Marriages in Rock County are increasingly being officiated by friends or relatives.
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2024, the currently free ordination filing fee will be raised to $20.
“We were the only region in the state that had no fee,” said land records director Rachel Jacobs. ‘Twenty dollars was the most used fee in the state.”
All Minnesota counties can issue a “certificate of filing,” which allows a civilian to officiate over a wedding and legally sign a couple’s marriage license.
Each county sets its own ordination fee.
The region that includes Rock County adopted the $20 fee beginning Jan. 1.
Jacobs said more of today’s couples are choosing to be married privately by a close relative or a friend rather than by a minister in a church.
This year, 24 ordination certificates have been purchased at the Rock County Courthouse.
That number is up from 19 in 2022 and will more than likely surpass the total of 26 issued in 2021.
Anyone over age 21 with a photo ID can obtain an ordination certificate. Once filed, the certificate does not expire and is only valid for couples marrying in Minnesota.

Wind technician Mitch Bjorklund has worked on turbines across the United States, from the Canadian border to south Texas and from New York to Wyoming, and nearly every state in between.
He said something all those wind farms have in common is hazards for wind technicians.

To stop impaired driving from endangering lives as people enjoy the end of summer, troopers, deputies and officers will team up for a DWI enforcement campaign Aug. 18-Sept. 4.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) coordinates the campaign with funding provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Impaired is impaired, regardless of the substance, and the effects are dangerous and tragic for motorists and their loved ones,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson.
“Labor Day caps off a wonderful summer season. We want people to stay safe, whether they’re driving across town or logging extra miles to a favorite getaway. Always plan ahead for a safe and sober ride.”
 
Impaired is impaired
Law enforcement will look for drivers who appear impaired by alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications or other substances.
•During the last five summers (May-August of 2018-2022), 197 people died in drunk driving-related crashes.
•In the last five years (2018-2022), there were 412 drunk driving-related traffic deaths in Minnesota.
•Alcohol-related crashes contribute to an average of 376 life-changing injuries each year (2018-2022).
•Drugged driving accounted for 8,069 DWI incidents from 2013-2017 compared with 15,810 from 2018-2022. That’s a 96 percent increase.
 
Learn the new cannabis law to stay safe on the road
Just like drinking alcohol in a vehicle is illegal, the same is true for cannabis.
It’s illegal for:
•Drivers or passengers to open any cannabis packaging, use marijuana or consume other cannabis products in a vehicle.
•Drivers or passengers to have an unsealed or open container of marijuana (for example, 2 ounces in a zip-close bag). Just like with alcohol, the only exception is an unsealed container or other opened products must be kept in the trunk of a car or another area not accessible by the driver or passengers.
•The driver to be impaired by marijuana or other cannabis products. Driving high is a DWI.
 
DWI consequences
•Loss of license for up to a year, thousands of dollars in financial costs and possible jail time.
•Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above blood alcohol concentration, must use ignition interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges or face at least one year without a driver’s license.
•Offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.
 
Make a plan
•Designate a sober driver, use a safe, alternative transportation option, or stay at the location of the celebration.
• Offer to be a designated driver or be available to pick up a loved one anytime, anywhere. If you see an impaired person about to get behind the wheel, get them a safe ride home.
•If you plan to drive, refrain from drugs, whether legally or illegally obtained. If you feel different, you drive different.
•Buckle up. It’s the best defense against impaired drivers.

I chalked up another birthday earlier this week. The years go by fast with age, as most of you know.
Funny thing about getting old … my thoughts aren’t so much on the future but more on remembering the past.
Mary and I took our two granddaughters to Arnold’s Park a couple weeks ago, and boy, did that bring back some memories. The Arnold’s Park memory that came to mind was while growing up in Heron Lake on the last day of school each year, we got to take the school bus to Arnold’s Park for the day. I can’t pinpoint what grades got to make the annual trip, but I am guessing fifth- and sixth-graders. The really old, white roller coaster still traveled above the park filled with scared and screaming riders. You have to wonder how many kids took their first roller coaster ride on that thing.
The 600-page Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s hunting master catalog showed up in our mailbox last week. Once again an old memory popped into my head. Thoughts of the Sears and Robuck Christmas catalog came to mind. Before I even started paging through the Cabela’s catalog, I remembered the days leading up to Christmas when my two brothers and I would spend hours paging though the Christmas catalog. I also remember that most of the times we shared paging through the catalog, it ended in some sort of argument. My first new bicycle found its way under our Christmas tree one year because of that Sears catalog.
While fanning through the Cabela’s catalog, I didn’t have the same interest as I did with the Sears catalog. The lack of interest may be due to the fact that now I would have to pay for the items.
Let’s not forget the Sears catalog also had a women’s clothing section that featured the ladies’ unmentionable items as well. I bet there are more than a couple old guys out there smiling while reading this and know what I mean.
Ah, the memories.

Dispatch report
Aug. 11
•A warrant was issued on 29th Street in Slayton.
•Complainant on 60th Avenue, Beaver Creek, reported property damage.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported a disorderly.
•Complainant westbound on Interstate 90, Luverne, reported debris.
Aug. 12
•Complainant on E. Dodge Street reported an individual disturbing the peace.
Aug. 13
•Complainant on Highway 270 and 80th Avenue, Hills, reported an abandoned vehicle.
•Complainant in Luverne reported training in session.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on W. Hatting Street reported suspicious activity.
Aug. 14
•Complainant south-bound on Highway 23 from Jasper reported a driving complaint.
•A warrant was issued on N. Cedar Street.
•Complainant on 200th Avenue and 221st Street, Kenneth, reported debris.
•Complainant on N. Oakley Street reported a civil issue.
Aug. 15
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported a fire.
•Complainant on 170th Avenue reported a civil issue.
•Complainant on Koehn Avenue reported theft.
•Complainant on Freeman and Main reported a lost child.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported a road and drive law issue.
Aug. 16
•Complainant on 41st Street, Ellsworth, reported an abandoned vehicle.
•Complainant on E. Warren Street reported motor vehicle theft.
•Complainant on 60th Avenue from 161st Street, Luverne, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on E. Hatting Street reported trespassing.
•Complainant reported suspicious activity.
 
