They were both seen in different towns miles apart, but they were signs of changing times in rural America. They advertised wonderfully strange and unusual business combinations I had never seen before. The roadside signs — tangible proof that business diversification is thriving — were sighted during recent trips I made through southwest Minnesota and northeast Iowa. The Minnesota sign stood alone on a vacant lot near the outskirts of town. It was a no-nonsense announcement, printed in bold, black letters on a white background — COMING SOON: TRUCK-CAR-PET WASH. A sign like that has a way of stirring up anyone’s imagination. The truck-car-pet wash business might be a complex plan, with one section of a building set aside for each washing specialty. Or it could merely require placing a family pet in the front seat of a vehicle and leaving the windows down during the wash, rinse and spotless spray cycles. It’s possible the owners of the new business don’t see the vehicle-pet wash plan as cruelty to animals. On a much higher level, they envision it as a water theme park for pets. The new business combination might be the end result of a small business loan issued to a married couple with two very different ideas of how the money should be spent. Car wash or pet wash? Why not both? Perhaps they recalled the time they inadvertently left a car with one window down and their adorable pet dog to the ravages of a totally automatic car wash during one of their vacations. "Feel free to leave your car and have a cup of coffee, folks," the car wash attendant had told them. "Your car will move automatically through our state-of-the-art wash and will be towel-dried by our attendants at the other side of the building. " The couple can still recall the moment, halfway through the car’s soap cycle and halfway through their coffees, when they remembered Muffy. By the time they raced along the enclosed walkway to the other side of the car wash, screaming and leaving knocked-over customers and broken coffee cups in their wake, they fully expected to find their miniature dachshund either drowned or traumatized. Instead, they found an exuberantly happy, tail-wagging Muffy, cleaner than he had ever been before. Many businesses must begin with similar inspirations. Perhaps that couple in southwest Minnesota can only dream about the days they will pore over plans for future business expansions. There might be combination washes for both vehicles and their drivers. Entire families could be showered and buffed with special family rates. The only problem now is finding a name suitable for a business that washes both vehicles and pets. He suggested "Car-Pet Wash", but she thinks that sounds like a place that cleans floor coverings. Business decisions can be difficult. The Iowa sign reading, FOR SALE — MONUMENTS AND SATELLITE DISHES, was surrounded by granite cemetery markers with blank spaces for names and dates and TV satellite dishes of every imaginable size. It seemed natural to think about the similarities of the customers in need of the two products, which were sold side by side. Customers eventually languish peacefully under both the monuments and the dishes. Both products mark the final resting places of people who appear dead or nearly dead below them. With blank eyes staring off into space and mouths slightly agape, it might be difficult to tell the difference. "Look at Aunt Harriet lying there. She looks so alive!" "Turn off the TV. Dad looks like he’s dead to the world." Grave monuments and satellite dishes are permanent and capable of withstanding any type of inclement weather, year after year. Once they’re installed, they’re rarely removed. They’re a perfect sales combination.

Villagers woke up Sunday morning to screaming sirens and flashing blue lights. It was 5:30 a.m. Thunder and lightning and sounds of rain on the window added to the deafening noise. Caregiver Judy was running from apartment to apartment looking for a reason the fire alarm was ringing. Some villagers poked their head out of their apartment door to check out the activity while others turned over and went back to sleep. It seems lightning caused a short somewhere. It did wake us up to a new day.It was volunteer week and we had a tea. Since we have little outside volunteers caregiver Deb had Villagers receive recognition. She had certificates for folding napkins, setting the tables, or for writing this column. She even had one for Bud for whatever and Arnold T. for making decorations and repairs. It’s Arnold we go to when something doesn’t work or to adjust the TV set or our clocks. Valuable people to have around.Rodney and Polly Metzger and their children were visitors after Kathy Metzger’s piano recital at the Tuff Home. Eric had been one of the students who participated and we successfully encouraged him to play for us. Sister Emma did, too. Learning to play the piano is something you can enjoy all your life.Well, some vegetables have been planted in the garden. Ron Schouwenburg did the tilling at no charge to the Village making a smooth easy place to plant. It was Wally’s Nursery who supplied the seed. It did not take long with so many helpers and others cheering them on. Hattie VanWyhe brought with her a black and white rabbit that she carried about wrapped in a blanket.Palma found a dandelion. Many attended a Tuff Home program, reporting the residents were in costume and did a good job. Caregiver Jennifer appeared in the doorway in a beautiful white gown with her hair in a pretty attractive style. She was on her way to the Adrian prom. Of course the guys claimed they didn’t recognize her. Martha and Ione went to Palisade Lutheran Church’s mother and daughter banquet and enjoyed the church women’s usual entertaining program in their newly remodeled church. Carolyn C. went to the Cities for graduation of a grandson from college — once again —I’ll keep you posted.

