Luverne's Rob Fodness (10) slides safely home after Edgerton's pitcher delivered a wild pitch during Tuesday's American Legion baseball game at Redbird Field.By John RittenhouseThe Luverne Amercian Legion baseball team turned in a strong performance Tuesday night after a rough weekend at the Brookings (S.D.) Tournament.Coming off a 1-4 weekend that ended with four consecutive losses, Luverne turned things around while thumping Edgerton 12-3.Adam Kurtz pitched all seven innings to lead the Cardinals to victory. Four Luverne players drove in at least two runs in the game, with a three-RBI effort by Adam Reisch setting the pace.Luverne struck an early blow by scoring four runs in the bottom of the first.Two-run singles by Reisch and Tim Boen gave the Cards their 4-0 lead.Edgerton trimmed the lead in half (4-2) in the top of the third, but the Cardinals responded by breaking the game open with a four-run third inning, a two-run fourth and a one-run fifth to gain an 11-2 lead.Joey Pick delivered the key hit in the third when he slapped a two-run single.Reisch and Kurtz drew bases-loaded walks before Pick slapped his single.Kuhlman registered a sacrifice fly and Kurtz was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to account for fifth-inning runs that gave the Cards a 10-3 cushion.Rob Fodness walked and scored on a wild pitch to make it an 11-2 game in the fifth.Both teams scored once in the sixth.Zach Wysong, who led the Cardinals with four singles, slapped a run-scoring single in the sixth.Kurtz limited Edgerton to four hits and fanned five batters during his winning performance.The 5-7 Cardinals end the regular season in Worthington tonight before opening the Sub-District Tournament at a site to be determined Tuesday.Box score AB R H BISchmidt 2 2 1 0Kuhlman 5 1 1 1Reisch 1 2 1 3Goembel 1 0 0 0Kurtz 0 1 0 2Pick 5 1 2 2Boen 3 1 1 2Fodness 1 1 0 0Wysong 4 2 4 1Remme 0 2 0 0Kopp 2 0 0 0Studer 3 0 0 0

By John RittenhouseThe Hills Thunder snapped a 10-game losing skid by posting a four-run victory in Worthington Wednesday, July 2.Hills, which had not won a game since June 1, plated 12-runs in the final three innings to record a come-from-behind victory against the Cubs.The Thunder dropped a 22-0 home decision to Hadley Sunday. No statistical information was available from the loss.Hills, 3-13 overall, ends the regular season by hosting Spencer, Iowa, at 3 p.m. Sunday.Hills 14, Worthington 10Ten games of frustration for the Thunder came to an end with three big innings late in the July 2 game in Worthington.Hills trailed 6-2 after Worthington scored single runs in the second and third innings and four in the third, but the Thunder bounced back to take a 7-6 edge by scoring one run in the top of the eighth and four more in the ninth.The Cubs pushed a run across the plate in the bottom of the ninth to force a 10th inning when Hills outscored Worthington 7-3 to post a four-run victory.Hills trimmed Worthington’s 6-2 lead down to three runs when Scott Harnack reached base on an error and scored on a throwing error when he was stealing third base in the top of the eighth.Harnack slapped a two-run single and Derek Sammons added a two-run double during a four-run ninth inning that gave the Thunder a brief 7-6 edge before the Cubs tied the game in the bottom of the ninth.Sammons, who drove in four runs to lead Hills, slapped a two-run single to highlight a seven-run rally in the top of the 10th.Cade Lang added an RBI double and Justin Van Maanen, who led the Thunder with four hits, added a run-scoring single to the cause in the 10th.Hills scored the game’s first two runs in the top of the second.Wade Jellema singled home a run and Van Maanen singled and scored on an error for Hills in the second.Jarud Lang pitched all 10 innings and recorded the win for the Thunder. He allowed 14 hits and two walks during a three-strik-eout effort.Box score AB R H BIJ.Lang 2 2 0 0E.Harnack 5 1 2 0S.Harnack 4 3 1 2Sammons 3 2 2 4Top 0 0 0 0Funke 4 1 1 0Van maanen 5 2 4 1Jellema 5 0 1 1C.Lang 3 2 0 0Rauk 0 0 0 0C.Harnack 3 1 0 0Krenz 0 0 0 0

