Hills-Beaver Creek Board of Education will choose a new member to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Dan LaRock from the board.
On a voice vote Monday night, board members passed a resolution declaring a school board vacancy by resignation. LaRock did not attend the meeting. Members Renee Knobloch and Tim Bosch were also not at the evening meeting.
The resolution established a process for filling the board vacancy with an interim appointee at the next board meeting. An election for a one-year term will take place in November.
LaRock’s resignation is effective April 15.
In his letter to Superintendent Todd Holthaus, Principal Andrew Kellenberger and the board, LaRock explained why he couldn’t complete his current term that ends in 2022.
“I am in a season of life where my personal and professional commitments have outpaced my capacity to serve them all effectively,” LaRock wrote.
“As such, remaining in this elected position would be a disservice to the district as I cannot meet the time and meeting requirements any longer. Please know that this is an incredibly difficult decision for me.”
Board chairman Arlyn Gehrke said, “He is a very good board member. He will be missed.”
Fellow board member Ethan Rozeboom said, “Dan is a strong advocate for the community as a whole and the school district. It’s unfortunate he’s unable to finish his term out with us.”
LaRock was first elected to the board in 2015.
After the meeting, Superintendent Holthaus reflected on LaRock’s contribution to the school district.
“He always focused on doing the best for our Hills-Beaver Creek students. His get-it-done attitude assisted the district greatly in getting through some difficult financial situations early on in his time on the board,” Holthaus said.
“Dan’s expertise in so many areas was such an asset to the Hills-Beaver Creek School District.”
While LaRock resigned his position on the school board, he said he would continue to support the district.
“Should the need arise for my participation in a subcommittee or focus group of some kind, I would be honored to consider serving as a committee member,” LaRock said.
“The district has my full personal support, and that of my family, now and into the future.”
LaRock works with SilverStone Group in Sioux Falls, and he is involved in the operation of Rock Ranch, Hills, with his wife, Marie LaRock.
 
In other business, the H-BC board:
•approved the increase in out-of-state tuition to $5,629.
•accepted the resignation of Tyler Johnson as K-12 art teacher at the end of the current school year.
•assigned Brianna Leuthold as part-time, long-term substitute for first grade beginning around May 10 and effective through the end of the current school year.

On May 7 of last year, the Hastings Star Gazette printed its last issue. The paper’s first issue as The Hastings Independent was published in 1857, a year before Minnesota gained statehood.
Generations relied on papers like this for local news — they told you who was born and who died, whose daughter just broke the county record for the 400-meter freestyle, whose Holstein won a surprise ribbon at the State Fair, and how your local leaders voted.
My dad was a Minnesota newspaper columnist and sports reporter. Even though he worked his way up the ranks to interview everyone from Mike Ditka to Ronald Reagan to Ginger Rogers, he was always, as his managing editor put it, “a champion of those on the outside.”
But today, newspapers of all sizes are struggling and closing.
The shuttering of the Star Gazette was helped along by the coronavirus pandemic, but long-term trends in newspaper ad revenue show that the Star Gazette and many local papers like it were already on their last legs when COVID-19 struck.
Ad revenue for U.S. newspapers plummeted from $37.8 billion in 2008 to $14.3 billion in 2018. During that time, two other companies, Facebook and Google —worth over $2.2 trillion combined — became advertising titans.
These two companies don’t just control the majority of online advertising; they’ve built power over the news, crushing local outlets along the way.
It saddens me to think my dad might not have a job in today’s tech-dominated world, let alone a chance to interview a U.S. president.
In rural and small-town communities across America, we are seeing the impacts of this consolidation firsthand — expanding “news deserts” where local coverage is increasingly difficult to come by.
We can’t stand by and watch this happen to our independent press. That’s why I have introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) and Representatives David Cicilline (D-RI) and Ken Buck (R-CO) to let news publishers join together to get fair terms with these digital titans. The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act will level the playing field for the entire industry — not just a few publishers — by empowering local media outlets to make deals that ensure fair treatment.
By giving independent papers the chance to compete, our bill will also give them the power to demand deserved revenue so that they can invest in quality reporting — ensuring that hardworking reporters can continue to inform their communities.
The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act is a way we can turn the tide on this unprecedented threat to fair and honest competition.
It will help America maintain access to the trustworthy local reporting that is the bedrock of our communities.

