By Sara Strong
Many Luverne residents can expect a knock at their door and a request to complete a survey starting next week.
Select parts of Luverne have the chance to use up to $1.4 million to improve the structure and appearance of homes and businesses.

That opportunity came because of a Community Development Block Grant through a federal program for small cities. Luverne can get a grant and be able to turn it around to deferred loans, which can be forgiven over time.

The Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership is writing the grant application that could remodel and update homes and businesses with owners paying just 34 percent of the cost up front.

Luverne Economic Development Authority Director Dan Statema said, "Educating the public is really key for the program. Survey response is essential."

Survey says…
Before any grant money can be used, city residents and property owners have to do their part by completing the surveys.

Within a month, a select group of city residents will be asked to answer a survey, and if there's a 70 percent response rate, the Housing Partnership will complete the application process.

The survey is the important first step in ensuring the process continues to the grant-writing level.

The questionnaire should be completed regardless of whether the property owner wants or qualifies for the program. Even if those receiving surveys don’t want to apply for the program, it’s important to complete them.
The target areas for the program spread outward from the Main Street and Kniss Avenue numerous blocks in all directions. North, the area continues to Barck Street; south the area continues to nearly the interstate; west the area continues to the city limits; and east to Blue Mound Avenue.

The target area is broad now, but will probably become more specific after the surveys are completed.
Survey information stays only with the Housing Partnership, so no city official or survey collector will view answers.

If approved, the grant and loan money can be used for the following improvements: exterior renovations, structural repairs, mechanical repairs and replacements, electrical system repairs, windows and doors, accessibility modifications, signage and awnings and energy improvements.

For the individual contribution to the program, people can pay for new carpeting or other improvements that don't fall under what’s eligible for grant or loan money.

Individuals must meet income guidelines during the application process. For example, an individual must earn less than $27,550 to qualify; a household of two must earn less than $31,500; a household of three must earn less than $35,400 to qualify; a household of four must earn less than $39,350; a household of five must earn less than $42,500; a household of six must earn less than $45,650 and so on.

In other business,
the LEDA:
Was updated on the status of the former Exsito building. The city is in the process of selling the food processing equipment so the building can be used for other purposes.

Leftover glass jars are also for sale. City Administrator Matt Hylen said, "If anyone is looking into doing some fall canning, we have plenty of jars and lids available."

A case of 12- or 16-ounce jars costs $2, and a case of jars with lids costs $4. The lids are the one-piece metal lids typically found on commercial jars.

Learned that the Department of Trade and Economic Development has looked at the former Continental Western Group, Tri-State Insurance building. DTED can pitch the building to businesses interested in relocating or expanding in the city.

Luverne junior post Danielle Loosbrock (45) forces Lennox guard Katie Letsche to pass the ball during Thursday’s girls’ basketball game in Luverne. Lennox handed the Cardinals their third straight setback.

By John Rittenhouse
The Luverne girls’ basketball team went 1-2 while playing three games in a six-day span.

The Cardinals lost home games to South Dakota opponents Lennox and Madison by 15 points Thursday and Tuesday respectively. LHS posted their third win of the year by four points in St. James Saturday.

Luverne, 3-9 overall, plays in Marshall Friday before hosting Edgerton Monday.

Madison 52,
Luverne 37
The Cardinals were unable to win back-to-back games when they entertained Madison Tuesday.

Luverne played hard the entire game, but poor shooting from the field (22 percent) proved to be too much for the hosts to overcome.

"As far as working and doing the right things, it was a pretty good ballgame for us," said Cardinal coach Jason Phelps. "The kids worked like they were crazy. They were very intense. We just had a couple of bad quarters, and we were not able to overcome them."

Madison doubled Luverne’s scoring output (10-5) in the first quarter before the Cards trimmed the difference to one point (19-18) by halftime with a 13-9 scoring advantage in the second period. Madison went on a 15-4 scoring run in the third quarter to open a 34-22 lead that swelled to 15 points at game’s end.

Maggie Kuhlman scored 13 points, produced three steals and passed for two assists for the Cards. Rachel Tofteland netted 10 points for LHS. Serena Franken collected five rebounds.

Box score
Williams 0 1 0-0 3, Kuhlman 0 4 1-2 13, Boomgaarden 1 0 0-4 2, Tofteland 2 0 6-7 10, Klosterbuer 1 0 0-0 2, Franken 2 0 0-0 4, Loosbrock 1 0 1-4 3, Stewart 0 0 0-0 0, Wynia 0 0 0-0 0.

