Elaine Harms accepted her "Teacher of the Year" plaque Monday on behalf of "the wonderful veterans and retirees who have paved the way and educated me in this district".

By Lori Ehde
Elaine Harms cried Monday when she accepted her plaque as the 2003 Teacher of the Year from her peers in the Luverne Education Association.

Her tears reflected a deep respect for the teaching profession and for the honor of being named Teacher of the Year.

During all of her years of teaching, Harms has also been a student, learning under the masters with experience.

"I accept this plaque for the wonderful veterans and retirees who have paved the way and educated me in this district," Harms said during her brief acceptance speech Monday.

"They’re the ones who taught me excellence in teaching. The learning here is exceptionally strong among our co-workers."

All members of Luverne’s Education Association are eligible to nominate one or more of their peers for the honor of Teacher of the Year.

The recipient is chosen by an LEA committee of former Teachers of the Year, based on nominations.

Harms received only one nomination this year, but the committee selected her for the award because she’s been nominated so many times in the past.

"Elaine Harms exemplifies all qualities of a great teacher and is an advocate for our school and community," said 2001 Teacher of the Year Bill Thompson.

"She works long hours, including many evenings and weekends, to ensure that her students succeed by using innovative and creative teaching methods and activities. … She makes reading great fun that develops into a lifelong activity."

Harms teaches 10th-grade English, but her award was based largely on her role with peer helpers, a program that involves students in helping teachers, administrations, other students and community organizations.

"As director of the peer helping program, she has helped students develop a sense of leadership, responsibility and helping others," Thompson wrote in his nomination.

Harms has earned her master’s degree and has attended many professional conferences in language arts and literature, and, Thompson wrote, she is a "positive influence in the community."

In addition to Thompson, the past five teachers of the year include Lisa Lundgren in 2002, Joel Swanson in 2000, Terry Althoff in 1999 and Shirley Harrison in 1998.

By Sara Strong
Recent advertising of city building code rules has gotten lots of attention from home owners and professional contractors.

Luverne Building Inspector Dan Delgehausen and the Luverne City Council reviewed state building laws, which the city adopted as its code.

"My perception is that there’s been some misinformation spread," Delgehausen said at the Tuesday meeting.

He didn’t get a lot of phone calls in response to published information on city permit rules, but contractors and homeowners may have concerns they weren’t taking to the source.

"Once you can explain things to people, they seem to understand, but the communication has been the biggest problem," Delgehausen said.

He has created a brochure that outlines city code to help people understand the city’s permitting process.

Mark Henson, represents the southwest region of the state and helps cities and counties implement the state building code.

All cities with a population more than 2,500 have to follow the state’s minimum code laws. Counties aren’t required to, but 18 of Minnesota’s 87 do, and more are expected to adopt the codes county-wide this year.

Counties may choose to adopt the state codes as insurance companies, mortgage companies and even the Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages them to do so.

Even if a county or small city doesn’t have a code, contractors and workers are still obligated to follow the state code, which includes fire, electrical, plumbing and general contracting. The state Department of Commerce enforces the codes. It also is the agency responsible for issuing licenses to contractors.

In general, building permits are required when a building is constructed, enlarged or structurally repaired.

Plumbing/mechanical permits are required if water lines, sewer lines or gas lines are enlarged, constructed, converted or replaced.

Zoning permits are required when erecting a fence or storage shed less than 120 square feet. More than that size warrants a building permit.

Other things that require zoning permits are exterior concrete work, some decks, demolishing a structure, swimming pools, some tents and altering or erecting a sign.

Electricians are responsible for getting electrical permits and inspections as required by state code.

Clearing stoppages in a plumbing system, replacing a faucet, sink or water closet, air conditioners (if no duct work is remodeled) and water softeners (if the water lines are not altered) are all exempt from permits.
The city suggests calling 449-5031 before doing work to ask if it requires a permit.

Utilities and renters
The City Council also discussed the policy on collecting unpaid utility bills, especially in the case of renters.
The city will no longer act as an intermediary between tenants and landlords and their private agreements if a tenant doesn’t pay the city utility bill.

Actual policy hasn’t changed, but the new procedures more closely follow the policy already in place.

If the renter’s bill is unpaid in three months, the unpaid amount will be sought by a collection agency. After a year, the unpaid charges will be assessed to the landlord’s property taxes to ensure the city gets its payments.

Electric portions of the bill don’t apply to assessments. The water, sewer, storm sewer and refuse will be certified to the landlord’s property taxes.