Gray, rainy weather, combined with some minor sleep deprivation, prompted a recent pity party in my honor.
Why does metabolism slow to a crawl after 50? For that matter, why is gravity so ruthless and gray roots so stubborn?
Are my children happy? Was I a good mom in the fleeting years when I had a chance? Had I been a good daughter and made the most of those final days with my parents?
And there was, of course, the never-ending doomsday news cycle of officer-involved shootings and a hopelessly broken U.S. system of governance.
I must have grown weary of being dreary, because slowly things started turning around.
It started with a Sunshine Foods coupon for “just because” fresh flowers at the grocery store. I couldn’t think of anyone at that moment who needed flowers, but I bought two bunches, “just because.”
They weren’t a big bargain, but they sure paid dividends. The bright yellows, pinks and oranges are still making me happy, three weeks later.
I shared a few with a friend, which also felt good. But mostly it felt luxurious to treat myself for no occasion at all.
Buoyed by the flower splurge, I popped the cork one night on a bottle of wine from my collection I keep on hand to share as hostess gifts.
I drank it from fancy stemware during a weeknight supper with my husband.  … Who doesn’t care for wine but was happy that I was happy. Something like, “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” Smart man.
Then the sun started shining again, and the gale-force winds quieted for a few days.
So, I took time for coffee on the porch a couple mornings. Reclining back into my plastic Ace Hardware Adirondack deck chair, I breathed deeply, turned my face to the warm sunshine and exhaled.
That Saturday, a neighbor stopped for afternoon coffee after I’d already drunk too much coffee for the day.
But the only thing as good as coffee on the porch in the spring is coffee on the porch in the spring with good company.
It’s calving season in the neighborhood and we talked about newborn twin baldies (black with white face markings) romping in fresh bedding and kicking up their heels — happy to be born.
It made me happy to hear about them.
Then, the Easter lily from my mother-in-law burst open two more fragrant blooms. The hibiscus from my sister-in-law that I thought I killed sprouted a green shoot.
And the grand puppy visited long enough to remind me how adorable puppies are and how peaceful it is when they go home.
I still have gray roots, wrinkles and 10 too many pounds, but I forgot about the blues and decided life is really good.
And I am blessed.
Happy spring, dear readers. May you also find little ways to be happy and appreciate the big blessings in your life.

