H-BC School Board 
meets Sept. 12
Hills-Beaver Creek Dist. 671
Minutes
Sept. 12, 2022
The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met for its semi-monthly meeting at 7:01 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, Rauk and Rozeboom. Superintendent Holthaus, Principal Kellenberger and Business Manager Rozeboom were also in attendance. Board member Knobloch was absent.
Motion by Bosch, second by Rozeboom, and carried to approve
the agenda. 
No Visitors
PATRIOT PRIDE:
Back to School, successes!
BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING REPORTS: Personnel 8/29
Motion by Harnack, second by Fransman, and carried to approve Consent Agenda:
-Minutes—08/22/2022
-Bills
-Imprest Cash Report
-Hiring Mekayla Halverson as Assistant Volleyball Coach for the 22-23 school
year
-Accepting Haley Tollefson’s resignation as ECFE Parent Educator Effective
Immediately.
-Assign Brianna Leuthold as ECFE Parent Educator for the 2022-2023 School
Year.
Motion by Bosch, second by Harnack, and carried to approve creation of Jr. 
High Assistant Coach positions for Football and Volleyball.
Motion by Harnack, second by Fransman, and carried to approve assigning Dan Ellingson as Jr. High Assistant Football Coach for the 2022-2023 School Year.
Motion by Rozeboom, second by Bosch, and carried to approve allowing
6th grade girls to participate in Middle Level Volleyball program.
Motion by Bosch, second by Rozeboom, and carried to approve assigning Brianna Leuthold as Jr. High Assistant Volleyball Coach for the 2022-2023 School Year.
Motion by Fransman, second by Harnack, and carried to
approve Donation Resolution:
-$60.00 from Blackbaud Giving Fund for Elementary Student Council
-$420.00 from Blackbaud Giving Fund for Secondary Student Council 
-$1,788.68 from JO Volleyball for Volleyball Student Activity Account
-$1,000.00 from H-BC PTO for Elementary Pride Store
-$1,300.00 from H-BC PTO for Elementary Student Council
DISTRICT NON-ACTION ITEMS:
•Secondary Principal Report
•Superintendent Report
AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING
DATES TO REMEMBER:
-Regular Board Meeting, Monday, September 26, 2022 
-Regular Board Meeting, Monday, October 10
Meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
Tamara Rauk, Clerk
(10-06)

Rock County Board of Commissioners sets hearing on hemp-derived products 
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ORDINANCE 
FOR HEMP DERIVED PRODUCTS
 
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Rock County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on October 18, 2022, at 9:00 A.M. in the Herreid Board meeting room located at 204 E. Brown Street, Luverne, Minnesota, for the purpose of hearing public comment to a proposed Ordinance for the sale of Hemp Derived Products.
The full text of the proposed Ordinance is on file at the Rock County Administrator’s office or can be viewed at www.co.rock.mn.us. Written comments should be submitted to the Rock County Administrator by 5:00 P.M., October 17, 2022. All persons
desiring to be heard shall be given an opportunity to present testimony.
 
Dated:  September 20, 2022.
 
By Order of the Rock County Board of Commissioners
Kyle Oldre, Rock County Administrator
PO Box 509
Luverne, MN  56156
507-283-5065
(10-06, 10-13)

A 25-member Hills-Beaver Creek School District stakeholder committee recommended building a new elementary school in Beaver Creek along with additions to the secondary school in Hills.
School board members have taken no official action on the committee’s recommendation, waiting for results from a soon-to-be-released districtwide community survey.
Cost estimates will be released at a later date, when the figures for the state’s school building bond agriculture credit will also be available.
The board’s final decision may include a referendum vote in April 2023.
 
New elementary includes day care facility
With the new elementary school, a day care facility will be included with an expanded outdoor physical education field and playground, a new 60-vehicle parking lot and a bus drop-off loop.
The new building allows for larger classroom spaces based on current enrollment numbers.
The elementary would stay a pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade facility.
Eighty-one percent of the committee members preferred building new instead of investing million to remodel the existing 1955 and 1997 facilities.
 
