Local public health leader Jason Kloss weighed in Tuesday on the Luverne School District’s mask mandate.
He said Luverne is not unique — that every school district will eventually be faced with the same choice. “It’s no surprise,” he said. “That’s what COVID does when people get together.”
He pointed to the 14-day case rates per 10,000 people (based on population) leading up to the start of school on Sept. 7, which showed 30 on Aug. 27, 18 on Sept. 5 and 22 on Sept. 13.
Case rates should be less than 10 for safe indoor learning. “The case rates aren’t dropping below 10, and that’s what’s concerning,” Kloss said. “Schools are in a tough position, because where does school take place? Indoors.
Kloss serves on the school’s incident command team, which guides decisions about district response to COVID-19.
“The goal is to try to keep kids in school,” he said. “Masks will minimize exposure. When you’re talking younger kids who can’t get the vaccine, masks are important.”
He urged all eligible students and staff to be vaccinated. “You’re talking about minimizing impact to your student body.”
He emphasized that masks will help to keep schools open for in-person learning, and they will minimize the number of students and teachers who miss school for illness or quarantining.
“Logically speaking, this is the only way for schools to go,” he said about mask mandates.

Rock County Commissioners signed a joint powers agreement with the St. Paul Port Authority Sept. 7.
Now they can offer Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loans through the non-profit governmental agency for up to $1 million.
At the same meeting, commissioners approved the PACE loan to GreenSmith Luverne Holdings LLC, which will borrow $1 million to build two market-rate apartment buildings on the former Sharkee’s site in Luverne.
Building costs are estimated at $6.6 million.
“The county’s responsibility is the assessment,” said County Administrator Kyle Oldre. “We would collect the dollars back and repay the Saint Paul Port Authority.”
Previously the county has partnered with the Rural Minnesota Energy Board for clean energy projects. However, Oldre said loans for a similar program through the Southwest Regional Development Commission are capped at $100,000, while PACE’s maximum is $1 million.
Meeting through Zoom, Michael Linder with the Port Authority and Peter Lindstrom with the University of Minnesota Extension (CERT) program outlined the agreement and how the program works.
“The risk is that the special assessment paid by the property owner could go delinquent,” said Linder.
“The county would go through its normal tax forfeiture process like any other special assessment.”
The tax assessment loan is about one-sixth of the project’s total value. The value of the apartments would cover the tax delinquency.
County Attorney Jeff Haubrich said the risk to the county is minimal. “There is an asset there,” he said.
Loan repayment is over a 15-year period with annual assessment payments between $50,000 to $60,000 a year, according to information at the commissioners’ meeting.
The Port Authority has 65 similar agreements with government entities throughout the state.
Wendy Anderson, a financial consultant on the project from Springfield, Minnesota, told commissioners via Zoom she has worked with the city of Luverne for the past two years.
The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 slowed the project. The city has worked with Anderson on a tax increment financing agreement for the project as well as agreed to complete site work at the South Highway 75 and Hatting Street location.
Construction of the two apartment buildings with the total of 54 units will begin this fall, according to Aaron Smith with GreenSmith Builders out of Minneapolis. Smith is project manager for the Luverne project.
“We are excited about the project,” Smith told the commissioners via Zoom. “We think this will be one of the ‘greenest’ apartment buildings built in the state of Minnesota.”
A “green” structure uses less water, optimizes energy efficiency, generates less waste, conserves natural resources and provides healthier spaces for occupants as compared to a conventional building.
“We seek to have a more comfortable, healthier, extremely energy-efficient building that provides lower total cost of rent for our guests by significantly reducing energy bills,” Smith said after the meeting.
Each building will have an elevator, access to the Luverne Loop, and will be next door to a proposed new Caribou Coffee. The first tenants are expected to move in next year.
GreenSmith buildings are also constructing a net zero home on East Christensen Drive and are working with the city of Luverne for other green building opportunities, Smith indicated.
Smith and out-of-state investors Marc Wigder and Alvin “Hope” Johnson make up GreenSmith Luverne Holdings and will own and operate the apartment complexes.

Thumbs up — to the Historical Society for its work on the parking lot/plaza area on East Main Street by the History Center. That block just keeps looking better and better.
 
Thumbs down — to the visitors’ side bleachers at the Luverne High School football field. They’re a slippery hazard — especially the steps — when they’re wet, and the rickety setup isn’t very welcoming to out-of-town guests.
 
Thumbs up — to our local tributes to remembering 9/11. The Luverne Fire Department unfurled a large American flag from the end of the extended ladder truck, the city of Luverne displayed flags downtown and over the Rock River Bridge, and Remember Rally put up a poignant display in a downtown window front.
A great deal has changed in the 20 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on American soil, but some things stay the same. For example freedom isn’t free.
 
