National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power volunteers have in our communities.
These are selfless servants who tackle society’s greatest challenges such as lessening the effects of poverty on individuals and families and making sure everyone has access to dental services.
Volunteers assist in building stronger communities by making sure everyone is able to eat fresh food and buy affordable clothing.
Some are inspired to raise funds to help anyone in need or provide a place where loved ones can spend their last days in comfort.
National Volunteer Week, established in 1974, has grown exponentially each year, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week in honor of those who serve.
We at the Star Herald recognize that many organizations could not complete their missions without volunteers.
Our volunteers put in an unbelievable number of hours, some of which come in the middle of the night.
Volunteering is a selfless act; individuals give their time, skills, experience and passion to help others without expecting anything in return.
And while volunteering is a form of service, many volunteers will tell you that “you get more than you give.”
There’s also magic in volunteering.
Our volunteers bring immeasurable social and economic value to each and every one of our communities that have an active volunteer group. These communities prosper because of the giving, and they are alive with activity and pride which emanates for everyone who lives there.
A big thank you to all our volunteers — we couldn’t be the nice communities we are today without you.

Tiger Woods’ return to competitive golf at last weekend’s Masters tournament is both awe-inspiring and motivating.
Tiger could have easily retired from golf after each of his injuries, but he’s returned after each one, more determined and more fit to possibly win yet another major tournament.
I watched him walk the Augusta, Georgia, course and listened to him talk with his caddy about club choice and wind conditions. Tiger appeared to be serious about winning.
He first showed that attitude to the world 25 years ago when he won his first Masters. I became an instant fan and continue to be impressed by how Tiger views golf as a sport and not just a weekend activity.
He looks to be in excellent physical condition, which leads me to believe Tiger is back and will continue his professional golf career for many more years to come.
I, too, aspire to someday return to golf.
Decades ago, as Tiger’s career took off, I was a young mom who golfed occasionally. I enjoy the game, and as I watched Tiger then, I was inspired to improve my golf swing and read the greens when putting.
I joined a golf league, which allowed me a weekly appointment to be outside, riding a cart for 18 holes.
My partner and I dubbed ourselves “Team Tiger.” Admittedly, I was the enthusiastic one about the name and had it embroidered on red shirts.
Each week we became more confident on the course, improving in the team standings and having a lot of fun.
Fast forward to 2003 when horse showing replaced golf after we moved to the family farm. My enthusiasm for improving my golf game transferred to the show ring.
I have vowed to return to golf when I am no longer physically able to care for and prepare the horses for weekend shows.
Lately those physical aches and pains seem to be more prevalent as I continue to age. I’ve found myself sitting on the coach more frequently, watching others participate in events that they love.
Tiger’s return to competitive golf made me realize that sitting on the couch is not how one should live. We all need to take a lesson from Tiger to be more physically active each day.
The taste of spring in the air also helps get one off the couch and outside into the fresh air.
So, thank you, Tiger, for inspiring me this week to get off the couch and back into the saddle so I feel like Team Tiger rides again.

Question: I saw your recent article about flooded roads. Do you have any advice on what a person should do if their vehicle plunges into the water?
Answer: The dynamics of such an incident are ever-changing, so there is no one answer that will cover it all. Having witnessed and responded to these types of situations, here is what I would recommend.
Most vehicles will float on the water’s surface for 30 to 60 seconds. If your vehicle enters deep water, make every attempt to get out immediately. If possible, exit the vehicle through open windows before the water reaches the window level.
If your vehicle becomes submerged, try not to panic. Vehicle doors cannot be opened until water pressure inside the car is equal to that pressure outside. When the vehicle is completely filled, doors can be opened if there is no structural damage.
The engine’s weight will cause the front end of the car to sink first. The rear passenger compartment may provide an air pocket while you plan your escape strategy. If there are other people in the vehicle, determine their condition and try to exit the vehicle together.
I would advise everyone to take swimming lessons. This is a life skill that can save your life and the life of someone else.
Question: With spring being here and the melting snow, can you talk about what a person should do when coming across water on roads?
Answer: Flooding can occur when streams and rivers flow over their banks, when dams or levees break, when there is run-off from deep snow, or any time there is heavy rainfall. Floodwaters can be found on roads, bridges and low areas. Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall.
•Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded roadway ahead, turn around and find another route to get to your destination.
•Be cautious, especially at night, when the visibility is limited.
•Remember, 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
•Two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks.
•Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to cross a flooded road. Water can hide dips, or worse, floodwaters can damage roadways by washing away the underlying road surface.
•If there is no other route, proceed to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.
If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at Statue 169.791 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)

