By Sara QuamRock County Commissioners Tuesday approved a capital improvement plan and the ability for the county to bond up to $1.75 million to cover those capital improvements.Commissioners said they aren’t sure if or how much they will bond to pay for projects in the next few years, but they now have the option.Commissioner Ron Boyenga voted against the motions, saying he’d rather spend down reserves if these projects are deemed necessary.The capital improvements listed on the CIP, which was discussed at a public hearing, are: oa renovated or newly-constructed law enforcement center, oa Heartland Express building and Highway Department renovation, oa fiber loop to technologically connect county offices, oFamily Services maintenance upgrades and expansion, and oa courthouse garage.Commissioner Jane Wildung said, "We didn’t hear objections to doing these things. … It’s a good thing to have, because every year, the Board should talk about capital needs."Commissioners said that although they approved bonding, they might decide to bond for less, or even not to bond this year.The board gave only "preliminary approval to the issuance of bonds."The board will forward its CIP to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for review.Audit resultsCommissioners heard an audit report from Doug Holst, of the accounting firm Larson & Allen.Holst said county staff was cooperative and was committed to complying with newly changed accounting standards. Some key points to the audit included a significant change in depreciating assets. With the new accounting changes, even roads and bridges get a depreciated dollar amount yearly.The county has about eight months of expenditures in the fund balance, which Holst said was appropriate and "healthy." Rock County’s fund balance has been consistent through the past few years, which Holst also noted as a positive.Year-end cash investment balances have been steady at $6.5 million to $7 million for four years, too.Using 2003 numbers, Holst said Rock County has the lowest per capita debt of Rock, Nobles, Pipestone and Jackson Counties. Rock County’s per capita debt is $31; Nobles is $497; Jackson is $664; Pipestone is $309. The state average is $4, however.Holst said the small number of county employees struggles to meet some standards, such as segregating duties in the processing of county transactions. He said the small number of people with a concentration of duties isn’t desirable, but is fine if management is aware of this "internal control" issue.In other business Tuesday the board of commissioners:oPassed methamphetamine protocol and procedures for employees.Law enforcement, assessors and social workers, for instance, may come into contact with methamphetamines when in users’ or manufacturers’ homes.The county now has a policy in place on how to physically and legally handle those contacts.The Rock County Sheriff’s Department will conduct a training session for employees.oHeard an update on how elections will change in the future. The state has applied for and received federal grants that will go to every precinct for election equipment updates. The new equipment costs $6,100 per precinct. Rock County has 24 precincts.Rock County Auditor Treasurer Gloria Rolfs said an election meeting of about 40 local people showed that election participants weren’t in favor of the change, but the state is making counties change their equipment.The state sees this upgrade as an increase in accuracy.

Hazardous waste collection is June 22-23Next week is your opportunity to get rid of that stuff around your house that you normally can’t get anyone to take.On Wednesday the Rock County Land Management Office will collect household hazardous waste at the Rock County Transfer Station (the old landfill site) from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Magnolia city shop.Acceptable waste includes paint, aerosol cans, and hazardous household, automotive, lawn & garden, and home improvement products.On Thursday, June 23, unwanted and unusable pesticides will be collected at the transfer station.For most participants, up to 300 pounds of pesticide will be accepted without charge.Unlike the hazardous waste collection, you must register for this collection. For more information, phone 283-8862, ext. 3.Luverne Gala raised money for Children’s Miracle NetworkThe Children’s Miracle Network Gala, held at the Palace Theatre last month, raised $2,200 for their cause.That fund-raiser, combined with other events over the course of the year, brought the total raised by the Luverne Hospital’s CMN committee to more that $6,500.The Palace event was organized by Sue Sandbulte and featured opera singer Emily Lodine, a comedy routine by Dr. Don Smith, and a singing performance by Dr. Joshua Crabtree and his wife Emily.A Hee-Haw comedy routine was also performed by hospital nurses Karen Roberts and Ruth Opsata.I-90 project to begin this weekThe MnDOT project supervisor announced that the I-90 project from Luverne to Beaver Creek will start mid-week.According to Ken Janovsky, plans are in place to begin the concrete rehabilitation on three bridges, which will result in short lane closures on the westbound lanes.Later in June, the contractor’s plans include the overlay from Beaver Creek to the Rock River at Luverne on the eastbound lanes of I-90, which will result in lane restrictions and reduced speeds.The project was awarded to Buffalo Bituminous, Inc. of Buffalo for $1,499,793.Although it was originally scheduled for completion by mid-August, it’s now expected to be completed by mid-July.I’m from the DNR and I’m here to helpUnfortunately, a lot of people view the Department of Natural