Skip to main content

Hills local news

Evelyn Rogness’ niece and husband came from Bemidji Saturday morning and together they traveled to Wadena, Iowa. There they attended the reunion of the Thompson families on Sunday. Evelyn was a guest of her brother in the Floyd Thompson home. They returned to their homes on Monday.David Kolsrud, Beaver Creek, picked up his mother, Alice Kolsrud, Sunday morning and motored to the White Bear Lake area where they visited Alice’s sisters and families. On Monday morning they attended memorial services for a cousin, Ernie Gruneing. They returned to their homes following the services. Supper guests last Tuesday in the home of Chuck and Rheta DeBoer were Rachael and Jeremy Van Beek of Doon, Iowa. Don and Edith Briggs attended the Scandia Country Fair and Highland Games in Farmington on Saturday.Wendell and Kathryn Erickson visited Kathryn’s cousin, Anna Kordahl, Sunday afternoon in Rock Rapids, Iowa.Ron and Faith Talsma of Bellflower, Calif., are spending a few days in the area visiting relatives and friends. Lois Nelson was host to a group of friends at a luncheon Monday noon in her home in honor of her husband, Ray, to celebrate his 90th birthday, which was July 17.Don and Edyth Briggs visited the Oliver Kelly Farms near Elk River on Sunday. He was the founder of the Grange. Tony Elbers, Sioux Falls, is spending several days this week in the home of his grandparents, Wilmer and Betty Elbers. On Saturday, Bob and Twila Kirsch, along with many family and friends, attended a luncheon at the Ramkota Motel in Sioux Falls for Emma Iverson. The occasion was Emma’s 100th birthday. Emma is the sister-in-law of Vernon Kvale. Saturday afternoon, Wendell and Kathryn Erickson attended the 50th wedding anniversary of Don and Myrna Spease at the First Baptist Church in Luverne.

A week in the life of Steen

Mid-July is proving to be one of the hottest on record as temperatures creep into the mid- to upper-90s every day. The shortage of rainfall is starting to show in the lawns and in some fields, and many farmers are looking to the sky for a little bit of help from on high. There is a little hope for rain on Wednesday morning so we’ll say a little prayer and hope for the best. I need to take a paragraph and inform the Steen readers of a population burst on July 12. At 6:37 p.m. last Wednesday Addiline Faith Dengler came into this world with a mighty scream. After Melody was in labor for 30 hours with very little change, the doctors decided to take little Addiline by C-section.Tuesday Melody went to the doctor for her weekly checkup and was immediately admitted due to high blood pressure. Sunday afternoon even amidst high blood pressure, mom, baby and dad returned to Steen and are very glad to be home.I want to personally thank my readers and the Steen community for their prayers, cards, gifts and meals during Melody’s bed rest and throughout the whole pregnancy. We are truly blessed!July 6-9 the John Bosch family of Steen traveled to Yankton, where they enjoyed a weekend of family fun and games. The weather was warm and just right for lots of boating activities. The Dick Van Herde family, Rich and Greta Vander Brink family and the John Bosch family enjoyed their time together and look forward to doing it again in the years to come.Wednesday Joyce and Jo Aykens traveled to Orange City where Jo was able to see her newest great-granddaughter, Kylie Shae, who was born on Monday, July 10, to Vince and Laurie Kurtz. They also visited with Paul and Carole and went out to eat to celebrate Andrea’s birthday.This past weekend the Bill Bosch family celebrated their family reunion right here in Steen. The activities kicked off on Saturday and continued on through Sunday. The reunion was held at the Steen City Hall where families from Virginia, Oregon, Nebraska and Minnesota gathered to reminisce about old times and catch up on the present.Friday evening many Steen residents gathered on Main Street for the Steen block party. Harvey Rozeboom of rural Steen prepared his famous hog roast and residents brought side dishes. Many stayed late into the evening talking and getting to know their neighbors better. Mel Van Batavia, the mayor of Steen, raved about its success and hopes that this will happen again soon.On Saturday the Steen RCYF traveled to Worthington where they spent the day enjoying the sun and going boating. Brad and Linda Bosch, along with Jerry Mulder of Steen, provided the boats for the afternoon’s fun activities.The Steen softball team continues to play on even though at times the heat is a little overbearing. They planned on playing last Tuesday but moved the game back to Thursday. They played Luverne and won in a huge blowout – 15-1. This Tuesday they play Doon in Steen and on Friday they play Lester. I’ll have scores for you next week. This coming week two Steen residents will tie the knot. Derek Sammons and Holly Timmer will be married on Saturday afternoon at the CRC church in Rock Rapids. We wish them the very best and a lifetime of happiness. They will make their home in Rod and Starla Scholten’s old house in Steen. That’s all for this week. If you have anything that you would like to have placed in the Steen News, contact Brian Dengler at 855-2232 or by e-mail.

