Sen. Bill Weber was recognized by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) July 29 during the Coalition’s summer conference in Alexandria for his positive impact on environmental issues in Greater Minnesota.
Sen. Weber, a Republican from Luverne, is serving his third term in the Minnesota Senate. The Legislator of Distinction Award is given to legislators who played key roles in advancing CGMC’s policy during the preceding legislative session.
As a mayor-turned-legislator, Weber has supported issues that are important to Greater Minnesota cities.
This year, he served as the chief Senate author of an initiative that tackles sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of “forever” chemicals linked to health concerns and that have been found in water bodies across the state.
Weber helped secure $600,000 to create the PFAS Municipal Reduction Strategy, which focuses on studying the sources of PFAS, developing strategies to prevent them from entering wastewater plants, and educating wastewater professionals and the public on PFAS and habits that result in them entering the environment.
In addition, Weber advocated for a stakeholder group to involve municipal organizations like the CGMC to help develop plans and strategies for dealing with PFAS.
“Sen. Weber is not afraid of tackling complex, challenging issues that impact Greater Minnesota communities,” said Greg Zylka, mayor of Little Falls and president of the CGMC.
“He understands that PFAS and other pollutants are a major concern for our cities and utility operators. He fought hard to secure funding for a strategy that will tackle the sources of PFAS and prevent them from reaching our city water facilities.”
CGMC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization representing more than 100 cities outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Coalition educates legislators about issues important to Greater Minnesota.

Luverne Mayor Pat Baustian was elected to serve as president of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) July 30 at the coalition’s summer conference in Alexandria.
As president, Baustian will help direct efforts to inform state legislators on issues unique to Greater Minnesota, such as Local Government Aid (LGA), economic development, transportation and environmental policy.
Baustian was elected by fellow city officials from across the state to lead CGMC, long considered one of the most active, high-profile organizations to represent rural communities at the State Capitol.  
“Mayor Baustian is respected across the state for his thoughtful, pragmatic leadership on issues that impact his community and other cities in Greater Minnesota,” said Bradley Peterson, executive director of the CGMC.
“I’m confident that he will be an excellent person to lead our organization as we help rural communities move past the pandemic and find new ways to grow and thrive.”
Baustian said he looks forward to leading CGMC as it continues to guide Greater Minnesota cities through the pandemic and into the future.
He noted among the CGMC’s top priorities for the upcoming year will be to protect and defend LGA, advocate for a substantial bonding bill that invests in critical infrastructure, and continue to explore solutions to the child care, housing and workforce shortages in Greater Minnesota.
“I am honored to be chosen to lead the CGMC as we fight for the needs of rural communities,” Baustian said.
“There are a lot of challenges on the horizon, but I look forward to working with state lawmakers and my fellow city leaders to find ways to solve problems and strengthen our cities.” 
 
Baustian receives ‘Excellence in Service Award’
In addition to being elected president, Baustian was also honored with the CGMC’s Excellence in Service Award, which is given annually to city leaders who demonstrate knowledge, leadership and active participation in CGMC program areas over the past year.
The award was handed out at CGMC’s awards dinner on July 29.
As a longtime member of the CGMC Board of Directors and active participant in the organization, Baustian was recognized for his efforts related to finding solutions to the child care crisis that plagues rural communities.
This year, he testified before several legislative committees in favor of legislation that aimed to support child care providers and increase child care capacity in Greater Minnesota.
He also participated in media visits to bring attention to the child care issue and joined Ely City Councilor Heidi Omerza to co-author a guest column that appeared in more than a dozen media outlets statewide.
Little Falls Mayor Greg Zylka, whom Baustian is replacing as CGMC president, praised Baustian’s work on child care and said he was happy to “pass the torch” to the Luverne mayor.
“Mayor Baustian has been an excellent spokesperson for Greater Minnesota cities on an array of issues, including child care, economic development and environmental regulations,” Zylka said.
“The CGMC will be in good hands as he takes the helm as president.”
 The CGMC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization that educates legislators about issues important to Greater Minnesota. Visit the CGMC’s website at greatermncities.org.

Meetings
Battle Plain Township Board will meet 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, at the home of Mark Vander Pol.
The Compassionate Friends will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, in the Luverne Area Community Foundation office next to the Palace Theatre in Luverne. The group offers support, understanding and hope to grieving families after a child dies - of any age and from any cause. Call 605-254-2072 or email pat.saum@gmail.com   
 
Summer band lessons start Aug. 16
Teacher Angie Swenson will offer free lessons for all Luverne Elementary School fifth-grade beginning band students. Lessons are not mandatory but they offer students experience before school begins.
Lessons will be Aug. 16-19 and 23-26 in the elementary music room:
•flutes at 1 p.m.
•clarinets, 1:30 p.m.
•saxophones, 2 p.m.
•trumpets, 2:30 p.m.
•trombones, 3 p.m.
•French horns, baritones, tubas, 3:30 p.m.
•percussion, 4 p.m.
Students will need an instrument and lesson book. Orders from Schmidt music will be available on the first day of lessons.
Students are encouraged to attend one or all of the lessons.
 
