To: Each Party to this Juvenile Protection MatterCounsel to Each Party Involved in this Juvenile Protection MatterWho is a Party:You have been identified as a party to this Juvenile Protection Matter pursuant to Rule 21 of the Rules of Juvenile Protection Procedure. Parties are persons whose attendance at hearings is required by the Court. Parties include the following individuals who are either related to the child or who are not be related to the child but who may have information about the child or family that may be important to the Court:a. The child’s guardian ad litem;b. The child’s legal custodian;c. In the case of an Indian child, the child’s Indian custodian and Indian tribe through the tribal representative;d. The petitioner;e. Any person who intervenes as a party pursuant to Rule 23;f. Any person who is joined as a party pursuant to Rule 24; andg. Any other person who is deemed by the court to be important to a resolution that is in the best interests of the child.Your Rights: As a party to this Juvenile Protection Matter you have the following rights:1. To receive a copy of the Petition regarding this Juvenile Protection Matter.2. To receive notice of all hearings (only if you keep the court administrator informed of your address).3. To be represented by an attorney. If you are the child, the child’s parent, the child’s legal custodian, the child’s Indian custodian, or the child’s guardian ad litem, under certain circumstances permitted by statute and court rule, the Court may appoint an attorney to represent you if the Court determines that you qualify financially and that such appointment is appropriate. The Court may order a parent or legal custodian to reimburse some or all of such attorney’s fees.4. To be present at all hearings, unless excluded by the Court.5. To conduct discovery (receive copies of your social services file and other records).6. To bring motions before the court.7. To participate in settlement discussions and agreements.8. To subpoena witnesses to testify on your behalf.9. To make argument in support of or against the petition.10. To present evidence.11. To examine and cross-examine witnesses.12. To request review of the referee’s findings and recommended order, if your case is heard by a referee.13. To ask the court to review its disposition upon a showing of a substantial change of circumstances or that the previous disposition was inappropriate.14. To bring post-trial motions.15. To appeal from final orders of the court.16. To assert any other rights as set forth in statute or rule.Your Responsibilities: It is the responsibility of each party to provide any change of address to the court administrator at: Rock County Court Administrator, P.O. Box 745, Luverne, MN 56156. Telephone: 507/283-5020. When writing to the Court Administrator, please be sure to include your name and the court file number stated on the attached Summons.Questions: Questions about your rights and responsibilities can be addressed to a lawyer or to the Court at the time of any hearing.(Jan. 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 10)

Jerry Carl, CEO at Luverne Community Hospital, announced to Sioux Valley Regional Health Services and the Luverne Community Hospital Advisory Board and hospital staff on Wednesday his plans for retirement. Carl will retire sometime in 2006."I am working with Sioux Valley Regional Health Services to determine a definite date, but I wanted to let my employer, Sioux Valley, and the advisory board know of my plans. This will allow Sioux Valley Regional Health Services the necessary time to find the best person for this position – someone who will serve this hospital and community well," said Carl. "I also wanted to allow for a smooth transition for that person and that takes time."Carl has been CEO at Luverne Community Hospital since 1987. He came to Luverne from Rapid City Regional Hospital where he was the Director of Outreach Health Facilities for Rushmore Health System, the Parent Corporation for Rapid City Regional Hospital. During his tenure at Luverne, many positive changes have taken place. The present facility was renovated and expanded in 1991 bringing with it new healthcare technology and jobs to the community. In 1996, he worked with Sioux Valley to establish an associate relationship that brought more healthcare services to the community and more efficient operations. He was instrumental in the purchase of the hospital by Sioux Valley – an agreement signed in 2000 that brought even more services to the community. To top off his career in healthcare, he has played an integral part in the construction of a new hospital and clinic facility presently being built on the north side of Luverne. Fundraising by the community raised $1.5 million dollars toward building the new healthcare facility. Carl has worked diligently in response to the shift of services from inpatient to outpatient care and to provide more and better 21st century medicine in the area. In addition, to provide on-site hospice care and fill an unmet community need, Carl and staff worked to fill that need and the hospital built a Hospice Cottage in Luverne in 1998 "Jerry has worked hard to see that the families served by Luverne Community Hospital have access to the best healthcare. He also has dedicated tremendous time and effort in working with Sioux Valley to design and build the new facility," said Ed Weiland, President of Sioux Valley Regional Health