Close the gate

Years ago I bought a denim jacket at a rummage sale (where else?) for five bucks. A good habit of emptying pockets before throwing items in the washer led me to the enjoyable discovery of a five-dollar bill in a compartment on the inside. Bonus! I was tickled to death!Now that jacket is long gone and I don’t remember anything about the sale itself, but the delight of that simple surprise lingers like the smell of sqat (formerly known as manure) on our farm on a warm summer’s night.I believe that every life is full of hidden treasure, and our quest while here on earth is to find it. That does not mean that I go through life with my nose to the ground searching for every quarter ever dropped; it’s not about the booty. It’s about the treasure hunt itself. Little gives me more delight than an unexpected surprise or an out-of-the-blue bargain. The trick is to be ready and looking.My group of daycare chickens squeals with glee over a game of "hide and seek." I send the players into the hallway with strict orders of "no peeking" while I hide something for them to find. The peeking rule is hard to enforce for little kids so the oldest child gets to be the "blocker." It is a coveted roll and each longs to be the oldest with arms spread in safety patrol fashion across the hallway opening. Peeking spoils the hunt. I want them to know that fun can be found in the search itself and to cheer for the finder, even if it isn’t them. Although I try to inspire good sportsmanship at an early age, I do my best to be sure that everyone comes away the victor. I want them all to know the joy of finding.Years ago I worked in a hair salon in the mall with an older gal who was an avid bingo player. She was also the most superstitious person that I have ever met. Her belief in good and bad luck signs astounded me. She would be absolutely devastated by the dropping of a hand mirror for fear it would break, never left the house on Friday the 13th, and avoided black cats like the plague. Still, her luck always just seemed average to me. She gave notice that she would be leaving and so, for a short time, it became my secret mission and intense source of amusement to plant good luck for her. I would place the occasional penny near her car, always heads up, for her to find; a pearl-headed stickpin in her path; a pencil in the gutter; I even went so far as to plant a lady bug on her sleeve once. And I prayed for God to step in.I personally am not superstitious but for those two weeks, her luck was amazing! She was winning at bingo, having good fortune in other ways, seemed on top of the world and truly believed that she was on a "streak."I never told her or my colleagues of my follies and I don’t know what ever happened to her, but I hope that, if she is having tough times, someone somewhere cares enough for her to plant some hidden treasure. It gives me sheer joy to surprise my husband but I have learned in the seven years that we have been together that he is not a huge fan of bolts from the blue. I am often accused of trying to give him a coronary and I admit sometimes I can go a bit over the top with my surprises, but I do try to keep it simple. His favorite candy bar in a bag of groceries, keeping those little chocolate donuts that he loves on hand, and sharing my discovery of the can of WD-40 with that new pop-up straw thingy that is attached permanently to the can so you cannot misplace it. Take the time to find out what gives the people in your life pleasure.Close the gate, but never before planting some hidden treasure. Story ideas or comments can be e-mailed to Nancy at Nancy861@msn.com or please call me at 962-3411.

