Luverne City Council members took action last week to modify tax increment financing for the former Sharkee’s property on South Highway 75.
The city originally purchased the property and prepared the lot in 2016 for an unknown future development.
With Towne Square Apartments coming soon, the city took action to amend financing plans for what’s now a certain development.
A public hearing Tuesday, May 4, addressed “the proposed modification of Tax Increment Financing District No. 23,” commonly known as the former Sharkee’s property.
Tammy Omdal of Northland Securities had worked with city staff on the original TIF district in 2016 and is now helping with the modification.
She attended the May 4 meeting by Zoom to offer background and answer questions.
“Now that the project is coming to fruition and more is known about the development that will occur, the projected tax increment that will be derived has increased,” she said.
Based on the most recent adopted budget, the original estimate was about $1.4 million of tax increment.
She said the present estimate for tax increment over the 26-year life of this redevelopment district increased to approximately $4.9 million.
The modified plan will provide for use of those funds for project costs, and it will provide for the city to reimburse itself with interest from tax increments, Omdal said.
In order for the city council to plan for the use of tax increments for site improvements, utilities and other qualifying public improvements, the public needed to be informed by way of Monday’s hearing.
By statute, the city must authorize an interfund loan to advance certain costs in connection with the TIF district based on the updated budget.
City finance director Barb Berghorst explained why the modifications were necessary over time.
“We purchased the Sharkee’s site and paid for the demolition and we did not have a project at that time,” she said.
“I knew we could reimburse ourselves for those costs once a project was determined.”
She said she was conservative about projecting future development.
“We started with an estimated market value of $3 million for something to go on that site,” Berghorst said.
“We didn’t know what it was. It could have been a new bigger Dollar General in the middle of a parking lot, which would have been a relatively low value with less impact on the other infrastructure.”
Now, with a firm project with a future estimated market value of $8 million, the city is now in a position to amend the plan.
“We know that we’re getting the apartments, and we’ve named Don Jahnke as the developer of record. And he has other potential businesses he’s working with,” Berghorst said.
“Now you have a more complex development that requires different infrastructure, plus from 2016 to now, the costs of those improvements — including the blacktop parking lot and eligible expenses — have increased.”
Council member Caroline Thorson asked Berghorst if any other modifications might be necessary as the project moves forward.
“I asked for estimates on the high side with inflation factor,” Berghorst said. “If the development occurs over the next couple years, no other modifications will be necessary.”
Following the hearing, which no one from the public attended or submitted comment for, the council approved modifying the TIF plan and establishing the amended interfund loan.
The loan funds will be used as needed and will be repaid on a schedule when the city receives the increments, based on the minimum assessment value.
Mayor Pat Baustian said, “All I can say is, ‘Wow. How time flies.’ It was May of 2016. It’s about time we get moving on this.”
The city’s site preparation — grading, moving a gas line, extending a storm sewer — is nearly complete, and construction on two three-story, 27-unit apartment buildings will begin yet this spring.
Hope Housing Foundation closed April 15 on primary financing, and Berghorst said she’s waiting for the mortgage to be recorded before releasing funds.
“This type of development doesn’t come easily to a small rural community,” she said. “But this one will. We have no reason to believe it won’t.”

Parent organizers for Saturday’s Hills-Beaver Creek Secondary School junior-senior prom plan to conduct this year’s event outside at SpringBrooke Events, Golf & Grill in Beaver Creek.
The public may attend and are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and practice social distance on the golf course.
The evening’s events begin with the Grand March at 4:45 p.m. Students will walk the cement pathways on the back side of the SpringBrooke building.  
Cost is $2 for anyone from kindergarten through adult.
Kari Kueter is one of the junior parent organizers.
“This is all weather permitting,” she said. “If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the grand march will be held inside with only parents able to attend.”
As of Monday, 43 couples are participating in the grand march.
In March the junior parents announced the annual prom activities would move from the Hugo Goehle gym in Hills to the events center in Beaver Creek due to current coronavirus restrictions on the number of people inside the building.
“It is not that we didn’t want to have it at school, we just wanted to attend in person,” Kueter said. “So, we as junior parents decided we would do it all.”
Saturday Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz removed some capacity limits and distancing requirements on outdoor events. No masks are required for outdoor venues of fewer than 500 people.
For indoor events, occupancy numbers were increased for large venues to no more than 250 people.
All H-BC prom activities take place at SpringBrooke, including the meal, dance and after-prom activities that are scheduled to end at 1:30 a.m.

