By Lori Ehde
Five local men appeared in Rock County District Court Monday on drug charges stemming from Nov. 26 arrests.

A 17-year-old girl faces drug charges in juvenile proceedings.

Arrested were 39-year-old Gregory Lynn Wade, 35-year-old Tony Tyler Tate, 48-year-old Oliver Eugene Crawford, 18-year-old Gregory Charles Stratton, Dustin James Kruger (who will be 19 next week) and 17-year-old Noi Chitmany.

All are from Luverne.

According to Rock County Investigator Clyde Menning, the arrests were the result of a 10-week investigation of the local methamphetamine market.

"We had put an awful lot of work into achieving what we accomplished that day, and it was very gratifying," Menning said. "Obviously it’s one of the largest investigations we’ve done here, short of homicides, and it was quite intense at times."

The arrest involved 20 officers, 11 of which were Rock County personnel, eight from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and one Minnesota State Patrol officer.

Menning said warrants were issued for simultaneous arrests to prevent any of the suspects from fleeing. "There was no significance to the date we picked," he said. "It had been going on for 10 weeks and it was time to wrap it up."

He said the arrests went smoothly, despite one of the defendants, Wade, claiming he was injured in the process.

"He’s got some old injuries and when we made the arrests, of course we ordered everyone to the floor," Menning said, "and he started complaining right away that he was hurt."

The Sheriff’s Department had been monitoring local drug activity for several months, but officers were able to step up investigations with help from a BCA confidential informant, who was in Luverne for 10 weeks.

In a local motel room, the informant made several videotaped exchanges with local dealers resulting in the purchase of roughly 66 grams of methamphetamines for a total of about $7,700.

Based on that evidence, warrants were obtained for the arrest of Wade, Tate, Crawford, Stratton, Kruger and Chitmany.

Those warrants were executed simultaneously Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 26. All but Kruger were arrested that day, and Kruger was arrested Thanksgiving day, Nov. 28.

Charged Monday
The five men appeared for their first court hearing Monday, when they were formally charged and bail was set.

Wade was charged with first-degree controlled substance crime for selling 11.2 grams of meth Nov. 3, and he was charged with fifth-degree controlled substance crime for participating in the sale of 10.7 grams of marijuana.

His bail was set at $50,000.

Tate was charged with first- and second-degree controlled substance crime for selling a total of 13.6 grams of meth on four separate dates in October. His bail was set at $35,000.

Crawford was charged with first-degree aiding and abedding a controlled substance crime for assisting Wade in the sale and delivery of 11.2 grams of meth. He was charged with third-degree attempting to commit a controlled substance crime for discussing the sale of meth and accepting $560 over a period of time to secure the sale of meth.

Crawford was also charged with fifth-degree controlled substance crime for selling 10.7 grams of marijuana. His bail was set at $50,000.

Stratton was charged with two counts of first-degree controlled substance crime and one count of second-degree for selling a total of 21 grams of meth on Nov. 2 and Nov. 5. His bail was set at $25,000.

Kruger was charged with second-degree aiding and abetting a controlled substance crime for driving Stratton to and from what he knew to be a sale of controlled substance. His bail was set at $5,000.

Chitmany was charged in juvenile proceedings with two counts of sale of methamphetamines.

Sentence guidelines for first-degree controlled substance crime, the most serious of the felony charges, call for more than seven years in prison.

Bail is determined by a number of factors, including likeliness of a defendant to flee the area and prior criminal records. Crawford, incidentally, is standing trial today for his role in the Harvey’s Trading post burglary with Luverne’s Scott Wentler, who has already been convicted.

Kruger has posted bail, but the rest are currently held in the Nobles County Jail, Worthington, pending their next hearing.

For defendants to post bail, they typically pay 10 percent up front through the services of a bondsman.

A battle won in an ongoing war on drugs
When asked if he felt last week’s arrests made a worthwhile dent in Rock County’s drug problem, Menning said it’s bound to help.

