By Jolene FarleyThe MinnAqua Program, sponsored by the Beaver Creek Sportsman’s Club, teaches children and adults about lake and stream ecology while teaching them to fish. The program, in its third year at the Hills Rez, has been moved to Saturday, June 14, this year to coincide with Friendship Days.MinnAqua is a statewide education program designed by the Department of Natural Resources to teach angling recreation and stewardship, as well as ecology and conservation of aquatic habitats. Last year with only 12 kids, numbers were down in the Hills program. Organizers decided to move the date of the event hoping to draw more participants. In the past, totals were higher."Most kids are in town for activities with Friendship Days so we thought we would coordinate with them," said Beaver Creek Sportsmen’s Club member Arlyn Gehrke. MinnAqua hires and trains interns to lead fishing and aquatic education programs full of hands-on activities. Beaver Creek Sportsmen’s Club members help with the program at the Rez.Each activity is usually 20 to 30 minutes and is intended for kids in third- through fifth-grades, but most activities can be modified for all ages and abilities. "We have five different topics we’re going to be covering," Gehrke said."Enviroscape Watershed Model/Wonderful Watersheds"Participants, third-grade through adults, learn where water flows and how land use affects water quality. This is a popular class, according to Gehrke. Kids taste different water samples of water for quality."Fishing Equipment and Techniques/Live Bait Hunt"Kids put their hands in brown bags to feel live bait. Kids learn what bait is used to catch various fish species. They can experiment with bait to see if they can catch fish. "Rods and Reels Used in Freshwater Fishing"Learn the basic differences between rods and reels used in freshwater fishing. Examples include spin casting (sometimes called closed-faced or push button), spinning (open-faced), bait casting and fly-fishing. Older students may practice casting the different outfits on the lawn."Spin Casting Fishing"Rig and cast for 30 minutes then fish for an hour. Kids learn how to tie a fishing knot, put on a hook, bobber and sinker and how to safely cast. Gehrke said all the kids usually receive a gift, such as some tackle, after completing the classes. Volunteers also try to allow time for participants to fish in the Rez. The pond reportedly has pike, walleye, bass and some smaller fish."We definitely want adults to come down to see the steps we’re taking at the Rez to improve water quality," he said, referring to recent efforts to alleviate algae problems with barley straw.

By John RittenhouseThe days of being a member of the University of Minnesota’s men’s basketball program are over for Hills-Beaver Creek High School graduate Steve Esselink.Esselink, who has played for the Gophers the past two seasons, will forego his senior season at the U of M and transfer to a smaller Division 1 or 2 school for his final year of basketball eligibility."I need to get more playing time," Esselink said Friday, from his room on the U of M campus. "If I can get more playing time, I can develop my game a bit more. That should get me better looks (from European professional teams) overseas. That is a goal of mine right now."Esselink’s decision to leave the Gophers came after he helped the team compile a 19-14 record and place fourth at the recently completed National Invitational Tournament.After scoring 26-points per game for H-BC High School as a senior in 1999, Esselink chose to continue his basketball career at Augustana College.Esselink averaged 6.2 points and 1.6 rebounds per game as a freshman at Augustana during the 2000-01 season, but he decided to leave the school in April of 2000 to become a member of a U of M program that was smarting from academic fraud violations.After sitting out the 2000-01 season in compliance with NCAA transfer rules, Esselink became an important member of U of M coach Dan Monson’s teams in 2001-02 and 2002-03.As a sophomore performer in 2001-02, Esselink played in 29 of the team’s 31 games. His top effort that year was a 12-point performance against Maryland-Eastern Shore, when he canned five-of-five field goals (including two-of-two from three-point range.)Esselink made a strong impression with Monson and the Gopher coaching staff as a sophomore, and was rewarded with a scholarship for 2002-03 season.Esselink played in 29 of 33 games for the Gophers as a junior, and started three games. He averaged 9.7 minutes, 3.7 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. He led the Gophers in scoring with 18 points during a loss to the University of Oregon Dec. 22.Esselink said he is a couple of credits short of gaining his degree in communications, and he is confident he will meet his credit requirements at the college he decides to transfer to."I’m looking at going back to Augustana, or to River Falls (the University of Wisconsin-River Falls). The school year is winding down here, so I’ll be making my decision soon as I can," Esselink said.

