By Lexi MooreThe City of Beaver Creek approved a building permit to Midwest Wireless to erect a cell phone tower on a piece of property at the south edge of town.The property was given to the city by Rock County with an attached resolution for conveyance that stated a variety of conditions that must be met by both the city and Midwest Wireless.oA portion of the tower must be used to improve the radio system for law enforcement and emergency services in the area as well as improve cell coverage for highway personnel or other workers.oHills-Beaver Creek School District can use it to improve communications between bus drivers, and space on the tower must be provided to the district without cost for the installation of an antenna to be used with the school’s Internet trillion network.oNo costs of the transfer of the land will be incurred by the county.oMidwest Wireless must attempt to improve wireless Internet communications in the area.After a lengthy discussion Councilman Arlyn Gehrke made a motion to approve the building permit. The motion was made with the following conditions: the company must comply with the county’s conveyance resolution, agree to conditions stipulated by the city in a purchase agreement, and the company is responsible for all costs incurred by the city during the land transfer and rezoning process.Midwest Wireless had to agree to pay all attorney fees involved in changing the zoning of the land from residential to commercial and industrial use, as well as any publishing fees. Any fees that may arise during the transfer of property will also be their responsibility.The city will give the property to Midwest Wireless to use for a cell phone tower at no cost. The property must be maintained by the company in accordance with city code. Additionally, if the company no longer has a use for the tower or the property, they will deconstruct the tower and give the land back to the city.These conditions, along with several others, must be stated in a purchase agreement to be drawn up between the city and the company. The agreement should be prepared in the upcoming weeks and ready for approval at the council’s July meeting.The motion was seconded by Jamie Dysthe and approved by the council.

By Lori EhdeIt’s a rare honor for a high school graduate to be accepted at West Point Military Academy.But Tyler Scheidt not only gained entry to the prestigious military academy, he quickly climbed to the top of his class and ended up graduating with a remarkable 4.1 grade point average.The 2002 LHS grad met with friends and family Saturday night in St. Catherine Church to celebrate his West Point graduation and accomplishments.Scheidt graduated among the top 45 out of 860 students, making him an honor grad in the top 5 percent of his class.Considering the rigorous demands on West Point students (in physical, academic and military arenas), it’s a particular honor to get perfect grades in all three.His parents, Pat and Tony Scheidt, Luverne, regularly received letters from his instructors about his achievements."Tyler is one of those rare students who is always striving for perfection. His drive and extra effort to get every assignment right is a real tribute to him," stated one letter signed by two U.S. Army majors and assistant professors."In addition, Tyler is truly a great person and we’ve enjoyed getting to know him this semester. … You should be very proud of Tyler. He is a credit to himself, your family and the Military Academy. He clearly has a very bright future ahead of him."Pat Scheidt said she cried every time she received a letter. "I still cry when I read them," she said. "He’s quite a kid."She said he’s always been an acheiver, "but in a quiet, very humble way. … That’s how he’s always been."Tyler Scheidt sat in the front row with fellow honor grads during the May 27 graduation ceremony and received his diploma directly from President George W. Bush, who also shook his hand.Rewards for hard workIt didn’t take long for Scheidt’s hard work and good grades to put him in the running for additional opportunities at West Point.For example, he made first sergeant by the end of his junior year. He was the highest-ranking junior in his company of 120, which meant added responsibilities, like overseeing room standards and line formations."It gave me a chance to work with a master sergeant with 18 to 20 years of experience in my field," Scheidt said. "I was working closely with him on a daily basis."Scheidt absorbed the added duties during what was his most challenging academic year. When asked if he was tempted to let his grades slip, he said, "It just wasn’t in me to turn in an assignment that way."That same year, he received an offer to be a regimental executive officer in charge of eight companies and 1,000 people.But he turned it down to stay with his company. "They were pretty shocked when I respectfully declined," Scheidt said.Another rare opportunity for Scheidt was designing and building a pedestrian bridge near the West Point campus.He and another civil engineering cadet volunteered to do the bridge as a two-semester independent study.They worked under the guidance of faculty advisor Col. Steve Kessler, whom Scheidt deeply respected. "He’s an amazing, brilliant person with his Ph. D. in engineering," Scheidt said.They chose a "tied arch" configuration with a wooden bridge deck suspended from a pair of heavy timber arches.Scheidt admitted he’s proud of the bridge and how it turned out."It’s something that will be there for years to come," Scheidt said. "Some day we can come back to this and say, ‘This is what we did.’"In addition to