Name and place of residence: Tim Burns, Luverne

Family information: Wife, Julie, and children, Molly, 23, Tony, 19, and Rob, 15

Occupation: Twenty-three years with Prudential Financial in sales and service.

Education: Luverne High School diploma, bachelor's degree in elementary education and art education, insurance courses and designation of LUTCF and CLTC.

Community activities and involvement: Member of St. Catherine Church, Knights of Columbus and Luverne Baseball Association; foundation board member of Southwest State University; and coach, supporter and referee for Luverne youth athletics (soccer, baseball, basketball and football).

Qualifications for service: Parent of two Luverne graduates and a present ninth-grader, seven years of teaching at the elementary and high school level (three of them in Luverne) and four years of experience as a Luverne City Council member.

If elected, what should voters expect you to accomplish during your term as school board member? In other words, if elected, what issues will be important to you?

"If I am elected, I plan to continue to support the Luverne School District and its tradition of academic and athletic excellence. I will work to prioritize spending where it will directly affect students Ñ in the classroom. This should include textbooks, classroom resources, class size and staff. I believe that class size is important at all levels, not just at the elementary level. I am aware that early education is important, but letÕs not forget that students are in school for 12 years and that the high school years are very important to our students' futures.

"I would like to see more parents attend school board meetings, parent-teacher conferences and open houses. I will encourage communication between the school board members, administrators, teachers, parents and students. I would like to see our school facilities used to benefit students. We should not have to jump through hoops to use the facilities we are paying for.

"At a time when we are uncertain how the state will help fund local education, I believe that we should not implement programs that are not required by the state."

'We'll release that information after your money is spent'

Sioux Valley's plans to build a new Luverne Community Hospital is great news for the hospital, for its patients and for the community as a whole. It'll mean more jobs, a stronger tax base and another reason for new families to come to Luverne and shop here, eat here, buy gas here - and maybe even move here.

Why then, has it been such a secret?

Unofficially, it's been common knowledge. Coffee shop regulars have been speculating for months where the new hospital will be built - north or south of town.

Unofficially, it's been hashed over by select local public officials - not at public meetings - to determine if tax dollars might be available.

We're not outright suggesting Minnesota Open Meeting Laws have been violated.

As a community newspaper, we're used to weighing the importance of the public's right to know against the importance of protecting delicate land negotiations.

As news organizations go, we've been patient.

Every time we'd hear an update from the coffee shops, we'd check with those in the know. Every time we'd get the same response: “We're just not ready to release that information yet.”

Last week, we started getting unofficial updates from public officials on what's beginning to sound like very official business - involving our tax dollars.

There's been very concrete discussion on the possibility of the county and city purchasing the former hospital building. There's also been very concrete discussion on the city and/or county providing financial support for Sioux Valley to build a new hospital.

While concrete dollar amounts have even been specified, that discussion hasn't appeared on the agenda of one single public meeting.

Finally this week, we saw a press release.

At this point, as taxpayers, we feel as if someone borrowed our checkbooks and later gave us a receipt for something we had no idea we were paying for.

We're all happy about the hospital news, and most of us are happy to support it with our tax dollars (if informed fairly). But we're not happy about the shopping experience.

When such huge sums of money are offered to businesses - even if it's an important part of our infrastructure, like a hospital - citizens have a right to know at least a part of what's happening.

When other businesses were interested in locating to Luverne, the Economic Development Authority made clear intentions and updated people throughout the negotiations process. Somehow, the hospital deal has gone around that.

That may be all right for the hospital, but our city (and county) officials should be on the side of the constituents they truly represent.

For people who are actually interested in what business deals their leaders are making with their money, they can hear the same answer this paper gets: “We just aren't ready to release that yet.”

How to sign up for “Do Not Call”
The Minnesota Department of Commerce has announced how you can register for the “Do Not Call” list.

The Do Not Call list makes it illegal for telemarketers to call any residential phone number that has been registered.

The automated system will allow you to register up to three phone numbers with a single call.

The statewide, toll-free, Do Not Call registration number is 800-921-4110.

