Charles “Chuck” LeRoy Ostheimer, age 85, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, husband of Darla (Kroontje), died Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
A private family graveside service will take place at a later date. Dingmann Funeral Home & The Leota Burial Association are assisting the family with arrangements.

What does it mean to be a member of a congregation? It means something different to each person. The legal definition, if there really is a legal definition, is a person who participates in Holy Communion one time per year and gives $1 of record. That is it. Sadly, every congregation has a number of people on the roles of the church who do not even do that.
What does it really mean to be a member of a congregation? To me it means that you participate in the life of the congregation. Yes, even when our numbers go down, when people choose to stay home, or attend a service online there is still “life” in each church.
The life of the church are the people that attend.  The people who learn from each other, the people who care for each other, the people who care for the community in which they live. A true Christian serves others, sees a need and finds a way to meet that need. A Christian does not ask to be paid for doing a job they know how to do. They act out of love. They act out of mercy and grace. Yes, everyone deserves to be paid for the work that they do, and they should be paid; however, not every act of love deserves pay, or should I say, the act of love may be paid with gratitude and thankfulness.
Church attendance matters! It is how we connect with each other, how we learn that someone in our community has a need. Yes, our churches collect an offering at each service. We use that offering to pay our staff, to keep the buildings heated, cooled, lights on and other bills. As a contributor to a congregation, you will learn to speak up for things that you believe should be done. For activities that you feel are needed and that look out for the good of the whole community.
As Christians we engage in ways that help us to help each other. We help by teaching Sunday School or VBS, or Confirmation. We help by reading in worship, playing an instrument, or joining our voices in song to make the worship more meaningful. We come together to pray for each other when someone is sick or dying. We reach out with love by bringing necessary things to families in need, and we reach out with hugs just because.
The church needs each person that professes their life as a Christian to want to give back the way Christ gave. Not necessarily with their life on the cross, but by sacrificing with time, talents, and gifts.
As our small communities continue to get smaller, that does not mean that the needs go away; it simply means that we need each other a little more! Check in with your local community of faith.  See how you can help to keep the doors open and be a part of the lives that make up that community of faith worshiping the love of God!
In our church, when you are confirmed, you become an adult in the congregation. That does not mean that you can just stop coming, that you have graduated. No, it means that you have a responsibility to step up, to act like an adult, contribute financially, physically, and prayerfully in how you will keep God’s church a viable place for your community of faith to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world!                

St. Catherine Catholic Church
203 E. Brown St., Luverne
St. Catherine Ph. 283-8502; www.stscl.org
Monsignor Gerald Kosse, Pastor
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Mass. Masses: 9 a.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Friday at the nursing homes – check the bulletin. All Sunday masses will be live streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pg/stccluverne/videos/. Visit www.stscl.org for more information.
 
Luverne Christian Reformed Church
605 N. Estey St., Luverne
Office Ph. 283-8482; Prayer Line Ph. 449-5982
www.luvernecrc.com — office@luvernecrc.com
Joe Steenholdt, Pastor
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Worship service. 6:30 p.m. Evening worship service. We are streaming Sunday services live on YouTube at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Send him a friend request if you’re not connected. You may also visit our website for delayed broadcasts. Also our services are on local cable TV at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. In all circumstances, may we joyfully declare: “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:8.
 
First Baptist Church
103 N. Jackson St., P.O. Box 975, Luverne
Ph. 283-4091; email: fbcluv@iw.net — www.fbcluverne.org
Walt Moser, Pastor
Sundays: 10:30 a.m. In-person worship service. Service is also on Facebook Live at 10:30 a.m.
 
Grace Lutheran Church
500 N. Kniss Ave., Luverne
Ph. 507-283-4431; www.graceluverne.org — graceluverne@iw.net
Thursday, Aug. 24: 8:30 a.m. Missions in Action. Sunday, Aug. 27: 9 a.m. Worship Service. Tuesday, Aug. 29: 9 a.m. Staff meeting. Wednesday, Aug. 30: 7 a.m. Men’s Bible Study. Online, TV and Radio Worship options are available. Online worship: Sundays 9 a.m. at www.graceluverne.org, click Worship tab; or Facebook page at Grace Lutheran ELCA, Luverne. TV: Vast Channel 3 Mondays at 4:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. Radio: KQAD-AM Radio Sundays at 8:15 a.m.
 