Resources as the agency that is really good at "just saying no."They probably do say "no" a lot, but they also have a lot of advice and assistance that can be very beneficial on various projects you want to tackle on your property.Whether a landowner is interested in establishing native grasses, restoring a wetland, planting trees and shrubs, controlling exotic species such as buck thorn, or improving water quality, a DNR private land specialist can be a valuable ally for any landowner interested in enhancing or adding wildlife habitat to their property.According to Jodi Provost, a private land specialist with the DNR, most private landowners think that if they get the DNR’s help, their land won’t be private anymore. Not so.According to Provost, over 75 percent of the land in Minnesota is privately owned and in northeast Minnesota 87 percent of the sharp-tailed grouse habitat is on private land.If you have land that you would like to improve for natural habitat, you can find out more about how the DNR can help by going to their Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us or contact Emily Hutchins at 507-445-5841.More county road projectsThe Highway 75 project north of Luverne might be getting most of the attention, but it’s not the only project in progress.Construction of a bridge over the Beaver Creek began on Monday, June 13th.The bridge is located three-and-a-half miles east of Highway 75 on County Highway 20, also know as the state park road.Replacing the bridge is expected to cost $232,950 and will take approximately 10-12 weeks.Duininck Brothers, Inc. of Prinsburg is the contractor in charge of the replacement.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com

By Sara QuamLuverne residents met Monday night to set goals for the city — and to describe the person they want to lead the city toward those goals.Luverne has been without a city administrator since the end of May, and the hiring process is about to begin. The current search committee wants a better idea of what residents want and need before the next leader is hired.The committee is made up of Steve Perkins, Connie Connell, Dave Smith, Marianne Perkins, Esther Frakes and Andy Steensma.The search committee had Perkins facilitate the roundtable discussions to get as much citizen input as possible.Part of what Perkins brought to the meeting was experience as a former Luverne city administrator himself. He pointed out that the person in the administrator position really does lead Luverne. That person is supervisor of all employees. In addition, the administrator is utilities manager, supervisor of Library, Pool and Fitness Center and economic development. The administrator even votes on some boards and commissions.Perkins said the administrator actually does two or three jobs, considering that some cities have more supervisors for some of the Luverne administrator’s duties."It’s a broad position with broad powers and responsibilities," Perkins said.The Council is the only unit above the administrator and usually ends up terminating the administrator if there is a problem. It is often referred to as a CEO model of government.Perkins pointed out that six of the last seven administrators were asked to leave or left under "difficult circumstances."He said, "We should take the time to lay the groundwork for hiring a new city administrator."The meeting drew about 42 people, including some city staff."We can’t undo the past, but we can sure do something about the future. And we can start by doing a little dreaming," Perkins said.Wish listfor the futureIn a group effort, participants in the meeting set goals for Luverne in the next five to 10 years:oWhile preserving existing businesses, create new jobs by drawing more clean industry and living wage businesses.oCreate an atmosphere of cooperation with other government bodies and businesses, along with community groups and non-profits.oPreserve Luverne’s quality of life, which includes a solid technological infrastructure, good parks and streets, and refuse program.oIncrease population and spur housing growth.Perkins said, "These are long-term goals, but you don’t get very far unless you figure out what tasks you can do in the next 12 to 18 months to make them happen."The group’s vision of who can lead the city to the goals included these qualities:oA person who delegatesoA thoughtful person who is a good listeneroA tactful and diplomatic personoA person with knowledge of Minnesota government and city operationsoA person who is passionate about the jobJim Harner said, "I would like to see someone who is good at getting federal money or grants for some projects."Harner said, "There are ideas out there and it’s dollars that get them going."Ron Boyenga, who is a Rock County Commissioner said, "Pretty much he has to be everything to everyone."Some at the meeting felt the City Charter should also be reviewed. So much power in the city is with one person, and that could be why Luverne has gone through so many administrators. As far as the qualities and goals outlined, Perkins said the meeting was useful for the committee. "I’m pretty pleased about it. I think we’ve made great strides," Perkins said. "It’s an important task because it’s an important position. I think we all know and love Luverne and this shows a lot of community spirit."City staff and the Luverne City Council will go through a similar exercise in outlining goals for the city and leadership qualities the city needs."There was a pretty good consensus at this meeting and that’s important because someone coming in will like to know what the community thinks," Perkins said. "Councils come and go, but pretty much, people stay."

