Mortgage foreclosure sale set for Oct. 20 
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage:
DATE OF MORTGAGE: July 31, 2009
  ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $142,300.00
MORTGAGOR(S): Jimmie H. Lafrenz and Janice M. Larson, two single persons
MORTGAGEE: Minnwest Mortgage Corporation
LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR STATED ON THE MORTGAGE: Minnwest Mortgage Corporation
SERVICER:  Specialized Loan Servicing LLC
DATE AND PLACE OF FILING: Filed August 3, 2009, Rock County Recorder, as Document Number 171866
  ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc; Dated: July 31, 2009 filed: August 3, 2009, recorded as document number 171867; thereafter assigned to Specialized Loan Servicing, LLC; Dated: February 1, 2018 filed: April 26, 2018, recorded as document number 192552
LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:
That part of the SE 1/4 of Section 35, Township 102 North, Range 46 West of the 5th P.M. described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of Section 35; Thence South 89 degrees 57 minutes 35 seconds West (Geodetic bearing) along the South line of the SE 1/4 of said Section a distance of 717.00 feet to the point of beginning; Thence North 00 degrees 02 minutes 26 seconds West a distance of 50.00 feet to a point; Thence continuing North 00 degrees 02 minutes 26 seconds West a distance of 425.00 feet to a point; Thence South 89 degrees 57 minutes 35 seconds West a distance of 655.00 feet to a point; Thence South 00 degrees 02 minutes 26 seconds East a distance of 425.00 feet to a point; Thence continuing South 00 degrees 02 minutes 26 seconds East a distance of 50.00 feet to said South line; Thence North 89 degrees 57 minutes 35 seconds East along said South line a distance of 655.00 feet to said point of beginning.
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 783 71st St, Beaver Creek, MN 56116
PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 02-0191-000
COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Rock
THE AMOUNT CLAIMED TO BE DUE ON THE MORTGAGE ON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE:  $113,010.21
THAT all pre-foreclosure requirements have been complied with; that no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof;
PURSUANT, to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows:
DATE AND TIME OF SALE: October 20, 2022, 10:00 A.M.
PLACE OF SALE:  Sheriff's Main Office, West Side Sheriff Dept, Front Step, Luverne, MN 56156
to pay the debt secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys fees allowed by law, subject to redemption within 6 months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s) the personal representatives or assigns.
TIME AND DATE TO VACATE PROPERTY:  If the real estate is an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling, unless otherwise provided by law, the date on or before which the mortgagor(s) must vacate the property, if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property is not redeemed under section 580.23, is 11:59 p.m. on April 20, 2023, or the next business day if April 20, 2023, falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.
"THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR'S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES SECTION 582.032 DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN 5 UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.
 
Dated: August 26, 2022
 
Specialized Loan Servicing, LLC
Assignee of Mortgagee 
 
LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP
 
BY ___________________________
Melissa L. B. Porter - 0337778
Gary J. Evers - 0134764
Joseph M. Rossman - 0397070
Attorneys for Mortgagee
LOGS Legal Group LLP
1715 Yankee Doodle Road, Suite 210
Eagan, MN 55121
(952) 831-4060
 
THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR
(09-01, 09-08, 09-15, 09-22, 09-20, 10-06)

Luverne hosted its annual fly-in (and drive-in) pancake breakfast Saturday morning at Quentin Aanenson Field where a record 424 people enjoyed classic planes and automobiles, inflatables for kids and a few jumps by Skydive Adventures, which has its home base at the Luverne airport.
Wind shear canceled the Young Eagles airplane rides for kids, but organizer Jim Juhl took names and will arrange for kids to get their rides when conditions allow. According to City Administrator John Call and airport volunteers, 424 had pancakes this year (up from the 2019 record of 413). There were 58 classic cars and 10 participating planes on display.

