The Blue Mound Figure Skaters took second place out of more than 20 skating clubs competing in the Frosty Blades competition Feb. 3-5 at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine. Twenty-seven skaters represented the local rink in team, individual, and partner events to take home the trophy. The skaters' next competition will be Prairie Polar Blast in Brookings, South Dakota, on Feb. 25 and 26.

Wenzel named to dean’s list at Morningside
Mia Wenzel was named to the Fall 2022 semester dean’s list at Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa. To be eligible, students must earn at least a 3.67 GPA with a minimum of 12 graded credits.
 
USD Vermillion names Fall 2022 honor students
Several area students were named to the Fall 2022 semester dean’s list and academic honors list at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. To make the dean’s list, students must earn at least 12 graded credits with a 3.5 GPA or higher. Students with fewer than 12 graded credits are named to the academic honors list.
Named to the dean’s list are Sadie Reisdorfer, McKenzie VanGrootheest, Brooklynn Ver Steeg, Mackenzie Petersen, Kathryn Oksness, Brandy Pilaczynski, Gracie Zewiske and Macie Walgrave, all of Luverne, and Kailey Rozeboom of Hills.
Named to the academic honors list is Sydney Biever of Luverne.
 
DSU Madison students receive president’s honors
Ethan Teunissen, Luverne, and Sidney Fick, Beaver Creek, were named to the president’s academic honors list for Fall 2022 semester at Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota. To be named, students must earn at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
 
SDSU Brookings releases dean’s list
The South Dakota State University in Brookings has named honor students for the Fall 2022 semester. To be named to the dean’s list, students must earn at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale with at least 12 graded credits. Students are listed by home town and area of study. An asterisk denotes a 4.0 GPA.
Beaver Creek: Samantha Moser*, agriculture, food and environmental sciences.
Hills: Calvin Erickson, agriculture, food and environmental sciences; Luke LaRock*, arts, humanities and social sciences; Danette Leenderts, agriculture, food and environmental sciences; Mackenzie Voss, natural sciences; Jax Wysong, natural sciences.
Luverne: Tacey Baustian*, natural sciences; Trista Baustian*, natural sciences; Jarod Berndt*, engineering; Colby Crabtree, agriculture, food and environmental sciences; Morgan Gonnerman, education and human sciences; Emma Hinz, agriculture, food and environmental sciences; Kayetlin Huiskes, education and human sciences; Jacinda Hustoft*,  arts, humanities and social sciences; Parker Kooima*, education and human sciences; Kacie Kracht, education and human sciences; Meghan Mollberg*, education and human sciences; Nathan Nekali, arts, humanities and social sciences; Kristin Rud, natural sciences; Cheyenne Schutz, arts, humanities and social sciences; Matthew Sehr,  arts, humanities and social sciences; Paige Van Dyke, nursing.
Steen: Tara Paulsen, nursing.
 
St. Cloud State University

Kendall Buss and Taylor Kern, both of Luverne, have been named to the dean’s list at St. Cloud State University for the Fall 2022 semester. To be named, students must earn a 3.75 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Buss is in the Herberger Business School of Marketing, and Kern is in the
College of Health and Wellness Professions, Nursing. 
Kiers makes dean’s list at Rochester CTC

Nicholas Kiers, Luverne, was named to the dean’s list at Rochester Community and Technical College for the Fall 2022 semester. To qualify, students must complete 12 or more graded credits with a GPA of 3.5 to 3.99.
 
Augustana releases Fall 2022 dean’s list
Xavier Carbonneau, Madigan Flom and Tenley Nelson, all of Luverne, and Kendra Frodermann of Magnolia were named to the Fall 2022 dean’s list at Augustana University in Sioux Falls. To be eligible, students must earn at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale with a minimum of 12 graded credits.
 
NDSU Fargo announces honor studentsThree area students were named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2022 semester at North Dakota State University in Fargo. They are Elise Ferrell, Luverne, radiologic sciences; Jacey Smith, Luverne, nursing; and Lauren Tatge, Beaver Creek, pharmaceutical sciences.
 
Northwestern, Orange City, names honor students
Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa, has released the dean’s list for the Fall 2022 semester. To be eligible, students must achieve a 3.5 GPA or higher with at least 12 graded credits. Those with a 3.75 GPA or higher are indicated with an asterisk.
Named to the dean’s list from Luverne are Pierce Cunningham*, a sophomore majoring in biochemistry, and Ainslie Robinson, a junior majoring in biology-health professions.
On the dean’s list from Hills are Garrett Raymon*, a senior majoring in biology-ecological science, and  Liam Raymon*, a sophomore majoring in data science and statistics.
 
