ISD #2184 School Board
meets Oct. 27 
MINUTES OF REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OF 
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184, 
ROCK COUNTY, LUVERNE, MINNESOTA  
A regular meeting of the Board of Education, ISD #2184, was held in the District Office on October 27, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.
The following members were present: Jodi Bosch, Colleen Deutsch, Eric Hartman, Tim Jarchow, Reva Sehr, and David Wrigg. Absent: Katie Baustian. Also present: Craig Oftedahl, Tyler Reisch, Jason Phelps, Ryan Johnson, Stacy Gillette, Becky Rahm, Caroline Thorson, Angie Swenson, Heather Johnson, Averill Sehr, and Mavis Fodness - Rock County Star Herald.
Chairperson Eric Hartman opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.  It was noted there is an addendum to the agenda. Motion made by Jarchow, second by Sehr, to approve the agenda with addendum. Motion unanimously carried.
Angie Swenson presented information regarding the Foreign Languages trip to Germany and Spain tentatively set for June 17-26, 2024. They will be traveling with Passports Education Group Travel. School board members were glad to see this opportunity brought back for the students.  
Administrative reports were given. 
Chairperson Hartman gave a summary report of Superintendent Oftedahl’s Performance Review held on September 22, 2022. A score of 3 is recognized as “accomplished” and a score of 4 is recognized as “Distinguished”. The average score was 3.47 which is midpoint between distinguished and accomplished.  
Motion made by Wrigg, second by Deutsch, to approve the September 22, 2022, School Board meeting minutes as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Jarchow, second by Wrigg, to accept the following donations:
Caseys $250 to general student activities
Luverne Area R.A.K. $320 to the Angel Fund for school meals
C & B Operations $5,000 toolbox and tools for Agricul-
ture Education Program
Donors Choose Peer Tutor Seating in Molly Carbon-
neau’s classroom
Donors Choose Creating a Calming Space in Discovery 
Time classroom
Luverne Area R.A.K. $750 to the Angel Fund for school meals
Motion unanimously carried.
Business Manager Tyler Reisch reviewed the District and Student Activity checks. Motion made by Jarchow, second by Deutsch, to approve the payments as presented in the amount of $1,896,908.07. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Wrigg, second by Deutsch, to receive the Student Activity Report showing the balances as of September 30, 2022. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Jarchow, second by Bosch, to approve the Resolution of Governing Board Supporting Form A Application to Minnesota State High School League Foundation. This resolution is for grants and funding to assist schools in recognizing, promoting and funding extracurricular participation by high school students in athletic and fine arts programs. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion by Bosch, second by Deutsch, to approve ratification of the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 Agreement with AFSCME Council 65 Local Union 2558 - Support Staff. The agreement includes $1.00 added to the schedule for both years and a district contribution to health insurance in the amount of $6,875.00. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Wrigg, second by Deutsch, to approve using ESSER III funds for elementary door security hardware and installation. Business Manager Tyler Reisch reported they are hoping to have the hardware here by Thanksgiving with installation over Christmas break. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Deutsch, second by Sehr, to approve the hiring of Jessica Knorr as paraprofessional effective October 3, 2022. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Wrigg, second by Bosch, to approve the hiring of Amy Dammann as paraprofessional effective September 26, 2022. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Jarchow, second by Sehr, to approve the hiring of Diane Robinson as long-term substitute for Aimee Richters, Special Education teacher, for 11 weeks beginning approximately November 27, 2022. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Deutsch, second by Sehr, to approve a medical leave of absence request from Lucinda Rofshus, Elementary teacher, from November 29 through December 21, 2022. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Wrigg, second by Bosch, to approve the hiring of Zach Wermager as long-term substitute for Lucinda Rofshus beginning November 29, 2022. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Deutsch, second by Sehr, to accept the resignation of Janine DeBates, Custodian, effective October 28, 2022. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Deutsch, second by Sehr, to approve a maternity leave of absence request from Ann Sandager, English teacher, beginning approximately April 20, 2023, for the remainder of the school year. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Sehr, second by Jarchow, to accept the resignation of David Edwards, paraprofessional, effective October 28, 2022.  Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Deutsch, second by Sehr, to approve Andrea Flemming as volunteer FFA advisor. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Deutsch, second by Sehr, to accept the request from Ellen Wenninger to move from Assistant Girls Hockey coach to volunteer Girls Hockey coach. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Jarchow, second by Wrigg, to approve the hiring of Matt McClure as assistant Girls Hockey Coach.  Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Sehr, second by Jarchow, to approve Kaden Ericson as volunteer Boys Hockey coach. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Deutsch, second by Jarchow, to approve the hiring of Crystal Tiesler as paraprofessional effective October 31, 2022. Motion unanimously carried.
There were no committee reports given. The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed. 
Motion made by Bosch, second by Sehr, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried.
Dated: October 27, 2022 Reva Sehr, Clerk
(12-01)

