Don Bork, Beaver Creek, said he believes God has a plan for everything and for everyone, and after his Feb. 15 cardiac arrest, he’s convinced he’s alive today for a reason.
“God does have a plan — for all those people to be there at the right time in the right place,” he said Sunday, nearly a month after nearly losing his life.
On that frigid February night, he turned an ashen color and slumped in his chair during a council meeting at the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne.
He regained consciousness to find himself lying on the floor surrounded by several worried faces leaning over him.
“Wrede (Vogel) was saying, ‘Don, if you can see me squeeze my fingers.’ I looked around some more and squeezed his fingers,” Don said. “And I saw the biggest smile I’ve seen in my life.”
He learned that his heart had stopped beating and his church colleagues brought him back with quick thinking and the use of an AED — automated external defibrillator.
“I knew we had one at church, but I didn’t even know where it was,” he said.
Don traveled by ambulance that night to the emergency room in Luverne and then to Sioux Falls where an angiogram the next day showed a primary vessel was 99 percent blocked.
“They told me that I’d had a heart attack, but because of how quickly I was brought back, there was minimal damage to my heart,” Don said. “I’m one humble and fortunate guy.”
 
Reality sinks in
Marcia said people have sympathized with her about the traumatic events on her birthday. “But I tell them I had the best birthday present ever,” she said. “I still have him.”
She said she couldn’t stay with Don at the heart hospital due to COVID-19 precautions, so she returned home in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.
“The hard part was coming home to a quiet house, and the reality hit me,” she said. “I could be actually coming home alone.”
A few of her close friends —Char Feikema, Marilyn Van Santen and Jan Brink — had recently lost their husbands and Marcia had them over for coffee the Friday before Don’s heart attack.
“When they left, she looked at me and said, ‘You can’t leave me,’” Don said. “And I said, ‘Well I don’t plan on it.”
Little did they know how close he would come to leaving.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen,” Marcia said Sunday.
She admitted she’s having a hard time grasping the reality that she almost lost him.
“It’s hard to think of it, in a sense, because then it’s real,” she said. “So I just look at what did happen. … It was humbling when we actually did come home together.”
 
Recalling the ‘what-ifs’
Cardiologists placed a stent in the blocked vessel around noon Tuesday, Feb. 16, and by 2 p.m. Wednesday Don found himself back at home reflecting on the previous 48 hours.
“I caused a lot of people a sleepless night,” he lamented.
Mostly, he replayed the events of Feb. 15 in his mind, knowing that the day could easily have ended differently.
It was Marcia’s birthday and their son (Randy) and grandchildren had been there for supper.
“It was a terribly cold night, and I told Marcia that I would maybe skip the church meeting since it was her birthday,” Don recalled. “But the kids were getting ready to leave, and Marcia said I should go to the meeting.”
The fact that he left home — 20 miles from Luverne — to attend the meeting likely saved his life.
“Had I been home, I would have never made it,” Don said. “That was the good Lord’s plan starting right there.”
Also, the fact that Dr. Vogel was at the meeting and quickly initiated CPR while others called 911 saved precious time in restoring his heart rhythm.
Rich Hubbling took over chest compressions while others retrieved the AED from the church narthex and Vogel connected the sensors.
A readout from the machine showed 58 seconds elapsed from “power on” to “analysis started,” and another 19 seconds before “shock initiated.” Then, within 40 to 50 seconds the heart was beating somewhat normally.
 
Warning signs
Other than cracked ribs from the chest compressions, Don said he feels fine now and is doing cardiac rehab therapy at Sanford Luverne.
“I almost feel guilty for feeling so good after what I put everyone else through,” he said.
He said he felt mostly fine before the cardiac arrest, too, but now realizes he overlooked some warning signs.
There was the vacation in the Smoky Mountains when he felt a pain during a hike.
A similar thing happened during harvest field fire when he rushed to get equipment for discing a barrier.
And after the first snow of this winter he noticed it after briefly shoveling.
“It was pure stupidity on my part over the past four to five months that I still ignored those signs.”
Also, he and Marcia have lost close friends and family members in the past, one due to heart issues, and it should have prompted him to listen to his own body.
“I have three brothers who have had issues with their hearts,” he said. “And then 13 days [after Feb. 15] later my nephew Doug Bork died of a massive heart attack. That was a real gut wrench for me.”
His nephew would have been 60 this year.
“You look at that and you wonder, ‘Why him? Why not me?’ I guess God’s not finished with me yet,” said Don, who will be 70 in July.
 
