By John RittenhouseThe Adrian baseball team began defense of its 2004 Section 3A title Saturday in Adrian.Taking on Springfield for a noon game on its home field, the Dragons passed their first test in the double-elimination event by rolling to a 15-7 victory.The win ups Adrian’s record to 12-9 heading into a game played in Granite Falls last night (Wednesday). The Dragons locked horns with Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunberg in winners-bracket play.A 10-run second inning set the stage for Adrian’s eight-run win over Springfield.Springfield led 2-0 after plating a pair of first-inning runs, but the Dragons took control of the game with a big second frame.Glen Kruger chased home two runs with a single during the rally. Nick Weidert, Levi Bullerman, David Hoffer, Will Lutmer and Brent Tjepkes contributed RBI singles to the rally, while Cody Kontz drew a bases-loaded walk.Tjepkes and Weidert, who slapped three hits and drove in three runs each, delivered RBI singles to the cause in the third inning. Tjepkes singled home a run and Lutmer drew a bases-loaded walk to highlight a three-run sixth inning.Hoffer tossed all seven innings to pick up the win. He fanned five batters and walked three.

By John RittenhouseThe Luverne boys captured their seventh Sub-Section 10 Track and Field team championship in the last eight years during the annual meet in Slayton Thursday.After having a streak of winning six straight team titles snapped at the 2004 version of the event, the Cardinals compiled 142 points Thursday to best second-place Fulda (127.5) by 14.5 points.Along with winning the team championship, the Cards gained strong representation for today’s Section 3A meet in Redwood Falls. Twelve LHS individuals locked up 14 automatic berths in the section event by placing third or better in individual events and relays. Three more boys will advance to the section meet by earning at-large berths based on their performances compared with the efforts turned in by the athletes from the other three sub-sections that form Section 3A.Luverne athletes locked up sub-section titles during the meet, including four individual crowns.Mike Kunstle won the 100- and 200-meter dashes with respective 11.0 and 23.78 times. Jake Hendricks ran 400-meters in 50.53 to take top honors in the 400-meter dash, and Chris Ashby cleared the 300-meter hurdles in 41.67 to place first.

SURPLUS PROPERTYPursuant to City Code, Section 2.71, Subd. 3 (C), the City Council has declared the following City of Luverne property as "excess" property to be sold via sealed bids solicited by public notice: One (1) abandon well on approx. 2400 sq. ft. of property described by metes and bounds located in the NE 1/4 of Section 11, Township 102 N., Range 45 W. (approx. 1/2 block East of the Blue Mound Ave. and Dodge St. intersection). Submit bid in a sealed envelope marked "Well Bid" to the City Clerk’s office (203 E. Main St., P O Box 659, Luverne, MN 56156 no later than 10:00 a.m. on June 16, 2005, at which time the bids will be opened and read. Minimum bid $3,000. Any questions, call City Hall at 507-449-2388. (6-2)

MAY 9, 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 Monday, May 9, 2005, at 6:30 p.m. The following members were present: Vicki Baartman, Colleen Deutsch, Dan Kopp, Bill Stegemann, and Becky Walgrave. Absent: Laura Herman and Cary Radisewitz. Also present: Superintendent Vince Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Dan Amborn, and Matt Crosby, K101/KQAD Radio.The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Becky Walgrave and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Motion by Kopp, second by Baartman, to accept the resignation of Vincent Schaefer as Superintendent effective June 30, 2005. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Baartman, second by Deutsch, to declare the superintendent position open and to post the vacancy. Motion unanimously carried. Superintendent Schaefer and business Manager Marlene Mann reviewed the process to fill the superintendent position. The position will be advertised with applications due by May 20, 2005. It will be listed as open until filled. Motion by Kopp, second by Deutsch, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: May 9, 2005Colleen Deutsch, Clerk(6-2)

