Although I’m as ready as anyone to usher in a new year on Saturday night, I spent a good share of Tuesday afternoon looking back at what has been an outstanding 2005 year for athletic teams from the Star Herald coverage area.The idea was to gather some quick information on what transpired over this past year and rank them based on importance.In my mind, it was easy column fodder. But, as usual, I was wrong.I did my homework, and what I consider to be the top eight accomplishments will follow in this column, but ranking them in order of importance was a tough task.Anyway, here’s my Elite Eight Selections for the year 2005 sports year. You can argue with their order of importance if you wish, but I honestly believe they all deserve positions in this lineup.No. 8: LHS tennis, golfOne of the best stories of the spring sports season developed on the tennis courts in Luverne, where the Cardinal boys’ team compiled a 14-6 record and captured the school’s first Section 3A team title.The team, which was led by senior singles player Dusty Antoine, dropped its quarterfinal-round match at the state tourney to Virginia. Antoine also qualified for the state singles tournament, going 0-2 at the event.Also last spring, Luverne junior Brittany Boeve advanced to the state golf tournament individually, placing 31st in the Class A field.No. 7: AHS baseballThe Adrian baseball team won its third Section 3A title in the past four years in early June.The Dragons went on to win their second consolation championship at the state classic, with senior Levi Bullerman making the all-tournament team.No. 6: LHS harriersThe Luverne girls’ cross country team earned their fourth straight berth in the state cross country meet by placing second at the section level last fall.At state, the Cards turned in their best finish in state competition by placing fifth as a team.LHS sophomore Lexi Heitkamp made the All-State Team by placing sixth individually. LHS senior Thomas Pinkal, an individual qualifier for the meet, also made the All-State Team by placing 20th.No. 5: AHS wrestlingThe Adrian team compiled a 34-3 record capped by a third-place finish as a team at the state meet in St. Paul last February.St. Michael-Albertville, the team that beat AHS in the 2004 state championship match, knocked the Dragons out of title contention in the semifinals this year.Individually, Adrian’s Levi Bullerman won the school’s state individual title at 189 pounds. Joey Bullerman and Cody Lutmer placed fourth at 112 and 275 respectively, while Brandon Bullerman finished sixth at 135.No. 4: State trackA number of area individuals, led by Hills-Beaver Creek senior Tyler Bush, turned in solid efforts at the state track meet in June.Bush won H-BC’s fourth individual state title by taking top honors in the 800-meter run.Luverne’s Lexi Heitkamp placed second in the 800-meter run, and the LHS boys’ 800-meter relay team consisting of Jake Hendricks, Jordan Siebenahler, Tom Ward and Mike Kunstle finished second.Hendricks (fifth in the 400), Chris Ashby (fifth in the 300 hurdles) and Kunstle (ninth in the 200) also placed at state for LHS.Adrian’s Morgan Lynn placed in the 1,600-meter run.No. 3: LHS boys’ trackThe Luverne boys captured their first Section 3A True Team Championship in school history in early May.The Cardinals went on to place third at the state meet in Blaine, finishing 13.5 points behind the championship team.No. 2: LHS hoopsMaking their first appearance at a state tournament in 22 years, the Luverne boys’ basketball team went 2-1 and placed third in the Class 2AA field.Led by All-Tournament Team performers Brandon Deragisch and Jared Pick, Luverne beat Moose Lake-Willow River (54-42) and Rockford (60-55), while falling to Crookston (46-35) at the state classic.No. 1: AHS winsThe Adrian girls’ cross country squad won the school’s first state team title during the Class A meet in Northfield in early November.The Dragon girls, who never competed at the state meet as a team before, captured the title by nipping Staples-Motley 63-71.Adrian’s Morgan Lynn (third), Megan Henning (13th) and Leslie Stover (22nd) made the All-State Team for the Dragons.The AHS boys also qualified for the state meet, placing eighth in team competition.