Bartels named to Gustavus Adolphus dean’s list
Isaiah Bartels, Luverne, was named to the dean’s list at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter for the Fall 2022 semester. To qualify, students must earn a 3.7 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale.
 
Kruse makes dean’s list at St. Mary’s
Kasyn Kruse, Luverne, was named to the Fall 2022 semester  dean’s list at Saint Mary’s University in Winona. Students must earn a 3.60 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale to qualify.
Wieneke named to High Honors at MSU Mankato
 Olivia Wieneke, Luverne, was named to the High Honor List with a 4.0 GPA for the Fall 2022 semester at Minnesota State University in Mankato.
 
Kern graduates from St. Cloud State
Taylor Kern, Luverne, graduated cum laude from St. Cloud State University following the Fall 2022 semester with a  Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.
 
Wysong earns degree at NDSU Fargo
Avery Wysong, Beaver Creek, graduated with honors following the Fall 2022 semester at North Dakota State University in Fargo. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science.

The 2023 legislative session in Minnesota is underway. They have many items on their plate this session, and the one that will get the most attention is what to do with the many billion-dollar surplus the state has from the Recovering America Act that sent billions to the states. Unfortunately, this multi-billion dollars of federal money was borrowed and was added to the national debt of over 34 trillion.
Another item on the list, although a state issue of much less significance, is a bill HF864 in the Minnesota House. This bill has been floated for the past several years and has died on the vine.  It was reintroduced by Josh Heitzman R-Nisswa.  The bill, which has many followers – both for and against – in the hunting world, relates to the elimination of the shotgun zone for deer hunting statewide.
I believe it was back in the ’70s that most of the farmland zone in the southwest part of the state was converted to a shotgun zone. This was done to reduce deer harvest when populations were very low and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was trying to increase those said populations.  It was not done at that time as a safety measure. This I know for sure.
Today those deer populations are back to where the powers to be think they should be. The elimination of the shotgun zone is an effort to simplify and streamline hunting regulations. We all know there is no thicker regulation book than the one Minnesota uses. Regulations change all the time, and most of those changes are a result of legislative action and not DNR action.
When it comes to the elimination of the shotgun zone, the DNR’s current position is neutral. The assistant commissioner stated the department will wait until the final language is released, and when they have time to look it over, they will weigh in.
This potential change has lots of folks up in arms. My official position is also neutral, but there are several facts that you need to know before you set your mind in one direction or the other.
First off is that many people think that a rifle zone in the farmland zone will result in a much higher incident of death or injury, as a rifle bullet can travel much farther than a shotgun slug. A rifle bullet can fly farther than a shotgun slug if it is launched over the horizon.
There are studies from two different states that have eliminated their shotgun zones over the past 10 years, and the official results of those studies were that the increase or decrease in hunting injuries or fatalities were significantly insignificant. There was no measurable difference between a shotgun hunting season and a rifle hunting season. Do a little google search and you will find the same results as I did.
Others think a rifle zone will put even more pressure on the bucks in any given area. The wildlife managers respond that deer populations are controlled by the number of doe permits issued in any specific area, and population can be successfully managed with doe permit changes in areas where this is necessary.
Rifles are legal to use in coyote hunting in shotgun zones that exists today, and the number of deaths or injuries due to rifle coyote hunting do not make it unto anybody’s radar. So from a safety perspective the alarm many folks feel as a result of allowing rifles does not pan out in the numbers in any way. I certainly understand the concerns for safety, but I am also a fact and figures guy.
There is a certain segment of the deer hunting population that think poaching will increase 300 fold because you can now kill a deer at much longer ranges. Poaching is an enforcement issue. It can be said that the unethical hunters that want to do some poaching are already using a high-powered rifle to do it. That is hard to argue with.
I will repeat my position on this issue. I am neutral. I have a great rifled slug-gun that I will continue to use if this legislation passes.  Many other hunters have told me the same thing. If this issue passes, the legislation includes the ability for any county to opt out if they choose. This county-by-county opt-out might be the right strategy.
One last point on the safety issue. Northwest Minnesota is a rifle zone, and they have tons of agriculture in that part of the state. There is no greater level of accidents or injuries in that ag part of the state than in the shotgun zone in southwest Minnesota.
Please make your own decision on this matter and then weigh in with your proper representative. But do so supported by the facts or on Twitter @habitat champion.
Scott Rall, Worthington, is a habitat conservationist, avid hunting and fishing enthusiast and is president of Nobles County Pheasants Forever. He can be reached at scottarall@gmail.com.

