Do-it-yourself video and audio recording kits are available at the Rock County Library.
The free use of the equipment is for anyone who wants to capture family stories in video and/or audio formats. A library card is necessary for the two-week checkout period.
Called “history kits,” each contains the necessary equipment to produce a superior quality recording. Each kit contains easy-to-follow instructions.
The video kit includes a camera, tripod, white and green backdrops, microphones and lighting accessories.
The audio kit has a digital stereo recorder, noise reduction accessories and an external microphone.
The completed personal recordings are downloaded to the patron’s personal computer. The video and audio equipment is re-formatted/erased for the use by the next patron.
The equipment was purchased through a Minnesota Arts and Heritage Fund grant.
A set of the history kits is available at each of the 26 libraries located in the nine-county Plum Creek Library System.
“In addition to the kits being used for recording family histories, our libraries are encouraged to partner with their local historical societies, schools and other organizations to preserve pieces of their local culture and history,” said Rebecca Hudson, PCLS arts and heritage fund program coordinator.
“Local history and family stories are an important part of the cultural heritage of southwest Minnesota, and libraries want to help preserve that cultural heritage before it disappears.”

Rock County Commissioners meet Sept. 20 
Herreid Board Room          9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse Sept. 20, 2022
The meeting was called to order by the Chair with Commissioners Overgaard, Thompson, Burger and Williamson present. Also in attendance were Administrator Kyle Oldre, County Attorney Jeff Haubrich, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum and Star-Herald Reporter Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the September 20,
2022, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Burger, to approve the September 06,
2022, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Thompson, to approve the consent
agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
1. FY23 SSTS Grant Agreement
2. Y23 Health Insurance Renewal w/SWWC; reflects a 9.5% increase
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to go into closed session at
9:03 A.M. for the purpose of discussing union negotiation strategies,
declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Thompson, to arise from closed
session at 9:40 A.M., declared carried on a voice vote.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims; motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve the claims as presented, declared carried
on a voice vote. A complete listing the claims is available at the Auditor/Treasurer’s
office.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
BREMIK MATERIALS, INC $2,013.54 
CHS INC           27,878.36 
COUNTIES PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY                 6,755.00 
ELECTION SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE INC                 5,967.50 
ERICKSON ENGINEERING           14,448.50 
FLEET SERVICES DIVISION-ADMIN FMR                 6,596.78 
KETTERLING SERVICES INC           16,322.85 
LUVERNE BODY SHOP INC                 6,645.31 
LUVERNE/CITY OF                 9,194.33 
LYON COUNTY LANDFILL           21,475.78 
MAYO CLINIC                 2,475.70 
MORRIS ELECTRONICS                 3,511.72 
OPG-3 INC                 2,189.00 
ROCK COUNTY OPPORTUNITIES                 2,734.29 
W & N CONSTRUCTION INC                 5,374.56 
WEX BANK                 2,329.04 
53 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000           21,313.16 
     TOTAL               $157,225.42 
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report; motion by Burger, seconded by Overgaard, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
Kurtz informed the County Board that Resolution No. 22-22, authorizing conveyance of tax forfeited land to governmental subdivision (City of Hills) for conditional use was rejected by the Department of Revenue as the intended use (daycare facility) was not considered a public use.  Kurtz presented a new resolution, #30-22, authorizing the conveyance of tax-forfeited parcels to the City of Hills for the purchase price of $1.00 as per their request to correct a blighted area. Motion by Williamson, seconded by Thompson, to approve Resolution No. 30-22, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator and Auditor/Treasurer led a discussion regarding the 2023 Budget and setting the Preliminary Levy. After considerable discussion, motion by Thompson, seconded by Reisch, to set the Preliminary Levy at $6,827,411.00, a 4.5% increase, declared carried on a voice vote.
Mark Sehr, Engineer, presented an amendment to the Road Use & Repair Agreement with Walleye Wind, stating that wind turbine component delivery route adjustments have been made due to MnDOT restrictions on the proposed haul routes due to the ongoing I-90 construction project. On a recommendation from the Engineer, motion by Williamson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the amendment, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of a proposed ordinance for the sale of Hemp Derived Eligible Cannabis products; the Administrator stated that prior to adopting the proposed ordinance, a Public Hearing must be scheduled to allow for public comment. Motion by Thompson, seconded by Reisch, to schedule a Public Hearing on October 18, 2022 at 9:05 A.M. in the Herreid Board meeting room to allow public comment on the proposed Sale of Hemp Derived Eligible Cannabis Products Ordinance, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator presented an update of the Opioid settlement, stating Rock County is scheduled to received $14,655.26/yr for the next nine years. Oldre stated that Rock County has been in receipt of several inquiries from organizations about expenditure eligibility, proper spending of opioid funds are as follows:
1. Spend the money to save lives
2. Use evidence to guide spending
3. Invest in youth prevention
4. Focus on racial equity
5. Develop a fair and transparent process for deciding where to spend the funds
6. All expenditures must be approved by board resolution.
The Administrator stated that New Vision Coop has submitted a tax abatement
request for new construction at their existing facility at 1856 County Highway 4,
Magnolia, MN. The new construction includes the addition of a $1.5 million
warehouse and will increase their employee base by (2) new employees. Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to set a Public Hearing date of November 8, 2022 at 9:00 A.M. in the Herreid Board meeting room
of the Rock County Courthouse, declared carried on a voice vote.
Auditor/Treasurer Ashely Kurtz also stated that she is in receipt of a Rock Home Initiative application from Alex and Sharon Nykamp for new construction located at 329 Rock River Drive, Edgerton, MN, located in Battle Plain township. Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to schedule a Public Hearing for November 8, 2022 at 9:00 A.M. in the Herreid Board meeting
room of the Rock County Courthouse, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator reminded the County Board of the Rock Strong event sponsored by the Rock County EDA and Sioux Valley Electric scheduled for September 22nd; currently 30-40 invitees have confirmed their attendance.
The County Board was in receipt of correspondence from Representative Joe Schomacker requesting data from the Department of Public Safety Driver Vehicle Services regarding the schedule changes to drivers testing centers in Pipestone, Rock and Murray. The data request references details as to why the Pipestone, Rock and Murray DPS testing center’s office house are being downsized to (1) day per month, what recruitment efforts both locally and at the state DPS offices are being done to recruit additional employees.
The Administrator’s update included activities regarding the installation of security cameras at the Courthouse, budget details and economic development.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings:
ACE Volunteer Appreciation, Rural Water, Soil & Water Conservation
District and Ordinance development.
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings:
ACE Volunteer Appreciation, Ordinance development and Regional
Development Commission.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings:
Economic Development Authority and ACE Volunteer Appreciation.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings: ACE Volunteer Appreciation, Southwest Mental Health, Community Corrections, AMC Legislative Policy Conference and Personnel Committee of the County Board.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings:
Economic Development Authority, Personnel Committee of the County
Board, Southwestern MN Opportunity Council.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting
was declared adjourned by order of the chair.  
(10-20)

