Luverne city worker Greg McClure hoists a Christmas tree into a loader bucket Monday afternoon during the annual post holiday city tree pickup. The collected trees are stockpiled south of Luverne and will be burned on a day when weather permits.

Photo by Lori Ehde

Rock County Commissioners meet
Dec. 26
Law Library 9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse
26 December 2001
Chair Hoime called the County Board meeting to order with all Commissioners present. Also present was Special Counsel Gordon Moore of VonHoltum, Malters & Shepard and County Administrator Oldre.

Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Erickson to go into closed session at 8:14 A.M. for the purpose of discussing a performance review, declared carried on a voice vote.

Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Jarchow, to rise from closed session at 9:09 A.M., declared carried on a voice vote.

Motion by Wildung seconded by Jarchow, to terminate the employment of the Land Management Director John Burgers effective 26 December 01 in a "not in good standing" status, and directed special counsel to develop a press release, declared carried on a voice vote.

Motion by Erickson, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the December 26, 2001 County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.

Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Wildung, to move to reconsider Resolution No. 37-01, declared carried on a voice vote.

Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Wildung, to adopt Resolution No. 37-01, a resolution requesting legislation from the State of Minnesota to appoint the county offices of Auditor/Treasurer and Recorder, declared carried on a unanimous vote.

Motion by Erickson, seconded by Wildung, that if legislation passes in allowing the county to appoint the Auditor/Treasurer and Recorder positions, it is the intent of this board to negotiate with the incumbents to provide for current rates and protections of both individuals in those positions, declared carried on a voice vote.

Family Services Director Randy Ehlers, Ona Reker and Sherri Smith-Cronquist presented a review of collection activities. They presented a new policy regarding collection procedures; no action was taken.

The following consent agenda was approved on a motion by Jarchow, seconded by Erickson and declared carried on a voice vote.

1. FSA Contract 66-130-02 with Rock County Heartland Express to provide Medical Assistance and Social Service Transportation services; effective 1-1-02 to 12-31-02.

2. Amendment to FSA contract 52-788-01 with Luverne Community Hospital to provide individual Chemical Dependency treatment services.

Gloria Rolfs, Staff Assistant III of the Auditor/Treasurer's office presented the fund balances, investments and claims. Motion by Wildung, seconded Boyenga to pay the claims with the approval of additional claims to be paid until the close of business on December 31, 2001, declared carried on a unanimous vote. A complete listing of claims is available at the Auditor/TreasurerÕs office at no charge.

General $ 23,683.40
LEC 227.01
Road & Bridge 20,407.86
Judicial Ditch .00
Welfare 105,614.77
Landfill 5,610.43
TOTAL $155,543.47

Motion by Erickson, seconded by Boyenga, to abate the solid waste assessment at a prorated rate of $24.50 on parcel #14-0085-000, located in Lot 12 of G.O. Ross Addition of the City of Hardwick, as the house was removed from the property in May 2001, declared carried on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Wildung voting nay.

Motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the minutes of the December 11, 2001 County Board meeting, declared carried on a voice vote.

The County Board discussed the salaries of elected officials for 2002. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Jarchow, to approve the following 2002 salary schedule for elected officials, declared carried on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Hoime voting nay.

Auditor/Treasurer $47,528.00
Recorder $44,250.00
Sheriff $54,000.00
Attorney $65,000.00
Commissioner $12,000.00

Motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to approve Y2002 employment contracts for the County Administrator and the County Engineer, declared carried on a voice vote.

The County Board was in receipt of union contracts from the Highway Department, Deputies Unit and Dispatcher Unit. Motion by Wildung, seconded Jarchow, to approve the union contracts effective January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2004, declared carried on a voice vote.

The County Board reviewed an employee points and placement report, which was the result of the pay equity study conducted by the Personnel Committee. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Jarchow, to approve the placements, declared carried on a voice vote.

Motion by Erickson, seconded by Wildung, to approve Resolution No. 38-01, a resolution of continued workerÕs compensation for elected and appointed county officials, declared carried on a voice vote.

Motion by Wildung, seconded by Jarchow, to approve the Minnesota Merit Pay Plan for Family Service employees and a separate Pay Plan for all non-union employees for Y2002, declared carried on a voice vote.

The County Board was informed of a Comprehensive Water Plan meeting to be held in Nobles County at a future date; no action was taken.

Motion by Erickson, seconded by Wildung, to approve the $18,000 advance to the Southwest Regional Development Commission through the inter-agency agreement, declared carried on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Jarchow voting nay.

