Rock County Board of Commissioners sets
public hearing Oct. 5
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
AND INTENT TO ADOPT ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Rock County Board of Commissioners shall conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at 9:00 A.M. in the Herreid Room, Rock County Courthouse, 204 East Brown Street, Luverne, Minnesota, for the purpose of considering amendments and additions to the Rock County Zoning Ordinance and which amendments shall pertain to the following:
Section 4. Subd. 2 Definitions – new definition, Self-storage Facility.
A building or group of buildings containing separate, individual, and private storage spaces of varying sizes for lease or rent for varying periods of time. Section 15. A-1 Limited Agriculture District, Subd. 3 Conditional Uses –
14. Self-storage facility
Section 16. A-2 Limited Agriculture District Subd. 3. Conditional Uses-14. 
Self-storage facility
The full text of the proposed amendments are on file at the Rock County Land Management Office, 311 West Gabrielson Road, Luverne, Minnesota and the Rock County Administrator, 204 East Brown, Luverne, Minnesota. Written comments should be submitted to the Rock County Administrator by 5:00 P.M., Friday, October 1, 2021. All persons desiring to be heard shall be given an opportunity to present testimony.
Notice is further given that the Rock County Board of Commissioners intends to adopt an amendments identified above to the Rock County Zoning Ordinance at its meeting on Oct 5, 2021.
Dated September 7, 2021
Kyle Oldre, County Administrator
(09-30)

ISD #2184 School Board
meets Sept. 16 
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OF 
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184, 
ROCK COUNTY, LUVERNE, MINNESOTA.  
An emergency meeting of the Board of Education, ISD #2184, was held in the District Office September 16, 2021, at 8:50 p.m.
The following members were present: Katie Baustian, Jodi Bosch, Eric Hartman, Tim Jarchow, Reva Sehr, Jeff Stratton, and David Wrigg. Also present: Craig Oftedahl, community members, staff members, and Mavis Fodness – Rock County Star Herald.
Chairperson Eric Hartman called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. Motion by Baustian, second by Sehr, to approve the agenda as presented.  Motion unanimously carried.
Chairperson Hartman introduced action item 4.1 – Recommendation from the Administration as follows: Due to the lack of community support, the Luverne School District is not able to institute the mask mandate at this time. The administration recommends returning to CDC and MDH guidelines effective September 17, 2021. Motion made by Stratton, second by Baustian, to accept this recommendation and to return to CDC and MDH guidelines effective September 17, 2021.
Members Sehr and Wrigg spoke in support of our local medical personnel who are stressed and very concerned about the safety of our students and community.  They expressed disappointment in the misinformation that was being circulated by the public. Member Stratton reminded those in attendance that students and staff may still choose to wear masks. Member Bosch asked those in attendance to be careful with your words and watch what you are posting on social media. Member Sehr expressed concern that we need to show respect for each other and we need to teach our children to respect authority. Member Baustian hopes that we can move forward as a community in a better direction. Members of the School Board and the administration are learning as we go as none of us have lived through a pandemic before. Member Wrigg reminded those in attendance that the School Board cannot hold secret meetings as has been alluded to by some community members. He also noted that the Incident Command Team helped us and guided us through all of last school year. He applauded the teaching staff and reminded everyone that we need to respect authority and we need to help the administration. Member Hartman stated he has had the most pride in our facilities and how our community rallies around the education of our students. He hopes the community can get back to working together.  It was noted that if CDC or Minnesota Department of Health guidelines and recommendations change, our stance on masks may change as well. It was also noted that federal mandates are still in effect for everyone to wear a mask on school buses and in school vehicles.
The motion was adopted by unanimous vote.
Motion made by Bosch, second by Wrigg, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried.
Dated: September 16, 2021 Reva Sehr, Clerk
(09-30)

