By Mark Remme,For the Star HeraldA new summer sport is creating a stir at the Enduro track near the Rock County Fairgrounds. The Luverne area is host to a new weekly event, which calls itself the Luverne Paintball League. Teams officially meet at 6 p.m. Mondays at the track. "It’s a national activity that has picked up steam lately," said LPL founder Chad Hess. "Among those labeled Extreme Sports, paintball (also known as splat ball) has recently passed snowboarding as the third largest in America." Hess established the league earlier this year after a long stint of his own paintball experience. "I’ve played the game for seven years before this league came about," he said. "I mainly played a lot of woods ball northeast of Luverne and then got into a league in Worthington. I decided I wanted to start my own after that experience." Hess put the word out in town and over the Web via his site, www.aimless.biz, and began to piece together a functional league. Paintball lovers from all over the area, including Luverne, Pipestone, Canby, Dell Rapids, Worthington and Hills, decided to join the venture. Teams are comprised of at least three members, although substitute players may be lined up to secure enough players each night. Each team was required to send in $150 as an activity fee, which is used to keep the field functional and for end-of-the year prizes. After being initiated into the league via the activity fee, the group of three must pick a team name. This year’s league is comprised of teams known as the Straitjackets, Zulu, Catalyst, Crazy Commandos, Pipestone Crew, The Knownames, Foothold Institution and Enigma.Consisting of eight teams, the league meets for 16 games each Monday night June 14 until July 26.Each team plays four games per night, followed by recreational scrimmages to hone their skills. Points given out during the regular season meetings dictate rankings during a playoff round robin tournament, which will be on August 7. Each game is timed with a five-minute limit, and is refereed by Chad Hess. Teams begin on opposite ends of the field next to a vacant flagpole. A flag flies at midfield, and the object of the game is to capture the flag and hang it on the opposing team’s pole before all team members are eliminated, which occurs when a player is hit once with an opposing team’s paintball. Teams achieve 10 points for eliminating each member of the opposing team, 25 points for pulling the flag, 15 points for attaining possession at the end of five minutes and 30 points for hanging the flag on the opposing team’s pole. Scattered throughout the field are inflatable obstacles, which promote shelter for the players as they move around. Known as bunkers, the teams joust for favorable positioning as they try to eliminate their opponents. Hess acquired the standard paintball equipment through National Paintball Supply, headed in New Jersey. Players enjoy comfortable equipment to keep themselves injury-free during competition. The only mandatory piece of attire is goggles for everyone who is involved with paintball. Even the fans that come to watch the games, must wear goggles, but many wear chest protectors, kneepads and other protective equipment. Paintball guns used in competition are operated by a pressurized tank secured behind the trigger.The balls fire out of the barrel at a maximum velocity of 300 feet per second, which is more than 200 miles per hour. Players are advised to fire at each other at a range no closer than 15 to 20 feet, to avoid injury. Directly above the pressurized tank is a compartment that holds the paintballs before they are shot. According to league regulation, each participant receives 480 paintballs per game. When a player is hit by a shot, a paint mark the size of a quarter is evident. Teams do not necessarily have to use different colored paintballs. Logistically, the game resembles many team sports that may be better known to the general public. "The game itself requires a lot of teamwork, communication, and planning," said Hess. "A group with better cohesiveness and preparation will be much more successful." League play is set for Mondays, but recreational paintball is open to the public on the weekends. A $30 fee is required to cover rental equipment and 500 paintballs. Recreational paintball meets on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. throughout the duration of the league’s regular season. Open games are free to attend, but players are required to purchase paint from the field.Despite achieving a successful turnout in its first season, Hess is looking to expand the league in the future. "Anyone who is interested in being a part of the league can check out our Web site or email me at chad@aimless.biz," said Hess. "Increasing the numbers in the league is definitely something we’d like to do." Until then, the original eight will battle for league supremacy throughout the summer.Hess said he plans to inflate a small bunker near pizza ranch tonight for Hog Dog Night in Luverne where he’ll be on hand to answer questions about the sport.He’ll set out a jar of paintballs, and give a free equipment rental to the person who guesses the correct number of balls in the jar.Hess can also be reached by cell phone at 227-7889.

