By Jolene FarleyAt a Monday meeting, the Hills-Beaver Creek School Board discussed reviewing the district’s policy on the use of the deficiency list for struggling students.Superintendent Dave Deragisch opened discussion about whether the policy should be examined or re-evaluated. "I think we have some students that are afraid to go out for an activity," Deragisch said. Students and parents are informed weekly if students are falling behind in coursework. Those on the list are identified by a number, rather than by name. Only the student, his or her parents and the teacher are supposed to know when a student is on the list.The district’s current policy is that students on the deficiency list aren’t allowed to participate in extracurricular activities. Until recently, those on the list weren’t allowed to suit up for sporting events. Deragisch recently changed this policy after consulting the school’s attorney. Students are now allowed to choose whether or not they suit up, but they aren’t allowed to play until they are removed from the list.Board member Lois Leuthold voiced her opinion on the matter. "Right now, I think we really have to re-evaluate. Are we helping the students or are we hurting their self-esteem?" she said. "I really truly believe it takes our kid’s self-esteem down."She pointed out that some students may never make the grade, and sports may be the only area they excel. The board asked high school teacher Teri Richards how teachers use the deficiency list. Each teacher uses the list a little differently because there has never been a set policy, according to Richards. Richards also pointed out that students on the deficiency list aren’t required to get extra help. She said she has never had anyone attend study table, an after school study group. The board discussed mandating study table for students on the list. Deragisch expressed concern that the district could be required to provide transportation for the students required to stay after school hours. "I really think we have to examine this from the inside out," said board member Ann Boeve. "I guess I would like to see a committee formed. I think we need to dissect it … we need to really look at it and make sure every aspect is benefiting the student."Students in the seventh through the ninth grades are at the highest risk. Some struggle in the transition from elementary to middle school, then middle school to high school. "They kind of fall, they filter on through to the bottom," Richards said. "The focus needs to be on what we can do to help those kids." Richards doesn’t think district standards should be relaxed. "I really think the key is accountability," she said.The board decided to form a committee to explore the issue further. Renting the elementary school to New Life ChurchThe board agreed to rent the Beaver Creek Elementary School gymnasium, commons and some classrooms to New Life Celebration Church for Sunday services.Four members of the church attended the meeting at the invitation of the board. Since the issue was first proposed at the Sept. 27 meeting, Deragisch contacted other districts currently renting their facilities to churches."When I talked to the three other schools, none of them have had a problem," said Deragisch. He said renting to churches is a way to help new churches start. They increase their equity and parishioners with the hope of building their own church someday. The first topic of discussion was snow and ice removal. Currently, a custodian isn’t on duty on weekends, unless there is an event scheduled at the school. "I don’t see any problem with us taking care of that ourselves," said church representatives. "If it’s too bad, we won’t have church."Deragisch pointed out that the floors in the gymnasium and commons area would be unavailable for a few weeks during the summer while they are being waxed."We can work around that, if we know the dates," church representatives said. The rental agreement charges a fee of $15 for the commons, $40 for the gym and $18 for the media room. An additional $27 would be added to defray additional heating expense.The group hopes to use the facility for some special services during the Lenten and Advent seasons. Weddings are usually performed at established churches for aesthetic purposes.Board member Lloyd DeBoer expressed concern about not having someone familiar with the heating system on duty. Board member Gary Esselink asked about liability in case there was an accident. Church officials assured Esselink the church carries liability insurance. The motion carried to lease the facility to New Life Celebration Church for $100 per use. DeBoer was the only dissenting vote. Student assistantThe board discussed hiring a part-time student assistant for the middle and high school. Deragisch suggested the student assistant could help smooth the transition from the elementary school to the middle school for students. When students enter the seventh grade, the only help they receive is from the classroom teacher. Some students may need more individualized attention, according to Deragisch. He said the district could use grant money intended to fund new and innovative programs to pay for the new position. The district has more students that don’t qualify for special education funding but who need help to keep up in the classroom."The need is definitely there," Deragisch said.