Committee examined detailed facility study
Representatives from ATSR, a planning, architectural and engineering firm in Minneapolis, led committee members through the 215-page long-range facility analysis and education adequacy study.
The study examined the physical structure, heating and cooling abilities as well as the state education department’s recommended classroom sizes and other 21st century learning recommendations.
The local committee met four times in late August through September, examining the study fundings before voting on a preferred option that included work at each of the other district building locations.
The committee developed five different improvement scenarios for the elementary school in Beaver Creek, five for the secondary school in Hills, and three for the Hugo Goehle facility in Hills.
Superintendent Todd Holthaus said the committee was adamant that the elementary stays in Beaver Creek.
“The state wants smaller districts to consider a one-campus model,” he said.
However, keeping the elementary school in Beaver Creek had 77 percent support of the group. The proposal of the group to the school board includes:
•a new elementary school built on the current site in Beaver Creek.  Costs would include construction, demolition of the current elementary school, and the purchase of five additional acres at the current site.
•moving the bus garage from the Hugo Goehle location (attached to the old high school) to the secondary school, which would receive a new middle school science addition, a new technical education building, a parking lot expansion, and a new secondary gymnasium and locker rooms.
Support among community members was also at 77 percent for building at the secondary school versus improving the Hugo Goehle gymnasium (built in 1955) and locker room facility (built in 2004).
•demolish the old high school and gravel the building site.
Support among community members for this option is also 77 percent.
 
In-depth facility study began in 2020
Minnesota school districts annually submit a long-term facilities maintenance report to the State of Minnesota. The report details which capital improvements are planned for the next 10 years.
H-BC’s levy allows an average of $145,000 for maintaining or upgrading the grounds or the school buildings.
“We are seeing some inefficiencies and deficiencies among our buildings and with some education delivery that at some point need to be addressed,” said Superintendent Holthaus.
“There is not an urgency, but we need to start the process.”
In 2020 ICS Builds of Sioux Falls completed a preliminary review of the elementary and secondary schools, and the Hugo-Goehle gymnasium/locker rooms.
The review outlined “urgent” needs (need to be completed within a year), “medium” needs (completed in one to five years) and “low” needs (completed in six to 10 years.)
The report revealed $7.6 million in “urgent” and “medium” needs, primarily in the 1955 section of the elementary school, where the boiler system is reaching the end of its life expectancy and many classrooms are undersized for today’s education delivery.
In late 2021, general contractor R.A. Morton & Associates of St. Cloud looked more closely at the physical building deficiencies and paired with ATSR to further evaluate the district’s buildings, focusing on utilization, educational programming, support spaces, physical building deficiencies and site issues.
The H-BC facilities study was finished in June.
The local stakeholders group was assembled in late August and met four times, most recently on Sept. 22.
At the sessions, led by ATSR, the stakeholders were informed of the strengths and weaknesses of each building, the cost of improvements, and were asked to choose a package that best fit the future needs of the school district.
The committee is made up of city and rural residents from Beaver Creek, Steen and Hills.
Members include Jay Bakken, Jane Blank, Cory Busswitz, Travis Helgeson, Adam Huisman, Randy Krull, Brayden Metzger, Blake Miller, Josh Rheault, Jason Rozeboom, Shannon Tatge, Susan Vis, Dalton Bass, Samantha McGaffee, Rex Metzger, Emily Opheim, Kilee Uittenbogaard, Kirsten Zingler, Mary Kortlever, Steve Wiertzema, Superintendent Todd Holthaus, secondary principal Andrew Kellenberger, and board members Chris Harnack and Ethan Rozeboom.
The committee will convene again once the districtwide community survey is completed.
A copy of the study is available at the H-BC website, www.hbcpatriots.com or click this link  https://5il.co/1iv7p

