Starting Aug. 1, Minnesotans can legally possess and use cannabis and cannabis products. However, it’s still illegal to operate a motor vehicle, boat, off-highway vehicle or snowmobile while impaired by cannabis.
The Minnesota departments of Public Safety (DPS) and Natural Resources (DNR) want Minnesotans to learn the new law and plan a safe and sober ride if they’re cannabis consumers.
“Impaired is impaired on the road, regardless of the substance, and the effects can be tragic for everyone else on the road,” said Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol.
“Our focus is on impaired driving, regardless of substance, and keeping Minnesotans safe by enforcing the law. Just like with alcohol, anyone opting to consume cannabis needs to make the right choice by planning a safe and sober ride.”
 
Make the safe and sober choice on the water or riding the trails
That also remains true for those enjoying boating and other recreational activities.
“Minnesota’s trails and waterways have never been busier, with people out enjoying Minnesota’s natural resources,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, DNR Enforcement Division director.
“There’s no excuse for operating a recreational vehicle or watercraft while impaired. Conservation officers will not give a second chance to anyone who operates while impaired and willfully puts everyone else on the trail or on the water at risk.”
The right choice keeps people safe and avoids the dangers and penalties of a poor decision.
Operating a boat, off-highway vehicle (OHV) or snowmobile under the influence is one of the main factors in fatal crashes in Minnesota. Each year, about half of all fatal incidents involving boats, OHVs and snowmobiles involve impairment.
The penalties associated with operating a motor vehicle under the influence apply the same to operating a boat, OHV or snowmobile under the influence.
People convicted of operating any of them under the influence lose their privilege to operate all of them.
 
Drugged driving is dangerous driving
Drugged driving-related driving while impaired (DWI) incidents on the road are increasing in Minnesota.
Drugged driving accounted for 6,941 DWI incidents from 2012-2016 compared with 15,747 from 2017-2021 — that’s a 127 percent increase.
In cases involving driving under the influence of drugs, cannabinoids are one of the most prevalent drug classes indicated in the screening of blood and urine samples. They are often seen in conjunction with other controlled substances and alcohol.
 
Effects of cannabis on driving
Cannabis has measurable effects that can impair the ability to drive and react quickly in critical situations, including:
•Difficulties in road tracking.
•Lane-position variability.
•Decreased, divided attention.
•Impaired executive functions, including route planning, decision making and risk taking.
“Sadly, driving while impaired by drugs is nothing new in Minnesota,” DPS Office of Traffic Safety Director Mike Hanson said.
“Changing behaviors and understanding the dangers of impairment require enforcement and education. Preventing tragedy is possible, and ultimately it comes down to taking personal responsibility for a safe and sober ride. Make that smart choice for yourself and your loved ones.”
 
Learn the law
Just like how drinking alcohol in a vehicle is illegal, it’s illegal under the new cannabis law for:
•Drivers or passengers to open any cannabis packaging, use marijuana or consume other cannabis products.
•Drivers or passengers to have an unsealed container of marijuana (for example, 2 ounces in a zip-close bag). Similar to alcohol, the exception is an unsealed container or other opened products may be kept in the trunk of a car or another area not accessible by the driver or passengers.
•The driver to be impaired by marijuana or other cannabis products. Driving high is a DWI.
 
Impaired enforcement and awareness promote safe driving choices
Troopers, deputies and police officers participate in statewide extra DWI enforcement and awareness throughout the year. The awareness efforts this year include new advertising highlighting how “Driving High is a DWI.”
During the legislative session, lawmakers approved additional resources for impaired driving and cannabis traffic safety efforts, including funding for:
•Expanded drug recognition evaluator (DRE) and related law enforcement training programs.
•An oral fluid pilot project. The pilot program will test a tool that law enforcement can use to evaluate a driver for possible drug impairment by cannabis or other substances.
It is a roadside test similar to the preliminary breath test (PBT) law enforcement use to detect drunk driving.
 

