10 years ago (1993)"One hundred years ago, a newspaper was created to publish the news of the tiny village of Hills. The paper was started when an agreement between two early residents of the city — Frank M. Bailey and Orrie Haislett — agreed to publish the weekly paper. …Two hundred subscribers were secured, and so Bailey went to work, rolling the first edition of the Hills Crescent off of an old Rampage press."25 years ago (1978)"The old barn behind the Preston Ver Meer home was removed this week by Bravo Construction Company. The building, in later years rather run-down and of little use, was something of a Hills landmark. It was the original home of the Fikse Produce Co. and served that company well from the business’s beginnings in 1941. The building, which probably took at least a month to erect, was totally leveled, loaded and hauled away for an unceremonious burial in less than three hours." 50 years ago (1953)"A variety of entertainment is in store for all who attend the 43rd annual Rock County Free Fair at Luverne, Monday Aug. 10, through Wednesday, Aug. 12, according to George Golla, secretary.Opening night feature on Monday evening, is the ‘Tournament of Thrills," a spine-tingling thrill show staged by Hollywood’s best stunt men. …. Tuesday night’s feature attraction will be well-known orchestra and recording artist, Eddy Howard. Wednesday night will bring back the area’s best midget auto racers and drivers for an evening of midget auto racing." 75 years ago (1928)"Past experience indicates that the Rock County Fair has not failed in the trust which has been imposed in among 100 county and district fairs in the state of Minnesota. It has always maintained an enviable position in the class of exhibits which it has shown and in the amount of premiums which it has awarded. "Figures compiled for 1927, indicate that it ranks 15th in the State in the amount of premium awards; 1926 places it in ninth position. Considering the fact that practically every one of these 100 fairs are much larger in financial resources and attendance than is our own, it would seem that our record is one in which we may well take a justifiable pride." Ben Pelstring, Sec.100 years ago (1903)"Judge Brown and Gust Nelson of Luverne, with their respective families, honored Hills with a call Sunday — eating a picnic dinner on the beautiful farm of Lars Kolsrud north of town, and incidentally inspecting the bountiful harvest fields of the garden spot of Rock County — the banner county of the state."
