Hills-Beaver Creek-Ellsworth senior fullback Jesse Leuthold drags an Edgerton defender for extra yardage during Friday's Southwest Ridge Conference football game in Hills. Leuthold and the Patriots blanked the Flying Dutchmen 27-0 to highlight H-BC's homecoming celebration.

By John Rittenhouse
Hills-Beaver Creek-Ellsworth football fans had two reasons to celebrate Friday.

Not only did the Patriots run their season record to 4-0 with a 27-0 victory over Edgerton, they did it in front of a large crowd on hand for Hills-Beaver Creek High School's homecoming game.

The Patriots, who are ranked fourth in the latest state nine-man football poll, proved they deserve that consideration while playing a gutsy Flying Dutchmen team.

Quarterback Curt Schilling threw for 165 yards and two touchdowns to lead the offense, and the Patriot defense recorded its first shutout of the season while limiting Edgerton to 86 total yards.

Ten penalties by the Patriots were the downside of H-BC-EÕs performance, but a stout defensive effort more than made up for the miscues.

"It was a great defensive effort," said Patriot coach Dan Ellingson. "We played really good base defense. Edgerton was running a lot of counter and misdirection plays, but our guys did a good job of staying home and making plays. EdgertonÕs two best drives of the game ended up with us intercepting a pass and recovering a fumble, so we came up with some opportunistic turnovers. We also played some really good pass coverage, which allowed our defensive lineman to get some sacks."

With Edgerton unable to dent the H-BC-E defense, the Patriot offense didn't need to play its best game to produce a victory.

The offense produced a season-low 286 total yards, but it didnÕt turn the ball over while recording three touchdowns in the final three quarters.

"We didn't run the ball as well as we would have liked to, so we had to pass more. We had three pass plays that covered 36 or more yards, and that helped us stretch out their defense a little bit," Ellingson said.

A big play by one of H-BC-E's special teams opened the scoring in the game.

The Patriot defense forced Edgerton to punt after it gained one first down during the Flying Dutchmen's first offensive possession of the game. Then return specialist Zach Wysong returned the punt 77 yards for a touchdown. Wysong then added his first of three extra points to give H-BC-E a 7-0 cushion at the 9:19 mark of the first quarter.

The score remained 7-0 until late in the first half, when one of two interceptions by H-BC-E's Chris Reid set up a 38-yard touchdown pass from Schilling to Tyson Metzger with 1:10 remaining in the second quarter. Wysong's extra point capped the first-half scoring while making it a 14-0 game.

The Patriots all but ended the game with a touchdown and an extra point with 4:11 left in the third quarter.

After the H-BC-E defense stopped Edgerton on downs, the Patriot offense advanced the ball down the field before it faced a fourth-down situation at the Flying Dutchmen six-yard line. H-BC-E took advantage of the situation when Schilling hooked up with a diving Wysong for a six-yard touchdown pass and a 21-0 lead.

Reid, who was limited to a season-low 98 rushing yards by Edgerton, capped the scoring with a two-yard touchdown run at the 11:22 mark of the fourth quarter. The extra-point attempt was blocked.

Ellingson gave credit to EdgertonÕs defense for making the Patriots work hard for their points.

"I know Edgerton only has won one game, but they have a good team. They have a lot of size, and they are really aggressive on defense. I think they played pretty well," he said.

The undefeated Patriots will play 0-4 Lincoln HI in Ivanhoe Friday.

Team statistics
H-BC-E: 121 rushing yards, 165 passing yards, 286 total yards, 11 first downs, 10 penalties for 85 yards, zero turnovers.
Edgerton: 78 rushing yards, eight passing yards, 86 total yards, four first downs, six penalties for 53 yards, four turnovers.

Individual statistics
Rushing: Reid 23-98, Schilling 2-11, Dusty Seachris 4-10. Wysong 2-2, Jesse Leuthold 1-2, Metzger 1-minus 2.
Passing: Schilling 11-17 for 165 yards.
Receiving: Metzger 3-81, Brant Deutsch 3-47, Wysong 3-25, Kyle Sammons 2-12.
Defense: Schilling 16 tackles and one fumble recovery, Cody Scholten six tackles and one sack, Deutsch seven tackles, one sack and one knocked down pass, Leuthold five tackles and one fumble recovery, Reid two interceptions.