Services. "If anyone deserves to start taking it easy, Jerry does. However, we appreciate the time he has allowed us in order to find the right person for the job."Carl stated that he wants to now spend more time with his wife and family, including his three children. A daughter lives in this area and a son and daughter live in Missouri. He and his wife, Judy, have nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild and are awaiting the birth of another great-grandchild in April."My wife and I have had plans for years to take a leisurely trip down the Mississippi in a new boat – something that will be one of my first ‘fun’ purchases – and tour sites all along the way. I also am ready to dedicate myself to my favorite sport of fishing." said Carl. "And now I can begin making that happen. It’s exciting."In a letter to the advisory board, Carl conveyed that he has enjoyed the challenges, the most recent being the construction of the new hospital and clinic. He also complimented staff for being outstanding team players, making it a great place to manage. On behalf of the Luverne Community Hospital Advisory Board, Steve Perkins, Board President, made this statement: "Although it is yet some time away, we were saddened to learn of Jerry Carl’s pending retirement - or as he says – "re-engagement", but I understand his desire for more family and fishing time! During the last 17 years, Jerry has been a very integral part in providing solutions for the many hard issues Luverne Community Hospital has faced – most importantly the sale and transition to Sioux Valley."We will sorely miss his quiet but effective style. Symbolizing his true leadership he leaves behind a very talented, professional and dedicated staff that performs as an integral team. Luverne Community Hospital is better because of his work and dedication. On behalf of the board, we extend our sincere appreciation and best wishes to Jerry and his wife, Judy, and the words, ‘Well done you good and faithful servant’."Sioux Valley Regional Health Services will soon begin the recruitment process for a new CEO.

By Lori EhdeVerlyn Van Batavia was named the city of Luverne’s first Employee of the Year during the city’s annual holiday party Friday in the Blue Mound Banquet and Meeting Center.As senior operator of the city’s water/wastewater system, Van Batavia helps take care of plant operations and maintenance."The city has numerous people who could have received this award," Van Batavia said Tuesday."It’s just a good place to work. It’s interesting work — there’s something new every day, and I like the people I work with."Without getting too deep into chemistry, Van Batavia described his job as monitoring the wastewater coming into the plant and leaving the plant to make sure it’s properly treated."It’s all about seeing if you can figure out what’s going wrong before it goes wrong," he said, pointing to water tests as the key to monitoring the process."You can see what’s happening to your effluent as it’s leaving the plant."Luverne’s wastewater treatment lab is certified by the Minnesota Department of Health for six different water analyses.Although his primary job is in the wastewater treatment plant, Van Batavia earned his Employee of the Year status by pitching in on the Oakley Street project last summer."He did that over and above his normal job," said Public Utilities Supervisor Al Lais."It was an all-summer project, and all the way through I think it went pretty good … He did all the PR, serving as a go-between for the residents and the workers. … He basically kept everybody happy."Van Batavia received a plaque Friday night for his Employee of the Year honor, and he also received a plaque for being with the city for more than 20 years."It’s nice to be in a job where after 21 years you still look forward to going to work in the morning," Van Batavia said."I thank the people of Luverne for giving me a chance to work for them."At Friday’s party, three other city supervisors were honored for their dedication to the job. They are City Finance Director Barb Berghorst, Public Works Supervisor Kenny Vos and Lais.

By Sara QuamThe city of Luverne is trying to promote conservation of energy during peak demand periods by encouraging residents to participate in the load management program. The Luverne City Council approved Tuesday a venture that could also increase the city’s electric customers and electric revenue. The city has a new program that encourages the use of electric Marathon water heaters.The heaters keep water hot for longer periods of time, increasing efficiency.The heaters will be at no cost to customers who add them to their homes. People will have to pay for the installation, however.The water heaters will cost the city of Luverne between $447 and $625, depending on the gallon capacity.In order to qualify for this, homeowners must also sign up for the load management program. Load management saves customers and the city in purchasing electricity in peak times because it shuts off automatically in short time increments.City Administrator Greg LaFond said he estimated that six days of highest demand cost the city $50,000 in purchasing supplemental electricity. That’s money this program could help save by decreasing demand on key days and times.LaFond said, "If we can avoid a rate increase in the future, we’ll all win."In other city business Tuesday, the council:
Approved use of the city park for Relay For Life June 17 and 18.