Spokesman for a cause
The Luverne Area Community Foundation is fundraising to pay for yearly inspections and battery and pad replacements for AEDs in the community.
An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses cardiac arrhythmias and instructs users how to administer shocks if the machine deems they’re needed.
There are about 50 in locations in Luverne and Rock County.
Foundation director Emily Crabtree has asked if Don would be a spokesperson for the cause.
“I’d be humbled to help put the story out there,” he said. “It might be one of the reasons God has me here yet.”
Another new advocate for AEDs is Shawn Feilema who was sitting next to Don at the church meeting.
“It’s an experience I’ll never forget,” Shawn said. “What an amazing providence of God to have people there who knew what to do and an AED available.”
He said he and his brother Mike, Feikema, are getting an AED at their farm operation and will train their employees how to use it during their spring safety training.
“When we have all our part-time help here, it’s 13 or 14 guys, and some of them are over 65,” Shawn said. “If it can save a life, it’s definitely worth the investment.”
Those interested in supporting AED maintenance in the community can contact Crabtree at 507-220-2424.

Construction on the long-awaited Towne Square Development Project on South Highway 75 will begin this spring, according to action at the March 9 City Council meeting.
Council members approved a development agreement with Alvin Johnson of Town Square LLC to construct two 27-unit apartment buildings on the former Sharkee’s and Mert’s property that the city owns.
The agreement stipulates items the developer will do as well as the items the city of Luverne will provide as incentives for the project.
One apartment building will receive a $680,000 workforce housing grant and a $550,000 loan with 2-percent interest and payments deferred for 10 years.
The two apartments will be constructed in the TIF District and the land will be conveyed for $1.
The site development provided by the city includes paving the parking areas.
The site development costs, as well as costs already incurred in acquiring the property, demolishing the structures and installing utilities will be repaid with future tax increments.
The developer will sign a promissory note and a personal guarantee for the $550,000 deferred loan and agrees to the terms and conditions of the $680,000 workforce housing grant.
The assessment agreement states that the agreed upon market value of each 27-unit apartment complex will be $4 million for a total market value of $8 million.
Johnson and Don Jahnke, the builder, attended Tuesday’s council meeting to answer questions about the plans.
“We designed it in accordance with the grant and with what we felt the city could use to keep rent rates at a workable number for a small town,” Jahnke said.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing the buildings go up and also getting publicity for their efficiency. It’s a very environmentally friendly project to bring into a town.”
By that, he means the units will be built with “Extreme Structural Insulated Panels.” They’ll have high performance heat pumps, in-floor heat, LED lighting that qualifies for Energy Star, and the Net Zero Ready Program.
“It will be one of the greenest, most efficient multi-family buildings in the Midwest,” he told the Star Herald after the meeting.
The development includes one- and two-bedroom units
There will be two one-bedroom units on each floor. Some units will have two bedrooms and two baths, and there are also two-bedroom one-bath units on the corners with more windows.
“Each building has three levels, with elevators, so we can serve all ages on any floor,” Jahnke said.
Mayor Pat Baustian said that will also help Luverne fill a need for senior housing as well.
“Given the time invested in this project, it’s going to be wonderful to see it kick off and watch you develop that site and apartment buildings going up,” Baustian said.
“Using this workforce housing grant … housing is expensive and apartments are short and this will definitely help with our workforce.”
Jahnke said he’s grateful to have Johnson working with him on the project.
“It’s nice to have a developer with his background and experience who’s willing to work in a small town,” Jahnke said. “Ninety percent of them would run to Sioux falls, so it’s been great getting to know him.”
Johnson joined Tuesday’s meeting in Luverne via Zoom from his office in Texas.
“Thank you for the opportunity,” he said. “I look forward to being here in the spring.”
He gave credit to Jahnke for doing the legwork on the project.
“I happened to be the guy to walk through the door at the right time,” Johnson said. “They’ve worked tirelessly on this for years. When our purpose and our passion collide the magic happens, and that’s what’s happened today in Luverne, Minnesota.”
Councilwoman Caroline Thorson said she looks forward to the development having a lasting impact in Luverne.
“We’re thrilled to have this development take place for our community, for our citizens, and for our future citizens,” she said. “Thanks for taking a chance and reaching out to our community.”
Jahnke said dirt work will begin when the frost is out of the ground this spring.
Plans still call for a mixed use development of retail and residential to front the property along Highway 75.
The entire development was delayed in 2019 when the area qualified for federal Opportunity Zone investments.
However, the parameters of the incentive didn’t meet what investors were looking for and the project proceeded without it.

