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Luverne pre-med student studies in Africa

Luverne High School 2020 graduate Sydney Biever spent part of this summer in Africa through her studies at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion.

County Board of Equalization meets June 20

County Board of Equalization
meets June 20 
Rock County Board of Equalization Meeting 6:30 P.M.
Herreid Board Room June 20, 2023
Rock County Courthouse
Chair Thompson called the meeting to order with all Commissioners
present. Also present were: Administrator Kyle Oldre and Land Records
Office staff Rachel Jacobs, Jeff Sehr and Scott Adams.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve the June 20, 2023,
Board of Equalization Agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
There were no attendees.
Land Records Office Director Rachel Jacobs presented the projected value changes throughout the county as well as an assessment executive summary
identifying an increase of 22.79% in taxable market value county wide
to a total of 4,353,126,400.
The Land Records Office Director identified the following (16) Property changes
from the local Board of Appeals and Equalization:
 
*** PLACE CHART HERE ***
 
On a recommendation from the Land Records Director, motion by Burger,
seconded by Reisch, to approve the property values as identified, declared
carried on a voice vote.
With no further business to come before the Rock County Board of
Equalization, the meeting was adjourned  by order of the Chair.
(07-20)

Rock County Commissioners meet June 20

Rock County Commissioners meet June 20 
Herreid Board Room          5:00 P.M.
Rock County Courthouse June 20, 2023
The The meeting was called to order by Chair Thompson with all Commissioners
present. Also in attendance were County Administrator Kyle Oldre,
County Attorney Jeff Haubrich, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum,
and Star-Herald Reporter Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Reisch, to approve the June 20, 2023,
County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the June 6,
2023, County minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Williamson, to approve the
consent agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
1. Planning & Zoning Board Appointment – Jed Matthiesen
Jay Trusty, Director of Southwest Regional Development Commission (RDC), presented a program update stating that recent legislation will bring in an additional $75,000 in funding and that they intend to hire 3.5 FTE’s.  Recent RDC project in Rock County include:  Regional Trails Plan, RLF Project and Hills Day Care. The Southwest Regional Development Commission will be recognizing their 50th Anniversary in 2023.
Evan Verbrugge, Sheriff, introduced new deputies Max Brewer and
Griffin Haas and conducted a swearing in ceremony.  
The Administrator presented an update regarding the Dispatch Supervisor
position, authorized on January 5, 2023.  The job description is complete along wit
 the Grade of H16, a 8% increase from the Team Lead-Dispatcher position with a
classification of non-exempt, nonunion status.  Sheriff Verbrugge, requested to
compensate the Dispatch Supervisor with Shift Differential and Standby pay, as the individual is serving as a Dispatcher as well due to staff shortage.  Motion by Burger, seconded by Overgaard to authorize the Shift Differential and Standby compensation for
the Dispatch Supervisor effective 06/19/2023 – 09/30/2023, declared
carried on a voice vote.
Elizabeth Hoffman, Plum Creek Library System Director, presented an activity
update to include the following:
•The Regional Library System has 26 locations
•Weekly delivery of materials total 1,100 miles
•They funded 101 Arts and Cultural Heritage programs in 2022
•They currently have 16,673 eBooks and eAudio available
Hoffman requested a funding request for 2024 of $3,250 from each of the
nine counties that the Plum Creek Library system serves, the same amount as in
years past. The chair referred the request to the budget committee for
consideration with the 2024 budget.
The County Board was in receipt of the claims; motion by Reisch, seconded by Williamson, to approve, declared carried on a unanimous vote. A complete listing of the claims is available upon request at the Auditor/Treasurer's office. 
JUNE 20, 2023 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
ALPHA WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS CO $7,500.00 
BREMIK MATERIALS, INC   23,883.53 
C & B OPERATIONS LLC     4,658.59 
CHS INC   19,808.84 
COUNTIES PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY   6,925.00 
FLEET SERVICES DIVISION-ADMIN FMR     7,085.47 
GRAHAM TIRE-WORTHINGTON     7,031.96 
KETTERLING SERVICES INC   15,813.96 
LUVERNE FLOWERS     2,596.00 
LUVERNE/CITY OF     6,507.06 
LYON COUNTY LANDFILL   21,892.22 
MACQUEEN EQUIPMENT, INC.     2,928.72 
MIDWEST LIFT WORKS     5,583.16 
QUALITY PRINTING INC     2,958.32 
ROCK COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT 222,267.83 
ROCK COUNTY OPPORTUNITIES       2,121.17 
STAPLES ENTERPRISES INC       4,054.18 
TK ELEVATOR CORPORATION       2,539.50 
TOLLEFSON PUBLISHING       2,961.50 
TRANSOURCE TRUCK & EQUIPMENT INC     3,653.33 
WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING & ASSOC, INC     3,100.00 
63 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000             22,542.10 
     TOTAL                   $398,412.44 
Motion Thomson second Overgaard to accept the Fund Balance report as
presented, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve amendments to the Rock County Personnel Policy (Resolution No. 08-23) and Memorandums of Agreement for (3) AFSCME Council 65 Union Contracts and (1) MN Teamsters Public and Law Enforcement Local N. 320, all adding the June 19th (Juneteenth) as a paid holiday, as per MN Statutes 2022, section 10.55; 645.44, subdivision 5 and MN Laws 2023, chapter 5, section 2, effective June 19, 2023, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of the State Demographers April 2022
Census estimate, no action was taken.
Administrator provided an update on the HVAC project at human services.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following
meetings/events: AMC District meeting.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings/events:
AMC District meeting, SWCD, RCRW, and FSA Equip meeting.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings/events: 
SWCD, and a discussion with a potential wind turbine blade recycler to be scheduled
at a future meeting.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings/events: AMC
District meeting and Adult Mental Health Consortium meeting
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following
meetings/events: AMC District meeting.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting was
declared adjourn, declared carried on a voice vote.
(07-20)