Thumbs down — to under the surface grumbling about masks and the COVID-19 vaccine in schools. Fortunately our local school districts haven’t encountered overt animosity, but it’s disheartening to see the ugly faces of “my opinion means more than yours” in other parts of the region and nation.
 
Thumbs up — to the return of the Rock County Pheasants Forever Banquet 0n Oct. 5. This group of dedicated volunteers has the interests of local wildlife habitat and resource conservation at heart. The banquet and the local PF chapter cause are definitely worth community support.
 
Thumbs down — to the forces of society that make a person feel that the world would be better without them. The causes of suicide are many, and it seems resources to help the suicidal are few.
 
Thumbs up — to the Luv1LuvAll Brain Health group and its school and community partners for bringing suicide survivor Kevin Hines to Luverne and organizing the “Out of Darkness” walk Saturday, Sept. 18.
Hines, a rare survivor of a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge, shares his experience and offers ways to see the light at the end of a tunnel.
Registration and open comments are at 7 a.m. and the walk starts at 8 a.m. on the Luverne High School track. Hines will speak at 11:30 a.m. in the new school performing arts center.

Don’t tell anyone, but I miss our old sports guy.
By old, I mean he was the only one left there who’d been there longer than I had. I’ve been at the paper for 28 years if that tells you how old he is.
I used to tell people we were like an old married couple.
Our desks were next to each other with a short divider wall between us. He could hear me munching on snacks, and I could smell cigarettes when he returned from smoke breaks. And, of course, we complained about each other’s vices.
He called me Tipper Gore. I called him Rush Limbaugh. That’s all I’m going to say about our political leanings and how those conversations went. They usually ended with him walking away for a smoke break.
And I complained about the tobacco smell when he returned.
Other than our clattering keyboards, we had very little in common … Until he and Astrid got married. I called her “Sweet Astrid” for taking him in.
Their children and mine were about the same age, which gave us more in common.
But he was still Rush, and I was still Tipper. It was a good thing that short wall was between us.
We got along in the way siblings might tolerate each other. We had to; we were family — our work family.
There was a mutual understanding that he’d never have to write a County Board story and I’d never have to cover a football game.
Nobody would have wanted to read that.
So, when the sports stories came through with “By John Rittenhouse” at the top, it generally meant the information was solid, scores were accurate, athletes’ names were spelled correctly and event highlights were relatively accounted for.
I took it for granted. I took him for granted. (Not that I’d ever admit it out loud)
Then, one day, COVID-19 happened.
High school sports came to a grinding halt, along with everything else. And Rittenhouse looked around and said, “I guess my work here is through.”
And he left.
I didn’t really miss him at first, because he was right. There were no local sports to cover.
I didn’t even miss the tobacco smell or the annoying political remarks, because neither one of us was there. I had transitioned to working at home, like most of Main Street.
But as the vaccine became available and workers returned to work and students returned to school, sporting events resumed.
Our part-time new sports guy liked his job but followed his wife to Portland, Oregon. (I hope it wasn’t the munching at my desk that drove him away.)
I now officially miss our old sports guy. Who’s happily retired, and last I heard, doesn’t miss us at all.
Meanwhile, dear readers, we hope you’re enjoying our coaches, parents, school staff and others who are filling in with stories and photos until we find a full-time sports person at the Star Herald.
We think they’re doing a phenomenal job. Our readers might not even miss our old sports guy, but I do. (Just don’t tell him.)