A new executive director joined the leadership team at Rock County Opportunities, which provides services and employment for local adults with disabilities.
Eric Sage, who started Aug. 24 in Luverne, brings more than 15 of experience to the position after working with home and community-based services in the Minneapolis metro area.
Since 2016 he was senior director of True Friends, a nonprofit organization providing respite care at camps for children and adults with disabilities.
Prior to that, he worked with Hammer Residences, another influential Twin Cities provider for people with intellectual disabilities.
“It’s very rewarding when you can help individuals and their families with needs,” Sage said. “I’m looking forward to meeting our families and filling that need here in Luverne.”
Adria Benson and Danielle Landberg have been co-directing RCO since Beth Bartels left in 2020.
“Things have gone great as far as the team leadership approach we started about a year ago,” Benson said. “But we have kind of felt there was a piece missing and decided to hire an ED to help the organization continue to grow and flourish.”
She said the RCO board and directors wanted to get a feel for what they needed and how the executive director’s position would be structured before hiring someone.
“I can say with confidence that we are all proud of the last year and what RCO has been able to do with our team leadership,” Benson said.
“We are doing well financially, the individuals we support and their teams are happy with the services provided, and we have a great team of staff here.”
At the six-month mark, she said they evaluated progress and determined a point person would be helpful to relieve the team leaders of some responsibilities.
“We each still had our previous jobs to do, and adding these duties didn't allow us to devote the time we needed into certain areas,” Benson said.
“We felt that it would be really important for the future and growth of RCO to have someone who could focus their time on things like fundraising, legislative needs, ideas for growth and additional community outreach. … In order for RCO to be the best it can be, we all felt that we needed to bring someone else in.”
She said the RCO board and staff are looking forward to working with Sage.
“We're very excited to have Eric start,” Benson said.
“He has a lot of experience and knowledge in this field, and he will be able to continue the good things that our team has accomplished over the last year — as well as think of new ideas.”
Originally from Yankton, South Dakota, Sage said his new job in Luverne puts him closer to family.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to be back in the area,” he said. “Luverne is a great community.”
He and his wife, Becca, recently moved to Brandon after she was recruited by Sanford to fill a physician’s assistant position in Sioux Falls.
They have three children, twin 4-year-old boys, Jameson and Beckham, and a 2-year-old daughter, Henly.
He said he’s grateful for the short 20-minute commute for a job he enjoys in the state of Minnesota where he understands its laws and regulations of services for disabled adults.
“It just worked out really well,” he said.
Sage said he anticipates hiring and retaining staff will continue to be a challenge across the state, unless legislators do more to help.
“I hope that local providers and the state of Minnesota can continue to find ways to help our families and individuals with special needs,” he said.

When Luverne and Hills-Beaver Creek schools open Tuesday for the 2022-23 school year, a school resource officer will greet students in the hallways.
Rock County deputy Jeff Stratton was hired for the new position that will serve as a liaison between law enforcement and schools.
“I will literally have contact with every kid in the entire county and do whatever I can to help them,” Stratton said.
“It is something new, never been done here and gives me an opportunity to build a program from the bottom up.”
For the past week, Stratton has addressed school staff in Luverne and H-BC about his duties in the districts, which will sometimes include attending evening sporting events.
His main job, however, is to be the liaison between the Sheriff’s Office and the school districts. Part of his job includes checking Sheriff’s Office daily incident logs for incidents involving students.
“The biggest thing is making those connections,” he said.
During the school day, Stratton will wear a “soft uniform” — a polo shirt and dress pants. He’ll be armed, but will only carry handcuffs and a radio. Stratton will wear his full uniform at events.
 
What will an SRO do?
Sheriff Evan Verbrugge outlined more of Stratton’s duties in the school districts at a liaison meeting between the Luverne School Board and county officials Thursday before the regular school board meeting.
“This is an opportunity for our juveniles to see an officer in the best possible light and, if they have an issue, they will have easy contact with us,” Verbrugge said.
In addition to fostering positive relationships with students and staff, Stratton will also develop programs like bike safety, school patrol, DARE (drug abuse resistance education) and ALICE (an intruder safety program).
He’ll work with administrators on truancy and will investigate criminal complaints regarding juveniles.
“He will assist school admin with enforcement, but will not be the school disciplinarian,” Verbrugge said.
Stratton will be first on the scene of an intruder incident while other law enforcement officers are called for assistance.
“Hopefully we won’t have a bad situation,” Stratton said. “That’s why we have this position — be as prepared as possible.”
 
