Law Library 9:00 AMRock County Courthouse September 2, 2003Chair Boyenga called the meeting to order with all Commissioners present.Motion by Wildung, seconded by Jarchow, to approve the August 19, 2003 County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to approve the September 2, 2003 County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.The Rock County Board of Commissioners held a joint meeting with Nobles County Board of Commissioners via ITV to discuss the adoption of the 2004 budget for Rock/Nobles Community Corrections and Nobles/Rock Public Health. Rock/Nobles Community Corrections Director John Ramlo presented the 2004 budget and requested $22,710.00 as Rock County’s share; no action was taken at this time. Nobles/Rock Public Health Director Bonnie Frederickson presented the 2004 budget and requested $54,455.00 as Rock County’s share; no action was taken at this time. The County Board heard a brief presentation regarding JOBZ (Job Opportunity Building Zone). The County Board directed the Administrator to present a more in depth presentation be made at the September 16th County Board meeting. Gloria Rolfs, Auditor/Treasurer, presented a rural water split; motion by Hoime, seconded by Jarchow, to approve Resolution No. 33-03, a rural water split on parcel 02-0199-100 located in 01-102-47, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded Hoime, to approve the fund balance report, declared carried on a voice vote.Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Bakken, to approve the claims as presented by the Auditor/Treasurer, declared carried on a unanimous vote. A complete listing of the claims is available by request at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office. General $ 8,706.74LEC 391.70Road & Bridge 12,792.10Welfare 27,464.82Landfill 989.96TOTAL $50,345.32Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Bakken, to set the following as the preliminary levy, declared carried on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Boyenga voting nay. Revenue $1,903,070.00Library 96,362.00Road & Bridge 596,600.00Family Services Agency 867,104.00Land Management 22,740.00TOTAL $3,485,876.00Randy Ehlers, Family Services Agency Director, reviewed the consent agenda with the County Board as it included a large number of FSA contracts. After review, motion by Wildung, seconded by Jarchow, to approve the consent agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.1. Resolution No. 32-03, supporting a grant application for the Southwest Regional Development Commission for a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Plan for Region 82. Lease agreement with DD & JJ Partnership for LMO3. Small cities law enforcement contracts 2004-2006 (pulled – separate action item)4. FSA Contract 15-1689-03 with Habilitative Services, Inc. to provide Home and Community Based MR/RC waivered Services to four individuals receiving Supported Living Services. Rates reflect a 1% State mandated rate reduction. Services paid through MN Medical Assistance. Contract effective 7-1-03 to 12-31-03.5. FSA Contract 24-1689-03 with Habilitative Services, Inc. to provide Home and Community Based MR/RC waivered Services to one individual. Rates reflect a 1% State mandated rate reduction. Services paid through MN Medical Assistance. Contract effective 7-1-03 to 12-31-03.6. FSA Contract 27-1689-03 with Habilitative Services, Inc. to provide Home and Community Based MR/RC waivered Services to one individual. Rates reflect a 1% State mandated rate reduction. Services paid through MN Medical Assistance. Contract effective 7-1-03 to 12-31-03. 7. FSA Contract 36-1689-03 with Habilitative Services, Inc. to provide Home and Community Based MR/RC waivered Services to one individual. Rates reflect a 1% State mandated rate reduction. Services paid through MN Medical Assistance. Contract effective 7-1-03 to 12-31-03.8. FSA Contract 38-1689-03 with Habilitative Services, Inc. to provide Home and Community Based MR/RC waivered Services to three individuals receiving Supported Living Services. Rates reflect a 1% State mandated rate reduction. Services paid through MN Medical Assistance. Contract effective 7-1-03 to 12-31-03.9. FSA Contract 54-1689-03 with Habilitative Services, Inc. to provide Home and Community Based MR/RC waivered Services to one individual. Rates reflect a 1% State mandated rate reduction. Services paid through MN Medical Assistance. Contract effective 7-1-03 to 12-31-03.10 FSA Contract 59-1126-03 with Habilitative Services, Inc. to provide Home and Community Based MR/RC waivered Services to four individuals receiving Supported Living Services. Rates reflect a 1% State mandated rate reduction. Services paid through MN Medical Assistance. Contract effective 7-1-03 to 12-31-03. 