Reed: Community's volunteerism another reason to smile
To the Editor:
When we visit Luverne from time to time, we have come to expect a new little gem or pleasant surprise on almost every trip. Wildflowers along the bike path to the Blue Mounds. A Redbirds game on a lovely summer evening.  One ripened Prairie Ally cherry tomato begging to be picked.
Our most recent travel to Luverne was rewarded by the Green Earth Players’ production of “The Game’s Afoot” at the Palace Theatre. What a terrific production, sparking laughter and lightheartedness with every well-delivered line!
Luverne is blessed with a community spirit, where avid volunteerism creates experiences available to everyone. This kind of dedication to the public good isn’t accidental.  Luverne is lucky.  And so are we.
Maureen Reed,
Stillwater
Ellstons: 'You should be proud ...'
To the Editor:
Hello, Mr. (Luverne Mayor) Baustian.
We are a couple in our 80s who visited your city on Aug. 25.
We enjoyed walking down main street listening to music from the loud speakers. NICE!
We were surprised as we waited for traffic to cross the street as a car stopped and motioned us across. NICE!
We stopped at the Chamber of Commerce where a very friendly and knowledgeable lady gave us tourist info. NICE!
Toured the History Center and nutcracker collection, where a very nice gentleman gave us a fantastic tour. NICE!
Ate ice cream at McDonalds. NICE!
Toured Blue Mound State Park and the Touch the Sky Prairie. NICE!
Saw the buffalo herd and the house built in a rock. NICE!
Thank you for a great day. You should be proud of your town and citizens.
Dean and Carol Ellston,
Sioux Falls, S.D.
Frakes: Lead On!
To the Editor:
I see there is a big protest over the new vaccine mandate.
I bet these same people refuse to wear their seat belts and also smoke in bars, because they will be damned if they let someone else tell them what to do! Lead on!
Bill Frakes,
Luverne
Kracht: 'Things that you won't hear on the news that are 100 percent true!'
To the Editor:                                                                                                                                                      
While 28,000 COVID cases were reported in Florida by the CDC on Aug. 9, they quietly reduced that number to 17,000 on Aug. 11, with no explanation of why. If you were off by 11,000 in your checkbook, someone would need to explain it.
Nearly 8,000 people have died from the effects of the Covid shot. I don’t care if you are for the vaccine, or against it, but shouldn’t this be reported by the media?
There is no test for the “Delta Variant” of COVID-19. If you research the Delta Variant, this is what the experts say: “There is not a specific test for the Delta Variant. However, since the vast majority of COVID cases are the Delta Variant, it is likely a positive test result indicates you could be infected with the Delta Variant.”
This is about as vague and a non-answer as you can get. There are a few labs in the country that can detect it, but they have just done a few samples. Basically, we are just guessing.
While the vaccine has been FDA approved, the COVID test that was used throughout 2020 was rejected by them. Bet you didn’t hear about this, did you? The test was rejected by the FDA, because of nearly 50 percent false positive results.
So, is there a test for COVID that is FDA approved? Or are we still just winging it? The NIAD, under the direction of Dr. Fauci, gave the Wuhan lab $826,000 for bat coronavirus research from 2014 to 2019. Then he lied to the United States Congress about it. Twice.
Another CDC reporting debacle, they reported the number of children with COVID in Texas as 783 per day. Whoops! Three days later, they admitted a mistake. It was a total of 783 children that contracted COVID. Do you think they did this by accident? Yet, nothing on the news saying they screwed up. It was another hit piece on the Texas governor.
CNN ran a hit piece on Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida. The story was, four teachers from Florida died from COVID in one day. This was aimed at letting the parents of our children decide on mask wearing at school. It was reported that three of the teachers were not vaccinated. The fourth was unknown.
After looking into the facts, the fourth was not a teacher at all. But wait! When did this happen? Oh, it was on Aug. 12! The teachers and kids were not in school yet in Florida. One day later, CNN retracted the story, but there was no explanation or apology.
Don’t get me wrong. I know COVID-19 is real. I know several people who have gotten it, who have been seriously ill, and have died because of it. But the truth has not been reported on it.
Mert Kracht,
Luverne

Dispatch report
Sept. 3
•Complainant on N. Spring Street reported a vehicle running for hours.
•Nobles County requested deputy assistance in locating a subject.
•Complainant eastbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 18, Magnolia, reported a bicyclist at location.
•Complainant on County Road 17 and 131st Street, Hills, reported an abandoned vehicle at location.
•Complainant on County Road 4, westbound from Interstate 90, Beaver Creek, reported erratic driving.
•Complainant eastbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 4, Beaver Creek, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on County Highway 4 and 170th, Luverne, reported debris on the road at location.
•Complainant on 200th Avenue, Magnolia, reported an unresponsive female.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue requested subject trespassing.
•Complainant reported road rage and a driving complaint.
Sept. 4
•Complainant on 60th Avenue, Jasper, reported dangerous driving.
•Complainant in Pipestone County reported an active pursuit.
•Complainant eastbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 3, Beaver Creek, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on Highway 75, north of Interstate 90 exit, Luverne, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on N. Oakley Street reported marijuana odor.
Sept. 5
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported suspicious activity.
Sept. 7
•Deputy assisted MSP looking for injured party on Interstate 90 from South Dakota line to Nobles County.
•Complainant on W. Bishop Street reported juice on his sidewalk and house.
•Complainant on N. Freeman Avenue reported a repossessed vehicle.
•Property was found at location on E. Main Street.
•Complainant on W. Mead Court requested deputy to post notice.
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported three kids playing by pond.
•Complainant on Commerce Road reported an open door.
•Complainant on N. Estey Street and W. Dodge Street reported a semi parked overnight.
•Complainant on S. West Park Street and W. Main Street reported reckless driving.
•Motorist assist at location on Minnesota Avenue and County Road 4, Luverne.
•Complainant on Ross Street, Hardwick, requested an escort to talk to a landlord.
Sept. 8
•Complainant on W. Koehn Avenue reported a parking issue.
•Complainant on County Highway 4, Beaver Creek, reported a ditch fire near the railroad tracks.
•Complainant on W. Second Street, Hills, reported property damage at location.
•Complainant on 50th Avenue, Beaver Creek, requested a property check.
Sept. 9
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported a lost walkie talkie.
•Complainant on W. Dodge Street and N. Kniss Avenue reported a found purse.
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported possible missing items at location.
•Complainant on N. Freeman Avenue reported a possible stolen vehicle.
In addition, officers responded to 2 escorts, 13 ambulance runs, 5 paper services, 7 animal complaints, 3 fingerprint requests, 5 burn permits, 2 alarms, 7 purchase and carry permits, 2 stalled vehicles, 24 traffic stops, 15 abandoned 911 calls and 2 follow-ups.