Luverne American Legion shortstop Zach Wysong eludes a rolling ball while running to third base during Tuesday's 12-3 victory over Edgerton at Redbird Field in Luverne. By John RittenhouseZach Wysong and the Luverne American Legion baseball team were put to the test of playing six games in a five-day span.Luverne played five games at the Brookings, S.D., Tournament Friday though Sunday, going 1-4 during the event.The Cardinals hosted Edgerton for a single game at Redbird Field in Luverne Tuesday. The Cards toppled Edgerton 12-3.Wysong had a big day at the plate during the win over Edgerton.The Luverne shortstop slapped four singles and was hit by a pitch in another plate appearance.Wysong drove in the game’s final run with a single in the bottom of the sixth. He also scored twice in the game.Wysong and the Cardinals didn’t have the best of weekends during the tournament in Brookings.Luverne went 1-4 for the event, beating Watertown (S.D.) in the opener, the Cards lost consecitive games to Coon Rapids, Mayville (N.D.), Cokato and Brookings.Wysong played in all five games, going two-for-13 at the plate and scoring two runs. He also took a pitching loss.During a 9-3 win over Watertown in the opener Friday morning, Wysong scored twice without getting hits in two official at bats.Wysong went one-for-three during a 3-2 loss to Cokato Friday afternoon.The Cardinals dropped another 3-2 decision to Mayville Saturday morning. Wysong was hitless in three trips to the plate.Wysong went hitless in two at bats during a 6-4 loss to Cokato Sunday afternoon. He also pitched all seven innings and was saddled with the loss.Wysong singled in the third inning to account for one of Luverne’s three hits during a 7-0 setback to Brookings during the tournament finale Sunday night.The 5-7 Cardinals play in Worthington before opening the Sub-District Tournament at a site to be determined Tuesday.

Star Herald is authorityon local history Ñfor 130 years and todayThe older I get, the more a history buff IÕve become. Admittedly, thatÕs because a bigger portion of my life and my work is becoming history. É ItÕs odd to read my 10-year-old stories in our weekly Star Herald Remember When column.While it makes me feel old, thereÕs something satisfying about seeing the role IÕve played in preserving local history.Sometimes we wonder who reads our stories or who cares, but knowing that our accounts of local happenings will become the authoritative history of the community makes our work rewarding.That point surfaced again this week when New York Associate Producer Meghan Horvath researched in Luverne for Ken BurnÕs upcoming documentary film, "The War." (See related story)In addition to valuable information from Historical Society volunteers, Horvath found, not surprisingly, the local paper to be her best source of information and photographs.In the 1940s, Rock County reporters and photographers were busy compiling information on departing soldiers and documenting the warÕs effects on their families back home.When the War on Terrorism started after Sept. 11, 2001, the Star Herald profiled the role of local soldiers in that conflict, along with reflections from affected family members in Luverne.WeÕre currently planning a feature story on young CJ Wilsey, who returned from Iraq to Luverne just in time to celebrate our nationÕs Independence Day.I can envision WilseyÕs story turning up 50 years from now when researchers comb our archives for a local perspective on the U.S. War on Terrorism.Wars or no wars, the Star Herald chronicles accomplishments of the communityÕs movers and shakers in addition to contributions of everyday men and women.ItÕs no wonder, then, that Ken BurnÕs New York film producers have turned to the Star Herald for a taste of Luverne.The Star Herald is celebrating its 130th birthday this year, and projects like the Ken Burns film emphasizes our important role in local history.ItÕs not that we, as news people, are so worthy of celebrating. ItÕs more that we as news people are celebrating the opportunity to tell Rock CountyÕs story for so many years.Thank you, readers (and your parents, your grandparents and great-great-grandparents), for 130 years of rich, colorful history. Without you, there would be no stories and there would be no Star Herald.

