Rock County Commissioners meet Dec. 28
Herreid Board Room          9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse Dec. 28, 2021
The meeting was called to order by the Chair with all Commissioners present. Also in attendance were Administrator Kyle Oldre, Deputy Administrator Susan
Skattum and Star-Herald Reporter and Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Burger, to approve the County Board
agenda of December 28, 2021, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve the County Board
minutes of December 14, 2021, declared carried on a voice vote.
Evan Verbrugge, Sheriff, presented an update regarding status of the Law Enforcement contracts with city municipalities and stated that the county was notified by the City of Kenneth of their intent not to renew the service contract. Verbrugge informed the County Board what services the Sheriff’s Office has to provide as per statute and also provided an activity update of the number of 911 calls from the City of Kenneth. After considerable discussion, it determined to further discuss at the next meeting with the County Attorney present.
Mark Sehr, Engineer, requested authorization to make final payment on SAP 067-604-032 to Musch Construction Inc for $14,941.20 for the curb, gutter, sidewalk and driveway repair project on CSAH4 in the City of Luverne. Motion by Burger,
seconded by Overgaard, to approve the final payment, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Engineer requested to adjust the fees at the Rock County Transfer Station:  
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)                       $80.00/Ton to $90.00/Ton
      Demolition Solid Waste                                $20.00/Ton to $30.00/Ton
     Car-Light Truck, Truck, OTR Tires               $350.00/Ton to $375.00/Ton
Purpose of the rate increase is to stay current with regional rates. Motion by
Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve the new fees schedule at the Rock
County Transfer Station with a January 01, 2022, effective date, declared carried
on a voice vote.
The Engineer responded to an inquiry regarding amnesty of tires, electronics and garbage to allow Rock County citizens to bring those items to the Transfer Station at no cost and stated that the promotion would create a large unfunded cost and recommended to not promote. After discussion, no action was taken.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve Resolution No. 28-21, supporting traffic improvements of right hand turning lanes and new traffic lights instead of a round-a-bout at the intersection of US Highway 75 and CSAH 4 in the City of Luverne, declared carried on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Reisch voting nay.
Doug Bos, Land Management Office Assistant Director was present to receive
recognition and congratulations from the County Board for his recent award of Soil &
Water Conservation District Employee of the Year and for his 25 years of service
to Rock County.
Eric Hartman, Land Management Office Director, presented an update of the Northern Conn Ag LLP mining expansion project the need for Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) due to the size of the project. Upon receipt of the public comments through the EAW process, an Environmental Impact Statement is needed. Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to issue a positive declaration of the need for an Environmental Impact Study, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Williamson, to authorize Eric Hartman as the signature authority to execute a service contract with SEH for
engineering services at the Landfill, declared carried on a voice vote.
Krista Burkman, University of Minnesota Extension 4-H Ambassador
presented a program update of the Ambassador program and the various leadership
roles it has in the 4-H organization. The County Board thanked her for her
outstanding presentation.
Ashley Kurtz presented per diems of $5,200 and requested authorization to pay claims on December 31st; no claims were presented at the current meeting due to the holiday schedule.  Motion by Reisch, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the per diems and to pay year end claims on December 31st, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Reisch, to approve the Fund Balance report,
declared carried on a voice vote.
The Auditor/Treasurer and Administrator led a discussion regarding adoption of the 2022 Budget. Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to adopt the 2022 Budget of $13,326,072.00, an increase of $6,533,570 of levy dollars reflecting a 2.97 percent increase, declared carried on a voice vote.
 
