By Lori EhdeNew City Administrator Greg Lafond doesn’t officially start until Sept. 2, but he’s been spending time in Luverne getting to know the community and the people he’ll be working with.He stopped at the Star Herald office Thursday, Aug. 14, to talk about his plans and expectations for the job.Lafond comes to Luverne after working as treasurer and clerk for the city of Altoona, Wis., a 7,800 population suburb of Eau Claire, Wis.On his resume, he lists 30 years of experience in government work, stemming from a political science degree from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.Early in his career, he worked for a Wisconsin legislator and then for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.In recent years, he established a financial consulting business, working with both public and private agencies.With this professional background, Lafond said he’s picked up some valuable management techniques — particularly in personnel management — he plans to apply in Luverne."What many municipalities struggle with is personnel management," Lafond said. "When you consider 80 percent of your budget is salaries, you better make it your No. 1 priority in terms of management."Specifically, he plans to encourage government officials to seek citizen input."We need to understand a couple of things in city government," Lafond said. "Residents and citizens are our customers, as in any business — and this is a business — and you need to provide service that’s acceptable and at times exceptional."Lafond plans to join local civic organizations, visit churches and, in general, immerse himself in the community."I’m not a three-piece-suit guy," he said. "My home phone number is on my business card.At the same time, Lafond said he hopes resident participation in local government will also improve."I’m disappointed that more people didn’t participate in last night’s (Aug. 13) comprehensive plan meeting," he said. "We should have a broader cross section represented."The comprehensive plan will be an immediate priority for Lafond."Luverne is at a key point right now," he said. "The comprehensive plan will establish the economic plan and financial modeling of the city for the next seven to 10 years."In addition to reaching out to residents, Lafond plans to strengthen city relationships with the county, school district and Chamber of Commerce.Lafond said he was attracted to Luverne for a number of reasons. "Luverne has some tremendous assets," he said, mentioning the school system, parks and the Pool and Fitness Center. "These three things can be used as the basis for economic development," he said.He also listed the new hospital project, Luverne’s location on major highways, its recreational opportunities and historical features as other strengths.On the personal side, he’s 55 years old, single and the father of two grown sons, one of which works for the Wisconsin DNR and the other is completing his doctorate in international finance."I love to hunt and fish, and I play a little golf … If anyone wants to play for money, let me know," he said, describing his hobbies.Lafond makes it clear he’ll go out of his way to be accessible to both city staff and local residents, but he makes a few "sacred" exceptions: During the first week of January he’ll be in his condo in Cancun, Mexico, and in the second week of June he’ll be fishing in Canada.Lafond encouraged residents, business people and local government workers and officials to get in touch with him early on. "The door’s open," he said.

By Lori EhdeThe Minnesota Department of Agriculture is warning soybean growers to scout their fields and be prepared to take action to control soybean aphids, which are reaching near-record levels in local fields.Wednesday night last week, Bruce Potter of the University of Minnesota, spoke to Rock County soybean producers on the Jeff Thorson farm about the aphid threat.Some local fields have seen infestations of more than 1,000 per plant, while others are at a less-threatening 200 to 300 per plant.In most cases, however, producers are opting to spray their fields, because infestations can multiply rapidly. One Rock County producer reportedly noted 50 aphids per plant on Aug. 8, and four days later, there were 250 per plant.Rock County soybean producer Steve Tofteland attended Wednesday’s meeting on the Thorson farm and said many farmers are opting to spray their fields."We’re seeing bean leaf beetles, too, so you can get them both if you spray," Tofteland said. "Plus, it’ll get the grasshoppers, too."Depending on the level of infestation, farmers can see five to eight bushels per acre yield loss if the soybean aphids are left untreated."Some have seen a 14-bushel loss, compared to treated plants in the same field," Tofteland said.That, he said, makes it worthwhile to consider the cost of chemical application. It costs roughly $9.50 to $13 per acre, respectively, for ground and air applications.By mid-week last week, many local ag chemical businesses were getting behind on ground applications, and local residents are noticing low-flying planes applying from the air.Harlan Solma, who applies chemicals for Farmers Union Co-op Oil customers, said he’s sprayed 20,000 acres in Rock County last week, he