By Lori EhdeRock County’s third Relay for Life will be June 20 and 21, this year, in the Luverne City Park. There are 26 teams and roughly 400 walkers lined up for the event, which is the American Cancer Society’s premier fund-raiser for cancer research and programs to support cancer patients.Many of the team members find themselves walking in memory of those who died from cancer, or in honor of cancer survivors.Their stories are compelling.For example, Bonnie Johannsen participated in Rock County’s first Relay for Life as a cancer survivor on "Bonnie’s Buddies" team. Last year, she was receiving treatments and couldn’t participate with the team.This year, Johannsen’s friends and family on Bonnie's Buddies team will walk without her, in her memory.Adrian’s Tara Bullerman lost her battle with cancer at the age of 9. Her favorite color was purple and she liked angels. One of the last things she did was to use her hands and feet to make angels out of handprints and footprints for her family members.A print of these angels will be on the purple T-shirts worn by her team, "Tara’s Purple Angels."Main Street Financial has organized a team in honor of employee, Edna Brands, whose husband, Ed Brands, has cancer. Their story is compelling for the sheer dollar amount they’ve raised.By enlisting support from the investment companies they work with, they’ve raised $2,500 for the American Cancer Society. Representatives from Bell Capital will fly in from Atlanta, Ga., to participate in the Relay for Life event.Luminaries — small, paper bags with candles inside them — line the walk path at Relay for Life. The luminaries, decorated with names of cancer victims and cancer survivors, are lit at dusk in a special ceremony."This is a very moving ceremony," said Relay For Life Chairman, Vicki Baartman. "It reminds us why we’re here — to fight cancer, which touches so many lives."The public can purchase luminaries from any team member or from Vivian Holst at Minnegasco or Gerry Sandstede at Luverne City Hall.The local teams organized in March and so far have raised $19,000 for the cause.The first two years of Relay for Life saw $44,000 and $49,000 in funds raised. This year, Baartman said she hopes to see that much come in, but planners have lowered the goal amount."Realistically, with the economy the way it is, if corporate giving is down … or people might choose which charitable organizations to give to," Baartman said. "We thought it’s better to be conservative."While the bulk of the team fund-raising goes on before the Relay, the event itself offers plenty of opportunities for the public to participate and support the cause.Fund-raisers are planned throughout the evening on site, including concession stands, hair styling booths, massage treatments and more.The event starts 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 20, in the park with a dinner provided by Glen’s Food Center. The meal will be served until 6:30, and opening ceremonies begin at 7 p.m. with the Survivor’s Lap.Entertainment and special events are planned throughout the evening and through the night.A sunrise service and closing ceremonies will be at 6:30 a.m. followed by a breakfast provided by Tony’s Catering.See the June 19 Star Herald for more details. Baartman can be reached at 283-4119 to answer questions.

By Sara StrongRock County is preparing to host informational public hearings on its intention to change the County Recorder’s position from elected to appointed.County Recorder Jere Ohme said he is in favor of the position change for a few reasons. He said the job has changed to require so much technological knowledge, that allowing anyone to run for office could mean that efficiency and service would be lost.For example, as of 8 a.m. Tuesday morning the county was completely up to date on its records. Nobles County and Pipestone County are six weeks behind.Those objecting to the change from elected to appointed have said that the public is losing control over government with each official they don’t get to elect.To that, Ohme said, "The thing about it is, this office is governed by state statute. We make no political decisions whatsoever."Also, when people are voted out of office, or retire from elected positions, they often don’t train their replacements. Ohme said that would mean continued good service in the office wouldn’t be assured in the future.Ohme said he hasn’t directly heard opposition to the change to appointed.Times changeThe longest standing County Recorder in the state of Minnesota is almost ready to stop registering, filing and preserving Rock County information.Ohme is technically eligible for retirement, but will probably finish the current term. Even if the county gets the position changed to appointed from elected, Ohme would stay through retirement as written into the law.Ohme has been the County Recorder since 1975, when Agnes Wiese retired. She had worked at