A local organization is lending help around the house for area residents who need a hand.
Clients with Rock County Opportunities of Luverne are completing light housekeeping chores and laundering services for local residents for a fee.
“We clean floors, bathrooms, vacuum or whatever is needed, depending on the household,” said RCO Administrative Director Adria Benson. “We don’t do dishes.”
RCO pairs clients and their abilities with employment opportunities like laundry service that includes pick-up and drop-off of laundry.
For its cleaning services. a three- or four-person team with a staff member completes housecleaning tasks within an hour. They also clean for area businesses.
Laundry services were recently added along with document shredding for individuals and businesses.
“Our (RCO) clients are ready,” Benson said.
 
RCO partners with Essential Senior Services
A partnership with a private business helped kick off the laundry service.
Last fall RCO completed a pilot grant with Essential Senior Services, a private errand service started by Marriah Aggen from her home near Rushmore.
Aggen started her business in November 2020 specifically for seniors 60 and older to stay in their homes longer.
“Because it was the first year of Covid, there was a huge need to complete personal shopping and errands for senior adults,” she said.
Aggen worked more than a decade at long-term care facilities, where she witnessed how much residents missed the independence of living in their own homes.
Many of those residents could have stayed in their homes longer if someone could have completed small tasks for them on a regular basis.
Often the tasks fell to family members, who quickly became overwhelmed or lived too far away to help on a regular basis.
A desire to begin her own business prompted Aggen to start Essential Senior Services from her home. She focused on shopping for groceries and personal items, pharmacy pickups, stops at the post office or picking up pet supplies.
Within weeks Aggen noticed that clients also needed light housekeeping and laundry help.
She subcontracted with RCO in Luverne and Advanced Opportunities in Worthington to complete in-house tasks.
A $25,000 grant from Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging in 2021 allowed Aggen to expand her offerings through subcontracted services that included laundry in Adrian.
“People were reluctant at first to hand off their laundry, but once they tried the service, they were OK with it,” she said.
Commercial-sized machines at RCO allowed large items such as comforters and rugs to be laundered with ease. The pick-up and drop-off service returned items to the customer ready to use.
 
Program pilot in Adrian expands services
Through the pilot in Adrian, subcontractors for lawn care and snow removal were also added to Aggen’s service options.
A larger, six-figure grant for 2022 through MRAAA expanded Aggen’s business to a six-county area, although Aggen prefers to focus on her 50-mile radius from her home, which puts the focus on Rock, Nobles and Murray counties.
Through the 2022 grant, residents over age 60 and living on their own are able to tap into services on a sliding fee basis.
This project is made possible, in part, under the Federal Older Americans Act through an award from the Minnesota River Agency on Aging under an Area Plan approved by the Minnesota Board on Aging.
In the first quarter of 2022, Aggen and her subcontractors are working with 80 clients, 30 percent of whom live in the Luverne area.
“Luverne has definitely showcased a need,” she said.
Aggen subcontracts with Luverne Lawn Care for light yardwork, and RCO may expand into personal shopping depending on need.
 
To contact for services
For RCO laundry, document shredding and/or cleaning services, call Adria Benson at 507-283-4582.
For Essential Senior Services, call Marriah Aggen at 507-360-1949 or email maggen@essentialseniorservices.com.

