By Lori EhdeA Luverne man wants to put a new business in an old downtown storefront, and he attended Tuesday’s Luverne Economic Development Authority meeting to ask for help.Jeff Ernst is general manager of Identity Sports, a marketing firm that develops Web sites and multimedia marketing for professional athletes, teams and leagues.He wants to relocate the business from Sioux Falls to the vacant building just east of Main Street Financial Services.He’s in the process of securing a $50,000 loan from the Small Business Administration, a $25,000 loan from the Southwest Minnesota Foundation and a $25,000 loan from a local bank.Ernst requested specifically that the city serve as the sponsoring unit of government to guarantee the bank loan and LEDA agreed Tuesday to do that.Identity Sports has either developed or manages online sports properties for more than 20 clients nationwide."Athletes and teams want instant information for their fans," Ernst told LEDA members Tuesday.The company helps them update their Web sites with news, photos and multimedia. In addition, Identity Sports e-marketing allows athletes and teams to keep fans informed with newsletters and promotions.He added that online sports advertising is a rapidly developing market.Ernst said he’ll start with a couple employees and build to four or five after the first year. "This gives us the capital we need to make those hires," he said of the loans.LEDA member Bob Latham made the motion to approve the resolution, contingent on the SBA loan approval. Karis Gust seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.Ernst is purchasing the building, which has a leaky roof and needs other costly improvements, from Larry Bouma, who now reportedly lives in Wisconsin.He plans to also renovate the two second-floor apartments and continue to rent them out. Financing is on track for approval this week, and renovation work will begin immediately. He said he hopes the work will be done within a month.Ernst moved to the area when he married Luverne’s Denise Zinnel two years ago.He was a Netbriefings employee and worked for Identity Sports on the side, but he said Identity Sports has grown to the point that it now requires full-time attention.The Web site for Identity Sports is www.identitysports.com.‘Affordable’ housing next to a $240,000 homeLuverne resident Sam Berghorst approached the LEDA Tuesday with concerns about a developer’s plans for the lot next to his in the Evergreen II Addition.At their April 8 meeting, LEDA members approved a proposal by Twin Cities developer Erik Christensen to build five new homes in Luverne.They will be marketed as affordable housing in the $110,000 to $150,000 price range.Two are in the Sybesma Addition and three are in Evergreen II. One of the Evergreen homes will be built next door to Berghorst’s new home on the corner of Blue Mound Avenue and Brandenburg Street by the park.Berghorst told LEDA members he’s worried about the developer’s plans for the neighborhood."I’ve got $250,000 stuck in my home, so I’m a little concerned about what this will do to the value of my home," he said.Karis Gust said the dollar amount of a home may not necessarily reflect its effect on the neighborhood.She said a $110,000 to $140,000 home can be done nicely with a split level and attached garage. "Would that not fit with the look of the neighborhood?" she asked.LEDA members also pointed out that Berghorst’s lot on the corner is larger than the one next door, so it would follow that a smaller, less expensive house might be built there.LEDA director Dan Statema said the developer’s intent was to build affordable housing, but he said the city has imposed covenants that would guarantee a look cohesive with the neighborhood.LEDA members have already accepted Christensen’s proposal, but have not signed a purchase agreement. They authorized Statema to ask Christensen if he’d be interested in the same proposal on a different lot.

By Sara StrongWith the upcoming retirement of Rock County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Kurt Kester, Rock County and the city of Luverne are about to begin discussions on how to handle the staffing of the department.While they haven’t said they favor leaving the department without one officer, a $42,000 deficit in the 2003 department budget is an issue.The County contracts with cities for law enforcement services, and the city of Luverne, although still on contract, is a partner in the operation of joint city-county law enforcement department.In his retirement letter, Kester said, "I apologize for the problems my leaving causes Sheriff [Mike] Winkels and to all partners if the county does not fill my position. I realize the problems the State of Minnesota has caused with their budget cuts, however I also know how important it is to have a fully-staffed Sheriff’s Office. I hope the County Commissioners can find a way to replace the position I am opening up; Rock County needs a strong Sheriff’s Office."If the position isn’t filled, it will save the county immediate expenses in salary. Another option would be eliminating the investigator position or not having officers on duty 24 hours a day.The County Attorney’s Office has said the investigator position has proven to be valuable to prosecutions. The Joint Law agreement doesn’t specify the number of officers to be employed, although it stipulates that the department will have two sergeants and 24-hour coverage. The agreement will be reviewed between the county and city as soon as possible.

