Law Library 9:00 A.M.Rock County Courthouse May 02, 2006Chair Wildung called the meeting to order with all Commissioners present. Motion by Bakken, seconded by Hoime, to approve the May 02, 2006, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Hoime, to approve the April 18, 2006, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Bakken, to approve the consent agenda, declared carried on a voice vote. 1. Contract 97-1453-06 with Turbes, Drealan, Kvilhaug, Mammen & Co. to provide guardianship and conservatorship services to eligible clients. Contract effective 5-1-06 to 4-30-07.Dave Smith, Rock County representative for Travel Southwest and Minnesota Tourism, provided promotional updates. Gary Holmgren, Rock County Ambulance Director and Southwest EMS Corporation, informed the County they were in receipt of a grant for (2) defibrillators that went to the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. He stated that his appointment has expired as a representative for the Southwest EMS Corporation and that he recommended Melissa Sterrett as his replacement; motion by Bakken, seconded by Jarchow, to appoint Melissa Sterrett as a representative to the Southwest EMS Corporation effective July 19, 2006, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board briefly discussed a financial request from Child Guide; the item was tabled until the May 16th County Board meeting. The County Board was in receipt of an LEC building update.The County Board was informed of a future Public Hearing date for the Southwest Regional Development Commission budget for the Fiscal Year 2007.The County Board was informed of a meeting between the Courts and Rock County Sheriff’s Office and the Building Committee of the County Board; it was determined that there would be a future follow-up regarding Security Officers for the Courts during courtroom activity. The County Board was also informed that the Annual Watershed Tour for the MAWD will be held June 22-24, 2006.The County Board was informed that the second half of SCORE funding had been disbursed to the counties. Don Klosterbuer, County Attorney, and Mike Schnider, Attorney with Klosterbuer & Haubrich Law Offices, provided information regarding Judicial Ditch No. 3. They feel there is a lack of information from the Engineer’s response regarding DNR concerns around Judicial Ditch No. 3 and that additional information would be needed. By order of the Chair, the County Attorney’s Office was directed to draft a letter to the petitioners regarding additional bonding for research to be conducted. The County Board acknowledged receipt of a petition for improvements for Judicial Ditch No. 2 and the petition has been referred to the County Attorney for verification of signatures on the petition. The County Board discussed the conveyance of county property for a cell phone tower located in city limits of the city of Beaver Creek. According to Minnesota Statutes 465.035, Beaver Creek Township could receive the conveyance of the property and then convey it to a third party for the construction of a tower. The County Board took no action and Commissioner Bakken stated he would attend the Beaver Creek Township meeting to discuss the issue. Gloria Rolfs, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims with an additions/corrections totaling $485.50 and per diems of $780.00; motion by Jarchow, seconded Boyenga, to approve the claims and per diems as presented, declared carried on a voice vote. A complete listing of the claims is available at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office. General Revenue $ 36,369.42 Family Services $ 42,255.70 Road & Bridge $ 25,147.15 Capital Projects $ 48,738.29 Land Management $ 1,977.48 TOTAL $154,488.04Motion by Hoime, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the fund balance report, declared carried on a voice vote. The Auditor/Treasurer discussed the sale price of tax-forfeited property located in the City of Steen, parcel number 19-0037-000; motion by Boyenga, seconded by Bakken, to set the sale price of the property at $400.00 plus applicable fees, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Hoime, to re-issue a lost warrant for $6.40 payable to the State of Minnesota for mineral rights, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Bakken, to approve the following abatements totaling $5,442.00, declared carried on a voice vote. o02-0051-100 