The addition of a sign to the entertainment facility on the Beaver Creek Golf Course ensures travelers on Interstate 90 the facility is there.

By Sara Strong
Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer equates caucuses with a town hall meeting. And anyone who wants their opinions heard by local party leaders has a chance at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

A caucus is a public meeting conducted by major political parties to elect delegates to party conventions and to discuss issues. It's a preliminary step toward supporting candidates for the coming elections.

Delegates from precinct caucuses go on to county and district conventions and may be elected to go on to the state conventions of their party.

The Rock County Republican Party will have its caucus at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Luverne Elementary School Commons.

oThe Rock County DFL Party will have its caucus at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Luverne Senior Center.

Kiffmeyer said in a press release, "The precinct caucuses are a wonderful opportunity for you to get together with your neighbors to discuss issues and to get in on the ground level of political activity."

The state requires major political parties to host precinct caucuses during general election years, or even numbered years.

Caucuses often turn into major discussions of issues that may be on a party's platform. It is a time when there is most influence over candidates and positions. Voting for precinct officers is by secret ballot.

Because of the importance of caucuses, state agencies, school boards, county boards, township boards and city councils cannot conduct meetings after 6 p.m. that night.

Working people are also supposed to be allowed time off to attend the caucus.

Anyone who is eligible to vote can vote at the caucus. No previous party affiliation is required, but attending usually shows support for that party in the next general election. Children or those not able to vote can attend as observers.

By Frasier Norton, Extension Educator
The 2002 Rock County Crops and Livestock Day will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 15, at Blue Mound Banquet and Meeting Center in Luverne.

Attendance, which includes snacks and a noon lunch, is free, thanks to the generous sponsorship of AGRI-ENERGY, Eastern Farmers Co-op, Farmers Union Co-op Oil, Hardwick Grain Company, Hills-Beaver Creek Co-op, Luverne Farm Store, Minnwest Bank and Southwest Minnesota Farmers Co-op.

John Monson, appointed a year ago by President Bush to be the State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency, has accepted an invitation to be this yearÕs featured speaker. Previous keynote speakers have included U.S. Congressman Mark Kennedy, Tracy Beckman of the State FSA office, and Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture Gene Hugoson. We are particularly pleased to have been able to get Monson to come to Luverne at this important time to discuss agricultural policy and, in particular, the status of the new Farm Program, and what he believes it will look like. Plenty of time will be available at the end of his address for local input and questions.

The remainder of this year's program consists of the strongest group of speakers that we have had in the seven years that I have been here. We are particularly pleased to have been able to attract three of the top extension specialists in the state. All of them have extensive local knowledge and experience of the situation in this part of the state.

First, Extension Soil Specialist George Rehm will deal with the latest developments that are taking place with soil fertility. This is a particularly important topic as producers strive to deal with ever-shrinking margins.

Second, Extension Crop Weed Specialist Jeff Gunsolus will discuss the latest research pertaining to the economics of weed control. He will also address the management of specific problem weeds such as waterhemp.

Finally, Extension Entomologist Ken Ostlie will discuss two serious insect issues for the upcoming year, namely extended diapause and soybean aphid. Both of these, if left untreated, have the potential to severely reduce crop production as well as farm income.

In addition, there will be updates by Rock County agency directors, Roger Carlson of the Farm Service Agency, Doug Bos of the Land Management Office and Dave Rose of the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

2002 Crops and Livestock Day schedule
9 a.m. Ð Welcome (10 minutes)
Fraser Norton, Extension Educator, Rock County
9:10 a.m. Ð Natural Resource Conservation Service Update (10 minutes)
Dave Rose, District Conservationist, Rock County
9:20 a.m. Ð Land Management Office Update (10 minutes)
Doug Bos, Interim Director, Rock County Land Management Office
9:30 a.m. Ð Farm Service Agency Update (10 minutes)
Roger Carlson, CED, Rock County Farm Service Agency
9:40 a.m. Ð Break (10 minutes)
Coffee, pop and cookies
9:50 a.m. 2002 Crop Pest Issues (40 minutes)
Ken Ostlie, Extension Entomologist
10:30 a.m. 2002 Crop Weed Issues (40 minutes)
Jeff Gunsolus, Extension Agronomist, Weed Science
11:10 a.m. Break (10 minutes)
Coffee, pop and cookies
11:20 a.m. 2002 Crop Soil Issues (40 minutes)
George Rehm, Extension Soil Scientist, Soil Fertility
12 noon Ð Agricultural Policy and the New Farm Program (40 minutes)
John Monson, State Executive Director, Farm Service Agency
12:40 p.m. Ð Adjournment and Lunch

