By Sara Quam
Luverne High School senior Audra Novotny is like many students her age, planning a college career and looking forward to independence. But the usual issues of homesickness or financial stress are secondary to the bigger obstacle she faces - Asperger's syndrome.

Diagnosed just more than a year ago, Audra is achieving a lot for someone with the condition.

She is active in Sioux Falls community theater, participates in school and church extracurriculars and holds down a part-time job. For all of this she recently was honored with the Autism Service Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Center for Disabilities through the University of South Dakota School of Medicine.

Although she's not autistic as the award implies, Audra has a higher-functioning form of it called Asperger's syndrome. Some of the typical symptoms are speech and language peculiarities and non-verbal communication problems.

Those are similar to some of Audra's most noticeable problems. "I don't know how to accept a compliment. I can't pick up on body language - if someone's mad or sarcastic. If they're nervous I might think they're sad," Audra said.

Symptoms are different in all cases, but common ones are also talking at length about a favorite subject or repeating words or phrases. People with Asperger's may like routines or rituals and have unusual preoccupations and sometimes exhibit egocentricity.

"I roll my eyes, and it's totally involuntary," Audra said. That small facial expression can often leave other people feeling she's rolling her eyes at what they've said or done and causes further communication problems.

A major roadblock for Audra is the way she learns. "I can't do anything without thinking of it in pictures," she said.

In younger years she steadily got high grades, but they started dropping. "My grades were slipping because the older you get, the fewer pictures and visuals you get in your classroom."

Audra spent more time listening to lectures and trying to visualize as much as she could to compensate for her different way of learning.

In fact, she didn't even read the required novels for an eighth-grade English class but knew enough of them from watching TV and videos that she managed to pass the tests.

But since she's been diagnosed, she's gotten extra help. "A lot of my teachers are really helpful, and that's great," she said.

Being 'different'
"I've always known that I was different, and my mom knew it," Audra said. "She's been my advocate."

Her parents, Mark and Beth, tried for years to find a name for what Audra had. Beth went to speakers and talked to as many experts as possible and observed all she could.

Audra was initially misdiagnosed as having Attention Deficit Disorder in middle school. But as early as age 2, Beth saw something different in Audra. "I was constantly talking to parents and talking to teachers and counselors and anyone who would listen. I was grabbing on to anything I could get my hands on."

Beth has a degree in early childhood education so she had background in child development but wasn't capable of knowing about Asperger's.

In fact, until very recently, the condition wasn't named, and many with it went undiagnosed.

It's easy to miss it, especially if the person with Asperger's is extremely high functioning. Some doctors are now releasing the theory that Bill Gates has it. Girls are less frequently diagnosed than boys because they can learn to mimic normal social behavior more easily.

Beth said, "They can be so verbal and so bright that it's hard to get people to see there's a problem."

Audra was reading before she was in kindergarten and when Beth approached teachers with social skills concerns, they often brushed it off as Audra being too smart to relate to other students and that she would catch up later.

A few more children in Rock County have been diagnosed, so Beth and Audra feel they've been a part of the education process.

Getting help
Talking openly about her condition isn't difficult for Audra. She's had to grow a thick skin after years of difficulty with peers in school.

"I was teased horribly and still am a little," she said.

Already prone to anxiety and depression because of Asperger's, Audra took that teasing very hard and was home-schooled her seventh-grade year to give her a break from it.

"I've gotten some more respect now that people see I can help myself become better," she said. She has twice-weekly appointments with psychologists and takes medication.

She used to be prone to more illnesses when under stress. With decreased anxiety from the help of medication and therapy, she has missed fewer days of school.

Nervousness can still keep her from having a good time, though. She missed out on a cast party after a play because being on stage made her feel extraordinarily tense one night. The performance went well, but afterward, she needed a rest more than a loud party.

She started auditioning for plays outside of Luverne High School to give her more experience and broaden her small circle of friends.

"I was accepted right off the bat," she said of her experiences outside of high school.

Beth said, "Creativity has always been there for her."

Most recently Audra played an evil sister in "The Mask of Beauty and the Beast," the non-Disney version of the fairy tale. She is also heard on a group of radio stations out of Worthington, most recognizably on 95.1 and 93.5 FM.

Even though she still struggles, Audra said she's relieved to have a name and a course of treatment for what had been inhibiting her from enjoying much of her life.

She's already applied to the Brown Institute in Minneapolis and plans to further her broadcasting career.

Beth said she's ready to let Audra try to live independently and give her job goals a try. But like most mothers with children entering college, she'll continue to worry.

