By Sara QuamManagers at the Rock County Pool and Fitness Center said they hope the Fitness Challenge will bring in new members and also encourage current members to expand their experiences.The three-month program starts in February and costs $55 for new members and $10 for existing members to participate. The Fitness Challenge has participants logging their own minutes of time on certain exercises, with prizes and incentives along the way.Manager Robyn Wessels said, "We ended on a strong note in December, so we’re hoping that will continue into the New Year."Attendance from August through December of 2005 was much greater than attendance in 2004.Actual memberships weren’t on the rise in some categories, however.There were 419 family memberships in 2004 and 353 in 2005.There were 419 individual memberships in 2004 and 359 in 2005. There were big increases in the monthly family and monthly individual memberships, which are commonly used for people who exercise indoors in the winter or summer only, or for students home on college breaks.There were 30 family monthly memberships in 2004 and 67 in 2005. There were 76 monthly individual memberships in 2004 and 315 in 2005. Total memberships in 2005 were 1,094, compared with 944 in 2004.Age limitsManagement was asked to consider lowering the age of people allowed to use the facility, which is now 14.Other fitness centers or pools in the area allow children younger than 14 to use their facilities, but either the staff must supervise their activity or an adult is required to accompany the child.Manager Sam Honerman said, "If we could afford to have someone in the room all the time, it would make a difference."She said the spa has to have an age limit of 14, so it has been easier to enforce that age in the entire facility.Honerman said it may also be difficult to enforce the adult supervision rule, because some adults might not take that role seriously, and it will take staff time to make sure children are properly supervised. She said currently groups of 14- or 15-year-olds have caused problems and lowering the age might just exacerbate that.Commission member Ken Hoime said, "We have a lot of expensive equipment and I think we’re very safe at 14 and we should stay there." Commission member Karen Radisewitz said children older than 14 usually have some training for properly using equipment, and for their safety, the current age limit makes sense.

By Sara QuamThe Luverne Fire Department has 30 new, self-contained breathing apparatuses that will be partially paid for by grants of $87,780.Luverne City Councilman Pat Baustian said at the Tuesday council meeting that firefighter Dan Nath, Fire Chief Don Deutsch and Luverne Economic Development Director Jill Wolf deserve credit for working to get the grant.The breathing apparatuses should be in service for the department by the end of the month. They are used by all firefighters during calls so they can breathe under all circumstances.The city will pay $36,736 of the cost. City Administrator John Call said, "I figure that the grant saved the city $113,000."The city would normally replace a few at a time without a grant like this.In other city news Tuesday:
The Luverne City Council called a public hearing for Feb. 14. The hearing will be to allow public comment and for the council to state the intent to borrow up to $1.5 million in general obligation bonds. The council may choose not to bond for the full amount, but it is an option after the hearing.The bond hearing was earlier intended to be for $830,000 for the Fire Hall expansion along with $48,000 for architect, engineering and related fees as well as some extra for cost overruns.However, the City Council is using the option to bond for up to $1.5 million in case money is needed for work on the old hospital.
The Luverne Economic Development Authority accepted with regrets and thanks the resignations of Larry Wills and Nate Golla. Their seats, which expired at the end of 2005, will not be filled, and the LEDA will be a five-person board.
The council increased residential building permit fees for 2006 in an ordinance. Some of the fees are: —furnace replacement, $15; plumbing plan review, $50 per hour—residential construction has a range depending on value. For example, up to $2,500 value is $35; $100,001 to $500,000 is $792.50 for the first $100,000 plus $5 for each additional $1,000 or a fraction thereof, to and including $500,000.
The council declared two generators as surplus and directed staff to try to sell them on the open market.