located in the W 1/2 of the SW 1/4 in 06-102-46; Solid Waste $42.00o01-0008-000 located in the SW 1/4 of 02-104-44; Tax abatement $398.00o01-0048-000 located in the N 1/2 of SW 1/4 of 11-104-44; Tax abatement $440.00o01-0147-000 located in the NE 1/4 of 31-104-44; Tax abatement $164.00 o02-0149-000 located in the SW 1/4 of 27-102-46; Tax abatement $214.00o03-0090-000 located in the SE 1/4 of 22-101-45; Tax abatement $200.00o03-0144-000 located in the SE 1/4 of 20-101-45; Tax abatement $354.00o04-0046-100 located in the N 1/2 of NE 1/4 of 03-104-45; Tax abatement $432.00o07-0064-000 located in the NE 1/4 of 23-102-44; Tax abatement $264.00o08-0086-000 located in the E 1/2 of NE 1/4 of 16-101-46; Tax abatement $288.00o09-0040-000 located in the SE 1/4 of 09-103-45; Tax abatement $428.00o09-0164-000 located in the NE 1/4 of 35-103-45; Tax abatement $1,004.00o10-0023-000 located in the NE 1/4 of 05-104-46; Tax abatement $436o10-0026-000 located in the NW 1/4 of 05-104-46; Tax abatement $276.00o11-0211-000 located in the NW 1/4 of 28-103-46; Tax abatement $214.00o11-0211-000 located in the SW 1/4 of 28-103-46; Tax abatement $186.00o12-0127-000 located in the SW 1/4 of 06-103-44; Tax abatement $144.00Motion by Jarchow, seconded by Bakken, to enter into a management letter with Larson Allen to conduct the 2006 audit, declared carried on a voice vote.Motion by Bakken, seconded by Boyenga, to purchase a book entitled "Minnesota Courthouses," which features the Rock County Courthouse, and donate the book to the Rock County Library, declared carried on a voice voteCommissioner Jarchow informed the County Board that he had attended the Southwest Minnesota Initiative Foundation Annual meeting. Commissioner Hoime stated that the Energy Task Force is scheduling a tour on June 22 & 23 for metro members.Commissioner Bakken stated he had attended the RSVP Annual meeting.The County Board was informed of an Immunization Clinic drill for essential personnel to be held on June 15th at the National Guard Armory. With no further business to come before the board, meeting was declared adjourned.Jane Wildung, Chairman of the BoardATTEST:Kyle J. Oldre, Clerk to the Board(5-18)

APRIL 27, 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, April 27, 2006, at 7:30 p.m.The following members were present: Vicki Baartman, Colleen Deutsch, Laura Herman, Cary Radisewitz, and Becky Walgrave. Absent: Bill Stegemann and Dan Kopp. Also present: Gary Fisher, Marlene Mann, Stacy Gillette, Donna Judson, Alissa Johnson, Amy Sahly, James Sanden, Mike Winkels, Dustin Simpson, Zach Staeffler, Matt Crosby – K101/KQAD Radio, and Lori Ehde – Rock County Star Herald.The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairperson Colleen Deutsch.There were no announcements. Colleen Deutsch reported Superintendent Fisher’s evaluation was conducted on April 11, 2006. A standard evaluation form was used with rankings of 1-5, 5 being the highest rating. His average ranking was 3.4-4 out of 5. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Walgrave, to approve the agenda. Motion unanimously carried. Administrative reports were given. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Herman, to approve the school board minutes of April 11 and April 20, 2006. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Walgrave, to approve payment of the district bills as presented in the amount of $1,005,044.91. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Walgrave, second by Herman, to receive the Student Activity Report showing the balances as of March 31, 2006. Motion unanimously carried. Mike Winkels, representing the Optimist Club soccer group, requested use of the fields to the west of the bus garage for the spring and fall seasons. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Baartman, to approve this use. Motion unanimously carried.Bids for roof repair were received on April 19 as follows: BIDDER PRODUCT BASE BIDGuarantee Roof & Sheet Metal Firestone $ 86,867.00Sioux Falls, SD*Does not meet State Building CodeNieman Roofing Company, Inc. Carlisle SynTec $103,740.00New Prague, MNH&R Roofing of South Dakota Firestone 60 mil $128,450.00Sioux Falls, SD EPDMMotion by Baartman, second by Herman, to reject all bids. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Herman, second by Walgrave, to set a bid date for May 23, 2006, at 1:00 p.m. for the re-roofing of the music department and one small gymnasium. Motion unanimously carried. Bids for new floor tile in the South wing second floor of the Middle/High School were received on April 19 as follows: BIDDER PRODUCT BASE BIDComplete Floors, Inc Armstrong Std. Excelon $12,541.00Sioux City, IA alternate steps/ $ 653.00 landingsMotion by Radisewitz, second by Walgrave, to accept the bid from Complete Floors, Inc. Motion unanimously carried.Vehicle bids were received on April 20, 2006, as follows:BIDDER: TYPE OF VEHICLE BASE BID with trade-inPapik Motors 2007 Chevrolet Suburban $29,900.00Herman Motor 2006 Ford Expedition XLS $28,925.00Papik Motors 2006 Chevrolet Impala $13,900.00Herman Motor 2006 Ford 500 SE $17,140.00It was noted that the Ford Expedition bid from Herman Motor does not meet the specs as written as it provides for air conditioning the front of the vehicle only. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Herman, to accept the bid from Papik Motors of $29,900.00 for a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Baartman, second by Walgrave, to accept the bid from Papik Motors of $13,900.00 for a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. Motion unanimously carried. The 11.3% increase in the major medical insurance premiums was reviewed. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Walgrave, to approve the major medical insurance as presented. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Herman, second by Baartman, to approve the 2006-2007 school calendar as presented. School will open on September 5, 2006, and will close on June 4, 2007, with two snow days built into the calendar. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Baartman, second by Herman, to approve a short-term leave of absence for Judy Thies, paraprofessional, from May 12-19, 2006. Motion unanimously carried. Committee reports were given. The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed.Motion by Herman, second by Walgrave, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: April 27, 2006Cary Radisewitz, Clerk(5-18)

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALETHE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage:DATE OF MORTGAGE: 07/14/2004MORTGAGOR(S): Heidi Aanenson, a single person, Chad Van Surksum, a single person. MORTGAGEE: Homeland Mortgage, LLCDATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded July 26, 2004, Rock County Recorder, Document No. 159393.ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: First Federal Savings Bank Dated: July 14, 2004, Recorded July 26, 2004, Rock County Recorder, Document No. 159394. Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Dated: July 14, 2004, Recorded July 26, 2004, Rock County Recorder, Document No. 159395.LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: All of Lots Nine (9) and Ten (10) in Block Fifteen (15), Original Plat, in the City of Beaver Creek, Rock County, Minnesota. COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: RockORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $135,000.00AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $141,563.56.That prior to the commencement of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee complied with all notice requirements as required by statute; that no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof;PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows:DATE AND TIME OF SALE: Thursday, July 13, 2006, 10:00 a.m.PLACE OF SALE: Front Steps of Rock County Law Enforcement Center, City of Luverneto pay the debt then secured by said Mortgage, and taxes, if any, on said premises, and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law subject to redemption within 6 months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns.MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: NONE THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES SECTION 581.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. Dated: May 09,2006Minnesota Housing Finance AgencyAssignee of MortgageePeterson, Fram & Bergman, P.A.By: Michael T. OberleAttorneys for:Minnesota Housing Finance AgencyAssignee of Mortgagee50 E. 5th St., Suite 300St.Paul, MN 55101(651) 291-8955 THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.(5-18, 5-25, 6-1, 6-8, 6-15, 6-22)

Cruise-in and auto show scheduled for Buffalo DaysThis year’s Buffalo Days will keep car enthusiasts busy both Friday and Saturday.