By Lori EhdeEffective July 1, a new Minnesota law will restrict the sale of pseudoephedrine products.Because pseudoephedrine is a primary ingredient for producing methamphetamines, lawmakers and the pharmaceutical industry are hoping the restriction will serve as a deterrent in meth production.According to the law, oNo more than two packages or six total grams of pseudoephedrine products can be sold in a single over-the-counter transaction.oPackages must not contain more than a total of three grams of one or more of these meth precursor drugs.oNon-liquid products must be sold in blister packs, where each blister contains no more than two dosage units.The new law requires that stores display these products behind a check-out counter where the public is not permitted, and it must be offered for sale by a licensed pharmacist, registered technician or a pharmacy clerk.The buyer must:oProvide a photo identification showing date of birth. (The purchaser must be 18 years old or older.)oSign a written or electronic document detailing the date of the sale, name of the buyer and the amount of the drug sold. (A prescription is not needed.)Sales are limited to six grams of a precursor product in a 30-day period.Lewis Family Drug chief pharmacist Craig Hohn said he’s pleased with the legislation."I really think it’s a positive," he said. "For our customer service staff, it will eliminate the theft potential, and it will eliminate problems at the counter. There have always been the what-ifs about whether or not we should be selling pseudoephedrines to certain individuals. It will take the guesswork out of that part of it."Hohn said it will put additional responsibilities on the pharmacy staff, but he doesn’t anticipate problems."It will be a matter of us retraining the customers. There will be signage directing them to pharmacy for those products, and there will be some education about how much and how often they can buy it."Considering initial legislation had restricted all products containing pseudoephedrine, Hohn said he’s pleased that some products will still be available on retail shelves."That would have really restricted access, especially in rural communities where pharmacies aren’t open late or on weekends," Hohn said."Now you can still walk into a store after hours and pick up a cold product for your child."The new law doesn’t apply to pediatric products, products in gel capsules or liquid form or to products where pseudoephedrine constitutes less than one percent of its total weight.

By Mark Remme for the Star HeraldLast week a Pipestone couple ended a legal dispute that began in February at a middle school basketball tournament in Luverne. Doug and Lisa Smidt took a cigarette break just outside the elementary school’s doors on Feb. 5. Wendy DeLaRosa Gacke, who was at the tournament with her children, approached the couple. "I showed them the sign that said there is no smoking on the Luverne Public School campus and asked them if it was too much to ask to put their cigarettes out," Gacke said. "They said it was too much to ask." Gacke said that she felt it was her moral duty to take action. "I wanted to stand up for what I believe," Gacke said. "Cigarette smoking influences children. It wasn’t about getting revenge when they didn’t respond to my request. It just isn’t healthy and it’s illegal on the school’s grounds."Law enforcement was summoned to the scene, and the Smidts were given a citation by means of a citizen’s arrest. The couple fought the ticket until Thursday, June 9, when they decided to pay the fine. Dual citations of $60 were given to each of them, plus an estimated $40 in court fees brought the total to around $160. Some in the community have applauded Gacke’s initiative to call law enforcement. "I think it’s great that a community member stepped up," said Paula Anderson, Public Health Educator for Nobles-Rock County Public Health Services. "Policies and ordinances are in place for a reason. It’s proven that seeing people smoke affects the way kids feel about smoking." Gacke agrees that she made the right decision. "Afterward, my son told me that he was proud of me," Gacke said. "That made it worthwhile for me." Schools began making changes in their policies on tobacco use in 1975 with the introduction of the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act. The act protected public health by restricting smoking in public places and work places. The prohibition of tobacco was brought further in the 1990s with school districts making it illegal to use tobacco products anywhere on the school’s grounds. Luverne has signs posted around the school’s property stating the district has a zero tolerance policy for tobacco products.City of Luverne and Rock County parks are tobacco free as well, but they aren’t in the form of an enforceable ordinance.