Rock County Commissioners meet June 6

Rock County Commissioners meet June 6 
Herreid Board Room          9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse June 6, 2023
The meeting was called to order by Chair Thompson with all Commissioners
present. Also in attendance were County Administrator Kyle Oldre,
County Attorney Jeff Haubrich, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum, and Star-
Herald Reporter Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Reisch, to approve the June 06, 2023,
County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Burger, to approve the May 16, 2023,
County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Bonnie Christianson, University of MN Regional Extension Director, along with Sheila Steinhoff, Office Manager, Kelsey Maeschen, 4-H Youth Development Coordinator, Lindsey Vander Wal, Summer Intern presented a program activity updates and thanked the County Board for the financial support, via the Memorandum of Agreement. Student Representatives serving on the Extension Committee Justin Mente and LaNae Elbers gave testimonials of the positive skills and leadership the 4-H program has given them. The County Board thanked them for the update.
Department Heads Auditor/Treasurer Ashley Kurtz, Rural Water Systems Manager Ryan Holtz, Community Library Calla Jarvie, Land Management Office Eric Hartman, Veterans Service Officer Dave Haugom, Land Records Office Rachel Jacobs and Public Works Director/Highway Engineer Mark Sehr presented legislative updates and the local impact it will have for Rock County. No action was taken.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims and Per Diems of $900.00; motion by Williamson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve, declared carried on a
voice vote. A complete listing of the claims is available upon request at the
Auditor/Treasurer's office. 
JUNE 6, 2023 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
A & B BUSINESS INC $4,432.46
AMERICAN COMMUNICATIONS INC   3,500.00
AMERICAN LEGAL PUBLISHING CORPOR   2,636.81
BREMIK MATERIALS, INC   9,286.22
BUFFALO RIDGE CONCRETE 12,926.12
COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORTATION   7,608.44
CONCRETE CREATIONS 10,248.00
CONVERGINT TECHNOLOGIES LLC   8,717.19
COUNTIES PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY   7,175.00
DLT SOLUTIONS   4,240.70
EMERGENCY SERVICES MARKETING CO   2,415.00
HEIMAN INC.   2,084.00
HENNING CONSTRUCTION, INC   8,813.28
JOHNSON CONTROLS   496,155.45
LUVERNE/CITY OF       2,160.00
NEWMAN SIGNS INC   7,685.47
NOBLES COUNTY AUDITOR-TREASURER   6,746.49
OCV LLC   2,995.00
TRANSOURCE TRUCK & EQUIPMENT INC   3,000.00
TRUENORTH STEEL 11,506.00
58 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000           26,688.34
     TOTAL               $641,019.97
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report which reflects a fifty-percent distribution of the first half tax collection to school districts; motion by Burger, seconded by Thompson, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Auditor/Treasurer also presented a CIP Bonding update stating that the
remaining balance is $586,773.08; presented as information.
The Auditor/Treasurer stated that she is in receipt of (2) Rock Home Initiative (RHI) applications for Andrew and Natashia Kellenberger and Glenn and Dianne Lorenzen. As per policy, motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard,
to schedule a Public Hearing for July 11, 2023 at 9:05 A.M. for public comment
on the RHI tax abatement requests, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of the 2023 Appropriations listing; the listing reflects a five percent increase to Jasper, Edgerton and Rock County Ambulance service organizations. The distribution was presented as information.
JASPER AMBULANCE $5,250.00 
EDGERTON AMBULANCE $2,625.00 
ROCK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY $25,000.00 
ROCK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY $20,000.00 
SW ARTS & HUMANITIES COUNCIL $1,000.00 
LUVERNE AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
-AMBULANCE FUND $25,983.30 
SOUTHERN MN TOURISM ASSOCIATION $500.00 
GREEN EARTH PLAYERS $1,000.00 
SOUTHWEST INITIATIVE FOUNDATION $2,920.00 
LUVERNE AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 
-GENERATIONS $30,000.00 
PLEDGE (YEAR 4 OF 5)
LUVERNE AMERICAN LEGION $300.00 
HARDWICK AMERICAN LEGION $300.00 
SW MN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD $2,300.00 
HILLS AMERICAN LEGION $300.00 
PACHOLL-MOSER POST #2603 $300.00 
$117,778.30
Motion by Burger, seconded by Williamson, to approve lost warrant #10213