Open houses
An open house bridal shower for Candace Swenson, bride-to-be of Marty Rigney, will be from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Luverne Methodist Church.

LSS meals at Generations
Monday, Sept. 20: Salisbury steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner roll, Rice Krispie bar.
Tuesday, Sept. 21: Chef’s choice, vegetable, fruit, bread, dessert.
Wednesday, Sept. 22: Tuna pasta salad, tomato wedges, orange, dessert.
 Thursday, Sept. 23: Barbecue pork on a bun, coleslaw, fresh fruit, gelatin with whipped topping.
Half-Price Day sponsored by Security Savings Bank.
Friday, Sept. 24: Baked fish, rice pilaf, California blend vegetables, 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)
•Rock County Commissioners adopted an agreement with Geronimo Wind Energy to restore county and township roads after a wind tower project in northwest Rock County is completed in 2012.
Preliminary road work in Rose Dell, Springwater and Denver townships begins this fall.
Geronimo attorney Christina Brusven and Rock County attorney Don Klosterbuer proposed a series of agreements regarding road maintenance and restoration so that “all expectations are known before heavy equipment starts out on the roadways.”
Geronimo assumes responsibility to restore the roads to their original condition.
 
25 years ago (1996)
•An end is in sight to years of parking problems for Blue Mounds State Park visitors entering the park from the east side by the quarry.
Plans are in progress for a small, off-road parking lot to be completed this fall. …
As rock climbing and hiking in that area of the park have become increasingly popular, more vehicles have been parking along the shoulders of an already dangerous curve along County Road 8. …
No Parking signs were placed at the park entrance two years ago to keep it open to emergency vehicles in case of a fall or other injury in the park.
 
50 years ago (1971)
•Dawn Renee Carpenter is just six years old, but her charm, poise and prettiness caught the eyes of the judges Friday evening, when she was crowned, “Little Miss Luverne.” The Pageant, sponsored by Luverne’s Mrs. Jaycees, was held at the Little Theatre of the high school. Dawn is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Carpenter of Luverne.
 
75 years ago (1946)
•With the OPA’s recent order rolling back restaurant prices to the June 30 level there is a possibility that some, if not all, of Luverne’s restaurants might close.
Speaking for the Duchess Café the statement was made by Orrie Skattum that “when we receive official notice to roll back prices we will just lock up the kitchen and serve nothing but coffee.”
The roll back to June 30th, restaurant men say, is not fair because menu prices on that date are based on 1943 levels. The roll back doesn’t take into account the terrific advances in meat costs and help costs.
“The profit margin is so thin now on a meal that meeting the roll back order would run us in the red and nobody expects anybody to operate at a loss”, said Skattum.
C. W. McDonald, of the Coffee Shop echoes the statement by saying, “We’ll either be forced to close or we’ll have to quit serving certain menu items.”
 
100 years ago (1921)
•Merchandise of an estimated value of $3,000.00, was obtained early Wednesday morning, when A. J. Rauk’s general store at Beaver Creek was robbed. Entrance was gained by breaking in a small glass in the front of the store and reaching in and unfastening the lock of the front door.
The merchandise stolen consisted of practically all the silk piece goods, hosiery, silk, neckties, all of the jewelry, all of the light weight sweaters, (mostly baby sweaters), and all of the size 16½ shirts in the store.
Ralph Gibson, clerk in the store, discovered the robbery when he came to the store Wednesday morning, and found the front door open and the silk department disheveled.