By Jolene FarleyTwenty Hills-Beaver Creek students and their three chaperones returned home from Costa Rica, Central America, Tuesday, June 10."I think it (the trip) was more than we expected," teacher and chaperone Teri Richards said. "We saw such an amazing array of land."The group witnessed volcanic eruptions, swam in the Pacific Ocean, visited active geysers and saw a wide variety of wildlife.They rode horseback up a mountain to the Continental Divide between the Caribbean and Pacific slopes."It was steep," Richards said. "It was not an easy little trail ride." The area they rode to, settled by Quakers, is kept remote on purpose, according to Richards. Quakers started the settlement in the 1950’s after leaving the United States in protest of the Korean War. Costa Rica, a pacifist country, has no armed forces. Richards was pleased with the guides provided by the travel agency for the trip. They spoke fluent English and Spanish. One guide, a science professor, was particularly helpful because of his knowledge of the native wildlife and plants. "He knew every animal and plant," Richards said. The Arenal Volcano, active and erupting since 1968, was 20 miles from the resort where the group stayed. They took a boat ride around the volcano and visited the mineral springs. A favorite activity was a one-day visit to Manuel Antonio National Park to swim in the ocean.Richards said the group didn’t have to worry about exchanging dollars for Costa Rican currency. U.S. dollars were accepted everywhere, but change was given in Costa Rican currency.Richards hopes to bring another group to the country in a few years. Science teacher Janette Vanden Hoek and her husband, Rick, were the other chaperones for the trip."It was a beautiful country," Richards said. "Very safe and clean, you could drink the water from the tap."

By Jolene FarleyThe Hills-Beaver Creek School District has received $6,800 from the Southwest Minnesota Foundation for the summer Book-of-the-Week Club and Family Reading, Math and Writing Nights planned during the school year. The Foundation was particularly interested in the intergenerational aspects of the program."This project is unique in its efforts to involve all generations in the love and importance of reading," said Judy Larson, senior program officer for the foundation.The Book-of-the-Week Club is a summer recreation class based on a book theme. Children, parents and senior volunteers read books, create art projects and food items related to the stories, listen to audiocassettes and explore the stories on a computer program. Last year, 56 children and their families participated in the Book Club. This year, more than 90 children are enrolled. Family Reading, Math and Writing Nights are three times during the school year and provide an opportunity for students and parents to work together on various educational activities. Family Night attracted an average of 55 people per session last year. The Southwest Minnesota Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that has contributed more than $34 million to date through grant and loan programs to the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota.

By Lori EhdeA 50-year-old man is in custody after law enforcement seized the makings of a meth lab from an acreage a couple miles south of Beaver Creek.Marvin James Kolsrud was arrested Thursday, June 19, when authorities executed a search warrant at his home.Rock County deputies had been previously alerted to possible meth production at the acreage, but they said an informant under investigation in South Dakota provided a solid lead that prompted the warrant.According to Rock County Deputy Jeff Wieneke, the informant said he had first-hand knowledge that Kolsrud was operating a meth lab in his attic and that he kept a loaded sawed-off shotgun in the house.Because of the weapons risk, Wieneke said the Southwest Minnesota High Risk Entry Team of roughly 10 different officers entered Kolsrud’s residence unannounced at 10:22 p.m.With law enforcement weapons drawn, Kolsrud cooperated immediately, according to Wieneke, who is a member of the Entry Team."We haven’t had many arrests like these where they’re not compliant," Wieneke said.He said Kolsrud told them where the lab was and where he kept his weapon."It went pretty smoothly. I was pretty happy about that and that nobody got hurt," Wieneke said.According to court documents, Kolsrud told law enforcement that he had "cooked a batch" of meth the previous night and intended to "cook another batch" that evening after stealing anhydrous ammonia from the elevator in Beaver Creek.He said he usually "cooks a batch" once a week, or "whenever he needs some money." Each "batch" results in 8 to 10 grams of finished meth, worth about $800.Kolsrud at one time was a trucker, but he is now reportedly unemployed.Assisting with the arrest were six Rock County Deputies, including Wieneke, one BCA agent from St. Paul, two South Dakota officers, and a deputy from Lyon County."It was a team effort," Wieneke said. "It takes a lot of people to take down a meth lab."Wieneke, who left the scene at 2:45 a.m. Friday, said from the time the search warrant was signed at 8:30 p.m. to the time the scene was cleared the following afternoon, various law enforcement were involved in the process.Friday morning, Rock County deputies donned protective suits and cleared the house of meth lab components.Among those were ephedrine, muratic acid, ammonia, lithium batteries, tinfoil, coffee filters with residue, plastic bags, drain cleaners and glass smoking devices. Also found were eight jars of various liquids consistent in appearance with liquids produced during the manufacturing process.Later Friday morning, an environmental cleanup crew from North Dakota, which requested anonymity, sorted through the items, testing