Gerrit Vlastuin, 78, Luverne, died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Services were Monday, Aug. 12, at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. The Rev. Andrew Beerman officiated. Burial was in St. Catherine Catholic Cemetery, Luverne.

Gerrit Vlastuin was born to John and Elizabeth (Grootheest) Vlastuin June 20, 1924, in Doon, Iowa. He attended Doon School and farmed until entering the U.S. Army in 1945. He served in the Pacific War Zone in the Philippines and Japan and received an honorable discharge in 1947.

He married Ramona Simons on April 10, 1950, in Larchwood, Iowa. They farmed in the Doon - Alvord, Iowa, area until 1965 when they moved to a farm by Beaver Creek. They retired in 1988 and moved to Luverne.

Mr. Vlastuin was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. He served on the Beaver Creek Elevator Board for several years and was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion. He enjoyed woodworking, crafts and playing cards.

Survivors include his wife Ramona Vlastuin, Luverne; one son, Leland (Lynette) Vlastuin, Harrisburg, S.D.; two daughters, Linda (Chuck) Wattier, Eagle River, Alaska, and Lorae (Gene) Lodes, Crooks, S.D.; six grandchildren, Ashley and Chris Lodes, Jordan, Jared, Melissa and Madysen Vlastuin; two brothers, Fred (Ann) Vlastuin, Rock Valley Iowa, and Elmer (Cornelia) Vlastuin Jenison, Mich.; three sisters, Henrietta DeBruin and Till (John) Blom, all of Rock Valley, Iowa, and Jeanette (John) Van Surksum, Doon; and one sister-in-law, Emma Vlastuin, Worthington.

Mr. Vlastuin was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Henry.

Dingmann Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Verna Rupp, 88, Hardwick, died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002, at Immanuel - St. Joseph's Hospital of Mankato.
Services were Saturday, Aug. 10, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick. The Rev. Mark Mumme officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne.

Verna Rath was born to Rudolph and Anna (Scherff) Rath on April 14, 1914, on the family farm near Hardwick. She was raised and attended grade school in Hardwick. She graduated from Luverne High School in 1931. After high school she worked as chief operator at Jasper Telephone Co. in Hardwick.

She married Roy Rupp on Dec. 18, 1937, at the Lutheran parsonage in Luverne. They made their home on the Rupp family farm in Denver Township, north of Hardwick. After her family was grown, she went to work as a bookkeeper for J.C. Penney Co. in Luverne.

Mrs. Rupp was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick. She belonged to the LWML and through the years served in many of its leadership roles. She was church secretary, helped craft most of the banners in church and was a large part of the Lutheran Hour Ministries. She was involved in making quilts for World Relief, Share, and many other organizations. She loved to work in her flower and vegetable gardens and had one of the best-kept farmyards in the area. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles.

Survivors include her husband, Roy Rupp, Mankato; one son, Chuck (Gail) Rupp, Wilsonville, Ore.; one daughter, Pat (Gene) Glade, Mankato; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Gladys Kindt, Luverne; one brother-in-law, Herb Schmidt, Pipestone; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Rupp was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Verdeen and Dale, and one sister, Excelda.

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

Orville Aanenson, 82, Luverne, died Wednesday, Aug. 14 at the Luverne Community Hospital. Services will be Monday, Aug. 19 at Grace Lutheran Church, Luverne. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, Aug.18 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Engebretson Funeral Home.

Nine Luverne football players won event titles during the annual Cardinal Pride competition Monday. Kneeling, left to right, are: Cody Gehrke, Chris Morgan, Joel Evans, Tony Smedsrud and Brad Herman. Back: Ben Cornish, Tyler Elbers, Marcus Walgrave and Joey Pick.

By John Rittenhouse
A Luverne High School senior-to-be emerged as the 2002 overall champion of the Luverne Cardinal Pride competition Monday.

Joel Evans, who will be a senior member of the LHS football team this fall, took top honors in the event that is staged on the first day of practice every season.

Evans won two individual events, and secured another point title for an event (point titles are based on the size and the weight of athletes in certain events) to score 1,639 points and walk away with the overall crown.

Evans' event wins came in the 60-second jump rope competition (193 jumps) and the squat weight competition (391 pounds). He also was the squat weight points champion.

Evans also helped his cause by placing third in the clean weight competition and fourth in the power press weight competition. On the points side, Evans was second in the 400-meter dash and third in the clean weight standings.

Chris Morgan won a pair of individual events by bench pressing 236 pounds and power press lifting 225 pounds. Morgan, who placed second to Evans in the overall competition, also won the power press points competition.

