Glen Lee Uithoven, age 60, peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2023, after a short hospitalization at Sanford Worthington Medical Center.
Glen was born August 8, 1962, the son of Marcus Jr. and Viola (VanRoekel) Uithoven in Luverne, Minnesota.
While Glen was still an infant, he was diagnosed with microcephaly, possibly the result of a severe case of rubella. While the condition prevented developmental milestones, it did not prevent Glen from having a positive impact on his family and all who interacted with him. Glen always seemed to have a positive nature and enjoyed life, usually with a mischievous grin on his face indicating that he knew something that you didn’t.
In 1973, in an effort to better manage Glen's condition, he became a ward of the state and was placed in care facilities at Sauk Centre and Willmar, Minnesota, before moving to a group home in Worthington, Minnesota, in 1986. He spent the remainder of his life in Worthington which allowed easy access for his family and church friends to visit.
Glen enjoyed visits, especially a drive through the countryside and if possible, a stop for an ice cream cone.
While in Worthington, Glen was active at the Nobles County Developmental Center. When at home, and not eating, Glen enjoyed watching television, finding humor in his own special thoughts.
Glen enjoyed his 24 years working at the Nobles County DAC in Worthington. He was known there for reminding staff of his presence by displaying his ever so loving "jazzy" side.  When Glen loved you, he would let you know by his "signature" body language and giggle.  Glen was full of life, even at work.  He looked forward to his days at the DAC as he greeted everyone off the bus with a smile.  He worked hard but enjoyed his leisure time socializing with staff as they tried getting their work done. Glen's DAC family will cherish the memories they shared with him. He will be greatly missed by all who worked with him.
Glen is lovingly survived by four siblings, Gary Uithoven of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Greg (Marilyn) Uithoven of Magnolia, Minnesota, Leanne (Jim) Zarling of Fairmont, Minnesota, and Lisa Uithoven of Omaha, Nebraska; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and his extended family and caring staff of adult residential homes and Nobles County D.A.C. staff.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law Marcia Uithoven; niece Amanda Uithoven; and nephew Shawn Uithoven.
A private graveside committal service for family and staff will be Friday, August 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Luverne.
Arrangements are under the care of Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. To sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.Memorials preferred to Nobles D.A.C.

The Hills-Beaver Class of 1973 met for their 50th class reunion on July 29 at Take 16 Brewery. Pictured are (front, from left) Lex (Van Wyhe) DeWit, Carol (Wallenburg) Nelson, Joyce (Sandager) Norton Wulf, Beth (Oolbekkink) Gravley, Laurie Schlueter-Hynes, Cathy Aykens, Carolyn (Schubbe) Randall, Sandy (Stoltenberg) Sisk, (second) Bill Stegemann, Wayne Beyenhof, Brad Larson, Rodney Bajema, Becky (Leuthold) Wulf, Lila (Bos) Kroon, (back) Darwin Hoeck, Ken McFarland, Kathie Hull, Paul Ahrendt, Don Bosch, Kristi Rollag, Merlyn Sandstede, Glenn Fick, Donna (Deragisch) Schneider.

The Luverne High School Class of 1968 celebrated their 55th class reunion July 22. Attending the reunion are (front, from left) Mary (Foight) Sites, Sandy (Haakenson) Parpart, Linda (Wessels) Schoon, Cheryl (DePauw) Enger, Monica (Swenson) Hintze, Karen Radermacher, Carole (Bowman) Hemme, Dianne (Lorenzen) Ossenfort, (second) Gregg Fitzer, Keith Rapp, Tim Burns, Steve Leslie, Becky (Frakes) Sherwood, Linda (Gabrielson) Smith, Joan (Hemme) Boomgaarden, Xavier Suniga, Karen (Mann) Mensen, Larinda (Van Iperen) Braun, Bruce Ohlsen, Rodger Ossenfort, (back) Mike Olson, Lyle Utley, Rick DeBates, Al Schmuck, Ken Madison, Jim Jacobson, Dennis Oldre, Rob Fitzer, Bob Rinkel, Dan Engebretsen, Connie (Vegge) Connell, Dave Eberlein, Harlan Ott, Gregg Helland, Randy Boeve and Dave Bowen. Not pictured are Dave Mollberg, Greg Gabrielson, John Saarloos, Dale Dreessen and Kim Sandbo.