contents of bottles and jars, and removing hazardous materials.The North Dakota official pointed to a 20-pound propane tank and said meth producers siphon anhydrous ammonia from tanks that farmers leave unattended in fields or from tanks at local farm elevators."Most of what you see here can be found at any hardware store," he said, holding a bottle of ephedrine pills in his hand.Wieneke said law enforcement has been working with local farmers and businesses to more closely monitor these supplies.Mike Sandager, who has been renting the acreage to Kolsrud since April, said this isn’t his tenants first brush with the law. After repeated visits by deputies responding to domestic violence in the home, Sandager said he had warned Kolsrud that another incident would result in his eviction.Outside of that, though, Sandager said Kolsrud has been a good renter, getting the acreage cleaned up and mowed, and always paying his rent on time — with cash."I know his family and I go to church with his family," Sandager said. "I guess I’m just too trusting."Kolsrud is the fifth person arrested in the Beaver Creek and Valley Springs area on drug charges in the past few years. Law enforcement speculates that low-cost rental acreages and the proximity to the South Dakota border may be common denominators.Kolsrud spent the weekend in jail and appeared Monday in Rock County District Court on felony charges of manufacturing and possessing meth.The maximum penalty for the more serious crime of manufacturing meth is 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.Also home at the time of his arrest were Kolsrud’s girlfriend, Georgia Redd, and her adult son and his adult friend. No charges have been filed against them at this time.Kolsrud’s bond has been set at $20,000, and as of this writing, he remains in the Prairie Justice Center, Worthington.

By Lori EhdeLuverne Community Hospital employees had a scare one day this spring when two strangers entered the facility unannounced and made themselves at home.One man draped a stethoscope around his neck and helped himself to the lab, the emergency room and other areas restricted only to hospital staff.The other man proceeded to wander around the pharmacy, the business office and areas where confidential patient information is filed.Several staff members, puzzled, asked if they could help, but he abruptly passed by them.Finally, R.N. Nyla Sandbulte approached one of the men and asked him to state his business.This was exactly what the men were waiting for.The men were identified as Mike Weiss, coordinator of education and training for Sioux Valley, and Paul McQuisten, Sioux Valley Security Officer.Their visit that day was a test — that most hospital and clinic staff failed miserably."We were too nice," said Mark Vanden Hoek, plant manager. "We were too nice and too naïve."Vanden Hoek is a member of the hospital’s Security Committee, formed in response to the nation’s terrorism alert since Sept. 11, 2001."Obviously that was a good lesson for us," said Hospital Administrator Jerry Carl.The hospital has always had guidelines dictating how unidentified hospital visitors are handled, but national terrorism alerts have forced staff to follow more rules and enforce them more strictly."It alerted our staff how very important it is for us to be vigilant in assessing everyone who enters the facility and what they’re here for," said R.N. Nancy Drenth, who works on the hospital’s compliance and risk management.Since that surprise visit, Weiss led all hospital employees through intense two-hour seminars. Much of that training involved basic self-defense demonstrations to possible attack scenarios.For example, he put employees in headlocks, grabbed them by their hair or wrists and screamed obscenities at them."I was pretty shocked, but it was very effective," Drenth said.In those scenarios, trainees were told to holler and scream at their assailants while defending themselves, and for a community of "Minnesota Nice" people, this was easier said then done."Eventually he got some of us to do it, but it took awhile," Drenth said.Because the majority of hospital employees are women, the training was geared toward them, but Vanden Hoek said it was effective for everyone."It was pretty intense," he said. "The point was to put across that this is serious stuff. You need to do what it takes to get out of the situation."Weiss said Luverne hospital, despite its performance during his sneak visit in April, is a model facility among the Sioux Valley network of hospitals."Luverne is our poster child," Weiss said. "Most hospital administrations aren’t so open about addressing shortcomings. It’s a superb hospital, and Diane Westenberg was excellent. She practically begged me to come out there. That’s extremely progressive."Luverne is the first in Sioux Valley’s network to complete Sioux Valley’s Security Awareness and Personal Safety Training Program, which started three months ago."Every hospital I’ve ever been to has the same security issues. Hospitals are open campuses, just like any Lewis Drug or other business," Weiss said."But how do you identify somebody doing something wrong or out of place? Luverne staff are now trained to specifically respond to a problem."Weiss said his training aims to encourage all hospital employees to think for themselves, rather than to rely on security officers to take over in emergencies."Instead of having two security officers at the door, we have 5,000 part-time security officers throughout the campus," Weiss said."Each employee is now safer. They won't panic, because they know what to do. … If you don’t know what to say or do, you can’t respond properly. The first mission in hospital work is to deliver health care. The second mission is to train those folks to deliver health care – and part of that mission is security."