By Lori EhdeFor years, Joann O’Leary has been studying the role of attachment in parent-child relationships, and she believes that understanding that role is critical in helping parents and families heal from grief and loss.O’Leary, a parent-infant specialist, will be in Luverne Thursday and Friday, Jan. 19 and 20, for a conference with area professionals and to help local families who have experienced the loss of a child or an unexpected outcome during pregnancy.The daytime schedules will be geared toward local family educators, teachers, healthcare professionals, clergy and other professionals, who will gain insight on how to support families in their loss.Continuing education credits are available. Call Community Education, 283-4724, to register.Especially for parentsThe Thursday evening program is for parents and grandparents who have experienced the loss of a child or an unexpected outcome of a pregnancy, such as a special needs child, loss in a multi-fetal pregnancy or adoption.O’Leary said she looks forward to meeting families during that Thursday night session at the Blue Mound Banquet and Meeting Center."It will be a chance for people to come and talk about the losses in their families," O’Leary said. "People can explore and share ways they’ve moved forward – not moved on. I don’t believe we ever move on but most people do find some meaning in their losses, because you’re so changed by the experience."From 6 to 8 p.m. she’ll facilitate an open discussion about society’s messages concerning grief and loss and she’ll discuss the life-long role of parenting in the event of unexpected outcomes."It will be a chance to talk with a group of people with similar but different experiences and share recovery stories," O’Leary said. "It can be a very healing process."Parents and grandparents are welcome to attend. They don’t need to register and there’s no fee to attend.

By Lori EhdeLuverne School Board members met at noon Monday to discuss the process of teacher contract negotiations.The offer currently on the table for teachers to consider is an 8.483 percent increase in salaries and benefits over the next two years.Of the total package increase, salaries comprise about half. The rest accounts for health insurance, retirement contributions, and in most cases extra assignments in classes and activities.After two sessions with a mediator, the negotiating committees of the School Board and Luverne Education Association haven’t yet agreed on a contract.The state of Minnesota has imposed a Jan. 17 deadline for school districts to finalize teacher contracts.After that, districts are penalized $25 per pupil for late contracts, which in Luverne would amount to $32,000.At Monday’s meeting, School Board members and administration said they hoped to arrive at a fair contract."We have a good salary schedule here, and the teachers have worked hard to get where they are," said Superintendent Gary Fisher. "The teachers need to be paid well for the job they do."At issue, he said, was arriving at a fair contract that’s fiscally responsible to the taxpayers of the district.On one hand, Luverne could compare its contract offer to that of similar-sized districts statewide. That comparison would include rich Twin Cities suburban school districts with growing student populations.Or, Luverne could compare its offer to that of similar-sized districts in greater Minnesota or Southwest Minnesota.Among districts statewide, the average settlement has been an 8.42 percent salary and benefits increase, and schools Luverne’s size are settling at an average of 8.36 increase.For example, Redwood Valley settled with its teachers on a salary and benefits increase of 7.62 percent over the next two years. Jackson settled at 8.8 percent, Worthington at 6.96 percent and Pipestone at 7.64 percent."It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see we’re right in the range," Fisher said of Luverne’s 8.483 percent offer.Some teachers have argued that many outstate districts like these have budgets in statutory operating debt. Luverne district, they point out, is not in debt, and actually has a fund balance to consider with regard to teacher salaries."That’s the challenge," Fisher said. "Who do we compare ourselves to as far as where we’re at?"The negotiating committee of the School Board includes Cary Radisewitz, Colleen Deutsch and Bill Stegemann. The negotiating committee of the LEA is Doug Dooyema, Dianne Headrick, Jane Cote, Patsy Amborn and Craig Nelson.Amborn said the LEA negotiating team met with Fisher after school Monday in another effort to arrive at a settlement."At that meeting we felt we had come to an agreement where we split the difference between our last offer and the board’s last offer," she said.Amborn said the negotiating team didn’t have a chance to bring that option to its LEA members, because the district instead responded with a counter offer."Right now we haven’t had time to consider this one," Amborn said.Negotiations will continue, and the School Board has scheduled another meeting for Monday, Jan. 16, for what they hope will be to ratify a contract settlement before the Jan. 17 deadline.

