Hills-Beaver Creek senior forward Brad Haak shoots over Lincoln HI's Jared Beck (44) during Monday's boys' basketball game in Hills. Haak scored 21 points and snared eight rebounds during a 72-63 win for the Patriots.

By John Rittenhouse
The Hills-Beaver Creek boys' basketball team posted successive wins for the first time this season when it entertained Lincoln HI in Hills Monday.

Coming off a 16-point win at Edgerton Public School on Friday to snap a three-game losing skid, the Patriots are in the process of turning things around after toppling the visiting Rebels 72-63.

The win evened H-BCÕs record at 5-5 for the campaign. The Patriots will go for three straight wins when they host Sioux Valley-Round Lake-Brewster Tuesday.

Monday's game with LH was competitive.

H-BC did outscore the Rebels in every quarter, but LH had two-point leads in the third quarter before falling behind for good late in the stanza.

H-BC raced to a 7-1 lead to start the game before LH rallied to pull within two points (16-14) of the hosts at period's end.

The Rebels gained a pair of one-point leads in the first three minutes of the second quarter. H-BC's Brad Haak converted a three-point play in the final minute of the first half to give the Patriots a 35-29 advantage at the intermission.

After H-BC scored the first two points of the second half, LH rallied to take a pair of two-point advantages in the first five minutes of the third quarter. The Patriots countered with a 9-2 run that was capped by a steal and a layup by Haak late in the period to take a 52-45 lead into the final eight minutes of play.

The Rebels pulled within one point (52-51) of H-BC with a six-point run early in the first quarter, but H-BC countered with a six-point surge of its own and never let LH come any closer than four points of tying the game the rest of the night.

Haak, who had 15 points in the first half, led H-BC with 21 counters. He also had eight rebounds and three steals.

Lyle DeBoer scored 10 points in the second half to finish the game with 16 counters. Matt Buck scored 10 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, blocked four shots and passed for six assists. Darin DeBoer added three assists and 10 points to the cause, while David Top chipped in 12 counters.

Box score
D.DeBoer 1 2 2-2 10, Van Maanen 0 0 1-2 1, Haak 9 0 3-6 21, Leuthold 0 0 1-2 1, L.DeBoer 7 0 2-2 16, Van Wyhe 0 0 1-2 1, Top 3 0 6-8 12, Buck 4 0 2-6 10.

Team statistics
H-BC: 26 of 68 field goals (38 percent), 18 of 30 free throws (60 percent), 37 rebounds, 12 turnovers.
LH: 22 of 58 field goals (38 percent), 10 of 15 free throws (67 percent), 23 rebounds, 21 turnovers.

By Jolene Farley
Music Instructor Brent Steinert took on the struggling instrumental music and secondary vocal music programs in Hill-Beaver Creek schools last fall.

Steinert teaches a mixed choir group with 24 students. This includes seventh- and eighth-grade music (a general music appreciation course with performances), the high school band with 16 students and junior high band with 25 students.

"It's going very well. There's a lot of improvement and a lot of talent," Steinert said.

Along with plenty of talent, Steinert said there is never a lack of work to do on the program.

"There are 80 kids in music, and each of them has their own music," he said. "My goal for them would be that they learn how to share that (music) in an enjoyable, fun and rewarding way."

A perfect music program for Steinert would include a "program where each musician is allowed to express their music ... to know they performed a song and expressed it. They said what they wanted to say."

He said he has heard nothing but good comments from parents about his teaching, and he appreciates the feedback.

He is looking forward to further improvements in the programs and eventually hopes to start an audition group to perform jazz music.

"My hope is that kids see they can be involved," he said.

"A lot of small steps make a journey, and we are looking at an excellent journey ... I expect to see some outstanding musicians come out of H-BC. They are good kids."

A graduate of Northern State University, Aberdeen, S.D., Steinert previously taught at Avon High School in Avon, S.D.

Hills-Beaver Creek Knowledge Bowl season is in full swing with teams participating in meets around the region. Questions to bowl participants could be about movies, history, math, science or any subject. High School Knowledge Bowl participants were required to pass an exam before joining the team. Seventh- and eighth-grade team members, however, are not required to pass an exam. The adviser for the Knowledge Bowl teams is Jeanette Vanden Hoek.

Members of the High School Knowledge Bowl teams are (back row, from left) Trey Van Wyhe, Kevin Van Batavia, Matt Buck, David Top, Tyson Metzger, Clint Roozenboom, (second row) Jennifer Hoffenkamp, Brittney Olson, Jody Rentschler, Jeremy Elbers, Dustin Bonnema, Chris Reid, (front row) Lee Jackson, Lee Walraven, Patrick Nelson and Justin VanMaanen.

By Jolene Farley
Rick and Lori Scholten, parents of Derek Ehde, filed a complaint on June 15, 2001, with the Minnesota Board of Teaching, but they are uncertain if they will pursue a civil case against former Hills-Beaver Creek Superintendent Tom Knoll.

