Although the Hills-Beaver Creek football team also won the Section championship in 2020, the 2021 HBC football team went on to play in the quarter-finals of the Minnesota State Tournament for nine-man football for the first time since 2001.
The Section 3 Champions defeated the Section 2 Champions, the Renville County West Jaguars 30-7 in Marshall on a windy, cold and snowy evening Friday, Nov. 12, at the Southwest Minnesota State University Stadium.
After receiving the opening kickoff, the Jaguars were able to garner two first downs, but the Patriot defense stiffened and forced a punt.
The Patriots managed a quick first down on a Cole Baker run, but a fumbled snap on fourth down later in the drive gave the ball back to the Jaguars at mid field.
The rest of the quarter remained scoreless as each team fought against the other’s defense and the winter-like conditions.
The Patriot defense held the Jaguar offense in check for the majority of the game.
Defensive linemen Max Scholten and Cody Moser and defensive ends Donavon Leenderts and Cole Baker continually stymied the Jaguar offense throughout the evening.
Meanwhile, the linebacking corps of Casey Kueter, Austin Allen and Brayden Metzger stepped up to fill the gaps and make the stops.
In the second quarter at 7:21, Baker took an option pitch over the right side from quarterback Oliver Deelstra and sprinted 75 yards for the first score of the game.
The two-point conversion was good on a nifty backward pass to Ty Bundesen, who then passed the ball forward to Andrew Harris camped in the end zone. This sprung the Patriots to an 8-0 lead.
After the score the Patriot defensemen continued their physical play and kept the Jaguars out of the end zone the rest of the half. A late first-half, Baker’s interception of a Jaguar pass aided the Patriots’ first-half defensive efforts.
The third quarter began with the Patriots receiving the kickoff. However, on the first play, a Jaguar defender deflected a Deelstra pass and intercepted it deep in Patriots territory.
But the Patriots defense answered the call as Drew Leenderts scooped up a Renville County West fumble on the second play and rumbled 20 yards to their own 45-yard line.
The Patriots were soon forced to punt where the Jaguars took over at their own 20-yard line. Three plays later, Patriot nose guard Scholten used a swim move to get past the center and fall on the mishandled Jaguar snap.
H-BC’s offense took over at the Jaguars’ 17-yard line, but the Patriot drive fell short of the end zone, inside the one-yard line.
The Patriot offense again took over after a wind-shortened Jaguar punt.
On a critical fourth and five from the 30-yard line, Deelstra connected with tight end Kueter on a seam pattern up the middle of the field for a touchdown with just one second remaining in the third quarter. The conversion attempt run was short, but the Patriots held a 14-0 lead going into the fourth quarter.
After a defensive stop by the Jaguars, the Patriots were punting from their own 49-yard line. Bundesen’s was misjudged by the Jaguars’ return man, and H-BC’s Gideon Taubert pounced on the muffed ball at the 10-yard line.
Three plays later, Deelstra ran the ball in from the 5-yard line. Bundesen ran in the two-point conversion, and the Patriots’ lead was extended to 22-0 with 7:31 left in the game.
Later, on defense, Austin Allen returned an interception to the 25-yard line. Six plays later, Kueter from the fullback position, powered the ball across the goal line from the five-yard line. The two-point conversion pass from Deelstra to Andrew Harris was good, and the score stood at 30-0 with 2:09 left in the game.
Renville County West was able to add a late score on a 40-yard pass. The successful extra-point kick ended the game’s scoring at 30-7 with a Patriots win.
Hills-Beaver Creek will play undefeated Fertile-Beltrami in the state semi-finals on Friday, Nov. 19, at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Game time is 9 a.m.
Patriot Head Coach Rex Metzger said the Patriots players will need to show up ready to play.
“Fertile-Beltrami is a physical team that will come at you with a lot of different things, under center and out of the gun,” Metzger said.
“We will have to be disciplined but still have it on attack mode.”

The city spent more than $38,000 on security cameras for Luverne city park and surrounding areas.
The camera systems were purchased from Computer Clinic in Luverne, and the price doesn’t include labor.
Cameras will be placed at the park, the power plant, the wastewater treatment plant, west and south substations, Redbird Field and the downtown parking lot.
The security camera investment was prompted in part due to thousands of dollars worth of vandalism to Christmas displays at the park last year.
Vandals were caught and prosecuted; however, the council discussed the need for cameras there and in other areas of town.
“We’re entering the age of, yes, we want to know what’s going on,” City Administrator John Call explained at the Oct. 26 meeting.
“We’ve invested a lot of money in the wastewater plant and a lot of money in the electric plant, and we have a wonderful city and chamber event down at the city park this winter.”
The security system recently approved by the council will have the capability of allowing users to review camera footage to see what activity was previously captured.
The camera installation comes as businesses, individuals and organizations are beginning to put up their Christmas displays at the park for the Nov. 28 fireworks and park lighting event.