By Lori EhdeRock County and the school districts of Hills-Beaver Creek and Luverne are working together to help mentally ill children.In a meeting of Rock County representatives and Luverne School Board members, local officials agreed to look into jointly hiring a counselor to deal exclusively with what they see as a worsening condition."I’m here to tell you the need is growing. It’s really becoming a focus for us. It’s a problem," Luverne Superintendent Vince Schaefer said at the start of the Oct. 9 meeting."The goal would be to assist those in need with early intervention, and the end goal would be prevention."The person would ideally be a licensed mental health social worker specializing in child mental health. The person would be shared by the two districts and Rock County Family Services, and he or she would deal specifically with issues more serious than current school counselors typically deal with.Funding sources are being explored, but the person’s salary would likely be paid from the two districts’ special education reiumbursements and from grants.Schools have typically not been involved in children’s mental health issues, but Schaefer said mental illness is affecting not only the struggling student, but the teachers and classrooms as well. "If you aren’t healthy — mentally or physically — school isn’t going to work for you," Schaefer said."We have a number of kids who are unable to function within the walls of school and within society for that matter."He said some high school students in particular are requiring significant attention, and had those same students been helped earlier on, their problems likely wouldn’t have been so severe.Neither school district can afford to hire right now, but Schaefer said it’s reached the point where paying an extra salary to help with prevention will pay off in the end."We’re not equipped to deal with mental health in public schools," Schaefer said. "Our umbrella is pretty wide, but it’s only as wide as we can afford. … I’d say it’s to a point where we can’t afford not to."The county and school agreed that collaborating on the hiring is one way to make the position affordable.H-BC School Board members met with county officials Monday night and they also supported the idea of a shared child mental health specialist.Randy Ehlers, director of Rock County Family Services presented information at meetings with both districts.He explained that the schools currently have an arrangement with the county for mental health services, but he agreed that it’s time for a change."This isn’t to imply that the current system isn’t working," he said. "This is seen as kind of a next step."The Rock County Commissioners will hear more about the position at their next meeting. If all parties formally agree to go forward, the next step would be to set up the funding arrangement and seek funding sources.

By Jolene FarleyBarley straw appears to be helping the algae problem at the Hills Rez, according to Beaver Creek Sportsmen’s Club President Arlen Gehrke."The water clarity has definitely improved," he said. The project, a joint effort between the Beaver Creek Sportsmen’s Club, the Lion’s Club and the City of Hills, included breaking the barley straw bales apart, loosely placing it in netting and floating it in the water. Over time, ongoing treatments prohibit the growth of new algae. Club members plan to repeat the process for two more years.The use of barley straw for non-chemical algae control has increased in recent years. When the club first investigated using barley straw, treatments were commonly used for smaller, backyard ponds. But after talking with Department of Natural Resource officials the group decided to try the treatment on a larger scale. "A pond the size of the Rez, if we put enough in there we could see results," Gehrke said. One treatment, 25 bales of barley straw, was placed in the Rez in May and another in July, according Gehrke. The second treatment was recently removed from the water. "The treatment phase was done," Gehrke said. "The barley was decomposed to the point were it wasn’t doing any good."Public use of the Rez appears to be picking up and the group hopes improving swimming conditions will help even more, according to Gehrke. "I think the Rez is becoming more of a recreational activity," he said. Great fishing and the addition of a Frisbee golf course attracts more people to the pond, he said.The Rez supports a sizeable population of sunfish, bluegill, crappies, walleye, bass and northern pike. The fish, though small, are plentiful. "The nice thing about it is you can take your child there and you don’t have to sit for hours to get a bite," said Gehrke.

By Lori EhdeLocal law enforcement put the Beaver Creek elementary school in "lock down" status Wednesday when Rock County authorities were notified a South Dakota prison escapee was headed that way.The Hills-Beaver Creek School District learned Wednesday morning that 29-year-old Jason Heasley was potentially headed to Beaver Creek.Facing drug and burglary charges, Heasley is reportedly considered armed and dangerous and has been missing from the Beadle County jail in Huron, S.D., since late last week.Authorities wouldn’t confirm or deny whether Heasley has a child attending the Beaver Creek school, but school personnel were given good reason to lock the building down.According to information from the Rock County Attorney’s Office, students in the building weren’t considered to be in immediate danger, but authorities were placed at each entrance.As of this writing, it’s unknown whether Heasley made an appearance at the school, but deputies were on hand to provide secure transfer of students from the building to buses or other transportation at the end of the day.Heasley is believed to be driving a stolen two-door, black, 1995 Oldsmobile cutlass supreme. It has South Dakota license plates of 1BX713.

