Taco John’s get new ownerLuverne’s Taco John’s has new ownershipJason Lindblad recently purchased the local Taco John’s franchise from the Bob Latham estate.Latham, who was an active Luverne businessman in Luverne, died suddenly last December.The sale became effective July 23.This is Lindblad’s second Taco John’s franchise. he purchased his first Taco John’s on July 1 of this year.Vets Home sponsors 8th annual Scarecrow FestivalThe Minnesota Veterans Home is making plans for their 8th annual Fall Scarecrow Festival.Last year, individuals, groups and community organizations created more than 30 displays at the Vet’s home, along Highway 75.This year I’m sure they are hoping it will be bigger and better than ever.According to Shirley Connor, Recreation Coordinator for the Home, "there will be no specific theme to follow, just let your imagination run wild."Connor said the residents get a lot of enjoyment out of the displays, and participate in judging the contest.Small prizes are awarded in several different categories.The scarecrows should be set up at the Vet’s home between Sept. 27 and Oct. 3.According to the registration form, each display will be set up by a numbered white flagpole along the driveway.When you register you can get the exact location for your display.When planning your display, you are reminded the displays will be outside during the month of October and could be subject to wind, rain and snow.You may want to keep that in mind when you deciding what materials to use.You are required to remove your display on Nov. 1 and 2.For more information, contact Shirley Connor at 283-1100.Remembering 9/11The United Hands for 9/11 are planning a Remember Rally on Saturday, September 11.Everyone is encouraged to join the Luverne Police Department and the Luverne Fire Department on Main Street at 12:30 p.m.A group of motorcyclists will be escorted down Main Street for the event.As in past years, spectators are encouraged to hold hands in support of those who died on 9/11 and also for those who are now sick from doing cleanup at ground zero.If you would like more information, contact Diane Sherwood at 283-4194.Health care services "only" went up 10.5 percent in 2003This 10.5 percent is the increase in the amount covered by private insurance companies in Minnesota.When I say it "only" went up 10.5 percent, that’s because the year before it went up 15.5 percent.As health care costs continue to increase much faster than income, wages and inflation, 2003 marks the fourth straight year of double digit growth in privately insured health care spending, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.According to Minnesota Commissioner of Health, Dianne Mandernach, health insurance premiums grew by nine percent per person in 2003, the third straight year in which premium growth has slowed, and the slowest rate of growth since 1998.Because spending has been growing faster than premiums for the last two years, private insurance premiums currently are not sufficient to cover cost. Investment income and profits from their lines of business have offset the losses that Minnesota’s health plans have incurred for private insurance carriers, according to Mandernach.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com