Several family members came to Hills Friday to attend the retirement party of Cyndi Ebert at the H-BC Commons. Among them were her husband, Gregg, who lives on Lake Albert in South Dakota, and their son, Scott, his wife, Kristi, and children, Hannah 5, and Molly 3, Harrisburg, S.D. Scott teaches 5th grade at Harrisburg. Also in attendance were son, Jeff, and his wife, Josie. Jeff is a physical therapist in Omaha, Neb., and Josie is a high school math teacher. Their son Matt came from Minneapolis, where he is attending law school and will graduate this spring. Todd, the oldest of their four boys, was unable to come. He and his wife, Dawn, live in Washington, D.C., with their children, Ellie 3, and Jock 2. Cyndi, an English teacher, will be replaced by Kathy Metzger, a former teacher who lives in our community with her husband, Ray.Sheldon and Ellie Sandager and Fran Sandager returned home last Monday after spending the weekend in Scandia where they attended the 80th birthday celebration for Lee Sandager. Some 40 relatives and friends attended. Chuck and Rheta DeBoer attend a "Bowl Night" last Tuesday evening at the Faith Baptist Church in Sioux Falls. The evening consisted of giving questions to all school students and area pre-schoolers to answer. Chuck was one of the readers announcing the questions. Dick and Audrey Heidenson returned last week Tuesday after spending since the previous Friday in the home of her daughter, Jan Ausland, and husband at Apple Valley where they celebrated three family birthdays. Jo Sandager from Herrick, S.D., is spending several days in our community and on Tuesday presented a high tea, with special English customs at Tuff Village. Wilmer and Betty Elbers attended the Valentine dinner at the Sioux Falls Convention Center in Sioux Falls last Tuesday evening. The Washington High School choir presented the program, which was a fund-raiser. Kelsey Elbers, their granddaughter, had a part in it.Ray and Lois Nelson attended the Augustana band concert at Brandon, S.D., last week. Dick and Audrey Heidenson returned home from Battle Lake where they visited in the home of their son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Deb Heidenson. Saturday night they enjoyed dinner with Ray and Lynn Heidenson.Wendell and Kathryn Erickson had a fun-filled weekend. They drove to the Cities Thursday and that evening were privileged to watch their granddaughter, Krista Gilman, play the violin in the Eden Prairie orchestra. On Friday evening, along with, Mike and Kathy, they went to the Ordway Theatre in St. Paul to watch the musical ‘Les Miserable." This story was written by Victor Hugo and relates to the French Revolution in 1814. Then Saturday noon they joined Wendell’s brother, Charles, and wife, Mary, for lunch in Anoka. Saturday evening they got all the children together for a Valentine dinner and returned home Sunday.

By Sara QuamRock County is among a minority of counties to get more money for roads in 2006. County Engineer Mark Sehr shared the apportionment for county state aid roads at the Tuesday Rock County Commissioners meeting.In all, the county will receive almost $2.5 million, a 1.5 percent increase over last year for construction and maintenance. Of that total, $199,545 goes toward maintenance within cities of the county and $299,317 goes toward construction within cities of the county.Rock County will receive $183,785 in bridge apportionment. The average 2005 township bridge cost was $167,452.Only 21 of 87 counties in the state received an increase in funding for road work.In other Highway Department news, Rock County Commissioners approved spending up to $2,400 for a study of whether Heartland Express should be an addition to the Highway Department Building, or get its own new site.Heartland Express received a $500,000 grant for a new facility and the study will determine needs of both departments and gauge whether an addition on the Highway Department building is feasible.Sales tax paid to South DakotaCounty Attorney Don Klosterbuer recommended the board not to pursue getting refunds for sales tax the county paid to South Dakota.Klosterbuer was asked to look into the matter after the county was audited and found the county paid some sales tax to South Dakota, when the county is actually exempt there and should have paid those amounts to Minnesota. The law stating that started in 1992. Prior to that, government units didn’t pay any sales tax.The county had to pay Minnesota $8,000. The state suggested the county contact South Dakota and try to get the sales tax back, but considering the staff time it would take and the likelihood of South Dakota cooperating, Klosterbuer said, "We’ll just change procedures in the future."The state is slowly auditing all counties, but many haven’t been visited yet. Border counties are the most affected by the sales tax audits.Sharing costs for voting machinesThe board directed County Attorney Klosterbuer and Auditor Treasurer Gloria Rolfs to draft an agreement between the county and its various precincts for cost sharing expenses related to the new voting machines. Under a new federal law, every