Learn about fruit trees and berry bushes Aug. 19.
Learn about the fruit trees, berry bushes and others that grow well in our area during a multi-sensory experience at the Prairie Ally food forest and productive perennial riparian buffer. University of Minnesota Extension Agroforestry Educator Gary Wyatt will present information at from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, at 308 N Blue Mound Ave. Cost is $15. Register at projectfoodforest.org/events.
 
Free food for seniors Aug. 19
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, Aug. 19, with drive-thru distribution in parking lot at 319 E. Lincoln, Luverne. Call Linda Wenzel at 283-5064 for more information. Pre-registration is required.
 
Free food offered Aug. 19
New Life Celebration Church will offer free food at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, 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.
 
Bloodmobile in Luverne Aug. 24
The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Luverne from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at Grand Prairie Events on South Estey Street.
Donors can save up to 15 minutes by completing the RapidPass® pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. Make an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Bring a blood donor card or driver’s license at check-in.
As a thank-you, donors in August will get a free four-month Apple Music subscription (new subscribers only). Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/FeelTheBeat.
 
Community Education announcements
Call 507-283-4724 to sign up for the following opportunity. See comed.isd2184.net to view the brochure and list of offerings.
Have fun cooking at Kids in the Kitchen this summer for grades K-8 includes Bakery Fun Aug. 19. Fee is $16/child.
Participants grade 3 (as attended during past school year) through adult, will do pour painting at Anyone Can Paint class on Aug. 18.  Fee is $10.
Amazing Art on Fire on Aug. 21 is open to all ages (third grade and younger with adults) Fee is $5, plus you will pick out and pay for a pottery bisque piece at the studio for $10-$30 cost.  Apply glaze and watch it change in the fire.
 
Community Ed seeks ideas, instructors
 Those who have new ideas for Luverne Community Education can email li.nath@isd2184.net or call 507-283-4724. Those interested in teaching a class or updating information for a class they’re teaching should email c.arends@isd2184.net. Information is due by Aug. 6.
The Fall Community Education brochure — covering the months of September, October, November and December, will be available Sept. 5 on the school website at www.isd2184.net under the Community Education link.
 
Hospice Charity Dinner and Auction Aug. 26
This is the final week to buy tickets for the Aug. 26 Hospice Dinner & Auction. Ticket can be purchased at: https://luvacf.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/2021CharityDinner or call 283-1805 no later than Aug. 19. The Silent Auction will be open for anyone to bid online Aug. 21-Aug 28 on the above website. All proceeds stay local to support Sanford Luverne Hospice.
 
Library Happenings
The Rock County Library is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. For additional questions, contact library personnel at 507-449-5040 or rocklibrarystaff@gmail.com.
Toby Kid presents “Color Your World” with interactive comedy, magic, puppetry and silliness at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, at library.
The Adult Summer Reading Program continues through Aug. 15. For every five books read, a prize slip is earned for one of several gift baskets.
Monthly trivia nights with locally written questions are the first Thursdays of the month at Take 16 on East Main Street in Luverne for teams of one or more individuals. No pre-registration is necessary. Library personnel conduct the event.
 
School office open for registration
Families interested in registering their students for the 2021-22 school year are encouraged to call Luverne School District to set up an appointment. The Luverne Middle School-High School office is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the phone number is 507-283-4491. The Luverne Elementary School office will open Aug. 2 and the phone number is 507-283-4497.
 
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. Nominees should also exhibit quality in character and action as to be outstanding role models for the county’s citizens. 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.
 
Explore Prairie Ally
Free guided tours at Prairie Ally Outdoor Center (308 N. Blue Mound Avenue in Luverne) are Thursdays at 6, 6:30, and 7 p.m. through August or by appointment. Volunteers are needed Tuesdays from 10a.m. to noon and Thursdays at 5:30 June through September. A workshop on edible perennials will be Aug. 19. Contact: prairieallymn@gmail.com, 605-951-0227. Also, visit projectfoodforest.org/events.
 