Meetings
Rock County Association of Townships annual meeting will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, in the lower level of the Rock County Library. Representatives from each township are encouraged to attend.
Blue Mound Quilters will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, at Pizza Ranch for Bingo (gift wrap four or five useful items) and announcement of Blue Mound Quilter Award winners. Call 507-935-2560 with questions.
Springwater Township Board will meet at 7 p.m Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the township hall.
American Legion Auxiliary #123 will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at Pizza Ranch. Members are asked to bring items for the Food Shelf. Call Dianna Tomlinson, 507-283-1934.
 
SHARE distribution is Dec. 7
SHARE will distribute gifts to Rock County residents in need from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Luverne National Guard Armory on South Freeman Avenue. 
Note: Financial donations may be sent to SHARE, PO Box 792, Luverne, MN 56156.
For information, contact Amy at 507-227-6944 or Monica at 507-820-1100.
 
Nutrition for seniors Dec. 1
Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors 60 & older, sponsored by A.C.E. of SW MN will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1. Drive thru distribution is in the parking lot off Maple Street, at on the east side of Generations Event Center. Pre-registration is required. Call Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064.
 
Holiday choir concert Dec. 2
The Luverne Middle School and High School holiday choir concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, in the school performing arts center. The concert will feature the sixth-grade choir, 7/8 choir, the Cardinal Choir, Treble Choir and the Concert Choir. Admission for the concert will be a monetary donation collected for the Backpack Program.
 
Holiday choir concerts at H-BC
Two holiday concerts will be performed by Hills-Beaver Creek students in December. The first concert will be performed by kindergarten through second-grade vocal music students at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at the H-BC Elementary School. The fifth-grade band will also perform.
The second concert will be performed by middle and high school students at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, at the secondary school in Hills. An art exhibit will also be displayed at the secondary school.
 
St. John Festival of Nativities Dec. 2-3
St. John Lutheran Church, Luverne, will host its Festival of Nativities from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. View nativities of all sizes and shapes, from handcrafted and international to children’s sets and more. Refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public with handicap accessibility. Call 507-283-2316 with questions.
 
Free Narcan training Dec. 5
A free public training on how to respond to an opioid overdose using Naloxone (Narcan) will be from noon to 1 p.m. or 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, at Sanford Luverne. Registration is preferred by Nov. 28. Call 507.449.1246 or email stephanie.pierce@sanfordhealth.org. 
Final New Life Celebration food distribution Dec. 15
New Life Celebration Church’s final monthly food giveaway is at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Atlas building at 101 W. Maple Street in Luverne.
Enter from Maple Street and stay along the west side of the building. Parking lot opens at 3 p.m. Do not block the Redeemed Remnants lot, intersection or alley.
Food will be loaded into vehicles, which exit via the alley going west. Call 507-283-8963 or 507-283-4366.
Note: this is the final food distribution through New Life Celebration Church, which has offered the ministry since 2005.
 