voter in a federal election must have the opportunity to vote privately and independently, regardless of any disability which may have in the past required the voter to seek assistance in order to vote.Further, every voter must be provided with the opportunity to correct errors on a ballot, which may otherwise void that person’s vote. A big part of the election changes are new voting machines and ballot counters that the federal government has mandated be purchased. Federal grant dollars of $241,420 will be available for Rock County to purchase the election equipment.One of the machines, a computerized voting machine called AutoMARK, is designed for people who have a disability or have difficulty voting on standard ballots.In some cases, even a broken arm or mobility issue makes voting difficult. With the AutoMARK machine, non-English speaking individuals or the blind may vote because the terminal assists them through the process, which is still private.Voters won’t notice new ballots with the new election system. How votes are tallied will vary from the past, however.People used to slip their ballot into a box to be fed into a counter later. Now, people place the same ballot into a counter, which tells them immediately if there was an error on their ballot that they then get the chance to fix.The new counting system is supposed to be faster.Improving roads for school busesThe board reported that it had positive meetings with school officials who were concerned about adequate road clearing being done for buses to transport children to and from school.The county shared route information, contact numbers and policies and procedures. School officials did the same so they could work together and communicate during snow storms.

By Lori EhdeLove is in the air at Luverne’s Palace Theatre — at least in the music planned for Saturday.Local mezzo soprano Emily Lodine will present "Love on Broadway," at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, in the Palace Theatre just in time to set the mood for Valentine’s Day.Dubbed "A Valentine Event," Lodine will perform a line-up of Broadway musical hits based on the theme of Valentine’s Day and love.Richard Rodger’s "My Funny Valentine," will be among the songs that premiered on Broadway productions.Others that the audience will likely recognize include a song from "The Merry Widow," and an operetta number, "Indian Love Call."Lodine, who’s accustomed to performing pure opera, describes Sunday’s show as "light stuff."In fact much of the second half of the show will be Broadway in nature, including songs from George and Ira Gershwin and from Cole Porter.But that doesn’t mean the audience won’t hear classic Emily Lodine opera."I wanted to start with operetta, because that’s my genre and that’s where Broadway came from," Lodine said.She’ll take stage with accompanist Karen Carr."She plays for me all the time and she’s so talented," Lodine said of Carr. "She doesn’t live here, but it’s so generous of her to come up here whenever I ask her to."Still in love …As a side note, Lodine answered questions about her own love life, and confirmed without hesitation that yes, she’s still in love.Lodine, who hails from the Chicago area, met Magnolia farmer Gary Overgaard on a plane ride to London. She was going to perform and he was on his way to Denmark. That chance meeting turned out to be a long-distance romance, and they were eventually married in 1996.She joked that Norwegians are stubborn and that she and Gary are first-born children in their families, and she said relationships worth having require nurturing."It’s a great life," she said about her marriage and career. "I’m lucky I can do it from here."She said e-mail, cell phones and faxes allow her to live on the acreage near Magnolia and still travel to various musical engagements.For example, on Feb. 19 she’ll perform in San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral, and during the first week in March she’ll perform "Beethoven’s Ninth" symphony in Chicago. Not long after that she’ll be with the Wichita Symphony for "The Verdi Requiem."But she always comes home to Rock County."This is such a great community," she said. "People are so kind. They’re very, very giving."Upcoming local dates to mark on the calendar include events at the Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls.On April 1 Lodine will perform with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra with international bass-baritone Louis Otey. On May 14, she’ll sing with the South Dakota Chamber Orchestra premiering a new song cycle by composer Nathan Pawelek.Tickets for Saturday’s concert are available for $10 for adults and $5 for students at the Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce, Carnegie Cultural Center, Luverne Style Shop and at the Coffey Haus.‘Fountains of Chocolate’ Valentine socialFollowing the Valentine’s Day theme, the Coffey Haus across the street from the Palace Theatre will host a "Fountains of Chocolate Valentine Social."Starting at 9 p.m. concertgoers can enjoy a chocolate fondue social for a dollar off by presenting their concert tickets.

