Midwest Wireless now offering Clearwave Internet service in Rock County
Luverne and Rock County residents now have a fifth choice among Internet service providers.

Midwest Wireless recently announced it is offering "Clearwave" wireless broadband Internet service in Luverne and surrounding areas.

Wireless service is considered "High Speed" in the Internet service business because it transmits information at 256K per second, compared with dial-up service at 56K per second and cable modem, which also transmits at 256K.

One advantage of the new wireless system is that you do not have to add an extra phone line.

A small antenna is mounted on the outside of the home or business, and a wireless modem is installed inside.

Midwest Wireless is better known in Rock County and the surrounding areas because of its Cellular 2000 and Clearly Digital cell phone service.

Other Midwest cities in which Midwest Wireless is offering ClearWave include Dodge Center, Truman, Faribault, Madison Lake, Lake Crystal, Elysian, Waterville and rural areas around Mankato and North Mankato.

In Luverne the dealer for Midwest Wireless is Sudenga Communications.

The Chamber's looking for St. Patty's parade participants
The 21st annual St. Patty's Day Parade is approaching, and the Luverne Chamber is looking for entries.

This year the parade will begin in the Sears/Furniture Store parking lot at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16. The actual St. PatrickÕs Day is March 17, but Sunday doesnÕt make for a very fun St. Patty's Day.

To participate, contact the Luverne Chamber of Commerce at 283-4061.

Historical Society reschedules "Afternoon of Music"
Bad weather put the kibosh on the Rock County Historical Society's "Afternoon of Music" a couple of weeks ago, so organizers have decided to try it again.

"Afternoon of Music" has been rescheduled for 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17, in the Hinkly House, and it is hoped the weather will cooperate this time.

Some of the local talent scheduled to participate include cellist Sandra Dowie accompanying her daughter, Marcella Dowie, on the harp, clarinetist Sister Mariella Hinkly, flutist Kristin Miller, clarinetist Melissa Oeding and classical guitarist Bobby Cook Jr.

The Woodwind Quintet from the University of Sioux Falls is also scheduled to perform.

"Afternoon of Music" was organized by Hinkly as a fund-raiser to help offset the cost of preserving and restoring the Hinkly House museum. Admission will be $5.

Edgerton patrol gets statewide attention
Trying to keep their city safe has brought statewide attention to Edgerton.

With four or five break-ins during the past year, Norm Van Dyke thought the town needed its streets patrolled overnight.

Van Dyke and Del Spronk, owner of the Edgerton Bowling Alley, where $600 was stolen in December, are now in the process of organizing night patrols.

The goal is to organize 40 people to patrol the town from midnight to 5 a.m., with each volunteer taking a turn once a month.

According to Bob Franklin's Star Tribune article, the two men are "trying to organize at least 40 people to drive around town from midnight until 5 a.m. once a month each, checking for unlocked doors, unfamiliar cars and untoward activity."

The town had a similar patrol in the '50s and '60s, which doubled as a fire alert patrol.

When the Tribune went to press, 23 men had signed up for the program.

The article ran in the Monday edition of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Publisher Roger Tollefson can be contacted by e-mail at
tolly@star-herald.com

Fred Callsen, 77, Jasper, died Wednesday, Feb. 27 at the Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls. Services will be Saturday, March 2 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Hardwick. Burial will be in Luverne Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday, March 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. Foster-Hartquist Funeral Home, Jasper, is in charge of arrangements.

Minnie Loretta Vis, 91, Hills, died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2002, at Luverne Community Hospital in Luverne.

Services were Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Hills United Reformed Church in Hills. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Minnie Horn was born to Joseph W. and Katie (Gritters) Horn on July 26, 1910, in Boyden, Iowa, where she was raised and attended country school.

She married Peter J. Vis on Jan. 17, 1936, in Hull, Iowa Following their marriage they lived in the Sioux County area until 1962 when they moved to Valley Springs, S.D. They farmed there until their retirement. They continued living on the farm. Mr. Vis died on Dec. 11, 1992. She lived in her home until June 2000 when she moved to Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. She entered Luverne Community Hospital on Feb. 21.

Mrs. Vis was a member of Hills United Reformed Church. She loved to cook and bake for her family and enjoyed helping others.

Survivors include five sons, John (Marg) Vis, Marlin (Karen) Vis, Allen Vis, Norman (Judy) Vis, all of Valley Springs, S.D., and James (Audrey) Vis, Sioux Falls, S.D.; three daughters, Kathryn (Jake) Hoogendoorn, Hills, JoAnne Blankespoor, Doon, Iowa, and Linda (Harley) Bork, Jasper; 36 grandchildren; 61 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Delia Scholten, Hills.

