Rock County Commissioners
meet Dec. 27
Herreid Board Room          9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse Dec. 27, 2022
The meeting was called to order by the Chair with Commissioners Overgaard, Thompson, and Williamson present; Commissioner Burger was absent.  Also in attendance were Administrator Kyle Oldre, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum, County Attorney Jeff Haubrich and Star-Herald Reporter Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve the December 27,
2022, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve the December 13, 2022,
County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Evan Verbrugge, Sheriff, informed the County Board that the Rock County
Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Luverne Area Community Foundation for a
fundraiser entitled “Reezin for Freezin" scheduled for February 2, 2023,
at The Lake location.  Presented as informational only.
Mark Sehr, Engineer, requested approval of Resolution No. 39-22,
requesting $318,167 to be advanced from the 2024 Regular State Aid
Construction Fund Account if needed; motion by Overgaard, seconded by
Williamson, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Williamson, to declare as surplus a 2007 Chevy Silverado 1/2 ton pickup and to sell on GovBids website, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Engineer requested final contract payment to Duininck, Inc. for $112,588.90 for SP 067-604-031, a mill/overlay project from the Rock River bridge in Luverne to the Nobles County line, contingient on the MnDOT Office
of Civil rights approval of the final contract documents. Motion by Williamson,
seconded by Overgaard to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve the claims and Per Diems of $1,000, declared carried on a voice vote. A complete listing the claims is available at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office.
DECEMBER 27, 2022 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
BUFFALO RIDGE CONCRETE $5,060.00 
CENTERPOINT ENERGY               5,278.51 
CHS               3,051.78 
ERICKSON ENGINEERING CO LLC               8,494.50 
FLEET SERVICES               6,780.43 
JOHNSON CONTROLS                         206,030.36 
LITTLE FALLS MACHINE INC                 2,465.53 
LUVERNE/CITY OF             16,914.70 
MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS                 6,114.00 
NORTHERN SAFETY TECHNOLOGY INC                 2,566.00 
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA             19,237.25 
TOLLEFSON PUBLISHING                 2,239.00 
ZIEGLER             13,150.00 
54 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000             23,783.58 
TOTAL                 $321,165.64
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report; motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator led a discussion regarding Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), and that there was a formula  adjustment which now establishes a minimum
payment threshold of $50,000.  As per recommendation from the Administrator,
motion by Overgaard, seconded by Williamson, to approve the local distribution
formula of $7,768.43 to Mound Township and $42,231.57 to Rock County,
declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson, to authorize the Auditor/Treasurer
to pay year end claims, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator led a discussion regarding the adoption of the 2023 Budget; motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard to adopt the 2023 Budget of $13,920,148, a levy increase of $6,827,411.00 reflecting a 4.5% increase, declared carried on a voice vote.
 
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to adopt the 2023 County Board
meeting schedule, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Overgaard, to set the 2023 salaries
for the following elected officials, declared carried on a voice vote.
Commissioners - $21,733.34, a 5% increase
Attorney - $98,700, a 5% increase
Sheriff - $111,98.48, a 6% increase plus $80/mo to VEBA
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve a re-employment leave for the Sheriff to serve as an elected official, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator presented an update regarding a discrepancies on
random Truth and Taxation Notices stating the around 200 parcels had a calculation
error and the Land Records Office is in the process of correcting the error
and notifying the appropriate parcel owners.  
The Administrator also notified the County Board that the Library had a water leak from a faulty sprinkler head causing some minor damage in the basement and that the EDA has re-scheduled their meeting to January 5th.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings: n/a
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings:  n/a
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following
meetings: City/County Liaison
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings: n/a
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings:
Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council, City/County Liaison.
  With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting
was declared adjourned by order of the Chair.
(01-19)