By Sara Strong
"I finally have my son back."

That's what one Luverne mother is saying after 1 1/2 years of dealing with her now 20-year-old son's meth addiction.

He started using pot when he was about 14, and by the time he was in his third round of drug treatment, he was using needles to inject himself with methamphetamines.

This mother wished to remain anonymous to protect her family. She will be referred to as Jan.

Typical symptoms of weight loss and mood swings seemed to Jan like a teen-age phase. But that phase turned into an all-out change in her son.

"Once they're on it so long, it really changes them. He was there, but not really. His whole face changed."

Jan's son has been clean for five months and has put on 40 pounds.

During the peak of his use, her son lost some teeth and has since had root canals to correct some deep damage.

"Now his face is clearer and he talks decent again," Jan said.

Her son twitched and developed mannerisms when he spoke to her.

The weight loss was partially due to not eating and partially due to increased calorie burning from being awake for days at a time.

"For a while when we were in the middle of the hard use, I worried about checking on him. There were times when he didn't have any food in the fridge," Jan said.

Before the 1 1/2 years of meth use, Jan's son used pot. Because of a family history of addictions, mostly alcohol, Jan felt a sense of dread. "I said, 'Here we go.'

"I've learned throughout the years that you need tough love. I wouldn't let him take my car or give him money, so there were limits. There were a couple of times when I shouldn't have bought him groceries."

Jan was always worrying and waiting to see how he would make it. She knew she couldn't force an adult into treatment, but he wouldn't go on his own. She worked with law enforcement and Family Services, but an adult in a free society still has rights.

Jan said, "I knew that if he got in trouble with the law, he'd be sentenced to treatment. It crossed my mind many times to go over and get him to hit me so I could turn him in."

The last round of treatment was part of a sentence for tampering with a pop machine, which was caught on tape. That brought her son to a facility and then to a stay at a half-way house. He's now working full time and living with a supportive girlfriend.

Jan's teen-age son is battling a dependency on marijuana and has sought treatment for that.

She's able to get treatment herself by attending the local support group for friends and family of young alcoholics and addicts Monday nights. "It's nice because it's in town, and I'm also glad because it teaches you to take care of yourself, too."

Jan said, "It's a struggle to get my family - not back to normal - but mentally and physically healthy. I knew that by praying and by being there that he'd come to his senses. I finally got my son back."

***
In working on this story, the Star Herald became aware of numerous local stories similar to Jan's.

One mother learned that her son had a scale, meth and various paraphernalia under his bed.

He'd been using meth, often at home, for about a year before he was confronted and was willing to seek treatment.

Signs of his use weren't as clear as those of some others. He lost weight but had been stocky before, so losing weight might have been a good thing at first. He later dressed in layers to disguise his body.

He was home on time and treated people with a typically even temper - not usual behavior for someone on a chemically-altering drug such as methamphetamine.

His family didn't know about his habit that sometimes cost him $300 a day and didn't know that he started dealing to support his use.

He bought books on how to manufacture meth but hadn't used them yet, to the family's knowledge.

He told his mom he lived to be high on meth. "I was addicted in three days." he said. "If you wouldn't have found out, I would have either been in jail or dead."

This young man has slipped since treatment but had been totally clean for a month. He still misses some of his old friends who are users, and heÕs trying to catch up with school. He's also fearful of repercussions from going clean and talking about his experiences.

His mom said, "It's a mean drug. I think it's the Devil."

ISD #2184 School Board meets Aug 22
AUGUST 22, 2002
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 District office on Thursday, August 22, 2002, at 8:00 p.m.

The following members were present: Colleen Deutsch, Bill Stegemann, Steve Tofteland, and Rebecca Walgrave. Absent: Don Bryan, Dan Kopp, and Cary Radisewitz. Also present: Superintendent Vincent Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Gary Fisher, Stacy Gillette, Melody Tenhoff, Gordie Hansen, Jane Cote, Tim Burns, Julie Burns, Lori Ehde, Rock County Star Herald, and Matt Crosby, K101/KQAD Radio.