Mrs. Vis was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Peter, one grandchild, Monte Vis, and 14 brothers and sisters.

Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

A trio of Bullermans represented Adrian High School at the Minnesota State Class A Wrestling Championships at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul last week. Tyler Bullerman (center) won his second consecutive state championship at 171 pounds. Lance Bullerman (left) went 3-1 and placed third at 145 pounds to cap his AHS career. Freshman Dusty Bullerman (right) went 0-2 without placing at 125 pounds.

By John Rittenhouse
While some tasks become easier with repetition, winning a state wrestling championship isnÕt one of them.

Still, when the mats were cleared after the Minnesota State Class A Individual Championships at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul Saturday night, there stood Adrian's Tyler Bullerman.

Bullerman was wearing his medal for being a repeat champion at 171 pounds, and he was experiencing mixed emotions after winning his title match that evening.

On one hand, he was overwhelmed with joy to be Adrian's third wrestler to finish a season as an undefeated state champion and the school's second repeat champion.

On the other hand, he felt relieved from the pressure that increased with every bout during what ended as a 41-0 campaign.

"It feels pretty good, but I'm glad to have it over with," Bullerman said from his home near Rushmore Monday night. "There is a lot of pressure up there (at state). I would say winning (a state title) was just as tough this year as it was last year. I did wrestle against a couple of the same kids as I did last year, but it wasn't any easier. It was tough the whole way."

Considering he was wrestling with a sore right ankle that he sprained during the Section 3A meet the week before, the deck seemed stacked against Bullerman last weekend. Instead of getting the chance to hone his mat skills in the days leading up to his title chase, Bullerman had to prepare in a different way.

"I sprained my ankle in the section finals, and I didn't get to practice at all last week. I rode a lot of (stationary) bike to make weight, and I took a lot of ibuprofen (for the pain)," he admitted.

When it came time to demonstrate their skills at the state tournament, no wrestler showed more heart at 171 pounds than the Adrian senior.

Bullerman opened his title defense by posting respective 4-2 and 5-4 wins over Kimball Area's Libbesmeier and St James' Lance Larson during ThursdayÕs preliminary and quarterfinal rounds.

Both wins were big as Libbesmeier was ranked No. 2 and Larson No. 4 behind No. 1 Bullerman prior to the tournament.

Wabasha-Kellogg's Josh Passe, ranked No 7 entering the event, squared off against Bullerman in FridayÕs semifinals. Bullerman came out on top of a 3-1 decision.

Bullerman took on Pierz's Dan Britz in Saturday's championship match, and Bullerman turned in his most impressive effort of the weekend by rolling to a 10-3 win to reach a milestone of completing an undefeated season.

"Coming into the year, it was one of my goals to be undefeated. It was nice to reach that goal," Bullerman offered.

By winning a state championship, Bullerman earned a spot on the Team Minnesota roster and will compete at the Minnesota-Wisconsin Classic (a wrestling competition made up of state champions and state runners-up) in River Falls, Wis., tomorrow, and at Augsburg College in Minneapolis Saturday.

He also plans to take part in the National High School Tournament in Cleveland, Ohio, later this month. State champions and runners-up from all 50 states are invited to that competition, and Bullerman is setting his sights on placing in the top eight to earn All-American status.

After those two events, Bullerman's wrestling future is undecided. He plans to wrestle at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Augustana College, Sioux Falls, or South Dakota State University, Brookings, next year.

Bullermans abound
Tyler Bullerman was joined by cousins Lance and Dusty Bullerman at the state tournament last weekend.

Lance Bullerman made a bid to join Tyler in the winner's circle at event's end before settling for a second-place finish at 145 pounds.

Lance Bullerman, another AHS senior, was making his second appearance in the state individual tournament after going 0-2 there as a junior. He went 3-1 to cap a 33-3 season.

Lance opened the tournament by pinning Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton's Ben Daschner in 1:38 and posting a 7-0 decision victory over Abe Olson during Thursday's first two rounds. Olson was representing the Trinity School at River Ridge.

Bullerman earned a berth in Saturday's championship match by securing a 4-0 decision win against Olgilvie's Matt Houtsma during Friday's semifinals.

Medford's Mitch Kulhlman, a defending state champion, ended Lance's title run by blanking the Dragon 7-0 in the finals.

Dusty Bullerman, a freshman, capped a 31-9 campaign by going 0-2 at state.

