By Sara Quam
Southwest Minnesota's lower income residents and their concerns were the topic of a study released Thursday by the Wilder Research Center, Saint Paul.

Service agencies such as the Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council and Western Community Action sponsored the study that describes chief concerns for area residents of lower income status.

Some of the issues addressed are ones that Rock County has been talking about for years:

living wage jobs

affordable housing

child care, especially off-hour care or care for sick children

transportation

more affordable health insurance

A survey of social service organizations revealed that they wanted less red tape between agencies and easier access to emergency assistance.

Some of southwest Minnesota's problems are felt in Rock County and others are less prominent here as in other parts of the region.

The study illustrates that most job growth in the 18 county area is in lower-wage industries.

The southwest part of the state has a poverty rate greater than the state overall, but Rock County is about even with the state average of 8.7.

Unemployment hasn't been a big concern for Rock County as its rate has been consistently low, hovering around 3 percent for a few years. However, underemployment is an issue.

The city of Luverne is waiting for results of an underemployment study that was recently conducted. Underemployed people are those who want to, and are educated to, work in higher-skilled jobs than are currently available to them.

Luverne is also about to commission a housing study. Luverne Economic Development Director Tony Chladek said he has four candidates that gave cost estimates for the study, and the City Council will approve which one will do the survey. It will be started this summer with a completion date varying by which company conducts the study.

In the past, affordable housing in Luverne has been loosely defined to be about $80,000 and less.

Wages are lower in southwest Minnesota than the average wage elsewhere in the state. However, the new study said that property values are increasing more than wages so affording housing is more difficult in southwest Minnesota.

Along with housing and jobs, transportation is vital in rural areas where a dependable car is a necessity.

For those who need transportation, Heartland Express busing service helps Rock County. Terrie Gulden, Heartland director, said budgets have been tight in the past few years, but added that that's been the case for most businesses. Ridership has increased about 16 percent this year, but this can be attributed partly to more preschool children riding. But Gulden said many of Heartland's customers are lower income adults riding to appointments or work.

The southwest Minnesota study said that welfare has decreased in the region, but that isn't true for Rock County individually. Family Services Director Randy Ehlers said Rock County's welfare rolls have been steady at about 40 families. Some counties may have decreased, but Rock County's numbers are already so low that the county doesnÕt have much room for improvement.

For those who are trying to work their way off welfare, living in southwest Minnesota makes it more difficult. A survey of welfare recipients in the area found that one-fourth were working more than one job, and just as many were working more than 40 hours per week. Yet their monthly take-home pay was lower than in other parts of the state.

Emergency food and shelter assistance has remained constant in the region even though some welfare numbers have decreased.

Dorothy Dorn, who manages Rock County Food Shelf out of the Methodist church, Luverne, said about 10 families still get food there weekly.

The study summarized southwest Minnesota concerns. All may not apply to Rock County:

Wages are lower and poverty is generally higher than in other parts of the state, and most job growth is in lower-wage industries.

Child care during non-standard hours can be difficult to find. The region's relatively low wages may also make parents more prone to take higher-paying shifts and schedules in order to provide for families.

Housing costs are rising faster than wages, and people appear to be experiencing more serious housing crises before seeking help.

Cultural and ethnic diversity are growing, and immigrants are an increasingly important part of the regionÕs future.

By Sara Quam
Duck Days. the Cheese Festival and a night of all-you-can-eat free hotdogs have filled Bill Vander Kooi's summer weekends.

It's not that the 1996 Luverne graduate can't get enough of hokey holidays. He and two friends from St. Paul are filming a documentary on small-town Minnesota festivals.

"We've met a lot of carnies," Vander Kooi said.

Vander Kooi and one of the film partners, Jesse Corum, were in Luverne last Thursday for Hotdog Night and also covered Buffalo Days earlier this summer for their film.

Vander Kooi said Public Television in the Twin Cities has shown some interest in the project, and even if that doesnÕt work out, they'll have the finished product for their portfolios.

The trio has an avid interest in film, taking in about three movies a week, plus some video rentals. And although they don't have formal training, using digital equipment allows them to edit on home computers.