Bethany Lutheran Church
720 N. Kniss Ave., Luverne
Ph. 507-283-4571 or 605-215-9834
Andrew Palmquist, Pastor
Sundays: 9 a.m. Sunday School and Bible class. 10:15 a.m. Worship service; worship online as well (at els.org). Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Zoom Bible study. See our Facebook page, Bethany Lutheran Church (Luverne) for other classes and events.
 
American Reformed Church
304 N. Fairview Dr., Luverne
Ph. 507-283-8600; email: office@arcluverne.org
Thursday, Aug. 24: Rock the Edge Prayer breakfast. Friday, Aug. 25: 6:30 a.m. Community Men’s Bible Study.
Sunday, Aug. 27: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service. CommServices are also broadcast on Vast Channel 3 on Mondays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 4 p.m. DVD’s available upon request. To stay up to date on announcements, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @arcluverne. Tuesday, Aug. 29: 12 p.m. Staff meeting. Thursday, Aug. 31: 9 a.m. Cookie Crew.
 
Rock River Community Church
1075 110th Ave., Luverne
Ph. 507-283-9070; email: info@rockrivercommunity.church
Bob Junak, Pastor
Come as you are—Sundays @ 10 a.m.: Main Service. Kids church age 3-6th grade—Nursery. Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. Midweek Service—Kids age 3-6th grade.
 
United Methodist Church
109 N. Freeman Ave., Luverne
Ph. 283-4529
Wednesday, Aug. 23: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Open Prayer chapel. 6:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Community Meal. 6 p.m. Family Ministry meeting. 6:30 p.m. Organized prayer. 8 p.m. AA meeting. Thursday, Aug. 24: 6:30 a.m. 3rd Annual Community and Youth Prayer Breakfast. Saturday, Aug. 26: 8 p.m. AA meeting. Sunday, Aug. 27: 9:30 a.m. FUEL/Adult Sunday School. 9:45 a.m. Coffee. 10:30 a.m. Worship service. Live streamed on Facebook and radio. 4:30 p.m. Genesis/Revelation Bible study. Monday, Aug. 28: 6:30 p.m. Genesis to revelation Bible study. Tuesday, Aug. 29: 9:30 a.m. Folding team. Wednesday, Aug. 30: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Open Prayer chapel. 6:30 p.m. Organized Prayer. 8 p.m. AA meeting.
 
First Presbyterian Church
302 Central Lane, Luverne
Ph. 283-4787; email: fpcemilie@gmail.com
Sunday, Aug. 27: 9:30 a.m. In-person Worship service. View on Facebook under First Presbyterian Church of Luverne, City of Luverne's LUV TV or on the local Luverne cable station at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and 10 a.m. on Thursdays). 10:30 a.m. Fellowship coffee hour. Monday, Aug. 28: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Quilters meet.
 
St. John Lutheran Church
803 N. Cedar St., Luverne
Ph. 283-2316; email: stjohn@iw.net
www.stjohnlutheranluverne.org
Saturdays: 5:30 p.m. Worship Service. Sundays: 9 a.m. Worship Service. 10 a.m. Fellowship Time. 10:15 a.m. Sunday School. 10:15 a.m. Adult Bible Study. Wednesdays: 9 a.m. Bible Study. 6:30 p.m. Catechesis Class. 6:30 p.m. Kids for Christ. 7:30 p.m. Youth Group. Services will be available on the Vast Channel 3 Sunday and online at the city website, cityofluverne.org. Holy Communion is offered on 2nd and 4th weekends and Liturgical Feasts.
 
Living Rock Church
500 E. Main St., Luverne
Ph. 449-0057; www.livingrockswmn.org
Josh Hayden, Pastor
 
New Life Celebration Church
101 W. Maple, Luverne
Ph. (605) 368-1924; email: newlifecelebration@gmail.com
 
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
305 E. 2nd St., P.O. Box 36, Hardwick
Ph. (507) 669-2855; zionoffice@alliancecom.net
Jesse Baker, Pastor
Sundays: 9 a.m. Worship service. 10:15 a.m. Sunday School. 10:30 a.m. Bible study. Worship service on Luverne cable at 3:30 p.m. every Thursday and Friday.
 