Remember when?

10 years ago (1996)
Betty Keitel, longtime Luverne resident and first woman veteran to reside in the Minnesota Veterans Home, Luverne, died Wednesday, June 26.
Writer Jim Heynen returned Saturday for his second engagement as part of the Blue Mound Writers Series. The Doon-area native shared favorite stories from published books and a work in progress called "Being Youngest."25 years ago (1981)
Luverne residents will vote Thursday in a special election whether they will loan up to $900,000 for a new medical clinic.
Kevin Van Westen is glad to be a part of the Palace Preservation art and antique auction. He drew four historical buildings in Luverne, which will be sold during the auction. The drawings are of the Palace Theatre, Rock County Courthouse, Hinkly House and the Holy Trinity Episcopal Chruch.50 years ago (1956)
Dr. C.L. Sherman was re-elected president of the Southwest Minnesota Sanatorium.
Harvesting of small grain started here this week, as farmers who had early oats began awaiting their crop. Gregory Luehr, county agent, said that a "tremendous acreage" of oats will be put into silage this year, but he added that the yield from the oat fields was hurt by the dry weather and heat.
The home-owned Jasper Telephone Company is moving ahead full speed with its conversion to a dial system for its subscribers. The corporation will put approximately $200,000 into the new installations.75 years ago (1931)
County schools will graduate 103 eighth-grade students in a ceremony this week according to County Supt. V.M. Barrett.
Luverne’s tax levy for the ensuing year was reduced $3,000 under that of the present year, at the regular meeting of the council held Tuesday. In other words, the tax levy for the new year is only $9,200 as compared with $12,500 for the year just passed.100 years ago (1906)
During the past week there have been in Luverne, two representatives of Sioux Falls whose purpose has been to induce the Luverne Automobile Co. to move its plant to that city. It is unnecessary to state that the inducements they offer are strong and attractive. The people of Sioux Falls want every good industry they can get, and are willing to dig deep into "the stuff that makes the mare go" to get what they want.
If the weather is favorable a large number of Luverne people will go to Magnolia today to take in the midsummer Farmers’ Day celebration, announced in these columns last week. Everything is free except, of course, the dance and the pigeon shoot, which will be conducted by private parties.

Magnolia youth facility asks county to send out-of-home placements

By Sara QuamSouthwest Youth Services, Magnolia, has built a reputation for having a good program with residents who contribute to local organizations as volunteers.Executive Director Don Johnson said to county commissioners Tuesday that he hopes the county will use Southwest Youth Services for non-secure out-of-home placements when appropriate.Johnson said, "Just give us a chance because we really work hard for kids."Johnson was a part of the regular County Board of Commissioners agenda for informational purposes.Southwest Youth Services is a residential educational facility for boys who are sentenced there for minor crimes.The residents are often seen out and about in Rock County doing volunteer work for service organizations or government bodies.Commissioner Richard Bakken said he’s seen the students out in the community and known them to be polite and well-spoken as they are doing their valuable service work."Whenever we’re called upon, we try to bring the kids where we’re needed," Johnson said. "And we’re not going to bring kids into the community if they’re not appropriate."Southwest Youth Services has teachers and other supervisory staff and counselors who teach residents regular coursework and things such as anger management and manners.Johnson said, "We’ve done a lot of work to build the programs and feel proud of our facility."Johnson has been with the facility for four years. The facility averages about 30 residents daily. Most are from St. Paul or South Dakota, Johnson said.At a low point, the facility was struggling, with only about five residents. At that time, Omaha was a big user of the program, but Nebraska passed a state law forbidding out-of-state sentencing. Johnson had to sell the facility elsewhere and it’s caught on. He said they may increase their licensure to include more residents in the future.The Department of Corrections did a favorable license review on the facility. The state of Minnesota also makes sure the facility is meeting state education requirements."It makes me feel we’re doing a good job," Johnson said.In other business Tuesday, Rock County Commissioners:
Approved of posting a fish advisory sign at Schoneman Park south of Luverne. The sign will say something to the effect of "Be a sportsman. Release all walleyes less than 16 inches."The Department of Natural Resources is the only regulatory agency, but the county can post "advisories." Rock County wants this advisory to protect the current walleye population and allow them to become old enough to reproduce on their own.
Approved a one-time liquor license for the Luverne Community Foundation to serve alcohol at a fund-raiser at the Bowron bison ranch.