 
PLACE BUDGET HERE
 
 
On a recommendation from the Budget Committee, motion by Burger, seconded by Reisch, to adopt a Debt Management Policy, declared carried on a voice vote.
On a recommendation from the Personnel Committee of the County
Board, motion by Reisch, seconded Burger to approve the following salaries
for 2022, declared carried on a voice vote.
•Sheriff-$105,375.92 + PEHCSP Contribution of $80 Monthly (4.5% increase)
•County Attorney- $94,000 ( rounded 2.74% increase)
•Commissioners- $20,698.42 (3.25% increase)
The Administrator requested approval to move forward with a contract with
Service Master for $62,563.20 to clean air ducts at the Courthouse and Human
Services buildings; motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve,
declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Burger, to approve the purchase (2) data storage servers from Morris Electronics for $27,806.16, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was informed the legal rate at Tollefson Publishing will
reflect a 2.5% increase in 2022; no action was taken.
  The Administrator stated that he will be meeting with New Vision Coop
regarding a $10.5 million dollar expansion project and will be issuing a tax abatement application. Also stated that Rock County is in receipt of (3) ARPA
funding requests, a request to assist with demolition expenses in the City of Hardwick, stated that there will be upcoming meetings regarding daycare and that the Administrator’s office has filled the vacant position of LMO Engineering Technician and LRO Administrative Assistant positions. 
Commissioner Reisch stated that he had attended the following meetings:  Budget
Commissioner Thompson stated that she had attended the following
meetings: Southwest Health and Human Services.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he had attended the following meetings: Blue Mound Tower Open House event and Rose Dell Township meeting.
Commissioner Burger stated that he had attended the following meetings:
Southwest Health and Human Services and Budget meeting.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he had attended the following meetings:
Soil & Water Conservation District and GEVO meeting.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting
was declared adjourned by order of the Chair.
(02-10)

