FLR Sanding of Princeton began refinishing the gymnasium floor at the Hills-Beaver Creek Secondary School in Hills this summer, and on July 26 workers began painting the lines and new school logo. 

ISD #2184 School Board
meets June 22 
MINUTES OF REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OF 
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184, 
ROCK COUNTY, LUVERNE, MINNESOTA  
A regular meeting of the Board of Education, ISD #2184, was held in
the District Office on June 22, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
The following members were present: Ryan DeBates, Eric Hartman, Tim Jarchow,
and Zach Nolz. Absent: Michael DeBates, Randy Sasker, and David Wrigg.
Also present: Craig Oftedahl, Tyler Reisch, Ryan Johnson, Jason Phelps, Becky
Rahm, and Mavis Fodness - Rock County Star Herald.  
Chairperson Tim Jarchow opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
It was noted there is an addendum to the agenda. Motion made by Eric
Hartman, second by Ryan Debates, to approve the agenda with addendum
as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Superintendent Oftedahl shared a video from the Minnesota State High
School League titled “More Than Membership, Partnership”.  
Administrative reports were given.
Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by Zach Nolz, to approve the May 25, 2023, school board meeting minutes as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by Zach Nolz, to accept
the following donations:
Miles and Mary Brown - $100 for Angel Fund
Papik Motors - $100 for FCCLA
Sioux Valley Energy - $1,500 for Robotics Team
Motion unanimously carried.
Business Manager Tyler Reisch reviewed the bills with the School Board. Motion made by Ryan DeBates, second by Zach Nolz, to approve payment of the Student Activity and District bills as presented in the amount of $1,118,207.12 with payroll in the amount of $2,244,152.33 for a total of $3,352,359.45. It was noted that this includes the payoff payroll for teaching staff. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by Ryan DeBates, to receive the Student Activity report showing the balances as of May 31, 2023. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Ryan DeBates, second by Zach Nolz, to approve the
Annual Title Grant Authorization. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Zach Nolz, second by Eric Hartman, to officially adopt a
revised school calendar for the 2022-2023 school year showing the last day
with students as May 26, 2023. The school district had 167 student days. We met
all requirements for the number of teaching minutes required by the Minnesota
Department of Education. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by Ryan DeBates, to request bakery products quotations be received by July 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Motion unanimously carried. Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by Ryan DeBates, to request dairy products bids be received by July 14, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by Zach Nolz, to authorize Conway,
Deuth & Schmiessing, PLLP, to conduct the audit of the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by Zach Nolz, to authorize the auditor
to make those final transfers and adjustments, when they audit the finances, that are
necessary and according to general accounting principles, resolutions, and
standards. Motion unanimously carried.
Business Manager Tyler Reisch presented a very preliminary budget for the 2023-2024 which was necessary in order to continue financial business beyond June 30, 2023. He noted he is still waiting for information from the Minnesota Department of Education in regard to the funding the school district will receive for the 2023-2024 school year. The preliminary revenue budget is $18,794,260.00 and the preliminary expenditure budget is $19,586,536.00.  Motion made by Ryan DeBates, second by Eric Hartman, to approve this preliminary budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Zach Nolz, second by Ryan DeBates, to continue membership in the Minnesota School Board Association with dues in the amount of $4,934.00 and policy services in the amount of $750. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Ryan DeBates, second by Eric Hartman, to continue
membership in the Minnesota Rural Education Association with dues in
the amount of $2,364.00. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Zach Nolz, second by Ryan DeBates, to set the following
adult food service prices: $3.50 per meal for breakfast and $5.50 per
meal for lunch. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by Zach Nolz, to set the following
non-classified staff rate of pay to be effective July 1, 2023:  Housekeepers - $16.00
per hour and Two-Hour Food Service Workers - $15.50 per hour.
Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by Ryan DeBates, to set the following
transportation rates of pay to be effective July 1, 2023:
Regular Route - $100 per day
Sioux Falls Route - $100 per day
Pipestone Route - $100 per day
Preschool Route - $50 per day
Activity Trips - $18.00 per hour
Daily Overnight Trip - $135.00 per day
Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by Zach Nolz, to approve the Agreement to Extend Probationary Period for Lindsey Schomacker, Special Education Teacher through the 2023-2024 school year. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Ryan DeBates, second by Zach Nolz, to approve the
following summer school contracts: Matt Fodness - 15 days - Agriculture
- $3,491.60 and Lindsey Schomacker - 45 hours - MS/HS Special Education -
$1,701.45. Motion unanimously carried.
Superintendent Oftedahl reviewed information from the Minnesota
Department of Transportation in regard to the landscaping and ADA ramp
by the tennis courts. Member Eric Hartman introduced the following resolution
that was duly seconded by Member Ryan DeBates:
IT IS RESOLVED that the Independent School District 2184 enter into
Limited Use Permit No. 6705-0003 with the State of Minnesota, Department
of Transportation for the following purposes:
To provide for maintenance and use by the Independent School
District 2184 upon, along and adjacent to Trunk Highway No. 75 and the
limits of which are defined in said Limited Use Permit. 
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED by the School Board of the Independent School
District 2184, Luverne, Minnesota, that the Superintendent is authorized
to execute the Limited Use Permit.  
A roll call vote was taken. Those who voted in favor of the resolution: Eric
Hartman, Tim Jarchow, Zach Nolz, and Ryan DeBates; those who voted against
the resolution: none; those who were absent: Michael DeBates, Randy
Sasker and David Wrigg. The resolution was passed.
Superintendent Oftedahl reviewed Policy 516.5 - Overdose Medication with the School Board. This policy is required by recent legislation that was
adopted by the State of Minnesota. This policy was developed by the Minnesota School Board Association. This is the first reading of this policy. The second
reading will be held at the July 27, 2023, school board meeting.
Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by Zach Nolz, to accept the retirement
of Cathy Rust, Elementary Teacher, effective May 26, 2023. Motion unanimously
carried.
Motion made by Ryan DeBates, second by Eric Hartman, to approve the hiring
of Stacy Thone as Prom Advisor. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Ryan DeBates, second by Zach Nolz, to approve the hiring
of Sara Weber as Prom Advisor. Motion unanimously carried.
There were no committee reports. Superintendent Oftedahl did mention
that the Policy Committee may need to meet to review policies that
may be affected by legislative changes.
The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed. Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by Zach Nolz, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried.
Dated: June 22, 2023 David Wrigg, Clerk
(08-03)
 

