Anthony Bly, SDSU Extension Soils Field Specialist, received the 2022 Friend of Soil Health Award at the 2022 Soil Health Conference.
“This award is a great honor for me,” said Bly, a Hills-Beaver Creek graduate.
“I am trying to carry on the legacies of my mentors in my life through science and the conservation of natural resources.” 
Bly received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agronomy from South Dakota State University in 1988 and 1992 respectively.
After obtaining his master’s degree, Bly began his career with SDSU in 1992 as a research associate, and later went on to work for AgLab Express as a laboratory manager from 2011-2013. In 2013 Bly re-joined SDSU Extension as a Soils Field Specialist. 
In his current role, Bly conducts educational programing for producers and agronomists and speaks at SDSU industry partner events and meetings for the South Dakota No-Till Association, AgHorizons, South Dakota Soybean and the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition. 
“Anthony can connect with producers because he is one, too,” said Sandy Smart, SDSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Senior Program Leader. 
 
Bly also writes educational soil health articles that are published on the SDSU Extension website, and he is involved in soil research projects related to soil fertility and soil health, many of which are collaborative projects with other SDSU Extension specialists. 
Bly has played an integral role in developing the “Every Acre Counts” program, which aims to improve farm profitability, diversity and ecosystem benefits of agriculture by using precision technologies to empower producers to make informed management decisions for every acre of their operation.
Through this program, SDSU Extension provides landowners with information that will increase their return on investment and enhance land management approaches that will benefit the sustainability of land, water and all natural resources. 
“Anthony understands the value of soil health and how it improves the land resource, reduces input costs and protects the soil from wind and water erosion,” Smart said.
“He has a passion for soil health because he practices it on his own operation, and he is driven to see others implement those practices on their farms as well.”
For more information about soil health, contact Anthony Bly, SDSU Extension Soils Field Specialist, at Anthony.Bly@sdstate.edu or 605-782-3290.

Deborah Luethje Mariya, Luverne High School Class of 1971, was honored on May 21 for her service as a Navy chaplain at a ceremony in Coronado, California.
The city of Coronado raised a banner bearing her picture and acknowledging her wartime service in Operation Desert Storm. It will be publicly displayed on Fourth Street for six months following Memorial Day.
The Hometown Banner Program was established to recognize current and former residents of Coronado for distinguished military service. Veterans are selected for the honor based on their notable military contributions to the nation.  
Reverend Doctor Deborah Luethje Mariya, holding the rank of Lieutenant Commander, Chaplain Corps, U.S. Navy, was selected for the XIV group of honorees. She was called to ministry at an early age, and following mission work in Brazil, she graduated from Augustana University and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. 
After seminary she was ordained as clergy of the United Methodist Church and for 10 years pastored churches in Iowa. During this time she joined the United States Naval Reserve. 
She was called to active duty in 1990 immediately prior to Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm as command chaplain of USS Cape Cod (AD-43), deploying to the Persian Gulf.
Traveling by helicopter, she conducted divine services and counseling throughout the Fleet at sea and ashore in the theater of operations. 
Chaplain Mariya made a second deployment to the Persian Gulf and then was assigned to National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, where she was, among other duties, chaplain of the oncology ward and conducted Protestant divine services.

There are plenty of reasons for Luverne residents — especially as American citizens – to be proud right now.
Our little community pulled off another spectacular Fourth of July celebration at The Lake in Luverne.
It had all the makings of Americana, cold drinks, outdoor dining, festive music, snow cones and friendly competitions. And, of course, fireworks — a display that rivaled many in much larger communities.
As the day played out in classic, steamy July summer temperatures, all in the world felt right. And it all happened because a handful of local leaders and volunteers cared. And local businesses and organizations cared enough to support it financially.
And local committee volunteers cared enough to put time and creative energy into planning an event that unfolded seamlessly because people who said they would do their part showed and did their part.
To those of us who showed up to enjoy it, the day seemed effortless, and for that we’re grateful.
We’re also grateful for the planning, volunteerism and creativity being invested in the all-school reunion set for the long weekend starting with Luverne’s 60th annual Hot Dog Night on July 14.
As the local paper, we’re privy to the details of these events long before they’re publicized, and we can’t wait to share that information with our readers.
In next week’s Star Herald, be sure to look for the Cardinal Pride Weekend preview magazine as a guide for reunion parties, special events, and of course, all the events and activities involved with the legendary Hot Dog Night.
There are many reasons to keep Luverne’s Cardinal spirit alive. It’s been a great summer so far in our community, and it keeps getting better.
Thanks, everyone, for making us all proud.

