Jauert variance hearing set for June 24
Notice of a Public Hearing for a variance
To the City of Luverne Zoning Ordinance

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the City of Luverne Board of Appeals and Adjustments that a public hearing will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, Luverne, Minnesota, at 5:00 p.m. on June 24, 2002, to consider a variance, as requested by Lynette Jauert, to City Code Section 11.35, (3) (b) to allow less than the required 10% side yard setback for installation of a new attached garage addition in the R-1 Low Density Residential District on property located at 206 E. Oakland St., Luverne, Minnesota.

All persons wishing to be heard in favor or in opposition to the variance request should be present at the hearing or present written comments prior thereto the City Clerk. Anyone needing reasonable accommodations or an interpreter should contact the City Clerk's office, 203 E. Main St. (507) 449-2388.

Marianne Perkins
City Clerk

Published: 06/13/02

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Roger Siebenahler was diagnosed in 1985 at the age of 38. Now, at age 54, his symptoms have become so debilitating he lives in Southridge Nursing Home in Sioux Falls where heÕs been there since 1994.

Prior to his diagnosis, he drove for his father, LuVerne Siebenahler, and also for Old Home in Sioux Falls.

His sister, Lorna Bryan, walked in his honor in Sunday's MS Walk.

"My brother's major challenge with MS is independence," she said. "He said it was difficult to get a diagnosis and deal with a terminal disease at such a young age."

She wonders if the weed spray along the railroad tracks could be a cause. "I remember the smell was very strong," Bryan said. "We lived on the west side of the tracks, and his is the only thing that set us apart from everyone else in Hardwick."

Ron Hansen was diagnosed in 1991 at the age of 47. "MS has changed my life so much," he said. "Little things like driving a nail wears me out. I canÕt mow the lawn. There are so many things."

Since then, he's been able to keep working as Rock CountyÕs veterans services coordinator, and he leans on a cane to get around.

Despite his physical limitations, he counts himself lucky that his diagnosis came after the release of a drug that prohibits progression of the disease.

Once a week he self-administers a shot of Interferon Beta 1 Avonex.

"My doctor tells me had I not been put on it, thereÕs a good chance I would be in a wheelchair by now," Hansen said.

"I guess I consider myself very fortunate of the four Hardwick people who have it."

He still suffers from bladder and kidney damage and daily fatigue. "Every day, you wake up and you don't know what the day will be like," he said.

"You know there's the fatigue factor, but youÕre always glad just to get through a day."

Hansen walked 11 blocks of the MS Walk Sunday with his wife, Alice, at his side. "My wife is one of the best supporters I have," he said. "She does so much for me."

In addition, 16 other friends and family members walked Sunday in HansenÕs honor, many of them wearing "Walking for Grandpa" T-shirts.

MS affects roughly 350,000 Americans, and it strikes women two to three times more often than men.

There is a higher frequency of MS diagnosed in children with parents who have MS, and theories on possible causes range from genetic and immunologic to environmental and viral.

While it remains unknown what caused the disease for these Hardwick residents, all they know for certain is they share common symptoms.

MS typically strikes adults between the ages of 20 and 50 and affects the brain and spinal chord.
It causes blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue and paralysis and blindness.

The symptoms may be permanent or they may come and go.

Participants in Sunday's MS Walk started at the University of Sioux Falls and had the option of a six- or nine-mile route.

About 2,000 people participated in the annual event, which raised about $160,000. The money goes to the National MS Society, which funds research for treatments and ultimately a cure.

More than 100 cancer survivors kick off the 2002 Relay for Life in Luverne by completing the Survivor Lap Friday night at the Luverne High School track.

By Lori Ehde

Theresa Graff has been cancer-free for eight years, and for her and her family, Friday's Relay for Life was a celebration of survival.

Chuck Ebert and his family, on the other hand, were dealt a different hand. He was diagnosed last summer with a brain tumor and died Friday morning, just hours before local Relay for Life activities began.

"It really brought home the fact that we need to do research to find a cure for cancer," said Relay for Life co-chair Nancy Kaczrowski. "It put into perspective why we were all up at the football field together."

Some of Ebert's family members attended Relay For Life activities that evening on the Luverne High School track. "I gave them a hug, but I really didn't know what to do," Graff said. "I know this isn’t right, but I almost feel guilty. Here I am still alive, and their loved one is gone."
More than 700 participants in Luverne's second annual Relay for Life all had their own reasons for being there - whether to celebrate or remember - but the underlying purpose was the same for everyone.

The event so far has raised $43,000 for the American Cancer Society, money that will be used for cancer research and education, and hopefully someday a cure.

According to organizers, 32 teams and 400 walkers circled the track for 12 continuous hours Friday night into Saturday morning.

"People were walking and visiting and the campfires were burning and it was really just a beautiful night," said co-chair Vicki Baartman.

