We students at the Luverne Alternative School would like to show our support for our administrator, Jan Olson. We understand that the Luverne School Board faces some difficult decisions. We believe, however, that Jan Olson is the right person for the position. She is very knowledgeable about alternative education. Although she is strict, she is fair. Most of us students had her as a sixth grade teacher. We think because she is a teacher we all know, she cares about us. She has made us proud to be students at the Alternative School.Jessica StrattonShanna ShayAshley HendersonJesse BehrJosh ChristensenKreplick PhommaracksaJefferey ShamattDustin SmeinsDave CummiskeyAmanda Clark

To all the wonderful volunteers and sponsors —Last Friday was an amazing day for the city of Luverne. Great weather helped, but the biggest reason the day was a success was the amount of hard work that so many individuals and organizations put into the day. It truly could not have happened without each and every one of you. Comments I’ve received back from the Governor’s office couldn’t be better. I’ve heard such things as "the Governor gave the event a ’10,’ and coming from him that means a lot." The city of Luverne is truly the envy of many other municipalities at this point; as well Luverne should be, as we are lucky to have many active and concerned individuals such as you. On behalf of the city of Luverne we thank you for your time, efforts and donations. Let us hope that we may again have reason to celebrate. Greg LaFondDaniel W. StatemaLuverne

Representatives Doug Magnus and Elaine Harder should be commended for their continued hard work toward securing funding for the Lewis and Clark Water System project. Lewis and Clark is vital to our area. Many of us have never had real stability in our water systems but this project will develop an alternative water supply for those of us who have very few options other than the current limited water sources. Last year, Magnus and Harder were able to secure $108,000 in state funding for the Lewis and Cark project. This year, they fought for legislation that authorizes the state to sell bonds to provide additional funding for the project. On Tuesday, the House Ways and Means Committee agreed to a $1.7 million dollar bonding bill for Lewis and Clark!We have been in contact nearly every day with Reps. Magnus and Harder as they work diligently to secure the 10 percent state funding for Lewis and Clark. The state funds are then matched by the local participating entities 10 percent which is added to the 80 percent Federal Grant to provide the funds to build the project. The bonding bill, containing the Lewis and Clark funding, now moves to the Minnesota Senate for their consideration in the next few weeks. Reps. Magnus and Harder have been tireless advocates for the project. The Boards and Councils of the participating Minnesota Entities are confident that with their continued support and continued assistance along with that of other regional public officials, this regional bulk water delivery project will soon become a reality. Thanks again for your support of Lewis and Clark Rural Water. Rock County CommissionersRobert Jarchow, ChairmanJane WildungKenneth HoimeRichard BakkenRonald BoyengaLuverne City CouncilGlen Gust, MayorThomas MartiusPatrick BaustianRobert KaczrowskiDavid HaugeRock County Rural Water DistrictDavid Wynia Clifford Schilling Gerald WinterDavid EsselinkDiana SchwartzBradley SkattumRonald Boyenga

We hear about caring people that go about quietly helping people, and on Jan. 27 I had the good fortune of meeting one of those people who is from Luverne and was there for me when I really needed help. My pickup was being towed to Sioux Falls from Inwood, Iowa, when I developed chest pains. Fortunately Phil Gorter, a trained and experienced paramedic, was driving the tow truck from G&S Auto and made certain that I received prompt care at the hospital for a heart attack. When you have a heart attack, prompt medical care can make a big difference in a person’s survival and recovery. Phil drove me to the Medical Center emergency room entrance, wheeled me into the hospital emergency room, and stayed with me until a doctor and the emergency room staff took over. Phil’s concern, and making sure that I got prompt care made a big difference for me, and I appreciate his "Good Samaritan" spirit. I have recovered from my heart attack and credit the degree of recovery to the prompt care I received thanks to Mr. Gorter’s quick action he took in getting me into the emergency room. I would like to let the people of Luverne know of my appreciation for Phil Gorter and the way he helped me. Bruce P. Carlson,Hutchinson