SRO program
is jointly funded
The $100,000 school resource officer budget is funded through a city, county and school agreement.
The city of Luverne agreed to fund a third of the program along with the county. The two schools’ costs are prorated as four days in Luverne and one day a week in H-BC.
Stratton, who joined the Rock County office in January 2020, was the sole applicant for the position. “I’ve done a lot in my career already,” he said. “This is something else I can do to further my career.”
Stratton grew up in Luverne and graduated from LHS in 1998. He worked with his uncles at Cor-Tech Manufacturing until 2003 when he went back to school for a law enforcement career.
“I was literally walking through the shop one day and heard on the radio that Minnesota West was offering a law enforcement class for the first time,” Stratton said.
He and Sgt. Daryl Fuerstenberg were in the first graduating class.
Stratton worked near the Twin Cities for more than 15 years before he and his wife, Amy (an Adrian native), moved back to Rock County. They have three grown daughters.
“Family was the biggest catalyst,” he said. “When you have a bad day, there is always that personal connection.”
Stratton served on the Luverne School Board, a position he resigned in late July when he was hired as school resource officer.
“I truly do like kids and I like helping, that’s why I was on the school board — to make Luverne Schools a little bit better,” he said. “This opportunity opens it up a little more because I am working in both schools.”

Hills-Beaver Creek School District will add four new teachers to its staff as the 2022-23 school year opens Sept. 6.
Melanie Kruse will teach special education in H-BC Elementary School after spending the past five years teaching at Lifescape Specialty School in Sioux Falls.
“I taught in a self-contained classroom for primarily low behavior needs for the first year and then for primarily medically complex needs for the past three years,” Kruse said.
The Toronto, South Dakota, native graduated from Deubrook Area School District in 2014 before attending Northern State University in Aberdeen. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education along with a recently completed master’s degree.
She’s married to Josh Kruse, and they recently moved to Luverne. The couple has one daughter, Elizabeth, 18 months.
“I am most looking forward to building bonds with students and community in Hills-Beaver Creek and to helping my students grow in their skills,” she said.
Allesia Kolles will teach K-12 music and choir at the H-BC elementary and secondary schools.
Kolles grew up in St. Michael, Minnesota, where she graduated from high school. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout and received a master’s degree from Hawthorn University.
She worked as a substitute teacher for the past four years.
“This will be my first year teaching,” Kolles said. “I am looking forward to working with the students in the H-BC community.”
Arielle Larson will fill dual roles at H-BC Elementary.
For part of her day Larson will be the district’s early childhood special education teacher. The rest of the day she will work as a paraprofessional.
As a child, Larson lived in Pipestone and moved to Luverne in 2000. She graduated from Ellsworth High School in 2004.
She received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Presentation College and spent 15 years with adults with disabilities. For the last two years Larson was a substitute teacher in Luverne and H-BC as well as being a paraprofessional at H-BC.
Six years ago she and her husband, Lance, an H-BC graduate, moved to rural Hills. The couple has a 2-year-old named Layton.
“I am most excited about this year to meet students and make connections in the community,” she said.
Isabel Sylvanie is H-BC’s new K-12 art instructor.
The Arlington, South Dakota, native attended University of Sioux Falls, where she received her art education degree.
After college she was a substitute teacher with Brandon and Sioux Falls school districts before accepting the full-time position at H-BC.
“Being back in a smaller district” is what Sylvanie is looking forward to most in her first teaching position.
She makes her home in Sioux Falls.

