Which way is the wind going to blow today?
There is little doubt why southwest Minnesota is covered up with wind towers.
Worthington has been the site for the National Wind Surfing Regatta several times over the past 10 years with Lake Okabena, considered the second windiest place over water in the state, right in the town of Worthington.
Almost everything I do in April and May is affected by the wind. From about April 1 until the deadline of May 15, we are doing prescribed burns. This is the burning of grassland areas for the benefit of native grass species.
Folks often wonder why this takes place in the spring when ground-nesting birds like pheasants and other waterfowl are nesting. It is a great question and one I get asked often.
Burning in the spring has a date cutoff of May 15. This is the date when wildlife professionals determine that nesting is actively underway.
Not all birds do the same thing at the same time. Some start their nesting efforts earlier and others are latecomers and nest into early summer.
Native grass species, the kind you will most likely see in public Wildlife Management Areas, are primarily made up of warm-species grasses. These grasses don’t really get started growing in earnest until about June 15. Invasive cool-season grasses like smooth brome are the ones that green up first every spring, and you can see it when the road ditches are bright green when other grasses are still completely brown.
Because cool-season grasses start much earlier every year, they can often out-compete their later-growing, warm-season species. If left completely un-attended, a great stand of warm-season grasses can completely disappear in as little as 10 years. A parcel of great wildlife habitat which has lots of diversity and stands up to our tough winters, thus providing great winter habitat for birds, can be degraded to invasive cool-season broghm in a very short time.
By time we do a prescribed burning in the spring, many of these cool-season grasses will be growing vibrantly. A fire in the spring singes these undesirable cool-season grasses and sets them back on their heels for a short time. After the burn, the ground is black and absorbs the sun’s rays. This heats up the soil temperatures very quickly, stimulating the warm-season varieties and allowing them to start growing sooner. This can actually give the desirable grasses about 30-45 days longer growing season. This is why the vegetation is so responsive. A stand of native grasses that reached 3 feet in height the prior year can reach 6-8 feet in height by fall if they were subject to burn in April or May.
The vibrant warm-season grasses now have the opportunity to outcompete the undesirable cool-season brome.
Fire to prairies and other native grass stands is exactly like fertilizing your lawn grass in the back yard. We all know the homeowner who fertilizes regularly has the nicest-looking lawn. The best part about a spring fire is you get the same results and there is no fertilizer to run into a neighboring lake or stream, thus deteriorating water quality.
So, back to the question about burning up pheasant nests. Prescribed burning in the spring does burn up a few nests, but in most cases, a very limited number.  I do a drive around after all of the smoke has cleared and look for active nests.  Sometimes I find zero and other times maybe a half dozen.
Prescribed fire usually affects about one-fourth to one-half of the parcel. Hens that lose a nest will just move to the unburned portion of the property and re-nest again. Hens have been known to re-attempt nesting up to four or five different times. This can happen when a burn is completed or when a nest predator eats the eggs before they hatch. Re-nesting is not an uncommon event.
In the end the saying goes like this. Endure a short-term pain to achieve a long-term gain. The wildlife carrying capacity and nesting success of great habitat is much higher than the success from nesting attempts in marginal cover.
The additional game production lasts for six to seven years before a burn is necessary again. These years of much higher production far more than offset the slight losses in production in the year the burn took place.
The key here is understanding prairie and grassland biology. Lightning used to start fires on the prairie all the time. It was this natural fire source with no human interference that managed and maintained our robust prairie ecosystems for over 10,000 years.
Spring burning is just the small scale current human attempt to do what nature did all by itself since before man walked upright.
 
Scott Rall, Worthington, is a habitat conservationist, avid hunting and fishing enthusiast and is president of Nobles County Pheasants Forever. He can be reached at scottarall@gmail.com.
 
 

