By Sara QuamAfter almost 20 years in business, Alex Frick is ending his tenure as owner of Manitou Carpets.He sold the business to Mike and Dawn Van Den Top, Rock Rapids, effective June 1. Mike has worked as a flooring installer for 10 years and has done much of the work for Frick’s customers for three years.Mike said, "I just wanted to get into the retail side of things more and get off my knees. I want to retire someday and be in good shape."Frick isn’t retiring, though. "I am going to be more intentional about my ministry," Frick said.He said he will likely be active as an interim pastor for various churches in need and work in "visitation ministry."He and Sharon are moving to Richfield, which is close to three of their children and their grandchildren.Frick will work through the month of June before the Van Den Tops take over Manitou Carpets."I think people will really like Mike and Dawn," Frick said. He started the business in 1987 and his wife, Sharon, has been a part of it since 1993. The first location was in the former Manitou Hotel, which explains the unique name of the business.The Van Den Tops plan to hire one person to work about three days a week. Otherwise, Mike will be at the store. He said the business will stay much the same as it is. There will be some interior remodeling and an expanded product line, but the store already has a healthy selection, he said.The Van Den Tops said they plan to have an open house after they are settled into the store.

By Sara QuamLuverne citizens have a chance to give their opinion on the direction of the city and who will help lead it at a special meeting at 7 p.m. Monday in the Luverne Elementary School Commons.The Luverne City Council discussed this Tuesday at the recommendation of the City Administrator Advisory Committee, which met Monday. Council member Esther Frakes said, "We are seeking input from the public related to the identification of community needs and qualities of an administrator."City Attorney Ben Vander Kooi said, "This is a public meeting, open to everyone, and we’re hoping for a big turnout."Steve Perkins will facilitate the meeting.People attending the meeting will be able to offer input on the direction they’d like to see Luverne turn in the next five to 10 years; goals that should be accomplished in the next 12 to 18 months, and what they are looking for in a new city administrator.The City Administrator Advisory Committee is gathering information now, such as an administrator job description and community profile, and is starting the process of advertising for the position. Committee members hope to have interview candidates ready for the City Council by August, and a new person hired in September.The Committee members are Mayor Andy Steensma, Frakes, David Smith, Steve Perkins, Connie Connell and Barbara Berghorst.The Luverne City Council Tuesday also addressed how the city will be managed in the interim, without an administrator at the helm.The Council passed an ordinance for administration procedures until a new one is found.Existing staff is being asked to fill in the blanks, and department managers will receive raises for their extra work without an administrator. Barbara Berghorst and Marianne Perkins will receive 20 percent pay increases for the time without an administrator and Al Lais and Ken Vos will receive 10 percent raises. A management committee of City Clerk Marianne Perkins, Finance Director Barb Berghorst, Public Utilities Supervisor Al Lais, Public Works Supervisor Ken Vos, Mayor Steensma (or acting mayor Pat Baustian in his absence) will meet at least once a week.The meetings will cover basic city business and will report to the Council, as well as attend all Council meetings. New streetlightsThe Council approved specifications and the advertisement for bids for new lighting on Main Street to be completed before the street is redone this year.The lights will stand 14 feet above the ground and will be an old-fashioned design, with a glass globe on top of each.Some corner poles will have double lights, and the stop lights at the intersection of Main and Cedar will be replaced as well. There will be 75 new lights installed.