10 years ago (1993)"Potluck picnics and church soup suppers are not a thing of the past, but health officials are urging people to be more cautious in preventing food-borne illnesses.Nearly 50 people from more than a dozen churches and civic organizations met with health officials Tuesday night to clear up confusion over health codes and community dinners.Concern over regulations arose regarding church functions and Nobles Rock Health Services distributed a letter to all churches in the two counties, alerting them of the need to obtain permits for some food functions."25 years ago (1978)"The tax levy adopted by the Luverne School Board calls for an increase in local taxes of 10.69 percent.Total to be raised from local taxes is $1,480,687.17. That is up from the last levy of $1,337,628.61."50 years ago (1953)"Luverne residents who had property abutting streets that were blacktopped this summer will be assessed at the rate of 84 cents per lineal foot, it was announced this week. Curb and gutter will be assessed at the rate of $1.71 per lineal foot.A hearing will be held next Tuesday night at the city hall, at which time anyone having any objections to the assessments may voice their opinions."75 years ago (1928)"Complete refutation of the democratic claim that the republican party ‘has done nothing for agriculture’ was made by former Congressman Ralph Cole, of Ohio, in an address delivered at the court house in this city Saturday evening, before an audience of about two hundred and fifty. It is credited with being one of the best campaign talks heard in years, and there was a large audience present to hear it.100 years ago (1903)"According to figures published in daily papers the gross receipts of the Luverne post office for the year ending June 30 were $6,789. This is less than the gross receipts for the preceding year. The gross earnings at other nearby places were: Adrian, $3,069; Pipestone, $8,156, and Worthington, $7,224."

Leaf pickupIt’s time to get rid of those leaves on your yard.The city code is very clear; you can’t put leaves, grass or any other material in a street unless specifically authorized by the City Administrator or the City Council. Luverne’s annual leaf pickup will begin next week.You have two opportunities. The first day you can rake leaves into the gutter will be Monday, Oct. 20.If you miss that date, you can do it again on Monday, Oct. 27.Once the leaves have been picked up the week of Oct. 20, you cannot rake any leaves into the gutter until next Monday.Since rain and leaves can cause gutters to clog, the city would appreciate it if you would try to keep leaves clear of grates to prevent serious flooding.Remember: No plastic bags, no grass clippings or garden debris, no raking leaves into the gutter until the given day, and no mowing grass and leaves from your lawn into the gutter.‘Luther’ to show at Palace Theatre"Luther," the life of Martin Luther, will be coming to the Palace Theatre."Luther" is the story of a German lawyer, turned monk, Martin Luther, who challenges the political and religious authorities of his time.In the early 1500s, Martin Luther nailed 95 theses to the church door and started the Protestant movement.Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun Times described the movie as follows:"The film follows the highlights of Luther's life, from his early days as a law student, through his conversion during a lightning storm, to his days as a bright young Augustinian monk. He is sent to Rome, where he's repelled by the open selling of indulgences.He's also not inspired by the sight of the proud Pope Leo XII galloping off to the hunt, and when he returns to Germany, it is with a troubled conscience that eventually leads to his revolt. One thing the movie leaves obscure is the political climate that made it expedient for powerful German princes to support the rebel monk against their own emperor and the power of Rome.In scenes involving Frederick the Wise, we see him using Luther as a way to define his own power, and we see bloody battles fought between Luther's supporters and forces loyal to the Church.But Luther stands aside from these uprisings, is appalled by the violence, and, we suspect, if he had it all to do over again, would think twice.""Luther" will be shown at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26.Pawlenty asks us to get our money designs inThe 32nd state to join the Union, that would be Minnesota, is about to get its turn on the quarter.Gov. Tim Pawlenty has asked an established commission to review citizen ideas and will select five designs to submit to the U.S. Mint.Since the U.S. Mint’s artist will design the final artwork, you don’t have to be an artist to submit your ideas.All you have to submit to the state is a written explanation of what you think the quarter should look like.Some common themes the state is expecting include fishing, hockey, the Mississippi River, Paul Bunyan, wildlife or whatever your imagination can come up with.The commission is asking you to submit your design narratives, or written concepts describing what should appear on the quarter, including the rationale, historical or otherwise, behind your design. You have until Nov. 1.If you would like more information about the contest or how to submit your entry, contact Jason Wenisch at the Minnesota House of Representatives at 651-296-2317.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com

Bug bites are no joke,but exterminationmethods sure are funnyOur Indian Summer this year has been beautiful, but I’ll go out on a limb and say I’m more than ready for a good, hard freeze.It’s high time for all winged insects — especially Asian Lady Beetles — to meet their fateful icy graves.It seems odd that such a pretty little bug with such a feminine name can so effectively ruin fall. I put my deck staining project on hold, because the result would have been a unique polka-dot finish.Others who completed outdoor projects or tried to simply enjoy the weather had miserable reports of painful bug attacks, many of which occurred inside their clothing. … And scientists say they’re "harmless."It’s no joke that the Lady Beetles are ruining fall, but what’s funny is how people are coping with them and combating them.oElectric bug zappers: This is one my parents swear by. Mom says the dead bugs are dropping like … well … flies, and none are clustering in ceiling corners.The zapper sits up high in the kitchen on top of the microwave, and it’s reportedly busy all day long.As effective as this sounds, I