Robert "Bob" Wissink, 65, Canton, S.D., formerly of the Hills and Steen areas, died Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2002, at his daughter's home in Sioux Falls, S.D., following a long battle with cancer.

Services were Saturday, Aug. 31, at Bethany Reformed Church in Canton. Burial was in Forest Hills Cemetery, near Canton.

Robert Wayne "Bob" Wissink was born to Harold and Ella Wissink on Aug. 16, 1937, in Hills. He attended school in Steen and Hills, and graduated from Hills High School in 1955. He graduated from Northwestern Junior College in 1957. He then served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton in California.

He married Willma Gelling on June 2, 1959, at Springfield, S.D. They lived in Steen for a short time, before moving to Canton, S.D., in 1951. He sold real estate for several years and later opened Century 21 Wissink Realtors in Sioux Falls. He later worked for K&J Trucking. For the past seven years, he and his wife worked for South Dakota Farmers Union Travel as a bus driver and tour guide, where they worked until they retired due to his declining health.

Mr. Wissink was a member of Bethany Reformed Church of Canton. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards and golfing. In his early years he was a Ham Radio operator. He received his pilot's license in 1963 and enjoyed many hours flying with family and friends. He also held several different licenses in flying craft.

Survivors include his wife, Willma Wissink, Canton; four children and their spouses, Terry (Barb) Wissink, Chisago City, Judy (McChyne) Rall, Sioux Falls, Randy (Ellen) Wissink, Spring, Texas, and Mari (Scott) Perenoud, Sioux Falls; 10 grandchildren; his father, Harold Wissink, Steen; one sister, Mavis De Beer, Adrian; and a special aunt, Joan Hoogeveen, Steen.

Mr. Wissink was preceded in death by his mother, Ella.

Anderson Funeral Home, Canton, was in charge of arrangements.

By Sara Strong
Organizers of Blues on the Rocks are anything but sad about Luverne's first festival of music typically associated with the somber side of life.

Instead, organizers are ready to entertain hundreds of people with music much more versatile than the typical, "Woke up this morning ..." blues bit.

Blues on the Rocks starts at 2 p.m. Saturday and continues until midnight at the Verne Drive-In Theater, south Highway 75, Luverne.

One of the organizers, April Gangestad, said Blues on the Rocks isn't just for hard core blues fans. "We have six different groups, who have six different styles, so even if you donÕt know about blues, you can just enjoy it."

Organizing the festival meant a complicated year of shuffling CDs, calling booking agents and scraping for funds in order to bring plans together.

The committee - Gangestad, Pat Saum, Dave Smith, Rick Serie, Dan McGuire, Glenn Burmeister and the late Jason Berning - learned a lot about music and event planning along the way.

Saum and Berning were long-time blues fans and helped weed out potential performers. The festival is actually dedicated to Berning as one of the originators of the Blues on the Rocks concept.

Besides just enjoying the blues, Saum also plays it. He dabbled in the harmonica during his college years at the University of Minnesota Morris. He was turned on to the genre through university-sponsored musical events and performers at local clubs.

He's still got the blues and hopes that it is contagious in Rock County.

Major (and minor)
keys to success
The concept of Blues on the Rocks started as an idea that Saum and Gangestad exchanged in passing.

"But then we said, 'You know, it would be fun to actually have a blues fest in this town,' " Saum said.

Gangestad said, "Pat and I love outdoor music and love the blues, and we just wanted to bring it to where we live."

They formed the committee with the blessing of the Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce, and worked toward what they hope will be an annual event.

In taking calls from people interested in attending, Saum said the location of a restored drive-in theater got many people interested.

Blues on the Rocks had a booth at Sioux Falls Jazz Fest and has advertised in Twin Cities blues publications, so the committee hopes to draw a regional audience.

But local support is also needed, especially for a first-year event.

When looking for a location, the drive-in, owned by Burmeister, made sense more than any other.

