By Lori EhdeRock County, along with most of the upper Midwest, experienced its first real blast of winter this week.A blizzard moved through the area Sunday and Monday, closing interstates and schools and causing accidents.The storm started with a steady drizzle Sunday and by Monday at noon turned to snow. The real story in this storm, though, was the wind, which gusted up to 50 mph at times, reducing visibility to near zero at times on roadways.When the snowflakes settled by Tuesday morning, Rock County residents ended up with total accumulations of nearly 3 inches. That’s on top of more than an inch of rain that fell prior to the snow.Weather for the remainder of the week is expected to return to temperatures typical for this time of year – in the 20- and 25-degree range.

By Sara QuamSchool superintendents always keep tabs on enrollment figures, because student numbers drive funding for school budgets.In Luverne, overall enrollment slipped from 1,308 last year to the current 1,253, according to latest reports from October 2005.With state aid factored using a formula base of $4,783 per pupil, it adds up.Luverne Superintendent Gary Fisher said, "Everything in our budget is based on enrollment and the per pupil aid."Even though there is a standard aid amount, different students carry different weights and bring different state funding.
Kindergarten students bring the district $2,664 in aid, whether they attend all day or not.
Students in preschool bring the district $5,978. (There are only certain students who attend preschool outside the tuition program, Discovery Time. The school doesn’t receive funding for Discovery Time.)
Handicapped kindergarteners bring the district $4,783.
Students in first through third grade bring the district $5,333.
Students in fourth through sixth grade bring in $5,069.
Students in seventh through 12th grade bring $6,217.Fischer said the state assumes how much children will cost a district at certain grade levels. Labs for high schoolers cost more, for example."We always keep an eye on the census," Fisher said. "There are 88 seniors this year, but our first grade is a big class with 120."Open enrollment is another consideration in student population.Luverne has 106 students that are open enrolled into the district from other districts. Fischer said they are from schools in the immediate area — Ellsworth, Hills-Beaver Creek or Pipestone-Jasper.That brings more student aid. Sixty-three students are open enrolled out of the Luverne district, which causes a loss in aid. That number includes students who attend private schools or are homeschooled."The reason people use open enrollment is that they can. Parents and families have choices. I think schools try to offer plenty of opportunities and the ones with high quality will draw more kids," Fisher said."I’m not saying we’re better, but we’re proud of our school. Any school district can’t afford to lose students and we all want to keep them. It’s just a parent decision."In Hills-Beaver CreekHills-Beaver Creek has 308 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has 39 students open enrolled into the district and 51 students open enrolled elsewhere.In EllsworthEllsworth has 184 students in K-12. Ellsworth has 45 students open enrolled there, and 30 students from the district are open enrolled elsewhere.In AdrianAdrian has 640 students in K-12. The district draws 147 students who open enroll from other districts (mostly from Worthington) and eight open enroll out of Adrian.

10 years ago (1995)
The Luverne School will also be an Internet provider, along with Berkley Information Services.
Corn producers and other interested investors are meeting with planners of a proposed $25 million ethanol plant in Luverne. Along with providing information, the meeting is to solicit investors.
The Luverne School District is proposing a 13 percent levy increase.
Luverne City Council member Judy Herman recently was appointed to the Executive Committee of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities.25 years ago (1980)
The city of Luverne is raising impound rates for dogs to $60 for a five-day stay. The city picks up about 100 dogs a year on average.
Students at the Blue Mound Vocational Center are working extra hours this week in preparation for the grand opening of the Blue Mound Mini Mall.
Energy concerns are a valid subject with the arrival of winter in the Rock County area. Solar units are a popular workshop subject in Luverne.50 years ago (1955)
The Evangelical United Brethren Church of Luverne will have dedication services for its new church at the corner of North East Park and Crawford Streets Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Hans Raymond celebrated 50 years of wedded life.
There are new restrictions placed on muskrat trapping this season.75 years ago (1930)
County Treasurer Carl Schmuck this week completed the settlement of taxes collected from June 1 to Nov. 1, 1930, the total apportionment being $180,578.37, or $11,415.54 more than the settlement for November 1929.
"Maybe It’s Love," a comedy production featuring Joan Benett and Joe Brown, will have a three days’ run at the Palace Theatre.100 years ago (1905)
The first arrest for drunkenness since the first of September was made Monday. Nearly three months without a case of obstreperous drunkenness, and that, too, in harvest and threshing time, which usually is the flood-time of the year for this particular type of dissipation because the country is then full of transient laborers and hobos, is a record the city may well be proud of, especially with five saloons doing business 18 hours a day.
There is consternation in some circles in the city over the action of the board of education in ordering electric lights installed in the various entrances of the High and Central school buildings. Thus are the places used as the rendezvous of lovers of all ages thrown arbitrarily into the limelight of publicity by the rays of electricity.