By Lori EhdeThe June 24 resignation of Elementary Principal Melody Tenhoff prompted a flurry of personnel changes in Luverne School District.In a special work session Thursday morning, July 1, Luverne School Board members and district administrators hammered out their options.Tenhoff was making $65,390, and preliminary data indicates the district would likely end up paying a new principal at least that much to come to Luverne.The proposal before School Board members at their July 22 meeting will be to operate with two principals, instead of three, and to add a half-time dean of students to pick up some slack."This was an opportunity to try this," said District Finance Officer Marlene Mann. "We’ve been talking about this for a couple of years as an option we need to look at because of declining enrollment."Current High School Principal Gary Fisher will be the 6-12 principal and current Middle School Principal Stacy Gillette will be the elementary principal for grades K-5.To keep programs for middle school identity and to help with middle school discipline, current athletic director and teacher Todd Oye may fill the role of half-time dean of students.District Finance Officer Marlene Mann said the district won’t necessarily see a cost savings by not replacing the elementary principal.Rather, she said it allows the district to hire some teachers where classes were going to be large and teachers’ schedules overloaded."For the good of the students, this is the approach they’re taking," Mann said. For example, in the English department, four teachers were going to have to teach extra classes (for extra pay) to accommodate student numbers in that area. Similarly, in social studies, three teachers would have to teach extra classes.Instead, the district would hire a full-time teacher to keep class sizes manageable overall."Not too many districts our size operate with only two principals," Fisher said. "If we can get two more middle school teachers, it’s a benefit to the students, as long as our teachers can stay up to snuff on No Child Left Behind (federal standards that Olson used to handle.)"The starting salary for teachers in Luverne is $28,463. Oye would keep his AD duties and give up half-time teaching to assume dean of students’ duties, which pays $17,360, which is what he was making for half-time teaching.Another teacher may be hired to pick up his former teaching duties, and those of middle school teacher Kathy Olson, who resigned this spring.Jan Olson has served as district curriculum coordinator and alternative school director, but in recent budget cuts, her positions were eliminated and she was moved to the classroom.Now, it appears, she’ll continue her curriculum duties, along with four hours of classroom work."In the long run, it should be a cost savings to the district, to have one less administrator," Mann said.Luverne teacher Mark Lundgren attended Thursday’s meeting and said he was encouraged by the process."I thought they did a nice job of hashing it out," he said. "It was no easy issue, and they tried to weigh all sides to figure out what’s best for the kids."The July 22 School Board meeting is at 7:30 p.m. in the District Office.

By Sara StrongRecycling throughout Rock County will change immediately: glass will no longer be accepted, but magazines will.The county is removing glass from its recyclable materials because it is costly to sort and has little or no value.Doug Bos, at the Land Management Office, said, "Recycling markets have changed, and by the time you process glass and sort it, you’ve lost money."Putting glass in landfills isn’t the worst alternative, since it’s non-toxic, and there’s not as much glass on the market anymore. Glass makes up just 5 percent of what’s currently recycled.However, the local recycling changes will have a big impact on businesses that use glass bottles. Luverne Sharkee’s co-owner, Dave Halverson figures his garbage collection fees will double, to about $415 a month, with the extra glass in dumpsters."I’m sure it won’t make much difference to residential people," Halverson said, "but for businesses, it’ll add up."While glass is no longer recyclable in the county, magazines, which create more landfill waste, will be accepted at Ketterling Services, Luverne. People can’t put magazines, glossy paper or catalogs in the county recycling sheds or in their curbside pick-up bins, but they can take them to Ketterling’s.Rock County will pay Ketterling $35,000 for processing, and $12,000 for hauling recyclables from out-county sheds. The county will receive $49,800 from the state for the recycling program next year.People are reminded to recycle newsprint, white paper, corrugated cardboard, aluminum, tin and plastics Nos. 1, 2 and 3. People should also rinse items and remove lids.The current county recycling contract, approved Tuesday, is in effect through Dec. 31, 2007.