the job since 1939.When Ohme started in Rock County, he was the first to use a ball point pen for the records — Wiese preferred a quill dipped in ink.Compare that to now, when the office is run by three computer systems. To get the job, Ohme had to campaign hard, but he hasn’t had an opponent since his first election.In the 1974 campaign, Ohme was a sure loser, some said. Five others ran for recorder, including a banker and others with strong local histories. Ohme was fairly new in town, a Slayton native, and at the time taught elementary gym."I just really worked hard," Ohme said. "I went to every home in the county except in the very north, because I ran out of time."What exactly makes up the job duties of recorder can seem vague, so Ohme explained the position Tuesday.oRecorders direct the recording of all deeds, mortgages and other legal documents involved in the registration of land to meet statutory requirements. oRecorders review deeds and other documents for accuracy and completeness.oRecorders supervise and review the work of subordinate personnel in the Recorder’s Office. In Rock County’s case, that is Joyce De Groot.oRecorders advise the public on procedures for recording deeds and mortgages and related documents.oRecorders assist the public and legal professionals in searches for recorded information about specific property and titles. Ohme said that especially during the summer, genealogy research is popular in the vault of records.oRecorders ascertain that all papers are kept in order in accordance with the order in which they have been entered and that they are rechecked and numbered according to the Torrens system.oThe recorder assists the auditor/treasurer, assessor, attorney and engineer in determining ownerships, areas and residues for tax and other purposes.The job involves very detailed work that is unforgiving. There is no room for error because errors adversely affect chains of title.Ohme’s explanation of the recorder job continues, "The operation of the entire county government system depends upon the recorder’s records. Taxation of real estate is crucial to financing governmental operations. The ownership of real estate is responsible for taxes assessed. Thus, it naturally follows that the land records of the recorder must accurately reflect the current status of each tract of land within the county. The assessor bases his work upon the information given him by the recorder’s records. In turn, the treasurer collects the taxes assessed. "The recorders office is not more important than the others. However, other offices are dependent upon the accuracy of the recorder’s records. Thus, there is a great responsibility on the part of the recorder to assure accuracy in all the operations of the office."Recorders (formally known as register of deeds) are also registrars. Registrars of Titles operate under the Torrens, or registered land, system.The Registrar is an arm of the District Court, and examines documents presented, determines whether they meet legal requirements for transfer and issues Certificates of Title.

By Lori EhdeAngela Van Holland, DVM, joins the long-standing list of veterinarians at Rock Veterinary Clinic.Originally from rural Trent, S.D., Van Holland completed her undergraduate studies at South Dakota State University, Brookings, and earned her doctorate of veterinary medicine May 10 from Iowa State University, Ames."I’m excited to be in the community, meeting people and becoming involved in animal health care — in both large and small animal medicine," Van Holland said.She said she was attracted to the Luverne clinic for a number of reasons. "I’m interested in mixed animal medicine, and it’s relatively close to home," she said.She lives in Garretson with her husband, Travis Van Holland, who works with Ted Berghorst of Ted’s Equipment Installation, Beaver Creek.Like most veterinarians, Van Holland said she got into animal science because she enjoys animals, but she had other inspirations as well."Our local vet (the late Jim Swenson, Jasper) sparked my interest," she said "He was always very kind and willing to explain things."Rock Veterinary Clinic has had a contract with the Sioux Falls Livestock Auction since last summer, so Dr. Gordon Hamann said the clinic needed to hire."It takes one vet full-time over there now, so we just need more help," he said.Van Holland joins Hamann, Dr. John Bowron, Dr. David Iverson, and Dr. Kay Burkhart at Rock Veterinary Clinic, located south of Luverne on Highway 75.Hamann and Bowron have been with the practice for 36 and 32 years, respectively. Iverson and Burkhart both came on board in 1979.Van Holland said it’s a bit intimidating to work among so many seasoned veterinarians, but Hamann said it’s nice to have "new blood" in the practice."She’s just got a great personality and attitude," he said. "We are looking forward to the months and years ahead with her in our practice."