Received a favorable report from the state auditor. Finance director Barb Berghorst received recognition for the city’s healthy fiscal management.
Left the option to close the animal pound on the table. The Council will address it at a future meeting.

By Sara QuamA part of the new law enforcement contract calls for the Sheriff’s Office to generate detailed reports of activities for the city of Luverne.The city had requested the information from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office this year in order to get an idea of what its nearly half of the law enforcement cost was going toward.The Sheriff and some county leaders said they felt as if the city was trying to micromanage their department. The city said it just wants the department accountable to customers.Mayor Andy Steensma said, "If we have the time, type and frequencies [of calls for service], we’ll know what we need — and that’s pretty important."For one, the city may consider not having coverage 24 hours a day, which it has since the city and county law enforcement units merged in 1998.The city can renegotiate coverage if the cost increases too much or if it loses state aid, and the county will alter its department accordingly.One thing the county has cautioned the city on is judging costs as "per hour" for services. Sometimes that isn’t as predictable as it may seem. For example, a five-person drug bust a couple years ago had eight people in the department working 10-hour days for a week.When people call for service from the Rock County Sheriff’s Department, dispatchers record the calls as initial complaint reports.City of Luverne staff requested a summary of ICRs because some items recorded as such aren’t really "complaints."For example, the ambulance runs to and from nursing homes and funeral escorts are logged as ICRs.The city also wants to know what citations are handed out by the department. In 2003, there were 32 parking violations in the city, for instance.The Sheriff and members of the Luverne City Council and Rock County Board of Commissioners will detail how the reports will be handled.

By Lori EhdeIt’s fair to say Rock County’s population is aging, it’s schools are losing enrollment and its labor market is stretched thin.If that’s a fair assessment, then Rock County is perfectly in line with trends facing all of southwest Minnesota.The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development recently released its Southwest Minnesota Regional Profile.It essentially analyzes regional demographics and how they affect the economy.A bright spot for Rock County is that it’s one of few projected to grow its population 3.5 percent over the next 25 years. That may be because it’s projected to become a bedroom community of Sioux Falls, but nonetheless, it’s good news in light of neighboring Nobles, Pipestone and Murray counties projected to decrease by about 6.5 percent.In general the findings of the report aren’t surprising."Southwest Minnesota is home to an aging population and changing economy," the executive summary asserts."Nearly 20 percent of the regional population is 65 years or older, prompting a demand for healthcare and social services. … The pressure will be on to ‘grow old gracefully,’ as the region will be far ahead of its time in supporting an older population and labor force."The report notes that at the same time the aging population makes health care and social service an area of job growth."Both public and private-run nursing and residential care facilities are booming in the region, while offering a career ladder for employees," the report states.This is evident in Rock County with the recent addition of senior residential facilities, strong nursing homes and in Luverne, a new Sioux Valley hospital and clinic campus opening next summer.As far as its economy, the report notes that while much of the state and nation have shifted their economies to focus on services, southwest Minnesota still relies primarily on agriculture and manufacturing.The report notes that southwest Minnesota is "continuing to learn how to compete in different ways by creating new, value-added manufacturing and specialties and renewable energy sources."This couldn’t be more evident in Rock County with its ethanol and wind production picking up speed.By contrast, the report notes that many rural K-12 school districts are facing decreasing enrollments and tight budgets, "leading to painful cuts."Luverne is one of many districts seeking help from its residents in the form of operating referendums.Other points of interest noted in the report are southwest Minnesota’s strengths and weaknesses.Among the strengths listed are:oPeople care about each other in rural Minnesota.oThey have an above-average work ethic and make up an experienced, hard-working labor force.oThey have strong secondary and post-secondary education.oMany communities have Economic Development Authorities, so they know it’s important to work on their economies.Perceived weaknesses in the region are:oLack of good jobs that provide benefits and a living wage.oDeclining, aging workforce.oChanging impact of agriculture.oPay inequity compared with metro areas.oLack of amenities to attract business and workers to the region.The southwest Minnesota counties examined in the regional profile include Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Swift, Yellow Medicine, Cottonwood, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, and Rock.The report concluded, "The people of southwest Minnesota are proud of their region, value their quality of life and live in communities that work well together."More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Economic Employment and Development Web site: www.deed.state.mn.us.