On Friday, June 2nd, there will be a collector car cruise-in on Luverne’s Main Street.Any type of collectible, plus street rods, classics, muscle cars, Corvettes, cycles and trucks are encouraged to participate.Larry Goebel, who has played for the cruise-in for several years, will be out of town for this year’s event, but his music will still be there with Bob Cook taking a turn at the controls.A poker walk has also been set up through Luverne Merchants with great prizes to be given away.The event will run from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. Food and refreshments will also be available.Saturday, June 3rd, the Buffalo Days Auto Show will be at the Luverne City Park.Car classes will include 1900-1949, 1950-1959, 1960-1969, 1970-1979, 1980-1989, and 1990 and newer.There will also be a separate category for Corvettes and Camaros.There will be three categories for pickups including 1900-1959, 1960-1979, and 1980 and newer.There will also be special awards for Best Engine Compartment, Best Paint and Best of Show.Registration will be at the City Park from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The show will run from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Awards will be presented at 3:30 p.m.Participants who would like to drive their collector vehicles in the Buffalo Days Parade on Saturday, June 3, should contact the Luverne Chamber of Commerce by May 31st at 507-283-4061. Parade time is 10 a.m., and cars participating in the parade will meet on Freeman Street at 9:30 a.m.Jim gets his degreeBack in 1970, the soon-to-become-famous photographer Jim Brandenburg, a Luverne native, wanted to get an early start on his photographic career and left the University of Minnesota Duluth with 12 credits short of a degree.Last Saturday, the former National Geographic photographer and noted wildlife photographer received his degree.The University of Minnesota Duluth awarded the artist an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters at their 2006 commencement ceremonies.Congratulations, Jim!Over 25 years of filling sandboxesAn Optimist Club tradition, which was started more than 25 years ago, was continued on Monday.Seven Optimist Club members, along with the help of four Luverne hockey players, filled 18 sandboxes around Luverne.In the past, one dump truck was enough sand to satisfy the needs of the community, but for the second year in a row, the volunteers had to make a second trip to refill the truck with another half load of sand. Optimist member Keith Aanenson said the need for the additional sand is primarily due to the increasing size of the modern sandboxes.In past years the typical sandbox or plastic turtle would require one or two wheelbarrows of sand. According to Keith, some of the new mega-boxes can take six or seven wheelbarrows of sand to fill.The regular Optimist Club meeting followed the sandbox fill, so the Optimist State’s Lt. Governor was in town for the meeting and followed the volunteers around to observe the project.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com

Of mine explosions and eternityIt happened again last week. News stories filled with the heroic efforts to save miners trapped by a sudden mishap far below the ground where most folks walk. This time, the mine was in Australia — and they lived. Just a few months ago, the nation held its breath while rescuers tried to save 13 miners closer to home, finding 12 of the men dead and one barely hanging on. The rescue attempt, I hear, was the stuff of movies — common men working day and night, employing all their skills not to mine West Virginia coal, but to mine miners. My great-grandfather was a West Virginia miner — and for him, the rescue attempt was unsuccessful. An explosion, a cave-in, a long wait … then the bad air came. Today, mining is far safer. But despite all the advances in safety technology, accidents are inevitable. And folks ask why anyone would enter such a dangerous profession.But look around. We all live just one breath away from eternity. Think of our truckers or farmers, surrounded by countless opportunities for a catastrophic accident. What of those who work with high voltage that can arc or chemicals that can explode? What of the infectious diseases that threaten our hospitals — or even the escaped bull that dashes into the path of an unsuspecting shopper’s car, killing her before she gets her groceries home? The possibility for sudden death is more obvious in a mine. But despite its camouflage in the ordinary flow of everyday life, that possibility is no less real for any of us. When my great-grandfather, who died in 1927, and one of his fellow miners left notes describing the bad air, awareness of death’s approach, his dreams for his children’s future. But most of all, he testified — repeatedly — of his hope in the Lord. He assured his family and those of the handful who were with him that they "had plenty of time to make peace with the Lord." Not everyone has time to search his soul before the end comes. Not everyone can leave a note assuring loved ones that he is in Christ. Not everyone is blessed with daily reminders that death is near. But we each live in the shadow of death as surely as if we wore helmets with lights on them and carried a canary to work. And one day the floor of our mine will rumble, the dust will rise, and our end will come. The question is, will we be ready to leave this world? Will we be sure of meeting the Lord in heaven? Now is the time; this is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 1:6; Isaiah 55:6-7). Rather than waiting until the ground shudders, find your peace with Christ now. And when that day does come, you can face it without fear. In Christ, God has redeemed you. "In life and in death, you are His." (Ps. 32:6-7)

