Rock County requests bids by Aug. 20
Rock County is requesting proposals for their fully-insured Medical Insurance Plans. The RFP (with submission instructions, general information and all pertinent underwriting details) can be obtained by contacting Paul Schrupp at Gallagher Benefit Services -- Phone: 952.918.3947 Email: Paul_Schrupp@ajg.com -- 3600 American Blvd W – Suite 500, Bloomington, MN 55441. All questions regarding this RFP should be directed to Paul Schrupp at Gallagher. Quoting carriers must provide a proposal via email, following the instructions outlined in the RFP no later than 2:00 p.m. on August 20, 2021. Proposals received after the deadline will be considered late and ineligible for consideration.
(07-29)

ISD #2184 School Board
meets June 24 
MINUTES OF THE 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 and also via Zoom on June 24, 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, Marlene Mann, Jason Phelps, Marie Atkinson-Smeins, Caroline Thorson, Tom Rops, Ann Rigney, Gladys Hemme, Griffin Jarchow, Jason Berghorst, Amy Sahly, Sheriff Evan VerBrugge, and Mavis Fodness – Rock County Star Herald.
Chairperson Eric Hartman opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.  It was noted there is an addendum to the agenda. Motion made by Baustian, second by Sehr, to approve the agenda with addendum as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Lisa Diekmann, Estenson Company, reviewed the school district insurance renewal quotes.  
Motion made by Bosch, second by Jarchow, to accept the insurance proposal from EMC, Minneapolis, MN, as presented. It was noted this proposal was for one year. Motion unanimously carried.
Administrative reports were given.
Motion made by Baustian, second by Sehr, to approve the May 27, 2021, school board meeting minutes as presented. Motion unanimously carried. Motion made by Baustian, second by Jarchow, to approve the June 10, 2021, school board meeting minutes as presented. Motion unanimously carried. It was noted there were no donations to report.
Business Manager Marlene Mann reviewed the bills. Motion made by Jarchow, second by Bosch, to approve payment of the district bills as presented in the amount of $2,375,850.96; the student activity bills in the amount of $5,450.52; and, the building project bills in the amount of $2,067,286.04. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Baustian, second by Sehr, to receive the Student Activity Report showing the balances as of May 31, 2021. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Jarchow, second by Sehr, to adopt the following:
The local Board of Education of Luverne Public Schools has authorized Craig Oftedahl, at a monthly meeting on June 24, 2021, to act as the LEA(local education agency) Representative in filing an application for funds provided under Public Law 103-382 for the school year 2021-2022. The LEA Representative will ensure that the school district maintains compliance with the appropriate Federal statutes, regulations, and State procedures currently in effect and will act as the responsible authority in all matters relating to the administration of this application.
Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Bosch, second by Sehr, to request bakery products quotations for the 2021-2022 school year to be received by July 15, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Motion unanimously carried. Motion made by Baustian, second by Jarchow, to set the bid date for dairy products for the 2021-2022 school year for July 15, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Bosch, second by Sehr, to contract with Conway, Deuth & Schmiessing, PLLP, to conduct the 2020-2021 fiscal year audit. Motion unanimously carried. Motion made by Baustian, second by Jarchow, for the auditor to make those final transfers and adjustments, when they audit the books, that are necessary and according to general accounting principles, resolutions, and standards. Motion unanimously carried.