To learn more... about Asperger's syndrome, try these sources:

Books by Tony Attwood, Carol Gray, Brenda Smith Myles or www.asperger.net and www.tonyattwood.com

By Lori Ehde
Residents in both Luverne and Adrian school districts will head to the polls Tuesday to vote on operating levies the boards have proposed to hedge their budgets against uncertain future state support.

Luverne district voters will be asked to approve a $400-per-pupil operating levy that would amount to approximately $234,000 asked of Luverne School District property owners.

If the proposal is approved by voters, it will generate roughly $635,000 for the district. The local effort would be nearly 37 percent of that, or $234,000, with the balance coming from state aid.

"It's important to know it's a matched effort from the state," said Luverne District Financial Officer Marlene Mann. "If you put down 37 cents you get 63 cents back."

In Adrian, district voters will be asked to support a $450 per pupil operating levy referendum.

For the first year of the operating levy (2002-03) revenue would increase by more than $365,000. Of that, the local effort would amount to roughly $69,000 and the state would match that with nearly $246,000, plus more than $50,000 in open enrollment and equity revenue.

"For every $1 raised by taxpayers, the state will now contribute $3.57," an Adrian District brochure states.

Special elections in both districts will be Tuesday, Nov. 6.

In Adrian, residents can cast their ballots from 4 to 8 p.m. The Adrian Elementary Commons is the polling place for residents of the city of Adrian, as well as residents of Westside, Little Rock and Olney townships.

The Lismore City Hall is the polling place for residents of the city of Lismore, as well as residents of Lismore, Larkin, Leota and Wilmont townships.

In Luverne, polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. in the middle school-high school gymnasium.

The proposals require a 50 percent plus one majority to pass. If approved, the levies would be in effect for 10 years.

Each year, school board members can agree to levy lower amounts, but levies will be capped by the amounts voters approve Tuesday, if the proposals pass.

Questions can be directed to the Adrian School District Office, 483-2232, and to the Luverne District Office, 283-8088.

By Sara Quam
The Rock County Pool Commission isn't ready to make a recommendation on what should happen with the management or ownership of the Pool and Fitness Center.

It isn't ready because it doesn't have the necessary information or the power to gather more.

When they met Tuesday to discuss future possibilities, Commission members found out that they couldn't gather further research or get formal proposals without first recommending such action to the owners and governing body of the facility - the city of Luverne and Rock County.

The joint owners can then approve advertising for proposals on either new management, a lease agreement or sale of the facility. But without a recommendation on which option to advertise for, the issue is stalled.

The Commission may be ready to make a firm decision on a recommendation after sitting in on Tuesday's discussion for a while.

Commission members got feedback from the community and Pool and Fitness Center members after presentations from MC Fitness and Sioux Valley Hospitals and Health System.

All sides got favorable remarks from someone, whether it be keeping the facility as it is, leasing it or selling it.

Without clear guidance from constituents, the Commission has to decide what it believes is best for everyone, citizens and government.

Operating options
By not deciding what to recommend, the Pool Commission isnÕt giving the joint owners direction on what to do with the facility. The Commission worries a little about employee retention with looming new ownership or management. Still, it concluded that taking time is wiser.

Ed Bouwman said, "My first inclination is to slow down. We can see what happens with membership when the 20-percent increase happens and we can always raise rates again and get more equipment without increasing the government contribution."

Damon Eisma said, "I think we should see what's out there because at this point we aren't making any decisions."

Bouwman said, "I'm reluctant to turn over a community facility to an outside source until our internal efforts fail."

That sparked conversation on what the Commission and pool management could do to enhance services. Director Darrell Huiskes said, "What's to be wasted if we give it a shot for a year?"

For many years, a more family-friendly water park with slides and a zero-depth entry have been on the list of wishes for the pool. Fitness center needs have been about updating equipment and adding more treadmills.

Huiskes said one possibility is to use a fund set aside for possible repairs to go toward immediate updates when membership rates increase. That could be close to $100,000 in new equipment, but that would have to be approved by the joint powers.

Huiskes also said that new Commission members can give fresh perspective to an operation that may have been in a rut after running smoothly for so many years. Promotional ideas and more services top his list of what would increase membership and revenue with no extra burden on taxpayers.

Glen Gust said, "I think taxpayers should fund recreation for the citizens, but it's getting out of hand."

This year, both the city and county will contribute $72,000 to the operations of the facility.

Gust favored requesting proposals because the Commission could at least gain ideas on operations from them.
Huiskes said, "I'm very proud of the facility. I think we should keep it the way it is and bring the fitness center up to par. If there has to be something done, I would support a sale. In no way, shape or form would I support a lease."