Rock County Commissioners meet Dec. 14
Herreid Board Room          4:00 P.M.
Rock County Courthouse Dec. 14, 2021
The meeting was called to order by the Chair with all Commissioners present.  Also in attendance were Administrator Kyle Oldre, County Attorney Jeff Haubrich, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum and Star-Herald Reporter, Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Reisch, to approve the December 14, 2021,
County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve the November 16, 2021,
County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the November 16, 2021, City of Luverne/Rock County Joint meeting minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Thompson, to approve the Consent
Agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
1. Rock County Opportunities (5) contracts
2. Authorizing Doug Bos as signature authority for BOWSR Block Grant
3. CAD Software & Maintenance renewal - $27,473.17 (E911 eligible)
4. 2022 County Board meeting schedule:  January 04 & 25; February 08 & 22; 
March 08 & 22;April 05 & 19; May 03 & 17; June 07 & 21; July 05 & 19; August 
02 & 16; September 06 & 20; October 04 & 18; November 08 & 22; December 13 & 27.
Southwest Regional Development Commission Representatives Jessica Welu and Rosemary Bruce-White presented information regarding the development of a regional trails plan in the 9-county region of southwest Minnesota.  Federal EDA request is a $209,000 project that requires a 20 percent match and the SRD Commission has committed to providing $14,800 in match and is requesting each of our nine counties for a match of $3,000 to put toward the regional trails planning effort. Motion by Burger, seconded by Thompson, to approve Resolution No. 26-21, supporting the efforts of the Southwest Regional Trails Plan and committed the match of $3,000, declared carried on a voice vote.
Mark Sehr, Engineer, requested approval of Resolution No. 24-21, a County State Aid Highway Fund Advance of 2022 funds; motion by Williamson, seconded by Reisch, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Engineer requested to order/purchase a 2023 Mack Tandem Axle Dump Truck and attachments from the state bid for a total of $291,125.00;  motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve quote from Nuss Truck & Equipment from the state bid for $291,125.00 and to pay the expenditure 
from the wind turbine revenues, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Thompson, to approve Resolution No. 27-21, the Adoption of Title VI & Non Discrimination Plan, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board briefly discussed the intersection of US Highway 75 and Main Street in the City of Luverne stating they are opposing a round-a-about and would prefer a new stop light and right turning lanes; it was determined to draft a resolution and present at the next County Board meeting.
The County Board was informed that the Minnesota DMV Drivers Examiner will return to Rock County on January 26 and will utilize their existing pre-COVID schedule.
Sehr reported that the pickup truck that was order for Building Maintenance has been cancelled and that they will have to re-order from the 2022 state bid listing.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims and per diems of $1,400.00; motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote. A complete listing of the claims is available at the Auditor/Treasurer’s
office.
DECEMBER 14, 2021 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
A & B BUSINESS INC $           2,647.47 
BMO HARRIS COMMERCIAL CARD               2,348.90 
CENTRALSQUARE TECHNOLOGIES               7,500.19 
CHS               9,393.54 
COUNTIES PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY               6,684.00 
EMERGENCY AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES               4,590.32 
FLEET SERVICES DIVISION-ADMIN FMR               7,619.02 
FRONTIER PRECISION INC               2,605.50 
GRAHAM TIRE-WORTHINGTON               2,781.39 
HENNING CONSTRUCTION, INC               8,694.72 
JOHNSON CONTROLS             52,605.00 
KETTERLING SERVICES INC             11,008.48 
LSQ FUNDING GROUP LC               2,985.11 
LYON COUNTY LANDFILL             16,459.42 
M-R SIGN CO INC               7,563.48 
MN COUNTIES INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRUST 2,500.00 
MORRIS ELECTRONICS               3,613.18 
MVTL LABORATORIES INC               2,091.30 
NOBLES COUNTY AUDITOR-TREASURER               5,800.00 
RDO EQUIPMENT               2,740.00 
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA 18,814.00 
RICHARZ REPAIR               2,171.03 
SANDERS INC               4,594.13 
SCHNEIDER GEOSPATIAL               2,300.00 
STAPLES ENTERPRISES INC               3,135.49 
STREICHER'S               2,833.08 
TOLLEFSON PUBLISHING               3,502.04 
W & N CONSTRUCTION INC               3,680.68 
WEX BANK               3,563.60 
ZIEGLER INC               9,492.54 
91 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000             41,103.02 
TOTAL $257,420.63 
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Burger, to approve the Fund
Balance report which reflected the first settlement of the second half Ag
tax collection, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Auditor/Treasurer along with the Administrator led a discussion regarding the CIP bonding and the issuance of GO 2022A bonds; after considerable discussion, motion by Reisch, seconded by Overgaard, to approve Resolution No. 25-21, authorizing Northland Securities for the competitive negotiated sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022A for projects identified on the Capital Improvement Plan, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Williamson, to approve the 2021-22 Rock County Snowmasters agreement, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the Letter of Engagement for the 2021 Audit with Clifton, Larson, declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was informed that Doug Bos, Assistant Land Management Office Director was named the Soil & Water Conservation District Employee of the Year by the Board of Soil Water Resources. The County Board expressed their congratulations to Mr. Bos for his recent award.
The Administrator and County Board discussed a recap of the AMC Annual Conference and stated that overall it was a very good conference.  
The Administrator informed the County Board of proposed legislation that would allow counties the flexibility with the ARPA allocation.  Currently, Rock County has allocated the first half of the $1.8 million ARPA funds, and if the proposed bill passes, the County Board will have options on how to spend the second half.
The Administrator informed the County Board of correspondence from the Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison regarding the settlement with opioid companies and is requesting Rock County to participate in both settlements with opioid distributors and manufacturer in obtaining $300 million to be used for treatment, prevention and other programs to assist with the crisis.  Oldre stated that the distribution of the settlement funds will be spread over a period 18-years.  Motion by Thompson, seconded by Burger, to authorize the Rock County Administrator Kyle Oldre to execute the following:
•The Minnesota Opioids State-Subdivision Memorandum of Agreement
(MN MOA)
•The Distributor Subdivision Settlement Participation Form
•The Janssen Subdivision Settlement Participation Form
The motion was declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator discussed contracting services to conduct duct cleaning at the Courthouse and Human Services building; presented as information only.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson to approve the 2020-2022 Sergeant Union contract with Teamsters, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Burger, to approve a 3.25% COLA increase
for non-union employees, declared carried on a voice vote.
The Administrator informed the County Board that the KAHR Foundation will
be making a $250,000 donation to Rock County for the repairs to the
tunnel and Kahler Terrace.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he had attended the following meetings: AMC Annual Conference, Community Corrections, Armory Groundbreaking ceremony.
Commissioner Thompson stated that she had attended the following meetings: AMC Annual Conference, Southwest Health & Human Services, 
Township Annual meeting and Armory Groundbreaking ceremony.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he had attended the following meetings:  Hazardous Mitigation planning session, Solid Waste, Rural Energy, AMC Annual Conference, Planning & Zoning, Annual Township meeting, Townhall meeting with Senator Hagedorn, City/County Liaison, Armory Groundbreaking ceremony.
Commissioner Burger stated that he had attended the following meetings:
Southwest Health & Human Services, Townhall meeting with Senator
Hagedorn, AMC Annual Conference, Southwest Mental Health, Community
Corrections, Armory Groundbreaking ceremony.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he had attended the following meetings: Southwest Mental Health, Soil & Water Conservation District, Township Annual meeting, GEVO, Rural Water, Armory Groundbreaking ceremony.
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting
was declared adjourned by order of the Chair.
(02-10)