Vander Kooi started making films at home when he was as young as 7 or 8 years old. He continued to enjoy drama - behind the scenes and on stage - throughout high school and college.

"It's a low overhead doing a documentary, with no actors to pay," Corum said. "WeÕll be filming until the end of summer - as long as festivals are going on, we'll be shooting."

Although midway rides and funnel cake are common elements in most festivals, Vander Kooi said the differences are fun to observe.

He said some have a more "corporate sponsorship" flavor to them, and others are community-run. Vander Kooi said Hotdog Night ranks as one of his favorites. "I'm a big fan. It's free hotdogs."

He said, "ItÕs something the Chamber does for the people rather than them trying to draw people in."

Vander Kooi and Corum are graduates of Macalester College, St. Paul, and work at a restaurant there while working on the film. Gabe Llanas works as the on-camera personality, interviewing people for the documentary.

Bernadine "Dena" Aanenson, 84, Luverne, died Monday, July 30 at Mary Jane Brown Home. Services will be Friday, aug. 3 at 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Luverne, with Rev. Dell Sanderson officiating. Burial will be in Luverne Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Thursday, Aug. 2 from 2 to 8 p.m. with the family present from 5 to 8 p.m. at Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne.

Russell E. Cattnach, 87, Luverne, died Wednesday, July 18, 2001, in Luverne Community Hospital.

Services were Saturday, July 21, in United Methodist Church, Luverne. The Rev. Burton Blair officiated. Burial was in Old Woodlawn Cemetery, Pipestone.

Russell Cattnach was born to Jesse and Katie (Slack) Cattnach on Sept. 9, 1913, in Woonsocket, S.D., where he was raised. He attended the Sioux Falls School for the Deaf until the 9th grade. Following his education he worked for various farmers in the area. In 1942 he moved with his parents to Walla Walla, Wash., where he worked for a lumber company driving a CAT. When he retired in 1988 he moved to Luverne to be closer to his family He moved to Parkview Manor Nursing Home, Ellsworth, in June 2001.
He entered Luverne Community Hospital on July 12.

Mr. Cattnach enjoyed playing pool and shuffleboard.

Survivors include one brother, Lyle Cattnach, Ravensdale, Wash.; one sister, Fern Keeton, Anderson, Calif.; one sister-in-law, Marian Cattnach, Luverne; and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Cattnach was preceded in death by two brothers, Wallace and Lynn Cattnach, and one sister, Margaret Holmgren.

Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

Irene Esther Barstad, 59, rural Luverne, died Saturday, July 21, 2001, at Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Services were Wednesday, July 25, at Seventh Day Adventist Church in Sioux Falls. The Rev. Richard Todden officiated. Burial was in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Steen.

Irene Kitchenmaster was born to Wesley and Alma (Funck) Kitchenmaster on Feb. 28, 1942, in Luverne. She attended elementary school in Steen. She graduated from Hills High School in 1960. After graduation she worked at A.R. Wood Manufacturing Co. in Luverne.

She married Noralf Barstad on July 7, 1963, in Luverne. After their marriage the couple lived on the family farm southeast of Luverne. She was a homemaker.

Mrs. Barstad attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Sioux Falls. She was active in Rock County extension clubs and Bible Study Fellowship in Sioux Falls.

Survivors include her husband, Noralf Barstad, rural Luverne; one son, Matt Barstad, Spencer, Iowa; her father, Wesley Kitchenmaster, and his wife, Mary, Luverne; one brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Mary Kitchenmaster, North Mankato; one brother-in-law, David Gehrke, Beaver Creek; aunts; uncles; cousins; and many friends.

Mrs. Barstad was preceded in death by her mother, Alma Kitchenmaster, and one sister, Lucille Gehrke.
Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

Verlyn Junior Arp, 78, Hills, formerly of Beaver Creek, died Sunday, July 22, 2001, at Avera McKennan Hospice in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Services were Wednesday, July 25, at First Presbyterian Church in Beaver Creek. Burial was in Beaver Creek Cemetery, Beaver Creek.