Stewart probate
PROBATE COURT
DISTRICT COURT
PROBATE DIVISION
ORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF ROCK
In Re: Estate of
Fred W. Stewart
Deceased
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:
It is Ordered and Notice is hereby given that on the 25th day of March, 2002, 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 February 22, 1990, and for the appointment of Katherine V. Sundstrom whose address is 204 East Christensen Dr., Apt. 5, Luverne, Minnesota 56156, as personal representative 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 representative 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 representative 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 representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred.
Dated: February 21, 2002 /S/
Timothy K. Connell
District Court Judge
/S/ Douglas E. Eisma /S/
Douglas E. Eisma
Sandra L. Vrtacnik
Attorney for Petitioner
Court Administrator
Eisma and Eisma
130 East Main, Box 625
Luverne, MN 56156
(507) 283-4828
I.D. #158343
(2-28, 3-7)

Farmers Union Co-op Oil Co. annual meeting
set for March 18
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE FARMERS UNION CO-OPERATIVE OIL COMPANY OF LUVERNE, MN - LUVERNE AND LISMORE, MN
TO: The Stockholders of Farmers Union Co-operative Oil Company of Luverne and Lismore, Mn
You are hereby notified that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of Farmers Union Co-operative Oil Company of Luverne, Minnesota, PO Box-1018, Luverne MN will be held at BLUE MOUND BANQUET & MEETING CENTER, 401 W. Hatting St. in Luverne on MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2002 AT 7:30 PM for the purpose of transacting any business that may properly come before the meeting.
Election of Directors will be held and the following terms expire:
Lloyd Hemme Ñ Luverne area
Larry Van Dyke Ñ Luverne area
The following are presented for your consideration as candidates for the Directors terms:
Luverne area Ñ Lloyd Hemme Ð Larry Van Dyke
Nominations will also be accepted from the floor. The evening meal will be served from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. and Dividend checks will be distributed.
Dated: 2-25-2002 Lloyd Hemme, Secretary
(2-28, 3-7)

ISD #2184 School Board meets Jan. 24
JANUARY 24, 2002
MINUTES 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 District Office on Thursday, January 24, 2002, 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 Vincent Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Jan Olson, Melody Tenhoff, Gary Fisher, Chris Nowatzki, Linda Limesand, Terry Nelson, Emily Matthiesen, Mary Jacobson, Peggy Goettsch, Dave Svingen, Steve Kollmann, Louise V. Thorson, Dianne Headrick, Roger Headrick, Gordie Hansen, Vicki Baartman, Deb Vander Kooi, James Sanden, Craig Nelson, Becky Runnoe, Sue Hup, Diane Robinson, Alan Vogt, Debra Vogt, Jane Cote, Linda Gulden, Julie Nekali, Beth Behal, Mary Goheen, Tom Lanoue, Cloyce Smith, Patsy Amborn, Pam Christensen, Sandy Klosterbuer, Shirley C. Harrison, Patti Nelson, Angela Swenson, Amy Sahly, Steve Semmens, Deb Ward, Lisa Lundgren, Marie Atkinson-Smeins, Delaine Jensen, Michael Wenninger, Karla Osterday, Darlene Dreessen, Bonnie Kirchhofer, Cathy Rust, Rhonna Jarchow, Lorna Schoeneman, Seana Graber, Elizabeth Petersen, Mark Lundgren, Joel Swanson, Dale Moerke, Jerry Jensen, Kim Schmidt, Marie Fritz, Jeanne Bowron, Greg Antoine, Michelle Johnson, Elaine Harms, Todd Oye, Kara Johnston, Jan Schneider, Helen Laabs, Russ Schneider, John Oksness, Loel Olson, Matt Crosby Ð K101/KQAD Radio, and Sara Strong - Rock County Star Herald.

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Don Bryan.

Superintendent Schaefer announced that items 8.9.6 - Special Education Contract(s) and 8.9.10 - Resignation of Christy Reisch - were removed from the agenda. Motion by Walgrave, second by Deutsch, to approve the agenda with these two changes. Motion carried.

Jan Olson, Curriculum Coordinator, and Melody Tenhoff, Elementary Principal, presented the Student Achievement Data. It is a review of the testing scores and tracking of the testing scores for the students. The information can now be maintained, updated, and used to help in the area of choosing of curriculum and teaching.