By Sara StrongThe Rock County Board of Commissioners Tuesday met the new Executive Director of the Lewis and Clark Rural Water Project, Troy Larson.He said this is an exciting time for the water project "because up until this time, it was essentially a dream."Larson said the question of completing the project isn’t "if" anymore, but "when."Lewis and Clark Rural Water System will provide an alternative, backup water supply from the Missouri River to 23 towns and water systems in South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa.This year, $12.7 million in federal, state and local funds will be spent in site purchasing, easements and pipe costs. President Bush doesn’t have Lewis and Clark in the federal budget for 2004, which isn’t as bad as it first sounds, Larson said. "We have a strong Congressional delegation in the tri-state region," Larson said, and he is counting on those delegates to get $30 million to Lewis and Clark in 2004. Larson said it’s realistic to expect less than $30 million. He estimates the amount of federal contributions will continue to increase as two major projects in the state of South Dakota are completed, freeing up more money.Rock County and the city of Luverne are local members in the 23-member Lewis and Clark Rural Water System. The Rock County Rural Water Board has recommended to the county commissioners that the county withdraw from the system, because of time and cost issues.Lewis and Clark Rural Water probably won’t reach the county until 2014. And when it signed up, Rural Water was expected to pay $303,018; in 2001 it was estimated at $450,741. The county will consider Rural Water’s recommendation in June.By June, Lewis and Clark will have a new agreement for members to sign, and that agreement will address issues that some members have had with the system. Rock County’s main hang-up has been that it would be required to pay for the state’s portion of funding, if Minnesota doesn’t come through.Four other members are considering dropping out of the system as well. Larson said it wouldn’t hurt Lewis and Clark overall, because other members are interested in buying their share of water allocation.Other issues members have with the system are: oCertain members want the system to be worked on in all three states at the same time, rather than working from one end of the system to the other. They fear that once the major user, Sioux Falls, S.D., is on line, federal funding for the less populated areas will lose favor.oSome members want alternative funding options in the way of bonds and grants.oMembers want to be able to sell their portion of allocated water if they don’t need it on a given day. They’d like to use their water as an asset.oMembers want Lewis and Clark to address what could happen if the states’ 10 percent cost share doesn’t come through.While Lewis and Clark was on the table, the County Commissioners looked at a proposal from Rural Water to allow an interconnect with Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water. Lincoln-Pipestone wants to purchase water from Rock County for $1.35 per thousand gallons. Rural Water had suggested $1.85, but will continue negotiations to bring back to the County Board.Feedlots and permitsThe Rock County Board approved the feedlot ordinance, which is on its fourth draft and had been discussed at previous meetings. The most notable change is that a conditional use permit will be required for the expansion of an existing animal feedlot within one-quarter mile of a residence, incorporated city, church, cemetery, Blue Mounds State Park and Schoneman Park. An "expansion" means that an existing facility increases its animal units by 250. That is about the equivalent of 833 hogs. oThe Board approved conditional use permits for a new Magnolia wastewater treatment area west of its current location.oThe Board approved a conditional use permit for Henning Brothers, north of Luverne, to stockpile and crush recycled concrete and asphalt. Concerns about dust, noise and heavy traffic were expressed at a public hearing. Conditions allow for Henning to store 10,000 cubic yards of material to be crushed when enough is stockpiled. The crushing process takes one to one-and-one-half weeks to complete. The permit is up for renewal in five years.

By Jolene FarleyThe MinnAqua Program, sponsored by the Beaver Creek Sportsman’s Club, teaches children and adults about lake and stream ecology while teaching them to fish. The program, in its third year at the Hills Rez, has been moved to Saturday, June 14, this year to coincide with Friendship Days.MinnAqua is a statewide education program designed by the Department of Natural Resources to teach angling recreation and stewardship, as well as ecology and conservation of aquatic habitats. Last year with only 12 kids, numbers were down in the Hills program. Organizers decided to move the date of the event hoping to draw more participants. In the past, totals were higher."Most kids are in town for activities with Friendship Days so we thought we would coordinate with them," said Beaver Creek Sportsmen’s Club member Arlyn Gehrke. MinnAqua hires and trains interns to lead fishing and aquatic education programs full of hands-on activities. Beaver Creek Sportsmen’s Club members help with the program at the Rez.Each activity is usually 20 to 30 minutes and is intended for kids in third- through fifth-grades, but most activities can be modified for all ages and abilities. "We have five different topics we’re going to be covering," Gehrke said."Enviroscape Watershed Model/Wonderful Watersheds"Participants, third-grade through adults, learn where water flows and how land use affects water quality. This is a popular class, according to Gehrke. Kids taste different water samples of water for quality."Fishing Equipment and Techniques/Live Bait Hunt"Kids put their hands in brown bags to feel live bait. Kids learn what bait is used to catch various fish species. They can experiment with bait to see if they can catch fish. "Rods and Reels Used in Freshwater Fishing"Learn the basic differences between rods and reels used in freshwater fishing. Examples include spin casting (sometimes called closed-faced or push button), spinning (open-faced), bait casting and fly-fishing. Older students may practice casting the different outfits on the lawn."Spin Casting Fishing"Rig and cast for 30 minutes then fish for an hour. Kids learn how to tie a fishing knot, put on a hook, bobber and sinker and how to safely cast. Gehrke said all the kids usually receive a gift, such as some tackle, after completing the classes. Volunteers also try to allow time for participants to fish in the Rez. The pond reportedly has pike, walleye, bass and some smaller fish."We definitely want adults to come down to see the steps we’re taking at the Rez to improve water quality," he said, referring to recent efforts to alleviate algae problems with barley straw.

