By John RittenhouseAnother second-half rally by the Luverne football team propelled the Cardinals into the semifinal round of the Section 3AAA Playoffs Tuesday in Luverne.Trailing 10-0 with less than 5:00 remaining in the third quarter, the third-seeded Cardinals scored 13 unanswered points in a span of 7:50 to pull out a 13-10 victory over No. 2 Minnewaska Area.The victory, which raises Luverne’s record to 7-2, sends the Cardinals to Fairmont Saturday for a 3 p.m. clash in the section semifinals. Fairmont, which nipped Marshall 17-14 Tuesday, is the section’s second-seeded team.Tuesday’s comeback against the Lakers proved to be nearly as dramatic as the final regular season game against Windom Oct. 20.The Cards fell behind the Eagles 20-9 in fourth quarter before putting together a pair of scoring drives in the final 6:00 of the game to earn a 24-20 win.MA took advantage of some sluggish plays by LHS to open a 10-0 cushion during the playoff opener. Luverne, however, scored a touchdown late in the third quarter and found the end zone again with 7:44 remaining in the fourth quarter to gain a three-point advantage it would never relinquish.The Luverne defense, which has played a big part in the team’s success, came up with a number of key plays to spur the Cardinals to victory.A three-and-out series by the LHS offense led to a punt that gave MA the ball on its own 18-yard line eight minutes into the third period.A fumble on the first play of MA’s possession ended up in the hands of Luverne defender Brad Herman, giving the Cardinals the ball on the Lakers’ 24.Four plays later, Luverne quarterback Nick Heronimus delivered a four-yard touchdown pass to Mike Kunstle to make it a 10-6 game with 3:34 remaining in the third quarter. Luverne’s extra-point attempt failed.The Lakers picked up a pair of first downs during their next offensive possession before the Cardinal defense forced MA to punt. The snap from center sailed over the punter’s head, who ran down the bouncing ball but was tackled immediately by Luverne’s Derek Elbers.The LHS offense took over on the MA 29, but its first three plays yielded limited success. Facing a fourth-and-seven situation on the 26, Luverne receiver Herman split the Lakers’ secondary and hauled in a 26-yard touchdown pass from Heronimus with 7:44 left to play in the fourth quarter. Heronimus booted the extra point to give the Cards a 13-10 lead.MA possessed the ball three more times in the game, but the Lakers couldn’t produce any points against Luverne’s stingy defense.The Lakers moved the ball to the Luverne 30 with less than five minutes remaining, but a run during a fourth-and-six situation ended one-yard short of a first down.Four straight incomplete passes by the Lakers ended a possession on their own 49-yard line with 2:19 remaining. MA got the ball back with 1:11 left to play and advanced it to the Luverne 30, but senior defensive lineman Jose Saravia recorded a key sack by himself before sharing a sack with linebacker Nate Siebenahler on the final play of the game.Niether team could produce any points in the game’s first quarter, but the Lakers drew first blood in the game late in the second period.After a long punt return into LHS territory, MA moved the ball 18 yards in four plays to the nine. Facing a fourth-and-six situation, the Lakers called on kicker Cody Pahan, who delivered a 25-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead.The Lakers increased their lead to 10-0 with their second offensive possession of the second half.MA’s Scott Gullickson picked off a Luverne pass and returned it to the Cardinals’ six-yard line at the 5:04 mark of the third quarter. Lakers’ running back Alex Brainarn scampered six yards for a touchdown on the first play of the ensuing possession, and Pahan added the extra point for a 10-point advantage.Team statisticsLuverne: 80 rushing yards, 89 passing yards, 169 total yards, five first downs, two penalties, one turnover.MA: 158 rushing yards, 107 passing yards, 265 total yards, 14 first downs, five penalties, one turnover.Individual statisticsRushing: Ben Nath 12-28, Jake Hendricks 7-20, Scott Goebel 3-minus 7, Elbers 5-14, Heronimus 1-8, Herman 1-17.Passing: Heronimus 9-18 for 89 yards.Receiving: Herman 3-71, Jared Pick 3-19, Hendricks 1-minus 8, Mike Kunstle 1-3, Elbers 1-4.Defense: Herman one fumble recovery, Saravia three sacks, Tony Willers one sack, Siebenahler one sack.