Knoll was accused of assaulting then 19-year-old Derek Ehde on Thursday, April 26, 2001, at Hills-Beaver Creek High School.

The Rock County Sheriff's Department investigated the incident, and after reviewing statements from six students and two teachers, Assistant County Attorney Terry Vajgrt determined there was not sufficient evidence of criminal wrongdoing to prosecute.

According to Minnesota assault statute, it must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt the perpetrator intended to cause harm or fear of harm.

After exhausting local avenues, the Scholtens decided to file a complaint with the state agency.

The Minnesota Board of Teaching has statutory authority to revoke, suspend or deny licensure in the state of Minnesota.

"I have no doubt he will probably end up losing his license," said Lori Scholten. "What hurts me is we never received an apology from anybody."

Knoll left H-BC in July after eight years for a position in the Hayfield district, located about 25 miles southwest of Rochester.

"I'm really happy he's out of our district, but I don't want him to continue doing in other districts what heÕs done in the past," Scholten said.

Investigations by the Minnesota Board of Teaching can vary in length from a few months to years, according to representative Nancy Triplet.

Delores Luella DeSchepper, 74, Pipestone, formerly of Luverne, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002, at Pipestone County Medical Center, Pipestone.

Services were Wednesday, Jan. 9, at St. Leo Catholic Church in Pipestone. The Rev. Martin Schaefer officiated. Burial was in St. Leo Catholic Cemetery.

Delores Emery was born to Olin and Alma (Steine) Emery on June 15, 1927, in Luverne. She was raised in the Luverne area where she received her education. She graduated from Luverne High School. After graduation she worked as a switchboard operator in Luverne.

She married Stanley R. DeSchepper on April 5, 1948, in Jasper. Following their marriage they farmed near Jasper until 1968 when they moved to Pipestone. Mr. DeSchepper died following a traffic accident on Oct. 18, 1973. She continued to live in Pipestone.

She met Emmett Sik in 1977. He helped her raise her remaining children while maintaining a lasting relationship. She owned and operated the Holland CafŽ and Bar in Holland before her retirement in October 1992. She was diagnosed with colon cancer seven months ago. She was admitted to Pipestone County Medical Center on Wednesday, Jan. 2.

Mrs. DeSchepper was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church of Pipestone. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Holland. She loved to do crafts, and she enjoyed traveling, camping and dancing. She also liked watching local stock car racing.

Survivors include her special friend, Emmett Sik, Pipestone; nine children, Karen Fritz, Red Wing, Steven (Diane) DeSchepper, Chancellor, S.D., Sandra Pedersen, Longmont, Colo., Michael (Valerie) DeSchepper, Dell Rapids, S.D., Kathy Holiway, Tracy, Thomas (Lori) DeSchepper, Pipestone, Terry (Brenda) DeSchepper, Bloomington, Todd (Jodi) DeSchepper, Spring, Texas, and Tracy (Billie) DeSchepper, Jasper; 23 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Ronald Emery, Sioux Falls, S.D., Dennis Emery, Newark, Calif., and Wayne (DyAnn) Emery, Inver Grove Heights; one sister, Myrna (Robert) Lange, Beaver Creek; one sister-in-law, Marge Emery, Woodstock; and Mr. Sik's three children, Lorraine Haken, Tyler, Allan Sik, Amarillo, Texas, and Cynthia (Lyle) Page, Pipestone.
Mrs. DeSchepper was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Stanley, one granddaughter, Teresa DeSchepper, and one brother, Marlen Emery.

Hartquist Funeral Chapel in Pipestone was in charge of arrangements.

Ecko Boelman Sr., 91, Hardwick, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2002, in Luverne Hospice Cottage.

Services were on Monday, Jan. 7, at Engebretson Funeral Chapel in Luverne. The Rev. John Pehrson officiated. Burial was in Memorial Gardens Cemetery, rural Luverne.

Ecko Boelman Sr. was born to William and Tillie (Mennen) Boelman on Aug. 4, 1910, in Aplington, Iowa. As a child he moved with his parents to a farm near Ash Creek where he was raised and attended country school.

He married Ruth Johnson on Sept. 29, 1932, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Following their marriage they lived and farmed near Ash Creek. In 1936 they moved to California where he drove a hay truck. He also worked for a rubber company making tires. In 1949 they moved back to Ellsworth where they farmed. In 1960 they purchased a cafŽ in Lismore which they owned and operated until 1963. They then moved to a farm near Hardwick where they farmed until his retirement. His wife, Ruth, died on Feb. 4, 1990. He continued living on the farm until 1995 when he moved to his home in Hardwick.

Mr. Boelman enjoyed camping, fishing and playing cards.

