By John RittenhouseThe Hills Thunder fell from the unbeaten ranks in amateur baseball play when it dropped a pair of games in a five-day span.Hills lost an 11-run decision in Wilmont Wednesday, May 21, before losing a 10-run home game to Fairmont Sunday.Hills, 1-2 overall, hosts Heron Lake Sunday.Fairmont 12, Hills 2A nine-run surge late in the game by Fairmont turned a close game into a 10-run difference Sunday in Hills.Fairmont led 3-2 after six innings of play before putting the game away by scoring two runs in the seventh inning, one in the eighth and six in the ninth.The teams battled to a scoreless draw through three innings before Fairmont took a 3-0 cushion by scoring once in the third inning and twice in the fourth.Hills countered with a two-run bottom-of-the-sixth to trim the difference to one at 3-2.Eric Harnack walked and Scott Harnack doubled before both runners scored on a double by Cade Lang for Hills.Chad Rauk pitched one-run ball for four innings and took the loss. He registered eight strikeouts while allowing three hits and three walks.David Top was touched for nine runs in four innings of relief. Ten walks hurt Top, who surrendered four hits. Eric Harnack tossed a scoreless ninth inning.Box score AB R H BIJ.Lang 0 0 0 0E.Harnack 2 1 0 0S.Harnack 4 1 3 0Sammons 4 0 0 0Top 2 0 0 0Funke 4 0 1 0Van Maannen 4 0 0 0Jellema 1 0 0 0C.Lang 3 0 1 2Rauk 1 0 0 0Carrol 3 0 1 0C.Harnack 0 0 0 0Forshey 1 0 0 0Wilmont 11, Hills 0The Thunder couldn’t put anything together offensively during an 11-run loss in Wilmont May 21.Jarud Lang and Derek Sammons collected one hit each to account for Hills’ two safeties in the contest.Top surrendered 11 runs, nine walks and six hits in a 4 2/3-inning stint as the starting pitcher. Top, who took the loss, recorded five strikeouts.Jarud Lang pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. He fanned four batters and allowed two hits.Box score AB R H BIJ.Lang 3 0 1 0E.Harnack 2 0 0 0S.Harnack 3 0 0 0Sammons 3 0 1 0Top 3 0 0 0Funke 2 0 0 0Van Maanen 3 0 0 0Jellema 2 0 0 0C.Lang 0 0 0 0

By John RittenhouseZach Wysong and the Luverne Cardinals experienced a successful start to the Section 3AA Baseball Tournament Saturday in Luverne.The Cardinals posted a pair of wins to open the 14-team, double-elimination event. Luverne was one of the tournament’s four unbeaten teams heading into a winner’s bracket game against Lac qui Parle Valley in Granite Falls Wednesday night.Luverne disposed of Red Rock Central-Westbrook-Walnut Grove and Jackson County Central in a pair of one-run games in Luverne Saturday.The Cards received a scare when they fell behind winless RRC-W-WG 2-1 in the first game, but Luverne rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth before winning 3-2 with a counter in the bottom of the ninth.Wysong was hitless in two official at bats in the opener, but he did make a difference in the outcome. Wysong drew a walk in the bottom of the sixth to load the bases for teammate Joey Pick, who walked to force home the tying run.The H-BC sophomore came up with a key hit during a 4-3 win over JCC in Game 2.Wysong was one-for-two in the game, chasing home Luverne’s second run of the second inning with a single that gave the Cards a 2-0 lead.Luverne, winner of four straight games, will play Saturday at a site that will be determined by the outcome of Wednesday’s game in Granite Falls.