"Time will tell on that. We felt comfortable — with the number we arrested — that it was a success," he said. "…. I can’t speculate what it will be six months from now. The parents of Rock County need to be very vigilant about what’s going on in their homes."

Assistant County Attorney Terry Vajgrt said he is pleased with the outcome of the investigation.

"I think we made significant progress in addressing the problem," Vajgrt said. "Through community policing, good investigating and aggressive criminal prosecution, we plan on making Rock County a dangerous place to sell drugs."

Not at easy as it may seem
Menning said he’s just glad to have wrapped up the investigation.

"The whole process has been underway for six months, but we’ve been waiting for something like this to occur for a long time," Menning said.

He said despite what television police dramas portray, it’s difficult to arrange for a successful confidential informant such as the one that was used to broker the local sales.

"It’s quite rare," Menning said. "It’s very difficult to get someone with as much knowledge and experience as we need to infiltrate these groups and to gain their confidence. It may be a very long time before we can arrange for that again."

Menning said last week’s arrests were gratifying for the whole law enforcement department.

"The officers worked very long and very hard on this, and they’re the ones who deserve a pat on the back," he said. "It was team effort by everyone here at the Law Enforcement Center."

Lila Bauer, founder of the local group Parents: The Anti-Drug and Violence Task Force, said she is happy about the arrests, and encourages continued awareness in the community.

Bauer and other concerned parents started the group in September to educate parents on the warning signs of drug use and to raise community awareness about the problem.

When asked if those efforts contributed to last week’s arrests, both Menning and Vajgrt said awareness is a good idea, but that the investigation had begun long before the group organized.

"I know it’s been difficult for law enforcement to remain silent when asked what they’re doing to address the local drug problem," Vajgrt said.

"They’ve certainly been called to task over the last several months."

Luverne’s American Reformed Church senior youth will present the theatre production of "The Christmas Shoes" during Winterfest weekend. The musical illustrates the meaning of Christmas by telling a family’s touching holiday story. Taylor Pedersen, kneeling, wants to buy shoes for his sick mother, played by Lindsey Van De Berg so she can have beautiful shoes to wear when she goes to heaven. In trying to make his mother happy, he impacts a stranger who doesn’t have much of the Christmas spirit. Also pictured above, is Chris Thacker, who plays the boy’s father. The play is directed by senior youth members, Gabrielle Van Dyk, Lindsay Hup and Melissa Boeve. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, immediately following the parade Saturday, and at 7 p.m. Sunday. All performances are at the church. Performances are free, but dinner will be served at 6 p.m. prior to the shows on Friday and Sunday. Call 283-4549 for dinner reservations. Photo by Sara Strong.

By Lori Ehde
Tuesday night’s dusting of snow came just in time for this weekend’s sixth annual Winterfest activities in Luverne.

According to Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce Director Dave Smith, the weekend is shaping up to be everything has been in previous years, with a mild forecast to go with it.

"I guess they’re saying temperatures in the 20s, so barring rain or snow or sleet or any of that, it should be pretty night for everyone to come out and watch the parade," Smith said.

He reminds parade goers that the route will again loop north on Blue Mound Avenue after its eastward trek down Main Street.

It will come back west on Luverne Street so people in the hospital, Blue Mound Towers and Hospice Cottage can see the lighted floats from their windows.

Parking is allowed on Luverne Street and adjoining side streets, so people who don’t want to brave the cold can view the parade from their vehicles.

New this year is a street race called the "D-Light-Full 5K Run" that will bring runners through participating lighted neighborhoods.

Registration begins at 5 p.m. at the American Legion on Main Street, and the race begins at 6 p.m. Runners can call 283-2098.

Also new this year will be the Blue Mound Area Theatre group’s Winterfest movie at the Palace Theatre, Jack Frost, which will start Saturday night after the parade. Matinee shows will be at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday as well.

