Quality of life is important for the health and well-being of our seniors.
It’s not enough to just be alive. Good quality of life is especially important for older adults who are dealing with chronic health conditions and major life changes.
Feeling satisfied and fulfilled is just as important for overall well-being as getting regular doctor visits. In fact, having a positive view of life can help seniors have more energy, less stress, better appetite, and prevent cognitive decline.
Depression late in life affects 7 million people age 65-plus. It can be caused by stressful life events like retirement or losing a spouse. Depression can also be caused by a medical disease or medication side effects.  
To improve quality of life, it’s important to recognize the signs of depression and get help from a doctor, psychologist, therapist or counselor
For the very young to the very old, everyone needs purpose. When you care for an older adult, do your best to help them feel like you still need them and they are not a burden.
Have them assist with everyday tasks like folding laundry, organizing drawers, opening mail, writing grocery lists or household “to do” lists, clipping coupons, keeping up-to-date on the news, or prepping dinner. For example, have them help with trimming vegetables and with grocery shopping or errands.
Encourage regular physical activity. Movement, no matter how gentle, helps keep both body and mind feeling balanced and positive. Exercise boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep quality, improves heart health, relieves anxiety, and improves strength and stamina and more.
Keep them mentally active with crossword puzzles, Sudoku, other brain games. Reading, writing and journaling are all great activities for mental stimulation. Having a sharp and active mind improves overall well-being.
Help them stay connected with family, friends and community. Seniors who are isolated and lonely live shorter lives and are at greater risk for dementia.
Help them stay connected with their communities. Arrange for family and friends to visit, eat with them or take them out regularly. Encourage them to attend senior centers, attend celebrations and parties.
Get them involved in a hobby. Encourage them to volunteer at church, community or other charitable organization.
We offer many educational, exercise and volunteer opportunities at A.C.E. of SW MN – Rock Co. Please give us a call at 507-283-5064 for more information.

H-BC School Board 
meets May 22
Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671
Minutes
May 22, 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 Bosch, Harnack, Helgeson,
Rauk, Rozeboom and Uittenbogaard. Superintendent Holthaus, Principal Kellenberger and Business Manager Rozeboom were also in attendance. Board 
member Gehrke was absent.
Motion by Rozeboom, second by Harnack, and carried to approve the agenda. 
Visitors to the meeting were Matthew Hammer of Ehlers and Megan Klumper.
PATRIOT PRIDE:
-Senior Commencement- Class of 2023
-Golf All-conference Abigayl Olson
Committee Reports/Updates:
Safety Committee and Building Grounds Steering- 5/17; Upcoming Community
Education Advisory- 5/24
Motion by Helgeson, second by Harnack, and carried to approve Consent 
Agenda:
-Minutes—5/8/2023
-Bills
-Imprest Cash Report
-Treasurer Report
-Student Activity Accounts Report
-Hire Samantha McGaffee as Summer Office Support for the Summer of 2023
-Hire Emily Opheim as assistant custodial for 120 hours over summer
-Hire Angie Hageman as Extended School Year Speech Language Teacher for
Summer 2023
-Prairie Farms (Land O Lakes Milk) Milk Contract for 2023-2024
-Setting the 2012 Ford Food Van and Lift as excess district property and directing
the Superintendent to sell.
Motion by Helgeson, second by Rauk, and carried to approve purchase of maintenance Utility Vehicle for spraying weeds and other grounds maintenance usage.
Motion by Harnack, second by Uittenbogaard, and carried to approve
Resolution for Termination/Non-renewal of Cloey Anderson as Teacher
at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
Motion by Harnack, second by Rozeboom, and carried to approve Resolution Stating the intention of the School Board to Issue General Obligation School Building Bonds, Series 2023A, in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $21,500,000: and taking other actions in respect thereto.
DISTRICT NON-ACTION ITEMS:
•Secondary Principal Report
•Superintendent/Elementary Principal Report
•Legislative Update - Rozeboom
AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING
DATES TO REMEMBER:
-Commencement 7 p.m., Friday, May 26 
-Regular Board Meeting, Monday, June 12 
-Regular Board meeting, Monday, June 26
Motion by Helgeson, second by Harnack, and carried to approve
adjournment of meeting.
Time of Adjournment: 8:02 p.m.
Tamara Rauk, Clerk
(06-22)

