Local members of the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts took first place in the civic organizations category of the Winterfest Parade of Lights with their entry, "Freedom." Members available for a photo Monday include (front row, from left) Ashton Meester, Dalton Meester, Dustin DenHartog, Robbie Carrol, Josh Slieter, Brandon Den Hartog, (back) Jeremy Baker, Tom Olson, Justin LaBadie, J.R. Weis, Dustin Simpson, Ryan Oye and David Weis. Pictured in the far back are Boy Scout Leader Gary Abell and Cub Scout Leader Marge Simpson.The Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce awarded plaques to winners of the 2003 Winterfest Parade of Lights. Continental Western Group/Berkley Technology Services won in the large business/industry category with their float, "Proud to be an American." Representatives of CWG/BTS are (front row, from left) Stacie Elias, Nancy Hartz, Shelly Nibbelink, Julie Nekali and Marcia Mulder. Vivian Holst (back left) of CenterPoint Energy Minnegasco accepted the award in the small business/industry category for the float, "American Heroes." CenterPoint Energy Minnegasco also won in the people’s choice category. Pictured in the middle, back are Darla Kramer and Bill Stegemann. The American Reformed Church won in the churches category with its entry, "That Special Starry Night." Janice Vink (back, far right) accepted the award.

The Luverne City Council had its Truth in Taxation hearing Tuesday where Administrator Greg LaFond highlighted key points of the 2004 budget.The governmental budget in 2004 is $3,659,039, which is $106,029 more than last year.The city also had $254,000 reduction in state aids.The tax levy for 2004 is $718,031, which is $183,213 more than last year.The 2004 levy is almost equal to the levy in 2001.LaFond said, "Despite funding reductions, our tax levy has not increased dramatically over the years."He also calculated the property tax costs for an average homeowner in the city, with a $71,900 home. Luverne’s portion of the tax bill would increase from $153.70 to $207.40 in 2004, or a monthly cost of $17.28 for city services."That’s less than your cable television bill in most homes," LaFond said.In other business,the council:
Passed an ordinance authorizing the sale of Veterans Addition Lots 2 and 3 of Block 1 in the Veterans Addition to Sioux Valley The Council also approved of the final plat for the facility, which was previously approved by the Planning Commission.
Was told by Administrator Greg LaFond that for six consecutive years, city employees have gone without any time lost on the job due to accidents at work.
Approved the snowmobile trail permit for SnoMasters for the 2003-04 winter season. Maps of county trails are available at some local gas stations and the Howling Dog.
Learned that Sioux Valley Hospital will get back to the city sometime next week, after the city’s comments on its first Pool and Fitness Center management contract proposal.

Empowering or debilitating?Today’s ‘attention-getting’footwear fashion is just as ridiculous as 17th century corsetsJust when I thought women’s fashions were finally becoming more reasonable, this year has seen an unmistakable turn for the worse.With the ’70s fashion resurgence at the turn of the millennium, we ended up with a nice combination of old and new designs.For example, the popularity of low-rise bell-bottom pants left us with low-rise waistlines on both jeans and dress slacks, with or without the wide-legs.This is especially nice during the holidays because we can eat more comfortably as our tummy bulge expands over the belt buckle. Kinda makes me feel like a man.In recent years we were also seeing women’s professional and even party footwear finally designed with practical, yet attractive styles.When the novelty of heavy lug soles wore off, we were left with a slightly more feminine shoe that still had a safe, solid base to stand on.That was, until the dreaded return of skinny, teetery four-inch, strappy shoes, if you can call them shoes. They’re more like foot decorations.I was shocked and dismayed this summer to watch TV journalist Katie Couric sporting her new stilettos on the Today Show. In disbelief, I listened to this presumably intelligent woman say something not-so-intelligent like, "They make me feel so smart."I watched, agape, as she dangled a spiky thing from her bare toe, looking anything but "smart."Couric is a capable, respected figure in the news world, but had become a spokesperson for a fashion trend that sets women back centuries.I’m not saying that shoes can ruin a woman’s chance for equality in the professional world, but what Couric doesn’t tell her viewers is that she can’t possibly do her job wearing stilettos. She can’t gather news in them, much less get on and off the set with them.Not long after Couric dropped off my list of respected female professionals, I happened to watch