these special projects and duties, Scheidt found time to be president of the Civil Engineering Club, work with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, serve on Special Olympics staff and more.Awards and accoladesDuring his four years at West Point, Scheidt racked up an impressive list of awards.oOne he’s especially proud of is the recent Gen. Schilling Award for Engineering Excellence, which is given to those who "uphold what it means to be a civil engineer and have a passion for the field."Col. Kessler’s name also appears on the plaque listing those distinguished names also earning the award, and he took Scheidt aside after the awards ceremony to show him the plaque. "That really meant a lot to me," Scheidt said.oThe MOLES award was given by the Association of Individuals Engaged in Heavy Construction to Scheidt for "having shown outstanding effort in working toward a career in construction engineering and management."oThe Dean’s List, Gold Star and Gold Star Wreath were awarded for his good grades. The Gold Star Wreath is for those who make the top 5 percent in all areas (academic, military and physical).oThe Army Physical Fitness Badge is for those who score 100 points or more in a two-mile run, two minutes of sit-ups and two minutes of pushups. Scheidt scored a total of 351 points.oHe earned the Commandant’s Award for physical excellence.oHe earned the Air Assault Badge for rappelling out of a Black Hawk helicopter.What’s nextWest Point graduates emerge as commissioned second lieutenants in the U.S. Army and serve at least five years on active duty as Army officers.This means Scheidt’s leadership training will be put to use managing troops on specialized assignments around the world. This fall, he’ll start several months of leadership training, which will include military tactics and engineering applications in combat.In March, he’ll join his first unit in Ft. Campbell, Ken., where he’ll have 40 soldiers under his command, many of whom have already served in Iraq."They’ve prepared us that the platoon will have experience, and it’s really on us to gain their respect," Scheidt said.For this reason, Scheidt said he included "Sapper School" among his West Point classes, which proves he’s met the physical demands of the military."It’s a respect earner … It physically puts you to the test," he said. "They deprive you of food and sleep and expect you to do tasks that you wouldn’t normally be able to do."When asked what would have happened if he’d failed that course, he said, "Failure just wasn’t an option."After leadership training, West Point graduates have a five-year obligation for active duty, and three years of reserve time.Scheidt said if he chooses to serve those three reserve years as active duty, the military will pay for his master’s degree.But he doesn’t have to decide that yet.For the time being, he gets 60 days off. Most West Point grads get 30 days, but because of his academic standing, he gets 60 days off.This week, he’s in Las Vegas reconnecting with friends.Failure is not an optionScheidt said he’s always enjoyed setting and achieving new personal goals – both physically and academically.West Point, for him, was the perfect challenge."Anyone at West Point has the potential to do really well and to do great things," Scheidt said."I went there for the challenge."How can others be so successful with their endeavors?"It’s a mindset. You realize you can get huge results if you set your mind to it," he said."I’ve just been able to keep at it and do my best. I’ve never been one to turn in anything but my best work."Scheidt said successful people manage their time well."That’s one of the things about West Point," he said. "It’s all about managing time and being able to focus time and effort where they need to be."He said it helped that West Point has the second-best academic program in the nation for civil engineering."That’s exactly what I wanted to do," Scheidt said. "When you have a passion for something, that makes it worth doing. … I spent hours and hours on my engineering projects."If his military, physical and academic excellence were impressive to his West Point colleagues, his accomplishments were especially impressive to his proud family.During a recent visit with his grandfather, Donald Schutz, Adrian, Scheidt recalled saying, "I still feel like Tyler."‘Best of the best’West Point Academy was established in New York’s Hudson Valley in 1802 to train military leaders for the Army. Its "long gray line" of graduates includes generals, presidents and leaders of industry, medicine and government.Only the brightest and best of United States high school students gain entry to the academy.West Point applicants don’t follow the same admissions process most colleges require. Potential enrollees are screened through Congress, which nominates students for further consideration.Scheidt’s successful interviews, plus his class rank (No. 3 out of 106 in Luverne), earned him four military service nominations.Scheidt received West Point nominations from Rep. Mark Kennedy and Sen. Mark Dayton. He also received nominations for the Air Force Academy from Kennedy and from Sen. Paul Wellstone.In 2002 when Tyler applied, 10,890 students applied to Congress, and 3,994 were nominated. Of those who were nominated, 2,321 qualified for West Point physically and academically.When it was all said and done, 993 men (including Scheidt) and 195 women gained admittance and 860 ended up graduating.Scheidt is reportedly the only Luverne High School student to graduate from West Point. Magnolia High School graduate Keith Oldre completed West Point in 1984.