After a planned 30 years in law enforcement, Lori Halsne of Luverne hung up her maroon and tan uniform of the Minnesota State Patrol Feb. 12, her 50th birthday.
Halsne entered law enforcement when few women chose policing as a career. She credits positive role models for her choice.
As a teenager growing up in Ruthton, she rode along with a classmate’s father, a deputy sheriff with Pipestone County and a career in law enforcement intrigued her.
“It’s a career with no sitting behind a desk,” Halsne said.
She developed a strong philosophy during her years working in public safety from those role models.
“Traffic enforcement is important but I always tried to make it a positive and educational experience,” she said. “It wasn’t always about writing a ticket.”
Halsne attended Willmar Community College, where she earned a two-year degree.
An internship with the
MSP had her riding with Laurie (Mortenson) Bullerman, one of a few women troopers in the early 1990s.
“I looked up to her as a female officer,” Halsne said. “My dream was to work with the State Patrol.”
Halsne entered her first law enforcement job at age 20 in 1991 with the Marshall Police Department. She was the only woman on the force at that time.
“There had been a woman working there in the 1980s, but she left by the time I got on the force,” Halsne said.
She applied to the MSP in 1997 along with 1,500 other applicants. A desire to patrol the open roadways versus city streets. She was hired to work in the Morris district.
As a rookie with the MSP, Halsne completed a four-month academy, an experience similar to basic training for the military.
“We started with 21 and finished with only 11,” she said. “I was the only female.”
Halsne moved to the Marshall district in 1998 and was assigned to the jurisdiction of Rock and Nobles counties. She chose to live in Luverne, where she plans to continue to live after retirement.
She spent 22 years patrolling the state roads in her jurisdiction, covering over 900,000 miles, many of them on I-90.
“There are a lot of people that get stranded or broke down on the interstate,” she said. “Through the years I got a lot of thank-yous.”
Halsne was never forced to use her gun in line of duty, but she experienced several close calls when vehicles would come too close to her as she assisted others on the interstate.
Her hardest job in law enforcement came just months before her retirement.
She was surprised when the riot training she completed as an MSP rookie more than 20 years ago was put into play in May 2020 during the riots in the Twin Cities.
She scoffed at the riot stick and other gear she was handed, thinking this will never be used during her stint as a trooper.
Then George Floyd died during his arrest near a convenience store in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. The public response was to riot, and the MSP and the National Guard were called in to restore order.
“It was like walking into a war zone,” Halsne said. “Thank God for good training.”
She recommends anyone interested in law enforcement today to delay entrance into the field.
“Don’t start in the career too young … get some life experience and a four-year degree,” Halsne said.
Like military service, she feels anyone in law enforcement should set similar limits. Her retirement comes as the public view of peace officers is shifting.
“Today there’s a lack of respect towards law enforcement,” she said.
In retirement Halsne said she will pursue another job, but first she looks forward to spending more time with family, which includes her 15-year-old son, Michael.

Rock County residents woke to a white world Monday morning after nearly 7 inches blanketed the area with a heavy wet snow. Whether that was a good or bad thing depended on who was asked.  It was hard work to shovel the stuff, but for students sledding west of the elementary school that afternoon, the snow was a good thing. Luverne Middle School sixth-graders spent time after e-learning lessons getting fresh air on the fresh snow.