Saum said, "It's close to town so people don't have to drive far, and there's a concession stand and bathrooms. It just made sense to have someone in the community as opposed to finding a farmer with an open pasture and trying to get parking and a stage area."

A small grassy area will accommodate people closer to the stage, and the rest of the drive-in leaves room for plenty of chairs for the remainder of the audience.

Saum said it will be a family-friendly environment even though a beer garden is available.

"People can expose their kids to something different other than movies or the typical cultural event," he said.

The movie screen stands as a backdrop to the rented stage, which is equipped with a roof in case of rain. And if it does rain, Saum hopes fans aren't scared away, "Just cut a hole in a garbage bag and come down."

Tickets ahead of time are $15 at the Verne Drive In or the Chamber of Commerce and $20 at the drive-in Saturday.

Parking is available at the drive-in and across Highway 75.

For those who don't want to park at the event, a shuttle service will run every half hour from 2 p.m. to midnight from the following locations: Howling Dog Saloon, Sharkee's, Country Kitchen, Magnolia Steak House and downtown Luverne by City Hall.

"Ba da-da-da-dum"
Most people know that the blues is much more than old men tapping their toes, singing on a rickety front porch about their dejected lives. But many forms of music have elements of the blues.

Elvis sang the blues. So does Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones and legends like the late Stevie Ray Vaghn.

Luverne's Blues on the Rocks has assembled a small group of artists who are well-respected in blues circles, although probably not known as hit makers in the mainstream ... not yet anyway.

The day starts with Root City Band at 2 p.m. They are high school students from the Twin Cities who play funky blues, rock and soul.

Dave Moore takes stage at 3:30 with his guitar and unique style of blues. He's heard on several recordings, but takes front stage for this event. He was raised in Iowa and has made several appearances on Garrison KeillorÕs "A Prairie Home Companion on NPR."

Rockin' Daddy and the Rough Cuts start at 5 p.m. and are one of the top blues acts in the Midwest. Formerly known as Blues DeLuxe, the band released a critically acclaimed CD "Straight Shooter."

Fourteen-year-old harmonica player Jake "Shakey" Neuman-Markiss and his band perform at 6:30 p.m. This young prodigy has packed performances since 1999 and is expected to increase in popularity this year.

Renee Austin performs her unique blend of Motown, R&B, soul, rock and pop at 8:30 p.m. She's been compared to Janice Joplin and Billie Holiday, but her six-octave range works in a voice all her own. She covers blues' greats and some of her own original music to rave reviews.

The Chicago Rythm and Blues Kings headline at 10:30 p.m. The soul-steeped brand of R&B includes a horn section and lead singer who spent a year with Sly and the Family Stone. They've been a major part of the blues circuit for more than a decade.

By Sara Strong
Of the many outstanding seniors in Rock County, the week of the fair brings recognition to two who clearly exemplify the spirit of volunteerism.

This year's Outstanding Senior Citizens are Annabelle Frakes and LeRoy Luitjens, both of Luverne.

Luitjens was nominated by Everett Brandenburg, on behalf of the Ben Franklin Lodge, and by the Rock County Historical Society.

Brandenburg said, "There are a lot of words to describe LeRoy Luitjens, but the word humble best describes him as he works so diligently in the community. It seems that LeRoy always has a long 'to do' list during his tireless retirement years."

That long list of "to do" items means that Luitjens is seen throughout Rock County in many capacities.

The work that's closest to his heart, Luitjens said, involves veterans. He's especially proud of being past commander at the district level for the American Legion and VFW.

He is past master and secretary of the Ben Franklin Lodge and continues to work with the Shrine Club where he once served as president.

He sits on the Designated Contribution Committee for the Minnesota Veterans Home, Luverne, and works with the veterans hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.

He is a life member of the American Legion and VFW.