By Mark Remme A new health program targeting citizens over the age of 65 was addressed and passed at a Tuesday morning Rock County board meeting. The Minnesota Department of Human Services plans to implement the new program known as Minnesota Senior Health Options (MNSHO), which will assist citizens of age who are eligible for Medical Assistance and Medicare. Rock County Family Service Agency Director Randy Ehlers said the plan would cater to 100 eligible citizens within the county, 34 of whom aren’t being served right now. Through federal reimbursement, the program will actually earn the county about $37,420 in 2006.Clients will sign up or be enrolled with Managed Care plans that administer the program, such as UCare Minnesota and Blue Plus. Care for patients would be listed under one seamless plan which helps deter numerous insurance plans for patients, Ehlers said. Clinical services, acute hospital services, nursing home care, and assisted living are all areas listed under the seamless program. Along with the acceptance of the new plan for senior citizens within the county, authorization from the county board for a new FTE social worker was asked for and passed. The FTE worker would fill the need for a county Care Coordinator required by the new health plans. The Care Coordinator is the contact person for the clients to call regarding service questions. In Rock County, the number of constituents who are eligible for MNSHO is listed as a half-time caseload for the projected County Coordinator. The Family Service Agency plans to hire the FTE worker full time and distribute half the workload toward children’s mental healthcare within the community. "Children’s mental health is always a major concern but is something we haven’t focused on a lot in Rock County," Ehlers said. "This position would help us redistribute staff responsibilities and help us focus more on that area of care." The new position would be filled by the first of October at the earliest but more realistically in mid-November, Ehlers said.

I would like to remind people what the vote was for getting rid of the city administrator. I do believe there was more than one "yes" vote so why, David Hauge, would you not petition to get all of them out? The way it looks is you cannot stand that you lost to Maynard Lafrenz in the last Council election and now you use this as an excuse to get back in office. I think the administrator had cost the city some money, too, so you are in the same situation if he stayed. But can you explain why you don’t think the other two people who voted yes had no factual basis to terminate, met in a "rolling quorum" which I am sure when you were on the council that also happened. Maynard was not in charge of the meeting and didn’t call the meeting. There were others in the meeting and I think the mayor was in charge. So, Mr. Hauge, take your loss like a man and if you would like to run again at the next election go ahead. But when you lost once by the vote of the people that should be enough. Now look at what time and money you are wasting. I am sure that I could beat you in an election, too. Accept your loss and move on. Orv GreenRural Luverne

10 years ago (1995)
Hills-Beaver Creek School Board members called a special meeting Monday morning to discuss alternative building plans with architects. The first estimate of $10 million to renovate and meet fire and disability codes was more than the district wanted to pay.
The Green Lantern in Hardwick has a new owner. Dan Kern will operate the bar portion of the business and will lease the café and steak house to Becky Weinkauf.25 years ago (1980)
Nila Hanson was crowned the Rock County Dairy Princess.
The Blue Mound Area Theatre Corporation will buy the historic Palace Theatre with a $65,000 state grant. An additional $40,000 will have to be raised locally in order to complete the purchase. The Green Earth Players have performed for two years, but not yet in the Palace.
Brenda Mann was an intern at the Star Herald for the summer.50 years ago (1955)
A total of 366 children got the Salk polio vaccine at a special all-day clinic.
Beaver Creek voters will go to the polls on a $275,000 bond issue for construction of a high school addition.
The oldest soldiers in a Memorial Day parade were Joseph Jones and Frank Ferguson, who served during the Spanish American War.75 years ago (1930)
Jas. Crawford gave a Memorial Day address. A march of veterans included those from the Civil War, Spanish American war and World War.
The Luverne City Council decided to have a summer band concert each Wednesday evening between 8 and 9 p.m. in the Luverne city park. These concerts are to be provided by the Luverne High School Band, under the direction of H.R. Pond.100 years ago (1905)
The new Methodist church will be ready for dedication Sunday, June 18.
The matter of street and road improvements deserves more attention than is commonly given to it. Muddy streets and impassable roads are by no means a necessity. In fact they should be a thing unknown in this section, at least. Everybody knows that as a rule, what is called "road work" is largely a waste of time and public revenue. Beyond a doubt, if the street and road work were done systematically, under scientific directions, the present cost of such work could be largely reduced and vastly better results could be secured.