10 years ago (1993)"The last problem Rock County residents would expect to have lately is a shortage of water. But when a Rural Water line burst near Magnolia Sunday morning, the entire town of Magnolia and several homes east of Luverne had no running water. A water line lost surrounding ground support when Elk Creek eroded far past its original banks from the force of rushing water."25 years ago (1978)"In general, charges for services at the Luverne Community Hospital will be going down within the next 30 days.The decision was brought on by a ruling of the Minnesota Rate Review Board. The Board of the hospital agreed to go along with the ruling in a meeting Friday afternoon."50 years ago (1953)"Rock County lowered its tax levy for 1953, to be collected in 1954, by $13,460, despite the fact that the county board appropriated $10,000 to the local hospital building fund.The levy was set by the County Commissioners Monday, as they met in their semi-annual session. At the same time, they acted upon the request of the Luverne hospital board by approving an appropriation of $10,000 to be used in building a new addition to the present structure."75 years ago (1928)"Minnesota’s State Highway Department is now engaged in providing the new routes for trunk highways Nos. 6 and 9, south and southwest of this city, to the Iowa and the South Dakota lines, with substantial and adequate guard rails, wherever a fill was made of sufficient depth to create a hazardous place in the event that a motorist should run off the grade." 100 years ago (1903)"The Fourth of July was celebrated in a proper way in Beaver Creek. The business houses and many dwellings were tastefully decorated. We believe a prettier or more suitable decoration could not be found than at the bank. An interesting program was given at the bowery on Main Street."

Pursuant to the Rock County Zoning Ordinance, Notice is hereby given by the Rock County Planning Commission that a public hearing will be held at the Rock County Family Service Center located at 2 Roundwind Road in Luverne, MN at 7:30 p.m. on Monday July 21st, 2003. The purpose of the hearing is to rule on the application for a variance submitted by Dwight & Marcia Gangestad to place more than 1 non-farm residence in a 40 acre parcel located in the SE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of section 20 in Vienna Township, T103N, R44W, Rock County, MN. Rock County Zoning AdministratorEric Hartman(7-10, 7-17)

PUBLIC NOTICEADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALSNotice is hereby given that proposals will be received by the Executive Director, Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council, Inc., 1106 Third Avenue, PO Box 787, Worthington, MN 56187 for: PHASE 1 – Remodeling and renovation of Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council, Inc. 1106 – Third Avenue Worthington, MN 56187This project consists of the remodeling of the reception area and one meeting room at the corporate offices located at the address as listed.All in accordance with Plans and Specifications. Documents and plans as prepared by Vetter-Johnson Architects, 5101 Highway 55, Suite 2000, Minneapolis, MN 55422, telephone 763.545.6500, are available from the Executive Director, SMOC. Plans are available July 11, 2003.Th Owner will accept proposals for General Construction inclusive of minor related mechanical and electrical work. Contractor is required to provide design/build services for mechanical and electrical work. Contractor is required to provide design/build services for mechanical and electrical modifications. Proposals will include all material and labor for one contract. The successful proposal shall enter into a single contract. All proposals shall be submitted in an envelope marked with the name of the project, and received at the SMOC office no later than 4:30 PM on Friday, July 25, 2003.Interested parties desiring a copy of the Plans and Specifications may obtain them from the SMOC Executive Director, telephone 507.376.4195, upon deposit of $25.00 with check payable to Owner, which will be refunded within 10 days of award of contract if the documents are returned in good condition. SMOC reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to waive irregularities and informalities therein and further reserves the right to award any contract in the best interests of SMOC.Dated July 2, 2003(7-10)