Dispatch report
April 28
•Complainant eastbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 3, Beaver Creek, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on N. Summit Avenue, Hills, reported a disorderly.
•Complainant southbound on Highway 23, mile marker 4, Beaver Creek, reported a driving complaint.
•A warrant was issued on E. Crawford Street.
•A warrant was issued on W. Hatting Street.
April 29
•Complainant west-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 14, Luverne, reported debris.
•Complainant west-bound on Interstate 90 ramp, reported a pedestrian.
April 30
•Complainant on Christensen Drive reported debris.
•Complainant on 231st Street, Jasper, reported a fire.
•Complainant on 160th Avenue, Luverne, reported a fire.
•Complainant on County Road 6 and 21st Street, Hills, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on N. Cedar Street reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant on Birkett Avenue, Magnolia, reported a sudden death.
May 1
•Complainant eastbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 11, Luverne, requested assistance from another department.
May 2
•Complainant on S. Freeman Avenue reported a missing person.
•Complainant on County Road 4, Beaver Creek, reported found property.
•A search warrant was issued on W. Mead Court.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue requested assistance from another department.
•Complainant west-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 13, Luverne, reported debris.
May 3
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported harassing communications.
•Complainant on Dodge and Freeman Avenue reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on Interstate 90, west of Beaver Creek, reported burning.
•Complainant southbound on Highway 75 from Interstate 90, Luverne, reported a driving complaint.
•A weather warning was issued.
•Complainant on 100th Avenue, Hardwick, reported a fire.
•Complainant on Interstate 90 and Highway 23, Valley Springs, South Dakota, reported a fire.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported drunkenness.
•Complainant on 20th Avenue and 31st Street, Hills, reported an abandoned vehicle.
May 4
•Complainant on E. Brown Street reported found property.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported an NSF check.
•A search warrant was issued on Park Avenue, Kenneth.
•Complainant on 100th Avenue, Luverne, reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant in Hardwick requested extra patrol.
•Complainant on N. Freeman Avenue reported a civil issue.
•Complainant on Warren Street and Kniss Avenue reported a driving complaint.
May 5
•Complainant on south side of river reported an abandoned vehicle.
In addition, officers responded to 5 motor vehicle accidents, 1 transport, 2 escorts, 4 ambulance runs, 3 paper services, 8 animal complaints, 23 burn permits, 1 alarm, 3 purchase and carry permits, 4 stalled vehicles, 62 traffic stops, 16 abandoned 911 calls, 1 welfare check, 2 reports of cattle out and 1 follow-up.

Another lot in Luverne’s industrial park has been sold, according to action at Monday morning’s meeting of the Economic Development Authority.
Scott Loosbrock of LEC Properties is purchasing Lot 1 in the Mayes Third Addition to construct a 70-by-140-foot shop to support the operations of his electrical business, Loosbrock Electrical Construction, LLC.
The new facility will include offices, reception area, living quarters, future offices above the lower offices, vehicle storage and material storage. It will also include a fenced area for trailer storage.
According to Loosbrock, the project will retain eight employees and more in the future.
“With the employees that we are currently employing, they are buying homes in Luverne and looking to someday start a family within the community,” he said.
In his proposal to EDA Director Holly Sammons, Loosbrock said he’d like to start construction in July in order for the facility to be operational by Nov. 1.
“We are excited for this opportunity and look forward to many years of business in Luverne,” Loosbrock said.
According to the agreement, Loosbrock will pay the LEDA $31,000 for a deed to the property, and he’ll be responsible for the costs of connecting utility services from the property line to the building.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is seeking volunteers for its Senior Companion Service, in partnership with AmeriCorps Seniors, a national service agency, to offer friendship and support to older adults in the community.
Senior Companion volunteers are age 55 and older and visit older adults weekly offering encouragement, sharing their time and talents,assisting with errands, grocery shopping and transportation to appointments to assist older adults in remaining healthy and independent.
“I joined the Senior Companion family eight years ago. I love being with older adults and knew this is what I wanted to do after I retired,” shared Deb Doran, a Senior Companion volunteer.
“I feel that I am helping those I serve by just being there and supportingthem to live independently.”
And, the rewards go both ways, enriching the lives of Senior Companion volunteers as well.
In a recent survey, Lutheran Social Service learned that over 90 percent of volunteers either agree or strongly agree that their volunteer experience at LSS has changed their lifein a positive way.
Almost 85 percent say that they feel more socially connected because of their service as a volunteer. More than 76 percent say that they feel healthier because of their service as an LSS volunteer.
“I feel a personal satisfaction knowing I have positively impacted lives,” Doran said. “It is a life-changing experience.”
“Volunteering is a great way to give back to those in your community,” said Carolyn Scherer, program director for LutheranSocial Service.
“I hope many others will join us in this importantservice to our neighbors who are so grateful for the support.”
The Senior Companion Service is currently seeking volunteers who are age 55 years or older and can commit to at least 10 hours per week.
Volunteers receive an hourly stipend, a chance to stay connected and a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of older adults. No prior volunteer experience is needed, and training isprovided.
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota conducts background checks to ensure safety.
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota welcomes volunteers from various cultures, backgrounds, traditions and stages in life to inquire.
If you are interested in becoming a Senior Companion, call 888-205-3770, email AMERICORPSSENIORS@LSSMN.ORG orvisit LSSMN.ORG/VOLUNTEER/SENIORCOMPANION.

This week 79 students at Discovery Time Preschool will participate in graduation ceremonies, where they will receive diplomas as the 2022-23 school year ends. The first of four ceremonies took place Monday morning at Luverne Community Education.

Bridal shower
A come-and-go bridal shower for Blair Altman will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 20, at the Luverne Fire Hall at 209 E. Lincoln Street in Luverne. Guests are asked to bring a favorite recipe for the bride. Gifts will be opened at 11 a.m.
 
