ISD #2184 School Board
meets May 13
MINUTES OF THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OF 
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184, 
ROCK COUNTY, LUVERNE, MINNESOTA.  
A special meeting of the Board of Education, ISD #2184, was held in the District Office and via zoom on May 13, 2021, at 7:30 p.m.
The following members were present: Katie Baustian, Jodi Bosch, Tim Jarchow, Reva Sehr, Jeff Stratton, and David Wrigg. Absent: Eric Hartman. Also present:  Craig Oftedahl, Marlene Mann, Ryan Johnson, Jason Phelps, Stacy Gillette, Ann Rigney, Becky Rahm, Wade Hiller, April Wallace, Jason Berghorst, Amy Sahly, Gladys Hemme, Caroline Thorson, and Mavis Fodness – Rock County Star Herald.
Vice-chairperson Tim Jarchow call the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. Motion by Bosch, second by Sehr, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
The extended school year contracts and summer curriculum plans were provided to the School Board members. It was noted that there is some additional reading, math and science recovery being offered due to the COVID-19 possible learning gaps. Motion made by Baustian, second by Stratton, to approve the contracts and curriculum work as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Bosch, second by Sehr, to approve the hiring of Eric Arnold as Business/Computer Teacher for the 2021-2022 school year at a salary of $54,931.00. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Baustian, second by Sehr, to accept the resignation of Scott Edwards, Custodian, effective May 11, 2021. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Bosch, second by Sehr, to approve the hiring of David Cutshaw as Custodian effective June 1, 2021. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Baustian, second by Stratton, to approve the hiring of Lora Wynia as Custodian effective June 1, 2021. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Baustian, second by Sehr, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried.
Dated: May 13, 2021 Reva Sehr, Clerk
(06-10)

ISD #2184 School Board
meets April 22
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 April 22, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.
The following members were present: Jodi Bosch, Eric Hartman, Tim Jarchow, Reva Sehr, Jeff Stratton and David Wrigg. Absent: Katie Baustian. Also present:  Craig Oftedahl, Marlene Mann, Ryan Johnson, Jason Phelps, Stacy Gillette, Lauren VerSteeg, Aaron Perkins, Lucas Larson, Jason Berghorst, Tom Rops, Becky Rahm, April Wallace, Gladys Hemme, Amy Sahly, Amy VonHoltum, Jodi Rops, Marie Atkinson-Smeins, Ann Rigney, and Mavis Fodness – Rock County Star Herald.
Chairperson Eric Hartman called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. Motion made by Bosch, second by Stratton, 
to approve the agenda as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Administrative reports were given.
Motion made by Bosch, second by Jarchow, to approve the March 25, 2021, 
School Board minutes as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Superintendent Oftedahl gave a construction update.  
Business Manager Marlene Mann reviewed the school district bills with the School Board. She noted that we are currently paying bills on a weekly basis. Motion made by Bosch, second by Stratton, to approve the district bills as presented in the amount of $1,566,921.92; and Student Activity 
bills as presented in the amount of $7,035.63. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Wrigg, second by Sehr, to receive the Student Activity 
Report showing the balances as of March 31, 2021. Motion unanimously carried.
Aaron Perkins, Robotics Advisor, presented information to the School Board for some fundraising ideas. Motion made by Sehr, second by Stratton, 
to approve the plans as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Superintendent Oftedahl provided information about the Health and Hospitalization insurance bids that were received on March 29. The District received four bids: SW/WC Service Cooperative (currently through Blue Cross/Blue Shield), a Blue Cross/Blue Shield independent provider, Sanford Health Plans, and PEIP. Member Sehr noted she would be abstaining from the 
vote as she is an employee of Sanford Health. Motion made by Wrigg, second by Bosch, to accept the bid from the Blue Cross/Blue Shield independent provider. It was noted that the bid included an 8% cap to premium 
increases for the second year of service. Motion unanimously carried.
Business Manager Marlene Mann reviewed the revised 2020-2021 Revenue and Expenditure budgets. The revised revenue budget total is $17,839,116.37 and the revised expenditure budget is $20,257,513.47. Discussion was held. Motion made by Stratton, second by Wrigg, to approve 
the revised budget as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Superintendent Oftedahl reported on the school paving improvements bids through the City of Luverne’s contract with Duininck, Inc. This bid would include three items: patching and overlay of school street that runs along the south edge of the building to Dodge Street; the ADA sidewalk from Dodge Street to the School; and the additional diagonal parking being considered for Northeast Park Street which runs on the East side of the Middle/High School. Motion made by Jarchow, second by Sehr, to accept all three projects for a total cost of $179,067.50. Motion unanimously carried.
It was noted two full-time substitute teachers were hired last fall due to concerns of COVID and they were hired with the understanding that it was a one-year position. Member Wrigg introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
 