can envision a few drawbacks. … For example, the microwave is positioned over the stove, and they have to turn the zapper off when preparing food down below.This is a good thing, because a lady beetle flew in my mouth last week, and believe me — its instinctive "frightened" spray tastes as bitter as it smells.oDiesel fuel: I got a call last week from a local man, whose name I’ll courteously withhold, very excited to report he’d found a solution to the Asian Lady Beetle problem.I laughed out loud at his discovery, but as it turns out he wasn’t kidding.He doused the entire exterior of his house with diesel fuel. "You should see it out here," he said. "There are dead bugs piled up everywhere."I couldn’t resist asking what his house now looked like or smelled like. He replied that he’s not one of these hoity toity $200,000 homeowners concerned about appearances. All that really mattered is that he’s winning the battle against the bugs.oDuct tape: Upon noticing a steady stream of tiny speckled domes parading through the corners of our sliding patio door, I locked it and sealed the crevices with tape.I couldn’t find the duct tape, which would do a much better job, but an hour and a roll of masking tape later I had sealed the inside of the door all the way around.Granted, no one can use the door, and it sure doesn’t look pretty, but I must say the parade has dwindled to only a few persistent ladies now, as opposed to the previous daily grand parade.oVacuum nozzles: For those of us who don’t have bug zappers and who’d rather avoid diesel fuel and poison, the recommended approach to controlling the beetles is the common household vacuum cleaner.It’s perplexing to me that a bug who can squirm through a crack in the siding can’t escape from the inside of a vacuum cleaner bag, but it does work.I just wish I had a safer method for sucking them off the ceiling corners. I’ve been known to balance precariously on a kitchen barstool with the upright vacuum in one hand and the long attachment in the other, during what often appears to be an exercise in futility. Whatever the method, whatever the weapon, we can all take heart in the fact that lady beetle season is drawing to a close.If nothing else, we’ve gained a new appreciation for living in a state where the climate kills off or sends into exile most living creatures for six months out of the year.Thank God! Bring on the snow, I say. Let the killing begin.

By Lori EhdeAn Adrian woman has become another Minnesota statistic in the growing number of reported West Nile Virus cases.Jolene Farley developed suspicious symptoms in September, and on Oct. 3, blood tests came back confirming the West Nile diagnosis.While she joins 131 other human West Nile cases reported so far this year in Minnesota, what makes her diagnosis unique is that she’s expecting a baby next month, and she’s the only pregnant West Nile case in the state.Last year, there were only four reported cases of West Nile involving pregnancies in the whole United States, and this year, there are 45. For that reason, doctors don’t have enough case history to offer Farley any guarantees about its effects on her baby."I am concerned," she said, "because there is just very little information out there."Her West Nile symptoms weren’t severe, and she’s had a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy, she can’t help having concerns about the virus’ effect on her unborn child.She’s learned of at least one case of a pregnant woman who had been quite ill with the West Nile Virus and later delivered a baby with severe birth defects."The doctors are telling me I have nothing to worry about, but the truth is they really don’t know," Farley said. Conducting her own research, she contacted the Minnesota Department of Health, which asked for her help in their own studies.To monitor the health of her baby, and to learn more about how or if the virus is passed from the womb to the child, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is creating a West Nile registry.Farley was asked to provide information for this registry about herself and her baby. Epidemiologist David Neitzel, who works with Acute Disease Investigation and Control for the Minnesota Department of Health, said Farley’s cooperation will help medical research in this area."We know the virus can be transmitted to the baby in pregnancy, but we’re trying to confirm how often it occurs and what the effects are," Neitzel said."We’re not quite certain of the impact of this virus on unborn babies."Blood samples from Farley and the baby and the umbilical cord will be taken at delivery. A section of the umbilical cord and placenta will be taken, in addition to a sample of breast milk.The process won’t affect the way she or her baby are cared for, and her participation is voluntary.While she describes the ordeal as unsettling, Farley said she’s willing to help."I’m glad to help if it’s going to help other people down the line," she said."It seems like small price to pay, because I could have had the symptoms a lot worse … and I could walk away with no effects at all."If tests reveal that her baby was indeed infected in the womb with West Nile, Farley and her doctors will be asked to provide information about the baby’s health at one month, six months and one year following birth.Neitzel said part of the reason there’s so little information available on West Nile is that most people never show symptoms of the virus."Their bodies’ immune symptoms fight the virus and that’s the end of it," Neitzel said.But, he said with media attention in recent years, people have become more aware of the specific West Nile Virus symptoms and are seeking medical attention."There’s no evidence the disease has become virulent," Neitzel said.He did warn people, especially rural residents, to take more precautions next summer — particularly during peak mosquito season in mid-July through mid-September."People living in rural areas often accept mosquitoes as part of life," Neitzel said. "But we’re asking people to wear repellant when they’re out doing chores or their other outdoor activities."Symptoms usually show up three to 15 days after being bitten. They can include headache, high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and coma.Farley said her condition was also accompanied by a rash similar to the early phase of chicken pox, but she didn’t experience the severe headache.Less than one out of 150 people infected will get severely ill. Severe cases tend to occur more frequently in the elderly.

