By Sara QuamLuverne City Council members told Rock County Board members last week they hope to work out an agreement for the costs of county contract law enforcement. In a message to the County Board, City Administrator Greg LaFond said, "We want to come to some agreement on law enforcement."The Luverne City Council passed a resolution last week to pay one-quarter of the city’s contract law enforcement costs, $124,975. The remainder will be set aside in a special law enforcement account.Going by the contract that the city is still under, the county said it should be paid in full — as it had in years past.In total, the county asked for $669,000 for both dispatching and law enforcement. The city is out of its joint powers agreement for dispatching as of Dec. 31.Even so, it passed a resolution to contribute $20,000 to dispatching.The county rolled dispatching costs into law enforcement for 2005 in order to try to recoup money from the city’s cancelled dispatching agreement. David Hauge said, "On one hand it’s not quite what they requested, but on the other hand it shows we’ll pay something."LaFond said, "The city still has the position that dispatch was terminated and we’re not paying for it. … But $20,000 isn’t insignificant and it reflects a commitment on the part of the city."

By Sara QuamTerry Hoffman was transferred to Minnehaha County Jail Tuesday and is still held there on $100,000 bond.He’s already been charged in Rock County for 12 counts of thefts, and he’s about to be charged with three counts of theft in South Dakota.Rock County Investigator Jeff Weineke said evidence is still being gathered on the 36-year-old Luverne man who is accused of stealing and using or selling various vehicles.One more charge is likely, he said, and possibly more because evidence is still being sorted.Personnel from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Sioux Falls Police Department, Brandon (S.D.) Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol and National Insurance Crime Bureau were involved in three search warrants Dec. 8.The searches uncovered stolen items starting as early as 2001, including: oa 32-foot flatbed gooseneck trailer from Dressen Custom Trailers in Brandon; oa 2005 Arctic Cat all-terrain vehicle from Sioux International in Sioux Falls; oa 1987 backhoe tractor from Barney’s Auto Salvage in Sioux Falls; oa 2002 Chevrolet Silverado taken from Papik Motors in Luverne; otwo 2002 Arctic Cat Mountain Cat snowmobiles from Worthington Sports Center; oa 2002 Arctic Cat ZR120 snowmobile from Leo’s Snow Sports in Fairmont; oa 5.3 liter Chevy engine from a Silverado pickup from Lithia Motors in Sioux Falls; oa Larson Boat from Action Sports in Marshall; oa 2003 Chevy Avalanche from Lithia in Sioux Falls and a 2002 Chevy Tahoe from Lithia.A combined maximum of 90 years in prison is possible, but it’s unusual for judges to sentence a maximum penalty.

By Mark HaugenHills-Beaver Creek pushed its record to 7-1 overall and 5-0 in the Red Rock Conference with a pair of wins last week.The Patriot boys beat Southwest Christian 79-62 on Friday night and followed with a 91-66 shelling of Westbrook-Walnut Grove on Tuesday.H-BC is back in action on Monday and Tuesday at the Albert Lea Tournament.H-BC 79, SWC 62Kale Wiertzema finished two rebounds shy of a triple-double as the Patriots kept Southwest Christian winless on the season.H-BC overcame a 15-14 first-quarter deficit to take a 26-18 halftime lead. The Pats then turned up the defensive pressure and held SWC to only four third-quarter points.Zach Wysong led scorers with 25 points, 8-10 from two-point range. Wiertzema was right behind with 24 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists and seven steals. Tyler Bush chipped in with 14 points, grabbed seven rebounds and also dished eight assists."We again shot the ball very well (54.7 percent)," Coach Steve Wiertzema said. "We handled their pressure and moved the ball well offensively."H-BC also won the B-game 38-34 as Cody Rozeboom led with nine points. H-BC Box ScoreWysong 8 3 0-0 25, Bush 5 0 4-4 14, Wiertzema 4 2 10-12 24, Baker 2 0-0 4, Broesder 0 0 1-2 1, Hup 0 0-0 0, LeBoutillier 4 0-2 8, Rozeboom 0 1 0-0 3. Team Totals:2-pt shooting: H-BC 23-36 for 63.9 percent, SWC 26-56 for 46.4 percent. 3-pt shooting: H-BC 6-17 for 35.3 percent, SWC 5-23 for 21.7 percent. Rebounds: H-BC 33 (Wiertzema 8, Bush 7, LeBoutillier 7), SWC 27. Steals: H-BC 11 (Wiertzema 7). Turnovers: H-BC 16, SWC 8. Assists: H-BC 22 (Wiertzema 12, Bush 8). H-BC 91, W-WG 66Wiertzema had the hot hand again, pouring in 28 points to lead five Patriot double-figure scorers.Tom LeBoutillier scored 16 points, Wysong 15, Robert Baker 13 and Tyler Bush 11. Wiertzema also led in rebounding with 12, while Bush dished out 13 assists.It was another fast start for the Pates as they rolled to a 28-19 first quarter lead and had a 49-32 halftime advantage."We played well offensively, moved the ball well and shot the ball," Coach Wiertzema said.W-WG won the "B" game 31-30. Cody Rozeboom led H-BC with seven points.H-BC Box ScoreWysong 4 1 4-4 15, Bush 3 1 2-2 11, Sandbulte 0 0-0 0, Wiertzema 10 8-12 28, Baker 6 1-3 13, Hup 1 1-2 3, LeBoutillier 7 2-4 16, Martens 1 0-0 2, Rozeboom 1 1-2 3. Team Totals:2-pt shooting: H-BC 33-54 for 61.1 percent; WWG 16-34 for 47.1 percent. 3-pt shooting: H-BC 2-12 for 16.7 percent, WWG 10-18 for 55.6 percent. Rebounds: H-BC 39 (Wiertzema 12, LeBoutillier 6), WWG 25. Blocks: H-BC 3 (Bush 2). Steals: H-BC 18 (Wysong 7, Wiertzema 6). TO: H-BC 16, WWG 24. Assists: H-BC 26 (Bush 13, Wiertzema 9).