RESOLUTION DISCONTINUING AND REDUCING EDUCATIONAL POSITIONS
WHEREAS, the School Board of Independent School District No. 2184 adopted a resolution on January 28, 2021, directing the administration to make recommendations for reductions in programs and positions, and
WHEREAS, said recommendations have been received been
and considered by the school board,
BE IT RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent 
School District No. 2184, as follows:
That the following positions, or portions thereof, be discontinued:
1)Two Full-time Substitute Teacher Positions
The motion was duly seconded by Member Sehr. A roll call vote was taken. Those who voted in favor: Jarchow, Bosch, Hartman, Sehr, and Wrigg; those who voted against: Stratton. Member Baustian was absent. Motion carried.
The administration requested approval to increase the current part-time M/HS Social Studies teaching position to a full-time position. Discussion was held. Motion made by Bosch, second by Jarchow, to increase the part-time Social Studies (.6) to a full-time position (1.0). A roll call 
vote was taken: Those who voted in favor: Jarchow, Bosch, Hartman, Sehr, and Wrigg; those who voted against: Stratton. Member Baustian was absent. Motion carried.
Motion made by Jarchow, second by Sehr, to approve Ellen Wenninger as 
a volunteer softball coach. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Jarchow, second by Sehr, to accept the retirement of Doug Dooyema, Sixth Grade Science Teacher, effective June 2, 2021.  Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Wrigg, second by Bosch, to accept the retirement of Debbie Mitchell, ECFE and Discovery Time teacher, effective at the 
end of the 2020-2021 school year. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Sehr, second by Stratton, to accept the resignation of Liza Winkler, Elementary teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. 
Committee reports were given.  
The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed. Motion made by Bosch, 
second by Jarchow, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried.
Dated: April 22, 2021 Reva Sehr, Clerk
(06-10)

