With the pending retirement of City Administrator John Call in December, the Luverne City Council is working on a transition strategy to replace him.
The Luverne City Administrator Search Committee reviewed 30 resumes and applications for the position, and following seven first-round interviews, four have been recommended as finalists.
They include Rebecca Schrupp of Canby, Erik Hansen of Tracy, Lee Mattson of Waseca and Jill Wolf of Adrian. Luverne City Council members reviewed their resumes and information at Tuesday’s meeting to determine the next steps.
This summer the council members decided against paying an outside agency to recruit candidates and instead formed a City Administrator Recruitment Committee.
Committee members include Craig Oftedahl, Mike Cox, Ashley Kurtz, Tim Gust, Caroline Thorson, Mayor Baustian and Connie Connell.
“It has been a very thorough process and time-consuming,” Oftedahl said.
“It has been an interesting experience and very educational.”
Committee members worked on updated job description, position profile, salary range, and geographic scope for the recruitment of a new city administrator.
They asked current department heads what traits and qualities they’d like to see in the new city administrator, and they also surveyed city leaders about knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum training and experience they wanted in a new city administrator.
A starting salary range of $120,000 to $145,000 is recommended, considering the city's internal pay equity and pay plan along with outside market trends.
City Clerk Jessica Mead has also been working with the League of Minnesota Cities and other professional development colleagues to establish a recruitment plan.
Call formally announced his retirement at the May 24 city council meeting.
“The last 17 years in Luverne have been the highlight of my 35-year career in city management,” Call wrote in his resignation letter to the council.
“With a progressive mayor and council and highly competent department heads and employees, we have been able to move the city forward in many areas of economic development, housing and quality of life while at the same time delivering great city services on a daily basis.”
Call, 63, said he and his wife, Brenda, will continue living in Luverne, and he will work with the council to ensure a smooth transition to the next administrator.

The city of Luverne is alerting residents and businesses of a planned power outage and sounding of civil defense sirens this weekend.
The outage will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, in order to bring on line the city’s new 3 MW Caterpillar generators installed at the Electrical Power Plant earlier this year. 
According to Luverne City Administrator John Call, the goal of the generator project is to have back-up power for the city in the event it is cut off from transmission lines that carry power into the city.
“These disaster events are usually caused by ice storms, tornados, straight line winds or possibly some type of disaster within the electrical grid system,” Call said.
“The generators need to be tested in a real time situation to make sure that they are ready when called upon in the case of a real disaster.”
City electric utilities staff will test the system with the assistance of engineers, electrical technicians, and representatives from Caterpillar that will be on-site working with Missouri River Energy Services to make sure transition goes smoothly. 
During the 7 p.m. test Sunday, Luverne electricity customers will experience a short electrical outage lasting approximately 30 seconds up to 2 minutes. 
At that time, the generators will start and proceed to carry the load for approximately one hour.
At the conclusion of the generator testing, the civil defense sirens will be activated to let the public know that the testing period is over and that the city is back on the normal electrical grid. 
Call said the city will do what it can to make sure that all residents and businesses are aware of Sunday’s short power outage so that they can plan accordingly. 
“The City of Luverne appreciates your patience as the test is required to commission the newly installed generators,” Call said. “With the new generators in service, the city has increased reliability for all of our electricity customers.”
 He said questions can be directed to City Hall at 507-449-2388.

Meetings
Blue Mound Quilters will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3, at the Sewing Basket in Luverne to sew checkbook covers. Materials will be available at the store. Bring a basic sewing kit, lunch, and a sewing machine with a walking foot. Call 507-227-4076 with questions.
Parkinson’s Support Group will meet at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3, at Poplar Creek Care Center. Call Dianne Karlstad at 507-530-3307 with questions.
 
Mobile dental clinic Sept. 29
The mobile dental clinic will be in Luverne on Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Rock County Health and Human Services community room. This clinic provides dental care for adults and children ages 0-100+.
Call 612-746-1530 to schedule an appointment. All forms of insurance accepted. The clinic’s appearance in Luverne is organized by the #Luv1LuvAll Rock County Oral Health Task Force.
 
Paint the Prairie purple Oct. 1
To help raise awareness and show support for the Dementia Walk for a Cure on Oct. 1, organizers encourage “Paint the Prairie Purple” during the week of Sept. 26-30. Pictures of decorated home and business exteriors can be sent to ace.rock@co.rock.mn.us.
The event is sponsored by the SW MN Dementia Awareness Network (SWDAN).
 
