By Lori Ehde
Police work is a delicate balance between getting the bad guys and preserving the privacy of law-abiding citizens.

As drugs, particularly methamphetamines, grow in popularity, Rock County law enforcement officers find themselves increasingly making difficult decisions about search and seizure.

"What you see on TV is a lot different than real life," said Rock County Deputy Jeff Wieneke.

As more and more local families are affected by drug use, theyÕre often frustrated by what they perceive as slow police response or none at all.

Wieneke said following tips and making arrests aren't as easy as they may seem.

"It's a big step to get a search warrant and go into someone's house," said Wieneke, who's been investigating the local drug scene for 12 years.

"It's a big intrusion to go into someone's house, so you want to get it right."

Assistant Rock County Attorney Terry Vajgrt helps officers fill out paperwork required in an application for a search warrant.

"The process begins as most things do with the Constitution," Vajgrt said. "It's our Fourth Amendment that says people will be free of unreasonable search and seizure, and authorities have no right to search your home unless a judge finds probable cause to believe criminal activity is occurring in the home."

In most cases, the evidence has to be quite clear for a warrant to be issued.

"When law enforcement gets information, what they need is specific information, as opposed to general suspicions," Vajgrt said.

"If someone calls and says 'Joe Blow on Warren Street is selling drugs to kids, they need to have seen it happen and witnessed drugs."

Wieneke said most warrants heÕs applied for require more than one witness to corroborate a report.

He remembers a case in Pipestone where a warrant was executed in a home of innocent residents after a family member concocted a criminal report out of revenge.

"We hear all the time that 'So-and-so is dealing drugs and why aren't they in jail?' While we take these tips seriously, we also need to be careful to protect people's rights," Wieneke said.

Once the appropriate paperwork is filled out, it takes the approval of a judge to put the wheels in motion.

Of the 11 full-time officers on hand, Wieneke is most often called on to execute warrants in drug cases.

When asked if the local drug problem has reached "epidemic proportion," Wieneke said the meth problem is getting serious, but he compares todayÕs problems to those of the 1960s.

"To me, it was probably worse then, but it's hard to compare," he said.

Rock County doesn't have a drug officer or drug enforcement task force, but he used to serve on the regional task force when it existed, and he and Deputy Ken Baker have special training with the Emergency Response Entry Team.

Wieneke said drug investigations need to be worked into other demands on the job, and he agrees with the general local perception that Rock County needs to hire more law enforcement officers.

"My personal opinion is that we do need another officer," he said. "I would like to see one guy dedicated to drug enforcement."

Burglaries are a byproduct of drug use in communities, and Wieneke said residents are quick to criticize police work in that area as well.

Specifically, he's often asked about investigative procedures and why local officers don't collect fingerprints at many crime scenes.

"We do sometimes dust for fingerprints, but it's hard to get a usable fingerprint. It's pretty much a science in itself," Wieneke said.

"We're doing a lot of things in our investigations that people don't know about."

According to the County Attorney's Office, the Rock County Sheriff's Office has executed 10 search warrants in the past 12 months. Eight were drug-related and two were for weapons.

Solving local crimes - particularly drug-related incidents - is a deliberate process that requires patience, both on the part of officers and witnesses.

"We appreciate any information we can get, even if it is only hearsay. Most of the cases we crack are because of information from the public," Wieneke said.

"But they also need to be patient with us. There's nothing we want more than to solve all crimes, but it's just not going to happen all the time."

Vajgrt agreed that the best chance for justice to prevail is when everyone works together.

"The bottom line is the better the communication between the public and law enforcement, the better it is that we can respond to the drug problem in this county," he said.

By Lori Ehde
The Luverne Fire Department will have a larger supply of air on hand to refill individual breathing tanks, thanks to a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA gave the Luverne Fire Department $28,350 under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety.

Sen. Paul Wellstone and Rep. Mark Kennedy announced the award last week. The money can be spent on training, wellness, fitness, firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment.

Luverne Fire Chief Kurt Kester is still gathering all the details, but he said the money will be spent on a new breathing air compressor system for refilling self-contained breathing tanks used on fire calls.

The spent tanks are refilled after each use, so they're ready for the next call. The Luverne Fire Department provides refill services for fire departments in out-county communities.

The current system allows for only 4,500 pounds of pressure, but the new one will bring that up to 6,000 pounds.

"We'll be able to fill in a matter of minutes, rather than 15 minutes per bottle," Kester said.

He also said the new system will have better safeguards to prevent injuries in the event of possible explosions.

Kester is still waiting for word on when the money will be available and when the equipment can be purchased.

Volunteers such as Jon Van Aartsen gave the Palace Theatre, Luverne, a minor facelift Saturday. He assisted in general painting, cleaning and also reupholstering seat cushions.