Rock County Commissioners meet Nov. 22
Herreid Board Room          9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse Nov. 22, 2022
The meeting was called to order by the Chair with Commissioners Overgaard,
Thompson, Burger and Williamson present. Also in attendance were Administrator Kyle Oldre, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum, County Attorney
Jeff Haubrich and Star-Herald Reporter Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the November 22,
2022, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the November 08,
2022, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
By order of the Chair, to recess the County Board meeting and open a Public Hearing at 9:01 A.M.; purpose of the meeting to hear comments on the potential adoption of a new ordinance regarding the Sale of Hemp Derived Products. Ben Vander Kooi, City of Luverne Attorney, stated that the city supports the ordinance and requested clarification regarding Subdivision 11 of the ordinance.  
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Williamson, to close the Public Hearing at
9:15 A.M., declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board meeting
resumed at 9:16 A.M..
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to lift the moratorium on
the sale of hemp derived THC (tetrahydrocannabinols) food and beverages
(Resolution No. 28-22), declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve Resolution No. 37-22, the adoption of a Hemp Derived Products ordinance, declared carried on a voice vote.  
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Burger, to set the Hemp Derived Product
license at $500.00, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Williamson, to approve the
consent agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
1. (6) Service contract renewals for 2023 – Rock County Opportunities
2. CAD-RMS system Maintenance contract renewal $28,846.87; expenditure
is E911 eligible.
3. MCCC /County Attorney User Group support agreement with Strategic
Technoligies, Inc., effective 01/01/2023
Mark Sehr, Engineer, requested approval of Resolution No. 36-22, supporting the City of Luverne Grant Application for the Sybesma Subdivision connection to the Luverne Loop Trail project; the grant application names Rock County as the sponsor and will be responsible for the project bid letting and final inspection. Motion by Burger, seconded by Thompson, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Engineer informed the County Board of safety concerns of the
Walleye Wind Tower 5 road access as the driveway is a hidden driveway;
the landowner does not want to move the access. Sehr reported that Next
Era will add signage warning drivers of the hidden driveway.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims and per diems of 
$1,700.00; motion by Burger, seconded by Overgaard, to pay the claims,
declared carried on a unanimous vote. A complete listing the claims is
available at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office.
NOVEMBER 22, 2022 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
AMERICAN ENGINEERING TESTING, INC     $15,600.00 
CENTERPOINT ENERGY                     2,921.60 
CHS INC                     4,573.47 
COUNTIES PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY                     6,755.00 
DIAMOND D CONSTRUCTION                     7,500.00 
ERICKSON ENGINEERING                 13,590.50 
EVERBRIDGE INC                     4,129.17 
FIALA/ERNEST G                     2,100.00 
FLEET SERVICES DIVISION-ADMIN FMR                     6,348.61 
GRAHAM TIRE-WORTHINGTON                     5,416.28 
JOHNSON CONTROLS                 55,760.00 
KETTERLING SERVICES INC                 16,190.83 
LUVERNE/CITY OF                     7,735.48 
MORRIS ELECTRONICS                     4,866.08 
MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC                     2,300.00 
MVTL LABORATORIES INC                     2,549.38 
ROCK COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT       3,790.00 
ROCK COUNTY OPPORTUNITIES                     2,297.94 
SANDERS INC                     2,553.00 
SEACHANGE                     2,530.30 
W & N CONSTRUCTION INC                 13,687.52 
59 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000                 18,472.99 
     TOTAL   $201,668.15 
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report which reflected the second half collection of property taxes for agriculture.  Motion by Williamson, seconded by Thompson, to approve the Fund Balance report, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Auditor/Treasurer presented an update of the 2022 General Election for Rock County. Voter turnout was 74.85%, which is consistent with other mid-term elections; the Post Election Review went well too. There was a discussion regarding the discussion to re-establish polling places that are currently mail ballot precincts. It was determined to begin the discussion at the Annual Township meeting scheduled for December 2nd, more information will be forthcoming.
The County Board was in receipt of the 2023 Tax Capacity Rates for the Truth and Taxation Hearing scheduled for December 13 at 6:00 P.M.
The County Board was informed that the Department of Motor Vehicle Drivers
Testing schedule will resume to the pre-covid schedule and will be in Rock County
on a weekly basis.
The County Board was informed that the MCIT voting delegates are Kyle Oldre and Sherri Thompson (alternate); it was determined to keep them the same.
The County Board briefly reviewed the schedule for the AMC Annual Conference scheduled for December 4-7 in Bloomington, Minnesota; no action was taken.
The Administrator reminded the County Board that due the Truth
and Taxation Hearing scheduled for December 13 at 6:00 P.M., the County Board meeting of December 13 would begin at 4:00 P.M.
The County Board was in receipt of a notice of a FEMA Consultation Coordination Office (CCO) meeting to review updated flood maps of Rock County and the appeals and comments process; the meeting is scheduled for December 1st at 3:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. and Open House event is scheduled for December 1st at 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., all at the Rock County Courthouse.
The Administrator stated that his office had the following activities: Union
negotiations and mediation where a tentative agreement has been determined,
also discussed the projected state surplus and staying diligent with
current economic development activities. 
Commissioner Burger recognized Luke Comeau, Director of Southwestern Mental Health organization addressing the exit plan for Rock County. No action was taken.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings: Extension, Rural Water, One Water One Plan, Soil & Water Conservation District, Beaver Creek Township driveway issue and Daycare meeting.
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following
meetings: Library and Daycare meetings.
  Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following
meetings: Daycare, Canvassing Board and Extension.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings: (2)
Southwest Health & Human Services, Community Corrections, Canvassing Board,
Southwestern Mental Health, Union Negotiation.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings: Community Corrections, Union Negotiation and Southwest Minnesota Opportunity Council.  
With no further business to come before the County Board, the
meeting was declared adjourned by order of the chair.
(01-19)

