By John RittenhouseA late push by the Adrian wrestling team gave the Dragons a 30-29 win in Albert Lea Saturday.In a match featuring two state-ranked teams (Adrian is third in Class 2A, and AL third in Class 3A), Adrian received clutch wins from Brandon and Dusty Bullerman late in the match to pull out a one-point victory.A five-match winning streak from 103 to 130 pounds gave AL a 22-21 edge with four matches remaining. Brandon Bullerman pinned Brandon Mellang 37 seconds into the second period and Dusty Bullerman nipped Jared Butter 1-0 to help the Dragons outscore AL 9-7 in the final four bouts.Adrian scored the first 15 points of the contest with Nate Engelkes (5:18 over Cory Frerk) and Levi Bullerman (3:51 over Alex Paul), and Cody Reverts adding a 2-0 decision win over Alex Hansen.The score was 21-3 when Adrian’s Cody Lutmer pinned Tony Malespy, but AL countered with its five-match run to gain a 22-21 lead.Match wrap-up160 (A) Engelkes pins Frerk.171 (A) Reverts 2-0 Hansen.189 (A) L.Bullerman pins Paul.215 (AL) Berhow 7-4 W.Lutmer.275 (A) C.Lutmer pins Malespy.103 (AL) Kortan t.f. Loosbrock.112 (AL) Hansen 3-0 J.Bullerman.119 (AL) Hansen 12-4 Thier.125 (AL) Johnson 10-4 Croat.130 (AL McGinnis 16-6 Reker.135 (A) B.Bullerman pins Mellang.140 (AL) Morris 9-1 Heitkamp.145 (A) D.Bullerman 1-0 Butter.152 (AL) Klukow 2-1 Sauer.

By John RittenhouseLuverne advanced to the quarterfinal round of the Section 1A Girls Hockey Tournament after nipping Waseca by one goal during an opening-round game played in Luverne Tuesday.Prior to playing the tournament game, Luverne lost a home game to Marshall Thursday before ending the regular season with a home win over Morris-Benson Saturday.The 16-7-1 Cardinals will play No. 2 New Ulm at 7 p.m. tonight in the section quarterfinals.Luverne 2, Waseca 1The seventh-seeded Cardinals earned the right to move on in tournament play by nipping No. 10 Waseca Tuesday in Luverne.Natalie Domagala scored both goals for the Cards, who also received a solid effort in net from Sarah Schneekloth. Schneekloth stopped 33 of the 34 shots she faced.Domagala opened the scoring with 2:45 remaining in the first period after being set up by Sadie Dietrich.With two Waseca players sitting in the penalty box, Domagala scored her second goal of the game at the 7:52 mark of the third period to give LHS a 2-0 cushion.Waseca’s Jenna Sopowiak finally pushed a puck past Schneekloth with 3:34 remaining in the game, but the Cards blanked the Blue Jays the rest of the way to win by one.Luverne 6, M-B 3The Cardinals capped a 15-7-1 regular season by posting a three-goal home win over Morris-Benson Saturday.Domagala scored all six goals for the Cards in the game, including three in a span of 10:37 of the third period that snapped what was a deadlock at three.Domagala gave LHS a 2-0 lead with goals at 10:41 and 8:59 of the first period before M-B cut the lead in half (2-1) with a counter late in the stanza.Domagala gave the Cards a 3-1 cushion with a power-play goal at 8:01 of the second period, but the Storm tied the game at three with a second-period tally and another goal at the 13:07 mark of the third period.Domagala broke the tie with an unassisted effort with 11:43 left to play before adding two more goals to ice the win.Luverne’s Dietrich recorded three assists and Paige Olson and Natalie Morgan received credit for one assist each. Schneekloth made 32 saves for the Cards, who were outshot 35-27 in the game.Marshall 7, Luverne 5Luverne’s bid to gain a share of the SWC title fell two goals short when the Cardinals entertained the Tigers Thursday.A three-goal run in the second period gave the Cardinals a 5-4 lead, but Marshall’s Alyssa Issackson tied the game at five with 2:33 remaining in the second period before netting the eventual game-winning goal at the 12:39 mark of the third period.The win gave Marshall, which outshot the Cards 46-25 in the game, an outright SWC championship.Domagala, who scored three goals for LHS, tied the game at one after being set up by Dietrich, with a counter at the 8:57 mark of the first period. Marshall scored goals 1:10 apart to gain a 3-1 lead before the first period was complete.The teams exchanged goals in the first 4:05 of the second period before the Cards moved in front 5-4 with a three-goal spurt.Unassisted goals by Dietrich and Domagala knotted the score at four with 11:07 left in the second period. With an assist going to Domagala, Dietrich gave the Cards a one-goal lead at 3:45.Schneekloth made 20 saves in net for LHS.