Following is a list of events planned for the weekend. That information also appears on the back page of this week’s Announcer.

The Chamber organizes the weekend’s events, but Smith said the work is done by countless other people to make Winterfest worthwhile.

"This is really a community event," he said. "There are 23 different groups and organizations involved in this (not counting parade entries and other event participants). It speaks highly of the community that they come together for this."

Schedule of events:
Friday, Dec. 6
Story Hour at 10 a.m. at the Library
Cribbage tournament at 6:30 p.m. at the Eagles Club
Dinner Theater, "The Christmas Shoes," at 6 p.m. at the American Reformed Church
Open swim from 6 to 8:45 p.m. at the Rock County Community Pool and Fitness Center
D-Light-Full 5K Run — registration begins at 5 p.m. at the American Legion. Race begins at 6 p.m.
Middle School dance from 7:30 to 10 p.m. in the commons.

Saturday Dec. 7
Craft show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the high school gym.
Free shuttle from school to downtown merchants from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pictures with Santa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Luverne Elementary School
Santa’s Workshop from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the elementary commons
Holiday bake sale and soup and dessert luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Senior Center
"Jack Frost" movie at 1 p.m. the Palace Theatre.
Artists’ Christmas at the Coffey Haus from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Open Swim at the Rock County Community Pool and Fitness Center from 1 to 8:45 p.m.
Parade of Lights begins at 7 p.m. downtown Luverne.
"Christmas Shoes" at the American Reformed Church after the parade.
Festival of Trees at the Carnegie Cultural Center. Enjoy hot cider after the parade.

Sunday, Dec. 8
Parade of Homes from 1 to 5 p.m. starting at the Carnegie Cultural Center.
"Jack Frost" movie at 1 p.m. the Palace Theatre.
Open swim at the Rock County Community Pool and Fitness Center from 1 to 8:45 p.m.
Dinner Theatre ,"Christmas Shoes," at 6 p.m. at the American Reformed Church.
Hospice tree lighting at 7 p.m. at The Cottage.

Edward McCardell, 72, Wild Rose, Wis., formerly of Magnolia, died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2002, in his home following a long battle with cancer.

Services were Monday, Dec. 2, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wautoma, Wis. Burial was in St. Joseph Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Edward McCardell was born to Martin and Theresa (Reiter) McCardell on Jan. 17, 1930, in Nobles County. He graduated from Magnolia High School in Magnolia.

He married Phyllis Frey on Nov. 21, 1953, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Chicago, Ill. He received both his undergraduate and Juris Doctorate degrees from Loyola University, Chicago. He was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Korean Conflict. He worked and was a business owner in the printing, paperboard and packaging industries.

Mr. McCardell was a longtime member of MENSA, Wild Rose Lions Club and Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis McCardell, Wild Rose; six sons, Mark (Sandra) McCardell, Santee, Calif., Michael (Amy) McCardell, Durango, Colo., Matthew (Pamela) McCardell, Phoenix, Ariz., Martin (Michelle) McCardell, Madison, Wis., Edward McCardell (fiancée Tammie Lippert) Manawa, Wis., and Sean (Amy) McCardell, Stevens Point, Wis.; four daughters, Mae (Thomas) Lauritzen, Wild Rose, Maureen (Gary) Nelson, Bayfield, Wis., Marianne (Donald) DeMeuse, Frisco, Texas, and Julie (Brent) Kubik, Nashotah, Wis.; 15 grandchildren, Lisa (Ty) Lamb, Kelly Lauritzen, Emily (Brian) Pittsley, Molly (Tim) Post, Laura (Igor) Ivashko, Jill (Doug) White, Jennifer, Ryan, Madison, Sean, Kegan, Katherine, Jack, Colin and Dylan McCardell; two great-grandchildren, Caleb Richards and Ethan Post; three brothers, Eugene McCardell, Joseph (Mary) McCardell, and Richard (Patricia) McCardell; six sisters, Ruth Delate, Kathryn (Joseph) Crnkovich, Teresa McCardell, Rose Anne (Clem) DeAmicis, Delores McCardell and Carolyn Lambert; three sisters-in-law, Louise (Robert) Sutton, Mildred (Donald) Cheval, and Alice (Michael) Bartello, in addition to many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mr. McCardell was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Phillip and Genevieve Frey, two brothers, Thomas McCardell and William McCardell; two sisters, Mary McCardell and Margaret Sides; two brothers-in-law, Edward Delate and Jerry Lambert, and one sister-in-law Ceal McCardell.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be given to the American Cancer Society or St. Agnes Hospital Hospice Hope. Donations will be used for memorial masses.