Luverne Auto ShowThe following appeared in the Rock County Herald on March 7, 1930:LUVERNE AUTO SHOW WILL CLOSE TONIGHTOutstanding Amusement Programs Planned for Closing Day Expected to Draw Largest Attendance.AUTOMOBILE EXHIBITS UNUSUALLY ATTRACTIVEComplete Change in Today’s Afternoon and Evening Attractions and — Big Dance to Close Show Tonight.Luverne’s 5th annual Auto show, which opened at the Armory Wednesday, will be in full swing today and will come to a close late tonight, after complete afternoon and evening programs. Not the least attraction of the last mentioned period will be the community dance, which was also a feature of the auto show last evening.In other words, today is expected to be the biggest of the two best days, for while Wednesday was entrance day, it was given over entirely to a showing of the latest models of 1930 cars without any formal entertainment program, while today, like yesterday, the afternoon and evening will be crowded with entertainment features of an unusual nature.Nine of Luverne’s automobile concerns joined in making the 5th annual show possible under the auspices of the Luverne Commercial club. The exhibits consisted of Dodge cars by the Service Auto Co., Studebakers and a Pierce Arrow Eight, by Mason & Nesguthe, Graham-Paiges by the Rock Motor company, Willys-Knights and Whippets by the Schoon Motor Co., Oaklands and Pontiacs by the Grout Motor Co., Fords by the Urquhart Motor Co., Chryslers and Plymouths by the New City Auto Co., Chevrolets and Buicks by the Home Automotive Co., and fire trucks by the Luverne Fire Apparatus Co.In order to accommodate the large crowds that attended the show last night, and also the equally large crowds expected tonight, the arrangements were to move the motor cars each of these nights from the Armory at 7:00 o’clock, this making it possible to utilize the greater part of the floor space for the late evening dancing.No admission charge was made for any of the programs except for those of last evening and tonight, when the admission will be 25 cents, with an additional charge of 15 cents for seats in the balcony. The liberality of this arrangement will be better appreciated when the cost of securing the professional entertainers who appear on the programs, is considered, for it is only through liberal response of the motor car concerns of this city in taking display space that the show with its elaborate entertainment features was made possible. The gate receipts from the two evening programs at which admission charges are required, would not be sufficient to come anywhere near financing the project.This year’s show was formally opened to the public at 2:00 o’clock Wednesday afternoon and inspection of the different automobiles occupied the center of the stage with but one diversion, and that a concert by the Luverne high school band at 4:00 o’clock. Beginning at 8:00 o’clock in the evening the band gave another concert and this was followed by violin and guitar duets by Jensen and Tofteland.Following the noon hour yesterday the pretentious entertainment program was presented, with Don Adams, of Minneapolis, in the role of master of ceremonies. The offering consisted of nine different numbers, practically all of them by professional entertainers. The evening program opened at 7:45 o’clock and sixteen separate entertainment features were scheduled before the dancers were given the floor. Today’s afternoon and evening program will represent a complete change and will be just as varied and extensive as that given yesterday. Most of the many show attendants were emphatic in declaring that the exhibit of motor cars was by far the most impressive that had ever been made at a Luverne show and much enthusiasm was shown over practically all the models exhibited.It is felt that this year’s show will play an important part in promoting more interest in the superb models being shown.Donations to the Rock County Historical Endowment Fund can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, P.O. Box 741, Luverne, MN 56156.Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

STATE OF MINNESOTA ) FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT :SS DISTRICT COURTCOUNTY OF ROCK ) PROBATE COURT DIVISIONNOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES AND NOTICE TO CREDITORSIN RE: ESTATE OFORDELL ROGEN, DeceasedNotice is given that an application for informal probate of the decedent’s will dated March 17, 1998, has been filed with the Registrar. The application has been granted. Any objections may be filed with this Court and will be heard by the Court after proper notice and hearing. Notice is also given that the Registrar has informally appointed Mark Rogen, 48790 246th Street, Garretson, South Dakota 57030, and Mary Bison, 607 Weber Drive, Sturgis, SD 57785, as co-personal representatives of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representatives. Unless objections are filed with the Court (pursuant to Section 524.3-607) and the Court otherwise orders, the personal representatives have full power to administer the Estate including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate. Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representatives or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred. Timothy K. Connell 12-19-2005District Court Judge Date/s/ Sandra L. Vrtacnik 12-19-2005Court Administrator DateAaron J. EmersonMyers, Peters, Hoffman, Billion & Pfeiffer300 North Dakota Avenue, Suite 510PO Box 1085Sioux Falls, SD 57101-1085605/336-3700Attorney License No. 0345064(12-29, 1-5)

NOVEMBER 22, 2005MINUTES OF THE 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 Tuesday, November 22, 2005, at 7:30 p.m.The following members were present: Vicki Baartman, Colleen Deutsch, Laura Herman, Dan Kopp, Cary Radisewitz, Bill Stegemann, and Becky Walgrave. Also present: Gary Fisher, Marlene Mann, and Alissa Johnson. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Becky Walgrave. Motion by Kopp, second by Deutsch, to approve the agenda. Motion unanimously carried. Administrative reports were given.Motion by Deutsch, second by Herman, to approve the school board minutes of November 10, 2005. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Baartman, to approve payment of the district bills in the amount of $935,271.07. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Deutsch, second by Stegemann, to receive the Student Activity Report showing the balances as of October 31, 2005. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Radisewitz, to accept the resignation of Kyle Aanenson, paraprofessional, effective November 10, 2005. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Deutsch, to accept the resignation of Nancy Davis, two-hour food service worker, effective November 22, 2005. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Baartman, second by Herman, to approve the hiring of Janelle McKenzie as long-term substitute for Kelly Bergan, Fifth grade teacher. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve a maternity leave for Sara Schoeneman, paraprofessional, for twelve weeks beginning approximately February 23, 2006. Motion unanimously carried. Committee reports were given.Motion by Kopp, second by Stegemann, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: November 22, 2005Colleen Deutsch, Clerk(12-29)