It’s so easy to procrastinate when it comes to sorting and getting rid of stuff, but Dr. Phil has gotten me started.
I have to say, I seldom watch “Dr. Phil,” but I just happened to catch a show recently where an older couple had married and combined both households of stuff into one single home they had purchased together. They never got around to unpacking and were now living in a home where the only usable space they had is one chair each at the kitchen counter and a space for each to sleep.
Their hope was that Dr. Phil could help them declutter so that they could pursue their dream of traveling the USA in a motor home.
What caught my attention was how Dr. Phil illustrated to the husband just how little time he had left on this earth. Dr. Phil had marked off the years of life on a long, white paper ruler placed on the stage floor and asked the man to stand at No. 73, his current age, with 78, the longevity of a male in the U.S., as the end of the ruler.
When the man looked back, and then forward, he could visibly see he’d better act and get that motor home!
I’ve always known I’m best as a visual learner. That white ruler got my attention! With my 79th birthday coming up in August, I then and there made a plan to sort through every cupboard, drawer and closet in my house and get rid of stuff!
The bonus of it all is that I’m finding treasures I had forgotten I’d packed away.
My favorite find so far is an audiocassette recording of the 1964 State High School Basketball Tournament final game between Luverne and Rochester.
It was so much fun to listen to the tape. I watched that game in March of 1964 with my parents on their farm near Redwood Falls. I was about to graduate from college that spring and had already signed a contract with the Luverne School District to teach German and English beginning in the fall, so I was getting a preview of a select group of future students.
As my whole family cheered for Luverne, I kept wondering which of the players might enter my classroom in the fall.
When that first day of school arrived in September, in walked several of the 1964 state champs including Del Jessen, Scott Creeger, Curt Laudon, Tom Kozney, as well as the other great students of that Class of ’65.
But back to the audiocassette tape. Apparently my late husband Roger (Dubber) Spease recorded the game when it was replayed for the 100th anniversary of the school. It had been rebroadcast for that occasion and included advertising by some business sponsors back then including Schoon Motors, Blue Mound Inn, Cook’s Clothing, Country Kitchen, Bot Drug, to name a few. ... I’d forgotten there was a Hardee’s in Luverne.
I’m not saying that all my progress in cleaning out has been as enjoyable as this one find, but who knows what’s in all that stuff!
So far, junk: 98, treasure: 2.

Fick: "Is it time the time NRA speaks up and out against these murders?'
To the Editor:
Another shooting, more deaths, more injuries, even children.
I don’t understand why high-powered automatic military weapons are allowed in society today. Yes, a single shot or double barrel in every home is okay to use when a skunk wanders on your lawn or a coyote spooks your cattle and your cattle end up in your neighbor’s cornfield.
If a terrorist has to reload after a couple rounds, bystanders could tackle him, intended targets could hide or get out of range.
Is it time the NRA speaks up and out against these murders? We all know they don’t condone these activities.
I feel at times the very police who protect us are falsely accused because they had to make split-second decisions and even sometimes mistakes in haste.
Robert Fick,
Luverne
 
Crabtree: Gifts donated to Luverne hospice will still be used locally for needs of the cottage
To the Editor:
With the recent news of changes in how our local Hospice and HomeHealth Care services will be delivered, one key piece to local care will not change.
For over 15 years the Luverne Area Community Foundation has held the Sanford Luverne Hospice charitable gifts thatcome in the form of personal memorials, bricks, charity dinner support and thoughtful donations for the needs of the cottage. Any of us who have walked with a loved one through the cottage know how much thisoffering means to our community.
The Luverne Area Community Foundationwill continue our responsibility to keep local charitable gifts here,where they were given, for the purpose in which they were given – a gift of gratitude for the gift of local Hospice care. This is what local giving looks like and what LACF is in the business of doing forour community.
All hospice designated gifts can be sent directly to LACF; PO Box 623; Luverne, MN 56156.
Thank you to our local hospice caregivers and to those who have and will continue to support our local program.
Emily CrabtreeExecutive DirectorLuverne Area Community Foundation

