The County Board had a discussion as a follow up from the annual corrections meeting. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Erickson, to send a letter to Don Basche requesting a meeting of the Executive Board of Community Corrections and the Nobles and Rock County Administrators to discuss, develop and review departmental plans with the absence of Corrections staff, declared carried on a voice vote.

Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Jarchow, to invite Page Purcell, Legislative Coordinator of the Minnesota State Retirement System to Rock County and present employee informational meetings regarding a Post Employee Health Care Plan, declared carried on a voice vote.

A listing was distributed indicating the members of the Prairie Discovery Incorporated; no action was taken.

The County Board was in receipt of information from the Southwest Regional Development Commission regarding the EDA Planning Committee; no action was taken.

Land Management Director Eric Hartman and Assistant Land Management Director Doug Bos presented the annual Rock County Ag Inspector's report and work plan summary; motion by Boyenga seconded by Hoime, to accept the report and to forward it to the state, declared carried on a voice vote.

Don Klosterbuer, County Attorney, presented No. 16-02, starting Eminent Domain Proceedings for land involved in the bike path. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Hoime, to approve Resolution No. 16-02, declared carried on a voice vote.

MPCA Representatives Jon Moeger, Project Manager, Jean Olson, Hydrologist, Pete Fuller, Design Engineer, Art Deverick and Mark Sehr, Rock County Engineer presented information regarding the upgrades at the previous landfill currently owned by the State of Minnesota. There are 10 acres in the northern portion of the facility that is currently in compliance and 7 acres on the southern portion that is out of compliance. A new cover will be placed on the landfill as well as gas probes monitoring wells and access roads. The schedule will be as follows: May 3-10 bids will be in the newspapers; prebid conference May 14th; bid opening May 23rd, pre-construction meeting June 10th; construction begins June 17th and will run 106 calendar days to be completed by September 28th. Estimated cost is $1 million dollars.

The County Board briefly discussed the upcoming Board of Equalization meeting; it was determined that a minimal amount of information would be needed from the Assessor's office.

The County Board received an ATP VII update; June 7th would be the bid opening date for the Highway 270 project and a Heartland bus purchase will be moved from Y2005 to Y2004.

The County Board Chair recessed the meeting until 2:00 P.M.

The County Board reconvened at 2:00 P.M. Meeting was called to order by the Pipestone County Board Chair and Rock County Board Chair. Pipestone County Board members present were: Larry Carstenson, Marvin Tinklenberg and Irvin Pribyl; also present was David Werner, president of University of Minnesota Extension and Extension Staff members; Joyce Jacobson, Holli Arp. Extension Committee members that were present were Mary Fritz, Ann Haugen, Mark Dahl, Lisa Heronimus, Gary Overgaard and Vicki Baartman.

Mr. Werner informed the joint boards that the October billing will be smaller than the current projections due to the restructuring taking place in 2002; also stated that the base funding in 2003 is frozen at the 2002 percent of 30.25% for Rock County however, it will reflect an inflationary increase of 2.5%. They anticipate new agreements being entered into by all counties in 2004.

Mr. Werner also stated that George Morris, Associate Dean for Extension will take over as the Dean of Director effective July 1, 2002.

Mr. Werner requested that each county maintain, for 2003 budget purposes, expenses for transportation and travel at current levels. The University will pay mileage between counties for Extension Educators; 4-H Coordinator positions should be coming out of existing transportation travel expense lines.

The Rock County Board requested that a meeting be held in October with Pipestone County and Extension Committees of both counties to review the current status of the extension service providings.

The Rock and Pipestone boards briefly discussed gravel tax issues; Rock County informed Pipestone County that they will be having a public hearing June 10th to discuss gravel tax.

With no further business to come before the joint boards, the meeting was declared adjourned.
Jane Wildung, Chairman of the Board

ATTEST;
Kyle J. Oldre, Clerk to the Board
(6-6)

Proposed gravel tax hearing set for June 10
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED GRAVEL TAX
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Rock County Board of Commissioners shall meet and conduct a public hearing on Monday, June 10, 2002 at 7:00 P.M. at the Community Room, Rock County Human Services Building, 2 Roundwind Circle, Luverne, Minnesota. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the adoption and implementation of a gravel and aggregate material removal tax within Rock County all as is permitted and provided by Minnesota Statutes ¤298.75. Any person desiring to be heard may present testimony either at the hearing or by submitting the same in writing prior to the time of the hearing, to Kyle Oldre, Rock County Administrator, P.O. Box 509, Luverne, Minnesota.

