By Sara StrongLuverne’s newest city administrator has a definite contract to start the job Sept. 2. The Luverne City Council unanimously approved the agreement in a special meeting Friday.Greg LaFond, currently Altoona, Wis., will have a beginning annual salary of $74,000, which will increase at six months and 12 months after performance evaluations.LaFond will get health, life and disability insurance coverage at the same level as other city employees and will receive the same number of holidays per year as other employees.As he starts, he will get credit for five years of service, which provides for three weeks of vacation per year. In addition, he will have five days of relocation time to be taken during the first year on the job.Upon starting, LaFond will receive a 20-day bank of sick leave and accrue sick leave until the sick leave bank is satisfied. Then he will continue to accrue one day per month to the maximum allowed by the city policy.The car allowance of $200 per month (which some on the City Council had previously questioned) was left in the agreement, but the Council will review the car allowance at budget time. The money is for use of the administrator’s personal vehicle on city business.LaFond will receive a lump sum of $5,000 for relocation of household goods to Luverne. If he leaves before being on the job three years, he has to repay portions of the moving expense.The Council can terminate an administrator’s employment without cause at any time, so administrators negotiate for severance packages.If the Council terminates employment with LaFond within the first two years, he will receive six months severance compensation. If the Council terminates employment without cause during the third year of employment, he will receive five months severance pay; during the fourth year, four months severance; during the fifth year and thereafter, he will receive three months severance pay.In order to be terminated without a severance, the Council would have to prove that there was a willful neglect of duty; gross inefficiency or inability on the job, or wrongful or illegal acts in the office. If LaFond leaves on his own, he is required to give the Council 30 days notice.When LaFond starts, he will be relieving Luverne attorney Jeff Haubrich, who served as interim administrator since Matt Hylen left the job in March.

Palace announces next three moviesFor their next movies the Palace Theatre will again show one of the classics from the 70s."Jaws" (Sept. 5-6-7) will be the next movie to appear at the Palace.The 1975 classic that made people afraid to go into the water for about ten years, was one of the movies that made Steven Spielberg famous and starred Roy Schneider, Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw."Seabiscuit", the true story about the 1930’s race horse is considered to be one of the best pictures of this year.The movie stars Jeff Bridges, Tobey Maguire, Chris Cooper, and William H. Macy "Seabiscuit" will be showing at the Palace Theatre Oct. 3-4-5."Pirates of the Caribbean" will be shown at the Palace on Oct. 31 thru Nov. 2. This movie is described as a ghost of a tale, just in time for Halloween.So, if you’re planning to go to Sioux Falls to see a movie in the near future, don’t go to any of these. Wait to watch them at the Palace!An ice cream social for the barnFitzer’s barn was moved to the fairgrounds, then it was painted, now the painting needs to be paid for.To accomplish that, the Rock County Historical Society will be holding an ice cream social fund-raiser.The event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, in the barn on the fairgrounds.Ice cream, pies, bars, root beer floats, pop and coffee will be on sale.Also on display will be a working display of Ed Woodley’s old gas engines.MDA arrests Luverne business people for ‘Jerry’s Kids’Approximately 15 Luverne business leaders were arrested on Wednesday and charged with "having a big heart for Jerry’s kids", according to an "MDA spokesperson.The convicts were "locked up" and served their time in a mock jail at the Luverne Country Club in an effort to raise money for the local Muscular Dystrophy Association. The lock-up was from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Their sentence was to raise money by calling friends and encouraging