a TV news feature about women’s footwear.The segment highlighted a new trend in cosmetic surgery – the removal of toe joints to make them fit better in the latest $1,500 designer heels.The women interviewed — including the surgeon — admitted they can’t walk in them, but said wearing them makes them feel "powerful," and makes their legs look "sexy."One woman was more specific. "When you enter the room wearing shoes like this, you get noticed. … It’s empowering," she said. "There’s something about them that makes you hold yourself in a way that commands attention."I couldn’t help but think, "Yes, much in the same way a date for hire commands attention in a crowded casino."The sharp angle of feet in stilettos forces a person to walk with her back arched, which, in turn, forces attention-getting qualities (like her butt and her chest) outward.Yes, girls, these shoes will get you noticed, but wouldn’t you rather be noticed for a striking personality, a genuine smile or even professional accomplishments?Paleeeaze!Today’s stilettos are no different than the 1800s corsets that cinched women’s waists to ridiculously small widths. Much like these shoes today physically prevent women from doing anything worthwhile, our 17th century sisters were hardly able to breathe, much less function normally. With plunging necklines and tiny waists, they were definitely noticed in their world … much in the same way frilly decorations are noticed in an otherwise functional room.

‘Go Fish’ to hold additional mini-concertThe same day the Rock County Star Herald came out last Thursday announcing that "Go Fish," a popular a cappella group from Minneapolis, would be performing at the Palace Theatre, the concert was sold out.Some high school kids were upset that the concert was scheduled the same night as their high school choir concert.For both reasons, the group has decided to add an additional 30-minute set to the night.The mini concert will begin at the Palace, at 10 p.m., after the building is cleared out from the 7 p.m. concert.Tickets for the-mini concert will be available for $5 at the door.It’s time to SHAREFriday and Saturday, Dec. 12 and 13, are collection dates for SHARE this year.SHARE got its start nearly 20 years ago to help distribute clothing, toys, food and Christmas gifts to those who normally would not have much for Christmas. This year Sharkee’s will be the drop-off and distribution center.Organizers will collect donations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13.Donations may also be mailed to SHARE, P.O. Box 792, Luverne, MN 56156In 2002, SHARE provided 148 families with groceries, clothing and toys for 220 children and 217 adults.For more information about the program or how you can help, contact Lona Klosterbuer, Cheryl Cox or Mary Tilstra.Second annual alumni hockey tournament plannedThe Luverne alumni hockey tournament will host its second annual event this year.John Paquette, who is organizing the event, was very happy with the first year’s turnout and thinks word of mouth will make this year’s event even more successful.This year the tournament will be on Friday, Dec. 26 at the Blue Mound Ice Arena, beginning at 7 p.m.Any former high school or junior gold player is welcome to participate.Participants should show up a half hour before game time and bring their old jerseys.If you know of any former hockey players who will be coming home for Christmas, be sure to let them know.If you have any further questions, contact the Blue Mound Ice Arena at 449-9138.Don’t forget ‘Christmas at the Palace’The popular Christmas concert, "Christmas at the Palace," will feature a dozen musical acts, ranging from local church choirs to trios and soloists.Churches include: American Reformed Church, Adult choir including a capella group Grace Lutheran Church, Pastor Hagen, soloist New Life Celebration Jubilation Choir First Baptist Church Trio First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir St. John Lutheran Church Adult ChoirLocal talent: Wing & A Prayer (Ron Rother, Susan Schneekloth, Chris and Martha Nowatzki) Wendy & Heidi Sandbulte and Amy Donth Dan, Dave and Don Smith Carrie Overgaard Sue Sandbulte, Jack Leslie and Joe DorhoutThe concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12 at the Palace Theatre.The $5 admission is used as a fund-raiser for the Palace Theatre and the Rock County food shelf.Advance tickets are now on sale at the Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce office.Kids: Santa’s phone line is openThanks to the Luverne Optimist Club and Mark Jacobson, Inc. area kids will have a chance to tell Santa personally what they would like for Christmas.For Rock County children Santa will be available at 283-2319, from 6 to 7 p.m on Dec. 15.Have your list ready, Santa’s a busy man.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com