Among the nine new teachers at Luverne Public Schools are seasoned educators, first-time teachers and, in some instances, LHS graduates returning to work at their alma mater.
Each is excited for the 2022-23 school year starting Tuesday, Sept. 6.
Traci Davis returned to college after spending 15 years in the classroom as a paraprofessional in Luverne.
A lifelong Luverne native, Davis (maiden name Siebenahler) graduated from LHS in 1995. She pursued a K-12 behavioral strategies licensure and educational studies degree from Southwestern Minnesota State University in Marshall.
Davis will teach special education at Luverne Elementary.
“This is my first year teaching,” she said. “I have subbed for the Luverne School District when needed the past couple of years.”
Davis and her husband, Mike, have three boys, Trae, Carson and Carter.
“I am looking forward to working with my colleagues and meeting my students,” Davis said.
Peyten Elbers also recently changed careers and will teach fourth-graders at Luverne Elementary.
“Prior to teaching, I was a licensed day care provider in Rock County for five years,” she said.
The Pipestone native and her husband, Derek, have lived in Luverne for the past 10 years. He works for the City of Luverne Public Works Department. They have three children: Hayden will be a second-grader, Luke is in junior kindergarten and Emersyn is 2.
Elbers graduated from the Grand Canyon University in Arizona in 2022. She student taught in Luverne, finishing in December 2021, and worked as a substitute teacher for Luverne and Pipestone school districts this spring.
“What I’m looking forward to is officially becoming a part of the Luverne Cardinal family,” Elbers said. “The staff was so helpful and welcoming last year while I student taught and subbed. I’m excited to officially be part of this team and meet all my students.”
Rylie Hokeness is starting her teaching career at Luverne Elementary in a first-grade classroom.
The Adrian High School graduate attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, achieving a degree in early childhood education.
While in college, she taught one semester of preschool in Brookings before student teaching in a Luverne first-grade classroom in the fall of 2021.
This spring, Hokeness was a kindergarten through fifth-grade substitute teacher, later becoming a long-term substitute in a first-grade classroom for Luverne Schools.
“During my student teaching and substituting experiences, I have thoroughly enjoyed the environment, students and staff,” she said. “I look forward to being a part of an incredible team and making a positive impact on my students.”
Hokeness is planning a June 2023 wedding to Luverne High School graduate Jake Haugen.
They plan to live in Luverne.
Matt Fodness is adding “ag teacher” to his resume that includes farmer and former lab analyst, since graduating from LHS in 2009 and South Dakota State University, Brookings, with a biology degree.
“I worked as a lab analyst at Newport Labs in Worthington for a few years after graduating from college,” he said. “I left Newport in 2018 when my dad had some health issues with the intention to be around the farm more. Since then I have been managing the farm and working several part-time gigs.”
Fodness lives north of Kenneth with his wife, Lara, and children Milo, 5, Ellie, 2, and Clint, 6 months. His parents, Gary and Brenda Fodness, live nearby.
“Teaching was something I had considered when I was younger but never pursued. I was looking to replace a few of my part-time jobs with something more meaningful and consistent,” he said.
“When I saw the opportunity with Dennis (Moritz) retiring, I thought I should give it a shot.”
In Luverne, Fodness will teach the introductory ag classes, welding and mechanics and will advise the FFA Chapter members.
Fodness was a substitute teacher in Worthington for a year after college graduation and recently was a substitute teacher in Edgerton and Luverne.
“I look forward to teaching students the importance of learning, developing and seeking new skills for the future,” he said.
Sandee “Sam” Goldsmith joins the Luverne High School social studies department with nearly 30 years of classroom experience in Worthington.
“I enjoy the small-town feeling in Luverne,” Goldsmith said. “I also like that Worthington and Luverne compete against each other all year long, but that won’t impact the support for all Luverne Cardinals.”
Her husband, Ken Scroggs, is a veteran and an active member of the Minnesota National Guard and is a carpenter at the VA hospital in Sioux Falls
“I appreciate the support of the military that I see in Luverne,” she said.
The Twin Cities native graduated from Wayzata High School and attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth and graduated with degrees in social studies and psychology.