Business Manager Marlene Mann presented a preliminary expenditure budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year in the amount of $19,917,871.47. It was noted that this would be a roll-over of the 2020-2021 Revised Budget. Motion made by Bosch, second by Jarchow, to approve this preliminary budget as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Jarchow, second by Sehr, to approve membership in the Minnesota School Board Association for the 2021-2022 school year. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Baustian, second by Bosch, to set the following food service prices for the 2021-2022 school year:
K-5 Lunch $3.25 per meal
6-12 Lunch $3.50 per meal
Reduced Price Lunch $0.00 per meal
Kindergarten Breakfast $0.00 per meal
1-12 Breakfast $1.75 per meal
Adult Breakfast $2.75 per meal
Adult Lunch $4.00 per meal
Milk Break (Elementary) $50.00 per year
It was noted that the USDA is again providing school districts the opportunity to provide breakfast and lunch free to all students. However, if a student wishes to purchase a second meal, they would be charged the prices set above. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Jarchow, second by Sehr, to approve the following bus driver compensation effective July 1, 2021:
Regular Route $97.00 per day
Sioux Falls/Pipestone Route $97.00 per day
Preschool Route $48.00 per day
Activities Trip $15.00 per hour
Daily Rate (Overnight Trip) $130.00 per day
Motion unanimously carried.
Sherriff Evan VerBrugge presented information about a School Resource Officer.  Motion made by Stratton, second by Sehr, to approve having a School Resource Officer.  Motion unanimously carried. It was noted that Member Stratton as an employee of the Rock County Sheriff’s Department could not make this motion or participate in the voting. Member Stratton rescinded his motion and Member Sehr rescinded her second. Motion unanimously carried. Motion made by Bosch, second by Sehr, to approve having a School Resource Officer. Member Stratton noted he would abstain from the vote. Motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding closing of the High School noon hour. Motion made by Wrigg, second by Bosch, to close the noon hour lunch break for students in grade 9 and 10 with students in grades 11 and 12 having the privilege to leave campus during the noon hour lunch break with monitoring by the administration.  Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Baustian, second by Sehr, to set the two-hour food service worker hourly rate of pay for the 2021-2022 school year at $14.93 per hour. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Bosch, second by Sehr, to set the substitute teacher daily rate of pay for 2021-2022 at $130.00 per day. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Baustian, second by Sehr, to accept the resignation of Michael Wenninger as Varsity Baseball Coach effective June 13, 2021. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Jarchow, second by Baustian, to accept the resignation of Kerri Baker, HS Mathematics teacher, effective June 15, 2021. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Sehr, second by Bosch, to accept the resignation of Lucas Larson as Junior High Girls Tennis coach effective June 15, 2021. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Baustian, second by Jarchow, to accept the resignation of Jessica Knorr, Paraprofessional, effective June 15, 2021. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Baustian, second by Jarchow, to approve the hiring of Madeline Jenkins as Speech/Language Techer for a salary of $44,385.00. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Sehr, second by Baustian, to approve a maternity leave request from Meghan Elgersma, Special Services Administrative Assistant, for 12 weeks beginning approximately August 31, 2021. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Jarchow, second by Sehr, to accept the retirement of Marlene Mann, Business Manager, effective July 31, 2021. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Bosch, second by Sehr, to accept the resignation of Julie Fettes, English teacher, effective June 23, 2021. Motion unanimously carried.
Committee reports were given. The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed.  Motion made by Baustian, second by Sehr, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried.
Dated: June 24, 2021 Reva Sehr, Clerk
(07-29)