Dusty dropped a 7-2 decision to Menahga-Sebeka's Austen Rife, who eventually placed fifth at 119 pounds, on Thursday.

When Rife won his second match Thursday, Bullerman gained entry into Friday's wrestle backs, where he lost a 4-0 decision to St. James' Shane Johnson.

Motion by Radisewitz, second by Tofteland, to accept the bid from Grande American for three Blue Bird buses in the amount of $178,426.56. Motion carried.

Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve the annuity companies the District will be working with. Motion carried.

Motion by Walgrave, second by Deutsch, to approve the Staff Development Plan as presented. Motion carried.

Motion by Kopp, second by Tofteland, to approve the RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REDUCTIONS IN PROGRAMS AND POSITIONS AND REASONS THEREFORE. This is an annual resolution. Motion carried.

Motion by Radisewitz, second by Deutsch, to approve the Preliminary Seniority List for the licensed staff. Motion carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Walgrave, to approve the Custodial Seniority List, the Paraprofessional Seniority List, the Early Childhood Family Education/Learning Readiness/Discovery Time Seniority List, and the Alternative School Seniority List. Motion carried.

Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve a leave request of six days for Marcia Boeve. Motion carried. Motion by Tofteland, second by Stegemann, to approve Mark Lundgren as the Summer Rec. Director at a salary of $6,750.00. Motion carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Deutsch, to approve hiring Dawn Vis and Laura Earl as Management Assistants. Motion carried.

Superintendent Schaefer reported that we are receiving quotes from two companies for asbestos removal to be done over the Easter break. This needs to be done before the HVAC remodeling can continue.

Chairperson Don Bryan gave a negotiations report to the Board. The negotiations committee had offered the LEA 3.4% package increase for the 1st year and a 5.3% package increase for the 2nd year of the contract. This included an insurance premium contribution increase and a curriculum work hourly rate `increase. This was refused by the LEA committee. They have had two mediation sessions and are currently working to schedule another mediation session.

Members Walgrave, Stegemann, Tofteland, Deutsch, and Radisewitz reported on sessions they attended at the Minnesota School Board Association convention.

Discussion was held in regard to changing the first meeting in February. It was agreed to move this meeting to February 11, 2002, at 7:30 p.m.

Motion by Kopp, second by Tofteland, to adjourn. Motion carried.
Dated: January 24, 2002
Rebecca Walgrave, Clerk
(3-7)

By Sara Strong
Luverne Economic Development Authority members Tuesday heard a presentation from Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce Director Dave Smith, who also serves as director of the City Visitors Bureau.

Smith updated the board on activities within the chamber and CVB, adding that many of the items are just ideas at this time.

oThe CVB is working on resurrecting the float that it's stopped using in recent years. Smith said the theme would likely have something to do with the theme "Where the buffalo still roam."

oSmith is also working with Pipestone to get a scenic byway designation for that stretch of Highway 75. The state has designated all it says it will as scenic byways, but Smith said he’s hopeful that one or two will lose their designation and open up the opportunity to get a southwest Minnesota highway in the group.

"We are unique here in typography and history, so there are some opportunities here," Smith said.

Once a state designates a highway as a scenic byway, getting on the national register is much simpler.

The Chamber or CVB may be interested in purchasing buffalo statues to place throughout Luverne. Smith said he would compare it to what the city of St. Paul has done with Snoopy, and community groups may paint or incorporate a unique look to the statues every year.

He said he looks for input from community members on ideas like this.

Smith said he'd like to see more biking and walking trails built in conjunction with the one the county is constructing this summer to the state park.

Smith said the bike trails in southeast Minnesota have become major tourist attractions, and some towns more than doubled their numbers of businesses with the trail's start in their area. Marketing the trails in Rock County could draw people who are biking on the Sioux Falls and soon-to-be-built Brandon paths.

Smith said trails to Pipestone and connecting to state parks along the way would also be a marketable tool for the area.

After the county's path is constructed, people can give feedback on other areas the path could take. This would allow for bikers or walkers to loop down to the Rock River or along the new Touch the Sky prairie area for different scenic options.

A long-term goal for Smith's office is to set up a site closer to the interstate that could inform travelers what they can do in the area.

Smith said the Beaver Creek information center at the rest area is valuable in guiding people to stop at attractions in the area. But many people just pull over and aren’t drawn downtown to the current office space the Chamber and CVB share.

"We're thinking ahead and trying to draw people into the community," Smith said.

By Lori Ehde
A third party representative from the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services presided over a four-hour arbitration hearing Tuesday morning in the Luverne School District Office.