Rock County Commissioners meet Dec. 13 
Herreid Board Room          9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse Dec.13, 2022
The was called to order by the Chair with Commissioners Overgaard,
Thompson, Burger and Williamson present. Also in attendance were Administrator Kyle Oldre, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum, County
Attorney Jeff Haubrich and Star-Herald Reporter Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the December 13, 2022,
County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Williamson, to approve the November 22, 2022,
County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Beth Wilms, Southwest Health & Human Services Director, and support staff members identified how the transition from Southwest Mental Health (SMHS) services to Southwest Health & Human Services (SWHHS) will look like by utilizing third party counseling services. Mobile crisis services will remain with SMHS due to a DHS grant and Rock County will continue services with the Southwest Mental Health Consortium; the other services will be handled on a case-by-case basis. SMHS will offer ala carte services to ensure the transition goes smoothly.
Eric Hartman, Land Management Office Director presented information
regarding Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), which referenced as “forever chemicals” and are found in everything. PFAS have been showing up in water samples around landfill and demolition sites. The information was presented informational
only.
Mark Sehr, Engineer, informed the County Board that Lyon County Landfill are raising the tipping fees for Mixed Solid Waste (MSW) by $3.00/ton effective 01/01/2023; Sehr requested approval to increase the county’s MSW tipping fee to $93.00/ton, also a $3.00/ton increase. Motion by Williamson, seconded by Overgaard to approve the increase, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Thompson, to approve Resolution No. 38-22, which renews an existing agreement #1052175 with MnDOT to allow Rock County
to administer and receive Federal Aid Construction Projects, declared carried
on a voice vote.
The Engineer requested final payment $43,053.93 to Duininck, Inc. for the (6) Bituminous Mill/Overlay projects conducted in 2022; motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Engineer presented the following bids for the 2023
Bituminous Rehabilitation projects:
Duininck, Inc $4,894,556.04
Knife River Corp $4,952,316.72
Central Specialties Inc $4,953,962.50
Engineers estimate $3,973,651.95
There was considerable discussion regarding the bid differential between the vendors and the Engineer’s estimate and the optional options. Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to award the project to the low compliant bidder, Duininck, Inc. for $4,894,556.04, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Engineer presented a Walley Wind project update stating that reclamation activities will be ending December 20th and will resume next spring when the weather allows. Currently 8-10 turbines are commissioned and operating and that they will continue to commission the rest of the turbines over the winter.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims and per diems of
$3,300.00; motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve declared
carried on a unanimous vote. A complete listing the claims is available
at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office.
DECEMBER 13, 2022 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
A & B BUSINESS INC $2,849.60 
BAKER & TAYLOR                 2,145.63 
CHS INC           13,118.82 
CLIFTON LARSON ALLEN LLP           14,721.00 
CONCRETE CREATIONS                 4,966.00 
COUNTIES PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY                 6,755.00 