Team statistics
Luverne: 12 of 54 field goals (22 percent), eight of 17 free throws (47 percent), 22 rebounds, 17 turnovers.

Luverne 47, SJ 43
The Cardinals snapped a three-game losing skid when they upended the Saints by four points in St. James Saturday.

LHS guard Kuhlman was able to shoot some holes in the Saints’ zone defense by canning five three-point shots during a 21-point performance. Luverne also protected the ball well as it turned the sphere over a season-low 11 times.

"They played a zone the entire game, and Maggie shot well by making five of 10 three-point shots," said Cardinal coach Phelps. "We also did a nice job of playing smart basketball, especially in the fourth quarter. We didn’t turn the ball over in the fourth quarter."

The Cards didn’t enjoy a great start to the game as SJ led 11-3 in the first quarter before Kuhlman drained a three near period’s end to make it 11-6.

Another three by Kuhlman late in the second quarter allowed LHS to climb to within three points (26-23) of the Saints at the intermission, and she made two more threes when Luverne gained a 35-32 lead in the third period. The difference was padded by one point when the fourth quarter was complete.

Kuhlman had six assists and five steals in the game. Franken charted five steals and five rebounds.

Box score
Williams 1 0 3-3 5, Kuhlman 2 5 2-4 21, Boomgaarden 2 0 2-4 6, Tofteland 1 0 4-9 6, Klosterbuer 0 0 0-0 0, Franken 1 0 0-2 2, Stewart 0 0 0-0 0, Wynia 1 0 2-5 4, Loosbrock 1 0 1-2 3.

Team statistics
Luverne: 14 of 41 field goals (34 percent), 14 of 28 free throws (50 percent), 21 rebounds, 11 turnovers.

Lennox 54, Luverne 39
The Cardinals dropped their third straight contest when they entertained Lennox, S.D., Thursday in Luverne.

Luverne played well enough to sport a one-point lead after eight minutes of play, but the Ladybirds outscored the Cards 43-27 in the final three periods to prevail by 15.

Lennox used a 5-0 run in the first quarter to take a 7-2 lead early before LHS countered with a 10-7 surge capped by a field goal from Franken with 1:05 remaining to take what would be the team’s biggest lead in the game at 12-9.

Lennox scored the final two points of the first quarter to make it a 12-11 difference heading into the second quarter.

After the teams exchanged baskets early in the second quarter, the Ladybirds put together a 12-0 run to open a 25-14 lead.

Luverne played its way into the game by mounting a 6-2 surge capped by Danielle Loosbrock’s free throw with 31 seconds remaining in the first half to make it a 27-20 game at the intermission.

Lennox expanded its lead to 13 points (33-20) by scoring the first six points of the third quarter. Luverne trimmed the difference to nine (37-28) when Rachel Tofteland scored off an offensive rebound at the 3:59 mark of the stanza, but the Ladybirds outscored the Cards 4-1 to end the quarter and take a 41-29 advantage into the fourth period.

Luverne pulled to within 10 points (43-33) with a field goal by Loosbrock with 4:39 left to play. That proved to be as close as the Cards would come to catching the Ladybirds, who outscored the hosts 13-10 in the fourth quarter to win by 15.

Franken recorded a double-double for the Cards by scoring 12 points and nabbing 10 rebounds. Tofteland led LHS with four steals, and Kuhlman charted a team-high four assists.

Box score
Williams 1 0 0-0 2, Kuhlman 1 1 1-4 6, Boomgaarden 1 0 0-1 2, Tofteland 3 1 0-0 9, Klosterbuer 0 0 0-0 0, Franken 5 0 2-5 12, Stewart 1 0 1-3 3, Wynia 1 0 0-0 2, Loosbrock 1 0 1-2 3.

Team statistics
Luverne: 13 of 53 field goals (25 percent), five of 18 free throws (28 percent), 21 rebounds, 16 turnovers.
Lennox: 23 of 52 field goals (44 percent), five of 12 free throws (42 percent), 33 rebounds, 17 turnovers.

By John Rittenhouse
Hills-Beaver Creek High School athletes Dusty Seachris and Kerry Fink had a busy week as members of the Luverne-Hills-Beaver Creek-Ellsworth wrestling team.

Seachris and Fink joined the squad on three road trips that took them to dual meets in Worthington and Marshall Thursday and Tuesday respectively, and to the Deuel, S.D., Tournament Saturday.

