By Lexi MooreActive real estate markets in the Hills area prompted a 12- to 16-percent increase in the value of residential homes as well as a 27-percent increase in farmland.Tom Houselog and Mark Hovland of the Rock County Assessor’s Office attended Tuesday’s council meeting to explain to the council and residents the reasons behind the increase in land values.Following an evaluation of residential sales from October 2004 to September 2005 the assessor’s office saw an increase in the value of all residential homes in Hills.Older, two-story homes saw the biggest residential increase in value, increasing by at least 15 percent.The large increase in farmland was a result of high sales in Martin Township. Properties in the township increased by 20 to 50 percent.Houselog explained, "All values are market driven – the markets in the area have really taken off."He pointed out that in the four previous years the area had not experienced much of an increase, if any.2005 Audit ReportThe City of Hills ended their fiscal year with a $497,734 balance in the general fund.Total expenditures and revenues increased when compared with the 2004 fiscal year.Although the city collected $266,324 in revenue, they incurred $324,427 in expenditures. The $48,524 in excess spending didn’t leave the city in debt, because the year started with a healthy fund balance.The largest fund increase was the Economic Development Authority, which increased by nearly $200,000, ending the year with a balance of $213,183. The increase was a result of the sale of the Economic Development Association’s apartments on Josephine Drive.Kenneth Chavarria purchased two of the units in October and Carol Vermeer purchased one in April of 2004.All utility funds experienced growth during the year. oWater took in an operating income of $6,148.oSewer ended the year with a $35,851 net income.oGarbage took in $42,315 in revenue and spent $39,532, resulting in an overall income of $2,783.Matt Taubert from Meulebroeck, Taubert & Co. presented the audit to the council and was pleased with the fiscal responsibility of the council."All of your funds had small increases, that means you are doing your job well."The only problems Taulbert reported in the audit dealt with the fire fund.Changes at the state level required that control of fire department financial books be in the hands of the city.Hills Fire Department complied with the new mandates by closing their accounts near the end of the year, but the finding still had to be sited in the audit.Another problem was sited regarding the purchase of the fire tanker. The state requires the city to ask for sealed bids on all purchases made over $50,000.The city did not ask for sealed bids when if purchased the truck with Martin Township. They gave the responsibility of finding a truck to the department, who solicited quotes from various dealers.ATV/golf cart resolutionThe council passed a resolution that would permit the use of golf carts, ATV’s and motorized vehicles to be used on city property.The resolution states that drivers would have to take the shortest possible route to get from place to place and abide by all laws regarding the use of recreational vehicles. In other city business:
Wayne Ward reported the city’s lagoons are taking in an extra 4,000 to 5,000 gallons per day. The council speculated that the problem could be caused by residents running sump pumps into city drains.The council plans to place an ad reminding residents that that process is not legal.
Projects at the American Legion building are still progressing despite a change with the painting contractor. Due to an injury the city has been forced to find a new painter to finish the job started by Connie Kole.In addition to painting, the city is seeking quotes to replace several doors in the building. They hope to make the door to the clubroom larger and replace the front doors. Repairs have already been made to the door leading into the township room.A cleaning crew from Service Master will clean carpet and tile in the building on May 22.
Problems with creeping Charlie and dandelions might become city business if residents do not take care of the problem themselves.The council, based on city code, may begin treating residents’ lawns and assessing the property owners for the cost if the problem persists.They plan to place an ad reminding residents of their lawn care responsibilities.

DISTRICT COURTPROBATE DIVISIONFIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICTNOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORSSTATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKEstate of WALLY THORSON, DecedentNotice is given that an application for informal probate of the Decedent’s will dated December 18, 1986, and codicil(s) to the will, dated N/A, and separate writing(s) under Minn. Stat. 524.2-513 dated N/A ("Will"), has been filed with the Registrar. The application has been granted.Notice is also given that the Registrar has informally appointed Lois Thorson, whose address is: Luverne, Minnesota 56156 as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Unless objections are filed with the Court (pursuant to Minn. Stat. 524.3-607) and the Court otherwise orders, the personal representative has full power to administer the Estate including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate. Any objections to the probate of the will or appointment of the Personal Representative must be filed with this Court and will be heard by the Court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing. Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred. Timothy K. Connell 4-24-06District Court Judge Date/s/ Sandra L. Vrtacnik 4-24-06Court Administrator Date(5-11, 5-18)

