Spring has arrived! At least that is what the calendar said. One has to wonder if anyone ever has said, "Spring is here to stay? We have one or even several of those nice spring-like days and then Old Man Winter decides that is enough of that and comes blowing in. There are times when I am sure it is here to stay. For instance, the other morning when I opened the outside door and the screen door was filled with Asian beetles. (I used to call them ladybugs.) They do look alike but their dispositions are exactly the opposite! However, they are here, regardless if it is spring. The best thing we can do is get some insect spray. Don’t forget to enjoy the spring-like weather and think Spring!Steen Senior Citizens had their April meeting on Monday afternoon at the community building. Cards and games were played. Bill and Bertha Bosch served lunch. Former Steen resident Dries Bosch is now a resident at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne. Melba Boeve joined the Prime Timers in Luverne who attended the Lowe Family concert at Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls Friday afternoon. Mildred Paulsen joined the Freedom Club in Rock Rapids Friday evening to attend the same concert. The Lowe Family is from Branson, Mo. Orrin and Bernice Aukes attended the wedding of their grandson Dan Aukes and Amy Fopma on Saturday, April 2, at Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls. Dan is the son of Orlie and Linda Aukes, Hills, and Amy is from Grinnell, Iowa. Congratulations to them. An open house bridal shower for Jody Rentschler (bride-to-be of Trey Van Wyhe) will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 16, in the Friendship Hall of Steen Reformed Church.Bonnie Skalicky. Scottsdale, Ariz., came to attend the wedding of Dan Aukes and Amy Fopma. She spent the week visiting her parents, Orrin and Bernice Aukes, in Steen. Don Schouwenburg was able to return to his home on Friday following heart bypass surgery at Avera McKennan Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Dorothy Bos on the death of her sister, Gertrude DeBoer, who passed away on Saturday, March 26. Do you ever have a day when nothing goes right? I am sure we have all experienced that. I found this article "One of Those Days" and want to share it with you. We all know misery likes company!"Ever have one of those days when things don’t seem to go (or come) your way? Each of us has his or her fair share every now and then. The problem is that most of the time it is hard for us to cope with ‘those days.’ What force or philosophy can best be used to get the most out of these less-than-satisfactory situations? One method in particular is illustrated by what Henry Ward Beecher once said: Good-humor makes all things tolerable. And he makes a good point. When we look for the humor in situations, when we see something positive in every experience, we can learn to overcome our pessimism and negative feelings. We can control the situation instead of letting it control us." We just have to remember we are all in this together so let us try to make the best of a bad situation.

It’s easy to relate to one of the many convicted criminals in California. Under the state’s "three strikes" law, Santos Reyes has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for lying on his driver’s license application. Unlike many of us, he didn’t falsify his weight — he tried to use his cousin’s name instead of his own. Weights tend to be a murky area on driver’s licenses. It’s no coincidence that when reports go out over the television about criminals-at-large their descriptions usually are "six-foot-one, 180 pounds." How is it that hardened criminals, unable to make wise choices throughout their lives, should all have ideal weights? Could they possibly be lying? Except for age and height, all other facts on driver’s licenses can be matters of fiction and creativity. Age and height are the only statistics that can’t be easily altered with colored contact lenses, hair dye or slenderizing vertical stripes in a person’s wardrobe. The weight listed on my original driving learner’s permit in 1957 was 130 pounds and it hasn’t changed. Although many years have gone by since then, my weight has miraculously stayed the same through childbirths, countless holiday dinners and my own per capita consumption of 3.5 cheesecakes. Changing the weight listed on a driver’s license to what it should be is a low priority on my list of things to do. Arguably, the world has already seen too many changes. One of the criteria for hiring people in the driver’s license bureaus appears to be the ability to keep a straight face when told blatant lies about body weights. Actually, the driver’s license employees seem considerably less concerned with true body weights than the airlines people. Even though 61 percent of Americans are overweight and 26 percent are classified as obese, airplane seats are getting narrower. Southwest Airline’s coach seats, for example, measure 17 1/4 inches wide, according to USA Today. Most airlines are requiring people over 300 pounds to purchase two seats. The obvious question is how they will determine how much each of us weighs. Are they going to check our driver’s licenses, are they going to take our word for it, or are they going to use scales? A worst case scenario would have us trying to unsuccessfully wedge into a seat, only having to be pried out with a crowbar and escorted off the plane. Perhaps the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) people will do the weighing. After all, they already have us stripping down to the bare essentials in front of complete strangers. They already have us at their mercy. "Hey, Pete! Got one here that needs weighing! He’s a big one!" Another shout. "OK. Send him on through." A respectful, yet fearful, hush descends upon the other passengers waiting in line." Step on the scale, sir." "Is he too heavy?" "Lessee. Yup. This is definitely a two-seater! Would you believe 310 pounds?" If the current seat-narrowing trend continues on the airlines, the only people able to fly in our country will be passengers with eating disorders or a few unfortunates, who are unable to gain weight because of their high metabolic rates. The good news about the airlines’ 300-pound limit is that several of them will be offering second seats at children’s prices or with double frequent flyer miles. Of course, those perks might only be available after they’ve gone through the embarrassing business of prying us from our seats with crowbars.

