Lester K. Rollag, 69, Sioux Falls, S.D., formerly of Beaver Creek, died Saturday, Aug. 11, 2001, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Memorial services were Wednesday, Aug. 15, at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Burial was in West Palisades Cemetery, Garretson, S.D.

Lester Rollag was born to Oscar and Hilda (Halverson) Rollag on Feb. 15, 1932, in Booge, S.D. He grew up on the family farm near Beaver Creek and graduated from Beaver Creek High School in 1950. He served as a corporal in the U.S. Army stationed in Knoxville, Tenn., from 1951 to 1952.

He married Lottie Hill on Feb. 8, 1960, in Knoxville. Shortly after, the couple moved to Sioux Falls. Mr. Rollag was an insurance inspector with Insurance Services Office, retiring in 1980 due to complications from multiple sclerosis after 25 years of service. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1968.

Mr. Rollag was a long-standing member of First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. He was also an avid golfer at Luverne Country Club and umpired his sonsÕ fast-pitch softball games. He enjoyed bowling with his wife and relatives in various leagues in Sioux Falls and joining his buddies on summer fishing trips to northern Minnesota and winter golfing trips to the Caribbean. He was a life member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans Association.

Survivors include his wife, Lottie Rollag, Sioux Falls; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Keith Rollag, Boston, Mass., and Wayne and Barb Rollag and their children, Ryan and Erin, Chicago, Ill., two brothers and sisters-in-law, Oliver and Arlene Rollag, Beaver Creek, and Glenn and Karen Rollag, Sacramento, Calif.; one sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Kermit Rye, Sioux Falls; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mr. Rollag was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son and three brothers, Howard, Milton and Roger.

George Boom Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, was in charge of arrangements.

Isabel C. Thier, 91, Adrian, died Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2001, at Arnold Memorial Nursing Home in Adrian.

Services were Friday, Aug. 10, at St. Adrian Catholic Church in Adrian. The Rev. Gerald Kosse officiated. Burial was in the parish cemetery.

Isabel Ahlers was born to William and Rose (Haupert) Ahlers on March 16, 1910, in Granville, Iowa. She attended school in Granville.

She married Cyril A. Thier on Jan. 20, 1930, in Granville. After their marriage the couple farmed north of Adrian for two years before moving to the farm southeast of Adrian in 1932. In 1972 they retired and moved to Adrian. She became a resident of Arnold Memorial Nursing Home in December 1999. She was a homemaker.

Mrs. Thier was a member of St. Adrian Catholic Church in Adrian, and the Christian Mothers. She enjoyed cooking, playing cards and bingo and her grandchildren.

Survivors include four sons and daughters-in-law, Richard (Dick) and Alice Thier, Bernard and Diane Thier, Don and Barb Thier, all of Rushmore, and Cyril Jr. and Bev Thier, Worthington; three daughters and sons-in-law, Virginia (Jean) and Bob Knips, Luverne, Eileen and Eugene Hokeness, Adrian, and Betty and Delbert Gonnerman, Grove City; 39 grandchildren; and 75 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Thier was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Cyril, on Dec. 14, 1995, an infant son, Gerald, in 1933, one son, Leo, and daughter-in-law, Joni, both in 1985, an infant daughter, Mary, in 1952, 11 brothers and four sisters.

Dingmann Funeral Home, Adrian, was in charge of arrangements.

Jane Olson, 74, Oklahoma, formerly of Valley Springs, S.D., died of cancer Sunday, Aug. 12, 2001, at Integris Bass Hospital, Enid, Okla.

Services were Thursday, Aug. 16, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. The Revs. Kenneth Wade and Bob Shafer officiated. Graveside services were at Karoma Cemetery, Goltry, Okla.

Jane Joneson was born to August and Johanna Joneson on April 18, 1927, on a farm near Valley Springs. She attended Sunnywood country school and graduated from Valley Springs High School in 1945. She joined the Army Cadet Nurse Corps and graduated from Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls, S.D., with her diploma in nursing in 1948.

She married Harvey Olson on Aug. 4, 1950, at Beaver Valley Lutheran Church in Valley Springs. She loved her nursing profession and also worked alongside her husband at Olson Animal Hospital.