payable to Innovative Office Solutions LLC for the amount of $36.93, declared
carried on a voice vote.
The Chair initiated a discussion regarding voting procedures, mail ballot verses
voting in person at designated precincts.  After discussion it was determined to keep the
voting procedures the same by allowing cities and townships the choice
of utilizing mail ballots.
Eric Hartman, Land Management Office Director, presented a conditional use
permit for Henningsen Construction for the placement of a temporary asphalt plant to be located in the SW 1/4 of Section 36 in Clinton Township; the
plant would be operational in August and September. Motion by Burger, seconded
by Overgaard, to approve the conditional use permit with (7) conditions identified
on the permit, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve a contract with Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH) for consulting services for monitoring and reporting requirements for the Rock County Demolition Landfill, declared carried on a voice
vote.
Mark Sehr, Engineer, presented the following bids for SP 067-601-014
(Replace Bridge 67501 on CSAH 1 over the Kanaranzi Creek:
Prahm Construction Inc. $1,301,184.28
         Structural Specialties, Inc. $1,481,940.78
ICON Constructors, LLC $1,500,763.28
         Graves Construction Co., Inc. $1,664,559.80
         S.M. Hentges & Son, Inc. $1,849,910.55
  On a recommendation by the Engineer, motion by Overgaard, seconded
by Williamson, to accept the low compliant bid from Prahm Construction, Inc. for
$1,301,184.28, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Williamson to add the committee Luverne Initiatives For Tomorrow (LIFT) with Commissioner Thompson as the Rock County representative and the Rock County Ag Society Board with Commissioner Overgaard as the Rock County representative, declared carried on a voice vote.  Commissioner appointments for both committee and boards are eligible for per diem payments.
The Administrator led a discussion regarding the Juneteenth holiday observed on June 19, 2023.  Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 10.55; 645.44, subdivision 5 establishes Juneteenth as a state legal holiday and amended Laws 2023, chapter 5, section 2, makes the Juneteenth legal holiday effective June 19, 2023. All county offices are required to be closed to the public and cannot conduct any public transactions.  Current policies and contracts do not identify Juneteenth as a paid holiday.  After discussion, it was determined to close all county offices as per 2023 legislation, with the exception of Law Enforcement, and take no action to amend the holiday schedules at this time.
The County Board was informed that the Rock County codification project is ready to move forward with adoption; motion by Burger, seconded by Thompson, to schedule a Public Hearing to allow for public comment on the adoption of a codified general ordinances on July 11, 2023, at 9:10 A.M., in the Herreid Board meeting room of the Rock County Courthouse, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator briefly discussed repairs to the Kahler Terrace causing water
leaks in the tunnel/annex area; the bid exceeded the estimated amount of
$250,000 to repair. The Administrator requested to table the issue to allow for
additional investigation on the project.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Reisch, to initiate an Employee Health and Wellness program sponsored by the Southwest/West Central
Service Cooperative and designate Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum as the
Wellness Coordinator, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator stated that he had attended the Governor’s Emergency
Management conference, a number economic development meetings, building
issues pertaining to the Human Services Bldg and the Kahler Terrace and a
City/County Liaison meeting.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Southwest Minnesota Opportunity Council and Economic Development Authority.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following
meetings/events: n/a
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings/events:
Economic Development Authority, Solid Waste, Rural Energy, Planning
& Zoning and (2) meetings with Hardwick City officials.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following
meetings/events: Southwest Health and Human Services
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following
meetings/events: Southwest Health and Human Services, Ribbon Cutting
Ceremony of the Luverne Loop Bike Trail.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting was
declared adjourn, declared carried on a voice vote.
(07-20)