By John RittenhouseA member of the Hills-Beaver Creek-Ellsworth-Edgerton track and field program capped the 2006 season at the Minnesota State Class A Championships Friday at Hamlin University in St. Paul.Mya Mann, an Ellsworth High School junior, is the lone H-BC-E-E athlete to qualify for the 2006 version of the meet.Mann competed in the preliminaries of the 400-meter dash.She placed sixth in the second of two heat races staged for the event with a time of 1:01.62.The top nine times turned in by runners during the preliminaries qualify athletes for the finals on Saturday.Mann turned in the 12th-best qualifying time, ending her season on Friday.Mann ran a 1:00.32 while placing second at the section meet one week earlier.

NOTICE OF FILING DATES FOR ELECTION TO THE SCHOOL BOARD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184LUVERNE PUBLIC SCHOOLSSTATE OF MINNESOTANOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the period for filing affidavits of candidacy for the office of school board member of Independent School District No. 2184 shall begin on July 5, 2006, and shall close at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on July 18, 2006.The general election shall be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2006. At that election, four (4) members will be elected to the School Board for terms of four (4) years each.Affidavits of Candidacy are available from the school district clerk, 709 North Kniss, Luverne, MN. The filing fee for this office is $2. A candidate for this office must be an eligible voter, must be 21 years of age or more on assuming office, must have been a resident of the school district from which the candidate seeks election for thirty (30) days before the general election, and must have no other affidavit on file for any other office at the same primary or next ensuing general election. The affidavits of candidacy must be filed in the office of the school district clerk and the filing fee paid prior to 5:00 o’clock p.m. on July 18, 2006. Dated: June 8, 2006BY ORDER OF THE SCHOOL BOARDCary Radisewitz, /s/School District Clerk(6-15, 6-22)

MAY 25, 2006MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184, ROCK COUNTY, LUVERNE, MINNESOTA. A regular meeting of the Board of Education, ISD #2184, was held in the District Office on Thursday, May 25, 2006, at 7:30 p.m.The following members were present: Vicki Baartman, Colleen Deutsch, Laura Herman, Dan Kopp, Cary Radisewitz, and Becky Walgrave. Absent: Bill Stegemann. Also present: Gary Fisher, Marlene Mann, Stacy Gillette, Donna Judson, Angie Swenson, Jan Olson, Deb VanderKooi, Matt Crosby – K101/KQAD Radio, and Lori Ehde – Rock County Star Herald.The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairperson Colleen Deutsch.Motion by Herman, second by Baartman, to approve the agenda with addendum. Motion unanimously carried. Angela Swenson reviewed the German class trip to Germany.Administrative Reports were given.Motion by Kopp, second by Radisewitz, to approve the school board minutes of May 11, 2006. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Herman, to approve payment of the district bills as presented in the amount of $1,018,239.01. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Baartman, second by Walgrave, to receive the Student Activity Report showing the balances as of April 30, 2006. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Radisewitz, to approve 46.75 hours for Shelley Krueger for the EC:SE summer program at a salary of $974.00. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Baartman, second by Herman, to approve 32 hours for Lindsey Bonnett for the M/HS Special Ed summer program at a salary of $685.00. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Kopp, to approve summer curriculum work as presented in the amount of $4,240.00. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Walgrave, to approve Policy #533 – Wellness Policy and School Health Index. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Walgrave, second by Baartman, to approve the Crises Management Plan. This plan was reviewed by Stacy Gillette and Gary Fisher. Updates and changes were reviewed with the school board. Motion unanimously carried.Motion by Radisewitz, second by Herman, to approve the hiring of Jennifer Radtke as Prom Adviser. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Baartman, second by Herman, to approve a maternity leave request by Angela Janiszeski, Discovery Time teacher, for twelve weeks beginning approximately October 8. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Herman, second by Walgrave, to accept the retirement of Clara Larson, two hour food service worker, effective at the end of the school year. Motion unanimously carried. Bids were received on May 23 for roofing replacement as follows:Bidder Bid AmountGuarantee Roofing & Sheet Metal $65,498.00Sioux Falls, S.D.Nieman Roofing Company, Inc $66,000.00New Prague, MNH&R Roofing of S.D., Inc. $97,980.00Sioux Falls, S.D.Motion by Walgrave, second by Kopp, to accept the bid of Guarantee Roofing in the amount of $65,498.00. It was noted that this roof replacement will be in the music area and the first small gymnasium. Motion unanimously carried. There were no committee reports.The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed.Motion by Kopp, second by Walgrave, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: May 25, 2006Cary Radisewitz, Clerk(6-15)

NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSMinnesota Rule 7020.2000, subp. 4 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR LIVESTOCK FEEDLOT PERMITNotice is hereby given per Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 215, that Greg Leenderts, has made application to the County of Rock, for a permit to expand a feedlot with a capacity of 500 animal units or more. The proposed feedlot will be located in the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of section 30 in Martin Township, Rock County, Minnesota. The proposed facility consists of a 240’x150’ open lot with runoff controls to house 400 head slaughter steers. Using 1.0 animal unit per head, total animal units are 400.The existing feedlot consists of a 260’x200’ open lot with runoff controls housing 300 head of slaughter steers having a capacity of 300 animal units. The existing feedlot also has an existing 50’x75’ open lot with runoff controls to house 100 head of slaughter steers, having the capacity of 100 animal units. The site will have a final capacity of 800 animal units. This publication shall constitute as notice to each resident and each owner of real property within 5,000 feet of the perimeter of the proposed feedlot as required by Minnesota State Law. (6-15)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Luverne Economic Development Authority and the Luverne City Council will meet jointly and hold a public hearing at 5:00 p.m., Central Standard Time, on Tuesday, June 27, 2006, in the City Council Chambers located on the second floor of City Hall, 203 E. Main Street, Luverne, Minnesota, to consider establishing a business subsidy policy for traditional business subsidy and JOBZ Business Subsidy Development. Documentation on business subsidy policy is available for public review at the Economic Development Director’s Office on the first floor, 203 E. Main Street, Luverne, Minnesota. The LEDA Board and the City Council will meet to consider and potentially adopt a business subsidy policy. All citizens are encouraged to attend the hearing, ask questions, and/or give comments. A person with residence in or the owner of taxable property in the granting jurisdiction may file a written complaint with the grantor if the grantor fails to comply with requirements under the business subsidy law. No action may be filed against a grantor for failure to comply unless a written complaint is filed. Any citizen may also submit written questions or comments prior to the hearing by addressing them to the Economic Development Director, PO Box 659, Luverne, Minnesota 56156-0659.Anyone needing reasonable accommodations or an interpreter should contact the City Clerk’s Office, 203 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN (507) 449-2388.Dated at Luverne, Minnesota, this 13th day of June, 2006.JILL WOLF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR (6-15)

NOTICE OF FILINGAFFIDAVIT OF CANDIDACY FOR MAYOR AND ALDERMENCITY OF LUVERNE, MINNESOTANOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that filings for office of Mayor and Alderman open on July 4, 2006, and shall close on July 18, 2006, at 5 o’clock p.m. Filings or other questions should be addressed to the City Clerk, City Hall, 203 E. Main, PO Box 659, Luverne, Minnesota 56156. Telephone 449-2388.Any qualified and eligible person may file an Affidavit of Candidacy individually, or an application signed by at least five voters may be filed on behalf of and accepted by a qualified and eligible person. The offices to be elected for which filings are open are as follows: Mayor – 1 (2-year term) (North) Ward I Alderman – 1 (4-year term) (South) Ward II Alderman – 1 (4-year term)MARIANNE PERKINSCITY CLERK(6-15)

