A group of technicians from Soil and Water Conservation Districts in eight different counties toured the Bakken Land and Cattle farm near Beaver Creek Friday afternoon.
The technicians, new to their jobs and many without farming backgrounds, were seeking advice for communicating with farmers about soil and water conservation improvements.
“Farmers are more than willing to share input, we just need to not feel intimidated,” Peter Bakken told them.
Doug Bos of the Rock County Land Management Office facilitated exchange.
“It was an opportunity for those who don’t come from a farming background to learn how to work with livestock producers when helping them with land use practices in the scope of conservation,” Bos said, Monday.
He said the technicians will spend their careers working with farmers but haven’t had exposure to farmers and farm operations.
“I think the Bakkens did a great job helping them understand that the best thing they can do is help farmers navigate the programs and agencies and paperwork,” Bos said.
The goal, Bos said, is successful farming that also support a healthy environment. And the way for this to happen, he said, is through positive relationships between the SWCD technicians and farmers.
During Friday’s tour, Bakken shared the story about his dad, Richard Bakken, who inquired nearly 30 years ago about manure runoff from his livestock feedlots.
“Just like that we had the MPCA down here looking it over and writing a letter to us about our ‘toxic waste’ going into the creek,” Bakken said, remarking that the response turned his dad off to investing in a solution.
“As things went on, it turned pretty well, and it’s nice to not have the brown trail in the white snow going to the creek.”
Through the years, the Bakkens implemented practices ranging from grass waterways and water and sediment basins to soil health practices such as no till, strip till and cover crops.
“We’ve had our share of dealing with government regulations and MPCA,” Bakken said.
“But we’re fortunate to have been able to at least start with our local NRCS and SWCD navigating the waters of regulation and manure management.”
In addition to touring the Bakken farm, the technicians visited a southwest Minnesota dairy operation and a swine confinement setup.
Bakken thanked the technicians for their interest in farming as it relates to their conservation work.
“It’s about developing relationships. Whether I ever see you guys again or not, I hope this is an example of the relationships that we’ve had to get you guys to come to our operation to show you what we do here,” Bakken said.
“We’ve enjoyed doing lots of conservation things over the years, and it affirms that agriculture can coexist with the environment.”
He later said hosting the tour was time well spent.
“This common-sense approach provided a venue for candid conversation and learning with farmers whom these technicians will be helping in their future career as conservationists,” he said Monday.

The Rock County Ambulance recently received power-lift cots capable of carrying 700 pounds.
The Stryker power load cots each cost $42,220, and there are three of them, one for each ambulance in the local fleet.
One is paid for by Rock County (with Covid grant funds) and the other two were bought with grants from the Luverne Area Community Foundation for a total investment of $124,278.
The equipment was ordered six months ago after Rock County Ambulance Service Program Coordinator Harlan VandeKieft and Sanford Luverne Clinic Administrator Tammy Loosbrock made the request to Rock County commissioners June 28.
“The power lifts have greatly — in the 34 years I have been doing this — improved patient safety, staff safety and staff longevity,” VandeKieft told commissioners. “But they are not cheap.”
Loosbrock said workforce shortages prompted the ambulance and clinic personnel to entice younger employees to work in emergency services.
“In the last six months, we have had five people step down from the ambulance (service),” she said. “That results in the primary rig being always available. The second rig is available only 50 percent of the time.”
Typically, two emergency medical technicians load patients in and out of the ambulance, lifting the cot and the patient into the vehicle.
Power cots allow loading and unloading to be done by one person at the press of a button.
“Anyone can pull the (power) cot in and out,” VandeKieft said. “As you get older, it is harder to lift.”
The power cot is operated by a push button.
“It can be a 400-pound patient and you just have to hold the button down and it just takes it and picks it up and puts it right into the back of the truck,” he said.
“A person then just pushes it in and out,”
Annually Rock County commissioners allocate money to each of the three ambulance services serving Rock County.
They include Sanford Luverne, Edgerton and Jasper. Edgerton and Jasper already have power lift cots and they’re interchangeable between ambulances services.
“In the case of mass casualties, we can switch cots and not worry about it,” VandeKieft said.
The power cot protects back safety and also stretches the ambulance’s employee and volunteer staff since legislation changes now require only one medical staff member to ride with patients.
In recent months, Luverne’s ambulance assisted the Adrian ambulance, which has been experiencing staff shortages that temporarily shut down the service.
Due to proximity, Rock County Ambulance is put on call.
“(They) notify both Worthington and Rock County that they are out of service and we are the guys picking up the Adrian service area,” VandeKieft said.
Rock County Ambulance averages around 1,250 calls a year, 40 percent of which are transfers.
“Transfers take us out of the rotation for about two hours to and from Sioux Falls,” VandeKieft said.
“In those times, we have seen the second truck being used roughly 118-120 times a year while the first truck is gone. There were three times that the third truck had to be used.”
A third ambulance was first used in 2020 to exclusively transfer coronavirus patients. Since then, a newer used ambulance was purchased and added to the fleet as a backup vehicle.
“Luverne is in a growth spurt in the way of call volumes,” VandeKieft said.
“We are getting older. Part of the call volumes show ages at 75-plus. People are staying at home longer because long-term care facilities are at capacity.”