Meinerts: 'This is why I love America'
To the Editor:
Thanks for the response, Rae, I was beginning to think that the sea of red was much wider and deeper than I had imagined. My response has been overwhelmingly positive. This is why I love America and freedom. Everyone is supposed to have a voice, but with big tech censorship and biased media it’s really difficult to find the ever elusive truth.
I can only imagine the haughty response if I had made an absurd claim such as, if only we had not worn masks we would be done now because we reached herd immunity. I would like to know where you found that knowledge, because I have spent countless hours looking for the truth and only getting conflicting reports from Fauci and his cronies. If your statement is true, wouldn’t all of us uncaring, cruel, heartless, even elderly and compromised non-mask wearers already have fallen victim to this deadly virus? The growth rate of the U.S. death rate has been going down since 2014 – including 2020, so mask wearing and social distancing does not support your views. Again, this is why I love America, you are completely free to do what you feel is best.
The my body my choice phrase you referenced was purely a question I posed about mandatory vaccinations. Please circle back and read my letter. I am adamantly opposed to killing babies.
What was said in my letter was referring to the Jeremy Munson petition for Minnesota counties to join South Dakota. If that ever gains traction, the Dems could exercise their right to move on, just like you told the pipeline workers to do when you terminated their jobs.
You keep masking up and I’ll continue fighting for our defenseless unborn babies.
God bless America!
Todd Meinerts
Luverne
Sasker: 'We have a new savior: the vaccine. What will be next?'
To the Editor:
We were gone most of March, so it has been quite a challenge catching up with the letters to the editor. Here’s one more opinion.
Beginning with March 11, and Mr. Peterson’s comment on unnecessary questions regarding gender on a form; I believe you are correct in saying more was asked than needed to be asked. According to our Creator, there is male and female: Genesis 1, verse 27. Period!
No matter the number of degrees someone has behind their name, one cannot change God’s law with a pen. Making new rules does not change facts.
As for Mr. Meinerts’ and Mr. Kracht’s comments, if we had more of their type of thinking in the chambers of Congress, we would not be in the mess we are in.
And lastly, I feel Jesus has been dethroned as our Savior. We have a new Savior: the vaccine. What will be next?
Thank you for reading this.
Marilyn Sasker
Luverne
Frakes compares coronavirus between states
To the Editor:
At our Sunday morning Bible class at St. John Lutheran, we discussed when Christians might make exceptions to obeying those in authority (Romans 13).
The conversation turned to restrictions placed on churches during the pandemic, and I defended Governor Walz and his decisions made under executive authority, including those affecting churches.
When I got home, I decided to look up some statistics on the Web to see how Minnesota has fared compared to our South Dakota neighbors led by a conservative Republican governor who placed very few restrictions on the residents across the border.
Here are the results of my search, based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report at www.covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker
As of April 8, 2021, South Dakota’s COVID-19 case count was 13,449 cases per 100,000 residents for a total of 119,705 cases (population of 884,659 residents) for the second-highest rate of cases for all states.
Minnesota’s COVID-19 case count per 100,000 residents is 9,445 for a total case count of 540,277 cases (population 5.6 million and rank of 31).
If the same case rate had existed in Minnesota as in South Dakota, Minnesota would have experienced 753,144 cases!
But the comparison is even more staggering in death rates in the two states.
South Dakota experienced 1,946 deaths as of April 9, and Minnesota has had 7,022 deaths. If Minnesota had had the same death rate based on population as South Dakota, 5,298 more Minnesotans would have died from COVID-19 to date for a total of 12,320!
I am so thankful that we have been led by a governor who has made the tough decisions, based on the best recommendations of the CDC experts, to try to keep us all safe during this pandemic.
Esther Spease Frakes
Luverne
Vink: Both Democrats and Republicans need to address the economy
To the Editor:
I read all the left and right letters to the editor, but I’d like to see both sides address the economy.
Ten years ago I clipped an article from the May 30, 2010, Parade magazine titled “Do We Need a National Sales Tax?” At that time, alarmed by our country’s then annual $1.4 trillion deficit, some economists suggested that the U.S. adopt a national sales tax. The tax typically applies to all purchases, as well as services from haircuts to stock trades. Each one percent of the tax could raise $1 trillion over 10 years, according to the then Congressional Budget Office. This tax could strictly be used to pay our country’s debt, now at $28 trillion.
Of course, first our Congress would have to balance each year’s budget so no more debt is added. Huge job, but our policymakers got us in this mess, now it’s high time to get us out of it.
Over 30 percent of our loans is borrowed from foreign governments, about 70 percent is borrowed from our own people and government holdings, mostly Social Security. And by the 2030 decade, Social Security will be exhausted. Plus, quoting the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, in 10 years our interest will double from where it is today, becoming the fastest growing part of the federal budget.
Imagine what our country could do if not paying nearly $1 billion in interest each day.
Janice Vink
Luverne