11 FSA Contract 65-1689-03 with Habilitative Services, Inc. to provide Home and Community Based MR/RC waivered Services to four individuals receiving Supported Living Services. Rates reflect a 1% State mandated rate reduction. Services paid through MN Medical Assistance. Contract effective 7-1-03 to 12-31-03.12 FSA Contract 70-1689-03 with Habilitative Services, Inc. to provide Home and Community Based MR/RC waivered Services to one individual. Rates reflect a 1% State mandated rate reduction. Services paid through MN Medical Assistance. Contract effective 7-1-03 to 12-31-03.13 FSA Contract 71-1689-03 with Habilitative Services, Inc. to provide Home and Community Based MR/RC waivered Services to one individual. Rates reflect a 1% State mandated rate reduction. Services paid through MN Medical Assistance. Contract effective 7-1-03 to 12-31-03.14 FSA Contract 78-1689-03 with Habilitative Services, Inc. to provide Home and Community Based MR/RC waivered Services to one individual. Rates reflect a 1% State mandated rate reduction. Services paid through MN Medical Assistance. Contract effective 7-1-03 to 12-31-03.15 FSA Contract 79-1689-03 with Habilitative Services, Inc. to provide Home and Community Based MR/RC waivered Services to one individual. Rates reflect a 1% State mandated rate reduction. Services paid through MN Medical Assistance. Contract effective 7-1-03 to 12-31-03.16 FSA Contract 80-1689-03 with Habilitative Services, Inc. to provide Home and Community Based MR/RC waivered Services to one individual. Rates reflect a 1% State mandated rate reduction. Services paid through MN Medical Assistance. Contract effective 7-1-03 to 12-31-03. 17 FSA Contract 89-1689-03 with Habilitative Services, Inc. to provide Home and Community Based MR/RC waivered Services to one individual. Rates reflect a 1% State mandated rate reduction. Services paid through MN Medical Assistance. Contract effective 7-1-03 to 12-31-03.18 FSA Contract 100-1689-03 with Habilitative Services, Inc. to provide Home and Community Based MR/RC waivered Services to one individual. Rates reflect a 1% State mandated rate reduction. Services paid through MN Medical Assistance. Contract effective 7-1-03 to 12-31-03.19 FSA Contract 101-1689-03 with Habilitative Services, Inc. to provide Home and Community Based MR/RC waivered Services to one individual. Rates reflect a 1% State mandated rate reduction. Services paid through MN Medical Assistance. Contract effective 7-1-03 to 12-31-03.Mr. Ehlers presented a draft of the FSA Biennial Service Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Services covering (2) programs – the Minnesota Family Investment Program and Children and Community Services Act with effective 01/01/04 – 12/31/05. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Hoime, to make the draft agreement available for 30-day public comment, declared carried on a voice vote.Mike Winkels, Sheriff, reviewed the cities (Hardwick, Kenneth, Steen, Magnolia, Hills, Beaver Creek) contracts for law enforcement services; motion by Hoime, seconded by Jarchow, to approve the cities contract for law enforcement services, declared carried on a voice vote. Sheriff Winkels also introduced (2) new deputies, Glen Reisdorfer and Jon McCarty. The County Board welcomed both deputies. Mark Sehr, Engineer requested final payment of $37,613.55 to Duininck Brothers Inc. for S.P. 67-599-63 and S. P. 67-604-16 and for S. P. 67-604-17 for the amount of $81,474.50 payable to Duininck Brothers Inc.; motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to approve the final payments totaling $119,088.05, declared carried on a voice vote.The Engineer presented Resolution No. 31-03, designating Mound Township Road 58, from US Highway 75 to CSAH 18, as a County State Aide Highway; motion by Jarchow, seconded by Wildung, to approve Resolution No. 31-03, declared carried on a voice vote. The Engineer presented the following construction updates:oCSAH 4, from Luverne to CSAH 11: The aggregate base is being placed and paving operations could begin after Labor DayoCSAH 8, from CSAH 9 – CSAH 3: The bituminous overlay is complete and shouldering has not been completed oCSAH 3, from Iowa to CSAH 15: The bituminous overlay is complete and shouldering has not been completedoCSAH 17, from Iowa to I-90; The bituminous overlay is currently being placedThe County Board was informed that on September 17th there would be an Open House at the Lyon County