This week our April showers seemed to catch up with us. Sunny days started out with a bright sun shining and by later in the day the clouds began rolling in and quite often we would have a shower of rain or perhaps two or three showers. This is exactly what we needed and what they were. Some days it was only a fine mist coming down but it was moisture regardless! I have no idea if it was a measurable amount, but there was precipitation nearly every day. Early Sunday morning we had another shower of rain which was accompanied with a very strong wind. I appreciated the rain but I could have gotten along very well without the high wind as it blew some of the rolled roofing off my deck. That was depressing, but when I looked up and saw the apple trees were in bloom and the lilacs soon to burst into bloom, all was well in my little world. With the bright yellow dandelions dotting the lawns and the tiny purple violets peeking out every mother could have a Mothers Day bouquet. Arnold and Jane Bonnema helped their grandson, Jaeden, celebrate his 10th birthday Wednesday evening at the home of his parents, Jeff and Jane Schrick, in Rock Rapids. Others attending were his grandparents, Dennis and Gracia Schrick, George, Iowa, Gary and Jane DeBoer, Nicole Kooiker, all of Rock Rapids, Iowa, and Nathan Schrick and a friend, Rieie Clemends, Sioux Falls. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Bernice (Mrs. Duane) Sandbulte and the Sandbulte family on the death of her brother-in-law, August Ykeima, who passed away last Sunday afternoon. Melba Boeve left Thursday for Forest Lake to spend the weekend in the home of her daughter, Julie and John Springman. While there they celebrated their daughter Rachal’s birthday which was on Saturday and also their daughter, Kaley, whose birthday was on Tuesday. Melba returned home on Sunday. There will be an open house for Henrietta Wassenaar’s 80th birthday from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Steen Reformed Church. Hopefully she will be able to attend. Bill and Bertha Bosch, Mildred Keunen and Jo Aykens attended the volunteer appreciation dinner at Tuff Home in Hills on Friday. Mildred Paulsen and Elzora Ott, Luverne, attended the Lakeview United Methodist Health Care Center Auxiliary meeting in Fairmont on Monday. Congratulations to Alisha Roozenboom and Lucas Stubbe who were united in marriage on Saturday at Steen Reformed Church in Steen. Alisha is the daughter of Dave and Eunice Roozenboom. Bertha Bosch and Mildred Keunen attended the volunteer luncheon at the Children Care Center in Sioux Falls Friday noon.Word was received here recently from Pete and Jane DeBoer that their son, Brent, had received his lung transplant and returned home on April 9. He is making a good recovery. A Mother-Daughter Banquet, sponsored by the Girls’ League of Steen Reformed Church, was Wednesday, May 7, at Steen Reformed Church.Don’t forget Mothers Day is Sunday, May 11. When I was a young mother it seemed to me every day was Mothers Day as my children kept saying: "Mom can I," or "Mom, will you take me," "Mom can I have a friend over," "Mom I need" and the lists went on and on. However, now as we look back on those years we realize it was all worth it. I found these words of wisdom in an old magazine with only initials to identify the author but thought they were food for thought for mothers and yes, Fathers Day also.Mothers Day is a day when we take the time to reflect on the meaning of motherhood and the important part mothers play in our lives. The traditional definition of motherhood has been that of cook, seamstress, housekeeper, chauffeur, and sometimes playmate. But most important of all a mother is a teacher, counselor and friend to her children. This is a very responsible multi-faceted role as well as an important and challenging