Sandbulte brings forth
land patent benefit
 
We, Dale and Jodi Sandbulte, are bringing forth our Land Patent Benefit. If interested see www.minnesotaassembly.net/public-notice.
(02-10, 02-17, 02-24, 03-03, 03-10, 03-17, 03-24, 03-31)

Mortgage foreclosure sale set for April 7 
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: That default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage:
DATE OF MORTGAGE: September 11, 2008
MORTGAGOR: Tracy J. Renken, a single person.
MORTGAGEE: Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation.
DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded September 11, 2008 Rock County 
Recorder, Document No. 169790.
ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: JPMorgan Chase Bank 
N.A. Dated September 11, 2008 Recorded September 11, 2008, as Document No. 169791. And thereafter assigned to: Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC. Dated   
January 13, 2014, Recorded February 3, 2014, as Document No. 183425.            
TRANSACTION AGENT: NONE
TRANSACTION AGENT'S MORTGAGE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON 
MORTGAGE: NONE
LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR STATED ON MORTGAGE: 
Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SERVICER: Carrington Mortgage Services LLC
MORTGAGED PROPERTY ADDRESS: 418 E Maple St, Luverne, MN 56156
TAX PARCEL I.D. #: 201079000
LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:
The N.57 feet of Lots 10 and 11 in Block 3 in the Original Plat of the City of 
Luverne, Rock County, Minnesota.
COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Rock
ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $64,400.00
AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, 
INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $49,886.05
That prior to the commencement of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee complied with all notice requirements as required by statute; That no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to 
recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof;
PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above 
described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows:
DATE AND TIME OF SALE: April 7, 2022 at 10:00 A.M.
PLACE OF SALE: Sheriff's Office, Main Entrance, Law Enforcement Center, 
1000 North Blue Mound Avenue, Luverne, MN
to pay the debt then secured by said Mortgage, and taxes, if any, on said premises, and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys' fees allowed by law subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns unless reduced to Five (5) weeks under MN Stat. 
§580.07.
TIME AND DATE TO VACATE PROPERTY: If the real estate is an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling, unless otherwise provided by law, the date on or before which the mortgagor(s) must vacate the property if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property is not redeemed under section 580.23 is 11:59 p.m. on October 7, 2022, unless that date falls on a weekend  or legal holiday, in which case it is the next weekday, and unless the redemption period is reduced to 
5 weeks under MN Stat. Secs. 580.07 or 582.032.
MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: None
"THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR'S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRI
CULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.
Dated: February 1, 2022
Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC 
Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee
LIEBO, WEINGARDEN, DOBIE & BARBEE, P.L.L.P.
Attorneys for Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee
4500 Park Glen Road #300
Minneapolis, MN 55416
(952) 925-6888
85 - 22-001342 FC
IN THE EVENT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.
(02-10, 02-17, 02-24, 03-03, 03-10, 03-17)

Johnson probate
STATE OF MINNESOTA
PROBATE COURT
                                                                         DISTRICT COURT
COUNTY OF ROCK                                                                     PROBATE DIVISION
 
In Re:Estate of                                                              Court File No. 67-PR-22-23
Verland Eldred Johnson, a/k/a Verland E. Johnson,
Deceased       ORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING
FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND
APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
IN SUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION
AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
 
