Rock County Highway Dept. seeks bids for Beaver Creek historic bridge project
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Beaver Creek Historic Bridge Rehabilitation Project
S.A.P. 067-597-005
Sealed proposals will be received by the Rock County Highway Department at Luverne, Minnesota, until 11:00 A.M. on Monday February 13th, 2023.
READ CAREFULLY THE PROVISIONS FOR THE WAGE RATES AS CONTAINED IN THE SPECIAL PROVISIONS, AS THEY WILL AFFECT THIS PROJECT.
Attention is called to the fact that the Contractor must comply with the Special Equal Employment Opportunity Provisions as contained in the Proposal. Proposals will be opened and read publicly in the presence of the Rock County Highway Engineer at the Rock County Highway Building located at 1120 North Blue Mound Avenue in Luverne, Minnesota immediately following the hour set for receiving bids for the following Rock County Highway work. Bids will be awarded on Tuesday, February 21st, 2023, at the regular Rock County Board of Commissioners Meeting held in the Law Library at the Rock County Courthouse.
The Major Quantities of Work are: 189 Sq. Ft. Historic Concrete Surface Repair; 63 Cu. Yds. Random Riprap Matrix; 152 Sq. Ft. Concrete Surface Repair; 1 Lump Sum Membrane Waterproofing; 242 Cu Yds. Structural Excavation; 42 Lin. Ft. Repair Structural Cracks; 63 Cu Yds. Random Rip Rap Class 3. 
Plans, specifications and proposals may be viewed and downloaded on Quest at www.questcdn.com and at the Rock County Highway Department website, www.co.rock.mn.us/highway. Questions may be directed to the office of the Rock County Highway Engineer, 1120 North Blue Mound Avenue, P.O. Box 808, Luverne, MN 56156-0808 / (507) 283 - 5010.
The non-refundable cost for Plans and one proposal will be $50.00.
Bids must be accompanied by a certified check or corporate surety bond drawn in favor of the Rock County Treasurer in the amount of at least five percent (5%) of the proposal.
Sealed bids shall be clearly marked “PROJECT NO. SAP 067-597-005.
The Board of Rock County Commissioners reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any defects therein.
Rock County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Mark R. Sehr, P.E.
Rock County Highway Engineer
(01-19, 01-26, 02-02)

Amanda Marie Locks is in trouble.
“Goldie,” as she is known to her friends, is on trial for breaking and entering, and destruction of private property.
Did she break into the Mr. F.D. Bare family home, consume porridge, break a chair and ruin a window screen in her haste to escape?
Students in the Hills-Beaver Creek Secondary School production of “Goldilocks on Trial” will answer those questions in two performances at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, and 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, in the school commons.
The Stuart L. Sheeley one act play parodies the children’s story, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” as a TV courtroom drama.
Junior Joy Taubert is defendant Goldie Locks, who is well-liked by Judge Wendy Wiggins (portrayed by senior Lexi Drake).
Prosecutor (senior Leif Tollefson) and defense attorney (senior Tyrae Goodface) bring a parade of fairytale characters to serve as witnesses. The characters include the three members of the Bare family, Forest D. Bare (freshman Gavin Voss), Bonnie Bare (junior Tahliya Kruger) and Ermengarde Bare (eighth-grader Brooklynne Hubbard.)
Other witnesses include Wilma Hazel (sophomore Lexxus Wessels) as a witch, Harry “Duke” Wolfe (senior Anthony Beaner), Phoebe Neely, who lives in a shoe (freshman Sarah Prohl), Grumpy (senior Britton McKenzie), Clara Moffit (freshman Caidence Ellis) and bean grower Jack Dudley Klump (eighth-grader Tryg Tollefson).
Keeping the court proceedings moving is court clerk (junior Madison Gaugler).
“It’s funny, smart and enjoyable for a wide range of ages,” said director Amy Comp. “I’m excited, too, because our cast this year is larger than last year.”
There are 14 students taking the stage in the school’s annual spring drama production.
Last year nine H-BC students presented “The Crazy Quilt Club” after a two-year hiatus.
“Seeing many of these students grow from last year, and many of them grow in acting in just the past few weeks, has been absolutely wonderful, and their hard work is definitely noticed,” Comp said.
Next year the students may perform in the Minnesota State High School League one act play competition, Comp said.
Admission to the 30-minute production is $6 for adults and is free for students.

