NOTICE OF CITY GENERAL ELECTIONLUVERNE, MINNESOTANOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Biennial General Election for the City of Luverne will be held Tuesday, November 2, 2004, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during which time the following will be elected: One mayor for one two-year term One alderman, North Ward, for one four-year termOne alderman, South Ward, for one four-year term All polling places will be at the Luverne Middle-High School Gymnasium, 709 N. Kniss Avenue, Luverne, MN.Qualified voters planning to be absent on election day may obtain absentee ballots from the office of the Rock County Auditor-Treasurer, 204 E. Brown Street, Luverne, Minnesota, from October 2, 2004, to 5:00 p.m. on November 1, 2004. MARIANNE PERKINSCITY CLERK(10-14, 10-21)

Notice of Conditional Use Permit HearingNotice is hereby given that the Rock County Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, October 25, 2004 at the Rock County Family Service Center Community Room located at 2 Roundwind Road in Luverne, Mn at 8:40 p.m. to act on the following conditional use permit application:Conditional Use: Expansion of an existing feedlot to over 1000 animal unitsProperty Owners: Grant & Eric BinfordLegal Description: NW 1/4 of section 4, Magnolia Township, T102N, R44W, Rock County.Facility Name: Binford FarmsThe existing facility consists of a 125’ x 165’ open lot with runoff controls housing 280 head of feeder cattle (196 animal units), a 140’ x 135’ open lot with runoff controls housing 280 head of feeder cattle (196 animal units), a 100’ x 240’ total confinement building housing 560 head of finishing cattle (560 animal units), and a 28’ x 76’ total confinement building with a 10’ x 80’ x 8’ poured concrete pit to house 500 head of nursery pigs (25 animal units), for a total of 977 animal units. The proposed expansion shall consist of a 100’ x 630’ total confinement barn to house 1140 head of finishing cattle (1140 animal units). The two open lots will be closed and all cattle will be in total confinement. After expansion the feedlot will have a total capacity of 2100 head of finishing cattle (2100 animal units) housed in a 100’ x 240’, and a 100’ x 630’ total confinement building, 500 head of nursery pigs (25 animal units) housed in a 28’ x 76’ total confinement building with a 10’ x 80’ x 8’ poured concrete pit. The total animal units will be 2125. Zoning AdministratorEric Hartman(10-14, 10-210

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGVariance RequestPursuant to the Rock County Zoning Ordinance, Notice is hereby given by the Rock County Planning Commission that a public hearing will be held at the Rock County Family Service Community Room located at 2 Roundwind Road in Luverne, MN at 8:30 p.m. on Monday, October 25, 2004. The purpose of the hearing is to rule on the application submitted by Troy & Tricia Bartels for a variance request on the setback for a new residence located within 1/4 mile of an existing feedlot located in the E 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of section 23, T101N, R47W, Rock County, Minnesota. Zoning AdministratorEric Hartman(10-14, 10-21)

ISD#2184 School Board election set for Nov. 2NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONINDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184Luverne, MinnesotaNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the School Board General Election will be held in and for Independent School District No. 2184, Luverne, State of Minnesota, on November 2, 2004, for the purpose of electing three school board members for terms of four years each. The ballot shall provide as follows:SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICESSCHOOL DISTRICT 2184LUVERNE SCHOOLSSCHOOL BOARD MEMBERSFOUR (4) YEAR TERMVOTE FOR THREE___ Vicki Baartman___ Tor Boen___ Donald Bryan___ Colleen Deutsch___ Laura Herman___ (write-in, if any ________________ (write-in, if any________________ (write-in, if any_____________The precincts and polling places for this election are those set and published by the County of Rock and the County of Nobles. Any eligible voter residing in the school district may vote at said election at the polling place designated for the precinct in which he or she resides. The polls for said election open at the time posted for each polling place and will close at 8 o’clock p.m. on the date of said election. A voter must be registered to vote to be eligible to vote in this election. Any unregistered individual may register to vote at the polling place on election day.BY ORDER OF THE SCHOOL BOARDColleen DeutschSchool District Clerk (10-14, 10-21)