anticipated another 10,000 this week. He said there are roughly 90,000 acres of soybeans planted in Rock County this year.Over the last few weeks, MDA Plant Pest Survey staff reported dramatic increases in soybean aphid levels in southeast Minnesota.Recent data shows dramatic increases in soybean aphid levels in southeast Minnesota over the past few weeks, and they’re on the rise in western and northern Minnesota. In many areas, this year’s population levels now rival — and in some areas surpass — those of 2001, when the aphids caused considerable damage to crops.Most Minnesota soybean fields are now blooming and setting pods. At these stages of growth, it is critical to protect plants from heavy aphid pressure.Producers urged to monitor soybean plantsMDA Pest Survey Coordinator Mark Abrahamson recommends growers monitor and evaluate numbers of soybean aphids in their fields at least once a week in areas where aphids are not abundant.He suggests they monitor more frequently in areas with greater aphid numbers."One of the toughest parts of dealing with soybean aphids is that infestations can be unpredictable," Abrahamson said. "Regular monitoring is crucial because aphid levels can vary drastically from field to field. Last week we found two fields near East Grand Forks with thousands of aphids per plant while nearby fields were barely infested."Depending on weather and other factors, heavy aphid infestations can cause up to 20 percent yield loss. When populations rise above certain thresholds, it is considered economical to conduct treatments. The following thresholds are suggested by University of Wisconsin and the University of Illinois experts: 200 aphids per plant during bloom, 1,000 aphids per plant during early pod set, and 1,500 aphids per plant during late pod set.Abrahamson notes that before taking any action against a soybean aphid infestation, farmers should closely examine a number of aphids to determine if they are developing wings. Crowded conditions will cause aphids to begin having offspring that grow wings and disperse from the field. Treatments are generally not recommended if aphids are winged as they will likely be leaving the field soon anyway.Growers can find out more about soybean aphids and their management through the following Web site: www.soybeans.umn.edu. Weekly updates on major Minnesota crop pests are also available from the Minnesota Pest Report, a free weekly publication published by the MDA Plant Pest Survey Program that is available electronically or in hard copy.To subscribe, contact Mark Abrahamson at 651-296-6509 or via e-mail at mark.abrahamson@state.mn.us

By Sara StrongRock County is closer to balancing its budget after Rock County Family Services and Highway Department each trimmed $150,000 from their budgets.As the two largest county budgets, these departments were important first places to cut for the Board of Commissioners. Considering these recommended cuts, the county has $200,000 more to go in order to balance the 2004 budget."Personnel-wise, we’re to the limit, in my opinion," County Engineer Mark Sehr told the Rock County Board of Commissioners Tuesday.He factored in an early retirement among other savings to come up with the $150,000 reduction.In order to cover long hours in the winter and prevent overtime, Sehr would like to hire intermittent help for road plowing."We’ll do what we have to do, that’s for sure," Sehr said.Sehr estimates the county will bring in an additional $15,000 from the county gravel tax. He is also postponing a rotary snow plow truck purchase and has the county on a waiting list for a used model. State money was cut by about 10 percent to counties for road and bridge maintenance, so projects will be prioritized and some delayed. The total Highway Department budget is proposed to be $1,670,600. Of that the county levy is $596,600.Family ServicesRock County Family Services plans to cut expenses and increase revenues where it can to come up with $150,000 in cuts from its overall $2.14 million budget. Of the total budget, the county levies $867,104 for Family Services.The Retired Senior Volunteer Program will continue to be funded as Family Services Director Randy Ehlers found other cuts and revenues to help his budget.Out of home placements are what Ehlers calls the "driving factor" behind his budget. In the past few years the out of home placements have cost the county anywhere from $306,617 to $519,281.Out of home placements are expensive because the county is paying for room and board, and sometimes treatment, of children removed from the home. They could be placed in foster homes, residential facilities or jails, depending on the individual case.The collection officer at Family Services may be able to help the county recapture money spent on prisoners while they were jailed. Some counties have started similar programs and Rock County will be considering it.Other increased revenue will come to Family Services through fees for Family Child Care licenses, which are proposed to be $150 for new or renewed. The county will probably also charge a $100 fee for the criminal background check necessary for the license process. The Board, with the exception of Commissioner Richard Bakken, supported the concept of the fee.