Survivors include her husband, five children and their spouses, Dwight and Dianne Olson, Bruce and Joanne Crain, all of Enid, Tom and Barbara Penrose, Tulsa, Okla., Bryce and Liesl Olson, Lubbock, Texas, and Kasey and Laura Lynn Simpson, Cushing, Okla.; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Myron and Margaret Joneson, Dell Rapids, S.D., and Harold and Dee Joneson, Valley Springs; and two sisters and one brother-in-law, Alice Lee, Sioux Falls, and Ralph and Lois Hansen, Beaver Creek.

Mrs. Olson was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and one granddaughter.

Memorials may be made through the funeral home to Oklahoma Bible Academy in Enid and Bungoma Bible School and Orphanage in Kenya, Africa.

Brown-Cummings Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Grace Ruby Molitor, 86, Luverne, died Thursday, July 19, 2001, in Luverne Hospice Cottage.

Services were Monday, July 23, at First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. The Rev. John Pehrson officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne.

Grace Price was born to Herbert and Clara (Ohs) Price on July 3, 1915, in Beaver Creek. She attended school in Beaver Creek and graduated from Beaver Creek High School.

She married Leonard Molitor on Oct. 18, 1935, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Following their marriage they lived in Stewart where they owned and operated Stewart Movie Theater. In 1950 they moved to Luverne where they owned and operated Luverne Bootery. She also worked for J.C. Penney's until she retired in 1978. Mr. Molitor died on Sept. 12, 1995. She continued to live in her home until entering Luverne Community Hospital on July 4. She entered Luverne Hospice Cottage on July 12.

Mrs. Molitor was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Luverne where she was active in Martha Circle. She was also involved with Pink Ladies and RSVP as a volunteer. She enjoyed sewing.

Survivors include two daughters and one son-in-law, Judy and Bud Heronimus, Blue Springs, Mo., and Linda Hurd, Sioux Falls; six grandchildren, Jeffrey Heronimus, Diane (Mark) Heronimus Pringer, Scott Heronimus, Jolene Heronimus, Kelly (Neil) Hurd Peterson and Jamie Hurd; three great-grandchildren, Madison Rae Pringer, Jackson Samuel Pringer, and Sterling Mikayla OÕRay; and one sister, Una Tippner, Kelso, Wash.

Mrs. Molitor was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Leonard, two brothers, Herb and Kenneth Price, and two sisters, Caroline Chelsey and Mavis Stavig.

Memorials may be directed to Luverne Hospice Cottage.

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

Frank Herbert Matus, 96, Beaver Creek, died Sunday, July 22, 2001, at Merrill Pioneer Hospital in Rock Rapids, Iowa.

Memorial services were Wednesday, July 25, at Palisade Lutheran Church in Garretson, S.D.

Frank Matus was born to Reinhold and Louise (Holfelt) Matus on March 22, 1905, in Rockville, Conn. He attended school in rural Hinton, Iowa.

He married Amy Aaker on May 5, 1928, in rural Ruthton. After their marriage the couple farmed in rural Ruthton before moving to the farm in Rock County in 1943. They retired in 1970.

Mr. Matus was a member of Palisade Lutheran Church and the Sons of Norway.

Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Donald and LaVonne Matus, Luverne, Dale and Darlene Matus, Beaver Creek, and Charles and Dorthea Matus, Tinley Park, Ill.; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Matus was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother, William Matus, and two sisters, Ruth Bunning and Gertrude Andresen.

Dingmann Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

Agnes Husen, 91, Luverne, died Sunday, July 22, 2001, at Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Center in Luverne.

Services were Wednesday, July 25, at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. The Rev. Dell Sanderson officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne.

Agnes Blinsmon was born to Olof and Lena (Anderson) Blinsmon on Oct. 16, 1909, in Kanaranzi Township, Rock County. She attended school in Luverne and graduated from Luverne High School in 1928.