H-BC School Board 
meets July 10
Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671
Minutes
July 10, 2023
The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semi-monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the H-BC Secondary School Board room, 301 N Summit Ave, Hills, MN.
Board members and Administration present were Gehrke, Harnack,
Helgeson, Rauk and Uittenbogaard. Superintendent Holthaus and
Business Manager Rozeboom were also in attendance. Principal Kellenberger
and Board members Bosch and Rozeboom were absent.
Motion by Helgeson, second by Harnack, and carried to approve the
agenda. Addition to the agenda: 8.3.
Visitors to the meeting were Mavis Fodness - Rock County Star Herald,
Megan Klumper and Samantha McGaffee.
Chairman Summary of Superintendent Evaluation for the 2022-2023 School
Year.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES:
Policy 6/26/2023
Motion by Rauk, second by Harnack, and carried to approve Consent
Agenda:
- Minutes—6/26/2023
- Bills
-Fiscal Year 2025 Long Term Facility Maintenance Statement of Assurances
-Calling for requests for quotes of Liquid Propane and Fuel Oil for the 23-24 
school year. Quotes due to the district office by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9,
2023.
-Wire Transfer for July 24, 2023, Scheduled Bond Payment - 2013A & 2019A Bonds
-Set 2015 Dodge Caravan As Excess District Property and direct the
Superintendent to liquidate.
-Accepting Katie Schreurs resignation as related services nurse effective end
of workday July 12, 2023
-Assigning Lydia Scruggs as Middle Level Communication Arts/Literature 1 FTE
for the 2023-2024 School Year.
-Hiring Allesia Kolles as K-12 Vocal Music Teacher for the 2023-2024
School Year
-First Reading Policies:
•102- Equal Educational Opportunity
•418- Drug-Free Workplace/Drug-Free School
•419- Tobacco-Free Environment
•424- License Status
•425- Staff Development
•506- Student Discipline
•507- Corporal Punishment and Prone Restraint
•509- Enrollment of Nonresident Students
•513 Student Promotion, Retention, and Program Design
•514 Bullying Prohibition Policy
•516.5- Overdose Medication
•524- Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy
•532- Use of Peace Officers and Crisis Teams
•534- School Meals Policy
•602- Organization of School Calendar and School Day
•603- Curriculum Development
•604- Instructional Curriculum
•613- Graduation Requirements
•616- School District System Accountability
•617- School District Ensurance of Standards
•618- Assessments of Student Achievement
•620- Credit for Learning
•621- Literacy and the Read Act
•624- Online Instruction
•708- Transportation of Nonpublic School Students
•709-Students Transportation Safety Policy
•806- Crisis Management Policy
Motion by Rauk, second by Harnack, and carried to approve Resolution
adopting Independent School District no. 671 FY 2025 long-term facilities
maintenance ten-year plan.
Motion by Uittenbogaard, second by Helgeson, and carried to approve
purchase of 2023 Honda Minivan as part of the District’s ESSER Funds
to replace existing Dodge Caravan.
Motion by Harnack, second by Uittenbogaard, and carried to approve high quote for the sale of the 2012 Chevrolet Impala.
DISTRICT NON-ACTION ITEMS:
•Superintendent Report
AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Regular Board meeting, Monday, July 24 
Regular Board meeting, Monday, August 14
Motion by Harnack, second by Helgeson, and carried to approve
adjournment of meeting.
Time of Adjournment: 7:40 p.m.
Tamara Rauk, Clerk
(08-03) 