ISD #2184 School Board
meets Aug. 26 
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OF 
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184, 
ROCK COUNTY, LUVERNE, MINNESOTA.  
A regular meeting of the Board of Education, ISD #2184, was held in the District Office on August 26, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.
The following members were present:  Katie Baustian, Jodi Bosch, Eric Hartman, Tim Jarchow, Reva Sehr, Jeff Stratton and David Wrigg. Also present: Craig Oftedahl, Jason Phelps, Ryan Johnson, Stacy Gillette, Griffin Jarchow, Caroline Thorson, Tori Hood, Mandy Koenig, Sarah Winter, Brett Hood, Cassie Uithoven, Kayla Hailey, Jacqueline Pizel, Jennifer Engesser, Justine Sandbulte, Debra Remme, Amy VonHoltum, Kelly Bergan, Brooke VanEssen, Travis Bullerman, Susan Bullerman, Cory Nelson, Amanda Hartz, Allyson VanBelle, Heather Frahm, Jamie Tofteland, David Tofteland, Justine Heintzman, and Mavis Fodness – Rock County Star Herald.
Chairperson Eric Hartman opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Motion made by Jarchow, second by Stratton, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Administrative reports were given.
Elementary Principal Stacy Gillette reviewed the Covid-19 Protocols at this time.  She noted that last year each school district was required to have a Safe Learning Plan filed with the MN Department of Education.  School Districts do not have that requirement this year. This is a fluid document that will change. At this time, the school district is recommending students and staff wear masks in the building, but it is not required. The only mask requirement is when riding on school buses or in school vehicles. This is a federal mandate.  
Motion made by Baustian, second by Sehr, to approve the minutes of the July 22 and August 19, 2021, School Board meetings as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Bosch, second by Wrigg, to accept the following donations:
        American Flags and Classroom Flag Holders
        3D Printer and Contempo Views
        Royalties from the sale of Luverne spirit wear
Motion unanimously carried.
Superintendent Oftedahl gave a building project update. 
Motion made by Baustian, second by Jarchow, to approve payment of the district bills in the amount of $934,794.41; Student Activity checks in the amount of $117.62; and Building Project checks in the amount of $96,189.84. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Bosch, second by Sehr, to receive the Student Activity Report showing the balances as of July 31, 2021. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion by Stratton, second by Bosch, to approve the Elementary Parent/Student Handbook for 2021-2022. Motion unanimously carried. Motion made by Stratton, second by Sehr, to approve the Middle/High School Parent/Student Handbook for 2021-2022. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Baustian, second by Sehr, to authorize Craig Oftedahl, Tyler Reisch, and Brenda Teal to wire transfer depositories and be authorized signers on bank accounts. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Stratton, second by Bosch, to approve the agreement with SW/WC Service Cooperative for Offsite Data Backup Service.  Discussion was held.  Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Jarchow, second by Sehr, to approve the quote from McClure Plumbing for replacement of the water main in the M/HS basement. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Jarchow, second by Bosch, to approve Matt Fodness as volunteer football coach. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Baustian, second by Sehr, to approve Cody Rofshus as volunteer football coach. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Sehr, second by Bosch, to approve the hiring of Beryl Moser as part-time housekeeper. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Baustian, second by Jarchow, to approve the hiring of Jonathon Dolo as part-time housekeeper. Motion unanimously carried.
Committee reports were given.  Member Bosch reported the AR Wood Scholarship committee met. They granted 13 total scholarships – 4 new scholarships to 2021 graduates and 9 renewal scholarships. The total was $8,000. The Personnel Committee met with the Luverne Education Association negotiation team to begin contract negotiations. 
The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed. Motion made by Bosch, second by Sehr, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried.
Dated: August 26, 2021 Reva Sehr, Clerk
(09-30)

LEDA calls public hearing Oct. 11 for storage 
facility lot sale 
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a public hearing has been called and will be held for the Luverne Economic Development Authority, on Monday, the 11th of October, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers in the City Office Building at 305 East Luverne Street, Luverne, Minnesota, to consider public input regarding the sale of Lots Two (2) and Three (3) in Walnut Second Industrial Subdivision in the City of Luverne, Rock County, Minnesota to Luverne Storage Rentals LLC. 
Citizens are encouraged to attend the hearing, ask questions, and/or give comments.  Any citizen may also submit written questions or comments prior to the hearing by addressing them to the Economic Development Director, PO Box 659, Luverne, MN  56156-0659.  
Anyone needing reasonable accommodations or an interpreter should contact the Economic Development Director, PO Box 659, Luverne, MN (507-449-5033). 
BY ORDER OF THE LUVERNE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Patrick Baustian, President
Luverne Economic Development Authority
305 E. Luverne St.
Luverne, MN 56156
Phone: 507-449-2388
(09-30)

