Services for Angela Lynch will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. The Rev. Andrew Beerman will officiate. Visitation will be an hour before the church service. Burial is in St. Catherine Catholic Cemetery, Luverne.

Angela "Angie" Lynch, 90, Luverne, died Monday, May 6, 2002, at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills.

Angela Giedemann was born to Edward and Mary (Sakman) Giedemann on May 7, 1911, in Luverne. She graduated from Luverne High School and went to Normal Training for teaching. She took courses at Bemidji College and Augustana College in Sioux Falls.

She married Cletus W. Lynch on June 10, 1943, at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. She taught country school in Districts 49, 31, 9 and 14 (Steen). She also taught at St. Adrian Catholic School in Adrian. She was an instructional aide at St. Catherine in Luverne and also taught at Luverne Elementary School. After retiring she took up quilting as a substitute. She was asked to do an article on quilting for the Time Life Series Family Creative Workshop.

Mrs. Lynch was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Corrine Lynch, Kansas City, Kan., and Edward and Linda Lynch, Luverne; one daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Darrell Kapaun, Duvall, Wash.; and seven grandchildren.

Mrs. Lynch was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two grandchildren, Gloria and Michael Lynch, and two sisters, Francis Hinkly and Catherine Ahrendt.

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

By Lori Ehde
A city employee has been verbally reprimanded and two others were suspended following investigations by the city of Luverne and the Office of Safety and Health Administration.

Senior lineman Mike Gangestad received two verbal reprimands, senior lineman Brian Remme was suspended two days' and Public Utilities Director Red Arndt received five days' suspension.

According to City Administrator Matt Hylen, the April 12 disciplinary action was not required by OSHA, but an internal city investigation revealed the employees had violated city policy related to OSHA's investigation of two incidents last year.

On Oct. 20, subcontracted employee of Mediacom Brad Herr fell to his death from a city electrical pole near the Armory after receiving a high voltage electrical shock.

On Dec. 3, another electrical accident at a city substation left Fulda Electric employee Phillip Kramer without his left hand and part of his forearm.

In March, OSHA cited the city of Luverne for two "willful" violations in that accident and levied a $56,000 fine.

In that case, OSHA said the city failed to turn off power to the area Kramer was working on and allowed Fulda Electric electricians to enter the west substation when they were "not qualified to work on or near equipment energized at distribution voltages."

Just this week, OSHA ruled on its investigation of the Oct. 20 fatality and fined the city of Luverne $2,000 for what it termed "serious violations."

In its citation OSHA said the city didn't properly test the power pole near the Armory or communicate potential hazards after a Sept. 28 incident in which a non-city worker had been "bit" while working on the pole.

A city employee reportedly tested the pole and failed to find and communicate the problem. One month later, Herr died when working on the same line.

According to Hylen, the city is exercising its right to appeal the two OSHA citations on the Dec. 3 accident and in hopes of a more lenient ruling.

"We're questioning the charge itself and the severity of the fine," Hylen said. "WeÕre saying itÕs not merited."

The city has 20 days to consider whether it will appeal the May 6 citation on the Oct. 20 incident.

Gangestad received two verbal reprimands, one for failing to find and communicate hazards on the Armory pole and another for lack of cooperation in the investigation of the Dec. 3 incident.

Remme was suspended for two days without pay for failing to follow safety procedures while providing Fulda Electric employees access to the city substation in the Dec. 3 incident.

Arndt was suspended for two days without pay and three days with pay (deducted from vacation time) for failing to establish and clearly communicate safety procedures for non-city workers near the city electrical system.

Responsibility for that area ultimately lies with him as a department head.

In a matter unrelated to the OSHA violations, Gangestad was fired April 22 following a complaint about him filed April 19.

Details about that complaint will be released pending the outcome of a union grievance he has since filed to appeal his termination.

Gangestad, a senior electric line worker, has been employed by the city since June 1997.

By Sara Strong
Law enforcement in Rock County will start a transition to community policing.

Joint Law partners, the city of Luverne and Rock County, have agreed to enter into a contract with Upper Midwest Policing Institute.

The contract agreement comes after a decision Tuesday in which the County Board voted 3-2 in favor of the concept.

Commissioners Ken Hoime and Ron Boyenga voted against the measure because of the cost and not being fully convinced of the program's merits.

Commissioners Bob Jarchow, Wendell Erickson and Jane Wildung voted in favor of the contract.

Total cost of the contract is $52,900. That includes assessing the department, designing a system for the officers, training the officers, consulting with them and evaluating progress. It also includes travel, lodging and per diems throughout the process.