Verlyn Arp was born to William and Blenda (Hass) Arp on Sept. 11, 1922, in Lyon County, Iowa. As a child they moved to a farm near Edgerton where he attended country school. Following his education he helped on the farm.

He married Luetta Scott on Aug. 16, 1942, in Luverne. Following their marriage they farmed near Jasper for two years. In 1944 he entered the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Arkansas and Japan. He returned from the service in 1946 and they moved to a farm near Hardwick. In 1951 they moved to Beaver Creek where he worked for A.R. Wood Manufacturing Co. in Luverne and was also manager of the Municipal Liquor Store in Beaver Creek until 1962. They then purchased the Phillips 66 station and cafŽ which they operated until 1975. He also was a rural mail carrier during this time. In 1978 he retired from the Post Office. Mrs. Arp preceded him in death on March 22, 1998. He continued to live in Beaver Creek until the spring of 2000 when he entered Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. On July 21 he entered Avera McKennan Hospital.

Mr. Arp was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Beaver Creek. He was a lifetime member of the Luverne V.F.W., Rural Letter Carrier Association, and was a member of the volunteer fire department for 25 years. He loved to fish and play cards.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Bob and Roxy Arp, Valley Springs, S.D., and Jerry and Becky Arp, Sioux Falls; one daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Rodney Hadler, Hills; 13 grandchildren, Brad, Danette, Mark, Tracy, Kelly, Rob, Jodi, Nathan, Dustin, Jessica, Rebecca and Lee; and 26 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Arp was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Luetta, and one son, William.
Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

By Jolene Farley
Hansel Plumbing opened for business July 1, serving the Hills, Beaver Creek, Steen and Luverne areas.

With seven years of plumbing experience, Dave Hansel isn't scared to tackle projects of all sizes including water heaters, gas piping, remodels, service and boilers. He stresses that service is his No. 1 priority.

When asked what made him decide to start his own business Hansel said, "I just felt the way this area was growing, this is the time a person could make a living." He added that he has always wanted to be in business for himself.

Hansel, licensed in the state of Minnesota, has been happy with the support he has received from the local community for his business so far.

Hansel currently works out of his home, at 962-3600, but hopes to add an independent shop some day.

Hansel and his wife, Brenda, have four children, W. Scott, 18, Kelsey, 16, Caleb, 11, and Heather, 9. The Hansels have lived in Hills for eight years.

FRIDAY, JUNE 8

Friendship Days Golf Tournament - 2:00 p.m. - Rock Rapids Country Club (Contact Amanda Rozeboom at 962-3195 for registration)

Country Cruisers Poker Run - 7:00 p.m. start in Brandon - end at Hills Main Street.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9

Health Screening - 6:30 - 8:30 a.m. - Hills Fire Hall

FFA Alumni Pancake Breakfast - 7 - 9 a.m. Hills American Legion

AN AFTERNOON OF FUN

Concessions in the Park- 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.(sponsored by Hills Christian School)

Crafts and Bake Sale -9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (contact Sandy Feucht at 962-3357)

Co-ed Volleyball Tournament - 9 a.m. Hills City Park

Kiddie Parade - 10 a.m. start at Tuff Home, end at City Park

Country Cruisers Car Show - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ball Diamond adjacent to City Park

Airplane Rides - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Doug Chapman, pilot. 1/2 hour rides leaving from Larchwood. Call Amanda Rozeboom at 962-3195 to schedule your flight in advance. $25 adult/$15 kids (weather permitting, weight limits apply for groups)

Kids Tractor Pull - 11 a.m. - City Park

Accordian Music by Fritz Lupkes - 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hills City Park (sponsored by: Sundem Oil)

Bingo & Kids Games in the Park - 1 p.m. - Activities for Kids, 1 - 3 p.m. Jump Tent (sponsored by Hills Lions Club), Kiddiel train Rides (sponsored by Cargill), Bingo - under the picnic shelter.

Baseball Association Evening Meal - 5 - 7 p.m. Hills American Legion (pork burgers, chips, beand, drink & dessert - cost $3.50)

H-BC Dance Line & Lions Club Homemade Ice Cream - 7 p.m. Main Street before the parade.