City of Luverne sets 
proposed assessment 
hearing Oct. 12
NOTICE OF HEARING ON PROPOSED ASSESSMENT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council will meet at 5:00 p.m. on October 12, 2021, in the Council Chambers of the City Offices Building, 305 E. Luverne Street, Luverne, Minnesota, to consider, and possibly adopt, the proposed assessment for unpaid utility and miscellaneous charges. Adoption by the City Council of the proposed assessment may occur at this meeting.
Such assessment is proposed to be payable in one (1) installment payable on or before the first Monday in January, 2023, and will bear interest at the rate of four (4) percent per annum from the date of the adoption of the assessment resolution. To the installment shall be added interest on the entire assessment from the date of the assessment resolution until December 31, 2022.
You may at any time prior to certification of the assessment to the Rock County Auditor-Treasurer, pay the entire assessment on such property, with interest accrued to the date of payment, to the City of Luverne. No interest shall be charged if the entire assessment is paid within 30 days from the adoption of this assessment. You may at any time thereafter pay to the Rock County Auditor-Treasurer the entire amount of the assessment remaining unpaid, with interest accrued to December 31 of the year in which such payment is made. Such payment must be made before November 15 or interest will be charged through December 31 of the succeeding year. If you decide not to prepay the assessment before the date given above, the rate of interest that will apply is four (4) percent per year.
The proposed assessment roll is on file for public inspection at the City Clerk’s office. The total amount of the proposed assessment is $7,292.67. Written or oral objections will be considered at the meeting. No appeal may be taken as to the amount of an assessment unless a written objection signed by the affected property owner is filed with the City Clerk prior to the assessment hearing or presented to the presiding officer at the hearing. The City Council may upon such notice consider any objection to the amount of a proposed individual assessment at an adjourned meeting upon such further notice to the affected property owners as it deems advisable.
If an assessment is contested or there is an adjourned hearing, the following procedure will be followed.
1. The City will present its case first by calling witnesses who may testify 
by narrative or by examination, and by the introduction of exhibits. After 
each witness has testified, the contesting party will be allowed to ask ques-
tions. This procedure will be repeated with each witness until neither side 
has further questions. 
2. After the City has presented all its evidence, the objector may call wit-
nesses 
or present such testimony as the objector desires. The same procedure for 
questioning of the City’s witnesses will be followed with the objector’s wit-
nesses.
3. The objector may be represented by counsel.
4. Minnesota rules of evidence will not be strictly applied; however, they 
may be considered and argued to the City Council as to the weight of items 
of evidence or testimony presented to the City Council.
5. The entire proceedings will be taped-recorded.
6. At the close of presentation of evidence, the objector may make a final 
presentation to the City Council based on the evidence and the law. No 
new evidence may be presented at this point.
7. The City Council may adopt the proposed assessment at this meeting.
An owner may appeal an assessment to District Court pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 429.081 by serving notice of the appeal upon the Mayor or City Clerk of the City of Luverne within thirty (30) days after the adoption of the assessment and filing such notice with the District Court within ten (10) days after service upon the Mayor or City Clerk.
Jessica Mead
City Clerk
(09-30)

Sandstede probate
STATE OF MINNESOTA fifth judicial district
                                                                         DISTRICT COURT
COUNTY OF ROCK                                                                     PROBATE DIVISION
 
Court File No. 67-PR-21-222
 
Estate of                                                      NOTICE AND ORDER OF HEARING ON 
Harold A. Sandstede,                               PETITION FOR PROBATE OF WILL AND
Decedent                                                           APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL                                 
 REPRESENATIVE AND NOTICE TO
CREDITORS (ANCILLARY PROCEEDING)
 
It is Ordered and Notice is given that on October 19, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. via ZOOM, a hearing will be held in this Court at 204 East Brown Street, Luverne, Minnesota, for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Will of the decedent dated, March 16, 1987, ("Will"), amd for the appointment of Elizabeth A. Workentine, whose address is 5825 South 14th Street, Suite 200, Lincoln, NE 68512 as Ancillary Personal Represenative of the Estate of the Decedent in a SUPERVISED administration. Any objections to the petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the Personal Representative will be appointed with power to administer the assets of the Estate in Minnesota including the ppwer 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.
Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the Personal Representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will
be barred.
 