PROBATE COURTDISTRICT COURT—COUNTY COURTPROBATE DIVISIONORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION AND NOTICE TO CREDITORSSTATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKIn Re: Estate ofLee Roy Rupp DeceasedTO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:It is Ordered and Notice is hereby given that on the 12th day of June, 2006, at 3:30 O’clock P.M., a hearing will be held in the above named Court at Rock County Courthouse, Luverne, Minnesota, for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of the above named deceased dated December 17, 1991, and for the appointment of Patricia L. Glade and Charles B. Rupp, whose addresses are 133 E. Glencrest Drive, Mankato, MN 56001 and 8460 Rogue Lane, Wilsonville, OR 97070, respectively, as personal representatives of the estate of the above named decedent in supervised administration, and that any objections thereto must be filed with the Court. That, if proper, and no objections are filed, said personal representatives will be appointed to administer the estate, to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, and sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the estate. Upon completion of the administration, the representative shall file a final account for the allowance and shall distribute the estate to the persons thereto entitled as ordered by the Court, and close the estate. Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present the same to said personal representatives or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred. Dated: May 8, 2006 /s/Timothy K. ConnellDistrict Court Judge/s/ Douglas E. Eisma /s/Douglas E. Eisma Sandra L. VrtacnikAttorney for Petitioner Court AdministratorEisma and Eisma130 East Main, Box 625Luverne, MN 56156(507) 283-4828I.D. #158343(5-11, 5-18)

REQUEST FOR BIDSLUVERNE PUBLIC SCHOOLSLuverne School District is requesting bids for the 2006 re-roofing project of the Luverne Middle/High School, Luverne, Minnesota. Bids will be received by Independent School District No. 2184 until 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, 2006, at the office of the Superintendent of Schools, Luverne, Minnesota.Bids will be opened publicly and read aloud at the above time and place. Bids received after 1:30 p.m. will be returned unopened. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked on the lower left-hand corner "Sealed Bid Enclosed – Roofing" with the name and address of the bidder and the date and hour of the opening and addressed to: Superintendent of Schools Independent School District No. 2184 709 North Kniss Luverne, MN 56156Each bidder must accompany his bid with a Cashier’s Check, Bid Bond or Certified Check equal to 5 percent of the amount of the bid payable to the Owner as a guarantee of prompt execution of the Contract in accordance with the Proposal and Contract Documents and that he will furnish bond acceptable to the Owner covering performance of the Contract. Copies of the plans are on file in the District Office. Bids may not be withdrawn within thirty days after the scheduled closing time for receiving bids. The Independent School District No. 2184, Luverne, Minnesota, reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any irregularities in bids. Cary Radisewitz, Ed.D.Clerk(5-11, 5-18)

Notice is hereby given that the Southwest Minnesota Workforce Council, the local agency responsible for coordinating the public workforce investment system, is providing the public with an opportunity to review and comment on the Local Workforce Plan, which covers the period July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007.If you are interested in reviewing and commenting on the Southwest Minnesota Local Integration Plan for WIA Titles, I, II, III, IV, FSET, SCSEP and MFIP, you may do so from May 26, 2006, through June 26, 2006. Contact Wanda at 507-537-6987 to obtain a copy.Comments must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2006. Comments are to be submitted via mail, e-mail, or fax to: Juanita Lauritsen 607 West Main Street Lyon County Government Center Marshall, MN 56258 507-537-6987 (Phone) 507-537-6997 (Fax) Juanita.Lauritsen@state.mn.us(5-11)

NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSMinnesota Rule 7020.2000, subp. 4NOTICE OF APPLICATIONFORLIVESTOCK FEEDLOT PERMITNotice is hereby given per Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 215, that Overgaard Pork, has made application to the County of Rock, for a permit to construct a feedlot with a capacity of 500 animal units or more. The proposed feedlot will be located in the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of section 21 in Magnolia Township, Rock County, Minnesota. The proposed facility consists of a 101’x240’ total confinement barn to house 3000 head of swine between 55 and 300 pounds. Using 0.3 animal units per head, total animal units are 900. The building shall have an 101’x240’x8’ poured reinforced concrete pit for manure storage. The total animal unit capacity will be 900.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.A public information meeting will be held on May 15, 2006, at 8:50 p.m., at the Rock County Family Services Building to allow for questions. (5-11)

10 years ago (1996)
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is cracking down on local governments to enforce septic system laws. Almost 70 percent of all individual septic systems drain untreated sewage from private homes into cesspools and open road ditches. The state says that the systems can continue operating as they are until they are improved or replaced.
Rock County alfalfa fields are suffering from winter kill and injury. 25 years ago (1981)
Erma Schubbe, teacher of the year for the Hills-Beaver Creek School District, has had lots of experience juggling schedules and keeping everyone happy.
Hosts for this year’s tour of homes are Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hendricksen, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Hoyme, Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Huiskes, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Melgaard and Mr. and Mrs. Wally Skoglund. Proceeds will go to Child Abuse and the Ataxia Foundation.50 years ago (1956)
Safecrackers took $1,600 from Kenney’s Market safe Friday night.
A strict crack-down on careless driving high school students was ordered by mayor Warren E. Schoon last week upon request of the school board and school officials. Luverne police have been ordered to institute a strict campaign against all violators of speeding and reckless driving laws.75 years ago (1931)
The total enrollment in the spring classes for beginners in the Luverne public schools is now forty-four, ten more children having been added the latter part of the first week of classes, preceding the spring vacation.
There is a touch of early day sportsmanship in the announcement made Wednesday at Sioux Falls that a coyote hunt will be held Sunday afternoon by farmers residing in the territory east of Sioux Falls, bounded on the east and the north by the Sioux River, on the south by highway No. 38, and on the west by a line running directly north from the Linden school to the Brandon road, with the center between Austin Iverson and Ray Williams homes. Rabbits, it is explained, may confront the hunters with fearless impudence.100 years ago (1906)
P.N. Gillham has secured the contract from the board of supervisors of Martin Township for the construction of a new bridge across the creek west of Bruce. The bridge will have a 50-foot span.
Agent Geo. S. Bell, of the Omaha, received notice yesterday that the run of the Doon train from Luverne to Worthington will be discontinued Sunday until further notice. This action is taken on account of the coal strike.