Farm Bureau celebrates Food Check-Out DayAs of Feb 7, next Monday, you (the average family) will have earned enough income to pay for your family’s entire food supply for 2005.You’re going to have to work a little longer to pay for the year’s tax bill, however.The purpose of the Food Check-Out Day is to point out to the American people the low cost of food in our country.According to the latest statistics compiled by the Agricultural Department’s Economic Research Service, American families and individuals currently spend, on average, 10 percent of their disposable personal income for food.So, the average family is able to pay for its annual food supply in just 37 days.The Bureau goes on to point out that the tax freedom day takes over 100 days to reach, falling somewhere in mid- April.I’m all in favor of cheap food, but I’m not sure the comparison is fair.While food is a very important aspect of our lives, taxes go toward a variety of things, including education, roads and bridges, public safety, human services and the defense of our country, including homeland security.I think the Farm Bureau Federation should stick to pointing out what a great job they do at raising high- quality inexpensive food and forget about irrelevant comparisons.4-H members hit the streetsA couple of weeks ago I was telling you to expect a knock on the door from our local Girl Scouts out on their annual cookie sales.Now it’s the 4-H members’ turn, only they are selling "fruit and more."Fruit has always been the staple of the 4-H fund-raiser, with apples, oranges, pears and grapefruit in the mix.Over the years, other things have been added to their sales arsenal.In addition to fruit, this year’s items will include popcorn, cheese, beef sticks, pickled herring and a variety of frozen foods.If a 4-H’er doesn’t contact you, and you would like to make a purchase, you can call the Rock County Extension office at 283-1320 by Feb. 21 to place your order.The "Fruit and More" sale is the major fund-raiser used by local 4-H’ers to help support their local activities, some of which include summer day camps, overnight camps, after-school and summer project days, leadership training, communication contests and the many activities at the county and state fairs.Downtown Council to meet with State Historic Preservation OfficeOn Friday, Feb. 4, the recently formed Downtown Business Council will meet with the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office to discuss historic preservation in the downtown district.According to Jill Wolf, Luverne’s economic development director, the discussion will focus on how to obtain funding, historic tax credits, getting on the National Register of Historic Places and the benefits of a historic tax district.As she has done at past meetings, Betty Mann will give the history of two of Luverne’s downtown buildings/businesses.The meeting will start at 9:00 a.m. at the Luverne Pizza Ranch.Welcome spring with DaffodilsThe American Cancer Society hopes you will welcome in spring with some daffodils.The annual daffodil sale is used by the American Cancer Society to help support cancer research, education and service programs.If you would like to preorder the daffodils, you must do so by Feb. 16 by calling 283-4039 or 283-8311.The flowers are scheduled to arrive March 7.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com

The following appeared in the Rock County Weekly on July 25, 1884:Monday’s MisfortuneThe Terrors of a Fierce Tornado Visited Upon Portions of Dakota and Southwestern Minnesota — One Man Killed in Rock County and Others Seriously Injured — One Death Near Adrian — The Most Violent Tempest and the First Destructive Storm Ever Known In This Section — Houses and Outbuildings Demolished Throughout the County and Crops Considerably Injured — A Large Amount of Property Destroyed in Luverne but Fortunately no one Seriously Injured — The Loss Occasioned in Luverne Variously Estimated at From $8.000 to $12,000.A Serious CalamityThe Facts in General:Later reports concerning the havoc wrought by Monday’s tornado indicate that portions of Rock County most seriously damaged were in the townships of Springwater, Beaver Creek, Luverne and Magnolia. Considerable damage was done in Martin township and, in fact, in all other parts of the county, but the storm seems to have been less severe throughout the north and the south tier of townships. As thus far reported, the number of lives lost in Minnehaha county, Dak., is six. One man in Rock County, and one lady in Nobles County were killed, and several others were seriously injured. The damage at Dell Rapids is