The city is sending landlords in Luverne a letter explaining the policy and practices.

When the city is contacted by renters who are moving, the city will contact the landlords to let them know of the move-out date. If the landlord says the renter is responsible for utilities through the month as the lease may indicate, that will have to be worked out between the landlord and renter.

The city won’t bill the tenant through the end of the month as a landlord may have been accustomed to in the past. The utility bill for any time remaining in the month will be in the landlord’s name as of the move-out date.

Landlords have the option of working out lease arrangements that call for utilities to be a part of the rental payment or to keep a portion of the deposit money for utilities left unpaid when a lease is broken.

The city is simply not involved in that process anymore.

Financial officer Barb Berghorst said it’s rare that collections efforts get no response, so certifying utilities to taxes will be rare.

Mayor Glen Gust said he was concerned that landlords may get stuck with unpaid utilities and suggested the city could write off the loss of unpaid bills after collection efforts are exhausted.

Assistant City Attorney Jeff Haubrich said it’s typical for city codes to have landowner pay utilities because he or she is the true customer.

He said the citizens would, in effect, subsidize the business of renting to tenants if the city services weren’t paid.

Haubrich also said the city is doing property owners a service by billing renters instead of the actual legal customer, the owner.

By Lori Ehde
It’s been a year of awards and accolades for 2003 Friend of Education, Luverne Lanes owner John Serie.
Serie is still basking in statewide attention for his generosity with Special Olympics bowlers.

In October, Luverne Lanes was named the "Minnesota Outstanding Corporate Business Organization" by Special Olympics Minnesota.

"It’s probably one of the nicest things that’s ever happened to me," he told the Star Herald after accepting his plaque. " … to be selected best business in the whole state."

Special Olympics Distinguished Service Awards recognize those who "best exemplify the spirit of Special Olympics."

Serie and Luverne Lanes were nominated by Jeanne Bowron and Katie Hemme, who co-manage and coach the Luverne Area Special Olympic athletes.

"He’s just been there for everyone in Special Olympics," said Bowron, who nominated Serie for his "generosity and big warm smile" that he extends to the bowlers.

LEA members Mary Jo Graphenteen and Mike Wenninger nominated Serie for the school’s Friend of Education Award.

"John Serie has been a friend of education for many years," Graphenteen wrote in her nomination.

"His continued support of our physical education classes and his willingness to use his expertise in teaching bowling skills to a number of students in a number of ways has been very beneficial.

"He has opened his bowling alley to all students and has made sure all students get a chance to bowl, regardless of their financial situation or skill level."

Serie’s involvement with Special Olympic bowling dates back to the 1980s when fewer than 10 students were involved in the program. Today, the program has grown to nearly 35 members, including an adult special needs population.

The bowling program starts in September and concludes in February. Serie accommodates those with physical or financial difficulties, and loans out his equipment for out-of-town competitions.

Wenninger and Luverne senior high school bowling league uses Luverne Lanes one day per week for two shifts of bowlers.

"Mr. Serie does a fantastic job of involving himself with all of the students that visit the bowling alley," Wenninger wrote in his Friend of Education nomination.

"He is an excellent teacher in a one-on-one basis. He truly cares for each person and finds the best in all of them."

The Friend of Education Award is judged by a committee of former teachers of the year.

The LEA has been honoring Friends of Education since 1988. Friends named in the past five years include: Lila Bauer last year, Dolly Talbert in 2001, Todd Mann in 2000, Carol Morgan in 1999 and Keith Maine in 1998.

By Sara Strong
An engineer and architect firm, Vetter-Johnson, will inspect the Luverne Community Hospital today and report on whether its structure is worth remodeling.

The Rock County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved spending up to $5,000 to evaluate the hospital.

Depending on the outcome of today’s inspection, the Rock County Board may approve more money to research costs of remodeling the facility for specific uses.

A law enforcement center, for example, is one option the county previously discussed.

The hospital may be vacated if Sioux Valley Hospitals and Health System decides to build a new hospital in Luverne. The county and city of Luverne have shown interest in working with Sioux Valley and will consider purchasing the building, if it’s available.

In other business
Tuesday the board:
Corrected an error in the previously reported levy increase. It will be 1.25 percent more than last year, instead of what had been incorrectly tabulated as a 4-percent increase.

Passed a resolution of support to seek funding from the state to get topographical mapping statewide. The system of reading topography would benefit the Highway Department, Land Management Office and the county assessor.