Rock County and southwest Minnesota residents are steadily finding increased access to the COVID-19 vaccine, according to local public health officials.
Last week the vaccination priority groups were expanded to the second and third tiers of Phase 1b. Tier 1 of Phase 1b included people 65 years and older, teachers and child care providers.
Phase 1a included health care workers, long-term care facility residents, and group home residents.
“Expanding to the next two tiers of Phase 1B couldn’t have been more timely,” said Jason Kloss of Southwest Health and Human Services.
“Filling appointments at vaccination clinics was becoming more challenging, especially in our region.”
He said most people in the previous priority phases that wanted the vaccine have been vaccinated.
Following are the groups included in the next two tiers of Phase 1b. All people in these two tiers and the previous phases are eligible to be vaccinated, Kloss said
Phase 1b, Tier 2 —high-risk populations:
People age 16 or 18 years and older with Sickle cell, Down Syndrome, active cancer treatment, immune-compromised from organ transplant, oxygen-dependent chronic lung or heart conditions.
People with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk.
Phase 1b, Tier 2 —essential workers including:
Employees of food processing facilities.
Phase 1b, Tier 3 —high-risk populations:
People age 45-64 years with one or more underlying medical conditions listed below. People age 16 or 18 to 44 years old with two or more underlying medical conditions listed below. People age 50 and older in multigenerational housing.
Phase 1b, Tier —essential workers:
Agriculture, additional school and child care workers, airport staff, correctional settings, first responders, food production, food retail (grocery), food service, judicial system workers, manufacturing, postal service workers, public transit workers and public health workers.
Kloss said several providers in Luverne now offer COVID vaccinations.
“Sanford Luverne is currently offering vaccine to clients that meet the definition of high risk,” he said. “Extra doses and open appointments will be offered to those essential workers on their wait list.”
Lewis Family Drug also provides COVID vaccinations.
“Their vaccination schedule is currently full, but they are hoping to get additional doses soon,” Kloss said. “There are other pharmacies in our region that are also offering vaccinations.”
He said SWHHS is now focusing on offering vaccinations to employees of food processing plants in the region.
“We will be vaccinating employees of Premium Pork in Luverne in the coming week. Essential workers in Tier 3 will be our next focus,” Kloss said. “SWHHS continues to work closely with our partners at Sanford Luverne and Lewis Family Drug to ensure our residents have an opportunity to be vaccinated. The good news is that the vaccine supply is increasing and as each week passes, more people are being vaccinated.”
To be notified of vaccination clinic opportunities, please register using the survey located on the website at SWHHS.com. Eligible people and essential workers will be notified by email of vaccination clinics that we schedule.

Eighteen Rock County businesses received $180,000 in Small Business Relief Grants last year, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced earlier this month.
State legislators created the program last June and distributed $61.51 million statewide.
“We know that small businesses have suffered the most during this pandemic, so this program was designed to help them,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove in a March 5 press release. “These dollars helped thousands of businesses weather some of the worst months of the pandemic, and we look forward to better days ahead for the state’s business community.”
Grant distribution was completed through a randomized lottery process after the application period closed in July. Businesses had to be Minnesota owned and operated and had to demonstrate financial hardship as the result of the coronavirus outbreak.
The program ended Dec. 31 with more than 6,000 recipients.
Luverne businesses that received $10,000 each include 75 Diner, Big Top Tent Rentals, Howling Dog Saloon, Fawning Lashes, Great Planes Travel, Luverne Lanes, Luverne Power Fitness, Papik Motors, Print Express, Reborn Home Furnishings, Salon 75 Hair and Spa, Sassy Seconds, Sterling’s Cafe and Grille, The Bean and Tyana’s Boutique.
Hills grant recipients include Valocity Studios, Kristin Van Der Brink Massage Therapist and Willies Inc.
More than 27,400 businesses applied for the grants during the summer application time frame. Additional federal funding was made available in December with additional recipients selected from the waiting list.