Seachris won his match during Tuesday’s 44-36 loss in Marshall.

Wrestling at 145 pounds, Seachris pinned Fred Dalle 12 seconds into the third period of their match.

Fink met a different fate as he dropped a 10-2 major decision to Marshall’s Steve Sik at 130 pounds.

Fink and Seachris won a combined five matches during Saturday’s tournament in Deuel.

Fink had a great day for the Cardinals, winning three of four matches at 130 and 135.

Fink opened the tournament by pinning Clark’s Pat Lunch 57 seconds into the third period of their match at 130 pounds before posting a 3-0 win over Flandreau’’s Chad Rydell at 130.

Deuel’s Brad Hansen handed Fink an 11-2 major decision setback at 130 pounds before the Cardinal capped his day by pinning Milbank’s Tyler Foster 57 seconds into the second period of their match at 135.

Seachris split his four matches at 140 and 145 during Saturday’s tournament.

Seachris topped Clark’s Garret Klatt 7-4 at 145 to start the day before being pinned by Flandreau’s Wade Quick (2:27) and Deuel’s Brandon Tekrony (1:08) during 140-pound matches.

Seachris returned to 145 for the finale against Milbank, where he pinned Jesse Nowick 46 seconds into the second period.

Seachris also posted a victory during Thursday’s 52-24 loss in Worthington.

Wrestling at 145, Seachris pinned Pat Cummings 57 seconds into the third period of the match.

Fink came up on the short end of a 15-5 major decision against Worthington’s Jared Langseth at 130.

The 1-9 Cardinals host their own tournament in Luverne Saturday.

By John Rittenhouse
The Hills-Beaver Creek girls’ basketball team ended a two-game slide by besting Mountain Lake-Butterfield-Odin 42-38 in a Red Rock Conference clash in Hills Friday.

The game was in doubt as ML-B-O took a 32-31 edge into the final eight minutes of play, but the Patriots put together an extended run that settled the issue in the fourth quarter.

After the Wolverines scored the first two points of the fourth quarter, H-BC went on an 11-0 run between the 7:30 and 2:00 marks of the period to gain a 42-34 lead. ML-B-O scored the game’s final four points, but the Wolverines couldn’t overcome H-BC’s late run.

The Patriots sported a 10-9 lead after eight minutes of play before falling behind 24-19 at the intermission.

According to Patriot coach Tom Goehle, it was H-BC’s reserves that made the victory possible.

"We saw a great effort from our bench. We played an aggressive style of basketball the whole game, and we were able to go deeper into our bench because of the way our reserves played. This probably was one of our best defensive efforts as far as pressuring the ball," he said.

Melinda Feucht, one of H-BC’s key reserves, came up big for the Patriots late in the game by scoring 10 of her 14 points in the decisive fourth quarter. Feucht also had four steals in the game.

Erin Boeve, who blocked four shots for the winners, had a double-double with 14 points and 14
rebounds. Cassi Tilstra pitched in six assists and five steals. Brittney Rozeboom contributed four assists.

The 7-6 Patriots play road games against Comfrey and West Lyon tonight and Saturday respectively before hosting Sioux Valley-Round Lake-Brewster Tuesday.

Box score
B.Rozeboom 0 0 3-4 3, Bush 0 1 0-0 3, Feucht 7 0 0-0 14, Sandstede 0 0 0-0 0, S.Rozeboom 0 0 0-0 0, Tilstra 2 0 0-0 4, Boeve 5 0 4-5 14, Olson 1 0 0-2 2, Mulder 1 0 0-0 2.

Team statistics
H-BC: 17 of 50 field goals (34 percent), seven of 11 free throws (67 percent), 32 rebounds, nine turnovers.
ML-B-O: 17 of 46 field goals (37 percent), four of six free throws (67 percent), 27 rebounds, 22 turnovers.

By John Rittenhouse
The Hills-Beaver Creek boys’ basketball team survived a scare from Mountain Lake-Butterfield-Odin Tuesday in Hills to remain unbeaten in Red Rock Conference play.

The visiting Wolverines roughed up H-BC on the boards in the early going to take a 17-10 lead in the first quarter, but the Patriots met the challenge the rest of the way and pulled out a 51-50 victory in the end.

The win upped H-BC’s season record to 8-4 and improved to 7-0 in the RRC.