By Sara StrongAfter receiving proposals from eight qualified law firms, the city of Luverne may get creative in appointing its city attorney.Council members will discuss the proposals and narrow the list to a core group for interviews at next week’s meeting.Tuesday night, however, they previewed some of the issues they will consider.Local attorneys and their accessibility were mentioned as a positive aspect in prosecuting city crimes.A separate attorney could be used for day-to-day legal matters, such as ordinance drafting and working on contracts.The city could contract with yet another firm for special council, such as annexation issues or dealing with things that a local attorney might have a personal conflict with.Some of the larger firms listed specialties in municipal utilities, labor and employment law, and assessment proceedings.The firms submitting proposals include:
Skewes, Klosterbuer and Vajgrt, Luverne;
Vander Kooi Law Offices, Luverne;
Ratwik, Roszak and Maloney, Minneapolis;
Steffan Law Office, Pipestone;
Frank Madden and Associates, Plymouth;
Hoff, Barry and Kruderer, Eden Prairie;
Kennedy and Graven, Minneapolis, and
Flaherty and Hood, St. Paul.

By Lori EhdeThe manslaughter trial of South Dakota Congressman Bill Janklow ended Monday with four guilty verdicts — including a second-degree manslaughter conviction.Janklow, a four-term South Dakota governor and one-term representative in Congress, stood trial in Moody County District Court, Flandreau, S.D.The facts of the case were that Janklow sped through a rural Moody County intersection and collided with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle driven by Randy Scott, Hardwick, who was killed in the crash.Arguments of the case centered around whether Janklow had been reckless in his actions, or if those actions had been caused by a medical condition related to his diabetes.After five hours of deliberation Monday, jurors found Janklow guilty on all four charges: reckless driving, speeding and failure to stop at a stop sign, in addition to the felony charge of second-degree manslaughter.A key witness in the trial was Terry Johnson, Luverne, who was with Scott on the fateful afternoon of Aug. 16."I guess I’m happy with the results of the verdict. It’s hard on the Janklows and hard on the Scott family, no matter how it turned out," Johnson said."I, myself, would not have been satisfied with anything less than a guilty verdict."Randy’s mother, Marcella Scott, and other family members released the following statement in response to the verdicts:"Randy Scott was killed in a tragic accident on Aug. 16th. The state of South Dakota brought charges against a man believed to be responsible for Randy’s death. We attended the trial where witnesses, experts and the defendant testified to events surrounding the accident. Both the testimony and evidence submitted provided support for the State’s case against the defendant. We are satisfied that the correct verdict was reached. The cause of Randy’s death is no longer in dispute. The Scott family would like to express our gratitude to State’s Attorney, Bill Ellingson and Deputy Prosecutor, Roger Ellyson. We would also like to thank the members of the jury. We know their job was difficult. We will continue the difficult process of coming to terms with Randy’s death. We are strengthened by the enormous support of friends and loved ones. We appreciate the respect and privacy afforded our family during this difficult time."Janklow has resigned his position in Congress effective Jan. 20, the same day he’s scheduled to appear for sentencing.The Scott family members haven’t officially commented on what they are hoping for in a sentence, but as far as Johnson’s concerned, justice has already been served."I think the point that he’s been proven guilty is satisfaction enough for me," he said. "I’m not sure what more a jail sentence would do."For Johnson, the Scott family and others involved, the verdicts were a welcome culmination to months of investigation and long days in court."It was a long week. I had to go through Aug. 16 a couple times," Johnson said."It was hard to sit in the witness stand telling the jury what it was like that day and the explicit details leading up to where I found Randy in the bean field. … That was really hard."While he’s glad it’s over, Johnson said he was glad to have played a role in the outcome."I did everything I could to make sure justice was served for Randy," he said. "I know he would have done the same thing for me."In the flurry of national media attention on the case, Johnson said he wishes news readers and viewers could know Scott as the friend and family man that those close to him will remember him as."They keep portraying Randy Scott as this big motorcyclist, when in reality it was a very little part of his life," Johnson said. "It was something he found in only the last six months and enjoyed doing. There was much more to Randy than that."