In the case of a lease, the county and city would maintain ownership, but the tenant would run the facility and may or may not replace current staff.

Liability would be mostly on the shoulders of the tenant, but as owners of the building, the city and county would carry some of that burden in the case of injury or death.

Other leasing issues that could be specified in the contract are capital improvements and maintenance.

Huiskes said he and the staff are very cautious about the pool chemicals and regular monitoring and maintenance. He worries about turning that over to someone else and keeping the same level of safety.

In the case of a sale, an estimated $50,000 in taxes would be generated and more money would be spent on utilities because of the commercial status.

Ken Hoime said that if the county and city decide to request proposals, it would be open to more than just the two parties that previously presented to the Commission. "Would it be fair to just look at two proposals? Is that enough?"

He also reminded the Commission of some background on the issue. Last year, it approved a 50-percent rate increase to help cash flow in the facility. After much public uproar at the sticker shock, the Commission rescinded that decision because only the county and city can increase rates.

The rate increase was set at 20 percent, but no commitment to greater services or equipment was promised, so the option of new management or ownership was brought up.

For now, all members will get a letter at the end of November explaining the 20-percent increase and giving them an option to end their contracts.

After reaction to that, the Commission may know more about which direction it wants to recommend the city and county take.

By Lori Ehde
The new owners of Jubilee Foods in Luverne represent a healthy mix of solid experience and youthful energy.

In a deal that became official Monday, Brent Bosch and Larry Goebel purchased the store from Tony Bosch.

For Goebel, the arrangement brings him back to the grocery business in Luverne, where he's worked in the industry for nearly 40 years.

"I'm looking forward to working with Brent and investing in the future of Luverne," Goebel said Monday.

He was 6 years old when he started working for his father, Kenny Goebel, at Kenny's Super Valu.

Since closing the family business in 1997, Goebel has been manager and part owner of the Jubilee Foods in Rock Rapids. He will retain those responsibilities, but he still lives in Luverne and will take on new duties with Bosch in the Luverne store.

For Bosch, he said buying the Luverne store from his father has always been his dream.

"I've always loved the grocery business," he said. "Being able to do this in Luverne, Minn., with all the people of Luverne is a dream come true."

Bosch graduated from Luverne High School in 1996 and in 1999 earned his bachelor's degree from Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa. He majored in business administration with an emphasis in management and finance, and he minored in accounting and sociology.

He's been managing Jubilee in Luverne since the store opened in its new location in August 2000.

"Between my dad and Larry, they've been coaching me a lot the last year and a half," Bosch said. "I've gone through a lot of growing pains, and I realize I have a long road ahead of me."

While it's been hard work, he said he's enjoying the challenge. "It's been fun waking up and working with nearly 70 other employees every day," he said. "I'm grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to working with our employees and with the community for many years to come."

Being able to work with Goebel is helping Bosch through some of the growing pains of business ownership.

"I'm very excited to work with Larry. He's been like a second dad to me this year," Bosch said. "He's got a lot of experience in this business, and we work very well together."

For Tony Bosch, selling his Luverne store will free him up to focus on a booming catering business and to spend more time with family.

"It's always been my goal to have my son buy me out in Luverne," he said Tuesday. "I'm a grandpa now and I just felt the timing was good. It gets to the point where you have to slow down a little."

He said the timing was also right for Goebel. "He's done very well for himself in Rock Rapids, and now he has the time to spend in Luverne."

Tony Bosch opened his first grocery store, Tony's Clover Farm, in Hills in 1976 and in 1985, he purchased Les Murphy's Foodland in Luverne. Since then he built the Brandon store and has entered into partnerships with 11 other grocery stores in the tri-state area.

Brent Bosch and Goebel said the arrangement is an exciting venture for them, but they said continued success of the store hinges on more than good management.

"All of us at Jubilee Foods are ready for the long haul," Bosch said. "Larry and I and the staff take a lot of pride in what we do, and that is why we want our customers to expect the very best from us."

By Lori Ehde
U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft warned the nation Monday of more possible terrorist attacks in the coming weeks.

Faced with the challenge of informing people without scaring them, community leaders nationwide are following Washington's advice to be "vigilant, but not paranoid."

In a timely seminar Monday, local public health officials and community leaders learned specifically what should and should not be done to prepare for a possible bioterrorism attack.

Nobles-Rock Public Health Nurse Joan Kindt, Hardwick, said the video seminar, aired in the Extension Office, put some things in perspective.

"Our risk of an attack here is low, but there are some things that all communities should do," she said.