The meeting was called to order by Clerk Rebecca Walgrave. Superintendent Schaefer gave announcements. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve the agenda and addendum. Motion carried. Administrative reports were given.

Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve the consent agenda to include the minutes of August 8, 2002, and the Student Activity report showing the balances as of July 31, 2002. Motion carried.

Motion by Tofteland, second by Deutsch, to approve payment of the District bills in the amount of $1,142,421.07. Motion carried.

Motion by Deutsch, second by Tofteland, to approve the use of the school grounds and facilities for the Tri-State Band Festival on Saturday, September 28. Motion carried.

Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to conduct the annual Capital Outlay Hearing during the October 24, 2002, School Board meeting. Motion carried.

Motion by Tofteland, second by Stegemann, to hold the Truth-in-Taxation Continuation hearing on December 9, 2002, at 7:00 p.m., if needed. Motion carried.

Motion by Deutsch, second by Stegemann, to approve hiring Ann Rigney as head cook for the Middle/High School. Motion carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Tofteland, to approve hiring Ada Roberts as two-hour Food Service assistant. Motion carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve hiring Nancy Davis as two-hour Food Service assistant. Motion carried. Motion by Deutsch, second by Tofteland, to approve hiring Gert Kooiker as two-hour Food Service assistant. Motion carried. Motion by Deutsch, second by Stegemann, to appoint James Reynolds as Hearing Officer. Motion carried. Motion by Deutsch, second by Stegemann, to accept the resignation of Gloria Perrizo, Alternative School teacher, effective August 30, 2002. Motion carried.

Committee reports were given.

It was noted that the School Board would move into closed session to meet with legal counsel regarding the Dunham Daycare Project. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to move into closed session at 8:27 p.m. Motion carried.

Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to re-open the meeting at 9:04 p.m. Motion carried.

Motion by Tofteland, second by Deutsch, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.

Dated: August 22, 2002
Rebecca Walgrave, Clerk
(9-26)

By Sara Strong
A group of concerned parents and community members plan to attend the Rock County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday, Oct. 1. They asked to be on the agenda to discuss the county's drug problem and personal struggles that have resulted from drug use.

They will request consideration for the county to designate an officer to work specifically on drug issues.

Those issues do exist in Rock County, as evidenced by an increasing turnout at a support group for friends and family of drug- or alcohol- dependent youth.

Even if law enforcement can't afford a special drug officer or if families aren't aware of problem in their homes, it's valuable to know how drug use starts and how to prevent it.

Stephanie Pierce oversees the support group and works for chemical dependent services within Luverne Community Hospital.

Prevention is always a better course of action than treatment, though.

Pierce said, "Cell phones are a big part of it. A parent can ask, 'Are you at Sarah's?' and they can say 'Sure.' Cell phones don't allow for accountability."

The usual parenting advice still holds true for drug prevention. Pierce said, "Constantly ask where your kids are and what they're doing. Know their friends. Know what they're doing at home."

Pierce said that in her work, she sees dependent young adults struggling most commonly with methamphetamine addiction, with marijuana and alcohol following.

"Marijuana seems to almost be the drug of choice to start now," Pierce said, comparing it to alcohol years ago.

Although family members and friends are often the most concerned about dependency issues, they can also be the first to expose an addict to the drugs or alcohol.

Older siblings or friends are common gateways to drugs.

And obviously, the younger a user starts, the more difficult it is to stop. Pierce often sees addicts who started use at 14 years old.

"It takes six months, from when [a young person] first uses, to develop a dependency. An adult will take longer," Pierce said.

Drugs 101
The education needed on drugs is different from what many parents received as they were growing up. That's because drugs - even marijuana - are stronger than they were 20 years ago.

They are also readily available.

Methamphetamine, or speed, has gotten attention locally, with a number of production labs being stopped by local law enforcement and families seeing the effects of it firsthand.

Meth is more common in the Midwest now, after rapidly gaining popularity across the country.