The County Board discussed the director position at the Land Management Office. Motion by Erickson, seconded by Boyenga, to approve Doug Bos as the interim director, declared carried on a voice vote.

Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Wildung, to advertise for the Land Management Office Director position following a discussion with the Soil & Water Conservation District Board, declared carried on a voice vote.

The County Board was informed that at the City/County Liaison meeting, Commissioner Wildung was invited to the City Council meeting to discuss the County BoardÕs direction on the RFP's for the Rock County Pool & Fitness Center.

The County Board reviewed nominations and selected an employee for 2001 Rock County Employee of the Year. Award winner and nominated employees will be acknowledged at the January 8, 2002 County Board meeting.
Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Wildung, to send a letter of congratulations to Richard Bakken, congratulating him for his recent award of Conservationist of the Year. Motion was declared carried on a voice vote.

With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting was declared adjourned.

Kenneth Hoime, Chairman of the Board
ATTEST:
Kyle J. Oldre, Clerk to the Board
(1-10)

Scott probate
DISTRICT COURT
PROBATE DIVISION
FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
NOTICE AND ORDER OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF ROCK
ESTATE OF
Earl D. Scott, a/k/a Earl Scott
DECEDENT
It is Ordered and Notice is given that on February 5, 2002 at 9:00 (a.m.) a hearing will be held in this Court at the Courthouse, 204 East Brown, Luverne, Minnesota, for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of Decedent, dated March 30, 2001 and codicil (N/A) to the will dated N/A and separate writing (N/A) under Minn. Stat. 524.2-513 ("Will"), and for the appointment of Marcella Scott whose address is: 201 E. 1st St., Box 127, Hardwick, Minnesota 56134 as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in a SUPERVISED administration. Any objections to the petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the Estate, including the power to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the Estate.

Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.

/s/ Timothy K. Connell 12/26/01
Timothy K. Connell
Judge Date
/s Sandra L. Vrtacnik 12/26/01
Sandra Vrtacnik
Court Administrator Date
Attorney For Personal Representative
Terry Vajgrt
Skewes, Klosterbuer & Vajgrt, L.L.P.
120 N. McKenzie
P. O. Box 538
Luverne, MN 56156-0538
Telephone 507 283-9111
Attorney License #205035
(1-3, 1-10)

ISD #2184 School Board meets Dec. 13
DECEMBER 13, 2001
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184, ROCK COUNTY, LUVERNE, MINNESOTA.
A regular meeting of the Board of Education, ISD #2184, was held in the MS/HS Library on Thursday, December 13, 2001, at 7:30 p.m.

The following members were present: Don Bryan, Colleen Deutsch, Dan Kopp, and Becky Walgrave. Absent: Cary Radisewitz, Bill Stegemann, and Steve Tofteland. Also present: Superintendent Vincent Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Melody Tenhoff, James Harner, Jan Olson, Mary Jacobson, Matt Crosby Ð K101/KQAD Radio, and Lori Ehde Ð Rock County Star Herald.

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Don Bryan.

Superintendent Schaefer gave announcements. Motion by Kopp, second by Deutsch, to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Administrative reports were given.

Motion by Kopp, second by Walgrave, to approve the School Board minutes of November 29, 2001. Motion carried.

Motion by Walgrave, second by Deutsch, to approve the Final 2001 Payable 2002 Levy Limitation and Certification in the amount of $2,042.480.09. Motion carried.

Marlene Mann reviewed the Revised Revenue budget for 2001-2002. Motion by Kopp, second by Deutsch, to approve the Revenue Budget in the amount of $10,973,753.00 as presented. Motion carried.

Superintendent Schaefer reviewed the Transportation report. Motion by Walgrave, second by Kopp, to set the bid date for three buses as January 24, 2002, at 1:00 p.m. in the District Office. Motion carried.

Motion by Deutsch, second by Walgrave, to approve hiring Steven Lorenzen as Assistant Boys Hockey Coach. Motion carried. Motion by Walgrave, second by Kopp, to approve Melinda Krull, Northwestern College, to student teach with Angela Ahrendt. Motion carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Deutsch, to approve Brian Boll as Assistant Girls Hockey Coach. Motion carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Deutsch, to approve James Harner as Interim Middle School Principal. Motion carried. Motion by Deutsch, second by Walgrave, to accept the resignation of Robyn Wessels as Management Assistant. Motion carried. Motion by Walgrave, second by Deutsch, to approve the hiring of Crystal Ellefson and Dan Carlson as Management Assistants. Motion carried. Motion by Deutsch, second by Kopp, to approve the leave request by Janet Hanson for February 14. Motion carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Deutsch, to approve a flexible schedule for Judy Thies as she hosts Anna Arias from Peru who was a previous foreign exchange student. Motion carried.