A dedication and ribbon-cutting for the Child’s Remembrance Garden is at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9.
The garden in the northwest corner of Tonto Park and St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Luverne has been under construction over the past year with help from the city of Luverne, local donors and volunteers.
It provides a non-denominational space for people who have lost a child “to grieve, remember and heal,” according to members of the organizing group.
A short program will follow the public event along with refreshments. Attendees should park on James Street or on the paved roads in the cemetery. Golf carts will be available for those wanting a ride to the remembrance garden.
City Council member Dan Nath has been serving as a liaison member to the garden planners, volunteers and family members.
He updated the council Tuesday, Sept. 27, on progress and on plans to rename the nearby city pocket park from “Tonto Park” to “Dragonfly Park.”
He said the dragonfly is seen as a symbol of change and transformation of the soul after death, and it’s observed in Native American spirituality as well, with dragonflies perceived as the “souls of the dead.”
A dragonfly’s visit around the time of a loved one’s death may signify the loved one’s soul taking form in the spirit of dragonfly. It offers the assurance their soul is free.
In previous city council and staff discussions, renaming and rebranding the park has been a priority.
Nath said timing it with the dedication of the Child’s Remembrance Garden seemed right.
 
Background of Child’s Remembrance Garden
Several local families who are grieving the loss of children formed a non-profit and have been raising money to design and build the garden.
Last summer they approached the Luverne City Council about leasing the 140-foot by 60-foot parcel owned by the city in the northwest corner of Tonto Park off James Street near the Catholic cemetery.
At that July meeting, the city verbally agreed to provide the space free of charge with the understanding that long-term maintenance would be a shared responsibility.
At their Jan. 25 meeting, council members and the non-profit group signed a “Contract for Management and Operation of Child's Remembrance Garden.”
The contract states that the city owns the garden and its accessories, and the non-profit is responsible for costs associated with operating, maintaining and managing the property, including utilities for a water feature and lighting.
City public works crews cleared old, dying evergreens and prepared the site for development.
The garden was professionally planned and installed by landscape architect/designer Lucas Stoffel from Oak Haven Landscape and Design out of Sherburn.
Among other specifications, the contract states that the non-profit group will raise funds to establish a reserve for repair and replacement and improvement of the garden.
The initial timeline for the lease is for five years; then the parties will negotiate in good faith for further extensions.
According to the group’s Facebook page, families are already planning for maintenance and future additions, such as a seating area under the pergola, sculptures, engraved rock scriptures throughout the garden and additional private seating areas.
“Please know that your generous donations are greatly appreciated and will continue to be needed and used as this garden continues to thrive and grow,” they wrote.
To donate, contact the Luverne Area Community Foundation at 507-227-2424.  To help, contact maggie.siebenahler@gmail.com or pat.saum@gmail.com.
Learn more at www.childsremembrancegarden.org or on Facebook, Childs-Remembrance-Garden.

Deon Carriere and Sheri Moucka said buying the former Willie’s Bar on Main Avenue Hills is more than a business venture.
“It’s about the social side and giving back to the community,” Carriere said.
Earlier this year the couple purchased the building from Audrey DeSmet after discovering the “for sale” listing in the Luverne Announcer.
They discussed it one morning at their acreage located north of Steen where they’ve lived for 12 years. “Hey, want to buy a bar in Hills?” Moucka recalled asking Carriere as she read the “for sale” ad in the Luverne Announcer.
His response: “Yes, let’s buy a bar in Hills.”
They opened the door to “Brody’s” just after Memorial Day.
“Three weeks after we opened, we had Friendship Days,” Carriere said. “My goodness! What a trial by fire that was! It was packed out there.”
Neither Carriere nor Moucka previously worked or managed in a bar prior to purchasing the business from DeSmet.
Moucka’s background is in the food and beverage industry. The Colorado native currently works as a regional trainer for Krispy Krunchy Chicken.
Carriere’s background is in sales and engineering. The Minnesota native is currently executive director for an at-home business called Buyer’s Advantage.
Together they like to socialize, and after helping out at Friendship days, they’ve been “hands-off” owners.
“We both are going to keep our full-time jobs and it seems like the right thing,” Carriere said in the French-Canadian accent. “We don’t need two jobs. The bar takes a little bit of income until we get it going. We love the hours though.”
The couple rely on two full-time bartenders to operate the bar that is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4 to 11:30 p.m., Fridays from 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The bar is closed Sundays and Mondays.
They are open to change and have taken suggestions from patrons.
There’s Tractor Pull Tuesdays or TPT, where patrons watch tractor pulls on the bar’s television sets on Tuesday nights.
Starting soon will be Throwback Thursdays where various “vintage” beers will be available.
They’re considering opening on Mondays for those who want to watch the Monday Night Football games and opening at 11 a.m. on Saturdays for those who want to watch the Minnesota Gophers and other college football games.
“We want a year under our belts before we make major changes,” Carriere said. “The writing on the wall is that we have plans.”
Recently, a city building permit was granted to construct an outdoor patio, which will be finished this fall.
A grand opening is planned once the “Brody’s” sign is finished.
“Woodworking is my passion,” Carriere said. “That’s the reason the Brody’s sign is not out there yet. But as soon as I get it done in the workshop, our plan is to have a grand opening.”
“Brody’s” is named after the couple’s 2-year-old black Lab whose image is used on the business logo along with a cancer ribbon in lieu of an apostrophe.
The apostrophe is Carriere’s idea, who currently has his 2021 multiple myeloma diagnosis under control.
“It’s a subtle reminder for us this (Brody’s) was our recovery,” Moucka added.
The dog is a frequent bar visitor and conversation starter.
“It’s the building of relationships that is fun,” Moucka said.
“This town has been so supportive and so kind to us. We couldn’t have asked for a better situation.”