It is a stimulant that sends a message to the brain to produce more dopamine. Hours after ingestion, the feel-good chemical, dopamine, isn't turned back on, and the brain wants more meth to pick up the slack.

Other drug stimulants allow the brain to repackage the dopamine, but methamphetamine doesn't. Instead, the brain cells release another enzyme that diminishes the dopamine and kills it off for a long time.

With repeated meth use, there is a chemical change in the brain that lasts a long time and can create a violent, irritable person incapable of feeling happiness or having fun, even months after the meth use stops.

Methamphetamine can be used by smoking, snorting or injecting.

Symptoms of meth:
increased alertness
paranoia
hallucinations
aggressive behavior
violent behavior
loss of appetite
acne or greasy skin and hair
depression
convulsions
severe weight loss (meth eats away fat and muscle)
putrid body odor
open sores on the skin
liver damage
stroke or heart attack

Meth is made from:
lantern fuel
drain cleaner
battery acid
cold tablets
rock salt
sulfuric and muriatic acid

Another drug may be making its way to Rock County. MDMA (ecstasy) is an especially trendy drug for high school and middle school students in other parts of the country.

The drug produces peaceful feelings and is often called the love drug.

It can heat the body up to 108 degrees in some cases and dehydrates the body. (Brain damage can occur at 104 degrees.)

Many users of MDMA think they are counteracting the dehydration by drinking large quantities of water. But other ingredients that don't allow the body to use the water properly are sometimes in the drug, so people have actually overdosed on water in those cases.

Most people don't die from ecstasy use but live to pay the consequences. Brain damage is a serious risk this type of drug user faces. Sexual predators also seek out groups of people who are using MDMA because they are easy to prey upon.

Signs of ecstasy use include teen-agers with pacifiers in their mouths. The drug stimulates nerves that control jaw movement and results in teeth grinding so the pacifier is used for protection. But even with that minor precaution, users frequently end up with no enamel after repeated use and teeth grinding.

More information
Some Web sites may help people still vague on drug terms or symptoms of use:
www.clubdrugs.org
www.drugarm.com.au
www.addictions.com/slang.htm

By Lori Ehde
Police work is a delicate balance between getting the bad guys and preserving the privacy of law-abiding citizens.

As drugs, particularly methamphetamines, grow in popularity, Rock County law enforcement officers find themselves increasingly making difficult decisions about search and seizure.

"What you see on TV is a lot different than real life," said Rock County Deputy Jeff Wieneke.

As more and more local families are affected by drug use, theyÕre often frustrated by what they perceive as slow police response or none at all.

Wieneke said following tips and making arrests aren't as easy as they may seem.

"It's a big step to get a search warrant and go into someone's house," said Wieneke, who's been investigating the local drug scene for 12 years.

"It's a big intrusion to go into someone's house, so you want to get it right."

Assistant Rock County Attorney Terry Vajgrt helps officers fill out paperwork required in an application for a search warrant.

"The process begins as most things do with the Constitution," Vajgrt said. "It's our Fourth Amendment that says people will be free of unreasonable search and seizure, and authorities have no right to search your home unless a judge finds probable cause to believe criminal activity is occurring in the home."

In most cases, the evidence has to be quite clear for a warrant to be issued.

"When law enforcement gets information, what they need is specific information, as opposed to general suspicions," Vajgrt said.

"If someone calls and says 'Joe Blow on Warren Street is selling drugs to kids, they need to have seen it happen and witnessed drugs."

Wieneke said most warrants heÕs applied for require more than one witness to corroborate a report.

He remembers a case in Pipestone where a warrant was executed in a home of innocent residents after a family member concocted a criminal report out of revenge.

"We hear all the time that 'So-and-so is dealing drugs and why aren't they in jail?' While we take these tips seriously, we also need to be careful to protect people's rights," Wieneke said.

Once the appropriate paperwork is filled out, it takes the approval of a judge to put the wheels in motion.

Of the 11 full-time officers on hand, Wieneke is most often called on to execute warrants in drug cases.

When asked if the local drug problem has reached "epidemic proportion," Wieneke said the meth problem is getting serious, but he compares todayÕs problems to those of the 1960s.