Superintendent Schaefer presented a request from the Athletic Advisory Board to approve naming the athletic fields located west of the Elementary School as Fledgling Fields. Discussion was held. It was noted by Member Deutsch that two names were discussed at the Athletic Advisory board meeting.
Motion by Walgrave, second by Kopp, to table this item. Motion carried.

The Athletic Booster Club Constitution was presented as a first reading of this document. No action was taken.

Motion by Walgrave, second by Deutsch to change the meeting time and place on December 27. The meeting will be held at 12:00 noon in the District Office. Motion carried.

Committee reports were given. Member Walgrave reported on the Staff Development Committee meeting. Member Walgrave also reported on the Systems Accountability Committee meeting.

Superintendent Schaefer informed the School Board that the Spanish trip will be taking place. He also reported we are working on coordinating a mini grant writing workshop to be held in the District.

Motion by Kopp, second by Deutsch, to adjourn the meeting. Motion granted.

Dated: December 13, 2001
Rebecca Walgrave, Clerk
(1-10, 2002)

By Lori Ehde
Local law enforcement can add another crime to its list of things to work on.

A new pickup was reported stolen from the Papik Motors lot Saturday, Dec. 29. It's a 2002 black Chevy Silverado extended cab pickup valued at $30,500.

According to office manager Charlie Goehle, the vehicle was reported stolen on the 29th, but it could have actually been stolen a week earlier.

He said they needed to check with sales staff to see if a customer had the vehicle out on a trial basis. Some salesmen were out of town, so he said it took awhile to confirm the pickup was actually stolen.

Goehle said it's the first time he can remember in his 20 years with Papik's that a vehicle was stolen off the lot.

He said vehicle keys are kept in lock boxes on the driver's side windows, but he said there was no evidence of the lock box being broken into (there were no pieces on the ground).

The Rock County Sheriff's Department is working with Windom law enforcement on the case, because on Dec. 21, a vehicle stolen from a lot there was recovered in Luverne north of the ice arena.

"They probably drove down from there, left it and picked this one up," said Sheriff Ron McClure, alluding to a possible connection to the cases.

The new Pontiac Bonneville has been returned to the Towlerton dealership in Windom. It had no significant damage.

By Sara Quam
The second Rock County Employee of the Year award was given to a woman who more readily gives praise than accepts honors.

Pam Nelson, financial assistance supervisor at Rock County Family Services, accepted the award from the County Board Tuesday by saying, "My true reward is the people I work with every day at Rock County Family Services."

Family Services Director Randy Ehlers nominated Nelson. "Pam is an advocate for the clients of the agency and is a tremendously loyal supporter of our agencyÕs most important resource, our staff."

Nelson started working for the county in 1970 when she was one of four total employees in the county office. She delivered commodity foods to the elderly and helped stock the shed that housed the surplus foods that were given to welfare recipients.

"We bagged the canned meats for people and cut their cheeses and did the inventory," Nelson said.
Now, she supervises a financial worker staff of six and works in multiple computer systems instead of the old commodity shed.

During her years in the Family Services building she's seen loads of paperwork turn into piles of computer programs, all to accomplish her goal - to help the clients of Rock County.

Representatives from the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council also put in a good word for Nelson to receive the Employee of the Year recognition. "We have had the opportunity to work closely with Pam on the Employment Services part of the Minnesota Family Investment Program.

"We have found Pam to be very compassionate in serving the needs of Rock County clients. She is always supportive of our efforts to help those who help themselves."

Nelson said the entire agency is known for efficient, fair work, and sheÕs not the only one who should be acknowledged. "The credit starts with the County Commissioners and the Family Services director and goes right on down," she said.

"I feel so fortunate that I work with the people I do," Nelson said. "They are of such high caliber. One of the blessings is that they care; it's not just a job to them."

Ehlers also said about Nelson in his letter, "Pam has the unique ability to be both technically correct in understanding and implementing federal, state and county policies, as well as having empathy and compassion for the clients that come to our agency. She continues to strive to implement new processes and procedures for improving customer service."

Nelson has worked in other capacities for Family Services. She knows the hassles the front desk encounters and feels for the frustration of child support collection workers.

"When they do the best they can, that reflects on me. When they're successful, I'm successful," Nelson said.