Rock County Commissioners meet July 11 
Herreid Board Room          9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse July 11, 2023
The meeting was called to order by Chair Thompson with the follow Commissioners present: Reisch, Overgaard and Williamson; Commissioner Burger was absent. Also in attendance were County Administrator Kyle Oldre, County Attorney Jeff Haubrich, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum, and Star-Herald Reporter Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Williamson, to approve the July 11, 2023,
County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Williamson, to approve the June 20,
2023, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Reisch, to approve the 2023 Board
of Equalization minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Overgaard, to call to order a Public Hearing at
9:05 a.m. for the purpose of hearing public comments for the following:
•Rock Home Initiative Abatement for Alex & Natasha Kellenberger for new home
construction located in the NE 1/4 of Section 24 in Martin Township; estimated
(5) year abatement value is $7,207
•Rock Home Initiative Abatement for Glenn & Dianne Lorenzen for new
construction located in the NW 1/4 of Section 34 of Rose Dell Township; estimated
(5) year abatement value is $2,008
•Enacting a Code of Ordinances for Rock County
No public comment was noted. Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch,
to close the Public Hearing at 9:12 a.m., declared carried on a voice vote.
Items listed on the consent agenda were pulled to allow separate action.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Overgaard, to approve Resolution No. 10-23,
a Rock Home Initiative Abatement for Andrew and Natashia Kellenberger,
declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve Resolution No. 11-23, a Rock Home Initiative Abatement for Glenn and Dianne Lorenzen, declared carried on a 3-0 vote with Commissioner Williamson abstaining.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve Resolution No. 12-23,
an Ordinance Enacting a Code of Ordinances for Rock County, declared
carried on a voice vote.
David Wing, Outreach Director for Congressman Finstad attended the County Board meeting to introduce himself and informed the County Board of a Farm Bill Listening Session event scheduled for July 21 at 11:00 a.m.12:00 p.m. at Bakken Farms. Wing also requested other topics of concern to put on the Congressman’s
agenda and items identified were federal funding to the construction of a water tower
for the Rock County Rural Water system and adequate funding for federal crop
insurance. The County Board thanked Mr. Wing for his attendance.
Jane Lanphere, Director of Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce presented
activity updates on behalf of Southern MN Tourism Association and Explore Southwest
Minnesota, formerly SW Minnesota Tourism.  Explore Southwest Minnesota, a 9-county membership has developed a great partnership with the Southwest Regional Development Commission that assists with management and development services; each member county pays a membership fee and the request for 2024 is $1,500, which will reflect a $500 dollar increase. The funding request for Southern MN Tourism will remain the same at $500.00. The Chair referred both funding requests to the Budget Committee.
The County Board was in receipt of the claims and Per Diems of $700.00; motion by Reisch, seconded by Williamson, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote. A complete listing of the claims is available upon request at the Auditor/Treasurer's office. 
 
JULY 11, 2023 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
A & B BUSINESS INC 2,746.41 
A.C.E. OF SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA 5,530.00 
BREMIK MATERIALS, INC                 20,072.42 
CHS INC                 15,083.57 
COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORTATION 6,291.90 
COMMUNITY EDUCATION 4,000.00 
COUNTIES PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY 6,925.00 
GEOCOMM 5,000.00 
INTERSTATE POWER SYSTEMS INC 8,361.52 
JOHNSON CONTROLS                 41,243.74 
LIBERTY TIRE RECYCLING LLC 2,007.50 
LYON COUTNY LANDFILL                 18,394.26 
MIDWEST ALARM COMPANY INC   3,585.07 
NOBLES COUNTY AUDITOR-TREASURER   9,220.00 
NORTHLAND TRUST SERVICES INC                 454,259.38 
RDO EQUIPMENT                 194,468.09 
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA 19,670.25 
RETROFIT COMPANIES, INC   6,335.00 
SIR LINES-A-LOT               118,691.02 
SNOW WHEEL SYSTEM INC 34,070.00 
STAPLES ENTERPRISES ING   4,554.63 
TOLLEFSON PUBLISHING   2,081.70 
VIKING ELECTRIC LLC 14,024.01 
WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING & ASSOC, INC   3,267.50 
90 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000                   43,878.77 
TOTAL             1,043,761.74 
 