By Sara StrongA Kawasaki dealer could come to Luverne, and occupy the former Bargain Center.Rick and Lori Reed are from the Sioux City, Iowa, area and are close to getting a $24,000 loan from the Luverne Economic Development Authority for building improvements.The loan would not go toward inventory or other operating capital or expenses.The former Bargain Center (previously Kenny’s Super Foods) is next to the Luverne Country Store on Warren Street. Before the LEDA approves the loan, it has asked for more specific financial and business information from the Reeds. City Administrator Greg LaFond said staff will make sure the Reeds are as invested financially as the city."We’re all in favor of getting them here, but we need more information," Mayor Glen Gust said.Plans call for the Kawasaki business to be a dealership and parts store, along with service.They expect to have three to four people working there initially if they open as planned in February.Nebriefings loanLEDA decided to give Netbriefings until January to continue working out a payment schedule with the city. The LEDA loaned Netbriefings $250,000 in 2001, and its payments should have started in November.The company, headquartered in the Twin Cities, has had a rocky few years and laid off its two Luverne employees soon after it started an office here. Original projections called for Netbriefings to have 35 employees by the fifth year.Under the original terms of the agreement, payments to the city would be about $5,000.Economic Development Director Dan Statema said, "There’s some hope that they’ll come out of it, and get some employees, but the main concern right now is our funding."He said he would like to negotiate a large, upfront payment and smaller monthly payments so the company can work toward getting an office and employees in Luverne, and still pay off its loan.In other business, LEDA learned that 1 Roundwind Road, the location of the former Continental Western building, is partially occupied by a few people working for Identity Sports. The former Identity Sports office space on East Main Street will be occupied by a cellular phone company.

By Lori EhdeThis week’s winter storm came at a good time, as far as controlling influenza is concerned. At a time when the flu bug is just arriving in Luverne a snowstorm might be just what the doctor ordered to keep people home and keep the germs from spreading.Luverne Medical Center staff reports that influenza cases were picking up steadily this week, with patients young and old testing positive for both Influenza A and B.They said it’s too early to tell if it’s the strain people were vaccinated against this fall, but they do know that if they had more vaccine they’d be giving more shots.Local supplies are currently depleted, and Sioux Valley Hospital this week notified Luverne staff that there will be no more vaccines available.Those most vulnerable to influenza are the very young, the elderly and those with compromised respiratory systems.People are urged to protect themselves by washing hands often, keeping hands away from their nose and eyes and staying rested to bolster immune systems.Those who have the flu are urged to stay home to stop the spread of germs and to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of their arm (not hands).In the Luverne clinic, roughly 3,000 people were immunized this year against influenza. That’s up considerably from last year’s 2,500 vaccinations.Nobles-Rock Public Health reported another 300 shots administered in Rock County through Public Health’s work site visits.While the numbers of cases aren’t notable yet, School Nurse Deb Vander Kooi said she received a call from the Medical Center warning her to be on the alert for symptoms.Influenza typically presents itself in the form of a high fever, body aches and dry cough."We’re telling the teachers to watch their students, and if they look sick to send them down right away," Vander Kooi said."We’re also asking custodians to wash down the desks more often and other areas kids might touch to spread germs."She said 19 elementary students were absent Monday, which is more than normal, but the high school reported no more than normal missing.Of the younger kids getting sick, she said, so far it’s been stomach-related ailments more than influenza.She said Tuesday’s snow day was perfect for fighting the flu in school, because students who might be coming down with the flu — and most contagious — stayed home."It’s probably good for the high school kids, too," she said, "because they catch up on sleep and get their immune systems back up to strength."