NOVEMBER 10, 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 Thursday, November 10, 2005, at 7:30 p.m. The following members were present: Vicki Baartman, Colleen Deutsch, Laura Herman, Dan Kopp, Bill Stegemann, and Becky Walgrave. Absent: Cary Radisewitz. Also present: Gary Fisher, Marlene Mann, Stacy Gillette, Donna Judson, Jim Gilman, Alissa Johnson, and Abby Lange.The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Becky Walgrave. Announcements were given. Motion by Stegemann, 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 October 27, 2005. Motion unanimously carried. Member Kopp moved the adoption of the following resolution:RESOLUTION CANVASSING RETURNS OF VOTES OF SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL ELECTIONBE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of Independent School District No. 2184 as follows:1. It is hereby found, determined and declared that the special election of the voters of this district held on November 8, 2005, was in all respects duly and legally called and held.2. As specified in the attached Abstract and Return of Votes Cast, a total of 2044 voters of the district voted at said election on the question of a proposed approval of School District Referendum Revenue Authorization at a rate of $700.00 per resident marginal cost pupil unit, of which 1194 voted in favor, 850 voted against the same, and there was 0 completely blank or defective ballots relating to this question.3. Said proposition, having received the approval of at least a majority of such votes, is hereby declared to have carried. 4. The school district clerk is hereby directed to certify the results of the election to the county auditor of each county in which the school district is located in whole or in part. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Member Baartman and the following voted in favor thereof: Baartman, Deutsch, Herman, Kopp, Stegemann, and Walgrave; and the following voted against the same, none; Member Radisewitz was absent; whereas said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. Jim Gilman, representing Conway, Deuth and Schmiesing, PLLP, reviewed the 2004-2005 audit report. He highlighted that the weighted average daily membership is steadily declining which in turn means the revenues are steadily declining. He also noted that as of June 30, 2005, the state aids receivable was $1,246,368.00 meaning the District must maintain a fund balance in order to maintain a positive cash flow. Motion by Deutsch, second by Baartman, to approve the report as presented. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Stegemann, to approve the Staff Development Plan for 2005-2006 as presented. Superintendent Fisher also reviewed several activities of the staff development committee. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Baartman, to approve a maternity leave request from Amanda Fields, Elementary Special Education teacher, for eight weeks beginning approximately February 5, 2006. Motion unanimously carried. Committee reports were given.The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed.Motion by Baartman, second by Deutsch, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: November 10, 2005Colleen Deutsch, Clerk(12-1)

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDSNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received by the City of Luverne, Minnesota, at the office of the City Clerk, 203 E. Main Street, Luverne, Minnesota 56156, until 10:00 A.M. on the 12th day of December, 2005, and will be publicly opened at said time by designated agents of the City of Luverne for one (1) Heavy Duty Truck Chassis with one (1) New Automated Side Loader Refuse Compactor. Each bid shall be accompanied by a cash deposit, certified check, or bid bond payable to the City of Luverne, Minnesota, in the amount of five (5%) of the amount of the bid, as a guarantee that the bidder will enter into the proposed contract within the time specified. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of thirty (30) days after the date and time set for the opening of bids. Interested parties desiring a copy of the Plans and Specifications may obtain them from the office of the City Clerk, City of Luverne, 203 E. Main Street, Luverne, Minnesota 56156-0659. The proposals made separately for the truck chassis and the automated side loader refuse compactor shall be added together for consideration as one total bid. The City of Luverne reserves the right to reject any and all bids, waive irregularities and informalities therein, and further reserves the right to award the contract for the best interests of the City. John M. CallCity Administrator(12-1)