By Mark HaugenThe good news for Hills-Beaver Creek’s girls basketball team last week was that Cassi Tilstra went over the 1,000-point career scoring milestone, but the bad news is the Patriots lost both games.H-BC fell 53-49 to Sioux Valley-Round Lake-Brewster on Tuesday night and 54-38 to Fulda on Thursday.The Patriots play Monday and Tuesday in the Albert Lea Tournament.SV-RL-B 53, H-BC 49Tilstra hit the 1,000 mark with a 3-pointer early in the game and finished with 21 points. Her 1,000-point stat is even more impressive when combined with the more than 500 career assists she has.But while H-BC jumped to a 16-12 lead after the first quarter, the second quarter did not go as well. The Patriots were outscored 21-8 in the second and trailed 33-24 at halftime.Fulda 54, H-BC 38Hills-Beaver Creek came out cold and never recovered from the 12-4 first-quarter deficit.Tilstra led with 15 points and six assists. Kelly Mulder pulled down nine rebounds.The Patriots shot only 29 percent from the field and 3-17 from the 3-point arc."We played very well defensively in the half-court; however, we did a poor job keeping them off the offensive boards and in our transition defense," Coach Tom Goehle said. "The shooting will come around in due time."The "B" team lost 43-36 and is 4-5 on the year.H-BC Box ScoreRozeboom 2 1-2 5, Fransman 1 0-1 2, Feucht 3 0-0 6, Fink 0 2 0-0 6, Helgeson 0 0-0 0, C. Tilstra 4 1 4-6 15, Roozenboom 0 0-0 0, Hoyme 0 0-0 0, Mulder 1 1-3 4.Team Totals:2pt shooting: H-BC 11-38 for 28.9 percent, F 21-49 for 42.9 percent. 3-pt shooting: H-BC 3-17 for 17.6 percent, F 2-9 for 22.2 percent. Rebounds: H-BC 34 (Mulder 9, C. Tilstra 7, Fransman 6), F 45. Blocks: H-BC 6 (Mulder 4), F 3. Steals: H-BC 9 (Tilstra 3). TO: H-BC 13, F 15. Assists: H-BC 11 (Tilstra 6).

By Lexi MooreTomorrow is Christmas Eve, which brings an end to the busy holiday shopping season. Hills, Beaver Creek and Steen residents are reminded there are plenty of options for last-minute gifts in the area, even on Christmas Eve.Makin’ Waves in downtown Hills will remain open on Christmas Eve until 2 p.m. Gift certificates can be purchased and used for massages, manicures, pedicures, tanning and hair services. Hair products are available.The doors at Beaver Creek Lumber will stay open for customers until noon on Friday. The staff there can help shoppers find a last minute gift, and gift certificates are available as well.To satisfy the stomachs of those on Christmas lists the Hills Locker will be open until 1 p.m. In addition to gift certificates, prepackaged meat sticks and jerky make great stocking stuffers.The Tuff Memorial Home annual cookbooks are currently available at the Tuff Home in Hills. The books are on display inside the front door and are available all day Christmas Eve. Administrators at the Tuff Home ask that payments, in the form of cash or checks, are left in the mail slot by the door.To give the gift of gas this Christmas, head to Rauk’s Convenience Store in Beaver Creek for a Shell gas gift card. Rauk’s will be open until 6 p.m. Friday.Orv and Bonnie Sundem, Hills, will keep the Sundem Oil doors open until 4 p.m. They have Christmas cards, candy and a variety of creative gifts on their shelves.Holly Mulder with Country Flowers and Gifts will be available until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. To give the gift of fresh or silk flowers, candles and arrangements call Holly at 855-2215 for a Christmas Eve appointment.