Dispatch report
April 2
•Complainant on S. Freeman Avenue and W. Hatting Street reported a controlled gas purge at location.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue requested deputy assistance with a civil issue.
•Complainant at BP Expressway reported lost property.
•Complainant on W. Lincoln Street reported property damage.
•Complainant on 241st Street, Jasper, reported squatters at location.
•Complainant on E. Main Street requested a vehicle unlock.
•Complainant on 61st Street reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on N. Spring Street reported someone is smoking marijuana in the parking lot.
•Complainant on S. West Park Street reported loud engines revving and a bonfire.
April 3
•Complainant on E. Bishop Street reported accidental property damage.
•Complainant on N. McKenzie Street reported a scam phone call.
•Burning was observed in the area near Rock River Road and County Road 4.
•Complainant on 190th Avenue and 61st Street, Kanaranzi, reported an out of control fire.
•Complainant west-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 3, Beaver Creek, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on U.S. Highway 75, Luverne, reported theft at location.
•Complainant on S. Church Avenue, Hills, reported a garbage complaint.
•Complainant on 150th Avenue reported a safety hazard involving a four-wheeler.
•Complainant on Scholten Drive, Steen, reported a controlled fire.
•Complainant at SpringBrooke intersection, County Road 4, reported a small fire at location.
April 4
•Complainant eastbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 12, Luverne, reported a vehicle bumper on roadway.
•Complainant on Highway 23 and 201st Street, Jasper, reported a field fire.
•Complainant on E. Luverne Street reported a dirt bike with children driving it on the street.
•Complainant on Highway 75, north of Sanford, Luverne, reported a pedestrian walking on roadway.
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported people walking around area with flashlights.
•Complainant on U.S. Highway 75, Luverne, reported people in park after hours.
April 5
•Complainant on 40th Avenue, Garretson, reported underage drinking at location.
•Complainant on E. Brown Street reported someone tried to drill a door lock.
•Complainant on 101st Street and 150th Avenue, Luverne, reported a driving complaint.
•A warrant was issued in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
•Complainant east-bound on Interstate 90 reported a possible impaired driver at location.
April 6
•Complainant on County Road 4, Beaver Creek, reported theft of tools from a motor vehicle.
April 7
•Complainant on 180th Avenue and 211th Street, Kenneth, reported a large object in the roadway.
•Complainant on 150th Avenue, Luverne, reported a found license plate at location.
•Complainant on Highway 75 to Interstate 90 reported a driving complaint.
April 8
•Complainant on N. Estey Street reported vandalism.
•Complainant reported a road closure notice on County Road 7 and 190th-200th Avenue, Kenneth.
•Complainant east-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 3, Beaver Creek, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on U.S. Highway 75, Luverne, reported a reckless driver.
 
In addition, officers responded to 1 motor vehicle accident, 1 deer accident, 1 vehicle in ditch,  7 escorts, 23 ambulance runs, 4 paper services, 11 animal complaints, 3 fingerprint requests, 14 burn permits, 4 alarms, 6 drug court tests, 17 purchase and carry permits, 26 traffic stops, 8 abandoned 911 calls, 3 tests, 1 welfare check and 1 follow-up.

