A little bit of Rock County has found a home in Iowa.
I recently toured a brand new 4,800-head finishing barn near where my daughter lives in rural Schaller, Iowa. She is the reason a part of the county she grew up in now has a home in another state.
Courtney works for a company that builds those large hog confinements.
Midwest Dry Cast, located south of Luverne, makes the concrete floor slats that allow manure to fall into the pits located under the barns. Midwest Dry Cast makes those slats from gravel mined in Rock County.
The barn Courtney helped construct from the ground up was the first time her company used the Rock County product.
Walking into the new barn and on the brand new slats brought back memories of the first time I walked into a hog confinement facility.
Thirty years ago I was the farm reporter for the Daily Globe just as Pipestone System was getting off the ground. Confinement barns were becoming an alternative to finishing pigs outside in pens. Biosecurity was emphasized to ensure healthy stock in the enclosed facilities.
As a stipulation to entering that sow barn decades ago, I needed to wear plastic coveralls and shoe covers. I also needed to shower before and after entering the barn to ensure I wasn’t carrying any harmful germs into the barn from another facility.
The barn I toured in December was twice the size and was more technologically advanced than that facility 30 years ago.
I almost think my 30-year-old daughter was influenced in utero to work in the swine industry.
An animal lover, she gravitated toward pigs as a 4-H’er and later as a college student at South Dakota State. An internship with Pipestone System set her on a path where she experienced various front-line positions that bring pork to people’s dinner tables.
During the barn open house I listened to visitors talk about design features and everything hog barns.
Most of all, I listened as my daughter used the knowledge she first began accumulating on our little acreage in Rock County to inform those who attended the open house.
In touring the new barn, I was just happy that I didn’t have to undergo a shower in order to look inside. No young pigs were in the barn at the time of the open house.
When the time does come, little piglets will grow to market weight on a flooring made right here in Rock County. You can almost feel that local connection in our food supply.

Question: I was hoping in a future column you could talk about safely navigating a roundabout.
Last fall a roundabout was put in by our elementary school. Since the start of the 20-21 school year, I’ve been using it 20 times a week to drop off my kids and pick them up. I see many drivers stopping at the yield sign in order to let other drivers in the roundabout continue on their way.
It’s my understanding that when using a roundabout, you are to slow down and merge into the roundabout to continue on your way. Could you please clarify how to safely and legally navigate a roundabout for your readers. Thank you.
 
Answer: This is a good topic as we are seeing more roundabouts all over Minnesota. Here is some information to help everyone out.
 
Drivers:
•Slow down when approaching a roundabout. For multi-lane roundabouts, as with any intersection, get into the appropriate lane.
•Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. It is the law.
•Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout. Merge into the traffic flow when it is safe.
•Continue through the roundabout until you reach your exit. Do not stop or pass in a roundabout.
•Exit the roundabout immediately if an emergency vehicle approaches, and then pull over. Do not stop in the roundabout.
•Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk when exiting the roundabout.
•Give large trucks extra space in a roundabout. Large trucks may straddle both lanes while driving through a multi-lane roundabout.
 
Pedestrians:
•Cross only at crosswalks, and always stay on the designated walkways.
•Never cross to the central island.
•Cross the roundabout one approach at a time. Use the median island as a halfway point where you can check for approaching traffic.
 
Bicyclists:
•Ride with traffic inside the roundabout or use the crosswalks appropriately.
•Follow the same rules as vehicles when riding with traffic, and yield when entering the roundabout. Since traffic is slower inside the roundabout, cyclists should be able to travel at or near the same speed as motorists, staying in line with the circulating traffic.
Roundabouts are not complicated but can be confusing as it is something new. Sometimes it’s easier to learn by seeing it than to read about it. Access this navigational video to help you:
https://youtu.be/hsFAs9gEYNQ For additional information go to: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/roundabouts/index.html
 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
Jan. 8
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant on N. Oakley Street reported a broken out window.
•Complainant on Walnut Avenue reported a window shot out.
•Complainant on W. Mead Court reported vandalism.
•Complainant on Harrison Street and Kniss Avenue reported a water leak on blockage.
•Complainant on N. Spring Street reported vandalism to vehicle.
Jan. 9
•Complainant in San Diego County reported located stolen vehicle.
•Complainant on S. Donaldson Street reported vandalism at location.
Jan. 10
•Complainant on IA 9 and 120th, Luverne, reported vehicle pursuit.
•Complainant on E. Dodge Street reported a noise complaint.
Jan. 11
•Complainant on W. Hatting Street reported vandalism.
•Harassing communication reported at location on S. Fifth Street, Beaver Creek.
•Abandoned vehicle reported at location on 145th and 150th, Luverne.
•Complainant on W. Warren Street reported a car at location.
Jan. 12
•Deputy checked doors at building on Main Street.
•Deputy on W. Main Street stopped suspicious vehicle.
•Complainant on W. Mead Court reported loud music.
•Complainant on W. Maple Street reported an abandoned bike.
•Assistance from another department was conducted in Ellsworth.
•Complainant conducted a search warrant on a motor vehicle.
•Complainant on Main Street and Estey Street reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant on N. Spring Street reported a possible assault.
•Complainant on County Road 4 and New Vision, Magnolia, reported a deceased animal on roadway.
Jan. 13
•Complainant on E. Luverne Street reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant westbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 7, Beaver Creek, reported driving conduct.
•Complainant reported an FBI phone scam.
•Complainant on E. 2nd Street, Hardwick, reported threatening behavior.
•Complainant on 180th Avenue, Magnolia, reported a tractor accident.
•Complainant on S. Church Avenue, Hills, reported a dispute with neighbor.
•High wind warning was issued for Rock County.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue requested phone assistance.
•Complainant on W. Harrison reported a vehicle for loud driving.
Jan. 14
•A blizzard warning was issued for Rock County.
•Complainant on E. Main Street reported a transient in area.
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported disorderly patient in ER.
•Complainant on Interstate 90, mile marker 6, Luverne, reported a semi in ditch.
•Deputy assisted MSP on Interstate 90, mile marker 11, Luverne.
Jan. 15
•Complainant on 11th Street, Steen, reported fire.
•Complainant on N. Donaldson Street reported a water leak.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue requested an unlock.
•Complainant on U.S. Highway 75, Luverne, reported a transient.
 