ISD #2184 School Board
meets April 22
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 April 22, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.
The following members were present: Jodi Bosch, Eric Hartman, Tim Jarchow, Reva Sehr, Jeff Stratton and David Wrigg. Absent: Katie Baustian. Also present:  Craig Oftedahl, Marlene Mann, Ryan Johnson, Jason Phelps, Stacy Gillette, Lauren VerSteeg, Aaron Perkins, Lucas Larson, Jason Berghorst, Tom Rops, Becky Rahm, April Wallace, Gladys Hemme, Amy Sahly, Amy VonHoltum, Jodi Rops, Marie Atkinson-Smeins, Ann Rigney, and Mavis Fodness – Rock County Star Herald.
Chairperson Eric Hartman called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. Motion made by Bosch, second by Stratton, 
to approve the agenda as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Administrative reports were given.
Motion made by Bosch, second by Jarchow, to approve the March 25, 2021, 
School Board minutes as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Superintendent Oftedahl gave a construction update.  
Business Manager Marlene Mann reviewed the school district bills with the School Board. She noted that we are currently paying bills on a weekly basis. Motion made by Bosch, second by Stratton, to approve the district bills as presented in the amount of $1,566,921.92; and Student Activity 
bills as presented in the amount of $7,035.63. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Wrigg, second by Sehr, to receive the Student Activity 
Report showing the balances as of March 31, 2021. Motion unanimously carried.
Aaron Perkins, Robotics Advisor, presented information to the School Board for some fundraising ideas. Motion made by Sehr, second by Stratton, 
to approve the plans as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Superintendent Oftedahl provided information about the Health and Hospitalization insurance bids that were received on March 29. The District received four bids: SW/WC Service Cooperative (currently through Blue Cross/Blue Shield), a Blue Cross/Blue Shield independent provider, Sanford Health Plans, and PEIP. Member Sehr noted she would be abstaining from the 
vote as she is an employee of Sanford Health. Motion made by Wrigg, second by Bosch, to accept the bid from the Blue Cross/Blue Shield independent provider. It was noted that the bid included an 8% cap to premium 
increases for the second year of service. Motion unanimously carried.
Business Manager Marlene Mann reviewed the revised 2020-2021 Revenue and Expenditure budgets. The revised revenue budget total is $17,839,116.37 and the revised expenditure budget is $20,257,513.47. Discussion was held. Motion made by Stratton, second by Wrigg, to approve 
the revised budget as presented. Motion unanimously carried.
Superintendent Oftedahl reported on the school paving improvements bids through the City of Luverne’s contract with Duininck, Inc. This bid would include three items: patching and overlay of school street that runs along the south edge of the building to Dodge Street; the ADA sidewalk from Dodge Street to the School; and the additional diagonal parking being considered for Northeast Park Street which runs on the East side of the Middle/High School. Motion made by Jarchow, second by Sehr, to accept all three projects for a total cost of $179,067.50. Motion unanimously carried.
It was noted two full-time substitute teachers were hired last fall due to concerns of COVID and they were hired with the understanding that it was a one-year position. Member Wrigg introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
 
RESOLUTION DISCONTINUING AND REDUCING EDUCATIONAL POSITIONS
WHEREAS, the School Board of Independent School District No. 2184 adopted a resolution on January 28, 2021, directing the administration to make recommendations for reductions in programs and positions, and
WHEREAS, said recommendations have been received been
and considered by the school board,
BE IT RESOLVED, by the School Board of Independent 
School District No. 2184, as follows:
That the following positions, or portions thereof, be discontinued:
1)Two Full-time Substitute Teacher Positions
The motion was duly seconded by Member Sehr. A roll call vote was taken. Those who voted in favor: Jarchow, Bosch, Hartman, Sehr, and Wrigg; those who voted against: Stratton. Member Baustian was absent. Motion carried.
The administration requested approval to increase the current part-time M/HS Social Studies teaching position to a full-time position. Discussion was held. Motion made by Bosch, second by Jarchow, to increase the part-time Social Studies (.6) to a full-time position (1.0). A roll call 
vote was taken: Those who voted in favor: Jarchow, Bosch, Hartman, Sehr, and Wrigg; those who voted against: Stratton. Member Baustian was absent. Motion carried.
Motion made by Jarchow, second by Sehr, to approve Ellen Wenninger as 
a volunteer softball coach. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Jarchow, second by Sehr, to accept the retirement of Doug Dooyema, Sixth Grade Science Teacher, effective June 2, 2021.  Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Wrigg, second by Bosch, to accept the retirement of Debbie Mitchell, ECFE and Discovery Time teacher, effective at the 
end of the 2020-2021 school year. Motion unanimously carried.
Motion made by Sehr, second by Stratton, to accept the resignation of Liza Winkler, Elementary teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. 
Committee reports were given.  
The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed. Motion made by Bosch, 
second by Jarchow, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried.
Dated: April 22, 2021 Reva Sehr, Clerk
(06-10)