Half of 2023 is already behind us.
Almost six months ago, I “double dogged dared” readers to get off the couch and become more active and not to say “no” to a physical challenge.
Now it’s time to check in to see where everyone is. With six months left in 2023, there is still time to reach those goals set earlier this year.
I recently revisited my goals, and you know what? I’m doing pretty good.
Goal No. 1 was to lose the final 10 pounds to my goal weight of 135.
And you know what?
I’ve reached that goal and the scale is still moving down as I maintain a food-tracking routine that’s increased my metabolism. I burn calories more efficiently through developing better food choices and short four-days-a-week weightlifting, yoga and Pilates exercises.
My next goal was not to be a bystander.
I walk daily and during May, I increased my step count by 2,000 steps and ended the month just shy of 400,000 steps. I found reaching that daily goal takes time. After 30 days I pre-plan that extra hour in my day so I can spend it outside on one of the various trails around Luverne or, in a pinch, the gravel roads surrounding home.
May also saw me finish the 5K Gladiator Assault Challenge complete with its 16 obstacles that involved climbing, crawling and wading through mud. I had the choice of skipping an obstacle (climbing 20 feet in the air is not a favorite activity of mine), but I did it anyway and feel so accomplished in not saying “no.”
Would I do the challenge again? Yes. But will I actually want to do the challenge again? That’s probably a no.
I want to participate in other experiences.
One experience I also don’t want to repeat is being overweight. When I started my wellness journey in November, I tipped the scales at the obese level for my height and age. I don’t want to be at that level again.
Fortunately, I have a wellness group that keeps me on track and gives the necessary advice to move forward and not fall back to my previous habits of couch sitting and potato chip munching.
Currently, I am working on my sleep habits.
With the increased energy, I’ve found myself becoming a night owl. As midnight approached, that’s when I found myself puttering around the house or, in most instances, that’s when I caught up on watching my favorite TV shows. At best I would average six hours of sleep when the optimal amount is seven to nine hours.
The June challenge is to track hours of sleep.
Fortunately, there is an app for that.
So far I am on target (with only four days of data) with an average of eight hours of sleep.
And it’s not just lying in bed watching TV or reading a book. I’ve made a point to drop all electronic use by 9:30 p.m. and not to take an afternoon nap.
I’ve been good and tired as I settle into bed. My tracker indicates I’m doing great, but I admit it takes a conscious effort not to fall back into those night owl habits — I was getting so much done!
Are you reaching your 2023 goals? And why not?

City of Luverne adopts
Ordinance No. 36
ORDINANCE NO. 36, FOURTH SERIES
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING LUVERNE CITY CODE CHAPTER 91: PUBLIC NUISANCES, ADDING SECTION 91.18.01, MANAGED NATURAL LAWN AREA THE CITY OF LUVERNE DOES HEREBY ORDAIN:
SECTION 1. That City Code Chapter 91, Public Nuisances, adding section 91.18.01, 
Managed Natural Lawn Area, is hereby amended to read as follows:
§ 91.18.01 MANAGED NATURAL LAWN AREA.
(A) Intent. The City Council determines some residents' desire to use portions of lawns on residential parcels for the planting of native vegetation, which can grow to a height of greater than 6 inches. The Council finds these types of plantings may preserve, restore, or maintain natural plants and may utilize environmentally sound practices. As guidance for the community, this change in vegetation and lawn use must be properly planned, managed, and maintained. The transition period must be minimized, or the property is likely to create a public nuisance and shall be abated.
(B) Definitions.
      MANAGED NATURAL LAWN AREA. A planned, intentional, and maintained planting of native vegetation that is free from noxious weeds as defined by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and may exceed 6 inches in length.
    NATIVE VEGETATION. Ferns, wildflowers, grasses, sedges, rushes, shrubs, vines,
and forbs that are native to the State of Minnesota ecological section 222 (Minnesota
and Northeast Iowa Morainal Section), subsection 251Ba (Minnesota River Prairie),
and subsection 222Mb (Big Woods) as defined by the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources and that can be found in the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources Native Plant Encyclopedia.
TURF GRASSES.  Bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass blends with non-woody vegetation
interspersed with them, commonly used in regularly cut lawns.
(C) Applicability.
     (1) Residential zoning districts.
(2) Managed natural lawn area, as defined in division (B) above, is a term used to describe a variety of lawn management practices that include but are not limited to natural lawns, natural landscapes, native lawns, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, meadow vegetation, native prairie, prairie gardens, monarch waystations, native plantings, native gardens, and butterfly habitat.
   (D) Requirements.
      (1) Any owner of a residential lot in the city may transition an area of lawn on
     the lot to a managed natural lawn area not to exceed 30% of the pervious
     surfacearea within the defined setbacks of the lot.
       (2) A managed natural lawn area may include native vegetation more than 6 inches 
       in  height and which have gone to seed, may not include any noxious weeds, must 
  be maintained pursuant to the requirements of this section, and
shall not create a public nuisance.
(3) A managed natural lawn area shall not include turf grass lawns left unattended
for the purpose of returning to a natural state.
(4) Any managed natural lawn area shall meet the following property-line 
setbacks. Corner lots shall have two front setbacks:
         (a) Front - 10 feet.
         (b) Sides - 5 feet.
         (c) Rear - 10 feet.
(5) A managed natural lawn area shall be cut at least once annually to a height no greater than 12 inches, and at no time be allowed to grow to a 
height of more than 60 inches. 
(6) When establishing a managed natural lawn area, turf grass and/or other existing vegetation shall be eliminated, and native vegetation shall be planted through transplanting or seeding by human or mechanical means. Soil erosion should be controlled while the ground is bare of plant growth that is sufficient to inhibit erosion and is the sole responsibility of 
the owner or occupant.
(7) Properties with a managed natural lawn area must be free of blight, and blighting factors, free of public nuisances, and other areas of the lawn 
must be properly maintained in accordance with the City Code.
(8) Managed natural lawn areas shall not be located within any drainage utility easement, public right-of-way, or within 3 feet to any driveway or 
parking areas.
(9) Managed natural lawn areas shall not be located within 20 feet of a road intersection unless the height of the plantings within 20 feet of an 
intersection does not exceed 12 inches in height.
(10) At no time shall a managed natural lawn area interfere with motorists' views of the street or roadway.
    (E) Failure to maintain.
(1) If a property owner chooses to install a managed natural lawn area, and it is determined by the Weed Inspector that the area fails to meet the definition and requirements of a managed natural lawn area as defined in divisions (B) through (D) above, it shall be considered prima facie evidence of the failure of the owner and occupant to comply with this section.
      (2) The city may then proceed as follows:
(a) Concerning public rights-of-way, the Weed Inspector or his/her designee shall provide written notice to the property owner, advising such owner or occupant that the managed natural lawn area must be removed within 5 days. If the owner fails to remove the managed natural lawn area, then the city shall perform the necessary work to remove the managed natural lawn area, keeping an accurate account of the cost. The cost shall be assessed to the abutting private property in conformance with the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Concerning private property, the Weed Inspector or his/her designee shall provide written notice to the property owner advising such owner that the managed natural lawn area must be brought into compliance with the requirements of this section within 14 days of receipt of the letter. Such notice shall also advise the owner that the city shall perform such work, with the presumed consent of the owner, if the owner fails to bring the managed natural lawn area into compliance with the requirements of this section. If city employees are utilized to cut the managed natural lawn area, an accurate account of the time and charges shall be maintained. Such costs shall be assessed to the benefitted property in conformance with the provisions of this chapter.
SEC. 2.  This ordinance takes full force and effect seven (7) days after its publication.
(06-22)