Recreational marijuana use will be limited in Rock County if a countywide ordinance is adopted later this month.
City leaders from Beaver Creek, Hills, Steen, Magnolia, Luverne, Kenneth, Jasper and Hardwick met with Rock County commissioners July 25 to discuss the state’s recent marijuana legislation and how it will be implemented locally.
County attorney Jeff Haubrich will draft a countywide ordinance, and each city council will adopt a resolution in support of that same ordinance at their upcoming August meeting.
Commissioners are scheduled to act on the proposed ordinance Aug. 22.
City and county leaders met in response to state legislation that makes adult use, possession and personal growing of marijuana in small amounts legal as of Aug. 1.
Local officials have lamented that the state has provided limited guidance about how to enact the new law.
County Administrator Kyle Oldre organized the hour-long public meeting with city leaders in the library basement where the meaning of “public use” and “public places” as it pertains to their communities was discussed.
“If you have a sidewalk restaurant or sidewalk seating at a restaurant, should you or would you as a city or county want to regulate that (marijuana use) and not allow it?” Oldre asked.
“At least for tonight’s conversation purposes — and part of the things the county is concerned with — we have law enforcement contracts with most of you in here and we want to make sure what we are enforcing is somewhat uniform.”
Use, possession and growing small amounts of marijuana is legal, but opening a retail cannabis business isn’t expected to be legal until after Jan. 1, 2025, when the state will likely begin issuing licenses.
 
Rock County’s unique location in the state draws local concern
Rock County borders the states of Iowa and South Dakota where recreational marijuana is not legal, and local leaders anticipate traffic coming into the county for that purpose.
“I worry about our people and our town,” said Hills City Council member Cory Metzger. “… people coming in making a mess, then leaving.”
Haubrich said a strict ordinance, such as the one adopted by Stearns County, would prohibit smoking marijuana in public areas.
“They basically said in Stearns County, other than in the privacy of your house, you’re not going to do it,” Haubrich said.
The Stearns County ordinance defines a public place as “a public park or trail, public street or sidewalk, any enclosed, indoor area used by the general public, including, but not limited to, theaters, restaurants, bars, food establishments, places licensed to sell intoxicating liquor, wine or malt beverages, retail businesses, gyms, commons areas in buildings, public shopping areas, auditoriums, arenas, or other places of public accommodations.”
A fine of $300 (a petty misdemeanor) can be issued in Stearns County to anyone smoking marijuana in public.
 