Rollag probate
STATE OF MINNESOTA PROBATE COURT
                                                                         DISTRICT COURT
COUNTY OF ROCK                                                                     PROBATE DIVISION
 
Court File No. 67-PR-21-168
 
In Re: Estate of ORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING 
David Lee Rollag,                                        ON PETITION FOR ADJUDICATION OF
a/k/a David L. Rollag   INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP
a/k/a David Rollag, AND APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR IN
Deceased                                 SUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION
AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
 
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:
It is Ordered and Notice is hereby given that on the 23rd day of August, 2021, 
at 8:30 O'clock, a.m., a hearing will be held in the above named Court at Rock County Courthouse, Luverne, Minnesota, for the adjudication of intestacy and 
determination of heirship and for the appointment of Rhea Jean D. McBride,
whose address is 2592 Parkview Court, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55110, as administrator of the estate of the above named decedent in supervised administration, and that any objections thereto must be filed with the Court. That, if proper, and no objections are filed, said administrator will be appointed to administer the estate, 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. Upon completion of the administration, the administrator shall file a final account for the allowance and shall distribute the estate to the persons thereto entitled as ordered by the Court, and close the estate.
Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present the same to said administrator or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred.
 
Date: July 21, 2021 /s/ Terry Vajgrt
Judge of District Court
/s/ Natalie Reisch
Jennifer L. Eisma-Reinke Court Administrator
Attorney for Petitioner
Eisma and Eisma
130 East Main
Luverne, MN 56156
(507) 283-4828
I.D. #389457
(07-29, 08-05)

Lorang Meringue
assumes name
Minnesota secretary of state 
Certificate of assumed name
MINNESOTA STATUTES, CHAPTER 333
The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable consumers to be able to identify the true ownership of a business.
ASSUMED NAME: Lorang Meringue
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS:
181 31st Street, Hills, MN 56138 USA
NAMEHOLDER(S):
Name: Josie Marie Lorang
Address: 181 31st Street, Hills MN 56138 USA
If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment.
By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. 
Signature : /s/ Josie Lorang 
MAILING ADDRESS: 181 31st Street, Hills, MN 56138 USA
EMAIL ADDRESS FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: jmlorang@hotmail.com
(07-29, 08-05)

Almost Iowa
assumes name
Minnesota secretary of state 
Certificate of assumed name
MINNESOTA STATUTES, CHAPTER 333
The filing of an assumed name does not provide a user with exclusive rights to that name. The filing is required for consumer protection in order to enable consumers to be able to identify the true ownership of a business.
ASSUMED NAME: Almost Iowa
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS:
315 W. Luverne Street, Luverne, MN 56156 USA
NAMEHOLDER(S):
Name: Jack Leslie
Address: 315 W. Luverne Street, Luverne MN 56156 USA
Name: Jeane Leslie
Address: 315 W. Luverne Street, Luverne MN 56156 USA
If you submit an attachment, it will be incorporated into this document. If the attachment conflicts with the information specifically set forth in this document, this document supersedes the data referenced in the attachment.
I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. 
Signature/s/: Jack Leslie 
MAILING ADDRESS: 315 W. Luverne Street, Luverne MN 56156 USA 
EMAIL ADDRESS FOR OFFICIAL NOTICES: jackjeane13@iw.net
(07-29, 08-05)

Brent Mielke, the area’s “Zoo Man,” resumed his reptile shows this month, stopping in Luverne July 22 to promote the library’s summer reading program.
Mielke said the go-ahead was given to his traveling education show after a 17-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
His zoo for the performance in Hawkinson Park featured a bearded dragon, a corn snake, a boa constrictor, a red-footed tortoise and a pair of royal pythons.
His “tales” focused on the “tails” of each of the reptiles. He explained how the length of the tail determines the gender of a corn snake (a short tail is a female) and how the red-foot tortoise’s tail is only visible when angered.
He encouraged visiting the Rock County Library to learn more about mammals and reptiles.
“That’s where you can read, read, read and read some more about what is known as the bearded dragon from Australia,” Mielke said.
The children’s summer reading program called “Reading Colors your World!” ends Friday.