Valetta Sculpt 
Activewear assumes name
Minnesota secretary of state 
Certificate of assumed name
MINNESOTA STATUTES, CHAPTER 333
The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable consumers to be able to identify the true ownership of a business.
ASSUMED NAME: Valetta Sculpt Activewear
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS:
601 NE Park Street, Luverne, MN 56156 USA
NAMEHOLDER(S):
Name: Sophia's Style, LLC
Address: 601 NE Park Street, Luverne, MN 56156 USA
If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment.
By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. 
Signature : /s/ Sophia G. Eisma
MAILING ADDRESS: None Provided
EMAIL ADDRESS FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: sophiageisma@gmail.com
(01-19, 01-26)

Two more lots in Luverne’s industrial park are on the market priced at $21,000 and $31,000, according to action at the January meeting of the Luverne Economic Development Authority.
The lots are located near the intersection of Koehn Avenue and Dakota Road in the Mayes subdivision, named for the late Marty Mayes who farmed the 91 acres before they were annexed into the city in 2007.
“We already have someone really interested in one of the lots,” EDA director Holly Sammons said at the Jan. 9 meeting.
She said the Mayes lots are priced at the same cost per square foot as other lots in the industrial park.
"Having an industrial park served with streets and utilities with I-90 visibility is a very attractive asset to our community," Sammons said.
She offered a historical perspective on industrial park growth west of Papik Motors over the past 10 years.
When she started 10 years ago, the LEDA owned 132 acres, including the 30 acres Gold’N Plump had an option to buy.
Since then, 53 acres — seven lots — have been sold. These buyers include:
•RSD Development (Rich Dreckman), one acre
•Henning Construction, 3.32 acres
•Kemp Electric, one acre
•John LeBrun (Stein Seed), 1.23 acres
•Minnesota National Guard Armory, 15 acres
•Backdraft Manufacturing, 1.81 acres
•Lineage Logistics purchased 30 acres from Driftless Meats, affiliated with Premium Minnesota Pork, which exercised the Gold’N Plump option to buy from LEDA.
Sammons said seven smaller lots, a total of roughly 10 acres, remain available for sale in the industrial park.
"We try to keep a handful of smaller shovel-ready lots on the market for our small businesses so that they can see what's immediately available,” she said. 
That leaves 69 acres available but not yet subdivided and platted that could accommodate a variety of interested businesses.
“We also have larger lots that can accommodate larger industry that may need five, 10, or 20 acres,” Sammons said.
“But we'll work with them on a case-by-case basis to subdivide and plat the lots as needed to meet their specific needs."

Meetings
Blue Mound Cemetery Association will meet at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, in the home of Dick and Dolly Remme.
Beaver Creek Township Board will meet at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, in the township hall. Note the afternoon time.
 
Heroes Behind the Badges blood donation Jan. 23
Luverne Fire Department, EMS, Rock County Sheriff’s Office and Sanford Luverne will host the annual Heroes Behind the Badges blood drive Monday, Jan. 23, at Sanford Luverne.
The public can donate blood, support their local heroes and impact patients by donating between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and from 2:30 to 5 p.m.
Donors can schedule an appointment by logging on to www.cbblifeblood.org, select “events” and choose Jan. 23 at Sanford Luverne Medical Center. They can also call 605-331-3222, and walk-ins are welcome. 
 
Blue Mounds State Park offers January activities
•Meet in the Picnic Shelter from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, for Winter Birding: Owls. Winter can be a great time to view owls. Find out what makes these wonderful birds so special and discover what species are in the backyard.
 
Story time at library
Story Time with Bronwyn at the Rock County Library is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through April 25, and at 10 a.m. Fridays beginning Jan. 20 through April 28. Stories and make-and-take crafts are the same at either event.
For more information call 507-449-5040 or email rockcountystaff@gmail.com.
 
Winter Carnival Jan. 21
Luverne Music Boosters Winter Carnival will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, in the Luverne Classic Gym. The event features food, games, prizes, bingo, a cakewalk and more to benefit music education in Luverne Schools. 
 
UMC community free meal Jan. 25
The United Methodist Church will host its Wednesday night free community meal at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25. A pick-up option is available by calling 507-283-4529.
 
Mobile dental clinic in Luverne Jan. 26
The mobile dental clinic will be in Luverne on Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Rock County Health and Human Services community room.
This clinic provides dental care for adults and children ages 0-100+. Call 612-746-1530 to schedule an appointment. All forms of insurance are accepted. It's organized by #Luv1LuvAll's Rock County Oral Health Task Force.
 
H-BC FFA fundraiser 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.
 