By Sara QuamWelfare reform is working. More people are moving off cash assistance and working due to federal time limits on assistance — largely due to the local diligence of job counselor Brian Sietsema and employees of Rock County Family Services.That was the message Rock County commissioners received from the Private Industry Council Tuesday in its annual report.PIC is a regional organization. Rock County Commissioner Bob Jarchow was chairman of the Board of Directors the past two years, and still serves on the Board of Directors as a member.Sietsema is a PIC employee who works out of Family Services in Luverne.Family Services Director Randy Ehlers said the relationships formed between the professionals in the building are valuable to clients who use services.There were 85 cases in the Diversionary Work Program in 2005. Through that program Sietsema works with people receiving assistance who are capable of working to some degree.Despite the good record, Sietsema said there are growing challenges. The number of people in the program with documented chemical dependency issues rose to 26. Sietsema said, "It’s every day that I’m talking to a chemical dependency counselor or a probation officer or a child protection worker."Sietsema said he thinks that more of his clients may have dependency issues that are not on record or documented.Of those that are documented, he estimates one-half to one-third are due to methamphetamine. Most are alcohol, however.The most notable statistic about the Diversionary Work Program is that since 2002, 88.6 percent of Rock County clients are either working 30 hours a week in order to still qualify to receive some cash assistance or are completely independent of any state aid.Rock County’s 88.6 average is better than the state average of 70 percent.Mary Mulder said, "The staff in Human Services helps the success in rural areas. We hear of other cases [in the Metro area] where people don’t see a job counselor until their assistance is about to expire."Sietsema said rural areas have their own challenges as well.Sometimes there just aren’t job openings for clients because there are fewer employers overall. Also, finding childcare (especially evening) and transportation is difficult.People have to drive to their jobs because public transportation is more limited. Sietsema said he uses programs to get people new tires or even fill their tank with gas to last them until their first paycheck just to make sure they get to their job.That effort and constant accountability and contact is what PIC officials say works the best.Other statistics from the Diversionary Work Program are:
6 participants have limited or no English skills
20 are unable to work due to physical disability (this includes maternity leave) and/or mental disability.
60 participants left the Diversionary Work Program and cash assistance (this includes employment, moving from the county or reaching the lifetime cash assistance limit).
32 participants left the program due to employment.
The average wage upon exiting the program was $8.74 per hour.

By Lori EhdeLand values in Rock County are reaching all-time highs, with land sales recorded at $5,000 per acre in some places.According to the Rock County Land Records Office, tillable ag land has been steadily increasing in value over the past several years.For example, the average acre of tillable ground in Rock County was valued at $1,627 per acre in 2001.That rose by 38.5 percent in the past five years to $2,254 per acre in 2005.The highest price paid for any piece of ag ground in Rock County in 2002 was $2,830 per acre, which was considered exceptional at the time. That was the year prices first broke the $2,500 per acre threshold.Now, the top dollar is nearly 53 percent higher with last year’s priciest parcel going for $4,325 per acre in November. That same year, land just a few miles over the border into Iowa sold for $5,500 per acre.Rock County Land Records Director Tom Houselog wouldn’t make predictions on the local land value trend, but he said the figures are remarkable."It appears to me we’re still on the way up," Houselog said.Typically, the most expensive ground is in the fertile areas of Hills, Steen and Beaver Creek, but as prices climb there, buyers are willing to pay higher prices in other parts of the county as well."They’re paying way more than it’s valued at," Houselog said.He said fewer land sale opportunities are forcing buyers to consider marginal land at higher prices, and paying more than the land is worth still feels like a good deal, comparatively.Higher land prices = higher assessed values, … but not higher taxesRegardless, high land prices are affecting assessed market values all over the county, Houselog said, because assessors look at land sales in the neighborhood to estimate the value of particular parcels.But he said land prices and increasing market value haven’t affected property taxes on ag land."People assume that’s the case," he said, "but when you look at most parcels, we’ve actually seen a decrease in taxes paid over the past years, while that same period has seen a steady market value increase." That’s because the state’s formula for taxing ag property is set up with certain tax credits and exemptions that allow for reasonable amounts on property tax statements."In some places, we’ve seen land values increase by 50 percent over a period of five years, and in that same time, taxes