December 6, 2005MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL 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 Tuesday, December 6, 2005, at 6:00 p.m. The following members were present: Vicki Baartman, Colleen Deutsch, Laura Herman, Dan Kopp, Bill Stegemann, Becky Walgrave. Absent: Cary Radisewitz. Also present: Gary Fisher, Donna Judson.The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Becky Walgrave. Motion by Kopp, second by Baartman, to move into closed session at 6:01 p.m. according to Minnesota Statute 471.705-13.32 Educational Data Privacy. Motion unanimously carried. The School Board was in closed session until 6:15 p.m. Motion by Stegemann, second by Kopp, to reopen the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second Baartman, to approve the following Resolution:RESOLUTION EXPELLING STUDENT A FROM INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184LUVERNE, MINNESOTA WHEREAS, The School Board of Independent School District No. 2184, Luverne, Minnesota, commenced proceedings pursuant to the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act. Minn. Stat. 121A.40 to 121A.56, for the expulsion of Student A from Independent School District No. 2184, and, WHEREAS, Pursuant to the requirements of said Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, a hearing was conducted before the Luverne Board of Education pursuant to the provisions of Minn. Stat. 121A.47, and, WHEREAS, The Board has received written recommendations of the School Administration, and the Board has duly considered the same, along with all other records in the proceeding;NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of all the files and records herein, the School Board of Independent School District No. 2184 resolves as follows:IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, That Student A shall be and is hereby expelled from Independent School District No. 2184 for the remainder of the 2005-2006 school year by reason of violation of School Board Policy 401.10, School Weapons Policy:IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, That said child may be readmitted pursuant to and consistent with a readmission plan prepared and developed by the District pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 121A.47, Subd. 14, and consistent with the findings and recommendations of the Board of Education;BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That if the student fails to return to school within ten (10) days of the termination of the expulsion pursuant to this Resolution, the School Administrator shall inform the pupil and the pupil’s parents by mail of the pupil’s right to attend and be reinstated in the School District; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That there shall be prepared and forwarded to the Commissioner of Education a report of said expulsion within thirty (30) days of today’s date and shall be prepared consistent and in accordance with Minn. Stat. 121A.53.A roll call vote was taken. Those voting in favor of the above resolution: Baartman, Deutsch, Herman, Kopp, Stegemann, and Walgrave; those against: none; absent: Radisewitz. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Deutsch, second by Herman, to adjourn the special school board meeting. Motion unanimously carried.Dated: December 6, 2005Colleen Deutsch, Clerk(12-29)

In recent weeks, claims have been made that Minnesota’s economy has turned around because of sound fiscal management. This is not the entire story.In 2003, the state faced a budget deficit of $4.2 billion. In 2005, the state once again faced a budget deficit. During past budget deficits, fiscally conservative governors like Al Quie and Arne Carlson used a mix of spending cuts and new revenues to fix the problem. Under Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s "no new tax" pledge he took when running for governor, state lawmakers had few options to balance the budget.In the end, the Republicans balanced the budget through spending cuts, increased fees and surcharges, and shifts and gimmicks.The result of this budget is now being felt. Spending cuts have led to double-digit property tax increases and problems for our schools. Proposing a "health impact fee" rather than a "cigarette tax" has resulted in a court finding that this is unconstitutional, and the state may even be forced to pay money back to the tobacco companies. And the shifts and gimmicks cost the state its AAA bond rating and puts off paying today’s bill until tomorrow.This does not seem like good fiscal management.Citizens are starting to see that "no new taxes" really doesn’t mean no new taxes; it means increased property taxes and fees, less educational opportunities for our kids, and word games that will only cost our state more in the long run. While it’s good news that we have a budget surplus after three consecutive years of budget deficits, it’s clear that the state needs a leader who will make the tough decisions that will provide Minnesota with long-term fiscal stability.Jim VickermanState Senator, Dist. 22