"We're focusing more on epidemiology rather than the fear factor. People say, 'Why not give everyone the smallpox vaccine?' Well, it's a live virus, and there are lots of possible complications with the smallpox vaccine. The same is true for anthrax."

She said the video conference, led primarily by Minnesota Epidemiologist Henry Hull, hit on five key points:

Everyone at risk for the flu should get the flu vaccine. This way, it will present fewer flu cases, which can present symptoms similar to anthrax exposure.

Similarly, all children should have the chicken pox shot, because chicken pox symptoms can be similar to small pox, and fewer chicken pox cases will mean fewer scares of possible small pox.

Everyone should handle suspicious mail appropriately. For example, if it looks suspicious, don't wave it around or sniff it. Double bag it and call local law enforcement, 283-5000, who will in turn call the Minnesota Postal Command center, 651-293-3200.

That number has been set up this week for postal inspectors to field calls from communities about suspicious mail.

Citizens should be generally prepared as they would be for any disaster. They should have extra food and water on hand, and a back-up plan for another place to stay if they can't get to their homes.

Finally, the public is reminded to keep possible terrorism in perspective. "The risk is low, and fear is our greatest enemy," Kind said.

More information on bioterrorism preparedness can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health Web site at www.health.state.mn.us.

Questions can also be directed to Nobles Rock Public Health at 283-5066.

Above, Chaz Smedsrud (left) Kynzie Smedsrud and Tony Opitz enjoy refreshments at the Halloween Party Tuesday in the American Legion Hall in Luverne. At right, Daniel Tofteland appears ready to put out a fire, and (inset) Allie Skattum brings up the moral standards in the room. The party is an annual event for local children hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary and Luverne Peer Helpers.

Photos by Chantel Connell

Cast from the upcoming Green Earth Players production strike a pose as their characters at Tuesday's dress rehearsal. They are (front, from left) Jim Harsma, April Gangestad, Sheila Helle, Fran Bohlke, Rachel Wulf, Joe Dorhout and (in back) Tom Harms and Jack Leslie.

The play is a murder mystery dinner theatre called "Murder on Maui." Audience participation is encouraged, but for the shy viewers, not required. Show time is 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2 and 3, in Sharkee's, Luverne. Sharkee's is also handling reservations.

Photo by Sara Quam

Clarence W. Mann, 83, formerly of Luverne, died Thursday, Oct. 11 in Long Beach, CA. Services will be Monday, Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Luverne, with Rev. Charles Boeder officiating. Interment will be in Maplewood Cemetery. Engebretson Funeral Home of Luverne is in charge of arrangements.

Therapy staff members at LCH include (front row, from left) rehab aides Deanna Pick, JoAnne Fodness, Sherry Bierman, (middle row) Maggie Dorn, physical therapist assistant; Lori Mulder, occupational therapist; Brenda Hulstein, occupational therapist; Patty Halse, speech language pathologist; Kathleen Loosbrock, physical therapist assistant; and (back row) physical therapists Holly Sehr, Jolene Gordon, Tammy Loosbrock, Pat Smedsrud and Brynn Ladd. Not pictured are Shannen Scheafer, physical therapist; Rhonda Anderson, occupational therapist; Vicky Meyer, occupational therapist assistant; and Kris VanDerBrink, massage therapist.

By Lori Ehde
October is Physical Therapy Month, and Luverne Community Hospital is showcasing its therapy department.

It has grown to include 17 staff members and a wide range of services offered in the hospital and in several outreach locations.

LCH offers physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy.

Physical therapy is the evaluation and treatment of human injuries or impairments to prevent, correct, minimize or alleviate physical injury.

Some PT services include stroke rehabilitation, sports injury management and home exercise programs.

Occupational therapy helps people whose ability to function in daily life has been affected by illness or injury, developmental problems or aging.

Some examples of OT are helping patients regain use of an injured hand, re-educating stroke patients to compensate for losses and improving feeding or oral motor skills.

Speech therapy addresses communication or swallowing disorders. Examples of services include improving voice, stuttering or articulation problems and treating swallowing disorders .

In addition, OT and PT departments at LCH recently began offering treatment for patients with urinary incontinence.

A combination of exercise, biofeedback and electrical stimulation has produced an 80-percent success rate for LCH patients seeking help with urinary incontinence.

LCH therapists hold visible positions in the area by offering their services at several outreach sites.

Those locations include Luverne and Pipestone school districts and nursing homes in Ellsworth, Hills and Adrian. In addition, LCH therapists bring their services to the Rock County Pool and Fitness Center and to local home health patients.

To celebrate Physical Therapy Month, LCH will host an open house for current and former patients from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, in the therapy department.