"We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was perfect."
Some highlights of the night were the luminary ceremony and the sunrise service.

Cancer survivor Glenda Schomacker told her story at dusk as burning luminaries fringed the track. They glowed in memory of those who died from cancer or in honor of those who have survived it.

"Many things go through your mind," Schomacker said Friday night. "Will I see another Mother's Day? Will I be a survivor? How am I going to get through this? What about the bills?"

Her story illustrated the "darkness" of the disease and the "daylight" of recovery, which is why Relay for Life is an overnight event.

"I found out a survivor is a victim with an attitude," she said.

"Being a survivor is a state of mind. A survivor knows feeling down is okay. A survivor never leaves home without tissues, because tears are made to be shared. A survivor loves a good laugh, A survivor says 'thanks' with dignity and grace. A survivor learns to pray for little things just to get through the day."

For the sunrise service Saturday morning, participants sang the hymn, "Morning has Broken," and Pastor Del Sanderson referred to the Psalmist who wrote, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil."

In his prayer, Sanderson said, "Lord of Light, as the dawn breaks forth we are mindful that light does come in time, not by our making, but by yours. As we have walked through the night, we know that dawn awaits us, for we are a people who walk in hope."

The event concluded with breakfast and cleanup.

"I think anybody who has experienced a Relay for Life event will be forever changed," Kaczrowski said.

"Witnessing friends and family members in the survivors walk, then the release of the balloons and the lighting of the luminaries can only fill a person with hope for cancer-free days and gratitude for all the good things we have."

Baartman said the event went more smoothly this year than last year, partly due to the weather, but partly due to good help.

"A heartfelt thanks to everyone in the community who pulled together to make this happen," Baartman said. "It really was a wonderful event."

Those still interested in donating money to the 2002 Relay for Life effort can contact Vivian Holst at the Reliant Energy office on Main Street. The phone number is 283-2331.

By Sara Strong

Rock County is about to enter the wind energy market, with its first four towers going up this summer.

Beaver Creek farmer Mark Willers said the towers are as much about economics as they are about energy.

"It's rural development. We can't be just relying on the Farm Bill. This is a new generation," he said.

Willers serves as president of Min Win I, and the Rock County Board of Commissioners Tuesday granted the company a conditional use permit for two towers.

Another group of local farmers formed Min Win II and was also granted two towers.

The towers will go up about three miles southeast of Beaver Creek or seven miles southwest of Luverne. Some of the concrete base structures are being worked on this week, and the total project might be finished by August.

Each Min Win is spending $1.6 million on the project, which will be completely paid off in 10 years.

Each turbine will carry 1.8 megawatts, which is enough to power 400 homes.

President of Min Win II, Tom Arends, said this is by far the most interesting project he's worked on.

As a livestock producer, he said it's nice to be involved in something that doesn't raise environmental questions.

The Min Win groups are classified as Limited Liability Corporations to work with various federal tax codes. The details kept members busy, but they say it's been worth the effort.

The groups are the first in the state to own turbines. Most are owned by power companies which then lease land from individuals.

Arends said, "We've put up with the wind for so long, that I don't see why we can't farm it."

Because the Min Win LLCs are so unique, they've gotten national attention and landowner-owned turbines might become a trend.

Even though power needs are steadily increasing, the United States is far behind the renewable energy wave.

Germany and Denmark, for example, get one-third of their power from wind, compared to about .05 percent in the U.S.

Roping the wind
Alliant Energy is contracting to use power generated from the new towers in Rock County.

Suitable transmission lines were an obstacle to the first wind towers in the state.

Since then, utility companies have made it clear that wind energy is important to them, or at least their customers. Xcel Energy recently proposed transmission lines to improve wind energy access in southwest Minnesota.

Missouri River Energy, which supplements the city of Luverne's power, is introducing a plan that allows customers a choice to get some of their energy from wind.

Willers said these four turbines might be just the beginning in Rock County.

The group of 65 farmers who are members of the Min Win groups worked for almost 20 months to get to this point and probably won't stop there.

Willers said that even though the profits hit Min Win members, more people will be affected by the turbines than meets the eye.

The materials - such as concrete - needed to construct the bases of the turbines will be bought locally; the units will be constructed in Minnesota; service to the towers will be provided by a Lake Benton company, which is considering expanding to Pipestone.

The only part imported from outside the state is the turbine itself from Denmark, which is necessary because of the quality of the product.

Considering local and regional impacts, Willers said it's no wonder the conditional use permit met no objections in a public hearing.

He said, "They save Missouri River water by not using hydro power, they reduce the use of coal and nuclear energy. They don't leak, they don't smell, they keep revenue here and you don't need a manure plan to run them."

Noise pollution apparently won’t be an issue with the local turbines because Arends said the blades will move too slowly to create significant noise.

