Luverne Public Schools is seeking community input in how it will spend $1.170 million in coronavirus relief in the next three years.
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III or ESSER III is targeted for personnel or activities that address learning loss that resulted from the pandemic’s disruption of in-person learning over the past two school years.
A portion of the money is also intended to address social-emotional and mental health impacts from the pandemic.
Luverne School staff submitted a preliminary list of possible uses for the money to the Minnesota Department of Education, meeting the Oct. 1 deadline and indicating interest in accessing the funds.
However, a stipulation to the release of the $1.170 million is a public survey.
“This is kind of the first step in getting everyone’s input and then target specific groups based on data from the survey,” said district business manager Tyler Reisch.
Luverne officials recently released the survey through emails to parents.
Community members may access the survey at the school’s website, www.isd2184.net/ESSER Funds Survey.
Unlike the first two rounds of pandemic relief, the third phase of funding requires pre-approval of specific programs and/or additional personnel or equipment.
School board members discussed possible uses and requirements the district must meet in order to access the funds. The district will have three years to spend the funds.
Among potential uses for the funds are additional summer tutoring, after-school, extended-day and extended-school-year programs.
Additional personnel included technology support, substitute teaching staff, mental health and counseling professionals and additional nursing support.
The survey asked participants to choose a number of suggestions to help school board members and administrators decide to which areas they should direct the funds.
Board members tabled the possibility of creating two positions using the money until the community survey is completed.
Administrators recommended creating job duties and potential salary ranges for the re-creating of a full-time substitute teacher and a health aid to work in the nurse’s office. Both positions are listed on the survey.
The survey is available through Friday, Nov. 5.
Questions can be asked and the survey completed during the upcoming student-teacher conferences in the elementary and middle-high schools on Thursday, Nov. 4.
Elementary conferences are from 4 to 8 p.m. The middle-high school conferences are from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Since March 2020, the federal government has passed three relief packages in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the ESSER I distribution, Luverne Schools received $111,000 in emergency funds to cover additional costs associated with the pandemic.
The district received $520,000 in a second distribution (ESSER II) to develop and implement plans to return students to in-person instruction.

Legendary jazz vocalist Norah Jones recorded “American Anthem” in December 2006 especially for  the Ken Burns documentary film, “The War.”
Jones’ piano- and-vocal interpretation of “American Anthem,” written by American composer Gene Scheer, became an emotional centerpiece for the documentary.
Her haunting notes and Scheer’s poignant lyrics are an appropriate way to honor veterans throughout our nation’s history of wars, past and present.
Their sacrifices allow us so many blessings and freedoms, including the freedom to express our opinions — even in ways our forefathers could have never imagined.
Out of respect for the veterans who fought for our freedoms, let’s put aside differences on this Veterans Day and focus on what makes us great, as a community and as a nation.
In the words of the anthem, if we can just give our best, stop stewing about minor differences, then we can sing together as a free and grateful nation.
Need some inspiration? Cue up “Norah Jones American Anthem” on your smart phone for the music. Here are the lyrics if you want to sing along:
 
‘American Anthem’
All we've been given
By those who came before
The dream of a nation
Where freedom would endure
The work and prayers of centuries
Have brought us to this day
 
What shall be our legacy?
What will our children say?
Let them say of me
I was one who believed
In sharing the blessings
I received
 
Let me know in my heart
When my days are through
America, America
I gave my best to you
 
Each generation from the plains
To distant shore with the gifts
What they were given
Were determined to leave more
 
Battles fought together
Acts of conscience fought alone
These are the seeds
From which America has grown
 
Let them say of me
I was one who believed
In sharing the blessings
That I received
 
Let me know in my heart
When my days are through
America, America
I gave my best to you
 
For those who think
They have nothing to share
Who fear in their hearts
There is no hero there
 
Know each quiet act of dignity
Is that which fortifies
The soul of a nation
That never dies
 
Let them say of me
I was one who believed
In sharing the blessings
I received
 
Let me know in my heart
When my days are through
America, America
I gave my best to you
America
I gave my best to you