Date: September 14, 2021 /s/ Terry Vajgrt
Judge of District Court
Natalie Reisch
Court Administrator
Attorney for Petitioner
Donald R. Klosterbuer
Klosterbuer & Haubrich, LLP
120 N. McKenzie, P.O. Box 538
Luverne, MN 56156
Attorney License No: 0056674
Telephone: (507) 283-9111
FAX: (507) 283-9113
Email: drklosterbuer@khlawmn.com
(09-30, 10-07)

Luverne Planning 
Commission public hearing set for Oct. 11 
City Planning Commission
Public Hearing set for October 11, 2021
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, by the City Planning Commission that a public hearing will be held in the Council Chambers located in the City Offices Building, 305 East Luverne Street, Luverne, Minnesota, commencing at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 11, 2021. The purpose of the hearing is to 
rule and make recommendation to the Luverne City Council on the following:
Land use amendment at lots 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, and 13 of proposed 
Golla Addition, 617 South Kniss Ave, Luverne, MN to rezone from C-C – Com-
munity Commercial to I-1 Limited Industrial. The current zoning of C-C is unsup-
ported by any rational basis related to the public health, safe-
ty and welfare of the area.
I-1 allows developments which do not adversely affect adjacent 
business or residential districts. 
All persons desiring to be heard on these matters should be present at the hearing or present written comments prior to the hearing to the Building Official, PO Box 659, Luverne, MN 56156.  Anyone needing reasonable accommodations or an interpreter should contact the City Clerk’s Office, 305 East Luverne Street, Luverne, MN. (507) 449-9898.
By order of the Luverne City Planning Commission, Luverne, Minnesota, this 
30th day of September, 2021.
Jessica Mead               
City Clerk
(09-30)

Monday morning's funeral procession for James "Jimmy Jo" Johannsen included a Luverne Fire Department escort and an American flag draped from the ladder truck over the Highway 75 and Main Street intersection. Johannsen joined the Luverne Fire Department in 1973, and from 1981 to 1997 he served as the fire chief. He died Wednesday, Sept. 22, at age 78. His full obituary appears on page 7A.
 
The Luverne Fire Department ladder truck temporarily blocks the intersection at Main Street and Highway 75 for the line of vehicles traveling to the burial of Johannsen, who had requested the flag be part of his funeral procession.

Luverne School Board members convened Thursday night in the performing arts center to accommodate more than 50 people for a listening session ahead of the regular agenda.
Several individuals shared prepared remarks about masking in school — both for it and against it — and a common theme emerged: We need to do what’s best for the children.
While the passion was there, consensus was not.
Some think what’s best for children is masking at school when Covid cases are on the rise, because face coverings prevent person-to-person transmission of the virus so that students can learn in person in school.
Others think what’s best for children is freedom from masking, because they think masks can harbor bacteria and interfere with learning due to distraction and not being able to read facial expressions.
 
From the microphone
“I’m not trying to convince you to stop wearing a mask; I want you to have that choice,” said Evan Meinerts, the first at the mic. “But I hope you can see that there are real, logical, evidence-based reasons to not wear a mask, and we want to choose.”
He also questioned the effectiveness of masks and the quality of CDC research, because he said simulated lab tests don’t replicate an actual school day.
“Not enough studies have been done on these real-world scenarios, so it is unethical to require people to comply when there are valid health concerns to doing so.”
 