City of Luverne adopts
Ordinance No. 35
ORDINANCE NO. 35, FOURTH SERIES
AN ORDINANCE PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA RULE 7512.2800
AUTHORIZING A MUNICIPAL FIRE PROTECTION PERMIT PROGRAM 
THE CITY OF LUVERNE DOES HEREBY ORDAIN:
Section 1. That Chapter 150 Building Regulations; Construction of the City Code
of the City of Luverne is hereby amended to add a new subchapter, Fire Protection
Permit Program, as follows:
FIRE PROTECTION PERMIT PROGRAM
§ 150.40 PERMIT REQUIRED.
(A)  Permit. It shall be the duty of an applicant to secure a permit prior to commencement
of any fire protection related activities described in this chapter.  
(B) Application. The application, administration and enforcement of the code shall be in the manner provided for in the Minnesota State Building Code, and shall be enforced within all areas where the City enforces the Minnesota State Building Code to the fullest extent permitted by law. Applications shall be submitted to the office of the Building/Zoning Official for review. Following a review and acceptance of the proposed permit, the Building/Zoning Official shall issue a permit and inform the applicant of any special provisions associated with the proposed fire protection related activities. If the application is incomplete or denied, the Building/Zoning Official will inform the applicant as to the reason for denial and information required to complete the application. 
§ 150.41 PERMIT FEES.
(A) Collection of fees. The issuance of permits and the collection of fees shall be in the manner authorized in M. S. § 326B.121, as it may be amended from time to time. Fees for permits under this subchapter, which may include a surcharge in accordance with M.S. § 326B.153, as it may be amended from time to time, shall be determined by the Council and fixed by its resolution, a copy of which shall be in the office of the administrative authority (Building/Zoning Official) and uniformly enforced.
§ 150.42 PERMIT PROGRAM.
(A) Pursuant to Minnesota Rule 7512.2800, municipalities may adopt local ordinances
to require a permit to perform fire protection-related work. 
(B) A person trained in fire protection system plan review shall provide a competent
plan review for all permits granted under this section. 
(C) Sprinkler plan review and inspection program. 
(1) No person shall engage in any sprinkler installation, modification,
changing and/or removal of all sprinkler protection systems within the
City without obtaining a permit from the Building/Zoning official. 
(2) Fire sprinkler systems shall be maintained in accordance with the Minnesota 
State Fire Code as such section is hereby adopted and incorporated herein 
by reference.
Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect and shall be in force seven (7) days
from and after its adoption, approval, and publication.
(06-22)