Meetings
Generations membership meeting at Grand Prairie will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Monday, May 17 to vote on whether or not to purchase Grand Prairie Events. It will be an important meeting for Generations members to attend and be part of the decision.
Compassionate Friends Support Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 17, at the Luverne Foundation Office located at 102 E. Main Street in Luverne for those who have experienced the death of a child – a son or daughter, brother or sister or grandchild of any age and from any cause. There is no need to call to attend meetings. For information contact pat.saum@gmail.com. 
Blue Mound Cemetery Association will meet at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, at Blue Mound Lutheran Church.
 
H-BC music concerts
The Hills-Beaver Creek High School concert featuring the ninth- through 12th-grade band, choir and drumlines will be at 7 p.m. Friday, May 21. The concert will also be live-streamed through the H-BC Patriots Facebook page.
 
‘Pound the Mound’ foot race May 15
The “Pound the Mound the Mound” 10-, 20- or 30-mile foot race over the trails of Blue Mounds State Park will be Saturday, May 15. The event, sponsored by Friends of the Blue Mounds State Park and Luverne Area Chamber, will continue rain or shine. For more information contact race organizer Heather Namminga, 605-929-1937 or heather.namminga@premierbankcard.com or the Chamber, 507-283-4061 or luvernechamber@co.rock.mn.us. Race sign-up is at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=83703
 
Bike Rodeo May 15
The Luverne Optimist Club will host the 2021 Bike Rodeo at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 15, at ice arena in Luverne. There will be many valuable prizes, including new bikes, and an obstacle course for bicycling. Ken Peterson of Ken’s Bike Shop will be on hand to inspect and fix bikes for those who attend. This is a combined event for both the Luverne and H-BC communities.
 
Free food offered May 20
New Life Celebration Church will offer free food at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 20, 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.
 
Free food for seniors May 20
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, May 20, as a drive-through distribution in the parking lot at 319 E. Lincoln, Luverne. Call Linda Wenzel at 283-5064 for more information, pre-registration required, if not already enrolled.
 
Hospice auction volunteers sign up by May 20
The Annual Hospice Dinner and Auction typically held in April is being planned for Aug. 28 to allow for expanded Minnesota COVID-19 guidelines.  More details will be announced this summer. Volunteers are needed to help with his event. If interested email: helen.saum@sanfordhealth.org or call 283-1805 by May 20.  
 
Shredding event coming May 22
St. Catherine Church Luverne will bring Dakota Shred It to Luverne from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 22, at Luverne Laundry on the corner of Main Street and Highway 75.
 
Parade entries sought by May 31
Entries are being sought for the Hills Friendship Days parade 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 12. Pre-registration deadline is Monday, May 31, to kaelbers@alliancecom.net or by calling Keith at 507-962-3433 or Annette at 507-962-3432. Questions can be directed to same email address and phone numbers.
 
Community Education announcements
The summer Community Education brochure will be published May 1 and delivered to local homes with the Luverne Announcer.  Many of the classes have an early registration deadline of May 14.  Take advantage of the lower fees and register by May 14 for volleyball, tennis, golf, morning rec, arts & crafts, basketball, track and gymnastics.
 Kids currently in grades 1-3 can sign up for Paint and Snack Classes on May 27, June 24 and July 22.  Sign up for one class or for all 3. Fee is $33 per class.
Defensive Driving Classes allows adults 55 years of age and older to save on insurance premiums. The Beginning Class – June 10 and 17 (4 hours each evening). Refresher 4-Hour Classes are May 27, Aug. 19.
Sign up for Get Fit, Stay Fit on May 26 with tips and advice from Physical Therapist, Michelle Schuman. Fee is $5.
 