Cody Gehrke, who placed third in overall points, won the clean weight competition with a lift of 295 pounds. He also was the points champion in that event.

Marcus Walgrave set a new Cardinal Pride record by winning the 400-meter dash with a time of 54 seconds. Walgrave shared top honors in the shuttle run time (4.1 seconds) title with Joey Pick and Tyler Elbers. Walgrave was awarded the title in the shuttle run points competition.

Tony Smedsrud won the vertical jump event with a height of 31-3, and Ben Cornish was the bench weight points champion.

Brad Herman was named the junior varsity overall points champion.

Here is a look at the top five finishers in each event.

Overall points: Evans, Morgan, Gehrke, Elbers and Aaron Schmidt.

400-meter time: Walgrave, Scott Goebel, Elbers, Canaan Petersen and Aaron Schmidt.

400-meter points: Morgan, Evans, Walgrave, Gehrke and Herman.

Shuttle run time: Pick, Walgrave, Elbers, Petersen and Schmidt.

Shuttle run points: Walgrave, Elbers, Morgan, Pick and Josh Lange.

Jump rope: Evans, Walgrave, Elbers, Nate Stehlik, Cody Jagow and Schmidt.

Vertical jump: Smedsrud, Petersen, Elbers, Herman and Schmidt.

Bench weight: Morgan, Jagow, Gehrke, Lange and Roth Anderson.

Bench points: Cornish, Morgan, Stehlik, Jose Saravia and Gehrke.

Squat weight: Evans, Gehrke, Morgan, Pick and Anderson.

Squat points: Evans, Mark Remme, Pick, Elbers, Petersen.

Clean weight: Gehrke, Morgan, Evans, Anderson and Jagow.

Clean points: Gehrke, Morgan, Evans, David Roeman and Remme.

Power press weight: Morgan, Jagow, Gehrke, Evans and Petersen.

Power press points: Morgan, Schmidt, Stehlik, Cornish and Gehrke.

Luverne's Shane Hoag drove car No. 28 to the Enduro Race championship at the Rock County Fairgrounds in Luverne Saturday.

By John Rittenhouse
A Luverne man captured the championship of Saturday's rescheduled version of the Rock County Fair's Enduro Race.

The event was scheduled to take place Saturday, Aug. 3, as the final grandstand attraction of the three-day fair. Just as the drivers took the track that night, a thunderstorm sent fans searching for shelter and forced the event to be postponed.

Forty-two cars and nearly 1,000 fans showed up for Saturday's make-up race, which featured free admission.

"Everything went pretty well," said Burdette Braun, one of the event's officials. "We had a good turnout. We sure appreciated everyone coming to the rescheduled race."

The rescheduled event turned into a good one for Luverne's Shane Hoag, who drove his Chevy Malibu to victory.

Driving car No. 28, Hoag completed 160 laps around the track before the raceÕs two-hour time limit expired. Houg ended up winning the race by four laps.

Terry Dieren, of Rock Rapids, Iowa, placed second in his Chevy Camaro. He completed 156 laps in car No. 41.

Luverne's Tom Walker and Travis Van Santen placed third and fourth respectively after completing 153 and 150 laps respectively. Walker drove car No. 9, a Chevy Impala. Van Santen steered car No. 2, an Olds Delta 88.

Luverne's Adam Kinsinger and Chad Oye also finished well in the pack by placing seventh and 10th respectively.

Edgerton's Gene Schoep and Owen Tinklenberg placed fifth and seventh respectively.

Adrian's Mark Bullerman, another driver from the Star Herald coverage area, placed 10th.

Randy Sasker, of Worthing, S.D., and Doon, Iowa's, Leon Sneller also placed in the Top 11 by finishing sixth and ninth respectively.

Curt Vander Stoep (left) won the low gross championship of the Seniors' Club Tournament played at the Luverne Country Club Sunday. Nick Veenhof (right) won the low net title.

By John Rittenhouse
A first-time winner emerged as the low gross champion of the annual Seniors' Club Tournament played at the Luverne Country Club Sunday.

In what turned into a two player showdown during the second round of the 18-hole event, Edgerton's Curt Vander Stoep used a late birdie to nip Luverne's Dave Iverson by one stroke for the gross crown.

It didn’t look good for Vander Stoep when he faced a two-stroke deficit with three holes left to play, but the tide turned on the par-3, 16th hole.

The eventual champion drained a birdie putt on the fateful hole while Iverson put up a double-bogey five.