Community Ed
Community Education will offer the following classes in the next few weeks. Call 507-283-4724 to register.
Learn the Basics of Sewing on Dec. 3  at The Sewing Basket. Use quilting and embroidery techniques to make a pillow. Fee is $25 plus cost of supplies purchased at the store. 
Learn the basics of estate planning during the Death, Probate and Taxes … Oh, My! class on Dec. 1. Fee is $5.
Students (grades 1-3) will follow along with the instructor step by step to create a painting at Paint & Snack class on Dec. 12.  Fee is $33.
 Students (grades 4-6) will follow along with the instructor step by step to create a painting at Paint & Snack class on Dec. 19.  Fee is $33.
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. If your child is 4 and has not been screened, call to complete the screening before kindergarten.
 
Library Happenings
For more information about library happenings, call 507-449-5040 or email rockcountystaff@gmail.com.
Story Time with Bronwyn is Fridays from now through Dec. 2. The event starts at 10 a.m.
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.

Luverne City Council members have approved a $2,766,560 levy for taxes payable in 2023.
That’s a 9.34-percent increase of $236,380 over the current levy.
The levy amount covers $1,958,110 for the General Fund, $258,450 for principal and interest on existing debt, and $550,000 for the annual pool and fitness center subsidy to keep rates affordable for all residents.
The General Fund provides basic city services, like public safety (fire, law enforcement and building inspections), streets and public works, parks and recreation, administrative and finance services and elections.
The city is budgeting $2,325,500 for capital purchases in 2023. This includes:
•$705,000 in the electric department, including $190,000 for transmission system upgrades, $80,000 for an F250 truck with utility box, $50,000 for street light poles and fixtures, $15,000 for one-third cost of a backhoe, $150,000 for distribution system upgrades, $100,000 for transformers and $120,000 for power plant tuckpointing windows and roof improvements.
•$395,000 for main city park building maintenance and improvements and road overlay and parking, as well as overlay at Riverside Park.
•$380,000 in public works for a $295,000 dump truck with plow, a $25,000 crack filling bagger and $60,000 for alley patching and seal coating.
•$340,000 for the Luverne Loop including $60,000 for playground equipment, $10,000 for trash cans along the trail, $120,000 for trail work from Warren Street southwest to the trail, $100,000 for wayfinding signs and $50,000 for a trailhead entry sign.
•$165,000 for Carnegie Cultural Center window improvements and brick repair and for Palace Theatre tuckpointing.
•$120,000 in the sewer department, including $40,000 to replace steel and paint roofs, $50,000 to replace sewer lines, $15,000 for new equipment, and $15,000 for one-third cost of a backhoe.
•$95,000 in the water department including $80,000 for water main looping and system upgrades and $15,000 for one-third cost of a backhoe.
•$67,000 for a fire department air compressor.
•$30,000 to replace civil defense sirens,
•$28,500 for the pool and fitness center including $11,500 for a portable pool lift and $17,000 to replace the diving board and stand.
Property taxes provide 45 percent of the revenue needed to fund the Governmental Budget.
Local Government Aid from the state represents 25 percent of the revenue needed to fund the Governmental Budget. It’s estimated the state will provide $1,558,606 in aid for Luverne’s 2023 budget.
City Council members note that the 2023 9-percent levy increase doesn’t represent a 9-percent increase in property taxes, thanks to the city’s healthy tax base.
For example, an 11.77-percent levy increase for taxes payable in 2022 resulted in an average 1.95-percent increase in the total tax rate.
For a $150,000 Luverne home, this amounted to a property tax increase of $18.87, a 1.16-percent increase.
The city’s annual Truth in Taxation hearing is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6.
“TnT” hearings are required by state law to improve accountability and explain to taxpayers the relationship between budget decisions and property taxes.
The goal is to provide taxpayers the opportunity to become involved in the local government budget process.