He is on the board of directors at Client Community Services Inc., Worthington, volunteers for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and is regional chairman of the southwest Minnesota RSVP advisory council.

Luitjens is an active member of the Presbyterian Church, where he helped the church through the recent building project, and served two terms as elder.

Luitjens also volunteers for the Rock County Historical Society and is a board member of that group.

Brandenburg said, "LeRoy is a very active Mason and Shriner, always willing to lend a hand wherever he is needed. As a Shriner, he spends many hours canvassing the merchants to buy tickets for the Shrine Circus. Because of this effort, many children have the opportunity to attend the circus. LeRoy also helps at the Veterans Home to make sure residents have the opportunity to attend the Shrine Circus.

"He wears many hats in the community and his carpentry and masonry skills come in very handy as he is always ready to help with many projects."

The Historical Society said of Luitjens, "He spends many, many volunteer hours doing repair and maintenance at the Hinkly House and museum. He mows lawn and shovels snow at the museum. We depend on him for maintenance decisions in both buildings."

Frakes, the other Outstanding Senior Citizen, said, "Volunteering is its own reward. It's such a good feeling."

Helen Saum, volunteer and marketing coordinator for Luverne's Hospice Cottage, nominated Frakes.

Frakes has been assigned to 26 individual hospice patients and has volunteered almost 400 hours with Hospice. She has helped terminally ill patients in their homes and in nursing homes as well as in the hospital and Cottage.

Saum said, "To give you an idea of the value of Annabelle's work, I would like to mention just a couple situations she has provided direct volunteer support for: Annabelle stayed afternoons with a 31-year-old mother dying of cancer. Annabelle sat with her so she could spend time with her 2-year-old daughter while the husband was at work.

"Annabelle befriended a 78-year-old lady who moved to our community to be close to her son, but knew no one else. Annabelle made weekly, sometimes more often, supportive visits. During this time they developed a friendship and later Annabelle helped her make the transition from living independently in her high rise apartment to moving to the Hospice Cottage when she became too ill to live alone. Annabelle continued to visit her at The Cottage until she died."

Frakes spends two- to three-hour blocks of time at the hospice and has been a valuable tool for family members.

Frakes said, "It's hard because sometimes you end up losing your friends, but it's worth it. They come [to The Cottage] at such a vulnerable time. I consider it a privilege to work at the Hospice."

Frakes is well traveled through Elder Hostel programs and spends much of her summers at a lake home. She is also a volunteer coffee pourer at the Minnesota Veterans Home through the Auxiliary and volunteers to visit with residents at the Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Home, Luverne, through RSVP.

She is a member of the volunteer reading group, Bookin' Buddies, and the Luverne Elementary Child Guide program.

Jodi Rops and Joanne Gabrielson of Luverne Child Guides said, "One of the programs we started this year was 'Breakfast Visitors.' This is where anyone from the community can come to the school during school breakfast and eat and visit with those eating breakfast. Ms. Frakes was a frequent visitor at this. She came approximately three times a week. She made the kids feel comfortable and was there for them to talk to. She had a genuine interest in school and the students she was talking to. The students looked forward to seeing her."

Frakes helped students when studying the 50 states by returning from a trip to Hawaii with souvenirs and educational items.

Rops and Gabrielson said in their nomination letter, "She has a genuine interest in youth, and is definitely an asset to our young people. Rock County needs to be proud of this outstanding lady."

Other nominees
Julie Schuur was nominated by George Bonnema. He said, "She actively pursues ways she can be of service to others. Julie is willing and able to help when asked to serve - whether that service involves young or old, church or community, local or world needs."

Alvina Hitch was nominated by Raevette Loonan, who said, "One of the obstacles that Alvina overcomes/struggles with is the ability to get all of her volunteer activities fit into her schedule. Alvina is caring, sincere and funny. She also has a talent for easing people's fears and apprehensions."