Survivors include his seven children, Beverly (Robert) Soladay, Donna Herman, all of Albuquerque, N.M., Delmer (Linda) Boelman, Ecko Boelman Jr., all of Hardwick, Wendell (Darla) Boelman, Holland, Lori Boelman, Luverne, and William (Gloria) Boelman, Aberdeen. S.D.; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ray Boelman; one sister, Fannie Hisken; and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Boelman was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, four brothers, one sister and one great-grandchild.

Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

Rose Hocking, 99, Ellsworth, died Thursday, Jan. 3, 2002, at Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Ellsworth.

Services for Rose Hocking were Saturday, Jan. 5, at Zion Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth. The Rev. Robert Raedeke officiated. Burial was in Grand Prairie Cemetery, Ellsworth.

Rose Bush was born to Reinard and Foltje (Heikes) Bush on Feb. 29, 1902, in Graettinger, Iowa. She attended Ellsworth Public School.

She married Robert Hocking on Oct. 11, 1923, in Ellsworth. After their marriage the couple farmed north of Ellsworth until moving to Ellsworth in 1932. She was a homemaker. She moved to Parkview Manor Nursing Home in April 1992.

Mrs. Hocking was a member of Zion Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth for more than 50 years. She was the oldest living member of the church.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Ken and Dorothy Hocking, Ellsworth, and Milton "Bud" and Ruth Hocking, Rock Rapids, Iowa; five grandchildren, Sandy, Clay, Keith, Kent and Kevin; and three great-grandchildren, Ian, Tyler and Hendrene.

Mrs. Hocking was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert, in 1980, one daughter, Darlene Hocking, in 1993, four brothers and four sisters.

Dingmann Funeral Home, Adrian, was in charge of arrangements.

Lester G. Hocking, 62, Inverness, Fla., formerly of Ellsworth, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2001, in Citrus Memorial Hospital.

Lester Hocking was born to George S. and Elvira Hocking on Dec. 20, 1939, in Ellsworth. He moved to Florida eight years ago from Sioux Falls, S.D.

Mr. Hocking logged more than 3 million miles driving as an owner and operator, and most recently leased to Dakota Carriers Inc. in Sioux Falls.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Inverness.

Survivors include his wife, Myrna Thiesse Hocking, Inverness; one son and daughter-in-law, Todd E. and Cindy Hocking, Chesapeake, Va.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kim J. and Dallis Klosterboer, Bowie, Md., and Sally L. and William Morrison, Stafford, Va.; five grandchildren; his mother, Elvira Hocking, Luverne; and one sister, JoAnne Mueller, Long Prairie.

Mr. Hocking was preceded in death by his father, two brothers and one sister.

Ervin Andrew Henning, 84, Adrian, died Monday, Dec. 31, 2001, in Luverne Community Hospital, Luverne.

Services were Thursday, Jan. 3, 2002, at St. Adrian Catholic Church in Adrian. The Rev. Gerald Kosse officiated. Burial was in St. Anthony Cemetery, Lismore.

Ervin Henning was born to Herman and Catherine (Bullerman) Henning on Dec. 11, 1917, on a farm in Nobles County. He grew up on a farm near Lismore and attended country school. He worked as a farmhand besides farming with his family.

He married Marie Bruns on Sept. 21, 1943, in St. Kilian Church. They farmed in the Lismore and St. Kilian areas. They built a home in Adrian in 1977 and continued to help farm with his sons. Mrs. Henning died on July 6, 1985.

He married Louella Wieneke on July 12, 1986. They continued to live in Adrian.

Mr. Henning was a member of St. Adrian Catholic Church and belonged to the Catholic Order of Foresters and was a life member of the Knights of Columbus. Previously he had been a member of St. Anthony Church in Lismore and at St. Kilian Church where he had served as trustee for several years. He served on the Adrian School Board for several years and was a past member of Adrian Lions Club. Farming was his life, and he also enjoyed woodworking.

Survivors include his wife, Louella Henning, Adrian; three sons and daughters-in-law, David and Marge Henning, Cottage Grove, James and Connie Henning, and Alan and Ellen Henning, all of Lismore; nine grandchildren, Amy, Scott, Eric, Lora, Lisa, Jill, Ashley, Sarah and Joseph; three great-grandchildren, Takyah, Alex and Keegan; one stepdaughter, Marilyn, and her husband, Jay Ryan, Mankato; and one step-daughter-in-law, Diana Wieneke; five stepgrandchildren, Darwin, Dominic, Donna, Cory and Tosca; two brothers, Ted (Marge) Henning, Greenwood, S.C., and Cyril (Pat) Henning, Adrian; and two sisters, Veronica (Vic) McCann, and Delores Ashby, all of Adrian.

Mr. Henning was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Marie, one brother, Clarence, one sister, Irene Erpelding, and one stepson, Daryl Wieneke.

Totzke Funeral Home, Slayton, was in charge of arrangements.