The Luverne tennis players continued their hot start to the season on Thursday, April 22, by defeating the Worthington Trojans 5-2 in Luverne. With the match victory the Cardinals improved to 6-0 on the season.
“The players' attitudes tell the whole story,” Luverne head coach Lucas Larson said. “They hold themselves accountable and put in the work that fosters success. I could not have asked for a better group of leaders on the squad.”
Pierce Cunningham, Luverne’s No. 1 singles player, didn’t lose a set in his match. He defeated Alec Langerud 6-0 and 6-0.
Griffen Jarchow defeated Benjamin Schrieber 6-1 in the first set. Jarchow won the second set 6-0 to pick up the match victory.
“The higher-ranked players have plenty of experience, which helps the younger players learn the game,” Jarchow said.
“It also helps that we get along well as a team and enjoy each other. It makes coming to practice each day something we look forward to and enjoy.”
In doubles action Blake Frahm and Ben Jarchow defeated David Sternke and  Devin Kaddee in straight sets.
The duo of Jayson Rops and John Miller defeated Tyson Henkels and Quentin Burns. Rops and Miller won the first set 7-5 and then won the second set 6-0 to pick up the match victory.
Ethan Nath and Logan Ommen defeated Alex Mazariegos and Kevin Le in the first set 6-0. The duo then won the second set 7-6.
“Another big factor for our success has been the depth we have in our lower doubles,” Larson said. “They have given us some key performances when we needed them to.”
The Cardinals will be back in action on Tuesday, April 27, when they welcome St. James to Luverne.

The Luverne Cardinals baseball team went 3-0 last week to remain undefeated. With two wins over St. James and a win over Fairmont the Cardinals improved to 6-0 on the season.
“Most of our games could have gone either way in the win, loss column,” Luverne head coach Mike Wenninger said.
“Teams are very competitive and for the most part equal in talent. We have struggled defensively, which will catch up with us if we don't work to improve.”
In St. James on Thursday, April 22, the Cardinals defeated St. James 8-2 and 10-0.
The Cardinals then returned home on Friday, April 23, and defeated Fairmont 3-2.
The Cardinals won their first game of the doubleheader against St. James, 8-2.
The Cardinals scored five runs in the first two innings to take an early 5-0 lead.
St. James was able to get one run back in the bottom of the second to cut into Luverne’s 5-1 lead.
With the Cardinals holding a 5-1 lead heading into the seventh inning, Luverne added three insurance runs to make it an 8-1 ballgame.
St. James scraped across a run in the bottom half of the inning to make the final score 8-2.
The Cardinals limited the home team to just two hits in game.
Ethan Beyer pitched 6.1 innings, scattering two hits and recording six strikeouts.
Connor Connell picked up three hits for the Cardinals, including a double.
Cade Wenninger collected two hits for the Cardinals, including a double.
Luke Bosch drove in a pair of runs for the Cardinals.
Wenninger pitched a no-hitter in the second game of the doubleheader. With the St. James' bats silenced, the Cardinals cruised to a 10-0 victory.
Wenninger pitched a complete-game no-hitter and recorded six strikeouts.
“The team has pitched well as a whole and we’ve put some quality at bats together at the right time,” Wenninger said. “Great practices will help us to continue to get better.”
At the plate, Wenninger drove in a pair of runs for the Cardinals.
Bailey Cowell hit a double and drove in a pair of runs for Luverne.
Trygve Gangestad drove in a pair of runs and drew a pair of walks for the Cardinals.
The Cardinals will look to stay undefeated on Tuesday, April, 27, when they travel to Pipestone to take on the Pipestone Area Arrows.
Luverne will then return home for a contest against Jackson County Central on Thursday, April 29.

Two months ago, the former Luverne Kawasaki building was a flurry of sheet rock dust and paint primer.
Now, the newly remodeled building is home to ATLAS Ministry Center, home of Redeemed Remnants second-hand store, Rock County ATLAS for Life, and their related causes and ministries.
Among them are New Life Celebration Church, the food ministry and more.
Since the April 15 ribbon-cutting celebration, the location has been abuzz with workers, shoppers, donors, worshippers and others coming and going from the large parking lot and adjacent alley.
Mostly, organizers are pleased to be turning over merchandise and making a profit — to the tune of roughly $1,000 per day.
In the former Redeemed Remnants location on East Main Street, $500 day was a good day, according to ATLAS Board president Brenda Winter.
“That was the whole goal,” she said, “to have a place for people to bring things, a place for people get things and to support ATLAS.”
 