By John RittenhouseThe Hills-Beaver Creek-Ellsworth-Edgerton teams had a good day at the Sub-Section 10 Track and Field championships in Slayton Thursday.Along with placing third in five-team fields, 23 Patriots qualified for the Section 3A meet by placing fourth or better in individual and relay events.Thirteen H-BC-E-E girls and 10 boys will compete at today’s section event in Montevideo. Meet time is 2 p.m."We had a great day," said Patriot coach Tom Goehle. "The kids performed exceptionally well. We were able to get everything we were hoping to get at this meet."The Patriot girls will send one sub-section champion to Montevideo. Cassi Tilstra shaved some time off her school record while winning the 800-meter run in 2:25.89.Tilstra also ran legs with H-BC-E-E’s 800- and 1,600-meter relay teams, which will advance to Montevideo after placing third.Tilstra, Mya Mann, Amber Poppen and Erin Boeve bettered the H-BC-E-E record with a 1:52.35 effort in the 800. Cassi Tilstra, Jocelyn Bucher, Mann and Amanda Tilstra ran the 1,600 in 4:23.63.Boeve and Poppen made bids to win sub-section crowns before settling for second-place performances during individual competition.Boeve was second in the long jump (16-1 1/4) and the 100-meter dash (13.32). Poppen, who covered 15-0 1/2 to place third in the long jump, cleared 4-10 to finish second in the high jump.H-BC-E-E’s 3,200-meter relay team consisting of Amanda Tilstra, Rachel Kvaale, Ashley and Jocelyn Bucher placed second in 10:39.31.Mann, Amanda Tilstra and Erika Fransen earned trips to Montevideo as individuals.Mann placed third in the 800 (2:35.5), Tilstra was third in the 1,600-meter run (6:13.71) and Fransen placed fourth in the 3,200-meter run (13:39.34).The 400-meter relay team of Chelsea Fink, Rosie Lewis, Amanda Connors and Kelly Mulder qualified for the section field by placing fourth with a time of 56.64.H-BC-E-E’s boys won six sub-section championships in Slayton.Chris Reid, who won the 100- and 200-meter dashes in 11.27 and 23.99, set a new H-BC record with the winning distance of 21-9 3/4 in the long jump. The old standard of 21-8 3/4 belonged to Steve Esselink since 1999.Reid also ran a leg with H-BC-E-E’s champion 1,600-meter relay, which turned in a time of 3:34.54. Todd Alberty, Kale Wiertzema and Tyler Bush are other members of the team.Bush and Cody Scholten also secured sub-section titles. Bush won the 800-meter run in 2:00.08. Scholten cleared 6-0 to win the high jump.H-BC-E-E’s 3,200-meter relay team of Alberty, Wiertzema, Bush and Lee Jackson placed second with a time of 8:22.92, and the 800-meter team Zach Boyum, Curt Schilling, Dylan Kvaale and Brad Van Dyke placed fourth in 1:42.18.Alberty, Schilling and Jackson locked up individual berths in the section meet, too. Alberty was third in the 400-meter dash (54.49) and fourth in the triple jump (39-9 1/2). Schilling extended his H-BC-E-E school record to 45-0 while placing fourth in the shot put. Jackson ran 800 meters in 2:10.14 to place fourth.Here is a look at the rest of H-BC-E-E’s Top-Six finishers and the team standings from the sub-section meet.Girls’ standings: Luverne 210, Pipestone 158, H-BC-E-E 84, Murray County Central 54, Southwest Christian 33.Boys’ standings: Luverne 150, SWC 129, H-BC-E-E 101, MCC 87, Pipestone 82.H-BC-E-E girlsFifth place: J.Bucher, 300 hurdles, 57.22; Kvaale, 1600, 6:19.12.H-BC-E-E boysFifth place: Scholten, 100, 12.25; John Sandbulte, 1,600, 5:26.99; Wiertzema, 400, 56.18; 400 relay (Boyum, Schilling, Scholten and Van Dyke), 47.43.Sixth place: Sandbulte, triple jump, 36-10; Devin DeBoer, 110 hurdles, 20.59; DeBoer, 1,600, 5:31.42; Sandbulte, 300 hurdles, 49.47.