By Sara StrongThis week, Randy Scott’s old and new friends are remembering him in the same way — as a good guy, who worked hard and made time to play hard.His relatives are remembering Scott, Hardwick, as a loving and giving member of their family. The 55-year old was killed Saturday when his motorcycle collided with a car driven by South Dakota Congressman Bill Janklow at a rural Moody County, S.D., intersection, near Trent. The intersection was specifically at 240th Street and 480th Avenue.Scott was westbound behind friend, Terry Johnson, when Janklow ran a stop sign while driving south.The investigation by the South Dakota State Patrol will conclude the point of impact and speed at which the accident took place. They are waiting for results of blood alcohol tests from both drivers. Janklow suffered only minor injuries.Scott’s friends describe the tragedy as a cruel irony. He had just purchased the motorcycle this spring and was so proud of it. After years of working hard, he intended to take time to enjoy himself. He had even quit smoking.‘So many good qualities’The accident itself is getting regional and national attention, but local people are focusing on Scott.Besides close friends and family, and those who knew him best, much of Rock County recognized Scott as an outgoing man with a large farm and cattle operation and gravel truck business.Russell Knutson, rural Magnolia, said Scott was a "unique individual" with many unsung talents.Knutson and Scott had been friends since attended school together in Hardwick. Even now they talked daily, and worked together on farm equipment, construction projects and almost anything one or the other had going. "He had so many good qualities," Knutson said. "He even had a memory like an elephant. If you met him once, he’d remember you and talk to you again."Knutson said Scott was non-judgmental and was known to reach out to people outside his group of best friends. "There was absolutely no shyness in him," Knutson said. "He could talk to President Bush and then turn around and talk to a bum on the street."Knutson, his wife, Kris, and their four children will miss the time they spent with Scott.Kris Knutson said, "He had a heart as big as Texas, that’s for sure."Russell Knutson said, "Anyone who disliked him probably had a lot of dislikes in life. He was a happy person who knew how to cheer up people, even when he could use the cheering up."Knutson saw his friend for the last time Friday.Other friends, Craig and Lori Martinson, haven’t known Scott that long, but grew close to him last year.Martinson, rural Hardwick, said he is serious when he says Scott was a true giver.For example, Martinson wanted to borrow some things for work on his acreage, and instead of just loaning him tools, Scott helped Martinson with the work."He was just one of those guys who would do anything for you," he said.Scott graduated from Luverne High School in 1967. He graduated from Pipestone Vocational School in 1968. He joined the U.S. Army on Jan. 21, 1969, and was honorably discharged on Oct. 20, 1970. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Scott was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick. He was an active member of the Hardwick Fire Department from 1983 to 2003, serving as fire chief and for the past eight years, as assistant fire chief. He was also a past commander of the Arthur Moeller Legion Post #478 in Hardwick. Survivors include a son, J.R. Scott; two daughters, Brandee Scott, and Tess Johnson. His mother, Marcella Scott, still lives in Hardwick.

By Lori EhdeThe Minnesota Department of Agriculture is warning soybean growers to scout their fields and be prepared to take action to control soybean aphids, which are reaching near-record levels in local fields.Wednesday night last week, Bruce Potter of the University of Minnesota, spoke to Rock County soybean producers on the Jeff Thorson farm about the aphid threat.Some local fields have seen infestations of more than 1,000 per plant, while others are at a less-threatening 200 to 300 per plant.In most cases, however, producers are opting to spray their fields, because infestations can multiply rapidly. One Rock County producer reportedly noted 50 aphids per plant on Aug. 8, and four days later, there were 250 per plant.Rock County soybean producer Steve Tofteland attended Wednesday’s meeting on the Thorson farm and said many farmers are opting to spray their fields."We’re seeing bean leaf beetles, too, so you can get them both if you spray," Tofteland said. "Plus, it’ll get the grasshoppers, too."Depending on the level of infestation, farmers can see five to eight bushels per acre yield loss if the soybean aphids are left untreated."Some have seen a 14-bushel loss, compared to treated plants in the same field," Tofteland said.That, he said, makes it worthwhile to consider the cost of chemical application. It costs roughly $9.50 to $13 per acre, respectively, for ground and air applications.By mid-week last week, many local ag chemical businesses were getting behind on ground applications, and local residents are noticing low-flying planes applying from the air.Harlan Solma, who applies chemicals for Farmers Union Co-op Oil customers, said he’s sprayed 20,000 acres in Rock County last week, he anticipated another 10,000 this week. He said there are roughly 90,000 acres of soybeans planted in Rock County this year.Over the last few weeks, MDA Plant Pest Survey staff reported dramatic increases in soybean aphid levels in southeast Minnesota.Recent data shows dramatic increases in soybean aphid levels in southeast