More space means more profit to benefit ATLAS
The 10,000-square-foot Kawasaki building is an improvement over the store’s previous 2,300-square foot space downtown primarily because there is more space for larger, higher-dollar items like furniture and appliances.
A typical month’s profit in the former space was $10,000.
“Last month we made $14,000, and we were closed for a week,” Winter said.
She points to the spacious back room where volunteers sort donations. The good, gently used items get sent on to volunteers who get them ready for sale.
Items that are more used and worn get donated to Savers or Justice For All to be given away.
Clothing items that are damaged or stained get shredded for insulation.
Winter said the rapid turnover of donations and sales is dizzying.
“They get things put away, and five more bags come in,” she said. “The cool stuff is in and out in minutes.”
Store manager Greg Hoogeveen has worked with Redeemed Remnants for three years and said the past few months have been a whirlwind.
“It keeps growing,” he said. “It’s really taken off.”
He said he enjoys seeing community generosity and selling items to benefit ATLAS.
“We get anything and everything,” he said, pointing out used high school sporting goods, home electronics, decor and furniture.
When asked if he had anything in stock that was particularly intriguing, he headed toward an aisle with a vintage steamer trunk and stopped.
“Oh. I guess we sold it,” he smiled.
To price things he’s not familiar with, Hoogeveen said he checks Google, eBay, Etsy and other sites.
Some unique items he sells directly online to get a better price from a wider range of shoppers.
When he gets a chance, he shares images of new items for sale on the Redeemed Remnants Facebook page.
Also, he encourages people to call if they questions about how to donate. The number is 507-449-6101.
All donations are accepted at the Redeemed Remnants alley doors toward the east end of the alley on the north side of the building.
 
‘Meant to be’
Hoogeveen said he enjoys the work and the satisfaction of dealing with generous people and seeing the store help ATLAS and its missions.
Lately, he said he’s just in awe of the progress made in a short period of time.
“A year ago we were in a pandemic, and to even think that we’d have this store only a year later … to financially be able to do it,” Hoogeveen said. “Everything is amazing.”
He said he and ATLAS staff and board members prayed about the big decisions to sell the other building and buy the Kawasaki building, and it’s been reaffirming to measure the success.
“We had so many good things happen, it’s all just pointing in the direction that we’ve done the right thing,” he said.
“When we were building in here, it worked. It was amazing. With this and the volunteers, there’s so much support. It was meant to be.”

A year after the coronavirus pandemic canceled their 2020 state tournament, Luverne speech students returned with a vengeance, winning the Section 3A Speech Championship and qualifying six for Saturday’s state meet.
To celebrate their achievements Friday, speech team members climbed into the Luverne Trolley and followed the Luverne Volunteer Fire Department trucks through town.
They included seniors and team captains Josie Golla and Xavier Carbonneau, juniors Luke Thorson and Chance Tunnissen, sophomore Parker Carbonneau, and seventh-grader Zander Carbonneau.
The escort has become a community tradition to send students off to tournaments in the Twin Cities and to join other speech qualifiers of Class A at in-person state tournaments.
However, the Luverne students never left town Friday. Instead they competed the next day from the familiar surroundings of Luverne High School in a virtual competition using Zoom.
The 2021 speech season was completed through recordings and later through Zoom at the local high schools due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic.
First-time state speech participant Golla said the classroom setting suited her well for competition.
“It’s what we have done every week … in the same room all season … so we are comfortable in the room,” she said. “It’s been really nice to have the consistent focal points and where to go.”
Golla has competed in speech since the seventh grade.
“This is only the second time competing in the section tournament so I was not expecting to go on to state with this,” she said. “It’s very nice to know my hard work has paid off and I get to go to the state tournament.”
The 2021 tournament is also Thorson’s first state appearance in his four years on the team.
“It feels like a big achievement,” he said. “I came close in my eighth-grade year, I got sixth in sections so I was only three slots out. It was a big blow. Then I came back this year because last year was gone.”
Thorson competes in humorous interpretation and competing virtually has giving him a learning curve.
“It is not quite the same as being in person because things seem a bit funnier in person actually,” he said. “Now I can say this line and I can look at the lamp in the back of the room because it has the best angle to see my facial expressions. That’s a good thing.”
Xavier Carbonneau broke a personal trend at the section tournament, where the top three students in each of the categories are able to move on to the state meet. Saturday was his first and only state speech meet.
“I feel accomplished,” he said. “I’ve gotten fourth a lot of years so it is nice to finally break that trend.”
This year is Xavier’s sixth year on the team and he admits the speech experience is different this year since he and his teammates didn’t travel on buses to other schools, mingle and become friends with other students, which is different this year with no in-person tournaments.
“They are just competitors not actual people and friends,” he said.
For first-year speech student Zander Carbonneau, virtual is the only way he’s participated in speech and the extemporaneous speaking category.
“Some things are nice and some things are harder like at some meets we are allowed to use the internet now,” he said. “You can wear what you want because you only see yourself from the waist up so you can wear tennis shoes instead of dress shoes.”
Humor is something junior and three-time state qualifier Chance Tunnissen has also incorporated into his extemporaneous speaking performances.
“I think judges like that and also not using a notecard,” Tunnissen said. “I have been trying to give my speeches memorized — sometimes it makes it worse when you trip up but I’ve tried to run through it.”
As the seasoned veteran on the team, Tunnissen has taken brothers Zander and Parker Carbonneau under his wing. All three compete in extemporaneous speaking, and the topics are drawn the day of the meet with 30 minutes to prepare a recommended 7-minute speech.
“The big thing is just confidence. … If you sound like you know what you are talking about, you’ll do good,” Tunnissen said.
That confidence was presented last year when sophomore Parker Carbonneau started his fourth year on the speech team. He met a goal by qualifying for Saturday’s virtual state speech tournament.
“It’s pretty exciting,” he said. “Last year I was hoping to make it to state but the season got cut short. I know we are really not going there but it is pretty exciting to be at a place where I know I can finally make it to state.”