Regional Landfill Center. The County Board was in receipt of an update of the Overgaard lawsuit filed against Rock County; recently there has been a settlement agreement where the Overgaard’s will not pursue appeal or litigation in the State Court System. The County Board requested that Water Plan monies to be used for well sealing and septic systems be on the next board meeting agenda and directed the Land Management Director Eric Hartman and Assistant Land Management Office Director Doug Bos to present that information. The County Board was in receipt of a Prairie Expo report informing them that Prairie Holdings would be purchasing the Prairie Expo building; listed as the payment breakdown payable to the Department of Finance: Prairie Holdings - $400,000 City of Worthington - $600,000 Nobles County - $600,000 Regional Development Commission - $300,000Commissioner Bakken presented an update of a recent Extension meeting. Following the update and discussion, the County Board directed that a letter be sent to Director Dean Casey requesting information on what services the county will receive from Extension Regional Offices and that a response be received by the end of September.Commissioner Hoime informed the County Board that Paul Alink has resigned from the Pool Commission; the County Board directed that a letter be sent to Mr. Alink thanking him for his many years of service. Commissioner Boyenga stated that the RC&D submitted a grant request to clean up railroad ties along the Nobles/Rock Railroad. As to date, the grant has made the first initial cut of approved county projects. The County Board requested that the LMO Director and Assistant Director also present the Feedlot Inventory fee structure that has been adopted by Nobles County at the next board meeting. With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was declared adjourned.Ron Boyenga, Chairman of the BoardATTEST:Kyle J. Oldre, Clerk to Board(10-2)

ORDINANCE NO. 254, THIRD SERIESAN ORDINANCE ANNEXING CERTAIN PROPERTY INTO THE CITY OF LUVERNE(2.09 Acres, Thielbar Addition)WHEREAS, Bart and Paula Thielbar, as sole owners, have filed a Petition requesting the annexation to the City of Luverne of that certain real estate located in the County of Rock, State of Minnesota, described as follows:Beginning at the Northwest corner of Lot 1 in Block 1 Juhl’s Addition to the City of Luverne Minnesota; Thence North 00 Degrees 41 Minutes 33 Seconds East (Geodetic Bearing) a distance of 531.80 feet to an iron stake; Thence South 48 Degrees 39 Minutes 26 Seconds East a distance of 362.48 feet to an iron stake; Thence continuing South 48 Degrees 39 Minutes 26 Seconds East a distance of 61.57 feet to an iron stake; Thence South 28 Degrees 21 minutes 21 Seconds West a distance of 242.39 feet to an iron stake; Thence along a tangential curve, concave to the East, having a radius of 70.00 feet, a central angle of 27 Degrees 58 Minutes 04 Seconds a distance of 34.17 feet to an iron stake; Thence South 00 Degrees 46 Minutes 26 Seconds West a distance of 3.04 feet to an iron stake on the Northwest corner of Lot 1 Block 1; Thence South 89 Degrees 21 Minutes 42 Seconds West along the North line of Juhl’s Addition a distance of 59.97 feet to an iron stake; Thence continuing South 89 Degrees 14 Minutes 27 Seconds West along said North line a distance of 141.28 feet to said Point of Beginning.WHEREAS, Said property abuts the municipality and the area to be annexed is less than 60 acres, and the area to be annexed is not presently served by public sewer facilities or public sewer facilities are not otherwise available; WHEREAS, Said property is currently served by the municipality’s electric utility service, and the property owners have waived their right to receive notice pursuant to M. S. 4145.033, Subd. 13, regarding an estimate of the cost impact of any change in electric utility services, including rate changes and assessments, resulting from the annexation;WHEREAS, The City Council of the City of Luverne held a public hearing on September 23, 2003 after providing 30 days written notice to Luverne Township and all land owners within and adjacent to the proposed annexation area was provided. NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LUVERNE DOES ORDAIN:SECTION 1 Pursuant Minnesota Statutes §414.032, the City Council of the City of Luverne does hereby extend its corporate limits and annexes the following property described as:Beginning at the Northwest corner of Lot 1 in Block 1 Juhl’s Addition to the City of Luverne Minnesota; Thence North 00 Degrees 41 Minutes 33 Seconds East (Geodetic