In addition, officers responded to 1 deer accident, 1 transport, 1 escort, 17 ambulance runs, 2 paper services, 2 animal complaints, 1 fingerprint request, 2 burn permits, 1 background check, 2 alarms, 2 purchase and carry permits, 1 stalled vehicle, 43 traffic stops, 2 abandoned 911 calls, 2 tests, 4 welfare checks, 1 report of cattle out.

Card shower
Sam and Joyce Hansen will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Friday, Sept. 1. Greetings may be sent to PO Box 197, Hardwick, MN 56134.
 

LSS meals at Generations
 
Monday, Aug. 28: Goulash, corn, tropical fruit, bread.
Tuesday, Aug. 29: Biscuit with sausage gravy, roasted potatoes, cinnamon apple slices, dessert.
Wednesday, Aug. 30: Sloppy Joe on a bun, potato wedges, baked beans, fresh fruit.
Half-Price Day sponsored by Security Savings Bank.
Thursday, Aug. 31: Roasted turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner roll, dessert.
Friday, Sept. 1: Ham and turkey chef salad, bread stick, fresh orange, vanilla wafer.
 
LSS Dining offers well-balanced and affordable meals in a community atmosphere.
Call Pam Franken at 283-9846, extension 11 to reserve one day prior, to arrange to pick up a dinner or for home-delivered meals.
Gift certificates are available at the meal site or online at www.lssmn.org/nutrition.
 

10 years ago (2013)
•The Palace Theatre’s fundraising drive for a digital projector received a significant boost from the Luverne City Council in the form of a $75,000 grant and loan package.
At their Aug. 13 meeting, council members approved a $50,000 loan and promised a $25,000 donation to help fund the purchase of a digital projector at the Palace.
Hollywood’s switch from old-fashioned 35-millimeter film to modern digital movies is prompting small theaters across the country to either purchase new projectors or close.
The Palace must invest in the $70,000 digital projection equipment to continue showing first-run movies.
Theatre supporters have said that first-run movies make the difference between the Palace operating with a positive cash flow or losing money. They also said the Palace would not remain open without the ability to show first-run movies.
 
25 years ago (1998)
•Crowds waited in line to tour The Cottage Sunday, following opening ceremonies. A steady stream of visitors, well over 700 people, waited to sign the guest book for the open house and then wandered through the spacious home. Staff members, Luverne Community Hospital Board members and volunteers stationed around the five-bedroom hospice residence explained the artwork in the rooms and how the space will be used. Dedication ceremonies included words from Gordon Gits representing the LCH Board, Marcia Ossenfort and Alvina Ruffing representing hospice family members, and LCH Administrator Gerald Carl. The Cottage, located at 217 N. Oakley Street, is a licensed facility that will serve the needs of people who are in the final phase of an incurable illness.
 
50 years ago (1973)
•Magnolia first year grid coach, Steve Wilkowski, sweat this squad through their second week of drilling this week.
The Bulldogs have 13 lettermen returning this season with their opener slated for August 31 at Brewster.
Seniors returning include end Paul Lais (193 lbs.), Dennis Nieuwboer (170 lbs. full back, safety); Dan Kvass (151 lbs., quarterback, safety); tackles Rod Reisdorfer (192 lbs.) and Gary Lee (214 lbs.); ends Larry Von Holtum (142 lbs.) and Gary Brandenberg (150 lbs.); and Kraig Rust (140 lb. halfback).
Four juniors are listed on the squad, all lettermen: Jeff Tutsch (168 lbs., fullback and safety); Don Halverson (223 lb tackle); Rick Cauwels (180 lb. center); and Daryl Steinhoff 167 lb. end).
Doug Steinhoff, a sophomore, is a 213 lb. letterman tackle. Other sophomores included Tim Von Holt (138 lbs., end); Kyle Tutsch (140 lbs., quarterback, safety); Dean Lais (182 lbs., center); and halfbacks Jack Boomgaarden (125 lbs.) and John Binford (138 lbs.).
 
75 years ago (1948)
•In the Ladies’ Golf tournament, now in progress at the Luverne Country Club, the following were winners in the first rounds: Mrs. E. A. Blake, Mrs. Norbert Boysen, Mrs. Lloyd Davis, Miss Grace Loose, Mrs. M. C. Munson, Mrs. D. E. Boyer, Mrs. Jack Kent, Mrs. Gordon Remme, Mrs. George Carstens, Mrs. Harvey Meyer, Miss Erma Engelking, Mrs. Louis Kohl, Mrs. F.E. Hansen of Kenneth, Mrs. Fred Herman and Miss Dorothy Jean Koehn. One match has not yet been played, although the second rounds have already started.
 
100 years ago (1923)
•During the period from August 1st to 20th, the number of visitors at the Luverne rest room was increased to 1,024, an average of fifty-one for each day. Donations of $6.31 for the Rest room bank were received.
The appreciable increase in the number of registrations is due in great part to the large number of tourists from this and other states who visit the rest room each day.

Wilmer Pap, age 73, of Luverne, Minnesota, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, while surrounded by his family in his home.