By Sara Strong The law enforcement debate between the city of Luverne and Rock County is about more than the money, or even the service.Sheriff’s Department employees are feeling the pressure, and some are looking for new jobs. Beyond that, the county worries that filling vacant positions will be difficult if the department is seen as unstable.County Commissioner Jane Wildung said, "Talking to the officers was sad. These are good contributors to the community and they are worried about their jobs and their families."Discussions on law enforcement had stalled to a certain point until a special joint committee meeting Wednesday morning. The city and county decided to continue negotiating the contract for 2005.The city of Luverne has sent numerous alternatives to the county’s budget proposal, but the county says it operates at the cost of doing business and can’t cut deals with the city.Wildung said, "I think we’re further apart than we were in February. It’s a pretty big schism, to be able to find some sort of compromise."The latest proposal from the city changed the funding formula and would mean paying $336,000 less than budgeted.County Administrator Kyle Oldre said the county can’t operate the department at its current standard without splitting the cost with Luverne, as it has since 1998."You’re not overcharged for the services," Oldre said. "And if you think you can do it cheaper — go ahead." City Administrator Greg LaFond said, "No one here has complained about services in the sheriff’s department and, as I’ve said time and again, we have no intention of creating our own department."Commissioner Ron Boyenga said the county developed a budget and the city can "take it or leave it."He said, "What you do is pick out numbers you don’t like, and you’re ignoring what’s positive for the city."The city says it shouldn’t pay for prisoner room and board and medical expenses because that’s a county obligation, outside of any contracts.The county says it isn’t required to provide for crossing guard services and other department items it picked up when the city and county departments merged. The county also pays any overages each year.Oldre pointed out that the county’s personnel expenses rose when the departments joined because the county had fewer staff than the city at that time.LaFond said, "But we have no control over our services; we’re just a revenue source."Law enforcement is just one contract the city and county share and which has been a sticking point during the mutual budget crunches.Oldre said, "Why is it that you have the attitude that ‘What’s mine is mine, and what’s yours is negotiable’?"Looking aheadWildung said the city should come up with a number it can pay the county for law enforcement. Then, the county will use that figure to develop a plan for the department in that funding scenario."Maybe you can do it cheaper, and if you can, then the citizens will understand it, and I say good luck to you," Wildung said, "But there’s a lot more to running a police department than you might think."Oldre said, "If you can provide an equal or better department, do it."Rather than give the county an overall dollar amount it wants to contribute to the county Sheriff’s Department, City Attorney Ben Vander Kooi said it is important to note line items within the budget.Again, prisoner room and board is something the city doesn’t think it should pay. Vander Kooi said, "We want to preserve the concept that there are separate functions."County Attorney Don Klosterbuer said, "The contract means you are a buyer of a service, it doesn’t buy you the right to do their budget. … You aren’t going to get the same service for $336,000 less; it’s logically impossible."Vander Kooi said it is important to note what the county would have to provide because of state statutes. He said escalating costs in certain areas of the budget shouldn’t mean an automatic increase for the city’s fee.

DNR gives pheasant hunters a longer seasonIf you’re a pheasant hunter, the Department of Natural Resources has decided to extend your hunting season this year.Previously, pheasant hunting season ended on Dec. 19.Under the new DNR regulations, pheasant hunters will now get to hunt with friends and family through the holiday season, until Dec. 31.According to Ed Boggess, DNR Fish and Wildlife Division policy chief, the extension will offer more hunting opportunities without harming pheasant populations.According to Boggess, a number of hunters did not favor the extension, but the biology of pheasant populations supports the change and the DNR has the emergency authority to close or reduce seasons if necessary.According to Kurt Haroldson, DNR wildlife biologist in Madelia, the slightly increased harvest will not affect the pheasant numbers during the following year.The hunting season extension was requested by pheasant hunters and was supported by DNR biologists and by Pheasants Forever.Previous year’s numbers show that pheasant populations increase when hen harvest is less than 20 percent.Although hen pheasants cannot be legally harvested in Minnesota, the DNR estimates that 11 percent of hen pheasants are killed, accidentally or deliberately shot during the hunting season.More than 100,000 people hunt pheasants in Minnesota. This year’s season will begin on Oct. 16. A small game license and a $7.50 habitat stamp are required.Nitrate water testing coming to LuverneIf you rely on well water for your drinking supply, getting it tested for nitrates on a regular basis can be important.A free nitrate testing clinic will be at the Rock County Fair, from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 30. The Rock County Land Management Office