H-BC School Board meets June 26

H-BC School Board
meets June 26
Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671
Minutes
June 26, 2023
The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semi-monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the H-BC Secondary School Board room, 301 N Summit Ave, Hills, MN.
Board members and Administration present were Bosch, Gehrke,
Harnack, Helgeson, Rauk and Rozeboom. Superintendent Holthaus and
Business Manager Rozeboom were also in attendance. Principal
Kellenberger and Board member Uittenbogaard were absent.
Motion by Harnack, second by Helgeson, and carried to approve the agenda.
Visitors to the meeting were Mavis Fodness - Rock County Star Herald,
Aaron - Ehlers, Kathy Fick, Rod Bonander, Alec Bonander, Alison Breuer,
Renee Edmundson, Samantha McGaffee and Amy Comp.
Ehlers Financial presentation on Sale of 2023A Bonds.
Hearing for Miscellaneous Pay Schedule and District Fee Schedule.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES:
Building Grounds Steering- 6/21
Motion by Bosch, second by Rozeboom, and carried to approve Consent
Agenda:
-Minutes—6/12/2023
-Bills
-Imprest Cash Report
-Treasurer Report
-Student Activity Accounts Report
-Approve 2023-2024 Miscellaneous Pay Schedule
-Approve 2023-2024 District Fee Schedule
-Approve sale of 2001 School Bus to the Round Lake-Brewster School District
-Approve Membership in MN Rural Education Association
for the 2023-2024 School Year
-Approve Membership in the MN School Boards Association for the
2023-2024 School Year along with policy services.
-Designate the following as excess district property and direct the
superintendent to liquidate items: Industrial Tech Air Compressor, Secondary
Kitchen Oven, 2012 Chevrolet Impala
-Approve Lane change for Brianna Leuthold to BS +15 beginning
with the 2023-2024 School Year.
-Approve transfer of the Class of 2023 Student Account funds in the amount
of $56.75 to the School’s General Fund- Fund 01, per agreement.
Motion by Harnack, second by Bosch, and carried to approve Resolution
ratifying the issuance and sale of bonds, series 2023a, in the original
aggregate principal amount of $21,500,000, fixing their form and specifications;
directing their execution and delivery; and providing for their payment.
Motion by Helgeson, second by Bosch, and carried to approve District Budget
for fiscal year 2024 for District Revenue and Expenditures.
Motion by Rozeboom,second by Harnack, and carried to approve Resolution ratifying membership with the MN State High School League for
the 2023-2024 School Year and view MSHSL Partnership Video.
DISTRICT NON-ACTION ITEMS:
•Superintendent/Elementary Principal Report
AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Regular Board meeting, Monday, July 10
Regular Board meeting, Monday, July 24
MOVE TO CLOSE SESSION
Motion by Bosch, second by Helgeson, and carried to approve moving to close
meeting as permitted by MN Statutes, section 13D.05, subdivision 3(a) to evaluate
the performance of Todd Holthaus, District Superintendent.
RECONVENE FROM CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Harnack, second by Bosch, and carried to approve adjournment of
meeting.
Time of Adjournment: 9:21 p.m.
Tamara Rauk, Clerk
(07-20)

Rock County passes title and summary of ordinance

Rock County passes title
and summary of ordinance
Title & Summary of
An Ordinance Enacting a Code of Ordinances for the County of Rock, State of Minnesota, Revising, Amending, Restating, Codifying and Compiling Certain Existing General Ordinances of the County of Rock Dealing with Subjects Embraced in Such Code of Ordinances
1. Title of Ordinance: An Ordinance Enacting a Code of Ordinances for the County of Rock, State of Minnesota, Revising, Amending, Restating, Codifying and Compiling Certain Existing Generals Ordinances of the County of Rock
Dealing with Subjects Embraced in Such Code of Ordinances
2. Summary of Ordinance: The Ordinance provides for the compilation, revision and codification of the ordinances of Rock County into one ordinance in book form under
the following Titles:
Chapter
TITLE 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS
10. Rules of Construction; General Penalty
TITLE III: ADMINISTRATION
30. Emergency Management
31. Employee Policies
TITLE V: PUBLIC WORKS
50. Solid Waste Management
TITLE VII: TRAFFIC CODE
[Reserved]
TITLE IX: GENERAL REGULATIONS
90. Right-of-Way Management
TITLE XI: BUSINESS REGULATIONS
110. General Business Licensing; Administration
111. Food and Beverage Establishments
112. Lodging Facilities
113. Tobacco Sales and Use
114. Youth Camps
115. Public Swimming Pools
116. Adult Entertainment
117. Transient Merchants
118. Hemp-Derived Products
TITLE XIII: GENERAL OFFENSES
130. Clandestine Drug Lab Sites
TITLE XV: LAND USAGE
150. Subsurface Sewage Treatment
151. Manufactured Homes Parks; Recreational Camping Areas
152. Riparian Buffers
153. Planning and Zoning
TABLE OF SPECIAL ORDINANCES
[Reserved]
PARALLEL REFERENCES
References to Minnesota Statutes
References to Ordinances
INDEX
3. Availability of Ordinance: A complete printed copy of this Ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular business hours in the office of the County Administrator located at 204 East Brown, Luverne, Minnesota 56156. This Ordinance was passed by the Board of Commissioners of the County of Rock on the 11th day of July, 2023, and shall become effective seven (7) days after the date of publication or August 1, 2023, whichever is later
/s/: Sherri Thompson
Chair, Rock County Board of Commissioners
ATTEST:
/s/: Kyle J. Oldre
Rock County Administrator