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALETHE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION.NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: That default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage:DATE OF MORTGAGE: October 27, 2003ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $60,800.00MORTGAGOR(S): Dennis Morphew and Kristi Morphew, husband and wifeMORTGAGEE: First Premier Bank, a South Dakota Commercial Bank.DATE AND PLACE OF FILING: Filed November 7th, 2003, Rock County Recorder; Document No. 157484ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: Washington Mutual Bank, FA.LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Lot 8 in Block 6 in Charles O. Hawes’ Addition to the village (now city) of LuverneCOUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Rock County, MinnesotaTHE AMOUNT CLAIMED TO BE DUE ON THE MORTGAGE ON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE: $61,974.86THAT no action or proceeding has been instituted at law to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; that there has been compliance with all pre-foreclosure notice and acceleration requirements of said mortgage, and/or applicable statutes; PURSUANT, to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: January 17, 2006, at 10:00 a.m.PLACE OF SALE: Rock County Sheriff’s office, in the lobby of the Rock County Law Enforcement Center, 213 East Luverne St., Luverne, Minnesotato pay the debt then secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any actually paid by the mortgagee, on the premises and the costs and disbursements allowed by law. The time allowed by law for redemption by said mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns is Six (6) months from the date of sale. "THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED."Dated: November 22, 2005WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK, FA.MortgageeREITER & SCHILLER, P.A.By: /s/ Thomas J. Reiter, Esq.Rebecca F. Schiller, Esq.Attorneys for Mortgagee25 North Dale Street, 2nd FloorSt. Paul, MN 55102-2227(651) 209-9760Attorney Reg. No. 152262(F1135)THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.(12-1, 12-8, 12-15, 12-22, 12-29, 1-5-2006)

STATE OF MINNESOTA DISTRICT COURTCOUNTY OF ROCK FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE: 14-OTHER CIVILCitiFinancial Services, Inc. f/k/a Commercial Court File No.: 67-CV-05-300Credit Consumer Services, Inc., Plaintiff,vs. SUMMONSKaren K. Stroeh; Nathan Abdallah; JeanneHendry; and also all heirs and devisees of any ofthe above named persons who are deceased;and all other persons or parties unknownclaiming any right, title, estate lien or interest in the real estate described in the Complaint herein, Defendants.STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS:You, and each of you, are hereby summoned and required to serve upon the District Court Administrator and Plaintiff’s attorney an Answer to the Complaint in the above-entitled action, which Complaint has been filed in the office of the District Court Administrator of said Court and which is also herewith served upon you, within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons upon you, exclusive of the day of service. If you fail to do so, the Plaintiff above-named will apply to the court for relief demanded in the Complaint.You are hereby notified that the object of said action, among other things, is to determine that Sheriff’s Sale conducted on March 3, 2005, as evidenced by Sheriff’s Certificate Sale recorded September 19, 2005, as Document No. 162344 be ratified and confirmed in all respects; establish that Plaintiff is the fee owner and to determine adverse claims to the following described real property:Lots nine (9), ten (10), eleven (11), and twelve (12), except the east fifty (E.50) feet of the north one hundred twenty-five (N.125) feet to lots ten (10), eleven (11) and twelve (12) in Block 22 in the First Addition to the City of Beaver Creek, Rock County, Minnesota.for the benefit of the Plaintiff herein.Civil cases are subject to Alternative Dispute Resolution processes as provided in Rule 114 of the General Rules of Practice for the District Courts. Alternative Dispute Resolution includes mediation, arbitration, and other processes set forth in the rules. You may contact the Court Administrator for information about these processes and about resources available in your area. Dated: October 17, 2005 PETERSON, FRAM & BERGMAN, P.A.By /s/ Steven H. BrunsAttorney ID No. 14888XAttorney for Plaintiff50 East Fifth Street, Suite 300St. Paul, MN 55101Telephone: (651) 291-8955(12-1, 12-8, 12-15)