Bearing) a distance of 531.80 feet to an iron stake; Thence South 48 Degrees 39 Minutes 26 Seconds East a distance of 362.48 feet to an iron stake; Thence continuing South 48 Degrees 39 Minutes 26 Seconds East a distance of 61.57 feet to an iron stake; Thence South 28 Degrees 21 minutes 21 Seconds West a distance of 242.39 feet to an iron stake; Thence along a tangential curve, concave to the East, having a radius of 70.00 feet, a central angle of 27 Degrees 58 Minutes 04 Seconds a distance of 34.17 feet to an iron stake; Thence South 00 Degrees 46 Minutes 26 Seconds West a distance of 3.04 feet to an iron stake on the Northwest corner of Lot 1 Block 1; Thence South 89 Degrees 21 Minutes 42 Seconds West along the North line of Juhl’s Addition a distance of 59.97 feet to an iron stake; Thence continuing South 89 Degrees 14 Minutes 27 Seconds West along said North line a distance of 141.28 feet to said Point of Beginning.SECTION 2. The zoning for the annexed parcel shall be R-A under the City’s Zoning Code.SECTION. 3. The City Clerk is directed to file certified copies of this ordinance with the Municipal Boundary Adjustments, Luverne Township, the Rock County Auditor-Treasurer, and the Minnesota Secretary of State.SECTION. 4. This ordinance takes full force and effect after its publication and approval by the State Department of Administration. /s/ Glen W. GustGlen W. Gust, MayorATTEST: /s/ Gregory A. La Fond, Gregory A. La Fond, City Administrator(10-2)

SEPTEMBER 11, 2003MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184, ROCK COUNTY, LUVERNE, MINNESOTA.A regular meeting of the Board of Education, ISD #2184, was held in the MS/HS District Office on Thursday, September 11, 2003, at 7:30 p.m.The following members were present: Don Bryan, Colleen Deutsch, Dan Kopp, Cary Radisewitz, Bill Stegemann, Steve Tofteland, and Becky Walgrave. Also present: Superintendent Vince Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Stacy Gillette, Jan Olson, Gary Fisher, Melody Tenhoff, Jane Cote, Wendy Nath, Dan Statema, Randy Creeger, Matt Crosby, K101/KQAD Radio, and Lori Ehde, Rock County Star Herald. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dan Kopp. Mr. Schaefer gave announcements.Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve the agenda. Motion unanimously carried. Dan Statema, Luverne Community Economic Development Director, presented information regarding the JOBZ (Job Opportunity Building Zones) application. He will bring further information to the September 25 meeting. Administrative reports were given.Motion by Stegemann, second by Radisewitz, to approve the School Board minutes of August 28, 2003. Motion unanimously carried. Jan Olson presented the revised curriculum schedule for the next seven years. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Stegemann, to approve the schedule as presented. Superintendent Schaefer presented information regarding the Pledge of Allegiance policy. This was the first reading of this policy. Motion by Deutsch, second by Stegemann, to table the JOBZ resolution until September 25. Motion unanimously carried. Superintendent Schaefer reviewed the conservation reserve program application that was denied by the Federal government. Discussion was held regarding the placement of prairie ground in that area. Motion by Walgrave, second by Bryan, to direct the Facilities Committee to review this land area and bring a recommendation to the School Board. Motion unanimously carried. Superintendent Schaefer reviewed the changes in vending machine accounting. Motion by Walgrave, second by Stegemann, to authorize the Luverne School District to enter into an agreement with Coca-Cola Bottling and Chuck Wagon Vending to provide the vending machines on the school district premises. Accounting will be recorded in the general fund with a check for the net proceeds to be issued to the following student activities:Senior High Student Council from High School Pop and Juice MachinesGerman Club from first semester High School Candy MachineFCCLA from second semester High School Candy MachineL Club (athletics) from the athletic juice machinesAlternative Learning Center Club from ALC MachinesIt is further agreed that the proceeds from the teacher lounge vending machines will be recorded in the general fund. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Radisewitz, to approve a maternity leave for Stacy Lihs beginning on approximately November 20, 2003, for eight weeks. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Tofteland, second by Deutsch, to approve a leave of absence for Jennifer Engesser from November 12-17, 2003, for four school days. Motion unanimously carried. The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed. It was also noted that there will be a No Child Left Behind Act presentation at the September 25 meeting.Motion by Bryan, second by Deutsch, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: September 11, 2003William Stegemann, Clerk(10-2)