Sanford Health Luverne sponsors virtual 5K
Sanford Health Luverne will host a virtual 5K run June 1-8 in conjunction with Buffalo Days in Luverne. Registration deadline is May 17 to receive a T-shirt. Participants may register online at https://www. Allsportcentral.com/EventInfo.cfm?EventID=78003. Call 507-449-1243 after completing the 5K in order to eligible for prizes.
 
State’s Memorial Day program virtual again this year
Virtual Memorial Day program will take place again this year through the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. As variants of the COVID-19 pandemic contribute to increases in positive cases throughout the state, the MDVA is taking a cautious approach by providing a virtual event to recognize Memorial Day as was done in 2020.
The 30-minute Memorial Day program, “Reflections: Memorial Day 2021,” will be aired 8 p.m. Monday, May 31, on TPT’s Minnesota Channel.
The cemeteries remain open and visitors are welcome to visit on Memorial Day when American flags will be displayed along the entrance street and on all graves in cemeteries.
 
Tax deadline is May 17. Assistance available
United Community Action Partnership will be providing free online virtual tax assistance for residents living in Rock County and surrounding communities. See website for details at https://www.unitedcapmn.org/services/community-family-services/tax-clin…
The number to make an appointment and to get intake forms sent via mail is 507-537-1416 ext. #2163. Or email Courtney Newgard at Newgardcourtney.newgard@unitedcapmn.org.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the tax filing deadline is extended to May 17.
 
Crisis Center needs board members
The Southwest Crisis Center is seeking passionate community members to serve on its Board of Directors. The group encourages applications from people of diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and professional skills to oversee the organization's general operations. For more information, visit mnswcc.org or email sara@mnswcc.org.
 
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)

In-person choral and instrumental concerts return to Luverne Middle-High School Friday for the first time in more than a year.
For the sixth-grade band students, the 6 p.m. concert will be their first concert together as a group. Joining them will be the seventh- and eighth-grade band and sixth- through eighth-grade choirs.
The high school band and choir follow at 7:30 p.m.
Friday’s concerts will be livestreamed on the school’s Facebook page, with a limited number of spectators watching the in-person performances.
The coronavirus pandemic affected the secondary music department in March 2020, just as the high school band and choirs were rehearsing with guest clinicians in preparation for the large group contests.
The contests were canceled for a second year this spring.
Seana Graber is completing her 26th year of teaching choir in Luverne. She said the past 14 months have been difficult.
“I never imagined having to teach during a pandemic involving a virus that was airborne,” she said.
“As a singer, you breathe in deeper in order to sing though the phrases, and you expel more air when you are singing than when you speak, so I had to be very cautious and take every precaution to keep my singers and myself healthy.”
Since returning to in-person instruction in January, both Graber and band instructor James Jarvie have kept themselves and students masked and have kept students socially distanced, including splitting rehearsal times for smaller groups of students.
In the days leading up to Friday’s concerts, both instructors are glad this spring means the return of in-person concerts.
“I am happy I have been able to work with them this year, but I look forward to when we can sing in front of a large audience again and share our love of singing and music,” Graber said.