For more than a year, Luverne Minnesota Veterans Home staff kept the killer of the elderly, COVID-19, at bay. For more than a year they wore masks and shields. They got vaccinated and washed their hands.
And then it came anyway.
On Tuesday morning, Nov. 2, the Minnesota Veterans Home COVID-19 information line reported (47 on Sunday)_____ cases among staff and residents.
As you and I have noted the unusually beautiful fall colors, the bluest of blue skies and the November grass still-green, staff at the Luverne Minnesota Veterans Home have not.
They have been running from room to room, trying to help the old guys (and gals) they love battle Covid.
They’ve had to turn off their “nurse hearts” and walk away when a desperately lonely resident says, “Please sit. Please stay, just a little longer,” because someone in another room needs them, too.
With the arrival of cold weather, the closed windows and doors create a container filled with staff, residents and the Covid virus.
Young moms wonder if they should go to work. What are they bringing home to their kids? Those with an immunocompromised or elderly family member are concerned.
Sometimes staff cry in the hallway. “These are my guys …” one nurse explained with a catch in her voice.
Some call in sick but most show up. Like the men and women they serve, the staff at the Luverne Minnesota Veterans Home has served, and is serving, with valor.
They’re fighting a different kind of battle against an invisible enemy. They prepare meals, clean rooms, do laundry, pass out meds and smile as much as possible.
As our country prepares to observe Veterans Day this year on Nov 11, say a little prayer of thanks for the men and women who have fought for our nation’s freedom.
And then add one more for the men and women continuing to serve with valor at the Luverne Minnesota Veterans Home.

Next Thursday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day, and I just want to remind folks to take a couple of moments to think about and appreciate the men and women who have served and will serve our country in the armed forces.
I never served in the military, and frankly it’s one of my greatest regrets in life. If I had a do over, I like to think I would have served our country.
There are a number of Veterans Day programs next Thursday. See the back pages of Section A and B in today’s paper and maybe consider attending one of them. They are all open to the public.
It’s not always easy to spot a veteran, but if you know someone who is a veteran, thank them for their service.
I witnessed a really cool thing a few years ago. I happened to be out in South Dakota pheasant hunting. As timing would have it, the second day of the trip was Veterans Day.
It was a very successful hunt that day, and my hunting buddies and I were hashing over the day’s hunt while enjoying a couple of cold ones in the local watering hole.
Someone standing at the bar turned to the crowd and yelled out, “May I have your attention, please.” Then he reminded all of us that it was Veterans Day and asked if anyone in the crowd was a veteran and if so, to please stand.
Six or seven guys stood, and then he told the rest of crowd it’s because of these guys we have the freedom to enjoy the life we live.
The rest of the crowd rose to their feet and gave the veterans a standing ovation. Those veterans didn’t have to buy another drink or pay for their meal that night.
So, whatever freedoms you choose to enjoy, thank a veteran for them.

Question: I noticed that the horn on my vehicle does not work. Is there a law that that says a vehicle must have a working horn and when it can be used? 
Answer: According to state law, your vehicle must have a horn that’s “in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet. The horn or other warning device must not emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle.” I believe the definition of whistle is quite clear, and use common sense to determine if a horn is unreasonably loud or harsh. If it’s too loud or harsh, it could violate a local noise ordinance.
Minnesota law says it’s legal to honk a horn when it’s “reasonably necessary to insure safe operation” on the road. For example, that’d include warning other vehicles, pedestrians or animals as needed to avoid a crash.
If it’s not a safety situation, it’s illegal to honk the horn on the road. Excessive or illegal use of the horn could result in a road rage scenario, so only use it when needed for safety.
You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober.  Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.
If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)

Dispatch report
Oct. 22
•Complainant on S. Donaldson Street and W. Main Street reported a vehicle on trailer is blocking sight.
•A warrant check was conducted by deputies on W. Main Street.
•A warrant check was conducted by deputies on Park Avenue, Kenneth.
•Complainant at Adrian rest area requested a ride for transient.
•Complainant on W. Lincoln Street reported a disorderly male.
•Complainant on W. 1st Street, Hardwick, reported sister is missing.
•Complainant on 131st Street and 120th Avenue, Luverne, reported suspicious activity.
Oct. 23
•Complainant on W. Lincoln Street reported theft of property.
•Deputy assisted Minnehaha County Sheriff’s office on 100th Avenue, Hardwick.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported disorderly guest.
•Complainant on W. Mead County reported loud music.
Oct. 24
•Complainant on W. Mead Court reported loud music.
•Complainant on S. Church Avenue, Hills, reported a neighbor yelling and screaming.
•Extra patrol was conducted at the Maplewood Cemetery.
Oct. 25
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported a returned check.
•Complainant on W. Luverne Street, Magnolia, reported a runaway.
•Harassing communications were exchanged on W. Luverne Street.
Oct. 26
•Complainant on E. Highway 34, Pierre, reported subject with Rock County warrant.
Oct. 27
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported an assault between two students.
•Complainant requested to speak to a deputy.
•Complainant on S. Anna Avenue, Hills, reported burglary.
•Complainant on S. Anna Avenue, Hills, reported a runaway.
Oct. 28
•Report of a missing person.
•Complainant on Cedar Street reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported a transient at location.
In addition, officers responded to 4 motor vehicle accidents, 4 deer accidents, 2 transports, 14 ambulance runs, 3 paper services, 4 animal complaints, 4 fingerprint requests, 1 burn permit, 2 impounds, 1 background check, 6 alarms, 1 drug court test, 7 purchase and carry permits, 3 stalled vehicles, 9 traffic stops, 9 abandoned 911 calls, 1 test, 4 welfare checks, 2 reports of cattle out, 1 OFP and 1 follow-up.