Other nominees for employee of the year were Gloria Rolfs, courthouse employee; Deb Den Herder, from the Extension Office; Carol Wulf, from Family Services; Jennifer Schmidt, from Family Services, and Elaine VandenBerg from Heartland Express.

Al Hartz, who works for the highway department, was last year's employee of the year.

By Lori Ehde
They don't say it too loudly, but Luverne merchants like cold, snowy weather for the holidays. It's good for business, they say.

"When it's nice, people aren't in the mood for Christmas shopping," said Rocking Horse Gift Shop owner Marcia Ossenfort. "Once we got that first snow, it helped."

She said last year's cold, snowy weather, which tended to hit on weekends, was ideal for small, local businesses. "People had a tendency to stay home and shop," said Ossenfort, who has owned her shop on Main Street for six years.

After the December snow, she said business was fast and furious. "We ran a lot," she said. "But we don't care when you do it; just do it."

She said overall she was pleased with the end result. "My December was up from last year," she said.

M-M Distributing owner Merlyn Lopau said his business was also affected by warm weather. For one thing, he hasn't sold as much winter clothing, particularly outerwear and boots.

But he did sell an abundant supply of outdoor Christmas decorations. "There was more time to put it up, and if they have more time to do it, they keep putting more up," Lopau said.

Overall, he said he was satisfied with his holiday sales, and he sold all his snow blowers, despite the mild winter so far. "I guess people consider them insurance," he said.

Laurie Ketterling, owner of Final Touch, reported similar sales as last Christmas.

"I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I was happy with what we did do," she said. "The Terry Redlin collectibles and prints are always popular."

Laudon Gifts and Collectibles owner Curt Laudon said as long as he can pay the monthly bills, business is good, but he reported a lukewarm holiday outcome.

"We notice there's less traffic downtown," he said.

"Not having Schoon's (Papik Motors) downtown anymore really hurts, and we don't have Merrill's, Creegers or the Diamond Center. People need a reason to come downtown."

He said people who do shop Luverne aren't disappointed. "Walk in my store, and if I can't sell you what you need, then it's my fault," Laudon said. "But at least give me the chance."

Despite declining downtown shoppers, Bob Cook said Cook's Clothing and Shoes enjoyed a successful holiday season.

"It was slow in coming, but when it got here it was fast - business was good," he said.

Cook said his family has been selling clothing in Luverne for nearly 50 years, counting the 25 years his father, Merle, worked for Creegers before starting his own business in 1977.

He also said the holiday rush was delayed by warm weather and possibly by economic fears from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

In the end, though, he said local shoppers came through. "People are appreciating small town business now more than ever, and they're supporting us," he said.

"And we all know, if you don't use them, I guarantee you'll lose them."

By Sara Quam
The Luverne City Council discussed the Rock County Pool and Fitness Center Tuesday, based on a recommendation from a city-county liaison committee.

Rock County Board Chairman Jane Wildung spoke on behalf of the board. She said that ever since the rate increases for the year were discussed, the community started to look closer at the facility. They wanted to know where their money was going.

She requested that the council approve City Administrator Matt Hylen and County Administrator Kyle Oldre to develop a request for proposal (RFP) to see what other businesses or organizations could do with the facility.

For months, the Pool Commission has discussed the possibility of selling the facility, leasing it or getting new management. The Commission started to consider options in an effort to stop or reduce the city and county contributions from taxpayers.

The county and city jointly own the Pool and Fitness Center, but the city is responsible for management.
Wildung said that getting proposals won’t mean a decision by the city and county or the Pool Commission. It would just help the community know what steps are being taken to either change the way things are being run or to firmly decide to keep things the same.

"I feel that maybe it's time we provide some resources for the city and county to see what else is out there. And in order to do that maybe we could see who’s interested," Wildung said. "We have nothing in black and white now."

After Hylen and Oldre compile an RFP, the city and council will look at it and recommend changes before it is advertised.

Pool and Fitness Center Director Darrell Huiskes said, "I really feel this is a great opportunity for us to talk about what we can do."

He said that after his many years of work at the facility, he may have run out of new ideas. He said an RFP could help illustrate what can or should change and that outside parties responding with proposals could provide valuable research.

Wildung said, "Even if we decide not to change anything, we’ll have some information on expansion, or any other needs. You couldn't pay someone to research all of that for you."

After the January rate increase of 20 percent was announced, the Pool and Fitness Center lost about 100 memberships, but still holds more than 1,000.

By Lori Ehde
A 17-year-old Luverne girl faces assault charges and possible school expulsion following a Wednesday night stabbing in the high school parking lot.