By Sara Strong
Like a blacklisted starlet returning to the screen, the Palace Theatre is trying to make a comeback.

Nightly movies aren't in the immediate future, but the Blue Mound Area Theater board hopes the Palace can recapture some of its former glory - or at least earn a higher position on the area's social calendar.

LaDonna Van Aartsen, vice president of BMAT, said, "We're trying to bring in movies when we can - maybe once a month."

Mixing old classics and not-quite-new releases may be a part of the Palace formula for success. Older films and unique productions could draw a different crowd and are a particular interest to BMAT president Ben Vander Kooi.

Of the movies that come to the Palace, Vander Kooi looks forward to bringing the best of recent releases, even though they might not be fresh off the reel. For example, an October possibility could be the recent surprise hit, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."

The board has a couple options for movie companies that sell to smaller markets, like the Palace. The movies generally would be second or third runs but would bring current popular movies to Luverne.

Vander Kooi, said, "We hope people look to the Palace as a place for events, plays, performances or talent shows."

A structural analysis and marketing study could start soon, with one grant coming in at $2,500, the city of Luverne promising $15,000 and another possible grant on its way. The types of movies that draw audiences and the building itself will be looked at through the study.

So far this year, a few scheduled events will fill the theater. The October firefighter fund-raiser will go on as planned Oct. 15, 16 and 17. The animated feature "Cats Can't Dance" will play seven times - at 7 and 9 p.m. Oct. 15 and 16 and at 4:30, 7 and 9 p.m. Oct. 17. (Firefighters will give away tickets the first week in October and ask for a donation.)

Also coming to the Palace are two Green Earth Players productions, a possible Halloween night movie, a possible Christmas-theme movie after the Winterfest parade and a performance by Emily Lodine.

The theater is available for use for $150 per night.

No matter what ends up playing at the Palace, board members are working to make its return to Main Street prominence as popular as a blockbuster sequel.

BMAT purchased the Palace for $60,000 early this year after the facility was unsuccessful under a year of private ownership.

Historic gem
The Palace Theatre was built in 1915 by Herman Jochims for stage plays by traveling troupes and the new entertainment form - "moving pictures."

Focal points in the theater proper are the originally painted wall panels, stage curtains, a pipe organ and the artistic wall and ceiling dŽcor. A ballroom originally occupied the second floor.

Now, the second floor is a museum open to visitors by appointment. It holds numerous mementos of the vaudeville days, the days of silent movies, and early sound movies are on display.

By Lori Ehde
Touch the Sky Prairie, the 600-acre plot purchased by the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation last year, will be open to hunting this fall.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the land five miles northwest of Luverne, hunting is compatible with the purpose for which the area was acquired.

As part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the primary purpose of Touch the Sky Prairie is to restore and protect a fraction of the original tallgrass prairie.

Native American hunters historically took bison and other game on the land, and hunting will continue to be a part of the land management.

The area is open to hunting deer, rabbits, game birds and other species according to state seasons during the 2002 hunting seasons.

No special permits are required; just a valid state hunting license and necessary stamps. The use of motorized vehicles and lead shot is prohibited.

For information, call 800-577-2875.

Wildlife stewardship
In a separate announcement this week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service presented the Brandenburg Foundation the Wildlife Stewardship Award.

The award recognizes individuals and organizations for leadership and support of wildlife conservation.

"Working in partnership with local conservation organizations and private individuals is the most effective way to improve our wildlife resource," said Steve Kallin, manager of the Windom Wetland Management District.

Representatives from the Brandenburg Foundation accepted the award Saturday at the Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, where Jim Brandenburg's most recent prairie prints are on exhibit.

Restoration started
Touch the Sky Prairie is a large block of unbroken prairie with unique rock outcroppings which have protected much of it from being plowed for cropland.

Restoration and development of the refuge began this spring with the removal of fences, a cattle shed and corals, sealing of old wells, control of noxious weeds, reseeding of 30 acres of native plants and cutting of non-native trees.

A prescribed burn is scheduled for next spring to stimulate the native prairie plants that have been suppressed by decades of cattle grazing.

Luverne native and world-famous nature photographer Jim Brandenburg worked with local officials to establish the Brandenburg Gallery on Main Street Luverne and the Brandenburg Foundation in 1999.

Brandenburg's intent for both the gallery and the foundation is to further the cause of prairie restoration and education in the region.

For more information, call the gallery at 283-1884.

Luverne High School flag corps member Chelsea Cronin marches in the 2000 Band Festival parade.

By Lori Ehde
Members of the Tri-State Band Festival Committee are preparing for roughly 10,000 people to descend on the city of Luverne Saturday for the 52nd annual event.

This year, 20 bands made up of more than 2,400 students will be a part of the regional festival, according to the Luverne Chamber of Commerce.