After a year of teaching Montessori School in Minneapolis, Goldsmith began teaching at Worthington High School in 1994.
Goldsmith has master’s degrees in K-12 school counseling and in American history and is working on a doctorate in curriculum and instruction.
In Luverne, Goldsmith will teach American government, economics, geography and a dual-enrollment course through Minnesota West Community and Technical College.
“It’s going to be a great year, and I am really looking forward to meeting my students, their families and members of the community,” she said.
Jacqueline Johnson is coming to Luverne Elementary School after spending 15 years with the Southwest/West Central Service Cooperative in Marshall.
She will be the speech-language pathologist for Luverne School District.
The South Dakota native has a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion and a master’s degree from Purdue University.
Johnson and her husband, Travis, have lived in Luverne for 15 years and have five children. Lexi, 22, is currently in college at the University of Minnesota. Gabi, 21, is an enlisted Navy linguist. Elise, 18, is attending college in North Dakota State University, Fargo. Jude, 13, and Joss, 10, are students at Luverne Public Schools.
Johnson said what she is looking forward to the most in Luverne is “connecting with families and students — sharing my soup recipes.”
Katie Kopp, a 2003 LHS grad, returns to Luverne Public School as the middle school computer and high school business teacher.
She will also be the adviser for Business Professionals of America (BPA) for the upcoming school year.
“I have worked in the Luverne community before pursuing education and am excited to return to Luverne Public Schools as an educator,” she said.
“Luverne has many opportunities for families and students. It’s a great place to raise a family and we feel so fortunate to have our families nearby.”
She and Jordan have three children, Ellianna, a second-grader, and Hudson and Logan, both in day care.
Kopp’s parents are Doug and Pam Dooyema of Luverne, and Jordan’s parents are Jon and Peggy Kopp, Kenneth.
“Previously I worked in the business world primarily in human resources the past 13 years,” she said. “I was employed with Gold’n Plump Poultry before its operations moved out of Luverne.”
Kopp has a master’s degree in business administration from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall and earned her teaching license through Winona State University.
She completed her student teaching requirement at Luverne Public Schools.
Kopp’s first year of teaching was last year in Adrian High School where she taught computer, business, personal finance, accounting and economics.
“I enjoyed working in Luverne and am excited to be back full-time in my own classroom,” Kopp said. “I love taking my previous work experiences and include it in what I teach. Born and raised in Luverne, it’s pretty exciting to be back.”
Lindsey Schomacker is one of the seasoned educators returning to Luverne. She’s a 2008 LHS graduate.
Schomacker (maiden name Richters) attended college at Minnesota State University-Mankato after high school, majoring in special education and development cognitive disabilities.
She will teach special education for grades 6 through 12 in Luverne.
She said she looks forward to “a two-minute commute instead of 30 minutes,” after nine years of teaching special education in Worthington.
Schomacker moved to Luverne after her college graduation with her husband, Tony, a local business owner. They have two children, Hattie and Liam. Her parents are Rick and Lynn Richters, Luverne, and her husband’s parents are Randy and Sharon Schomacker, Luverne.
Sara Weber will teach kindergarten through 12th-grade English as a Second Language at Luverne along with a foundations of writing class.
Weber grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, and attended the University of Minnesota her freshman year. She transferred home to the University of Nebraska, where she received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
“Fun fact: My bachelor’s degree is actually in business administration and I worked in the banking software industry for a couple years before returning to school to obtain my teaching degree,” she said.
Weber married LHS Class of 1999 graduate Brian Weber, and the couple make their home in rural Luverne on Brian’s fifth-generation family farm. They have two sons, who will be first- and third-graders at Luverne Elementary.
For the past decade, Weber taught at the Brandon middle school, with the first two years of her teaching career in Lincoln, Nebraska.
“I am looking forward to getting to know people in Luverne and being more involved in the community where I live,” she said.
“I am excited to teach a wide range of ages. A shorter commute and being on the same schedule as my boys is always a huge bonus.”