Dated May 21, 2002
/s/ Kyle Oldre
Kyle Oldre
Rock County Administrator
(5-23, 5-30, 6-6)

Dietrich variance hearing set for June 11
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Variance Request
Pursuant to the Rock County Zoning Ordinance, Notice is hereby given by the Rock County Planning Commission that a public hearing will be held at the Rock County Family Service Center Community Room located at 2 Round Wind Road in Luverne, MN at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2002. The purpose of the hearing is to rule on the application submitted by Jeff Dietrich for a variance request on the setback for a new residence located within 1/4 mile of an existing feedlot located in the SE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of section 28, T103N, R45W, Rock County, Minnesota.

Zoning Administrator
Eric Hartman
(5-30, 6-6)

County Commissioners meet May 21
Community Room 9:00 A.M.
Rock County Human Services Bldg May 21, 2002
Commissioner Wildung called the meeting to order with all Commissioners present.

Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the May 21, 2002 County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.

Motion by Erickson, seconded by Hoime, to approve the May 7th County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.

Motion by Erickson, seconded by Jarchow, to approve the following consent agenda items, declared carried on a voice vote.

1. Advertise for 2002 Seal Coat Project

2. Resolution No. 14-02, supporting the effort of the Southwest Regional Development Commission to obtain development financing from Department of Trade & Economic Development

Margaret Cook, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the fund balances; motion by Hoime, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the fund balances, declared carried on a voice vote.

The claims were approved on a motion by Jarchow, seconded by Boyenga, and declared carried on a unanimous vote. A complete listing of claims is available at the Auditor/Treasurer's at no charge.

General $ 23,302.99
LEC 101.76
Road & Bridge 34,359.55
Judicial Ditch .00
Welfare 108,340.27
Landfill 1,253.07
TOTAL $167,357.64

The Auditor/Treasurer presented a request for a property abatement on parcel 20-1938-012 located in Lot 12 Renken Parkway, a 10' x 47' mobile home in the City of Luverne for $50.00/year for Y2000, Y2001. Apparently, the mobile home was moved off the property 01/02/2001. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Hoime, to approve the abatement totaling $100.00, declared on a voice vote.

Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Jarchow, to approve Resolution 15-02, a DNR grant request on behalf of the Buffalo Ridge Sno MasterÕs Club declared carried on a voice vote.

The Auditor/Treasurer requested authorizing signatures for the Y2001 audit; signatures were provided and the audit would be forwarded to the Star Herald for publication.

There was a brief discussion regarding tax-forfeited properties located in Steen; currently, the Auditor/Treasurer is waiting for additional information from the Department of Revenue.

Tabled from the previous meeting was discussion regarding the purchase of a new AS400. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Jarchow, to direct the AS400 Committee to review purchase and lease options and bring back a recommendation at the next County Board meeting, declared carried on a voice vote.

The County Board reviewed the following goals and objectives with the Auditor/Treasurer:

1. GASB34 Timeline update
2. Quarterly Financial Reports
3. Bid Abstracts of Investments
4. Policies/Written Protocol with other departments

Mark Dahl and Rick Johnson of Countryview Apartments in Luverne discussed Section 8 Housing vouchers. The County Board directed that Rick Goodeman, Rosie Rogers and Mary McGuinn be contacted for additional discussion and information on Section 8 Housing.

Randy Ehlers, Family Services Director, discussed out of state travel for employees to attend a training/conference seminar. Motion by Jarchow, seconded Hoime, authorizing the out of state travel and following the conference directed the conference attendees to give a presentation to the County Board, declared carried on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Boyenga voting nay. The County Board stated that they would approve co-mingled employee grant dollars and departmental training dollars on a case-by-case basis.

The County Board was informed that June 13th was the Private Industry Council's Annual meeting.

The County Board was informed of a lawsuit from Don Dunham Jr. naming the City of Luverne, Luverne School District and Rock County as co-defendants in a suit claiming a violation of contract regarding a tax abatement for the City Centre Apartments.

By Lori Ehde
The City of Luverne received word last week that employees in supervisory positions are organizing for union representation.

The Bureau of Mediation Services, the state agency that regulates all unions, issued an order Thursday maintaining status quo for the employment status of all city supervisors until an appropriate bargaining unit and representative are determined.

The Bureau notified the city it had received a petition on May 23 from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Minneapolis, to represent all supervisory employees of the City of Luverne.

The order was issued "to preserve existing conditions and promote free and fair environment for the resolution of this question of representation."

It essentially orders that nothing changes (wages, hours, negotiations, etc.) until the employees are established in their union.

Most city employees already belong to a union, but supervisors do not.