When it comes to health care, bigger isn’t always betterIn the course of the past three weeks, I have had some medical issues that have taken me to many doctors and/or hospitals. A few weeks ago, I started a new medication, prescribed to me by a doctor from Sioux Falls. From the beginning I experienced signs and symptoms that led me to question (on a daily basis) the possibility of the new medication causing my side effects. I was able to speak to my doctor’s nurse each time I called, who in turn talked to my doctor, whose answer was "to give the medicine a chance.".On the Saturday before Easter, I started to have severe symptoms. I knew I needed to be seen and to have something change. I have always been one to feel more comfortable speaking to my own local physician, Dr. Diane Kennedy. She encouraged me to be seen in Sioux Falls, and went above and beyond the call of duty to call to the emergency room to prepare the ER doctor about my symptoms and my case history. By the time I reached the emergency room, my side effects were severe. While there, I was treated poorly. No regular doctor was available to me or to my family. The nurse that was on that particular shift was rude to me, uncaring and even unwilling to LISTEN to what I was telling him about myself. My symptoms subsided, (after approximately four hours) and I was sent home to take the same medications that I was questioning in the first place. The following Sunday, my side effects started again and I realized I needed to be seen — again. So I went back to Sioux Valley and was treated as though I was uncooperative because I was unwilling to just "talk things over" with another staff member. I refused. I just wanted a doctor to find out what was causing my severe symptoms and to "fix" it.When I realized this was not going to happen, I insisted that Sioux Valley contact Dr. Kennedy, which they finally ended up doing. Dr. Kennedy arranged for me to be transferred to the Luverne Hospital. After returning to Luverne, Dr. Tim Ceynowa did extensive research and was able to inform me that evening that he and Dr. Kennedy felt that my side effects were due to the new medication I was taking. They then took a compassionate and professional approach to explain to me and my family what was to be expected in the upcoming week and how I was going to be treated medically. In my case, bigger was not better. Having the ability to get to know your local doctors, and them getting to know you on a more personal level, is the only way to go. Luverne can be proud of the medical treatment that we receive by our "little home town" doctors and nurses. Compassion and respect are vital to a patient’s recovery process. My family and I received that and so much more from our local doctors and nurses. The next time you pass a doctor, a nurse or any medical staff in Luverne, extend a "thank you" to them, for the wonderful job that they all take pride in!Lisa Arndt,Luverne

The Rock County Highway Department (RCHD) will be applying chemicals in our roadway ditches to control noxious weeds starting in late spring and continuing throughout the summer and fall of 2004. The RCHD uses a combination of HiDep IVM and Tordon 22k for noxious weed control. The RCHD strictly adheres to the wind restrictions for spraying which limits any chemical application if the winds are above 10 mph. The RCHD does limit our broadcast spraying to areas adjacent to corn fields and pastures. We will not apply our chemicals next to bean fields unless our personnel identify an area of noxious weeds. It is very helpful if the landowners/renters address any noxious weeds in the fence line to minimize the risk of crop damage for our chemical application. RCHD Chemical Harvesting Restrictions HiDep IVM: Contains 2-4-D and this has a 30-day pre-harvest interval for hay. If the plant is cut before the 30-day interval the chemical does not break down and should not be fed to dairy cattle. Tordon 22k: Contains picloram and this has a 14-day waiting period for harvesting for hay. Hay harvested before the waiting period and fed to livestock can cause damage to beans when the manure from the livestock is spread on ground intended for beans. If a County roadway ditch is to be cut for hay, please contact Mr. Walter Stearns, Highway Maintenance Supervisor, at (507) 283-5013 to determine if we have applied our chemicals to the roadway ditch in question. If a landowner/renter does not wish the roadway ditch adjacent to their land to be sprayed for noxious weeds, they must contact Walter Stearns, Highway Maintenance Supervisor, at (507) 283-5013. If the RCHD does not apply chemicals to a roadway ditch it will be the adjacent property landowner’s/renter’s responsibility to eliminate any noxious weeds. Mark R. Sehr, PERock County Highway Engineer(5-6, 5-13)

DISTRICT COURTPROBATE DIVISIONFifth JUDICIAL DISTRICTCourt File No. P3-04-93NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORSSTATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF RockESTATE OFEinar Thorin DECEDENTNotice is given that an application for informal probate of the Decedent’s will dated October 8, 1999, and codicil (N/A) to the will dated N/A, and separate writing (N/A) under Minn. Stat. 524.2-513 ("Will"), has been filed with the Registrar. The application has been granted. Notice is also given that the Registrar has informally appointed D. A. Roning whose address is: 201 Elizabeth Street, Hills, Minnesota 56138 as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Unless objections are filed with the Court (pursuant to Minn. Stat. 524.3-607) and the Court otherwise orders, the personal representative has full power to administer the Estate including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate. Any objections to the probate of the will or appointment of the Personal Representative must be filed with this Court and will be heard by the Court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing. Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred. /s/ Timothy K. Connell 4-26-04Timothy K. Connell, Judge of District CourtRegistrar Date/s/ Sandra L. Vrtacnik 4-26-04Sandra L. Vrtacnik Court Administrator DateAttorney For Personal RepresentativeDonald R. KlosterbuerSkewes, Klosterbuer & Vajgrt, L.L.P.120 N. McKenzieBox 538Luverne, MN 56156-0538507 283-911156674(5-6, 5-13)

MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYAPRIL 28, 2004Dana Dahlquist, President of the Hills EDA called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. Board present: Dana Dahlquist, Arlen Leenderts, Jim Jellema, and Keith Elbers. Absent: Linus Svoboda. Employees present; Joanne Goehle, EDA Treasurer, and Connie Wiertzema, EDA Secretary. The purpose of this special meeting was to review a floor plan drawn by Dakota Land Surveying for Southern Hills Condominium, Common Interest Community Number 10. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Leenderts to approve of the floor plan, to be attached to the Declaration. Motion carried. The EDA Secretary was instructed to open a separate checking account for Southern Hills Condominium. Motion by Jellema, seconded by Leenderts to refund apartment deposits to Carol Ver Meer and Dave McGuire. Motion carried. The Board will insure the condo building for $300,000, excluding cabinets, bathroom fixtures and interior items. Renters insurance will be obtained on three units, and Carol Ver Meer is responsible for insuring her own unit. The closing date on Carol Ver Meer’s condo is scheduled for April 30th. No further business, meeting adjourned at 7:17 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaEDA Secretary(5-6)

Village Voice:The Village Library has moved from the Garden Room to the exercise room on the lower level. The hours at the Tuff Village are from 9 to 11 a.m. the first and third Saturday morning of the month and from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Come in and check out our selection of books available.Thursday, Sarah Feucht enjoyed her special meal. The menu consisted of barbecued ribs, peeled parsley potatoes, green beans, hot cinnamon applesauce and ice cream with strawberries.David Olson, 89, and a resident of Tuff Village died on Saturday. Funeral services were Wednesday at Beaver Valley Lutheran Church near Valley Springs with burial at the church cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Alta, who also lives at Tuff Village and one son, Miles, of Colorado and one daughter Linda Elliott of Savage. Our sincere sympathy is extended to his family and friends.Tuff Home News: Tuff Memorial Home and Tuff Village are planning to publish and sell a cookbook. Recipes are wanted for the cookbook which will be sold at our Fall Bazaar in November. Open submissions accepted from tenants, residents, staff, family members and former staff members. Label recipe with your name. Submissions need to be in by May 31 to allow time for proofing and printing. Sample contents to include: appetizers, sauces, beverages, breads, rolls, pastries, meat, main dishes, soup, salads, vegetables, bars, cookies, cakes, desserts, pies and misc.National Nursing Home Week will be observed May 9 to May 15. The theme for this year is "Embracing Our Heritage." Events planned throughout the week include: Monday, May 10, German Day, 2:30 p.m. crowning of 2004 king and queen. Music by Loren Galles from Adrian. The day is dedicated to administration and chaplain. Attire, hats and ties. Tuesday, May 11, Norwegian Day, 2:30 p.m. Bible Study. The day is dedicated to housekeeping, laundry and maintenance. Attire, bright colors. Wednesday, May 12, Dutch Day, 1:30 p.m. Release balloons with the Hills Christian School children. Special treat, Ollie Bollen doughnuts by Nancy Van Wyhe. Dedicated to the dietary department. Attire, wear aprons. Thursday, May 13, Belgium Day, waffles served for breakfast, Spelling Bee/H-BC 5th grade program. "Things From Yesteryear" by Betty Mann. Dedicated to social workers and activity department. Attire, T-shirts, blue jeans and suspenders. Friday, May 14, All American Day, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Dedicated to the nursing department. Special patriotic program.Wednesday afternoon residents enjoyed a hat style show. Residents found it amazing the different kinds of hats we wear from time to time. Resident’s took part by wearing a hat or cap. A word search puzzle entitled "Hats Of A Lifetime" was also done by the residents. We would like to thank everyone who brought in hats.Two of our residents enjoyed their birthdays this week. Thelma Davis celebrated her 92nd birthday on April 28. She has been a resident of Tuff since 1998. Several of her friends helped her enjoy her special day. Henrietta Wassenaar celebrated her 81st birthday on May 1. There was a party in the afternoon in the dining room with the residents, family and friends treated to yellow cake and soft-serve ice cream. She has been a resident of Tuff since May 5, 2003. We wish Thelma and Henrietta a very Happy Birthday and hope they enjoyed their special day.Friday afternoon residents enjoyed the movie, "Cheaper by the Dozen" along with popcorn and pop.May 6 to May 12 is National Nurses Week. We would like to thank our professional nursing staff for their dedicated service.Opal Swanson, 91, and a resident of Tuff, died last Monday evening. Funeral services were Friday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills. Several beautiful bouquets of flowers were shared in her memory. Our sincere sympathy is extended to her family and friends.Congratulations, along with our very best wishes, to Harvey and Mary Reinke who observed their 64th wedding anniversary on April 30.