DELL RAPIDS CUSTOM TRAILERS, INC.           13,865.00 
ELECTION SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE INC               4,083.10 
HENNING CONSTRUCTION, INC                 3,469.53 
HOWES OIL CO                 2,309.50 
KETTERLING SERVICES INC           13,903.57 
LYON COUNTY LANDFILL           16,290.42 
MORRIS ELECTRONICS                 3,008.74 
NOBLES COUNTY AUDITOR-TREASURER   4,740.00 
ROCK COUNTY AUDITOR-TREASURER                 2,219.79 
ROCK COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT 17,206.40 
ROCK COUNTY OPPORTUNITIES                 2,642.63 
SANDERS INC                 2,543.75 
SCHNEIDER GEOSPATIAL                 2,300.00 
SIOUX FALLS/CITY                 3,680.65 
STAPLES ENTERPRISES INC                 3,755.28 
SUPERIOR CAULKING INC                 7,875.80 
TOWMASTER                 2,010.57 
VIKING ELECTRIC LLC                 3,807.91 
78 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000           39,701.96 
     TOTAL               $193,970.65 
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report which reflected the 2nd half of Ag tax settlement; motion by Burger, seconded
by Williamson, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Auditor/Treasurer presented (2) license applications from Herb N’Legend and Rock River Apothecary to sell Hemp Derived products; the Auditor/Treasurer stated that background checks have been conducted with no findings and license fees ($500.00) have been collected. Motion by Williamson, seconded by Thompson, to the licenses for Herb N’Legend and Rock River Apothecary with an effective date of 12/15/22 – 12/31/2023, declared carried on a voice vote.
There was a brief discussion regarding the mail ballot process with no action taken.
Sheriff Evan Verbrugge introduced new Deputy Zachary Keesey and conducted a swearing ceremony. The County Board welcomed Deputy Keesey to Rock County.
Motion by Williamson, seconded Burger, to approve (3) AFCME Union
Contracts for Highway, Deputy and Dispatchers effective 01/01/2023 –
12/31/2025, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Reisch, to approve a 5% COLA effective
01/01/2023 for nonunion employees, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve the 2023 Cafeteria Contribution of $852.70, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Williamson, to approve an amendment to the A.C.E. of Southwest Minnesota Joint Powers Agreement, declared carried on a voice vote. The amendment authorized Pipestone County to join the organization.
The County Administrator updated the County Board on the following: building issues due to ice, a follow up regarding the Community Ventures EDA event which has presented additional opportunities for potential businesses looking to locate in Rock County, FEMA Floodplain meeting, EMPG, meeting with the hospital administration regarding mental services and an overview of the (3) union contracts.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings:  Rural Water, Annual Township, AMC Conference, and FEMA Floodplain map.
  Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings: Annual Township, FEMA Floodplain map, AMC Annual Conference.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings:
FEMA Floodplan map, Community Ventures EDA event.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings: Annual Township, AMC Annual Conference, FEMA Floodplain map, Union negotiations.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following
meetings: Annual Township, FEMA Floodplain map, AMC Annual
Conference, met with the Sheriff to discuss salary, EDA meeting.
With no further business to come before the County Board, motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard to adjourn the meeting, declared carried on a voice vote.
(01-19)