contributions to advance MDA’s programs.Winterfest chooses patriotic themeWith thoughts of our local guard unit, the Winterfest committee decided a patriotic theme would be appropriate and chose "A Star Spangled Christmas" as the theme of the 2003 Winterfest.The 7th annual Winterfest will be Dec. 5, 6 and 7.The parade, which was held on Saturday night, had 33 floats last year.The Luverne Chamber office is encouraging the local neighborhoods to start their planning for their Christmas Lanes.The craft show will again be held at the high school from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, The very popular "Parade of Homes" will also be part of the weekend, with more details coming up later.Do you have a "Best State Fair Memory"?If you do, the Minnesota State Fair Foundation wants to hear it.The Foundation is holding their 2nd annual Best State Fair Memory Essay contest.The essays will be judged in four categories, 12 and under, 13-20, 21-25 and 55 and older.The best of show will also be awarded from the entrees.Regional auditions to be held for ‘American Idol’Midwest auditions are scheduled for this Saturday, Aug. 16 at the American National University in Sioux Falls, S.D.This competition will be held to find the one person who will be flown to New York to audition on Aug. 25 for the Fox show.The show allows 250 people to audition for the spot.Each contestant will sing two minutes of a song of their choice. All songs will be done a capella and the judges will be evaluating appearance, personality and singing ability.Sign-ups will begin at 11 a.m. with preliminary rounds of competition from noon to 6 p.m. and the final round at 7 p.m. Anyone age 16 to 24 is eligible to compete.Contestants under the age of 18 wishing to compete must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.For more information phone 605-338-0017, ext. 108Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com

By Jolene FarleyA 77-year-old Rock County male has contracted West Nile encephalitis, according to information from the Minnesota Department of Health.The man, whose symptoms began in late July, is hospitalized at Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls. The Health Department is witholding the man’s name and city of residence.Most people infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or a very mild illness. A small percentage of people, especially elderly patients, may develop West Nile Encephalitis. Approximately 10 percent of these cases are fatal, according to MDH. Most of the severe human cases of encephalitis begin with sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, and vomiting. The illness progresses quickly to include confusion and other mental status changes, altered reflexes, convulsions and coma. There is no treatment for West Nile encephalitis other than supportive care. Procedures at Nobles/Rock Public Health haven’t changed after the diagnosis of the first human case in the county, according to Nobles/Rock Public Sanitarian Jason Kloss."It doesn’t change anything with what we’ve been doing," he said. "We are continuing to monitor the bird population." Kloss advises taking proper precautions to avoid contracting the virus. West Nile virus won’t be going away and is something residents will have to live with year after year."It’s one of these things that’s going to be a fixture in our lives," he said. Kloss said if anyone finds a dead bird they should wear gloves, bag the bird and throw it in the trash. West Nile virus is transferred by mosquitoes and cannot be contracted from birds. Once a county has tested positive for an animal case of the West Nile virus, the Minnesota Department of Health doesn’t continue testing, so local residents don’t need to keep reporting dead birds if they find them.What can people do to prevent West Nile Encephalitis? oPersonal protection measures such as using mosquito repellents, avoiding outdoor exposures at dusk and dawn and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants can reduce risk. oRemoval of water-holding containers from residential areas will reduce the numbers of several mosquito species. oThere is a vaccine available for horses to prevent West Nile encephalitis. Contact a veterinarian for vaccine recommendations. A human vaccine is still in development.