By Sara StrongThere’s a possible new development in the works for home construction east of the city of Luverne. Ed Elbers, through All States Realty, applied for the rezoning of agricultural land to residential.The County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved the rezoning after a recommendation from the County Planning and Zoning Board, which hosted a public hearing.Commissioner Richard Bakken cast the only vote against the rezoning.The city of Luverne still has to approve it, because of the development’s proximity to town.The preliminary plat shows the lots available would be along the east side of County Road 9 (landfill road), north of County Road 4 (Main Street). The homes would be north of the few homes that are currently in that area.Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board Paul Doherty said he isn’t in favor of the rezoning.He objected in a number of ways. Doherty said the impact of all the septic systems should be closely examined. He also said that people who want open spaces and an acreage to live on have many opportunities in the county without taking away current ag land."Agriculture is too big of an industry for the county to restrict it in this way," Doherty said.Although the county may be able to do without the lost farm land, Doherty said the overall impact is still felt. For instance, Doherty fears that the "neighborhood" will get lots of political power. He said farmers or livestock producers may want to locate nearby or change their operations in the future, and homeowners could band together and halt the permitting process, as happened with a gravel pit in the recent past.The development will be called Valley View because of its picturesque setting overlooking the Rock River valley. The plat has 15 sites suitable for construction in size of .65 acres to 1.97 acres.The subdivision sites will have individual septic treatment systems and rural water connections.Most recently, the land had been used for alfalfa, but had also grown soybeans and corn.There are no prices set for the lots yet, and if the zoning goes through, the next step is getting roads inside the area for home access.

Mindy Kemper (right), Lismore, is starting as the new Hardwick Postmaster, replacing the retiring Nancy Patton, Hardwick. Kemper has worked for the U.S. Postal Service for eight years between Luverne and Worthington. She is married to Chris Kemper and has two children, Collin and Alexia.Patton plans to stay in Hardwick and enjoy more time with her husband, Don, and time for riding their four motorcycles and traveling in their motor home. In her 33 years as a postal worker in Hardwick, Patton did much more than the job description called for. She helped people wrap packages at Christmas and wrote out checks for elderly customers to sign. "I sure hope they keep the small post offices open," she said. "It does become a gathering place for people." Don even made a wooden bench for people to sit on in the office. "The people here are so nice, and some of them needed to rest a little when they came in."

MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HILLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYMAY 21, 2003Dana Dahlquist, President of the Hills EDA called the meeting to order at 7:45 P.M. Board present: Dana Dahlquist, Jim Jellema, Keith Elbers and Linus Svoboda. Absent: Arlen Leenderts. Employees present: Connie Wiertzema, EDA Secretary; Joanne Goehle, EDA Treasurer. Guests present: Wilmer Elbers, Mike Kerkhove and Amy Brandt. Wilmer Elbers was invited to the meeting to discuss a proposal for the EDA to purchase Lots 1 and 2 in Park View Third Addition.Mike Kerkhove and Amy Brandt were invited to describe the foundation of the manufactured home they are proposing to purchase from Centennial Homes. The Council also inquired whether they would be interested in purchasing a lot in Park View Third Addition, rather than in the Fourth Addition. This would allow for only stick built construction in Park View Fourth Addition. Kerkhove and Brandt will give the proposal some thought. A motion was made by Jellema, seconded by Svoboda to purchase Lots 1 and 2 in Park View Third Addition for $21,000, with all sewer line costs running north of a manhole located in the middle of East Sixth Street, to be deleted from United Enterprises Assessment costs. Motion carried. No further discussion, meeting adjourned at 8:55 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaEDA Secretary(6-5)