career.Certainly we take the time to read about all the wonderful acts of understanding, sacrifice and love mothers have done for us. But do we consider what we have done, in the way of sacrifice, understanding and love for our mother and father? The rewards of parenthood are even greater when both mother and father see their good examples and teachings are appreciated and reflected in the lives of their grown children. It is important for both parents and children to recognize the individual and human dignity. A key to the mutual understanding is listening to one another, as well as sharing ideas, concerns and love. Of basic importance is the responsibility love implies.This responsibility for loved ones remain with us through our lives — whether we be young parents charged with the responsibility of caring for their babies needs or older children seeing the needs of older parents. As these special days dedicated to motherhood and fatherhood approach, all of us are again given the opportunity, whether we are parents or children (or both), to examine our family relationships. We can become closer to our parents or children when we make an effort to listen, share and communicate our feelings. As Mothers Day and Fathers Day draw near our mothers and fathers deserve our love and recognition all year "round." And so do our children; for today’s children are the parents of tomorrow!Happy Mothers Day to all!

Stacy Carter, Apache Junction, Ariz., visited Sunday afternoon in the home of her grandmother, Mary Carter. Lois Hoyme, Elnora Sandager and Harriet Skattum attended the Sioux Valley Alumni May Brunch on Saturday morning, May 3. The event was at Sioux Valley Hospital. Dean and Peggy Goettch, Tony and Annette, went to Freeborn last weekend to spend a belated Easter with Peggy’s mother, Helen Schoen. Randy and Jewel Noble, Arco, were Tuesday evening visitors in the home of Vic and Fran Sandager. Marie and Dan LaRock entertained a family group at Brandon following the worship service at Bethlehem Lutheran when Allison Marie LaRock was baptized. Attending the dinner were James and Beatrice LaRock, Duane and Marilyn Nelson, Michele and Mark Nelson, Jake and Jeff, Allison’s sponsors, Mitchell and Nicole Names, and Pastor and Sonja Berg.On Monday evening Al and Joyce Klawitter, Oconomowoc, Wis., were in the area and visited with Wilmer and Betty Elbers. Marvin and June Albers spent some time recently in Aberdeen, S.D., visiting Terry and Cheryl Albers. They spent Easter at the Albers’ hunting lodge. Cliff and Vi VanWyhe went to Brookings, S.D., Saturday morning to attend graduation exercises at South Dakota State University. Travis Arends, fiancé of Amber VanWyhe, was among the graduates. They enjoyed an afternoon reception at Travis’ home in Brookings in honor of his graduation. Luella Schlueter went to the Cities Thursday to visit in the homes of Brian and Bonnie Olson and John and Laurie Hynes and family. Gerry and Sue Schlueter came from Lake Park and all visited Sunday afternoon in the home of Kelli and Ryan Lakeman. Cheyanne Albers celebrated her third birthday with her family, grandparents and great-grandparents with an outing at Chuckie Cheese in Sioux Falls. Chuck and Rheta DeBoer and Rachel went to Garner, Iowa, on Sunday to attend the baptism of Micah Jeffrey DeBoer at Peace Reformed Church. Micah was baptized by his father, the Rev. Jeffrey DeBoer. His grandfather, The Rev. Mike Zylstra, Allendale, Mich., officiated at the worship service. Seth and Susan Hofman and David, Melvin, Iowa, were also in attendance. John Berdahl, Rochester, visited his parents and friends in Hills for a few days this week. Wilmer and Betty Elbers attended a quartet convention in Minneapolis on Friday evening. They were accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Wollman of Freeman, S.D.