Ben Clare United Methodist Church
26762 Ben Clare Ave., Valley Springs, S.D.
igtwlb@WOW.net
Bill Bates, Pastor
 
First Lutheran Church
300 Maple St., Valley Springs, S.D.
Ph. (605) 757-6662 – firstpalisade@alliancecom.net
Mark Eliason, Pastor
Sunday, Aug. 27: 10 a.m. JOINT Worship at Palisade Lutheran Church. All are welcome. We Are ONLINE! Facebook: @FirstLutheranValley Springs; YouTube: FirstPalisadeLutheranParish.
 
Palisade Lutheran Church
211 121st St., Garretson, S.D.
Ph. (507) 597-6257 — palisadechurch@alliancecom.net
www.palisadelutheran.org
Thursday, Aug. 24: 7 p.m. Task Force committee meeting for 150th Celebration. Sunday, Aug. 27: 10 a.m. JOINT worship at Palisade Lutheran Church. All are welcome. We Are ONLINE! Facebook: @PalisadeLC; YouTube: FirstPalisadeLutheranParish.
 
First Presbyterian Church
201 S. 3rd St., P.O Box 73, Beaver Creek
Ph. 507-935-5025
email: lori.firstpres@gmail.com
Sundays: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service. Second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. Session meeting.
 
Magnolia United Methodist Church
501 E. Luverne St., Magnolia
Ph. 605-215-3429
email: magnoliamnumc@gmail.com
Nancy Manning, Pastor
Sundays: 9 a.m. Worship Service in-person with livestream available on the church’s Facebook site.
 
Steen Reformed Church
112 W. Church Ave., Steen
Ph. 855-2336
Jeremy Wiersema, Pastor
Sundays: 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Worship service in-person with livestream available on Facebook and YouTube. Radio worship on KQAD Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
 
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
112 N. Main St., Hills
Ph. 962-3270 / bethlehemofhills@gmail.com
Nita Parker, Pastor
Sundays: 9 a.m. Worship at Tuff Chapel. 9 a.m. Sunday school. 10 a.m. Worship Service. Worship will be streamed live to Facebook at Bethlehem of Hills. You can find more info on our website blchills.org.
 
Hills United Reformed Church
410 S. Central Ave., Hills
Office Ph. 962-3254
hillsurc@alliancecom.net
Praveen Muthasamy, Pastor
Sundays, 9:30 a.m. Worship service. 5 p.m. Evening worship service.
 

Rock County Commissioners meet July 25 
Herreid Board Room          5:00 P.M.
Rock County Courthouse July 25, 2023
The meeting was called to order by Chair Thompson with all Commissioners
present. Also in attendance were County Administrator Kyle Oldre, County Attorney
Jeff Haubrich and Star-Herald Reporter Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve the July 25, 2023,
County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the County
Board minutes of July 11, 2023, declared carried on a voice vote.
Betty Mann, Al Stokes, Keith Elbers and Wendell Buys, all representatives of the Rock County Historical Society informed the County Board of a fundraising campaign for the construction of a 30’ x 60’ building to be attached to the current Historical Society building and to conduct repairs to the existing building. The fundraising goal is $200,000 and they requested financial support. No action was taken.
The County Board was in receipt of the claims; motion by Williamson, seconded by Reisch, to approve the claims as presented, declared carried on a voice vote. A complete listing of the claims is available upon request at the Auditor/Treasurer's office.
JULY 25, 2023 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
AT-SCENE LLC                 $4,250.00 
CHS INC             4,720.02 
EMERGENCY AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOG 2,335.08 
JOHNSON CONTROLS                       176,355.78 
KETTERLING SERVICES INC                           24,721.38 
LSQ FUNDING GROUP LC               2,291.54 
LUVERNE/CITY OF                             11,313.47 
ROCK COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT                   2,168.00 
ROCK COUNTY OPPORTUNITIES               3,203.43 
SEBCO BOOKS                                 3,636.00 
SHORT-ELLIOTT-HENDRICKSON, INC                               3,107.27 
THRIFTY WHITE PHARMACY               2,411.79 
57 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000           20,528.80 
     TOTAL                                 $261,042.56 
 