Sarah Elizabeth Smook was charged Friday in Rock County District Court with two counts of second degree assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of fifth degree assault.

The victim of the assault, 17-year-old Danielle Cook, received stitches in Luverne Community Hospital for a one-inch-long cut in her stomach.

According to friends of both Smook and Cook, the dispute started several weeks before Wednesday's assault.

In interviewing the two girls and their respective friends, they said things heated up when Smook was seen riding around with Dava Stickling's supposed boyfriend.

According to witness statements, Cook, Stickling and their friends harassed and threatened Smook. Cook's friends say Smook at one time responded by punching one of their friends, Sandy Gertz.

That, they say, is why they decided to "scare" Smook when she got off work at Jubilee Foods Wednesday, Jan. 2.

In her statement to police, Smook said before school that day, "Danielle Cook came to me and told me that I wouldn't get away with hitting her friends. Then she told me to have a good night at work, so I knew to expect her that night.

"When I got home from school, I was scared about what might happen after work, so I put a kitchen knife in my coat. I didn't know what I was going to do with it, so I left my coat at home."

She said when she got home from work that night, the harassing phone calls started, and that Cook and her friends drove repeatedly past her house on North East Park Street honking their horn.

She said her friend Leslie Bauer came over and suggested they talk with Cook and her friends. When they drove to the school parking lot, Cook and her friends followed.

"I could hear them yelling at me to get out of the car so they could beat me up," Smook wrote in her statement. She was wearing the coat with the steak knife in the pocket, and her statement is unclear about what prompted the stabbing.

"I couldn't believe I had done it," she wrote. "I didn't want it to happen ...I am sorry it happened, but I don't know what to do."

Cook said in her statement that Smook "pushed/held my hands up with her left arm and stabbed with her right ... I also did not physically touch her before she did this. I never saw the knife."

Cook also wrote in her statement that the confrontation had been brewing for some time. "I admit that I said I was going to 'beat her up' and my friend did, too. However, I said it to scare her, and I was never going to fight."

She said Stickling drove her home to her parents before going to the hospital.

Law enforcement was called to Luverne Community Hospital at 10 p.m., and Smook was arrested in her home at 11 p.m. The seven-inch steak knife was taken as evidence.

Assault with a dangerous weapon is a felony. Since Smook is still a juvenile, her case will be handled as a delinquency petition in Rock County District Court.

According to Luverne High School Principal Gary Fisher, Smook was suspended for five days, starting Thursday, according to the school's weapons policy.

The fifth day was Wednesday, so she was scheduled to appear Wednesday night before the board. Based on the outcome of that meeting, the board was to decide further action, possibly expulsion.

Superintendent Vince Schaefer said regardless of the outcome of Wednesday's meeting (unknown at press time), he said the district will investigate the incident.

"We're going to interview students and try to get to the root of this bullying and harassment issue," he said Wednesday afternoon.

He said a message will be sent to students to turn to the school for help before things escalate to violence.

"We're very disappointed we weren't informed of this ahead of time," he said. "To our knowledge, none of the administrators knew about it."

By LaDonna Sandstede
The Hills-Beaver Creek boys' basketball team came up short Monday, Dec. 17, against Central Lyon.
The Patriots trailed Central Lyon by only a few points throughout the game with a halftime score of 30-31.

In the second half H-BC's Brad Haak and Matt Buck ran into some foul trouble, both ending with four fouls each. However, Haak was the leading scorer with 22 points and David Top with 15 points. Darin DeBoer contributed as well from the three-point line with 11 points, five rebounds and four assists altogether.

Central Lyon's top scorers were Chris Kuehl and Dan Vander Zee with 32 and 18 points respectively.

Matt Buck had 10 rebounds and two points; Jesse Leuthold had four points, seven rebounds and two assists; and Lyle DeBoer had seven points, two steals and six assists to contribute to the game.

The score was close the whole game. The third quarter ended with a score of 48-49. The Patriots fell behind in the fourth quarter making the score 63-70 to end the game.

Box score:
D.DeBoer 0 3 2-3 11, J.VanMaanen 1 0 0-02, B.Haak 9 0 4-6 22, J.Leuthold 2 0 0-0 4, L.DeBoer 2 1 0-0 7, D.Top 3 2 3-5 15, M.Buck 1 0 0-2 2.

Team statistics
H-BC: 18 of 36 field goals (50 percent), 9 of 15 free throws (60 percent), 30 rebounds, 12 turnovers.
C L: 17-29 field goals (58 percent), 18-27 free throws (66 percent), 22 rebounds, 15 turnovers.