Anyone who’s paid attention over the past 18 months knows we have an active group of smart, sincere individuals working to improve mental health in Rock County.
The #Luv1LuvAll Brain Health Committee led a series of informative sessions to call attention to mental health as a key component in a community’s overall success.
One of the most important themes from one meeting to the next is that brain health is the same as cardiovascular health or vision health or dental health.
Mental illnesses are common. Each year, one in five adults experiences some mental illness, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
One in five.
Conditions could stem from brain injuries, chemical imbalances, stressful life circumstances, sleep deprivation or a number of other causes.
But the point is our brain health needs attention like any other part of our bodies.
And when brain health needs attention, we should address it no differently than we would a gout flare-up, a sinus infection or a sprained ankle.
We should seek professional help.
Yet, thanks to lingering stigma surrounding mental illness, someone with acute anxiety would rather suffer in silence than seek medical attention.
It’s the equivalent of a person with heart disease ignoring chest pain for fear of being viewed a lesser person.
The #Luv1LuvAll Brain Health group has worked hard to lay the groundwork in our community for practical and compassionate approaches to improving local mental health.
It’s up to us to carry that work forward.
First, don’t be part of the problem. Don’t stigmatize mental illness. If someone suffers from anxiety, they’re not “crazy.” Their brain health simply needs attention.
Second, pay attention to your own mental health. If depression is hanging on and is affecting your daily life, seek medical attention. There’s no need to suffer in silence.
Finally, get educated about mental health and the symptoms and causes of brain health conditions.
Learn about them for yourself, should your own brain health need attention, and for those around you, should a friend or loved one need your help.
May is Mental Health Month. There’s no better time than now to get in shape and be healthy, from head to toe.
Learn more at Luv1LuvAll’s Facebook page where videos of the brain health sessions are archived.
 

In the past year I’ve struggled with feelings of uncertainty, unanswered questions and an overwhelming cascade of local, state and federal happenings that have left my brain — well — foggy.
Last week, Minnesota Public Radio aired a segment about exactly what I’ve been feeling. Apparently, mental health professionals have a name for this unsettling feeling that isn’t quite burnout or hopelessness, but an aimless and somewhat joylessness that creeps into the day.
Turns out, I may be “languishing” — the feeling you’re muddling through your days, looking at life through a foggy windshield. The lack of motivation, lack of focus, quitting in the middle of tasks that once brought you joy.
One clue that I’m languishing is logged on my audiobook list. There are several books where I’ve abandoned the main character in the middle of his or her story. I have no interest in knowing how the plot ends.
I’ve always finished books because there’s always a twist that makes it a good story.
First is “One of Us is Lying,” by Karen McManus. It merges the “Breakfast Club” with “Pretty Little Liars” centering around five high school students in detention with only four of them walking out alive.
Sounds like a good story. Probably, but I never finished it.
Then there was “Grace is Gone,” by Emily Elgar. Suffice it to say, Grace is still gone because I never heard the ending to the story.
The latest is “Cilka’s Journey,” by Heather Morris. I eagerly listened to her other book, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz,” and enjoyed her weaving of history into fiction. Except Cilka’s journey is never-ending, since I abandoned her in the concentration camp.
So how do I — and others, for that matter — stop the lack of focus and disinterest?
Experts say a concept called “flow” or an immersion into projects may help.
As a result, I’ve jumped back into volunteering.
Last fall I taught first-time horseback riders the joy that partnering with an animal can be for us humans.
I worked with four amazing students who came in as timid passengers and left eight weeks later with a little more confidence that I hope parents are noticing at home.
I’ve also returned to the Rock County 4-H horse project, which languished over the year. The pandemic canceled last year’s Wednesday night riding sessions and the county fair. Many of these young riders sat at home, uncertain of what would become of the program.
I’m crossing my fingers that the flow of sharing an activity dear to my heart with students will replace that feeling of languishing brought on by this pandemic.

Question: Are you seeing increased speed more in the metro or Greater Minnesota? And are those increased speeds on the highway or the city streets? 
Answer: The Minnesota State Patrol is seeing increased speeds across the state. Whether you live in the metro or Greater Minnesota, excessive speeds are a cause for concern.
People tend to think of dangerous speeds on the highway, but traveling at a high rate of speed through a city can be just as tragic. Law enforcement statewide recently cited 759 drivers for going 20 mph or more above the limit in a 30 mph zone (Feb. 1-March 31). The highest speed clocked in a 30 mph zone was 83 mph by Minneapolis Park Police. Imagine if a ball got away from a child or a person was crossing the street. At those speeds, it could be tragic.
Statewide, law enforcement cited 23,052 drivers for speed violations from Feb. 1-March 31 during the extra speed enforcement campaign. The highest speed clocked in the metro was 127 mph and 135 mph in Greater Minnesota.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (DPS-OTS), in collaboration with the Minnesota departments of Health and Transportation announced the statewide campaign on Feb. 8. The campaign was created due to a significant increase in speed-related incidents and traffic fatalities in 2020.
If you are concerned about a person speeding or driving aggressively, find a safe place to call 911 and provide as much information about the vehicle as possible.
By driving smart and slowing down, we can all save lives on Minnesota roads and help everyone arrive home safely at the end of the day.  Visit DriveSmartMN.org for more information.
You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober.  Help us drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.
If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)

