By Sara Strong
Rock County students got a short education on drug use that likely made a lasting impression.

Chuck Matson is a nationally certified trainer in recognizing impairing drugs and is a 16-year veteran of the Omaha Police Department. He speaks to schools, police departments, businesses, health care providers and counselors.

He used specific stories and visual aids to illustrate the ugliness of drug use.

"In all my years of asking drug users what you should know about drugs, they all say 'don't even start,'" Matson said.

"I do less preaching. I think of it more as teaching," Matson said. "I tell the truth. Users lie and dealers lie to try to get you to use. I research drugs because that’s what I do for the courts."

He reminded high school and middle school students that using drugs funds terrorism. Osama bin Laden controls the poppy crops, which make opium and heroin, and the Russian Mafia has almost a monopoly on the ecstasy trade.

Starting with alcohol, Matson explained that drugs change the relationship between the right and left brain, and people can't function as well. He said that younger people with brains that aren't fully grown get worse effects from drugs.

Deaths from drug and alcohol use are not just from overdoses, Matson pointed out. He said AIDS, auto accidents, suicide and homicide are often the result of drug use.

"Drugs work," Matson said. "If you're looking for a way to get high, to get goofy or to get stupid - they work."

When learning about the standard dangers of drug use from parents or school programs, Matson said children may not be getting the full message because drugs are made so much stronger than they were 10 and 20 years ago.

"We grow better corn than we used to, and they grow better marijuana than they did," he said.

Meth
Methamphetamine, or speed, is common in the Midwest 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 drugs considered to be heavy 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 ingested in a number of ways, and symptoms of use include:

increased alertness
paranoia
hallucinations
aggressive behavior
violent behavior
loss of appetite
acne or sores
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

Matson showed the groups graphic pictures of the results of drug use. A car accident ruined the face of a young model. A man who smoked marijuana laced with PCP shaved his skin off. A man trying to make methamphetamine inhaled anhydrous ammonia, instantly freezing his lungs, and he literally coughed them out of his mouth.

While the outside pictures were startling to the groups, Matson also showed what drugs can do to the inside.

One girl who had been a regular user of ecstacy, or MDMA, had the brain of a 65-year-old woman who had suffered numerous strokes. In years to come she will continue to worsen in her symptoms to include Parkinson disease-like shakes and lose memory like an Alzheimer’s patient.

"These are mostly psychologically addicting drugs. All of a sudden it’s not about feeling good anymore when you use; it's just about feeling normal."

Club drugs
MDMA (ecstasy) is an especially trendy drug for high school and middle school students. The drug produces peaceful feelings and is often called the love drug.

It heats 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 dealers often mix other ingredients that don't allow the body to use the water properly. Matson said people have actually overdosed on water in those cases.

"Sometimes chemists take weeks to actually find what these pills are made of," Matson said.

"Brain surgeons are seeing brain damage from this drug that they've never seen before," he said.

He said most people don't die from ecstasy use but live to pay the consequences. And the brain damage isn't the only risk this type of drug user faces. Matson said sexual predators often go to clubs or seek out groups of people who are using MDMA because they are easy to prey upon.

"And when your guard is down, they might slip you some more drugs. And this isn't just for girls," Matson said. "Pedophiles can go both ways as long as they are a predator on someone."

Seeing teen-agers with pacifiers in their mouths is common if they use MDMA. 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. One night of ecstasy use can even result in bloody gums from so much teeth grinding.

"If you want to make a lot of money, go into dentistry," Matson said, "You'll be getting a lot of business."

Another drug used in club or party settings is GHB, the rape drug. The only way for teens to make sure they aren't ingesting it, Matson said, is to drink from tamper-proof containers and if the containers leave their sight, get a new drink.

GHB is essentially made from a combination of ingredients from drain cleaner and furniture stripper. It produces a drunk-like state that wipes out memory and isn’t reported nearly as much as it's used because of the memory loss.

Matson's main message was that students need to protect themselves from the effects of drug use, because it isn’t a victimless crime.

For parents
Matson also spoke to parents in an evening session. For parents looking for more information, some Web sites may help.