When Shawna Marshall debuted a public contest this summer for a new candle scent, she got more than she expected from the winning entry.
Kaylena Riendeau of Brandon suggested her grandmother’s blueberry dessert for the Vasshaus Candle Company contest.
“Her suggestion changed the idea of what this contest would be,” Marshall said. “To take something special to one family — create and share that memory — was unexpected.”
The candle scent called “Grandma’s Blueberry Dessert” made its retail debut Saturday.
The display included a picture of Riendeau with her grandmother, Rose Marie Stob, and a copy of the dessert recipe in her grandma’s handwriting.
The number of Grandma’s Blueberry Dessert glass candle jars quickly dwindled as Riendeau, her mother, Laurie Oppold, and her aunt, Diane Even, stopped into the downtown Luverne store.
The candle’s smell of canned blueberries, honey, and cinnamon with a touch of citrus thrilled the family.
“It’s like bringing her back,” Riendeau said of her grandma, who was head cook at Milaca High School and died in 2014 at age 81.
Her dessert was a much-sought-after family favorite, especially among the cousins.
“If you made it to the fridge to attempt to sneak (a taste) of the dessert, and the pan was gone, you knew it was game time,” Riendeau said.
A game of catch-me-if-you-can ensued as one cousin, with dessert pan in hand, would be chased around the backyard. Grandma Rose would often break up the chase by bringing a second pan filled with the baked dessert.
“If you say ‘blueberry dessert’ to any one of my kids, they would all have a story to tell about her dessert,” Even said.
Marshall and her partner, Jesse Booker, attempted to create a candle scent with blueberry before the contest, but with limited success.
With the handwritten recipe, they added an underlying fragrance of baked blueberries.
“We loved the scent but we love the story,” Marshall said.
For her suggestion, Riendeau won $50 and her entry made into candles.
Another “Suggest a Scent” contest is planned for this fall, and more recipes from Grandma Rose may be submitted.
“To create a candle from a special dish is absolutely remarkable,” Riendeau said.
“It’s a way to honor Grandma Rose in a beautiful and unique way.”

Luverne School District business manager Marlene Mann attended her last school board meeting Thursday night, July 22, capping a 55-year career.
Mann told board members, many of whom were students while she was on the job, that she found her job rewarding.
“Even though I wasn’t in the classroom, I consider myself an educator,” she said.
“We were putting things together and doing what could be done in giving all the kids the best education and the most opportunities, so they could go out into the world with a good sound background.”
At Thursday’s meeting Luverne Mayor Pat Baustian proclaimed July 31, 2021, as “Marlene Mann Day.”
He applauded her “tremendous job of giving sound financial advice, investing properly and keeping the school district in extremely sound financial shape.”
The proclamation recognized that Mann “worked tirelessly and was loyally committed to the school district and the betterment of the Luverne community.”
 
Path to becoming business manager
Marlene Kindt grew up in rural Hardwick, attending Hardwick Grade School through the eighth grade. She came to LHS as a freshman and graduated in 1964.
She married Gary Mann in 1965 and was busy caring for their infant daughter, Michele, in 1966 when school officials called and asked if she would help out in the high school library.
“It was the first time they had a para anywhere in the school,” she said.
Mann wasn’t returning the next school year but an opening in the counselor’s office made her reconsider. Two years later she moved to a position in the superintendent’s office.
Because of her willingness to learn and her attention to detail, she rose to the business manager position for the district, which today has annual expenditures of more than $15 million.
Mann has worked with six different superintendents and multiple school boards on district budgets.
Over the years she adopted a consistent plan as she assumed more financial duties in the district office.
“If you can look at the whole picture and have a plan, you can try and keep the levy as level and as consistent as possible,” she said.
“That’s one of the challenges and one of the things I enjoy with the idea of trying to balance that and still provide a good quality, above-the-norm education.”
Mann’s dedication to her job meant she spent evenings and weekends at school working on the numbers.
She thanks her family for understanding her dedication and giving her the time to complete the necessary financial tasks.
Under her financial watch, the district is wrapping up a $30 million construction and renovation project that includes a new large commons and kitchen, additional and remodeled classroom spaces and a performing arts center.
The new color scheme makes the building look different from when she attended LHS.
“I think the school is the envy for many people,” Mann said. “We have a top-notch teaching staff, paraprofessionals, cooks, custodians and bus drivers. I want to say we have it all.”
She said she’s looking forward to retirement.
“There are a few things out there that I am looking forward to doing,” she said, mentioning family at the top of the list.
Specifically, she’ll attend her twin grandchildren’s high school activities in Brookings, South Dakota. She also plans to do some traveling.
She thanked board members and colleagues for their support.
“That is the rewarding part of hard work, being appreciated,” she said. “If there’s anything that can make you feel good, it’s having someone know you’ve worked hard at something and it is appreciated.”