Luverne High School will have the home stage advantage for Saturday’s sub-section one-act play competition.
Six schools will compete in the LHS performing arts center with the top two finishers moving on to section competition Feb. 4, in Redwood Falls.
Joining Luverne will be performers from Adrian, Edgerton, Murray County Central, Pipestone and Russell-Tyler-Ruthton.
Competition begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.
Luverne will perform “Ruby,” by University of Sioux Falls graduate Greta Smith, who wrote the original two-act play for a senior project in 2021.
“The heart of ‘Ruby’ can be summarized by one phrase: Color is coping,” Smith said. “It follows the story of an imaginative, yet troubled eighth-grader and her struggles to fit in at school.”
LHS junior Alex Perkins portrays Ruby on stage.
Ruby draws on her creativity as a coping mechanism and, by musing on the nature of color, she learns to summon imaginary personas of the color she’s thinking about.
When Ruby meets
Skyler (portrayed by junior Steven Woods), she unveils her world to him.
Together the two learn more about art, poetry and friendship just as Ruby’s personal world is shattered by her parents’ divorce.
Personifying color is a technique author Smith uses herself.
“This is a game I have played with myself, and it’s been an aid to me for writing poetry,” she said.
“I find color to be a comfort to me and wanted to share that idea with others.”
Other characters (and their student actors) include:
•Ruby’s mom (freshman Rebecca Hoogland)
•School secretary (sophomore Brianna Kinsinger)
•Janitor (junior Hunter Cope)
•Librarian (junior Hallie Bork)
•Science teacher (senior Parker Carbonneau)
•Green (freshman Zander Carbonneau)
•Purple (freshman Isabella Benson)
•Orange (freshman Makayla Oeschle)
•Yellow (junior Abby Boltjes)
•Gray (sophomore Hallie Pergande)
On the production crew, senior Travis Schempp handles the lights.
Adviser Joseph Stearns approached Smith about converting “Ruby” into a one-act play for his students to perform.
“I am hoping this play teaches students that the world is a colorful place — if we look hard enough to see it,” he said.
“And also that, despite our range of individual emotions, we all have a range of human experience and it is all valid — both the good and bad.”
Saturday’s one-act play competition is open to the public. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students.
The first school competes at 10:30 a.m. followed by the other five schools.
Each school has 10 minutes to set the stage and 35 minutes to complete performances. There is no time limit for clearing the stage after the performance.
Section champions are eligible to compete at MSHSL state tournament Feb. 9-10 in St. Paul.

Students at Luverne High School will celebrate Snow Week next week, and 10 seniors are in line to be crowned king and queen at Monday’s coronation.
Queen candidates include Josie Anderson, Christina Wagner, Emma Beyer, Tori Hemme and Lauren Hansen.
King candidates are Brady Bork, Ross Bergman, Camden Janiszeski, Tyson Cowell and Parker Carbonneau.
Unlike homecoming royalty, Snow Week candidates are nominated by teachers based on character, contributions in the classroom, Cardinal activities and community service during their years at LHS.
Coronation will be Monday afternoon in the performing arts center.
The week will feature dress up days and Wednesday will be an “outdoors day” with the freshmen through senior students participating in various events including bowling, skating, sledding and tubing.
Snowmobile day will be Friday, Feb. 3.