The cost will be offset by 10 percent through a State Department of Justice grant. And, considering what’'s already budgeted for law enforcement training, Commissioner Bob Jarchow said the county could end up paying less than an additional $20,000.

Boyenga said, "I still think we should see what we can do on our own first."

Commissioner Jane Wildung said people who deal with law enforcement on a daily basis - the sheriff, county attorneys and judge - support the idea.

"The experts in the community who work with the agency support the concept," Wildung said. "And the five of us who don't work with them are questioning it?"

The Luverne City Council voted two weeks ago to start implementing the program with the cooperation of the county.

"I certainly think we are at a time when we owe a response," Wildung said.

The commissioners said they hoped the new philosophy would translate into real results.

The concept of community policing has been around since the late 1970s, and larger cities across the country have implemented its procedures since the '80s.

It is generally considered to be more proactive than reactive to crime. Communication and working with the public is encouraged.

Under community policing, officers will have accountability to following up with crime victims and crime prevention.

One example is that officers will touch base with people who have filed restraining orders even if they haven't reported violations. This will help people feel safer and more open to reporting other incidents to the department. Officers will let complainants know that they are working on cases as they progress.

Community involvement in the new policing can be as much as neighborhood watches or as little as more open communication.

The process of evaluating the department will start immediately with the remainder of the steps in the contract following.

Law enforcement
issues continued
The Rock County Sheriff's Department is bracing for more costs for prisoners housed in the Nobles County Jail, now called the Prairie Justice Center. The $55-per-day cost is increasing to $70 in July and could reach $85 if another increase is started next January.

The contract for service is necessary because Rock County's jail can't house prisoners because of general security problems and other code violations.

The department will also have a noticeable change in its new vehicles. New cars leased by the county will now come in white instead of the current brown.

Douglas (Doug) Breuer, 43, Ellsworth, died Sunday, May 5, 2002, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Services were Wednesday, May 8, at United Methodist Church in Adrian. The Rev. Russ Tarver officiated. Burial was in Adrian Cemetery.

Douglas Breuer was born to Lawrence and Ruth (Arndt) Breuer on Dec. 8, 1958, in Adrian. He attended school in Adrian. He made his home in Worthington and later moved to Ellsworth. He had a lifelong heart condition.

Mr. Breuer was a member of United Methodist Church in Adrian. He enjoyed fishing, watching wrestling and visiting his friends.

Survivors include his mother, Ruth Breuer, Adrian; seven brothers and sisters, Kathleen (Kenneth) Elsing, LaVonne (Richard) Koeneke, all of Worthington, Gilbert (Debbie) Breuer, Aitkin, Donald Breuer, Jerry Breuer, both of Adrian, Arlene Hinsch, Rock Rapids, Iowa, and Becky (Billy) Prickett, Grand Rapids; several nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and nephews.

Mr. Breuer was preceded in death by his father in 1999, a brother, Robert, and a sister, Jeanine.

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

ISD #2184 School Board meets April 11
APRIL 11, 2002
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT #2184, ROCK COUNTY, LUVERNE, MINNESOTA.
A regular meeting of the Board of Education, ISD #2184, was held in the MS/HS Library on Thursday, April 11, 2002, at 7:30 p.m.

The following members were present: Don Bryan, Colleen Deutsch, Dan Kopp, Cary Radisewitz, Bill Stegemann, and Steve Tofteland. Becky Walgrave was absent. Also present: Superintendent Vincent Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Jan Olson, Melody Tenhoff, Gary Fisher, Christina Lovett, Jennifer Hesch, Heather Mead, Amber VanderVliet, Wyatt Cote, Ron Cote, Jane Cote, Emily Matthiesen, Linda Limesand, Dianne Headrick, Roger Headrick, Terry Nelson, Sandy Klosterbuer, Carol Goehle, Linda Gulden, Russell Schneider, John Oksness, Louise Thorson, Rhonna Jarchow, Shirley Harrison, Dave Svingen, Jerry Jensen, Delaine Jensen, Angela Swenson, Amy Sahly, Andy Lofthus, Ryan Connor, Lindsay Brands, Sarah Wynia, Kristy Heikes, Breanna Studer, Michelle Riddle, Tim Schneekloth, Sadie Dietrich, Katie Bosch, Michael Nelson, Becky Runnoe, Mary Jacobson, Jan Olson, Deb Ward, Patti Nelson, Lucinda Rofshus, Elizabeth Petersen, Kara Johnston, Joanne Gabrielson, Beth Behal, Doug Dooyema, Scott Goebel, Nick Otten, Michelle Johnson, Mary Goheen, Elaine Harms, Kim Schmidt, Terry Althoff, Karla Osterday, Sheryl Berg, Todd Oye, Dale Nelson, Bill Thompson, Tom Lanoue, Gordie Hansen, Greg Antoine, Renee Guy, Mark Lundgren, Debra Vogt, Matt Solma, Jerome Willers, Jared Pick, Brandon Deragisch, Tracy Halfmann, Tim Hartman, Matt Crosby, K101/KQAD Radio, and Lori Ehde, Rock County Star Herald.
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Don Bryan. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Kopp, to approve the agenda. Motion carried. Chairperson Don Bryan reported the School Board met in executive session on March 26 for the purpose of the evaluation of Superintendent Schaefer.