DISTRICT COURTPROBATE DIVISIONFIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICTNOTICE AND ORDER OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORSSTATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKESTATE OFWALTER JOHN VAN MEETEREN DECEDENTIt is Ordered and Notice is given that on Monday, January 9, 2006, at 3:30 p.m. a hearing will be held in this Court at Rock County Courthouse Luverne, Minnesota, for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of Decedent, dated March 17, 2003, and codicil (N/A) to the will dated N/A, and separate writing (N/A) under Minn. Stat. 524.2-513 ("Will"), and for the appointment of Harlan D. Van Meeteren whose address is: 47894 Drew St., Harrisburg, SD 57032 as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in a SUPERVISED administration. Any objections to the petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the Estate, including the power to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the Estate.Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred. /s/ TIMOTHY K. CONNELLTIMOTHY K. CONNELLJudge Date/s/SANDRA L. VRTACNIKSANDRA L. /VRTACNIKCourt Administrator DateAttorney For Personal RepresentativeBENJAMIN VANDER KOOI, JR.VANDER KOOI LAW OFFICES, P.A.127 E. MainP.O. Box 746Luverne, MN 56156-0746507-283-9546Attorney I.D. No. 112124(12-22, 12-29, 05)

MINUTES OF THE HLLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYDecember 13, 2005Linus Svoboda, President of the Hills EDA called the meeting to order at 6:09 P.M. with the following board members present: Linus Svoboda, Keith Elbers, Jim Jellema, Pete Hoff, and Ross Metzger. Others present: Connie Wiertzema, EDA Secretary, and Lexi Moore, Reporter-Hills Crescent. Motion by Jellema, seconded by Elbers to approve the minutes of November 7th. Motion carried. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Hoff to approve payment of the November expenditures. Motion carried. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Hoff to transfer the apartment/pet security deposits for unit #506 to the new owner. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Metzger to transfer $40,300 from EDA checking into a three month CD at 2% interest. These funds will be used as reimbursement to Kuntze, Bundesen, Hyink and Brandt/Kerkhove for the 10% per year new housing reimbursement planNo further business, meeting adjourned at 7:20 P.M./s/ Connie J. WiertzemaConnie J. WiertzemaEDA Secretary(12-29)

MINUTES OF THE TRUTH-IN-TAXATION AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILDECEMBER 13, 2005Mayor Jim Jellema called the Truth-in-Taxation meeting to order at 6:09 P.M. with the following council members present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, Keith Elbers, Pete Hoff, and Ross Metzger. Employees present: Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer; Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk; and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests: Lexi Moore-Hills Crescent.No visitors were present for the Truth-in-Taxation; the Council proceeded with the regular city council meeting. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Hoff to approve the minutes of November 7th. Motion carried. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Metzger to approve payment of the November expenditures, to include bills from Orv’s Shell, and Eisma & Eisma.Expenditures for November: General $12,326.86; Park $3,183.68; Fire $2,076.60; Street $4,257.16; Legion $786.78; Sewer $3,218.56; Garbage $2,261.59; Recycling $576.70; Water $8,716.03; Baseball $102.82; Softball $39.23. Motion carried. General Checking (10,378.84)General Fund CD#18924, 3.55%, 6/9/05 (prev. #18614 246,637.06General Fund CD#19056 (prev. #188764) 4.25%, 9/15/06 122,287.95Fire Truck Replacement Fund CD#18647 cashed in May 2005 0.00Hills EDA Security Deposit Account 1,265.12Hills EDA Checking – Acct. #1248 120,125.62Southern Hills Condo Acct. #1263 383.60EDA CD#18870, 3.25%, 5/7/06 75,630.77Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Hoff to approve the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried. The Clerk was instructed to send a letter regarding the parking of camper trailers. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Metzger to renew the on-sale and off-sale liquor licenses for Kelly’s Roadhouse Bar. Motion carried. Christmas tree pick-up is set for the week of January 9th. Trees must be set along the curb. The Council reviewed proposals for the installation of a drop ceiling and florescent lighting in the American Legion auditorium. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Hoff to accept bids from R-B Electric and DeHaan Construction, pending the written proposals include all costs to complete the work. Motion carried.Motion by Hoff, seconded by Elbers to schedule a special meeting on Wednesday, December 14th at 6:30 P.M. to adopt the final 2006 property tax levy. The Truth-in-Taxation meeting was adjourned at 6:40 P.M. and the Council proceeded with the regular meeting. Valarie Meinerts contacted the City Office to inform the Council of her plans to open a beauty shop in her home at 512 East 4th Street.Motion by Elbers, seconded by Hoff to approve a two-year garbage and recycling contract with Town & Country Disposal to include a 3% increase per year for garbage and recycling pickup services, effective January 1, 2006. Costs for landfill services will remain the same. Motion carried. Medicare supplement (Part D) for Janis Ward becomes effective January 1, 2006. Premium costs for this supplement will decrease from $259 to $233.90 per month. Premium costs for Wayne’s group health insurance will remain the same. The Council formed a committee, consisting of Linus Svoboda and Pete Hoff, to meet with city employees regarding salaries and benefits for 2006.The Council approved to share a polling place with Martin Township, at the Hills American Legion building, for the purpose of sharing election machines. No further discussion, meeting adjourned at 7:05 P.M./s/ Connie J. WiertzemaConnie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(12-22)