10 years ago (1993)"H-BC’s Knowledge Master Open team placed second in the state of Minnesota in the small school division. There were 218 schools in their division throughout the United States and other countries. Members of the team were Edna Langerock, adviser, Janine Solberg, Gwen Hansen, Becky Bowman, Jennifer Willers, Keith Walraven, John Berdahl, Rajan Hollman, Tony Goettsch, Shannon Tatge, Ronnie Jensen, Carl Schoneman, Matt Ebert and David Arrowwood."25 years ago (1978)"Spencer Sells was named ‘Jaycee of the Year’ at the Beaver Creek Jaycee Chapter Award Night last Wednesday evening. Jim Vanderburg was named Outstanding First Year Jaycee and Jim Sammons received the Presidential Award."50 years ago (1953)"The first white child born in Martin Township, passed away Monday afternoon at the Lutheran Old Folks Home in Sioux Falls. She was Anna Jenson, who attained the age of 80 years 10 months and one day at the time of her demise She had been ill about 10 days as a result of a stroke.Deceased was born in a sod shanty on the farm now owned by Joe Bos, southeast of Hills. Her memories of those days included the blizzard of 1888 and other harrowing experiences of the early day settlers." 75 years ago (1928)"The exercises for the graduation of the Catechism class was held Sunday evening at the Evangelical Church. A large crowd was in attendance. The members of the class were: Minnie Hanson, Wilma Peterson, Althea Haroldson, Alice Arends, Lillian Aukes and Elizabeth Arends."100 years ago (1903)"J.R. Wright tested the new lighting plant, which he has installed in his home, Saturday evening. The jets were turned on and lit in every room, flooding the house with light from cellar to garret. The house has been piped as for gas, only here Joe has his own gas works, which consists of a large gasoline tank holding 150 gallons, which is buried in the ground about 30 feet from the house, the gas being generated and mixed with air outside, and forced through the pipes by an ingenious contrivance which is capable of high pressure. Joe has all the benefits of being connected with a city gas works, being also able to attach a common gas range and fire log if wanted."

Helga Van Goor, 89, Hills, died Friday, May 2, 2003, at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills.Services were Tuesday, May 6, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. Burial was in Flowerfield Cemetery, Hills. Helga Nelson was born to Charles J. and Dagney (Nyhaugen) Nelson on June 25, 1913, near Hills. She attended country school and graduated from Hills High School in 1931. She married George Van Goor on Dec. 31, 1934, at Hills. They lived in Hills where she worked at the post office. They moved to her parent’s farm. She then worked at Blue Ribbon Hatchery and Fiske Produce in Hills. Due to her husband’s health they moved to Hills. She drove a school bus for many years and also was a cook for Tuff Memorial Home until she was 70. She moved to Tuff Memorial Home on Jan. 31.Mrs. Van Goor was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and later, a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. She was a standout basketball player in high school and noted for her beautiful alto voice in duets and the church choir. She also did a lot of volunteer work in the community. Survivors include one son, Dennis (Dianne) Van Goor, Sioux Falls, S.D.; one daughter, Carol (Morris) Moon, Wilmot, S.D.; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Mrs. Van Goor was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, George, two brothers and five sisters. Memorials are preferred to Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.

By John RittenhouseZach Wysong and the Luverne High School baseball team extended their winning streak to seven straight games by posting three victories since Friday.Wysong, a Hills-Beaver Creek High School sophomore, started all three games at shortstop for LHS.The Cardinals posted a 10-0 win over Murray County Central in Slayton Friday. The game ended by the 10-run rule after six innings.Wysong went one-for-three at the plate during the victory. He drove in one run and scored a counter.Wysong slapped an RBI double during a five-run fourth inning that gave the Cards an 8-0 lead. He scored later in the inning.Luverne returned home to sweep a Southwest Conference doubleheader from Pipestone Monday. The Cards rallied to win 8-4 in the opener before posting a 4-2 win in the nightcap.Wysong went hitless in one trip to the plate in the opener. He played the field in the second game, but was replaced by a designated hitter on offense.Luverne has a 7-1 overall record and a 4-0 mark in the Southwest Conference.The Cardinals play two games in Worthington today before hosting Adrian Tuesday.