Like the start of a big race or the beginning of a championship game, many farmers in northern Iowa are ready to begin full-scale field work as soon as field conditions are fit for planting.
Most farm operators across the region reported almost ideal soil conditions; however, rainfall and cooler weather from April 7-12 in most areas delayed the initiation of major fieldwork.
It appears that the 2021 planting season may be similar to last year in much of the Upper Midwest, with fairly favorable corn planting conditions in the last half of April. This has been a welcome relief from the difficult spring planting conditions that existed in both 2018 and 2019 across much of the region.
Some areas of the Upper Midwest received some much-needed rainfall from April 7-9. Portions of southwest and west central Minnesota received 1-2 inches of precipitation, with even higher amounts in localized areas of central Minnesota. The southern portions of Minnesota and northern Iowa had lower rainfall amounts. The western half of Minnesota has become quite dry in recent months, along with North and South Dakota and western Iowa.
The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor on April 8 listed 94 percent of North Dakota in a severe or extreme drought. The percentage of topsoil moisture that was listed as “short” or “very short” for various states included 95 percent in North Dakota, 76 percent in Montana, 68 percent in South Dakota, 43 percent in Minnesota, 33 percent in Iowa, and 24 percent in Nebraska. These are historically very high levels of dryness for early in the growing season.
Even though it may seem like crop producers are starting the planting season fairly early compared to recent years, farmers are well within the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) guidelines to maintain full crop insurance coverage for the 2021 corn and soybean crop.
The earliest corn planting date allowed by RMA to maintain full crop insurance protection in most of Minnesota and Iowa is April 11, while April 21 is the earliest planting date allowed for soybean planting for full insurance coverage.
Soil conditions prior to recent rains were described as “almost ideal for spring planting” by farm operators and agronomists in many areas of the Upper Midwest. If we can avoid any further significant amounts of precipitation in the next week or so, most crop producers in the region should be able to begin full-scale corn planting once soil conditions are fit.
Following the completion of corn planting, many farmers will be moving directly into planting their soybean crop, provided that field conditions remain favorable.
Soil temperatures should not be a concern this spring in many areas of the Upper Midwest, as the soil temperatures warmed up nicely during early April.
At the University of Minnesota Research and Outreach Center near Waseca, the average 24-hour average soil temperature on April 7 and 8 was near 60 degrees Fahrenheit at the 2-4 inch level and above 50 degrees F. at the 8-inch level.
This level of soil temperatures in southern Minnesota usually does not occur until mid to late May. Soil temperatures in this range are almost ideal for quality corn planting conditions and are actually favorable for quality soybean planting as well.
Soil temperatures have declined since April 8 with some cooler air temperatures; however, they should warm back up quite quickly once some favorable weather conditions return.
Research shows that 50 percent corn emergence will occur in 20 days at an average soil temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which is reduced to only 10 days with an average soil temperature of 60 degrees F.
The recent soil temperatures certainly provide optimism to have favorable conditions for corn germination and seedling growth. The warmer soil temperatures are also favorable for the initiation of soybean planting, which usually does not occur until mid-May in many areas.
Every year is different, and agronomists encourage producers to adjust to soil conditions and weather forecasts when making corn and soybean planting decisions.
Even though very dry soil conditions persist in many portions of North and South Dakota, as well as western Iowa and Minnesota, many areas of southern Minnesota and northern Iowa were near normal for stored soil moisture as we head into the 2021 growing season. As a result, any heavy rainfall events this spring could result in very wet field conditions and potentially some planting delays, especially in poorly drained fields.
Having adequate soil moisture should not be a problem for corn germination and emergence in most of this region; however, if very warm temperatures and some strong winds occur, such as in early April, the topsoil in the seed zone can dry out quite rapidly. As a result, periodic moderate rainfalls during planting season, such as occurred in some areas this past week, can be beneficial for good seed germination and early season plant growth.
Unless conditions turn very wet in the next few weeks, a large majority of corn in Minnesota should be planted before the end of April this year.
Corn planting delays can significantly impact final corn yields. In both 2018 and 2019 a majority of the corn was planted from mid-May to early June.
According to the USDA Weekly Planting Progress Report, only 2 percent of the corn in Minnesota had been planted at the end of April in 2019, which was about 15 days behind normal. In portions of southwest and south central Minnesota, conditions stayed wet until June, resulting in thousands of prevented plant acres and some of the lowest average corn yields in decades. Minnesota’s corn yield declined from record yield levels in 2015, 2016 and 2017 to 182 bushels per acre in 2018 and only 174 bushels per acre in 2019.
Historically, early planting of corn usually leads to higher than normal state average corn yields in Minnesota and other Upper Midwest states.
In six of the nine years that 50 percent or more of the corn acres in Minnesota have been planted in April, the state has set a record corn yield.
In 2015, corn planting in Minnesota was 83 percent completed by May 3, resulting in a record yield of 188 bushels per acre, which was followed with 89 percent of the corn planted by May 8 in 2016, again resulting in another record statewide corn yield of 193 bushels per acre.
One exception was in 2017, when most of the Minnesota’s corn was planted in the first two weeks of May. Very favorable growing conditions throughout the year in most areas resulted in statewide record corn yield  in 2017.
The Minnesota average corn yield in 2020, when 76 percent of the corn was planted by May 3, was 192 bushels per acre, just short of the statewide record corn yield of 194 bushels per acre in 2017. Minnesota probably would have had a record corn yield in 2020 had it not turned very dry in August and September in southwest Minnesota.
The common denominator in the exceptional corn yield years in Minnesota has been that a large majority of the state’s corn crop was planted by the end of April or in very early May.
Once farmers have completed planting their corn acres, most farm operators are moving to soybean planting. A majority of soybean producers in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa strive to plant soybeans in early to mid-May; however, the ideal window to plant soybeans and still achieve optimum yields is much wider than with corn.
The ideal soybean planting timeframe in most areas extends from late April until about May 20 or slightly beyond, so there will be plenty of time to get the 2020 soybean crop planted. However, similar as with earlier corn planting dates, research does show that with favorable growing conditions, there is a yield advantage to planting soybeans in late April or early May, as opposed to late May.
For additional information contact Kent Thiesse, Farm Management Analyst and Sr. Vice President, MinnStar Bank, Lake Crystal, MN.  Phone: 507- 381-7960. Email: kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com)  Website: http://www.minnstarbank.com/