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve the Fund Balance report,
declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of a mid-year Budget Report reflecting
6-months of activity in 2023; no action was taken.
The County Board was in receipt of a letter from Beth Wilms, Southwest Health and Human Services Director requesting a transfer $7,515.00 from the 2021 Homeless Prevention Aid legislation to UCAP who will manage the funds of the 6-member counties of SWHHS. Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, directing the County Administrator and the County Attorney to contact UCAP and obtain an agreement for the transfer of funds to UCAP, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of correspondence from Luke Comeau, Director of Southwestern Mental Health notifying member counties of a 2012 loan agreement 
of $150,000 with a 2% interest rate. As per the agreement, Rock County can request
an interest rate increase or accelerated payment. The Southwestern Mental Health Board of Director is requesting that counties in the agreement agree to raise their interest rate by 1%. Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Williamson, to increase the interest rate to 3% as per the request, effective October 1, 2023, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator presented a MACA Legislative Review from a recent
conference he had attended, no action was taken.
The County Board was in receipt of (2) bids for repairs to the Tunnel/Terrance
fixtures of the Rock County Veterans Memorial building:
McGill Restoration - $810,725
Restoration Systems $1,087,000
After discussion, motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson, to award the bid
to McGill Restoration for $810,725, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was informed that Norma VanWyhe, Administrative Assistant
in the Auditor/Treasurer’s office has submitted her letter of resignation effective
November 3, 2023. Motion by Reisch, seconded by Overgaard to accept with
regret, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board reviewed materials for the upcoming meeting on July 25 
with the city municipalities regarding cannabis, no action was taken.
The Administrator briefly discussed the AMC Fall Policy meeting scheduled for September 13-15; Commissioner Reisch stated that he would be attending.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings/
events: no report
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following
meetings/events: no report
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings/
events: Rock County Fair, Land Use, Rural Energy and Magnolia City Council.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings/
events: no report 
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following
meetings/events: no report. 
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting
was declared adjourn, declared carried on a voice vote.
(08-24)
 

Steen City Council adopts 
revised floodplan ordinance
SUMMARY OF Steen FLOODPLAIN ORDINANCE
The Steen City Council adopted a newly revised floodplain ordinance at the
06/06/2023 Steen Council meeting. The ordinance was based off the Minnesota DNR
model floodplain ordinance, to satisfy the state and federal standards detailed in
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103F; Minnesota Rules, parts 6120.5000 – 6120.6200; the
rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program in 44 CFR 59 to 78.
The ordinance provides the general regulations for development in floodplains, as well
as procedures guiding administrative responsibilities. 
A copy of the ordinance in its entirety is available for inspection at Steen City Hall.
(08-24)
 