PROBATE COURTDISTRICT COURT—COUNTY COURTPROBATE DIVISIONORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION AND NOTICE TO CREDITORSSTATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKIn Re: Estate ofCarol Reimer a/k/a Carol R. Reimer DeceasedTO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:It is Ordered and Notice is hereby given that on the 23rd day of June, 2003, at 9:00 O’clock A.M., a hearing will be held in the above named Court at Rock County Courthouse, Luverne, Minnesota, for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of the above named deceased, dated April 21, 1998, and for the appointment of Susan Lee Mohr and Gregory John Reimer whose addresses are 902 8th St., S., St. James, MN and 4338 360th St., Emmetsburg, IA 50536, as personal representatives of the estate of the above named decedent in supervised administration, and that any objections thereto must be filed with the Court. That, if proper, and no objections are filed, said personal representatives will be appointed to administer the estate, to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, and sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the estate. Upon completion of the administration, the representatives shall file a final account for the allowance and shall distribute the estate to the persons thereto entitled as ordered by the Court, and close the estate. Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present the same to said personal representatives or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred. Dated: May 22, 2003 /S/Timothy K. ConnellDistrict Court Judge/s/ Douglas E. Eisma /S/Douglas E. Eisma Sandra L. VrtacnikAttorney for Petitioner Court AdministratorEisma and Eisma130 East Main, Box 625Luverne, MN 56156(507) 283-4828I.D.#158343(5-29, 6-5)

PUBLIC NOTICEThe Luverne Housing and Redevelopment Authority invites bids for the provision of the following insurance coverage: Effective date of coverage: June 13, 2003 Real and Personal Property - $4,380,431Non-Owned Automobile - $1,000,000 per occurrenceComprehensive/Commercial General Liability - $1,000,000 per occurrenceBID OPENING WILL BE THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2003, AT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE LUVERNE HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, 12 P.M. IN THE COMMUNITY ROOM OF THE BLUE MOUND TOWER, 216 N. MC KENZIE, LUVERNE, MN. ALL BIDS/QUOTES MUST BE PROVIDED TO THE AUTHORITY OFFICE BY 4 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11. For further information, please contact Marcia Linssen, Executive Director, at the Housing Authority Office, 216 N. McKenzie, Luverne, MN (507-283-4922)(5-29, 6-5)

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICEThe Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC) will hold a public hearing on its budget for Fiscal Year 2004 (July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004) on Thursday, June 12, 2003 at the Center for Regional Development, 2401 Broadway Avenue, Slayton, MN. The Hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue until all persons wishing to offer testimony have been heard. Copies of the proposed budget may be obtained at the Southwest Regional Development Commission Office, 2401 Broadway Avenue, Slayton, Minnesota. Copies of the proposed budget are also on file with each county auditor, county coordinator, city clerk, and township clerk in Region 8. (5-29)

MAY 8, 2003MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184, ROCK COUNTY, LUVERNE, MINNESOTA.A regular meeting of the Board of Education, ISD #2184, was held in the MS/HS Media Center on Thursday, May 8, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. The following members were present: Don Bryan, Colleen Deutsch, Dan Kopp, Cary Radisewitz, Bill Stegemann, Steve Tofteland, and Becky Walgrave. Also present; Superintendent Vince Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Stacy Gillette, Jan Olson, Melody Tenhoff, Patti Nelson, Jane Cote, Marie Atkinson-Smeins, Kathy Olson, Tom Lanoue, Louise Thorson, Dave Meyer, Dan Amborn, Delaine Jensen, Beth Behal, Jerry Jensen, Wendy Nath, Kristi Groth, Elmer Menage, Joe Schomacker, Wendy Bosshart, Keith Erickson, Mary Jo Graphenteen, Matt Crosby, K101/KQAD Radio, and Lori Ehde, Rock County Star Herald.The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dan Kopp. Mr. Schaefer gave announcements including there is an addendum to the agenda. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Deutsch, to approve the agenda with addendum. Motion unanimously carried. Marie-Atkinson-Smeins spoke to the Board regarding the proposed termination and nonrenewal of the teaching contract of Kristi Groth, Middle School Counselor. Administrative reports were given. Motion by Tofteland, second by Stegemann, to approve the School Board minutes of April 24, 2003. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Walgrave, to approve Jim Gilman from Conway, Deuth, and Schmiessing, PLLP, to complete the audit of the 2002-2003 fiscal year. Motion unanimously carried. Superintendent Schaefer reviewed the Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance rates for next year. The School District will see an increase in premiums of 10.5%. Motion by Walgrave, second by Radisewitz, to continue with Blue Cross/Blue Shield through the insurance pool that includes 51 school districts. Motion unanimously carried. Superintendent Schaefer reviewed a list of surplus property that needs to be discarded. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to set an auction with Duane Mulder Auction Service on June 10, 2003, at 6:00 p.m. at the Bus Garage parking lot. