I’ve been shaking my head all week over what should have been a simple matter of, "Oops, we made a mistake. Let’s correct it."Luverne Economic Development Authority placed a notice in last week’s Star Herald advertising lots for sale in the Evergreen and Sybesma additions.The Evergreen lot prices, however, were advertised at the lower Sybesma rate, immediately prompting two checks from eager buyers. (See the related news story).LEDA director Dan Statema has taken responsibility for the error, but meanwhile, the buyers are insisting their purchases are valid.Technically, they paid the advertised price. Ethically, they knew the true price before the checks were signed. Dan’s taking a lot of heat for publishing the erroneous information, but in my opinion, he’s not the one who should be ashamed. Everyone makes mistakes.It’s too bad the error was published, but it’s worse that people who know better are trying to take advantage of an honest mistaker..The two buyers knew those advertised prices weren’t accurate, yet checks were rushed to City Hall to get in on the deal before the wrong could be righted.I understand morale at City Hall has been low for a number of reasons — some of them unavoidable. But the only way to reverse that is to slowly, if not painfully, take steps in positive directions with positive behavior.Last week’s turn of events was definitely NOT a step in the right direction. If those lots had been sold at the advertised rate, it would have amounted to a $19,000 loss for the city, which translates (for those who sometimes forget) to a loss for everyone.Speaking of positive directions …Hurray for Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Helen Saum and her helpers who put together the most successful Hospice Charity Dinner and Auction ever.The fund-raiser drew more than 400 people Friday night and brought in nearly $41,000 for a great cause.I wasn’t able to photograph the event, but I told Helen I wanted to mention the night’s honorees.Tim and Jeanette Tangemann were honored for their tireless volunteer work with hospice patients. The Luverne couple has logged 660 volunteer hours between them in the past 10 years.Also honored that night were Hospice Team Member Audrey DeBoer, R.N., and Friend of Hospice, Barb Glad, who was founding director of hospice in Luverne.The hospice program has paid employees, but much of its meaningful work is the result of compassionate volunteers and generous community members who support the program with personal time and money.This week is National Volunteer Week, and it’s a great time to thank the hospice volunteers and all volunteers who quietly work to make the world a better place.