MAY 12, 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 MS/HS Library on Thursday, May 12, 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: Superintendent Vince Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Stacy Gillette, Gary Fisher, Cliff Carmody – SW/WC Service Cooperative, Mary Jacobson, Becky Runnoe, Jane Cote, Becky Rahm, Dave Mente, Stacy Mente, Mike Hart, Kristee Hart, Eugene Marshall, Pam Christensen, Tim Christensen, Gayle Stegemann, Lauree Teunissen, Melissa Fick, Karla Kruse, Stephanie Pierce, Julie Haugom, Julie Nekali, Becky Gonnerman, Jodi Bosch, Evan VerBrugge, Paula Jelken, Sheryl Staeffler, Julie Fick, Kevin Fick, C. Ray, Eddy Ray, Linda Reisdorfer, Heather Roberts, Tricia Hoogeveen, Casey Westphal, Todd Elbers, Diane Elbers, Emily Crabtree, Chris Nelson, Stacy Kopp, Jerry Jensen, Lori Ehde, Rock County Star Herald, and Matt Crosby, K101/KQAD Radio.The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Becky Walgrave. Superintendent Schaefer gave announcements. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve the agenda. Motion unanimously carried. Superintendent Schaefer reviewed the presentation given on April 14 to the School Board showing the budget cuts that have happened since the 2000-2001 school year. He also reviewed the list of proposed cuts and fee increases. Stacy Mente, Kristee Hart, and Jodi Bosch presented questions to the School Board regarding the 1/2 day morning kindergarten program with afternoon activity-based Kinder Plus program. These will be answered in a newspaper article, on the Web site, and also presented at the next school board meeting on May 26. Administrative reports were given. Motion by Stegemann, second by Kopp, to approve the School Board minutes of April 26, 2005. Motion unanimously carried. Cliff Carmody presented the strategic planning progress and update report. Mr. Carmody’s recommendation is to develop a Strategic Planning Advisory Committee whose primary purpose is to develop 4-6 strategic initiatives. Motion by Baartman, second by Herman, to receive the Strategic Plan report as presented. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve Jim Gilman from Conway, Deuth and Schmiessing, PLLP, to complete the audit of the 2004-2005 fiscal year. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Baartman, to accept the retirement of Cheryl Roberts, HS English Teacher and Assistant Speech Coach, effective June 2, 2005. Motion unanimously carried. Member Deutsch introduced the Resolution Proposing to Place Patti Nelson on Unrequested Leave of Absence. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Member Stegemann, and upon vote being taken thereon the following voted in favor thereof: Baartman, Deutsch, Herman, Radisewitz, Stegemann, Walgrave; Member Kopp was absent; and the following voted against the same: none; whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.Committee Reports were given.The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed.Motion by Radisewitz, second by Deutsch, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: May 12, 2005Colleen Deutsch, Clerk(6-2)

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING FOR A VARIANCE TO THE CITY OF LUVERNE ZONING ORDINANCENOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the City of Luverne Board of Appeals and Adjustments that a public hearing will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, Luverne, Minnesota, at 5:00 p.m. on June 13, 2005, to consider a variance, as requested by Nathan Golla on behalf of Luverne Farm Store, Inc., to City Code Section 11.16, Subd. 2 (A), to allow two freestanding signs on business property instead of one and to City Code Section 11.16, Subd. 3 (a) to allow 60 sq. ft. of signage per side of freestanding sign instead of 32 sq. ft. per side on property located at 617 S. Kniss Ave., Luverne, Minnesota.All persons wishing to be heard in favor or in opposition to the variance request should be present at the hearing or present written comments prior thereto to the City Clerk. Anyone needing reasonable accommodations or an interpreter should contact the City Clerk’s office, 203 E. Main St. (507) 449-2388.MARIANNE PERKINSCITY CLERK(6-2)

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: September 21, 2001ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $76,500.00MORTGAGOR(S): Brian Beaner and Rebecca Beaner, husband and wifeMORTGAGEE: First Federal fsbDATE AND PLACE OF FILING: Filed September 26, 2001, Rock County Recorder, Document No. 151054ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: Washington Mutual Home Loans, Inc. n/k/a Washington Mutual Bank, FA Dated: September 26, 2001, filed: September 26, 2001. Document No. 151055.LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:The West 150 Feet of Outlot A in Kleine’s Addition to the City of Magnolia, Rock County, Minnesota, and A Tract of Land described as follows: Commencing at the Southwest Corner of Outlot A in Kleine’s Addition to the City of Magnolia, Minnesota, thence Easterly along the South Line of said Outlot A a distance of 150 Feet, thence South 67 Feet along a line Parallel with the West Line of said Outlot, thence West Parallel with the South Line of said Outlot A a distance of 150 Feet, thence North 67 Feet more or less to the point of beginning. COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: RockTHE AMOUNT CLAIMED TO BE DUE ON THE MORTGAGE ON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE: $84,997.40THAT all pre-foreclosure requirements have been complied with; that no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof: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: July 14, 2005, 10:00 A.M.PLACE OF SALE: Sheriff’s Main Office, West Side Sheriff Dept., Front Step, Luverne, MN to pay the debt secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys fees allowed by law, subject to redemption within 6 months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s) their personal representatives or assigns. ‘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 5 UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. Dated: May 19, 2005 Washington Mutual Bank, F.A.Assignee of MortgageeSHAPIRO & NORDMEYER, L.L.P.BY /s/ Nancy A. NordmeyerNancy A. NordmeyerLawrence P. ZielkeCraig M. BarbeeAttorneys for Mortgagee7300 Metro Blvd., Suite 390Edina, MN 55439-2306(952) 831-4060THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.(6-2, 6-9, 6-16, 6-23, 6-30, 7-7)