It’s unclear which supervisors had taken the initiative or why, but City Administrator Matt Hylen said the subject surfaced informally earlier this spring.

Following is a list of city supervisors currently not in a union. These employees are not all necessarily interested in the union, but their position may qualify them for membership.

The list includes Hylen, Public Works Director Darrell Huiskes, Public Works Supervisor Ken Vos, Pool Manager Carol Wessels, Public Utilities Coordinator Red Arndt, Public Utilities Supervisor Alan Lais, Finance Director Barb Berghorst, accountant Candace Reese, liquor store manager Richard DeSchepper, City Clerk Marianne Perkins, Deputy Clerk Rose Feikema, Library Director Glenda Bremer and Building and Zoning Official Dan Delgehausen.

The list also includes two vacant positions, economic development director and community relations specialist.

The Bureau of Mediation Services is continuing the process of forming a bargaining unit with employees and determining which employees are eligible.

By Lori Ehde
Long-time Luverne resident Elizabeth Eberlein died Wednesday, May 29, from injuries she received when a golf ball struck her in the head.

Eberlein, who has lived in Redwood Falls since 1995, was golfing at the Redwood Falls Golf Club Monday, May 20 when the accident occurred.

According to the Redwood Gazette News, Eberlein was playing the ninth hole when a ball from a group playing behind her hit her in the temple as she stood in a gully below the green.

"One of the first individuals to respond to the accident was her grandson and local golf pro, Andy Stoterau," the report in the Gazette stated.

"She was immediately rushed into surgery to remove a major blood clot, as well as to relieve swelling."

She died nine days later.

Her other grandson, Ben Stoterau, is a sports writer for the Gazette. Following Eberlein's death, he wrote a column about his grandmother and about dealing with loss.

He described his grandmother "strong, loving, caring and kind beyond belief," and he detailed events of the day she died.

"My brother, Andy, who is in his first year as Head Pro at the Redwood Falls Golf Club, was there that day. He wasn't scheduled to work; he just happened to be there and thus was the first person on the scene and was able to hold my grandma in his arms," Ben Stoterau wrote.

"She knew who he was and she told him she wasn't in any pain and to tell everybody that she loved them. _Then she closed her eyes."

Eberlein, originally from Iowa, moved to Luverne after marrying Vernon in 1946. She worked for the Selective Service for many years and for Tri-State Insurance Company until she retired.

Services were Saturday in Redwood Falls.

By Sara Strong
Almost 60 local livestock producers showed up at the Rock County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday to hear a presentation from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

The MPCA didn't have the audit report ready in its entirety, but shared some of its initial findings with the board.

So far, the MPCA has looked at 71 permits in LMO files, and has visited 11 sites.

Deficiencies ranged from small infractions - such as filing documents along with the inspector's notes - to more significant violations like miscalculating the number of animals permitted on a feedlot.

Tuesday's meeting was a first step in what will be the long-term inspection of each of the more than 600 Rock County feedlots. The entire process could last through 2004.

Local livestock producers are concerned about state officers and fines or changes that could result from errors in past permits.

County Attorney Don Klosterbuer said, "We have people here, who as far as they are concerned, have done everything right. - The objective is compliance, not punishment."

The MPCA can force producers to comply with state rules and laws. Jerry Holein, an MPCA feedlot specialist, said the MPCA allows producers time to fix problems.

He said sometimes engineers or consultants are needed to help producers get specific plans that allow their feedlots to meet expectations.

The added cost of that is what concerns local producers.
Richard Bakken, rural Garretson, S.D., said he had disagreeable dealings with the MPCA in the past.
He requested a review 10 years ago to make sure his Rock County production was in line with guidelines. He sought the help because the Rock County Land Management Office didn’t exist then.

Bakken said the MPCA treated him with suspicion rather than showing him guidance. He suggested the MPCA treat producers differently during the upcoming inspection of all Rock County operations.

"I would hope you don’t try to ride hard on these people," Bakken said to MPCA representatives.

He said the county deserves credit for developing programs and said producers should be applauded for approaching the LMO for help.

Bakken said, "If we hadn't made great strides [in the Land Management Office] the MPCA would have a harder time doing their inspections."

He said, "These people voluntarily registered so the MPCA knows where to find them all and what to look for."

Because the MPCA site audit review isn't ready, the County Board tabled passing a work plan Tuesday.

The work plan illustrates how the Board of Water and Soil Resources and Rock County will conduct a Level III inventory of all Rock County feedlots under the oversight of MPCA.
The work plan is supposed to be based on findings of the MPCA’s audit, so board members reasoned that the MPCA should follow through with its report before they pass a plan that should be based on it.