Romans 6:1-5 “What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.”
As we embark on this season of Lent, each person and each church looks at this time a little differently. Some churches ask their faithful people to give up something for Lent. Something that is important to them, like pop, or chocolate, or something special that they like to do. The idea is a way to sacrifice of yourself and think about all that Jesus has done for you, to then be thankful for all that they have.
As I think about our country, our coming out of the pandemic, all of the pain and suffering that is going on in the world, I would like us to switch up this tradition just a little bit. I would like to ask that instead of giving up, we give away! Give away your time, your possession, your talent. Give of yourself to someone who needs something. For instance, take someone to the grocery store that needs a ride and help them do this particular task. Make a card for someone who might be in need of encouragement, send them a note and a prayer so that they may be cheered up! Go and visit one of the many shut ins, those in nursing homes, those in the hospital, those who just don’t go out in the cold and the ice.
If God has blessed you financially give a donation to your church, to your favorite charity, or hook up to Lutheran Disaster Response or the Red Cross and send some money on to help out those in Turkey or Syria, or one of the many areas that have had natural disasters lately. This is what it is to be a Christian! To stand up and do for others who cannot do for themselves! This is what it means to be a brother or a sister in Christ, to act and do and love as if you were Christ himself!
At Bethlehem in Hills, we will be going back to the basics, the “Roots of our Faith,” learning the basic all over again, a refresher is what we all need at times. This makes us better understand why we are called to live our lives in community, where we help each other out, not only in the hard times, but also in the good time! May each and everyone of you have a personal experience, a personal relationship building time with God in this season of Lent!

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, Feb. 23: 7:10 a.m. Breakfast Club. 8:30 a.m. Missions in Action. Sunday, Feb. 26 — New Member Sunday:
9 a.m. Worship Service with baptisms. 10 a.m. Fellowship Coffee. 10 a.m. Sunday School & Drums. 1 p.m. Family sledding. Monday, Feb. 27: 7 p.m. Faith on Tap at Take 16. Tuesday, Feb. 28: 8:30 a.m. Grace Notes assembly. 9 a.m. Staff meeting. Wednesday, March 1: 7 a.m. Men’s Bible Study. 1 p.m. Priscilla/Elizabeth Circle meeting. 5-6:30 p.m. Lenten supper. 6:45 p.m. Lenten Service. 7:30 p.m. Voices of Grace rehearsal. 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
Sunday: 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. 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, Feb. 24: 6:30 a.m. Community Men’s Bible Study. Sunday, Feb. 26: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service. 10:50 a.m. Sunday School. 11:45 a.m. Chili cookoff. Tuesday, Feb. 28: 12 p.m. Staff meeting. Wednesday, March 1: 5:30 p.m. Midweek meal. 6:30 p.m. Pioneer Clubs and Youth Groups. 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, Feb. 25: 8 p.m. AA meeting. Sunday, Feb. 26: 9:30 a.m. FUEL/Adult Sunday school. 9:45 a.m. Coffee. 10:30 a.m. Worship Service. 4:30 p.m. Genesis/Revelation Bible Study. 6 p.m. ALIVE Youth Group. Monday, Feb. 27: 6:30 p.m. Genesis to Revelation Bible Study. Tuesday, Feb. 28: 9:30 a.m. Folding Team. 1:30 p.m. Sewn in Faith. 7 p.m. Scouts. Wednesday, March 1: 6:15 p.m. FUEL and Confirmation. 7 p.m. Lenten Service with refreshments in fellowship hall following service. 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, Feb. 26: 10:30 a.m. Worship at First Lutheran Church. 9:30 a.m. Sunday School. 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
Sunday, Feb. 26: 9 a.m. Worship Service at Palisade Lutheran Church. 10 a.m. Sunday School.
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