Walleye Wind, LLC
conditional use hearing June 21
Pursuant to the Rock County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given by the Rock County Planning and Zoning Commission that a public hearing will be held at the Rock County Law Enforcement Center located at 1000 North Bluemound Avenue, Luverne, Minnesota at 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 21, 2021. The purpose of this hearing is to rule on the application for Conditional Use Permit for the following:
 
Applicant: Walleye Wind, LLC
Property Owner: Dach, Inc.
Location: 38.2 acres in the SW portion of the 
SW 1/4 of Section 17 of Beaver Creek 
Township, T102N, R46W, Rock County, 
Minnesota
Conditional Use: Placement of a temporary laydown yard 
for the Walleye Wind, LLC wind turbine 
project                 
Zoning District: A-2, General Agriculture 
 
By order of the Rock County Planning and Zoning Commission
Eric A. Hartman, Zoning Administrator
311 W. Gabrielson Road
Luverne, MN 56156
507-283-8862 (06-10, 06-17)

Slaa probate
STATE OF MINNESOTA PROBATE COURT
                                                                         DISTRICT COURT
COUNTY OF ROCK                                                                     PROBATE DIVISION
Court File No. 67-PR-21-122
 
In Re: Estate of ORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING FOR         
Gertrude J. Te Slaa,   FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT
OF CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES IN SUPERVISED
ADMINISTRATION AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ANCILLARY PROCEEDING
 
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:
It is Ordered and Notice is hereby given that on the 28th day of June, 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 formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of the above named deceased, dated December 31, 2001, and for the appointment of Harwin Te Slaa and Darwin Te Slaa, whose addresses are 3411 US Hwy. 75, Hull, Iowa 51239, and 3121 320th Street, Hull, Iowa 51239, as co-personal representatives of the estate of the above named decedent in a supervised administration, and that any objections thereto must be filed with the Court. That, if proper, and no objections are filed, said co-personal representatives 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 co- personal representatives 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 co-personal representatives or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred.
 
Date: June 1, 2021 /s/ Terry Vajgrt
Judge of District Court
/s/ Natalie Reisch
Jennifer L. Eisma-Reinke Court Administrator
Attorney for Petitioners
Eisma and Eisma
130 East Main
Luverne, MN 56156
(507) 283-4828
I.D. #389457
(06-10, 06-17)

Arndt probate
STATE OF MINNESOTA DISTRICT COURT
FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
COUNTY OF ROCK       INFORMAL PROBATE
 
In Re: Estate of Court File No. 67-PR-21-28
Lennis "Red" Frank Arndt,        NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND
Deceased                       APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
            AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
 
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:
Notice is hereby given that an application for informal probate of the above named Decedent's, last will dated September 22, 2020, has been filed with the Probate 
Registrar, and  the application has been granted. 
Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following: Justin Eugene Arndt, whose address is 504 Main Street E., Richmond, MN 56368, as personal  representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative, or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-607, and the court otherwise orders, the personal representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate.
Any objections, to the probate of the Will, or to the appointment of the personal representative, must be filed with this court, and will be heard by the court after the filing of an 
appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing.
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 (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred.
               
Dated: April 30, 2021                                            /s/ Terry S. Vajgrt
District Court Judge
     
/s/ Jennifer Thode 
Court Administrator
                                                                                                          (06-10, 06-17)

Minnesota’s pandemic restrictions lifted May 28, just in time to switch Buffalo Days to an in-person celebration over the weekend.
Residents and visitors alike eagerly embraced the traditional summertime events after a year of canceled community festivals.
Sunshine and blue skies — and temperatures in the mid-90s — prevailed for the Friday Night Cruise-In, Saturday morning parade and Buffalo Days Expo at the courthouse.
People gathered with live music and cold beverages at the car show, repeating in conversation that it felt great to be together again.
And at the Expo (formerly Arts in the Park), friends and strangers alike enjoyed shopping and vendor food with discussion about gathering socially again. 
Luverne Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere said it was difficult to quickly changes plans, but was happy with the outcome. “We’re all just happy we can be out and about.”