Residents in the Hills-Beaver Creek School District will go to the polls Tuesday, April 11, in action taken by the H-BC school board Monday night.
Members voted 6-0 to move forward with the $29.975 million bond referendum to improve district facilities. (Board member Eric Uittenbogaard wasn’t present at Monday’s meeting.)
Two questions will be asked on the April 11 special election ballot.
Question 1 asks voters to consider a $26.5 million bond to build a new elementary school (at a location yet to be determined) and decommission the existing structure in Beaver Creek.
Question 2 asks for $3.475 million to decommission the former high school building in Hills and make improvements to the locker rooms and Hugo Goehle gymnasium.
The existing bus garage (that the district still uses for its fleet) at the former high school would be improved.
Also, the parking lot at the current secondary school will also be expanded under the plan.
Question 2 would not pass unless voters also approve Question 1.
A public meeting and information session will be scheduled once the Minnesota Department of Education renders an opinion on the building plans.
Board members approved the review and comment documentation to the state at their Jan. 9 meeting.
A favorable ruling from state officials means a simple majority vote in favor would be necessary for the referendum to pass.
An unfavorable ruling from the state would mean a “yes” vote of at least 60 percent would be necessary for the referendum to pass.
Board members went into closed session Monday night to discuss plans to purchase land for a new elementary building in Beaver Creek.
No agreement with a land owner has been reached.

The Get Hooked Fishing Derby at The Lake in Luverne has been canceled due to unsafe ice conditions, according to Luverne Area Chamber Director Jane Lanphere.
“It’s with a heavy heart that the Get Hooked Committee made the difficult decision on Monday to cancel this year’s ice fishing derby,” she said Tuesday morning.
“The committee has been working hard over the past six weeks to try to maintain the integrity of the ice by moving snow, but the snow has got the best of The Lake.”
She said the snow has served as an insulator on top of the ice, making it structurally unsound to support hundreds of people, ice houses and equipment.
“As of this week, they advise that no one be on the ice at The Lake,” Lanphere said Tuesday.
The event had been scheduled for Feb. 18.
 
Fish kill
Another concern that arose over the past week is that fish are dying from to lack of oxygen in the water due to the heavy snow cover.
According to Ryan Doorenbos of the Windom area DNR fisheries, The Lake is among dozens of others across the state of Minnesota to experience winterkill.
“Every time we have a winter with snow like we’ve had this year we have lakes with lower dissolved oxygen,” Doorenbos said.
“We need sunlight to create oxygen via photosynthesis, and the snow creates caps on ice.… It’s like you’re drawing the shades on your windows.”
He said it’s unlikely that people would have caught many fish in February’s fishing derby, because the fish that aren’t already dead would be stressed or in “survival mode” and not likely to pursue bait on a hook.
He also said on Friday that when this happens it’s too late to reverse the fish kill process.
“You can’t quickly throw in an aerator and resolve the problem,” Doorenbos said.
“Winterkill is a natural process that’s been occurring long before any humans have been anywhere near these bodies of water.”
 
Restocking
He said at this point, efforts will focus on restocking this summer in both The Lake and in Schoneman Pond south of Luverne.
This involves trapping and transferring roughly 50 pounds of pre-spawned bluegills, the only species allowed.
That’s because Rock County is home to the endangered Topeka shiner, and fish like perch and bass are predators for the protected minnow.
Lanphere said committee members are working with the DNR to support the fish population and they’re focusing on next year’s event.
“The committee has full confidence that next year the Get Hooked Derby will be bigger and better than ever,” Lanphere said.
“So, mark your calendars and make plans to attend.”
The event will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.
More than 200 free rods, reels and tackle will be given away to youth among more than $6,000 in cash and prizes to be awarded.
In addition to Lanphere and Chamber assistant Amber Lais, the Get Hooked Committee members are Mike and Traci Davis, Jeremy Wallenberg, Rob Wenzel, Jen Wiebe, Joe Reif and Justin Aning.
The Chamber can be reached at 507.283.4061. More information is at www.LuverneChamber.com.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is hosting candlelight events across the state this winter, including one at Blue Mounds State Park on Saturday, Feb. 4.
Drop by any time between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. for hiking as stars twinkle overhead and candles flicker in the snow.
“Candlelight events are a wonderful way to experience state parks in winter,” said Ann Pierce, DNR Parks and Trails director.
“On a cold winter’s night, there’s something beautiful about the flicker of candles reflected in the snow – it creates a magical feeling. Being active outside in winter is a great way to beat cabin fever, get some exercise and boost your mood.”
The 3-mile trail starts at the Picnic Shelter and is suitable for beginner-level hikers of all ages.
The evening wraps up with a cup of hot cocoa near a crackling bonfire.
For weather-related event updates, call 507-283-6050 or check visitor alerts at mndnr.gov/bluemounds
Blue Mounds Park staff would like to encourage carpooling to the event.
Save time: Get vehicle permits online before you go. A vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota state parks. Although permits are available at the park, visitors can save time by getting one in advance. Visit mndnr.gov/reservations, log in or create an account, then click on “vehicle permit.” Next, select a duration of one-day ($7) or annual ($35) and continue as directed. An email will be sent with a permit that can be printed and displayed during park visits.
State Park events take place year-round, offering a variety of activities. For the complete events schedule – including dates, times, and other details – visit the state park events calendar on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/ptcalendar).
For more information, email info.dnr@state.mn.us or call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Virtual author tour in February
The libraries of the Plum Creek Library System will offer “Wrapped in Reading Author Tour,” a series of four virtual programs throughout February.
Four regional authors were selected for the tour from library patrons.
•Feb. 7, mystery writer Jeanne Cooney
•Feb. 14, novelist Lorna Landvik
•Feb. 21, paranormal researcher and author Chad Lewis
•Feb. 28, mystery thriller writer Brian Freeman
For more information about each virtual visit, contact the Rock County Library.
Preregistration is required for each of the free programs through https://tinyurl.com/Plum­creekvirtualauthortour
For more information contact the Rock County Library at 507-449-5040 or rocklibrarystaff@gmail.com.
 