10 years ago (1995)
Tom Schmitz announced Monday that he’ll leave Blue Mounds State Park.
Jim Sonntag has opened a Lutheran Brotherhood agency in Luverne. He will operate the agency out of his home.
Minnesota Veterans Home resident, Leo Hansen, turned 103 this week.25 years ago (1980)
The March tax settlement prepared by the Rock County Treasurer’s Office shows an increase of $34,473.23 over the same collection period last year.
Blue Mounds State Park started a $7,000 chlorination project that officials hope will clean up the park’s contaminated water so it is drinkable this year.
Colleen Siebenahler for eight years has bottle fed orphan lambs that other producers don’t have the time or desire to feed. She feeds them every two hours.
Merle Cook was elected president of the Luverne Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Hardwick residents are getting ready to vote on a new addition for the Hardwick school.
P.D. Stephenson, of Dave’s Market, announced this week the completion of the installation of new frozen food cabinets to meet the ever-growing demand for frozen food products.75 years ago (1930)
A two-man crew, under the direction of County Engineer Julius Brown, this week completed the task of erecting more than one hundred traffic signs on state aid roads, calling attention to the proximity of school houses, cross roads, curves and side roads. It took the two men about four days to do the work.
The Quartzite Quarries is at present working quite a large crew of men at the quarry plant, which accounts for the frequent explosive rumblings distinctly heard in this city.
A Holstein cow owned by Theo. Olson, of Kenneth, produced 74.1 pounds of butterfat during the month, and this is the highest record made by any cow this year.100 years ago (1905)
Luverne’s first general election under its organization as a city was quiet. There was only one ticket in the field, and 142 votes were cast. E.A. Brown was elected mayor.
The Magnolia town board made a contract with the Hewitt Bridge Company for a 50-foot bridge to be placed across Elk Slough at the Fred Kerney place, the price being $975.

NOTICE of PUBLIC MEETINGNotice is hereby given that on Monday, April 18, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. the Rock County Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public meeting to hear input on the proposed construction of an animal feedlot by Titan Farms.The public meeting will be held at the Rock County Family Services Building located at 2 Roundwind Road, Luverne, MN.The feedlot would be located in the NW 1/4 of Section 33 in Luverne Township.Persons attending the meeting will be given an opportunity to speak either in favor of or in opposition to the application.This is per Minnesota Rules part 4410.4300. Subpart 29, item B. (4-7, 4-14)

Public NoticeClose Proximity Owners and Local Officials of the Rock County Planning and Zoning Commission.Notice is hereby given that the Rock County Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 18, 2005, at the Rock County Family Services Center located at 2 Roundwind Road in Luverne, Minnesota at 7:15 p.m. to act on the following Conditional Use Permit application.Conditional Use: Expansion of an existing feedlot presently at 443 Animal Units to an expanded capacity of 750 Animal Units within 1/4 mile of an existing dwelling. Legal Description: The NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 6 of Mound Township, T103N, R45W, Rock County. Facility Owner and Operator: Gerald SandbulteThe existing facility consists of a 125’ x 220’ open lot without runoff controls holding 100 head of slaughter cattle (100 animal units), a 65’ x 220’ open lot without runoff controls holding 100 head of slaughter cattle and 70 head of feeder cattle (150 animal units), a 150’ x 150’ open lot without runoff controls holding 100 stock cows (100 animal units), a 32’ x 12’ total confinement barn with a 32’ x 12’ x 2’ poured concrete pit and a 12’ x 12’ x 8’ poured concrete pit housing 160 head of finishing swine (48 animal units), and a 20’ x 44’ partial confinement barn with a 32’ x 44’ open lot with runoff controls housing 150 head of finishing swine (45 animal units), for a total of 443 animal units. The proposed expansion shall consist of a 100’ x 330’ open lot with runoff controls to hold 400 head of slaughter cattle (400 animal units). The 32’ x 12’ total confinement barn with poured concrete pits shall be abandoned and the 20’ x 44’ partial confinement barn with 32’ x 44’ open lot with runoff controls shall also be abandoned. The total animal units after expansion shall be 750 animal units. The described property is zoned as A-2, General Agriculture. All persons interested may appear and be heard at said time and place, or submit views in writing or by representative. Date: April 7, 2005By Order of the Rock County Planning and Zoning CommissionEric Hartman, Zoning Administrator311 W. Gabrielson RoadLuverne, MN 56156507-283-8862(4-7, 4-14)