In addition, officers responded to 1 deer accident, 4 motor vehicle accidents, 12 vehicles in ditch, 8 escorts, 20 ambulance runs, 1 parking violation, 1 paper service, 5 animal complaints, 37 burn permits, 1 gas drive-off, 1 vehicle impound, 4 alarms, 27 purchase and carry permits, 4 stalled vehicles, 6 traffic stops, 5 abandoned 911 calls, 4 tests, 1 welfare check and 1 follow-up.

A visual tribute to a longtime Green Earth Players supporter now greets anyone entering the organization’s basement costume storage area.
Lining the walls to the basement are six mini murals featuring six of the GEP’s productions that Linda Dummer helped bring to the stage.
Artist Mary Petersen chose elements from each of the six productions and painted six mini murals on the otherwise white brick walls.
She said she took inspiration from photographs taken by her husband, Ken, during the performances and from graphics used in programs.
“I just did my own thing,” Petersen said.
The project took several months to complete as Petersen was inspired by what she wanted to include in the mini murals.
Some murals feature props such as knives, candy or animals used in the production. The murals also include people, the painting resembling the local actor or actress who played the part.
Terri Ebert, GEP board member, said the picking and choosing of what to include in each of the murals was a fun tribute to Dummer and is meant to bring back memories of the productions and the longtime supporter.
“Linda was such a historian and she liked to keep track of people and when things happened,” Ebert said.
The productions featured in the murals include “Willy Wonka,” “A Year of Frog and Toad,” “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” “The Dixie Swim Club,” “Drinking Habits,” and the upcoming “A Game’s Afoot,” which will be performed this year.
The production of “A Game’s Afoot” was ready to open in March 2020, just as the coronavirus pandemic was declared. Periodic rehearsals have continued in preparation for the mystery to take place this year.
Dummer died in April 2019 during the performance of “Drinking Habits,” which Petersen depicted by only including the brightly colored swimsuits and little of the women wearing them.
When the GEP moved to the West Main Street location, the basement became the dedicated area for costume storage.
Above the doorframe heading into the basement are words that Dummer frequently told performers during dress rehearsals and productions: “No food, drinks or smoking in costume!”

Card showers    
       Floyd Kraetsch will celebrate his 90th birthday on Saturday, Jan. 30. Greetings may be sent to him at 216 Cashin Drive, Luverne, MN 56156.
 
       Eunice Ripley will celebrate her 94th birthday on Saturday, Jan. 30. Greetings may be sent to 120 N. Spring Street, Apt. 313; Luverne, MN 56156.

LSS meals at Generations
Monday, Jan. 25: Sausage gravy with biscuits, peas and carrots, applesauce, cookie.
Tuesday, Jan. 26: Goulash, green beans, tropical fruit, bread.
Wednesday, Jan. 27: Vegetable soup, meat sandwich, pears, cake with frosting.
Thursday, Jan. 28: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, carrots, bread, gelatin with whipped topping.
Half-Price Day sponsored by anonymous sponsor.
Friday, Jan. 29: Chicken enchilada, brown rice, coleslaw, pineapple.
 
LSS Dining offers well-balanced and affordable meals in a community atmosphere.
Call Lynette Hoiland at 283-9846 to arrange to pick up a dinner or for home-delivered meals.
Gift certificates are available at the meal site or online at www.lssmn.org/nutrition.

LATC releases president’s list
Three area students were named to the Fall 2020 semester president’s list at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, South Dakota. To be eligible, students must be full time and earn a minimum of a 3.5 GPA. Students with an asterisk earned a 4.0.
Named to the list were Haylee Overvaag* and William Stegenga*, both of Luverne, and Kyle Kueter, Hills.
 