Public NoticeClose Proximity Owners and Local Officials of the Rock County Planning & Zoning Commission.Notice is hereby given that the Rock County Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 20th, 2005, at the Rock County Family Service Center located at 2 Roundwind Road in Luverne, MN at 7:30 p.m. to act on the following Conditional Use Permit application.Conditional Use: Expansion of an existing feedlot presently at 900 animal units to an expanded capacity of 1266.25 animal units.Legal Description: The SE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of section 17 in Kanaranzi Township, T101N, R44W, Rock County, Minnesota.Facility Owner and Operator: Todd Wessels The existing facility consists of an 41’ x 138’ total confinement barn with a 41’ x 138’ x 8’ poured concrete pit to house 700 head of finishing swine, a 40’ x 140’ total confinement barn with a 40’ x 140’ x 8’ poured concrete pit to house 1625 head of nursery pigs, a 51’ x 260’ total confinement barn with a 51’ x 260’ x 8’ poured concrete pit to house 1625 head of finishing swine. The expansion will be a 51’ x 260’ total confinement barn with a 51’ x 260’ x 8’ poured concrete pit to house 1625 head of finishing swine. Using .05 AU for nursery pigs and .3 AU for finishing swine the total AU will be 1266.25.The described property is zoned as A-2, General Agriculture. All persons interested may appear and be heard at said time and place, or submit views in writing or by representative. Date: June 9, 2005By Order of the Rock County Planning & Zoning CommissionEric Hartman, Zoning Administrator311 W Gabrielson RoadLuverne, MN 56156507-283-8862 Ext. #3(6-9, 6-16)

PROBATE COURTDISTRICT COURTPROBATE DIVISIONORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION AND NOTICE TO CREDITORSSTATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKIn Re: Estate of Sigrid Severtson, DeceasedTO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:It is Ordered and Notice is hereby given that on the 27th day of June, 2005, at 3:30 O’clock P.M., a hearing will be held in the above named Court at Rock County Courthouse, Luverne, Minnesota, for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of the above named deceased, dated October 21, 2002, and for the appointment of Arlyn Severtson whose address is 1209 N. Linden Street, Luverne, Minnesota 56156, as personal representative of the estate of the above named decedent in supervised administration, and that any objections thereto must be filed with the Court. That, if proper, and no objections are filed, said personal representative will be appointed to administer the estate, to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, and sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the estate. Upon completion of the administration, the representative shall file a final account for the allowance and shall distribute the estate to the persons thereto entitled as ordered by the Court, and close the estate. Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present the same to said personal representatives or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred.Dated: 6/6/05 /s/ Timothy K. ConnellTimothy K. ConnellDistrict Court Judge/s/ Daniel W. Vis /s/ Sandra L. VrtacnikDaniel W. Vis Sandra L. VrtacnikAttorney for Petitioner Court AdministratorEisma and Eisma130 East Main, Box 625Luverne, MN 56156(507) 283-4828I.D. #271238(6-9, 6-16)

PROBATE COURTDISTRICT COURTPROBATE DIVISIONORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP AND APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR IN SUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION AND NOTICE TO CREDITORSSTATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKIn Re: Estate of Keith G. Pederson, DeceasedTO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:It is Ordered and Notice is hereby given that on the 27th day of June, 2005, at 3:30 O’clock P.M. a hearing will be held in the above named Court at Rock County Courthouse, Luverne, Minnesota, for the adjudication of intestacy and determination of heirship and for the appointment of Tamara Wise whose address is 601 North McKenzie, Luverne, Minnesota 56156, as administrator of the estate of the above named decedent in supervised administration, and that any objections thereto must be filed with the Court. That, if proper, and no objections are filed, said administrator will be appointed to administer the estate, to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, and sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the estate. Upon completion of the administration, the administrator shall file a final account for the allowance and shall distribute the estate to the persons thereto entitled as ordered by the Court, and close the estate. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 524.3-403 Subd. (a) notice is hereby given that the Petitioner, LaVonne Rolsma, has reason to believe that the original will of the decedent has been lost or destroyed. Petitioner also states that an authentic copy of said will has been presented to the Court for formal probate. Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present the same to said administrator or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred. Dated: June 6, 2005 /s/ Timothy K. ConnellTimothy K. ConnellDistrict Court Judge/s/ Daniel W. Vis /s/ Sandra L. VrtacnikDaniel W. Vis Sandra L. VrtacnikAttorney for Petitioner Court AdministratorEisma and Eisma130 East Main, Box 625Luverne, MN 56156(507) 283-4828I.D. #271238(6-9, 6-15)