By Sara QuamThe face-off between the city of Luverne and Rock County over law enforcement costs came to an end Tuesday night. Both elected bodies agreed on a contract outline that will be finalized Feb. 15."Amen," said city council member Bob Kaczrowski, as city and county elected people and employees shook hands, exchanged pats on the back … and even hugged.Along with county commissioners and city council members, Sheriff Mike Winkels signed the resolution.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.Commissioner Ken Hoime said, "I think we need to get some things healed between the city and county, but it’s costing the county money. … I guess there’s no perfect solution."The motion to pass this new joint resolution was made on the city side by Kaczrowski and seconded by Esther Frakes. On the county side, the motion was made by Jane Wildung and seconded by Richard Bakken.City Administrator Greg LaFond said, "We are extremely pleased that the joint agreements for law enforcement and the pool will continue. The resolution provides for a fair and equitable commitment by all the parties. Everyone wins with the agreement reached between the City and the County. It’s time to move forward as one community of citizens."Frakes said, "The agreement assures the city that there will be no decrease in the level of law enforcement or dispatch services from the current level, and the specialty services (K-9 unit and investigator) are able to remain in place. The county knows that the city will share the expenses for at least the next five years so that the county may begin plans for improvements to the law enforcement center, and the county also knows that it has a partner in the operational budget."The contract to be signed on or before Feb. 15 is new, and includes the following provisions:
Upon execution of this law enforcement extension, Rock County will continue its joint powers agreement for the Rock County Pool and Fitness Center.
The 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.
The 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 city cannot contract for an increase of more than 5 percent without the city’s agreement.
Payments will be quarterly instead of the annual payment method used
If 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 meeting Friday, "We want to be able to negotiate to cut back on our service contract."
The 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.Not ‘all ayes’ 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, an asset he said is good for all of the county.Boyenga had concerns other than the pool attachment:
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 said, "We need to let the smaller cities know our thinking as soon as possible because I certainly don’t want people to think we’re making a run on them."The smaller cities in the county are in the second year of a three-year contract.
Boyenga was also concerned that the county set the levy and is spending over that by changing Luverne’s contract. He estimated that with lost law enforcement revenue, gained pool expenses the county will pay an extra $130,000 this year.
Boyenga said he didn’t like how commissioners did business with this round of negotiations, meeting in small numbers or talking to council people on the phone, ironing out details before the meeting. He said, "There were three drafts before last Friday and it didn’t give me a chance to represent my constituents. This type of thing should be done as a group in a public meeting."

Sports guy wears out his welcome as a stay-at-home dadLast fall I made a decision to end my 18-year run as the sports editor of the Rock County Star Herald.It wasn’t that I didn’t like my work. In fact, I think my decision to leave was partially based on the reality that I enjoyed my job too much.In the world of a sports scribe, duty calls on nearly a nightly basis, with occasional weekend tournaments also requiring attention.I enjoyed watching our area athletes in competition, and considering the sacrifices each of them is asked to make on his/her team, I did my best to give them the press recognition they deserved.Unfortunately, juggling the hectic schedule began to catch up with me last fall. Instead of being excited about my nightly photo assignments, I found it harder and harder to leave my family (Astrid, my wife of 11 years, my 10-year old son, Nick, and my three-year old daughter, Melanie) behind. Like the athletes we cover at the Star Herald, the members of my family deserve attention, too.Realizing this, I gave up my position at the paper, and I entered what proved to be the most relaxing 2 1/2 months of my life. Instead of hurrying to meet deadlines, I found myself accepting the challenges of a stay-at-home dad.My wife’s view might differ, but I saw myself in charge of 80 percent of the cooking and everyday cleaning, and 95 percent of the dish washing. I entertained hopes of doing all the family laundry but was relegated to folding and putting away after I turned a load of white socks and towels into off-green colored ones.As comfortable as I was in my new situation, I knew it was too good to last. I couldn’t seem to crack the code of the lottery, which would have kept me in permanent retirement, and I began to sense I had worn out my welcome as a stay-at-home dad. When a 3-year old tells you to go to work, (the same one who cried last fall when I left the house without kissing her) the writing’s on the wall.As fate would have it, I ran into a couple of former workmates in a social setting early in January and found out they were in need of a sports editor at the Star Herald. Since I needed to seek gainful employment, and feeling the urge to avoid the prospects of being tagged a deadbeat by a 3-year old, I started to consider returning to my old post.We set up a meeting that resulted in my return to the job last Thursday, and it feels great to be back.Thanks to all of the readers who sent me cards and called on the phone to wish me well during my short retirement. I’ll continue to work hard and give recognition to the teams and individuals you follow, and I promise the rest of my columns will be less about me and more about the happenings on the sports scene in the Star Herald coverage area.