Gordie Hansen, LEA Representative, introduced Dave Svingen who was speaking on behalf of the Luverne Education Association. It was an expression of feelings regarding the contract negotiations.
Administrative reports were given.

Motion by Radisewitz, second by Kopp, to approve the consent agenda to include the School Board minutes of December 27, 2001, and January 9, 2002; and, the Student Activity Report showing the balances as of December 31, 2001. Motion carried.

Motion by Walgrave, second by Radisewitz, to approve the payment of the District bills in the amount of $1,475,902.66. Motion carried.

Motion by Tofteland, second by Kopp, to cast a unanimous ballot for the following officers for 2002: Don Bryan, Chairperson, Dan Kopp, Vice-Chairperson, Becky Walgrave, Clerk, and Bill Stegemann, Treasurer. Motion carried.

Motion by Stegemann, second by Kopp, to maintain the temporary committee assignments as they are assigned for 2002. Motion carried.

Motion by Kopp, second by Walgrave, to set February 26, 2002, at 2:00 p.m. to receive bids to continue the MS/HS HVAC remodeling project. Motion carried.

Superintendent Schaefer reviewed the bids received on January 24, 2002, at 1:00 p.m. for school buses as follows:
HOGLUND BUS CO GRANDE AMERICAN
INTERNATIONAL ATC BLUE BIRD
71 or 72 pass. 72 pass.
GROSS COST Ð 3 BUSES $172,386.00 $176,529.00
PLUS OPTIONAL TINT GLASS $395.00 EA UNIT $1,095.00
TRAE ALLOWANCE Ð 3 (3,000.00) (10,200.00)
PLUS SALES TAX $11,035.77 $10,882.56
PLUS LICENSE 225.00 120.00
TOTAL $181,041.77 $178,426.56

GROSS COST Ð 2 BUSES $115,324.00 $117,686.00
PLUS OPTIONAL TINT GLASS $395.00 EA UNIT $730.00
TRADE ALLOWANCE Ð 2 (,1,500.00) (6,200.00)
PLUS SALES TAX 7,424.24 7,294.04
PLUS LICENSE 150.00 80.00
TOTAL $121,793.24 $119,590.04

By Sara Strong
The Rock County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved the five-year road and bridge plan to be taken to the next joint meeting of township boards for input.

County Engineer Mark Sehr presented the plan to board members. Major projects in 2002 include rural bridge replacements and work within the city of Luverne.

In Luverne, McKenzie Street will be graded, with curb, gutter and sidewalk work; the school area will gain a turning lane from Dodge to East Park Street, Veterans Drive will be the continuation of the bike and pedestrian path that will continue what is on Blue Mound Avenue through Blue Mounds State Park.

The planned bridge work includes nine in Rock County townships. Sehr is steadily catching up to what the state has determined are deficient bridges. There are 37 that still need work, compared with more than 80 a few years ago.

Rock County's 2002 levy for the highway department is $636,600 and the county has $2,641,969 coming from the state in gas tax revenue and license fees.

Sehr said the department has spent at least $100,000 less than last year because of the small amount of snowfall. However, March can bring heavy snowfall, and the budget year includes November and December.

Pool movements
The commissioners received a draft of what will be advertised to prospective buyers of the Pool and Fitness Center.

The draft is for commissioners and councilmen to review and then recommend any changes before the next joint pool, city and county meeting March 25.

The request for proposal draft includes what the city and county would require of possible future owners, lessees or managers.

The board said it looks forward to any proposals the advertising gets, keeping in mind that any and all can be turned down.

Office security and accessibility
The Minnesota County Insurance Trust reviewed security in the Family Services building. It recommends that the county install a door that's monitored by an electronic buzzer by the receptionist.

The public can enter the vestibule area without approval, but to gain entry through the second set of doors, entrants will need to wait for the buzzer.

The board approved the $6,990 estimated cost for the new security measure.

The building will also get a handicap-accessible door in the front. The door will have a button that can be pushed to automatically open the door.

Disabled people and parents with small children in carriers or strollers have difficulty getting through the heavy doors.

The board approved that at a cost of $5,598.

Midwest Wireless now offering Clearwave Internet service in Rock County
Luverne and Rock County residents now have a fifth choice among Internet service providers.

Midwest Wireless recently announced it is offering "Clearwave" wireless broadband Internet service in Luverne and surrounding areas.

Wireless service is considered "High Speed" in the Internet service business because it transmits information at 256K per second, compared with dial-up service at 56K per second and cable modem, which also transmits at 256K.