H-BC School Board 
meets Dec. 27
Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671
Minutes
Dec. 27, 2022
The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semi-monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the H-BC Secondary School Board room, 301 N Summit Ave, Hills, MN.
Board members and Administration present were Bosch, Fransman, Gehrke, Harnack, Knobloch, Rauk and Rozeboom. Superintendent Holthaus and Business Manager Rozeboom were also in attendance. Principal Kellenberger was absent.
Motion by Rozeboom, second by Bosch, and carried to approve the agenda.
Visitors to the meeting were Mavis Fodness - Star Herald, Matt Taubert -
Meulebroeck, Taubert & Co., PLLP, Ehlers Finance- Matthew Hammer,
RA Morton- Preston Euerle, ATS & R- Dean Beeninga/Sarah Fox.
Auditor Report for District Financials Fiscal Year 2022 (Meulebroeck, Taubert &
Co., PLLP)
PATRIOT PRIDE:
-Secondary Power Mechanics Equipment Grant -Frank Boon
-Knowledge Bowl Red Team moving on to Regionals
-Renae Knobloch for her service on the H-BC School Board of Education
-Harley Fransman for his service on the H-BC School Board of Education
Committee Reports/Updates:
Staff Development/TAB 12/1
Motion by Fransman, second by Harnack, and carried to approve Consent
Agenda:
-Minutes—12/12/2022 and 12/19/2022
-Bills
-Imprest Cash Report -Treasurer Report
-Student Activity Account Report
Motion by Harnack, second by Rozeboom, and carried to approve
accepting the findings of the District’s Fiscal Year 2022 Financial
Audit as presented by Meulebroeck, Taubert and CO., PLLP
Motion by Knobloch, second by Fransman, and carried to approve First Reading of E Learning Day Plan Procedures recommended changes.
Motion by Bosch, second by Rozeboom, and carried to approve Donation
Resolution:
-$100 from Doug & Lois Boeve and AJ & Brittany Hoogeveen
for Elementary School Lunch Program
-$250 from Anonymous for School Lunch Program and Activity Fees
-$350 from Steen Reformed Church Sunday School Dept for 
H-BC Students in need administrative discretion
-$60,377.04 from Frank Boon Trust for Equipment for Power Mechanics Program
DISTRICT NON-ACTION ITEMS:
•New/Remodel Facility Project Updates, Discussion, Proposals, Costing
AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING
DATES TO REMEMBER:
-Regular Board Meeting, Monday, January 9
-Regular Board Meeting, Monday, January 23
Time of Adjournment: 8:39 p.m.
Tamara Rauk, Clerk
(01-19)