Minnesota over the past few weeks, and they’re on the rise in western and northern Minnesota. In many areas, this year’s population levels now rival — and in some areas surpass — those of 2001, when the aphids caused considerable damage to crops.Most Minnesota soybean fields are now blooming and setting pods. At these stages of growth, it is critical to protect plants from heavy aphid pressure.Producers urged to monitor soybean plantsMDA Pest Survey Coordinator Mark Abrahamson recommends growers monitor and evaluate numbers of soybean aphids in their fields at least once a week in areas where aphids are not abundant.He suggests they monitor more frequently in areas with greater aphid numbers."One of the toughest parts of dealing with soybean aphids is that infestations can be unpredictable," Abrahamson said. "Regular monitoring is crucial because aphid levels can vary drastically from field to field. Last week we found two fields near East Grand Forks with thousands of aphids per plant while nearby fields were barely infested."Depending on weather and other factors, heavy aphid infestations can cause up to 20 percent yield loss. When populations rise above certain thresholds, it is considered economical to conduct treatments. The following thresholds are suggested by University of Wisconsin and the University of Illinois experts: 200 aphids per plant during bloom, 1,000 aphids per plant during early pod set, and 1,500 aphids per plant during late pod set.Abrahamson notes that before taking any action against a soybean aphid infestation, farmers should closely examine a number of aphids to determine if they are developing wings. Crowded conditions will cause aphids to begin having offspring that grow wings and disperse from the field. Treatments are generally not recommended if aphids are winged as they will likely be leaving the field soon anyway.Growers can find out more about soybean aphids and their management through the following Web site: www.soybeans.umn.edu. Weekly updates on major Minnesota crop pests are also available from the Minnesota Pest Report, a free weekly publication published by the MDA Plant Pest Survey Program that is available electronically or in hard copy.To subscribe, contact Mark Abrahamson at 651-296-6509 or via e-mail at mark.abrahamson@state.mn.us

By Jolene FarleyThose interested in running for the Hills-Beaver Creek School Board can "throw their hat in the ring" Tuesday, Aug. 26.Terms for current board members Gary Esselink, Lloyd DeBoer and Ann Boeve end this year.Affidavits for Candidacy must be filed in the office of the school clerk and filing fee paid prior to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6.Affidavits of Candidacy are available from the school district clerk, Hills. The filing fee is $2. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Candidates must be an eligible voter, must be 21-years-old or more on assuming office, must have been a resident of the school district from which the candidate seeks election for 30 days before the general election, and must have no other affidavit on file for any other office at the same general election.

By Jolene FarleyThe road to recovery continues for two Rock County residents involved in a two-vehicle accident northwest of Hills on Thursday, July 31. Chris Louwagie, a passenger in a 1994 Chevrolet pickup driven by Ryan Burger, Luverne, was airlifted with extensive injuries including three fractured vertebrae, punctured lungs, multiple broken ribs and a head injury.He remains in the hospital, but was moved to the Rehabilitation Unit at Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls, S.D., according to his wife, Laura. "They are working with his back and broken ribs," she said. He is walking with some assistance and has full use of all his arms and legs. He has been off the respirator for some time and his punctured lungs have healed, according to Laura."He just improves so much everyday," Laura said. After release from the hospital in a few weeks, he will continue recovering at home for a few months and work on rehabilitation. "Everyone is so different, they can’t say how long," she said. Because of his head injury, Chris did have some memory loss, but doctors expect he will fully recover. "We appreciated all the support and help from the community, family and friends," Laura said. "We wouldn’t have been able to get through this without everybody."The Louwagies are thankful that Chris will recover and won’t have lasting effects from the accident. "It’s definitely a miracle," Laura said.Sherryl Knobloch, 55, of rural Hills, was driving a 1998 Buick Park Avenue. Her injuries included a stabilized fracture in her neck, a punctured lung, and broken ribs. She was airlifted to Avera McKennan Hospital.Knobloch doesn’t remember the accident, being airlifted or her time in the hospital. She remembers nothing until about mid-week after the accident. "I don’t remember a thing," she said. Knobloch, released from the hospital last week, is still on "a lot of pain medications" and will see three doctors Monday for further evaluation. "I’m whole," she said. "Everything seems to be going OK right now."She wears a brace on her neck and is "still struggling with the broken ribs." Knobloch, employed as a credit manager at Sheehan Equipment, Sioux Falls, S.D., returned to work for the afternoon Monday and brought home items to work on while recovering. Ryan Burgers was transported by ground ambulance to Avera McKennan Hospital from the scene of the accident. The Crescent was unable to reach Burgers for an update on his condition.