"To me, it was probably worse then, but it's hard to compare," he said.

Rock County doesn't have a drug officer or drug enforcement task force, but he used to serve on the regional task force when it existed, and he and Deputy Ken Baker have special training with the Emergency Response Entry Team.

Wieneke said drug investigations need to be worked into other demands on the job, and he agrees with the general local perception that Rock County needs to hire more law enforcement officers.

"My personal opinion is that we do need another officer," he said. "I would like to see one guy dedicated to drug enforcement."

Burglaries are a byproduct of drug use in communities, and Wieneke said residents are quick to criticize police work in that area as well.

Specifically, he's often asked about investigative procedures and why local officers don't collect fingerprints at many crime scenes.

"We do sometimes dust for fingerprints, but it's hard to get a usable fingerprint. It's pretty much a science in itself," Wieneke said.

"We're doing a lot of things in our investigations that people don't know about."

According to the County Attorney's Office, the Rock County Sheriff's Office has executed 10 search warrants in the past 12 months. Eight were drug-related and two were for weapons.

Solving local crimes - particularly drug-related incidents - is a deliberate process that requires patience, both on the part of officers and witnesses.

"We appreciate any information we can get, even if it is only hearsay. Most of the cases we crack are because of information from the public," Wieneke said.

"But they also need to be patient with us. There's nothing we want more than to solve all crimes, but it's just not going to happen all the time."

Vajgrt agreed that the best chance for justice to prevail is when everyone works together.

"The bottom line is the better the communication between the public and law enforcement, the better it is that we can respond to the drug problem in this county," he said.

By Lori Ehde
The Luverne Fire Department will have a larger supply of air on hand to refill individual breathing tanks, thanks to a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA gave the Luverne Fire Department $28,350 under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety.

Sen. Paul Wellstone and Rep. Mark Kennedy announced the award last week. The money can be spent on training, wellness, fitness, firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment.

Luverne Fire Chief Kurt Kester is still gathering all the details, but he said the money will be spent on a new breathing air compressor system for refilling self-contained breathing tanks used on fire calls.

The spent tanks are refilled after each use, so they're ready for the next call. The Luverne Fire Department provides refill services for fire departments in out-county communities.

The current system allows for only 4,500 pounds of pressure, but the new one will bring that up to 6,000 pounds.

"We'll be able to fill in a matter of minutes, rather than 15 minutes per bottle," Kester said.

He also said the new system will have better safeguards to prevent injuries in the event of possible explosions.

Kester is still waiting for word on when the money will be available and when the equipment can be purchased.

Volunteers such as Jon Van Aartsen gave the Palace Theatre, Luverne, a minor facelift Saturday. He assisted in general painting, cleaning and also reupholstering seat cushions.

By Sara Strong
Like a blacklisted starlet returning to the screen, the Palace Theatre is trying to make a comeback.

Nightly movies aren't in the immediate future, but the Blue Mound Area Theater board hopes the Palace can recapture some of its former glory - or at least earn a higher position on the area's social calendar.

LaDonna Van Aartsen, vice president of BMAT, said, "We're trying to bring in movies when we can - maybe once a month."

Mixing old classics and not-quite-new releases may be a part of the Palace formula for success. Older films and unique productions could draw a different crowd and are a particular interest to BMAT president Ben Vander Kooi.

Of the movies that come to the Palace, Vander Kooi looks forward to bringing the best of recent releases, even though they might not be fresh off the reel. For example, an October possibility could be the recent surprise hit, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."

The board has a couple options for movie companies that sell to smaller markets, like the Palace. The movies generally would be second or third runs but would bring current popular movies to Luverne.

Vander Kooi, said, "We hope people look to the Palace as a place for events, plays, performances or talent shows."

A structural analysis and marketing study could start soon, with one grant coming in at $2,500, the city of Luverne promising $15,000 and another possible grant on its way. The types of movies that draw audiences and the building itself will be looked at through the study.

So far this year, a few scheduled events will fill the theater. The October firefighter fund-raiser will go on as planned Oct. 15, 16 and 17. The animated feature "Cats Can't Dance" will play seven times - at 7 and 9 p.m. Oct. 15 and 16 and at 4:30, 7 and 9 p.m. Oct. 17. (Firefighters will give away tickets the first week in October and ask for a donation.)