Dementia Walk is Oct. 1
The Dementia Walk for a Cure is Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Luverne City Park. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the walk at 10 a.m.
One hundred percent of the funds raised will be used to increase awareness and to promote dementia education.
In case of inclement weather, the walk will take place at the Generations Event Center in Luverne.
For more information or to register contact Linda Wenzel at A.C.E. of SW MN, 507-283-5064.
 
Historical Society ‘drive-in’ event Oct. 3
The Rock County Historical Society annual meeting is at noon Monday, Oct. 3, at the Big Top Events Center. Learn about Rock County’s restaurant history trivia with the drive-in themed event. RSVP by Monday, Sept. 26, at the History Center for $15. Or, purchase tickets at the door for $25. The History Center
phone number is 507-283-2122.
 
CoffeeBreak Bible study starts Oct. 4
The kickoff meeting of CoffeeBreak begins at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, and will meet each Tuesday at the Christian Reformed Church, 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 necessary. Call Kristi Stroeh at 507-227-5102 or email atkristi.stroeh@hotmail.com
 
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.
 
Community Ed
Community Education will offer the following classes in the next few weeks. Call 507-283-4724 to register.
Taking Defensive Driving Classes allows adults 55 years of age and older to save on insurance premiums.  After the beginning eight-hour class, every three years, drivers take a four-hour refresher class.  Upcoming classes:
Refresher 4-Hour Classes – Oct. 3 or Dec. 5.
Beginning Class – Nov. 7 & 10 (four hours each evening)
Pickleball League meets at St Catherine’s Church on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings and Thursday evenings beginning Oct. 3.   Fee is $15.
Grades 5-6 volleyball begins Oct. 3 and meets for eight after-school sessions.  Fee is $25.
Register by Oct. 4 for Cardinal League Community Ed Basketball for grades 3-6. Fee is $50.  Participants (grades 4-6) that want to travel out of town in addition to the local Cardinal League should register for the Harrisburg League at www.bsybl.com prior to Sept. 30.  That will take care of your Cardinal League registration, too.
Using glaze, heat, flames, and cooling you will create a beautiful piece of pottery at Raku Saturday Oct. 8.  Fee is $5 in addition to the pottery you choose at the studio.
Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes for children ages 0-5 is a Community Education program for parents and their children from birth to kindergarten age. It offers information and support to parents and provides activities for parents and children to explore together through classes that meet once a week throughout the school year.
New residents: Census information needed for preschool children. If you are new to the community, please call Community Education with your family information for all children ages 0 up to kindergarten. The school district uses the information for planning purposes, filling out flyers regarding school events, including the state-mandated preschool screening for all 3-year-old children in Minnesota. If your child is 4 years old and has not been screen, call 283-4724. The screening should be completed prior to kindergarten.
 
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.
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.
 
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.