Holly Funeral Home, Wild Rose, was in charge of arrangements.

Shirley Jean Maxwell, 72, Luverne, died Friday, Nov. 29, 2002, at Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Center in Luverne.

Services were Monday, Dec 2, at First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. The Rev. John Pehrson and lay pastor Dan Smith officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne.

Shirley Roemeling was born to Siebo and Frida (Heiden) Roemeling on May 29, 1930, in Springwater Township, Rock County. She attended school in Luverne.

She married Hugh Maxwell on Aug. 31, 1947. After their marriage they lived in Luverne for 10 years until moving to Madison, S.D. They moved back to Luverne in the early 90s. She moved to Centennial Apartments after Mr. Maxwell died in 1993. She moved to Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Center in May 2002.

Mrs. Maxwell was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Madison, S.D.

Survivors include six children, Cynthia (David) Wehrli, Lansdale, Pa., Robert (Karen) Maxwell, Madison, S.D., Jane (Randy) James, Shoreham, N.Y., Wendy (Ed) Keever, The Colony, Texas, David (Beth) Maxwell, Hope, Ark., and Janet Leon, Reno, Nev.; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Lois Olson, Luverne, and Sharon Wegleitner, Williston, N.D.

Mrs. Maxwell was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 1993, and seven brothers.

A tree will be planted in memory of Shirley Maxwell by Hospice of Luverne Community Hospital.

Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

With poinsettia sales in full bloom, Wally’s Nursery, rural Hills, continues to stock a supply of the various colored plants. Thanksgiving weekend sales were brisk, not only in poinsettias but also in Christmas trees and wreathes, according to partner Delwyn Walraven. For customers interested in giving poinsettias as a gifts, Wally’s Nursery offers bows and wrappers in different colors.

Photo by Jolene Farley

By John Rittenhouse
A pair of Hills-Beaver Creek High School students are expected to be key members of the 2002-03 Luverne-H-BC-Ellsworth wrestling team this season.

Senior Dusty Seachris and freshman Kerry Fink are projected to be varsity regulars for the Cardinals this winter, according to L-H-BC-E coach Dave Duffy.

Both Seachris and Fink are veteran members of the program.

Seachris, a senior, is coming off an 11-20 season. He wrestled at 130 pounds last season, but Duffy said he will be used at 140 or 145 this winter.

Fink, a freshman, is expected to be the team’s 130-pounder in 2002-03.

Seachris and Fink are two of nine letter winners returning from a team that went 3-16-1 last season.

The Cardinals placed sixth in the Southwest Conference with a 1-5 record. L-H-BC-E lost its first match of the Section 3AA Team Tournament to Lac qui Parle Valley by a 51-24 tally.

L-H-BC-E lost a key senior to graduation last spring in Chris Tiesler.

Tiesler, a three-time qualifier for the state individual tournament, led the Cardinals with a 29-6 record last season. He went 0-1 at the state tournament, ended a 120-win career.

Senior Joel Evans returns with exposure to the state meet.

Evans placed second at the section meet at 189 pounds last season before going 1-2 at state. Evans, who compiled a 28-8 record last year, will miss the first half of the season due to a knee injury.