James Gelbmann (left) met with local veterans on behalf of Senator Mark Dayton Friday. Pictured at right is Gaylord Keck, Luverne, who was one of about 14 who participated in the round-table discussion.By Sara StrongRock County veterans gave voice to a critical upcoming U.S. Senate vote Friday, during a special round-table discussion with Democratic Senator Mark Dayton’s staff member, James Gelbmann. Gelbmann is Dayton’s state director and met with veterans in the Rock County Law Library about the Veterans Administration health system.Dayton is attempting to amend a bill to include $1.8 billion more for the VA system."In order to make the case, he’s looking for testimony of need," Gelbmann said. "I come here today to get those anecdotal stories for Mark [Dayton] to take to the floor."Gelbmann has heard of veterans waiting for a year to get into a VA clinic for an appointment. That story was echoed by Luverne veterans.Warren Herreid, Luverne, said he knows a veteran who had to make an appointment a year in advance and then had to reschedule because of travel plans. In the end, it was 2 1/2 years from the time he first made an appointment to the time he actually saw a physician."The bureaucracy is very difficult to get through," Herreid said, "and it’s disheartening."The VA health system lost $1.8 billion in allocation in July, when the House made some cuts. In Minnesota, that would mean about $84 million in cuts from the previously agreed upon funding.If the funding is restored VA medical care will have an appropriation of $27.2 billion.Another issue in the VA system is how patients are classified under different "priorities." Middle-income veterans are no longer allowed to enroll if they haven’t been in the system before and have alternative health care sources, such as Medicaid or health insurance. Dayton and 27 other senators asked for that to change. The middle income category includes those making an average of $24,000 a year. Many veterans want to use the VA system just for the prescription benefits co-pay, which, at $7, Medicaid and private insurance companies can’t match."It’s not supposed to be a system for last resort — it was supposed to be a promise for lifetime care," Gelbmann said.Care for old and new veteransLuverne’s Eddie Deutsch said that his private insurance is better to work with than the VA. As part of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, he knows others whose only option is the VA and they have a more difficult time with services than he does through his private company.Only about half the veterans at the Friday meeting use the VA for their medical services. Gelbmann said, "As I’m traveling, I’m amazed at how many veterans aren’t using any VA system. Once people get in, they say their treatment is very high quality, but getting in is the problem."Johnny Johnson, Luverne, earned a Bronze Star and has been in the VA system since 1945. He said he’s had no complaints in all those years about his medical services.That isn’t the same for everyone, especially Vietnam-era veterans and younger who have exceptionally low percentages of using the VA.Bill DeBates, Luverne, said he has been in the VA system for longer than some of his fellow soldiers. Now that some are just trying to get in, they’re hitting roadblocks . DeBates wonders what will happen to young veterans who need to access the system.Service-related injuries are treated with priority, but the numbers of new veterans, even without injuries, could put pressure on the system."We’re going to have a lot more vets coming back if we expand in Afghanistan or end up in North Korea, or who knows where we’re going next?" DeBates said. "First of all, we need to recognize them as true soldiers. We have to have the resources to treat them when they get back."DeBates said funding for something like medical treatment for vets shouldn’t be up for question. "We have these signs all over town that say ‘We support our troops.’ Does it say underneath, ‘Only if money isn’t involved’?"Gelbmann said he had confidence that Dayton’s amendment would pass.