By Sara Strong

The Luverne City Council last week met to follow up on its previously discussed long-range budget goals.

Street construction: The council will continue to explore different ways of funding street construction projects.

Airport expansion: The council and airport board have been working on it, and a revised airport layout plan is coming from engineers soon.

Filling housing subdivisions: Not much work has been dedicated to this goal so far.

Day care: The Dunham lawsuit is in progress, but city staff is still looking at other ways to start a community day care.

Neighborhood cleanup: The new budget will include additional money for cleanup. Some specific nuisances are being dealt with.

Main Street-Highway 75 advertising: When the Britz house (on the southeast corner of Main and 75) is removed, the council can take action to erect signage for downtown.

Armory project: The armory committee is working on a survey that will help define where the structure should be and what should be included in it.

Student member of the council: City Administrator Matt Hylen has contacted the school about encouraging a student to become an ad hoc member of the council.

Technology and Communications: The council will try to include fiscal participation in the group for 2003.

Power plant: The city is in the process of designing the cooling radiator system as well as planning to remove the old steam turbine. Additional funds will be planned for maintenance and repair and the council is considering the five-year capital improvement plan for additional diesel generators. Council members had mixed feelings on the pros and cons of more generation.

Pool and Fitness Center: The request for proposals generated no bids or proposals so the council is continuing to plan the 2003 budget with the facility included.

Composting project: Staff has not yet looked into the project, which would be modeled after one in Hutchinson.
oPalace Theatre: The council may include the Palace in its 2003 budget, related to the study that was commissioned.

Veterans memorial: The council requested monies be set aside for a veteran's memorial. Suggested location is near the Minnesota Veterans Home, near the pond.

By Lori Ehde

It's been a month since the first round of surveys were mailed out for the Regional Health Profile 2002, and only 35 percent have been returned.

The project goal was a 55 percent return rate, so public health officials are putting out a plea for those citizens who received surveys to complete them.

The point of the survey, mailed May 20 to 20,000 homes by the Region 9 Development Commission, is to provide a comprehensive health assessment of citizens in south central and southwestern Minnesota.

There is currently no consistent source of health data for local county public departments to use as a basis for community health service plans required every four years by Minnesota law.

"The information is critical for us to get a true assessment of individual health needs and concerns in a community," said Ann Stehn, county health director for Kandiyohi County.
"The survey helps us determine health needs, existing barriers and efforts that are necessary to improve the overall health of our communities."

As an example, data from the 1994 RHP reported that women were not getting mammograms. This information was shared with doctors in the 27 counties and the number of mammograms has since increased.

Nearly 30 different local health providers have partnered with local public health officials on the Regional Health Profile 2002.

Questions about the survey can be directed to Jim Theurer at (507) 387-5643, ext. 890.

By Tracy Wieneke

The Rock County Fair Board is searching for talented people to participate in the first amateur talent contest August 1. The deadline to enter is July 24.

Jane Wildung is part of the talent contest committee along with four others. "We want to have a night where the entire family can get together and have fun without paying a large amount for their entertainment," Wildung said.

The idea came from a few different places. The Fair Board wanted a new fresh idea and something that was family friendly, Wildung said. Bob Zinnel presented the idea for a talent show after attending one at the Nobles County Fair where response was positive.

The fair Board loved the idea of a show that could involve the public.

"We have set aside two hours in the grandstands on Aug. 1, beginning at 7 p.m.," Wildung said, adding that the committee hopes for a variety of acts.

"It could be anything from singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument or even a comedy skit," Wildung said.
Registration forms are available at the Luverne Chamber of Commerce and at the Luverne Style Shop and entries require a $10 fee. Wildung can be reached at 283-4691 or 283-4053.

Cash prizes are available in each of three divisions. Pre-Teen Division is for contestants 12 and younger, and the Teen Division is for those 13 to 18 years old. The Open Division is for all other ages.

"We are not limiting this to any age group or even people not involved with 4-H. We want to see everyone out there, either involved or in the stands cheering the contestants on," said Wildung said.

"If you win at this local level you can compete at the talent contest at the Minnesota State Fair."

By Sara Strong

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency heard more reaction Tuesday from local producers as comprehensive feedlot inspections approach.

July will bring county employees and the Board of Water and Soil Resources to every feedlot in the county for a Level III, or the most extensive inspection.

The Rock County Board of Commissioners brought the MPCA to the table during their regular meeting Tuesday for a review of the random file inspection already conducted. And livestock producers turned out to offer questions and comments to the MPCA.

Admittedly, most producers don't agree with some state regulations and others don't like the agency that enforces those regulations.

Richard Bakken, rural Garretson, S.D., said he has "no respect" for the MPCA after the way he was treated 10 years ago when he was volunteering to bring his operation into compliance.

"You would have thought I was the worst guy in the state of Minnesota," he said.