Dispatch report
April 30
•Complainant on U.S. Highway 75 and Luverne Street found key and remote.
•Complainant on S. Freeman Avenue reported cap off fire hydrant.
•Complainant in Rock Count requested to speak with a deputy.
•Complainant on N. Freeman Avenue reported a threatened assault.
•Complainant on 161st Street and 150th Avenue assisted motorist.
•Complainant requested identity theft information packet.
•Complainant westbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 5-7, Beaver Creek, reported debris on road.
•Complainant on E. 1st Street, Hardwick, reported a ditch fire.
•Complainant reported drinking and driving.
May 1
•Complainant on E. Luverne Street reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant northwest of Luverne reported suspicious burning.
•Complainant on 150th Avenue, Luverne, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported a loud party and beer cans in his lawn.
May 2
•Complainant on Edgehill Street reported a driving complaint.
May 3
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue had questions about an accident that occurred.
•Information was requested about dog bites.
•Complainant on E. Brown Street reported a found cell phone.
•Complainant on 131st Street, Luverne, reported smoke smell.
•Dispatch assisted to Pipestone County Sheriff’s office.
•Complainant on U.S. Highway 75, mile marker 20, Hardwick, reported lots of debris on the roadway.
•Complainant on N. Estey Street reported license plate tab theft.
May 4
•Complainant requested deputy assistance in filling out paperwork.
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported vandalism to a vehicle tire.
•Complainant eastbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 4, Beaver Creek, reported debris on roadway.
•Complainant on 111st Street and 70th Avenue, Beaver Creek, reported visible smoke in the area.
May 5
•Complainant on S. Blue Mound Avenue, reported an assault to staff members.
•Complainant on Highway 75, mile marker 19, Hardwick, reported pedestrian at location.
•Complainant requested to speak to a deputy about a paper service.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported a vehicle in the parking lot for an extended time.
•Complainant on N. Spring Street reported a scam.
•Complainant on N. Freeman Avenue reported items stolen from a vehicle.
•Complainant on W. Warren Street reported somebody broke a window and attempted to enter.
May 6
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported a disturbance.
•Complainant on N. Freeman Avenue reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant west-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 15, Luverne, reported finding a wallet in the ditch at location.
•Complainant on 10th Avenue, Valley Springs, South Dakota, requested to speak to deputy about people speeding near location.
May 7
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported he is out of gas.
In addition, officers responded to 2 motor vehicle accidents, 1 vehicle in ditch, 8 escorts, 17 ambulance runs, 1 parking violation, 21 paper services, 16 animal complaints, 5 fingerprint requests, 21 burn permits, 1 background check, 1 drivers license check, 2 gas drive-offs, 2 alarms, 5 drug court tests, 8 purchase and carry permits, 2 stalled vehicles, 43 traffic stops, 8 abandoned 911 calls, 2 tests, 3 welfare checks, 1 OFP, 2 reports of cattle out and 5 follow-ups.

Members of the Rock County DFL organization worked along I-90 near Luverne Thursday, May 6, on their Adopt a Highway service project. From left are Beryl Haugen, Carol McDonald, Val Saarloos, Carol Serie, Lona Klosterbuer, Suanne Ohme, Keith Erickson, Al Stoakes, Ruth Stoakes, Greg Antoine, Pat Baustian, Nicole Henrichs, Larry Nelson, Randy Creeger and (not pictured) Carol Svingen.