By John RittenhouseThe days of being a member of the University of Minnesota’s men’s basketball program are over for Hills-Beaver Creek High School graduate Steve Esselink.Esselink, who has played for the Gophers the past two seasons, will forego his senior season at the U of M and transfer to a smaller Division 1 or 2 school for his final year of basketball eligibility."I need to get more playing time," Esselink said Friday, from his room on the U of M campus. "If I can get more playing time, I can develop my game a bit more. That should get me better looks (from European professional teams) overseas. That is a goal of mine right now."Esselink’s decision to leave the Gophers came after he helped the team compile a 19-14 record and place fourth at the recently completed National Invitational Tournament.After scoring 26-points per game for H-BC High School as a senior in 1999, Esselink chose to continue his basketball career at Augustana College.Esselink averaged 6.2 points and 1.6 rebounds per game as a freshman at Augustana during the 2000-01 season, but he decided to leave the school in April of 2000 to become a member of a U of M program that was smarting from academic fraud violations.After sitting out the 2000-01 season in compliance with NCAA transfer rules, Esselink became an important member of U of M coach Dan Monson’s teams in 2001-02 and 2002-03.As a sophomore performer in 2001-02, Esselink played in 29 of the team’s 31 games. His top effort that year was a 12-point performance against Maryland-Eastern Shore, when he canned five-of-five field goals (including two-of-two from three-point range.)Esselink made a strong impression with Monson and the Gopher coaching staff as a sophomore, and was rewarded with a scholarship for 2002-03 season.Esselink played in 29 of 33 games for the Gophers as a junior, and started three games. He averaged 9.7 minutes, 3.7 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. He led the Gophers in scoring with 18 points during a loss to the University of Oregon Dec. 22.Esselink said he is a couple of credits short of gaining his degree in communications, and he is confident he will meet his credit requirements at the college he decides to transfer to."I’m looking at going back to Augustana, or to River Falls (the University of Wisconsin-River Falls). The school year is winding down here, so I’ll be making my decision soon as I can," Esselink said.

By Jolene FarleyThe Hills and Beaver Creek Fire Departments were called to a structure fire between 3:30 and 3:45 a.m. Thursday morning. "We were notified of the house fire with a person trapped on the second floor," Hills Fire Chief Doug Chapman said.When firemen arrived at 124 Main Ave., homeowner Nancy Sprouse and her dog were trapped in an upstairs bedroom. Sprouse was awakened by her smoke alarm but was unable to exit her residence because of smoke and heat on the first floor generated by the fire.She retreated to her bedroom, shut her door and opened a window. A brisk wind from the east helped provide ventilation.Firemen were able to rescue Sprouse with a ladder but were unable to save her dog."Without a fire alarm, I think there would have been a fatality there," Chapman said. The fire was confined mostly to the kitchen area where Sprouse had put a comforter in the dryer before going to bed.Officials haven’t determined if a malfunctioning dryer, clogged vents or the comforter overheating caused the fire.The blaze was under control in 10 to 15 minutes, but firemen remained on the scene for a few more hours, according to Chapman. Sprouse was examined by the Luverne Ambulance Service but refused further treatment. She had no burns or smoke inhalation, according to Chapman. Chapman estimates the house sustained $30,000 to $40,000 in interior damage but little structural damage. Sprouse is currently staying in a hotel in Sioux Falls, S.D.