By Lexi MooreDuring the holidays the charitable spirit shines brighter than the rest of the year, but for Hills resident Catherine Fikse that spirit begins shining in September.Catherine uses her sewing talents to help children stay warm. Thursday she traveled to the Center of Hope in Sioux Falls to distribute 45 handmade fleece blankets to children that visit the center.She began sewing the blankets in September and finished in early December. Although she has donated blankets in the past, this was the first year Catherine was able to give the children the blankets herself."Those kids were really excited," she said. "They were all holding out their arms for blankets."The Center of Hope is a resource for families in the Sioux Falls area who need help meeting their needs. The center provides winter clothing, bicycles for transportation to work and Internet and telephone access for families.In addition, families receives spiritual support by building relationships through ministries.Fred Wilgenburg, who heads up Urban Outreach/Native American Indian Ministries, describes Center for Hope as "a frontline ministry that meets people right where they are."

By Mark HaugenThe Ellsworth boys basketball team pushed its record back to the .500 mark with two wins last week.The Panthers beat Plankinton, S.D., 65-43 in Mitchell, S.D., on Tuesday night and downed Lake Benton 76-56 in Ellsworth on Thursday.Ellsworth, 3-3, goes back to Mitchell on Dec. 27 to play Geddes, S.D., and then plays there on Dec. 28.Ellsworth 65, Plankinton 43The Panthers cruised to a 19-9 first-quarter lead and kept their distance the rest of the way.Freshman Cody Schilling notched a triple-double, scoring 17 points with 14 rebounds, 10 assists and five steals. The hottest shooting hand belonged to Aaron VanDerStoep who scored 20, including four of six on 3-pointers."I thought we played pretty well, but we got a little ragged in the second half," Coach Ken Kvaale said. "We started in the press right away and took an 8-0 lead and seemed to be in control from there."Ellsworth 76, Lake Benton 56Ellsworth pulled away from a 20-20 tie at the end of the first quarter to record the victory.Schilling poured in 30 points and grabbed 20 rebounds for the Panthers. VanDerStoep added 17 points and five assists, while Ben Herman had 13 points and nine rebounds.

By Mark HaugenAdrian split a pair of road games last week, losing 55-46 to Edgerton and bouncing back with a 60-49 victory over Lake Benton.The Dragons are off until Jan. 4 when they travel to Minneota.Adrian 60, Lake Benton 49The Dragons raised their record to 4-3 and 3-1 in the Red Rock Conference.Trailing 15-12 after the first quarter, the Dragons outscored the Bobcats 16-8 in the second and took a 28-23 halftime lead they never relinquished.Brett Block paced Adrian with 21 points.Edgerton 55, Adrian 46The Dragons held a 14-10 first-quarter advantage but were outscored 17-8 in the second as Edgerton pulled out the conference victory.Casey Knips tossed in 20 points on 8-12 shooting and had 14 rebounds and blocked four shots for Adrian. Brad Brake was good for 13 points and eight rebounds.Adrian Box ScoreBlock 2 1 1-2 8, Knips 8 4-10 20, Brake 4 5-6 13, Weidert 0 0-0 0, Klaassen 0 1 0-0 0, Stover 1 0-0 2, Tjepkes 0 1 0-0 3, Hakeen 0 0-0 0, Swayze 0 0-0 0, Lonneman 0 0-1 0.Team Totals2-pt shooting: A 15-36, E 14-33. 3-pt shooting: A 2-11, E 3-12. Rebounds: A 34, E 22. Assists: A 14 (Block 5, Weidert 5), E 15. Steals: A 5, E 8. Turnovers: A 18, E 11. Blocks: A 5, E 1.

By Mark HaugenThe road wasn’t kind to the Luverne girls hockey team last week as they dropped two games.The Cardinals lost 6-1 to Mankato West on Saturday and were edged 6-5 by Marshall.Luverne fell to 6-5 overall and 2-1 in the Southwest Conference. The Cardinals will compete in the Sertoma Shootout in Dodge Dec. 27-29.Mankato West 6, Luverne 1Shots on goal were few and goals were even fewer as the Cardinals dropped a road game.Luverne managed only six shots in the first period to West’s 22, and the drought continued into the second period when the Cardinals had only four. They finished the game with 19 shots and Mankato West peppered the goal with 57. Luverne goalie Sarah Schneekloth stopped 51 of them.After a scoreless first period, West scored first, hitting the net 3:26 into the second period. Luverne’s Natalie Domagala answered with an assist from freshman Stephanie Steensma about three minutes later. But it was all Mankato after that.Mankato went ahead with a late goal in the second and added four more in the third for the victory.Marshall 6, Luverne 5The Cardinals had three third-period goals but came up one short in the Southwest Conference match.Domagala put Luverne on top first with an unassisted power-play goal at 13:48 of the first period, but Marshall responded with three goals in the period.Domagala pulled the Cardinals within 3-2 with an assist from Sadie Dietrich at 9:59 of the second. Marshall came back with a goal at 3:09 to go into the break ahead 4-2.Domagala hit her the hat trick with a goal to open the third, but Marshall iced the win with two more goals of their own.Luverne’s comeback fell short as Dietrich scored twice on Domagala assists later in the third.Schneekloth stopped 37 shots.