Celebration of Life
In memory of Pat Gail Johnson, a celebration of life will be from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, at her daughter’s home, 413 E. 4th Street, Hills, MN.

LSS meals at Generations
 
Monday, May 15: Salisbury steak with gravy, baked potato with sour cream, peas and carrots, bread, tropical fruit.
Tuesday, May 16: Tater tot casserole, green beans, peaches, dinner roll, bar.
Wednesday, May 17: Chicken wild rice soup, carrots, fruit cocktail, bread stick, gelatin.
Thursday, May 18: Pulled pork on a bun, butternut squash, coleslaw, pineapple chunks, cookie.
Friday, May 19: Turkey alfredo with pasta, broccoli, pears, garlic breadstick, birthday 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.

Jacobs earns senior assessor accreditation
Rock County Assessor Rachel Jacobs recently completed the Senior Accredited Minnesota Assessor (SAMA) licensure requirement through the Minnesota State Board of Assessors.
As a SAMA, Jacobs completed more than 200 hours of classes and required residential and income case study exams.
She also has five years of assessment experience and has completed an oral interview with the State Board of Assessors.
Jacobs began working as a technician with the Rock County Land Records office in 2015. She became the Land Records Office director in August 2021 and was appointed assessor in November 2021 on a probationary status.
With the completion of a SAMA license, Jacobs also fully assumes the role of county assessor.

Christian Boisen, Luverne, Owned Luverne’s First “Juke” Box
     
      Although there is no sworn statement on file, it is believed that Chris Boisen, Luverne, had Luverne’s first “juke” box. Before going any farther, it might be well to explain that the “nickelodeon” brought here by Mr. Boisen could hardly be compared with the gaily colored coin phonographs of today, but it cost as much, perhaps, and proved just as popular as the modern machine.
         Mr. Boisen had purchased an Edison phonograph, one of the earliest models, and was in Rock Rapids when an acquaintance induced him to come here to display his machine. It was a crude affair, but a money maker. Fifteen rubber tubes emanated from the sound chamber. By putting the tubes into their ears, eight customers with one tube in each ear could listen to their favorite recording at one time. The 15th tube was used by the operator of the machine so that he could tell if the record was playing properly or not. Boisen charged his patrons five cents to listen to one record, or they could hear three for a dime. He did quite a business at those prices, he recalls.
         The equipment represented considerable investment. The machine itself cost $360 and the records cost $2.00 each.
         The experience with the phonograph, however, is but one of many interesting experiences in Mr. Boisen’s life. He was born Sept. 18, 1868, near Flensburg, Germany, a seaport city of 150,000 located on the Baltic Sea and bordering Denmark at the north edge of the city. His father was a blacksmith by trade, and during the Danish war, he shod horses for the army. He was a skilled workman, and specialized in fine work such as cutlery, etc. His parents died when he was a boy, and at the age of six, he went to live with his sister. At that time, he was able to speak the Danish language, but as the law forbade the speaking of Danish in the city where his sister lived, he soon forgot most of it. He can still say a few words in Danish, however, but he speaks both high and low German, in addition to English.
         In 1879 he came to Brooklyn, New York, on a ship which had been built in his home town. As a matter of fact, he was in the ship when it first went down the scaffold. At that time, the piers of the great Brooklyn bridge were just being completed, and he recalls driving a team onto a ferry boat, crossing the river, loading the wagon with supplies at a market, and then coming back, when he worked for a short time for a storekeeper.
         He went out one night with a fisherman friend with whom he stayed to get oysters, and states that he was really frightened when the man pulled in a giant sea turtle about three feet in diameter. The oysters, too, were extra large, and while in Brooklyn he learned to eat oysters prepared in many different ways, “I’ve eaten them in soup; I’ve eaten them chopped fine and put on pancakes and I’ve eaten them fried. I’ll tell you, those were real oysters,” he declared.
         He spent several hectic hours in Brooklyn one Decoration day, he recalls. He loved music, and when the band paraded in the street, he began following it until he became lost. He didn’t know what to do for some time, so he kept following it until it again passed the place where he had first seen it. He had enough band music, for that day, he relates, so he went home.
         His brother, who lived at Luzerne, Iowa, insisted that he come to live with him, so he reluctantly left Brooklyn. After coming to Iowa, he attended school, and later was confirmed there.
                  The first winter he was in Iowa was one of the most severe he ever experienced. Under normal conditions, 56 trains passed through the town of Luzerne in 24 hours. After the blizzard struck, there wasn’t a train in the town for a whole week. There were no snow plows in those days, and the only thing that could be done was to shovel cut the cuts, and try to force the locomotive through the snow banks by sheer force of power. Mr. Boisen recalls how two locomotives had a “running start” of two miles, and then hit a snow filled pass. Another locomotive had come up from the rear and pulled them back by a cable.