Meetings
Compassionate Friends Support Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, at the LACF office next to the Palace in Luverne. Meetings are free and open to any parents, grandparents, siblings grieving the death of a child, no matter the cause or how recent or long ago the loss. For info, call/text 605-254-2072 or email pat.saum@gmail.com
Battle Plain Township Board will meet at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at the home of Greg Talsma.
Rock County Caregivers Support Group will meet at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23. For information call Linda Wenzel at A.C.E. of SW MN, 507-283-5064.
Blue Mound Cemetery Association will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, in the home of Dick and Dolly Remme.
 
Dino-Mite Week coming
“Dino-Mite Week @ the Rock County Library” is planned for Nov. 15-19 at the Rock County Library in Luverne. Events kick off Monday, Nov. 15 with Dinosaur Show-n-Tell. Bring your favorite dino or wear your favorite dino shirt and come and show the librarians. Tuesday, Nov. 16, is Dino-Mite Storytime from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and listen to dino stories, make a dino craft and take your picture with a dinosaur. Wednesday, Nov. 17, is Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt. Come to the library and hunt for dinosaurs. Thursday, Nov 18, is the Dinosaur Story Walk around the Library. Friday, Nov. 19, is Dinosaur Movie, “The Good Dinosaur,” starts at 3:45 p.m. and is 94 minutes. Snacks provided.
 
Free food offered Nov. 18
New Life Celebration Church will offer free food at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, at the Generations Building on East Lincoln Street in Luverne. Vehicles should enter the west parking lot from Lincoln Street and drive to the double glass doors on the west side of the building where volunteers will load groceries into cars. Walkers should receive their pre-packaged groceries on the east side of the building. Call 507-283-4366.
 
Free food for seniors Nov. 18
Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors 60 and older, sponsored by A.C.E. of SW MN will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, as a drive thru distribution in the parking lot at 319 E. Lincoln, Luverne. Pre-registration is required. Call Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064.
 
Free Thanksgiving community meal Nov. 24
 The United Methodist Church in Luverne will host a free Thanksgiving community meal at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24.  A pickup option available. All are welcome.
 
Festival of Nativities Dec. 4
St. John Lutheran Church will host a Festival of Nativities from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. More than 100 handcrafted nativities of every size and shape — international, children's sets and more — will be on display to walk through and enjoy. Refreshments will be served, and commemorative gifts will be handed out while supplies last. Free admission and handicap accessible. Location is 803 N. Cedar St., Luverne.
 
Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection week is Nov. 15-22, and boxes can be ordered online at samaritanspurse.org or picked up at the American Reformed Church where they can be dropped off Nov. 15-22. Call Karen Bosch, 605-413-9676, or Charla Sandbulte, 507-227-1722, with questions.
 
De-Light-Ful 5K/1 Mile set for Nov. 27
The De-Light-Ful 5K/1 Mile run will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, at the Luverne Armory
Race day registration is from 5 to 5:30 p.m. or online https://runsignup.com. Contact Dave at dduffy@daymon.com  or 507-920-3345.
 
Community Education offerings
Luverne Community Education will offer the following classes and activities. Call 507-283-4724 or visit the website: comed.isd2184.net
Men’s Basketball meets Wednesday nights November through February.  Fee is $45 for the 4 months.
Bread Baking on Dec. 11 shows how easy it is to make your own bread at home. Fee is $10. All supplies furnished.
 
Library happenings
For more information about library happenings, call 507-449-5040 or email at rockcountystaff@gmail.com
Trivia Night is at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Take 16 in Luverne. Team registration begins at 6 p.m.
Reminiscence Kits are available featuring various topics such as gardening, pets, baking, sewing, farming and hunting. The kits are designed to use with a loved one experiencing memory loss, encouraging the loved one to open up about activities they once loved in the past.
Story Time with Bronwyn is at 10:30 a.m. Fridays through Nov. 19. As the weather permits, the event will in one of Luverne’s city parks. See the library’s social media page for info.
 