Learned that County Road 4 east of Luverne, probably will be open to traffic next week. The bridges under construction near the city park will be completed.

The Board discussed Rock County’s $500 contribution to Prairie Public TV for the second week. At the last meeting, a tie vote stopped Ron Boyenga’s motion to no longer contribute to the station. He wanted to pull funding because it aired the late Sen. Paul Wellstone’s memorial service, which turned into somewhat of a political rally for Democrats.

Jane Wildung and Ken Hoime said at the last meeting that the content wasn’t under the control of the station, so considering other programs of local interest, they would support the donation.

The county will still contribute $500 because Tuesday’s motion by Boyenga died for lack of a second.

Elmer "Chick" E. Efting, 81, Adrian, died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2002, at Arnold Memorial Health Care Center in Adrian after a short bout with lung cancer.

Services were Monday, Nov. 18, at United Methodist Church in Adrian. The Rev. John Strunk officiated. Burial was in Adrian Cemetery.

Chick Efting was born to Gerritt and May (Druger) Efting on Feb. 25, 1921, in Sheldon, Iowa. He attended school in Sibley, Iowa. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army.

He married Mary Eshleman on May 9, 1945, in Aurora, Colo. Shortly after their marriage, the couple returned to Adrian. They started Chick’s Produce in Adrian, buying eggs from area farmers for 25 years. In 1967, they moved to Pierre, S.D., where he worked at the ASCS office. In 1993, they returned to Adrian.
Mr. Efting enjoyed golfing, square dance calling, fishing and dogs.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Efting, Adrian; one son, Bill Efting, Avon, Colo.; one daughter, Jo (Dale) McClure, Jasper; four grandchildren, Angela Efting, Sioux Falls, S.D., Lindsay Efting, Vermillion, S.D., Brady Efting and Casey Efting, both of Greeley, Colo.; his beloved dog, Chelsea; one brother, Bill (Lou) Efting, Waterloo, Iowa; two sisters, LaSalle Gashal, Branson, Mo., and Geneva Peterson, Sibley; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Efting was preceded in death by his parents, one brother John Efting, and one sister, Shirley Efting.

Dingmann Funeral Home, Adrian, was in charge of arrangements.

Roy Kruse, 90, rural Luverne, died Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002, at his daughter’s home in Luverne.

Services were Monday, Nov. 11, at First Baptist Church in Luverne. The Rev. Rick Cornish officiated.

Roy Kruse was born to Henry and Minnie (Borchers) Kruse on Nov. 9, 1911, in Beaver Creek. At the age of two he moved with his family to the farm southwest of Luverne. He lived on the family farm up until his death.

He married Hazel Nelson on Nov. 29, 1941, in Luverne. After their marriage, the couple farmed southwest of Luverne. Mrs. Kruse died Jan. 22, 1998.

Mr. Kruse was a member of First Baptist church in Luverne. He enjoyed farming, especially raising livestock.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Valerie Kruse, Eagan; one daughter and son-in-law, Ruth and Rich Opsata, Luverne; three grandchildren Rebecca Opsata and her husband, Greg Achten, Canoga Park, Calif., Bethany Opsata, Roseville, and Nathan Opsata, South Hamilton, Mass.; and two sisters, Amber Sorenson, New Richland, and Carolyne Yother, Weslaco, Texas.

Mr. Kruse was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Hazel, one brother, Carl Kruse, and two sisters, Hannah Kruse and Vernie Edmondson.

Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

Six Hills-Beaver Creek-Ellsworth High School football players received post season honors from the Southwest Ridge Conference. They are (left to right) Jesse Leuthold, Cody Scholten, Pat Nelson, Tyson Metzger, Zach Wysong and Chris Reid. Leuthold, Metzger, Reid and Wysong made the All-SRC Team. Nelson and Scholten drew honorable mention.
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By John Rittenhouse
Eight members of the Hills-Beaver Creek-Ellsworth football team drew post-season honors from the Southwest Ridge Conference coaches.

H-BC-E, which won the league for the second consecutive season with a 7-0 record, had six players make the 2002 All-Southwest Ridge Conference Team. Two more Patriots drew honorable mention.

Along with the players, H-BC-E head coach Dan Ellingson and assistant coach Dan Lorang were named the league’s coaches of the year.

A total of 25 players made the all-league team, and H-BC-E’s six selections led the way.

Making the team for the Patriots are seniors Chris Reid, Jesse Leuthold, Brant Deutsch and Tyson Metzger, junior Curt Schilling and sophomore Zach Wysong.