The three-stroke swing put Vander Stoep in front by one stroke with two holes remaining, and he protected the slim lead by matching Iverson's efforts (a par-5 on the 17th hole and a bogey five on No. 18) to win his first Seniors' Club title.

Both Vander Stoep and Iverson were competing in the division for players in the 50-59 age group, and they found themselves challenged by players within their group as well as some golfers in the 60-69 division and the 70 and older division.

Seven players were within three strokes of the gross lead when the first nine holes of play were complete.

Vander Stoep, who recorded a bogey and a double bogey during the first four holes, finished strong by recording five straight pars to finish the round with a three-over-par 39.

Iverson, who had two birdies, three pars, three bogeys and one double bogey, matched Vander Stoep's 39-stroke effort to earn a share of the lead.

Rick Serie and Bruce Olson, two more members of the 50-59 age group, both shot five-over-par 41s and trailed the leaders by two strokes.

Sam Hansen (50-59 division), George McDonald (60-69 division) and Don Lein (70 and over division) all trailed by three strokes after recording 42s.

Serie and Olson climbed to within one stroke of the leaders after recording pars on the 10th hole, but that would be as close as they would come to catching the front runners.

Iverson moved in front by one stroke when he recorded a par on the par-3 12th hole (Vander Stoep had a bogey), and he increased his lead to two strokes with a bogey on the par-4 14th hole (Vander Stoep had a double bogey).

Both men parred the 15th hole, right before Vander Stoep turned the showdown around with his birdie on No. 16.

Vander Stoep (39-41-80) and Iverson (39-42-81) set the pace in the gross competition in the 50-59 division. Serie (41-41-82) placed third in the division and overall. Olson (41-46-87), Hansen (42-45-87), Tom Serie (43-44-87) and Greg Gabrielson (43-33-87) all tied for fourth place in the 50-59 division.

The low net title for the 50-59 division went to Jerry Johnson (47-44-92), who recorded a net 65, Rick Serie was second with a net 66, and Vander Stoep third with a net 67.

Two members of the 60-69 division tied for first place in the gross competition in their division as well as earning a share of fourth place in the overall gross standings.

McDonald and Jerry Wethor led the five-player 60-69 division.

McDonald shot a 42-41-83, while Wethor checked in with a 43-40-83.

Nick Veenhof, who emerged as the tournament's low net champion, and Laurin Carroll tied for third place behind McDonald and Wethor in the gross competition in the 60-69 division.

Veenhof shot a 47-44-91, while Carroll carded a 43-48-91.

Veenhof was a run-away champion in his division and the tournament. His net 61 was 10 strokes better than Wethor's 71 and 13 shots better than Carroll’s 74 in their division.

Veenhof topped Johnson 61-65 in the overall net standings. Rick Serie, Lien and Ken Staeffler tied for third place with net 66s.

Lien coasted to an 11-stroke victory in the gross competition in the 70 and over division.

Lien shot a pair of 42s for an 84, which easily topped challengers Staeffler (48-47-95) and Jay Jackson (55-48-103), who placed second and third respectively.

Lien and Staeffler both recorded net 66s, and Lien won a chipoff to earn the low net award for his flight. Jackson placed third with a net 73.

The Kid Definitely Stays In The Picture

The Kid Stays In The Picture
Rated R * Now Playing
Kent's grade: A
Carol's grade: B+

SYNOPSIS:
Legendary movie producer Robert Evans' career is brought to the silver screen in this
adaptation of his tell-all 1994 autobiography. A series of twists and turns in his life eventually
lead from a stalled career as a B-list actor, to the exalted position of V.P. in charge of
production at Paramount Studios. There, he's given six months to revive the studio ranked
last.

During his tenure from 1966 to 1974, Evans produced great films like "The Godfather,"
"Rosemary's Baby," "Love Story," "The Odd Couple," "Harold & Maude," and
"Chinatown." In so doing, he transformed not only the studio, but the movie business, too.
But, all good things must come to an end. Evans' glorious 1970s gave way to the 1980s where
his star, his wealth and livelihood all crash. But, the kid stays in the picture.

Given a lucky spark, Evans turns his opportunities into a blaze and in 1991 turned things
around by securing the rights to "The Saint." Off and running again, Evans continues his 35+
years of producing at Paramount.

Kent's Take:
Watching "The Kid Stays In The Picture" is like watching a modern "Citizen Kane" (with
rosebuds instead of Rosebud). Although obviously ratcheted down to emphasize his
successes, we are none-the-less treated to a fascinating journey into the life of a true
Hollywood powerbroker.