Question: I have a small utility trailer, and I keep having to replace my license plate because it gets wrecked or torn off when I am traveling. Can I put it sideways on the wheel fender? 
Answer: If the trailer is 3,000 pounds or less gross vehicle weight (GVW) with lifetime registration, the numbered plate or sticker must be adhered to the side of the trailer frame tongue near the hitch.
If the trailer is registered at greater than 3,000 pounds GVW, then the license plate can be displayed horizontally or vertically.
The plate must be securely fastened to prevent them from swaying. The person driving the motor vehicle and pulling a trailer shall keep the plate legible and unobstructed and free from grease, dust or other blurring material (dirt, mud, snow, etc.) so that the lettering is plainly visible at all times. It is unlawful to cover any assigned letters and numbers or the name of the state of origin of a license plate with any material whatever, including any clear or colorless material that affects the plate's visibility or reflectivity. This also includes obstructing license plate brackets that block the state of issuance and tabs.
License plates issued to vehicles and trailers must display the month of expiration in the lower left corner of each plate and the year of expiration in the lower right corner of each plate (when the plate is horizontal.)
You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober.  Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.
If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)

The Studio on Main St.
assumes name
Minnesota secretary of state 
Certificate of assumed name
MINNESOTA STATUTES, CHAPTER 333
The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable consumers to be able to identify the true ownership of a business.
ASSUMED NAME: The Studio on Main St.
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS:
219 S. Main Street, Hills, MN 56138 USA
NAMEHOLDER(S):
Name: Jessica Martens
Address: 513 S. Josephine Ave., Hills, MN 56138 USA
If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment.
By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. 
Signature: /s/ Jessica K. Martens, Owner
Dated: 5/17/2023
EMAIL ADDRESS FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: jessica@thestudioonmainst.com
(06-22, 06-29)

Dispatch report
June 9
•Complainant on S. Fairview Drive reported a suspicious activity.
•Complainant eastbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 9, Luverne, reported a road and drive law issue.
•Complainant on Roundwind Road reported a disorderly.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported a road and drive law issue.
•Complainant on W. Lawn Park Avenue reported suspicious activity.
June 10
•Complainant on 31st Street, Hills, reported disturbing the peace.
•Complainant on W. 1st Street, Hills, reported found property.
•Complainant on Interstate 90, mile marker 0, Valley Springs, South Dakota, requested assistance from another department.
•Complainant eastbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 11, Luverne, requested roadside assistance.
•Complainant reported a lost child.
•Complainant on 170th Avenue and Interstate 90, Magnolia, reported a driving complaint.
June 11
•Complainant on W. Koehn Avenue reported an open door.
•Complainant on Harrison Street and Kniss Avenue reported a driving complaint.
June 12
•Warrant was issued on 61st Street, Beaver Creek.
•A warrant was issued in Worthington.
•A warrant was issued in Worthington.
•Complainant on 171st Street and 160th Avenue reported a garbage complaint.
•Complainant on S. Freeman Avenue reported training in session.
June 13
•An outage was reported.
•A warrant was issued on W. Main Street.
•Complainant on W. Main Street reported drugs.
•Complainant on 171st Street reported a garbage complaint.
•Complainant on County Road 5 and 40th Avenue, Beaver Creek, reported a civil issue.
•Complainant on E. Luverne Street reported a fire.
•Complainant on E. Dodge Street reported harassing communications.
•Complainant on Highway 270 and 90th Avenue, Hills, reported debris.
•Complainant at Redbird Field reported suspicious activity.
June 14
•Complainant on E. Fletcher Street reported harassing communications.
•Complainant on Highway 23 and 241st Street, Jasper, reported a pedestrian.
June 15
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported a disorderly.
•Complainant on Highway 75 and 131st Street, Luverne, reported a pedestrian.
•A warrant was issued on 251st Street in Jasper.
 
In addition, officers responded to 3 motor vehicle accidents, 2 deer accidents, 1 transport, 2 escorts, 19 ambulance runs, 2 parking violations, 6 animal complaints, 2 fingerprint requests, 8 burn permits, 3 background checks, 2 alarms, 14 purchase and carry permits, 3 stalled vehicles, 47 traffic stops, 30 abandoned 911 calls, 1 test, 1 welfare check, 3 reports of cattle out and 2 follow-ups.

Crews with Pointer Roofing, Sioux Falls, made quick work of their shingling job at First Presbyterian Church in Luverne Thursday, June 15. They’re among many workers with outdoor jobs this summer who have had to adjust their pace for warmer summer weather by taking breaks and hydrating frequently. Temperatures climbed to near 90 degrees on Wednesday.