The Luverne tennis team continued its winning streak this past week with five key wins and a tournament championship over the past week.
The Cardinals beat Yellow Medicine East and MACCRAY on the road Tuesday, Aug. 23, and Lac Qui Parle Valley and Montevideo in Luverne Thursday, Aug. 25th.
The Cardinals also claimed the team championship in the Worthington Doubles Tournament on Saturday and defeated River Valley 4-3 in Sleepy Eye on Monday.
Luverne improves its dual record to 7-0 for the season with the wins.
The Cardinals were scheduled to play in Fairmont Tuesday and will return from the Labor Day break to host Blue Earth Area Tuesday, Sept. 6, before traveling to Marshall Thursday, Sept. 8.
 
Luverne 5, YME 2
The Cardinals won all three doubles matches and two singles matches in straight sets over YME on Aug. 23.
Luverne’s Sarah Stegenga and Katharine Kelm defeated Abigail Jimenes and Katelyn Luepke 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1 doubles. At No. 2 doubles, Luvernes’s Cassi Chesley and Roselynn Hartshorn defeated Sarana West and Brianna Nelson 6-1, 6-0. Caitlin Kindt and Morgan Hadler from Luverne at No. 3 doubles strolled to a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Breea Jonson and Reagan Streich. 
In singles matches, Luverne’s Priscilla Muehr defeated Hope Foy with a 6-2, 6-2 win at No. 3 singles, and Augusta Papik beat Emma Keller 6-1, 6-1 at No. 4 singles for Luverne’s two singles victories. At No. 1 singles, Luverne’s Rayann Remme lost to Hope Stark 6-4, 6-1 and Tori Hemme lost to Liz Ross 5-7, 6-1, 10-2 at No. 2 singles for the Luverne losses.
 LHS head coach Jon Beers said he was pleased with how well all the girls played. “We had two matches that didn't go our way, but both girls played very competitive matches,” he said.
 
Luverne 6, MACCRAY 1
LHS was victorious in three of four singles matches and all three doubles matches for a 6-1 victory over MACCRAY on Aug. 23.
Coach Beers changed some of the lineup for the second match of the day.
At No. 1 singles, Remme won by scores of 6-4, 6-3. Hartshorn and Chesley moved to singles play at No. 2 and No. 3. Hartshorn playing No. 2 singles won 6-2, 6-3, and Chesley played No. 3 singles and was defeated 7-5, 6-2.
At No. 4 singles, Hadler won by 6-0, 6-0 scores. 
In doubles play, Stegenga and Kelm won a great match in a third set tiebreaker 4-6, 6-0, 10-4 at No. 1 doubles. At No. 2 doubles, Hemme and Muehr came away with a 6-4, 6-3 victory, and at No. 3 doubles, Kindt and Emma Nath won 6-2,6-3.
“Caitlin and Emma are both sophomores and it was Nath’s very first varsity match,” Beers said. “I was really happy with how they played, and it was great to see Emma get her first varsity win.”
 
Luverne 4, LQPV 3 
LHS went 1-3 in singles competition and went 3-0 in doubles for a 4-3 victory on Thursday, Aug. 25, in Luverne.
The lone singles win came at No. 4 singles where Kindt was able to win the match 6-3, 6-2 over Sadie Hacker.
At No. 1 singles, Remme lost to Katelyn Wittnebel 6-3, 6-1. Chloe Schoeneman playing No. 2 singles was defeated by Maddie Matthies 6-0, 6-1, and at No. 3 singles Augusta Papik lost to Hannah Oie in a third set tiebreaker 6-3, 5-7, 10-8.
“Caitlin and Augusta both played great,” Beers said. “I am really glad to see the younger girls step up and play top-notch matches at the varsity level.”
In doubles play, Stegenga and Kelm won a three-set match over Clare Lowry and Kayla Jahn 6-1 ,3-6, 6-1 at No. 1 doubles.
At No. 2 doubles, Chesley and Hartshorn beat Kali Bormann and Gerti Sieg 6-3, 6-4. Hemme and Muehr won 6-1, 6-2 over Taylen Jorgenson and Maya Virji at No. 3 doubles.
“LQPV is a very talented team. I was pleased that we were able to come out of this match still undefeated,” Beers said.
“All the girls did an amazing job today, and I really think this win will help us in matches down the road.”
 