Luverne school teachers have been working without a contract since July 1, when their new two-year contract officially would have started. Negotiations between the district and teachersÕ union have been in mediation for several weeks, with no agreement in sight.

As a result, any step increments that would be approved as part of the new contract have not yet been implemented.

Teachers have since filed a grievance with the district to receive those incremental pay increases before the new contract is settled.

Step increases for all positions total roughly $85,000 for a year.

Teachers argue it's money that's rightfully theirs, because of another year of teaching. The district maintains teachers will receive those salary increases as part of the nearly-negotiated package, retroactive to July 1 once the contract is settled.

The arbitration representative heard testimony from both sides and will present her findings in three to four weeks. Both parties will be bound to her decision.

Tuesday's arbitration was scheduled to resolve this point alone.

The teacher contract as a whole remains in negotiation. It's currently in mediation and may also end up in arbitration.

Tarzan is Deputy Ken Baker's pet and the Rock County Sheriff's Department newest addition to the team.

By Sara Strong
Rock County's version of Tarzan does much more than swing from vines. The all-purpose German shepherd police dog will help the Sheriff's Department search for criminals and victims, as well as lead them to drug arrests.

Rock County Deputy Ken Baker wanted to be the dog's keeper ever since he learned the department was looking into getting a dog.

Baker said, "Basically, I can be involved in all aspects of law enforcement. If there's anything [Tarzan] is needed for, I'll get the call."

Baker has a great deal of respect for what the dog will be able to accomplish. "He can do the work of 10 of us," Baker said.

He and Tarzan are starting a 12-week training session Monday and will return to Rock County patrols with added confidence.

Tarzan came to the department already named, but Baker has to take him on as a pet and constant police partner.

The dog's presence has been anticipated by many in the community for almost six months, when it was first brought up at a joint meeting with Luverne City Council and Rock County Board.

Luverne schools are even excited about Tarzan's completed training.

Some Luverne Middle School students are doing a fund-raiser and have committed half the proceeds for a bullet-proof vest for Tarzan.

Community policing
Along with his useful job skills, Tarzan brings the Rock County Sheriff's Department some good publicity and will be a part of school and community events. In keeping with that idea of awareness and education, Sheriff Ron McClure presented a new approach to policing that heÕs implementing.

"Community policing" is a term that's been used in other sheriff's departments when they take on a more visible presence in the community.

McClure said to the Rock County Board of Commissioners, "The Sheriff's Office has taken a more proactive stance in the community."

Starting in Luverne, the department is going to Rock County businesses to review security measures and encourage future communication.

The department will also visit schools and drop in on sporting events. McClure hopes these small things will foster a relationship of trust and openness within the county. He hopes people will feel more free to approach police to offer tips that may help them do their jobs better.

If there's a burglary in a neighborhood, the Sheriff's Office will ask neighbors to check their own security and make them more aware of what the department is doing to protect them.

The new policing philosophy is new to McClure, but he looks forward to what it may bring. He said that for many years, he tried to stop his deputies from stopping to have coffee, but now that's exactly what he wants them to do.

By Lori Ehde
Authorities have seized the makings of a meth lab in rural Rock County after Menard's store officials in Sioux Falls reported a suspicious purchase.

Troy and Teresa Den Herder, ages 39 and 33 respectively, appeared in Rock County District Court Monday.

They have entered pleas of not guilty to charges of illegally manufacturing methamphetamines, attempting to manufacture methamphetamines and conspiring to manufacture methamphetamines.

According to information from the Rock County Attorney's Office, store officials at Menard's in Sioux Falls called police Feb. 14 when the couple purchased a suspicious quantity of products commonly used in the illegal production of methamphetamines.

They recorded the couple's car license plate number, which was traced to the Den Herders.

A search warrant executed Feb. 22 resulted in a number of items that appeared to have been used in the process of meth production.

The Den Herders were arrested and taken to the Nobles County Jail, Worthington. Teresa posted $3,500 bail, but Troy remains in custody under a $35,000 bond.

No amount of the actual finished product was seized, but law enforcement were pleased with the arrest.

"We're confident we interrupted the manufacturing of meth," said Assistant County Attorney Terry Vajgrt. "I consider it a success."

Troy Den Herder has a previous drug conviction on his record, possessing methamphetamines, for which he's already served a year in jail.

The maximum penalty for the charge of manufacturing meth is 30 years in prison, $1 million fine or both. Actual sentences are imposed based on a number of factors, including prior convictions.