Coffey Haus changes hands todayEffective today, the Coffey Haus on Luverne’s Main Street will no longer be the property of founder Sue Gruis.Gruis, who started the Coffey Haus in September 1996, has sold the business to Tammy Makram.Nine years ago Gruis said she saw the need for a different kind of restaurant on Luverne’s Main Street and over the years customers have been loyal to her vision.Over the years she added events for local artists, had wine tasting and even hosted one wedding.But the original concept of quality, light lunches and gourmet coffee has remained the same.Makram, who is currently an employee, was also one of the original members of the Coffey Haus staff.Gruis plans to help Makram through the holidays with some of the parties her customers have booked and after that, has no immediate plans.As for Makram, she plans to continue with the same formula the Haus has always had, with some additional hours which will start after the first of the year.Parade of Homes on Saturday The Luverne Hockey Association will once again sponsor Luverne’s Christmas Parade of Homes.The tour will take place from 1 to 5p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.This year five homes will be a part of the parade. Participants include:
Keith and Lois Hebig, 710 Britz Drive.
Ned and Shelley Sandbulte, 26113 488th Ave.
Jim and Diane Ouverson, 720 Britz Drive.
Vivian Holtz, 910 N. McKenzie.
Tom and Bev Martius, 507 Britz Drive.Tickets for the event are $7 with a $1 discount for advanced sales until Friday, Dec. 2, at the Luverne Chamber Office or the Blue Mound Ice Arena.On the day of the event tickets will be available at the Craft Show at the high school or the Carnegie Cultural Center.Christmas at the Palace set for Dec 16.Plans are underway for the 2005 Christmas at the Palace.The annual Christmas event includes choirs and groups from area churches, as well as other local talent.The evening, which will be emceed by George McDonald, will begin with music by the Luverne High School Band.Other participants will include:
American Reformed Church Choir
First Baptist Interpretive Worship Dance Team
First Presbyterian Church Bell Choir
Grace Lutheran Church Bread of Life Worship Team
Pastor Hagen
Luverne Christian Reformed
New Life Celebration Women’s Trio
St. John Lutheran Church
Ron & Jane Cote
United Methodist Church
Felicia and Anissa Hanson
Linda Iverson
Graber Family
Gretchen Jepperson
Heidi Sehr
Karen Jepperson
Katie McClureThe grand finale for the evening will be all the choirs joining at the end of the concert to sing "Hallelujah Chorus," directed by Dolly Talbert.The theme for this year will be "Christmas Traditions."Admission for the event is $5 with the proceeds going to the Rock County Food Shelf and the Palace Theatre.You can still give to SHAREOne more reminder — if you would like to donate items to the SHARE program, collection times will be from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, and from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 8, at Sharkee’s.If you would like to make a cash donation, mail it to SHARE, P.O. Box 792, Luverne, MN, 56156.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com

No more fat suits, please. Stick to ‘experiencing’ real human tragediesIs anybody else as annoyed as I am by skinny supermodels in fat suits?For anyone who’s been so far blissfully unaware, Tyra Banks recently donned a fat suit to overnight add 350 pounds to her appearance. "Entertainment Tonight" celebrity Vanessa Minnillo did the same thing "to get a reality check on the everyday prejudices facing America’s weight-challenged women."It started in 2003 with actress Gwyneth Paltrow playing a fat woman in the movie "Shallow Hal," in which a shallow man falls in love with a large woman for her "inner beauty."Most recently Banks, the supermodel and talk show host, wanted to experience obesity and publicly report on how she was treated.Not surprisingly, she wasn’t recognized on the street as Tyra Banks, and her oversized shape was met with averted eyes and she felt generally invisible."It was one of the most heartbreaking days of my life," she shared on her show.Well done, Sherlock.Any fat person could have told her that’s how it feels to be fat in a thin-obsessed world.So what was the point of the experience, exactly?Her intent may have been noble (perhaps to tell the world to be nicer to fat people), but the whole song and dance comes across as self-serving … "Thank God I’m thin and beautiful, and God help those poor fat people."Wearing a fat costume somehow implies that overweight people are somewhat freakish. Miss Banks has been thin and beautiful for the better part of her life, and one day in a fat suit will not allow her "to experience" how fat people live. She’s a Victoria’s Secret lingerie model who now has her own talk show (which she fancies to be the next "Oprah Winfrey Show").My advice to Banks is this: If she truly aspires to Oprah’s level of professionalism and benevolence, she should put away the fat suit and become a spokesperson for some real causes.If she wants to "experience" how the other half lives, she could try living with the homeless, for example, and then donate a portion of her millions to hunger relief causes.An even nobler approach would be to do it quietly — just for the sake of doing something good — not for the limelight or for boosted TV ratings.It’s unhealthy to be fat, and most fat people will tell you it’s no fun being fat.But most overweight people enjoy rewarding careers, loving families and many of life’s pleasures (outside of food). Realizing there’s more to life than appearances, they don’t dwell on their shapes or on how the rest of the world treats them.… and they don’t appreciate skinny people serving as experts on their lives after a day in a fat suit.