Ellsworth senior post Missy Leuthold puts up a shot over Edgerton’s Kendra Van’t Hof during Monday’s girls’ basketball game in Ellsworth. Leuthold scored eight points and collected seven rebounds during a 51-47 loss to the Flying Dutchmen.By John RittenhouseThe Ellsworth girls’ basketball team lost a pair of heart-wrenching games during the second week of the season.The Panthers dropped a one-point decision to Lakeview in Cottonwood Friday before losing their home opener by four points to Edgerton Monday.Ellsworth, 1-2 overall, hosts Canby Friday.Edgerton 51,Ellsworth 47A late surge by the Flying Dutchmen spoiled what was a great comeback by the Panthers during Monday’s game in Ellsworth.The hosts appeared to be in big trouble when they fell behind by 16 points (39-23) in the third quarter, but EHS battled back with a 20-2 run that ended with the Panthers sporting a 43-41 lead with less than two minutes left to play.Edgerton, however, scored the next six points to regain the lead and fought off some late challenges to win by four."The girls showed a lot of character when they came back after being way down in the second half," said Panther coach Dean Schnaible. "Sophomores Rachel Kvaale and Amy Tiesler deserve a lot of credit for the spark they gave us. They came in the game midway through the third quarter and scored a combined 10 points in the second half."Edgerton sported slim 9-8 and 26-23 leads at the first two quarter breaks, but the Flying Dutchmen scored the first 13 points of the third quarter to open a 39-23 lead.Ellsworth scored the final four points of the third quarter to trail 39-27 and opened the fourth quarter with a 16-2 run capped by a pair of free throws from Kvaale with 2:06 remaining to give the Panthers their first lead (43-41) since the first quarter.After Edgerton moved in front 49-45 with less than 25 seconds remaining, Ellsworth’s Laurel Drenth canned a field goal with 14 seconds left to make it a 49-47 game. The Panthers got the ball back with 9.2 seconds left, but turned the ball over to the Flying Dutchmen, who iced the win with two free throws with four seconds left to play.Drenth led the Panthers with 21 points and eight assists. She also had four rebounds. Brittney Kramer led the Panthers with eight rebounds, while Missy Leuthold charted seven rebounds, three steals and three deflections. Kvaale had three steals, and Marla Groen recorded three deflections.Box scoreTiesler 2 0 0-0 4, Majchrzak 0 0 0-0 0, Leuthold 4 0 0-0 8, Kvaale 2 0 2-2 6, Ly.Drenth 0 0 0-0 0, Groen 1 1 0-1 5, Kramer 0 0 1-2 1, Timmer 1 0 0-2 2, Lr.Drenth 6 0 9-10 21.Team statisticsEllsworth: 17 of 50 field goals (34 percent), 12 of 16 free throws (75 percent), 33 rebounds, 21 turnovers.Edgerton: 21 of 52 field goals (40 percent), six of 10 free throws (60 percent), 27 rebounds, 17 turnovers.Lakeview 40,Ellsworth 39The Panthers came up one point short when they opened Camden Conference play in Cottonwood Friday.Lakeview took advantage of 25 turnovers and poor shooting from the free-throw line to sport slim leads at all four quarter breaks.The Lakers led 7-6 and 17-15 at the end of the first and second quarters before taking a 28-27 edge into the fourth quarter, when they battled the Panthers to a draw at 12 to win by one."The differences in the game were our 25 turnovers and shooting 59 percent from the free-throw line," said Panther coach Schnaible. "We were stagnant on offense. It was a disappointing loss, and we didn’t deserve to win the game."Laurel Drenth, who sat out a good share of the first half with foul trouble, led the Panthers with 10 points, two blocked shots and two steals. Drenth and Marla Groen shared the team lead with seven rebounds and three assists. Missy Leuthold added six rebounds.Box scoreMajchrzak 0 0 0-0 0, Leuthold 2 0 1-5 5, Kvaale 0 1 0-0 3, Ly.Drenth 0 0 0-0 0, Lr.Drenth 3 0 4-6 10, Groen 2 0 4-4 8, Kramer 2 0 0-0 4, Timmer 4 0 1-2 9.Team statisticsEllsworth: 14 of 40 field goals (35 percent), 10 of 17 free throws (59 percent), 30 rebounds, 25 turnovers.Lakeview: 15 of 55 field goals (27 percent), six of 10 free throws (60 percent), 24 rebounds, 14 turnovers.