Nutrition Assistance for seniors Feb. 2
Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors 60 & older, sponsored by A.C.E. of SW MN, will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, as a drive thru distribution in parking lot off Maple Street on the east side of the Generations Event Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064.
 
H-BC FFA chili cook-off Feb. 6
The Hills-Beaver Creek FFA Chapter is sponsoring a chili cook-off and silent auction fundraiser Feb. 6, beginning at 5 p.m. in the secondary school commons.
Chili cook-off participants are sought. Call 507-962-3240 ext. 33 to enter the cook-off.
 
Sno-Masters rides Feb. 4 and Feb. 11
 The Rock County Sno-Masters are planning two rides for February.
The Memorial Ride for Terry “Butch” Con­nell will be Feb. 4. This is not a poker run. Any vehicle is welcome. Meet at 10:30 a.m. at the Sno-Masters clubhouse at 206 SE Park St., Luverne. Route includes Bea­ver Creek, Hardwick, Trosky, Hardwick, Take 16 and Howling Dog in Luverne and back to the clubhouse. A meal will be served. Bring­ your own beverages. A bonfire will be outside the clubhouse.
On Feb. 11, the Sno-Masters will host a Fun Run (poker run). All vehicles welcome. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. at the clubhouse.  Stops include the Ea­gles Club (Luverne), Take 16 (Luverne), Hardwick, Trosky, Beaver Creek, Hills and the Luverne Country Club. Five stops are neces­sary for a hand. Bring your own beverages.
 
Community Ed
Community Education will offer the following classes in the next few weeks. Call 507-283-4724 to register.
 Cellphones and Parenting – Oh My! will help parents understand recommended settings to keep children safe. This is a virtual class offered through Zoom on February 2. Join us at Community Ed or attend from your home or office. Fee is $20.
Taking Defensive Driving Classes allows adults 55 years of age and older to save on insurance premiums. After the beginning 8 hour class, every 3 years drivers a required to take a 4 hour refresher class to maintain the savings.
The schedule for Luverne classes follows: Beginning 8 Hour Class – April 17 and 24 (4 hours each evening) the Refresher 4 Hour Classes are February 13, March 13 and April 3.
Students in grades 3-5 are invited to Yoga for El­ementary Children at Healing Path Counseling and Wellness. This four-week series starts on February 6. Fee is $40.
Catchers and pitchers (experienced or inexperienced) in grades K- 8 are invited to learn and practice their skills at a 4 session Softball Camp beginning on Feb. 16. Sign up by February 6 at the lower fee of $40.
 
Free bake-at-home pizzas distributed Feb. 11
The Christian Motorcyclist Association will offer free bake- at-home Luverne Pizza Ranch pizzas at 9:30 a.m. until gone, Saturday, Feb. 11, at Celebrate Church in Brandon. No signup necessary. Call 605-366-9942 with questions.
 
Free tax preparation at library
AARP volunteers will offer free tax preparation for low-income individuals and seniors at the Rock County Library on Mondays starting Feb. 13 through April 15.
Call 507-449-5040 for appointments. Bring documents, including last year’s tax return and a form of identification to document social security number. Tax returns for 2021 will be prepared if requested.
 