NOTICE of PUBLIC MEETINGNotice is hereby given that on Monday, April 18, 2005, at 7:10 p.m. the Rock County Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public meeting to hear input on the proposed construction of an animal feedlot by Kevin Kracht. The public meeting will be held at the Rock County Family Services Building located at 2 Roundwind Road, Luverne, MN. The feedlot would be located in the NW 1/4 of Section 31 in Clinton Township.Persons attending the meeting will be given an opportunity to speak either in favor of or in opposition to the application. This is per Minnesota Rules part 4410.4300. Subpart 29, item B.(4-7, 4-14)

Law Library 9:00 A.M.Rock County Courthouse March 22, 2005Chair Hoime called the meeting to order with all Commissioners present. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the March 22, 2005, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Jarchow, to approve the March 08, 2005, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to approve the following items on the consent agenda with the additions, declared carried on a voice vote. 1. Appointment of Brad Skattum and Clifford Schilling to the Rock County Rural Water Board2. FSA Contract 97-1453-05 w/Trubes, Drealan, Kvilhaug, Mammen, and Co. to provide guardianship/conservatorship services to eligible Rock County clients; effective 03/01/05 – 02/28/06. Rate of $45/hour plus mileage.3. Foster care relicensing – Lowell and Rhonda FeitMike Winkels, Sheriff, requested out-of-state travel for John McCarty to attend Clandestine Drug Lab Cleanup classes in Iowa; motion by Jarchow, seconded Bakken, to approve the out-of-state travel, declared carried on a voice vote. The Sheriff informed the County Board that he would be disposing of (2) vehicles confiscated on drug arrests; a 1999 Ford Mustang and a 1997 Subaru. Also would be disposing of a 2004 Dodge Dakota pickup, which was confiscated on an alcohol seizure. All revenues received from the sale of confiscated vehicles would be receipted into the Sheriff’s budget either through drug or alcohol education. Motion by Bakken, seconded by Boyenga, to pay off the loan against the Dodge Dakota in the amount of $8,500.00, declared carried on a voice vote. The Building Committee presented an update to the County Board. They have interviewed architects and have also had requests to discuss with the City of Luverne the hospital building property. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Jarchow, that the county’s intent is to remodel the existing facility or construct new based on previous assessments and discussions on the hospital complex, declared carried on a voice vote. Also directed the Administrator to notify the City of Luverne reflecting the county’s intent. Gloria Rolfs, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims, per diems of $223.59; motion by Wildung, seconded by Jarchow, to approve the claims and per diems, declared on a unanimous vote. A complete listing of the claims is available by request at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office. General Revenue $ 28,322.50Family Services $104,040.14Road & Bridge $ 27,664.13Land Management $ 954.32Rural Water $ 0.00TOTAL $160,981.09Motion by Bakken, seconded by Jarchow, to accept the Fund Balance report as presented by the Auditor/Treasurer, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Jarchow, to approve a liquor license for the Rock County Sportsman Club, declared carried on a voice vote. The Auditor/Treasurer requested approval on Resolution No. 15-05, approving the sale of tax forfeited land located in Battle Plain Township and to set the minimum sale price at $5,500.00; motion by Jarchow, seconded by Boyenga, to approve Resolution No. 15-05. A roll call vote was taken and the motion was declared carried on a 5-0 vote. The Auditor/Treasurer requested to re-issue warrant number 46014 in the amount of $14.80, dated February 8, 2005; motion by Boyenga, seconded by Bakken, to reissue the warrant, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board also received information regarding customer service issues in the Deputy Registrar’s office; the issue was referred to the County Auditor/Treasurer and Administrator. The County Board received information regarding the Rock County Rural Water Annual meeting; it was their 25th anniversary. They had a number of guest speakers and the annual meeting was very well attended. Southwest Minnesota Meth Task Force extended a thank you to Gloria Rolfs and Susan Skattum as well as the RSVP individuals for the drafting, folding and mailing of the brochures that were distributed in the tax statements. Eric Hartman, Land Management Office Director, presented a request to hire an additional staff person; motion by Bakken, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the additional staff position with the understanding that it is a grant funded position (75%) and that the county will provide a 25% match to make the position full time with the emphasis of the position to be for conservation reserve enhancement program activities. Motion was declared carried on a voice vote. Mr. Hartman also presented (6) conditional use permits; motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the following conditional use permits, declared carried on a voice vote.Brad Bos Located in the NE 1/4 of Section 26 in Clinton TownshipWayne