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORSBRIDGE REPLACEMENT AND APPROACH GRADING-S.P. 67-599-133BIDS CLOSE JULY 11, 2006LUVERNE, MINNESOTASealed proposals will be received by the Rock County Highway Department at Luverne, Minnesota until 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 11, 2006.READ CAREFULLY THE PROVISIONS FOR THE WAGE RATES AS CONTAINED IN THE SPECIAL PROVISIONS, AS THEY WILL AFFECT THIS PROJECT. Attention is called to the fact that the contractor must comply with the Special Equal Opportunity Employment Opportunity Provisions as contained in this Proposal.Proposals will be opened and read publicly in the presence of the Rock County Highway Engineer at the Rock County Highway Building located at 1120 North Blue Mound Avenue in Luverne, Minnesota, immediately following the hour set for receiving bids for the following Rock County Highway work. Bids will be awarded on Tuesday, July 11, 2006, at the regular Board of Commissioners Meeting.Construct Bridge 67554; 3-Span (30’/39’/30’) Continuous Concrete Slab Span.S.P. 67-599-133 (Martin Township), located over Blood Run Creek; 1.9 miles south of the jct. of CSAH 13. The major items of work are: 85 Cu. Yd. Structural Concrete; 3,211 Sq. Ft. of Bridge Slab Concrete; 204 Lin. Ft. of Type F Railing Concrete; 56,500 Pounds of Reinforcement Bars (Epoxy Coated); 540 Pounds of Structural Steel; 170 Cu. Yds. Random Riprap (Class III); 450 Lin. Ft. C.I.P. Piling, 12"; 2-C.I.P. Test Piles 85 Ft. Long, 12"; 650 Lin. Ft. C.I.P. Piling, 16"; 2-C.I.P. Test Piles 75 Ft. Long, 16".Plans, specifications, and proposals may be examined and obtained at the office of the Rock County Highway Engineer, 1120 North Blue Mound Avenue, P.O. Box 808, Luverne, MN 56156-0808.The non-refundable cost for plans and one proposal will be $35.00.Bids must be accompanied by a certified check or corporate surety bond drawn in favor of the Rock County Treasurer in the amount of at least five percent (5%) of the proposal.Sealed bids shall be clearly marked "PROJECT NO. S.P. 67-599-133".The Board of Rock County Commissioners reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any defects therein.Rock County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Minimum wage rates to be paid by the Contractors have been predetermined and are subject to the Work Hours Act of 1962, P.L. 87-581 and implementing regulations.READ CAREFULLY THE WAGE SCALES AND DIVISION A OF THE SPECIAL PROVISIONS AS THEY AFFECT THIS/THESE PROJECT/PROJECTSThe Minnesota Department of Transportation hereby notifies all bidders:in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Act), as amended and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Subtitle A Part 21, Non-discrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation, it will affirmatively assure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded maximum opportunity to participate and/or to submit bids in response to this invitation, and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, disability, age, religion, sex or national origin in consideration for an award;in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, and Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 230 Subpart A-Equal Employment Opportunity on Federal and Federal-Aid Construction Contracts (including supportive services), it will affirmatively assure increased participation of minority groups and disadvantaged persons and women in all phases of the highway construction industry, and that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement equal employment opportunity will be provided to all persons without regard to their race, color, disability, age, religion, sex or national origin;in accordance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota Statute 363A.08 Unfair Discriminatory Practices, it will affirmatively assure that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement equal employment opportunity will be offered to all persons without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation, or agein accordance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota Statute 363A.36 Certificates of Compliance for Public Contracts, and 363A.37 Rules for Certificates of Compliance, it will assure that appropriate parties to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement possess valid Certificates of Compliance. If you are not a current holder of a compliance certificate issued by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and intend to bid on any job in this advertisement you must contact the Department of Human Rights immediately for assistance in obtaining a certificate. The following notice from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights applies to all contractors:"It is hereby agreed between the parties that Minnesota Statute, section 363A.36 and Minnesota Rules, parts 5000.3400 to 5000.3600 are incorporated into any contract between these parties based on this specification or any modification of it. A copy of Minnesota Statute 363A.36 and Minnesota Rules, parts 5000.3400 to 5000.3600 is available upon request from the contracting agency.""It is hereby agreed between the parties that this agency will require affirmative action requirements be met by contractors in relation to Minnesota Statute 363A.36 and Minnesota Rules 5000.3600. Failure by a contractor to implement an affirmative action plan or make a good faith effort shall result in revocation of its certificate or revocation of the contract (Minnesota Statute 363A.36, Subd. 2 and 3)."(6-