City helps with Christmas wreaths

By Sara QuamThe city of Luverne is fronting money for new streetlight Christmas decorations. Luverne Chamber Director Dave Smith asked the Luverne City Council Tuesday to pay up to $13,000 for the new decorations, which will be repaid through Chamber fund-raising.The council unanimously approved the expenditure.The city will order the 60 ornaments, which are evergreen wreathes with three candles in the center. Smith said, "The city and county have put a lot of money into the downtown area and the community would like to help with this."He said businesses, organizations, families and individuals have expressed an interest in sponsoring decorations.Those who do will be publicly recognized for their contributions; however, names will not appear on the decorations because of the high cost.Smith said he doesn’t want this decoration project to be a burden to the business community and hopes private people will step up to pay the city back for the cost of the wreaths.In other city business Tuesday:
The council learned that the fire station project is progressing. Contractors are working on the storm sewer and stripping down the interior for the remodeling portion.
The council approved $34,214 for the first payment for the new hangar project at the airport.
Approved the low bid of $98,106 from Henning Construction, Adrian, to do utility work in preparation of the county bridge project in 2008. Sewer, water and communication lines have to be moved before that construction begins.
The council approved closing a portion of Freeman Street for United Methodist Church to have its annual summer block party Aug. 10.The council also approved blocking off a portion of the alley and the municipal parking lot behind the downtown Minnwest Bank July 20. The bank is having a picnic for Prime Timers and the Moola Moola groups.

EDA hopes incentive will sell 19 lots in Sybesma

By Sara QuamA new program to spur development in the Sybesma Addition in southwest Luverne is getting support from local contractors.A recent meeting between interested contractors and the city drew six contractors.There have been 10 lot sales in the Evergreen and Veterans additions in the northern part of Luverne, but Sybesma still has 19 lots available.City Administrator John Call said contractors will probably start using the program in the fall. He reported about the meeting with contractors to the Luverne Economic Development Authority Tuesday."There would probably be more interest now if they were sitting idle, but I think they are so busy on their own," Call said. The incentive will be offered to local contractors to try to get them to build spec homes in Sybesma.Contractors won’t have to pay for the lots and assessments until the homes are sold. That will save contractors about $8,000 each in upfront costs.Then, once the homes are sold, contractors will be reimbursed for interest expenses on construction costs for the spec homes. The maximum amount the LEDA will reimburse for interest is $8,000 per home.The city building inspector will pre-approve house plans, which have to fit into the addition’s covenants. The homes will probably cost $150,000 once on the market.In other business Tuesday, the LEDA:
Learned that LEDA Director Jill Wolf will be out of the office for maternity leave and that John Call will be the contact point for LEDA matters.
Will ask the county and Luverne School District to approve a transfer of two acres for Express Ag to get Job Opportunity Building Zone tax credits. The county and school have to approve of the transfer to get final approval from the state.Express Ag purchased the former Exsito building on West Hatting Street.