Luverne 4, Montevideo 3
The Cardinals were able to take two of four singles matches and two of three doubles matches to beat Montevideo 4-3 in the second match of the day.
At No. 1 singles Remme lost to Cami Myers 6-0, 6-1. Schoenemann lost at No. 2 singles to Brook Lindemann 6-0, 6-1. Papik at No. 3 singles won 6-0, 6-2 over Megan Macziewski.  At No. 4 singles, Kindt won easily over Ally DeJong 6-2, 6-0.
In doubles, Stegena and Kelm lost in a third set tiebreaker 6-7(4), 6-3, 10-6. At No. 2 doubles, Chesley and Hartshorn beat Gwynn Smiens and Avery Albrecht 6-0, 6-1. Hemme and Muehr defeated Audree Johnson and Carlee Axford 6-1, 6-2 at No. 3 doubles. 
“Thursday was a long day for the girls,” Beers said.
“Having to play a good Montevideo team after beating LAPV could have understandably gone the other way, but the girls played hard and were able to get the win.”
 
Worthington and Marshall events
Luverne was the team champion in Worthington on Saturday, but results were not available at the writing of this article.
The Cardinals beat River Valley 4-3 when they traveled to Sleepy Eye Monday night, and full coverage of that event and Saturday’s tournament will be in the Sept. 8 Star Herald.

Meetings
Springwater Township Board will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at the township hall.
 
Senior nutrition distribution Sept. 1 at A.C.E.
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, Sept. 1, at new office location on the east side of Generations Event Center. It’s a drive-through distribution in the parking lot off Maple Street (don’t block parking for ATLAS Ministries to the east). Pre-registration is required by calling Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064.
Note: This senior nutrition distribution event has changed to the first Thursday of the month.
 
Musical lunch break at Plaza on Main Sept. 1
Luverne Initiatives for Tomorrow Plaza Committee will host another Musical Lunch Break Concert at the new Plaza on Main Thursday, Sept. 1.
Wildflowers mobile coffee boutique will serve from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Ron and Jane Cote will provide music from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the plaza lot east of the History Center on East Main Street.
 
SAIL class starts Sept. 2
Another Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) will begin Friday, Sept. 2, at First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. The strength, balance and fitness program is offered at no cost through A.C.E. of Southwest Minnesota.
The 24 classes will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 to 11 a.m. through Oct. 28. Sheila Stegenga is the volunteer class leader. For more information or to register, contact Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064.
 
‘Out of the Darkness’ walk Sept. 10
Luverne will host the second annual “Out of the Darkness” suicide prevention walk on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Luverne City Park. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk will be from 9 to 11 a.m.
This event raises money for research to end and prevent suicide and to show community support for those who have lost loved ones to suicide or have struggled personally with suicide. To pre-register for the walk and to learn more, visit afsp.org/luverne
 
‘Medicare 101’ online class
Learning what to do when you become eligible for Medicare can seem overwhelming, so Senior LinkAge Line and Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging is offering a free online class, “Medicare 101.” The class at noon Wednesday, Sept. 7, covers the basics of Medicare Part A, B, C and Part D and offers information about when and how to enroll. To sign up, visit https://bit.ly/3ub8byS.
 
Optimist Club Fishing Derby Sept. 11
The Luverne Optimist Club Kids Fishing Derby will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Veterans Pond in Luverne for ages 15 and younger accompanied by an adult. There will be food and prizes. Contact Travis Pierce, 507-220-5191, or Stan Steensma, 507-227-0681.
 
Food distribution is Sept. 15
New Life Celebration Church’s third Thursday monthly food giveaway is at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, 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.
 