Administrative reports were given. Marlene Mann presented information regarding the Structural Balance report that will need to be completed and sent in to the Department of Children, Families and Learning upon a settlement being reached with the Luverne Education Association.

Motion by Tofteland, second by Stegemann, to approve the School Board minutes of March 26, 2002. Motion carried.

Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to set May 7, 2002, at 2:00 p.m. for the bid date for the Middle/High School second floor ceiling/lighting project. Motion carried.

Motion by Kopp, second by Radisewitz, to approve hiring Wendy Nath as a Title I paraprofessional. Motion carried. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Deutsch, to accept the retirement of Lorraine Becker, Food Service Director, effective May 31, 2002. Motion carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Tofteland, to approve a day without pay for Doris Hoven on May 2. Motion carried.

Marlene Mann presented a revised Expenditure Budget for the 2001-2002 school year. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve the budget as presented. Motion carried.

The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed. Motion by Kopp, second by Tofteland, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.

Dated: April 11, 2002
Rebecca Walgrave, Clerk
(5-9)

Pool and Fitness Center proposals set for June 3
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the County of Rock and the City of Luverne, Minnesota, requests proposals for the sale, lease, or management contract of the Rock County Community Pool and Fitness Center. Details of the request are contained in the Request for Proposals document available through the City Office, 203 East Main Street, Luverne, MN. (507) 449-2388.

Proposals must be received by 4:00 p.m., Monday, June 3, 2002, by the City Office. All proposals shall be clearly identified as "Pool ProposalÑRock County Community Pool and Fitness Center."

MATTHEW L. HYLEN
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
(4-25, 5-2, 5-9)

By Jolene Farley
Steen resident Mark Hoogendoorn died Friday in a farming accident in a field four miles west of Garretson, S.D.

Hoogendoorn, 40, was working alone between a four-wheel drive tractor and an implement when he was trapped between the two machines and killed early Friday evening.

Hoogendoorn, who farmed several fields in the area, was found Saturday morning by a neighbor.

A call came in at 9 a.m. to the Minnehaha County Sheriff's office, and deputies and Garretson Fire and Rescue responded.

Hoogendoorn had apparently finished planting the field and as he prepared to move his equipment he was pinned and died, according to reports.

The Rev. Dan Ramaker officiated at a service at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Steen Reformed Church.

"We ask why ... not because we question God, but because we search for purpose and meaning," said Ramaker. "For when life has purpose and meaning, it is easier to accept and to cope with tragedies."

Surviving are two sons, Jarid and Grant, and a daughter, Courtney. Hoogendoorn was the son of Jacob and Kathy (Vis) Hoogendoorn, Hills. He was a 1980 graduate of Hills-Beaver Creek High School.

By Sara Strong
Rock County, the County Commissioners and Bob Jarchow have responded to the suit filed against them by Glenn, Mabel and Loren Overgaard.

The defendants are accused of conspiring to help Chad and Scott Overgaard wrongfully obtain a hog feedlot permit. Chad and Scott Overgaard and their business, Overgaard Pork, are also named as defendants but have not yet responded to the suit.

Through attorney Scott Anderson, Rock County, the commissioners and Jarchow claim the lawsuit should be dismissed and that defendants "recover judgment for their costs and disbursements, together with whatever other relief this Court deems just and equitable."

Glenn, Mabel and Loren Overgaard filed a lawsuit in March claiming the defendants didn't act according to law when permits for a feedlot were granted. And beyond that, that they falsified records, acted with conflicts of interest, engaged in inappropriate conduct and aided in polluting the plaintiffs’ land, air and water.

Two sides
The plaintiffs are relatives of Chad and Scott Overgaard, who constructed a hog feedlot near Glenn Overgaard's and Loren Overgaard’s property in the spring of 2001.