Wheels are in motion to bring a Kwik Trip to South Highway 75 in Luverne, with earth moving to start this spring, construction this fall and opening expected in January 2024.
Company officials said Luverne’s Kwik Trip footprint will be 9,000 square feet located on 2.88 acres just south of the Econo Lodge Hotel near the intersection of Highway 75 and Gabrielson Road.
The Luverne Kwik Trip will be open 24 hours per day, seven days a week with 20 full-time employees.
The newer “Gen 3” design will be similar to the Kwik Trip in Windom, and will include all the same amenities, except a car wash.
“People really like our fried chicken and take-home meals,” said Emily Helwig of Kwik Trip’s headquarters in La Crosse, Wisconsin. 
“We have vegetables and a fresh case with meat for grilling, potatoes, bread and bakery items.”
Kwik Trip has its own dairy, sweet goods and bread production in La Crosse, where it distributes from directly to more than 800 of its stores in the upper Midwest.
In addition to standard convenience store merchandise and grocery items, Luverne’s Kwik Trip fuel pumps will offer unleaded, premium and E-85 gas (no diesel).
Helwig said the decision to locate in Luverne came down to finding a property that works for the company, with access to well-traveled roadways. 
The company will publish a legal notice in next week’s Star Herald about the project’s proposed conversion of a floodplain and potential environmental effect. Public comment will be accepted until March 3 at the USDA office in St. Paul.
The Luverne location is among several Kwik Trip stores in the works, including one in Worthington and several in Sioux Falls.

Rock County Commissioners meet Jan. 17 
Herreid Board Room          9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse Jan. 17, 2023
The meeting was called to order by Chair Thompson with Commissioners Overgaard, Williamson, Burger and Reisch present.  Also in attendance were County Attorney Jeff Haubrich and Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum and Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Reisch, to approve the January 17, 2023,
County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve the January 05, 2023,
County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Thompson, seconded Overgaard, to approve the consent
agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
1. Resolution 02-23, a legislative request for new funding formula
for Community Corrections, declared carried on a voice vote.
2. Set Bid Date for rehabilitation for Historic Bridge L4646 in
Beaver Creek for February 17 at 11:00 a.m.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims for approval; motion 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. 
JANUARY 17, 2023 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
A & B BUSINESS INC $2,849.60 
ADRIAN AUTO SERVICE LLC               2,000.00 
ASSN OF MN COUNTIES               9,789.00 
BECK & HOFFER CONSTRUCTION               8,913.00 
CHS INC           27,410.47 
FIDLAR TECHNOLOGIES INC               3,200.32 
HEAT TACTICAL TEAM               2,260.85 
KETTERLING SERVICES INC           11,839.32 
LYON COUNTY LANDFILL           16,519.52 
MN COUNTIES INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRUST      192,907.02 
MN SHERIFFS ASSN               4,889.73 
MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC           13,381.82 
NOBLES COUNTY AUDITOR-TREASURER   7,860.00 
ROCKMOUNT RESEARCH & ALLOYS INC   2,575.48 
SCHOMACKER'S OFFICE CLEANING LLC                     2,033.24 
STAPLES ENTERPRISES INC                 6,469.49 
STEPP MFG.             33,187.00 
SWPTSA                 3,365.00 
81 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000             38,211.23 
     TOTAL                   $389,662.09 
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance Report; motion by Overgaard, seconded by Williamson, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
Calla Jarvie, Rock County Community Library, presented a program update regarding Trivia night. She stated that Southwest Crisis Center gave a brief presentation to a captive audience and will encourage other organizations to present throughout the year. The Trivia night schedule is the first Thursday of each month.
Jesper Ascanius Kjersgaard Nielsen, VP Business Development US, Jepper Kjaersgaard, Agronomist, Tore Junkuhn Dehli, Lead Business Developer, and Bob Lefebvre, VP On-farm Business Development all of Nature Energy gave a presentation of their renewal natural gas company which transforms organic waste into biogas. Nature Energy, a company from Denmark has a US location in St. Paul, Minnesota is looking to expand up to 15 projects in North America by 2026, with Rock County being a potential site. Current Minnesota sites include: Swift County, Winona County and St. Croix County. The presentation included what infrastructure is needed and inquired if their type of industry would be welcome in Rock County. After their presentation, it was the consensus of the County Board that Nature Energy would be an enhancement to the area’s rich agriculture industry and that Rock County would welcome this type of business.
The Administrator presented updates on the following: the City of Luverne has agreed to lease the TCI building while the Human Services building is under construction for HVAC improvements, the Personnel Committee of the County Board and himself met the Sergeant’s Union representatives and that they intend to file to go the mediation, and that he has a brief meetings with a prospective economic development for the Buffalo Ridge Regional Rail Road;  other economic development include potential bar and restaurant in the City of Magnolia. Oldre also stated that bills are currently being drafted for the Rural Water tower project and the 41st Street improvement project in Martin Township. 
The County Board briefly reviewed the Boards and Committees appointments;
no action was taken at this time.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following
meetings/events: Rural Water and Pork Producers Banquet.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following
meetings/events: Rock County Economic Development Authority, Community
Corrections and Sergeants Union negotiation.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings/events: Rock County Economic Development Authority, Arlyn Gehrke’s 25-year work anniversary, Magnolia City Council, Pork Producers and Land Use.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following
meetings/events: Community Corrections, Sergeant Union Negiotation, Pork
Producers, Southwest Mental Health Consortium.
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings/events: Southwest Regional Development Commission and Pork Producers.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the
meeting was declared adjourned.
(02-16)