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTIONINDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184 – LUVERNE PUBLIC SCHOOLSSTATE OF MINNESOTANOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a special election has been called and will be held in conjunction with the state general election in and for Independent School District No. 2184 Luverne Public Schools, State of Minnesota, on Tuesday, the 2nd day of November, 2004, for the purpose of voting on the following question:SCHOOL DISTRICT BALLOT QUESTIONAPPROVAL OF SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENDUM REVENUE AUTHORIZATION**The board of Independent School District No. 2184 Luverne Public Schools, has proposed to increase its general education revenue by $455.35 per resident marginal cost pupil unit. The additional revenue will be used to finance school operations and the property tax portion thereof will require an estimated referendum tax rate of approximately .14682% of the referendum market value of the school district for taxes payable in 2005, the first year it is to be levied. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years unless otherwise revoked or reduced provided by law ___YES Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 2814 be approved?___NO **BY VOTING "YES" ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.Passage of this referendum will result in an increase in your property taxes. The property tax portion of the revenue authorized will require an estimated referendum tax rate of approximately .14682% of the referendum market value of the school district. The annual dollar increases for typical residential homesteads, apartments, commercial-industrial properties, and most other classes of property within the school district are as shown in the table below. For agricultural property (both homestead and non-homestead), the taxes for the proposed referendum will be based on the value of the house, garage and surrounding one acre of land only. There will be no referendum taxes paid on the value of other agricultural lands and buildings. For seasonal residential recreational property (i.e. cabins), there will be no taxes paid for the proposed referendum. Market Value Dollar Increase Market Value Dollar Increase $ 50,000 $ 73 $ 150,000 $ 220 $ 60,000 $ 88 $ 200,000 $ 294 $ 70,000 $103 $ 250,000 $ 367 $100,000 $147 $ 500,000 $ 734 $125,000 $184 $1,000,000 $1,468The polling places for this election and the precincts served by those polling places and voting hours at those polling places for this special election shall be the same as those for the state general election. Any eligible voter residing in the school district may vote at said election at the polling place designated above for the precinct in which he or she resides. A voter must be registered to vote to be eligible to vote in this election. An unregistered individual may register to vote at the polling place on election day. Dated this 26th day of August, 2004 BY ORDER OF THE SCHOOL BOARD/S/ Colleen Deutsch, School District Clerk Independent School District No. 2184 Luverne Public Schools – State of Minnesota(10-14, 10-21)

Kiffmeyer offers voters’ education videoPat Miles, a WCCO radio talk show host, has narrated a voter education video guide, according to Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer.The video is titled "Voting in Minnesota—What You Can Expect."The 15-minute video aims to educate new voters on how to register, how to vote on Election Day, and how to vote by absentee ballot."This is a ‘how to’ video that walks people through the process of how to register and vote," explained Kiffmeyer in a recent press release. "I hope it will educate and inspire young people and new voters so they will feel comfortable and confident being involved."VHS copies of the tape are available for classrooms and other groups by phoning (651) 284-4176.Hospice to host "Tour of Tables"The Hospice organization has planned a luncheon fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 13, called "Tour of Tables."Individual hostesses will bring in their own dishes to set their individual tables and decorate them according to a theme.Some examples given include antique dishes, wedding china which has been passed down, special holiday dinnerware, or even decorating with a sports theme.Proceeds from the event will go to pay for a hospital bed and furnishings for the Hospice in-patient room at the new hospital.If you would like more information, contact Helen Saum at 283-1805.HBC-FFA to host annual corn driveThe annual corn drive for charity is approaching for the Hills-Beaver Creek FFA chapter.Members of the H-BC FFA will be contacting area farmers on Wednesday, Oct. 20.Farmers may also make their donations directly to New Vision Coop in Hills or Beaver Creek.Anyone else who wants to make a donation but has not been contacted by a member should call H-BC High School and ask for the FFA department.A check donation to the H-BC FFA department will also be accepted.The FFA donates the money raised to the McCrossan Boys Ranch and the Alpha Center for Girls.Transmission line upgrade for wind generation moves forwardThe Minnesota Environmental Quality Board recently approved a plan by Xcel Energy to upgrade transmission lines in southwest Minnesota.The new 161-kilovolt line will run 26 miles, connecting the Lakefield Junction substation near Lakefield with the Fox Lake substation near Sherburn.The action by the MEQB clears the way for construction of the line, which will run along I-90 for most of its route.Xcel Energy applied for the permit in November of 2003.According to Xcel, the new lines will allow up to 825 megawatts of wind-generated power to be transmitted to Xcel Energy customers in the Twin Cities and other areas of the upper Midwest.Most of the upgraded investment will be concentrated in southwest Minnesota, including two-dozen substations.The MEQB is still reviewing three other major new transmission lines, including a 90-mile long 345-kilovolt substation near Sioux Falls with the Lakefield substation.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com