Government links
www.fda.gov
www.clubdrugs.org
www.xcel.net.au/~drugarm/

Drug slang defined
www.addictions.com/slang.htm

General information
www.ravedata.com/rd/event/state/MN.html
www.housecat420.com
www.raves.com

By Lori Ehde
After two months of sleeping in a bag in the desert sands of Afghanistan, LuverneÕs Adam Sellgren is glad to be home.

Lance Cpl. Sellgren, 21, was welcomed home Saturday with a party at the Coffey Haus after completing his first two years of a four-year commitment to the Marines.

The cake, balloons and well-wishes seemed almost surreal compared with what he'd seen in the past few months.

"I was totally unprepared for what we had to do," Sellgren said of his role in Operation Enduring Freedom.

All in a day's work
Sellgren's military occupational specialty is anti-tank assault, and his secondary specialty is demolition.

For "reasons of national security" he couldn't be specific about when he was there or what he did, but his job was basically to destroy enemy tanks and detect land mines and booby traps.

For example, he had standing orders to shoot all dogs because they are commonly wired with explosives that detonate when the animals are petted.

The Marine Corps' mission in Afghanistan was to seek and flush out Taliban forces. Generally, Sellgren said the Marines met with little resistance when they encountered pockets of Taliban troops.

"They could see we had the bigger guns, and they'd call it a day," he said. "But sometimes, they'd dig their heels in and weÕd have to earn our bread and butter."

He spoke matter-of-factly about his work in Afghanistan, but on some days, he said, he questioned his decision to join the Marines or the military at all.

'It was bad'
When asked to share details of his worst day in the desert, all he said was, "It was bad. It's a day I'm going to live for a few years. It's nothing I want to experience ever again ... A lot of guys out there aren't going to be right in the head for quite awhile."

Though not all days were that bad, Sellgren spoke of those two months in Afghanistan as something to be endured.

"There was some really messed up stuff going on in Afghanistan," he said. "It was the kind of thing you didn't see on CNN."

He didn't get too specific, because it was too painful to relive some situations, but he did say the Taliban would hang enemy sympathizers from the tops of buildings to show other would-be traitors their fate.

The Marine infantrymen had dirty jobs, but their living conditions were even worse.

Every night for two months, he slept in a lightweight sleeping bag, inside a larger outer Gore-Tex shell. That outer shell enclosed the men in their sleeping sacks, plus all their gear.

Even though they zipped the outer shell completely shut to outside elements, Sellgren said he still woke up every morning with sand grinding in the skin of his neck.

The drifting sand would nearly bury those enclosed sacks of sleeping Marines, and Sellgren said heÕd pray a tank wouldn't accidentally run them over.

He went for five weeks straight at one stretch without a shower. "It was hot, sticky and ..."
Despite the trying experience, Sellgren said he never doubted his reason for being there.

"I kept thinking, 'All this, because we don't believe the same things they do, and they think they can bomb our cities because of it.' I think they're getting what they deserved."

Living with war
In the days and months following the Sept. 11 terrorism attack on America, Sellgren's parents, Barb and Jim Schmidt, tried to keep close tabs on him.

"You learn how to live with war, and you learn how to live on hope," Barb said.

She spoke occasionally with Adam on the phone, but he wasnÕt allowed to reveal his location or what he was doing.

Barb said it was especially hard to know heÕd likely be in harmÕs way, but she couldn't know how or when.

"Something within me knew when he was going to Afghanistan," she said, recalling her last phone conversation with Adam before he left.

"There was a tone to his voice ... and then, I didn't hear anything for eight weeks and three days."
She said for a time, she was depressed.

"That triggered something in me. The life of one of my children was threatened," she said.

"I had to work it out with my God. It was a true test of faith. Do I really trust God? Do I trust him with the life of my child?"

No regrets
Sellgren said he joined the Marines because he wanted to be part of the pride and camaraderie only the Marines seemed to offer.

Plus, he's enjoyed mastering the physical challenges of Marine Corps basic training, and he's taken in the wonders of traveling lesser-known regions of the world.

"I have no regrets," Sellgren said, when asked if the Marines experience is what he thought it would be. "I've done a ton of things I've always wanted to do.... I've been overseas, and I've met a lot of people from all different ethnic backgrounds."

He said Marine Corps training has given him confidence he's never had before. "I can jump out of helicopters, I can save someone in a flood or tornado," he said. "It's amazing when I step back out of the picture and look at what I was before the Marines and what I am now."