SHARE applications accepted through Dec. 8
Rock County S.H.A.R.E applications are due by Nov. 24. forms are available on the Luverne Chamber website home page (in English and Spanish). Distribution is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 8. The S.H.A.R.E. program distributes groceries, clothing and toys to Rock County residents who are in need of support.  Donations of used items are not accepted. Monetary, tax-deductible donations can be mailed to SHARE at PO Box 792, Luverne, MN 56156.
 
Nominations sought for Rock County Hall of Fame
The Rock County Historical Society’s Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominations for the 2022 induction of current and former residents. Nominees must have a significant identity with Rock County and have made an exceptional contribution to society, achieved exceptional success, and brought honor and prestige beyond the borders of Minnesota. Nominations are accepted now through Feb. 28, 2022. Forms are available at The History Center, Luverne Area Chamber or online at www.rockcountyhistorical.com or www.luvernechamber.com. An awards presentation is scheduled for July 17, 2022.

Big Top Tents and Events celebrated a ribbon-cutting event Saturday night with an open house event that included food and live music by the Sioux Falls cover band, 10 Miles From Nowhere. Pictured at the ribbon-cutting are (from left) Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere, Andrew Hamann, Jordan Smidt, Baylee Smidt (with scissors), Chamber assistant Amber Lais, Stacey Smidt, Jeris Niemeyer, Belle Smidt, Makayla Sterrett, Kaden Erickson and Chamber board member Cris Oeltjenbruns. Jordan and Stacey Smidt bought the tent business from Mike Jarchow in 2015 and in 2019 expanded to include portable bathroom rentals. In 2020 the business moved into the former Bomgaars building where it expanded to offer indoor event space and a 40-by-40-foot outdoor patio. Renovations were completed this year.

Have you thanked a teacher lately? If not, you should. And while you're at it, you might thank a school administrator, support staff and school board member.
Few people are undertaking the challenges these folks face on a daily basis.
They literally have the lives of our children in their hands, yet we often don’t consider what that’s like and what it means for the individuals on the job at school.
This week is American Education Week, and given the pandemic atmosphere in our school hallways, classrooms and board rooms, it might be a good time for a little more gratitude and a little less criticism.
It’s always a good thing to have parents and community members involved in students and contributing to discussion about the district’s wellbeing.
We’ve watched the conversation about masks and vaccines unfold in local media and in public listening sessions, and it’s clear that our parents and community members very much care about our students.
But what about our teachers and staff?
How are they affected by the policies and decisions that affect their classrooms? Ultimately, they’re on the front lines of pandemic-related outcomes, but it seems their voices in the discussion are relatively muted.
Rules are made and our teachers and staff implement them. … and live with the consequences of dozens of students in close quarters wearing no face coverings. Despite vaccines, Covid exposures have sickened several teachers and staff, some of them for weeks at a stretch.
Would they have contracted the virus among a masked student body? Maybe, maybe not.
But caving to parents’ demands to remove a mask requirement in school was essentially a decision to increase teachers’ exposure and their odds for being harmed.
Teachers’ work is demanding enough outside of a pandemic environment. Many of us wouldn’t last a day in their shoes. Expecting them to perform their duties — shaping the lives of our children — without basic protections is expecting a lot.
Our district leaders had reasons for the decisions they’ve made under pressure, so this isn’t a time to lament water under the bridge.
During National Education Week, we can at the very least be grateful … for caring and attentive teachers and staff and for sincere, well-intentioned administrators and board members at the helm of a ship in very stormy waters.