MSU Moorhead names honor students
Minnesota State University Moorhead has named several area students to the Fall 2020 dean’s list. Students must earn at least a 3.25 with 12 graded credits to be eligible.
Named to the dean’s list are LHS graduates Wyatt Vastenberg, business administration major; and Emily Wendland, entertainment industries and technology major; and H-BC graduates Grace Holthaus and Bailey Swan, both speech/language/hearing science majors.
 
Kruse named to dean’s list at St. Mary’s Winona
Kasyn Kruse, Luverne, has been named to the Fall 2020 dean’s list at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Winona. To make the dean’s list, students must earn a 3.6 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Kasyn is the son of Karla Kruse.

10 years ago (2011)
•Urban Planner Michael Schroeder took the stage of the Palace Theatre in Luverne Thursday, Jan. 13, to present possible directions for a commercial revitalization plan.
Local leaders have been working with consultants to draw up a plan for Luverne’s future growth.
A community meeting on Nov. 30 drew more than 100 interested community members who shared their thoughts on what direction Luverne could take.
At the Jan. 13 meeting, Schroeder, an architect with LHB Inc., Minneapolis, presented some of those ideas, many of them accompanied by architectural drawings.
One idea, for example, focused on the city’s aging power plant. It will eventually become obsolete as far as supplying city power.
However, its architectural design, with spacious interior, tall windows, and multiple levels inside, lends itself to creative uses.
Schroeder suggested the building could one day house a gallery, restaurant or a brew pub. He presented rough architect drawings of what it might look like in this capacity.
With its location at the head of the Blue Mound Bike Path and near the Rock River, it could also house an outfitter or rental business for kayaking, canoeing and biking.
The power plant was one of more than a dozen specific ideas for Luverne that would connect its resources and make the community more economically viable.
 
25 years ago (1996)
•The two-year pairing agreements between Luverne and Hills-Beaver Creek for cross country and gymnastics expire this year, and Luverne School Board members are considering whether or not to renew them.
Luverne Athletic Advisory  Committee members cited problems with lack of participation and transportation issues, particularly related to cross country. Their feelings were, considering the complications, it would be easier to simply offer the sport in Luverne for Luverne students.
However, the door was not closed on pairing. In a letter to the H-BC board, Supt. George Maurer stated the Luverne Athletic Advisory Committee and Board of Education will continue to review the agreements.
 
50 years ago (1971)
•When Elmer Ehde retired last year as rural mailcarrier at Steen after 49 years, it was said it would be difficult to find someone to fill his shoes and his mailboxes.
But Elmer and his Model “A” Ford have been replaced by a 48-year-old Hills housewife and postal clerk and her 1970 stationwagon.
Mrs. Albert Juffer took over Ehde’s route the day after Christmas and everything is running smoothly according to her and Postmaster Jay Aykens.
Mrs. Juffer was granted the route on the basis of seniority—she had been a postal clerk for the past 24 years at Hills. The 53-mile route she covers was too large to consolidate with another route upon Ehde’s retirement and so notices appeared last year calling for applicants to take over the Steen route.
It wasn’t a matter of “Women’s Lib” that influenced Ella Juffer to apply. She had discussed the idea with her husband and two children, and they approved. Mr. Juffer is a part-time construction worker in Hills while the two children both attend Hills’ schools. The Juffers also have a book-binding business.
 
75 years ago (1946)
•Bad weather has retarded construction of the alfalfa dehydrating plant which H. A. Paulson is erecting on the south edge of Luverne. But as soon as the weather opens up, construction will go ahead full blast, he said. Scheduled completion date is June 1.
When completed, the new industry will represent an investment of approximately $50,000 and will give employment to about 25 men. The plant will also be used for drying ear corn and shelled corn.
Mr. Paulson said that unusual interest has been shown by Rock county farmers in the new plant which will open up a greater market for them.
“We’re urging farmers to plant more alfalfa in 1946 because this new plant will assure them of an important source of income.
“We want at least 1,000 acres of green alfalfa supply for the plant and at least 1,000 acres of sun cured alfalfa.
 
100 years ago (1921)
•A deal was closed Saturday night where John Cameron sold the Cameron grocery store, including the stock fixtures, and good will and a long term lease on the building to Harry Snook, who was given immediate possession.
In connection with taking over the business, Mr. Snook retained the services of J. Earl Cameron and Claude L. Cameron, who have grown up in the business, and who have been closely identified with their father in its conduct, and also the services of Nels Petersen and Henry Schneekloth, who had been employed in there for some time.
Mr. Snook has had an ambition to engage in the grocery business in this city for some time, and following the consummation of the purchase he announced that it is his intention to continue the business along the same general lines as has the retiring proprietor, and that he will handle the highest quality goods and endeavor to give the best possible service. The store will be known as Snook’s grocery.

An impromptu celebration for Ardean “Bub” Walgrave’s 100th birthday took place Saturday afternoon, Jan. 16, outside of the Oasis Care Home in Luverne. Friends and family sang “Happy Birthday to You” after the centenarian’s Jan. 15th birthday. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the singers directed their song toward an open window where Bub enjoyed the birthday wishes.