Healing Garden proceeds after spring delay

By Lori EhdeWith roughly $30,000 in grants and donations already paid for the hospital’s healing garden, some are wondering why nothing’s growing there yet."Many people are concerned about why their donations have not been used and why the garden has not been started," said Lynette Jauert, a member of the Master Gardeners, who are heading up the project. Plans called for some plants to be growing by now, and for dirt work, electrical wiring and plumbing to start this spring.So far, there’s no activity in the garden area near the windows of inpatient rooms, the rehab department and the maternity ward of the new hospital, which has been open for a year."We, as Master Gardeners, have been waiting for the go ahead from Sioux Valley to start the project," Jauert said. "We have been working on getting project bids and have contractors and volunteers waiting to get the project started." According to Sioux Valley CEO Mark Henke, the delay is due to "several details coming together at the same time."For one thing, a moisture problem discovered in the walls on that side of the building needed to be looked into.If heavy equipment needed to be brought in for repairs, that needed to happen before work on the garden could begin."Some work was not completed in the proper manner, and we’re working with Henry Carlson (general contractor) to correct it," Henke said."That work was related to the masonry and some exterior work on the building."Those repairs (which Henke said won’t affect patient stays in those rooms) are now underway, and work on the garden has received a green light to proceed. The other factor influencing garden progress, Henke said, was timing with the change of administration. Former administrator Jerry Carl retired on April 28, and Henke began on May 15.The hospital administrator, he said, plays a key role on the healing garden committee, and it took some time after Henke came on board to get up to speed with the progress.The point, he said, is that a garden design has recently been approved and work will begin next month."The committee has done some great work and the design is fantastic," Henke said.Between August and October much of the groundwork and sidewalks will be completed, in addition to planting some trees, shrubs and other vegetation.By definition, a healing garden means the horticulturist designed it to work with or around people’s abilities or limitations. The garden is meant for people to use to reduce stress and aid the healing process.The $140,000 budget is covered partially by grants. The money allows for benches, designed for potentially weak patients, walkways wide enough for two wheelchairs to meet, and patio furniture light enough to be rearranged in clusters.It is designed with "getaway" space where patients or visitors can go for private reflection.The list of features includes everything from plants that will be attractive year-round to elements that will attract birds. Placement of Sioux quartzite will highlight various areas of the garden.Depending on how donations come in, the project will be completed in phases, with a goal for work to be completed next spring.