‘The War’ producers coming to LuverneKen Burn’s production company will be in Luverne this month.The purpose of the trip is to continue their research on their documentary film series about the American experience in World War II.They are asking anyone with photographs or home movies of Luverne or Rock County during the World War II era (1935-1945) to share their collections with the producers of the film at the Rock County Museum at 123 North Freeman (the former Masonic Lodge).The production crew will be in Luverne at the museum Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Some specific items they are still in need of include photographs or home movies of the following:
Luverne places: such as the Omaha railroad bridge, the Luverne train depot at night, Gimm and Brynes’ Restaurant
Luverne people: such as men who were wounded or killed in action in the war or Luverne residents at home or at work.
Luverne war activities or events: VE Day, VJ Day, scrap drives, people saving fat, civil defense wardens in the neighborhood, people listening to the radio for war news, funeral or memorial services.
Holidays in Luverne: Christmas
Seasons in Luverne: spring and winter especially
Post-War Luverne: parades and returning Vets.If you are wondering if your photos or films are the type of things the producers are looking for, contact Betty Mann at 283-2913.In addition to Luverne, the documentary film series titled "The War" will follow the fortunes of three other American towns: Sacramento, Calif.; Waterbury, Conn.; and Mobile, Ala.Is there anything to do?According to April Gangestad, children’s librarian for the Rock County Community Library, there are a lot of things for kids to do at the library.The library will be hosting more than a dozen summer programs. They include:
Butterfly House
Magic School
Karaoke Dance Party
Water Bug Party
Movie and Popcorn
Professional Storyteller
Pizza Party
Baby Bug Story Time
Lil Ladybug Story Time
Busy Bees Lunch Bunch
Story & Art
Jim Oliver
Mosquito RideRegistration for the programs is June 6 through 11. If you would like to know more about any of the programs, contact April Gangestad at 440-5040.Twins, anyone?Community Education is organizing a trip to see the Minnesota Twins.The game is this Sunday, and there are still seats left on the bus.The featured game will be the Twins vs. the New York Yankees.For $40, you will get a ride to the game, be dropped off at the door and receive a ticket for a seat in the second level along first base.The bus is scheduled to leave at 7:30 a.m. and return around 9:30 p.m. Game time is 1:10.There will be a stop for a light breakfast on the way up and at Old Country Buffet on the way back.If you would like to take the trip or want more information, contact Community Ed at 283-4724.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com

It’s endless summers from now on; no more recess bells or bathroom breaksIt was a busy week in the halls and classrooms, as students completed their last days of school before summer vacation. And little things like a retirement here and there would go easily unnoticed. Several teachers quietly savored (or endured, depending whom you ask) their final days on the job –— not just for the school year, but for their careers.Luverne School Board accepted the retirements of seven long-time teachers this spring. They are:
Kindergarten Teacher Peggy Goettsch, who started in August 1979,
Kindergarten Teacher Shirley Harrison, who started in August 1972,
Third-grade Teacher Rhonna Jarchow, who started in January 1979
Phy Ed Teacher Steve Kollman, who started in August 1970 and
High School English Teacher Cheryl Roberts, who started in August 1974.If you add up their years of work in Luverne, the total comes to more than 150 combined years of teaching.It scares me to watch all that experience and dedication walk out the door. Every single one of these individuals has carved out a niche among students in Luverne. Mrs. Goettsch is known for her gentle demeanor, Mrs. Harrison for her creative spirit, Mrs. Jarchow for her entertaining projects (ornaments and hats, for example), Mr. Kollman for leveling the P.E. playing field and Mrs. Roberts for her attention to proper English grammar.Who will fill those enormous shoes? Who will be the voice of experience? Whatever will we do?I’ll tell you what we’ll do. We’ll hire new teachers.And soon enough they, too, will carve out their own niches among students in Luverne.I could easily name a dozen teachers hired in the past 10 years who, in my opinion, are already legendary.I’ve lost track of the times I heard myself ask a teacher, "How do you do it?"How do they bolster enthusiasm when mid-winter doldrums set in? How do they inspire learning in a learning-disabled child? How do they coax patience from the attention-deficit child?It’s demanding work that’s not forgiving of weaknesses. I’ve seen teachers struggling with health problems and personal losses take charge of their classrooms with grace and strength … and energy. For this reason and many others, we at the Star Herald find teacher retirements newsworthy.Over the coming weeks of summer, as these new retirements become official, we’ll share their stories about memorable classroom moments, highlights in their careers and most challenging obstacles along the way.Congratulations on your retirements, teachers! May you enjoy a quiet future, uninterrupted by recess bells and milk breaks.