She married Carl H. Husen on Aug. 30, 1930, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church parsonage in Luverne, Following their marriage they farmed for 28 years. They moved to Luverne in 1958. She worked at Luverne High School as the head cook. Mr. Husen preceded her in death on Dec. 4, 1991. She continued to live in her home until entering Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Center July 7, 1998.

Mrs. Husen was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. She was the first president of the Ladies Aid and remained active for 50 years. She was also involved with 4-H. She enjoyed doing crafts, playing cards and especially baking cookies for others.

Survivors include three sons and two daughters-in-law, Raymond Husen, Moorhead, James and Judy Husen, Desert Hot Springs, Calif., and Kenneth and Rebecca Husen, Luverne; 12 grandchildren, David Husen, Joel Husen, Wade Husen, Andrea Card, Kevin Husen, Tamara Gordon, Kathy Botnen, Eric Husen, James Husen Jr., Douglas Husen, Bradley Husen, Jennifer Sundby and many great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Husen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Carl, one son, Donald, four brothers, Carl, Russell, Sidney and Walter, and two sisters, Emma and her twin sister, Esther.
Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

A four-person team representing the Star Herald coverage area, the Flamin' Angels was one of 36 teams to start the race and one of 31 squads to finish the event at Crane Lake on Friday.

Competing in the four-person team division, Luverne's Lisa Mulder, Ashley Gacke and Erica Smith, and Ellsworth's Janelle Jenniges placed fifth in the division with a four-day time of 34:13.15.

Fourteen teams started the race in the four-person division, and 12 finished the event.

Team Geezer, consisting of St. Cloud's Reuben Wagenius and Chris Haukos, Hutchinson's Dan Nissen and Litchfield's Peter Royer, won the division title with a time of 31:33.06. They bested the second-place team by 57 minutes.

The Flamin' Angels placed fifth in their division during three of the days of competition, and seventh on one day.

They were fifth during both bicycle races (from Luverne to St. Cloud, and from St. Cloud to Eveleth with respective 9:49.45 and 8:47.07 efforts, and they were fifth in the run from Eveleth to Cook with a 5:33.52 performance.

Team coach Dave Duffy was concerned with how the team would perform during the 50-mile canoe race on the Vermillion River prior to the race. His concern was realized when the team posted the division's seventh-best time of 10:02.31 during the last day.

The event was good to Minnesota teams as five of the six division winners came from the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

A trio from Deephaven won the three-person team title by 1:27 with a time of 32:17.11. David Gigerich, Lindsay Brown and Darren Aschoff formed the team called ZT United.

Winning the two-person team's men's masters division were Savage's Henry O'Donnell and Maple Grove's Mark Skinner. They won the division by 1:30 with a time of 32:45.42. competing under the name of True Grit.

Minneapolis' Tracy Sides and Chicago's Ginder Sides, competing as team B2B Sides' Way, won the women's open division title with a time of 41:21.29, while Cop N Doc, consisting of Crystal's Sandra Gouldson and Minneapolis' Bill Emerson, won the couples open title with a time of 40:05.17. Both teams were the lone entries in their division.

The Tri-Animals kept Minnesota teams from making it a complete sweep by winning the menÕs open division with a time of 32:21.32. Eau Claire's (Wis.) Tim Dusick and Phillips' (Wis.) Jesse Haynes won the division by 3:15.

By Jolene Farley
On Aug. 11 Tuff Home resident Avis Hazelton will reach a landmark in her life. She will celebrate her 100th birthday.

When asked what she wanted for a birthday celebrating 100 years of living, Hazelton replied, "Oh, nothing special. Just a good day with friends and family."

Hazelton, born in 1901, was raised in Luverne. After graduating from Luverne High School in 1919, Hazelton taught school in a one-room country school. Later, she assisted first grade teacher, Mary Jones, in Luverne.

When Hazelton was about 25 years old, she moved to St. Paul to work at Golden Rule Department Store as a sales person trainer. She later took a job as floor supervisor at another St. Paul department store, the Emporium. Her last traveling position was as Detail Representative for a New Jersey company, selling tooth powder and toothbrushes.

Hazelton returned to Luverne from St. Paul after many years and taught first and second grade for eight years in Steen and third grade for two years in Beaver Creek.