Darin DeBoer’s physical education classes took to the outdoors last week.
His kindergarten through fifth-grade classes either learned how to safely walk (K-1) or ride bikes (grades 2-5) around Beaver Creek.
Bicycles were supplied by the Minnesota Walk! Bike! Fun! Program funded through the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School Program and the state Department of Health.
DeBoer attended a free training course six years ago and each year since has reserved the trailer housing various sizes of bicycles and helmets.
The curriculum was developed by the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota to follow safe walking and bicycling practices and education standards.
For some students, riding a bike is a new experience.
“I have about seven or eight students each year who haven’t ridden a bike,” DeBoer said.
Through classroom activities, students learn how to safely cross the street as well as proper helmet use, hand signals, and maneuvering through intersections.
With the supplied bikes, the students rode around the elementary school, and DeBoer took them on group bike rides or walks around Beaver Creek to practice their new skills.
The curriculum is meant to foster physical activity, introduce children to different modes of transportation, foster independence and help reduce traffic crashes.

The Luverne Cardinal football team celebrated a homecoming victory after defeating the Worthington Trojans on Friday night at Cardinal Field.
The Cardinals held a 15-14 lead at halftime and added one touchdown in the second half to complete a 22-14 victory over the Trojans.
With the win, the Cardinals moved to 3-2 on the season.
“It felt good to come back and get a win after last week’s tough loss,” said senior Gannon Ahrendt after the game.
After giving up a season-high 42 points versus New Ulm last week, the Luverne defense looked to bounce back and came up with an excellent second half to lead the Cardinals to victory.
“After the first quarter our defense played a very solid game,” said Luverne coach Todd Oye.
The Cardinal offense didn’t do their defense any favors after fumbling on their first offensive play.
Taking over at the Luverne 35-yard line, Worthington was able to put together a 12-play scoring drive that ended with a 4-yard touchdown run by Worthington senior running back Abagotte Opiew.
After a successful extra point kick, Worthington held a 7-0 lead with 5:58 to go in the first quarter.
The Cardinals answered back with a scoring drive of their own.
Starting at their own 43-yard line, Luverne moved the ball quickly into Worthington territory when quarterback Conner Connell threw to Ahrendt for a 13-yard gain on Luverne’s first play of the drive.
Connell added a 10-yard run, and senior Tyson Cowell chipped in with a 7-yard run to get the Cardinals inside the red zone.
Facing a fourth and 2 from the Worthington 19-yard line, the Cardinals got a key run by Cowell for a 9-yard gain which kept their drive alive.
Just two plays later the Cardinals found the endzone for their first score of the game when senior running back Kaleb Hein caught a pass from Connell and ran 9 yards for a Cardinal touchdown. After a successful kick from Patrick Kroski, the score was 7-7 with 1:17 to go in the first quarter.
The Trojan offense continued right where they left off when they got the ball back for their next possession. On first down, Opiew broke free for a 60-yard run to bring the Trojans to the Luverne 6-yard. Two plays later Opiew was back in the endzone after a 5-yard touchdown run. After another successful extra point kick, the Trojans led 14-7 with 11:51 to go in the second quarter.
The Cardinals took over at their own 20-yard line and faced a third and 20 from the 10-yard line two plays later after an offensive penalty.
Junior receiver Elliot Domagala came up with a big play for the Cardinals when he hauled in a 19-yard reception from Connell.
Luverne converted the fourth and 1 to keep the drive going after a Connell quarterback keeper resulted in a 5-yard gain.
