron of the Year for 2003 is awarded to Karen Martens! She has graciously assisted librarians in organizing the newspaper rack. On occasion she has generously donated her time in arranging the videos that less-considerate library patrons have left in disarray. She has supported the library financially by promptly paying her overdue fines. And most important, she uses the library on a regular basis. Under normal circumstances there is no prize awarded for this coveted mark of distinction. The honor of being named "Library Patron of the Year" should be reward enough. However, this year we are starting a new tradition. Any individual who is deemed worthy by the library staff to receive this sought-after tribute shall heretofore be bestowed with a $10 Library Overdue-Fines Gift Card. It works this way. If you return five books three days late, you get charged $.10 per day per book. So, you owe the library a penalty fee of $1.50. If you are fortunate enough to have a Library Overdue-Fines Gift Card, you present it to the librarian and she will clear your personal library card of the $1.50 and make a notation on the Fine Gift Card that you now have $8.50 left to fritter away on late book fees. I know everyone will want a Library Overdue-Fines Gift Card, but just remember, you have to earn it. We will not tolerate any attempt at bribery. You may be too busy to read right before Christmas, but make note of this new book by Colleen McCullough (author of the "Thornbirds") "The Touch." Alexander Kinross, remembered in his native Scotland as a shiftless boilermaker's apprentice and a godless rebel. But when, years later, he writes from Australia to summon his bride, his Scottish relatives quickly realize that he has made a fortune in the gold fields and is now a man to be reckoned with. Arriving in Sydney after a difficult voyage, the 16-year-old Elizabeth Drummond meets her husband-to-be and discovers to her dismay that he frightens and repels her. Offered no choice, she marries him and is whisked at once across a wild, uninhabited countryside to Alexander's own town, named Kinross, after himself. In the crags above it lies the world's richest gold mine. Isolated in Alexander's great house, with no company save Chinese servants, Elizabeth has no idea that he still has a mistress, the tough, outspoken Ruby Costevan, nor that he has also made Ruby a partner in his company. Ruby has a son, Lee, who becomes dear to Alexander, and fosters his education as a gentleman. Captured by the very different natures of Elizabeth and Ruby, Alexander resolves to have both of them. Although Ruby loves Alexander desperately, Elizabeth does not. Elizabeth bears him two daughters: the brilliant Nell, so much like her father; and the beautiful, haunting Anna, who causes her father a torment from which he cannot escape. Thwarted in his desire for a son, Alexander turns to Ruby's boy as a possible heir to his empire, unaware that he is courting disaster. Alert: The library will be closing on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 1 p.m. and will be closed on Christmas Day.

Newspapers in early Rock CountyThe following is taken from the Rose History printed in 1911:At the date of the publication of this volume six weekly newspapers are published in Rock County namely: Rock County Herald at Luverne by the estate of the late J.J. Miller, A.O. Moreaux, editor and manager; Luverne Journal by R.J. Ross, managing editor; Magnolia Advance by I.M. Cady, Beaver Creek Banner by H.H. Peters, Hills Crescent by A.A. Hanson, and Hardwick Star by W.R. Minard. Only these six journals survive out of total of 19 that have been founded since the newspaper history of Rock County began. Of the 19, seven were county seat journals, the Herald, Gazette, Times, Democrat, News, Journal and Western Literary Journal; five were published at Beaver Creek, the Graphic, Bee, News-Letter, Magnet and Banner; one, the Crescent, at Hills; three, the Citizen, Advance and Initiator, at Magnolia; the News and Star at Hardwick; and the Pioneer at Kenneth. The period of life of these papers varied from a few weeks to 38 years. In pioneer communities of the west the establishment of the first paper was always an item of great importance. A new settlement required a champion, and not until the settlement boasted a news journal was its permanency assured. After the founding of the pioneer journal it became "our paper" to all the residents ? an institution in which to take pride ? and everybody assumed the duty of seeing that it was properly supported. Sentiment entered largely into the new enterprise, and it has seldom occurred that the pioneer paper did not have a long life of usefulness. Notable examples locally are the Rock County Herald, Windom Reporter, Jackson Republic, Worthington Advance and Pipestone County Star. 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.