AUGUST 28, 2003MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184, ROCK COUNTY, LUVERNE, MINNESOTA.A regular meeting of the Board of Education, ISD #2184, was held in the MS/HS District Office on Thursday, August 28, 2003, at 7:30 p.m.The following members were present: Don Bryan, Colleen Deutsch, Dan Kopp, Bill Stegemann, Steve Tofteland, and Becky Walgrave. Absent: Cary Radisewitz. Also present: Superintendent Vince Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Melody Tenhoff, Deb Vander Kooi, Stacy Gillette, Jan Olson, Jane Cote, Craig Nelson, Gary Fisher, Matt Crosby, K101/KQAD Radio, and Lori Ehde, Rock County Star Herald.The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dan Kopp. Mr. Schaefer gave announcements including there is an addendum to the agenda.Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve the agenda and addendum. Motion unanimously carried. Craig Nelson presented information on his Follow-up of Luverne High School Graduating Classes of 1996, 1997, and 1998. There were a total of 303 graduates and he was in contact with all of them except 13. Administrative reports were given.Jan Olson presented the Alternative School end of the year report. The Alternative School begins their sessions on Tuesday, September 2. She also reviewed the Minnesota Department of Education’s Report Card on the elementary school. Motion by Stegemann, second by Tofteland, to approve the consent agenda to include the School Board minutes of August 14, 2003, and the Student Activity Report showing the balances as of July 31, 2003. Motion unanimously carried.Motion by Walgrave, second by Stegemann, to approve payment of the district bills in the amount of $842,515.55. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Bryan, second by Deutsch, to approve the use of school facilities for the Tri-State Band Festival to be held on September 27. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Tofteland, second by Deutsch, to set the annual Capital Outlay Hearing for October 23, 2003, during the regular school board meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve Policy 203.06 – Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This was the second reading of this policy. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Walgrave, second by Stegemann, to approve hiring Carole Shorter as Middle/High School special education paraprofessional. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Bryan, second by Deutsch, to accept the resignation of Rose Toering as part-time Alternative School mathematics teacher. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Tofteland, second by Stegemann, to approve hiring Dave Swenson as custodian. Motion unanimously carried. Marlene Mann, Business Manager, presented information regarding structural balance as it relates to the settlement of the Master Agreement with the Luverne Education Association. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 2184, Luverne, Minnesota, was held on the 28th day of August, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. The following Board members were present: Bryan, Deutsch, Kopp, Stegemann, Tofteland, and Walgrave and the following members were absent: Radisewitz. Board member Deutsch introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:RESOLUTION FOR STRUCTURAL BALANCEWHEREAS, School District 2184 has a tentative agreement with the Luverne Education Association on a contract covering July 1, 2003, to June 30, 2005; and, WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.749 requires a Board of Education to determine that any collective bargaining agreement does not cause structural imbalance; and, WHEREAS, the School Board has reviewed the budget impact of this agreement taking into account current state aid formulas and reasonable and comprehensive projections of ongoing revenues and expenditures for the period of agreement, a summary of which is included;WHEREAS, the attached calculations fulfill the disclosure and reporting requirements of said statute;NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board of Independent School District No. 2184, determines that the tentative agreement with the Luverne Education Association does not cause structural