One advantage of the new wireless system is that you do not have to add an extra phone line.

A small antenna is mounted on the outside of the home or business, and a wireless modem is installed inside.

Midwest Wireless is better known in Rock County and the surrounding areas because of its Cellular 2000 and Clearly Digital cell phone service.

Other Midwest cities in which Midwest Wireless is offering ClearWave include Dodge Center, Truman, Faribault, Madison Lake, Lake Crystal, Elysian, Waterville and rural areas around Mankato and North Mankato.

In Luverne the dealer for Midwest Wireless is Sudenga Communications.

The Chamber's looking for St. Patty's parade participants
The 21st annual St. Patty's Day Parade is approaching, and the Luverne Chamber is looking for entries.

This year the parade will begin in the Sears/Furniture Store parking lot at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16. The actual St. PatrickÕs Day is March 17, but Sunday doesnÕt make for a very fun St. Patty's Day.

To participate, contact the Luverne Chamber of Commerce at 283-4061.

Historical Society reschedules "Afternoon of Music"
Bad weather put the kibosh on the Rock County Historical Society's "Afternoon of Music" a couple of weeks ago, so organizers have decided to try it again.

"Afternoon of Music" has been rescheduled for 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17, in the Hinkly House, and it is hoped the weather will cooperate this time.

Some of the local talent scheduled to participate include cellist Sandra Dowie accompanying her daughter, Marcella Dowie, on the harp, clarinetist Sister Mariella Hinkly, flutist Kristin Miller, clarinetist Melissa Oeding and classical guitarist Bobby Cook Jr.

The Woodwind Quintet from the University of Sioux Falls is also scheduled to perform.

"Afternoon of Music" was organized by Hinkly as a fund-raiser to help offset the cost of preserving and restoring the Hinkly House museum. Admission will be $5.

Edgerton patrol gets statewide attention
Trying to keep their city safe has brought statewide attention to Edgerton.

With four or five break-ins during the past year, Norm Van Dyke thought the town needed its streets patrolled overnight.

Van Dyke and Del Spronk, owner of the Edgerton Bowling Alley, where $600 was stolen in December, are now in the process of organizing night patrols.

The goal is to organize 40 people to patrol the town from midnight to 5 a.m., with each volunteer taking a turn once a month.

According to Bob Franklin's Star Tribune article, the two men are "trying to organize at least 40 people to drive around town from midnight until 5 a.m. once a month each, checking for unlocked doors, unfamiliar cars and untoward activity."

The town had a similar patrol in the '50s and '60s, which doubled as a fire alert patrol.

When the Tribune went to press, 23 men had signed up for the program.

The article ran in the Monday edition of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Publisher Roger Tollefson can be contacted by e-mail at
tolly@star-herald.com

Fred Callsen, 77, Jasper, died Wednesday, Feb. 27 at the Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls. Services will be Saturday, March 2 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Hardwick. Burial will be in Luverne Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday, March 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. Foster-Hartquist Funeral Home, Jasper, is in charge of arrangements.

Minnie Loretta Vis, 91, Hills, died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2002, at Luverne Community Hospital in Luverne.

Services were Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Hills United Reformed Church in Hills. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Minnie Horn was born to Joseph W. and Katie (Gritters) Horn on July 26, 1910, in Boyden, Iowa, where she was raised and attended country school.

She married Peter J. Vis on Jan. 17, 1936, in Hull, Iowa Following their marriage they lived in the Sioux County area until 1962 when they moved to Valley Springs, S.D. They farmed there until their retirement. They continued living on the farm. Mr. Vis died on Dec. 11, 1992. She lived in her home until June 2000 when she moved to Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. She entered Luverne Community Hospital on Feb. 21.

Mrs. Vis was a member of Hills United Reformed Church. She loved to cook and bake for her family and enjoyed helping others.

Survivors include five sons, John (Marg) Vis, Marlin (Karen) Vis, Allen Vis, Norman (Judy) Vis, all of Valley Springs, S.D., and James (Audrey) Vis, Sioux Falls, S.D.; three daughters, Kathryn (Jake) Hoogendoorn, Hills, JoAnne Blankespoor, Doon, Iowa, and Linda (Harley) Bork, Jasper; 36 grandchildren; 61 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Delia Scholten, Hills.

Mrs. Vis was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Peter, one grandchild, Monte Vis, and 14 brothers and sisters.