By Sara StrongShared expenses like law enforcement, the Community Library and the Pool and Fitness Center were reviewed in a joint city of Luverne and county meeting Tuesday. Both are trying to save money for 2004. Law enforcement costs increased this year with more prisoners and prisoner medical expenses. The state is also requiring all prisoners with sentences of a year or less to stay in the county jails, and prisoners with longer sentences have to serve the final six months in county jail too.Those circumstances, combined with the county’s $46,000 loss in Criminal Justice state aid, means all of the county will have to pay more for police protection.The county is meeting with all cities to discuss per capita charges for services.Tuesday’s meeting with Luverne was to review the budget and suggest to Sheriff Mike Winkels areas that could be cut.The joint boards gave him direction to look at more leasing options for department vehicles.Winkels said, for instance, that buying an investigator vehicle and leasing four squad cars would cost $75,000 next year. Leasing seven and not buying the investigator car would cost $69,000. There are other considerations like radios and radar in the cars that aren’t figured into the costs.Also, the department could give just 20-hour-per-day coverage and save about $50,000.The total law enforcement budget, including dispatching, is $1.38 million.LibraryLibrarian Glenda Bremer spoke about the Rock County Community Library’s budget.The county and city split the library budget, which was proposed at $228,566 for 2004.With revenue essentially limited to late fines and room rentals, the library has to get all of its operating expenses from the city and county. The joint boards said they’d prefer to contribute less than proposed to the library, and asked Bremer to consider spending some fund balances and reducing purchases.Even following those suggestions, staff, services and hours may have to be reduced.Bremer said, "I don’t like it, but I suppose cutting the rural services could be an option."The minimum contribution from the city and county is $92,000, based on a state formula.Pool and FitnessThe joint operation of the Rock County Pool and Fitness Center will try to increase revenue for 2004 by raising memberships 10 percent and increasing lessons by 12 percent.The new agreement with Sioux Valley Hospitals and Health System will also bring in more money at $1,000 a month for the use of the facility for therapy.The Rock County Pool Commission hasn’t had a meeting to review the proposed budget.The boards also suggested to manager Carol Wessels that the Pool and Fitness Center forego the $15,000 in capital improvement set aside for major repairs or upgrades. That fund now has $139,000.Rock County Commissioner Ken Hoime said, "Being that there’s so much build up, I believe we can go without contributing to it this year. We have built up a good cushion and that’s good to have, but we could put it off this year."For 2004, the projected budget calls for both the city and county to contribute $69,000, but the county said it would prefer to reduce that to $58,000.

By Sara StrongThe Luverne City Council Tuesday took steps to ensure the construction of a new Sioux Valley hospital and clinic.It unanimously approved a business subsidy agreement, after hearing no objections in a special public hearing.Luverne Community Hospital Administrator Jerry Carl said it was a "good feeling" to have an agreement after months of discussion.The city agreed to loan Sioux Valley $1 million, payable over 15 years, interest free, plus the infrastructure needed to develop the hospital site (water, sewer, electricity, new water tower). Total infrastructure estimates are about $2.45 million. The city has previously expressed a need to get a new water tower on the north part of town even without the new hospital.The city will grant Sioux Valley $2.5 million, part of which is considered payment for the existing hospital and clinic, valued at $1.2 million. Depending on the property value on the date of closing, the portions of the $2.5 million which are grant and purchase price will vary.The city also releases Sioux Valley from the responsibility of payment for the bonds on the Medical Center, which are about $300,000.Costs of this endeavor are partially funded by proceeds from the sale of the current hospital to Sioux Valley.The new health care facilities will be north of Luverne. The property abuts the Veterans Addition to its south, Highway 75 on the west, Blue Mound Avenue on the east and the gravel township road on the north.A combined clinic and hospital site is estimated to be 95,000 square feet, increased from the current 42,000.Carl estimated a completion date of the first part of 2005 at the earliest. He expects some activity at the hospital site in the first week in September and hopes the winter allows some more progress.