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Bryan, to support the concept of the Telecommunications and Technology project as presented at the last meeting, in theory. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Tofteland, second by Stegemann, to approve hiring Lori Christensen as High School Spanish Teacher and Assistant Softball coach. Motion unanimously carried.Member Stegemann introduced the following resolution:RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE TERMINATION AND NONRENEWAL OF THE TEACHING CONTRACT OF KRISTI GROTH, A PROBATIONARY TEACHERWHEREAS, Kristi Groth is a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 2184. BE IT RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent School District No. 2184, that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 122A.40, Subdivision 5, that the teaching contact of Kristi Groth, a probationary teacher in Independent School District No. 2184, is hereby terminated at the close of the current 2002-2003 school year.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that written notice be sent to said teacher regarding termination and non-renewal of her contract as provided by law, and that said notice shall be in substantially the following form: NOTICE OF TERMINATION AND NON-RENEWALDear Ms. Groth:You are hereby notified that at a regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 2184, held on May 8, 2003, a resolution was adopted by a majority roll call vote to terminate your contract effective at the end of the current school year and not to renew your contract for the 2002-2003 school year. Said action of the board is taken pursuant to M.S. 122 A.40, Subd. 5. You may officially request that the school board give its reasons for the non-renewal of your teaching contract. For your information, however, this action is taken because of the discontinuance of your position; namely, a Counselor in the Middle School, due to financial limitations. Yours very truly,SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184Clerk of the School Board The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Member Bryan and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Bryan, Deutsch, Kopp, Radisewitz, Stegemann, Tofteland and Walgrave; and the following voted against: none whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. Superintendent Schaefer addressed the School Board and audience regarding the current School District budget. He stated that the District has been deficit spending the last two years and is needing to cut $200,000 from its budget. He also noted that this is a negotiations year for the certified teaching staff and that the step increases on the salary schedule alone will amount to between 3-4% and that the health insurance premiums will increase by 10%. He stated that the School District would need additional funding of $100 per pupil unit this next year just to keep up with these increases – however, at this time it does not appear that the legislature will be increasing the funding of education. Motion by Walgrave, second by Radisewitz, to adopt the following: RESOLUTION DISCONTINUING AND REDUCING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND POSITIONS WHEREAS, the School Board of Independent School District No. 2184 adopted a resolution on January 23, 2003, directing the administration to make recommendations for reductions in programs and positions, and WHEREAS, said recommendations have been received and considered by the school board, BE IT RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent School District No. 2184, as follows:1) That the 7-12 Activities Director position be discontinued effective June 30, 2003;2) That Harvey Crable, the 7-12 Activities Director be terminated and not renewed effective June 30, 2003;3) That Harvey Crable be notified of the School Board’s action in writing.Upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:Deutsch, Radisewitz, Bryan, Walgrave, Stegemann, Tofteland, and Kopp; and the following voted against the same: none; whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.Committee reports were given.Motion by Bryan, second by Deutsch, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried.Dated: May 8, 2003William Stegemann, Clerk(5-29)

Bridge bids set for June 27ROCK COUNTY, MNBRIDGE CONSTRUCTIONCLOSING DATE-JUNE 27, 2003ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDSNOTICE TO CONTRACTORSSealed bids will be received until 10:00 A.M. on Friday June 27, 2003 by Mark Sehr, County Engineer, at the Rock County Highway Building, 1120 North Blue Mound Ave., Luverne, MN 56156 on behalf of the Commissioner of Transportation as agent for said County for construction of the county project listed below. Proposals will be opened and read publicly by the Commissioner of Transportation or his representative at the Rock County Highway Building, Luverne, MN immediately after the hour set for receiving bids. Bids will be awarded on July 8, 2003 at the regular Board of Commissioners Meeting.S.P. 67-599-62, Minnesota Project No. BROS 6702 (037). Construct Bridge 67548-23.0’-29.0’-23.0’ Continuous Concrete Slab Span, length 77.5 feet, Located over the Beaver Creek, 2 miles northeast of Beaver Creek, MN. The major items of work are to Construct Bridge 67548.Minimum wage rates to be paid by the Contractors have been predetermined and are subject to the Work Hours Act of 1962, P.L. 87-581 and implementing regulations. READ CAREFULLY THE WAGE SCALES AND DIVISION A OF THE SPECIAL PROVISIONS AS THEY AFFECT THIS/THESE PROJECT/PROJECTSThe Minnesota Department of Transportation hereby notifies all bidders; in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Act), as amended and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Subtitle A Part 21, Non-discrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation, it