Interest high in opening marijuana retail business locally
City and county leaders say they’ve received phone calls about opening retail stores in the various communities.
State law says local governments can limit the number of cannabis retailers to one for every 12,500 residents.
The only restriction to sales is that buyers must be 21 or older.
While each city can have one or more recreational marijuana retail businesses, council members at the July 25 joint meeting supported allowing one license for the entire county.
The state is not issuing licenses until the Office of Cannabis Management is established.
The state is responsible for issuing licenses, but local communities are notified of applications and whether locations meet setback requirements from schools, day cares, churches or other public places.
County officials expect that interest for the retail licenses will be high.
“Keep in mind, we’ve already had inquiries for legal marijuana sales from out of state,” said Commissioner Greg Burger. “They are looking at Rock County as a gold mine.”

The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board members accepted resignations of two tenured secondary teachers during their meeting last week.
Randi Oftedahl submitted her resignation to Superintendent Todd Holthaus on July 19, effective July 24, and Kale Wiertzema submitted his resignation July 20, effective immediately.
Oftedahl taught middle school science and social studies. She requested the resignation to be effective July 24.
Wiertzema resigned from his secondary special education teaching position as well as the district head boys’ basketball coach.
“These folks are going to be missed dearly,” Holthaus said. “But they are moving on.”
Oftedahl taught at H-BC for seven years, while Wiertzema taught and coached in the district for 10 years.
Both positions will be posted to start in September for the 2023-24 school year.
“We have some hiring to do — we have a little time to do that but not a lot of time,” Holthaus said.
In addition to the two secondary positions, the district is still interviewing for an agriculture teacher and a paraprofessional.
In other business, the H-BC board:
•hired Mary Opheim as part-time related services nurse and part-time cook’s assistant.
•assigned April Prohl as part-time secondary Spanish teacher for $7,500.
•accepted the resignation of Katie Angelo as a paraprofessional effective immediately.

Meetings
Beaver Creek Township Board will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, in the township hall. 
Vienna Township Board will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the Kenneth Community Center.
Sanford Luverne Pink Ladies will meet at 1 :30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14, in the Blue Mound Room at Sanford Luverne. Attendance is important at this meeting when critical decisions will be made. Call Sharon Zinnell, 507-227-3321, with questions.
 
Nutrition Assistance for Seniors Aug. 3
Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors 60 & older, sponsored by A.C.E. of SW MN will be from 1:30  to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3. It will be a drive-thru distribution in the parking lot off Maple Street at the A.C.E office on the east side of the Generations Event Center. Pre-registration is required. Call Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064.
 
Beaver Days set for Aug. 4-5
Beaver Creek will celebrate Beaver Days Aug. 4 and 5. A 5K run/walk is at 7:30 a.m. Saturday followed by a 10 a.m. parade. A vendor fair, car show and family activities at the splash pad will be from 10:30 to 2:30 p.m. Community meal is at the fire hall from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. followed by the street dance from 7:30 to midnight. See the City of Beaver Creek Facebook page for details.
 
Blood Bank at Take 16 for ‘Pint for a Pint’ Aug. 4
Take 16 Brewing Co. will host a community blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4. Donors can register inside Take 16 Brewing, online at www.cbblifeblood.org or by calling 605-331-3222. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. Donors receive an event T-shirt and a pint of their favorite brew. 
 
SAIL classes start in Beaver Creek Aug. 7
New SAIL classes meet from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. every Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 7 through Oct. 25 in the Beaver Creek City Council Meeting Room. The free classes, Stay Active and Independent for Life improve strength and balance. Call A.C.E. of SW MN manager, Linda Wenzel, 507-283-5064 or A.C.E. volunteer Nancy Lange, 605-838-5915.
 
Steen Carnival set for Aug. 9
The Annual Steen Carnival is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, in the Reformed Church of Steen parking lot. The event features free inflatables, a Cruisin’ for Christ car, tractor and cycle show and a pork sandwich meal. Donations accepted for the Sunday school department. Call 507-227-6664 for details.
 