Dispatch report
June 24
•Complainant on Lindale Street requested a residence check.
•Complainant on N. Orleans Avenue, Dell Rapids, South Dakota, reported theft from a garage.
June 25
•Complainant on W. Main Street reported a parking complaint.
•Complainant at Blue Mounds State Park reported possible gunshots.
•Complainant on Main Street and Highway 75, Luverne, reported reckless driving.
June 26
•Complainant at fairgrounds reported a found wallet.
•Complainant on W. Church Avenue, Steen, reported a weapons violation.
•Complainant at N. Kniss Avenue and W. Adams reported a vehicle along roadside with emergency flashers activated.
•Complainant on S. Walnut Avenue reported suspicious activity.
June 27
•Complainant on Jasper Street, Dell Rapids, South Dakota, requested RCSO assistance with a theft case.
•Complainant on N. Freeman Avenue reported threat of assault.
•Complainant requested info on traffic signage.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported a counterfeit bill.
Complainant on E. Lincoln Street reported theft.
•Complainant on U.S. Highway 75, Luverne, reported kids throwing rocks at geese.
•Complainant on Birkett Avenue, Adrian, reported a grove fire.
•Deputy on E. Luverne Street, Magnolia, on standby for property damage.
•Fire reported at location on 70th Avenue, Jasper.
•Complainant west-bound on Interstate 90, Luverne, requested RSCO assistance with subject.
June 28
•Complainant on Interstate 90 and S. Kniss Avenue reported erratic driving.
•Complainant on Ashby Bike Trail reported a lost vehicle key.
•Complainant on U.S. Highway 75 reported gas motor running in the pond.
•Complainant reported a stolen trailer.
•Complainant on E. 6th Street, Carroll, reported subject with Rock County warrant.
June 29
•Deputy assisted motorist on N. Kniss Avenue and Veterans Drive.
In addition, officers responded to 4 motor vehicle accidents, 1 vehicle in ditch, 1 transport, 1 escort, 11 ambulance runs, 2 parking violations, 5 paper service, 6 animal complaints, 2 fingerprint requests, 3 burn permits, 1 background check, 2 gas drive-offs, 1 alarm, 5 drug court tests, 4 purchase and carry permits, 1 stalled vehicle, 27 traffic stops, 9 abandoned 911 calls, 2 tests, 1 background check and 1 welfare check.

Members of the Luverne Economic Development Authority approved a request for a $3,000 demolition grant at their Monday morning meeting for a property at 311 N. Oakley.
John Connell submitted an application for funding through the city’s Residential Demolition Program to tear down both the house and three-stall garage on the lot.
LEDA director Holly Sammons worked with Connell on the request and said the house and garage are substandard, dilapidated and are beyond repair.
She said there is extensive termite damage, and both buildings lack structural integrity.
“Structurally, they’re not sound,” Sammons said. “The basement of the house has some big foundation issues; there’s old cement block in there that’s hollowed out.”
The entire interior is unfinished and gutted, and it is inhabitable.
“Given the deficiencies, the cost of repair is unreasonable compared to the value of the property,”
The estimated market value of the property is $39,800 — $3,500 for the land and $36,300 for the house. Annual taxes are $416.
According to Sammons, Connell has submitted proper paperwork and meets all the requirements for a Residential Demolition Grant for $3,000.

Card showers
Jerry and Renae Reu will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, Friday, July 8. Greetings may be sent to 5544 E. Eastridge Place, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57110.
 
Open Houses
An open house bridal shower for Mindy Nieuwboer, bride-to-be of Edward Gryener, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at the Kenneth Community Center in Kenneth.
 
An open house baby shower for Stephanie and Derek Van Wettering’s baby girl will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 9, at The Lake in Luverne.

LSS meals at Generations
 
New Location: 105 S. Estey, Luverne
Monday, July 11: Country-fried steak, mashed potatoes, Italian blend, dinner roll, dessert.
Tuesday, July 12: Ham, sweet potatoes, broccoli, dinner roll, dessert.
Half-Price Day sponsored by Christian Reformed Church.
Activities: 12:30 p.m. Rummikub or Pinochle
Wednesday, July 13: Tuna pasta salad, tomato wedges, pears, dessert.
Activities: 12 p.m. Bring recipe to share on favorite way to use cabbage.
Thursday, July 14: meatloaf, au gratin potatoes, carrots, dessert.
Half-Price Day sponsored by Sanford Luverne.
Activities: Hot Dog Night.
Friday, July 15: Turkey and cheese sandwich, lettuce salad with dressing, peaches, dessert bake.
 
LSS Dining offers well-balanced and affordable meals in a community atmosphere.
Call Lynette Hoiland at 283-9846, extension 11 to reserve one day prior, to arrange to pick up a dinner or for home-delivered meals.
Gift certificates are available at the meal site or online at www.lssmn.org/nutrition.