estimated at $100,000 and at Valley Springs at $50,000. No reliable estimate of the damage in Rock County can be made at present. The loss from building destroyed will be considerable, but it is believed that the damage to crops will not be so great as was feared at first.Fatal Results: Eight Lives LostThe deaths in Minnehaha County, Dak., occasioned by the storm, were as follows: Mrs. A. Scott, of Lyon township, killed by lightning; Mrs. John Hale of Highland township also killed by lightning; a child of Peter Digre was killed in the ruins of its father’s house near Highland. Mrs. Digre was seriously injured; two children were killed near Dell Rapids in a schoolhouse which was blown to pieces. A child of S. Dacken was also killed by the wind in the same neighborhood.L. Lassessen, a Sioux Falls carpenter employed on the new church in Martin township, which was torn to pieces, was buried under the debris and instantly killed.Mrs. Graff, daughter of one of the Nobles County commissioners, was killed five miles north of Adrian.[This article is longer and will be continued next week.]Donations to the Rock County Historical Endowment Fund can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, P.O. Box 741, Luverne, MN 56156.

Manufacturers of store mannequins are taking a full-hip swing –— not to mention a first step — in the right direction. Their latest models will strongly resemble entertainers Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce and lesser-knowns such as, well, most American women. The new mannequins have become what Reuters refers to as "bootylicious figures" with "well-rounded backsides." Since Macy’s of Manhattan placed the new mannequins in their juniors’ department almost two years ago, sales have tripled. We’ve had reality checks in the news and reality TV shows. It was only a matter of time before realism would affect the way we buy clothes. We apparently like seeing possible clothing purchases stretched out over 38-inch, plastic hips. Let’s face it. The average clothing size for women in our country is a size 14, not the tiny size one worn by some emaciated store mannequin. We are real women, not models, and we do enjoy eating. The new trend in mannequins might explain why young women feel good about themselves as they proudly appear in public with sausage-skin tight low-rise jeans and what appears to be excess sausage stuffing and a pierced navel overflowing their waistbands. It’s definitely a different look and one that would have sent earlier generations reeling. As a direct result of the new, full-figured store mannequins, we should expect to see many changes. Most noticeably, store display windows, which formerly could showcase four or five of the plastic models, will now only have hip room for one or two. Instead of the plaintive looks on yesterday’s rail thin mannequins — starving looks that said, "I would do anything to be left alone in a room with a Krispy Kreme" — the new mannequins might actually have contented smiles on their faces. Salespeople in clothing stores will no longer have to bite their lips and try to stifle their laughter as they did when we asked, "I would like to try on what that mannequin’s wearing, but in my size." We will be the same size as the mannequins, and what we see will be what we get. The new mannequins might eliminate much of the fitting-room anguish for women trying on clothes. There will be fewer surprises. For the first time in our lives we will be able to say, "Hey, if those jeans look that great on the mannequin, imagine how wonderful they will look on me!" Personal confidence and self-esteem will soar to new heights. Perhaps shoe stores will follow suit and display shoes in more realistic, larger sizes. They might stop using infinitesimally small, size five shoes and instead show what the styles look like in size 11 or 12. They should realize that the few women wearing tiny shoes are either real-life Barbie dolls, modified through drastic surgery, or unfortunate women who have had all of their frozen toes amputated following some freakish snowstorm. If it’s realism they’re after, the window people preparing the new, full-bodied mannequins for display could go a few steps further. A piece of french fry might still cling to the corner of one mannequin’s mouth. A dab of ketchup or fryer grease might be applied, tastefully of course, to another mannequin’s chin. An extra grande Mocha latte with whipping cream, artistically dribbled down the front of a mannequin’s outfit, would provide an exquisite, finishing touch of realism. Prepare yourself for a brave new world of clothing store mannequins.