Friends and family hold on to memories

By Lori EhdeMore than 800 people gathered in the Cardinal Gym Saturday afternoon to mourn the loss of 16-year-old Chris Ashby, who was killed in a July 5 car accident.At the funeral an entire section of bleachers was filled by young people who lost their fellow teammate, band member and classmate.Ashby played trumpet in the concert and marching band, and his fellow trumpet players performed at the funeral.He was a member of the "Magnificent Seven" who took home first-place honors for Luverne at the state track meet. Those teammates placed their medals in the casket, and they’ll be in the urn after cremation.Many of the young people in the gym Saturday were from area towns and knew Chris through various sporting competitions.Chris took second place in the state 300-meter hurdles, and the boy who took first place at the event drove 5 1/2 hours to Luverne to attend the funeral.The eighth-place winner from Redwood Falls also attended and gave the Ashbys a movie of the performance (they were going to study it to learn how to beat Ashby). The obituary on page 7A highlights the long list of accomplishments in Chris’ relatively short life.The same tenacity he showed in sports followed him off the court and field as well. He was involved in his family and church. He was an A student and he was well-liked by a wide range of friends with varying interests.Over the past 10 months, he spent a good share of time with his girlfriend, Alyssa Klein. She was the last person he talked to on the day he died, and one of the first to speak at his funeral."From the minute I met him I knew he was one of a kind," she said Saturday. "He always had to do things fast and he always had to be first."She said Chris dreamed of one day playing on the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team."God must have needed another perfect angel, and now all we have left are his memories," she said. She and many of his friends and family said Chris never had a bad day."I used to ask him, ‘Why are you always so happy?’ And he’d say, ‘Live life to the fullest.’ And that’s certainly what he did."Fast start to a short lifeChris’ need for speed was first apparent in his toddler years.He could often be found on his tricycle pedaling along Blue Mound Avenue behind his athletic parents, Gene and Barb Ashby. His little legs pumped furiously to keep up, showing all the tenacity of an athlete in the making.Physical fitness was important in the Ashby home, and by the time Chris was 6, he was pedaling along with his parents on a bike trip from Luverne to Sioux Falls.The Ashby family made that annual ride every year since then. "That first year, we had to coax him a little," Gene recalled. "But last year, he slept in a half-hour after we left and still beat us there."It was one of many annual family trips and traditions the Ashbys enjoyed together. Gene and Barb are planning a memorial ride this fall and are inviting others to join them.The Ashbys recognized early that their son was athletically gifted, and they gave him opportunities to compete in everything from pedal pulls (first in state and third in nationals as a 4-year-old) to youth wrestling (he qualified for state in 2000)."He excelled in so many things, and we knew he’d do well later in life. We were fortunate in that regard as parents," Gene said. "… He was my hero."But Chris’ parents also recognized the importance of teaching good character."Before he started seventh grade, I made him sit down and write an essay about humility. And he did," Gene said. "I don’t know if it helped, though."He must have learned something about good sportsmanship, though, because Chris was known for congratulating other athletes after competitions, regardless of who won."At track meets, he’d shake hands with the winners and tell them, ‘Next time all you’ll see is my back side,’" Gene said.Barb said Chris’ life was on the fast track from the time he was born."Chris always did everything fast, fast, fast, and we tell people it was that way from the beginning," Barb said about Chris’ adoption proceedings."We got a call at 5 p.m. on a Thursday telling us that we’d have a baby on Friday morning, so we had one day to go to Pamida and get everything we’d need for a baby."She said they always liked the name Christopher, but when they learned he was born on Christopher Columbus Day (Oct. 12) that clinched the decision. Because Chris’ heritage is half African American, they decided on Martin (as in Martin Luther King) for a middle name.Finding comfortThe Ashbys said they’ve found comfort in the generous support from their friends and family, from Chris’ friends and teammates and from the entire community."We had several hundred people on our front lawn that day – people I didn’t even know," she said. "People have been so nice. … There are so many people to thank."For example, she said Gene and Chris trimmed trees in the Ashby yard on Tuesday last week, and Chris was supposed to pick them up the next day. Members of the football team recently came with a pickup and cleared the yard.His teammates will remember him in special ways when school resumes this fall. For example, football players will display his number on their helmets, and basketball players are planning to wear black armbands during games."We’ll continue to go to athletic events and support Chris’ teams," Barb said.Barb and Gene said Chris was a good driver, but he simply made a mistake when he turned in front of the semi last week."You can’t tell teenagers how to drive, but if you could tell them — just for me — to look twice," Barb said. "Just take one more look."‘We’re not really supposed to be here’Former United Methodist Church pastor Bart Fletcher returned from his new congregation in Mankato to officiate the service."We’re not really supposed to be here," he said. "Children are supposed to bury their parents and their grandparents. Parents and grandparents aren’t supposed to bury their children."He said that everyone has questions about why Chris died."A big question we have is ‘What do we do now, when life comes to a screeching halt in such a tragic way?"’ Fletcher said. "I can’t imagine what it’s like to have invested all this time and energy and love and to have it ripped from us."But he said the Biblical Mary and Joseph knew what that was like when their son (the one Joseph adopted as his own) died an early death."Jesus’ life ended too soon, and he was the only son of God."Fletcher pointed out that the meaning of the name "Christopher" is from the Latin phrase, "Bearer of Christ," and he shared the story of Chris’ confirmation project.He said the students were all supposed to make 1 1/2-foot wooden crosses, but Chris made a giant cross from leftover siding from his parents’ home."I remember thinking, ‘What an appropriate way for Chris to express his faith,’" Fletcher said about the cross that was displayed in the church courtyard. That cross now marks the spot at the intersection of 71st Street and Highway 75 where Chris died.It bears flowers, balloons, handwritten messages, a football helmet and shoes, and other items mourners have placed there."What an appropriate, if not gut-wrenching way to remember Chris," Fletcher said.