Celebration
Ken and Karen Hoime will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday, Nov. 4.

LSS meals at Generations
Monday, Nov. 8: Orange chicken, brown rice, Oriental vegetables, mandarin oranges.
Tuesday, Nov. 9: Beef goulash, peas, tropical fruit, garlic breadstick.
Wednesday, Nov. 10: Meatloaf, sweet potatoes, pears, dessert.
Half-Price Day sponsored by Main Street Financial.
 Thursday, Nov. 11: Chicken-fried steak with gravy, mashed potatoes with gravy, warm cinnamon apple slices, bread, dessert.
Friday, Nov. 12: Fish patty with tartar sauce on a bun, cheesy hashbrowns, green beans, peaches.
LSS Dining offers well-balanced and affordable meals in a community atmosphere.
Call Lynette Hoiland at 283-9846 to arrange to pick up a dinner or for home-delivered meals.
Gift certificates are available at the meal site or online at www.lssmn.org/nutrition.

10 years ago (2011)
•The Luverne Fire Department was called to the Blue Mounds State Park late Monday afternoon to assist with a controlled burn that got out of control.
The park conducts annual prescribed prairie burns in different areas of the Blue Mounds to control non-native species and to encourage the growth of native prairie grasses and flowers.
But the flames in this case spread to unintended areas of the park when the wind blew them over the fire break.
According to Fire Chief Dan Nath, the blaze was contained within the park boundaries and it reportedly didn’t cause damage to property.
Park officials say that the intended burn area was east of the interpretive center driveway around the hill to the Alice Birkeland home.
But the wind fanned the flames north of the driveway igniting grasses to the north that weren’t part of the intended prescribed burn.
 
25 years ago (1996)
•The sudden death of Dr. Donald Odland last week left Rock County residents without an official coroner.
Rock County Commissioners exercised  their statutory right Tuesday to appoint a new coroner to assume Odland’s previous duties.
While they tabled actually naming a physician until Friday, they did pass a resolution to make the position an appointed one, rather than elected. …
With Dr. Odland’s recent death, commissioners decided now would be the time to change Rock County’s policy as well.
 
50 years ago (1971)
•Theft of about $250 worth of Roto-tube feed augering equipment was reported to city police Sunday night by E. A. Herrmann, Luverne truck operator. The material was believed to have been stolen sometime last week. It was stacked near his truck garage on West Harrison, police said. The equipment weighed about six tons, they reported.
 
75 years ago (1946)
•A wide array of small-type passenger planes will be on display at the Mc Dowell Sky Ranch on Sunday.
W. Earl Mc Dowell, owner and manager, stated this week that a number of distributors of various makes of planes had indicated that they would be on hand for the air show at the Sky Ranch, 5 miles north, and 5½ west, of Luverne Sunday. Occasion for the show is the first anniversary of the opening of the airport.
Feature attraction, as previously announced, will be the “Seabee,” the four-place amphibian plane.
The public is cordially invited to attend. There will be no admission charge.
 
100 years ago (1921)
•With the completion of the new Stager building at the corner of Main and Spring streets, the Pelstring-Erickson Creameries, Inc., of this city, will occupy quarters second to no other creamery and produce concern in this section of Minnesota.
In connection with the advantages of the new quarters, the corporation will be enabled to not only materially enlarge its operations in all its departments, but institute a number of changes in its business policies that will be of material and direct benefit to its patrons.
Work on the new building has been under way since last spring, under the personal direction of its owner, A. E. Stager, and the pronounced improvement to East Main street which it effects is pleasingly apparent to all who pass.
The building is a two-story fire-proof structure of brick and hollow tile construction, with stucco facing, 50x70 feet in ground dimensions. It has been planned and arranged with special attention to convenience for its occupancy as a creamery and produce station, and is expected to be completed within the next two or three weeks.