By John RittenhouseThe Hills-Beaver Creek-Ellsworth boys’ golf team upped its record to 3-1 with a 185-187 win over Sioux Valley-Round Lake-Brewster in Lake Park, Iowa, Thursday.Cold, wet weather conditions made the players uncomfortable, but the Patriots adapted well enough to nip the Raiders by two strokes and record their second consecutive victory.Balance proved to be the key for H-BC-E, which received 44-stroke rounds from Tom Janssen, Blake Brommer and Dusty Seachris.Kyle Sammons and Dustin Bonnema both shot 53s for the winners.Jason Martens carded a 56 without influencing the scoring.SV-RL-B’s Rob Armstrong emerged as the meet medalist. Armstrong shot a seven-over-par 43.H-BC-E fell 206-208 in the B match.Tom Scholten led the Patriots with a 50.Adam Finke and Travis Broesder carded 55s, and Ben Herman added a 56 to the team effort.Travis Chapa and Clint Roozenboom shot 57- and 58-stroke rounds without influencing the scoring.The Patriots play in Westbrook Friday.

Thrivent finds a new homeDale Slieter, agent for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, has found a new home.Slieter had shared a space with fellow Thrivent rep. Jim Sonntag, but when Sonntag left Thrivent to form a private investment and insurance company with Earl Hanson, Slieter had to move, so Sonntag and Hanson could occupy the former location.The new Thrivent location is just a few doors down, at 109 E. Main, in the Lookin’ Great Beauty Salon.State removes spring load restrictionsThe State of Minnesota announced this week, that it would be lifting the spring load restrictions in the south, southeast and metro frost zones on Friday, May 2.According to MnDOT, the end date is determined by air temperature, precipitation and frost depth of the preceding winter.The freezing weather in southern Minnesota this year was mild compared to most years and compared to the northern part of the state.Spring load restrictions help preserve roadways when the pavement is weakened due to partial thaw conditions and trapped water.MnDOT estimates the restrictions result in an annual savings of more than $10 million.In Minnesota there are about 39,000 miles of paved roads that should be restricted to lower loads during the spring.A busy month at the PalaceThe next couple of weeks will be busy at the Palace Theatre in Luverne.This month’s movie will be "Tuck Everlasting." This Disney film is described as a beautiful family tale about living life, and understanding it.The plot outline of the movie is described as: A young woman meets and falls in love with a young man who is part of a family of immortals.Some of the notable stars in the film include: William Hurt, Sissy Spacek, Ben Kingsley, Amy Irving and Elisabeth Shue.The review on the Internet Movie Data Base Web site gave the movie high marks. Although it was originally developed for 9- to 11-year olds, the reviews described it as a movie that can be enjoyed by all ages.Prairie Arts Chorale to perform at the PalaceThe schedule at the Palace this month will be a little different than in the past months because of a concert performance by the Prairie Arts Chorale.With the movie schedule sharing time with the concert, times for the movies will be altered for the month."Tuck Everlasting" will be shown at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.Speaking of the PalaceNotices were mailed out this week for the 2003 Blue Mound Area Theatre annual meeting.The board is planning an early morning celebration of their continuing efforts to restore the Palace Theatre to its original glory.The agenda will also include reports on the structural analysis of the Palace Theatre building, the marketing feasibility study and financial report.Election of board member officers will be held.The meeting will be at 7 a.m. Monday, May 5, at the Rock County Library. Along with free coffee and rolls, a drawing will be held for a 2003 calendar. The calendar, entitled "Minnesota Places", features a photo of the Palace on its May page.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com