I clearly can’t be trusted alone in the office with leftover Halloween candy.
This was evidenced last week during general office cleaning when contents of our wastebaskets were emptied.
And apparently examined.
And judged.
As it turns out, my trash speaks volumes about my willpower — or lack thereof.
Following the Nov. 1 Trunk ‘N Treat event, the Star Herald ended up with leftover Halloween candy, which included chocolate.
Kit Kat candy bars are my favorite, as was evidenced by the dozen or so single-serving little red wrappers that accumulated in the wastebasket under my desk.
And, yes, I was publicly shamed by my office mates, some of whom confessed they, too, had candy wrappers in their waste baskets. But I won the prize for having the most wrappers, and thereby had likely consumed the most candy.
My co-workers often place their trash in the wastebasket while passing by my desk, which is centrally located in the office. I considered this defense amid the office teasing, but I knew what I had done.
One late Monday night on deadline, I hadn’t planned for supper and hunger pangs got the best of me.
At first I ate one single-serving, individually wrapped, chocolate-covered cookie Kit Kat. Then two. Each time getting out of my chair and walking to the plastic bowl on the counter to retrieve more.
Then I somehow must have deemed it more resourceful to bring a handful to my desk.
I must have spent as much time opening wrappers as I did editing news.
It certainly wasn’t a proud moment, especially when the evidence was laid bare later that week.
It got me thinking about forensic science and the role of garbage in cracking a case.
We’ve all seen the CSI episodes where gloved detectives sort through household trash and alley dumpsters to learn about their suspects.
I have since come to learn there is an entire field of study devoted to trash analytics.
Called “garbology” it’s the “careful observation and study of the waste products produced by a population of people, in order to learn about that population’s activities in areas such as waste disposal and food consumption."
Similar to archeology, garbology considers pieces of trash as “valuable and interesting artifacts from which many inferences about their source can be drawn.”
What does your garbage say about you?
The lesson learned from my own experience is simple: Next time you succumb to a late-night chocolate binge, disperse the evidence in your co-workers’ wastebaskets.

This weekend marks the halfway point of the 2021 pheasant hunting season, so that means the really good hunting is about to begin.
So far, however, pheasant hunting in Rock County is about as good as this year as it has been in many years, if not better.
My 5-year-old English setter, Otis, and Hazel, my 12-year-old German Wirehair, have hunted three of the four new Rock County walk-in parcels and one WMA spot in Nobles County.
We have had success every time out. In the spirit of full disclosure, my idea of success may be different from that of other hunters.
If we see birds, that is a successful hunt in my book. A really successful hunt is when my dogs point a bird, and if it’s a rooster and when it flushes, I do my part to shoot the rooster, and the dogs find it and retrieve it.
A couple of weeks ago the dogs and I were hunting one of the new walk-in lands south of Magnolia. We had been hunting about an hour or so and had kicked up a few hens along the way.
Once the hens took flight, they landed a ways away on the other side of a waterway. I figured if they’re landing over there, there might be a rooster or two on that side of the water.
To get to the other side of the water, we would have to make about a quarter mile walk back to the road to cross the water that way.
Keep in mind, Hazel is 12 and at this point in the hunt she was done and pretty much just following behind me through the tall grass.
About a quarter mile in on the other side of the water, now walking along some bean stubble next to the water, Otis looked up with a rock-solid point.
I approached Otis from the downwind side, and once I was standing next to him, I gave him the release command. He lunged forward and a big rooster took flight.
Now it was time for me to do my part, and as luck would have it, with one pull of the trigger the rooster’s getaway flight ended.
As bad luck would have it, the downed rooster landed about 20 yards on the other side of the waterway. I was pretty sure the bird came down dead, but in heavy cover. The waterway banks on both sides were steep and the current was moving along at a nice clip.
A quick conference with the dogs and the three of us decided it would be best if we made the quarter mile hike back to the road to cross back over to the other side of the waterway, hike back in about a quarter mile, and try to find the rooster.
Even though Hazel was out of gas, she wasn’t about to sit this one out. By the time we made it back to where I thought the bird might be, maybe 45 minutes had passed.
Hazel has always been my strongest find and retrieve dog, but at her advanced age I wasn’t really counting on her help. We searched for maybe 20 minutes to a half hour for that bird to no avail.
It was starting to get dark and we still had to make the quarter mile hike back to the truck.
We had given it our best effort, but the bird was lost. I was going to give the dogs a drink of water before we headed back.
I looked down at Hazel and she was lying on the grass and really shaking. I thought she was having a seizure or a stroke. I called her name but she didn’t look up at me. It was like she was in a daze.
Then she stuck her head in a patch of grass right in front of her and brought the rooster out. I can’t begin to tell you how awesome that was.
I put the bird in the game pouch in the back of my hunting jacket and we all started back to the truck.
Otis took the lead, still hunting until the end, and I followed him while bursting with pride and Hazel followed behind me.
As we neared the truck, I reach back to pull the bird out of my jacket only to find out it was gone. It must have fallen out somewhere along the way.
I turned around to go back and look for the bird, and again I noticed Hazel wasn’t behind me. A couple of minutes later, about 15 yards away, Hazel appeared with the bird in her mouth. She looked up at me as if to say, “How many times do I have to find the bird?”
At her age that may well be the last bird Hazel retrieves, but it will be one I’ll never forget.
 