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson, to approve the Fund Balance
report, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve the following lost
warrants, declared carried on a voice vote. Warrant #45190, $585.74 payable
to Lynette Jauert Warrant #45177, $513.17 payable to Lynette Jauert.
Mark Sehr, Engineer, requested approval of Resolution No. 09-23, Grant Agreement with MnDOT to the State Transportation Fund for SP067-601-014 a bridge replacement of Bridge 67501 on CSAH 1 over the Kanaranzi Creek. The grant agreement allocates $528,490.24 of MVLST LBRP Funds to this project. Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Williamson, to approve Resolution No. 09-23, declared carried on a voice vote.  
The Engineer informed the County Board of a price increase for appliance pickup
from Retrofit Environment and requested to increase the appliance fee from $15 for
appliances and microwaves to $35.00; motion by Reisch, seconded by Overgaard,
to approve the new rate of $35.00 for appliances and microwaves, declared
carried on a voice vote.
Eric Hartman, Land Management Office Director, presented an update regarding the Rock County Demolition Landfill. An RFP process conducted by SEH for  preliminary site evaluation and potential drilling services resulted the following bids:
AET $32,576
Braun Intertec $43,859
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to accept the bid from AET for $32,576
and to pay the expenditure from Landfill Contingency Fund, declared carried on a
voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of a presentation from Neal Barrett of Canvus, a manufacturer of products made from wind turbine blades.  Canvus utilizes materials to create functional art. Mr. Barrett informed the County Board of the Canvu Donation Program that connects communities with organizations and businesses to make spaces and places more sustainable and exciting by bring functional art to the community; he encouraged Rock County to apply to be a recipient. After a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the County Board to move forward with the recipient application.
Emily Crabtree, Director of the Luverne Area Community Foundation informed
the County Board that the Ashby Memorial Bike Trail has been completed and
requested the transfer of ownership from the Luverne Area Community Foundation
to Rock County, as per County Action of February 16, 2021. Motion by Reisch,
seconded by Thompson, to approve Resolution 13-23, approving the transfer
of ownership of the Ashby Memorial Bike Trail to Rock County, declared
carried on a 3-0 vote with Commissioner Overgaard abstaining. 
The County Board was in receipt of a meeting notice on July 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the basement of the Rock County Community Library to conduct a joint meeting with city municipalities to discuss the new legislation regarding cannabis.
The Administrator informed the County Board that the HVAC improvements at the Human Services Building are complete and that Southwest Health & Human Services will be moving back into the building the week of July 25-28.
The County Board was informed of a 30-unit rental townhome project in the City of Luverne with assistance from the Southwest Minnesota Housing
Partnership (SWMNHP). The SWMNHP is drafting a grant application to the
Minnesota Housing Finance for significant financing of the project and request
the county to submit a letter of support for the project; motion by Reisch, seconded
by Thompson, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator informed the County Board that he and Nobles County Administrator and Community Corrections Director met to discuss the increase in funding
changes and where those dollars will be spent; those changes in include additional
staffing for programming and space issues. The new monies are scheduled
to begin in July of 2023.
The Administrator also stated that he attended the following meetings: Buffalo Ridge Regional Rail Authority, tour of the new Armory, Safety Committee, Hardwick EDA, was part of the training panel for AMC event. Also stated that he and Deputy
Administrator met with Tessia Melvin, a Management Consultant with David Drown
Associates, Inc. referencing the ongoing maintenance of selected job
descriptions and market analysis and that as to date, there have only been
minor changes on the job descriptions.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings/events:
Southwest MN Opportunities Council, Luverne City/County Liaison.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings/events:
Buffalo Ridge Regional Authority, Beaver Creek Township.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings/
events: City/County Liaison 
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings/events: n/a
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings/events:
Plum Creek Library, Buffalo Ridge Regional Rail Authority.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting
was declared adjourn, declared carried on a voice vote.
(08-10)
 

Card shower
Mary Lutmer will celebrate her 90th birthday on Thursday, Aug. 10. Greetings may be sent to Minnesota Veterans Home – Luverne, Attn: Mary Lutmer, 1300 N. Kniss Ave., PO Box 539, Luverne, MN 56156.