Our family recently enjoyed a vacation out to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. It was amazing to view this part of our country and witness God’s beautiful creation there.
We also enjoyed family time together and time for rest in our cabin after hiking awe-inspiring trails near waterfalls and tranquil lakes.
In Matthew 11:28 Jesus issues a gracious invitation: “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus speaks to all who are burdened with the weight of their guilt and mistakes, with the many problems of this life, of trying to please God by their own efforts. Is Jesus speaking to you? Then he is inviting you to come and receive the rest he freely offers.
Jesus’ words in the Bible addressed people who knew what it was to labor and be heavy-laden. The Pharisees (Jewish religious leaders) would load heavy weights on people’s backs. They taught that the law was something you could keep if you worked hard enough. That was how you could be counted righteous before God – by your works. And that is a heavy burden to bear. Only the best and most dedicated could hope to live up to that standard.
The Pharisees thought they could manage the law and master it. But what they did was to take the teeth out of the law so they could outwardly keep it. Take, for example, the Sabbath commandment. People should rest from their work on the Sabbath in order to hear God’s Word. But instead, the Pharisees made up their own regulations – how many steps one could take on a Sabbath day’s journey — and they missed the whole point. They turned it into a manageable law, one they could master. But that really sidesteps the force of the law. God’s law is meant to show us the sinfulness of our heart. It exposes us as sinners who do not want to do God’s will. In this way, God shows us our need for a Savior.
But the Pharisees deluded themselves into thinking they were keeping God’s law. To make themselves seem righteous, they also had to look better than everyone else. That was their game. What was the effect this had on people? They felt weighted down, burdened. By directing them to the law and the added human regulations, the Pharisees tied heavy loads on people’s backs. It was unbearable.
The law is a heavy yoke that you and I are not able to bear. Keeping all the commandments of God is an enormous weight, and we are not strong enough to lift it. This battle within us, the conflict between the new person who wants to obey God and the Old Adam who serves only self is real, and it weighs heavily on our conscience.
Do you realize that you have not loved God as you should, that you have not loved your neighbor as well as you could? That you have not kept God’s commandments, and that the law of God condemns you as a sinner and sentences you to death?
Friends, it is only through Christ that you are delivered, that the load is lifted, the burden removed. That’s why Jesus can say to you today, “Come to me, and I will give you rest.” Jesus is the only one who can do this for you. He is the only one strong enough to carry the load that is the weight of the law. That’s what our Savior did. He kept God’s law completely in our place.
Then Jesus did something more. He died the death of sinners, hanging on a cross, suspended between heaven and earth, mocked by men and forsaken by God. That is a heavy load to bear. Jesus really did carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. Christ carried the sins of us all to the cross.
The weight of your sins has been lifted. That heavy load is gone, just as surely as the huge stone was rolled away on Easter morning. Sin is forgiven, death is destroyed. Jesus now says to you: “Come to me, and I will give you rest.” What a relief! What rest for our souls!
Come to Jesus, and find the rest you need. Rest for those worn out by their own sins. Rest for weary Christians who are troubled by the internal battle within. Rest from all the burdens of sadness and pain, heartache and loss.
Come and find true spiritual rest in Christ, both for this life and for the age to come – peace with God, the forgiveness of sins and the certain hope of eternal rest in heaven. Come to God’s house and experience this true rest!

St. Catherine Catholic Church
203 E. Brown St., Luverne
St. Catherine Ph. 283-8502; www.stscl.org
Monsignor Gerald Kosse, Pastor
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Mass. Masses: 9 a.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Friday at the nursing homes – check the bulletin. All Sunday masses will be live streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pg/stccluverne/videos/. Visit www.stscl.org for more information.
 
Luverne Christian Reformed Church
605 N. Estey St., Luverne
Office Ph. 283-8482; Prayer Line Ph. 449-5982
www.luvernecrc.com — office@luvernecrc.com
Joe Steenholdt, Pastor
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Worship service. 6:30 p.m. Evening worship service. We are streaming Sunday services live on YouTube at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Send him a friend request if you’re not connected. You may also visit our website for delayed broadcasts. Also our services are on local cable TV at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. In all circumstances, may we joyfully declare: “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:8.
 