Palisade Pie and Ice Cream Social Aug. 13
Palisade Lutheran Church Annual Pie and Ice Cream Social will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. following 10 a.m. outdoor worship on the lawn at the church in rural Rock County (corner of County Road 5 and Highway 23) west of Luverne.
Menu includes grilled hamburgers or hotdogs, salad, chips and homemade pie with ice cream. Outdoor lawn games and watermelon will follow.
 
‘Living Well with Diabetes’ starts Aug. 23
Living Well with Diabetes Workshop will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 23 and 30 and Sept. 6,13, 20 and 27, at A.C.E. of SW MN Rock County, 102 Estey St. Luverne. Learn how to manage diabetes with simple lifestyle changes. Call 507-283-5064
 
Youth prayer breakfast Aug. 24
Rock The Edge will host its third annual Community and Youth Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, Aug. 24, at Luverne High School.
Breakfast is at 6:30 a.m. in the commons and the program is at 7 in the performing arts center with guest speaker Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken.
Make reservations by noon Aug. 21 by calling 283-4061. Donations will be accepted. The public is invited to attend.
 
Community Ed
Community Education will offer the following classes in the next few weeks. Call 507-283-4724 to register.
Cake Decorating Camp will be Aug. 8 and 9 for students in grades 6-8 (in the 22-23 school year). Learn to bake and decorate cake. Fee is $100.
 Students in grades 3-5 (as attended during the 22-23 school year) can join Introduction to Coding with Block Programming on Aug. 8, 9, 10 to explore the world of coding. Fee is $60. 
Boys and girls in grades 2-7 (as attended in 2022-23) can compete in Punt, Pass and Kick on Aug. 16. Fee is $10.
Adults age 65 and older can register by Aug. 18 for MN State Fair Trip on Aug. 28. Fee is $90 per person for this chartered bus trip, including entrance fee.
 Taking Defensive Driving Classes allows adults 55 years of age and older to save on insurance premiums.  After the beginning 8-hour class, every three years drivers take a 4-hour refresher class. The Beginner Class is Sept 11 and 18 (4 hours each evening).
 
Free summer events at Plaza
Furs and Fossils is a free “feel and learn” event for kids hosted by the Rock County Historical Society at the Plaza on Main from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3.
Free root beer floats and historic downtown tours will celebrate National Root Beer Float Day Sunday, Aug. 6. Take 16 Brewing and the Luverne Chamber will host golf cart tours of the historic Luverne downtown at 2 and 4 p.m. and serve root beer floats at the Plaza. Call 507-283-4061 to reserve a seat.
Super Summer Books “Super Summer Books,” a child reading outreach, is hosted by the Rock County Community Library at the Plaza on Main from 10 to 10:30 a.m.Tuesday, Aug. 15.
Yard Games & Fellowship Free fun activities will be available at the Plaza on Main from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug.17, hosted by Rock County Opportunities. Wildflowers Food Truck will be available for lunch.
Music on the Plaza with Bruce Dysthe Bruce Dysthe will sing from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at the Plaza. Enjoy the great sounds of one of the area’s finest vocalists. Wildflower’s Food Truck will serve from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Crazy Summer Fun for Kids |This event is hosted by Luverne Chamber at the Plaza on Main from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug. 18. Free lunch will be served for kids. Reservations are requested by Aug. 16. Call the Chamber at 507-283-4061.
Sip & Ride Golf Cart Coffee Tour This event is hosted by Luverne Chamber at the Plaza on Main. Rides depart at 8 and 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, for the Tales of the Graves golf cart tour. Reserve your seat by calling the Chamber at 507-283-4061.
Stick Fitness This is a free exercise class hosted by Luverne Aquatic & Fitness at the Plaza on Main from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21.
 