Other returning letter winners include senior Canaan Petersen, junior Justin Mann, sophomore Jose Saravia and freshmen Aric Uithoven and Anthony Boyenga.

L-H-BC-E opens the season with a match in Fulda Tuesday.

Marion L. Birkeland, 76, Luverne, died Friday, Nov. 22, 2002, at Luverne Hospice Cottage.

Services were Monday, Nov. 25, at Kenneth Lutheran Church in Kenneth. The Rev. Dell B. Sanderson officiated. Burial was in Blue Mound Lutheran Cemetery, rural Luverne.

Marion Scott was born to B.J. and Levia (Trowbridge) Scott on Nov. 15, 1926, in Hardwick. She graduated from Luverne High School in 1944.

She married Thomas E. Birkeland on Feb. 24, 1946, in Luverne. After their marriage, the couple lived in Minneapolis for two years, and then moved to rural Windom where they worked for Thompson Lands. In 1954, they settled northeast of Luverne and began farming. She worked in the Kenneth and Hardwick banks until 1978. She worked on the farm with her husband until his death in 1992. She continued living on the farm until entering the Hospice Cottage in November 2001.

Mrs. Birkeland was a member of Kenneth Lutheran Church. She had a great love for woodworking and had made five grandfather clocks. She also enjoyed socializing and playing cards with friends.

Survivors include four children and their spouses, Rebecca and Gary Herreid, Chaska, Connie and Dennis Lange, Pipestone, Victoria and Randy Smook and Terri and Jake Bruynes, all of Luverne; seven grandchildren, Michael and Sheree Herreid, Aaron (Renee) Lange, Rebecca (Joe) Popper, Jodie Smook and Jacob and Caleb Bruynes; two great-granddaughters, Mackenzie Popper and Brenna Henning; one sister, Ginny Bird, North Mankato; three sisters-in-law, Margaret Skorr, Jasper, Marcella Scott, Hardwick, and Lavonne Scott, Red Wing; and two brothers-in-law, Norb Agnitsch, Phoenix, Ariz., and Henry Berkeland, Willow Lake, S.D.

Mrs. Birkeland was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Thomas Birkeland in 1992, two sisters, Eva Agnitsch, and Louetta Arp, and two brothers, Earl Scott and Dale Scott.

A tree will be planted in memory of Marion Birkeland by Hospice of Luverne Community Hospital.
Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

By John Rittenhouse
A pair of girls’ basketball teams from the Star Herald coverage area opened the 2002-03 season in Hills Friday.

Ellsworth and Hills-Beaver Creek, two former members of the dissolved Tri-County Conference, locked horns in their only scheduled meeting of the year.

The game was tight for three quarters, but a great fourth-quarter start by the home-standing Patriots set the stage for a 46-28 victory.

Actually, H-BC put together extended runs in the beginning of the third and fourth quarters. Ellsworth was able to counter one of the runs, but not both of them.

H-BC led 15-14 at the intermission before starting the third quarter with an 8-1 surge featuring three field goals by Erin Boeve and another from Brittney Rozeboom to open a 23-15 cushion in the first four minutes of the second half.

A three-point shot by freshman Stacy Bush gave the Patriots their biggest lead of the game at 28-16 as the period progressed, but the Panthers closed the quarter with a 10-1 run featuring five points from Laurel Drenth to trail 29-25 heading into the final eight minutes of play.

Ellsworth was in a position to catch the Patriots at that point. H-BC, however, didn’t let it happen.

An 11-0 run in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter put the Patriots in front 40-25. Ellsworth never got any closer than 12 points to H-BC the rest of the way before falling by 18 points in the end.

H-BC, which outscored EHS 17-3 in the final period, received seven points in the decisive 11-0 run to start the fourth quarter. Boeve scored 13 of her team-high 16 points in the second half.

The game’s first half was very tight.

