Luverne High School speech team will take a sixth-place team finish into next week’s Big South Tournament on Thursday, March 16.
They will follow that with an invitational appearance at Russell-Tyler-Ruthton on March 18.
The team competed at Montevideo on March 4.
Results were as follows:
•Original oratory: Roselynn Hartshorn, fourth; William Johnson, ribbon.
•Creative expression: Brianna Kinsinger, sixth.
•Great speeches: Nora Louwagie, fifth.
•Extemporaneous speaking: Parker Carbonneau, second; Zander Carbonneau, third.
•Informative speeches: Jessika Tunnissen, second.
•Discussion: Cassi Chesley, second.

David Davis
David M. Davis was born July 18, 1951, to Eva E. and Louis S. Davis in Luverne, Minnesota. He died March 1, 2023, in Ocala, Florida.
David began life on the farm north of Beaver Creek, Minnesota, and spent his pre-school and early grade school days as a farm boy riding the family horse, Baldy, many miles and began his love for horses. He could ride bareback almost before he could walk and used the trick of jumping on the horse’s neck when feeding to obtain the riding position.
In 1960 Dave’s dad sold out and moved the family to Luverne, where he bought a restaurant. Dave, at about 9 years of age, sought ways to be near the horse, or any horse, and discovered a small farm with horses near town. It belonged to Burdell Rowe, and soon Dave had a job of sorts cleaning stalls and fitting horses. He made enough money to buy his first horse which he proceeded to fit, train and show with the tutelage of Mr. Rowe. Dave took the horse to his first show, a small 4-H show, and won first place. He was forever lost to the horse world.
Throughout high school and beyond, he could be found at the Rowe ranch, riding, training and learning from an accomplished horse trainer, a man with high standards and impeccable judgment. Also, there were the Rowe children, Joe and Shirley, and Dave became as a member of the family as well as lifelong friends.
After graduating from Luverne High School in 1969, Dave was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably with a tour in Vietnam. Upon his discharge from the Army and his return, he once again heard the call to the only thing he knew this well and desired to not just continue, but excel to his perfection standards. Thus began Dave’s professional career as a horse trainer and breeder.
Dave soaked up equestrian genealogy and pedigree information like a sponge and ultimately became an encyclopedia of knowledge unimaginable in depth and accuracy.
Throughout the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, Dave trained countless horses in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois, and ultimately he settled in Florida about 2003, training at various ranches, and finally in 2019 his dream of having his own place became a reality.
Moreover, his dream of obtaining the best horses to breed and sire that he could became a goal being realized. It was here that he had finally collected a small group of brood mares with the most desired blood lines and all the existing frozen semen of a World Champion Quarter Horse named Investment Asset. He began his breeding program, achieving his desired results. The first year’s offspring were exacting in features, composition and temperament and were as perfect as Dave had planned for.
In addition, Dave acquired the remaining semen of another Champion stallion directly related to Investment Asset, named Absolute Investment. These two horses were to be the foundation of Dave’s breeding program, and with the quality mares he had collected, he expected to produce more very successful show horses and thus had all the ingredients to expect them to achieve World Class Championship status.
Sadly, although some results have been successfully well underway with four two-year-olds and three yearlings on the ground, Dave’s life was cut short far too soon, and World Champion status is yet to be realized.
BUT … stay tuned … these offspring will undoubtedly be heard of in future years and will continue the legacy begun and produced by David M. Davis, Horse Trainer.
(0309 V)