Remarking on his loves, hates, successes, and failures, Evans' wonderful narration sheds
light on his candid moments and emotions. We fly along with the jet-setter as he schmoozes,
cajoles, and shoe-horns productions, making classic films for Paramount.

Kudos to film makers Brett Morgen and Nanette Burstein for this outstanding documentary.
This production somehow manages to capture the magical lure of Tinseltown while still
exposing a bit of its seedy underbelly.

Visually entertaining, this movie's success can be attributed to three elements. First, through
four decades, we see the immense changes Hollywood undergoes. Second, Evans' narration
is engaging, frank and charming. Finally, the editing is unmatched. Using new shots, old clips
and stills, cinematographer John Bailey has even brought black and whites to life with unique
computer enhancements.

"The Kid Stays In The Picture" is a must-see for anyone interested in the inner workings of
Hollywood. Yet, that is not the entertaining part. It's the insight, as seen through the eyes of
Robert Evans, that gives this riveting film its amber glow of life.

Carol's Take:
Robert Evans's 1994 autobiography, "The Kid Stays In The Picture," delighted movie buffs
and Hollywood insiders alike. The book painted a kinetic, colorful portrait of a born
showman.

At Paramount, employing taste, vision and hutzpah, Evans oversaw the development of some
of the best movies of the 1970s. In the process, the studio rose from last to first place among
the nine important studios of the day.

This new documentary, named for his book, chronicles the meteoric rise, and precipitous fall,
of Evans as one of the most important players in Hollywood during the '70s and '80s.

Naturally, the story includes more than one juicy bit about well-known tinsel-town personalities, too.
Film makers Nanette Burstein and Brett Morgen have created a compelling piece. Their
documentary creatively combines still and moving pictures from Evans's life and work.

For narration, they wisely chose the man's own voice, as he read his autobiography some
years ago for a books-on-tape project. While the sound quality is disappointing, the punch of
the subject speaking his own words to tell the story is its own reward.

"The Kid Stays In The Picture" is a must-see for movie buffs everywhere. Robert Evans was
destined to lead an interesting life, no matter what career he chose. It's a treat that his life was
so well-documented that we get to see it play out before us on the silver screen - far better
than any movie role he ever played.

© 2002 Webster-Kirkwood Times, Inc.
Movie reviews by Carol Hemphill and Kent Tentschert
reelworld@timesnewspapers.com

Unleaded Attitude Toward Diesel

XXX
Rated:R
Kent's Grade: D

THE PLOT:
Xander "XXX" Cage (Vin Diesel), a fringe dwelling daredevil, has caught the attention of a
desperate National Security Agency (NSA). Having been scouted and accepted, XXX is
forced to infiltrate a radical Slovic terrorist group, Anarchy 99. Lead by ex-Russian soldier,
Yorgi (Marton Csokas), and his cagey girlfriend, Yelena (Asia Argento), XXX easily
infiltrates their ranks. But the deeper he gets into Anarchy 99 the more he realizes he is being
used by both sides as an expendable pawn. As the mission goes awry, XXX becomes the
only person that can save the world from Yorgi's weapon of mass destruction.

KENT'S TAKE:

"XXX" is touted as "A new breed of secret agent." Good description. There's just one
problem. The "breeder" crossed a British secret agent with Deputy Dawg.

Called "XXX" because of the tattoo on his neck, he eXemplifies all that is wrong with the old
secret agents. The new secret agent uses "new fangled" weapons such as guns and
eXplosives, and he drives off-road motorcycles and a Pontiac GTO, state-of-the-art vehicles
indeed! And his interests lean more toward getting some action than actually saving the
world. XXX does differ from the old secret agents in that he doesn't need to use his brains,
his testosterone-laden charm and his "Skater/BMX" attitude will carry him through. Give him
a fast car, a parachute and a cheesy quip and off he goes!

EXpunging all story elements such as characterization, plot and depth, this story is
streamlined to action sequences with fist-pumping techno-rock. Forced to use some dialogue,
it is simply used to set up more action. Even the great soundtrack isn't enough to eXtricate
Diesel from this embarrassing film.

XXX is supposed to be an anti-establishment bad-boy, but once his mission begins, his
attitude and eXuberance eXpires. I must admit Diesel was given very little to work with. It is
obvious that his "star-power" was meant to carry this film, but even an eXceptional actor can
carry a film only so far, and Diesel isn't one of those actors. I guess you can say I'm an
unleaded fan of Diesels. Add to this a villain who strikes fear into our hearts with nothing but
stringy, unwashed hair and you have a protagonist and antagonist that are sure to eXpidite
slumber.