A three-point shot by Ellsworth’s Jenna Groen opened the scoring, and the Panthers led 5-4 before Rozeboom converted a field goal and one free throw in the final 36 seconds of the first quarter to give H-BC a 7-5 edge.

The second quarter featured ties at seven, nine and 12 before Rozeboom hit a field goal and Amanda Olson added a free throw to give the Patriots a 15-12 edge that was sliced to one point (15-14) by period’s end with a field goal by Groen.

Boeve led the Patriots with 12 rebounds and four blocked shots in the game. Sarah Rozeboom had seven rebounds, Cassi Tilstra six steals and Brittney Rozeboom four assists for the winners.

Groen, who netted 12 points in the first half, finished with a game-high 17 counters. Janice Leuthold and Laurel Drenth collected 10 and eight rebounds respectively for EHS. Missy Leuthold charted four assists.

H-BC plays in Edgerton Friday before taking on Central Lyon in Rock Rapids, Iowa, Monday. Ellsworth plays in Edgerton Monday.

Box score
Ellsworth
Deutsch 0 0 0-0 0, Boltjes 0 0 2-5 2, M.Leuthold 0 0 0-0 0, Ly.Drenth 0 0 0-0 0, Lr.Drenth 3 0 1-1 7, J.Leuthold 0 0 2-2 2, M.Groen 0 0 0-0 0, J.Groen 3 3 2-3 17, Kramer 0 0 0-0 0, Timmer 0 0 0-0 0.
H-BC
B.Rozeboom 6 0 2-6 14, Bush 0 1 0-0 3, Feucht 0 0 0-0 0, Tilstra 2 0 0-2 4, S.Rozeboom 1 0 1-2 3, Hoyme 0 0 0-0 0, Boeve 5 1 3-7 16, Wassenaar 0 0 0-0 0, Olson 0 0 2-4 2, Mulder 2 0 0-0 4.

Team statistics
Ellsworth: nine of 48 field goals (19 percent), seven of 14 free throws (50 percent), 35 rebounds, 32 turnovers.
H-BC: 18 of 56 field goals (32 percent), eight of 21 free throws (38 percent), 40 rebounds, 10 turnovers.

Certain conflicts don’t belong in council chambers

It’s not unusual that roles overlap, especially in a town like Luverne. A parent might teach a child in the classroom, or a business owner might compete for customers with her best friend. … And an elected person might personally benefit from work done in office.

In covering Luverne City Council issues, I’ve become concerned about what looks like some conflicts of interest playing out, with little notice.

This week, I got copies of the disclosure of conflict of interest forms filed at City Hall. Surprisingly, council members had little to disclose.

To pick on the popular and newly re-elected Mayor Glen Gust, he doesn’t often enough disclose his personal interests in topics being discussed at council meetings.

In the written forms, Gust was the only city representative who said he might have a conflict, as the owner of Glen’s Food Center, when doing city business.

That can’t be Gust’s only conflict.

To throw out some possibilities, Gust is a firefighter eligible for retirement and talks openly about the firefighters needing a raise in retirement benefits.

Just Tuesday, the council discussed holding landlords liable for utility bills their renters don’t pay, because, by code, they are the utility customer. Gust suggested that the city "write-off" the losses, which would essentially mean taxpayers would be subsidizing landlords. Gust owns rental property, by the way.

In his defense, he is a long-time private businessman who is used to dealing with issues in private. Starting his second term as mayor, though, he should be aware of how his actions affect the entire population of the city he leads, and leave personal issues at the council chamber door.

As they meet three times a month, our elected representatives should at least disclose conflicts, and not try to influence decisions.

Filling out those disclosure forms isn’t enough. Council members should hold each other accountable.

The city attorney and administrator should point out times when a conflict could come into play and advise the member accordingly. And elected people should watch themselves more closely, too.

Again, conflicts of interest can easily happen, especially when active, successful people run for office. It’s a matter of good ethics whether those conflicts are allowed to steer the course the council takes.