By Jolene FarleyThe Dave and Dawn Leenderts household swelled by three after the birth of triplets last week but things are running smoothly, according to the couple. "They’ve pretty much stuck to their four-hour (feeding) schedule," she said. "They train them up in Intensive Care (nursery) pretty well," Dave said.The triplets joined a big brother, Dawson, who turned three this month. Perinatologist Dr. William Watson, a specialist in multiple births, delivered the babies on Saturday, Aug. 5, by scheduled cesarean section at Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls. With a due date of Sept. 12, Dawn was 34 weeks, and four days into her pregnancy."It was getting too much for me," she said. "I was having trouble walking and sleeping and I was having headaches." There were 25 people in the delivery room, including the Leenderts and their three babies."So that little room was pretty crowded," Dave said.An amniocentesis was done before the cesarean section to ensure the babies were mature enough to deliver. Donovan was born at 9:22 a.m. weighing 4 pounds, 7 ounces; Danette was born at 9:23 a.m. weighing 4 pounds, 5 ounces; Drew was born at 9:24 a.m. weighing 4 pounds, 12 ounces. The triplets had few health problems, so they were allowed to come home about four weeks sooner than expected. Donovan has a slight heart murmur that doctors say he’ll outgrow. Drew, who came home Tuesday, stayed in the hospital longest because he wasn’t eating as well as the other babies, according to Leenderts. The couple says now he is the best eater of the three. "He decided he wasn’t going to get left behind," Dave said. The babies wake up at midnight and 4 a.m. for feedings, but are on almost identical schedules because of their hospital stay. The couple has play yards set up in their living room for the infants to sleep in. They hope to use these sleeping arrangements until the babies are at least three months old. "We haven’t got the whole system down yet on our sleeping quarters," Dave said. "We’re getting through this stage."The first night Danette and Donavan were home from the hospital, they both cried until Dawn switched on a light in the living room.The babies are used to the noise and lights in the intensive care nursery so darkness and silence actually kept them up.Between the three babies, 25-to-30 newborn size diapers are used a day. The couple said they are able to tell the babies apart. Danette is easiest — because she is the only girl. Donavon has a darker complexion, and different face shape than Drew.The babies also have different tones when they cry. Drew, who cries loudest, is easily distinguishable. The other two have different cries, but the couple hasn’t learned the difference yet.Different personalities are also evident in the young triplets. Danette is more active than her two brothers. "She squirms around a lot, kicks her legs," Dave said. Drew is laid back and Donavon likes to look around.The couple has tried to recruit help with the babies during the day."We try to arrange somebody for every day, or at least for a feeding or two," Dawn said. The babies are scheduled for their first doctor’s appointments next Tuesday. Dawn won’t take all three of the infants to the appointments alone. "Dad has to come on those days," she said.

Bob Lippi says Carmel loves their LuverneI received a package from Bob Lippi last week.I haven’t seen or heard from Bob for a very long time, but he hasn’t forgotten about Luverne.In the package was a copy of their local weekly newspaper, The Carmel Pine Cone, which featured a story on a recently restored 1923 Luverne fire truck.According to the article, the fire truck had been "stored without ceremony in boxes and in yards, sometimes even functioning as an unusual hanging rack for potted plants. But now, the Luverne- an 80-year-old fire engine- is back in all her glory, reassembled and lovingly restored at the hands of devoted volunteers."The truck was expected to be out and about for the Peninsula’s week long celebration of historic automobiles, with Carmel-by-the-sea Fire Department Truck No. 1 in gold lettering on the side.Built by hand in the Luverne plant, the truck was the first piece of motor driven equipment purchased by the city of Carmel according to the paper.Purchased for $5,500, it was added to the fleet that included Carmel’s hand-pulled hose cart.School to hold open schoolThe Luverne Public School is using the open house concept to hold an open school next Tuesday.The district is inviting all middle and high school students and parents to an open school from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 26. A similar event for the grade school kids will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18. School starts in Luverne on Tuesday, Sept 2.Dog daysof August?With the heat wave, I have heard the term "dog days of summer" used on several occasions.A column written by Rex Quinn, explaining the history of the term recently came across my desk, and I thought I would share part of it with you."Long, long ago (before "reality" television), ancient astronomers named a star "Sirius." They called it the Dog Star because it was part of the constellation Canis Major (the greater dog). Sirius usually rose during July, and burned brightest during steamy late August days, when everyone sweats more than an ice cube on a radiator.Since Sirius is the brightest star one sees with the naked eye (or even the eye wearing clothes), folks assumed TWO glaring suns made things twice as hot. So "dog days" referred to the most miserable summer hours."Now you know the rest of the story.Order photos from dotphotoDo you ever see a photo in the Star Herald that you would like a copy of.Now it’s easy to get one, and it’s in color.The Star Herald is now posting not only the photos you see in our printed edition on the dotphoto Web site, but we are also posting many other photos that we’ve taken that didn’t make the paper.If you have Internet access you now can go to www.star-herald.com and click on the dotphoto logo.From there you will able to see all the photos that have run in the Star Herald and lot more.And although the photos you see in the Star Herald are in black and white, the photos you will get from dotphoto will be in color.If you don’t have access to the Internet, you can still stop in our office and we can order the photos for you.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com