By Sara QuamThe recall election of Councilman Maynard Lafrenz is a dead issue, with no petition turned in to Luverne City Hall by the Monday deadline.Lafrenz said he didn’t want to comment on the recall, but acknowledged the support of many constituents throughout the last month.David Hauge led the recall effort, saying he would file to run against Lafrenz if enough signatures were collected.He said the committee got 378 signatures, but 500 were needed by Monday morning for the recall process to continue.Then, the signatures would have been verified and a special election held.Other people on the recall committee are Gary Kurtz, Shirley Akkerman, David Meyer and Jason Johnson.Hauge said he shut down the signature-gathering after a Rock County Star Herald editorial said the paper would publish names of people who signed the petition."It was a clear-cut intimidation tactic," Hauge said.After the editorial, a handful of people said they wanted their names removed, and he was "torn" about having other people’s names published, too.Even though the petition didn’t get the results Hauge hoped for, he said he doesn’t regret bringing up the issue. "I still think we need some change and some new direction," Hauge said.The petition and recall effort was started after City Administrator Greg La Fond was terminated without cause.Although Mayor Andy Steensma and Council member Esther Frakes also voted in favor of the termination, Lafrenz was the only one petitioned to recall.The formal statement from the committee to start the recall said in part, "City Council Member Maynard Lafrenz has, with no factual basis to support his position, voted to terminate the Employment Agreement of City Administrator Greg La Fond. "Such unwarranted action by Maynard Lafrenz will result in City of Luverne taxpayers and rate payers making payments to La Fond in excess of $50,000. Such expenditures of city funds is neither necessary nor fiscally responsible."The statement also said Lafrenz violated open meeting laws by discussing the termination in closed sessions of small groups of council members to avoid a quorum, even though votes were tallied in those meetings. La Fond had also requested that the meeting be conducted in open session.The committee statement said the actions of Lafrenz opened the city to further litigation and legal liability and has damaged employee morale and efficiency.It’s estimated that the special election would have cost about $2,000 to $3,000. Hauge said, "I love this city. I hope to God in the end that this council does a good job, gets a new administrator and does good things for this city."

By Lori EhdeThe 2005 version of Rock County’s Relay for Life is set for Friday night.The event is a trademark fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society, but it also serves as a celebration for those who have survived cancer and a memorial for those who died from cancer.In the case of Mike Van Der Brink, the event is also a cheerleading effort for those still battling the disease.Van Der Brink is the honorary chairman of this year’s Relay for Life, but there’s a chance he may not be there Friday night.On Monday, June 6, doctors at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, removed a volleyball-sized tumor from his abdomen. Tests showed that it was the same aggressive cancer he’d been diagnosed with 4 1/2 years ago. It’s called leiomyosarcoma, a cancer known for spreading quickly, and requires what Van Der Brink called "extreme chemo."In a June 2 Star Herald story, he described treatment back then as "a knock-down, drag-out battle" that he hoped he’d never have to do again.When Relay organizers asked him to be honorary chairman, Van Der Brink was only six months shy of being five years cancer free — a major milestone for long-term survival.According to his family members, Van Der Brink’s surgery Monday was nine hours long — twice as long as doctors anticipated — and it involved removing a portion of his colon and two portions of his small intestine.Because doctor’s can’t be sure they removed all of the cancerous tissue, Van Der Brink will need to have chemotherapy and possibly radiation treatments."I know Mike isn't looking forward to the chemo but he has a very strong faith and the will to survive, especially for Kellie and Kris," said Van Der Brink’s sister, Nancy Drenth.She said it’s unclear whether he’ll be able to attend Relay for Life activities in Luverne."I guess we will have to wait and see," Drenth said. "If there is any possible way for him to be there, he will be, I'm sure."Rock County event draws 21 teamsThe Relay for Life in Rock County event is open to the public and will be at the Luverne City Park on Friday, June 17, beginning with supper from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Opening ceremonies will start at 7 p.m. with the survivors lap followed by all the teams starting their walk around the track. The overnight event will continue with activities, food, and various fund-raisers ending at dawn on Saturday, June 18, with closing ceremonies at about 6 a.m. This event is one of more than 3,500 Relay events in the country. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Rock County is in its fifth year of raising funds and awareness for cancer.The community has a five-year history of supporting the event through in-kind and monetary donations. 2001: $57,750.002002: $44,128.692003: $57,763.182004: $62,085.362005: $40,000 goalThis year, 21 Rock County teams are walking with a goal of raising $40,000 to help find a cure for cancer. Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society’s premier community outreach program, brings thousands of volunteers and millions of dollars into the organization, further increasing the ability to fight cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. The annual event involves teams of runners and walkers competing against each other to raise the most money.Teams of individuals representing corporations, hospitals, neighborhoods and families take turns on the track through the night with at least one team member on the track at a time.The event is most noted for its luminaries that glow in memory of individuals who have died from cancer or in honor of those who have survived cancer.For information, call co-chairs Nancy Kaczrowski, 283-2375, or Glenda Schomacker, 283-8886.

10 years ago (1995)
Quentin Aanenson was inducted into the Rock County Hall of Fame.
The Luverne girls 400 meter relay team earned a championship in the Section 3A Track and Field Championships. Team members were Amber Mollberg, Jodi Strassburg, Misty Madtson and Machelle Cook.25 years ago (1980)
Magnolia School District is the first case of a total school district dissolving in Minnesota since the legislation allowing such an action was adopted.
Gravel roads, country fields and city streets took a beating as the third round of heavy rains in six days fell. Water went over 330 miles of county maintained roads in 75 places according to Rus Swenson from the county highway department.
