ISD #2184 School Board
meets May 25 
MINUTES OF 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 May 25, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
The following members were present:  Michael DeBates, Eric Hartman, Tim Jarchow, Zach Nolz, Randy Sasker, and David Wrigg.  Absent:  Ryan DeBates.  Also present:  Craig Oftedahl, Tyler Reisch, Ryan Johnson, Stacy Gillette, Becky Rahm, Marie Atkinson-Smeins, Patrick Kroski, Averill Sehr, and Mavis Fodness - Rock County Star Herald.  
Chairperson Tim Jarchow opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by Zach Nolz, to approve the agenda
as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Elementary Counselor Marie Atkinson-Smeins reviewed her program
curriculum, goals, and projects for the past school year.
Administrative reports were given.
Motion made by David Wrigg, second by Eric Hartman, to approve the April 27, 2023, school board meeting minutes as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by David Wrigg, second by Randy Sasker, to accept
the following donations:
American Legion Luverne - $1000 for School Patrol
American Legion Auxiliary Luverne - $1000 for School Patrol
Donors Choose - Let’s Go Math project for Molly Carbonneau’s classroom
Security Savings Bank - $300 for state track meet
Professional Ag Marketing, Inc. - $300 for Business Professionals of 
America
Motion unanimously carried.
Business Manager Tyler Reisch reviewed the bills with the School Board. Motion made by Michael DeBates, second by Zach Nolz, to approve payment of the Student Activity and District bills as presented in the amount of $875,820.85 with payroll in the amount of $1,045,127.62 for a total of $1,921,948.47. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by David Wrigg, second by Zach Nolz, to receive the Student Activity report showing the balances as of April 30, 2023.  Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by David Wrigg, to approve the following
summer curriculum work: 18 teachers for 16 hours each to review new elementary reading
curriculum, implementation, and Science of Reading training; 20 teachers for 16 hours
each to review elementary writing curriculum for implementation; and 18 teachers
for 4 hours each to review new elementary science standards and mapping
of curriculum. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by Zach Nolz, to set the date for fuel quotations to be received by July 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.  Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by David Wrigg, second by Michael DeBates, to approve
the Resolution for Membership in the Minnesota State High School League
for the 2023-2024 school year. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Randy Sasker, second by Eric Hartman, to approve
the following revised policies:
Policy 603 - Curriculum Development; Policy 604 - Instructional Curriculum; and Policy 417 - Chemical Use and Abuse.  The changes to these policies were in accordance with the recommendations from the Minnesota School Board Association and have been reviewed by the Policy Committee. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Michael DeBates, second by Eric Hartman, to approve the 2023-2024 Student Accident Insurance with Student Assurance Services. This is a supplemental insurance that is paid for by individual families. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Randy Sasker, second by David Wrigg, to approve the 2023-2024 School Board meeting schedule as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Tyler Reisch reviewed the Pay Equity Compliance report with the School Board members.  The School District did pass all of the pay equity tests.  This report is required to be submitted to the State every 3 years. Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by David Wrigg, to approve the report as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Randy Sasker, second by David Wrigg, to accept the resignation
of Danielle Ganun, Paraprofessional, effective May 31, 2023. Motion unanimously
carried.
Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by Michael DeBates, to accept the
resignation of Caroline Thorson as Prom Advisor effective May 31, 2023.
Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by David Wrigg, second by Zach Nolz, to accept the resignation of Jennifer Radtke as Prom Advisor effective May 31, 2023. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Zach Nolz, second by Michael DeBates, to accept the retirement
of Deborah Kneip, Paraprofessional, effective May 31, 2023.  Motion unanimously
carried.
Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by David Wrigg, to accept the resignation of Ardell VanWettering, Custodian, effective May 16, 2023. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Zach Nolz, second by Randy Sasker, to approve the hiring of Skyler Wenninger as Physical Education and Health teacher beginning with the 2023-2024 school year for a salary of $49,989.00. Motion unanimously carried.
Committee reports were given. 
The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed. Motion made by Eric Hartman, second by Zach Nolz, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried.
Dated: May 25, 2023 David Wrigg, Clerk
(06-29)

Rock County considers
ordinance at hearing July 11
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
ON ORDINANCE REVISING, AMENDING, RESTATING AND CODIFYING
ROCK COUNTY ORDINANCES
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Rock County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing at 9:10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at the Herreid Commissioner’s Board Room, Rock County Courthouse, 204 East Brown Street, Luverne, Minnesota 56156 to consider the adoption of an Ordinance Revising, Restating, Codifying and Compiling Certain Existing Ordinances.  The subject matter and general purpose of the proposed ordinance is to  revise, amend, restate and codify county ordinances with the following titles:
1. General Provisions
2. Administration
3. Public Works
4. Traffic Code
5. General Regulations
6. Business Regulations
7. General Offenses
8. Land Usage
A complete copy of the proposed Ordinance is available at the office of the Rock County Administrator, Rock County Courthouse, 204 East Brown Street, Luverne, Minnesota.  All persons desiring to be heard should appear at the hearing or present written comments to be presented at the hearing by delivering the same to the Rock County Administrator.
Dated this 23rd day of June, 2023.
County of Rock              By /s/ Kyle J. Oldre Kyle J. Oldre, Its County Administrator
(06-29, 07-06)