For more than 50 years, Millie Lais, Magnolia, has been living out her favorite saying: "Life is like a patchwork quilt.”
She was honored over the weekend as the 2021 Blue Mound Quilters “Quilter of the Year,” with many of her classic pieces on display at the Hinkly House during Luverne’s Buffalo Days celebration.
By piecing together fabrics that otherwise mean nothing, Lais has created a hobby that gives her satisfaction and others a way to remember her when they're bundled in her decorative warmth.
"When I was a kid, I was fascinated by quilting," Lais was quoted as saying in a 1999 Star Herald feature story about her 30 years in quilting. "It was more frustrating then because the tools weren't around that you can get now.”
She remembers cutting patterns out of newspapers and magazines and trying to make sense of them. "Mom would let me use old fabric and sheets to get started on," she said.
Just the idea of being able to take pieces and make them into a finished product intrigued her.
Lais is a charter member of the Blue Mound Quilters, a club that meets once a month for quilting, swapping tips, trying a new project or watching presenters.
She was named Quilter of the Year as the first one honored with the new award because of her contributions to the art and to the club through the decades.
“Millie was our choice because we respect her as a person — she is a kind person who is always pleasant, enthusiastic and has great love for family,” Willers said.
“We respect her as an artist — she is imaginative, multitalented, and her quilting ability has grown throughout her quilting career.
“We also respect her as a teacher. She is willing to share her knowledge of quilting with others.”
As a member of the Blue Mound Quilters, Lais has helped make the quilts that decorate rooms at Luverne's Hospice Cottage and also the quilts that raise money for hospice through raffles.
She was one of the six quilters who made a historical hospice quilt many years ago. Her quilt was hand-quilted.
 
In honor of her 2021 Quilter of the Year Award, that 1999 feature story, written by then-Star Herald reporter Sara (Quam) Schmuck, is reprinted here:
 
Science of quilting
When Lais decides to tackle a quilting project, she first selects fabrics, which is an important step. Lais has taken classes in color theory to help the fabric-selection process be clearer.
"Color can make such a difference," Lais said. "Sometimes ladies will use the same pattern and the quilt looks totally different because of their color."
Once the fabric is chosen, Lais cuts it and sews together sections of the quilt called blocks. The blocks are then joined to make the quilt top, and the batting (stuffing) and backing are added to finish the project.
Lais said she prefers polyester batting because it washes well and dries fast. It doesn't shrink or change shape like wool or cotton can.
However, natural fibers are best in some cases. Lais said the fluffy, wrinkly look of an older quilt can be achieved by using cotton batting and washing after the quilt is completed.
The cotton will shrink slightly and pull away from the edges giving it the desired appearance.
Lais said she has quilted with many fabrics over the years and still prefers cotton. Flannel quilts are her favorite to cover up on the couch with, but any type of cotton is nice to the touch.
Polyester feels a little rougher so she uses that mainly for doll blankets. Lais has also joined in the trend of denim quilting, but it's not her favorite. Denim isn't very cozy and it's hard on the quilting needles, but she said her grandsons have denim quilts that are fine for them because denim is so durable.
Lais typically quilts from patterns, but she has dabbled in design, too. One creation is a Vikings lap quilt complete with Vikings colors, logo and other basic football graphics.
 