Mary Buysse was nominated by American Legion Dell Hogan Post and Auxiliary 123. Her nomination letter said, "Mary has volunteered 1,500 hours this year from April 1, 2001 to April 1, 2002. We feel that is quite an accomplishment and those hours are just for the Legion Auxiliary, working for the veterans."

Sister Mariella Hinkly was nominated by Rock County 4-H and the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Members of the County K-9s said, "As a 4-H club, we have recreated the Hinkly family by doing live tours. Sister Mariella's knowledge and her keen sense of humor and kindness shown to the club members has been such a tremendous help to our 4-H club."

Jake Boomgaarden was nominated by Joan Chesley and Everett Knuth. Chesley said, "Our country and community are a better place to live because of people like him."

Knuth said, "Since an eye problem keeps me from driving, Jake gave me many rides to Sioux Falls for medical attention. Jake deserves the many awards he has received for his sportsmanship and tact that is so much a part of his character."

His nomination letter sited his work as a sports official and various military and community volunteer work.
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By Lori Ehde
Luverne's Planning and Zoning Commission was on a house-cleaning mission Tuesday as it dealt with the Kapperman fire mess and inoperable parked cars.

Commission members reported getting numerous calls from city residents complaining about the mess remaining after a shed burned on Jerome KappermanÕs property.

"Something needs to be done," said Planning and Zoning member Bill Ketterling.

"It's going to be a rodent problem, if it isn't already, for the people in the neighborhood," Jim Kirchhofer added.

Nearly two months ago, fire destroyed KappermanÕs construction storage shed on Southeast Park Street behind the Highway 75 Casey's.

City staff has told Kapperman it's his responsibility to clean up the debris and restore the area, roughly the size of two residential lots, to bare ground.

Since the area is zoned R-1, Kapperman is not allowed to construct a similar shed in that spot.

Despite repeated reminders, the mess remains, and Planning and Zoning members discussed appropriate action. "It appears it's going to take a court order to get him to clean it up," said City Administrator Matt Hylen.

If action went through the courts, Kapperman would be given a deadline to clean it up. If that time passes with no action, the city would authorize contractors to clean it for him, and he'd be assessed the cost.

Commission members agreed to direct staff to take whatever measures are necessary to get the mess cleaned up, but they specified that all avenues should be taken to work with Kapperman in the process.

In another tidying business, the Commission addressed the problem of junk cars on residential property.

According to current city code, it's unlawful to accumulate "in the open parked, stored, discarded" cars and machinery.

Some residents with such vehicles have covered them with tarps, so they are no longer "in the open."

The commission directed staff to check the verbiage with the city attorney to see if that interpretation of the code is fair.

"A tarp, to me, isn't a building," Hylen said. "It should be inside and out of site."

Permits for plumbing and mechanical work
Building Official and Zoning Officer Dan Delgehausen has been working with the State Department of Administration on a voluntary assessment of his department's operations.

That review showed, among other things, the City of Luverne has never required permits for residential plumbing and mechanical work.

Such work in new homes is inspected, but Delgehausen said many older homes in Luverne have plumbing and gas hookups that have never worked as they should.

"I was told in no uncertain terms by the state building inspector that from now on we will be requiring permits," Delgehausen said.

He said fees are not required, but he recommended a $15 fee to inspect any work amounting to $500 or less.

While it may seem intrusive for residents, he said he agreed with the premise for requiring the permits and inspections.

"There are a substantial number of water heaters that are put in wrong," Delgehausen said. "It's something that with the water shortage ... anything that happens to the water supply now - that's serious."

Permits will be required for any work that taps into city gas or water lines.

The new requirement will mean all plumbers and electricians will have to renew their licenses by 2004.

By Lori Ehde
The Luverne community has planned a fitting observance to mark the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States.

Local church bells will ring at 7:45, 8:03, 8:43 and 9 a.m. to note the four separate attacks by planes on the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and the crash in Pennsylvania.