STATE OF MINNESOTA IN DISTRICT COURTCOUNTY OF ROCK FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICTSOUTHWEST MINNESOTA FARMERS COOP,f/k/a LUVERNE FARMERS ELEVATOR, INC.,f/k/a FARMERS CO-OPERATIVE ELEVATORCOMPANY OF LUVERNE Plaintiff,AND SUMMONSLeROY D. TWEET AND DONNA TWEET;COCHRANE FERTILIZER, INC; J.R. SIMPLOTCOMPANY; HAWKEYE LAND COMPANY; LAND O’LAKES, INC.; AND ALL OTHER PERSONS AND ENTITIESUNKNOWN AND THEIR UNKNOWN HEIRSCLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, FILE NO.INTEREST, OR LIEN IN THE REAL ESTATEDESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, Defendants.THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED AND REQUIRED to serve on Plaintiff’s attorney a Response to the complaint which is on file in the office of the Court Administrator of the above named Court within twenty (20) days after service of this Summon upon you, exclusive of the day of service. If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint which involves, affects or brings in question real property situated in the County of Rock, State of Minnesota legally described as follows, to-wit: Kenneth PropertyAll that part of the former station grounds of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company in the Village of Kenneth, Minnesota, located in the North Half of the Southeast Quarter (N1/2 of SE1/4) of Section Two (2), Township One Hundred Three (103) North, of Range Forty-four (44) West, of the 5th P.M., Rock County, Minnesota, described as follows: Commencing at a point on the East line of Section 2, which is 175 feet South of the South line of First Street in the Village of Kenneth, as the point of beginning; thence westerly 350 feet along a line 175 feet South and parallel with the South line of First Street; thence Northerly along a line parallel with the East line of Section 2, to a point on the south line of First Street which is 350 feet West of the East line of Section 2; thence Easterly along the South line of First Street 350 feet to the East line of Section 2; thence Southerly along the East line of Section 2 to the point of beginning, and subject to highway easements.ANDAll that part of the former station grounds of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company in the City of Kenneth, located in the North Half of the Southeast Quarter (N1/2 of SE1/4) of Section Two (2), in Township One Hundred Three (103) North, of Range Forty-four (44) West, of the 5th P.M., described as follows:Commencing at a point on the East line of Section 2, which is 300 feet South of the South line of First Street in the City of Kenneth, as the point of beginning; thence Westerly 568 feet along a line 300 feet South and parallel with the South line of First Street; thence at right angles and Northerly 125 feet (to a point 175 feet south of the South line of First Street); thence Easterly along a line 175 feet South of and parallel with the South line of First Street to the Section line; thence Southerly along the Section line to the point of beginning, and subject to highway easements.Luverne PropertyA parcel of land located in the Northeast Quarter (NE1/4) of Section Eleven (11), Township One Hundred Two (102) North, Range Forty-five (45) West of the 5th P.M., located in the City of Luverne, Rock County, Minnesota, described as follows:Beginning at the intersection of the west line of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company’s Right-of-way, now abandoned, and the south line of Dodge Street; thence Easterly along the south line of Dodge Street a distance of 150 feet; thence Southerly at right angles a distance of 50 feet; thence Easterly at right angles a distance of 50 feet to a point on the east line of said right-of-way; thence Southerly along the east line of said right-of-way a distance of 250 feet; thence Westerly parallel to Dodge Street a distance of 200 feet to a point on the west line of said right-of-way; thence Northerly along the west line of said right-of-way a distance of 300 feet to the point of beginning, subject to easements, if any.EXCEPTING THEREFROM:The West twenty-five feet (25 ft.) of the above described property.The object of this proceeding is to Quiet Title to the real estate described above by excluding the Defendants from any interest in said real estate.Dated: June 6, 2005By: /s/ Benjamin Vander Kooi, Jr.Attorney for PlaintiffBENJAMIN VANDER KOOI, JR.VANDER KOOI LAW OFFICES, P.A.127 East Main, P.O. Box 746Luverne, Minnesota 56156(507) 283-9546Attorney I.D. No. 112124(6-9, 6-16, 6-23)