Keep Those Crabs HappyI risk being called a parrot for repeating myself, but I want to make a point of saying that now is the time to spray flowering crab trees to prevent the leaf loss resulting from scab infection … prevention is our only option! The systemic fungicide we sell here at the greenhouse does a great job … if it gets applied at the right time! For gardeners who have a hard time keeping pace with weed infestation, a product called Preen is your ally. Preen is a pre-emergent herbicide you can use around most vegetable and flowering plants to prevent weed germination … once the weeds are present, you have to clean the area for this product to be effective, because it only prevents germination. It will not have any effect on weeds that are already growing. I do not use Preen on my gardens. I prefer to mulch with grass clippings. I eliminate the weeds, provide a clean surface to walk on when the soil is moist, and build the soil by adding humus when I till the mulch in. I realize that every gardener’s options are different, so … Preen verses the hoe … your choice. The weather forecast sounds like it might get warm enough to plant beans and other warm season crops … Hurray! My tomatoes in their wall of waters are doing great, so I’m feeling like I have a little head start … I’ll let you know when I get my first ripe tomato. When setting out transplants, protecting them for about a week will give you a much happier plant and a much higher survival rate. I always feel doing the work one time should be adequate, so having to replant never makes me happy. One gallon milk jugs are my favorite protector … remove the cap, cut around three sides of the bottom, fold the bottom back, set it over the plant and put some soil on the folded out bottom to keep the wind from blowing it away. I usually leave the jugs on until the plants are trying to get out of the hole on top … then I know that they have taken root and are ready to brave the elements. Can’t think of any way I’d rather recycle my milk jugs!

Strike a balance between caring for self and being ‘Woman of the Year’I dropped in on the Rock County Women’s Expo 2006 Thursday in the basement of United Methodist Church, Luverne.I know — an event in a church basement doesn’t sound riveting, but it really is worth taking a little time to attend.There were chocolate samples, non-alcoholic drinks, massages, hair styling, nail treatments, health screenings and more for free. Plus, local businesses donate exciting door prizes.The idea is for women in the community to set aside time for themselves to pamper themselves.In fact, that was the topic of featured speaker, Karla Harmon, who spoke on "A Makeover of You."The point of her presentation is that women — who are accomplished multi-taskers — tend to take on too many responsibilities for their families, churches, neighbors, etc.The pressure to do too much with too little time takes a toll on us physically — causing tension headaches, high blood pressure, gastric problems and a compromised immune system.Harmon provided tips for recognizing anxiety and choosing appropriate responses when we start to fret about things we can’t change.Her overall point, though, was to prevent anxiety in the first place by making ourselves priorities in our busy schedules."If people think healthier, they act healthier and they actually are healthier," Harmon said."We may want to carve out an hour for ourselves, but our first thought is, ‘Nope. That’s selfish. There are other things I can do with my time.’ … But we need to value ourselves."It wasn’t information that was entirely new to me, but I took notes anyway because it all sounded so good and helpful.But I found it ironic that her speech came on the heels of presenting the 2006 Woman of Excellence, Ruth Rodgers.Nomination letters for the four women considered for the award included nice phrases like, "She’s always upbeat" and "She has a positive outlook." But by and large, the women were singled out for selfless volunteerism in their communities and various causes.I left the church basement that day with a box full of chocolates, notebook full of tips on caring for myself, and nomination letters for selfless women.As with most things in life, I thought it best to take them all in moderation. I hoped that Ruth finds time for herself amid all her volunteering, and I hope that those of us smart enough to find time for ourselves don’t forget there’s personal value in doing things for others.Congratulations to Ruth and to all the nominees for the award, and congratulations to the women who made time for themselves Thursday to attend the Expo.May we all find just the right balance between selfish and selfless living.