A Luverne congregation is helping Ukrainians prepare for winter in their war-torn country where energy infrastructure was destroyed by Russian forces.
The First Presbyterian Church in Luverne will host a mission service at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, to raise money for simple stoves in Ukraine.
The stoves, which will use wooden rubble of war as fuel, will be distributed in homes, churches, government offices and businesses to take the edge off winter weather. 
During the Oct. 23 church service in Luverne, Yakov Daniko, a Ukrainian pastor from Sioux Falls, will talk about the needs of the Ukranians and about local opportunities to help.
Pastor Valerie Putnam, interim pastor at First Presbyterian Church, is facilitating the event between the Sioux Falls and Luverne churches.
“Winter is approaching and the destruction of infrastructure in Ukraine has taken away their ability to provide heat for their homes and businesses and churches,” Putnam said.
“This is a humanitarian crisis where we can make a difference. Ukraine is relying on the compassion and generosity of the world to survive the harshness of winter.”
Putnam is pastor emerita at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls, where the Ukrainian congregation meets. Those members have personal contacts in Ukraine and can direct support where it’s needed most.
Specifically, donated funds will support a Ukrainian small business that’s building the efficient wood burning furnaces at a cost of less than $100 each.
“These furnaces will be quickly dispersed to families without cost to them,” Putnam said. “Wood is readily available due to the shelling of buildings by Russia.”
Putnam refers to the Romans 12 scripture, “Weep with those who weep,” and said her congregation feels called to help the Ukrainian people.
 “Let us show solidarity with those who are weeping this day by providing for their basic needs,” she said.
A youth choir from the Sioux Falls Ukrainian congregation will provide special music for the Oct. 23 fundraiser, which will send 100 percent of proceeds to build furnaces.
Western Union has waived transfer fees for funds going to Ukraine.
For more information about Sunday’s event or about how to support the effort, contact Putnam at the Presbyterian Church in Luverne by phone at 507-283-4787 or email at vputnam@sio.midco.net.