Internet registration will also be available through the Department of Commerce Web site: www.commerce.state.mn,us

According to Commerce Commissioner Jim Bernstein, there are roughly 2.2 million residential phone lines in Minnesota. Bernstein said he would not be surprised if half those numbers are eventually registered on the Do Not Call list.

The Do Not Call list was established by the 2002 legislature and signed into law by Governor Ventura.

Although registration started on Monday, Nov. 4, the law does not go into effect until Jan. 1, 2003.

Violators can be fined up to $1,000 for calling people on the list, but the law does not include non-profit groups, political parties or businesses with a prior relationship with the customer.

On the first day of the sign-up, 189,339 Minnesotans signed up for the service, nearly 10 percent of the state’s residential phone customers.

Wisconsin, which started its “no call list” in September, has had more than 720,000 people sign up. and the Web site is still getting 5,000 hits every day.

Nearly 30 states have enacted similar laws, and congress is considering passing a federal law.

Chamber plans Bridal Expo
A new date has been set for the third annual Bridal/Prom Expo.

The event will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19,. at Sharkee's in Luverne. Deadline for vendors to sign up is Dec. 2nd.

The cost for vendors to participate is $75.

If you have further questions, contact the Luverne Chamber of Commerce at 507-283-4061.

Ag update set for November 26th
The annual Rock County Ag Update will be from 1:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 26, p.m. at the Blue Mound Banquet Hall and Meeting Center.

Along with the usual programs that have dealt with taxes, land rents, genetically modified grain issues and marketing, this year will also emphasize the 2002 farm program.

Roger Carlson, Rock County Farm Service Agency, will give a brief overview of the Farm Program and will also discuss what landlords and producers need to do to sign up.

Fraser Norton and Eric Hartman will give updates on the changes in the program and will discuss income and estate tax issues, as well as several farm management and marketing strategies.

The 2003 Ag Resource Guide, which covers a variety of topics such as personal and real estate taxes, commodity marketing, land rental rates, custom rates, crop budget projections, will be available at the meeting.

The annual event is organized by the Rock County office of the University of Minnesota Extension Service and is sponsored by the three Luverne banks.

Publisher Roger Tollefson can be contacted by e-mail at
tolly@star-herald.com

Donald B. Phillips, Ypsilanti, Mich., formerly of Luverne, died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2002, in Ypsilanti.

Services were in Ann Arbor, Mich., last week. The family will gather for worship in Grace Lutheran Church, Luverne, at the 10:45 a.m. service, Sunday, Nov. 10. Burial services in Maplewood Cemetery will be 12:30 p.m., following the service.

Donald Phillips was born to Ben and Rosie Phillips, on Sept. 4, 1942, in Luverne. He graduated from Luverne High School in 1960. He attended Concordia College, Moorhead, and North Dakota State University, receiving his B.A. and M.S. degrees in chemistry in 1964 and 1966, respectively.

He married Eunice Wangberg on Aug. 14, 1966. The couple moved to Elizabethtown, Ky., where he began his teaching career at Elizabethtown Community College. Three years later, he returned to graduate school at the University of Georgia, Athens, Ga., and received an Ed.D in science education in 1972. In 1972, he took a position as assistant professor of chemistry at Eastern Michigan University, where he received the rank of full professor.

Dr. Phillips' professional expertise was in the field of chemistry for future elementary school teachers. Hundreds of area school children have enjoyed participating in his Chemistry 101 course at E.M.U. He received the National Science Teachers - Gustav Ohaus Award in 1982 for Innovations in College Science Teaching. That same year he was a finalist for the Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in teaching at E.M.U.

Dr. Phillips was well known for organizing chemical magic shows and “Saturday Morning at the Lab” programs for the community. His hobbies included woodworking, listening to music, and searching family history.

Survivors include his wife, Eunice Phillips, Ypsilanti; and two sons, Timothy Phillips, and Dan Phillips.

Mr. Phillips was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Luverne Dollars for Scholars, Trinity Lutheran Church Meditation Garden or the E.M.U. Chemistry Department Scholarship Fund.

Nie Funeral Home Inc., Ann Arbor, was in charge of arrangements.

Frances E. Kuhl, 97, Hills, died Saturday, Nov. 2, 2002, at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills.