Lately when I report on the city of Luverne, controversies like law enforcement contracts and the future of the Pool and Fitness Center take the top of Page 1. Zoning troubles and things like electric accident lawsuits sit right below them. But what I and many of you too easily forget is what a wonderfully run city Luverne residents can still boast:oEven though about 1,000 trees were downed in the August storm, our streets are still lined with beautiful trees turning into rich fall colors, and the city is transplanting replacement trees.Those dazzling leaves will soon fall into our yards … and we don’t even have to bag them or remove them on our own. Our city takes care of them and all we have to do is get them to the curb. At no additional charge to us, city workers remove the leaves. The service is almost unheard of in any city — big or small. Sioux Falls, for example, has residents bring bagged leaves to a drop site, where they are charged $1 per bag.See the pretty city ad on page 8A or the front of this week’s Announcer for rules on leaf pick-up.oTwo new businesses are working with our new Economic Development Director, Jill Wolf, because they’re interested in coming to town.oThe city’s parks are already frequently used and appreciated, but Luverne is still doing more to improve them. The city is considering adding new equipment for physically challenged children.oThe electric utility workers hang the attractive banners and holiday decorations from streetlights as a part of their regular duties, but it’s not something they would have to do.oRemember that our streets are cleared by 7 a.m. after most winter storms, while other cities wait days until their residential streets are open.oAnd this one is very important — we have good people running for elected city offices. So, no matter what city controversy causes our nerves to flare, we should remember that the city is still a well-oiled machine most days.

Pre-school story hour begins at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 22, for 4- and 5-year-olds who will start kindergarten next year. Pre-registration is required and you may do so by calling the library at 507-449-5040. Fall story hour, which runs for six weeks, is jam-packed with exciting stories, draw and tells, songs, movies, and artwork. Our main goal is to have a good time and to nurture your child's love of books and the library. Each story hour session includes time for browsing in the children’s library and checking out books to read at home. We encourage you to let us know if you are looking for something special. We love to help you find good books! We hope that parents will help their children develop the life-long habit of reading by signing up for preschool story hour. For adults we have some excellent titles on the new bookshelf. Also new on the fiction shelf is "Northern Lights," by Nora Roberts. As a Baltimore cop, Nate Burke watched his partner die on the street — and the guilt still haunts him. With nowhere else to go, he accepts the job as Chief of Police in the tiny, remote Alaskan town of Lunacy. Aside from sorting out a run-in between a couple of motor vehicles and a moose, he finds his first weeks on the job are relatively quiet. Just as he wonders whether this has been a big mistake, an unexpected kiss on New Year's Eve lifts his spirit and convinces him to stay just a little longer. Meg Galloway, born and raised in Lunacy, is used to being alone. She was a young girl when her father disappeared, and she has learned to be independent, flying her small plane, living on the outskirts of town with just her huskies for company. After her New Year's kiss with the Chief of Police, there’s something about Nate's sad eyes that gets under her skin and warms her frozen heart. Now things in Lunacy are heating up. Years ago, on one of the majestic mountains shadowing the town, a crime occurred that is unsolved to this day — and Nate suspects that a killer still walks the snowy streets. His investigation will unearth the secrets and suspicions that lurk beneath the placid surface. And his discovery will threaten the new life — and the new love — that he has finally found for himself. "The Prince of Beverly Hills," by Stuart Woods. Rick Barron, a sharp, capable detective on the Beverly Hills police force, finds himself demoted after a run-in with his captain, but soon lands a job on the security detail for Centurion Pictures, one of the hottest film studios. As the protector of the studio's interests, Barron looks after the cream of the crop of filmdom's stars — Clete Barrow, the British leading man with a penchant for parties; and Glenna Gleason, a peach of a talent on the verge of superstardom. Rick's easy charm has society columnists dubbing him "the Prince of Beverly Hills," the white knight of movie stars, until he reveals a murder cover-up and a blackmail scam that threatens the studio's business and may originate with the West Coast mob. When two suspicious deaths begin to look like double-murder and an attempt is made on Glenna Gleason's life, Barron knows he is up against wise guys whose stakes are do-or-die. "The Parisian Affair," by Judith Gould. Allegra Sheridan is a jewelry designer in Manhattan. Though far from rich and famous, she has made a name for herself, designing one-of-a-kind pieces for a small, but elite clientele. When wealthy entrepreneur Hilton Whitehead hires Allegra to travel to Paris to bid on the Princess Karima emerald, trouble begins. Possession of the jewel invites threats from the lethally handsome Ramtane, a man willing to murder for the secret of the Karima emerald, a secret that could mean death to anyone who discovers the truth.