Coming off a state championship season in cross country, it’s no surprise the Adrian girls’ track team has experienced success in distance races this spring.When one considers whom the Dragons are running well with, and whom they are emerging as an area power without, the situation draws attention.My interest was captured after Adrian turned in a stunning performance at the Howard Wood Dakota Relays in Sioux Falls nearly two weeks ago.The Lady Dragons set three school records during the course of the meet, with the 3,200-meter relay team leading the charge by winning what AHS co-coach Doug Petersen said was the first meet title at the event in his 20-plus years of coaching at AHS.Throw in a school record-setting performance from the 1,600-meter medley relay (since this race is no longer staged in Minnesota meets, it’s an event AHS competes in once a year), and a sixth-place effort in the 1,600-meter relay, and you get the feeling Adrian competed pretty well at an attraction many coaches compare with Minnesota’s state meet."We ran really well at Howard Wood," understated Petersen."I can’t remember a time when we set three school records at the same meet before that one."Adrian’s success can be directly linked to a talented group of underclassmen who have many more good years in front of them.Senior Jolene Reisdorfer and junior Emily Thier did fill two of the four spots on the medley and 1,600 relays in Sioux Falls, but it’s freshmen Erica Thier, Kourtney Kramer, Leslie Stover and seventh-grader Hailee Heitkamp who give the Dragons a promising future.The youngsters are strong competitors individually, but they are even better when they pool their talents in the 3,200-meter relay.Thier and Stover, who were vital contributors to Adrian’s cross country success last fall, are double-edged swords.Thier will be the favorite in the 400-meter dash at the sub-section meet next week, and she has the ability to advance to state in that event down the road.Stover, who Petersen said logged a lot of miles over the winter, set a school record that stood for 17 years in the 3,200-meter run at the Howard Wood Relays. The 3,200 is her best individual event, but Stover may run in the 1,600 in the postseason.Heitkamp, another member of the title-earning cross country squad, could finish sixth or better at the section meet in the 3,200, according to Petersen.Kramer has been the biggest surprise in the Adrian camp and could emerge as Luverne’s Lexi Heitkamp’s top challenger in the 800-meter run during the postseason.As good as they are individually, the three freshmen and seventh-grader form a potent 3,200-meter relay.They displayed their promise at the Dakota Relays, where they set a school standard and established Minnesota’s second best time of the season with their championship effort of 9:55.1.The success of the four younger girls in the 3,200-meter relay has kept one of Petersen’s top prospects early in the spring out of the race.Junior Megan Henning, who was the second AHS runner to reach the finish-line during the state cross country meet last fall, has been unable to retain her leg with a relay she helped lead to a second-place finish at the section meet last season.Henning has run well in the open 3,200, and Petersen thinks she can earn a medal in that event at the section meet.As well as AHS has competed in the 3,200-meter relay this spring, there’s no doubt in my mind that the squad would be even better with a healthy freshman Morgan Lynn.Unfortunately for area track fans, they will not get to see Lynn run the rest of this spring. Tendonitis has limited Lynn to one meet appearance (she won the 1,600-meter run and led the 1,600-meter relay to victory at a meet in Slayton in early April), and she’s not expected to return to the track this spring.Then again, there’s no need to feel sorry for the girl who placed third individually at the state cross country meet last season.Lynn has three more years of high school eligibility left, which will give her and a bunch of other talented underclassmen a lot more chances to run away from their opponents in years to come."I see some big things coming to us in the next couple of years," Petersen concluded.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETINGOF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILAPRIL 11, 2006Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order with the following council members present: Jim Jellema, Keith Elbers, Pete Hoff, Ross Metzger, and Linus Svoboda. Employees present: Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer; Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk; and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests: Gene Scheerhorn; Richard Bakken-Rock County Commissioner; and Lexi Moore-Hills Crescent.Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to approve the minutes of March 14th. Motion carried. Reviewed copies of the audited 2005 Reporting Form for the Hills Fire Relief Association. The fire chief and treasurer will be invited to attend a council meeting. Reviewed the City and Fire Department expenditures. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Hoff to approve payment of the March expenditures, with the exception of reimbursement to the Fire Relief Association for light bulbs $7.52. Motion carried. March expenditures: General $60,576.59; Park $739.87; Fire $37.65; Street $1,661.83; Legion $368.29; Sewer $1,016.99; Garbage $1,949.82; Recycling $2.00; Water $3,753.98; Law Enforcement $9,746.50. Motion carried. General Checking 55,077.41General Fund CD#18924, 3.55%, 6/9/05 (prev. #18614) 251,002.85General Fund CD#19056 (prev. #188764) 4.25%, 9/15/06 124,865.21Fire Truck Replacement CD#19200, 4.150%, 12/9/06 3,000.00Hills EDA Security Deposit Account .04Hills EDA Checking – Acct. #1248 5,593.49EDA CD#18870, 3.25%, 5/7/06 76,869.87EDA CD#19293 (prev. CD#19164) 4.5%, 2/14/07 35,713.74EDA CD#19165, 4.25%, 11/15/06 138,000.00Motion by Metzger, seconded by Elbers to refund a utility deposit to Cory and Vicki Busswitz, and to approve the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried. Gene Scheerhorn inquired whether it is necessary to replace the sidewalk in front of his commercial building. Council members reviewed the sidewalk prior to the meeting and agreed with Scheerhorn that his sidewalk is in good condition and no replacement is necessary. Richard Bakken, Rock County Commissioner, attended the meeting to inquire whether the Council had any grievances, also to discuss use of the Heartland Express bus. The Council questioned winter maintenance of County Hwy 6, and future maintenance of State Hwy 270 becoming a county highway. Bakken informed the Council that there is a commitment from the County Highway Department that they will begin snow removal and sanding efforts on County Highway 6, with a one hour earlier start time. State Hwy. 270 is not maintained by the County at this time, but possibly in the near future.Regarding the Heartland bus, Bakken inquired, for cost effective purposes, if a one-day-per-week shopping trip to Luverne for Hills residents, combined with the Tuff residents, is feasible. The Council agreed that the purpose of this bus is to serve the elderly, and the funding is mainly through state and federal funds, therefore the elderly in all cities of Rock County should have use of the bus just as much as those in Luverne. Bakken estimated the funding as such, $7,000 to $8,000 from the County and bus fees; and the remaining costs through State and Federal funding. Bakken informed the Council that he is meeting with the Beaver Creek City Council and local cell phone service tonight to discuss proposals for a cell phone tower near Beaver Creek. Another item that the Council discussed with Bakken was the construction of a new County Sheriff’s Office, and agreed that a new sheriff’s office is needed, but questioned why the County Commissioners proceeded with the project when it was voted down by the people. Bakken explained that the Commissioners tried the most democratic way, but sometimes to get things done, you just do it. Motion by Hoff, seconded by Metzger to invest the $5,000 from the sale of the fire tanker truck into the fire truck replacement fund CD. This was discussed and agreed to with Martin Township at a previous meeting. Motion carried. Jeff Bass, Fire Chief, stopped in to present a bill from Heiman Fire Equipment. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to pay Heiman $32,435.86 through FEMA grant funds. Motion carried. City maintenance was instructed to submit information to Rock County in order to obtain a seal coating bid to include all city streets. The Council reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The Council approved to spend up to $4,000 for rock around the lagoons.Motion by Metzger, seconded by Hoff, to proceed with the sidewalk replacement project along east Main Avenue, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, excluding that portion in front of Blue Chip Book Binding. Verhey Construction will be contacted to begin the project, with a completion date being prior to Friendship Days, June 9th. Council approved to have items within the Legion kitchen, which are no longer useful, to be sold on auction or junked. Motion by Hoff, seconded by Svoboda to donate an additional $1,000 to the Hills Community Club for band costs for the Friendship Days parade, and that this is the last donation that the City of Hills will make toward the 2006 Friendship Days celebration. Beaver Creek and Steen also donated toward band costs. Motion carried. Spring junk pickup for the city residents of Hills is scheduled for May 20th.A Rock County household hazardous waste collection is scheduled for May 9th from 4:00-6:00 p.m., located at the Hills city shop. Discussed complaints of debris from the recycling buildings. A wire fence will be installed on top of the cardboard recycling area; and the pop cans must be removed. The Board of Review meeting for the City of Hills is scheduled for May 9th from 6:30-7:00 p.m.The procedure for negotiating employee salaries and benefits with committee members was discussed. Due to the concern that little to no information was shared with the entire Council, or the employees, prior to a committee member making a motion. Council members outside the committee were under the assumption that an agreement was reached between the committee and the employees prior to bringing it to the table. Mayor Jellema suggested that another meeting be scheduled to discuss this matter. No further discussion, meeting adjourned at 8:08 P.M./s/ Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(5-18)