Brandt estate
STATE OF MINNESOTA FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
                                                                         DISTRICT COURT
COUNTY OF ROCK                                                                     PROBATE DIVISION
 
Estate of:                                                                        Court File No. 67-PR-23-186
Marcia Ann Brandt                                     NOTICE AND ORDER OF HEARING ON
Decedent                                                                     PETITION FOR FORMAL
ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY,
DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP,
APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL 
REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
 
It is Ordered and Notice is given that on 9/11/2023, at 8:30 a.m., a hearing
will be held in this Court at 204 E. Brown Street, Luverne, Minnesota, for the adjudication of intestacy and determination of heirship of the Decedent, and for the appointment of James D. Brandt, whose address is 100 Dakota Street, Beaver Creek, MN 56116 as Personal Representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an UNSUPERVISED 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 Representatives will be appointed with full power to administer the Estate including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the Estate. 
Notice is also given that (subject to Minnesota Statutes section 524.3-801) all
creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to
the Personal Representatives or to the Court Administrator within four months after
the date of this Notice of the claims will be barred.
 
Dated: August 4, 2023 /s/ Terry S. Vajgrt
District Court Judge
 
Attorney for: Petitioner /s/ Natalie Reisch Benjamin Vander Kooi, Jr. Court Administrator
Vander Kooi Law Offices, P.A.
127 East Main, PO Box 746
Luverne, MN 56156
Attorney License No: 0112124
(507) 283-9546
FAX: 507-283-9629
Email: lawkooi@gmail.com
                    (08-10, 08-17)
 

LSS meals at Generations
 
Monday, Aug. 14: Parmesan chicken, green beans, fruit cocktail, breadstick.
Tuesday, Aug. 15: Tater tot casserole, mixed vegetables, warm peaches, dinner roll.
Wednesday, Aug. 16: Ham pasta salad, creamy cucumbers, cantaloupe, dessert.
Half-Price Day sponsored by Grace Lutheran Church.
 Thursday, Aug. 17: Turkey and gravy over mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, dinner roll, warm fruit crisp.
Friday, Aug. 18: Meatballs, mashed potatoes, carrots, bread, cake.
LSS Dining offers well-balanced and affordable meals in a community atmosphere.
Call Pam Franken at 283-9846, extension 11 to reserve one day prior, to arrange to pick up a dinner or for home-delivered meals.
Gift certificates are available at the meal site or online at www.lssmn.org/nutrition.

Ask probate
STATE OF MINNESOTA PROBATE COURT
                                                                         DISTRICT COURT
COUNTY OF ROCK                                                                     PROBATE DIVISION
 
In Re: Estate of                                                              Court File No. 67-PR-23-173
Loren Lynn Ask, a/k/a Loren L. Ask,                                 
a/k/a Loren Ask,                                                 ORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING
Deceased                                           FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND
                                      APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
IN SUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION
AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
 
TO ALL IINTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:
It is Ordered and Notice is hereby given that on the 28th day of August, 2023, at 8:30  O'clock A.M., a hearing will be held in the above named Court at Rock County Courthouse, Luverne, Minnesota, for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of the above named deceased, dated December 19, 2011, and for the appointment of Lucille Minnie Ask, whose address is 2074 190th Avenue, Kenneth, Minnesota 56147, as personal representative of the estate of the above named decedent in supervised administration, and that any objections thereto must be filed with the Court. That, if proper, and no objections are filed, said personal representative will be appointed to administer the estate, to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, and sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the estate. Upon completion of the administration, the representative shall file a final account for the allowance and shall distribute the estate to the persons thereto entitled as ordered by the Court, and close the estate.
Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present the same to said personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred.
 
Dated: July 31, 2023 /s/ Terry S. Vajgrt
District Court Judge
 
Douglas E. Eisma /s/ Natalie Reisch Attorney for Petitioner Court Administrator
Eisma and Eisma
130 East Main (COURT SEAL)
Luverne, MN 56156
507-283-4828
I.D. #158343
(08-10, 08-17)
 