“Blessed” was uttered on several occasions this weekend as Living Rock Church celebrated 10 years in Luverne.
The church’s first and only minister, Pastor Billy Skaggs, referenced how God was instrumental in getting the church off the ground.
“He has blessed us in the past with blessings upon blessings upon blessings,” Skaggs said. “He has blessed us for 10 years.”
The initial blessing came in the form of five families whose unsettled lives brought a church to Luverne.
Bill and Jill Spieker of Kenneth, Dale and Deb Bullerman of Adrian, Steve and Terri Steensma, Luverne, Tor and Lori Boen, Luverne, and Dave and Sheila Meyer, Luverne, are the Living Word Church founders.
“We were kind of in a state of limbo,” Jill Speiker recalled.
She said they attended the Church of the Gate in Sioux Falls and discussed the idea of a planted church. The Skaggs’ son-in-law was a pastor there and knew Billy was an ideal pastor for the new church.
Skaggs said he and his wife, Cindy, knew instantly that leaving Georgia and coming to Luverne was a good move.
“I was just following the Lord,” he said. “This is the longest stint I’ve had in one spot.”
Skaggs said the church was blessed to find a home in the former furniture store on East Main Street.
Another blessing came as 16 friends and family agreed to fund his salary for the church’s first 18 months to encourage church growth. From 10 individuals in 2011, Living Rock Church has grown to 350 members in 2021.
In 2016 Josh Hayden joined Living Rock Church as the youth and worship pastor to assist Skagg, who has undergone two kidney transplants, the most recent in 2017.
The non-denominational church is centered around lessons of the Bible and Skaggs said he strives to make his weekly messages applicable to everyday living.
“Instead of coming in and attending only on Sundays, we ask people to join life groups and study the word that way weekly,” he said. “We have been here 10 years, but we are not done.”

10 years ago (2011)
•Since the spring of 1979, Rock County Highway Department Maintenance Supervisor Walter Stearns has worked through more than three decades of Minnesota season changes.
Friday, April 29, is his last day at the highway department, which concludes 32 years of work for the county in which he was born and raised. …
On May 7, 1979, Stearns was hired as a fulltime equipment operator. The maintenance supervisor at the time was Russell Swenson, whom Stearns then succeeded 14 years later.
Although being maintenance supervisor never crossed his mind before that time, he has held the title for the last 18 years, managing the county’s maintenance staff through 72 season changes.
 
25 years ago (1996)
•Three Rock County students are among 448 competitors in the 1996 Minnesota State High School League speech tournament Friday and Saturday at Stillwater Area High School.
Matt Ebert, representing Hills-Beaver Creek, is returning to the great speeches category after winning the state contest in 1995. He is a junior and the son of Gregg and Cyndi Ebert of Hills.
Lavelle Kroontje will represent Southwest Christian High School, Edgerton, in the informative speaking category. She is a senior and the daughter of John and Rachel Kroontje, Kenenth.
Luverne High School junior Matt Tilstra is competing in the state contest in the discussion category. Tilstra is the son of Harold and Mary Tilstra, Luverne.
All three Rock County students will compete in the A division of the tournament.
 