Worthington native Connor Braaksma (left) was sworn in by Sheriff Evan Verbrugge April 2 as the newest deputy in the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. Braaksma graduated from the law enforcement program at Minnesota West Community and Technical College in 2021 and previously worked at the Cottonwood County jail. He recently completed in-house training and is now on patrol.

Dispatch report
April 1
•Complainant on 41st Street and 50th Avenue, Luverne, reported a train blocking intersection near location.
•Complainant requested identity theft record be removed.
•Complainant on E. Warren Street reported a student refusing to go to school.
•Complainant on 150th Avenue, Steen, reported cattle rustling.
•Complainant on E. 6th Avenue, Beaver Creek, reported a gas pump not working correctly.
•Complainant on County Road 6, Hills, reported a parking issue.
April 2
•Complainant on Kansas City Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, requested info on subject for investigation.
•Complainant on 161st Street, Luverne, reported finding sunglasses and bones.
•Complainant on S. West Park Street reported a parking violation.
•Complainant on N. McKenzie Street reported someone broke into her house.
•Complainant on N. McKenzie Street reported a man in her backyard near her garbage.
April 3
•Complainant on S. Cottage Grove Avenue reported a garbage complaint.
•Complainant on E. First Avenue, Beaver Creek, reported a parking complaint.
•Complainant on E. Main Street reported a parking complaint.
•Complainant on E. Main Street reported vandalism.
April 4
•Complainant on 201st Street, Jasper, reported a railroad crossing blockage.
•Complainant on 20th Avenue reported a road closure.
•Complainant on 61st Street, Hills, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on N. McKenzie Street reported a building tenant is harassing her.
•Complainant on S. Main Avenue, Hills, reported damage to mail.
•Complainant on 231st Street, Luverne, reported a road closure at train crossing.
•Deputy on S. Kniss Avenue requested to assist state patrol on a traffic stop.
April 5
•Complainant on W. Dakota Street, Beaver Creek, reported a garbage complaint.
•Complainant reported a theft.
•Complainant on E. Luverne Street reported lost or stolen packages.
•Complainant on N. Cedar Street reported a man took a picture of her house.
•Complainant on S. Donaldson Street requested deputy to speak to a client about driving without a license.
•Complainant on N. Oakley Street reported property dispute and harassing communications.
•Deputy eastbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 12, Luverne, assisted a motorist parked along roadway.
April 6
•Complainant on N. Spring Street filed a noise complaint.
•Complainant on S. Church Avenue, Hills, reported a trespassing issue at location.
•Complainant on W. Lincoln Street requested a locksmith.
•Complainant on W. 2nd Street, Hills, reported a scam phone call.
•Complainant on Kniss Avenue and Walnut Street filed a parking complaint.
•Complainant on E. Christensen Drive reported a runaway.
•Complainant on 61st Street and 50th Avenue, Luverne, reported road closure.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported a semi with hazards on roadway.
April 7
•Report of statewide tornado drill for severe weather awareness week.
•Subject arrested on North Dakota warrant.
April 8
•Complainant on U.S. Highway 75 reported an abandoned vehicle.
In addition, officers responded to 1 motor vehicle accident, 16 ambulance runs, 2 paper services, 5 animal complaints, 3 fingerprint requests, 10 burn permits, 3 alarms, 7 drug court tests, 7 purchase and carry permits, 3 stalled vehicles, 33 traffic stops, 7 abandoned 911 calls, 5 tests, 2 welfare checks and 2 OFP.