"When I was a girl... all a child was supposed to do was to be a child and grow up," said Hazelton about the changes in kids over the years.

For many years Hazelton was the Luverne contact for the Worthington Globe.

She has a fondness for art. She took art courses from the University of Minnesota.

Hazelton took voice and piano lessons and sang with many church choirs, the Civic Chorus of St. Paul and later with St. Paul Civic Opera. She established the First Presbyterian Junior Choir in Luverne.
Hazelton has served as Pink Ladies president and remains an honorary member.

When asked to share memories Hazelton exclaimed, "There are so many memories which one should I pick?"

Hazelton only recently became a resident at the Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. She resided in the Blue Mound Towers in Luverne before her move.

Hazelton never married and has no children.

A party celebrating her 100th birthday will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at Grace Lutheran Church. Friends and family request stories and pictures instead of gifts.

By Katrina Vander Kooi
State funding for Luverne School District next year will not keep pace with inflation.

"The school district will lose money," Superintendent Vince Schaefer said at the Luverne School Board meeting Thursday, Aug. 9.

"The spending doesn't compare to last year. It was disappointing because there was a surplus."

The first year of the biennium, Luverne will receive a total of $8,360,196, a $110,571 increase over last year. The second year of the biennium Luverne will receive $8,657,997, a $297,801 increase from the year before.

"The money is tied directly to the number of students," Superintendent Vince Schaefer said.

The K-12 bill increased the per-pupil formula from $3,964 this year to $4,068 per pupil for the 2001-2002 school year and $4,601 per pupil for the 2002-2003 school year.

This is about a 2.6-percent increase during each year of the biennium. The rate of inflation last year was 3.15 percent.

According to a poll of 627 registered Minnesota voters conducted for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Minnesota Public Radio, 55 percent of respondents said lawmakers did not provide enough money for schools, compared with 31 percent who thought they provided the right amount and 10 percent who said they gave schools too much money.

Included in the funding package for Luverne, the K-12 bill designates money to equal out voter-approved excess taxes to $415 per pupil across the board. Schools with amounts lower than $415 will receive an increase. Luverne is one of them.

The current voter-approved excess taxes for Luverne are only $198 per pupil this year, but next year the state will add $217 per pupil.

A variety of accountability issues were included in the bill. School boards must now approve structurally balanced budgets.

A new seventh-grade exam was added and will begin during the 2002-03 school year. It will test the skills connected with the Profile of Learning. Another exam will test students' skills at math without a calculator.

A web-accessible system providing district-by-district comparisons of school finances and student performance is to be developed by a contractor at a starting cost of $2.5 million. Standard and Poor's is now providing a service similar to this in Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Schaefer was skeptical about the idea.

"There are too many variables," Schaefer said about the new school comparison system. "We are not all teaching the same thing at the same time."

The state earmarked $8 million on a pilot basis for districts to move away from the system of paying teachers based on their education and years served.

The Luverne School District is not looking at this as an option during negotiations. "All of our teachers are great," Superintendent Vince Schaefer said.

"It's hard to find a way for it to be fair," board member Daniel Kopp said.

In other business, Thursday the board:

Accepted the resignation of Grace Tofteland as ECFE and School Readiness paraprofessional and Pete Wilson as mathematics teacher.

Reviewed the hiring process for a Spanish teacher. Schaefer said Principal Gary Fisher has selected a candidate and is in the process of offering a contract.

Discussed a new CD that promotes the community through music and photos. After the introduction, the user will be able to access the chamber, city, county, school, and hospital Web sites that contain information about Luverne.

The CDs will be used for a variety of inquiries including businesses, families, organizations, or individuals that request information about the community.

Heard there was one meeting of the Negotiations Committee and that it went well. The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27.

Discussed adding a child guide program at Luverne. Superintendent Schaefer discussed his trip to Olivia to see a child guide program. "The goal is to connect these kids in a positive way not only to school but also to the community," Schaefer said.

If implemented, the program would be funded jointly by the government and by the community.

Accepted bids for bakery products, dairy products, fuel oil, and gasoline/diesel fuel for the 2001-02 school year.

Scheduled the next board meeting for 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23.