By Sara QuamTed Anderson would love to stay a part of the Honor Guard. Unfortunately, at 86, he can’t properly hold a rifle for the 21-gun salute, and walking on uneven cemetery grass has become more difficult.Anderson is typical of the local Honor Guard — dedicated and patriotic, but aging. The average age of Luverne’s Honor Guard members is 85.In an effort to recruit new members, the Guard is having an informational meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, in the Luverne Legion Hall.Honor Guard members from the Legion and VFW lead parades and other public events. The bigger part of their service is to be a part of the final rites of military members — properly and ceremoniously folding the flag to give to survivors, firing a 21-gun salute and playing taps. (The Guard usually asks a high school band student to play taps.)The VFW and Legion Honor Guard sent out a letter to recruit more members to the Honor Guard. It said in part, "As veterans, we served our country in the past and should continue to do our part to foster and perpetuate Americanism; and to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. You’ll be pleased about how great you feel serving your fellow veterans who so honorably served our country."Choosing to serve onAnderson has been a member of the Honor Guard since 1945. "I started as soon as I got out of the Army," Anderson said.He spent five years in the Army as a combat engineer overseas and in the infantry. Anderson joined the Honor Guard because he was asked — and because he thought it was the right thing to do.The way Anderson took on the duty is how he and other aging Guard members wish younger vets would.Warren Herreid said, "It was a responsibility to continue our patriotism and to help bury our fellow veterans."Anderson said, "It’s an honor for anyone to fire over a comrade’s grave."Anderson estimates he’s been a part of 1,200 funerals. The older vets don’t necessarily blame the younger ones for not joining the Honor Guard.Another Guard member, Louie Loger, said, "It’s hard for people when they work. … Another thing is, I might not want to join an organization that was full of 25-year-olds, and they might not want to join one that’s full of old men."Some veterans who still work, such as Glen Gust and Don Spease, are members of the Honor Guard.Herreid said, "It’s getting to the point where we have some people who can’t do it. We older guys don’t seem to want to quit, but we’ve got to turn it over to the younger people."Anderson said with a laugh, "Just put me in a wheelchair and I’ll go along."One of the younger members who is active in the recruiting effort is Jay Mann, who’s been in the Honor Guard for two years. "I think the younger vets see the other ones taking care of it and figure they don’t have to," Mann said. "People are busy and some still have jobs, but if they do some prioritizing and rescheduling, they could become a part of the Honor Guard."

By John RittenhouseThe Hills-Beaver Creek girls’ basketball team picked up its first victory of 2006 Tuesday in Hills.Playing Westbrook-Walnut Grove in Red Rock Conference play, the Patriots steamrolled to a 70-34 victory.Relentless defense and efficient offense proved to be the ingredients for H-BC’s success."We pressured them the entire first half and it created problems for them," said H-BC coach Jason Blosmo."We pushed the ball well, got good looks and knocked down some shots."Chelsi Fink helped the hosts open a 36-17 halftime lead by netting 15 of her team-high 15 points in the first 18 minutes.H-BC doubled W-WG’s scoring output (34-17) in the second half to win by 36.Stacy Bush, who collected eight rebounds, and Brittany Helgeson scored 15 and 12 points respectively for the Patriots.Kari Roozenboom turned in a 10-rebound, four-assist effort. Amanda Tilstra added eight rebounds.The 4-8 Patriots play in Round Lake Friday before hosting West Lyon Tuesday.Box scoreFink 7 2 4-4 24, Bush 3 3 0-1 15, Helgeson 3 2 0-2 12, Roozenboom 3 0 3-4 9, Hoyme 2 0 0-0 4, A.Bucher 1 0 0-0 2, Tilstra 1 0 0-0 2, J.Bucher 1 0 0-0 2.Team statisticsH-BC: 28 of 71 field goals (39 percent), seven of 11 free throws (63 percent), 49 rebounds, seven turnovers.W-WG: 10 of 66 field goals (15 percent), 12 of 18 free throws (67 percent), 41 rebounds, 24

By John RittenhousePlaying its second game in as many nights didn’t work out well for the Hills-Beaver Creek boys’ basketball team Friday in Adrian.After playing a tight game in Pipestone Thursday, the Patriots were unable to maintain their intensity 24 hours later in Adrian.The home-standing Dragons canned 47 percent of their field goals to set the stage for a 67-44 victory over the Patriots.The game was tied at two when AHS went on a 27-4 run to open a 29-6 lead with 6:10 left to play in the first half.H-BC whittled Adrian’s lead down to 19 points twice as the half continued, but the Dragons rallied late to gain a 37-23 halftime advantage.Adrian extended its lead to 34 points (59-25) in the first nine minutes of the second half.H-BC closed within 21 points late in the game, but the Patriots came up on the short end of a 23-point decision in the end.Jason Hup and Aaron Esselink scored 14 and 10 points respectively for the Patriots.Tom Scholten pulled down eight rebounds, Halden Van Wyhe charted four assists and three steals, and Devin DeBoer added three steals to H-BC’s cause.Box scoreH-BCVan Wyhe 1 1 1-3 6, Rozeboom 1 0 0-0 2, Finke 0 0 0-0 0, Scholten 1 0 2-4 4, DeBoer 0 0 1-2 1, Hup 4 0 6-8 14, Sandbulte 3 0 1-2 7, Esselink 4 0 2-4 10.Team statisticsH-BC: 15 of 63 field goals (24 percent), 13 of 24 free throws (54 percent), 31 rebounds, 17 turnovers.Adrian: 28 of 59 field goals (47 percent), five of seven free throws (71 percent), 37 rebounds, 17 turnovers.