H-BC hosts Westbrook-Walnut Grove Friday before playing West Lyon, near Inwood, Iowa, Saturday.

According to Patriot coach Steve Wiertzema, answering the physical challenge being offered by the Wolverines proved to be the difference in Tuesday’s game.

"ML-B-O is a pretty good team. They are big and quick. We did a lot better job of playing defense and rebounding in the second half. They only had three offensive rebounds in the second half, and they were killing us on the boards in the first half," he said.

The Patriots got over their slow start in the first quarter by outscoring the Wolverines 20-10 in the second period to move in front 30-27 at halftime.

H-BC maintained a three-point cushion (42-39) heading into the final period of play. ML-B-O made a late run that fell short when a Wolverine missed a running shot in the lane as time expired.

Tyson Metzger, who hit an important three-point shot late in the game, led H-BC with 17 points. He also had seven rebounds and three steals.

Kale Wiertzema also hit an important three and drained a free throw late in the fourth quarter for H-BC. He finished the game with seven rebounds and six assists.

Tyler Bush turned in a seven-assist, six-rebound and three-steal performance. Trey Van Wyhe added 11 points and nine rebounds to the cause.

Box score
Bush 3 0 0-1 6, Wysong 0 0 0-0 0, Roozenboom 2 0 0-0 4, Wiertzema 1 1 2-4 7, Metzger 5 1 4-7 17, Leuthold 3 0 0-0 6, Van Wyhe 4 0 3-4 11.

Team statistics
H-BC 20 of 49 field goals (41 percent), nine of 16 free throws (56 percent), 36 rebounds, 15 turnovers.
ML-B-O: 20 of 54 field goals (37 percent), seven of 10 free throws (70 percent), 27 rebounds, nine turnovers.

By Jolene Farley
The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board voted 4-2 Monday to allow voters to decide whether to build new locker rooms and a fitness facility at the high school.

If passed at the Tuesday, March 11, vote the proposed $400,000 levy would increase taxes by $.35 cents per acre per year on agricultural land and $5 on homes with a market value of $40,000, according to estimates by Superintendent Dave Deragisch.

Initial construction cost estimates for the project, without a weight room, range from $398,144 to $439,552.

A weight room would add $113,302 to $127,512 to the cost of the project.

The board initially discussed 900 square feet of space for each locker room, but the Minnesota Department of Children Families and Learning and Title 9 requirements dictate a minimum of 1,500 square feet of space for each locker room and equal space for girls’ and boys’ locker rooms.

If building costs are less than $500,000, the board isn’t required to follow CFL guidelines. But if a new high school or any other project is planned for the future, CFL could require the district to bring all previous construction, including the locker rooms, up to code.

All postal patrons in the district received a survey from the board asking if they supported the project. The survey detailed the tax implications if the proposed levy passed.

As of Friday, 409 (65 percent) of those surveyed wanted to move ahead with the project, while 142 (35 percent) didn’t want to build the locker rooms.

"What I’ve read from the surveys that have been returned, it sounds like the public is very much in favor of this project," said Deragisch.

Board members Gary Esselink and Tim Baker cast the dissenting votes on Monday.

"I look at this from where we started, and I’m wondering, how did we get so high?" said board member Gary Esselink.

"We’re basing it (the added cost) on the premise, we might build something new, but I would rather build according to our needs. Am I against locker rooms, no, do we need them this big, no."

Board member Ann Boeve voted in favor of the project. "I feel we have to abide by the state guidelines," she said.

She added she would hate to have to ask voters for funds to bring the locker rooms up to code in a few years if a new school was built.

"I feel that the public has given us the opportunity," said Boeve after making a motion to accept the resolution. "Let’s bring it to the people to vote."

The board will set dates for informational meetings and tours of the current locker room facilities at their next meeting.

Group II Architects
After some discussion on whether to obtain bids from other firms, the board voted unanimously to retain Group II Architects, Sioux Falls, the firm that drew the initial plans for the project.

"They really worked with us," Boeve said. "They listen to what we say."

Group II submitted a bid of $36,500 or 7.5 percent of the project cost, not including miscellaneous expenses such as phone calls, mileage, and the printing of documents.

Miscellaneous expenses are expected to add an additional $2,500 to the cost of the job.

Deragisch contacted the Department of Children, Families and Learning for a reference on the firm.

He also contacted contractors and was told the majority of architecture firms would charge 10 to 12 percent as their fee and some possibly wouldn’t even take the job because another firm began the work.