Gary Francis Mensen, 75, of Lubbock, Texas, died Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, surrounded by his family.
A memorial service was at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. A graveside service followed at Resthaven Memorial Park.
Gary Mensen was born on Nov. 30, 1947, in Ashton, Iowa, to Alphonse and Anna Marie Mensen. He grew up in Wilmont throughout his elementary school years and later moved to Adrian, where he graduated from Adrian High School in 1965. After graduation Gary worked for the highway department and eventually moved on to work at Terrace Park Dairy.
Gary married Barb on July 26, 1969, in Luverne. In 1976 the family moved to Independence, Missouri, where Gary ran his own milk route. In 1978 Gary took a route salesman position for Schwan's in Garden City, Kansas, which later brought him to Canyon, Texas, in 1981. Gary and Barb moved to Lubbock in 2001.
In November of 2018, Gary was diagnosed with myelofibrosis. In May of 2019, Gary and Barb temporarily moved to Dallas, Texas, where Gary received cancer treatment at Baylor, Scott and White. On June 6, 2019, Gary underwent a stem cell transplant made possible by a generous donor from Germany.
In January of 2020, Gary and Barb returned to Lubbock, Texas, where he continued his cancer treatment until March of 2020. In the fall of 2022 the cancer returned. Barb was at his side throughout his journey with cancer.
Gary was a member of Saint Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Lubbock. He served in the Catholic church throughout his life. His perseverance and unwavering faith in God were truly admirable.
Gary joined the Knights of Columbus in 1977 as a 3rd degree Knight. Gary enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Gary was known for his witty jokes and making everyone laugh. He had a caring and outgoing personality.
Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara Mensen; three children, Brad (Niki) Mensen of Lubbock, Brian (Stephanie) Mensen of Amarillo, Texas, and Jennifer (Craig) Payne of Lubbock; eight grandchildren, Savanna (Michael) Norman of Amarillo, Skylar Mensen and Tory of Amarillo, Morgen Williamson and her husband Jacob Carrasco of Lubbock, Seth (Caitlin) Williamson of College Station, Texas, Alisen Mallory (Dre) of Amarillo, Alyssa (Kevin) Shoemaker of Lubbock, Kirstie Mensen of Gaffney, South Carolina, and Courtney Payne and Riley Smythe of Lubbock; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings Mike (Karen) Mensen of Luverne, Clara (Ron) Arends of Magnolia, Frances (Roger) Reese of Bridgewater, South Dakota, Colleta (Patrick) Metz of Adrian and Margaret (Lyle) Recker of Sherburn; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; a sister, Pat Emich; and four angel babies.
Arrangements were provided by Sanders Funeral Home of Lubbock, Texas, sandersfuneralhome.com.
(0309 F)

Baustian named to dean’s list at St. Catherine

Claire Baustian, a graduate of Luverne High School, has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2022 semester at St. Catherine University in St. Paul. To be named, students must achieve a GPA of 3.667 or higher on a 4.o scale.
Claire is a first-year student majoring in nursing and is the daughter of Pat and Katie Baustian of Luverne.
 
Huisman on president’s list at Bemidji
Anna Huisman, Luverne, was named to the president’s list at Bemidji State University in Bemidji for the Fall 2022 semester. To be eligible, students must earn at least 12 credits with a 4.0 GPA.

St. Catherine Catholic Church
203 E. Brown St., Luverne
St. Catherine Ph. 283-8502; www.stscl.org
Monsignor Gerald Kosse, Pastor
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Mass. Public Mass will be celebrated at FULL capacity in the church. Masses: 9 a.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Friday at the nursing homes – check the bulletin. All Sunday masses will be live streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pg/stccluverne/videos/. Visit www.stscl.org for more information.
 
Luverne Christian Reformed Church
605 N. Estey St., Luverne
Office Ph. 283-8482; Prayer Line Ph. 449-5982
www.luvernecrc.com — office@luvernecrc.com
Joe Steenholdt, Pastor
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Worship service. 6:30 p.m. Evening worship service. We are streaming Sunday services live on YouTube at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Send him a friend request if you’re not connected. You may also visit our website for delayed broadcasts. Also our services are on local cable TV at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. In all circumstances, may we joyfully declare: “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:8.
 
First Baptist Church
103 N. Jackson St., P.O. Box 975, Luverne
Ph. 283-4091; email: fbcluv@iw.net — www.fbcluverne.org
Walt Moser, Pastor
Sundays: 10:30 a.m. In-person worship service. Service is also on Facebook Live at 10:30 a.m.
 
Grace Lutheran Church
500 N. Kniss Ave., Luverne
Ph. 507-283-4431; www.graceluverne.org — graceluverne@iw.net
Dave Christenson, Interim Pastor
Thursday, March 9: 8:30 a.m. Missions in Action. Sunday, March 12: 9 a.m. Worship Service. 10 a.m. Fellowship Coffee. 10 a.m. Sunday School and Drums. 10 a.m. 5th Grade First Communion class. 4 p.m. MS/HS Youth Gameshow Showdown. 5 p.m. Transitional Task Force meeting. Tuesday, March 14: 9 a.m. Staff meeting. 6:45 p.m. Ministry meetings. 8 p.m. PPC meeting. Wednesday, March 15: 7 a.m. Men’s Bible Study. 5-6:30 p.m. Lenten supper. 6:45 p.m. Lenten Service. Online, TV and Radio Worship options are available. Online worship: Sundays 9 a.m. at www.graceluverne.org, click Worship tab; or Facebook page at Grace Lutheran ELCA, Luverne. TV: Vast Channel 3 Mondays at 4:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. Radio: KQAD-AM Radio Sundays at 8:15 a.m.
 