Hills cattleman Gene Sandager said the scrutiny Rock County is going through isn't fair. "They don't have to do it in Nebraska, Argentina or Brazil, but we have to do it in southwest Minnesota," he said.

The county's part in the upcoming inspections include having a Land Management Office employee present during BWSR inspections and sharing some costs. The MPCA will visit the county weekly and specific sites when directed by the county to do so. The Attorney General will be updated as the process continues.

County costs will be partially covered by the settlement from a plea agreement with David Logan of Global Ventures, a hog operation that was involved in bribery crimes.

BWSR received $130,000 to spend on inspections and Rock County received $30,000.

In new county dollars spent, Rock County Administrator Kyle Oldre estimates that $80,000 is needed to get through the inspections. That includes hiring an additional clerical person to help the LMO in data entry during the heavily administrative process.

Preliminary tests
The Level III inventories are being done by to ensure no environmental harm was done during the tenure of former LMO director John Burgers. He was implicated in the Global Ventures scandal.

The county's options were limited if it didn't follow through with the Level III. It could have lost permitting rights and grant money.

MPCA completed a random audit of 71 permits of the 618 in LMO files.

The MPCA isn't releasing specific findings or numbers of infractions from that audit, but said most of the files showed some type of error. They were more often administrative and minor rule violations, and were less often major ones.

Some of the areas of concern included: unpermitted and the closure of unpermitted earthen basins, open lot runoff with new construction, engineering plans for construction of manure storage areas, animal unit miscalculation and incorrectly identifying animal species.

The County Board accepted the audit review and passed a work plan outlining what the county will do to correct problems. It also passed a Memorandum of Understanding, which is an agreement with the MPCA in relation to the inspections.
By approving these documents, the county keeps its status as a delegated feedlot county, which means it can approve permits without state inspection, and keeps state environmental grants.

Doug Bos, of the LMO, said, "I think this is the best scenario we can go by."

Bakken said, "I don't know of a better way to do it than having local people work with producers on their sites."

No black and white
MPCA representatives agreed that many of its statutes and regulations are open to interpretation.

That's what concerns Rock County producers because they were granted permits based on another feedlot officer's interpretations.

Earthen basins, for example, are simply part of the ground that may collect manure.

MPCA representative Jerry Holein said, hypothetically, that a 6-inch depression could be defined as an earthen basin. "It can be anything when it gets to the point where it's stagnant and holding manure," he said.

MPCA Regional Manager Myrna Halbach said, "One of the things through this process we'll see, is that there's no black and white."

Holein said, "The concern is the integrity of the groundwater."

Commissioner Ron Boyenga said that as a member of the Rock County Rural Water Board, he understands the importance of water quality. "But we don't want to put people out of business so there's no one to drink it either," he said.
Preserving the state’s waterways is the chief concern of the MPCA when considering feedlots. If producers are found to have been wrongly permitted, they must come into compliance at their own cost, which will probably include an engineer signing off on a project.

Sandager said that's where his worries start. "My concern is this: You said it wasn't your intention to put us out of business. But we're running on zero to negative margins so putting dollars into our feedlots will cause us to go out of business."

Inevitable inspections
Rock County is the first in the state to see the total feedlot inspection, but the state has a goal of visiting every feedlot.

Rock County actually set that same goal in 1997, so this Level III inventory is just accelerating what would have been eventual. The goal end date for the Level III inspections is December 2004, but the county must continue after that date if the inspections aren’t complete.

A Feedlot Task Force is being formed to work through the inspection process in the county. Those interested in joining can contact Oldre. The Task Force will discuss rule interpretations within the statutes' gray areas and help disseminate public information.

For specific information on feedlot rules, visit the MPCA Web site: www.pca.state.mn.us. Click on Hot Topics, then Feedlots. A feedlot help-line is available at 1-877-333-3508.

Don and Bonnie Moeller have eight arbors in their rural Ellsworth yard and gardens. As a part of the upcoming Rock County Garden Tour, the Moellers will show participants how they've arranged their many garden vignettes. Roses are a favorite, but lilies and butterfly-attracting blossoms also take a spot in their large yard. Fences and different seating arrangements make the space intimate. Both Don and Bonnie said they enjoy time working in the gardens, which have even played host to a son’s wedding reception.

The Rock County Garden Tour starts at 6:15 p.m., Monday, June 24, (rain date is Tuesday, June 25) at the Luverne High School south side. A bus will load passengers from there and leave at 6:30 p.m. Besides the Moeller garden, tours include the gardens of Betty Sherwood, Carol Ceynowa, Sandra Dowie and Diane Jauert. For more information, contact the Rock County Extension Office at 283-8685 ext. 4. To pre-register contact the Community Education Office at 283-4724. Pre-registration is necessary to secure seating. The tour is sponsored by Rock County Master Gardeners and Community Education.