Group II agreed that if the bond issue didn’t pass, the school would be billed only $10,500 for the work completed up to that point.

The board hopes starting preliminary work before the vote will allow the project to be completed by September.

If the bond issue passes, bids could be opened as early as April 1.

By Jolene Farley
Hills-Beaver Creek School officials hope a new after school program this fall will bridge safety and nutrition needs in the district.

"There is really a need," said District Administrator Jil Vaughn. "Parents are looking for some place for their school-age children to be after school, rather than home alone."

Kid Care, as the new program is called, will provide a safe, healthy environment and learning activities for students, according to Vaughn.

The program goals are to foster relationships with caring, competent and consistent school staff members and form a partnership between the families, schools and community.

Activities and interest centers for children are planned. For example, time is allowed for indoor play, active outdoor play, imaginative play, field trips, individual time, snack time, homework time and more.

A major focus of the program is for community members to share their special interests or talents with students in the program. Vaughn invites community members to volunteer for the program.

She learned of the need in the district when parents told her surrounding schools offered after school care. She sent a survey home to gauge interest in starting a similar program in Beaver Creek, and 21 families with a total of 39 children responded.

Heather Erickson, Beaver Creek, has been hired as the supervisor coordinator for Kid Care. She has a bachelor's degree in sociology. Haley Tollefson, Sioux Falls, S.D., is on board as program assistant. Tollefson has a bachelor's degree in education.

Grants provided by the Southwest Minnesota Foundation and the Rock County Collaborative are helping with start-up costs for the program. Vaughn said she hopes Kid Care will eventually become self-supporting.

Kid Care is is available to families from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays), beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Parents can register their children by returning the form included in the school packets. A small fee will be charged for the service.

"I think it will be a really good program," she said. "I think there is a need in the district."

By Jolene Farley
Rock County Rural Water Representative Dan Cook attended the Hills City Council meeting Tuesday to answer questions about the proposed $219,000 improvement project.

Cook told the council that the installation of a six-inch line from two miles north of Hills to the northern edge of town should be adequate for the city at this point.

"That should handle your peak delivery," he said. "We feel we can deliver the 2.94 million gallons with the equipment we have with no problems."

The larger water line would increase water pressure and capacity from 1,680,000 gallons per year to 2,940,000 gallons per year.

The system could be modified, should water needs increase due to growth or a new industry in Hills, according to Cook.

The wording of the contract from Rock County Rural Water was changed to eliminate the phrase off-peak usage period.

At the December meeting, the council questioned why the contract guaranteed certain usage only during off-peak periods. The off-peak periods weren’t specified in the contract.

Cook expects the improvements to be complete by June 1. Rock County Rural Water is working on obtaining easements for the desired areas.

"Weather conditions play 100 percent of the situation now," he said.

Council members haven’t voted on where to seek financing for the project. They are currently considering financing through Rural Development, Exchange State Bank, or Rock County Rural Water.

Rural Development currently isn’t loaning money because its budget isn’t finalized, according to City Clerk Connie Wiertzema.

"We’ve got to know where to go with our financing," said Jellema.

In other business
The council voted to assess $22,801 in sewer costs and $3,770 in platting costs back to the Park View Third Addition properties. Gerald Haak, Wilmer Elbers and Tony Bosch are developing the residential lots, located south of the city park.

These amounts will be assessed to the properties over a period of 10 years at 5.25 percent interest. No water costs where included in the assessments.

By Jolene Farley
An innovative investment alternative, wind energy, will be the topic of an informational meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the Countryside Inn, Adrian.

Officials hope to answer questions about the industry so investors and landowners can make informed decisions if the opportunity arrives to delve into wind energy production, according to Regional Extension Educator Fraser Norton.

"It’s a resource we have here that should be tapped," Norton said. "Obviously, there’s a lot of politics involved."

Discussion will address alternatives of leasing land or building a wind project privately, project shares, wind rights and costs and financing of projects.

Speakers include the Rural Minnesota Energy Task Force Chairman and Nobles County Commissioner David Benson, Minwind I President Mark Willers, Minwind II President Tom Arends, Woodstock Wind Farms President Dan Juhl and Lisa Daniels a representative from the wind energy lobby group, Windustry.

Officials hope those attending the meeting will walk away better educated about the politics and the ins and outs of the wind energy industry.

For more information contact Fraser Norton at the Rock County Extension Office at 283-8685, Ext. 4.