is co- sponsoring the clinic with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.According to the MDA, the state’s wells have a high nitrate level and this is the most common contaminant in Minnesota’s ground water.If you want to participate in the testing, you must bring at least one-half cup of water in either a Whirl-Pak plastic bag, or a Ziploc type bag.You should let your faucets run for five to 10 minutes before collecting the sample.If you have any kind of water treatment system, softener, reverse osmosis or distillers, you should take a sample before and after the treatment process to determine if the system is properly removing the nitrates.Samples should be taken 24 hours prior to testing and should then be refrigerated until testing.The process takes less than five minutes and the homeowners are given the results on the spot.Class of ’89 is planning a get- togetherThe class of ’89 is planning its 15th class reunion this summer.The dates for the event will be August 13 to 15.Events for the weekend will include a social hour at Sharkee’s Friday, a golf tournament at Luverne Country Club Saturday morning and a banquet at Sharkee’s Saturday night.For more information, contact Angela (Earl) Ahrendt, Sara (Schei) Altman, Dave Halverson, Julie Laabs, or Sara (Dispanet) Oldre.More political opportunitiesLast week I told you about the opportunities for public service you could have with the city hall opening.This week I was going to fill you in on the county and school board options, but since Lori is putting it in her column, I’ll let you read it there and spare you the redundancy.Lori’s column with all the local political vacancies can be found on the columns page.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com

Wanted: Sincere,intelligent residentsto run for local officesAnyone who’s paying attention can see there’s plenty going on in local government.In City Hall, despite earnest promises to make peace and save money, our city administrator has not gained ground 10 months on the job.He’s come up with no new savings to taxpayers, is costing heaps in administrative micro-management and has laid to waste cooperative ventures that took years to build.Our city administrator’s position, unfortunately, is appointed. City residents can’t vote him out of office.Those who hired him, however, are elected, and can be replaced by voters on Nov. 2.Now’s the time, local electorate, to start thinking about new leadership, as the filing period for city council and mayor closes July 20.We have fewer than 12 days to rustle up candidates for a mayor (a two-year term) and two four-year council positions (north and south wards).Affidavits of Candidacy must be filed at City Hall by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20. Questions about filing may be directed to 449-2388.City Hall isn’t the only place with opportunities for new leadership this fall.With the state of Minnesota balancing its budget on the backs of local governments, things are getting interesting in county and school arenas, too.There’s never been a better time for sincere, intelligent residents to consider getting involved with prioritizing spending for programs and processes.In the past few years I’ve been involved in too many conversations with too many potential leaders to not dedicate a column to this topic.This is the beauty of a democracy: If we don’t like the way things are done, we can replace the people who are making things happen.Even if we’re satisfied with the work of our current elected officials, it’s a good idea to get involved at a level where we can make a difference.I’ve always admired people who dare to run for local office. It’s not an easy job, and those quick to criticize should be prepared to offer reasonable alternatives or run for office themselves.That chance started July 6 and ends on July 20.In county government, three commissioner seats are up for election, and on the Luverne School Board, three seats are open for four-year terms.The deadline for those filings is also 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, at the courthouse and district office, respectively. The phone number for the Rock County Auditor’s Office is 283-5060, and the Luverne District office can be reached at 283-8088.

By Lori Ehdeand Jolene FarleyKurt and Lynette Elbers, Steen, are rocking their infant son, Sean, in a cradle that’s been in the family for five generations.Lynette’s grandfather, Steen native Andy Rozeboom, has been researching the history of the cradle, which arrived in the United States from Holland nearly 120 years ago.Andy’s grandparents, Charles and Tjasse Vander Ploeg took the cradle to the states when they moved here from Uithuisen, Netherlands in May 1881. Their daughter, Cena Vander Ploeg, was 2 at the time, but she remembers later rocking her brothers in it.When she married John D. Rozeboom, the cradle was given to her, and she rocked all 11 of her children in it, according to Andy.Two of Cena’s sons, Charles and Andy, used the cradle for their families. Charles rocked his children in it and passed it down to his younger brother Andy.Andy’s four children Andrew J., Melvin, Barbara and Erwin all spent time in it as babies. Barb took the cradle with her when she started a family with Willis Sandbulte, Steen. At that time, Andy refinished the piece, and found that it was made with three different types of wood.Barb’s daughter, Stacy (Mente), Luverne, used the cradle in recent years, and now has passed it down to her younger sister, Lynette (Elbers).Andy is still digging up family history on the cradle, but he suspects more than two dozen babies spent their infant months in the family heirloom.When she lays her son in the cradle, Lynette Elbers remembers the ancestors that used it before her, particularly her grandmother who is deceased. "Every time I use it, I think of her," she said. "It’s just neat to know my mom laid in it and we were in it. So many generations have been in there." He can’t confirm this, but Andy thinks the cradle was originally made in Holland by Grandpa Vander Ploeg, who was a carpenter and furniture maker by trade.(To pull, if needed):Cradle trail: from …oCena Rozeboom to …oAndy Rozeboom to …oBarb Sandbulte to …oLynette Elbers to …oBaby Sean Elbers