Services were Wednesday, Nov . 6, at United Methodist Church in Lester, Iowa. Mr. Don Nelson officiated. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lester.

Frances Elsie Popma was born to Leonard and Clara (Spinden) Popma on July 21, 1905, in Lakota, N.D. When she was seven, she moved to Doon, Iowa, to live with her grandparents. She grew up in Doon, attended country school and became a member of the Congregational Church. After her education she worked for area families and did housekeeping.

She married George Kuhl on Aug. 29, 1923, in Rock Rapids, Iowa. Following their marriage the couple farmed in the Sioux Center, Iowa, and Doon areas. In 1953 they moved to Hardwick where they farmed for the next eight years before moving to a farm near Cambridge in 1961. They retired from farming in 1965 and moved to Cambridge. In 1971, they moved to Hills. Mr. Kuhl died on Dec. 9, 1981. She became a resident of Tuff Memorial Home in Hills in 1999.

Mrs. Kuhl was a member of United Methodist Church in Lester. She enjoyed playing bingo, cards, crocheting and gardening.

Survivors include four children, Carl (Ruby) Kuhl, Minneapolis, Leo (Margaret) Kuhl, Madison, S.D., Darlene (Arend) Folkens, Lester, and Clara Ann (Ron) Olson, Steen; seven grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and one brother-in-law, Raymond DeJager, Hull, Iowa.

Mrs. Kuhl was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two infant sons, George and Melvin, an infant great-grandson, Jas VerMeer, a half-brother, Russell Popma, and a half-sister, Elsie DeJager.

Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.

Roy Kruse, 90, Luverne, died Thursday, Nov. 7 at his daughter Ruth's home in Luverne. Visitation will be Sunday, Nov. 10 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne. Services will be Monday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Luverne, with Rev. Rick Cornish officiating.

Harold Brooks, 89, Ellsworth, formerly of Luverne, died Wednesday, Nov. 6 at Parkview Manor, Ellsworth. Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 8 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne. Services will be Saturday, Nov. 9 at 1:30 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Luverne. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery, Rushmore.

Luella W. Woodley, 93, Luverne, died Monday, Nov. 4, 2002, at Good Samaritan Home in Pipestone.

Services were Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne. The Rev. Paul Fries officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne.

Luella Pank was born to Edward and Emma (Hindt) Pank on Dec. 6, 1908, in Lismore. She graduated from Luverne High School in 1928.

She married Ray C. Woodley on Oct. 10, 1929, in Alvord, Iowa. After their marriage, the couple farmed by Magnolia; and later in South Dakota. They began farming north of Luverne in 1945. In 1953, the couple moved to Luverne. She worked at Goehle Hardware, Production Credit, and later, at State Farm Insurance, all in Luverne. The couple moved to Centennial Apartments in Luverne in 1977. She moved to Good Samaritan Home in December 1999.

Mrs. Woodley was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne, the RSVP, and Luverne Senior Citizens. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Edward and Jeanne Woodley, Luverne; one daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ann and Harold Hustad, Pipestone; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one brother, Marvin (Charlotte) Pank, Flandreau, S.D.; one brother-in-law, Gordon Tobiason, Magnolia; and two sisters-in-law, Amanda Woodley, Le Mars, Iowa, and Naomi Woodley, Lockport, Ill.

Mrs. Woodley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ray, in 1986, an infant daughter, one brother, Fred Pank, and one sister, Lauretta Tobiason.

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

Name and place of residence: Daniel Kopp, Luverne

Family information: Wife, Pamela, and children, Kara Jo, Candace, Tony and Natalie

Occupation: Plant operator for Agri-Energy Ethanol Plant, Luverne

Education: Magnolia High School diploma and Pipestone Vo-tech two-year degree

Community activities and involvement: Member of Grace Lutheran Church, Luverne.

Qualifications for service: Luverne School Board member for 7 years.

If elected, what should voters expect you to accomplish during your term as school board member? In other words, if elected, what issues will be important to you?

"If elected, my main goal would be to keep our children's education first and foremost in mind, also keeping in mind where the money comes from: the taxpayers. The District of Luverne, as far as I'm concerned, has a good education system, and I will work to keep it that way."