City of Luverne seeks bids for the Lopau Addition
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed  proposals will be received by the City Council of Luverne, Rock County, Minnesota at the Luverne City Offices, 305 East Luverne Street, P.O. Box 659, Luverne, Minnesota 56156 on Tuesday, the 7th of February, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. for the Lopau Addition, Luverne, Minnesota, at which time the proposals shall
be publicly opened and read aloud by the City Administrator and Engineer.
The approximate quantities of work on which proposals will be received are as follows:
 
          3,478 L.F.           PCC Curb and Gutter, B624
          1,730 Ton           Bituminous Pavement
          1,117 L.F.           Storm Sewer, Varies Sizes
          1,630 L.F.           Sanitary Sewer Main 
          1,692 L.F.           Water Main
          15 Ea.                 Storm and Sanitary Structures
          25,120 C.Y.        Common Excavation
          13,600 C.Y.        Topsoil, On-Site
 
and other related items of construction.
All bids shall be made on proposal forms furnished by the Engineer and shall be accompanied by bid security in the form of a certified check or bid bond, made payable to the City of Luverne, Minnesota, in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the bid, which security becomes the property of the City in the event the successful bidder fails to enter into contract and post satisfactory bond. Work shall commence on or
after April 10, 2023. All work shall be completed by September 2, 2023.
The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technicalities and irregularities. The City also reserves the right to increase, decrease or delete items of work to comply with budget limitations.
The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 
The Contractor and all subcontractors shall submit to the Owner a signed statement verifying compliance with each of the criteria described in the State of Minnesota “Responsible Contractor” law as codified in Minnesota
Statute section 16C.285. See the Instructions to Bidders for more details.
Complete digital project bidding documents are available at www.questcdn.com.  You may download the digital plan documents for $20.00 by inputting Quest project #8366055 on the website's Project Search page.  Please contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information.  An optional paper set of the proposal forms and specifications for individual use may be obtained from the office of the Engineer, DGR Engineering, 1302 South Union, P.O. Box 511, Rock Rapids, Iowa 51246, telephone 712-472-2531, Fax 712-472-2710, e-mail: dgr@dgr.com, upon payment of $50.00, none of which is refundable.
Published upon order of the City Council of Luverne, Minnesota.
CITY OF LUVERNE, MINNESOTA
 
By  /s/ Patrick T. Baustian                
Mayor
(01-19)

An international biogas company visited Rock County Tuesday and expressed interest in something local livestock producers have a lot of – manure.
Nature Energy operates 13 biogas plants in Denmark and in three years plans to build 15 more in North America.
Four Nature Energy representatives met with county commissioners Tuesday, explaining their business model and needs from a host community.
Attending the commissioners’ meeting were also members of the Luverne City Council, Rock County Economic Development, Luverne Economic Development and city of Luverne.
“We are reaching out to you to see if we have local support,” said Jesper Ascanius Kjersgaard Nielsen, vice president of business development. “We are a company that is coming to your community to ask for permission to be a good neighbor.”
Nature Energy began in 1979 as a municipally owned natural gas company in Denmark in 1979. Now the company extracts methane from cattle manure and other organic wastes to produce biogas. The biogas is sold as a green alternative to natural gas.
Also extracted in the anaerobic process is food-grade carbon dioxide. The manure minus the gases is returned to the livestock producer as fertilizer.
“Basically, we borrow the manure and bring it back a better product,” Nielsen said.
Luverne and Rock County matches many of the location criteria Nature Energy is looking for in the construction of a biogas facility.
The biomass plant would be a $100 million construction project resulting in 12 to 16 jobs.
The company needs at least 27 acres, access to manure from 15,000 dairy cows within a 25-mile radius, a connection to a natural gas pipeline, and sufficient access to electricity and water.
Nature Energy is also looking to locate a biogas plant in Pipestone.
Three plant locations have been already been chosen in North America. The sites are in Benson and Wilson in Minnesota and in Roberts, Wisconsin.
Nature Energy focuses on taking manure from small- and medium-sized dairy farms for the biogas process. However, it is looking at manure from swine and beef on the tour to Rock County.
Smell from the process is eliminated through the use of charcoal filters and a stringent cleaning process.
“When it’s degassed the smell goes away,” Nielsen said.
Attending Tuesday’s meeting with Nielsen were Nature Energy agronomist Matthew Berulylette, vice president of on-farm business development Bob Lefebvre, and lead business developer Tore Junkuhn Dehli.
“We want to be the good neighbor,” Dehli said. “We don’t want to be the one to build something and leave. Our plans are to be here for 40 years and be a good neighbor for 40 years. We don’t want to build something and everything not be all right.”
A decision as to Luverne’s suitability as a location would take about a year to complete.