The following article is part of the Diamond Club Member group that began in the January 7, 1943, issue of the Rock County Star Herald. Members of this group consist of persons of age 75 and older.
The visit of Jesse and Frank James, two of the most noted robbers in the 1870’s, to Rock county was recalled this week by James P. Kennedy, Luverne.
Although he did not actually see the men, he recalls how a neighbor came galloping to their farm on a gray horse to spread the news that the James brothers had eaten breakfast that Sunday morning at the Charles Rolph home in Battle Plain township, about 12 miles north of Luverne. It was Mr. Rolph who notified Ezra Rice, then sheriff of Luverne, according to Mr. Kennedy, and a posse was formed to apprehend the bandits. As the story goes, only one Luverne man got close enough to see them. He was Jack Dement. They trailed them to a point near Larchwood, Ia. And there one of the brothers fired at Dement, hitting the horse he was riding.
There’s no truth in the stories that James hid in a cave in the Mounds or jumped the Devil’s Gulch at Garretson with his horse, Kennedy states.
Mr. Kennedy was a boy of 12 when the famed desperadoes made their escape after the Northfield bank robbery. Born in Clayton county, Ia. Jan. 26, 1864, he came with his father, a brother and a neighbor to Rock county in March, 1876, which was the same year as the robbery. That same year, the railroad was built into Luverne from Worthington.
Mr. Kennedy’s father had bought a farm two miles north of Luverne near the Mounds, and this was their home for six or seven years.
Mr. Kennedy had attended school about three terms in Iowa, and after coming to Rock county, resumed his education when school was in session. The building in which he first attended school was constructed like a chicken coop with one side high and the other side low. It was located on the south side of the Mounds, a short distance from Luverne.
In 1883 or ’84, Mr. Kennedy’s father filed a homestead and tree claim in Pipestone county, northwest of Edgerton, and sold his Rock county land. Mr. Kennedy lived at home with his parents and helped with the farm work until he and his brother bought a farm near Hardwick in 1891, to which they moved the following spring. They farmed in partnership until after they were both married, and they then divided their property and began operations individually.
The two brothers did some “railroading” on the side. One winter, they hauled lumber and timber for the branch railroad between Hardwick and Wilmont. Every bit of piling, lumber and ties that is used in the bridge across the Rock river east of Hardwick was hauled by Mr. Kennedy, brother, and two other men who had been hired to help them with the hauling.
This, however, was not Mr. Kennedy’s first experience working on a railroad construction crew. The year the Great Northern built the line from Sioux Falls to Ihlen, he helped haul rock for every culvert and bridge for the entire stretch of track. He was paid at the rate of $3 per day, and board, but he had to furnish feed for his horses.
         This article will continue in next week’s publication of the Star Herald.
         Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

10 years ago (2012)
•Southwest Minnesota Habitat for Humanity has announced that the Sheryl Staeffler family will become the owners of the house scheduled to be built in Luverne this summer.
Habitat has three principal criteria for family selection, which are need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with Habitat.
Habitat sells its houses to homeowners with 20- to 30-year mortgages at zero percent interest.
Monthly principal payments are made to Habitat and are used to pay for the construction of other homes.
The new owners also make monthly payments toward property taxes and hazard insurance.
Staeffler and her three children will contribute 300 hours of their own time and labor toward the completion of their home.
 
25 years ago (1997)
•Two speech veterans, Matt Ebert and Matt Tilstra, will represent two Rock County schools in the state speech tournament in Shakopee Saturday.
The 1995 and 1996 State Champion Ebert, representing Hills-Beaver Creek High School, is returning for a third run for top honors in the great speeches division with a speech called “An Indefensible War,” by Eugene McCarthy. Ebert is a senior.
Tilstra, a senior from Luverne High School, took top honors in discussion in the section tournament in Marshall April 12. He participated in the state speech tournament in discussion in 1996, where he took sixth place. This year the discussion topic is America’s Changing Work Force.
 
50 years ago (1972)
•Planting of Luverne’s newest “little park” is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday of next week. It is one of several community beautification projects now under way. The park is to be known as Moccasin Park. Designed by Mrs. Chester Holm, it is being established in memory of the late Mrs. Al Winters.
 
75 years ago (1947)
•Four Rock countians were aboard the luxury liner, the “Queen Elizabeth”, when she went aground in a fog at the entrance of the bay at Southhampton, England, Monday.
They are Mr. and Mrs. George Haakenson, and Mr. and Mrs. Haaken Haakenson, of Luverne, who left April 3 with Norway as their ultimate destination.
They planned to be in England for two days, and then sail from Newcastle for Norway on April 16 aboard a Norwegian passenger ship for Bergen and Tysness, Norway, where the brothers have a sister and other relatives. They are expected to return after a three months visit.
 