By John RittenhouseThe Adrian baseball team split a pair of home games to stand at 6-1 for the season.The Dragons remained perfect in Red Rock Conference play with a one run win over Murray County Central Thursday. Adrian then took its first defeat of the season when it fell to Pipestone by two runs Tuesday.Adrian hosts Mountain Lake-Butterfield-Odin today before playing road games against Windom and Sioux Valley-Round Lake-Brewster Monday and Tuesday respectively.Pipestone 6, Adrian 4A late rally by the Arrows gave them a two-run win in Adrian Tuesday.It looked like the Dragons might run their record to 7-0 when they took a 4-2 lead into the top of the seventh inning, but Pipestone rallied to score four runs in the frame and blank AHS in the bottom of the inning to steal a victory.The Arrows led 2-0 after plating single runs in the second and third innings. Adrian, however, scored three times in the bottom of the third to take a one-run lead before adding another counter in the fourth to make the difference 4-2.Adrian’s third inning rally started with Brandon Diekmann getting hit by a pitch, Dusty Henning drawing a walk and Levi Bullerman slapping a single to load the bases. Brandon Wolf tied the game with a two-run single, and a fielder’s choice by Joe Kruger gave the hosts a 3-2 edge.Diekmann, an eighth-grader making his first varsity start, singled home Tyler Wolf (who singled) to make it a 4-2 game in the bottom of the fourth.Tyler Wolf pitched one inning of relief and took the loss for AHS. He surrendered two runs, two hits, two walks and hit two batters. Brandon Wolf pitched six innings of four-run, five-hit ball as the AHS starter. He fanned six batters and walked five.Adrian 2, MCC 1The Dragons ran their RRC record to 3-0 with a one-run home win over the Rebels Thursday.The game was scheduled to be played in Slayton, but the site was switched to Adrian due to poor field conditions in Slayton.Changing venues seemed to work well for Adrian senior Pete Hohn, who had a good game on the mound and at the plate.Hohn pitched a complete game to pick up the win. He limited the Rebels to three hits and four walks during a nine-strikeout performance. Hohn went two-for-three at the plate and was the lone Dragon to record more than one hit in the contest.The teams battled to a scoreless draw until Adrian scored twice in the bottom of the sixth inning.Hohn slapped an infield hit and Brandon Wolf laid down a bunt single to set the table for Joe Kruger, who chased both runners home with a double to left-center field.MCC spoiled Hohn’s bid for a shutout by plating a single run in the top of the seventh.

By John RittenhouseThe Adrian girls’ golf team upped its season record to 3-1 after posting a road victory in Lakefield Monday.Playing Southwest Star Concept at its home course, the Dragons played like they were at home as all of Adrian’s four lowest scorers turned in better rounds than the Quasars’ top player during what ended as a 194-252 win.Chantel Cook led the Dragons to victory with a medal-earning, eight-over-par 43 on the par-35 course.Kristi Lonneman added a 49 to the winning team tally, while Gina Wolf and Kelly Banck capped the scoring with 51s.Carmen Erlandson and Nichole Hodapp shot 54- and 58-stroke rounds without influencing the scoring.Lexey Horkey paced the Quasars with a 53.The Dragons host Windom today before playing at Slayton Tuesday.

Luverne's Jessica Klein watches the flight of her ball after teeing off at the fourth hle during Tuesday's Southwest Conference golf match against Marshall at the Luverne Country Club.By John RittenhouseThe Luverne girls’ golf team split a pair of tight Southwest Conference matches early this week.The Cardinals nipped Windom by two strokes in Windom Monday before dropping a one-shot home decision to Marshall Tuesday.Luverne, 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the SWC, plays in Redwood Falls today and in Canton, S.D., Tuesday.Marshall 194,Luverne 195The Cardinals fell from the unbeaten ranks when the Tigers nipped LHS by one stroke at the Luverne Country Club Tuesday.Consistency paid off for Marshall as Laura Srautz, Lindsay Dietz and Kristen Haukam all shot 48s to pace the winners.Gabe Van Dyk locked up medalist honors for LHS by carding a nine-over-par 45.Mindy Lysne and Kim Bennett shot 49s, and Jessica Klein capped the team scoring for the Cards with a 52.Nikki Van Dyk and Brittany Boeve shot 55- and 57-stroke rounds without contributing to the team effort.Alyssa Klein shot a 55 to lead Luverne to a victory in the B match.Luverne 195,Windom 197The Cardinals ran their league record to 3-0 with a two-shot victory in Windom Monday.Gabe Van Dyk helped LHS remain unbeaten by shooting an eight-over-par 44 to lock up medalist honors for the meet.Bennett, Boeve and Lysne padded the team total by shooting respective 48-, 50- and 53-stroke rounds.Nikki Van Dyk and Jessica Klein turned in 59- and 61-stroke rounds without contributing to the scoring.Breanne Staples led the Eagles with a 10-over-par 46.Luverne’s Alyssa Klein emerged as the medalist of the B match after shooting a 56, but Windom won the team competition.