The seventh-grade and sophomore classes at Hills-Beaver Creek Secondary Schools spent about an hour on Friday morning picking up branches and garbage at the Hills Rez Park (pictured above). “Whenever you can give students experiences that allow them to make a community better, it is a win for the community and the person serving,” said Secondary Principal Andrew Kellenberger. Other students cleaned the grounds around the Hugo Goehle gym and Tuff Memorial Home. Seniors walked Highway 270, their Adopt-a-Highway project, which staff completed last year due to distance learning created by the coronavirus pandemic.

 
Elementary students in Beaver Creek also cleaned the grounds around the school.

Weather will be the deciding factor in whether the public will be able to view the Luverne High School prom grand march on Saturday.
At their April 22 School Board meeting, district officials released plans that included an outdoor grand march to accommodate the in-person viewing demand.
High school principal Ryan Johnson outlined Saturday’s activities, which are scheduled from 5 to 11:30 p.m. at the school.
The grand march is planned for 5 p.m. Saturday.
Johnson outlined how the grand march will look in a letter addressed to parents.
“As couples start their walk, they will come out of the front canopy doors and make their way to a presentation spot just outside the side gym doors (voting doors),” Johnson indicated in his instructions.
“From there, our speakers will announce the names, officially presenting them to the crowd. They will then make their way north to the weight room doors, stopping along the way for patrons to congratulate them and take pictures.”
Roped-off areas will designate the grand march path. Bleachers are available for spectator seating.
A livestream of the grand march is planned to air on the Luverne Middle School/High School Facebook page.
If weather conditions are unfavorable, the grand march will take place inside with no spectators. The livestream is also planned if the weather alternative is necessary.
Current weather forecasts predict highs in the 80s with no precipitation.
School Board members supported Johnson’s plans.
“It’s something new and unique for students to experience and say ‘They were the first to do it,’” Johnson said.
While students participating in the grand march will not wear masks outside, masks are recommended for those watching the march.
Spectator parking is designated in the south student parking area.
The grand march is scheduled to end by 6 p.m., when students transition to after-prom festivities in the elementary school.
Students will rotate through six areas that include games, food and an outdoor fire pit.
Social distancing and mask requirements will be followed.
All prom activities end at 11:30 p.m.

Meetings
Springwater Township Board will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 4, at the township hall.
Kenneth Cemetery Association will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 8, at the Kenneth Community Center.
 
Sandbox fill May 3
The Luverne Optimist Club will fill local sandboxes after 6 p.m. Monday, May 3, as part of its annual fundraiser to support local youth programs. Call or text Carrie Van Santen, 507-220-1123, to reserve sand, which is donated by W&N Construction.
 
National Day of Prayer May 6
Several area churches will host the 70th annual National Day of Prayer on May 6 by virtual viewing online at www.nationaldayofprayer.org.  The national theme is, “Lord, pour out your love, life and liberty,” and theme verse is 2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
 
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 20, 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 assistance available for Rock County residents
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.
 