By Sara StrongThe City of Luverne may help restore the faded glory of downtown’s Palace Theatre. The City Council toured the building and is now discussing aid options.Blue Mound Area Theater President Ben Vander Kooi brought a proposal to the Luverne City Council meeting Tuesday.As owner of the Palace, BMAT asks that the city assume ownership of the building and contract with BMAT for management.The arrangement would be similar to that of the Blue Mound Ice Arena.Vander Kooi also spoke to the Luverne Economic Development Authority last week in the hopes that it could somehow help with the building, too.The proposal for the city to take ownership of the Palace Theatre was brought because the theater is eligible for a state grant if it is under public ownership. BMAT has applied for a $75,000 Minnesota Historical Society grant that, if awarded, would be used for safety and energy improvements to the building itself. The grant could be for less than $75,000, depending on what is awarded. Vander Kooi speculated that BMAT could probably get $50,000. The grant is a competitive one to get — of the $300,000 that’s available, more than $600,000 has been requested.The grant also stipulates that there be 1-1 matching funds. The city is also considering offering the match in the form of a "pass through loan" that BMAT would repay, but for grant purposes would count as a match.If the City takes ownership, then it will be more difficult for the Palace to be sold to a private party because city property sales require public meetings and open bids. As a public entity, the City also has bonding power to finance building repairs, but BMAT anticipates fund-raising to cover those.Vander Kooi said that the building is important from an economic development and cultural standpoint."There’d be a huge hole left in downtown Luverne if there wasn’t a Palace," he said to the LEDA.The City Council will decide by its Aug. 26 the next few weeks whether it is willing to assume ownership of the building. The LEDA will further discuss matching the grant through a pass-through loan. The grant has to be turned in to the Minnesota Historical Society by 4:30 p.m. Aug. 29.History with a futureA recent study of the Palace Theatre said, "As an integral part of the community for nearly 90 years, the Palace is a rarity … in that it has been in continual use for nearly its entire lifetime."Structural and marketing studies of the Palace Theatre showed that the building is generally sound, and has potential for being a regional destination for events and movies.Becoming a hotspot could take time to achieve, but the study says, "the Historic Palace Theater can build upon its history and play a vibrant role in the community for many years to come."Before its role can be expanded, the building itself has some issues that need addressing.The architectural study said the building was in better shape than anticipated. There were some recommendations about the building, however:oTheatrical rigging tie-offs should be re-secured where necessary.oFly loft access ladders could be replaced, depending on the frequency of use.oThere is deterioration at the southeast area of the building where the roof meets the fly loft. It leaks and should temporarily be covered or repaired until re-roofing can be done.oThe roof is nearing its end and should be replaced within the next three years. oThere are some comfort issues with heat and it was recommended that an energy and heat loss consultant review the problem. oMore regular inspections of the roof and parapets, marquee, fire escapes, furnaces, etc. should be done.oA fire alarm system should be established as renovations are completed.oA sprinkler service water line should be extended into the building. Some long-range ideas may also help the Palace earn money and become a better destination for everyone.BMAT has expressed some interest in having a café next door, and improving the lobby by expanding it into a neighboring building. That would allow bathrooms to be installed on the first floor, which are now only in the basement level.The improvements could be enough to make it a destination for weddings or parties.The second floor former ballroom could also be restored and generate income. That could also require an elevator and additional exit stairs, as well as bathrooms on the second floor.Marketing to become a premier destinationThe marketing analysis said the theater "should become a place for performing arts and educational programming that responds directly to the interests, needs, and expectations of the audiences from throughout the region."Among the draws, the study said, should be live shows by the Green Earth Players and other community theater groups. The marketing analysis said that local and regional choral groups, bands, youth organizations, schools, dance groups and churches should also be included in the program schedule. The Palace should be renovated to be considered a state-of-the-art facility and become an attraction for audiences from across the region. It could also attract major performers.Other relationships with universities, organizations or businesses could bring more activity to the Palace.Films will be a part of the theater’s future as well. Second-runs of recent releases could play a weekend once a month. Art films, classics, old movies utilizing the organ or independent movies will also be