Law Library 9:00 A.M.Rock County Courthouse October 5, 2004Chair Jarchow called the meeting to order with all Commissioners present.Motion by Bakken, seconded by Hoime, to approve the October 5, 2004, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Hoime, to approve the County Board minutes of September 21, 2004, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the following consent agenda items, declared carried on a voice vote. 1. Resolution No. 30-04, a rural water split on parcel 08-0137-000 located in the NW 1/4 of 24-101-46.2. Tower agreement with AAT CommunicationMark Sehr, Engineer, presented the following quotes for gravel stockpile:oW & N Construction 15,000 cu yds @ $2.80/cu. Yd = $42,000oHenning Brothers 15,000 cu yds @ $3.30/cu. Yd = $49,500Motion by Bakken, seconded by Wildung, to approve the bid from W & N Construction, declared carried on a voice vote. The Engineer provided a construction update on Bridge L2148 on CSAH 17 west of Beaver Creek. He stated the project will require a change order as they estimate an additional cost of $12,000 due to additional footings required for the piling; motion by Bakken, seconded by Boyenga, to authorize the change order of $12,000, declared carried on a voice vote. The Engineer also stated the box culvert projects are proceeding as scheduled. The County Board briefly reviewed the MnDOT District 7 long range plan. This information will be covered with additional detail at a future board meeting. The Engineer also reviewed the current AMC Transportation Funding formula for the state; this will also be presented at a future meeting. The County Board was informed of the first draft of the Homeland Security Grant for 2005, which allows for $25,000 to be allocated to each county. Don Klosterbuer, County Attorney, presented a draft letter addressed to the City Attorney regarding law enforcement and the county’s position regarding the 2005 budget amount; the board directed to send the letter. There was considerable discussion regarding the Rock County Pool & Fitness Center. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Boyenga, to send a letter to the City of Luverne regarding the pool status for 2005, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board directed that a presentation be developed for all candidates running for elected offices in Rock County and invite them to the presentation on October 18th at 7:00 P.M. in the Community Room of the Rock County Human Services Building. Gloria Rolfs, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims for payment and per diems totaling $1,295.00; motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to approve payment of the claims, declared carried on a voice vote. A complete listing of the claims is available by request at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office.General $ 21,030.92LEC .00Road & Bridge 9,740.70 Welfare 56,613.76Landfill 1,516.29Rural Water 8,488.95TOTAL $ 97,390.62Motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to authorize payment of the per diems totaling $1,295.00, declared carried on a voice vote.Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to approve the union contract for AFSCME, Local Union No. 2558A (Highway) for 2005-2007, declared carried on a voice vote.Motion by Bakken, seconded by Hoime, to approve the 2005 COLA increase for non-union employees at 3%, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to set the 2005 cafeteria contribution for non-union at $435.00 plus the life insurance benefit, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, that the VEBA health plan option be available to all current union and non-union employees, and that the VEBA health plan will be the only option for new employees hired after January 1, 2005, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to accept the quote from Country Cupboards of $20,695.00 for office remodeling in the Land Records Office, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to authorize the office structure in the Land Records Office and to approve the placement of the following positions on the county pay plan: GIS Technician/Staff Assistant II position at an H10 and Assistant County Recorder position at an H12; the current Staff Assistant II in the Recorder’s Office will be assigned the Assistant County Recorder position with retro pay dated August 6, 2004, and reclassify the Staff Assistant II position in the Land Records Office as Deputy Assessor effective August 6, 2004, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to fill the GIS Technician/Staff Assistant II position, declared carried on a voice vote.Commissioner Boyenga provided an update on rural water activities. Commissioner Wildung stated that she had attended a recycling meeting with the City of Luverne. Commissioner Bakken stated that he had attended a SWCD Water Plan meeting stated the SWCD will be presenting a request to expend water plan money in 2005. Commissioner Bakken and Commissioner Hoime stated that they attended the Extension meeting in Worthington. Commissioner Hoime stated that he attend the Energy Task Force and requested that the Joint Powers Agreement for the Energy Task Enforce be placed on the October 19th agenda. With no further business to come before the County Board, meeting was declared adjourned. Bob Jarchow, Chairman of the BoardATTEST:Kyle J. Oldre, Clerk to the Board(10-21)