imbalance of the School District’s budget during the period of the agreement. The motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Board Member Bryan and upon vote being taken thereon, the following members voted in favor thereof: Bryan, Deutsch, Kopp, Stegemann, Tofteland, and Walgrave and the following members voted against the same: none; whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. Superintendent Schaefer reviewed the settlement with the Luverne Education Association for the 2003-2005 Master Agreement. It was noted that the Association did ratify the contract on Monday. Motion by Tofteland, second by Deutsch, to ratify the contract with the Luverne Education Association effective July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2005. Motion unanimously carried.Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to accept the resignation of Greg Hurst, custodian, effective September 9, 2003. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Walgrave, second by Bryan, to approve hiring Beth Fick as Discovery Time paraprofessional. Motion unanimously carried. No committee reports were given. The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed. Motion by Stegemann, second by Walgrave, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: August 28, 2003William Stegemann, Clerk(10-2)

Now that it’s all over, you’re probably dying to know what it was like to be the Tri-State Band Festival Parade Marshal. First, I had so much fun that I would like to donate my recently gained expertise and volunteer to be the Parade Marshal on a permanent basis. I was a little shy at the beginning because there were a lot of strangers on the streets of Luverne. But when I saw the "best friend since 8th grade," Becky and her grandson, Tristin, I felt a little more at ease. Then I saw a lot of my library patrons, and my new boss, City Administrator LaFond. Some of the St. John’s choir proclaimed (verbally) that I was doing a good job. Pastor Klatt and Sharon waved at me. I gave the peace sign to Kelly and Dawn. Whitney and Savanna, Kathy, Charlie and Mollie were there. Some parade-goers expressed their regret that I didn’t have a red convertible. This was OK with me, because Barb and April (librarians) said a red car would clash with my burgundy jacket. And, really, isn’t black much more sophisticated and refined? I found out that parade marshalling is spiritually pleasing to God. I will explain how I know this. During the field competition at the high school, the loving husband and I had reserved seating in the bleachers on the 50-yard line. I’d never seen the field marching at such a vantage point because in previous years I was busy carrying out the various requirements of the Band Festival committee. So, I was a happy girl. We were surrounded by hundreds of spectators screaming and applauding their bands. Then, suddenly and without warning, I observed a butterfly heading toward the bleachers. It came closer and closer, targeting some unknown prize. Finally, it fluttered in and came to rest on my Parade Marshal corsage. Amidst all those people and all that commotion, it found me and my flower. I felt as if the Holy Spirit had descended upon me in the form of a butterfly. The fluttering critter poked around in the flowers doing what butterflies do. Approximately five minutes later it flitted off, probably scouting out another of the chosen elite. I was very pleased. Now that my moment in the sun has come to a regrettable conclusion, I’m back to business of books. New on the fiction shelf this week is Nora Roberts‚ "Remember When." Laine Tavish is an ordinary woman living in the small town of Angel's Gap, Md., as the proprietor of Remember When, an antique treasures and gift shop. At least, that's what everyone thinks. They have no idea that she used to be Elaine O'Hara, daughter of the notorious con man Big Jack O'Hara. Or that she grew up moving from place to place, one step ahead of the law ... Laine's past has just caught up with her. Her long-lost uncle suddenly turned up in her shop, leaving only a cryptic warning before dying in the street, run down by a car. Soon afterward, her home is ransacked. Now it's up to Laine, and a sexy stranger named Max Gannon, to find out who's chasing her, and why. The answer lies in a hidden fortune — a fortune that will change not only Laine's life but also the lives of future generations. And danger and death will surround that fortune for years to come. Until New York City detective Lieutenant Eve Dallas gets on the case. John Grisham’s new book, "Bleachers" is also available this week.