By Jolene FarleyThe Hills and Beaver Creek Fire Departments were called to a structure fire between 3:30 and 3:45 a.m. Thursday morning. "We were notified of the house fire with a person trapped on the second floor," Hills Fire Chief Doug Chapman said.When firemen arrived at 124 Main Ave., homeowner Nancy Sprouse and her dog were trapped in an upstairs bedroom. Sprouse was awakened by her smoke alarm but was unable to exit her residence because of smoke and heat on the first floor generated by the fire.She retreated to her bedroom, shut her door and opened a window. A brisk wind from the east helped provide ventilation.Firemen were able to rescue Sprouse with a ladder but were unable to save her dog."Without a fire alarm, I think there would have been a fatality there," Chapman said. The fire was confined mostly to the kitchen area where Sprouse had put a comforter in the dryer before going to bed.Officials haven’t determined if a malfunctioning dryer, clogged vents or the comforter overheating caused the fire.The blaze was under control in 10 to 15 minutes, but firemen remained on the scene for a few more hours, according to Chapman. Sprouse was examined by the Luverne Ambulance Service but refused further treatment. She had no burns or smoke inhalation, according to Chapman. Chapman estimates the house sustained $30,000 to $40,000 in interior damage but little structural damage. Sprouse is currently staying in a hotel in Sioux Falls, S.D.

By John RittenhouseThe Adrian baseball team split a pair of home games to stand at 6-1 for the season.The Dragons remained perfect in Red Rock Conference play with a one run win over Murray County Central Thursday. Adrian then took its first defeat of the season when it fell to Pipestone by two runs Tuesday.Adrian hosts Mountain Lake-Butterfield-Odin today before playing road games against Windom and Sioux Valley-Round Lake-Brewster Monday and Tuesday respectively.Pipestone 6, Adrian 4A late rally by the Arrows gave them a two-run win in Adrian Tuesday.It looked like the Dragons might run their record to 7-0 when they took a 4-2 lead into the top of the seventh inning, but Pipestone rallied to score four runs in the frame and blank AHS in the bottom of the inning to steal a victory.The Arrows led 2-0 after plating single runs in the second and third innings. Adrian, however, scored three times in the bottom of the third to take a one-run lead before adding another counter in the fourth to make the difference 4-2.Adrian’s third inning rally started with Brandon Diekmann getting hit by a pitch, Dusty Henning drawing a walk and Levi Bullerman slapping a single to load the bases. Brandon Wolf tied the game with a two-run single, and a fielder’s choice by Joe Kruger gave the hosts a 3-2 edge.Diekmann, an eighth-grader making his first varsity start, singled home Tyler Wolf (who singled) to make it a 4-2 game in the bottom of the fourth.Tyler Wolf pitched one inning of relief and took the loss for AHS. He surrendered two runs, two hits, two walks and hit two batters. Brandon Wolf pitched six innings of four-run, five-hit ball as the AHS starter. He fanned six batters and walked five.Adrian 2, MCC 1The Dragons ran their RRC record to 3-0 with a one-run home win over the Rebels Thursday.The game was scheduled to be played in Slayton, but the site was switched to Adrian due to poor field conditions in Slayton.Changing venues seemed to work well for Adrian senior Pete Hohn, who had a good game on the mound and at the plate.Hohn pitched a complete game to pick up the win. He limited the Rebels to three hits and four walks during a nine-strikeout performance. Hohn went two-for-three at the plate and was the lone Dragon to record more than one hit in the contest.The teams battled to a scoreless draw until Adrian scored twice in the bottom of the sixth inning.Hohn slapped an infield hit and Brandon Wolf laid down a bunt single to set the table for Joe Kruger, who chased both runners home with a double to left-center field.MCC spoiled Hohn’s bid for a shutout by plating a single run in the top of the seventh.

By John RittenhouseThe Adrian girls’ golf team upped its season record to 3-1 after posting a road victory in Lakefield Monday.Playing Southwest Star Concept at its home course, the Dragons played like they were at home as all of Adrian’s four lowest scorers turned in better rounds than the Quasars’ top player during what ended as a 194-252 win.Chantel Cook led the Dragons to victory with a medal-earning, eight-over-par 43 on the par-35 course.Kristi Lonneman added a 49 to the winning team tally, while Gina Wolf and Kelly Banck capped the scoring with 51s.Carmen Erlandson and Nichole Hodapp shot 54- and 58-stroke rounds without influencing the scoring.Lexey Horkey paced the Quasars with a 53.The Dragons host Windom today before playing at Slayton Tuesday.