The Cardinals kept the momentum going on first down when Connell found Ahrendt for a 24-yard reception. Connell tacked on another 12-yard run, and Cowell broke free for a 21-yard run to give the Cardinals three straight first downs with the ball inside the Worthington 10-yard line.
Hein finished off the drive with his second touchdown of the game, this time on a 9-yard scoring run. Luverne opted to go for two points after the touchdown, and it paid off when Carter Sehr’s pass found Domagala in the end zone to give the Cardinals a 15-14 lead with 8:20 to go in the second quarter.
The Luverne defense got two quick stops in the final eight minutes of the second quarter. The Cardinal offense continued to move the ball but was unable to score as their final drive of the half ended on the Worthington 1-yard line as time expired, with the Luverne lead remaining 15-14.
What looked to be an offensive shootout turned into a defensive battle in the second half with both teams struggling to make the same big offensive plays that they made in the first half.
Neither team could score in the third quarter, and the offensive drought for both teams continued into the fourth quarter.
The Cardinal defense had its biggest stand of the game as the Trojans lined up for a fourth and 1 from their own 48-yard line with 4:11 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Worthington quarterback Tucker Brandner faked a handoff and scrambled with multiple Cardinal defenders chasing him. Riley Sneller tackled Brandner for an 11-yard loss to stop the Trojan drive and give the ball back to the Cardinals.
Taking over at the Worthington 37-yard line, the Cardinals were able to ice the game with a 5-play scoring drive that was capped by a Connell 7-yard touchdown run. Kroski added another extra point to give Luverne a 22-14 lead with 1:16 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Luverne defense held strong one last time, and the Cardinals were able to kneel the ball to finish off the game and secure the 22-14 win.
“It’s always fun to get a win in your homecoming game,” said Ahrendt.
“Hopefully this will give us some momentum as we prepare for the Pipestone game next week.”
The Cardinals will travel to Pipestone to take on the Arrows Friday night in the annual “Battle Axe” game. Game time is 7 p.m.
 
Team statistics:
Luverne: 176 rushing yards, 154 passing yards, 330 total yards, 20 first downs, 5 penalties for 50 yards, 2 turnovers.
Worthington: 175 rushing yards, 19 passing yards, 194 total yards, 9 first downs, 4 penalties for 35 yards, 1 turnover.
 
Individual statistics:
Rushing: Conner Connell 13-66 (1 TD), Tyson Cowell 13-64, Kaleb Hein 6-19 (1 TD), Carter Sehr 1-13
Passing: Conner Connell 12-21, 154 yards (1 TD). Carter Sehr 2-5, 71 yards, Gannon Ahrendt 1-1, 13 yards (1 TD).
Receiving: Tyson Cowell 6-68, Gannon Ahrendt 3-52, Elliot Domagala 1-19, Kaleb Hein 1-9 (1 TD)
Defense: Eli Woodley 5.5 tackles, Anyuon Atem 4.5 tackles, Tyler Gebauer 3.5 tackles, Conner Connell 3 tackles

The Luverne Cardinal Cross Country teams raced at two meets this week, with one being what coach Pete Janiszeski called “our best meet as a team.”
The boys’ and girls’ varsity teams both took first at the St. James Invitational Tuesday, Sept. 27, and had 10 Top-10 finishes. Owen Janiszeski placed first for boys’ varsity and set a meet record with his 5k time of 15:56.90.
“As a whole, we competed and performed well across the board, which was a big boost of confidence for the kids heading into the back half of the season,” coach Janiszeski said.
“If they continue to do the little things, take pride in striving for excellence, and stay humble and hungry to improve and be their best, they will continue to progress toward their end-of-the-season goals.”
LHS scores were not overall as good in Willmar Glacial Lakes Invite Saturday, but Jenna DeBates placed first in the varsity girls’ 5k with a time of 19:13.8.
 