Prices in 1882BATTELLE’S LOCALSStandard A sugar, 9 lbs. For $1. Akron oatmeal 6 cts. Per lb.Best table syrup, 5 gallon kegs, $3.05Fearless oyster crackers, 12 cts. Lb.XXXsoda crackers, 11 cts. Lb.Alden apples, 6 lbs. For $1.Rolling pins, 15 cts.1/4 lb. cans ground cinnamon, 10c.California pears, 30 cts. Can.Ground pepper in bulk, 35 cts. Lb.Cream tartar, 35 cts. Lb.Bag string 8 cts. BallWood flour sieves, 20 cts.Rock Rapids patent flour $4.25 cwt.Rock Rapids XXXX flour $3.65 cwt.Goods delivered free to any part of the village.Battelle sells goods at prices advertised and warrants them as presented. Call and try him.Farm for RentOr sale on very liberal terms. Situated within one-half mile of Drake station. Good school house located in one corner of the farm. There are in the farm 160 acres, 60 acres of which are fall plowed and 30 acres are seeded to timothy. A very desirable farm for dairy purposes will be sold for $1200. Inquire of or address my agent, Mrs. L.F. Hovey, Luverne, Minn. E.B. CraftDonations to the Rock County Historical Endowment Fund can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, P.O. Box 741, Luverne, MN 56156.Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net,

Evidently fed up with the 65 percent of Americans who are already overweight or obese and not following their advice, nutritionists are going to the dogs. Really. At least 25 percent of dogs and cats in the Western world, including the USA, are obese and need to lose weight, according to a report recently issued by the National Academy of Sciences’ National Research Council. In other words, a quarter of the 77 million cats and 60 million dogs in this country have become couch potatoes. The experts’ solutions for dealing with paunchy pets include cutting calories, avoiding snacks and table scraps and more exercise. The advice hasn’t worked for humans, especially the part about table scraps, but experts are apparently hoping for better luck with our four-legged friends. How can you tell if your dog should lose weight? The same experts say that if you can’t feel its ribs, a dog is too fat. If you can pinch an inch of fat over the ribs, the dog is overweight. There will also be fatty deposits on its back and tail and no waistline when the dog is viewed from above. Except for the fat tail part, pets are resembling their owners. In addition, the following tell-tale signs might indicate that your dog is ready for a diet and an exercise program. You discover paw prints on the refrigerator door and definite nose prints on the leftover Jell-O salad. Smaller family pets, such as hamsters, gerbils and parakeets, are mysteriously missing. All that remains of them are a few scattered feathers, empty cages and tiny three-inch collars. All wildlife has vanished from your yard. You can’t remember the last time you saw a squirrel or a night crawler or heard a bird sing. You are notified by the police that a dog resembling yours has been attacking every pizza delivery person within a four-block radius of your house and running off with the goods. To make matters worse, you recently noticed that your dog has what appears to be pizza breath. The dial on the bathroom scale appears to be chewed, or gnawed, to the point of destruction by something or someone with unusually sharp teeth. Your dog sits up and howls uncontrollably during televised dog food commercials. His leash, a necessity for walking around the block, always seems to be missing. He continues to outgrow dog collars at a steady rate and now wears a man’s 38-inch leather belt around his neck. Your dog has a curious, almost primitive, look in his eyes whenever he sees small children walk by the house. The gaze, which reminds you of the distant look in hunters’ eyes in the fall, is usually accompanied by excessive drooling. Finally, someone or something has crudely scrawled two words — roughly resembling "doggie treats" — on your grocery list. The words are apparently written with an unusual combination of ink, backyard dirt and slobber.