By Lori EhdeBack by popular demand, Sioux Valley Luverne Medical Center is sponsoring a Spring Music Gala Saturday to benefit Children’s Miracle Network.The theme this year is "Dancing with the Hospital Stars," and the lineup of entertainment will feature music and comedy by local physicians and staff. Sue Sandbulte, service excellence representative for Sioux Valley Luverne Hospital, is again in charge of organizing the event."There will be dancing, singing, comedy and creative expression," Sandbulte said. "Hospital staff, physicians and people in the medical field will be involved."For examples Nova and Don Holbeck will dance a waltz and jitterbug. "They taught dancing in the community for many years and this will be a treat," Sandbulte said. A group of nurses will be singing, as will Dr. Joshua Crabtree and his wife, Emily. "Their performance last year was fantastic," Sandbulte said of the Crabtrees."Did I forget to mention those fabulous doctors who performed last year? They will be back again this year … dancing." They won’t be dancing alone, however. They have a special guest who will appear live for the first time on stage, Sandbulte said. "Don’t miss it."New this year will be Dave Knips tickling the ivories. "Instead of putting you to sleep, you just might want to fasten your seatbelt!" Sandbulte said.Comedy is a big part of the Gala also, Sandbulte said. "Lanette Elbers and Stacy Mente will provide comedy. They are sisters who will have you laughing," she said. "Dr. Don Smith will make an appearance with a joke or two, as well as other hospital staff with some crazy jokes."Shawn Cable, KELO-TV, will emcee the event, and local professional opera singer Emily Lodine will perform as a featured guest.Jay Tripp, Anoka, will make a guest appearance as well. "Jay wrote a song for a little girl who was undergoing heart surgery a year ago in Minneapolis," Sandbulte said. "Her name is Jaden Nickels. She is now two years old and doing fine. She and her parents will make a special appearance as well."Lorie Line was invited as special guest this year, but she’s on a tour and couldn’t accept. "She has donated four tickets to her Christmas concert in Sioux Falls," Sandbulte said. "We will sell raffle tickets that evening and draw the winners during intermission."In addition to volunteer performers, Sandbulte said many dedicated hospital employees will be working behind the scenes, helping with ushering, tickets and with back-stage errands. "Darrel and LaDonna Van Aartson will once again make another beautiful and unique backdrop for all to enjoy," Sandbulte said. "George Bonnema, Luverne Flowers, will graciously donate the plants and flowers that will decorate the stage and complement the backdrop."Saturday’s event is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Luverne’s historic downtown Palace Theatre. Tickets ($10 each) will be sold at the door, which opens at 6 p.m."It’s going to be a great evening of entertainment that you won’t want to miss," Sandbulte said.Afterward, the Coffey Haus, across the street from the Palace Theatre, will offer a chocolate fountain and coffee.Sandbulte said last year’s event brought in more than $2,200 after expenses for Children’s Miracle Network. "The Children’s Miracle Network Telethon is coming up in June, and we hope to present them with $6,000," Sandbulte said. "We have fund-raisers throughout the year which help us reach our goal."

By Sara QuamLuverne Economic Development Director Jill Wolf shared commuting information with the LEDA Tuesday. Most people who work in Rock County also live here, but about 1,500 of Rock County’s 3,983 workers drive outside the county for their jobs.After reviewing the information, Mayor Andy Steensma said, "I think the city can be happy that people want to live here if they work elsewhere."A total of 3,335 people work and live in Rock County. Of those who commute, 1,036 work in Minnehaha County, S.D.; 161 work in Nobles County; 148 work in Pipestone County; 58 work in Lyon County, Iowa; 19 work in Lincoln County, S.D.; 16 work in Murray County; 10 work in Lyon County, Minn., and 67 work in various other counties.Rock County has 3,983 workers. Some people — 648, according to LEDA — travel to Rock County for their jobs. This number includes 237 from Nobles County; 112 from Minnehaha County; 101 from Pipestone County; 96 from Lyon County; 18 from Lincoln County; 17 from Murray County; 12 from Turner County, and 55 come from various other counties.