Four juveniles are facing criminal charges in connection with holiday vandalism of Christmas displays at the Luverne City Park, in addition to assault and damage to numerous other properties around town.
According to the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, the teens are accused of multiple crimes — some of them felonies — ranging from damage to property to assault with a dangerous weapon.
The Rock County Attorney’s office last week filed four juvenile delinquency petitions in Rock County District Court charging Elliot Stoltenberg and Gavyn Boll, both 16 at the time of the alleged crimes, and two 14-year-olds (whose names are not public due to their age).
“It’s kind of heartbreaking seeing that these kids have done what they did. … It caused a lot of turmoil in the community,” said David Owens, assistant county attorney. "It is worrisome that we have children whose circumstances led to these actions. We have no idea as to why they’ve done this. … It’s difficult to parse.”
The criminal complaints outline more than a dozen counts of vandalism in varying degrees and assaults that took place in and around the city of Luverne between December 2020 and February 2021.
The assault charges stem from the use of air-gun style, CO2 powered automatic pistols that were used to shoot at individuals. At least one incident involved shooting at a pedestrian from a vehicle.
The same weapons are described in damage to property, much of which involved shooting out windows. The complaint outlines more than a dozen separate incidents of Luverne residents and business owners reporting damage to vehicles or property by a BB-gun style weapon.
By reviewing security footage at some properties where damage was reported and comparing that to reports of individuals who had been shot at, law enforcement contacted the parents of the suspects to interview them.
According to the redacted criminal complaint released late on Monday, each juvenile admitted to one or more of the vandalisms and implicated other juveniles.
Following the interviews, law enforcement recovered a revolver-style BB gun that fires projectiles at 710 feet per second. The complaint also describes a black CO2 powered full-auto blowback BB air pistol that had been recovered.
Also recovered with it were a 15-count box of Daisy Powerline Premium CO2 cartridges containing six full cylinders with the remaining nine removed, and one container of Crosman Copperhead precision copper coated steel BB’s, 6000 count.
The complaints mention that a third weapon may have been used in the crimes. 
Sheriff Evan Verbrugge said the vandalism spree took a toll on the community more than other crimes, due to the holiday season amid the pressures of COVID-19.
“The community took this vandalism hard,” he said. “We were trying to do something to beautify the park and gather people to celebrate Christmas.”
Many of the same businesses hit hardest by the pandemic worked hard on their displays.
“They went all out, and then to see the vandalism happen the first time and then the next week to see it happen again,” Verbrugge said. “There’s no emotional connection for the kids, but for the owners there’s a huge emotional connection.”
Stoltenberg is charged with 11 counts of damage to property in varying degrees and two counts of assault. One or more of the counts contained in the petition is a felony.
Boll is charged with 10 counts of damage to property in varying degrees and two counts of assault. One or more of the counts contained in the petition is a felony.
All four juveniles are scheduled to come before the court for an initial juvenile hearing on March 22.
It's unclear whether reward money will be disbursed, according to Owen.
“We’re looking into giving remuneration to someone who may have helped,” Owens said.

The Rock County Historical Society Board of Directors has authorized the reforming of the Rock County Hall of Fame Committee, and new members are sought for input.
The purpose of the committee is to recognize the accomplishments of the many men and women —great and near-great — who at one time in their lives had a significant identity with Rock County, Minnesota.
Their achievement comes from all endeavors, with some gaining state, national and international recognition.
Fame, for some, may have been confined more closely to home. However, the common thread for all is the distinction that their accomplishments brought to Rock County.
Applications are now being taken for up to 10 people, representing all regions of the county, who would be willing to serve on the committee, which meets once annually.
Names of volunteers interested in serving on the committee will be accepted through April 7. The Rock County Historical Society Board will name committee members during its April meeting.
Those interested in serving on the committee or who need additional information can contact the Luverne Area Chamber at 507-283-4061 or email rcmuseum@gmail.com.

Free food March 18
New Life Celebration Church will offer free food at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 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 with questions.
 
Community Education ball sign-up March 19
All grades K-12 register by Friday, March 19 for summer Community Education ball -- Legion, Jr. Legion, middle school baseball, major league, minor league, T-ball, and softball.  After March 19, registrations will be accepted only if there are openings on the rosters and the fees will be higher.
 
Community Education
Luverne Community Education will offer the following classes and activities. Call 507-283-4724 to register.
Maximize Your Memory – attend by Zoom or in person on March 24.  Learn when to be concerned and techniques to improve your memory!  Register with your email.  Fee is $5.
Preschool Fun Time on March 30 for parents with children ages 0-5.Registration required, but no fee.
Learn how to keep your yard looking fresh from George Bonnema at the Pruning Shape Up class on April 13.  Fee is $10.
Using glaze, heat, flames and cooling, you will transform a pottery piece into an Amazing Raku Treasure on April 17.  Fee is $5 plus pick out a piece of pottery ranging from $10 - $30 at the studio.
 
Rock County spring weight restrictions in effect
Spring weight restrictions are in effect on Rock County roadways. Load restrictions starting and ending dates are based on how the weather is affecting roadway strength. The dates are based on monitoring roads as weather conditions change, and they are variable, so drivers must check for updates throughout the spring. Call the Rock County Highway Department, 507-283-5010.
 
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. You can also email Courtney Newgard at Newgardcourtney.newgard@unitedcapmn.org with questions.
 
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