Library Happenings
For more information about library happenings, call 507-449-5040 or email rockcountystaff@gmail.com.
Story Time with Bronwyn is 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Jan. 17 through April 25, and at 10 a.m. Fridays beginning Jan. 20 through Apri/ 28. Stories and make-and-take crafts are the same at either event.
Winter Book Club is currently being organized to meet at different local restaurants during January, February and March.
The 50 State Challenge for adults and older teens is currently underway where patrons are encouraged to read a book set in one of each of the 50 states. The challenge ends Jan. 1, 2024.
The annual Plum Cleek Library System winter reading program, “Get Wrapped in Reading,” goes now until March 31.
Trivia Night is at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Take 16 in Luverne. Team registration begins at 6 p.m.
Reminiscence Kits are available featuring various topics such as gardening, pets, baking, sewing, farming and hunting. The kits are designed to use with a loved one experiencing memory loss, encouraging the loved one to open up about activities they once loved in the past.
 
Community Ed announcements
Community Education will offer the following classes in the next few weeks. Call 507-283-4724 to register.
ECFE Classes for children ages 0-5 years and parents offers information and support to parents and provides activities for parents and children to explore together through classes that meet once a week throughout the school year. 
New Residents: Census Information Needed for Preschool Children. Call 507-283-4724 with information for children ages 0 to kindergarten. The school district uses the information for planning purposes, mailing out information on school events, including the state-mandated Preschool Screening for all 3-year-old children.
 
Food Shelf evening hours
The Rock County Food Shelf is now open for an additional evening shift from 5 to 6 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. Call Mary at 507-227-5548 or Katie at 507-227-3531.
 
CoffeeBreak Bible Study meets Tuesdays
CoffeeBreak Bible Study meets each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne. There will be StoryHour Bible stories and playtime for ages 3 to kindergarten, and a nursery is available. It’s free for all faiths and no prior Bible knowledge is necessary. Call Kristi Stroeh at 507-227-5102 or email atkristi.stroeh@hotmail.com
 
A.C.E. respite care available, volunteers needed
A.C.E. of SW Minnesota (A.C.E.) offers respite care services in Rock County for those needing a break from caring for a loved one.
The respite program offers short-term (1-3 hours), temporary care for families and caregivers by providing a brief period of reprieve from the daily cares they provide to their loved one.
Volunteers provide non-professional supportive services to caregivers to give them time for themselves, relieve their stress and help them remain healthy.
Respite care volunteers are also needed. Trained A.C.E. volunteers provide respite care to family caregivers of adults age 60 and older who are suffering from long-term health conditions.
Contact Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064 or ace.rock@co.rock.mn.us.

Sioux Valley Energy recently donated $10,000 to the city of Hills to add playground equipment for its proposed day care facility.
“The city has been working diligently to try and find a solution to help with the day care provider shortage,” said Hills Mayor Keith Elbers.
“It is a long process but, together with everyone’s help and generosity of partners like Sioux Valley Energy, we are going to make this a reality of the city of Hills.”
Work begins this spring to covert a former commercial building into a facility that houses three independent family child care businesses.
The building, located at the corner of East Third Street and South Main Avenue, was obtained by the city through tax forfeiture in 2022.
The city recently received a $120,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to assist in the remodeling.
Rock County Commissioners later contributed $100,000 to the project to encourage anyone interested in opening their own day care business, but who lacked the necessary facility to do so.
The city also recently received a $120,000 grant from the state of Minnesota.
Alliance Communications recently agreed to let the city use bare lot behind the proposed daycare facility to use as a playground.
“We can’t say thank you enough to our many local and corporate partners who have stepped up to make this project a reality for us,” Elbers said.
The $10,000, presented to the city in late December, is part of the cooperative’s Operation Round Up program, which provides grants to community causes and nonprofits.
The grant money comes from cooperative members who “round up” their electricity bills. A matching donation is provided by SVE’s REVIVE 2023 program.
“One of the cooperative’s core principals is commitment to community, and this is the type of project that really embraces and highlights that,” said SVE CEO Tim McCarthy.
“We know that availability and affordability of child care is a challenge, especially in smaller or more rural communities. We stand ready to be strategic partners in finding solutions.”
Communities within the SVE service territory are eligible for participation in the REVIVE 2030 program.
For more information contact Brandon Lane or Jay Buchholz at 800-234-1960.