H-BC School Board 
meets July 24
Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671
Minutes
July 24, 2023
The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semi-monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the H-BC Secondary School Board room, 301 N Summit Ave, Hills, MN.
Board members and Administration present were Bosch, Gehrke, Harnack, Helgeson, Rauk, Rozeboom and Uittenbogaard. Superintendent Holthaus and Business Manager Rozeboom were also in attendance. Principal Kellenberger was absent.
Motion by Rozeboom, second by Harnack, and carried to approve the agenda.
Visitors to the meeting were Mavis Fodness - Rock County Star Herald,
Samantha McGaffee and Stephanie Bass.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES:
Building/Grounds Steering Committee- 7/12/23
Motion by Harnack, second by Helgeson, and carried to approve Consent
Agenda: 
-Minutes—7/10/2023
-Bills
-Treasurer Report for end of June 2023
-Student Activity Accounts Report for end of June 2023
-Hiring Marie Opheim as Part Time Related Services Nurse
-Hiring Marie Opheim as Part Time Cook’s Assistant for the 2023-2024 School
Year
-Accept the resignation of Kale Wiertzema as teacher and head basketball
coach effective immediately.
-Accepting the resignation of Katie Angelo paraprofessional effective immediately.
-Accepting the resignation of Randi Oftedahl as teacher effective immediately.
-Approve fall 2023-2024 coaching assignments: Football: Rex Metzger/Head 
Varsity, Jason Rauk/Assistant Varsity, Shared Assistant Varsity Dalton Bass/
Dylan Gehrke, Scott Harnack/Jr. High, Dan Ellingson/Jr. High; Volleyball: 
Meghan Zylstra/Head Varsity, Courtney Kruger/Assistant Varsity, Darin DeBoer/
Brianna Leuthold/Jr. High. 
-Assign April Prohl to part time Secondary Spanish Teacher
-Setting 180 - 2017 Chromebooks as excess district property and direct
the superintendent to sell or dispose.
-Handbook Readings/Adoption:
      •2023-2024 Elementary Student Handbook
      •2023-2024 Secondary Student Handbook
      •2023-2024 Crisis Management Plan
      •2023-2024 Staff Handbook
      •2023-2024 Non-Classified Staff Handbook
      •2023-2024 Transportation Handbook
      •2023-2024 PEAC After School Enrichment Handbook
      •2023-2024 Little Patriots Academy Preschool Handbook
-Second Reading/Adoption of Policies:
      •102- Equal Educational Opportunity
      •418- Drug-Free Workplace/Drug-Free School
      •419- Tobacco-Free Environment
      •424- License Status
      •425- Staff Development
      •506- Student Discipline
      •507- Corporal Punishment and Prone Restraint
      •509- Enrollment of Nonresident Students
      •513 Student Promotion, Retention, and Program Design
      •514 Bullying Prohibition Policy
      •516.5- Overdose Medication
      •524- Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy
      •532- Use of Peace Officers and Crisis Teams
      •534- School Meals Policy
      •602- Organization of School Calendar and School Day
      •603- Curriculum Development
      •604- Instructional Curriculum
      •613- Graduation Requirements
      •616- School District System Accountability
      •617- School District Ensurance of Standards
      •618- Assessments of Student Achievement
      •620- Credit for Learning
      •621- Literacy and the Read Act
      •624- Online Instruction
      •708- Transportation of Nonpublic School Students
      •709-Students Transportation Safety Policy
      •806- Crisis Management Policy
      •618- Assessments of Student Achievement
Motion by Bosch, second by Rauk, and carried to approve adding furniture
services to the ATS & R contract for the new elementary school.
DISTRICT NON-ACTION ITEMS:
•Superintendent Report
AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Regular Board meeting, Monday, August 14
Regular Board meeting, Monday, August 28
Motion by Bosch, second by Harnack, and carried to approve adjournment of
meeting.
Time of Adjournment: 8:01 p.m.
Tamara Rauk, Clerk
08-24 

H-BC School Board 
meets Aug. 4
Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671
Minutes
Aug. 4, 2023
The The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for a special meeting at 5:00 p.m. in the H-BC Secondary School Board room, 301 N Summit Ave, Hills, MN.
Board members and Administration present were Gehrke, Harnack, Helgeson,
Rauk and Rozeboom. Superintendent Holthaus was also in attendance.
Principal Kellenberger, Business Manager Rozeboom and Board members
Bosch and Uittenbogaard were absent.
Motion by Helgeson, second by Harnack, and carried to approve the agenda.
Motion by Harnack, second by Rauk, and carried to approve hiring Tyson Metzger as full time English Language Arts and Science Teacher for the 2023-2024 School
Year.
Motion by Helgeson, second by Harnack, and carried to approve
adjournment of meeting.
Time of Adjournment 5:03 p.m.
Tamara Rauk, Clerk
(08-24)

City of Luverne sets public hearing to consider alleyway
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON VACATION OF A PORTION OF AN ALLEYWAY
PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTE §412.851
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the Planning Commission on the 11th day of September, 2023, in the Council Chambers of City Offices located at 305 East Luverne Street, Luverne, Minnesota 56156, at 5:00 p.m.
The public hearing is to consider the vacation of a portion of the West-East alley
of Block 12 in the Original Plat, City of Luverne, Rock County, Minnesota.  
A complete copy of the legal description is available for inspection by any person
during  business hours in the office of the City Clerk, 305 East Luverne Street, Luverne,
Minnesota.
Published upon order of the City Council of Luverne, Minnesota.
City of Luverne, Minnesota
By /s/ Jessica Mead
City Clerk
(08-24, 08-31)