First Baptist Church
103 N. Jackson St., P.O. Box 975, Luverne
Ph. 283-4091; email: fbcluv@iw.net — www.fbcluverne.org
Walt Moser, Pastor
Sundays: 10:30 a.m. In-person worship service. Service is also on Facebook Live at 10:30 a.m.
 
Grace Lutheran Church
500 N. Kniss Ave., Luverne
Ph. 507-283-4431; www.graceluverne.org — graceluverne@iw.net
Thursday, Aug. 3: 8:30 a.m. Missions in Action. Saturday, Aug. 5: No activities. Sunday, Aug. 6: 9 a.m. Worship Service with Holy Communion. Tuesday, Aug. 8: 9 a.m. Staff meeting. 6:45 p.m. Ministry meetings. 8 p.m. PPC meeting. Wednesday, Aug. 9: 7 a.m. Men’s Bible Study. Online, TV and Radio Worship options are available. Online worship: Sundays 9 a.m. at www.graceluverne.org, click Worship tab; or Facebook page at Grace Lutheran ELCA, Luverne. TV: Vast Channel 3 Mondays at 4:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. Radio: KQAD-AM Radio Sundays at 8:15 a.m.
 
Bethany Lutheran Church
720 N. Kniss Ave., Luverne
Ph. 507-283-4571 or 605-215-9834
Andrew Palmquist, Pastor
Sundays: 9 a.m. Sunday School and Bible class. 10:15 a.m. Worship service; worship online as well (at els.org). Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Zoom Bible study. See our Facebook page, Bethany Lutheran Church (Luverne) for other classes and events.
 
American Reformed Church
304 N. Fairview Dr., Luverne
Ph. 507-283-8600; email: office@arcluverne.org
Thursday, Aug. 3: 9 a.m. Cookie Crew. Friday, Aug. 4: 6:30 a.m. Community Men’s Bible Study. Wedding rehearsal. Church Campout Fri-Sun. Saturday, Aug. 5: Morgan Stratton and Luke Daniels wedding. Sunday, Aug. 6: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service. CommServices are also broadcast on Vast Channel 3 on Mondays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 4 p.m. DVD’s available upon request. To stay up to date on announcements, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @arcluverne. Tuesday, Aug. 1: 12 p.m. Staff meeting. Wednesday, Aug. 2: 6:30 p.m. Apologetics study. Thursday, Aug. 3: 9 a.m. Cookie Crew.
 
Rock River Community Church
1075 110th Ave., Luverne
Ph. 507-283-9070; email: info@rockrivercommunity.church
Bob Junak, Pastor
Come as you are—Sundays @ 10 a.m.: Main Service. Kids church age 3-6th grade—Nursery. Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. Midweek Service—Kids age 3-6th grade.
 
United Methodist Church
109 N. Freeman Ave., Luverne
Ph. 283-4529
Wednesday, Aug. 2: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Open Prayer chapel. 6:15 p.m. FUEL and Confirmation. 8 p.m. AA meeting. Friday, Aug. 3: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Salad Luncheon. Saturday, Aug. 5: 8 p.m. AA meeting. Sunday, Aug. 6: 9:30 a.m. FUEL/Adult Sunday School. 9:45 a.m. Coffee. 10:30 a.m. Worship service. Live streamed on Facebook and radio. 4:30 p.m. Genesis/Revelation Bible study. Monday, Aug. 7: 6:30 p.m. Genesis to revelation Bible study. Tuesday, Aug. 8: 1:30 p.m. Sewn in Faith. Wednesday, Aug. 9: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Open Prayer chapel. 8 p.m. AA meeting. Thursday, Aug. 10: 1-3 p.m. Salad Luncheon.
 
First Presbyterian Church
302 Central Lane, Luverne
Ph. 283-4787; email: fpcemilie@gmail.com
Sunday, Aug. 6: 9:30 a.m. In-person Worship service. View on Facebook under First Presbyterian Church of Luverne, City of Luverne's LUV TV or on the local Luverne cable station at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and 10 a.m. on Thursdays). 10:30 a.m. Fellowship coffee hour. Wednesday, Aug. 9: 7 p.m. Committee meetings.
 