Rodent looking for love rules our weather outlookI’m not a fan of lazy, large rats, but the tradition of Groundhog Day is interesting enough to give some attention.I remember looking forward to Groundhog Day as an elementary school student. Depending on how the weather had been through the winter, I would either hope for more snow days or an early spring.The hibernating groundhog awoke Wednesday to see his shadow, which means we’ll have six more weeks of winter weather.Our local snowmobilers and sledding fans might finally have something to smile about.The celebration of Groundhog Day began with Pennsylvania’s earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day, which states, "For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May ..."Candlemas has an early origin in a pagan celebration mid-point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Superstition said that if the weather was fair, the second half of winter would be stormy and cold. For the early Christians, it became custom on Candlemas Day for clergy to bless candles and distribute them to the people in the dark of winter.That seems a lot nicer than waiting for a rodent to look for a shadow, especially since the woodchuck is obviously looking for something else.Groundhogs always emerge from their slumber this time of year to meet, mate and return to their burrows. In my younger days it was fun to wait for the big announcement of weather predictions. Now, I know the male woodchuck is just waking up to check out the local female gene pool.They do it this time of year because there is a small window of time when groundhogs must be born in order to survive: If the baby groundhog enters the cold world too early, it may not be able to find enough food. If the baby groundhog is born too late, it may not be able to build up enough fat layers for winter hibernation.Even so, it’s fun to see if the woodchuck from Punxsutawney, Pa., working for free since the 1880s, is more accurate than our weather forecasters.

Manufacturers of store mannequins are taking a full-hip swing –— not to mention a first step — in the right direction. Their latest models will strongly resemble entertainers Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce and lesser-knowns such as, well, most American women. The new mannequins have become what Reuters refers to as "bootylicious figures" with "well-rounded backsides." Since Macy’s of Manhattan placed the new mannequins in their juniors’ department almost two years ago, sales have tripled. We’ve had reality checks in the news and reality TV shows. It was only a matter of time before realism would affect the way we buy clothes. We apparently like seeing possible clothing purchases stretched out over 38-inch, plastic hips. Let’s face it. The average clothing size for women in our country is a size 14, not the tiny size one worn by some emaciated store mannequin. We are real women, not models, and we do enjoy eating. The new trend in mannequins might explain why young women feel good about themselves as they proudly appear in public with sausage-skin tight low-rise jeans and what appears to be excess sausage stuffing and a pierced navel overflowing their waistbands. It’s definitely a different look and one that would have sent earlier generations reeling. As a direct result of the new, full-figured store mannequins, we should expect to see many changes. Most noticeably, store display windows, which formerly could showcase four or five of the plastic models, will now only have hip room for one or two. Instead of the plaintive looks on yesterday’s rail thin mannequins — starving looks that said, "I would do anything to be left alone in a room with a Krispy Kreme" — the new mannequins might actually have contented smiles on their faces. Salespeople in clothing stores will no longer have to bite their lips and try to stifle their laughter as they did when we asked, "I would like to try on what that mannequin’s wearing, but in my size." We will be the same size as the mannequins, and what we see will be what we get. The new mannequins might eliminate much of the fitting-room anguish for women trying on clothes. There will be fewer surprises. For the first time in our lives we will be able to say, "Hey, if those jeans look that great on the mannequin, imagine how wonderful they will look on me!" Personal confidence and self-esteem will soar to new heights. Perhaps shoe stores will follow suit and display shoes in more realistic, larger sizes. They might stop using infinitesimally small, size five shoes and instead show what the styles look like in size 11 or 12. They should realize that the few women wearing tiny shoes are either real-life Barbie dolls, modified through drastic surgery, or unfortunate women who have had all of their frozen toes amputated following some freakish snowstorm. If it’s realism they’re after, the window people preparing the new, full-bodied mannequins for display could go a few steps further. A piece of french fry might still cling to the corner of one mannequin’s mouth. A dab of ketchup or fryer grease might be applied, tastefully of course, to another mannequin’s chin. An extra grande Mocha latte with whipping cream, artistically dribbled down the front of a mannequin’s outfit, would provide an exquisite, finishing touch of realism. Prepare yourself for a brave new world of clothing store mannequins.