Anyone wanting to enjoy the use of a sled in Hills or Beaver Creek won’t have to look far, thanks to the eighth-graders at Hills-Beaver Creek Secondary School.
Two Little Free Sled libraries are now available for use in each community.
Similar to a Little Free Library, where books are available to borrow and placed back when read, the Little Free Sled Library allows anyone to borrow a sled, use it, and place it back into the holder for someone else to use.
Middle school teacher Randi Oftedahl watched a news story about the sled libraries in Minneapolis. 
“I got to thinking how awesome it would be if the sled libraries started popping up in our area,” she said.
Her 20 eighth-graders embraced the idea.
With the design help of industrial arts teacher Chris Louwagie, two square storage areas or corrals were constructed using 2-by-4s.
“The students built the sled corrals from recycled wood that used to be part of the aquaponics project at school,” Oftedahl said.
Students painted the corrals black to easily be seen in the snow.
Handprinted signs read “Have fun! Return when done.”
District buildings supervisor Dalton Bass delivered the corrals to the final destinations last week.
One sled library is located near the H-BC football field in Hills, and the other was placed at the corner of Second Avenue and Fifth Street near the west entry to the SpringBrooke Golf Course in Beaver Creek.
Each corral holds several plastic sleds.
“A few families contacted me to donate their used sleds. The student council purchased two sleds, and we had six sleds donated by residents of Luverne and Hills,” Oftedahl said. “My hope is that everyone will treat it with respect, use the sleds, have fun and return when done.”
Eighth-graders involved in the Little Sled Library project include Brynn Bakken, Olivia Deelstra, Karl Hartz, Hunter Leenderts, Karlee Olson, Reagan Spath, Lilith Golden, Camden Broesder, Ed Duncan, Mackenzie Hellerud, Carie Merson, Ava Rainford, Ava Steinhoff, Taty Williams, Katelyn Chesley, Jed Eagerness, Brooklyn Hubbard, Hailey Moser, Riggins Rheault and Tryg Tollefson.
The libraries are not the first community service project Oftedahl’s students have completed.
“In my 30 years of teaching, I have realized that there is quite a bit of learning that can take place outside of the classroom and (when they) give back,” she said.
“In order to accomplish this, I have implemented community service projects into my lesson plans each month.”
Most projects are not seen by the public. For example, students made May Day baskets for Tuff Home residents, they made T-shirt bags and collected picture books for the kindergartners, they decorated the Legion Hall for the Memorial Day program, and they scraped and painted the dugouts and concession stands at the Hills ballpark.
Oftedahl said as the students take pride in the communities, they are also taking pride in themselves for a job well done.
“The students are very proud to point out that they were the ones to complete those projects when they were at baseball practice or softball games,” she said.

Ten years ago Janine Papik and LaDonna Iveland noticed families were traveling to Sioux Falls for violin lessons.
“We wondered if there would be a way for instructors to come to Luverne, rather than all these Luverne students traveling to other communities for lessons,” Papik said.
That idea in October of 2012 led to Luverne Street Music, which today joins 11 instructors with more than 100 students at the Carnegie Cultural Center for lessons in voice, piano, strings, woodwinds, brass and other instruments.
An open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Carnegie will mark the 10-year anniversary of Luverne Street Music.
On Thursday Papik reflected on how the program started.
Following their instincts, Papik and Iveland approached the Luverne Chamber Office and worked with volunteers to connect instructors with students at Hilger Commons, the round building owned by Holy Trinity Church.
“From that initial meeting, it took just six weeks to find a location, choose a name, develop a logo and market the plan for opening in January,” said Papik, Luverne Street Music president.
Students and instructors perform recitals, solos and ensembles and they participate in community cantatas, parades and other events throughout the year, making Luverne a talent hub for all things music.
The goal was to provide quality musical education and training for aspiring student musicians of all ages at one convenient location in Luverne.
The mission was to offer many performance opportunities for students and teachers throughout the community, allowing Luverne Street Musicians to “give back” to the community and share the love of music with others.
That goal and mission remains relevant today, Papik said.
“I believe music touches everyone, everywhere, no matter what style each person likes or feels at the moment,” she said.
“That’s why it’s so important that it should be made available to everyone, to express themselves in whatever way they choose.”
Since 2012 Luverne Street Music has had more than 600 students and nearly 40 instructors drawing from nearly 20 schools and communities in five states.
This includes private lessons and ensembles, such as Children's Choir, Summer Music Camp, various string ensembles and the Christmas Cantata.
In 2015 Luverne Street Music moved to the historic Carnegie Cultural Center built in 1904 as one of 65 Carnegie Libraries built in Minnesota by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
The building today is owned and maintained by the city of Luverne and leased to the non-profit Luverne Street Music.
“This building is amazing,” Papik said. “The architecture is just so gorgeous.”
She credited local support — especially the city’s investment in a major remodel of the lower “Bass Clef” level for soundproof lesson rooms and handicap accessibility.
Local pianist Ross Bergman has a unique perspective on Luverne Street Music.
“As a former student and teacher, I have seen how LSM has wholeheartedly supported my talent and calling,” Bergman said. “I have been honored to see the benefits of LSM come full circle.”
He said the program plays an important role in the community and individuals’ wellbeing.
“Luverne Street Music provides students with opportunities to touch the lives of everyone within the community,” Bergman said. “Music can speak and comfort when words fail.”
Papik said she hopes community members join Luverne Street Music students and staff in the coming year as they celebrate 10 years.
“Your talent is God’s gift to you,” she said. “What you do with it is your gift back to God.”
Saturday’s open house will be the first of 12 monthly celebrations to mark Luverne Street Music’s 10th anniversary.
In February student musicians will share their “Love of Music” through online performances on the Luverne Street Music Facebook page.
Subsequent 2023 anniversary celebrations will be advertised in local media and online.
Papik can be reached at 605-321-2055.