considered.All of these plans for the Palace hinge on enough money and local efforts to make them happen. "The building was placed on the National Historic Register in 1979 and is noted as a unique example of how live theater and cinema came to live side by side in theaters across the country during the first part of the 20th century. "Its interior has faded from its glory days and the building has undergone several renovations over time. The facility is currently in need of major renovations for safety, improved access, updated technical systems and aesthetic reasons. Despite its current physical shortfalls, the Palace remains a vital part of the community."In order to continue to be eligible for the grant, BMAT has to know by Aug. 29 whether the city will be able to commit to ownership or matching funds. (TO PULL IF NEEDED ***There is also a band photo for the group Fragment.***)Things are picking upMany events are scheduled for the remainder of the year at the Palace.Aug. 16 — Fragment bluegrass concertAug. 20 — Spotlight Dancers "All That Jazz" Sept. 5, 6, 7 — First weekend of the month movie, "Jaws"Sept. 13 and 14 — One-man play "Confessions of an Ordinary Man" by Randy Achterhof, Leota nativeSept. 21 — South Dakota Chamber Orchestra with Emily LodineOct. 3, 4, 5 — First weekend of the month movie "Seabiscuit"Oct. 12 — Selah Porter, bluegrass and folk music by Jim and Jill Emery, Luverne nativesOct. 14, 15, 16 — Firemen’s movie fund-raiser, "Finding Nemo"Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 2 — First weekend of the month movie, "Pirates of the Caribbean"Nov. 14, 15, 16 and Nov. 21, 22, 23 — "Steel Magnolias" performance by the Green Earth PlayersDec. 5, 6, 7 — "Bethlehem’s Big Night" Christmas play by Luverne American Reformed ChurchDec. 12 — Christmas at the PalaceDec. 14 — Treava Lundberg Christmas concertDec. 20 — Kristi Holler Christmas concert

Allison and Madison Hennager enjoy the ceremony from a distance. Their husband and daddy, Pete Hennager, is a member of the local unit that left Wednesday for training in Ft. McCoy, Wis.By Lori EhdeThe sounds of children could be heard in the background of the National Guard send-off ceremony Monday in the Luverne City Park.Many of those children will be without their daddies for holidays and birthdays in the coming six months as members of the local unit left Wednesday.They’ll spend the next couple weeks in Ft. McCoy, Wis., for training, and then start their six-month deployment in England.To salute and supportMore than 300 people were served during the private picnic for Guard members and their families Monday night, and the City Park was nearly filled with community members who showed up for the deployment ceremony.Chamber Director Dave Smith said the event would serve two purposes, to salute the departing guard members and to support their families left behind."We’re going to be thinking about you the entire time you’re gone, and we want you to know this community stands behind you and your families," Smith said.He announced that the Winterfest theme this year in Luverne will be "Star Spangled Christmas" in honor of the absent Guard members.This is the first time the Luverne Guard unit has been activated since local troops were deployed in January 1951 for a year in the Korean War.National Guard Commander and World War II Veteran Warren Herreid told the Guardsmen that despite advances in modern technology, their experience away from home won’t be that different from what the World War II veterans of his era went through. "We’re all still people," Herreid said. "You young soldiers are joining an elite group of people. … Make sure you remember your family and friends and co-workers will be thinking about you. … Think positive and soon you’ll be home again living the routine and sometimes mundane life of a civilian."‘Get it over with and come home soon’As military assignments go, the local Guard unit drew a lucky card, according to many of their wives. "At least we know they’re coming home … or we can be relatively sure they’ll be back," said Jody Kramer, rural Ellsworth.She and her husband Don, have four children, the youngest of which is 4 months old.She’s not the only one with her hands full. Patti Thielbar, Hardwick, is expecting twins next month, and if her husband, Brock, is already out of the country by the time they’re born, there’s a chance he won’t see them for six months."You have to do what you have to do," she said. "He has an obligation to his job with the Guards. … Family and friends are stepping up and pitching in."For many families, Monday’s ceremony served as a reality check that departure was near, after months of planning and uncertainty."I’m ready for them to go and be done," said Luverne’s Sharla Reisch, Jody Reisch’s wife. "It’s been a long month."Vicky Meyer agreed. "You wake up every day and think about how life is going to be changing," said Meyer, wife of David Meyer, Luverne. Both she and Reisch said the deployment will be hardest on their children."We’ve been talking about it and letting them know how long it’s going to be," Reisch said. "But I’m not sure if they fully understand … It’ll be hard when the holidays come."Meyer said her children are used to the two-week training sessions their daddy leaves for, but this will be entirely different."We as adults can take the separation, but I don’t know if they can comprehend