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:
It  is Ordered and Notice is hereby given that on the  21st  day of March, 2022, at  8:30  O'clock a.m., a hearing will be held in the above named Court at Rock County Courthouse, Luverne, Minnesota, for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of the above named deceased, dated October 5, 1998, and for the appointment of Timothy L. Johnson whose address is 1792 Windsor Dr. S., Shakopee, Minnesota 55379, as personal representative of the estate of the above named decedent in supervised administration, and that any objections thereto must be filed with the Court. That, if proper, and no objections are filed, said personal representative will be appointed to administer the estate, to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, and sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the estate. Upon completion of the administration, the representative shall file a final account for the allowance and shall distribute the estate to the persons thereto entitled as ordered by the Court, and close the estate.
Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present the same to said administrator or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred.
 
Date Filed: January 31, 2022 /s/ Terry S. Vajgrt
District Court Judge
 
Douglas E. Eisma /s/ Natalie Reisch Attorney for Petitioner Court Administrator
Eisma and Eisma
130 East Main (COURT SEAL)
Luverne, MN 56156
(507) 283-4828
I.D. #158343
(02-10, 02-17)

The Hills-Beaver Creek boys’ basketball team improved to 6-5 in Red Rock Conference play and 8-8 overall after a couple of solid victories in the past week.
The Patriots took down Westbrook Walnut Grove 70-62 in Westbrook Thursday, Feb. 3, and beat Red Rock Central 64-48 the following night in Hills.
The Patriot boys will look to extend their winning ways to three in a row when they travel to Adrian Thursday, Feb. 10.
 
H-BC 73, WWG 62
Just seven days after falling to the Chargers at home 70-62, the Hills-Beaver Creek went on the road and won 73-62 Thursday night in Westbrook.
The win ended a two-game skid for the Patriots who jumped out to an early lead in a first half that saw multiple lead changes. It was the Patriots, though, who saw a lead as they went into the break with a 36-34 advantage. 
The Pates started to pull away in the second half, led by senior Drew Leenderts, who had 21 points and knocked down four three-pointers in the game.
Cole Baker also added 20 points and six rebounds as the Patriots came away with a 73-62 victory. 
Oliver Deelstra and Ty Bundesen also contributed 15 and 10 points respectively.
The Pates assisted on a remarkable 25 of their 29 field goals in the game. Bundesen, Leenderts, and Baker each had six assists while Deelstra added five.
 
Baker 6 1 5-7 20, Deelstra 6 1 0-0 15, Raymon 0 0 0-0 0, Harnack 0 1 0-0 3, Page 0 0 0-0 0, Leenderts 4 4 1-3 21, Bundesen 3 1 1-2 10, Gehrke 0 0 0-0 0, Metzger 0 0 0-0 0, Taubert 0 0 0-0 0, Tatge 0 0 0-0 0,  Durst 2 0 0-0 4, Scholten 0 0 0-0 0, Harris 0 0 0-0 0, Wiersema 0 0 0-0 0
 
Team stats:
H-BC: 29 of 52 (56 percent), 7 for 12 free throws (58 percent), 27 rebounds, 13 turnovers.
WWG: 26 of 59 (44 percent), 3 of 5 free throws (60 percent), 27 rebounds, 13 turnovers.
 
H-BC 64, RRC 48
It was the second game of the Patriots playing back-to-back nights as the boys took down the Red Rock Central Falcons 64-48 Friday night in Hills.
Ty Bundesen got the Pates on top early as he scored six of the team’s first 7 points. Bundesen’s 13 first-half points, along with the Patriots’ stellar defense, helped the team to a 28-14 halftime lead.
In the second half, scoring came from all around as the Patriots had nine different players score in the game.
Cole Baker ended up with 15 points while Oliver Deelstra had 12 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.
For a second-straight game, the Patriots assisted on over 80 percent of their field goals with 21 of their 25 field goals coming off passes from teammates.
Moving the ball around seems to be a key factor in the Patriots’ recent success.
 