will affirmatively assure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded maximum opportunity to participate and/or to submit bids in response to this invitation, and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, disability, age, religion, sex or national origin in consideration for an award; in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, and Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 230 Subpart A-Equal Employment Opportunity on Federal and Federal-Aid Construction Contracts (including supportive services), it will affirmatively assure increased participation of minority groups and disadvantaged persons and women in all phases of the highway construction industry, and that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement equal employment opportunity will be provided to all persons without regard to their race, color, disability, age, religion, sex or national origin; in accordance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota Statute 363.03 Unfair Discriminatory Practices, it will affirmatively assure that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement equal employment opportunity will be offered to all persons without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age;in accordance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota Statute 363.073 Certificates of Compliance for Public Contracts, and 363.074 Rules for Certificates of Compliance, it will assure that appropriate parties to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement possess valid Certificates of Compliance. If you are not a current holder of a compliance certificate issued by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and intend to bid on any job in this advertisement you must contact the Department of Human Rights immediately for assistance in obtaining a certificate. The following notice from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights applies to all contractors:"It is hereby agreed between the parties that Minnesota Statute, section 363.073 and Minnesota Rules, parts 5000.3400 to 5000.3600 are incorporated into any contract between these parties based on this specification or any modification of it. A copy of Minnesota Statute 363.073 and Minnesota rules, parts 5000.3400 to 5000.3600 is available upon request from the contracting agency."The non-refundable cost for Plan & Proposal will be $25.00. Plans, Specifications and Proposal may be examined and obtained at the office of the Rock County Highway Engineer, 1120 North Blue Mound Ave., P.O. Box 808, Luverne, MN 56156-0808.All bids shall be made on Proposal Forms furnished by the Engineer and must be accompanied by a certified check or corporate surety bond drawn in favor of the Rock County Treasurer in the amount as designated on the Proposal Form. Sealed bids shall be clearly marked "Project No. S.P. 67-599-62."The Board of Rock County Commissioners reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any defects therein. Rock County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.Mark R. SehrRock County Highway Engineer (5-29, 6-5, 6-12)

Maybe I've been gone from Minnesota too long. From a distance, it looks like Minnesota's political values have dramatically changed. I grew up in a state with a strong health care system and a strong commitment to the health and care of its citizens. That doesn't seem to be true anymore when it comes to preventing the massive physical and economic harms caused by tobacco. Just last year, Minnesota was a national leader in policies and programs that educated kids and families about the dangers of tobacco. Minnesota's youth access to tobacco laws were among the best in the nation at preventing teens from obtaining cigarettes. In 1998, Minnesota won $6 billion in a lawsuit with the tobacco industry. Money from that lawsuit was set aside and used to build one of the most successful tobacco prevention programs in the country. Today it is a different story. Not a single dime from the $6 billion lawsuit will be spent on tobacco prevention programs this year. The program's been killed. Legislators say there isn't any money available. Do you really expect me to believe they can't set aside a small portion of $6 billion to help keep the big tobacco companies away from our kids? Other states are doing just that in spite of having to deal with massive budget shortfalls. Mississippi has cut youth smoking by 25 percent since 1999 using money from their lawsuit. When was the last time Mississippi ranked higher at anything than Minnesota? At the same time, powerful legislators almost succeeded in passing legislation to weaken the fines levied on stores that sell cigarettes to kids. What in the world could possibly make that a good idea? All of this while tobacco industry marketing expenditures topped $9 billion a year in the United States and the amount the tobacco industry spends marketing tobacco products in convenience stores skyrocketed. This isn't a partisan rant. While Gov. Pawlenty lead the charge in shutting down Minnesota's successful tobacco prevention program, the Senate DFL leadership refused to stand and fight for Minnesota's kids and families. Calling any of them "leaders" is hardly appropriate. As a result of this legislative session the tobacco companies will sell more cigarettes to more children in Minnesota. That's just plain wrong. Luverne was and still is a great place to raise a family. I look forward to every chance I get to bring my own growing family back home. But I wonder about my home state. Let's hope I'm wrong. Maybe Minnesota's political values haven't changed. But from 1,000 miles away, Minnesota looks like a different place. Carter HeadrickAustin, Texas