Sellgren will report back to Camp Pendleton on March 25, but until then, he's enjoying sleeping until noon - on a real bed, spending time with his brother, Taylor, and eating real food, not military rations on the run.

Luverne Marine Adam Sellgran survived a two-month stint in Afghanistan. Adam's mother, Barb Schmidt, kept patriotism alive int eh neighborhood by decorating their home on West Main Street with patriotic lights and colors. Bold letters ont he garage said "Welcome home, Adam. Thank you." Story inside.

Photo by Lori Ehde

By Jolene Farley
After 19 years as a city councilman and clerk Cornelius Bosch, Steen, submitted his resignation, effective April 1, to the Steen City Council Monday.

Bosch and his wife, Darlene, sold the home they built in Steen 52 years ago and plan to move to Luverne.

Steen mayor Mel Van Batavia said Bosch will be missed in the community. "I know he does stuff we don't even know he does," he said. "He just does it, a lot of little things."

"I do all the little odds and ends," said Bosch. "You got to work with the people in town and with the county auditorÕs office. If you have a question you just call them. They are really good."

The next month will be a learning experience for BoschÕs replacement, Robert Sandbulte, according to Van Batavia. Bosch is training Sandbulte to take over the duties he performed as clerk. Sandbulte was appointed at Monday's meeting.

"I told him (Cornie) to write it all down," said Van Batavia.

The usual duties for a city clerk include taking the minutes at meetings and preparing meeting agendas, according to Van Batavia.

But over the years, Bosch has taken on many more tasks. He reads the water meters in town if needed. He keeps the recycling shed clean. He gathers the necessary city water samples and sends them to the Environmental Protection Agency and completes any reports.

He visits the Rock County Auditor when Steen sets its tax levy. He reviews the city books with the County Auditor once a year. He visits the city attorney if the city needs any legal work done.

Bosch even planted flowers in the flowerpots on Main Street in Steen and tended them all summer long, with help from his wife and others, according to Van Batavia.

Van Batavia said Bosch made his job as mayor easier. "He made sure everything got done," he said.

"I've always had a good council to work with... cooperative and good to work with," said Bosch.

Van Batavia said the search for a replacement for Bosch was lengthy. BoschÕs replacement had to be available for city business during the day.

Sandbulte fits the bill because his shift as a rural mail carrier ends in the afternoon, according to Van Batavia.

"It's astounding, in this little bitty town, how much work it is to keep it going," Van Batavia said.

Bosch said he won't miss the work, with the added bookwork and regulations these days, but he will miss the people he works with.

"I've enjoyed the job," he said. "In a way it's a challenge, and in a way it's a good experience.

Jesse the Mouth coul use lesson in diplomacy
When Gov. Ventura was first elected, Jesse the Body wanted us to call him Jesse the Brain. But I could come up with a few other features of the anatomy to call him.

Ventura's veto of the "quick fix" budget that was passed in the House and Senate Thursday will stay despite efforts to override the veto.

It's not exactly Jesse's policies that aggravate a lot of people, although those are not without warranted criticism. It's more about the way he acts and what he says.

To settle this budget and fix a $1.9-billion state deficit, the governor wanted to spend some of the state's reserves, cut programs and increase some taxes.

The Legislature agreed on a plan that would spend more of the reserves and cut fewer programs but not raise taxes.

Jesse's cutting and taxing plan doesn't sound so illogical, although our county and city leaders wholeheartedly disagreed with most of the proposed cuts.

And the Legislature's spending plan didn't sound so bad, although the governor called it a politically-motivated plan to stack the re-election odds.

I just know that the governor has a habit of making decisions on his own and not allowing the press or legislators to question the decisions.

Tuesday's effort to override the veto didn't make the two-thirds vote required. Our local representatives, Rep. Richard Mulder and Sen. Arlene Lesewski, voted to override the veto and avoid going back to the drawing board.

The plan they would rather have abided by was met with words like haphazard, deficient, irresponsible, dangerous, irrational and unacceptable by the governor.

He said that even attempting to override his veto would be unpatriotic in this "war-torn" time.

Lawmakers countered those statements by saying that Ventura is using Sept. 11 as an excuse to do just about anything he wants.