Luverne's Jessica Klein watches the flight of her ball after teeing off at the fourth hle during Tuesday's Southwest Conference golf match against Marshall at the Luverne Country Club.By John RittenhouseThe Luverne girls’ golf team split a pair of tight Southwest Conference matches early this week.The Cardinals nipped Windom by two strokes in Windom Monday before dropping a one-shot home decision to Marshall Tuesday.Luverne, 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the SWC, plays in Redwood Falls today and in Canton, S.D., Tuesday.Marshall 194,Luverne 195The Cardinals fell from the unbeaten ranks when the Tigers nipped LHS by one stroke at the Luverne Country Club Tuesday.Consistency paid off for Marshall as Laura Srautz, Lindsay Dietz and Kristen Haukam all shot 48s to pace the winners.Gabe Van Dyk locked up medalist honors for LHS by carding a nine-over-par 45.Mindy Lysne and Kim Bennett shot 49s, and Jessica Klein capped the team scoring for the Cards with a 52.Nikki Van Dyk and Brittany Boeve shot 55- and 57-stroke rounds without contributing to the team effort.Alyssa Klein shot a 55 to lead Luverne to a victory in the B match.Luverne 195,Windom 197The Cardinals ran their league record to 3-0 with a two-shot victory in Windom Monday.Gabe Van Dyk helped LHS remain unbeaten by shooting an eight-over-par 44 to lock up medalist honors for the meet.Bennett, Boeve and Lysne padded the team total by shooting respective 48-, 50- and 53-stroke rounds.Nikki Van Dyk and Jessica Klein turned in 59- and 61-stroke rounds without contributing to the scoring.Breanne Staples led the Eagles with a 10-over-par 46.Luverne’s Alyssa Klein emerged as the medalist of the B match after shooting a 56, but Windom won the team competition.

Lodges in our early historyThe following was taken from the Rose History printed in 1911: "The first lodge organized in Luverne was the Masonic, which began its existence when the town was in its infancy, a community 39 miles from the nearest railroad. In October 1873, the initial steps toward the organization of the pioneer lodge were taken, and at a meeting held on March 4, 1874, the lodge was placed under dispensation by the Grand lodge of Minnesota. Officers to serve during this period of its existence were chosen as follows: E.N. Darling W.M.; W.E. Vary, J.W.; E.D. Hadley, S.W.; Charles F. Crosby, S.D.; R.O. Crawford, J.D.; A.L. March, T.; William Jacobsen, C.The charter for Ben Franklin Lodge No. 114, A.F. & A.M., was granted Jan. 13, 1875, and following its formal organization the following officers were installed: Charles F. Crosby, W.M.; Robert Herren, S.W.; E.D. Hadley, J.W.; A.L. Marsh, secretary; U.R. Hinds, treasurer; E.N. Darling, S.D.; William Jacobsen, J.D.; R.O. Crawford, S.S.; Stewart Young, J.S.; J.F. Shoemaker, tyler; A.J. Bartlett, chaplain." The present membership of Ben Franklin lodge is 71. "A second Masonic order, Luverne Commandery No. 22, Knights Templar, dates its existence from 1891. The dispensation for its establishment was ordered in February, and in June the charter was received. The first regular meeting of the Commandery was held March 23, 1891. Mark Swedberg served as the first eminent commander. On Oct. 14, 1892, a petition signed by 24 Masons and their wives requested a charter for a lodge of the Eastern Star. Prompt action was taken by the state authorities and on Dec. 14, 1892, Luverne Chapter No. 47, O.E.S., was instituted by Dr. W.S. Webb of Worthington. The first officers and charter members, numbering 20, were Olivia A. Halbert, worthy matron; Myra Bronson, associate matron; B.H. Hinkly, patron; Della E. Halbert, conductress; Hattie S. Kelley, associate conductress; E.C. Hinkly, treasurer; Ella T. Randal, secretary; J.E. Darling, elector; M.A. Hinds, warden; B. Knapp, sentinel; Sophia Bryan, Martha; Lizzie C. Swedberg, Esther; Kate E. Bruce, Adah; Nancy A. Meyers, Ruth; L.L. Bryan, J.J. Myers, U.F. Hinds, John Kelley, E.N. Darling, Mrs. J.E. Darling."Donations to the Rock County Historical Endowment Fund can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, P.O. Box 741, Luverne, MN 56156. Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETINGOF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILAPRIL 8, 2003 – 6:00 P.M.Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order with the following Council members present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, Dana Dahlquist, Keith Elbers and Arlen Leenderts. Employee present: Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk, Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests present: Beaver Creek Sportsmen-Roger Jackson, Ed Gehrke, LeRoy Van Wyhe and Aaron Erickson. Martin Township-Gawaine Diekevers, Alan Nuffer and Dave Swanson. Hills Fire Department-Doug Chapman, Tim Durst, Allan Top, Jeff Bass, Larry Haak, Jaren Rozeboom, Pete Hoff, Stan Van Wyhe, Mark Raymon, Tom Bush, Derek Bundesen and Mark Top. Hills Crescent-Jolene Farley.Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to approve of the March 10th minutes. Motion carried. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Dahlquist to approve payment of the March expenditures: General $3,059.39; Park $1,276.29; Fire $9,380.30; Street $2,327.12; Legion $717.73; Barbershop $191.13; Sewer $972.32; Garbage $889.71; Recycling $30.05; Water $4,003.66; Baseball $7.02; Softball $18.44. Motion carried.TREASURER’S REPORT:General Checking 45,352.86General Fund CD#16666, 5.420%, 4/22/03 182,370.17General Fund CD#17434, 2.65%, 4/17/03 95,332.04General Fund CD#17435, 2.65%, 4/19/03 18,389.35Sewer Fund CD#17433, 2.65%, 4/10/03 69,397.73General Fund CD#17792, 2.5%, 5/29/03 133,372.00General Fund CD#17760, 2.5%, 3/15/05 20,226.85Fire Truck Rep. Fund CD #17710, 1.75%, 1/13/04 19,878.80Hills EDA Security Deposit Account 2,971.96Hills EDA Checking 4,062.28Southern Hills Apts. Checking 5,032.80Southern Hills CD#17554, 2.5%, 7/20/03 17,534.93Southern Hills CD#17759, 2.5%, 3/15/05 5,056.71EDA CD#17384, 2.65%, 4/7/03 27,257.10EDA CD#17268, 1.75%, 1/26/04 10,454.41TOTAL $656,689.99Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to combine and renew general fund CD’s #16666, #17434, and #17435, less $340.96 as reimbursement to the sewer fund. Renew the CD at the best interest rate, up to 25 months. Motion carried. A list of delinquent utility accounts was presented to the Council. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Svoboda to approve of the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried.Spring junk pick-up is scheduled for May 17th. The junk appliance fee is $15. Publish the ad in the Focus. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to proceed with work to repair water drainage along 2nd Street, from the corner of Main Avenue to Church Avenue. Ward requested permission to clean sewer lines east of Main for 35 cents per foot ($2,000-$3,000); to televise lines is an additional 65 cents per foot. The Council denied the request due to proposed state aid cuts. Ward inquired about hiring a student for summer help. The Council didn’t feel there was a need for additional help. The Council discussed the following issues regarding the American Legion building: (1) To replace the broken window in the maintenance room; (2) To obtain estimates from local contractors to replace the Post Office door with a wider commercial grade door, downsize and replace the window, and relocate the air conditioner: (3) Obtain a price for 2 tables and 50 chairs; (4) Hire Terry Sandstede to seal the wood floor for $300.The Clerk was instructed to contact the U.S. Postal Service to demand a decision within 30 days regarding the relocation of the Hills Post Office. The Council may consider advertising the office space. The Council approved to proceed with the disc golf plans at Rez Park.The Council refused the internet directory service from Tollefson Publishing. Rock County Rural Water will be asked to mail Pipeliner brochures to all city residents. The Council reviewed a draft of an advertisement for sealed bids for the sale of the depot building. The ad will run for one week in the Hills Crescent. Bids will be opened on May 13th at 7:00 P.M. The City has the right to refuse any and all bids. The city’s Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting will be held on May 13th from 6:00-7:00 P.M.Employees from Novartis Animal Research are making plans to volunteer to clean-up city parks. The Council discussed having outside water meters installed. Cost estimates will be obtained. Svoboda reported that a certain property owner informed him of their plans to remove junk cars, and everything on the outside of the fence will be cleaned up, and the fence will be repaired. Also, regarding the second property in question, Svoboda reported that this property is taxed as commercial. The City Council meeting was recessed at 7:35 P.M. and reopened at 7:55 P.M. in order to open the EDA meeting while waiting for additional guests to arrive. Members from Martin Township and Hills Fire Department appeared at the meeting to discuss the Fire Department’s 2004 proposed budget of $31,425. Building and maintenance expenses were increased by $5,000 for roof replacement costs; $700 was added for tuition and mileage