Montana Handy Man
assumes name
Minnesota secretary of state 
Certificate of assumed name
MINNESOTA STATUTES, CHAPTER 333
The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable consumers to be able to identify the true ownership of a business.
ASSUMED NAME: Montana Handy Man
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS:
118 E. Luverne Street, Apt. 5, Luverne, MN 56156 USA
NAMEHOLDER(S):
Name: Adam Egdorf
Address: 118 E. Luverne Street, Apt. 5, Luverne, MN 56156 USA
If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment.
By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. 
Signature: /s/ Adam Egdorf
EMAIL ADDRESS FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: onlinefilings@legalzoom.com
(06-29, 07-06)

Nearly 200 children and their parents flocked to the Luverne City Park Monday night for “Squeals and Wheels,” a free summer activity coordinated by the Luverne Area Chamber. The event encouraged families to “bike, ride, walk or skate” to the park to visit animal friends from Tracy Area Animal Rescue and local 4-H families, the Raaks and Luitjens.

Twenty-two residents attended a June 20 open house that provided information about a proposed multifamily housing development in southwest Luverne. 
The event was hosted by the Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (SMHP). 
“We had a mix of neighbors, business owners, bankers, government officials and more attend the open house,” said SMHP Director of Real Estate and Community Development Jen Theneman. 
Attendees were able to see conceptual drawings of the townhomes, learn details about the proposed unit options, ask questions, provide feedback and gather information about the next steps in the process. 
The proposed development includes 30 units of two-, three- or four-bedroom, two-story townhomes with attached garages and in-unit laundry.
The four-bedroom units will have double garages and the remaining units will have single garages. 
The proposed development, located in the Sybesma addition in southwestern Luverne, would have a single access from County Highway 4. 
“We felt that the conversations were very positive of the look and purpose of the project, and in general supportive of this additional housing option in the community,” Theneman said. 
Some of the questions asked by neighbors involved access from current residential streets in the area, the potential for truck traffic and an overall increase in traffic, and the impact of the project on the value of nearby homes. 
“Our answer was that any development, especially when well-maintained, can add to the area,” Theneman said. 
“Our existing property, Rock Creek Townhomes to the east, was mentioned as a positive project in the neighborhood which has not had any negative impact.”
Potential rental rates were also questioned at the open house. 
“We are still finalizing the rates but plan to make them affordable for households in the 80-percent area median income bracket and less, while also ensuring quality-built homes and well-maintained lawns, streets and play areas,” Theneman said. 
According to the SMHP, the next step for the proposal is to submit the project to the Minnesota Housing Consolidated Request for Proposal for funding in 2024, which is due mid-July.
The request for funding will include design, budgets, letters of support and financial contributions from the city of Luverne, area businesses and the SMHP contribution. 
“We anticipate that we would hear from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency by the end of 2023 if we receive the grant award,” Theneman said. 
“If approved, we would finalize partnerships with all of the entities and plan to break ground in summer or fall of 2024 with completion anticipated in 2025,” she said.
“If the project is not funded in this competitive round, we would plan to continue to gather support for the project and resubmit in Summer 2024.”
Overall, SMHP officials were pleased with the open house and the support they are receiving for the proposed project in the community. 
“We have worked with the city of Luverne many times over the past 30 years and continue to be impressed by their foresight and willingness to explore options,” Theneman said.
“We were also pleased to see many people interested in this project and the opportunity to hear their feedback.”

The former Bluestem restaurant south of I-90 in Luverne will become The Bullpen later this summer, after the Hoiland family closed the Bluestem restaurant in 2020 amid the pandemic.
Bullpen owners Ryan Bullerman and Dave Halverson bought the property from Staples Enterprises, which also owns the BP gas station and convenience store across the interstate to the north.
“We’re excited about it,” said Bullerman, who said the establishment will have a sports bar theme and will specialize in burgers and steaks.
“We talked to a lot of people in town about what’s needed here. We want to keep it simple at first with just a place to grab a burger and catch a game on TV.”
Bullerman lives near Hardwick with his wife, Brandee (Scott) and their children. He is part owner of Key Largo on Lake Shetek and recently sold VanBully’s sports bar in Iona.
“It will be nice doing something in the community in the town where we live,” he said.
Halverson lives in Brandon where he’s managed Tailgator’s Sports Bar for nine years. He formerly operated Sharkee’s restaurant and sports bar in Luverne before it closed in 2014.
“It’ll be something fun,” Halverson said about Bullerman approaching him for the partnership.
“It’s good to be back in Luverne. I always liked it here.”
He will continue managing Tailgator’s in Brandon.
He and Bullerman said they are still working out business hours and days of operation but said they’re hoping to offer breakfasts and Sunday brunches.
“It will depend on what we can line up for help,” Bullerman said.
He said the building won’t need many modifications or renovations other than rebranding.
“A lot of the equipment is in there yet,” Bullerman said.
The Bullpen name is a nod to the first part of the Bullerman name and also to the Scott family interest in professional bucking bulls.
Skyler Hoiland and his family operated the Bluestem from 2012 to 2020.
Prior to that, the property housed the iconic Magnolia Steakhouse under the Dispanet family ownership from 1988 to 2009.