It all makes me wonder if Ventura is recalling his character in "Predator" to learn how to behave as governor of Minnesota.

Melodrama of Olympic proportions
Well, I can finally watch "Friends" tonight since the Winter Olympics at last has crossed the finish line.

It's a known fact that I'm not a huge sports fan, but I usually watch Olympic games because of some sense of pride in my country. I didn't watch this year's winter games as much as usual, because I was disappointed every time I tuned in.

Instead of sitting back to watch an athletic event, it became something that looked like a journalists' excuse to stack fluff pieces in their portfolios.

I saw too much slow-motion camera work, behind-the-scenes looks at preparations and stories of Olympians and their families. I just wanted to watch some sledding and skating without orchestras playing tear-jerkers in the background.

I hope the next network that covers the Olympics shows athletes, whether they were gold favorites or not, and allows the sports to carry the drama.

Send Sara an e-mail

The addition of a sign to the entertainment facility on the Beaver Creek Golf Course ensures travelers on Interstate 90 the facility is there.

By Sara Strong
Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer equates caucuses with a town hall meeting. And anyone who wants their opinions heard by local party leaders has a chance at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

A caucus is a public meeting conducted by major political parties to elect delegates to party conventions and to discuss issues. It's a preliminary step toward supporting candidates for the coming elections.

Delegates from precinct caucuses go on to county and district conventions and may be elected to go on to the state conventions of their party.

The Rock County Republican Party will have its caucus at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Luverne Elementary School Commons.

oThe Rock County DFL Party will have its caucus at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Luverne Senior Center.

Kiffmeyer said in a press release, "The precinct caucuses are a wonderful opportunity for you to get together with your neighbors to discuss issues and to get in on the ground level of political activity."

The state requires major political parties to host precinct caucuses during general election years, or even numbered years.

Caucuses often turn into major discussions of issues that may be on a party's platform. It is a time when there is most influence over candidates and positions. Voting for precinct officers is by secret ballot.

Because of the importance of caucuses, state agencies, school boards, county boards, township boards and city councils cannot conduct meetings after 6 p.m. that night.

Working people are also supposed to be allowed time off to attend the caucus.

Anyone who is eligible to vote can vote at the caucus. No previous party affiliation is required, but attending usually shows support for that party in the next general election. Children or those not able to vote can attend as observers.

By Frasier Norton, Extension Educator
The 2002 Rock County Crops and Livestock Day will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 15, at Blue Mound Banquet and Meeting Center in Luverne.

Attendance, which includes snacks and a noon lunch, is free, thanks to the generous sponsorship of AGRI-ENERGY, Eastern Farmers Co-op, Farmers Union Co-op Oil, Hardwick Grain Company, Hills-Beaver Creek Co-op, Luverne Farm Store, Minnwest Bank and Southwest Minnesota Farmers Co-op.

John Monson, appointed a year ago by President Bush to be the State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency, has accepted an invitation to be this yearÕs featured speaker. Previous keynote speakers have included U.S. Congressman Mark Kennedy, Tracy Beckman of the State FSA office, and Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture Gene Hugoson. We are particularly pleased to have been able to get Monson to come to Luverne at this important time to discuss agricultural policy and, in particular, the status of the new Farm Program, and what he believes it will look like. Plenty of time will be available at the end of his address for local input and questions.

The remainder of this year's program consists of the strongest group of speakers that we have had in the seven years that I have been here. We are particularly pleased to have been able to attract three of the top extension specialists in the state. All of them have extensive local knowledge and experience of the situation in this part of the state.

First, Extension Soil Specialist George Rehm will deal with the latest developments that are taking place with soil fertility. This is a particularly important topic as producers strive to deal with ever-shrinking margins.

Second, Extension Crop Weed Specialist Jeff Gunsolus will discuss the latest research pertaining to the economics of weed control. He will also address the management of specific problem weeds such as waterhemp.

Finally, Extension Entomologist Ken Ostlie will discuss two serious insect issues for the upcoming year, namely extended diapause and soybean aphid. Both of these, if left untreated, have the potential to severely reduce crop production as well as farm income.