Spring weight restrictions lifted
Spring weight restrictions are lifted in Rock County on all county roads, effective April 20. Restrictions were put in effect as the warmer spring weather removed frost from under the roadways. Call the Rock County Highway Department, 507-283-5010, for more information.
 
Parade entries sought for Hills event
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 offerings
Luverne Community Education summer catalog of events will be included in the May 1 Announcer. Early registration deadline, for the lower class fees, is Friday, May 14.
 
Rock the Edge seeks local service projects
Rock the Edge Youth’s Service Over Self will be June 21-25, and the group is seeking a variety of community projects, such as painting, cleaning, organizing, yard work or other projects. Call 507-227-1978, 605-261-4000 or email rocktheedgemn@gmail.com.
 
Wednesday night free community meal
The Luverne United Methodist Church will host its monthly free community meal at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, with a pickup option available. Call 507-283-4529
 
Grief support group meets Mondays
Sanford Luverne Hospice Grief Support Group will meet from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through May 10 at Sanford Luverne. This group is for anyone grieving the death of a loved one, whether they were involved with hospice or not. Meetings are free and facilitated by Jill Roemen, licensed social worker. Call to register at 507-283-1805.
 
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.
 
Road closed east of Hardwick
County Road 7 between Kenneth and Hardwick is closed between 190th and 200th avenues for construction beginning April 12. Closure is expected to be for two weeks. This section of roadway is located 1 1/2 miles north of Kenneth. There is no official detour; use alternate routes. Call the highway department at 507-283-5010.
 
Hospice auction planned for August 28
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, or call the Hospice office at 283-1805.
 
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. Save the date.
 
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)
 
Spring weight restrictions lifted
Spring weight restrictions are lifted in Rock County on all county, effective April 20. Restrictions were put in effect as the warmer spring weather removed frost from under the roadways. Call the Rock County Highway Department, 507-283-5010, for more information.

Junior Chance Tunnissen was the sole medal earner from Luverne High School during Saturday’s Minnesota State Speech Tournament.
Competing virtually, Tunnissen was selected by judges for the finals, which comprise the top eight students in each of the 13 speech categories.
Also competing in Saturday’s event from LHS but not competing in the final rounds were first-time state participants Josie Golla, Xavier Carbonneau, Luke Thorson, Parker Carbonneau and Zander Carbonneau.
“State is very tough,” said coach Caroline Thorson. “Especially for first-time participants, even though they did compete at home.”
Tunnissen competes in extemporaneous speaking, a category he’s competed in since seventh grade.
The 2021 event was his third time qualifying for the state tournament. The coronavirus pandemic canceled the 2020 event.
He entered Saturday’s event looking to improve his previous appearances of 19th place in 2018 and 12th in 2019.
“I want to do better than I did the year before. My goal is definitely to beat the 12th place finish I had last time,” Tunnissen said.
At Saturday’s state meet, he did just that, taking seventh place in extemporaneous speaking.
Tunnissen said he’d added humor into his speeches this year.
He focuses on the domestic categories in extemporaneous speaking, where he draws a topic and prepares a speech in 30 minutes. Topics are either domestic or international in nature and center on politics, economics or current affairs.
“A lot of time (my) extemp is trying to present really boring information in a really funny, digestible way,” he said. “I have always been a big fan, more than other people, of funny intros.”
Tunnissen frequently cited song lyrics such as Jason Aldean’s “Big Green Tractor” this season. He recently added lyrics from rapper Snoop Dog to the ideal speech length of seven minutes.
Each extemporaneous speech includes an introduction, three major topic points and a formed conclusion.
Caroline Thorson coaches the LHS speech team with adviser Gavin Folkestad.
“Kids in speech have to be self-motivators,” she said.
The white board in Thorson’s classroom was filled with extemporaneous speaking topics and speaking points this week, as Tunnissen and sophomore Parker Carbonneau and Zander Carbonneau prepared for the state competition.
Tunnissen is passing on the knowledge he gained from other student mentors, LHS graduates Dylan Thorson and Shane Berning, who both medaled at previous state tournaments in extemporaneous speaking.
From experience Tunnissen knew coming into the state competition that judges pay attention to more than a funny introduction.
“At the state level, the judges are looking at the content,” he said. “The judges really know the topics and you really have to know your sources and stuff.”
Tunnissen said he is proud the LHS team claimed the top three extemporaneous speaking placings for the Section 3A speech championship.
“We’ve always had at least two,” he said. “This is the first year with three.”