Biever Located in the SE 1/4 of Section 26 in Luverne TownshipHenning Brothers West 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of Section 35 in Mound TownshipNorthern Con-AGG Located in the North 1/2 of Section 1 in Luverne TownshipNorthern Con-Agg East 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Section 19 in Vienna TownshipNorthern Con-Agg East 1/2 of the SW 1/4 and the West 1/2 of the SE 1/4 and the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 36 in Mound TownshipMotion by Bakken, seconded by Wildung, to create a sub-committee of the Planning & Zoning Committee to hear EAW Exemption Hearings; members of the sub-committee will consist of at a minimum the Planning & Zoning Committee Chairperson, the County Board representative to the Planning & Zoning Committee, and (1) at large representative, declared carried on a voice vote. Mark Sehr, Engineer, presented the Five Year Construction Plan; no action was taken. The Engineer requested to repair bricks to the highway building; (2) quotes were presented: oKroger & Associates - $19,211.00oWalter Reed - $21,000.00Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Boyenga, to accept the bid from Kroger & Associates for $19,211.00, declared carried on a voice vote. The Engineer requested to replace utility conduit in cabinet on Main Street CSAH 4 construction project; motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to authorize the $87,150.00 utility conduit expenditure, contingent on approval from the City of Luverne, declared carried on a voice vote. The Southwest Minnesota Meth Task Force presented a funding request for $250.00; motion by Bakken, seconded by Jarchow, to pay the $250.00 expenditure from the County Board advertising and publishing line item, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board was informed of the Southwest Minnesota Mental Health annual meeting; no action was taken. The County Board was informed of a Hills-Beaver Creek School/County liaison meeting scheduled for March 28h; 6:30 P.M. at the school in Hills. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to authorize payment of $400.00 to the Rock County Community Pool for the purpose of purchasing equipment needed for the BCBS fitness program. The program allows qualifying BCBS participants to receive up to a $20 reimbursement toward their membership. The motion was declared carried on a voice vote.The County Board discussed a funding request from the City of Luverne for $20,000 – half payment for bad debt and accrued liabilities incurred for the Rock County Pool & Fitness Center. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to authorize payment of $20,000 to the City of Luverne for half payment of the bad debt and accrued liabilities on behalf of the Rock County Pool & Fitness Center and request a meeting to be held to discuss the pool joint powers issues and to request that the Chair designate the members of this committee to look at the financing issues. Motion was declared carried on a 3-2 vote with Commissioners Boyenga and Jarchow voting nay. Don Klosterbuer, County Attorney, presented the assessment contract with the City of Luverne; motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the assessment contract and authorize the Vice-Chair to sign the contract, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board was informed that the DAC would be having a tour for the County Commissioners on March 25th; 10:00 A.M. in their new building located west of the existing DAC facility. The County Board was in receipt of a Family Services Agency report update; no action taken was taken. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to accept with regrets, Ron Goebel’s resignation from the Buffalo Ridge Regional Railroad Authority and to thank him for his many years of service to the Board, declared carried on a voice vote. Commissioner Boyenga presented a Rock County Rural Water activity update of their various projects. Commissioner Bakken stated that he had attended the recent Soil and Water Conservation District meeting and there are a number of issues on the state level.Commissioner Hoime stated that he had attended the recent Farm Estate Planning session conducted by the University of Minnesota Extension Office and that excellent information was presented. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Hoime, to hire Paulsen Architects and authorize expenditure up to $2,500.00 for the study of either renovating the existing law enforcement building or constructing a new facility, declared carried on a voice vote. With no further business to come before the County Board, meeting was declared adjourned. Ken Hoime, Chairman of the BoardATTEST:Kyle J. Oldre, Clerk to the Board(4-7)