St. John Lutheran Church
803 N. Cedar St., Luverne
Ph. 283-2316; email: stjohn@iw.net
www.stjohnlutheranluverne.org
Saturdays: 5:30 p.m. Worship Service. Sundays: 9 a.m. Worship Service. 10 a.m. Fellowship Time. 10:15 a.m. Sunday School. 10:15 a.m. Adult Bible Study. Wednesdays: 9 a.m. Bible Study. 6:30 p.m. Catechesis Class. 6:30 p.m. Kids for Christ. 7:30 p.m. Youth Group. Services will be available on the Vast Channel 3 Sunday and online at the city website, cityofluverne.org. Holy Communion is offered on 2nd and 4th weekends and Liturgical Feasts.
 
Living Rock Church
500 E. Main St., Luverne
Ph. 449-0057; www.livingrockswmn.org
Josh Hayden, Pastor
 
New Life Celebration Church
101 W. Maple, Luverne
Ph. (605) 368-1924; email: newlifecelebration@gmail.com
 
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
305 E. 2nd St., P.O. Box 36, Hardwick
Ph. (507) 669-2855; zionoffice@alliancecom.net
Jesse Baker, Pastor
Sundays: 9 a.m. Worship service. 10:15 a.m. Sunday School. 10:30 a.m. Bible study. Worship service on Luverne cable at 3:30 p.m. every Thursday and Friday.
 
Ben Clare United Methodist Church
26762 Ben Clare Ave., Valley Springs, S.D.
igtwlb@WOW.net
Bill Bates, Pastor
 
First Lutheran Church
300 Maple St., Valley Springs, S.D.
Ph. (605) 757-6662 – firstpalisade@alliancecom.net
Mark Eliason, Pastor
Sunday, Aug. 6: 10 a.m. JOINT Worship at First Lutheran Church. All are welcome. We Are ONLINE! Facebook: @FirstLutheranValley Springs; YouTube: FirstPalisadeLutheranParish.
 
Palisade Lutheran Church
211 121st St., Garretson, S.D.
Ph. (507) 597-6257 — palisadechurch@alliancecom.net
www.palisadelutheran.org
Sunday, Aug. 6: 10 a.m. JOINT Worship at First Lutheran Church. All are welcome. We Are ONLINE! Facebook: @PalisadeLC; YouTube: FirstPalisadeLutheranParish.
 
First Presbyterian Church
201 S. 3rd St., P.O Box 73, Beaver Creek
Ph. 507-935-5025
email: lori.firstpres@gmail.com
Sundays: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service. Second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. Session meeting.
 
Magnolia United Methodist Church
501 E. Luverne St., Magnolia
Ph. 605-215-3429
email: magnoliamnumc@gmail.com
Nancy Manning, Pastor
Sundays: 9 a.m. Worship Service in-person with livestream available on the church’s Facebook site.
 
Steen Reformed Church
112 W. Church Ave., Steen
Ph. 855-2336
Jeremy Wiersema, Pastor
Sundays: 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Worship service in-person with livestream available on Facebook and YouTube. Radio worship on KQAD Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
 
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
112 N. Main St., Hills
Ph. 962-3270 / bethlehemofhills@gmail.com
Nita Parker, Pastor
Sundays: 9 a.m. Worship at Tuff Chapel. 9 a.m. Sunday school. 10 a.m. Worship Service. Worship will be streamed live to Facebook at Bethlehem of Hills. You can find more info on our website blchills.org.
 
Hills United Reformed Church
410 S. Central Ave., Hills
Office Ph. 962-3254
hillsurc@alliancecom.net
Praveen Muthasamy, Pastor
Sundays, 9:30 a.m. Worship service. 5 p.m. Evening worship service.
 