Parade Start - 7:30 p.m. (register before June 6th with Brenda Plimpton at 962-3799)

Sumo Wrestling - following the parade. $5 per person, best of 3 matches (coordinated by Robin Spath, call ahead to schedule your match - 962-3743)

Accordian Music by Fritz Lupkes

Community Club Raffle Tickets - Stop at an area business or purchase your raffle tickets before the parade for a chance to win: Craftsman Tool Set (donated by Sears), One Boys & One Girls 20" bike (donated by Luverne True Value), Two $25 Makin' Waves Gift Certificates, Additional Cash Prizes. $1 each or 7 for $5 Drawing to be held following the parade. Need not be present to win.

Worthington 3, Luverne 2
Worthington used three unearned runs to nip the Cardinals by one counter during Saturday's championship game at Redbird Field.

Luverne made six errors in the game, and three of them led to runs for the District champions.

Three errors by Luverne in the bottom of the third inning allowed Worthington to take a 2-0 lead.

After the Cards battled back to knot the score at two, Andrew Harberts singled and scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning on a wild pitch.

Harberts, who limited Luverne to a pair of hits while tossing a complete game, blanked the Cardinals through four innings before allowing single runs in the fifth and sixth frames.

Adam Kurtz walked, stole second, advanced to third on Kuhlman's sacrifice bunt and scored Luverne's run in the fifth when Tim Boen bounced into a fielderÕs choice.

Schmidt reached base on a fielder's choice, went to second on a passed ball, stole third and tied the game at two when Jordan Kopp got caught in a run-down between first and second base in the sixth inning.

Schmidt started the game on the mound and pitched into the seventh inning before giving way to Kuhlman. Schmidt took the loss.

Box score AB R H BI
Studer 3 0 0 0
Pick 3 0 1 0
Schmidt 3 1 1 0
Kopp 2 0 0 0
Reisch 3 0 0 0
Kurtz 2 1 0 0
Kuhlman 3 0 0 0
Goembel 1 0 0 0
Boen 2 0 0 1

Luverne 7, Edgerton 5
The Cardinals advanced to Saturday's championship game by besting Edgerton by two runs at Redbird Field Thursday.

Luverne never trailed during its tournament opener, but Edgerton remained close enough to the Cardinals to keep things tense for most of the game.

In the end, a two-RBI performance by Jordan Kopp and a nice pitching effort from J.T. Top gave the Cardinals a berth in the championship game.

Top worked six and one-third innings in extreme heat while picking up the win. He allowed five runs. Kopp replaced Top in the seventh inning and recorded the final two outs of the game to earn a save.

Kopp singled home runs in the first and sixth innings, joining Jake Studer as the Cardinals who had two hits in the game.

Luverne opened a 4-0 lead through four innings by plating single runs in the first and fourth frames while adding two more in the third.

Studer singled and gave the Cards a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first after Kopp slapped an RBI single.

Luverne loaded the bases in the third with walks to Jesse Kuhlman and Adam Kurtz, and Aaron Schmidt being hit by a pitch. Top drew a walk to force home Kuhlman. Schmidt scored on a wild pitch.

Tim Boen walked, advanced to second base on a fielder's choice, moved to third on a balk and made it a 4-0 game in the fourth when he scored on a wild pitch.

Edgerton broke through for a run against Top in the fifth inning, but the Cards got the run back in the bottom of the fifth.

Top walked and scored on Boen's RBI single to make the difference 5-1.

Edgerton climbed to within one run (5-4) of the Cards in the sixth inning. Luverne, however, answered the challenge again by scoring twice in the bottom of the sixth to make it a 7-4 game.

Studer tripled and scored on Schmidt's triple for the first run in the sixth. Schmidt trotted home on Kopp's single.

Edgerton scored once before Kopp closed the door on the guests in the top of the seventh.

Box score AB R H BI
Studer 3 2 2 0
Kuhlman 3 1 1 0
Schmidt 3 2 1 1
Kopp 4 0 2 2
Reisch 3 0 0 0
Kurtz 2 0 1 0
Top 3 1 1 1
Goembel 3 0 1 0
Boen 2 1 1 1