Twenty-eight years ago, Pat and Helen Saum’s 15-year-old son, Jesse, died in a drowning accident in the Rock River at the city park.
On June 4 last year, Maggie and Nathan Siebenahler’s daughter, Kimber, died when a knot developed in her umbilical cord. It was the day before her scheduled delivery.
Their losses and their grief are unique tragedies, but both families seek comfort for their pain.
“You never get over it,” Maggie Siebenahler said. “You just live with it.”
Pat Saum said, “You learn how to live after the loss. That’s the whole point. We all have to carry on.”
The Saums went on to raise their two daughters, and the Siebenahlers are now busy with a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old and are expecting a baby in November.
But they’ll never forget the children who died, and they’re now working on a healing garden to remember them.
“For every person who lost a child, we have heard over and over again, ‘I don’t want my child to be forgotten. I don’t want people to forget their name,’” Pat Saum said.
Siebenahler got the idea from a “mothers’ healing garden” in Dell Rapids where parents have a place to remember their children and children of others in the community.
“Some people don’t find comfort in going to a cemetery, and this is just a peaceful non-denominational place,” she said.
 
‘Perfect. Peaceful. Quiet’
Local families are eyeing a piece of ground on the northwest side of the Catholic cemetery.
The 140-foot by 60-foot city-owned parcel is north of Tonto Park and alongside the Loop trail where it curves.
“When I saw it, I thought, ‘This is perfect,’” Saum said. “It’s beautiful. It’s quiet. It’s peaceful. There’s shade here.”
While the drawings are still coming together the group decided to name it “Children’s Remembrance Garden,” with the goal of dedicating a place where parents and families can go to honor the life of their child.
“The purpose of the garden isn’t to be a memorial garden,” Saum said. “We don’t want it to feel like a cemetery.”
Siebenahler said, “We want it to be a safe place to find comfort.”
Plans call for a butterfly garden, a prayer wall, a pergola, a journal to write in, and a “little library” with lending material specific to grieving the death of a child. Also, someone is donating a pergola.
Luverne’s Betty Mann said the garden will especially comfort those whose loved ones aren’t buried locally.
 “I just love that they’re doing this,” she said. “Because it’s going to give me a place to go and think about my daughter.”
Her daughter, Debra, died in 2000 at age 43 of an unknown illness and was cremated. “There’s no place where I can visit. I hope to have a little paver so she’s not forgotten.”
 
Public, private support
Organizers learned that the city didn’t have a use for the odd-shaped property, so they approached council members at their June 20 meeting.
“We don’t have to look very hard to find parents who are hurting,” Saum told council members.
He acknowledged that cemeteries serve this purpose, but he said this project serves a different purpose.
“A cemetery is the place you go to recognize a child is gone,” Saum said. “A healing garden is a place to recognize your child had lived.”
The council took no action on the request Tuesday, but expressed support for the project. “I think it’s a great idea,” said Mayor Pat Baustian. “Thanks for coming to talk about it.”
Public works supervisor John Stoffel said the city may clear some old, dying evergreens and help with some site preparation. But he cautioned that it shouldn’t become a long-term city responsibility.
A committee, including a council member, will handle long-term maintenance, and the group expressed interest in city hookups for water and electricity.
In addition to city support, local donors are providing financial support through the Luverne Area Community Foundation.
“We’re so excited about it, and it’s coming together so quickly,” Saum said. “It’s a beautiful spot. It’s like it was meant to be.”
He said the Child’s Remembrance Garden is for families in and around Rock County and in neighboring communities like Pipestone and Adrian.
To donate, contact the Luverne Area Community Foundation at 507-227-2424.
To help in other ways, email maggie.siebenahler@gmail.com or pat.saum@gmail.com.