By John RittenhouseThe Luverne girls basketball team ran into ranked teams from two different states during a pair of home outings.Worthington upended the Cardinals by 22 points Friday night before West Central, a state-ranked team from South Dakota, toppled LHS by 11 points Tuesday.The 4-12 Cards play in Redwood Falls Friday.WC 56, Luverne 45The Cardinals played well enough to keep the game close when they entertained West Central Tuesday.The score was tied at seven after eight minutes of play, but WC outscored the hosts 49-38 the rest of the way to win by 11."We played pretty well," said Cardinal coach Jason Phelps. "We were down by four and had the ball with 10 seconds left in the first half when they blocked a shot and converted a three-point play late in the half. That was a big play. Instead of being down by four points at halftime, we were down by seven."WC extended what was a 24-17 halftime lead to 14 points (47-33) by outscoring the Cards 23-16 in the third quarter.Luverne sported a 12-9 scoring edge in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to catch WC.Maggie Kuhlman led the Cards with 13 points and six assists. Samantha Gacke netted 10 points and snared eight rebounds. Mindy Nieuwboer charted seven steals and Traci Evans added five rebounds to Luverne’s cause.Box scoreHeitkamp 0 0 0-0 0, Nieuwboer 1 0 2-4 4, Snyder 3 1 0-0 9, Kuhlman 2 1 6-8 13, Hoiland 0 0 0-0 0, Gacke 4 0 2-4 10, Evans 4 0 1-3 9.Worthington 68, Luverne 46The Cardinals remained within striking distance against the state’s third-ranked Class 3AAA team for three quarters before running out of gas in the fourth quarter Friday in Luverne.Luverne was one run away from knocking off Worthington when it faced a 49-40 deficit heading into the fourth quarter. The Trojans, however, scored the first eight points of the final period and used a 19-6 scoring cushion in the period to win the game by 22 points.After falling behind 7-2 early in the game, Luverne battled back to knot the score at nine when Kuhlman converted a three-point play with less than three minutes to play in the first period. Worthington outscored the Cards 6-2 the rest of the period to lead 15-11 at quarter’s end.The Trojans extended their lead to eight points early in the second period before Luverne put together a 7-0 spurt capped by a field goal from Evans with 3:15 remaining in the first half to trim Worthington’s lead to one point (20-19). Worthington led by as many as seven points as the quarter progressed before settling with 30-24 halftime cushion.Worthington led by 13 (42-29) in the third quarter when the Cards put together a 7-2 run capped by Tori Snyder’s layup at the 2:32 mark of the stanza to make it a 44-35 game. The Trojans maintained a nine-point lead (49-40) at the end of the third quarter before icing the contest in the final eight minutes.Gacke scored 10 points in the first half and led the Cards with 17 points in the game. Kuhlman scored 12 points and passed for six assists. Nieuwboer charted eight rebounds, six assists and four steals.Box scoreKlein 0 0 0-0 0, Heitkamp 0 0 0-0 0, Hanson 0 0 0-0 0, Nieuwboer 1 0 1-2 3, Snyder 3 0 0-0 6, Peterson 0 0 2-2 2, Kuhlaman 2 2 2-3 12, Hoiland 1 0 0-0 2, Vogt 0 0 0-0 0, Gacke 8 0 1-2 17, Evans 2 0 0-0 2.Team statisticsLuverne: 19 of 48 field goals (40 percent), six of nine free throws (67 percent), 20 rebounds, 22 turnovers.Worthington: 25 of 61 field goals (41 percent), 13 of 19 free throws (68 percent), 29 rebounds, 16 turnovers.