Stitching a legacy
Whatever quilt she makes, she includes either a penned signature or sews her personal label into the quilt, both with a date.
Lais said she gives most quilts away — for weddings, birthdays, graduations or other special occasions, but they aren't for sale.
"I can't make them for less than $150, not counting labor," Lais said. Handmade quilts in other parts of the country are regularly sold for as much as $1,000 but Lais said she couldn't get that price here.
Some quilts, however, Lais won't give away or sell. "I told my husband, 'When I'm gone the kids can fight over them.' There's some I just can't part with."
Lais can usually be found working on more than one project at any given time.
She said it keeps her from getting bored with looking at the same fabric or shapes for too long. For example, one of the first quilts she started when she was just 17 was finished more than 20 years later.
Lais knows that everyone who likes quilts won't be able to make their own. For the retail shopper looking for a quality quilt, she offers these tips:
•Look for a sturdy top material.
•Check that all the seams line up properly and are consistent throughout the pattern.
•Seams should have ample overlap to prevent pieces from separating or fraying at the seams after washing or through everyday wear.
•Quilts with round patterns are the most difficult to sew because there are no straight lines. Because of that, Lais said, the seams on those quilts should be carefully examined.
Some people have come to her for advice on old, tattered quilts that may have been in their family and people want restored. Lais said it's difficult to repair a torn or severely worn quilt because finding matching fabric with the aged look is nearly impossible.
To keep the quilt's integrity and to make sure family members can enjoy it, Lais suggests framing sections of the quilt to hang like a picture on a wall. 
Lais said quilts made from various mismatched materials may be her personal favorite.
"With a scrap quilt, you look at it and every time it's different. You can see the fabric from an old sheet or dress and remember those things."
Lais has no plans for slowing down her hobby. If she has it her way, she'll continue blanketing the area with her warm quilts for many years.

Retired middle school principal Jim Harner stepped into the Luverne Middle-High School June 2 and found things have changed.
“It’s really something,” the retired principal said.
The Luverne School District is in the final months of a two-year $31 million construction project at the middle-high school.
About 30 retired educators, including Harner, were invited on a tour hosted by the Luverne Education Legacy Fund’s 2184 Campaign committee members.
“I think most of you will be in awe of what you voted for (in the 2017 bond referendum),” said Superintendent Craig Oftedahl, who led the tour. “We have literally touched every single inch of the middle-high school.”
Harner said the recent construction addressed concerns that were discussed in the 1970s when he arrived at the district.
One such project would move the basement cafeteria to the main level.
“It’s kind of a dungeon down there,” said Harner, who retired in 1993.
This fall, almost 50 years later, the basement cafeteria will no longer serve meals as the new 411-seat commons opens with a new state-of-the art kitchen.
Oftedahl said the new walk-in freezer is about the size of the entire current basement kitchen. Students will also have four meal-line choices instead of two currently offered.
“We are very excited for our students going forward,” he said.
The excitement moved beyond the cafeteria to the performing arts center with its 56-foot ceiling and 779-seat capacity.
The tour finished in the existing structure, updated with a new color scheme of red, grays, black and bright blue.
Each wing of the two-story school was remodeled with three learning commons located outside a block of classrooms.
“Most schools nowadays have something similar that gives teachers some flexibility on how to handle (collaborative learning),” Harner said.
 
Helping with the extras
Community members, along with the former educators, are encouraged to donate money toward extra amenities to enhance school pride with the current building project.
Donations could also be designated “in memory of” or “in honor of” in the fundraising campaign.
“Now is the time to bring history into the future,” said Emily Crabtree, an LHS graduate and director of the Luverne Area Community Foundation.
LACF oversees community donations for the Luverne Education Legacy Foundation.
Crabtree joins retired teacher Mark Lundgren and LHS grad and current teacher Jason Berghorst in emphasizing that now is the time to enhance the current building project.
“If you don’t do it now, it will never happen,” Lundgren said. “The projects have become endless.”
With donations already received, a 25-foot red “L” was embedded in the new terrazzo flooring in the commons.
More donations will enhance other areas involving academics, activities, campus beautification, fine arts and/or alumni recognition.
A recognition wall would recognize alumni, former teachers and staff who donate $2,184.
One recent donation is dedicated toward the development plans for four garden areas on the school campus.
One area would incorporate the current steel canopy in front of the middle-high school into an outdoor classroom/public garden area.
More information about the 2184 Campaign, the projects and how to donate is located on the school’s website, www.isd2184.net.