Also coming to the Palace are two Green Earth Players productions, a possible Halloween night movie, a possible Christmas-theme movie after the Winterfest parade and a performance by Emily Lodine.

The theater is available for use for $150 per night.

No matter what ends up playing at the Palace, board members are working to make its return to Main Street prominence as popular as a blockbuster sequel.

BMAT purchased the Palace for $60,000 early this year after the facility was unsuccessful under a year of private ownership.

Historic gem
The Palace Theatre was built in 1915 by Herman Jochims for stage plays by traveling troupes and the new entertainment form - "moving pictures."

Focal points in the theater proper are the originally painted wall panels, stage curtains, a pipe organ and the artistic wall and ceiling dŽcor. A ballroom originally occupied the second floor.

Now, the second floor is a museum open to visitors by appointment. It holds numerous mementos of the vaudeville days, the days of silent movies, and early sound movies are on display.

By Lori Ehde
Touch the Sky Prairie, the 600-acre plot purchased by the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation last year, will be open to hunting this fall.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the land five miles northwest of Luverne, hunting is compatible with the purpose for which the area was acquired.

As part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the primary purpose of Touch the Sky Prairie is to restore and protect a fraction of the original tallgrass prairie.

Native American hunters historically took bison and other game on the land, and hunting will continue to be a part of the land management.

The area is open to hunting deer, rabbits, game birds and other species according to state seasons during the 2002 hunting seasons.

No special permits are required; just a valid state hunting license and necessary stamps. The use of motorized vehicles and lead shot is prohibited.

For information, call 800-577-2875.

Wildlife stewardship
In a separate announcement this week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service presented the Brandenburg Foundation the Wildlife Stewardship Award.

The award recognizes individuals and organizations for leadership and support of wildlife conservation.

"Working in partnership with local conservation organizations and private individuals is the most effective way to improve our wildlife resource," said Steve Kallin, manager of the Windom Wetland Management District.

Representatives from the Brandenburg Foundation accepted the award Saturday at the Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, where Jim Brandenburg's most recent prairie prints are on exhibit.

Restoration started
Touch the Sky Prairie is a large block of unbroken prairie with unique rock outcroppings which have protected much of it from being plowed for cropland.

Restoration and development of the refuge began this spring with the removal of fences, a cattle shed and corals, sealing of old wells, control of noxious weeds, reseeding of 30 acres of native plants and cutting of non-native trees.

A prescribed burn is scheduled for next spring to stimulate the native prairie plants that have been suppressed by decades of cattle grazing.

Luverne native and world-famous nature photographer Jim Brandenburg worked with local officials to establish the Brandenburg Gallery on Main Street Luverne and the Brandenburg Foundation in 1999.

Brandenburg's intent for both the gallery and the foundation is to further the cause of prairie restoration and education in the region.

For more information, call the gallery at 283-1884.

Luverne High School flag corps member Chelsea Cronin marches in the 2000 Band Festival parade.

By Lori Ehde
Members of the Tri-State Band Festival Committee are preparing for roughly 10,000 people to descend on the city of Luverne Saturday for the 52nd annual event.

This year, 20 bands made up of more than 2,400 students will be a part of the regional festival, according to the Luverne Chamber of Commerce.

The bands from Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota will gather in Luverne Saturday. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Main Street, and field competition starts at 1 p.m. at the high school.

South Dakota band director David Haugen will serve as this year’s parade marshal. In his capacity as band director and judge, Haugen has participated in more than a dozen Tri-State Band Festivals.

Last year, festival goers enjoyed 70-degree weather, and Luverne earned a second-place trophy in field competition.

The festival is one of the longest running festivals of its kind in the Midwest.

Entrance to all field events requires a Tri-State Band Festival button, designed this year by Luverne High School student Cassy Deters.

Buttons can be purchased either at the gate, or on Main Street, prior to the parade.

See the official Tri-State Band Festival program, enclosed with issue of the Star Herald, for details on the bands, judges and more.