Unfortunately, our new breed of secret agent needs a little work. This film only differs from a
Jeane-Claude Van Damme movie in two ways, Jeane Claude's feet and XXX's tattoos.

© 2002 Webster-Kirkwood Times, Inc.
Movie reviews by Carol Hemphill and Kent Tentschert
reelworld@timesnewspapers.com

On a mission
The Policing Institute report points out that the department may lack a clear vision in leadership.

"When asked, members of the department articulated the value/duty to patrol when they are not responding to a call for service, but they could not clearly and specifically define their objectives when patrolling," the Institute said in its report.

It suggests the sheriff create a mission statement and ensure that all department members are fully aware of it.

In the organizational structure, the Policing Institute found areas of concern.

It reported job descriptions arenÕt clear enough, although sergeants are generally in charge of operations. "The lack of coherent structure was evident in both departmental and community comments," which follow:

"Everyone gets along very well, but there doesnÕt seem to be any true leadership."
"The sergeant is always passing calls off on other deputies."
"The chain of command is clear, but everyone knows how to get around it."

The report lists recommendations on role definitions. "When deputies see their repertoire of options limited to ... driving around/patrol and deter crime through the use of arrests, they are less inclined to problem solve with the community, build partnerships with law abiding citizens or address important quality of life issues. The sheriff needs to redefine the options available to deputies who are 'on patrol.' "

While deputies are patrolling and responding to calls, the report points out that Sheriff McClure often spends time on the road transporting prisoners to and from Prairie Justice Center, the Nobles County jail where Rock County prisoners are housed.

"We recommend that the sheriff redefine his role in the department to focus more heavily on strategic leadership issues rather than on line functions such as prisoner transport. This change is critical to the success of the transition to a community policing format," the Institute reported.

Follow the leader
Everyone interviewed for the report identified the two sergeants as those who control police operations. Concerns about their managerial abilities were raised by interview subjects:

"They really don't lead - they just do a job."
"I wish they would listen more."

The report says supervisory style and work-product appear to lack consistency and that setting goals and objectives would help.

The Policing Institute said the sheriff should examine roles and responsibilities of each supervisor. The report quotes one interviewee as saying:

"One sergeant responds to calls only when forced to."

If deputies see supervisors not held to a high standard, they can feel disgruntled:

"Why should I have to work when he doesnÕt?" one deputy said.

For community policing to be effective, the report suggests that sergeants be held accountable for their performance and be positive role models to other department members.

Communications
Typically, deputies patrol until they receive a "call for service." The assessment report found that the Rock County dispatch workers are well respected and essential to the department and public safety.

The Policing Institute said some dispatching changes would enhance community policing through the communication process.

Deputies rely upon and trust dispatchers, according to the report, but the Institute also recommends that a "clear chain of command for decision making must be agreed to, and implemented."

The chain of command will ensure that employees feel the overall call-for-service system is fair.

The Policing Institute also recommends not releasing the full dispatch report to the Rock County Star Herald. Cleaning up jargon within the report will improve the publicÕs perception of what the department handles.

The report also urges the department to adopt a form of crime analysis to identify and address activities in specific areas. A person in the department could be designated to handle crime analysis, which would be shared with county and city elected people and the public.

The public should be aware of the importance of receiving timely and valuable information.
The Policing Institute also suggested the possibility of establishing a Crime Stoppers in order to increase community involvement. It would also keep the public informed that crimes are under investigation, to dispel the myth that "nothing happens" following a report to the department.

Credit where it's due
Because the Rock County Sheriff's Department is small, promotions are infrequent.

The Policing Institute suggests building and sustaining momentum with short-term goals that, when achieved, are celebrated.

When asked, "How are you rewarded?" department members answered:

"Don't know."
"We are not rewarded for good work."
"We should be rewarding our deputies, but we haven't in the past."

The report said no one could recall examples of sergeants reviewing reports, giving advice or directly assisting officers.

The Policing Institute recommends that the department implement policies that reward "those who act in a professional manner and support problem solving activities."

Instead of only counting the number of incidents handled, community policing advocates crediting absence of crime and recognizing neighborhood involvement.

The Policing Institute said that the sheriff's obligation, as the highest-ranking officer, is to lead the department through community policing.

"Within the department, employees need the permission and organizational structure to begin problem solving with the community. Getting out of the car, talking with residents, and engaging with community members in a non-enforcement manner will be key to gathering trust and support from the community. Geographically based problem solving assignments, with accountability factors, will increase the likelihood of success. For effectiveness, supervisors will also need to be held accountable for the responsibility they are given. It is their job to act as coaches, information resources and visionaries."