By Sara StrongCity government, as Luverne knows it, won’t be the same after budget cuts.The next two years will be full of service and probably personnel cuts. Even after that, city taxes and fees could still increase.Councilman David Hauge said at the Monday budget meeting, "These numbers are too big to avoid services suffering, the council has to make a policy choice. We need to trim for long-term savings."With reduced state aid this year and probably next, the city can levy a greater percentage for its budget than usual. For example, if the maximum is levied for this year, that will mean city taxpayers will pay $685,000 — increased from the $534,000 last year. The total governmental budget for the city is about $3.5 million and is supplemented by state aid and revenue funds from the city like some utilities and the municipal liquor store.Even with making the maximum allowable levy jump, the city will still have to come up with almost $200,000 in cuts. It’s worth noting, as well, that the city levy has decreased for the past two years.The Luverne City Council Monday gave direction to Interim City Administrator Jeff Haubrich to meet with staff and come up with as many cuts as possible.Councilman Bob Kaczrowski said, "The odds are, that if we’re talking about cuts, we’ll also have to do it next year."Haubrich said getting ahead of possible state funding shortfalls in the near future would be prudent. If state money is tight, city aid could be favored to go.Haubrich said, "This is not a greater-Minnesota focused administration."Staff and service cutsMayor Glen Gust said one of the biggest parts of the city budget is salaries and staff benefits. He said that at a recent League of Minnesota Cities conference, many city representatives talked about already reducing the number of workers or adopting a hiring freeze. "That’s what departments are doing," Gust said. "It’s unfortunate, but…"Haubrich said, "This is delicate for morale of the staff. Some people will lose a job and that’s just a fact of life."Hauge said, "Everyone is going through this together because taxes could go up too. … If it’s cutting services or [people’s income] — either way they aren’t nice decisions."Early retirement incentives are also an option, but not many city workers could qualify at this point. Laying off workers would take some time to realize savings. Unemployment benefits last 26 weeks, and the city pays salary and benefit costs more than a private business which carries insurance.Councilman Pat Baustian said combining department leaders might be an efficiency measure the council could also take. He suggested combining the Public Works Director and Utilities Coordinator. The timing could work, Baustian said, with the upcoming retirement of Utilities Coordinator Red Arndt. That could help avoid some other layoffs and make an impact in future budgets as well."Here we are at the end of June, and with Red’s job ending in September, we have to make a decision soon," Baustian said.Haubrich said, "In my mind there are two or three that could be rearranged."He said that not only department heads would be affected by the restructuring. Many workers would be subject to new or changed job duties. Haubrich added that he’s not prepared to make those kind of sweeping changes within the city at this point. He said, "I don’t want to be the one to make those decisions because I’m not going to be here, six months or a year from now." A new city administrator will be able to add his or her ideas in September when a new one is hired.Some department leaders were at the Tuesday Council meeting. Public Works Director Darrell Huiskes said it’s important to separate needs from wants when cutting the budget. "All of us have our sacred cows," Huiskes said. "But we have to get rid of those. It makes cuts for the long term easier if you take those out."He said he’s privately reviewed his department budget and can come up with cuts to satisfy the Council’s request.Before receiving direction to make broader budget cuts, city staff had come up with $57,100 to cut from this year’s budget.Fee increases vs. raising taxesThe council has already discussed starting a street light utility to fund future street light costs which come as a major expense when they are needed. If the council started the new fee this year, each customer would pay a couple dollars a month, generating about $60,000 for the city this year.Councilman Bob Kaczrowski said he leans toward favoring the city raising taxes rather than developing numerous new fees, because it’s "more up front." Utility customers will probably see rate increases, aside from what’s considered for the budget problems. Water and sewer rates haven’t been increased for five years and the city is currently in a rate study to assess what the new rates should be.Also, the city’s electric providers will be raising rates and Luverne customers will be charged more. The city doesn’t have those final rate numbers yet.Outside the governmental budget talks, other things impact the city’s bottom line: investments are earning less, health insurance is increasing and heating costs are expected to increase this winter.Once city staff meets to make further recommendations, the Council will prioritize what it will cut from there.