State of Minnesota District CourtRock County Judicial District: Fifth Court File Number: J3-05-50003 Case Type: JuvenileIn the Matter of the Welfare of the child(ren) of:Daphanie LeeAnn Bolan Notice of Filing of Order X Parent Legal CustodianCharles Maurice Smith X Parent Legal CustodianPLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT on March 31, 2005, an Order terminating parental rights was filed in the above-entitled matter. 1. Effective Date. The Order shall remain in full force and effect until the first occurrence of one of the following: issuance of an inconsistent order; the order ends pursuant to the terms of the order; or jurisdiction of the juvenile court is terminated. Unless otherwise ordered, an order stated on the record is effective immediately. 2. Relief from Order.a. Clerical Mistakes. Pursuant to Juvenile Protection Rule 46.01, clerical mistakes in an order arising from oversight or omission may be corrected by the court at anytime upon its own initiative or upon motion of any party.b. Mistakes, Inadvertence, Excusable Neglect, Newly Discovered Evidence, Fraud. Pursuant to Juvenile Protection Rule 46.02, upon motion made within ninety (90) days of the filing of a final order of the court, the court may relieve a party or the party’s legal representative from a final order or proceeding and may order a new trial or grant such other relief as may be just for any of the following reasons:oMistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect;oNewly discovered evidence which by due diligence could not have been discovered in time to move for a new trial;oFraud (whether denominated intrinsic or extrinsic), misrepresentation, or other misconduct of an adverse party;oThe judgment is void; oroAny other reason justifying relief from the operation of the order3. Petition to Invalidate Under ICWA. Pursuant to Juvenile Protection Rule 46.03, any Indian child who is the subject of any action for foster care placement or termination of parental rights under state law, any parent or Indian custodian from whose custody such child was removed, and the Indian child’s tribe may file with the court and serve upon the parties a Petition to Invalidate such action upon a showing that such action violates the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C. § 1911—1914 1978. The form and content of the petition shall be in writing and shall be governed by Rule 33.4. Appeal. Pursuant to Juvenile Protection Rule 47, an appeal may be taken by an aggrieved person from a final order of the juvenile court affecting a substantial right of the aggrieved person, including but not limited to an order adjudicating a child to be in need of protection or services or neglected and in foster care. Any appeal shall be taken within thirty (30) days of the filing of the order. The procedures for filing and serving an appeal are set forth in Juvenile Protection Rule 47. Pursuant to Rule 47.03, the service and filing of a Notice of Appeal does not stay the order of the trial court. The appellate court may in its discretion and upon application, stay the trial court order. 5. Access to Original Birth Record Information. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 259.89, Subd. 2 (c) and (d) birth parents have a right to file with the Commissioner of Health a consent to disclose information on the birth record or an affidavit stating that the information on the original birth record should not be disclosed.Dated: March 31, 2005 Sandra L. VrtacnikCourt AdministratorBy: /s/ Denise M. BrandelDeputy(4-7)

FEBRUARY 24, 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, February 24, 2005, at 7:30 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, Stacy Gillette, Gary Fisher and Karen Willers. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Becky Walgrave. Superintendent Schaefer gave announcements. Motion by Stegemann, second by Baartman, to approve the agenda with addendum. Motion unanimously carried.Stacy Gillette presented the information on the Data Retreat that she and several teachers attended on October 25-26.Karen Willers presented the annual report on Community Education to the School Board.Gary Fisher gave a Middle School and High School report. Motion by Stegemann, second by Kopp, to approve the school board minutes of February 10, 2005. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Deutsch, to approve payment of the district bills in the amount of $1,696,822.41. It was noted that this does include an elementary school bond payment. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Deutsch, second by Stegemann, to receive the Student Activity Report showing the balances as of January 31, 2005. Discussion was held regarding the annual (yearbook) account. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to accept the retirement of Rhonna Jarchow effective June 3, 2005. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Baartman, to accept the retirement of Peggy Goettsch effective June 3, 2005. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Baartman, to change the MS/HS Remodeling Project bid date from March 8 to March 22, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Deutsch, second by Stegemann, to approve Mark Lundgren as Summer Recreation Director at a salary of $7,200.00. Motion unanimously carried. Committee reports were given. Member Stegemann reported the finance committee had met. The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed. Motion by Kopp, second by Deutsch, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried.Dated: February 24, 2005Colleen Deutsch, Clerk(4-7)