ISD #2184 School Board
meets Nov. 15 
MINUTES OF SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OF 
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184, 
ROCK COUNTY, LUVERNE, MINNESOTA  
A special meeting of the Board of Education, ISD #2184, was held in
the District Office on November 15, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.
The following members were present: Katie Baustian, Jodi Bosch,
Colleen Deutsch, Eric Hartman, Tim Jarchow, Reva Sehr, and David Wrigg.
Also present: Craig Oftedahl and Tyler Reisch.
Chairperson Eric Hartman opened the meeting with the Pledge of
Allegiance. Motion made by Baustian, second by Sehr, to approve the
agenda as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Business Manager Tyler Reisch read the Oath of Office for the Canvassing Board and had each School Board member sign the oath.  He reviewed the Abstract of 
Votes cast.  
As specified in the Abstract and Return of Votes Cast at said election on the election of four (4) school board members for (4) four-year term vacancies on the board caused by expiration of term on December 31 next following the general election:
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER - 
           SCHOOL DISTRICT 2184
CANDIDATE: TOTAL:   CANDIDATE: TOTAL:
ZACH NOLZ                            1173.   JACOB HARTZ   644.
RANDY SASKER                    1020.   AMBER LAIS   491.
MICHAEL DEBATES                913.   AUSTIN KURTZ   471.
ERIC HARTMAN                       902.   BRETT HOOD   457.
HEATHER JOHNSON               867.   SCOTT WESSELS   441.
JOSHGANGESTAD                   785.   JASON SCHEAR   402.
AMBER NATH                            733.   MATT GOEMBEL   370.
MAGGIE SIEBENAHLER           730.   WRITE-IN         10.
 
As specified in the attached Abstract and Return of Votes Cast at said election on the election of one (1) school board member for a (2) two-year term vacancy on the board caused by expiration of term on December 1, 2022:
 
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER -
         SCHOOL DISTRICT 2184
CANDIDATE: TOTAL:
RYAN DEBATES 1288.
MAGGIE VANDERBURG   753.
MATTHEW VANGROOTHEEST             719.
WRITE-IN         8.
 
Candidate ZACH NOLZ, Candidate RANDY SASKER, Candidate MICHAEL DEBATES, and Candidate ERIC HARTMAN, having received the highest number of votes, are elected to four year terms beginning January 1, 2023.  Candidate RYAN DEBATES having received the highest number of votes in the special election is elected to a two year term beginning December 1, 2022.
Motion made by Baustian, second by Bosch, to accept the resignation of Greg Hoogeveen, Custodian, effective November 18, 2022. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Deutsch, second by Sehr, to approve the hiring of Blaine Radtke as MS Boys Basketball coach. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Bosch, second by Jarchow, to approve the switch of Chris 
Nowatzki from MS Gymnastics coach to Assistant Gymnastics coach.
Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Wrigg, second by Deutsch, to approve the hiring of Daniel Perez as part-time housekeeper effective November 7, 2022. Motion unanimously carried.
The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed. Motion made by Deutsch, second by Baustian, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried.
Dated: November 15, 2022 Reva Sehr, Clerk
(12-01)

The Hills-Beaver Creek School District will levy an additional $104,225 for taxes payable in 2023.
The state Department of Education recently notified board members of the 7.8 percent increase.
While the H-BC board members accepted the state-calculated amount, they have until Dec. 31 to accept the maximum levy amount or a lesser amount.
The district set the proposed 2023 levy at $1.439 million, up from $1.335 million levied for 2022.
The school district anticipates $4.9 million in expenditures for the 2022-23 school year with an expected $4.6 million in revenue. The difference will be made up from reserves.
If the maximum levy is certified in December for 2023, the district will have an additional $55,860 general fund spending, $1,367 for community service activities, and $46,999 for the debt service account.
A public Truth in Taxation and budget hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12.

Are you a farmer, rancher or forest manager? Please share your vital feedback with USDA by taking a nationwide survey at farmers.gov/survey!
The survey is completely anonymous, will take about 10 minutes to complete, is available in multiple languages, and will be open until March 31, 2023.
The survey focuses on gathering feedback about the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Risk Management Agency.
All farmers, ranchers and forest managers are encouraged to take the survey. USDA would especially like to hear from prospective customers: those who don’t know about USDA or have yet to work with USDA, and those who were unable to participate in the past.
The survey will help USDA enhance support, improve programs and services, increase access, and advance equity for new and existing customers.