Get out and vote!November elections are only one month away. Have you made your choice on who to vote for? This decision can be very difficult at times because with all of the media coverage it is hard to know who to believe. Every candidate makes promises that you know they will never be able to keep because of the political system they become a part of. What is a good Christian citizen supposed to do?First, listen to God as he speaks to you through the Holy Scriptures. Choosing the right leader has always been difficult for people, but not for God. In 1 Samuel 16 God sent Samuel to anoint a new king for the nation of Israel. God had said that he would come from one of Jesse’s sons. The eldest son was tall, strong and handsome, a perfect candidate in the eyes of Samuel. God said in verse 7: "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Well, you might say that works for God because he can read a person’s heart but I can’t. Well, the Scriptures say that you can. Jesus said in Luke 6:44ff; "Each tree is recognized by its own fruit … The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart." Look at what the candidate has done in the past and expect the same in the future because Jesus also said in Luke 6 that "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit."Secondly, that means you and I have to try and judge these candidates according to the information that is available to us. Some Christians don’t like the idea of judging others because they believe it sets us up as God. Scripture warns us to "watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." In Acts 17:11, "The Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."This is the answer to our questions, we examine everything said by candidates to what the Scriptures say. Yes, Scriptures do address every issue that we face in our society or culture of today. We just need to boil them down to the simple truth of God’s words. We live in a world designed by God and still governed by God. His plan for his creation has not changed and will never change. The Bible is his revelation on how creation is to function. As God’s people it is our purpose to implement his plan in our daily activities. We live in obedience and faithfulness to his word and we elect leaders that will do the same. This is not a conflict with our nation’s constitution nor a problem with separation of church and state. This is simply the act of Christians living out their personal Christian faith in the normal functions of their vocations. Finally, we must all remember to vote in our nation’s election process because this is our Christian duty. Again, Scripture clearly tells us to participate in all the responsibilities of citizenship in our nation as well as God’s kingdom. To neglect any of these responsibilities is a sin against the fourth commandment. We are blessed by God every day. May we proudly and boldly proclaim Him as our God and as the only true saving God in all the world. Vote for those candidates who are not ashamed of the Gospel and all that it stands for locally and nationally. Get out and vote!By Rev. Gary KlattSt. John Lutheran ChurchNovember elections are only one month away. Have you made your choice on who to vote for? This decision can be very difficult at times because with all of the media coverage it is hard to know who to believe. Every candidate makes promises that you know they will never be able to keep because of the political system they become a part of. What is a good Christian citizen supposed to do?First, listen to God as he speaks to you through the Holy Scriptures. Choosing the right leader has always been difficult for people, but not for God. In 1 Samuel 16 God sent Samuel to anoint a new king for the nation of Israel. God had said that he would come from one of Jesse’s sons. The eldest son was tall, strong and handsome, a perfect candidate in the eyes of Samuel. God said in verse 7: "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Well, you might say that works for God because he can read a person’s heart but I can’t. Well, the Scriptures say that you can. Jesus said in Luke 6:44ff; "Each tree is recognized by its own fruit … The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart." Look at what the candidate has done in the past and expect the same in the future because Jesus also said in Luke 6 that "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit."Secondly, that means you and I have to try and judge these candidates according to the information that is available to us. Some Christians don’t like the idea of judging others because they believe it sets us up as God. Scripture warns us to "watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." In Acts 17:11, "The Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."This is the answer to our questions, we examine everything said by candidates to what the Scriptures say. Yes, Scriptures do address every issue that we face in our society or culture of today. We just need to boil them down to the simple truth of God’s words. We live in a world designed by God and still governed by God. His plan for his creation has not changed and will never change. The Bible is his revelation on how creation is to function. As God’s people it is our purpose to implement his plan in our daily activities. We live in obedience and faithfulness to his word and we elect leaders that will do the same. This is not a conflict with our nation’s constitution nor a problem with separation of church and state. This is simply the act of Christians living out their personal Christian faith in the normal functions of their vocations. Finally, we must all remember to vote in our nation’s election process because this is our Christian duty. Again, Scripture clearly tells us to participate in all the responsibilities of citizenship in our nation as well as God’s kingdom. To neglect any of these responsibilities is a sin against the fourth commandment. We are blessed by God every day. May we proudly and boldly proclaim Him as our God and as the only true saving God in all the world. Vote for those candidates who are not ashamed of the Gospel and all that it stands for locally and nationally.