Mortgage foreclosure sale set for March 16 
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage:
DATE OF MORTGAGE: December 15, 2010
MORTGAGOR: Chad M. Gruis, single.
MORTGAGEE: First Farmers & Merchants National Bank.
DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded December 16, 2010, Rock County Recorder, Document No. 175211.
ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.  Dated October 15, 2010, Recorded December 16, 2010, as Document No. 175212.    And thereafter assigned to: Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC. Dated August 17, 2020, Recorded August 20, 2020, as Document No. 197744.            
TRANSACTION AGENT: NONE
TRANSACTION AGENT'S MORTGAGE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON MORTGAGE: NONE
LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR STATED ON MORTGAGE: First Farmers & Merchants National Bank
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SERVICER: LoanCare, LLC
MORTGAGED PROPERTY ADDRESS: 811 North Spring Street, Luverne, MN 56156
TAX PARCEL I.D. #:  200286000
LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:
The S.7 feet of Lot 2 and the N.65 feet of Lot 4 in Block 6 in Barck, Adams & Howe's Addition to the Village (now City) of Luverne, Rock County, Minnesota.
COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Rock
ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $78,963.00
AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $62,033.91
That prior to the commencement of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee complied with all notice requirements as required by statute; That no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof;
PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows:
DATE AND TIME OF SALE: March 16, 2023, at 10:00 A.M.
PLACE OF SALE: Sheriff's Office, Main Entrance, Law Enforcement Center, 1000 North Blue Mound Avenue, Luverne, MN
to pay the debt then secured by said Mortgage, and taxes, if any, on said premises, and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys' fees allowed by law subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns unless reduced to Five (5) weeks under MN Stat. §580.07.
TIME AND DATE TO VACATE PROPERTY: If the real estate is an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling, unless otherwise provided by law, the date on or before which the mortgagor(s) must vacate the property if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property is not redeemed under section 580.23 is 11:59 p.m. on September 18, 2023, unless that date falls on a weekend  or legal holiday, in which case it is the next weekday, and unless the redemption period is reduced to 5 weeks under MN Stat. Secs. 580.07 or 582.032.
MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: None
"THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR'S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED."
 
Dated: January 9, 2023
 
Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC
Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee
 
LIEBO, WEINGARDEN, DOBIE & BARBEE, P.L.L.P.
Attorneys for Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee
4500 Park Glen Road #300
Minneapolis, MN 55416
(952) 925-6888
100 - 22-006876 FC
 
IN THE EVENT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.Document version 1.2 July  20, 2021
(1-19, 1-26, 2-2, 2-9, 2-16, 2-23)