By Lexi MooreNew lights installed over Christmas break in the H-BC High School gym will make activities there much brighter.Last fall the H-BC High School Student Council decided to purchase the lights using money they earned through vending machine sales in the halls of the high school.The new lights were purchased at a cost of $5,500.The group is responsible for stocking the machines and can use the money they earn in a way they feel will benefit the student body at H-BC.Board members said they were pleased with the results and commended the students for making such a sound decision with their money.Ann Boeve said, "I would like to thank the kids for donating their money and spending it wisely – the lights are outstanding."Superintendent David Deragisch reported that the installation had been successful with the exception that some guards had not been received. The guards will be installed when they arrive.Additionally, problems with shadows will be fixed by dropping several fixtures down six inches.The Student Council still has money in its account that will need to be spent before the end of the fiscal year. Deragisch mentioned that the group is considering purchasing new bleachers for the gym.Moerke scholarship establishedSuperintendent David Deragisch announced that Bill Moerke has worked with the school to set up a perpetual scholarship in honor of his wife, Mildred.By setting up a perpetual scholarship, the Moerke family will be able to establish the criteria and define the qualifications for students receiving the endowment.New board officersBefore starting regular business at Monday’s meeting, board members elected officers for the upcoming year.Gary Esselink was nominated for chairman. There were no other nominations.Upon taking over as chairman, Esselink thanked his board, "I am grateful for your willingness to nominate me. It is my goal to serve you well."In other officer elections, Ann Boeve will sit as vice chairman, Lloyd DeBoer will act as clerk and Lois Leuthold will take over the responsibilities of treasurer.Board members voted not to change the meeting dates and times. The H-BC School Board will continue to meet on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7:30 p.m.Elementary newsElementary principal Todd Holtaus had several people to thank at the meeting:
the Beaver Creek Fire Department members for asking the school to be part of a calendar they created for 2006. The group used drawings by H-BC students to illustrate several months in their 2006 calendar.
students at the elementary school for contributing 12 boxes of food for the Rock County Food Shelf.The school decided that students could bring donations instead of gift exchanges during their holiday parties.

By Lexi MooreThe rental rates at the Hills American Legion Hall will see an increase this year.In the past, residents could rent the Legion clubroom and kitchen for $30 per event or they could rent the entire facility for $125. A separate deposit fee is also charged.The rate increase was decided during a City Council meeting on Tuesday.Mayor Jim Jellema said, "You don’t get much for $30 anymore."He recommended the city charge $50 for use of the clubroom and kitchen.The council agreed that an increase would be appropriate because the city plans to spend money on renovating areas of the building throughout the next year.New rates for the rental of the building will be $50 for the clubroom and kitchen and $150 for the entire building.The city also decided to charge a fee for liquor permits. In 2005, the Hills Fire Department and the Community Club each requested a permit for serving alcohol.In the future, organizations and people requesting such a permit will be required to pay a $50 fee.Other city rental fees will remain the same. Residents can rent Legion tables, chairs and appliances for relatively small fees.The city will continue to rent large equipment, including the mosquito sprayer and street sweeper, for a fee plus the cost of labor.In other city news:
Fire Chief Jeff Bass asked the city for permission to apply for a FEMA grant in 2006.The department can request items they need from FEMA, as long as their city or township is willing to put up 10 percent of the total grant.In 2005 the Hills Fire Department received a FEMA grant for more than $88,000 to purchase new air tanks, boots, coats and gloves.Bass told the council that the department would like to write a grant for a rescue van.Research done by the department found new vans cost between $130,000 and $150,000 while used vans start at $20,000.The council encouraged Bass to apply for the grant this year and assured him that if it was approved, the city would put up 5 percent, if Martin Township contributes an additional 5 percent.The council insisted the grant be for a new rescue van, not a used vehicle."That way we know we are getting something that will work and already has all of the bells and whistles," said Linus Svoboda.
The city agreed to rent storage space in one Legion bathroom to the U.S. Postal Service to be used as storage space.The post office had requested storage space from the city on several occasions.If an agreement is met, the city would charge the post office $30 per month for the use of the space.