H-BC School Board 
meets Sept. 26
Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671
Minutes
Sept. 26, 2022
The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semi-monthly meeting at 7:04 p.m. in the H-BC Secondary School Board room, 301 N Summit Ave, Hills, MN.
Board members and Administration present were Bosch, Fransman, Gehrke,
Harnack, Knobloch and Rozeboom. Superintendent Holthaus, Principal Kellenberger
and Business Manager Rozeboom were also in attendance. Board member
Rauk was absent.
Motion by Knobloch, second by Bosch, and carried to approve the agenda.
Appointed Tim Bosch as Acting Clerk.
No Visitors
PATRIOT PRIDE:
-Homecoming week! 
-Custodians Day, October 2.
BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING REPORTS:
-Staff Development, 9/14, MSHSL Athletics, 9/26
Motion by Fransman, second by Rozeboom, and carried to approve
Consent Agenda:
-Minutes—09/12/2022
-Bills and Treasurer’s Report
-Imprest Cash Report
-Assurance of Compliance with the MN Department of Education
Motion by Harnack, second by Bosch, and carried to approve preliminary school district levy 22 pay 23 to the maximum amount allowed.
Motion by Bosch, second by Knobloch, and carried to approve setting Pay 2023 Truth in Taxation and Budget Hearing for 7 pm on Monday, December 12, 2022.
Motion by Rozeboom, second by Bosch, and carried to approve adding
Special Needs Paraprofessional.
Motion by Rozeboom, second by Harnack, and carried to approve Board Staff Development Goals for the 2022-2023 School Year.
DISTRICT NON-ACTION ITEMS:
•Secondary Principal Report
•Superintendent Report
AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING
DATES TO REMEMBER:
-Regular Board Meeting, Monday, October 10, 2022 
-Regular Board Meeting, Monday, October 24, 2022
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Tim Bosch, Acting Clerk  
(10-20)

Quiet title action
STATE OF MINNESOTA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         IN DISTRICT COURT
COUNTY OF ROCK                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
Case Type: Quiet Title Action
                      Court File: 67-CV-22-246
 
Vicki Gauslin, f/k/a Vicki Schultz,
Plaintiff
 
vs.
 
Paul Carlson and Fujiko Carlson as trustees of the Carlson Family 2018 Trust dated June 11, 2018, Elaine Marie Carlson a/k/a Elaine Wallace, Nancy Elizabeth Rollag, Keven Vermillion, Kathy Grosz, Kenneth Vermillion, Steven Vermillion, Michael Vermillion, the unknown heirs of Martin C. Vermillion, Mary Ann Vandestow, and Luella Vermillion, and all persons unknown claiming any right, title, estate, interest or lien in the real estate described in the complaint herein, 
Defendants.
 
SUMMONS
THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS.
You are hereby summoned and required to serve upon Plaintiff’s attorney an Answer to Complaint, which is filed in the office of the Court Administrator of the above-named county, within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons upon you, exclusive of the day of service.  If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.  This action involves, affects, or brings in question real property situated in the County of Rock, State of Minnesota, described as follows:
 
Lots One (1) and Two (2) in Section Thirty-four (34); the West 60 acres of the Southwest Quarter (SW1/4) of Section Thirty-five (35); and a tract of land situated in the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of Section Thirty-five (35) described by metes and bounds as follows: Beginning at the southwest corner of the NW1/4 of said Section 35, thence due East on the southern boundary line of said Quarter Section a distance of 415 feet, thence due North 248 feet to the Illinois Central Railway right-of-way, thence in a southwesterly direction along the south boundary line of said railway right-of-way to the point of beginning, containing one acre, more or less; all in Township One Hundred One (101) North, Range Forty-seven (47) West of the 5th P.M.
 