100 years ago (1922)
•In tearing down the old residence on the former Jas. Marshall farm near Beaver Creek, now owned and occupied by County Commissioner O. I. Godfrey, a copy of Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, published in New York December 15, 1877, was found between the walls.
Leslie’s was then an eight-page paper with fourteen-inch columns to the page. Three of the pages were given over to illustrations. It was a splendid publication from an editorial standpoint, with well balanced advertising columns.
While rather dilapidated looking, the copy carries its age well. The front page consisted of a cartoon entitled “The Balance of Power in the United States Senate,” with the dividing line much in evidence. It portrayed the ship of state in a storm—with the ballast becoming unmanageable. Strong editorials on “The Battle in the Senate,” “The Russo-Turkish War,” and “The Influence of War on Inventions” were published.

Joanne Johnson, 89, of Aneta, North Dakota, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Northwood Deaconess Health Center in Northwood, North Dakota.
A visitation was Friday, April 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service at the church. A funeral service was at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Sundahl Lutheran Church in Aneta. Burial was at Silent Hill Cemetery, rural Aneta.
Joanne Lusty was born June 14, 1932, at rural Bemidji near Solway, Minnesota. She was the fifth child of William and Sophia (Rice) Lusty. When she was age 3, the family moved to rural Mentor, Minnesota. She attended LaBelle country school through fifth grade and then went to school in Mentor. Joanne was confirmed in the Mentor Lutheran Church. Her family moved to Oslo, Minnesota, and she graduated from Oslo High School in 1950.
After graduation, Joanne moved to Aneta. She attended hairdressing school in Fargo in 1951 and worked in hair salons in Mayville and Aneta throughout the years.
In 1951 Joanne married the love of her life, Freeman Johnson. She became a farm wife and raised her family in Ora township, Randall in 1953, Jeffrey in 1955, Mary in 1961, and Nancy in 1963. Her nephews, Jon and Joe Lusty, lost their parents, Gorden and Bev (Berman) Lusty and came to live with them in 1976. All the children graduated from Aneta High School. Freeman passed away in 2003 and Joanne continued to live on the farm for 10 years before moving into an apartment in Aneta in 2013.
Joanne taught Sunday School for 25 years and served on the Sundahl Church Council as treasurer and financial/secretary. She wintered in Texas and Arizona for 28 years. Joanne’s faith in the Lord was strong and she was witnessing to people right up until her death. She was active in the Aneta American Legion and Silent Hill Cemetery Auxiliary, homemakers, and other community activities. After her children grew up, she started Joanne’s Wearable Art and attended many craft shows.
Survivors include her sons Randy (Debbie) of Aneta and Jeff (Sheri Hallgren) of Hatton, North Dakota; daughters Mary (Doug) Mahan, McVille, North Dakota, and Nancy (Cory) Berg, Pierre, South Dakota; nephews Jon (Deb) Lusty, Luverne, and Joe Lusty, West Fargo, North Dakota; brother David Lusty, Dewitt, Minnesota; sisters-in-law Lu Lusty, Minot, North Dakota, and Arlene Eisenbeis, Hillsboro, North Dakota; grandchildren Amy (Lane), Emily (Yohanna), Isaiah (Torrie), Stacey (John), Patrick, Lindsey (Jon), Marisa (Chris), Craig (Kelly), Alexa (Scott), Connor, Katie, Emma, and Corbin; great-grandchildren Lyric, Talia, Sorren, Cecelia, Sydney, Chance, Zane, Ava, Otto, Carson, Anika, Brenden, Teagan, Tucker, Jensen, Lillie, Madison, Elias, Rania, Mya, and one on the way; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death was her sister, Adeline, in 1986; brother Eber, killed in World War II in 1943; brother Gorden in 1976 at the age of 51; brother Gene in 2020; her mother, Sophia, in 1976; and her father, William, in 1989. 
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