A ribbon-cutting Tuesday, Sept. 20, celebrated the opening of Fareway Meat Market at Main Street and Highway 75 in Luverne.
The renovated 2,300 square foot store is the first, stand-alone Fareway meat market in Minnesota, and offers fresh meat and a full-service butcher counter, plus main course options and a variety of sides and regional products. “Thanks to local city and economic development officials and property owners for helping make this project possible,” said Fareway President Garrett S. Piklapp. “We look forward to serving and becoming an integral part of the community.” The store is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Rock County Commissioners meet July 19
Herreid Board Room          9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse July 19, 2022
The meeting was called to order by the Chair with all Commissioners present.
Also in attendance were Administrator Kyle Oldre, County Attorney Jeff Haubrich
and Star-Herald Reporter Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Burger, to approve the July 19, 2022,
County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve the June 28, 2022,
County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve the June 28, 2022, County Board of Equalization minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve the July 05, 2022, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the consent
agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
1. Resolution No. 27-22, VSO State Grant Agreement Y2023
Keith Elbers, Mayor of City of Hills, informed the County Board of a Day Care facility project the City of Hills is pursuing. The Mayor explained that the project would involve renovating the recently acquired building into 3 to 4 day care pods that would each be licensed similar to existing day care licenses for home based facilitites. He further went on to explain that the City of Hills is working to secure the necessary green space from property currently owned by Alliance Communications. The Mayor then requested $100,000 of funds formerly known as ARPA; motion by Burgers, seconded by Williamson, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
MnDOT Representatives Sam Parker, Principle Planner and Lisa Bigham and Jen Wolf presented the MnDOT District 7 Capital Highway Investment Plan, the key points for Rock County was the status of the current construction and future construction projects. Current project is the rebuilding of I-90 from the South Dakota state line to Beaver Creek, project should be completed by the end of 2022 Future projects include the resurfacing of US 75 from Main St in Luverne to Veterans Dr in Luverne in 2025, US 75 from Veterans Dr north to the county line in 2028 and US 75 south from Main St in Luverne to the state line and MN 270 from US 75 to the west city limit of the City of Hills in 2030. No action was taken.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims; motion by Overgaard,
seconded by Burger, to approve, declared carried on a unanimous vote. A 
complete listing the claims is available at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office.
JULY 19, 2022 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
BREMIK MATERIALS, INC $19,464.45 
BROCK WHITE                   8,287.50 
BUTLER MACHINERY CO                   3,048.81 
CHS INC             19,594.29 
COUNTIES PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY                   6,755.00 
DOMEYER IMPLEMENT                   3,500.00 
ERICKSON ENGINEERING             21,852.50 
FIDLAR TECHNOLOGIES INC                   4,345.15 
JOHNSON CONTROLS             49,750.00 
KETTERLING SERVICES INC             16,536.93 
LUVERNE LANDSCAPING LLC                   9,790.00 
LUVERNE/CITY OF                   9,429.69 
LYON COUNTY LANDFILL             19,622.44 
MORRIS ELECTRONICS                   6,613.22 
MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC             10,490.00 
POWERPLAN                   3,224.35 
ROCK COUNTY OPPORTUNITIES                   2,469.24 
SANFORD HEALTH                   2,832.87 
SEACHANGE                   4,327.10 
SOUTHWEST HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES   34,680.90 
STAPLES ENTERPRISES INC                   7,385.05 
TACTICAL SOLUTIONS                   2,731.00 
WSB                   2,775.25 
55 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000             26,400.78 
TOTAL                 $295,906.52 
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report; motion
by Williamson, seconded by Thompson, to approve the Fund Balance
report, declared carried on a voice vote.
Luke Comeau, Southwest Minnesota Mental Health Director, presented a program update stating that the organization is in need to financial assistance, Mr. Comeau explained the challenges facing the SWMHC with the primary 2 issues being identified as staffing and revenue loss due to insurance changes from increased deductibles.  Revenue and expenditures of the organization were reviewed; the funding request was an increase of $1,987,483 this amount would be spread across the 5 member counties of SWMH; no action was taken at this time.
The Administrator presented an Emergency Management update referencing (2) qualifying events in Rock County and requested approval of the following resolutions:
•Resolution No. 25-22, Disaster Declaration 05/31/2022 high wind event
•Resolution No. 26-22, Disaster Declaration 077/05/2022 excessive rain event
The Administrator stated that while the damages are qualifying for a state disaster, the number of applicants is few.  Motion by Thompson, seconded by Williamson, to approve Resolution No. 25-22 and Resolution No. 26-22, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of a lease agreement from Generations for office space for the ACE organization; motion by Thompson,
seconded by Reisch, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of (2) employee resignations from
the Rock County Sheriff’s Office
•Jonathon Stearns, Deputy, effective 07/11/2022
•Craig Martinson, Deputy, effective 12/31/2022
Motion by Burger, seconded by Overgaard, to accept both resignations
with regret and thanked both officers for their years of service to Rock County,
declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator and County Attorney led a discussion regarding recent legislation legalizing edible cannabinoid products; after considerable discussion, motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard, to adopt Resolution No. 28-22, a moratorium on the sale of hemp derived THC (tetrahydrocannabinols) food and beverages in order to allow time to study the issue and consider zoning, licensing and rules, and sales management controls for the sale of hemp derived THC food and beverages, declared carried on a voice vote.
Mark Sehr, Engineer, presented an update on the status of County Road 19 and issues reported on that road. The Engineer stated that he has inspected the road twice within the past 4-days and finds no structural issues.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings:
Rural Water, ACE Building tour; stated that Rural Water is working with
the City of Luverne to purchase additional water.
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following
meetings: ACE Building tour.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings:
ACE Building tour, Land Use, City/County Liaison
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings:  ACE Building tour, Southwest Mental Health and Community Corrections.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings: Community Corrections, Southwestern Opportunity Council, City/County Liaison.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting
was declared adjourned by order of the chair.
(09-29)