50 years ago (1971)
•Viste Manor, the new retirement center apartment building at Hills, will be dedicated Sunday, April 18, John Nelson, administrator of Tuff Memorial Home, announced. The apartments are located south of the home and will be managed from the Tuff Memorial Home offices.
The sixplex was recently completed and is now ready for occupancy. Some of the apartments are expected to be occupied at once, Nelson said.
 
75 years ago (1946)
•Alyce Anderson, daughter of Dr. A. M. Anderson, and Luverne high school senior, attained the highest laurels obtainable in Minnesota high school public speaking circles last week.
Participating in the state contest in the dramatic reading division, Miss Anderson was given a rating of superior with her selection, “Elizabeth and Essex”. She was one of five to attain that rating, entrants from Fergus Falls, Carlton, Red Wing and Litchfield also winning the honor.
Eldon Michaelson, Luverne’s entrant in the state extemporaneous speaking contest, won a rating of excellent.
Jean Ellen Canfield, entered in the original oratory division, received a very good rating.
 
100 years ago (1921)
•For the first time in at least fifteen or twenty years, the regular state reward of $200 for the capture of a horse thief, was paid this week by Rock County.
This sum was paid for the capture of John Longnaker, a Hawarden, Ia., lad who on the evening of January 22nd stole a horse and buggy owned by E. M. Hanna, of Beaver Creek township, while the rig was standing on a street of Beaver Creek.
The lad was captured and the rig recovered two weeks later near Beresford, S. D., by A. J. Leech, Mr. Hanna and Elmer Lape, of Larchwood, and less than twenty-four hours after Mr. Lape had furnished a clue as to who the thief might be, the young man was in the Rock county jail.

The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on April 3, 1941.
 
Homemaker’s School Opens Tomorrow
 
Many Prizes To Be Given Away Daily
 
Sessions Will Begin at 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday; No Admission Charges
 
Lock the doors and come to the Luverne armory Friday and Saturday afternoons when The Star and Luverne merchants entertain at their School for Homemakers. Hundreds of Rock county women are expected to attend.
Interesting Program Arranged
Mrs. Eleanor Yenerich, nationality known lecturer and demonstrator, will present a program filled with interesting ideas and helpful suggestions. Working on the very newest of modern kitchen equipment, she will prepare all sorts of interesting, yet inexpensive dishes at the cooking school. On the first day, attractive foods will be concocted for unexpected guests. These will be made up out of the very ingredients and food products that each woman keeps on hand at all times in her pantry. The second afternoon will be devoted to preparing colorful dishes that will tempt jaded appetites. An assortment of appetizing quick yeast dinner rolls will be made on the second day along with some tantalizing meat dishes, picturesque pies and other foods.
Mrs. Yenerich is greatly interested in the increased use of this state’s own farm and dairy products, and in addition to featuring the use of cheese in new ways, she will use liberal quantities of butter, milk, cream and eggs throughout both sessions.
Distinctive dishes can be created through the use of seasoning, flavorings and garnishing, Mrs. Yenerich affirms, and so she will impart some of her secrets in seasoning to the women who attend.
Many Prizes to be Awarded
Several hundred free gifts will be awarded to the women attending the school. Prizes will include cooking equipment, costume jewelry, cookbooks and a huge supply of grocery products, including a year’s supply of Rinso given as a single award.
This Homemaker’s School is free and every woman in the community is cordially invited to attend. Remember the time, Friday and Saturday afternoons, from 2 to 4.
(The majority of the merchants cooperating will be found on page 9. The following were reported too late to be inserted in the story on that page).
The Kash Saving Store will set a table at the event. Coca Cola Bottling Works of Sioux Falls have provided Mrs. Yenerich with several cartons of the beverage to be given away as prizes.
         Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.