Library Happenings
For more information about library happenings, call 507-449-5040 or email rockcountystaff@gmail.com.
Books on Tap takes place at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Take 16 in Luverne.
The 50 State Challenge for adults and older teens is currently underway where patrons are encouraged to read a book set in one of each of the 50 states through Jan. 1, 2024.
Summer reading program for youth and adults is currently underway now through Aug. 15. Youth can pick up the “Find Your Voice” reading log to earn prizes for the number of books read. In the adult program, for every five books read, patrons may enter their name to win one of three gift baskets.
Trivia Night is at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Take 16 in Luverne. Team registration is at 6 p.m.
 
SAIL classes in Luverne through Sept. 28
New SAIL classes meet from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 11 through Sept. 28 at Generations Event Center in Luverne. The free classes, Stay Active and Independent for Life, improve strength and balance. Call A.C.E. of SWMN manager Linda Wenzel, 507-283-5064 or A.C.E. volunteer Corey Ziegler, 507-920-0587.
 
Kits available at library
Libraries in the Plum Creek Library System have Storytelling Kits in a wide range of subjects from ABCs to Zoos. Each of the more than 130 kits contains a variety of materials based on the kit’s theme. Some include Wonderbooks, puppets, music CDs and DVDs. Various learning activities can also be found in the kits.
Reminiscence Kits are available featuring various topics such as gardening, pets, baking, sewing, farming and hunting. The kits are designed to use with a loved one experiencing memory loss, encouraging loved ones to open up about activities they once loved in the past.
STEAM kits are also available checkout. Motion, lights, hydropower, robotics and magnets are among the kits.
 
Food Shelf evening hours
The Rock County Food Shelf is open for an additional evening shift from 5 to 6 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. Call Mary at 507-227-5548 or Katie at 507-227-3531.
 
A.C.E. respite care available, volunteers needed
A.C.E. of SW Minnesota (A.C.E.) offers respite care services in Rock County for those needing a break from caring for a loved one.
The respite program offers short-term (1-3 hours), temporary care for families and caregivers by providing a brief period of reprieve from the daily cares they provide to their loved one.
Volunteers provide non-professional supportive services to caregivers to give them time for themselves, relieve their stress and help them remain healthy.
Respite care volunteers are also needed. Trained A.C.E. volunteers provide respite care to family caregivers of adults age 60 and older who are suffering from long-term health conditions.
Contact Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064 or ace.rock@co.rock.mn.us.

The Open Class superintendents were pleased with all who exhibited this year and for their patience with the heat during entry times.  Judges commented on the high quality and how difficult it was to select the champions.
The results reported for the Open Class competition at the 2023 Rock County Fair are as follows:
Floral
•Best of Show: Lynette Jauert.
•Reserve:  Jennifer Ainsworth.
•Champions: Mary Crawford, Melba Boeve, Lynette Jauert, Shirley Connor.
•Reserve Champions: Judy Knutson, Mary Crawford, Melba Boeve, Deb Wynia, Stacy Mente.
•Youth Champion: Kallista Van Grootheest.
•Reserve Youth: Gregory Gainey.
Bucket of Flowers
•Best of Show: Ramona Walker.
•Reserve: Delores Halverson.
Baking
•Best of Show:  Becky Sehr.
•Reserve: Emma Petersen.
•Adult Champion: Becky Sehr.
•Reserve: Melissa Lemme.
•Youth Champion: Emma Petersen.
•Reserve: Coy Thone.
Home Preserved Food
•Best of Show: Becky Ossefoort.
•Reserve: Carol Boelman.
•Youth Champion: Bradey Lemme.
•Reserve: Piper Meinerts.
Vegetables
•Best of Show: Stacy Thone.
•Reserve: Judy Knutson.
•Youth champion: Rose Gainey.
•Reserve: Bria Lessman.
Field Crops
•Best of Show: Eric Fick.
Tallest Corn: Coy Thone.
Reserve: Calla Thone.
Bean stalk with most pods Champion: Eric Fick.
•Reserve: Hatcher Petersen.
Sewing
•Best of Show: De Wiskus.
Reserve: Dawn Vander Beek.
Champions: Lori Oechsle, Dawn Vander Beek, Marian Schneekloth (2), De Wiskus (2).
Reserve: Barb Sandbulte, De Wiskus (3), Debi Scholten, Debra Van Heerde.
Needlework
•Champions: Debra VanHeerde, Delinda Jansma, Jackie Gertz, Lori Oechsle.
Reserve: Marian Schneekloth, Dawn Vander Beek, Debra Van Heerde.
Junior Sewing and Needlework:
•Best of Show: Brynlie Bork.
Reserve: Gabriella Porter.
Champions: Brynlie Bork, Gabrielle Porter.
•Reserve: Gabriella Porter, Cambrie Bork, Charlotte Happeny.
 