six months," Meyer said. "I don’t know if I can comprehend six months."Reisch’s mother, Hermina Van Meeteren was listening to the two young mothers talk, and she said she knows how they feel.Her late husband, John, fought in the Korean War when they were newlyweds and was gone for a year."You do a lot of praying and you write a lot of letters," Van Meeteren said.Teddy Bears, yellow ribbons and pinsThe Guardsmen didn’t leave empty-handed after Monday’s send-off ceremony.They were given Rock County lapel pins, yellow ribbons (made by Cloyce Smith) for their families and Teddy bears for their children.The bears, donated by National Guard family support, wore little vests that carried special messages to the children from their daddies.Preschooler Morgan Haugen’s bear said, "To my beautiful daughter, Morgan: When you need a hug from Dad, just hug the bear and know that I love you with all my heart. Love Dad."The Pipestone County Star and the Rock County Star Herald are sending several copies of their weekly papers to the unit overseas at no charge, and guard personnel have promised to send regular e-mails to the papers to keep readers at home informed of their activities.The deployment ceremony was funded by the Chamber, local veterans organizations and banks in Luverne, Hardwick, Hills, Adrian, Ellsworth and Lismore.Patriotic affairThe event included a presentation of a joint color guard, special seating for the guard members and patriotic music by Sue Schneekloth."A large number of guard personnel came up to me afterward and said how they appreciated all the support," Smith said. "So I think it did what it was supposed to do."At last word, local Guard members were told they’re going to England to serve as additional security officers. They could be doing things such as checking IDs and patrolling bases.There are 93 affected members in the local unit that includes Luverne and Pipestone. Of those, 55 serve duty at the National Guard Training and Community Center in Luverne.Twenty-three of those live in Rock County and 21 live in Nobles County.

By Jolene FarleyTodd Holthaus, Waite Park, begins duties this fall as elementary principal for the Hills-Beaver Creek School District. The School Board voted unanimously on the recommendation of Personnel Committee member Gary Esselink, to hire Holthaus for the position. "We narrowed it down to four individuals," Esselink said.Personnel Committee members Esselink, Ann Boeve and Al Harnack interviewed the four candidates on Saturday, July 26. Last year, Holthaus worked at St. Cloud Christian School as kindergarten- through 12th-grade principal. "He brings some experience to the job," said Esselink. "He really wants to get back to the elementary (level)."Holthaus is an experienced grant writer and sat on a legislative committee that approves grants, according to Esselink. Holthaus replaces Jil Vaughn who worked as elementary administrator for the district last year. Vaughn will return to her former position as speech teacher.

By Jolene FarleyA 77-year-old Rock County male has contracted West Nile encephalitis, according to information from the Minnesota Department of Health.The man, whose symptoms began in late July, is hospitalized at Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls. The Health Department is witholding the man’s name and city of residence.Most people infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or a very mild illness. A small percentage of people, especially elderly patients, may develop West Nile Encephalitis. Approximately 10 percent of these cases are fatal, according to MDH. Most of the severe human cases of encephalitis begin with sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck, and vomiting. The illness progresses quickly to include confusion and other mental status changes, altered reflexes, convulsions and coma. There is no treatment for West Nile encephalitis other than supportive care. Procedures at Nobles/Rock Public Health haven’t changed after the diagnosis of the first human case in the county, according to Nobles/Rock Public Sanitarian Jason Kloss."It doesn’t change anything with what we’ve been doing," he said. "We are continuing to monitor the bird population." Kloss advises taking proper precautions to avoid contracting the virus. West Nile virus won’t be going away and is something residents will have to live with year after year."It’s one of these things that’s going to be a fixture in our lives," he said. Kloss said if anyone finds a dead bird they should wear gloves, bag the bird and throw it in the trash. West Nile virus is transferred by mosquitoes and cannot be contracted from birds. Once a county has tested positive for an animal case of the West Nile virus, the Minnesota Department of Health doesn’t continue testing, so local residents don’t need to keep reporting dead birds if they find them.What can people do to prevent West Nile Encephalitis? oPersonal protection measures such as using mosquito repellents, avoiding outdoor exposures at dusk and dawn and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants can reduce risk. oRemoval of water-holding containers from residential areas will reduce the numbers of several mosquito species. oThere is a vaccine available for horses to prevent West Nile encephalitis. Contact a veterinarian for vaccine recommendations. A human vaccine is still in development.