have stayed the same or gone down," Houselog said.Tax law playing a role in high land pricesPart of the reason for high land prices is the 1031 Exchange Tax, according to local tax professionals."It’s definitely having an effect," said Damon Eisma, of Eisma Law Office.The federal tax law allows income tax from land sales to be deferred if it’s used to purchase other land."What we’re seeing is higher appreciation on land in other parts of the country, let’s say on a piece of bare ground near an area that’s being developed," Eisma said. "If the seller turns around and invests that money into other land, he or she can defer taxes on the income."He said the 1031 Exchange is prompting some land to sell for as much as twice its assessed value."They need to get that cash into land or they face having to pay that income tax," Eisma said. "What we’re seeing is that they’re willing to pay $4,000 or more for a piece of land that’s worth only $2,000, just to get the cash invested."Land too pricey for young farmers getting startedLand values can have a major effect on the local economy, particularly if there’s a drastic drop in values.The farm crisis of the mid-1980s is a classic example. Many farmers had borrowed against the value of their land to float their operations.When land values dropped and interest rates shot up, many were forced to sell or go out of business.Cliff Boom, senior vice president at First Farmers and Merchants Bank, Luverne, has 30 years of ag lending experience."Personally, I don’t think land values are going to plummet like they did in the mid-1980’s," he said when asked about land value trends. "People purchasing land now have more cash available, or equity in other assets to make a larger down payment to help cash flow the land purchase."Land sale prices have been steadily increasing for the past 10 years, and Boom said he expects values to plateau in the next few years or maybe decline somewhat."It’s kind of topped off," he said about local sales. "You’ve got some exceptional pieces of land in the Hills area, but it’s my gut feeling that it’s going to level off."He said one implication of high-priced land is that younger farmers are finding it harder to get a foothold in the business, and larger farmers have more resources available to afford more land or higher land rents."The farms we have are getting bigger and bigger," Boom said. He said land isn’t the only thing getting expensive in farming."All the input costs are going up," Boom said. "Seed, fuel, fertilizer, chemicals, cash rent – it’s all expensive, and it makes it a lot more difficult to cash flow. … It’s preventing young people from getting started in farming."Young farmers often start out renting, and rental rates are increasing with the value of land, making it even more difficult to gain a foothold.Boom said he’s working with younger farmers through the Minnesota Rural Finance Authority, for example."We’re looking at creative financing," Boom said. "But it also helps to have nice parents who are willing to co-sign on a loan."

10 years ago (1996)
It was Grandparents’ Day at Luverne Elementary School this week. Kindergarten through fourth-graders invited their grandparents to school and about 500 showed up.
Rock County is contributing $4,000 more annually in order to help the local Historical Society take possession of the Masonic Temple for use of a museum.
The Luverne School Board looked at architect plans for an elementary addition to the school.25 years ago (1981)
Magnolia High School students will attend Luverne High School next fall. An historic pairing agreement for the next two years has been signed by the two school boards and bargaining representatives for the two teachers’ associations. Magnolia will function as an independent school system, paying the Luverne School District for service for all junior and senior high school students. Magnolia School District will continue to operate the elementary school.
The county and city of Luverne are negotiating for the county to manage the sanitary landfill and to find a new location.50 years ago (1956)
Ray Frick was elected secretary of the Rock County Building and Loan association Tuesday night.
Some farmers and Rock County village dwellers have seen their wells go dry recently. Wells that had been producing water for 50 years went dry last fall. 75 years ago (1931)
The community of Hardwick helped Mr. and Mrs. K.G. Skartum celebrate 50 years of married life together. Following a program of musical numbers and short addresses, the evening was devoted to playing "500" and at 11 o’clock a luncheon was served to approximately 125 people. The table was decorated with a huge three-layer cake decorated in white and yellow. Mayor J.P. Kennedy presented the esteemed couple with a purse of gold and expressed best wishes of that community.
Martin Dollander, a farmer to the southwest of Luverne, lost 22 head of sheep who were badly bitten by dogs.100 years ago (1906)
After an exciting chase lasting an hour and thirty minutes, with two greyhounds, W. H. Jones, Ira Sanders and P.A. Vincent succeeded in capturing a wolf north of Ira Sanders’ place near the Mounds, and they exhibited the animal on the streets during the afternoon.
J.R. Maxedon has discontinued the use of steam power in the Luverne laundry, and power for that prosperous institution is now supplied by a six horse power engine built by the International Harvester Co.