In addition, there will be updates by Rock County agency directors, Roger Carlson of the Farm Service Agency, Doug Bos of the Land Management Office and Dave Rose of the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

2002 Crops and Livestock Day schedule
9 a.m. Ð Welcome (10 minutes)
Fraser Norton, Extension Educator, Rock County
9:10 a.m. Ð Natural Resource Conservation Service Update (10 minutes)
Dave Rose, District Conservationist, Rock County
9:20 a.m. Ð Land Management Office Update (10 minutes)
Doug Bos, Interim Director, Rock County Land Management Office
9:30 a.m. Ð Farm Service Agency Update (10 minutes)
Roger Carlson, CED, Rock County Farm Service Agency
9:40 a.m. Ð Break (10 minutes)
Coffee, pop and cookies
9:50 a.m. 2002 Crop Pest Issues (40 minutes)
Ken Ostlie, Extension Entomologist
10:30 a.m. 2002 Crop Weed Issues (40 minutes)
Jeff Gunsolus, Extension Agronomist, Weed Science
11:10 a.m. Break (10 minutes)
Coffee, pop and cookies
11:20 a.m. 2002 Crop Soil Issues (40 minutes)
George Rehm, Extension Soil Scientist, Soil Fertility
12 noon Ð Agricultural Policy and the New Farm Program (40 minutes)
John Monson, State Executive Director, Farm Service Agency
12:40 p.m. Ð Adjournment and Lunch

Stewart probate
PROBATE COURT
DISTRICT COURT
PROBATE DIVISION
ORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF ROCK
In Re: Estate of
Fred W. Stewart
Deceased
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:
It is Ordered and Notice is hereby given that on the 25th day of March, 2002, at 9:00 O'clock a.m., a hearing will be held in the above named Court at Rock County Courthouse, Luverne Minnesota, for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of the above named deceased, dated February 22, 1990, and for the appointment of Katherine V. Sundstrom whose address is 204 East Christensen Dr., Apt. 5, Luverne, Minnesota 56156, as personal representative of the estate of the above named decedent in supervised administration, and that any objections thereto must be filed with the Court. That, if proper, and no objections are filed, said personal representative will be appointed to administer the estate, to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, and sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the estate. Upon completion of the administration, the representative shall file a final account for the allowance and shall distribute the estate to the persons thereto entitled as ordered by the Court, and close the estate.

Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present the same to said personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred.
Dated: February 21, 2002 /S/
Timothy K. Connell
District Court Judge
/S/ Douglas E. Eisma /S/
Douglas E. Eisma
Sandra L. Vrtacnik
Attorney for Petitioner
Court Administrator
Eisma and Eisma
130 East Main, Box 625
Luverne, MN 56156
(507) 283-4828
I.D. #158343
(2-28, 3-7)

Farmers Union Co-op Oil Co. annual meeting
set for March 18
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE FARMERS UNION CO-OPERATIVE OIL COMPANY OF LUVERNE, MN - LUVERNE AND LISMORE, MN
TO: The Stockholders of Farmers Union Co-operative Oil Company of Luverne and Lismore, Mn
You are hereby notified that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of Farmers Union Co-operative Oil Company of Luverne, Minnesota, PO Box-1018, Luverne MN will be held at BLUE MOUND BANQUET & MEETING CENTER, 401 W. Hatting St. in Luverne on MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2002 AT 7:30 PM for the purpose of transacting any business that may properly come before the meeting.
Election of Directors will be held and the following terms expire:
Lloyd Hemme Ñ Luverne area
Larry Van Dyke Ñ Luverne area
The following are presented for your consideration as candidates for the Directors terms:
Luverne area Ñ Lloyd Hemme Ð Larry Van Dyke
Nominations will also be accepted from the floor. The evening meal will be served from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. and Dividend checks will be distributed.
Dated: 2-25-2002 Lloyd Hemme, Secretary
(2-28, 3-7)