Westbrook-Walnut Grove and Southwest Star Concept placed four players each on the All-SRC roster.

SSC seniors Tyler Leopold and Andy Daberkow, who were named the league’s Back of the Year and Co-Lineman of the Year respectively, topped the list for the Quasars. SSC senior Mitchell Leopold and sophomore Ryan Scheevel also made the squad.

W-WG seniors Chris Munson, Ryan Paplow, Kurt Faber and sophomore Tom LeBoutillier represent the Chargers.

Lincoln HI and Lakeview picked up three All-SRC selections each.

LH senior Mark Pederson was named the league’s Co-Lineman of the Year. Seniors Jared Boeck and Tom Pearson also made the team for the Rebels.

Lakeview seniors Tyler Laleman and Codi Shemon and junior Tyler Jeseritz graced the roster.

Sioux Valley-Round Lake-Brewster seniors Corey Place and Robby Armstrong, Edgerton seniors Kyle Landin and Josh Eernisse and Lake Benton junior Garrett Peterson round out the roster.

Sixteen players drew honorable mention from the SRC coaches, including H-BC-E senior Pat Nelson and junior Cody Scholten.

SSC seniors Eric Joens and Steven Mathias and junior Brooke Mathias, Edgerton seniors Dominick Facile and Jayson Van’t Hof and sophomore Travis Hulstein, SV-RL-B senior Zach Schmitz and juniors Anthony Johnson and Mark Riley, Lakeview seniors Zach Geistfeld and Shawn Louwagie, Lake Benton senior Matt Prosch and junior Dayton Hurd and LH junior Justin Jerzak also drew honorable mention.

Have a Hoppy Halloween without the home brew

I heard a lot of "guy walks into a bar…" jokes last weekend. It's not because I was hanging around amateur comedians - I was at the Hoppy Halloween home brew convention in my home state of North Dakota.

My family decided to meet in Fargo for the convention because dad entered one of his choice stouts and because we hadn't all been together for a while.

We noticed that most entrants didn't bring their entire families to the event, but we had fun sampling some home brew and eating free cheese, meats and crackers.

As we walked into the convention center, a man in a kilt reviewed one of the beer entries from a stage. Obviously, my prediction that we'd see interesting characters was accurate, and no, he wasn't from North Dakota.

Dad didn't win anything for his entry, but he got some good door prizes, like a hat that says, "I'm 'hop' blooded" and three packages of brewing yeast.

We were there for only about an hour, because the female faction of the family had shopping to do, but my dad and husband had fun without us and got home brewing tips from another character wearing a straw hat and bibbed overalls. I think he was from Minnesota.

While I'm giving wardrobe reviews and talking Halloween - whether it's a "hoppy" one or a happy one - it's probably my least favorite holiday. No offense to all the festive people out there.

I just can't think of a fun way to celebrate the holiday as an adult.

Halloween actually wasn't that fun as a kid, either. Growing up, I didn't have elaborate costumes and didn't really enjoy making my own like some creative people do. I ended up switching between punk rocker and hobo for about 10 years.

This year, I don't have a reason to dress up, but I finally have a decent costume idea. I think that with a platinum wig and a black poodle on my arm, I'd have fun being Anna Nicole Smith for the night.

I could stop enunciating my words, move really slowly and say "Sugarpie, you stink," a lot. (Anna Nicole is the overweight, former super model who’s battling for the millions her dead husband supposedly wanted her to have. You can watch her Sunday nights on E!)

Even with that costume idea, I'm positive I'll be home tonight, greeting those who do dress up and warding off vandals. Don't worry, North Dakota natives don't hand out home brew when someone says "trick or treat."

By John Rittenhouse
Members of the Luverne High School cross country team received awards during a recent banquet for their season-long efforts.

Jake Studer and Jesse Kuhlman were honored for being the captains of the boys' team, while Sadie Dietrich, Victoria Arends and Amanda Saum served as the captains of the girls' squad.

Studer was named the Most Valuable Runner for the boys. Dietrich and Lexi Heitkamp shared the same honor for the girls.

Dusty Antoine and Kuhlman were tabbed the boys' Most Improved Runners. Amanda Saum drew the honor for the girls.

Nick Otten was named the Hardest Worker for the LHS boys.
Kesley Dooyema and Arends shared the award for the Cardinal girls.

Rookie of the Year Awards went to Eric Kraetsch and Heitkamp.