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

A trio of Bullermans represented Adrian High School at the Minnesota State Class A Wrestling Championships at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul last week. Tyler Bullerman (center) won his second consecutive state championship at 171 pounds. Lance Bullerman (left) went 3-1 and placed third at 145 pounds to cap his AHS career. Freshman Dusty Bullerman (right) went 0-2 without placing at 125 pounds.

By John Rittenhouse
While some tasks become easier with repetition, winning a state wrestling championship isnÕt one of them.

Still, when the mats were cleared after the Minnesota State Class A Individual Championships at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul Saturday night, there stood Adrian's Tyler Bullerman.

Bullerman was wearing his medal for being a repeat champion at 171 pounds, and he was experiencing mixed emotions after winning his title match that evening.

On one hand, he was overwhelmed with joy to be Adrian's third wrestler to finish a season as an undefeated state champion and the school's second repeat champion.

On the other hand, he felt relieved from the pressure that increased with every bout during what ended as a 41-0 campaign.

"It feels pretty good, but I'm glad to have it over with," Bullerman said from his home near Rushmore Monday night. "There is a lot of pressure up there (at state). I would say winning (a state title) was just as tough this year as it was last year. I did wrestle against a couple of the same kids as I did last year, but it wasn't any easier. It was tough the whole way."

Considering he was wrestling with a sore right ankle that he sprained during the Section 3A meet the week before, the deck seemed stacked against Bullerman last weekend. Instead of getting the chance to hone his mat skills in the days leading up to his title chase, Bullerman had to prepare in a different way.

"I sprained my ankle in the section finals, and I didn't get to practice at all last week. I rode a lot of (stationary) bike to make weight, and I took a lot of ibuprofen (for the pain)," he admitted.

When it came time to demonstrate their skills at the state tournament, no wrestler showed more heart at 171 pounds than the Adrian senior.

Bullerman opened his title defense by posting respective 4-2 and 5-4 wins over Kimball Area's Libbesmeier and St James' Lance Larson during ThursdayÕs preliminary and quarterfinal rounds.

Both wins were big as Libbesmeier was ranked No. 2 and Larson No. 4 behind No. 1 Bullerman prior to the tournament.

Wabasha-Kellogg's Josh Passe, ranked No 7 entering the event, squared off against Bullerman in FridayÕs semifinals. Bullerman came out on top of a 3-1 decision.

Bullerman took on Pierz's Dan Britz in Saturday's championship match, and Bullerman turned in his most impressive effort of the weekend by rolling to a 10-3 win to reach a milestone of completing an undefeated season.

"Coming into the year, it was one of my goals to be undefeated. It was nice to reach that goal," Bullerman offered.

By winning a state championship, Bullerman earned a spot on the Team Minnesota roster and will compete at the Minnesota-Wisconsin Classic (a wrestling competition made up of state champions and state runners-up) in River Falls, Wis., tomorrow, and at Augsburg College in Minneapolis Saturday.

He also plans to take part in the National High School Tournament in Cleveland, Ohio, later this month. State champions and runners-up from all 50 states are invited to that competition, and Bullerman is setting his sights on placing in the top eight to earn All-American status.

After those two events, Bullerman's wrestling future is undecided. He plans to wrestle at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Augustana College, Sioux Falls, or South Dakota State University, Brookings, next year.

Bullermans abound
Tyler Bullerman was joined by cousins Lance and Dusty Bullerman at the state tournament last weekend.

Lance Bullerman made a bid to join Tyler in the winner's circle at event's end before settling for a second-place finish at 145 pounds.

Lance Bullerman, another AHS senior, was making his second appearance in the state individual tournament after going 0-2 there as a junior. He went 3-1 to cap a 33-3 season.

Lance opened the tournament by pinning Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton's Ben Daschner in 1:38 and posting a 7-0 decision victory over Abe Olson during Thursday's first two rounds. Olson was representing the Trinity School at River Ridge.

Bullerman earned a berth in Saturday's championship match by securing a 4-0 decision win against Olgilvie's Matt Houtsma during Friday's semifinals.

Medford's Mitch Kulhlman, a defending state champion, ended Lance's title run by blanking the Dragon 7-0 in the finals.

Dusty Bullerman, a freshman, capped a 31-9 campaign by going 0-2 at state.

Dusty dropped a 7-2 decision to Menahga-Sebeka's Austen Rife, who eventually placed fifth at 119 pounds, on Thursday.

When Rife won his second match Thursday, Bullerman gained entry into Friday's wrestle backs, where he lost a 4-0 decision to St. James' Shane Johnson.