Rock County Commissioners meet July 5
Herreid Board Room          9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse July 5, 2022
The meeting was called to order by the Chair with all Commissioners present.
Also in attendance were Administrator Kyle Oldre, County and Star-Herald
Reporter, Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the July 05, 2022,
County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of the claims; motion by Williamson, seconded by Burger, to pay the claims as presented, declared carried on a unanimous vote. A complete listing the claims is available at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office.
JULY 5, 2022 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
A & B BUSINESS INC $5,046.63 
A.C.E. OF SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA                 5,069.00 
AMERICAN SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS                 2,015.16 
BREMIK MATERIALS, INC                 3,409.18 
FLEET SERVICES DIVISION-ADMIN FMR                 7,091.68 
LSQ FUNDING GROUP LC                 3,219.83 
MCCLURE PLUMBING AND HEATING                 2,573.49 
NEWMAN SIGNS INC                 2,407.43 
NORTHLAND TRUST SERVICES INC         443,669.49 
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA   19,237.25 
ROOS CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION             44,999.25 
WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING & ASSOC, INC     4,013.00 
40 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000             13,329.39 
TOTAL                 $556,080.78 
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report; motion by Overgaard,
seconded by Burger, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Thompson, to authorize re-issuance of
lost warrant #1354 for $78.00, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator led a discussion regarding conservation projects within Rock County that will be funded by Lessar-Sam Outdoor Heritage Council. The project will advance the protection, restoration and enhancement goals for prairie, grassland and wetland habitats as described in the 2018 MN Prairie Conservation Plan. It builds upon the highly successful model established via prior Prairie Recovery Phases and seeks to protect 750 acres in Fee without PILT obligations to be held by The Nature Conservancy, enhance 25,000 acres of permanently protected grasslands, and restore 250 acres of prairie and wetland habitat. Protection and restoration projects will contribute toward state climate goals by sequestering approximately 150,000 metric tons CO2 equivalent. Presented as information only.
The County Board was in receipt of a year-to-date budget report and reviewed the revenue and expenditures of each department; no action was taken.
As part of the budget review, the Administrator also discussed factors that will have an impact on the 2023 budget along with the variables in the current budget that remain unknown. The County Board directed 
the Budget Committee to begin the development of the 2023 budget.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following
meetings: no meetings.
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following
meetings: no meetings.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following
meetings: no meetings.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings:
Southwest Health & Human Services.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings: no meetings.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting was
declared adjourned by order of the chair.  
After the adjournment, the County Board toured the new office
space at the Generations building occupied by A.C.E.
(09-29)

Rock County Commissioners meet July 5
Herreid Board Room          9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse July 5, 2022
The meeting was called to order by the Chair with all Commissioners present.
Also in attendance were Administrator Kyle Oldre, County and Star-Herald
Reporter, Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the July 05, 2022,
County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of the claims; motion by Williamson, seconded by Burger, to pay the claims as presented, declared carried on a unanimous vote. A complete listing the claims is available at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office.
JULY 5, 2022 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
A & B BUSINESS INC $5,046.63 
A.C.E. OF SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA                 5,069.00 
AMERICAN SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS                 2,015.16 
BREMIK MATERIALS, INC                 3,409.18 
FLEET SERVICES DIVISION-ADMIN FMR                 7,091.68 
LSQ FUNDING GROUP LC                 3,219.83 
MCCLURE PLUMBING AND HEATING                 2,573.49 
NEWMAN SIGNS INC                 2,407.43 
NORTHLAND TRUST SERVICES INC         443,669.49 
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA   19,237.25 
ROOS CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION             44,999.25 
WIDSETH SMITH NOLTING & ASSOC, INC     4,013.00 
40 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000             13,329.39 
TOTAL                 $556,080.78 
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report; motion by Overgaard,
seconded by Burger, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Thompson, to authorize re-issuance of
lost warrant #1354 for $78.00, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator led a discussion regarding conservation projects within Rock County that will be funded by Lessar-Sam Outdoor Heritage Council. The project will advance the protection, restoration and enhancement goals for prairie, grassland and wetland habitats as described in the 2018 MN Prairie Conservation Plan. It builds upon the highly successful model established via prior Prairie Recovery Phases and seeks to protect 750 acres in Fee without PILT obligations to be held by The Nature Conservancy, enhance 25,000 acres of permanently protected grasslands, and restore 250 acres of prairie and wetland habitat. Protection and restoration projects will contribute toward state climate goals by sequestering approximately 150,000 metric tons CO2 equivalent. Presented as information only.
The County Board was in receipt of a year-to-date budget report and reviewed the revenue and expenditures of each department; no action was taken.
As part of the budget review, the Administrator also discussed factors that will have an impact on the 2023 budget along with the variables in the current budget that remain unknown. The County Board directed 
the Budget Committee to begin the development of the 2023 budget.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following
meetings: no meetings.
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following
meetings: no meetings.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following
meetings: no meetings.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings:
Southwest Health & Human Services.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings: no meetings.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting was
declared adjourned by order of the chair.  
After the adjournment, the County Board toured the new office
space at the Generations building occupied by A.C.E.
(09-29)