Rock County Commissioners meet Jan. 9
Herreid Board Room          9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse Jan. 9, 2023
The scheduled meeting of January 05, 2023, was postponed to January
09, 2023, due to inclement weather.
The meeting was called to order by Administrator Oldre with Commissioners Gary Overgaard (District 1), Stan Williamson (District 2), Greg Burger (District 3), and Jody Reisch (District 5) present, Sherri Thompson (District 4) present.   The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Also in attendance were County Attorney Jeff Haubrich and Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum and Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
The Administrator requested nominations for the County Board Chair; Commissioner Reisch nominated Commissioner Thompson. The Administrator called three times for nominations for County Board Chair; motion by Reisch, seconded by Burger to have nominations cease and cast a unanimous ballot for Commissioner Thompson to serve as the Chair, declared carried on a voice vote.
The meeting was turned over to Chair Thompson.
The Chair requested nominations for Vice Chair of the County Board; Commissioner Reisch nominated Commissioner Burger. The Chair called three times for nominations for Vice Chair; motion by Reisch, seconded by Williamson to have nominations cease and cast a unanimous ballot for Commissioner Burger to serve as Vice Chair, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the January 05, 2023, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve the December 27, 2022 County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Burger, to approve Resolution No. 01-23, Housekeeping items, declared carried on a voice vote. Identified in the Housekeeping resolution was the 2023 IRS Mileage Rate reimbursement of $.655/mile.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented a listing of the year end claims paid on December 27, 2022; motion by Burger, seconded by Overgaard, to approve as presented, declared carried on a unanimous vote.
DECEMBER 30, 2022 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
BEAVER CREEK/CITY OF $11,239.89 
BMO FINANCIAL GROUP                 4,885.87 
DAKOTA RIGGERS & TOOL SUPPLY INC                 3,952.95 
HARDWICK/CITY OF                 8,225.00 
SANDERS INC                 2,374.94 
WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING & ASSOC             11,784.00 
37 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000             18,124.00 
     TOTAL $60,586.65 
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Williamson, to approve Per Diems of
$2,100 and the claims list of January 5, 2023, declared carried on a unanimous vote. A complete listing of the claims is available upon request at the Auditor/Treasurer's office. 
JANUARY 5, 2023 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
11 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000 $3,672.90 
     TOTAL $3,672.90 
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report which reflected receipt of the 2022 Opioid Settlement, the Auditor/Treasurer stated that those funds will be forwarded to SWHHS/Public Health. Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Burger, to approve the Fund Balance report, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of the County State Aid Maintenance Agreement
with the City of Luverne. The contract is a (5) year renewal contract with a
3% annual increase; motion by Williamson, seconded by Reisch, to approve,
declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator presented a request on behalf of the Sheriff to approve a job re-classification of Team Lead-Dispatcher to Dispatch Supervisor. Compensation increase due to the change would come from Gun Permit reserves.  Motion by Reisch, seconded by Burger, to approve the job re-classification of Team Lead-Dispatcher to Dispatch Supervisor, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was informed that they need to designate a Commissioner appointment for the SWHHS Public Health Opioid Settlement Committee; Commissioner Burger was appointed by order of the Chair.
The Administrator informed the County Board of an upcoming meeting with Johnson Controls scheduled for January 11 at 10:00 a.m. to review the timeline for HVAC improvements at the Human Services
Building and other HVAC improvements to other county buildings.
Commissioner Overgaard inquired if the County Board was interested in volunteering for Meals on Wheels delivery as they have done in the past; it was determined to schedule something in April.
The Administrator also informed the County Board that Representative Schomacker and Senator Weber are carrying a bill for funding of the 41st Street improvement project and for funding for the Rural Water tower project.  
Also stated that the Economic Development Authority has an upcoming
meeting on January 5 at 6:00 p.m. and contract negotiations for the
Sergeant’s Union are scheduled for January 12 at 4:00 p.m. 
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following
meetings/events: no meetings. 
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following
meetings/events: no meetings.  
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following
meetings/events: no meetings.  
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following
meetings/events: no meetings. 
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following
meetings/events: no meetings.
With no further business to come before the County Board,
the meeting was declared adjourned.
(02-16)