MINUTES OF THE HILLSECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITYMAY 13, 2003Dana Dahlquist, President of the Hills EDA called the meeting to order at 8:45 P.M. Board present: Dana Dahlquist, Jim Jellema, Keith Elbers and Linus Svoboda. Absent: Arlen Leenderts. Employees present; Connie Wiertzema, EDA Secretary and Joanne Goehle, EDA Treasurer. Guests present: Gerald Haak, Mike Kerkhove and Amy Brandt, and Jolene Farley-Hills Crescent.Motion by Jellema, seconded by Svoboda to approve of the April 8th minutes. Motion carried. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Elbers to approve payment of the April expenditures. Motion carried. Gerald Haak was invited to the meeting to discuss water diversion within Park View Third and Fourth Additions. Haak questioned whether sewer assessment costs for Park View Third Addition could be reduced, due to a manhole that was not necessary. The Board will invite Steve Kor to a special meeting on May 21st at 7:00 P.M. to continue discussion on these matters. Haak quoted a selling price of $11,000 per lot, for Lots 1 and 2 in Park View Third Addition. Elbers informed the Board that Lot 2 in Park View Fourth Addition has been sold. Mike Kerkhove and Amy Brandt described a manufactured home that they are considering moving in. The Board questioned the foundation of the home, and will consider reviewing a model at Centennial Homes. No further business, meeting adjourned at 9:35 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaEDA Secretary(6-5)

MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETINGOF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILMAY 21, 2003 AT 7:00 P.M.Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. with the following Council members present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, Dana Dahlquist, and Keith Elbers. Absent: Arlen Leenderts. Employee present: Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer; Wayne Ward, City Maintenance; and Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk. Guests present: Steve Kor from Dakota Land Surveying, and Gerald Haak. The Council invited Steve Kor and Gerald Haak to the meeting to discuss the water diversion through Park View Third and Fourth Additions. Kor referred to the drainage plat map, which also notes where culverts need to be installed. The water flow through Park View Fourth Addition will be diverted around Josephine Drive toward Josephine Avenue, which will then run-off into the west ditch along Josephine Avenue and flow south. Kor will set stakes to obtain the correct elevations for culverts to be installed. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Svoboda to accept AB Excavation’s proposal to construct the street and divert the water through Park View Fourth Addition in the amount of $3,000. Motion carried.Ward was instructed to obtain a price for a sewer line casing, for Lots 4 and 5 in Park View Fourth Addition. Should the proposed plans for these lots transform, the cost of this casing will be assessed back to the property owner. The Council inquired about the cost of Lots 1 and 2 in Park View Third Addition. Haak quoted a price of $11,000 per lot. Ward presented the Council with prices from Leuthold’s Plumbing for water and sewer line installation for Park View Fourth Addition. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Svoboda to accept a proposal from DRG as discussed at the May 13th meeting. Motion carried. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to approve of a building permit application for Jeff Schwab to construct steps and a wood deck. Motion carried. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to adjourn at 7:45 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(6-5)

BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATIONANDMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETINGOF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILMAY 13, 2003 6:00 P.M.Mayor Jim Jellema called the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. with the following Council members present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, Dana Dahlquist, and Keith Elbers. Absent: Arlen Leenderts. Employee present: Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk, Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests present: Tom Houselog-Rock County Assessor, Mark Hovland-Deputy Assessor, Gerald Haak, Wendell Bengtson, Carmine Immediato, Jeff Bass, Matt Taubert-Meulebroeck, Taubert & Co.; and Jolene Farley-Hills Crescent. Houselog and Hovland reported to the Council that residential values increased less than one percent, and apartment buildings up 10% overall. From October 2001 to September 2002 there were nine residential sales totaling $437,900.00, compared to the estimated value of those properties totaled $399,200.00.There was discussion to cut future Board of Equalization meetings to one-half hour, unless there is a need for additional time. The City Council was in agreement with that. The regular meeting of the Hills City Council was opened, while Houselog and Hovland remained at the meeting. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Elbers to approve of the April 8th minutes. Motion carried. The Council approved payment of $400 to Paul Ageson Construction for sand for the new volleyball court at Jacobson Park. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Dahlquist to approve payment of the April expenditures: General $2,511.44; Park $1,257.03; Fire $355.66; Street $3,661.26; Legion $1,018.57; Barbershop $411.53; Sewer $1,303.12; Garbage $3,348.78; Recycling $1,095.52; Water $5,032.71; Baseball $19.39; Softball $32.85. Motion carried. TREASURER’S REPORT:General Checking $ 40,196.42General Fund CD#1778, 2.5%, 10/21/03 318,306.69General Fund CD#17792, 2.5%, 5/29/03 133,372.00General Fund CD#17760, 2.5%, 3/15/05 20,226.85Sewer Fund CD#17877, 2.5%, 10/18/03 50,441.78Fire Truck Rep. Fund CD#17710, 1.75%, 1/13/04 19,878.80Hills EDA Security Deposit Account 2,971.96Hills EDA Checking 4,184.12Southern Hills Apts. Checking 4,741.22Southern Hills CD#17554, 2.5%, 7/20/03 17,534.93Southern Hills CD#17759, 2.5%, 3/15/05 5,056.71EDA CD#17384, 2.65%, 4/7/03 27,617.27EDA CD#17268, 1.75%, 1/26/04 10,454.41TOTAL $654,983.16The Treasurer was instructed to use general fund CD#17792, along with additional funds from general fund CD#1778 to pay Rock County Rural Water for waterline improvements. A list of delinquent utility accounts was presented to the Council. Elbers suggested adding a $30 service fee for insufficient checks. The Council tabled the discussion on making changes to payment requirements and disconnection notices. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Elbers to approve of the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Elbers to approve of the following building permit applications: Harvey Gehrke - garage; Myron Sandbulte – addition to home; Dean Knobloch – cement driveway; Henry Van Wyhe – storage building; H-BC High School – locker room addition; Scott Harris – fence; and Justin Ovre – cement driveway. Motion carried. At 7:00 P.M. the Council approved of and closed the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting and continued with the regular City Council meeting. The Council opened sealed bids for the sale of the depot building located at 214 South Main Avenue. Bids were received from Kelly Demuth, Bud Bush, and Eugene Immediato. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Dahlquist to accept the bid from Immediato in the amount of $10,000. Immediato noted his intentions for the property, to open a mini-grocery/convenience store and delicatessen. All Council in favor, motion carried. Jeff Bass appeared at the meeting to discuss replacing the front door and window of the Post Office, and relocate the air conditioner. Bass offered to complete the project for approximately $2,500, not including the cost of the commercial steel door and frame. No other bids were received for this project. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to hire Bass. Motion carried. The Council asked Jeff Bass to submit a written estimate to replace and down size the window in the maintenance room of the American Legion building. The Council agreed to donate $150 to Friendship Day.Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Elbers to purchase 50 chairs from Brown & Saenger at $9.50 each; and two tables from Office Max at $49.99 each, for the American Legion building. Motion carried. The Council agreed to rent Chuck Kuntze storage space at $1.00 per day, household items only, until his home is constructed in the EDA’s new housing addition. The Council instructed the Clerk to send letters to property owners regarding lawn care, abandoned vehicles, and miscellaneous junk items. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to approve of the Fire Department’s proposed budget for 2004 in the amount of $31,425.00. Motion carried. MAINTENANCE REPORT:The Council discussed installation of outside remote water meters, it was suggested to gradually begin installation on a few existing homes, and on all newly constructed homes. Ward presented a written proposal from DRG for installation of water and sewer lines for Park View Fourth Addition. Ward was instructed to obtain a second written proposal. Ward was instructed to test the flow of water in the alley near the water tower for precautionary purposes.Ward was instructed to obtain costs for the installation of a street, culverts and ditch work for Park View Fourth Addition. Ward informed the Council that the engineers for Rock County Rural Water would not allow for a fire hydrant to be installed along the new main water line. Ward was asked to dispose of the merry-go-round at Rez Park.The Council discussed complaints received regarding dandelions on certain property within the city limits. Matt Taubert, City Auditor, reviewed the 2002 audit report. Taubert informed the Council that the State is changing the way property and equipment is reported in the 2004 audit, which will require more bookkeeping requirements. Taubert will contact the City Office to review these new requirements. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Elbers to adjourn at 8:45 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(6-5)