Boys’ varsity and JV ran together at St. James
Camden Janiszeski, 5th, 16:59.47
Sage Viessman, 10th, 17:39.06
Carsen Tofteland, 15th, 17:55.48
Leif Ingebretson, 18th, 18:03.77
Dylan Ommen, 25th, 18:38.08
Kaleb Hemme, 33rd, 19:07.82
Camden Hoven, 45th, 20:02.7 
Zach Terrio, 46th, 20:03.60
Eli McLendon, 51st, 21:20.41
Isaac DeBates, 52nd, 21:23.25
Riley Ripka, 67th, 22:40.17      
 
Girls’ varsity and JV ran together at St. James
Jenna DeBates, 2nd, 18:35.73
Ella Schmuck, 3rd, 19:59.12
Khloe Visker, 5th, 20:47.38
Grace Ingebretson, 7th, 20:54.67
Kayla Bloemendaal, 10th, 21:29.31
Tiana Lais, 15th, 22:18.44
Olivia Lund, 16th, 22:21.68       
Grace Kempema, 27th, 24:00. 
Reinha John, 32nd, 24:43.37
Mariah Knorr, 35th, 24:50.34    
Andrea Luitjens, 47th, 28:22.81
Maddy Schepel, 54th, 32:39.60
 
Boys’ varsity 5k Willmar:
Owen Janiszeski, 7th, 16:54.3
Camden Janiszeski, 11th, 17:09.9
Ryan Fick, 21st, 17:44.9
Leif Ingebretson, 42nd, 18:34.1
Carsen Tofteland, 48th, 18:47.5
Dylan Ommen, 69th, 19:34.6
 
Girls’ varsity 5k Willmar:
Ella Schmuck, 23rd, 20:58.2
Khloe Visker, 51st, 22:12.3
Kayla Bloemendaal, 65th, 23:17.8
Olivia Lund, 69th, 23:29.6
Tiana Lais, 73rd, 23:46.8
 
Junior varsity boys’ Willmar 5k:
Camden Hoven, 39th, 20:58.8
Zach Terrio, 47th, 21:13.4
Isaac DeBates, 57th, 21:31.0
Eli McLendon, 69th, 21:56.8
Riley Ripka, 114th, 25:16.0
 
Junior high boys’ St James 1600 meter:
Marcus Papik, 4th (6:36.83); Zander Fountain, 22nd (8:17.44)
 
Junior high girls’ St. James 1600 meter:
Jaina Fountain, 19th (9:28.35); Emma Wieneke, 20th (10:18.24)
 
Junior high boys’ St. James 1600 meter:
Zander Fountain, 32nd (9:25)
 
Junior high boys’ Willmar 3200 meter:
Marcus Papik, 11th, 12:45.6
 
Junior high girls Willmar 3,200 meter:
Grace Kempema, 8th, 14:06.4
Jaina Fountain, 34th, 17:10.6
Emma Wieneke, 49th, 19:46.2

Meetings
Sanford Luverne Pink Ladies will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, in the Blue Mound Meeting Room in Sanford Luverne to make rice sacks. Bring guests. Call Sharon Zinnel, 507-227-3821.
American Legion Auxiliary will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Pizza Ranch in Luverne. Call Dianna Tomlinson, 507-283-1934 with questions.
MS Support Group will meet at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, at the Pizza Ranch in Luverne. All persons with MS, family and friends are invited. Call 283-2069 or 283-2964
 
Extra evening hours at Food Shelf
Starting in October, the Rock County Food Shelf will be open for an additional evening shift. It’s open from 5 to 6 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. Call Mary at 507-227-5548 or Katie at 507-227-3531.
 