The object of this action is to remove, terminate and quiet any interest of the
defendants to this action and to the real estate described above. 
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN THAT NO PERSONAL CLAIM is made against any
of the Defendants.  If any Defendant unreasonably defends the action, then Plaintiff is requesting an order of the Court directing that said Defendant shall pay full costs to the Plaintiff.
Civil cases are subject to Alternative Dispute Resolution processes as
provided in Rule 114 of the General Rules of Practice for District Courts. Alternative Dispute Resolution includes mediation, arbitration, and other processes
set forth in the rules. You may contact the Court Administrator for information about
these processes and about resources available in your area.
The undersigned hereby acknowledges that sanctions may be awarded pursuant
to Minnesota Statutes 549.211. 
Dated this 4th day of October, 2022
            /S/                                /S/            
Paul A. Vis and Jennifer L. Eisma-Reinke, 
Attorneys for Petitioner
Eisma and Eisma
130 E. Main
Luverne, MN 56156
(507) 283-4828
ID#297550/389457
(10-20, 10-27, 11-03)

LSS meals at Generations
 
Monday, Oct. 24: Chicken-fried steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuit, fruit.
Tuesday, Oct. 25: Ham, baked potato, peas and carrots, dinner roll, dessert.
Wednesday, Oct. 26: Cubed beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, bread, dessert.
Thursday, Oct. 27: Chicken alfredo, California Normandy vegetables, fresh fruit, breadstick.
Half-Price Day in memory of Ramona Vlaustian.
Friday, Oct. 28: Orange chicken with brown rice, romaine salad with dressing, mixed vegetables, dessert.
Half-Price Day sponsored by Security Savings Bank.
 
LSS Dining offers well-balanced and affordable meals in a community atmosphere.
Call Lynette Hoiland at 283-9846, extension 11 to reserve one day prior, to arrange to pick up a dinner or for home-delivered meals.
Gift certificates are available at the meal site or online at www.lssmn.org/nutrition.

The following article is part of the Diamond Club Member group that began in the January 7, 1943, issue of the Rock County Star Herald. Members of this group consist of persons of age 75 and older.
The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on May 20, 1943.
 
         Lycurgus N. (Coge) Merkel, Beaver Creek, one of Rock county’s pioneer settlers, is this week’s Diamond Club member. Mr. Merkel virtually “grew up” with Rock county, because he came here in 1872 and has lived here ever since.
Born in a log house at Cannon City, near Faribault, Minn., January 20, 1869, he came to Rock county with his parents four years later. The trip, made with oxen and covered wagon, required nearly three weeks.
“My father’s family and belongings consisted of mother, one son, Lycurgus, four oxen, three cows, a wagon, a few sacks of potatoes, and some barley,” Mr. Merkel states. “The trip was slow, but we came through o.k.”
Remember Elk Slough
Mr. Merkel remembers crossing Elk Slough, between Luverne and Magnolia. In pioneer days, the slough was virtually a mud wallow, and to get through it required considerable engineering on the part of the traveler. There being no bridges, and only a rough wagon path leading up to it, the Merkel family did not attempt crossing it with the oxen hitched to the wagon. The best plan, Mr. Merkel states, was to unhitch the oxen, take off the yoke, drive them through the mud to the other side. Then all the oxen would be hitched together, a chain run across the slough and hooked into the wagon tongue, and the pull would begin. Unless there was plenty of power on the pulling end, the wagon would be stuck right. In that case, it would be necessary to take the wagon apart and carry it out piece by piece. “There was always some fellow stuck at that point,” he recalls.
Stop at Sheldon Farm
After getting through Elk Slough, the Merkels stopped at the E. T. Sheldon home. “Mr. Sheldon was very kind to my people and helped them in many ways,” Mr. Merkel states.
Mr. Merkel’s father filed a claim on the northeast quarter of section 21 in Beaver Creek township. With the help of neighbors, they built their home, a sod house, about 20 by 24 feet. First, a cellar, about 2½ feet deep was dug. Then sod was broken, and cut in 18-inch lengths, and laid in layers like brick. Posts to support the roof were cut from trees on the Rock river. Each post had a fork at the top, and these forks supported the ridge pole. Rafters were also reaching from the ridge pole to the sod wall. On top the rafters was laid a layer of small willow branches. This was covered with a layer of long slough grass, then overlaid with sod and dirt. The floor was of dirt, usually “careted” with a layer of slough hay.
Decorated with Newspapers
Even the pioneer housewife liked to decorate. Mr. Merkel states that newspapers were hung on the side walls by the aid of wooden pins stuck into the sod.
The home was lighted by a saucer filled with tallow into which were dipped plain cotton rags. “We had plenty of rags,” Mr. Merkel states, “and plenty of light too, if you could locate it.”
Bed ticks were filled with corn husks. Rope running crosswise of the bed served as springs. As far as comfort is concerned,” Mr. Merkel says, “sleeping on those beds would compare favorably with taking a nap on top of Bunker Hill.”
A common secondhand stove was used to heat the home, and twisted hay was used as fuel. One fine feature of the sod house, he states, was that it was warm to live in and easy to heat.
 
         Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

10 years ago (2012)
•The Rev. Andrew Palmquist and his wife, Christine, have moved their family to Luverne from Lakeland, Fla., to begin serving the Bethany Lutheran Church congregation.
Palmquist explained that in the Evangelical Lutheran Synod pastors are “called” by congregations.
“We weren’t looking for a call. We were actually comfortable where we were, but sometimes it’s good to have a new challenge and we did eventually want to get back to the Midwest,” he said.
After prayerfully deliberating between the call to Luverne and staying where they were, the Palmquists felt led to Luverne.
 
25 years ago (1997)
•After years of mulling over how to solve the problem, Luverne School Board members have decided it’s time to repair the ailing Cardinal Football Field.
For the past several years, the center of the field has been “sinking” and not draining properly. Superintendent George Maurer asked for approval at the Sept. 25 School Board meeting to go ahead with plans to repair the field, pending their approval on the costs.
He returned to the board Oct. 9 with estimates. It will cost $6,660 to move the dirt and protect the track. The board approved that expenditure so work can begin immediately after the last home football game of the season.
To install an automatic sprinkler system could cost up to $13,000, and grass seed could cost roughly $2,000, bringing costs for the entire project up to $15,000 to $19,000. …
According to discussion at the last two School Board meetings, the problem with the football field dates back to 1987.
 
50 years ago (1972)
•As an introduction to National Business Women’s Week, Oct. 15-22, the BPW of Luverne held a breakfast at Lamberton’s Café on Saturday morning with members and guests attending.
A skit was presented and original poetry was read. Gladys Eitreim was installed as a new member.
The highlight of the morning was naming the WOMAN OF THE YEAR chosen by the club.
Woman of the year is charter member of the Luverne BPW Club Margaret Vegge. She has been a very faithful member, serving on many committees and always a great booster for the club, members say. She has served her church as a Sunday School teacher for many years and is active in choir and in a church circle. She taught school many years before changing her occupation and she is a highly respected member of the Luverne business community. She started working as a part-time employee and over the years has become active in the business and became manager of Renfro Variety.
Much of her success is due to her interest in other people, she says. Many of her early customers now have children that are customers.
 
75 years ago (1947)
•Fourteen head of registered ewes owned by Dallas Bowron, Magnolia, found a hole in the fence and wandered out and down the railroad track. As a result Bowron has only two head left after the ewes refused to yield the right of way to an approaching Omaha railroad train.
 
100 years ago (1922)
•One of the most important motion picture contracts ever closed by a theatre manager in this section was executed the first of the week by Manager Herman Jochims, of the Palace and Cort theatres, with the Paramount company.
This contract calls for sixty-six big special features, including twenty three of the 1922 productions, and forty-one of the extra special features, which represent all of this company’s biggest attractions for 1923.
The first one of the big features secured under the new contract to be presented, will be Cecil DeMille’s production, “Manslaughter,” with Thomas Meighan and Leatrice Joy in the stellar roles. Next will come “The Old Homestead,” with Theodore Roberts in the role of “Uncle Josh.”