Bethany Lutheran Church
720 N. Kniss Ave., Luverne
Ph. 507-283-4571 or 605-215-9834
Andrew Palmquist, Pastor
Sundays: 9 a.m. Sunday School and Bible class. 10:15 a.m. Worship service; worship online as well (at els.org). Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Zoom Bible study. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Lenten Vespers. See our Facebook page, Bethany Lutheran Church (Luverne) for other classes and events.
 
American Reformed Church
304 N. Fairview Dr., Luverne
Ph. 507-283-8600; email: office@arcluverne.org
Friday, March 10: 6:30 a.m. Community Men’s Bible Study. Sunday, March 12: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service. 10:50 a.m. Sunday School. 11 a.m. Pancake Breakfast. Tuesday, March 14: 12 p.m. Staff meeting. 7 p.m. Consistory meeting. Wednesday, March 15: 5:30 p.m. Midweek meal. 6:30 p.m. Pioneer Clubs and Youth Groups. Thursday, March 16: 9 a.m. Cookie Crew. CommServices are also broadcast on Vast Channel 3 on Mondays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 4 p.m. DVD’s available upon request. To stay up to date on announcements, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @arcluverne.
 
Rock River Community Church
1075 110th Ave., Luverne
Ph. 507-283-9070; email: info@rockrivercommunity.church
Bob Junak, Pastor
Come as you are—Sundays @ 10 a.m.: Main Service. Kids church age 3-6th grade—Nursery. Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. Midweek Service—Kids age 3-6th grade.
 
United Methodist Church
109 N. Freeman Ave., Luverne
Ph. 283-4529
Saturday, March 11: 8 p.m. AA meeting. Sunday, March 12: 9:30 a.m. Adult Sunday school. 10:30 a.m. Worship Service. Prayer Warriors after service. 4:30 p.m. Genesis/Revelation Bible Study. Monday, March 13: 6:30 p.m. Genesis to Revelation Bible Study. Tuesday, March 14: 1:30 p.m. Sewn in Faith. 6 p.m. Teacher’s meeting. 7 p.m. Scouts. Wednesday, March 15: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Prayer Chapel. 6:15 p.m. FUEL. 6:30 p.m. Confirmation. 7 p.m. Lenten Service at United Methodist. 8 p.m. AA meeting. Live streamed on Facebook and radio.
 
First Presbyterian Church
302 Central Lane, Luverne
Ph. 283-4787; email: Firstpc@iw.net
Sundays: 9 a.m. Adult Sunday school. 10:15 a.m. Worship service. Youth Sunday school during worship service. In-person Worship service and live on Facebook. Our Facebook page can be found under First Presbyterian Church of Luverne. We are also on the local Luverne cable station at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and 10 a.m. on Thursdays.
 
St. John Lutheran Church
803 N. Cedar St., Luverne
Ph. 283-2316; email: stjohn@iw.net
www.stjohnlutheranluverne.org
Saturdays: 5:30 p.m. Worship Service. Sundays: 9 a.m. Worship Service. 10 a.m. Fellowship Time. 10:15 a.m. Sunday School. 10:15 a.m. Adult Bible Study. Wednesdays: 9 a.m. Bible Study. 6:30 p.m. Catechesis Class. 6:30 p.m. Kids for Christ. 7:30 p.m. Youth Group. Services will be available on the Vast Channel 3 Sunday and online at the city website, cityofluverne.org. Holy Communion is offered on 2nd and 4th weekends and Liturgical Feasts.
 
Living Rock Church
500 E. Main St., Luverne
Ph. 449-0057; www.livingrockswmn.org
Josh Hayden, Pastor
 
New Life Celebration Church
101 W. Maple, Luverne
Ph. (605) 368-1924; email: newlifecelebration@gmail.com
 
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
305 E. 2nd St., P.O. Box 36, Hardwick
Ph. (507) 669-2855; zionoffice@alliancecom.net
Jesse Baker, Pastor
Sundays: 9 a.m. Worship service. 10:15 a.m. Sunday School. 10:30 a.m. Bible study. Worship service on Luverne cable at 3:30 p.m. every Thursday and Friday.
 