Arts and Crafts
•Best of Show: Twila VerSteeg.
•Reserve: Melissa Lemme.
•Champions: Cheryl Nath, Melissa Lemme, Dawn Vander Beek, Twila VerSteeg.
•Reserve Champions:  Melissa Lemme, Emma Wieneke, Jill Swenson, Dawn Vander Beek.
Junior Arts and Crafts
•Best of Show: Trinley Vanderburg.
•Reserve: Ava Steinhoff.
•Champions: Trinley VanderBurg, Ava Steinhoff, Kenzie Petersen, Sean Bonilla-Soto.
•Reserve: Ava Steinhoff, Kallista Van Grootheest, McKinlee Gillette.
Photography
•Best of Show: Jason Cook.
•Reserve: Carol Wynia.
•Champions: Jason Cook, Carol Walgrave.
•Reserve: Mallory Nath, Kristin Suhr.
•Professional Champion: Megan Jensen.
•Reserve: Carol Walgrave.
•Junior Champion: Afton Nuffer.
•Junior Reserve: Aubrey Nuffer.
Wood
•Best of Show: Daryl Hilfers.
•Reserve: Ike Brake.
•Youth Champion: James Eggebrecht.
•Reserve: Ava Steinhoff.
Senior Citizens
•Large Quilt Best of Show Champion: De Wiskus.
•Reserve: Sharon Zinnel.
•Champions: Jackie Gertz, Sharon Zinnel, Barb Sandbulte, Mary Crawford, De Wiskus.
•Reserve: Deb VanHeerde, Sharon Zinnel, Marian Schneekloth.
Gifts
•Best of Show: Becky Ossefoort.
•Reserve: Shirley Connor.
•Youth Champion: Coy Thone.
Fabric Challenge
•Best of Show: Debi Scholten.
•Reserve: Amie Reker.

The Blue Mounds State Park has announced its August programs and events. Contact bluemounds.statepark@state.mn.us or 507-283-6050 with questions or special requests.
Colors of the Prairie Participants hike with the naturalist from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4, to see wildflowers and learn some basics on how to use a wildflower identification field guide. The hike may cover up to one mile. Come prepared with sun and insect protection, a water bottle and good walking shoes. All ages are welcome.
Tiny Acorn – Big World Participants meet at the Eagle Rock Vista at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, to embark on a one-hour journey through the big world of the Burr Oak tree. Learn about the mighty lives stored in tiny acorns and the web of plants and animals that live with them. Come prepared with water, insect protection and good walking shoes. All ages are welcome. Please note: Trail is not stroller or wheelchair friendly.
Creatures of the Night: Frogs and Toads Participants meet at the picnic area from 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, to learn about the amazing transformation that frogs and toads go through to reach adulthood.
Night Hike Participants meet at the picnic area at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, to immerse themselves in a full sensory experience on a 1- 1/2-hour adventure to explore the park at night using all five senses to make the most of the time spent in nature. Come prepared with good walking shoes and insect protection.
Bringing Prairie Home Participants meet at the picnic shelter at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, for a one-hour class on learning about designing, planting and maintaining your own patch of prairie.
Gratitude for Grass Participants meet at the picnic area at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, where they will dive into a one-hour study of grass with the naturalist and learn how to recognize the vast array of species of this humble plant group.
Who’s Egg is That? Participants meet at the picnic area from 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. Will you be able to help the residents of Blue Mounds State Park find their eggs? Discover the animals that lay eggs and match the egg to the parent.
Creatures of the Night: Owls Participants meet at the amphitheater at 7 p.m. for a one-hour class to learn what makes owls best-suited for life at night. Bring a chair, as seating is limited. All ages are welcome.