SEPTEMBER 28, 2004MINUTES 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, September 28, 2004, at 7:30 p.m.The following members were present: Don Bryan, Colleen Deutsch, Bill Stegemann, Steve Tofteland, and Becky Walgrave. Absent: Dan Kopp and Cary Radisewitz. Also present: Superintendent Vince Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Stacy Gillette, Tor Boen, Matt Crosby, K101/KQAD Radio, and Lori Ehde, Rock County Star Herald.The meeting was called to order by chairperson Becky Walgrave. Superintendent Schaefer gave announcements. Motion by Stegemann, second by Tofteland, to approve the agenda. Motion unanimously carried. Cliff Carmody, Deputy Executive Director of Southwest West/West Central Service Cooperative, presented information regarding the Strategic Planning Process. Administrative reports were given.Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve the school board minutes of September 9. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Bryan, second by Stegemann, to approve payment of the district bills as presented in the amount of $622,422.11. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to receive the Student Activity report showing the balances as of July 31 and August 31, 2004. Motion unanimously carried. Stacy Gillette, Elementary Principal and Testing Coordinator, reviewed the Systems Accountability Report with the School Board members. Motion by Tofteland, second by Deutsch, to approve the report as presented. Motion unanimously carried. Marlene Mann, Business Manager, reviewed the Budget Publication Report with the Board. Marlene Mann, Business Manager, reviewed the Preliminary Levy Limitation and Certification 2004 Payable 2005 with the school board. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to set the maximum levy of $1,354,645.51. This represents a 9.24% decrease in the School District levy. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Tofteland, second by Bryan, to approve the adjustment from part-time to full-time in the contract with Tiffany Burmeister, DCD teacher. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Bryan, second by Stegemann, to approve the Superintendent’s contract with Vincent Schaefer. The contract contains a 3.5% increase the first year and a 3% increase the second year. The Personnel Committee has reviewed the contract. Motion unanimously carried. Marlene Mann asked the school board to review the excess levy referendum brochure. No committee reports were given.Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: September 28, 2004Colleen Deutsch, Clerk(10-21)

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 conditions of the following described mortgage:DATE OF MORTGAGE: July 16, 2003MORTGAGORS: Frank Mongold and Launa Mongold, husband and wife. MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded July 21, 2003, Rock County Recorder, Document No. 156479.ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: NONELEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:Lot 10 in Auditor’s Sub-Division of Block 5 in Greenvale Addition to the City of Luverne, Rock County, Minnesota. COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: RockORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $62,000.00AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $60,743.65That prior to the commencement of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee complied with all notice requirements as required by statute; 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: December 17, 2004, at 10:00 AMPLACE OF SALE: Sheriff’s Office, West Entrance, Law Enforcement Center, 213 East Luverne Street, Luverne, MN to pay the debt then 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 six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns. MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: None"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: October 11, 2004Mortgage Electronic RegistrationSystems, Inc. Mortgagee/Assignee of MortgageeUSSET & WEINGARDEN P.L.L.P.BY: /s/ Paul A. WeingardenAttorneys for Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee4500 Park Glen Road #120Minneapolis, MN 55416(952) 925-688830-35071998827728THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.(10-21, 10-28, 11-4, 11-11, 11-18, 11-25)

Law Library 9:00 A.M.Rock County Courthouse October 5, 2004Chair Jarchow called the meeting to order with all Commissioners present.Motion by Bakken, seconded by Hoime, to approve the October 5, 2004, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Hoime, to approve the County Board minutes of September 21, 2004, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the following consent agenda items, declared carried on a voice vote. 1. Resolution No. 30-04, a rural water split on parcel 08-0137-000 located in the NW 1/4 of 24-101-46.2. Tower agreement with AAT CommunicationMark Sehr, Engineer, presented the following quotes for gravel stockpile:oW & N Construction 15,000 cu yds @ $2.80/cu. Yd = $42,000oHenning Brothers 15,000 cu yds @ $3.30/cu. Yd = $49,500Motion by Bakken, seconded by Wildung, to approve the bid from W & N Construction, declared carried on a voice vote. The Engineer provided a construction update on Bridge L2148 on CSAH 17 west of Beaver Creek. He stated the project will require a change order as they estimate an additional cost of $12,000 due to additional footings required for the piling; motion by Bakken, seconded by Boyenga, to authorize the change order of $12,000, declared carried on a voice vote. The Engineer also stated the box culvert projects are proceeding as scheduled. The County Board briefly reviewed the MnDOT District 7 long range plan. This information will be covered with additional detail at a future board meeting. The Engineer also reviewed the current AMC Transportation Funding formula for the state; this will also be presented at a future meeting. The County Board was informed of the first draft of the Homeland Security Grant for 2005, which allows for $25,000 to be allocated to each county. Don Klosterbuer, County Attorney, presented a draft letter addressed to the City Attorney regarding law enforcement and the county’s position regarding the 2005 budget amount; the board directed to send the letter. There was considerable discussion regarding the Rock County Pool & Fitness Center. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Boyenga, to send a letter to the City of Luverne regarding the pool status for 2005, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board directed that a presentation be developed for all candidates running for elected offices in Rock County and invite them to the presentation on October 18th at 7:00 P.M. in the Community Room of the Rock County Human Services Building. Gloria Rolfs, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims for payment and per diems totaling $1,295.00; motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to approve payment of the claims, declared carried on a voice vote. A complete listing of the claims is available by request at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office.General $ 21,030.92LEC .00Road & Bridge 9,740.70 Welfare 56,613.76Landfill 1,516.29Rural Water 8,488.95TOTAL $ 97,390.62Motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to authorize payment of the per diems totaling $1,295.00, declared carried on a voice vote.Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to approve the union contract for AFSCME, Local Union No. 2558A (Highway) for 2005-2007, declared carried on a voice vote.Motion by Bakken, seconded by Hoime, to approve the 2005 COLA increase for non-union employees at 3%, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to set the 2005 cafeteria contribution for non-union at $435.00 plus the life insurance benefit, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, that the VEBA health plan option be available to all current union and non-union employees, and that the VEBA health plan will be the only option for new employees hired after January 1, 2005, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to accept the quote from Country Cupboards of $20,695.00 for office remodeling in the Land Records Office, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to authorize the office structure in the Land Records Office and to approve the placement of the following positions on the county pay plan: GIS Technician/Staff Assistant II position at an H10 and Assistant County Recorder position at an H12; the current Staff Assistant II in the Recorder’s Office will be assigned the Assistant County Recorder position with retro pay dated August 6, 2004, and reclassify the Staff Assistant II position in the Land Records Office as Deputy Assessor effective August 6, 2004, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to fill the GIS Technician/Staff Assistant II position, declared carried on a voice vote.Commissioner Boyenga provided an update on rural water activities. Commissioner Wildung stated that she had attended a recycling meeting with the City of Luverne. Commissioner Bakken stated that he had attended a SWCD Water Plan meeting stated the SWCD will be presenting a request to expend water plan money in 2005. Commissioner Bakken and Commissioner Hoime stated that they attended the Extension meeting in Worthington. Commissioner Hoime stated that he attend the Energy Task Force and requested that the Joint Powers Agreement for the Energy Task Enforce be placed on the October 19th agenda. With no further business to come before the County Board, meeting was declared adjourned. Bob Jarchow, Chairman of the BoardATTEST:Kyle J. Oldre, Clerk to the Board(10-21)

SEPTEMBER 28, 2004MINUTES 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, September 28, 2004, at 7:30 p.m.The following members were present: Don Bryan, Colleen Deutsch, Bill Stegemann, Steve Tofteland, and Becky Walgrave. Absent: Dan Kopp and Cary Radisewitz. Also present: Superintendent Vince Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Stacy Gillette, Tor Boen, Matt Crosby, K101/KQAD Radio, and Lori Ehde, Rock County Star Herald.The meeting was called to order by chairperson Becky Walgrave. Superintendent Schaefer gave announcements. Motion by Stegemann, second by Tofteland, to approve the agenda. Motion unanimously carried. Cliff Carmody, Deputy Executive Director of Southwest West/West Central Service Cooperative, presented information regarding the Strategic Planning Process. Administrative reports were given.Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve the school board minutes of September 9. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Bryan, second by Stegemann, to approve payment of the district bills as presented in the amount of $622,422.11. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to receive the Student Activity report showing the balances as of July 31 and August 31, 2004. Motion unanimously carried. Stacy Gillette, Elementary Principal and Testing Coordinator, reviewed the Systems Accountability Report with the School Board members. Motion by Tofteland, second by Deutsch, to approve the report as presented. Motion unanimously carried. Marlene Mann, Business Manager, reviewed the Budget Publication Report with the Board. Marlene Mann, Business Manager, reviewed the Preliminary Levy Limitation and Certification 2004 Payable 2005 with the school board. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to set the maximum levy of $1,354,645.51. This represents a 9.24% decrease in the School District levy. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Tofteland, second by Bryan, to approve the adjustment from part-time to full-time in the contract with Tiffany Burmeister, DCD teacher. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Bryan, second by Stegemann, to approve the Superintendent’s contract with Vincent Schaefer. The contract contains a 3.5% increase the first year and a 3% increase the second year. The Personnel Committee has reviewed the contract. Motion unanimously carried. Marlene Mann asked the school board to review the excess levy referendum brochure. No committee reports were given.Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: September 28, 2004Colleen Deutsch, Clerk(10-21)