Ben Clare United Methodist Church
26762 Ben Clare Ave., Valley Springs, S.D.
igtwlb@WOW.net
Bill Bates, Pastor
 
First Lutheran Church
300 Maple St., Valley Springs, S.D.
Ph. (605) 757-6662 – firstpalisade@alliancecom.net
Mark Eliason, Pastor
Sunday, March 12: 10:30 a.m. Worship at First Lutheran Church. 9:30 a.m. Sunday School. Wednesday, March 15: 7 p.m. Lenten Service at Palisade Lutheran Church. All are welcome. We Are ONLINE! Facebook: @FirstLutheranValley Springs; YouTube: FirstPalisadeLutheranParish.
 
Palisade Lutheran Church
211 121st St., Garretson, S.D.
Ph. (507) 597-6257 — palisadechurch@alliancecom.net
www.palisadelutheran.org
Thursday, March 9: 1:30 p.m. Palisade WELCA meeting. 7 p.m. Palisade Council meeting. Sunday, March 12: 9 a.m. Worship Service at Palisade Lutheran Church. 10 a.m. Sunday School. Wednesday, March 15: 7 p.m. Lenten service at Palisade Lutheran Church. We Are ONLINE! Facebook: @PalisadeLC; YouTube: FirstPalisadeLutheranParish.
 
First Presbyterian Church
201 S. 3rd St., P.O Box 73, Beaver Creek
Ph. 507-935-5025
email: lori.firstpres@gmail.com
Sundays: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service. Second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. Session meeting.
 
Magnolia United Methodist Church
501 E. Luverne St., Magnolia
Ph. 605-215-3429
email: magnoliamnumc@gmail.com
Nancy Manning, Pastor
Sundays: 9 a.m., in-person with livestream available on the church’s Facebook site.
 
Steen Reformed Church
112 W. Church Ave., Steen
Ph. 855-2336
Jeremy Wiersema, Pastor
Sundays: 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Worship service in-person with livestream available on Facebook and YouTube. Radio worship on KQAD Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
 
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
112 N. Main St., Hills
Ph. 962-3270 / bethlehemofhills@gmail.com
Nita Parker, Pastor
Sundays: 9 a.m. Worship at Tuff Chapel. 9 a.m. Sunday school. 10 a.m. Worship Service. Worship will be streamed live to Facebook at Bethlehem of Hills. You can find more info on our website blchills.org.
 
Hills United Reformed Church
410 S. Central Ave., Hills
Office Ph. 962-3254
hillsurc@alliancecom.net
Alan Camarigg, Pastor

It’s happening beneath the surface, even if it’s hard to see now.
You are likely familiar with the adage, “If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb.” I would imagine that is the hope of many of us, as March still feels very much like winter with the decent snowpack on the ground. With the forecast of additional wintery accumulation, one would not be out of order to ask, “Will spring ever come?”
Yet we know that it will. It always does. Spring always follows winter, summer follows spring, fall follows summer, and the seasons come and go every year. The length, intensity, and roller coaster ride of each one can vary, of course, but we can rely on the regular pattern of the four seasons.
It is helpful to remember these objective realities when this winter, in particular, may be testing patience to see sprouts of life emerge from the soil. So, I have often wondered what the purpose of winter was for the natural world. Spring, summer, and fall are easier to see what is happening with times of planting, growth, and harvest. But what grows in the winter?
While the trees and perennial plants around our yard are not doing much in their current state, there is more than meets the eye. First, the excess sugars made during the summer are concentrated in the plant’s cells, which work like antifreeze to keep water from damaging the cells when it freezes. Second, the roots below the ground are still developing and storing starches until warmer weather returns.
The Bible uses many illustrations from both agriculture and horticulture. In one instance, in part of Jesus’s last discourse with his disciples before going to the cross, he points to the hills of vineyards. He tells his disciples that he is the vine and they are the branches (John 15:5). He tells them that if they abide in him and his words and teachings, they will bear fruit.
Now there may be times like harvest when your life is filled with good fruit and obvious blessings you share with others. But what about those seasons of hardship that seem to stifle the growth or change you want and feel like winter?
Paul also uses horticultural language for God’s work of bringing in new believers in Romans 11, which is like grafting branches into a healthy olive tree. He reminds the new believers that they are the branches and solely rely on the root of God’s grace. “You do not support the root, but the root supports you.” (Rom. 11:18b). God is the source and foundation.
Many of the changes and growth in our lives will not always be noticeable or immediate. So when facing difficult seasons, trust the deep roots of God’s eternal promises found throughout the Bible. Like knowing spring will follow winter, we are also assured around this time of year that Easter follows Good Friday.