Six Rock County 4-H’ers earned participation to the Minnesota State 4-H Horse Show Sept. 16-19 in St. Paul.
Riders included Mallie Fick, Morgan Bonnett, Lily Ehlers, Cash Bonnett, Kennedy Safar and Kellie VanDerBrink.
Safar competed in grade 13 events and finished eighth in poles, fifth in jumping figure 8 and fourth in barrels. Safar also competed in the key race.
VanDerBrink served as the county’s grand entry rider. She competed in grade 12 events, finishing tenth in jumping figure 8 and fifth in barrels. She also competed in poles and key race.
Ehlers competed in grade 11 western showmanship, western pleasure and western horsemanship.
Morgan Bonnett competed in grade 10 western showmanship, trail, poles, key race, western pleasure and barrels.
Cash Bonnett competed in grade 10 poles, jumping figure eight, key race and barrels.
Mallie Fick showed grade 9 trial, where she received seventh-place ribbon. She also competed in western showmanship and western pleasure.
 
Western Heritage
The Minnesota State 4-H Western Heritage event conducted Aug. 8 in Sauk Rapids featured four Rock County 4-H’ers earning ribbons at the annual event.
The team of Ayden Bonnett and Cash Bonnett placed second in senior pen-to-pen competition.
Ayden Bonnett finished third in senior breakaway.
Kennedy Safar placed second in senior round pen.
Kellie VanDerBrink finished fifth in senior goat tying.