Book sale starts Sept. 15
The Friends of the Rock County Library annual book sale is Thursday, Sept. 15, through Saturday, Sept. 17. Times are from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15; from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16; and from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p. m. Saturday, Sept. 17 (bag sale).
Book donations must be dropped off at the library before Sept. 14. A members-only night will be from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14. For more information, contact the library at 507-449-5040.
 
Blue Mound Lutheran Church observes 150th
The Blue Mound Cemetery Association will celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Blue Mound Lutheran Church with a Fall Festival service at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at the church in rural Luverne. A catered meal in the parish hall will follow the service, led by guest pastor Gary Klatt. All are welcome.
 
Register students new to Luverne district
Families with children who are new to the Luverne School District can set up an appointment to register for the 2022-23 school year.
Call the Luverne Middle School/High School, 507-283-4497, or the elementary school, 507-283-4497. Both offices are open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
Register for Luverne
Community Ed
Community Education will offer the following classes in the next few weeks. Call 507-283-4724 to register.
Register now for Discovery Time Preschool starting in September for your child ages 3-5. There are openings in all sections. Early Learning Scholarships may be available to those who qualify.
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 is needed for preschool children. If you are new to the community, please call Community Education at 283-4724 with your family information for all children ages 0 up to kindergarten. The school district uses the information for planning purposes, mailing out flyers regarding school events, including the state-mandated Preschool Screening for all 3-year-old children living in Minnesota. If your child is 4 years old and has not been screened, please call 283-4724. The screening should be completed prior to kindergarten.

The Community Ed Fall Brochure  will be available in the Luverne Announcer on Labor Day Weekend and online Sept. 6.Taking Defensive Driving Classes allows adults 55 years of age and older to save on insurance premiums. The eight-hour beginner Defensive Driving class will be offered on Nov. 7 and 10.
Register now for Discovery Time preschool starting in September for your child ages 3-5 years of age. There are openings in all sections. Early Learning Scholarships may be available to those who qualify.
 
 
Library Happenings
For more information about library happenings, call 507-449-5040 or email rockcountystaff@gmail.com.
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.
 
Prairie Ally seeks workers
Volunteer workers are needed from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Prairie Ally public food forest for a variety of maintenance tasks. No RSVP necessary. Other work opportunities are available by appointment by contacting info@projectfoodforest.org. Donations are also welcome for Prairie Ally, which is located along Blue Mound Avenue in Luverne.
 
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.

Rock County residents in need of a driver’s test will have fewer options beginning today, Sept. 1.
Instead of weekly appointments on Wednesdays, the driver’s exam station in Luverne is now open once a month.
For Rock County, both written and behind-the-wheel examinations are offered the second Wednesday of the month.
State officials cite on-going staff shortages, which began in the pandemic, for the driver’s exam station schedule changes.
In March 2020 all exam stations closed due to the pandemic. Months later only regional hubs were open. Worthington is the local regional hub.
Legislators directed the state Department of Public Safety to reopen all 93 exam stations by Jan. 31. Rock County’s weekly service was reinstated Jan. 26.
“I find it really hard to believe we can’t get our arms around that issue,” said state Senator Bill Weber, Luverne.
Weber recently talked with John Harrington, the state’s commissioner of public safety. Harrington was appointed to the position in 2019.
Other than staff shortages, Harrington hasn’t responded specifically to Weber as to why local driver’s examination station service hours are again being cut.
Weber said legislators cannot re-address the issue as a group until the next session starts in January 2023.
Under the new schedule, exams won’t be available in Rock County again until Sept. 14.
Appointments for driver’s tests can be made only online at drive.mn.gov.
New hours will also be implemented today.
Worthington, the local area’s regional hub, will be open for written tests from 8 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays.
Thursdays and Fridays are reserved for road tests by appointment only.
The Wednesday schedule is as follows:
•Windom, first Wednesday of the month.
•Luverne, second Wednesday of the month.
•Pipestone, third Wednesday of the month.
•Slayton, fourth Wednesday of the month.
DPS hasn’t released a specific time schedule for the new once-a-month service.