Luverne VFW finishes 18-9 regular season

By John RittenhouseThe Luverne VFW baseball team wrapped up an 18-9 regular season by rolling to a 15-run win in Adrian Monday.The Cardinals split a league double-header in Slayton on Thursday.Luverne opens the VFW playoffs on Monday. The site and opponent for the opening game was not known as of Wednesday, July 12.Luverne 17, Adrian 2The Cardinals finished league play on a high note by cruising to a 15-run win in Adrian Monday.Phil Paquette drove in four runs at the plate and Chris Den Hoed tossed a complete game to deliver the Cards their 18th win of the season.The game was scoreless through two innings, but Luverne assumed control of the contest with an eight-run rally in the top of the third and a six-run surge in the fourth.Den Hoed and Tanner Skattum stroked two-run singles in the third. Zach Olson and Zach Clark contributed RBI singles to the rally, and Paquette and Adam Ossefoort chipped in RBI doubles.Paquette singled home two runs and Anthony Graphenteen and Clark drew bases-loaded walks to highlight a six-run fourth inning.After Adrian plated two runs (one was earned) in the bottom of the fourth, Luverne capped the scoring when Jeremy Hoff singled home a run and Paquette registered a sacrifice fly in the fifth.Den Hoed limited Adrian to five hits in five innings.Box score AB R H BIHoff 4 2 2 1Den Hoed 3 1 2 2Paquette 4 1 2 4Olson 4 2 3 1Christensen 1 0 0 0Dinger 3 2 1 0Skattum 2 2 1 2D.Van Santen 1 0 0 0Ossefoort 2 1 1 1Hemme 0 1 0 0Graphenteen 1 1 0 1Altman 0 1 0 0Clark 2 2 2 2T.Van Santen 0 0 0 0Luverne 6, Slayton 1The Cardinals opened Thursday’s double-header in Slayton by recording a five-run win.Den Hoed tossed a five-inning complete game and Phil Paquette drove in a pair of runs to lead Luverne to victory.Den Hoed limited Slayton to three hits and one unearned run in the contest. He fanned two batters.After being blanked in the first inning, Luverne scored at least one run in the next four frames to win handily.Skattum walked and opened the scoring in the top of the second when he trotted home on a wild pitch.Hoff walked and Den Hoed reached base on an error in the third inning. Paquette stroked a run-scoring double and Olson slapped an RBI single to make it a 3-0 game before Slayton recorded its unearned run in the bottom of the third.Derek Van Santen singled and scored when Paquette singled in the fourth inning as Luverne extended its lead to 4-1.Olson doubled and Ossefort reached base on an error in the fifth inning. Both runners scored on a throwing error.Box score AB R H BIHoff 1 1 0 0Den Hoed 3 0 0 0Paquette 3 1 3 2Dinger 3 0 0 0Olson 3 1 2 1Ossefoort 3 1 0 0Skattum 3 1 0 0D.Van Santen 3 1 1 0Graphenteen 3 0 0 0Slayton 6, Luverne 3The hosts used a six-run rally in the third inning to snap Luverne’s seven-game winning streak during the second game in Slayton.The teams battled to a scoreless draw through two innings before Slayton broke through with a six-run rally, which included the five unearned runs, in the top of the third.Luverne countered with three runs in the bottom of the third, but it wasn’t enough to get back into the game.Van Santen singled and Zach Clark reached base on an error to ignite Luverne’s rally.Tim Connell doubled home Van Santen and Clark before scoring the final run when Hoff singled.Hoff took the loss after tossing five innings of four-hit, six-strikeout ball.Box score AB R H BIHoff 2 0 1 1Olson 2 0 1 0Paquette 2 0 1 0Dinger 2 0 1 0D.Van Santen 1 1 1 0Skattum 1 0 1 0Clark 1 1 0 0Connell 2 1 1 2Ossefoort 1 0 0 0Den Hoed 1 0 0 0Graphenteen 1 0 0 0

Subscribe to

You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.