Notice of assessment hearing for
Lincoln Pipestone rural water 
system
STATE OF MINNESOTA IN DISTRICT COURT
FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
COUNTY OF LYON Subject Matter: 14 Other Civil
Court File No. 42-CV-06-1150
 
In the Matter of Assigned to Judge Tricia B. Zimmer
 
LINCOLN PIPESTONE RURAL WATER SYSTEM
Petitioner
 
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Notice is hereby given that Lincoln Pipestone Rural Water System (“LPRW”) has filed a Petition at the Lyon County, Minnesota District Court, which requests that the real estate owned by all individuals and businesses who connected to LPRW in 2022, and who have
not fully paid for their connection to LPRW, be assessed for all remaining costs to connect
to LPRW.   
A hearing on this Petition is going to occur in one of the courtrooms at the Lyon
County Government Center, which is located at 607 West Main Street, Marshall, Minnesota
56258 on January 4, 2023, at 1:15 p.m.
Written and/or oral objections will be considered at the hearing.
The proposed assessment rolls are on file with the County Auditors of Jackson County, Lac Qui Parle County, Lincoln County, Lyon County, Murray County,
Nobles County, Pipestone County, Rock County, and Yellow Medicine County.
The real estate proposed to be assessed consists of every parcel of real estate benefitted by the connection to LPRW.  The amount being assessed is the amount which has been mutually agreed to by the owners of the real estate being assessed and LPRW.
 
Aimee Primus
Court Administrator
 
By: Amy Larsen
Deputy Court Administrator
November 18, 2022
 
This instrument drafted by:
Ronald J. Schramel
Attorney for Lincoln Pipestone Rural Water
Atty. Reg. No. 254757
Schramel Law Office 
910 Fourth Avenue – PO Box 505
Windom, MN 56101
P - 507-831-1301
F - 507-831-4200
(12-01)

This holiday season, pitching in to support a small business may be easier than you think. 
Many small towns are proud to feature a vibrant main street, and rightfully so. Busy storefronts are a sign of activity and growth. They also indicate strong community support. 
But not every small business gets their start in a brick-and-mortar location.
With the popularity of online shopping, more small entrepreneurs are learning that their dream of selling locally produced food, artwork, and handmade items can be achieved from the comfort of their own home. 
While home-based businesses have their benefits, they also deal with their own set of challenges. Walk-in traffic isn’t practical.
The curiosity that comes from filling a storefront isn’t going to materialize. Catching the attention of community members with a bright sign or colorful display isn’t going to be as effective in a residential area.
Instead, these home-based businesses rely on word of mouth. That’s where you come in. 
Many new entrepreneurs take to social media to advertise their goods. Give them a follow. This allows you to stay up to date on new products or special sales. It also shows the business owner they have your support. 
Consider sharing their information in a post on your own page. Your credibility can carry a lot of weight; when you share a local business with your friends and family, they’ll see you as a trusted source and give that business the benefit of the doubt.
This can do more to drive sales than any catchy slogan ever could. 
Finally, remember a positive review can make all the difference. Many consumers spend time researching a business before making a purchase. Letting others know you’ve had a good experience can help them feel confident in their investment.  
Small entrepreneurs and business owners have been working hard to prepare for the holiday season. Now, it’s time to do your part.
 
Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, non-profit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action-oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.

City of Luverne sets variance
request hearing for school signage Dec. 13
Notice of Public Hearing for a Variance
to the City of Luverne Zoning Ordinance
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, by the City of Luverne Board of Appeals and Adjustments that a public hearing will be held in the Council Chambers located in the City Offices Building, 305 East Luverne Street, Luverne, Minnesota, commencing at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. The purpose of the hearing
is to make a ruling on a requested variance by Luverne Public School, to City Code Section 153.151 Free-standing sign to be allowed with up to 290 square feet of signage, 604 N Kniss (20-0807-100) City of Luverne, Minnesota.
All persons wishing to be heard in favor of or in opposition to the variance request should be present at the hearing or present written comments prior thereto to the Building Official. Anyone needing reasonable accommodations or an interpreter should contact the City Clerk’s Office, 305 East Luverne Street, Luverne, MN. (507) 449-9898.
By order of the City of Luverne Board of Appeals and Adjustments, Luverne,
Minnesota, this 1st day of December, 2022.
Jessica Mead
City Clerk
(12-01)