By Lori EhdeFans of Big Tent entertainment are in for a treat Monday when the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus comes to Luverne.With one ring and 40 employees, it’s not a large act by some standards, but local residents who took in the show two years ago said it’s just right for a small town."Most of the people there encouraged us to do it again," said Dave Smith of the Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce, the sponsoring organization."It was a very clean circus, the employees were well-kept. It was a class act, we thought, for a small circus. We were very, very pleased."He said reaction has been similar in area towns, where the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus is also returning this year.It will be in Pipestone Sunday, Luverne on Monday and Rock Rapids, Iowa, Tuesday.In Luverne, there will be two performances Monday night at the Rock County Fairgrounds, from 5 to 6:30 pm. and from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Advance tickets are available at the Chamber office, the local banks, M-M Farm and Home Discount, and at Glen’s Food Center.Advance tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for children 12 and younger, and children under 2 are free. Tickets will be available in advance through Sunday, but on Monday they must be purchased at the gate.On show day, tickets cost $2 more — $9 for adults and $7 for children 12 and younger. "So we encourage everyone to get them early and save money," Smith said.On Monday at 9 a.m., the public is invited to watch Connie and Barbara erect the Big Top with traditional elephant power.Also free on Monday is a 45-minute endangered species show starting at 10 a.m. It will feature the rest of the animals in the Culpepper and Merriweather family.At 4:30 p.m. on Monday, the midway opens with elephant and pony rides, Moon Bounce, Titanic Slide and concessions.The Culpepper and Merriweather Circus is in its 20th season of entertaining this summer.Call the Chamber, 283-4061, with questions.

By Sara Strong and Lori EhdeLocal National Guard members are on alert, waiting to see if or when they’ll be activated, leaving homes, jobs and families behind.Dave Haugom, owner of Print Express, is one of 46 local guardsmen bracing for deployment."Our dates keep getting juggled around. … There are no solid dates. Until you get your dates, you’re on alert," Haugom said.Although the term "alert" means action is impending, the troops aren’t ready to march off quite yet. When that happens, they will be "activated."So far, the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery — with a unit in Luverne — knows it could be activated sometime next month to Europe as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.Haugom said, "There’s a chance I could get called next week and be told someone else is going in my place, but every guardsman I know is making arrangements."When they are activated, duties in Europe would include security-type missions at U.S. bases.The options for guardsmen locations are United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Belgium or Turkey. Before they go to Europe, they would train further for security duties at U.S. bases.According to the public information office of the Minnesota National Guard Office , there is a chance local troops won’t be mobilized, even though they’re on alert.