With the war in Iraq and the continuing war on terror, many of our young people are becoming veterans. When they return home and become civilians again, I hope that we, the current veterans and members of our local veterans organizations (Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion), can give them an active, productive and the comradery organization they have earned. Do we have those kind of organizations now? I think NOT. You might question this statement by stating that we surely have strong viable organizations with high membership lists. For our size of community we are blessed with a very high percentage of eligible veterans who pay their dues annually or are life members of both organizations.Our membership numbers are greatly appreciated especially on the state and national level. They do have many good programs for the veterans, and we all are aware that politicians, our lawmakers, are affected and do vote according to the power that numbers have.We veterans need that power in Washington and St. Paul to protect the benefits we have earned and that are on the record, and make sure they do not shrink more than they already have.BUT, we need participation on the local level, as well. If you are a veteran but not a member, we’d love to sign you up. Check with either unit, we’ll do the rest. Also, if you are a member of some other post, (VFW or Legion) you are welcome at any of our meetings.On meeting nights, where we discuss and decide how we can help our veterans here in our community, there is barely a quorum in attendance. We have many members who need our help directly or through (benefits) they have earned. I am finding comrades almost on a daily basis who are in dire need who not receiving the benefits they are eligible for. Just your attendance and vote on these veteran issues and community work would be greatly appreciated. Attend and make our local organizations the strong, active, helpful and participating veterans unit that they can be. When our new young veterans come home they can join either organization with pride and confidence that we are a fun, yet productive group, working for all veterans and their rights, and for the community we live in. Our units are in need of volunteers for the following: Honor Guard. Our present active honor guard (firing squad, flag bearers) is made up of both the VFW and Legion Members. We are getting older, many being more than 80 years young. To participate in the ceremony where we honor our departed veteran comrades is one of the most honorable and satisfying duties we veterans can perform. It gives closure for the family and shows them our nation’s appreciation for their Veteran’s service. Please volunteer for this honorable duty. Parades: We need you! Can you march, carry the colors or a rifle? Show the community that you are a proud veteran and very proud of your service to your country. We old timers are asking, "Won’t you help?" Call your organization and put your name on the marching list. If you need or want more information feel free to contact me. Together we can be the vehicle to give these new young veterans and their families the help, guidance and the comradery they deserve while they adjust back to civilian life. Warren Herreid (A Veteran) Luverne283-9467

It’s the watermelon season. Villagers have enjoyed lots of melon this year. One of the reasons has been R.N. Mary’s trips to see her family living in Omaha. On each excursion she visits a place I bet you never heard of, Honey Creek, Iowa. From there she brings back large watermelons weighing as much as 50 pounds. And they are free. Rick West planted 425 hills of watermelon at Honey Creek with five plants on each hill and he gives 90 percent away. He’s a machinist for the Union Pacific Railway by day and works long hours at night and weekends on his watermelon patch which must be a big one.We have two new part-time employees who will fill in when needed. Bernice Sandbulte and Marty Leuthold are the familiar faces we see following current workers around learning the duties here at the Village.The unusual celebration of the day has been National Tie Day. Observance included everyone wearing a tie plus ties being wrapped around our pumpkins at the table.Old friends stopping in for a visit were Gene and Barbara Sikkink. They were anxious to return to their home in Arizona following a stay in Alaska helping others. Gene played the piano and Barbara sang for us. We then realized how much we’ve missed their weekly concerts.Pastor Berg’s Bible study has been on the life of Apostle Paul. Merv Warner’s have been visiting Alice and Carolyn. The Warner’s are Larchwood residents soon to become snowbirds in Arizona. Erma’s daughter Carolyn and her family came from Stillwater for the weekend. They were on hand to celebrate Erma’s birthday and Gail Nelson’s wedding. Erma served krumkaka and ice cream for her birthday treat and treat it was. My fortune cookie read "Checking into a hotel, Ole asked if they take children?" The clerk replied "No, only Visa and American Express."I’ll keep you posted.