Law Library 9:00 A.M.Rock County Courthouse January 24, 2006Chair Wildung called the meeting to order with all Commissioners present.Motion by Bakken, seconded by Hoime, to approve the January 24, 2006 County Board agenda with additions, declared carried on a voice vote.Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Jarchow, to approve the following consent agenda items with the addition of items #24 - #26, declared carried on a voice vote.1) FSA Day care relicensing – Margaret Pick; Rhonda Feit; Marian Schneekloth; Traci Davis; Erin Jacobsma.2) FSA Contract 23-530-06 with Hiawatha Manor Inc. to provide Supported Living Services to four individuals through the MR/RC waiver; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.3) FSA Contract 27-1689-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.4) FSA Contract 31-55-06 with Client Community Services to provide Supported Living Services to three individuals through the MR/RC waiver; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.5) FSA contract 36-1689-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual. Contract effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.6) FSA Contract 38-1689-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Supported Living Services to three individuals through the MR/RC waiver; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.7) FSA Contract 54-1689-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.8) FSA Contract 59-2054-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Supported Living Services to three individuals through the MR/RC waiver; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.9) FSA Contract 65-1689-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Supported Living Services to three individuals through the MR/RC waiver; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.10) FSA Contract 71-1689-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.11) FSA Contract 78-1689-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.12) FSA Contract 79-1689-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.13) FSA Contract 80-1689-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.14) FSA Contract 82-530-06 with Hiawatha Manor Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.15) FSA Contract 86-186-06 with New Dawn Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.16) FSA Contract 89-1689-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.17) FSA Contract 90-1689-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.18) FSA Contract 100-1689-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.19) FSA Contract 105-186-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.20) FSA Contract 121-530-06 with Hiawatha Manor Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.21) FSA Contract 123-1689-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.22) FSA Contract 134-55-06 with Community Living Alternatives Inc. to provide Supported Living Services to four individuals through the MR/RC waiver.23) FSA Contract 136-530-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual; effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06.24) FSA Contract 15-1689-06 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide supported living services to (4) individuals receiving MR/RC service; effective 01-10-06 – 12-31-0625) FSA Contract 138-2046-06 with Mankato Rehabilitation Center Inc. to provide Consumer Directed Community support services to (6) individuals receiving MR/RC services; effective 01-01-06 – 12-31-0626) DAC contract for housekeeping activities at the CourthouseRandy Ehlers, Family Services Agency Director, presented a service contract with DAC for all consumers who participate in Community Based Employment (CBE) site. Mr. Ehlers requested that the contract language be changed to 236 workdays, as the previous requested contract stated a proposed 254 workday contract. Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Bakken, to approve the contract with the DAC at 236 workdays, declared carried on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Boyenga voting nay.Mr. Ehlers presented information regarding the Supported Independent Living Service Program; the 2006 allocation from the MN Department of Human Services reflects a $5,000 reduction, which results in a reduction of services to one client. If the county continued to provide this service, the county would potentially incur $8,000 cost shift. No action was taken.Mr. Ehlers presented a Medicare Part D update; currently there are 400 residents within Rock County that are affected in the Medicare and Medical Assistance program under Part D and they are continuing to work through issues.The County Board received a number of issues related to the Federal Budget Reconciliation bill. The potential cuts are directed to Case Management and would result in a reduction of between $150,000 - $200,000 to Rock County.Mr. Ehlers also presented the 2005 wrap-up of income maintenance and also reported that Bonnie Burkett, School Social Worker, has resigned effective January 13, 2006.Eric Hartman, Land Management Office Director, along with Xcel Energy representative Pam Rasmussen and Sheila Wheeler of Burns & McDonald, presented a review of the Xcel Energy Southwest Minnesota Transmission upgrade project. The County Board thanked them for their presentation.The LMO Director and County Board discussed the committee structure of the Planning & Zoning Committee. The by-laws indicate that the committee may consist of five to eleven members; motion by Hoime, seconded by Boyenga, to reduce the current number of members from nine to eight due to a resignation, declared carried on a voice vote.Gloria Rolfs, Auditor/Treasurer, presented per diems of $480.00 and the claims for payment with additions; motion by Jarchow, seconded by Hoime, to pay the claims and per diems, declared carried on a unanimous vote. A complete listing of the claims is available at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office. General Revenue $115,989.01 Family Services 115,283.14 Road & Bridge 149,693.14 Ditch 37.38 Land Management 8,114.04 Rural Water 8,372.75 TOTAL $397,489.46The fund balances were approved on a motion by Boyenga, seconded by Bakken, declared carried on a voice vote.Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Boyenga, to approve final payment of $92,676.88 to Central Specialties, Inc., declared carried on a voice vote.Motion by Hoime, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the purchase of an engine lathe for $7,345.00 from Southern Minnesota Machinery Sales, declared carried on a voice vote.Motion by Bakken, seconded by Hoime, to approve the January 3, 2006, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.Sales Tax was tabled until the February 7, 2006, meeting with the County Attorney being present to discuss the issue.Discussion of Judicial Ditch No. 2: motion by Bakken, seconded by Hoime, to set the public hearing date for February 21, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. at the Rock County Community Library, declared carried on a voice vote.The County Board also acknowledged receipt of Judicial Ditch No. 3 Preliminary Survey Report.The County Board had a brief discussion of a garbage burner that has been proposed in Redwood County; no action was taken.The County Board discussed Joint Powers Agreements for Public Health and Community Corrections. Motion by Bakken, seconded by Hoime, to approve the Public Health and Community Corrections Joint Powers Agreements, declared carried on a voice vote.Honor Guard time off was discussed for the burial of military veterans. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to grant time off with prior approval and coordination of the Department Head and County Administrator, declared carried on a voice vote.Brent Polanchek, proprietor of Minnesota Southern Railroad, discussed a bridge issue in Nobles County. Currently, discussions include the engineering and sizing of the bridge along with obtaining a permit from the Kanaranzi Little Rock Watershed District.Mr. Polanchek also discussed an industry-wide shortage of tanker railcars used for hauling liquids. The shortage is proposed to be resolved by September of 2006.Motion by Hoime, seconded by Jarchow, to set the County Board of Equalization date for June 12, 2006, declared carried on a voice vote.The County Board received a Law Enforcement Center building update.The County Board briefly discussed the Minnesota Children’s Initiative meeting to be held in Morton, Minnesota, on February 9, 2006.Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Bakken, to approve and authorize the hiring of an Information Technology individual for the county, declared carried on a voice vote.The County Board briefly discussed the Rural Water permit denial from the DNR as a result of the Topeka Shiner.Motion by Bakken, seconded by Jarchow, to adjourn the meeting, declared carried on a voice vote.Jane Wildung, County Board ChairATTEST: Kyle J. Oldre, Clerk to the Board 2-9

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEThe Rock County Board of Commissioners will be conducting a Public Hearing on February 21, 2006, at 9:00 A.M. in the basement of the Rock County Community Library located at 201 W. Main Street; Luverne, Minnesota to hear input regarding three petitions to drain into Judicial Ditch No. 2.Susan Skattum, Office Mgr/Comp TechRock County Administrator’s Office2-9

PROBATE COURTDISTRICT COURT PROBATE DIVISIONSTATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKIn Re: Estate ofRichard Ketterling, Deceased ORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARINGON PETITION FOR ADJUDICATION OFINTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP AND APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR IN SUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION AND NOTICE TO CREDITORSTO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:It is Ordered and Notice is hereby given that on the 27th day of February, 2006, at 3:30 O’clock P.M., a hearing will be held in the above named Court at Rock County Courthouse, Luverne, Minnesota, for the adjudication of intestacy and determination of heirship and for the appointment of Jack J. Maras, whose address is 620 West Fletcher, Luverne, Minnesota 56156, as administrator of the estate of the above named decedent in supervised administration, and that any objections thereto must be filed with the Court. That, if proper, and no objections are filed, said administrator will be appointed to administer the estate, to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, and sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the estate. Upon completion of the administration, the administrator shall file a final account for the allowance and shall distribute the estate to the persons thereto entitled as ordered by the Court, and close the estate.Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present the same to said administrator or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred.Dated: February 1, 2006 /s/ Timothy K. Connell Timothy K. Connell District Court Judge/s/ Douglas E. Eisma /s/ Sandra L. Vrtacnik Douglas E. Eisma Sandra L. VrtacnikAttorney for Petitioner Court AdministratorEisma and Eisma130 East Main, Box 625Luverne, MN 56156(507)283-4828I.D. #158343 2-9,2-16