By Lori EhdeA 50-year-old man is in custody after law enforcement seized the makings of a meth lab from an acreage a couple miles south of Beaver Creek.Marvin James Kolsrud was arrested Thursday, June 19, when authorities executed a search warrant at his home.Rock County deputies had been previously alerted to possible meth production at the acreage, but they said an informant under investigation in South Dakota provided a solid lead that prompted the warrant.According to Rock County Deputy Jeff Wieneke, the informant said he had first-hand knowledge that Kolsrud was operating a meth lab in his attic and that he kept a loaded sawed-off shotgun in the house.Because of the weapons risk, Wieneke said the Southwest Minnesota High Risk Entry Team of roughly 10 different officers entered Kolsrud’s residence unannounced at 10:22 p.m.With law enforcement weapons drawn, Kolsrud cooperated immediately, according to Wieneke, who is a member of the Entry Team."We haven’t had many arrests like these where they’re not compliant," Wieneke said.He said Kolsrud told them where the lab was and where he kept his weapon."It went pretty smoothly. I was pretty happy about that and that nobody got hurt," Wieneke said.According to court documents, Kolsrud told law enforcement that he had "cooked a batch" of meth the previous night and intended to "cook another batch" that evening after stealing anhydrous ammonia from the elevator in Beaver Creek.He said he usually "cooks a batch" once a week, or "whenever he needs some money." Each "batch" results in 8 to 10 grams of finished meth, worth about $800.Kolsrud at one time was a trucker, but he is now reportedly unemployed.Assisting with the arrest were six Rock County Deputies, including Wieneke, one BCA agent from St. Paul, two South Dakota officers, and a deputy from Lyon County."It was a team effort," Wieneke said. "It takes a lot of people to take down a meth lab."Wieneke, who left the scene at 2:45 a.m. Friday, said from the time the search warrant was signed at 8:30 p.m. to the time the scene was cleared the following afternoon, various law enforcement were involved in the process.Friday morning, Rock County deputies donned protective suits and cleared the house of meth lab components.Among those were ephedrine, muratic acid, ammonia, lithium batteries, tinfoil, coffee filters with residue, plastic bags, drain cleaners and glass smoking devices. Also found were eight jars of various liquids consistent in appearance with liquids produced during the manufacturing process.Later Friday morning, an environmental cleanup crew from North Dakota, which requested anonymity, sorted through the items, testing contents of bottles and jars, and removing hazardous materials.The North Dakota official pointed to a 20-pound propane tank and said meth producers siphon anhydrous ammonia from tanks that farmers leave unattended in fields or from tanks at local farm elevators."Most of what you see here can be found at any hardware store," he said, holding a bottle of ephedrine pills in his hand.Wieneke said law enforcement has been working with local farmers and businesses to more closely monitor these supplies.Mike Sandager, who has been renting the acreage to Kolsrud since April, said this isn’t his tenants first brush with the law. After repeated visits by deputies responding to domestic violence in the home, Sandager said he had warned Kolsrud that another incident would result in his eviction.Outside of that, though, Sandager said Kolsrud has been a good renter, getting the acreage cleaned up and mowed, and always paying his rent on time — with cash."I know his family and I go to church with his family," Sandager said. "I guess I’m just too trusting."Kolsrud is the fifth person arrested in the Beaver Creek and Valley Springs area on drug charges in the past few years. Law enforcement speculates that low-cost rental acreages and the proximity to the South Dakota border may be common denominators.Kolsrud spent the weekend in jail and appeared Monday in Rock County District Court on felony charges of manufacturing and possessing meth.The maximum penalty for the more serious crime of manufacturing meth is 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.Also home at the time of his arrest were Kolsrud’s girlfriend, Georgia Redd, and her adult son and his adult friend. No charges have been filed against them at this time.Kolsrud’s bond has been set at $20,000, and as of this writing, he remains in the Prairie Justice Center, Worthington.

By Sara StrongThis was the biggest year yet for local fund-raising efforts for Relay For Life, despite a poor economy, which some expected would drag the number down. Rock County raised $53,000 for the American Cancer Society after Friday and Saturday’s Relay For Life — far exceeding the initial $35,000 goal.Vicki Baartman, co-chaired the annual fund-raiser along with Nancy Kaczrowski.Baartman said the new location at the Luverne City Park was a natural fit for Relay for Life. "We've received overwhelmingly positive feedback from so many people who were there — team members and people who just came out for the evening. I'm sure if the City gives the OK we'll be back there next year."Baartman said that Relay For Life has been rewarding for her, personally, as well as benefiting the Cancer Society."Being involved with this event is so rewarding. To watch the survivors lap and to see all the luminaries," she said. "Cancer affects so many people. In my own family we've seen it too many times, and it just feels good to think I might be doing something to help."Counting team members and spectators, more than 1,000 people attended Relay For Life this year.For more photos see the Relay for Life photo gallery.