The following article is part of the Diamond Club Member group that began in the January 7, 1943, issue of the Rock County Star Herald. Members of this group consist of persons of age 75 and older.
The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on Nov. 25, 1943.
Continued from last week. Frank Fritz recalls the “Good Old Days.”
“Then I went to Hills and became a Norwegian,” he related. “I opened a hardware store there and operated it until 1900. There were only two democrats in hills at that time, Ole Severtson and myself. I guess there were four populists and the rest were republicans. It wasn’t hard to find someone to argue politics within that town in those days.”
Was Postmaster
         At Hills he was appointed village postmaster, and he also installed the first telephone exchange in the town. He sold his business, however, after he had been in Hills for seven years, to Will Thompson. He then came to Luverne where he was employed by Nelson Brothers for the next seven years.
         In January 1907, he began operating the Sand-Lime brick factory, which was then a big business here. Twenty men were employed there, and much of the brick from which business buildings on Main street were built was manufactured at that time.
         The next year, he entered the employ of Greene and De Late, plumbing and heating firm, and later that same year, he went into partnership with them. From the partnership, he went into business for himself which is now occupied by the Millard Investment company. He continued until 1920 when he sold the business to Soutar, Maxwell and McKnight, which he bought back some years later. He was employed by Mr. McKnight at the time the high school building was constructed here, and he was in charge of the installation of the plumbing and heating equipment. In 1928, he re-entered business for himself, and he says he has been trying to get out of it ever since. The condition of his health is now the only thing that keeps him from being on the job.
Recalls Famous Blizzard
         His recollections of early day Luverne and Rock county are many. The first winter he was in Luverne, he experienced the blizzard of 1888, the worst snowstorm he has ever seen. He recalled that he was rooming at the Lincoln house at that time, and when he returned from lunch that noon, the weather was so warm that school boys were throwing snowballs. The storm struck here about 4:15 p.m. and for an hour he stood in the doorway of the Gerber hardware store and was unable to see the other side of the street. The snow appeared to come in huge rolls, and a person could hardly walk more than 20 feet before his eyes were practically frozen shut by the snow. He remembers well how A. M. Crosby lost 80 head of fattening cattle, and how Crosby’s hired man froze to death in the storm while driving the cattle back from Elk’s slough east of where he had taken them earlier in the afternoon for water.
Member of Fire Department
         At the present time, he is the only living charter member of the Luverne volunteer fire department. He was a member of the department for 28 years, and was on the hose team that won the championship race at Pipestone, defeating teams from Sioux Falls, Pipestone and Rock Rapids.
         The worst fire he has ever helped fight was the one in the Krook and Nelson store which was discovered about 10 p.m. on a night when the temperature was about 30 below zero. The firemen battled the blaze until 7 a.m. the following day, and when they finished, the nozzle looked many times its normal size because so many pairs of gloves were frozen to it. “We held on as long as we could stand it,” he recalls, “and then we’d pull our hands out of our gloves and put on a dry pair, because the ones we had been using were frozen solidly to the nozzle.”
         On another occasion he helped fight a blaze at a barn near where the armory is now located. The wind was so strong that burning shingles blown from its roof landed on Mr. Fritz’s home about six blocks away, causing it, too, to catch fire.
Lover of Outdoors
         Mr. Fritz has always been a great lover of outdoor sports, especially hunting and fishing. As a boy in Wisconsin, he remembers seeing ducks light on fields which had been newly seeded by hand in the spring, and eat virtually all the seed before it could be disked under. A number of times, he says, he stood in a field with a shotgun to frighten the birds away, by shooting at them. One day he and a companion bagged 87 Mallard ducks, as various flocks tried to settle on the fields.
         Prairie chickens and migratory waterfowl were extremely plentiful when he first came to Rock county. A person could go out and if he was an average shot, could bring back in an hour as many prairie chickens as he could carry. At that time they could be sold at $2.50 to $2.75 per dozen. Prairie pigeons, uncommon now, flew over in such great numbers that they darkened the sun, and the same was true of the golden plover. Then, all of a sudden, they became extinct, Mr. Fritz recalls. Ducks and geese at that time had a flight way up and down the Rock river, and hunting was exceptionally good both fall and spring. Pickerel abounded in the Rock river, and fishing was excellent. Despite the fact that he was always busy, he always managed to devote a little time to fishing and hunting.
Served on Council
         As a democrat, Mr. Fritz was interested in the trend of politics, but never had political aspirations for himself. He did, however, serve on the school board at Hills, and served one term as alderman on the Luverne city council.
         Looking back over the period of life that he has lived, Mr. Frtiz states: “I’ve seen travel change from ox team, to horses, to automobiles, to airplanes. I’ve seen tough times, and I’ve seen good times, and if I had my life to live over again, I’d go back right to where I started and come down the same way.
         “I got my lessons the hard way, and I believe it was a good way. Most of the people in the early days were ‘hard up’, but they were all honest. When a fellow told you he’d pay you a debt that he owed you as soon as he had the money, one could almost rest assured that he’d keep his word.”
         Mr. Fritz was married in Luverne on June 6, 1894, to Mary E. Enger, and they became the parents of two children, Ray Fritz, of Luverne and Mrs. Dorothy Russell, of Los Angeles. They also have two grandchildren.
         Of his own family of 17, he is one of 15 brothers and sisters still living.
 
         Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.
 

10 years ago (2013)
•Bob Collins of Minnesota Public Radio paid a visit to members of Luverne’s Last Man’s Club for their Wednesday afternoon coffee at Glen’s Deli on July 31.
The result of his casual conversation with the group will be a write-up in Collins’ MPR blog, “Newscut,” which can be found at www.mpr.org/newscut. …
Luverne’s Last Man’s Club organized in the summer of 2010 as an offshoot of the Glen’s Coffee Clique. Of the original 24 Word War II veterans, the group is now down to nine.
The group of World War II veterans meets every afternoon for coffee — often sharing war stories and enjoying the freedoms they had fought for. …
Surviving Last Man’s Club members are Warren Herreid, Robert Aanenson, Raymond Anderson, Earl Glaser, Helmer Haakenson, LeRoy Luitjens, Jake Boomgaarden, Russ Swenson and Casey Van Engelenhoven.
 
25 years ago (1998)
•With only a couple weeks remaining until school starts, city, school and county officials have arrived at a plan for parking and traffic patterns at the school campus.
Construction on the new elementary school won’t be completed until later this fall, but when elementary students, staff and parents begin coming and going from the new school, a plan is now in place to alleviate some safety and traffic flow concerns.
A committee of city, school and county officials has met four times to come up with a workable plan.
 
50 years ago (1973)
•Nelson’s, a landmark at the corner of Main and McKenzie streets since 1892, will become a Ben Franklin department store about May 1. The second floor of the corner building will be razed and the ground floor will be completely remodeled. The Ben Franklin store and Our Own Hardware also will be remodeled, making them into one store building with a modern 50-foot front.
***
Nelson Bros., Inc., a Luverne retail establishment for 97 years, will go out of business within the next few months.
In its place will be a new Ben Franklin department store, a new Jack and Jill food store, and a third business still to be announced.
Nelson Bros., Inc., will own the buildings and will lease them to the three firms. Jack and Jill and Ben Franklin will sublet the buildings to private operators.
 
75 years ago (1948)
•Mr. and Mrs. V. A. Long, announced this week that they had leased Long’s Service Station and Café, to Gordon Ahrendt, of Luverne. He will take possession of the business on September 1.
Mr. and Mrs. Long said that they will leave later this fall for Florida to spend the winter.
Ahrendt, son of Mr. and Mrs. I A. Ahrendt, is a World War II veteran. Since his discharge, he has operated a bulk truck for the Standard Oil Company. His successor for the oil company has not yet been announced.
 
100 years ago (1923)
•With the exception of superintendent, a new corps of teachers will take up their duties with the beginning of the new year at Magnolia’s consolidated schools.
S. L. Johnson, of Hallock, returns as superintendent. Marguerite Koch, of Minneapolis, as principal, will have charge of domestic science, general science and dramatics. Agnes Mac-Eachron, of St. Paul, will teach music, English A and history; Martin Peterson, of Warren, will have charge of manual training and the upper grades. The other grade vacancies have been filled as follows: Sylvia Bremer, of Waverly, fifth and sixth grades; Margaret Schneider, of Anandale, third and fourth grades; and Marie Gile, of Mason City, Ia., primary grades.

Eleanor Faye Schoolmeester, age 81, of Edgerton, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023.
Memorial visitation will be Thursday, Aug. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the First Christian Reformed Church in Edgerton with a funeral service at the church on Friday, Aug. 11 at 11 a.m.  Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery in Edgerton following the funeral service.
To sign an online registry, please visit www.edgertonburialassociation.com.