One catch to passing the work plan is getting environmental grant funds of more than $100,000 that have been withheld until the county passes the work plan.

Findings of preliminary feedlot reviews
The MPCA found that the county had areas to improve upon in its feedlot administration. MPCA regional manager Myrna Halbach said the MPCA will also try to improve its part of the feedlot program as well.

Some of the deficiencies found in the small program review so far are:

unpermitted earthen basins not properly evaluated

tax exemptions not properly given

open lot runoff to surface water not addressed

unsigned and/or undated permit applications accepted in completing administrative actions

reissuance of a Certificate of Compliance (COC) without a new permit application

inconsistencies between the permit application and the COC

COC issued without engineer plans or with plans that do not meet the minimum requirements

abondonment of an earthen basin not documented

no inspection notes in file

use of registration form as a permit application

discrepancies between registration and permit information

using incorrect animal unit values

no Manure Management Plan submitted as required in rules

wrong permit or COC issued by the county

notification requirement for sites more than 500 animal units were done incorrectly.

These general findings will be made specific as the MPCA finalizes its reviews.

Audit is result of bribery convictions
The Level III inventory is the most complete review of a feedlot and will be conducted as part of a plea agreement with David Logan of Global Ventures. Logan's fines cover costs of the inspections.

The Level III inventories are being done in Rock County to address any concerns that former Land Management Director John Burgers intentionally mishandled feedlot permits in Rock County.

Burgers was terminated in December after pleading guilty to one count of mail fraud in U.S. District Court.

Burgers admitted to abusing public trust through a scheme whereby he obtained loans and funds in connection with the hog production facility, Global Ventures Inc., in exchange for preferential treatment to the facility.

Burgers said that in March 1996 he learned that a hog production facility owned by Global Ventures was in violation of environmental regulations.

Instead of notifying the MPCA, Burgers contacted a senior officer of Global Ventures and advised him to take care of the problem before he contacted state officials.

A few months later Burgers approached the same officer and informed him that he (Burgers) was in financial trouble and needed money.

Per the plea agreement, the court dropped the more serious bribery charge.

Work plan
The work plan draft that was tabled by the County Board includes a timeline of total Level III feedlot inspection by Dec. 31, 2004.

It calls for BWSR and Rock County to conduct the inventories with MPCA overseeing the process.

Producers with the most animal units will have a higher priority and be inspected first. Next on the list of priorities is producers with open feedlots.
Reporting on findings of the Level III inventory also goes by the State’s Attorney’s Office for review.

Pedal Pull contestant Josh Connell toughs it out in his division of the popular contest Saturday.

By Lori Ehde
The 2002 version of Luverne's Buffalo Days celebration enjoyed pleasant weather and subsequent generous crowds.
An estimated 12,000 people participated in the three-day event, according to Lorna Bryan at the Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce.

The world-famous Buffalo Chip Throwing Contest drew 18 teams, with a local entry, the Turd Chuckers, emerging as winners. Team members Shane and Tracey Hoag, Luverne, and Nathan Hoag, Minneapolis, took home the trophy with nine points.

The No. 2 team entry of Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe took second place with seven points. The St. Paul group joined the Buffalo Days celebration to show off their 1932 Luverne Fire Engine and to promote the St. Paul Winter Carnival.

Third-place winners were Tyler Reisch, Andy DeBoer and Mark Boelman of the Terry’s Trophies team, Luverne.

Because Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe gave their winnings back, money was generated for fourth place winnings. The Luverne Poo Crew of Seth Goemble, Matt Beranek and Jacob Arndt took those honors.

Luverne's annual Buffalo Days celebration officially began Friday with a 6:30 p.m. Cruise In at the Magnolia Steak House with 50s and 60s music by Larry Goebel.

Also Friday night, 93 people participated in the 5K and 10K run and walk sponsored by the Luverne Community Hospital.
Results are as follows:
Eric Kraetsch took first place in the 15 and younger version of the men's 5K, Josh Metcalf was first in the 16- to 29-year-old division, Dan Sorenson won among the 30- to 49-year-olds and Jerry Nelson was first in the 50 and older group.
Mya Mann came in first in the 15 and younger version of the women's 5K, Amy Donth was first in the 16- to 29-year-old group, Teresa Buresch was first among 30- to 49-year-olds, and Peg Nelson won in the 50 and older group.

In the men's 10K Don Murtha came in first among 16- to 29-year-olds, Tony Thoreson won in the 30- to 49-year-old division and Midg White won in the 50 and older group.
Steph Hoven was first in the 16- to 29-year-old women's 10K group and Mary Ann Vos was first among the 30- to 49-year-olds. There were no entries in the 15 and younger and the 50 and older divisions.