John Burgers, individually and in his official capacity for the county, is also named as a defendant. He has not formally responded to the suit either, but as a feedlot officer and Land Management Director, he was instrumental in issuing permits.

Before the permits were issued Glenn Overgaard attended public meetings raising objections to the feedlot.
One of the claims his suit makes is that Burgers used intimidation tactics to prevent him from questioning the permitting process.

Glenn, Mabel and Loren Overgaard also claim that Jarchow backed up a false claim that the feedlot was existing. The suit says Jarchow "conspired to fabricate the existence of a prior feedlot in order to avoid the legal requirement associated with new animal feedlots …"

Jarchow's response to that is that the "allegations are a sham and false, impertinent and scandalous, and are brought for an improper purpose."

The lawsuit also says property owners and residents within 5,000 feet of the proposed hog feedlot weren't properly notified and that the setback requirements weren't followed.

The response from the defendants is that Glenn Overgaard was notified but refused to sign for it. The defendants also say the state requirement for setbacks is in place.

As a part of the suit, the plaintiffs point out Burgers' past crimes of bribery and mail fraud related to a different hog operation.

The law suit says "The county participated in the enterprise by actions taken by Burgers and Jarchow arbitrarily exercising their authority under color of state law to violate federal criminal laws and to promote the enterprise of illegally developing and furtherance of hog feedlots …"

The response to that is "These answering defendants affirmatively state that at no time relevant to any proceedings in this matter did these defendants have notice or knowledge of any of the alleged illegal or improper conduct by co-defendant Burgers; and further affirmatively state and allege that the allegations that these defendants took part in an illegal racketeering enterprise are not only false, but absurdly false, and that plaintiffs’ allegations in the complaint relating to alleged conduct by co-defendant Burgers … demonstrates the scandalous and impertinent nature of the allegations …"

The original lawsuit was filed March 19 in U.S. District Court, Minneapolis.

Myrna Nelson (front), Mary Akkerman and Brenda Goembel use the new access ramp at the Rock County Pool and Fitness Center for the first time Tuesday.

By Lori Ehde
For many swimmers at the Rock County Pool and Fitness Center, getting into the water just got easier.

A long-awaited access ramp was installed in the north corner of the shallow end Monday.

The 15-foot-long ramp has stable stainless steel rails and enters the water at a gentle decline toward the deep end of the pool.

For elderly swimmers, those with disabilities and physical therapy patients, the ramp has been high on their wish list for several years.

"This is what we've been waiting for so long," said Mary Akkerman, who helps adults with disabilities toward independent living.

She and her clients entered the pool Monday with amazed smiles on their faces. Previously, they had to use a chair lift on the south side of the pool to access the water.

Akkerman strongly advocates the water for any kind of therapy. "I had knee surgery a year ago, and my recovery was faster because of being in the water."

According to Pool and Fitness Center Manager Carol Wessels the hospital sends roughly 10 patients a week to the pool for physical therapy two to three hours a day.

She said the ramp is referred to as a handicap access ramp, but it has already been appreciated by all kinds of swimmers.

"The other group that will benefit is parents with small children," Wessels said. "It's really hard to get in and out of the water with a child in your arms."

Luverne's access ramp cost $6,624.30. It was purchased with a gift from Luverne Community Hospital and Luverne Community Health Care Foundation, which equally shared the cost.

Wessels said the facility has been exploring the possibility of a ramp for some time, but she said to do it right was always too cost prohibitive.

"With a one-size-fits-all ramp, you have a real problem with algae, which becomes a concern for disease," Wessels said.

"With this one, everything is fabricated for this pool ... It doesn't interfere with our circulation system."

Cathy Rust's kindergarten class is the featured Luverne Elementary Class of the Week. Pictured are (front row, from left) Spencer Oeltjenbruns, Brianna Duerr, Josh Slieter, Brooke VanWettering, Aimee Moss, Cody Hess, (second row) Ashley Cooper, Mariah Boomgaarden, Jonny Vajgrt, Paige Baker, Autumn Schmitt, Dalton Jacobsma, Kristen Reisdorfer, (third row) Shane Conklin, Bailey Stratton, Blake Stegenga, Gunnar Olson, Tara Sudenga, Kenny Casazza, Victoria Kalass, Terry Swenson, (back) Ms. Rust and Mrs. Nyla Sohl.

Ms. Rust's kindergarteners have been learning many new words and are reading a lot of books and writing in their journals. In math they are measuring, and they are very excited about their music program next Friday.

Photo by Lori Ehde