The city of Hardwick showed off its park improvements Friday night, celebrating with a special dedication and free community meal.
“These projects have revitalized our park and brought new energy into our community,” said Alice Hansen, improvement committee member and Hardwick resident.
“The park’s usage has increased this summer, and we are sure it’s going to be a family favorite for years to come.”
The city received a $10,000 grant from the Minnesota River Area on Aging for the age-friendly community project, with additional financial support from the Hardwick American Legion Post and the city itself.
Improvements include:
•a sidewalk linking the picnic shelter with the restrooms.
•raised toilets, grab bars and a skid-proof epoxy floor in restrooms.
•a pickle ball court created from a portion of the existing basketball court.
•a bucket swing added to the playground along with a gaga pit.
• two additional park benches.
“Even an exercise class is being held in Hardwick twice a week,” Hansen said.
In addition to Hansen, committee members include Joan Kindt, Tammy Johnson and Lorna Bryan.

For the ninth consecutive year, The Lake in Luverne will be the site of the community's Independence Day celebration Tuesday. 
The always popular, day-long event will again start with a triathlon and include food trucks, beer garden, music and inflatables throughout the day. 
A bean bag tournament and log rolling, hula hoop, limbo and tug-of-war contests are also planned throughout the afternoon. 
Bingo and a live band are scheduled for the evening before the main draw of the day, a huge fireworks display, beginning at 10 p.m. 
“It’s a true community event,” said Mike Davis, who along with his wife, Traci, owns the buildings and campground adjacent to The Lake. They have helped organize the July 4 celebration since it began in 2015. Fireworks joined the lineup in 2016.
“And none of it could happen without all of the businesses and people who sponsor it,” Davis said. “The sponsors and volunteers deserve all the credit. They make it possible.”
According to Davis, the event costs about $15,000 to put on, including about $10,000 for the fireworks.
“It’s not a cheap day,” he said.
“Some people just think the city pays for it all, and they do help a lot with in-kind donations, but the actual cost of the day is paid by donations from individuals and businesses large and small.”
While most attendees won’t notice the changes, this year the responsibilities for organizing and funding the July 4 celebration are with a new group called Luverne Lake Events.
For the first eight years of the event, the Luverne Convention and Visitors Bureau and Luverne Area Chamber were involved in the leadership of the event. 
Now the Davises, along with about 20 other individuals who have been serving on the committee for years, have formed the separate group to organize the July 4 event as well as other events at The Lake. 
“This event has really grown, and we have learned a lot from working with the CVB and Chamber, who have helped us out a lot,” Davis said. 
“But we felt like we were ready to take on the planning ourselves now,” Davis said. “We have a great group that’s worked well together for years so people won’t even notice the difference.”
The Luverne Area Community Foundation (LACF) is now the fiscal host for all donations that are made for the July 4 celebration.
“We let the people who know how to handle the money take care of that part,” Davis said.
According to LACF Director Emily Crabtree, Luverne Lake Events fits into the mission of the local foundation perfectly. 
“LACF is in the business of supporting the needs of our community, including events that draw people together,” Crabtree said. 
“We hope that being the fiscal host for Luverne Lake Events provides a charitable option for any person or business to consider donating.”
In the end, the Luverne Lake Events committee knows it’s the beach, community feel, and especially the fireworks that draw thousands to The Lake on July 4 each year. 
“Everybody loves it and just steps up,” Davis said. “The city crews, fire department, volunteers, sponsors … everybody just makes it happen.”

Minnesota Department of Transportation officials won’t require Luverne Public Schools to remove landscaping that encroaches in the Highway 75 right of way.
Instead, the School Board Thursday night approved a resolution for a 10-year limited use permit, which allows the district to keep the landscaping as is.
According to business manager Tyler Reisch, there are no fees associated with the permit.
In May, district officials received a letter stating the school district had 60 days to remove the landscaping and ADA ramp located east of the existing tennis courts.
Under the 10-year limited use permit, the district would maintain the area with the permit reviewed every 10 years.
The flower and shrub landscaping and ADA accessible ramp were constructed in 2008.
In other business at the June 22 meeting, school board members:
•accepted the retirement of elementary teacher Cathy Rust. Rust taught in the district for 44 years.
•increased the adult food service prices by 50 cents. Breakfast will now be $3.50 per meal and lunch is $5.50.
•approved transportation rate-of-pay increases. The regular and out-of-town routes increased $1 and are now $100 per day with half-day routes $50. Activity trips were increased $1 per hour to $18 per hour and the daily overnight rate increased $5 per day to $135 per day.
•increased the rate of pay for housekeepers by $1 to $16 per hour. Two-hour food service workers’ rate of pay is now $15.50 per hour, an increase of 57 cents.