Take and Make bird treat kits
Stop by the Luverne Area Chamber at 213 East Luverne Street to pick up one or more Take and Make bird treat kits. Kits are free, but a $5 to $10 donation is welcome to benefit Project Food Forest in Rock County. (Or donate online at https://donorbox.org/support-pff)

We have a lot of opinions this week, based on an informal survey of our Star Herald news team and support staff.
Most of the feedback is positive because, let’s face it, Rock County is a great place to live and work in, and we don’t have a lot to complain about. But, upon further reflection, there is always room for improvement.
Thumbs up —overwhelmingly to the Rock County Ag Society and their volunteers and sponsors for the outstanding Rock County Fair this year.
It was impressive on so many levels — from the great-looking fairgrounds, the fabulous entertainment and winning grandstand lineup. If we had to miss a fair during a pandemic, it was worth the wait to come back so strong this year.
Thumbs up — for the quick work on asphalting County Road 5 west of town and on Dodge Street by the school campus. It seemed the school construction and parking lot work took a long time, but we have six miles of fresh asphalt in less than a week.
Thumbs down — to the residents who think we have year-round junk pickup and continue to put their crap on the boulevard. Please, folks, we’re a proud community, and your junk reflects poorly on all of us.
Thumbs up — to all the adults who make the summer youth programs possible. We’re talking about summer rec sports programs, Vacation Bible School, Rock the Edge missions, library park outings, and the list goes on.
It takes conscientious parents to enroll their children in the opportunities available to them, but in the sense that it “takes a village” to raise our children, this village is as good they come.
Thumbs down —  to drivers who use the Highway 75 left turn lane for the length of a block and endanger drivers coming from the opposite direction who also need to use the left-turn lane.
The three-lane setup has made south Highway 75 safer, but it only works when we use it properly.
Thumbs up — to the Chamber and sponsoring businesses for the summer celebrations in Luverne. From Memorial Day, to Buffalo Days to Hot Dog Night and more, these are proud occasions to host visitors in town.
We know they don’t “just happen,” and we’re grateful for Chamber leadership and supporters for the quality outcomes.
 
Have an idea for “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” we should consider? Send it to editor@star-herald.com or call 507-283-2333.

Perched atop the old hog house roof on our farm east of Hardwick, I called my husband, Bryan, on my cell phone.
As the phone rang through, I pondered my predicament — I had climbed on the roof to fetch the dog’s frisbee and now I was stuck.
My errant throw landed Lucy’s favorite toy out of reach, and her eyes darted eagerly between me and the direction the toy was thrown.
 I knew she’d pester me and get in the way of my horse chores until I got that frisbee off the roof, so I surveyed my options.
It wasn’t that far off the ground – maybe  seven feet.
With no ladder nearby, I spotted the fence that butted up against the building, and it was an easy climb from the top of the fence to the frisbee.
The frisbee was retrieved and the dog was happy.
I, however, wasn’t happy. My short legs didn’t retrace the steps down as easily as the steps up.
I pulled out my cell phone and made the call.
Calling my husband to get me out of a predicament is not unusual. (Remember when I locked myself in the horse trailer?)
As I sat on the roof, I admired the view of the Blue Mounds, the rows of growing crops, the happy dog.
My call went to voicemail. I reflected: “When did I develop a paralyzing fear of heights?”
Long bridges are the worst. Just ask my son, Adam.
One time we traveled from Vermillion to Nebraska and crossed the Missouri River.
I saw the profile of the concrete bridge and fear crept over me. “That is a really tall bridge and it’s over water.”
I almost stopped the car and turned around.
Clutching the steering wheel and driving well under the speed limit, I drove down the middle of the road so I didn’t see over the bridge’s concrete sides.
Adam was unaware of my fear and wondered why the sudden change of speed and hogging of the road.
We laughed about my fear later that day when we drove over the same bridge back to Vermillion. Because I didn’t see the bridge from the side, I was fine with the second crossing.
As I continued to sit on the hog house, my anxiety wasn’t off the charts like it was in the car.
After my phone call for help went unanswered, I was determined to get down myself because I had things to do, and darkness was approaching.
Two cats perched on the peak of the roof gazed smugly at the human who foolishly retrieved the silly dog toy.
I’m not a cat person.
… That was enough to send me cautiously over the top to the roof’s other side where I used the higher fence.
I easily stepped to the ground — where those two cats stood and appeared to be asking, “What took you so long? It’s feeding time.”