By Lori Ehdeand Jolene FarleyKurt and Lynette Elbers, Steen, are rocking their infant son, Sean, in a cradle that’s been in the family for five generations.Lynette’s grandfather, Steen native Andy Rozeboom, has been researching the history of the cradle, which arrived in the United States from Holland nearly 120 years ago.Andy’s grandparents, Charles and Tjasse Vander Ploeg took the cradle to the states when they moved here from Uithuisen, Netherlands in May 1881. Their daughter, Cena Vander Ploeg, was 2 at the time, but she remembers later rocking her brothers in it.When she married John D. Rozeboom, the cradle was given to her, and she rocked all 11 of her children in it, according to Andy.Two of Cena’s sons, Charles and Andy, used the cradle for their families. Charles rocked his children in it and passed it down to his younger brother Andy.Andy’s four children Andrew J., Melvin, Barbara and Erwin all spent time in it as babies. Barb took the cradle with her when she started a family with Willis Sandbulte, Steen. At that time, Andy refinished the piece, and found that it was made with three different types of wood.Barb’s daughter, Stacy (Mente), Luverne, used the cradle in recent years, and now has passed it down to her younger sister, Lynette (Elbers).Andy is still digging up family history on the cradle, but he suspects more than two dozen babies spent their infant months in the family heirloom.When she lays her son in the cradle, Lynette Elbers remembers the ancestors that used it before her, particularly her grandmother who is deceased. "Every time I use it, I think of her," she said. "It’s just neat to know my mom laid in it and we were in it. So many generations have been in there." He can’t confirm this, but Andy thinks the cradle was originally made in Holland by Grandpa Vander Ploeg, who was a carpenter and furniture maker by trade.(To pull, if needed):Cradle trail: from …oCena Rozeboom to …oAndy Rozeboom to …oBarb Sandbulte to …oLynette Elbers to …oBaby Sean Elbers

By Jolene FarleyTwo former Rock County residents were named to the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame.Lee Sandager, formerly of Hills, and James Crawford, formerly of Beaver Creek, were among 75 chosen out of 180 nominations."The 75 people selected were pioneers and leaders in agricultural education in Minnesota during the 75 years of Minnesota FFA," Minnesota State FFA Advisor Joel Larson said. Sandager and Crawford were inducted into the Hall of Fame Monday, April 26, during the Minnesota FFA Convention. The FFA Hall of Fame began this year as part of the 75th Anniversary of FFA celebration. The Minnesota FFA Alumni Association tentatively plans to induct one to three people per year to the Hall of Fame after this year, according to Larson.The following excerpts are only a sampling of the men’s achievements.James CrawfordJames Crawford, Mountain Lake, was nominated for the Hall of Fame by three individuals."The time and commitment Mr. James Crawford dedicated to the FFA and agricultural community is unparalleled," Tom Appel of the Mountain Lake FFA Chapter wrote in his nomination letter. "Crawford established the FFA Children’s Barnyard at the Minnesota State Fair. Now known as the Miracle of Birth Center, it has grown into one of the main attractions."He received the Honorary American Farmer Degree in 1960, for his efforts in beginning the Minnesota FFA Children’s Barnyard – the first state to sponsor an FFA Children’s Barnyard. In 1978, another milestone was marked during the "Great Minnesota Get-Together" as the Mountain Lake Chapter was the recipient of the Premier Exhibitor award for the 22nd time in 28 years."Jim is largely responsible for the success of hundreds of former students, wrote Dean Harder, Mountain Lake. "When Jim retired from Mountain Lake High School Agriculture department in 1983, hundreds of calls and letters were received thanking Mr. C for his tremendous leadership and advice."Crawford was named Minnesota Agriculture Teacher of the Year in 1971.Lee Sandager"Lee taught agriculture from 1948 (Climax) until 1980 (Forest Lake). He began in Forest Lake in 1950 and was responsible for many, many innovative changes from new semester courses to FFA program initiatives," wrote Robert Marzolf, Stacy, in his letter of recommendation about Sandager.After teaching, Sandager traveled extensively throughout the world to over 100 countries to observe and evaluate agricultural production and land use, specifically to the developing nations of Africa and Asia. He worked in 24 countries of the world, conducting investigative studies.He was named Minnesota’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 1976 and Minnesota’s Outstanding 4-H Club member in 1946. He is the recipient of the Honorary State Farmer and Honorary American Farmer Degree for achievements in agricultural education. He directed an FFA Chapter that earned 20 national awards, plus more than 100 state and national individual honors. He wrote or contributed to many FFA and agricultural publications. Sandager now resides in Marine On Saint Croix.