Deer hunters will have more ways to hunt in Minnesota this fall, and deer hunting licenses can be purchased starting Aug. 1.
“We’re excited for deer season. Hunters have a lot to look forward to this year,” said Barb Keller, big game program leader. “We encourage all hunters to review the new hunting regulations and make a plan for hunting success.”
New this year, crossbows are allowed for all deer hunters with an archery license, synthetic ground blinds on public lands are required to have blaze orange covering, some chronic wasting disease zones have changed, nontoxic ammunition will be required for special hunts in state parks or in scientific and natural areas where hunting is allowed, and some harvest limits are reduced in northeast and north-central Minnesota while most areas have similar bag limits as last year.
Deer hunting specifics can be found on the Minnesota DNR website(mndnr.gov/hunting/deer). Electronic copies of all 2023 Minnesota hunting regulations are available now online (mndnr.gov/regulations/hunting). Printed copies will be available by the end of August wherever licenses are sold.
After a tough winter, deer hunters in northern Minnesota might see fewer deer. In central and southern Minnesota, deer likely fared well.
“Hunters in most of Minnesota can expect a season similar to last year in terms of how many deer they can harvest,” Keller said. “The lower bag limits in northeast and north-central Minnesota aim to allow deer populations to recover after back-to-back severe winters. 
Deer are resilient and we are hopeful deer populations there will gradually recover along with lower harvests, especially if we get some mild winters.”
The Minnesota DNR increased the bag limit or lottery permits in 12 deer permit areas this year, 80 DPAs have the same designation as last year, and 38 DPAs have reduced bag limits or lottery permits. 
Information about specific DPA bag limits and other season information is available on the Minnesota DNR website(mndnr.gov/hunting/deer).
The crossbow change allows all hunters who purchase an archery deer license to take deer with a crossbow throughout the archery deer season. Previously, only hunters 60 years or older, individuals with a disability who had a valid permit, or any hunter with a valid firearms license hunting during the firearms season could use crossbows. Hunters will be asked whether they harvested their deer with a crossbow or vertical bow when they register their deer.
The change on ground blinds requires that fabric or synthetic blinds on public land must have a blaze orange safety covering on top of the blind that is visible from all directions, or a patch made of blaze orange that is at least 144 square inches (12x12 inches) on each side of the blind. CWD sampling continues.
It’s important for hunters to get their deer tested in CWD zones. This year, some DPAs were added to CWD zones and some were removed. Hunters should check the requirements and available sampling options for the DPAs where they hunt. 
Hunters can find this DPA-specific information by visiting the make a plan tool(mndnr.gov/deerhunt).
Hunters are required to have their deer 1 year or older sampled for CWD in all CWD management and surveillance zones during the opening weekend of the firearms A season (Nov. 4-5). 
In all areas outside CWD management and surveillance zones, hunters will have other options to get their deer sampled for CWD.
Sampling options (mndnr.gov/cwd/cwd-testing.html) include requesting a mail-in kit(mndnr.gov/cwd/cwd-kits.html) before hunting or utilizing kits obtained but not used last year. Hunters also may participate in the partner sampling program(mndnr.gov/cwd/cwd-partners.html).
Visit the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/cwd) throughout the deer season for the most up-to-date information, find sampling locations or request a mail-in sampling kit.

The Redbirds swooped in and knocked Heron Lake out of the Region 13C playoffs, beating the Lakers 15-0 Wednesday, July 26, and 3-0 Saturday, July 29 in a best-of-three series.
Here is a recap of other Region 13C baseball playoff action.
 
Game 1 Wednesday July 26
Windom 6,  Hadley 3
Fairmont 10, Lakefield 0  
Jackson 17, Milroy 0 
 
Game 2 Friday July 28
Fairmont 10, Lakefield 0 - Martins win Series 2-0 and clinch a state berth
Jackson 2, Milroy 1 - Bulls win series 2-0 and clinch a state berth
 
Game 2 Saturday July 29 
Hadley 5, Windom 0 - Buttermakers tie Series 1-1
 
Game 3 Sunday July 30
Hadley 10, Windom 6 - Buttermakers win Series 2-1 and clinch final state berth 
 
The final four winning teams are Luverne, Hadley, Fairmont and Jackson, and per league rules, they were able to draft one pitcher from the eight teams eliminated to join their team to help with pitching in the remainder of the tournament.
The Luverne Redbirds drafted Collin Lovell from the Windom Pirates, Fairmont drafted Ross Ackerman from the Windom Pirates, Hadley drafted Luke Gilbertson from the Windom Pirates, and Jackson drafted Brandan Alfson from the Pipestone A’s.
After the final four series, the two teams remaining will get to draft two more pitchers from the eliminated teams.