Baker 6 0 3-4 15, Deelstra 3 1 3-5 12, Raymon 1 1 0-0 5, Harnack 0 1 0-0 3, Page 1 0 0-0 2, Leenderts 1 1 0-0 5, Bundesen 6 2 0-0 18, Gehrke 0 0 0-0 0, Metzger 0 0 0-0 0, Taubert 0 0 0-0 0, Tatge 0 0 1-2 1, Durst 1 0 1-2 3, Scholten 0 0 0-0 0, Harris 0 0 0-0 0, Wiersema 0 0 0-0 0
 
Team stats:
H-BC: 25 of 57 (44 percent), 8 for 13 free throws (62 percent), 34 rebounds, 11 turnovers.
RRC: 17 of 52 (33 percent), 10 of 14 free throws (71 percent), 26 rebounds, 17 turnovers.

The Luverne girls’ basketball team won two more games this week to advance their record to 15-4 on the season. 
The Cardinals avenged one of their four losses when they defeated the Worthington Trojans 64-51 Feb. 3 in Luverne. 
The Cards then bested Southwest Minnesota Christian one night later 51-41 in Edgerton. 
Luverne was scheduled to play in Pipestone Tuesday (Feb. 8) and will travel to Windom tonight (Thursday). 
On Saturday, the Cardinals will face Montevideo in a 5 p.m. game at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall.
The Windom and Montevideo games are part of girl-boy doubleheader games. 
 
LHS 64, Worthington 51
Luverne’s first loss of the season was to the Worthington Trojans (50-45) in Worthington on Dec. 21. 
Six weeks later the Cardinals avenged that loss with a 64-51 victory at home in the Luverne classic gym Feb. 3.
Luverne never trailed in the game and led 33-16 at halftime. The Cardinals led by as much as 22 points (54-32 and 56-34) late in the second half before the Trojans narrowed the lead to 15 points at the end of the game. 
Sophomore Kira John led the Cardinals in both points (22) and rebounds (eight). 
“It was a good win. It was exciting to play well, and it’s always good to win against a tough team like Worthington,” she said. 
“My shots didn’t seem to want to fall in some previous games, but in this game, once the first one fell, the others seemed to come easier.”
Elizabeth Wagner added 17 points and seven rebounds in the game. Christina Wagner totaled 12 points. 
 
Box score:
C. Wagner 3 1 3-4 12, Beyer 0 0 0-0 0, Ver Steeg 2 0 2-2 6, Sehr 0 0 1-2 1, E. Wagner 6 0 5-5 17, Jocelyn Hart 2 0 0-1 4, John 10 0 2-2 22, Schmuck 1 0 0-0 2
 
Team stats:
Luverne: 25 of 53 (47 percent), 13 of 17 free throws (77 percent), 36 rebounds, 19 turnovers
Worthington: 18 of 48 (38 percent), 13 of 22 free throws (59 percent), 27 rebounds, 25 turnovers
 
Luverne 51, SWC 41
The Cardinals picked up their second win in 24 hours when they traveled to Edgerton to play Southwest Minnesota Christian Friday, Feb. 4. 
Luverne won its 15th contest of the 2021-22 campaign 51-41 over the Eagles. 
Southwest Christian jumped out to an early lead before Luverne took a 10-9 lead with about 10 minutes remaining in the first half. The Cardinals led 25-22 at halftime.
The Cards outscored the Eagles 26-19 in the second half to earn the 10-point victory on the road. 
Elizabeth Wagner led all scorers with 21 points. Christina Wagner added 12 points along with six rebounds.
Kira John totaled nine rebounds in the game.  
 
Box score: 
C. Wagner 2 2 2-2 12, Beyer 0 0 0-0 0, Ver Steeg 1 0 2-3 4, Sehr 0 0 2-2 2, E. Wagner 10 0 1-3 21, Jocelyn Hart 0 0 1-3 1, John 5 0 1-2 11
 
Team stats:
Luverne: 20 of 39 (51 percent), 9 of 15 free throws (60 percent), 31 rebounds, 27 turnovers
SWC: 16 of 49 (33 percent), 7 of 13 free throws (54 percent), 26 rebounds, 26 turnovers