More than 300 members of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of Minnesota met in Luverne.50 years ago (1955)
Voters approved a $180,000 bond issue in Hills for additions to the present school building.
Beaver Creek voters approved a $275,000 bond issue for constructing, furnishing and equipping an addition to the school building and remodeling the old building.
Jacob Sells, about two miles northeast of Beaver Creek, is one of the first in the country to have a mechanized egg factory. He has 340 hens.75 years ago (1930)
The Luverne Commercial Club decided that it will purchase picnic tables for the city park.
Beginning next week, Luverne businesses will be open until 10 p.m. Wednesdays.
Rock County voters were asked to show up at polls Monday for the primary elections for county, state and district offices.
James Mitchell, who is a licensed amateur radio operator, communicated Sunday with a station in Sitka, Alaska.100 years ago (1905)
Mrs. Gus Nelson returned from a trip to California with gifts for members of the Sophomore Birthday Club. She brought Japanese pocketbooks.
J.E. Mitchell completed a large barn on his farm a mile north of Luverne. It is 52 feet by 64 feet with 14 foot posts. It is arranged conveniently with a large carriage room with a broad driveway, so as to permit hitching and unhitching horses in the barn; large granary rooms for all kinds of feed, and a large hay mow extending from the ground floor to the roof. The carpenter was Nels Berg.

By John RittenhouseThe Luverne Redbirds returned to action after a two-week playoff by playing three games since Wednesday, June 8.Luverne bested Wilmont by three runs in Luverne June 8. The Redbirds lost one-run road tilts against Hadley and Pipestone on Sunday.The 2-5 Redbirds host Fairmont Sunday (7:30 p.m.) before playing a 7:30 p.m. game in Truman Wednesday.Pipestone 6, Luverne 5The Redbirds let a two-run lead slip away in the final inning of Sunday’s game in Pipestone.Luverne snapped a tie at three when James Fisher delivered a two-run single in the top of the ninth, but the A’s scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth to pull out a one-run victory.The Redbirds scored two runs in the fourth inning and one run in the fifth to gain a 3-0 advantage that was erased when Pipestone plated three runs in the bottom of the fifth.Adam Kurtz slapped an RBI single to highlight Luverne’s two-run rally in the fourth. Tim Boen walked and scored on Tony Sandbulte’s sacrifice fly in the fourth.Jesse Kuhlman pitched five innings for three-run ball as Luverne’s starting pitcher. Jake Studer took the loss after surrendering three earned runs in the ninth.Box score AB R H BIStuder 3 0 2 0Sandbulte 3 1 0 1M.Boen 3 2 1 1Reisch 2 0 0 0Jr.Pick 2 0 0 0Kurtz 4 1 1 1Fisher 4 0 2 2Miller 2 0 0 0Wysong 2 0 0 0T.Boen 3 1 1 1Fodness 3 0 0 0Hadley 1, Luverne 0A late run for the home-standing Buttermakers proved to be the difference during Sunday’s game in Hadley.The teams battled to a scoreless draw through six and one-half innings before Hadley produced the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh.Kurtz went the distance on the mound for the Redbirds. He fanned four batters and yielded seven hits.Mike Miller doubled in the second inning to account for Luverne’s lone hit.Box score AB R H BIFisher 3 0 0 0Jo.Pick 3 0 0 0Miller 1 0 0 0Gacke 1 0 0 0Reisch 3 0 0 0Kurtz 3 0 1 0Fodness 3 0 0 0Shelton 3 0 0 0Kuhlman 1 0 0 0T.Boen 1 0 0 0Luverne 6, Wilmont 3A four-RBI effort from Kurtz lifted the Redbirds to a three-run home win over Wilmont June 8.Luverne scored two runs in the first, third and fourth innings to open a 6-0 cushion, and Kurtz registered at least one RBI in each inning.Mike Boen slapped an RBI single before scoring on a ground out by Kurtz in the first inning. Kurtz and Adam Reisch punched run-scoring singles in the third inning, and Kurtz capped the scoring for the hosts with a two-run single in the fourth.Kuhlman started the game on the mound and picked up the win by tossing six innings of one-run ball. Kurtz and Miller pitched in relief of Kuhlman, with Miller earning a save.Box score AB R H BIStuder 3 2 0 0Jo.Pick 4 0 0 0M.Boen 5 2 2 1Miller 2 1 0 0Shelton 1 0 1 0Kurtz 5 1 2 4Sandbulte 4 0 0 0Reisch 4 0 2 1Fisher 3 0 1 0Fodness 2 0 0 0