It featured a 12 and younger half-mile race and a 5 and 10K walk and run that started at the Rock County Community Pool and Fitness Center.

Saturday started with a Buffalo Bike and Run at the Pool and Fitness Center with one-, two- or three-person teams biking eight miles, participate in a four-mile trail run and complete a two- and one-half-mile road run ending at the pool.

Results from the Bike and Run can be found in the sports section.

The Red Cross served Belgian waffles at the American Legion downtown from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

The parade saw 65 entries, with one of the highlights being the Fire King Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe of 40 in their 1932 Luverne Fire Engine.

Arts in the Park, with 150 booths by vendors from seven states, was abuzz with activity from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Luverne City Park.

The Luverne Elementary School choir started the afternoon entertainment with the "Buffalo Days" song written by Emily Lodine Overgaard. Other entertainment included shows by the "Zoo Man" and a presentation by the Spotlight Dancers.

A musical group from Central and South America offered music throughout the day near the shelterhouse.

Herman Motors again sponsored the auto show with Perry Schneekloth earning the People's Choice Award. Tony Olsen won Best Engine, Dave Bowen won Best Paint and Wayne Walgrave won Best of Show.

Other attractions at the park included the Tae Kwon Do demonstrations and the tractor pedal pull. Results for the pedal pull were not available as of this writing.

On Sunday, the Luverne Chamber of Commerce served more than 1,300 free buffalo burgers at the Blue Mounds State Park starting at 11:30 a.m. Servers ran out at 11:45 a.m.
Local historical attractions, such as the Hinkly House, Holy Trinity Church and Carnegie Cultural Center were open throughout the weekend.

The Rock County Sheriff's Department has a certified apprehension and search dog as of May 30. Tarzan and Deputy Ken Baker (pictured above) completed 12 weeks of training at a police dog training center in Maplewood. Tarzan, a German Shepherd, is now on the job throughout Rock County. He will complete further training this fall to become a drug dog.

The cost of the dog will be deferred by money from Pipestone veterinarian Gordon Spronk, who pled guilty to making false statements to a federally-insured bank. As part of the plea agreement, he is paying $500,000 to area government bodies, and part of Rock County’s portion is going toward the dog.

An estimated 12,000 people converged on the City of Luverne last weekend for the community's annual Buffalo Days Celebration. Crowds at Arts in the Park in Luverne City Park enjoyed mild weather and plenty of family activities. 150 vendors from seven states provided wonderful shopping opportunities for both local residents and Buffalo Days visitors. Story inside.

The Rev. Carl Hort, 78, Brooten, died Tuesday, May 21, 2002, at Veterans Administration Hospital in Minneapolis.

Services were Friday, May 24, at Hope Lutheran Church in Sunburg. The Rev. Ronald Knutson officiated. Burial wasin Kenneth Lutheran Cemetery, near Kenneth.

Carl Hort was born to John Peter and Mary Elizabeth (Goeringer) Hort on July 27, 1923, in Cherokee, Okla. After graduating from Cherokee High School in 1941, his family moved to Alva, Okla., where he attended Northwestern College.

In February 1944 he entered active duty in the U.S. Army during World War II serving under Gen. George Patton. He was stationed in Europe with the 317th Infantry, 80th Division, and was a rifleman during the Battle of the Bulge. After his honorable discharge in November 1945, he returned to college to complete his bachelorÕs degree in mathematics. For several years he worked at Boeing and Cessna Aircraft companies and also farmed with his brother, Jack. He enrolled at Concordia Seminary in 1956 and finished his training in 1963 at Luther Seminary in St. Paul with a masterÕs degree in divinity.

He met his future wife in Minneapolis before taking his first pulpit call at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Detroit, Mich. He married Anita Halverson on Dec. 28, 1963, at Kenneth Lutheran Church in Kenneth. He continued in Detroit until 1972 when they moved to Eden Prairie where he pastored the King of Glory Lutheran Church. In 1977 they moved to Brooten where he served Our SaviourÕs Lutheran Church, Crow Lake Lutheran and Sunburg Free Lutheran Churches.

Survivors include his wife, Anita Hort, Brooten; one son, Andrew Hort, Minneapolis; one daughter, Marie (Andy) Martinson, Minneapolis; one granddaughter, Alexa Jean Marie Hort, Minneapolis; one brother, Jack Hort, Alva; and several nieces and nephews.

Rev. Hort was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Marjorie Weber, and numerous other family members.

Hoplin Funeral and Cremation Services Glenwood, were in charge of arrangements.