"We are asking as many people as possible to be on Main Street prior to the 9 a.m. bell," said Chamber Director Dave Smith.

"After the final bell tolls, we will note a moment of silence throughout the community."

Those gathered on Main Street will join hands, forming a human chain down Main Street to show community solidarity.

After the moment of silence, "Taps" will be played over a sound system in the downtown area to complete the commemoration.

LuverneÕs observance is just one of millions scheduled in communities nationwide, since Congress passed a public law designating Sept. 11 "Patriot Day."

The American Legion national observance of Patriot Day will follow the theme, "We will remember."
In Hardwick, the Legion will host a program at noon Wednesday, Sept. 11, in the Legion Hall.

The ceremony will include representatives from local law enforcement and fire department. A barbecue lunch will follow.

Area public schools opened Tuesday, and administrative staffs are discussing what formal programs, if any, will be planned for next week.

Some groups are circulating e-mails that call for individuals to wear red, white and blue to work or school, and to pause at noon to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, either silently or out loud.

The Rock County Ministerial Association has organized a community prayer service at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, in the Christian Reformed Church, Luverne.

Several pastors from local churches will lead petitions that will individually focus on prayers for peace around the world, for government and military leaders, for victims, for enemies, for respect among religions and for our community.

Churches will participate in bell ringing in both Hardwick and Luverne.

"Each time a bell rings on this day, a chord will strike in our hearts as we remember the sadness of the attacks and thank God for allowing us to remain a strong nation through all of this," the Legion said in a statement issued last week.

"This ceremony will help us all to remember the sacrifices of those who died on Sept. 11."

By Lori Ehde
Just one Rock County office will have a competitive primary race at the Sept. 10 election.

An unusually high number of seven people have filed for the Rock County Auditor/Treasurer position by Tuesday's deadline: Lisa Ahrendt DeBoer, Nic 'O Lena Bosch, Gloria F. Rolfs, Johnna Bowron-Ahrendt, Kim Gehrke, Candace R. Reese and Ona Reker.

Voters will choose just one candidate per ballot, and the two candidates garnering the most votes overall will advance to the November general elections.

No other local offices in the county or city of Luverne will appear on the primary ballot because, at the most, two have filed.

Luverne Elementary School students board their respective busses after their first day of classes Tuesday. Teachers and staff reported the usual first-day flurry of organization, but said the day presented few problems and that students have returned eager to learn.

Photo by Lori Ehde

Pat Saum and April Gangestad stand in front of the drive-in screen, which serves as a back-drop for the Blues on the Rocks staging area. The two helped organize the event which takes place this Saturday in Luverne. Story inside.

Photo by Sara Strong

Lester Wieck, 96, Luverne, formerly of Magnolia, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002, at Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Center in Luverne.

Services were Saturday, Aug. 31, at United Methodist Church in Magnolia. Burial was in Ashwood Cemetery near Kanaranzi.

Lester Wieck was born to Theodore and Tena (Boll) Wieck on Jan. 11, 1906, on the family farm in Magnolia Township. He grew up on the family farm and attended country school. As a young man, he continued to work on the farm.

He married Edna Vogt on Feb. 14, 1928. The couple made their home on the Wieck family farm. In 1968, Lester retired from farming, and they moved to Luverne.

Mr. Wieck was a member of United Methodist Church of Magnolia. He was also a member of the Magnolia Elevator Board, Magnolia School Board, Magnolia Township Board, past president of Luverne Co-op Creamery and an active member of Luverne Senior Citizens Center.

Survivors include one son, Verlyn (Alma) Wieck, Omaha, Neb.; four daughters, Generose (LeRoy) Bush, Evelyn Bruhn, Beverly (Art) Fleseland, all of Magnolia, and Marilyn Sudenga, Windom; 22 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; 26 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Mr. Wieck was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Edna, an infant son, Roger, two infant granddaughters, two brothers, and an infant sister.

Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.