ISD #2184 School Board meets Jan. 24
JANUARY 24, 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, January 24, 2002, at 7:30 p.m.
The following members were present: Don Bryan, Colleen Deutsch, Dan Kopp, Cary Radisewitz, Bill Stegemann, Steve Tofteland, and Becky Walgrave. Also present: Superintendent Vincent Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Jan Olson, Melody Tenhoff, Gary Fisher, Chris Nowatzki, Linda Limesand, Terry Nelson, Emily Matthiesen, Mary Jacobson, Peggy Goettsch, Dave Svingen, Steve Kollmann, Louise V. Thorson, Dianne Headrick, Roger Headrick, Gordie Hansen, Vicki Baartman, Deb Vander Kooi, James Sanden, Craig Nelson, Becky Runnoe, Sue Hup, Diane Robinson, Alan Vogt, Debra Vogt, Jane Cote, Linda Gulden, Julie Nekali, Beth Behal, Mary Goheen, Tom Lanoue, Cloyce Smith, Patsy Amborn, Pam Christensen, Sandy Klosterbuer, Shirley C. Harrison, Patti Nelson, Angela Swenson, Amy Sahly, Steve Semmens, Deb Ward, Lisa Lundgren, Marie Atkinson-Smeins, Delaine Jensen, Michael Wenninger, Karla Osterday, Darlene Dreessen, Bonnie Kirchhofer, Cathy Rust, Rhonna Jarchow, Lorna Schoeneman, Seana Graber, Elizabeth Petersen, Mark Lundgren, Joel Swanson, Dale Moerke, Jerry Jensen, Kim Schmidt, Marie Fritz, Jeanne Bowron, Greg Antoine, Michelle Johnson, Elaine Harms, Todd Oye, Kara Johnston, Jan Schneider, Helen Laabs, Russ Schneider, John Oksness, Loel Olson, Matt Crosby Ð K101/KQAD Radio, and Sara Strong - Rock County Star Herald.

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Don Bryan.

Superintendent Schaefer announced that items 8.9.6 - Special Education Contract(s) and 8.9.10 - Resignation of Christy Reisch - were removed from the agenda. Motion by Walgrave, second by Deutsch, to approve the agenda with these two changes. Motion carried.

Jan Olson, Curriculum Coordinator, and Melody Tenhoff, Elementary Principal, presented the Student Achievement Data. It is a review of the testing scores and tracking of the testing scores for the students. The information can now be maintained, updated, and used to help in the area of choosing of curriculum and teaching.

Gordie Hansen, LEA Representative, introduced Dave Svingen who was speaking on behalf of the Luverne Education Association. It was an expression of feelings regarding the contract negotiations.
Administrative reports were given.

Motion by Radisewitz, second by Kopp, to approve the consent agenda to include the School Board minutes of December 27, 2001, and January 9, 2002; and, the Student Activity Report showing the balances as of December 31, 2001. Motion carried.

Motion by Walgrave, second by Radisewitz, to approve the payment of the District bills in the amount of $1,475,902.66. Motion carried.

Motion by Tofteland, second by Kopp, to cast a unanimous ballot for the following officers for 2002: Don Bryan, Chairperson, Dan Kopp, Vice-Chairperson, Becky Walgrave, Clerk, and Bill Stegemann, Treasurer. Motion carried.

Motion by Stegemann, second by Kopp, to maintain the temporary committee assignments as they are assigned for 2002. Motion carried.

Motion by Kopp, second by Walgrave, to set February 26, 2002, at 2:00 p.m. to receive bids to continue the MS/HS HVAC remodeling project. Motion carried.

Superintendent Schaefer reviewed the bids received on January 24, 2002, at 1:00 p.m. for school buses as follows:
HOGLUND BUS CO GRANDE AMERICAN
INTERNATIONAL ATC BLUE BIRD
71 or 72 pass. 72 pass.
GROSS COST Ð 3 BUSES $172,386.00 $176,529.00
PLUS OPTIONAL TINT GLASS $395.00 EA UNIT $1,095.00
TRAE ALLOWANCE Ð 3 (3,000.00) (10,200.00)
PLUS SALES TAX $11,035.77 $10,882.56
PLUS LICENSE 225.00 120.00
TOTAL $181,041.77 $178,426.56

GROSS COST Ð 2 BUSES $115,324.00 $117,686.00
PLUS OPTIONAL TINT GLASS $395.00 EA UNIT $730.00
TRADE ALLOWANCE Ð 2 (,1,500.00) (6,200.00)
PLUS SALES TAX 7,424.24 7,294.04
PLUS LICENSE 150.00 80.00
TOTAL $121,793.24 $119,590.04