I was having somewhat of a frustrating day a week or so ago.
It was late in the afternoon and I was driving back to the office sulking a bit more than I should have. Nevertheless, it was a bummer of a day. I was listening to the Dan Barreiro radio show, and he was doing a segment on how important the arts really are.
He was trying to convey the message that we never really can comprehend the impact the arts have on people — be it music, dance, painting or any of the different spectrums of art.
He added that one’s interpretation of the arts may vary dramatically from one individual to another.
His example was from an interview Bill Murray had done relating to his early years of his career.
The Bill Murray he was talking about is the Bill Murray of “Saturday Night Live” fame and films like “Caddy Shack” and “Ghost Busters.”
Murray was telling the story of when he was having a bummer of a day (his day was much worse than mine).
Very early in his career he had just finished his role in a stage play in Chicago. It didn’t go well, and the crowd let him know it. Once his part was over and he left the stage, he walked out the door and decided he didn’t want to go on living. So, he walked to Lake Michigan to end his life that night.
He was walking along Michigan Avenue and came across The Chicago Art Institute Museum. For whatever reason, he walked into the museum and found himself gazing at a painting on the wall.
He said he felt somehow drawn to this painting of a woman all by herself in a field with what he felt was little purpose or prospect of a better life ahead. Yet, behind the woman was the rising sun of a new day.
He studied the painting and came to the conclusion that with the sunrise of a new day, maybe that woman had a new chance of a better life.
Murray walked out of the museum and decided to walk away from the lake and hope for a better day when the sun came up in the morning.
The irony of this story is the painting is called the Song of the Lark by Jules-Adolphe Breton painted in 1884.
Some believe the painting is of a setting sun, but Murray’s interpretation was of a sunrise, giving hope and saving his life.
 I encourage you to check out the YouTube video, “Bill Murray admits a painting saved his life.”
My hope is that tomorrow or at least someday soon, America will wake up to the prospect of a better day.

Mann: 'We already have great things'
To the Editor:
I’m writing in response to Jason Berghorst’s Aug. 5 column, “What I wish for.”
First of all, he wants a Dar’s Pizza in Luverne. We have really good pizza at Pizza Ranch and Godfather’s; we don’t need a Dar’s.
Then, what’s this about a Kwik Trip? We have four convenience stores in town. If he can’t find the donut he wants at one of these, there’s something wrong.
And, he wants a larger Lewis Drug? That’s kind of bashing Bomgaars, isn’t it?
I appreciated Jason’s column and I respect his opinion, but I think we already have great things in Luverne. I know I’m not the only who feels this way.
Bev Mann,
Luverne
 
Ladd questions mayoral responsibilities
To the Editor:
Consider for a moment the following word for word quotation from the current ELECTED Mayor of Luverne. “Grandparents that have grandkids ages 12-18 need to get on their grandkids’ parents to get them vaccinated!” Is stating that one group should “get on” another group even within mayoral responsibilities?
Consider, also, for a moment the following word for word quotation from the same source. “With the new Delta variant gaining momentum, now is the time to protect yourselves, your family, and out community.” There was an interesting piece written in the Aug. 5, 2021, issue of the “Star Tribune.” It can be found on the front page above the fold. It stated a peculiar fact regarding the recent outbreak of the Delta variant in Massachusetts. Of the 469 reported cases of the Delta variant 346 of those infected were fully vaccinated. That pencils out to 74 percent of those infected with the Delta variant were fully vaccinated. Interesting?
 Sherri Ladd
Luverne

The Garretson Tractor Ride headed east Friday morning through Rock County on their way to Luverne for a lunch and tour at Midwest Dry Cast on South Highway 75. The group traveled 65 miles and included 39 tractors of all ages, makes and models, making it the largest in the group's history of annual rides.

The deadline is Friday, Aug. 20, to apply for the DNR special youth hunt at the Blue Mounds State Park Nov. 20-21. The number of participants will be limited to 10 with a bag limit of two. Orientation will be Nov. 19.
Youth special firearms hunt applicants must be at least age 12 and under age 16 by the beginning hunt date. An adult parent/guardian mentor, who may not hunt, must accompany youth participants while hunting at all times and will abide by all hunting rules.
All youth participants and an adult parent/guardian mentor must attend pre-hunt orientation session on Nov. 19. Participants who can’t attend a required orientation should not apply.
Participating in a special youth hunt does not preclude one from hunting the regular season, and unsuccessful applicants receive preference for future youth hunt drawings of the same type.
Blaze orange or pink is required during youth firearms hunts.
Tree stands and pop-up blinds are permitted in state park hunts up to seven days prior to the hunt, placed during normal park hours and must have owner/hunter clearly identified on them with their DNR license number. (This is to facilitate hunt preparation by youth who are normally in school Monday through Friday and to capitalize on some of the youth hunt clinics conducted one week prior to the hunt.)
Only clamp-on or strap-on portable stands that do not damage trees or other vegetation may be used – no nails, screw-in steps or other devices that damage the bark of trees.
Hunters may not place multiple stands.
Other hunters or the general public may not occupy stands legally placed by a hunter.
Stands must be removed no more than one day after the hunt.
Apply at any electronic license agent (wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold) for only $1 or apply online at http://licenses.dnr.state.mn.us/ (start by clicking on “Purchase”).
Prior to participating in the fall 2021 hunting season, hunters should refer to the DNR’s COVID-19 response web page at www.mndnr.gov/covid-19 for the latest information.