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 conditions of the following described mortgage:DATE OF MORTGAGE: July 16, 2003MORTGAGORS: Frank Mongold and Launa Mongold, husband and wife. MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded July 21, 2003, Rock County Recorder, Document No. 156479.ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: NONELEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:Lot 10 in Auditor’s Sub-Division of Block 5 in Greenvale Addition to the City of Luverne, Rock County, Minnesota. COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: RockORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $62,000.00AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $60,743.65That prior to the commencement of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee complied with all notice requirements as required by statute; 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: December 17, 2004, at 10:00 AMPLACE OF SALE: Sheriff’s Office, West Entrance, Law Enforcement Center, 213 East Luverne Street, Luverne, MN to pay the debt then 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 six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns. MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: None"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: October 11, 2004Mortgage Electronic RegistrationSystems, Inc. Mortgagee/Assignee of MortgageeUSSET & WEINGARDEN P.L.L.P.BY: /s/ Paul A. WeingardenAttorneys for Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee4500 Park Glen Road #120Minneapolis, MN 55416(952) 925-688830-35071998827728THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.(10-21, 10-28, 11-4, 11-11, 11-18, 11-25)

I read with interest, and have questions about an article and a picture of a home owned by the late Harvey Ball and his widow Barbara Ball, located at 107 East Lincoln Street, Luverne, Minnesota, that appeared on the front page of the Rock County Star Herald on Oct. 14, 2004. In this article, it states that the property was recently purchased by Ron and Katie McClure. I happen to be the real estate broker that handled the sale of the property. The closing date on this property is Nov. 1, 2004. Only after this date is there a recording at the Rock County, Minn. Courthouse of who the actual buyer of this property is. My questions. How can the name of a real estate property buyer be printed when there is no legal record of the sale of the property: Did anyone at the Rock County Star Herald see an actual copy of the purchase agreement on the sale of this property? I don’t think so. Copies of this purchase agreement, and this real estate transaction remain strictly confidential, and are only in the possession of the real estate broker, seller, buyer and closing attorney. It appears to me that this article was written based on "street gossip" rather than facts.Why print the picture of the home, when the focus is really on the garage/storage shed? Why not print a picture of the garage? Certainly, this article was written and photographed in poor taste, and written without research./s/ Duane MulderAuctioneer, Real Estate Broker and Certified AppraiserEditor’s note: All information in the Oct. 14 story is factual (the buyers have confirmed the agreement is signed). The photograph of the house was published merely for a point of reference.

Some columns seem to write themselves. A good example is this week’s topic — the dangers of becoming an overweight couch potato. The inspiration for the column wasn’t some general fear that our planet would spin off its axis with an uneven distribution of overweight Americans. Rather, it was a short Reuters story about Italy’s Health Minister, who is advising his countrymen to get rid of their televisions if they want to live longer lives. However, before a column could be written along the lines of "How to tell if you have become a couch potato," the best indication of all came from a connected news story on Orlando’s WFTV-TV. According to the station, an extremely heavy woman in Stuart, Fla., had to be transported by emergency medical professionals from her home to the hospital. That’s when facts became stranger than column fiction. According to the medical technicians, the woman had not budged from her living room couch in several years, and its upholstery had become grafted onto her skin. In other words, the woman and her furniture had become one entity. She had to be transported while still on the couch, which was surgically removed at Martin Memorial Hospital. Questions remain. Outside of possibly having your living room furniture surgically removed from your body, what are the other indications that you might be a couch potato? Could a constant eater become similarly attached to a refrigerator door? ("What do you mean, how much do I weigh? With or without my Frigidaire?") You might consider dumping the TV if any of the following warning signals apply to your sedentary lifestyle: You consider David Letterman and Oprah Winfrey to be your best friends. The entire cast of "Friends" has filed restraining orders against you, unfortunately proving that they’re not so friendly after all. Last season, the gifts you sent Ross and Rachel after their baby was born were returned unopened to your door by a police officer with — guess what? — another restraining order. Everyone at the Home Shopping Network greets you by your first name when you call to place an order. You also know all their names, as well as the names of their children, grandchildren and family pets. You have been known to watch the weather channel or the local community events channel on cable TV for weeks at a time. Because you can’t drag yourself away from the television, most of your food consists of home deliveries. Your living room has become an incredible walk-through maze of empty pizza boxes and paper drink cups. Your main physical exercise consists of changing batteries in the TV’s remote control. You send a cake to Barbara Walters because you notice she looks thinner than usual. What you wear is determined by which articles of clothing will color coordinate best with the living room walls and furniture. Of course, you still wear black for funerals on daytime soap operas and you try to wear something nice for the weddings. Finally, you will know you have become an extreme couch potato when your family begins stocking up on pry bars and a popular brand of solvent you recognize from late night commercials ("We can unstick anything!").