Two outstanding Luverne sophomore gymnasts competed at the state gymnastics individual tournament at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul Saturday, Feb. 25.
“I’m very proud of the girls’ performances at state. I thought they did a great job,” head coach Phoebe Flom said.  “It’s a lot of pressure to go up against the best of the best.”
Sophomore Ella Reisdorfer made her fourth appearance at the state tournament, and it was her second consecutive year competing in the all-around competition.
Sophomore Amira Cowell competed in her second state gymnastics tournament.
“Ella and Amira should both be very proud of their performance at state and of their season as a whole,” Flom said.
“I can’t believe it’s over; it seems to have flown by so fast. We had such a cohesive group of girls who just made the whole season a dream. … We accomplished all of our goals so I would say it was a success. I’m already looking forward to next year.”
Reisdorfer’s all-around score Saturday was 34.337 placing her 24th overall and beating her 2022 all-around score of 32.950.
In the vault she scored a 9.250, up from last year’s 8.900, and on the bars she scored a 7.975, up from last year’s 7.125.
Reisdorfer has competed in the bars event for the past four years. In 2021 she posted a bar score of 8.900 and in 2020 she scored a 7.875.
On the balance beam her 8.950 was a significant bump over her 7.775 beam score last year.
On the floor Reisdorfer tried a few new skills and scored an 8.125, down from last year’s 9.150.
“I know Ella was disappointed in her floor,” Flom said. “We had worked all week on adding some new skills so when it didn’t go as expected she was bummed. … We had good vaults and I thought the girls did great bar routines. The scoring was a little tight so that is hard to swallow.”
Cowell scored 9.050 on the vault, beating her 2020 performance of 8.975, and on the uneven parallel bars Saturday she scored 7.775.
Flom reflected on what she described as an exceptional season.
“The best part of the state experience is to be on the same team as the other girls in your section,” she said. 
“The girls you usually compete against are now on the same team, and they support and cheer each other on.”

The Luverne boys’ basketball team went 1-1 in the last two games heading into postseason play.
The Cardinals beat Tri-City United 60-50 in Waseca Saturday, and they lost to Lakeview 62-46 at home Monday.
Luverne is scheduled to play Redwood Valley at home Saturday, March 4, in a postseason subsection game.
 
LHS 60, Tri-City 50
The LHS boys’ basketball team traveled to Waseca Saturday, Feb. 25, beating Tri-City United 60-50 in a Big South Conference Showcase game.
“I was really happy with the energy that the kids showed during the
game. We played well in the first half defensively but had too many turnovers,” said head coach John Sichmeller.
“We started the second half really well and built an 18-point lead that we were able to maintain for most of the rest of the game.”
Senior Gannon Ahrendt had a big day with 27 points, six rebounds, six assists, four steals and seven blocked shots.
Junior Gavin DeBeer posted 13 points, nine rebounds, two assists, three steals and one blocked shot.
Sophomore Carter Sehr added 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals.
Senior Marcus Feit netted five points along with two rebounds, one assist, two steals and one blocked shot.
Senior Tyson Cowell contributed three points, one rebound and five assists in the game.
Senior Riley Sneller was held from scoring but grabbed four rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Sophomore Landon Ahrendt had one assist and one steal and sophomore Elijah Woodley added one rebound, two assists and one blocked shot for Luverne.
Senior Ja’Shon Winter came off the bench to snag a rebound in the win over the Titans.
 
Lakeview 62, LHS 46
The Luverne boys’ basketball team took on Lakeview at home Monday, Feb. 27, losing 62-46.
“We had a bad ending to the first half that gave them a lead, and we weren’t able to get back ahead the rest of the game,” Sichmeller said. 
“It was a good game for our kids to play against a good, physical team as we move into the playoffs.” 
Gannon Ahrendt scored 17 points, Sehr 15 points, DeBeer 12 points and Cowell had 2 points in the game.
As of Star Herald press time, no other stats from the game were available.