This season is one of rebuilding for the Luverne speech team as the regional program transitions from last year’s virtual season to this year’s in-person format.
Days before this year’s season began Saturday, the decision to compete in person was formally announced, provided that students remain masked when not competing.
“We planned to mirror what the state meet would be like so the kids would be practicing the same way,” said head coach Gavin Folkestad.
Team captains and seniors Luke Thorson, Mia Wenzel and Chance Tunnissen have participated in speech since the seventh grade.
Among their duties are pre-tournament pep talks about what being a part of a team has given to them and lessons they have learned through the years.
For Tunnissen, a three-time state speech participant, it’s about never giving up.
“If you’re a younger member, you might not be good your first year,” he said. “I remember my first year I was really down on myself. Dylan (Thorson) was my mentor and I didn’t hardly place at all. As the year went on, I learned more and practiced a lot more, and I got better.”
For Luke Thorson, speech is a family tradition (having followed in his brother Dylan’s footsteps and mom, Caroline, is an assistant speech coach). He’s also found speech is a path for personal growth.
“I always saw it as something I would really enjoy doing,” he said. “I knew it was something I could always do better and always strove to do better and I did get better.”
Thorson, who competes in humorous interpretation, earned his first state trip last year.
He is optimistic that the team can be Section 3A champions again and qualify more individuals for the state tournament.
“No matter what happens, we will give it our all even if we don’t make it,” Thorson said. “We will look back on these years as fun.”
Luverne has developed a tradition of winning, which Wenzel, as a young speech student, watched with envy as the older teammates earned trophies and ribbons for the team.
“(I) wanted to be a part of that team that won,” said Wenzel, who switched between speech categories, including entering more than one category at a tournament. She found a niche in poetry interpretation.
“You can switch if you want to switch — find that piece in which you’re comfortable,” she said.
This season Luverne fields a team of 25 students, about half the number of two years ago.
Getting younger students involved in speech is a goal of the captains so that they will return the following year.
“I want them to be inspired no matter how they do,” Wenzel said.
“I want them to be happy that they showed up. They’re going to realize they’ve just been accepted into a giant family that will be with you for the rest of your life.”
The team spends Saturdays competing at different schools as well as hosting their own home tournament in a season that’s three months long.
Sections are on April 9 with the top three individuals from each of the 13 speech categories advancing to the state tournament, April 22-23.
“We are a very competitive section with several other big teams,” coach Folkestad said. “However, we do have many returning veterans, so I am hopeful we will be able to add to our collection of trophies.”
Regular season tournaments include:
•Feb. 5, Worthington (see results).
•Feb. 12, Luverne.
•Feb. 19, Marshall.
•Feb. 26, Redwood Valley.
•March 5, Minneota.
•March 12, Southwest State University, Marshall.
•March 17, Big South Conference in Marshall.
•March 19, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton.
•March 26, Montevideo.
•March 29, Sub-section 10 in Adrian.
•April 9, Section 3A at SMSU.
•April 22-23, state speech tournament in Apple Valley.
Junior High tournaments include:
•Feb. 15, Tracy.
•March 1, Adrian.
•To be determined, Luverne.

With Valentine’s Day on Monday and wedding season just around the corner, Luverne’s Bridal Fair was well-timed Saturday at Big Top Tents and Events.
According to Luverne Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere, the fair attracted 35 brides and nearly 100 guests.
“This first-ever show was a big success,” she said. 
“It was great to see all the people there. For their first show the number of brides was amazing.”
 The event was organized by Stacey Smidt of Big Top Tents and Events and Barbara Weber-Friese of Barbara Kay’s Boutique Bridal.
“Hats off to these two wonderful women for all the work and time they put into this big event,” Lanphere said. “I am sure it is something that they will build on next year. They already scheduled the date for Feb 4.”
The event, which charged no admission, included vendor demonstrations and a bridal fashion show on a raised runway for models.
The show featured fashions by Luverne shops Barbara Kay’s Boutique Bridal and First Comes Love Bridal Boutique, with hair designs and makeup by Salon 75 and Spa.
Other vendors at Saturday’s Bridal Fair included caterers, bakers, photographers, florists, printers, music DJs and more.
Lanphere said the popularity of Saturday’s bridal fair bodes well for bridal business in Luverne.
“Luverne is destined to become a stop for wedding planning,” she said.