Free food for seniors Oct. 6
Nutrition Assistance Program for seniors 60 and older, sponsored by A.C.E. of SW MN, will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, with drive-thru distribution in the parking lot off Maple Street at the new office location on the east side of Generations Event Center. Pre-registration is required. Call Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064.
 
Shredding truck Oct. 8
St. Catherine Church will host the Dakota Shred-It truck from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Luverne Laundry Room parking lot. Freewill donations are accepted.
 
Child’s Remembrance Garden dedication Oct. 9
A blessing and ribbon-cutting for the Child’s Remembrance Garden is at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9. The garden is located in the northwest corner of Tonto Park and St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Luverne.
A short program will follow the public event along with refreshments. Attendees should park on James Street or on the paved roads in the cemetery. Golf carts will be available for those wanting a ride to the remembrance garden. The garden provides a non-denominational safe area for people who have lost a child to grieve, remember and heal.
 
Rock the Edge food drive Oct. 9
The seventh annual Rock the Edge city-wide food drive will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9. To donate to the Rock County Food Shelf, place non-perishable food items in a bag on your porch or outside your front door. Call 507.920.5278
 
‘Rock the Aqua’ swimming and pizza event Oct. 21
“Rock The Aqua” free area-wide youth event is from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at the Luverne Area Aquatics and Fitness Center for grades 9-12. The event, which includes swimming, door prizes and pizza, is sponsored by Rock the Edge and the Substance Free Coalition of Rock, Nobles, and Pipestone Counties. Call 507.227.1978 with questions.
 
Food distribution is Oct. 20
New Life Celebration Church’s third Thursday monthly food giveaway is at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Atlas building at 101 W. Maple St. in Luverne.
Enter from Maple Street and stay along the west side of the building. Parking lot opens at 3 p.m. Do not block the Redeemed Remnants parking lot, intersection or alley entrance. Food will be loaded into vehicles, which exit via the alley going west. Call 507-283-8963 or 507-283-4366 with questions.
 
Library Happenings
For more information about library happenings, call 507-449-5040 or email rockcountystaff@gmail.com.
Story Time with Bronwyn is Fridays from now through. Dec. 2. The event starts at 10 a.m.
Afternoon movie and snacks takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20. The movie is “The Addams Family.”
Trivia Night is at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Take 16 in Luverne. Team registration begins at 6 p.m.
Reminiscence Kits are available featuring various topics such as gardening, pets, baking, sewing, farming and hunting. The kits are designed to use with a loved one experiencing memory loss, encouraging the loved one to open up about activities they once loved in the past.
 
Community Ed
Community Education will offer the following classes in the next few weeks. Call 507-283-4724 to register.
Children 0-5 years along with parents are invited to the Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom for Outdoor Play Time on Oct. 18. There is a morning or evening session. No fee, but registration required.
Students (grades 4-6) will follow along with the instructor step by step to create a painting at Paint & Snack class on Oct. 24. Fee is $33.
Men’s Basketball meets on Wednesday nights November through February starting Nov. 2. Register by Oct. 26. Fee is $35 for the 4 months.
Learn how to rescue and repair your wardrobe at the Basics of Mending on Oct. 29 at The Sewing Basket. Fee is $15 plus cost of supplies purchased at the store.
 
CoffeeBreak Bible Study meets Tuesdays
CoffeeBreak Bible Study meets each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne. There will be StoryHour Bible stories and playtime for ages 3 to kindergarten, and a nursery is available. It’s free for all faiths and no prior Bible knowledge is necessary. Call Kristi Stroeh at 507-227-5102 or email atkristi.stroeh@hotmail.com
 
A.C.E. respite care available, volunteers needed
A.C.E. of SW Minnesota (A.C.E.) offers respite care services in Rock County for those needing a break from caring for a loved one.
The respite program offers short-term (1-3 hours), temporary care for families and caregivers by providing a brief period of reprieve from the daily cares they provide to their loved one.
Volunteers provide non-professional supportive services to caregivers to give them time for themselves, relieve their stress and help them remain healthy.
Respite care volunteers are also needed. Trained A.C.E. volunteers provide respite care to family caregivers of adults age 60 and older who are suffering from long-term health conditions.
Contact Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064 or ace.rock@co.rock.mn.us.