By Lexi MooreStudents from Hills-Beaver Creek participated in the Southwest/West Central Service Cooperative’s Junior High Knowledge Bowl sub-regional competition on Jan. 7 in Marshall.Forty-eight teams consisting of six to eight members participated in the event. During the contest, teams competed in a written round consisting of 60 questions and four oral rounds of 45 questions each.The questions tested students’ recall, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Questions were inter-disciplinary, including American history, world history, government, current events, economics, geography, literature, English, math, physical science, life science, earth science, health, psychology, law, art and music and general knowledge of Minnesota.The H-BC junior high team did not finish in one of the top three positions.The H-BC senior high team will continue to participate in area competition until the sub-regional meet in March.

By Sara Quam and Lexi MooreThe face-off between the city of Luverne and Rock County over law enforcement costs came to an end last week.Both elected bodies agreed on a contract outline that will be finalized Feb. 15.Along with county commissioners and city council members, Sheriff Mike Winkels signed the resolution.County Commissioner Jane Wildung made the motion which was seconded by Richard Bakken.The joint resolution to continue contract law enforcement services amends the current contract to allow the city to pay $604,000, instead of $669,000.Bakken said he felt the county compromised, but he thought this agreement would be best for his constituents."Even though we had to make concessions with this agreement, it is still a better way to go for the communities and it will cost us less."County Commissioner Ron Boyenga voted against the contract, mostly, he said, because the county’s continued partnership in the Pool and Fitness Center was a condition."Without that, I might be able to support it," he said. "I hope that for [County Attorney Don Klosterbuer and County Administrator Kyle Oldre’s] sakes, it works out because they’ve had quite a year."Bakken said he was happy to sign on for a commitment to the Pool and Fitness Center. "I didn’t want to see us get out of the pool. Overtime, especially as preventive health care picks up; I think it will be a good idea to be involved."Boyenga had concerns that other cities that contract for law enforcement with the county will have problems.Boyenga said, "They’re going to say Luverne got a deal."Bakken assures smaller communities like Hills and Beaver Creek that the county plans to meet with all small cities as soon as the contract is signed to discuss what the county agreed to and why.Most smaller cities, including Hills, Beaver Creek and Steen, are in their second year of a three-year contract agreement. The county hopes it will be able to offer the smaller cities an extension on their current contracts with no additional cost increase.Bakken said he feels smaller communities receive several benefits through joint law."We get better coverage and it costs much less than if we were separate."Currently the town of Hills receives two patrols every eight hours. This would dramatically decrease if Hills were not involved with joint law.In addition, Bakken spoke about the benefits of the deputies knowing the towns well."They know whose lights should be on and when."The contract to be signed on or before Feb. 15 is new and includes the following provisions:oUpon execution of this law enforcement extension, Rock County will continue its joint powers agreement for the Rock County Pool and Fitness Center.oThe county agrees to provide not less than 24-hour patrol and investigative coverage to the city of Luverne from Jan. 1, 2006, through Dec. 31, 2010.oThe city’s annual contract price for law enforcement will increase over the prior year’s contract at the same rate as the county’s budgeted increase for law enforcement. The county cannot contract for an increase of more than 5 percent without the city’s agreement.oPayments will be quarterly instead of the annual payment method used now.oIf the city’s Local Government Aid (from the state of Minnesota) decreases by more than 15 percent, the city can negotiate a new contract price and change services it wants provided.Kaczrowski said in a recent meeting, "We want to be able to negotiate to cut back on our service contract."oThe city and county liaison committee, made up of two commissioners and two councilmen, will work with the sheriff to develop a system for providing information and reports of law enforcement activities.