JUNE 11, 2003MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2814, ROCK COUNTY, LUVERNE, MINNESOTA.A regular meeting of the Board of Education, ISD #2184, was held in the District Office on Wednesday, June 11, 2003, at 5:00 p.m.The following members were present: Don Bryan, Colleen Deutsch, Dan Kopp, Bill Stegemann, Steve Tofteland, and Becky Walgrave. Absent; Cary Radisewitz. Also present: Superintendent Vince Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Gary Fisher, Stacy Gillette, Jane Cote, Dave Breyfogle, and Lori Ehde, Rock County Star Herald.The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dan Kopp. Mr. Schaefer gave announcements including there is an addendum to the agenda. Motion by Stegemann, second by Walgrave, to approve the agenda and addendum. Motion unanimously carried. Administrative reports were given. Marlene Mann, Business Manager, reviewed the General Revenue anticipation printout as of May 28, 2003. Under the new law, the Luverne District will receive $175,849.00 less funding during the 2003-04 fiscal year. Motion by Stegemann, second by Bryan, to approve the School Board minutes of May 22, 2003. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Walgrave, second by Tofteland, to accept the following resolution: Inasmuch as it is not necessary for certain employees to work during the summer, since their work is seasonal, BE IT RESOLVED, that seasonal lay-offs be granted to the following employee groups from June 4, 2003, to September 2, 2003, on which later date said employees are to return to work: Paraprofessionals, Bus Drivers, Cooks, ECFE/School Readiness Assistants, and Secretaries. Motion unanimously carried. Superintendent Schaefer reviewed the Lease Agreement with Dave Breyfogle. There are several factors affecting this agreement including working with the Farm Service Agency in regard to our CRP acres. No action was taken on this item. Mr. Breyfogle will meet with the Facilities Committee following this meeting. Marlene Mann reviewed the athletic equipment and supply requisitions. Member Deutsch expressed that we need to review what we are charging for activity fees. She would support an increase. Superintendent Schaefer indicated the administration would be reviewing the fees and would bring recommendations to the Board at a future meeting. Motion by Walgrave, second by Deutsch, to approve the requisitions as presented. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Tofteland, second by Deutsch, to approve the following resolution: The local Board of Education of Luverne Public Schools has authorized Vincent Schaefer, at a monthly meeting on June 11, 2003, to act as the LEA (Local Education Agency) Representative in filing an application for funds provided under Public Law 103-382 for the school year 2003-2004. The LEA Representative will ensure that the school district maintains compliance with the appropriate Federal statutes, regulations, and State procedures currently in effect and will act as the responsible authority in all matters relating to the administration of this application. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Bryan, second by Deutsch to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for the Luverne Child Guide Program as presented. It was noted this is a two year agreement. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Walgrave, second by Stegemann, to continue to offer student accident insurance through Student Assurance Services Inc. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Tofteland, second by Walgrave, to deny the cooperative sharing agreement request in boys hockey with Sioux Center, Iowa. Discussion was held. A roll call vote was taken as follows: those voting in favor of the motion to deny the request: Deutsch, Tofteland, and Kopp; those voting against the motion to deny the request: Bryan, Walgrave, and Stegemann, Motion failed due to lack of majority votes. Staff Development funding was reviewed by Superintendent Schaefer. We are currently setting aside 2% of the District’s budget for staff development. However, under the new law, this is open to the School Board to reevaluate and change the amount. It is the recommendation of the administration to lower this amount to 1% with 50% of that money to be used by the teaching staff individuals and 50% to be used for district-wide staff development. Motion by Bryan, second by Walgrave, to set the Staff Development amount at 1%. Motion unanimously carried. Superintendent Schaefer reviewed the Elementary primary grades playground area. The Facilities Committee has met regarding this issue. The work to improve the playground area would include moving the current fence to the west, doing additional dirt work, bringing in compost to help improve the soil, removing the tree located to the north of the old bus garage, placing additional fencing down below the hill near the new bus garage, and providing better handicapped accessibility. The approximate cost of the project would be $35,000. Motion by Walgrave, second by Tofteland, to accept quotes and begin work on the playground. Motion unanimously carried.Motion by Tofteland, second by Deutsch, to approve a Student Teacher Practicum Agreement with Minnesota State University – Mankato. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Walgrave, to approve hiring Kyle Eastman as Vocal Music instructor. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Tofteland, second by Deutsch, to approve hiring Jaime Creegan as Discovery Time Preschool teacher. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Deutsch, second by Bryan, to approve hiring Darrin Olson as Chemistry/Physics teacher. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch to approve hiring Lori Jacobs as Second Grade teacher and Head Volleyball coach. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Walgrave, second by Stegemann, to approve hiring Michelle Burkard as MS/HS Special Education teacher. Motion unanimously carried.Motion by Tofteland, second by Deutsch, to approve hiring Lynette Stensland as half-time Elementary Special Education teacher. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Walgrave, second by Deutsch, to approve Isaac Schmidt as volunteer baseball coach. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Bryan, second by Walgrave, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: June 11, 2003William Stegemann, Clerk(7-10)

One of the Bible passages I like to use for wedding meditations is Ephesians 5 verses 1 and 2; it reads, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Certainly marriage is about love and sacrifice. God, through Jesus, models for us the meaning of generous, self-giving love for the well-being of another. I don’t believe I have ever seen a marriage fail where that ideal of love was lived and practiced. The difficulty with marriage is that this principle is very difficult to live out. We are programmed to be self-centered and self-focused in our lives. [This is what is called original sin. We are by nature sinful.] It takes a lot of effort, and I would also say grace from God, to overcome our selfish tendencies. Sometimes I do reasonably well at it and other times I fail miserably. My intent for this article was to share some random insights from marriage renewal seminars that I’ve attended through the years. (The above was an unplanned introduction but from my heart and perhaps connected to the first insight.)1. No marriage is perfect. It is a daily creation, not a packaged product. It is like a child who needs to be picked up and hugged and given personal attention. It is a pledge of mutual fidelity and a partnership of mutual subordination.2. The secret of a good marriage is change. We need to be risk takers in marriage and in life. There needs to be adaptations to one’s life situations and experiences. One cannot be rigid and inflexible regarding relationships or approach to living if one is to have a good marriage. Learn how to adjust and adapt to each other.3. Differentness is another way of saying individuality. We were created as irreplaceable individuals, different from any who have gone before or who will appear later. This is a frightening thought to insecure people who have not realized that God considers each person to be an individual of unique worth. There are no superior or inferior people in the marriage relationship.4. Freshness in marriage comes by building and increasing intimacy. Intimacy involves a very personal, special emotional closeness. It involves understanding and being understood. Intimacy is composed of mutual caring, trust, responsibility, and open communication of feelings, emotions, facts and experiences in an undefended atmosphere. For most males this emphasis on speaking verbally our feelings, emotions, and needs takes an inordinate amount of effort. But it is effort that pays great dividends in creating an intimate marriage. H. Norman Wright, a noted Christian marriage counselor, calls ‘communication the key to marriage.’ Compliments, affirmation, appreciation, praises are needed by each spouse from the other spouse. "Basement people drag us down, balcony people pull us up." Marriages that are happy and fulfilling are composed of two balcony people.5. Christian marriage is a total commitment of two people to the person of Jesus Christ and to each other. It is a commitment in which there is no holding back of anything. A Christian marriage is similar to a solvent, a freeing up of the man and woman to be themselves and become all that God intends for them to be. Marriage is a refining process that God will use to have us become the man or woman God wants us to become.Marriage is meant to be beautiful and magnificent but it takes dedicated effort. May the love you have for your mate be wondrously alive, growing and mutual.