due to more training classes (140 hours per year) are required for first responders; $700 was also added toward truck replacement investments; and $2,000 was added to the Fire Relief Association for retirement funding.Fire protection for Clinton Township was also discussed. Members of the Fire Department are not in favor of covering all of Clinton due to response time and the need for a larger water truck to go that distance. For these reasons it would not be a cost savings to Clinton Township. The Firemen also discourage selling 1/3 of the Fire Department to Clinton Township in order to eliminate working with three boards. Roger Jackson, Ed Gehrke, LeRoy Van Wyhe and Aaron Erickson appeared at the meeting to inform the Council of their plans to use barley straw packed in onion sacks to control algae, rather than using chemicals, at Rez Park. The Beaver Creek Sportsmen are also working on the rock filter dam on the north end; and plan to hold their MinnAqua Program on June 14th (Friendship Day) from 10 A.M.-Noon.Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to adjourn at 8:50 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(4-24)

OK Taxi gets city approvalThe Luverne City Council approved a taxi license for OK Taxi Service at their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday.According to the new operators, Orv Green and Dan Kern, the taxi service will operate on nights and weekends, and will not compete against the Heartland Express.The two have purchased a minivan for use in the service and are planning to charge $4 per trip within the city of Luverne, and the Luverne Country Club.Trips outside their defined territory will be available on a mileage basis.The two hope to start offering the service by May 1.School board puts Jasper building on holdAfter some comments of concern, from members of the community, the Pipestone/Jasper school board has backed off of a sale for the Jasper school building to a Lubavitch Yeshiva boarding school, a Jewish religious organization.The Jasper Journal reported Monday, that comments were voiced after residents learned that the possible buyers had been forced out of a boarding school in St. Paul in 2000 for alleged zoning violations.School Superintendent Jerry Horgen and school board chairman Gary Gillin told the board they wanted to consider several other individuals and organizations, which have expressed interest in the Jasper building.Gillin made it clear to the board that they did not have a "done deal" and that they have not eliminated the Lubavitch Yeshiva School from the list of potential buyers.Allegations against the school three years ago in City Pages included boys being unsupervised and unruly.Area residents also filed letters of complaints to the zoning board in St. Paul, alleging the director failed to meet basic safety codes for the home and ignored pleas to clean up the property and care for students.According to the Jasper Journal, Yeshiva is a Hebrew word meaning a seminary for boys training to be Orthodox rabbis.Lubavitch, headquartered in Brooklyn, has 1,400 institutions in 35 countries. Boys ages 14-22 from all over the world study in the schools.‘What’s up with kids’That question is at the heart of an event being planned by the Rock County Collaborative.The presentation is intended for a wide range of people, including students, parents, professional, or any county residents who have an interest in 6–12 grade students.The students recently completed the Search Institute Student Survey and the Collaborative hopes the "What’s Up With Kids" forum will give Rock County residents a chance to see how local students responded to the survey.What does the survey cover?Youths were asked to share their thoughts on attitudes and experiences in the following areas: drugs, alcohol, tobacco use, sexual activity, school climate, parents, friends, neighborhoods, safety, security, expectations, encouragement, love, support, perceived values, adult role models and setting limits.The "What’s Up" night is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, May 5, at the Blue Mound Banquet Center. A free meal will be included for those in attendance, but the organizers request that you RSVP.Information will also be available for forum participants, which describes the many services and support available for Rock County youth and families.The evening’s presentation will be provided by Shelby Andress, Search Institute – Vision Training Associates Consultant.The data was collected from the Hills-Beaver Creek and Luverne school districts.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com