Online Extension offerings
The University of Minnesota Extension will offer two distance education opportunities.
•Introductory farm transitions and estate planning is each Wednesday through January. Register at https://z.umn.edu/23FarmTransition to receive a link to each session. Call 507-372-3900 ext. 3906 for info.
•Sowbridge, the distance education series for managing and caring for sows and/or their litters and boars are scheduled for the first Wednesday of the month from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. There is a cost.
Register by Jan. 20 at z.umn.edu/SowBridgeRegistration.
 
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.
 
Community Ed
Community Education will offer the following classes in the next few weeks. Call 507-283-4724 to register.
Children ages 0-5 years and parents can enjoy Preschool Fun Time on Jan. 24 or 26. There’s no fee, but register for morning or evening.
 Kids in the Kitchen (grades K-6) will make Superbowl Snacks on Jan. 26.  Fee is $21.
 Students (grades K-5) can learn to decorate Valentine’s Day Cookies at B's Bakehouse on Feb. 2. Register by Jan. 27. Fee is $30.
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.
 
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.
 
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.

School District #671 seeks group insurance bids  
Hills-Beaver Creek District 671 requests proposals for group insurance coverage for the health plan year beginning July 1, 2023. Sealed proposals will be accepted in paper or digital form until 5:00 p.m. central time between March 13 – 31, 2023, at Hills-Beaver Creek District 671, 301 N Summit Ave, PO Box 547, Hills, MN 56138. Copies of the complete request for proposal may be requested from Todd Holthaus, t.holthaus@isd671.net and will be sent electronically at no charge. The District reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities. The District reserves the right to select the proposal which it determines to be in the best interest of the District.
(1-19, 1-26)

Hills Mayor Keith Elbers (standing, far left) watches Vickie Busswitz and Cory Metzger recite the oaths of office prior to the Jan. 10 Hills City Council meeting. Busswitz was re-elected to a second term in November while Cory Metzger begins his first four-year term. Metzger was elected to the seat filled by Alan Leenderts, who served on the council for 16 years. Watching the reciting (seated) are public works supervisor Dustin Verhey, and council members Ross Metzger and Stacen Burgers.

Beaver Creek City Council members convened Wednesday night, Jan. 11, for their first meeting of the new year under new leadership.
Jacob Conger and Heidi Freese were elected in November and were sworn in as new council members at the start of the meeting.
They replace outgoing members Jeff Dysthe and Pat Bender who didn’t file for re-election. Council members thanked them for their leadership.
Bender served for 16 years, and the council remarked that there were 22 years of Dysthe leadership between brothers Jeff and Jamie Dysthe.
Jeff served the final term, which ended Dec. 31, 2022.
Others on the current council include Mayor Josh Teune and council members Cody Dietrich and Alan Harnack.
 
Salaries and fees
Among other business at their first meeting of the year, the council approved the 2023 fee schedule.
Most remained the same for things like permit applications, service hookups and garbage and recycling collection.
Among increases were fire calls, from $750 to $1,000, and water and sewer rates, which increased $3 and $2 per resident per 1,000 gallons, respectively.
Salaries for city staff also increased for 2023.
City maintenance director Travis Helgeson’s salary increased from $44,595 to $46,379 and clerk Jane Blank’s part-time salary increased from $16,534 to $17,196.
 
Snow hazards
Council members thanked Helgeson for his thorough work in clearing Beaver Creek city streets during the heavy snow at the start of January.
They also noted that many residents were piling snow in city rights of way, which is against city ordinance.
They recognized that the exceptional amount of snow created hardships for many, but they noted that snow piles on streets are a hazard for everyone.
A new Facebook post on the city’s page offers more information.
It states: “Residents, please be aware that it is a violation to plow, blow, shovel or otherwise place snow onto public roadways. The placement of snow can create a hazard such as slippery areas or frozen ruts or bumps. This includes pushing snow from your property across the roadway to an opposite ditch or property. Other hazards created by improper placement of snow on or near a roadway include drainage problems, drifting, sight obstruction and [reduced] accessibility.”
 
Beaver Creek Days
The Beaver Creek City Council will host a planning meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, in the clerk’s office at City Hall to discuss a summer celebration.
The point of the meeting will be to share ideas and gather community input for a summer “Beaver Creek Days” of sorts.
The city’s Facebook page will share more information.

All five Rock County commissioners were sworn into office Thursday morning, Jan. 5, at the Rock County Courthouse in Luverne. Due to redistricting, Gary Overgaard, Stan Williamson, Greg Burger, Jody Reisch and Sherri Thompson (above, being sworn in by District Judge Terry Vajgrt) refiled for office and received no challengers in the November general election. Thompson was elected board chairman and Greg Burger vice chairman in a rescheduled Jan. 5 meeting due to the Jan. 3 blizzard.