Rock County Commissioners meet Aug. 16
Herreid Board Room          9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse Aug. 16, 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, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum, 
County Attorney Jeff Haubrich and Star-Herald Reporter Mavis Fodness. 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance. 
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the August 16, 2022,
County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote. 
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Williamson, to approve the August 02, 2022,
County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote. 
Motion by Burger, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the consent
agenda, declared carried on a voice vote. 
1. Resolution No. 29-22, Authorizing signature for the 2021 EMPG Grant, $17,498.00 
Jennifer Wipf, Luverne Business Owner, presented information regarding cannibus plants and the individual chemicals identified as Cannabinoids. Wipf stated that before July 1, 2022, psychotropic options were unregulated; new legislation adopted July 1, 2022 established a minimum age of 21 and limits all forms of THC to include Delta 9, all products must identify lab results and restricts the volume sold. With the current Moratorium adopted, she is not able to sell any of her products to include those that were previously unregulated. Wipf requested to be grandfathered in prior to the moratorium to allow her to resume her business and sell her products to exclude any products with the Delta 9. After discussion, action was tabled to allow for additional information to be researched. 
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims and per diems
totaling $2,800; motion by Thompson, seconded by Reisch, to approve the
claims and per diems, declared carried on a unanimous vote. A complete
listing the claims is available at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office.
AUGUST 16, 2022 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
ALADTEC INC     $2,853.00 
AMERICAN ENGINEERING TESTING, INC     16,835.00 
CHS INC     21,444.34 
COUNTIES PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY       6,835.00 
FIDLAR TECHNOLOGIES INC       4,041.20 
GRAHAM TIRE-WORTHINGTON       3,224.24 
HOWES OIL CO       2,029.50 
KETTERLING SERVICES INC     14,208.51 
LEADSONLINE       2,192.00 
LUVERNE/CITY OF     14,277.07 
LYON COUNTY LANDFILL     18,466.00 
MORRIS ELECTRONICS       4,579.98 
NOBLES COUNTY AUDITOR-TREASURER       8,940.00 
PICTOMETRY INTERNATIONAL CORP     16,916.32 
ROCK COUNTY OPPORTUNITIES                        3,163.54 
SEACHANGE       5,391.82 
STAPLES ENTERPRISES INC       2,690.85 
STREICHER'S       2,174.31 
TRANSOURCE TRUCK & EQUIPMENT INC       2,159.02 
TRUENORTH STEEL     14,615.80 
WEX BANK       3,917.66 
69 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000         24,023.60 
TOTAL $194,978.76 
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report; motion by Williamson,
seconded by Burger, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote. 
Administrator Oldre stated that the county was in receipt of an ARP funding 
request of $100,000 from the City of Magnolia; funds will be used to repair all city streets. 
The Administrator led a discussion regarding scheduling a County Board Retreat to discuss preliminary budget details; it was determined that the County Board Retreat would follow the September 6th County Board meeting. 
The Auditor/Treasurer presented an update regarding Primary Election, overall
voter turnout increased by 6.43% from the 2020 primary. 
Motion by Burger, seconded by Overgaard, to abate mobile home taxes of $1,989.73 due to the owner being decreased, declared carried on a voice vote. 
Doug Bos, presented a program update of Missouri River One Watershed One Plan stating that the projects identified in 2021 have been completed and that they have received the second round of funding of $1.3 million and are taking application for cost share for implementation, of which $100,000 was designed toward cover crops. High priority concerns and issue are: 
•Drinking water/elevated nitrates 
•Streams and rivers/sediment and phosphorus levels 
•Surface runoff/vegetative cover and field residue 
•Wetland/loss of functioning wetlands 
•Fish and wildlife habitat 
•Land stewardship/increasing soil health 
Linda Wenzel, ACE Program Manager, informed the County Board of the
ACE Volunteer Appreciation event scheduled for September 7th, at 5:30 p.m.
at the Generations location.
The Administrator informed the County Board that the Rock County FEMA declaration from the May 29-30 high winds event has qualified and that there are only (2) utility applicants. Rock County is also awaiting approval of the July 5th event from the state. 
The County Board was in receipt of MnDOT’s Road Quality follow up; Commissioner Thompson inquired what the traffic count was on US Highway 75 and what type of vehicle was utilized. No action was taken. 
The Administrator informed the County Board that preliminary work will 
begin within the next 2-weeks on repairs to the Kahler Terrace and Tunnel. 
The County Board held a discussion regarding the funding request of $1.9 million from Southwest MN Mental Health. Beth Wilms, SWHHS Director has indicated that the SWHHS organization to provide mental health services by utilizing other providers for the same budgeted amount of $429,000. After considerable discussion, motion by Burger, seconded by Williamson, to terminate the agreement with Southwest MN Mental Health effective 01/01/2023, declared carried on a voice vote. 
The Administrator informed the County Board that Rock County was informed by the Department of Motor Vehicles that Drivers Testing exams will be held once per month in Rock County instead of weekly. The Administrator was directed to contact legislators and the Commissioner of Public Safety to express the local frustration and to potentially discuss any potentials alternatives. 
The Administrator informed the County Board of an invitation from the City
of Luverne to tour Lineage Logistics on August 30th @ 4:30 p.m. Other office
activities include: working on the collection of budgets, will be meeting with representatives in reviewing health insurance rate for 2023 and that if any Commissioners are
going to the AMC Policy meeting, to check in with him for updates on various
legislative issues. 
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings:
Rural Water, Canvassing Board, Southwest Mental Health. 
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings: n/a 
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings:
Magnolia Township, Transit, Canvassing Board. 
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings: (2)
Southwest MN Mental Health, Southwest MN Mental Consortium. 
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings:
Southwestern MN Opportunity Council. 
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting
was declared adjourned by order of the chair.
(09-29)