Local government lobbying takes a 12.7 percent jumpLocal governments in Minnesota increased their lobbying dollars by more than 12 percent during 2003.According to Minnesota State Auditor Pat Anderson, local governments spent a total of $6,082,003 on lobbying activities in 2003.That adds up to a 12.7 percent increase in spending over the previous year.Sixty-one percent of reporting local governments directly employed or hired contract lobbyists in 2003.These local governments spent a total of $2.9 million on staff and contract lobbyists. This represents a 3.3 percent decrease from the amount spent in 2002.Eight of the local governments that directly employed or hired contract lobbyists reported over $100,000 in lobbying expenditures. These local governments accounted for 49.3 percent of all contract and staff lobbying in 2003.So the question is, how much taxpayer dollars should local governments spend to try to get more taxpayer dollars?I should probably point out that whatever lobbying dollars Luverne spent to convince the Minnesota legislature that Luverne is the right spot for the veterans home was certainly worthwhile.This could be your shot at the big leaguesIf you’re a big league wanabee, make your way to Dell Rapids next Monday.The Pittsburgh Pirates will be holding their annual tryout camp in Dell Rapids, on Monday, June 14.The camp will be under the direction of Hank Krause, scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates.Participants should be from age 15 to 18.All tryouts will be at the Dell Rapids City Park beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m.Besides representatives from the Pirates organization, a number of scouts and college coaches will also be in attendance.Gutknecht’s staff to visit Luverne TuesdayRepresentatives from Congressman Gil Gutknecht’s office will be in Luverne on Tuesday afternoon, June 15.Cally Eckles, will visit Luverne Tuesday from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the basement of the Luverne Public Library.Eckles is based out of Gutknecht’s Fairmont office and serves as a field representative for southwest Minnesota.The purpose for her visit will be to assist constituents with casework and legislative matters.Brandenburg offers reward for Starfires photosPrior to being known for his photographic skills, Jim Brandenburg was known in high school for playing in a popular local band, Steve Ellis and the Starfires.So, it may seem odd that this world class photographer has no photos of his early days as a musician.He would like to rectify that.If anyone out there has old photos of the Starfires, Jim would like to talk.He may even work out a deal to trade one of his photos for one of yours.Steve Ellis and the Starfires were popular in the area in the early ‘60s. Jim left the band in 1964.If you would like to have more information, contact Jim through Heidi Brandenburg Ross at Ravenwood Studio, 11 E. Sheridan, Ely MN 55731 or call Heidi at (218) 365-5105.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com