Luverne celebrates 61st annual Hot Dog Night

A passing thunderstorm hurried activities along Thursday night, July 13, for the 61st annual Hot Dog Night. The annual wiener dog race was ended about 7:30 p.m. as light rain fell for a short time along Main Street Luverne. Evening activities were delayed but resumed in cooler temperatures.

Rock County Fair 2023 is next week

The 2023 Rock County Fair kicks off in Luverne on Wednesday, July 26, and continues through Saturday, July 29. 
The annual event continues to grow each year with entertainment, 4-H exhibits, food, education programs, rides, racing, concerts and much more, according to Rock County Ag Society President Lee Sells. 
“We are always trying to offer as much free entertainment as possible to make the fair as fun as it can be for the most people,” he said.
“We have been busy planning events, looking for new ones, and inviting favorites back to this year’s four-day event. As a result, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone.”
Admission to the Rock County fair is free. 
See the 2023 Fair Preview special edition in this week’s newspaper for much more information about this year’s fair. 
Grandstand events include Celebrity Donkey Races Wednesday night and tractor pulls on Thursday night.
The Friday night grandstand lineup features the new Ag Olympics and Kiss the Pig followed by the Undercover Band.
The popular enduro races return to the grandstand oval track Saturday night. 
Midway and carnival rides will be open Wednesday and Thursday at 5 p.m., Friday at 3 p.m., and at noon on Saturday. 
Commercial buildings are open from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.
The 4-H building is open from 1 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
The Ida Reverts Floral Hall is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
“We really encourage people to come down multiple days,” Sells said.
“There is different entertainment and shows throughout the grounds each day so you’ll see something new every time you come.”

Capturing her creativity

Hills resident Jessica Martens was uncertain which of her three interests she wanted to turn into a business — so she chose all three.
Her business, “The Studio on Main St.,” celebrated its grand opening July 12.
Located on Main Street of Hills, Martens’ business features a hair salon and spa, a photography studio, and a place for piano lessons.
“What I realized about my love for all of these is that it’s the creativity that I really enjoy,” she said.
A year ago, the Sioux Falls native moved with her husband, Jason, to be closer to his family in Hills.
They have four children ages 2 to 11.
“What we’ve learned through our journey is that we longed to get back to a small town,” she said.
Martens first began turning her artistic talents into a for-profit business when she began teaching piano lessons at age 16.
After graduating from high school, she used the proceeds from the piano lessons to attend Stewart’s School of Cosmetology.
The two-year degree in cosmetology led her to rent a booth for six years until she added a degree in music in ministry from the University of Sioux Falls.
After two years at USF, she met her husband and the two married in 2016.
They moved to Salem and led worship services for a local church before moving to Hills.
Among her enjoyments over the years has been photography.
She first started taking pictures for herself and gradually added family and friends.
Martens’ business specializes in portrait photography (families, seniors, individuals), business branding and professional headshots.
Her business combines all three creative activities into “your one-stop shop for creative services.”
Martens said her primary focus is the salon, which is open four days a week.
Fridays and weekends are reserved for the natural light photo shoots and piano lessons.
Appointments can be made on her business website, www.thestudioonmainst.com
Martens intends to keep her salon as a one-person operation but has brought in massage therapist Rosa Mitchell, who is also an eyelash technician.
“For now it is just me in the salon,” Martens said. “I want to create a relaxing environment where I can listen to the customer in a quiet, calm atmosphere.”
In the future, she said she plans to expand in her existing building by establishing a community room that can also be used by the public.
Her own plans for the community room involve offering various classes involving creativity.
“What I love about the services I provide is that they allow time and space for genuine communication, relationship building and rejuvenation,” she said.

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