The bands from Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota will gather in Luverne Saturday. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Main Street, and field competition starts at 1 p.m. at the high school.

South Dakota band director David Haugen will serve as this year’s parade marshal. In his capacity as band director and judge, Haugen has participated in more than a dozen Tri-State Band Festivals.

Last year, festival goers enjoyed 70-degree weather, and Luverne earned a second-place trophy in field competition.

The festival is one of the longest running festivals of its kind in the Midwest.

Entrance to all field events requires a Tri-State Band Festival button, designed this year by Luverne High School student Cassy Deters.

Buttons can be purchased either at the gate, or on Main Street, prior to the parade.

See the official Tri-State Band Festival program, enclosed with issue of the Star Herald, for details on the bands, judges and more.

Flying free
Kindergartners in Cathy Rust's class bid farewell Monday to a butterfly they had been observing from egg to caterpillar to cocoon and finally to a winged beauty. Pictured above are (from left) Jenna Schelhaas, Monaya Hustoft, Brian Rose, Tayla Peterson, Trenton Rops, Tanner Kurrasch (kneeling), McKenzi Wenninger and Kaitlin Cohrs. "We've read stories and poems, sang songs and made a butterfly booklet," Rust said. "The children loved watching and learning about the process. It was very hard for them to let it go. They wanted it as a classroom pet."

Photo by Lori Ehde

Hilda B. Carsrud, 81, Luverne, died Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2002, at Redeemer Residence Nursing Home in Minneapolis.

Services were Monday, Sept. 23, at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. The Rev. Gary Klatt officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne.

Hilda Richards was born to Earl and Hilda (Olson) Richards on Feb. 4, 1921, in Luverne. She graduated from Luverne High School. After her schooling she worked for Herman Motor Company in Luverne.

She married George Carsrud on Dec. 18, 1940, in Luverne. They owned and operated Duchess CafŽ with Orrie and Edith Skattum and later operated the EightyÕs Drive-In in Luverne. She worked side by side with her husband in the Standard Oil business. She also worked at Luverne Style Shop for 22 years.

Mrs. Carsrud was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne and was active in numerous church groups. She was the chairperson for Rock County Extension Service and was a 4-H leader. She also belonged to the VFW Auxiliary.

Survivors include her husband, George Carsrud, Minneapolis; four children, Cynthia Wedmore, Minneapolis, Gregory (Michelle) Carsud, Owatonna, Richard Carsrud, Dana Point, Calif., and Catherine (Bill) Pfister, Chicago, Ill.; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Carsrud was preceded in death by her parents and her twin sister, Edith Skattum.

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

Paul M. Anderson, 90, died Saturday, Sept. 14, 2002, at N.C. Little Hospice in Edina.

Paul Anderson was born July 20, 1912, in Norway, Iowa. He graduated from St. Olaf College, Northfield, in 1938. He married Renza Halls on June 20, 1942. During his 35-year career in aeronautical engineering at Honeywell, he was involved in several projects for the United States space program. He retired in 1977 and turned his energies to an active retirement centered on volunteer activities.

Music was an important part of Paul's life. During his college days he sang in the St. Olaf Choir. He also sang in the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Choir for many years. He was often called upon to perform solos. He combined his love of music and his Norwegian heritage by singing with the Nordkap Male Chorus. He was a member of the Aquatennial Senior Royalty Singers and responsible for their sound system, as well as being involved in other Aquatennial activities. He and his wife, Renza, volunteered as camera operators for Seniors on Screen, a cable television show, until he became ill this past January. He was a member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd nearly 50 years and a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley the past seven years.

Survivors include his wife, Renza Anderson; three children, Claire Benson, John Anderson and Joan Scheppke; and three grandchildren, Mark Hoffmann, Lea Scheppke and Kate Scheppke.

Mr. Anderson was preceded in death by his sister, Mildred Bakken, and his brother, Luther.

Veterinarian and rancher, Dr. John Bowron, Luverne, sweet talks an unusually mild bison bull as he feeds him some pellet treats Thursday, Sept. 12. This particular bull is gentle, but is also suffering from some wounds inflicted by another bull in the herd. Bowron cautioned the tour group to keep limbs in the trailer when throwing pellets to the bison, because they are "quick, unpredictable and a little dangerous."

The tourists were from the sister city of Worthington - Crailsheim, Germany, whose mayor, Andreas Raab, is pictured between Luverne Mayor Glen Gust (right) and Worthington Mayor Bob Demuth. Gust presented Raab with a framed bison print on behalf of the city of Luverne. The animal, uniquely native to North America, became a fascinating photo opportunity to the group. Worthington has had a 55-year relationship with Crailsheim and 30 of its residents came to the United States for a tour of southwest Minnesota and visit to California.

Photo by Sara Strong