Ashley Mundt said she was disappointed to learn the mask mandate was dropped due to lack of community support. “Since when is it up to the community to decide how the school will protect our children?” she said.
“We have an incident command team made up of competent staff and medical experts that we should be listening to. Instead, we are taking advice from those spreading misinformation from sites that promote conspiracy theories.”
And she urged empathy and understanding. “Remember that with freedom comes responsibility,” she said.
“Lack of compassion affects others around you. It affects kids and staff with medical conditions, it affects the medical profession. No one enjoys wearing a mask, but we teach our children to help protect each other.”
She said students wore masks last year and didn’t mind this year until parents got involved.
Brad Sieve warned in general of government overstepping power and said the “school board’s job is to make sure the views of all parents are represented, not just their personal beliefs.”
He said students should be allowed to choose whether or not to wear a mask and said teachers shouldn’t single out and shame students for their masking choice.
“We are here to stand up for our kids. We need a school board that is willing to do the same,” he said. “We need a school board that is willing to listen to all opinions, not just the ones they agree with.”
Sieve further said the board should make the decisions, not an appointed third party (the district’s incident command team).
Emily Rensink contradicted concerns about communicating through face coverings.
“My son is 4. He’s unilaterally deaf and has cochlear implants,” she said, stating that he employs speech therapy and sign language services through the school.
“In the last year and a half he and his staff have worn face coverings to stay safe, and his speech is almost perfect now, even though all his services have been during Covid.”
She said the only thing that hindered his progress was when he couldn’t have in-person lessons. “The only agenda the school board has is keeping every child safe and in school, and we’ve always trusted them to do what they think is best,” she said.
She said she appreciated the invitation for public input, but she said decisions should be up to the board.
“We’ve elected them to do what’s best for our children.”
Randy Sasker said he’s concerned about student mental health.
“We have children coming home from school with reports of being bullied by other students,” he said. “Some comments from staff. They come from both sides of the topic. This does not create a stable environment for learning.”
Sasker also said that if people in other areas of town — at business offices and stores —aren’t masking, students shouldn’t have to either.
He also asked for a community vote on the masking issue, “in order to arrive at a mutual resolution.”
 
Jason Mundt said parents’ behavior is making it difficult for teachers.
“Teachers and staff should not have to fight the students in the classroom because the students don’t want to wear it or because their parents said they don’t have to wear it.
“Again, it’s not up to the parents. The staff are the employees and this is their place of employment. Kids are here to learn and respect their teachers in the classroom.”
Steffanie St. Clair - mentioned 53 percent of those eligible to receive Covid vaccinations in Rock County have done so.
“Anyone over 12 has had time to weigh the risks or benefits, but furthermore has a right to accept or reject medical advice based on their personal scenarios,” she said.
“Covid, like any illness, will spread despite our efforts. How dare we place the burden of reducing transmission entirely on our children.”
She said that many people do risky things to prioritize convenience over health, such as eating unhealthy foods or riding in a car.
“Our conclusion is to reject the stress of worrying over every breath. I am more sad for people living in fear than I am for those who died,” St. Clair said. “Death is not new.
“This is just a new way to die. … So, we go maskless, not because we don’t care, but because we’ve done our own research beyond what we read on social media.”
Jacqueline Johnson is a speech language pathologist working in southwest Minnesota school districts.
“I wear a mask by choice in two districts and by mandate in one, where the decision was data driven,” she said. “There was absolutely no fanfare to this announcement. The district’s enrollment is at an all-time high; in fact, and mask compliance for students is at 100 percent.
“This speaks volumes to their desire to maintain in-person schooling, about the respect they convey to the administration and teachers and what priorities they have placed on promoting a safe environment for everyone in the building.”
 
From the board
Per the district’s policy, the board took no action following the remarks, which were presented courteously and respectfully with no crowd reaction.
The board conducted its regular monthly meeting once the requested speakers were finished.
As a point of clarification, Board Vice Chair Tim Jarchow said the district had sent early communications about COVID-19 protocols, despite many families feeling as though decisions were made hastily for last week’s mask mandate.
He said the incident command team was developed at the start of the pandemic in order to monitor and respond to changes in Coovid case rates.
The board, per policy, responds to recommendations from the team, which is comprised of parents, teachers, school administration, local doctors, emergency management officials and public health personnel.
“Every family at the start of the school year last year received communication about the incident command team and how it makes decisions,” Jarchow said.
Superintendent Craig Oftedahl said the community debate is taking a toll on school leadership.
“We’re stuck,” Oftedahl said. “There’s no right answer.”
No matter what they do, he said, it will be wrong in the eyes of roughly half the district residents.
But he said Luverne isn’t alone. “This is playing out districts all over,” Oftedahl said.  “Sixty-seven school board members so far have resigned in Minnesota.”