Dispatch report
Nov. 5
•Complainant on Blue Mound Avenue reported a camera outage.
•Complainant on S. East Park Street reported two abandoned bikes.
•Complainant on E. Luverne Street reported identity theft.
•Moody County Sheriff’s office requested assistance with pursuit on 20th Avenue, Jasper.
•Complainant west-bound on Interstate 90, exit 18, Magnolia, reported a cooler on the roadway.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported a possible drunk driver.
Nov. 6
•Complainant on Blue Mound Avenue reported a camera outage.
•Complainant in Hills reported hearing an explosion in Hills.
Nov. 7
•Deputy out with two people on foot near location on S. Kniss Avenue.
•Complainant on E. Main Street reported a black Ford Mustang speeding.
•Complainant on 110th Street, Luverne, reported a child driving a vehicle.
•Complainant on Oak Drive reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant on S. West Park Street reported neighbor blew leaves into his yard.
Nov. 8
•Complainant on E. Warren Street reported a noise complaint.
•Complainant on W. Warren Street reported a runaway/probation violation.
•Complainant on Highway 75 and 131st Street, Luverne, reported a fire hydrant down at location.
•Complainant on Blue Mound Avenue reported security camera outage.
•Complainant on S. Freeman Avenue reported illegal burning.
•Complainant on W. Mead Court requested deputy to post notice.
•Complainant on Carol Street reported vandalism to her vehicle.
•Complainant on 111th Street reported vandalism at location.
•Complainant on Interstate 90, mile marker 12, Luverne, reported vehicle driving with no taillights.
•Complainant on N. Blue Mound Avenue reported blackmail.
•Complainant on 41st Street and 50th Avenue, Hills, reported railroad crossing arms down.
•Complainant on 61st Street, Luverne, reported active trespassing.
Nov. 9
•Complainant on W. Main Street reported a property ownership issue.
•Complainant on W. Main Street reported property damage.
•Complainant on County Road 6, Hills, reported nuisance ordinance violation.
•Complainant on 100th Avenue reported ditch fire at location.
•Complainant on 251st Street and State Highway 23, Jasper, reported a vehicle struck a power pole at location.
Nov. 10
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported a trespassing issue.
•Property was lost at location.
•Complainant on W. Main Street reported vandalism.
Nov. 11
•Complainant on Interstate 90, near Luverne, reported a semitrailer swerving on the roadway.
•Complainant westbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 16, Magnolia, reported a vehicle with no taillights.
•Winter weather advisory was issued.
•Complainant westbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 16, Luverne, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on W. Main Street requested to speak to a deputy.
•Extra patrol was requested on W. Main Street.
•Complainant in San Gabriel, California, reported fraudulent use of an account.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported a suspicious vehicle.
•Complainant on Oak Drive reported a lost wallet.
•Complainant on E. Luverne Street reported suspicious activity,
•Complainant on E. Lincoln Street reported suspicious activity.
In addition, officers responded to 3 motor vehicle accidents, 7 deer accidents, 1 transport, 1 escort, 10 ambulance runs, 6 paper services, 11 animal complaints, 3 burn permits, 3 alarms, 3 drug court tests, 3 purchase and carry permits, 9 traffic stops, 16 abandoned 911 calls, 3 tests, 4 welfare checks, 2 reports of cattle out and 3 OFP’s.

The Rock County Pork Producers announced the name of the 2021 We Love Pork Challenge at a reception for all the participating restaurants on Monday, Nov. 15, at Take 16 Brewing Company.
The winner this year is Codie Deutsch and her team at 75 Diner.
Their winning pork dish, “The Morning Oinker,” featured hand-patties sausage drizzled with maple syrup, topped with brown-sugared bacon, shaved ham, American cheese and scrambled egg on grilled Texas toast. It was served with sides of homemade sausage gravy dipping sauce and hash browns.
Seven competing restaurants vied for the trophy, which was presented Monday night by Kevin Barnhart.
During the competition (Oct. 4 through Nov. 8) over 500 pork meals were served to diners throughout the county, and they selected “The Morning Oinker” as this year’s winner.
With support from the Rock County Pork Producers and the participating restaurants, 70 of those 500 pork meal diners received $10 dining gift cards.
Other participating restaurants include the Green Lantern in Hardwick, Hidden Hills Cafe in Hills, the Howling Dog Saloon, Springbrooke Events, Sterling’s Cafe and Vinnie’s Dang Fine Dine.