When you’re one of a handful of males in a female-loaded workplace, there comes a time when you have to take a stand.That time came last week.After months of hearing how wonderful a team the Star Herald girls put together for the Saturday Night Mixed Bowling League, and after being prodded weekly to write a story on the squad, I decided enough is enough.In order for this story to see the light of day, I declared, someone from this office would have to beat me in bowling.Much to my surprise, Christine Mann was the only taker.Actually, Hills Crescent editor Lexi Moore, who once paid $1,200 to earn a college credit in bowling, said she would join Mann and myself for what I billed to be the Showdown at Luverne Lanes last Saturday.When Moore was a no-show (fear is a powerful emotion), I found myself facing a proud, card-carrying member of United States Bowling Congress in a three-game, winner-take-all match that I thought would put to rest any more requests about writing a story on the (get this goofy name) the Star Herald Ball Busters.I only overlooked one thing setting up this challenge: I suck at bowling.Sure, I did play with a team that competed in a Sunday Night League for three years more than a decade go, but I was more into the beverages than the bowling aspect of the sport. I don’t think my average ever reached the 140-pin mark, and I know that I had not picked up a bowling ball more than three times since those days.Still, I considered myself to be the favorite entering Saturday’s match. How could I not? I was squaring off against one of at least two members of the Ball Busters squad that don’t know how to keep score.The way things turned out early in the match, any fourth-grader in the land could have tallied my effort.My goal during the first year of Sunday Night League play was to break 100. I opened the showdown by rolling a whopping 98.Things got better for me as the day progressed, but not by much. I followed the 98 with a 109 before finishing the match with a 144 in Game 3.Since I did improve with every game, and I was taking side bets saying I would score a 160 during the match, I coaxed Christine to roll one extra game.It was a bad idea, as I regressed to a 125.As anemic as my performance was, Christine, who I now call the Lean, Mean, Bowling Machine, fared far worse.I’ll take the highroad and won’t reveal her scores. Let’s just say she never did reach the century mark in any one of the four games.All things considered, I didn’t bother to celebrate my victory. When I knock down an average of 117 pins in three games, there’s not much to boast about.On the positive side of the ledger, I didn’t face questions about when I’ll be writing a story about the Ball Busters at work on Monday.Instead, after my lackluster performance on Saturday, at least one of the Star Herald girls wants more than a story. She figures there’s some easy money to be made by bowling against a chump like myself, and wants in when the Showdown at Luverne Lanes II is staged.

PROBATE COURTDISTRICT COURTPROBATE DIVISIONORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP AND APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR IN SUPERVISED ADMINISTRATIONAND NOTICE TO CREDITORSSTATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKIn Re: Estate ofFrieda Knutson, DeceasedTO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:It is Ordered and Notice is hereby given that on the 9th day of January, 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 adjudication of intestacy and determination of heirship and for the appointment of Russell Knutson whose address is 1897 191st Street, Magnolia, Minnesota 56158, as administrator 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 administrator 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 administrator 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 administrator or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred. Dated: December 13, 2005 /s/ Timothy K. ConnellTimothy K. ConnellDistrict Court Judge/s/ Douglas E. Eisma /s/ Sandra L. VrtacnikDouglas E. Eisma Sandra L. VrtacnikAttorney for Petitioner Court AdministratorEISMA AND EISMA130 East Main, Box 625Luverne, MN 56156(507)283-4828I.D. #158343

Law Library 9:00 A.M.Rock County Courthouse November 22, 2005Chair Hoime called the meeting to order with Commissioners Wildung, Bakken and Boyenga present and Commissioner Jarchow absent. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Bakken, to approve the November 22, 2005, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the November 8, 2005, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to approve the consent agenda, declared carried on a voice vote. 1. Foster Care Relicensing – Larry and Judy Wiley2. New Day Care License – Lisa Nath, Brenda Johnson, Elizabeth Ranfranz3. Day Care Relicense – Amber Nath, Jennifer Laird, Lois Shaffer, Stacy Kopp, Carolynn Baustian, Lauri Gorder.4. Voluntary Day Care Closing – Carrie Overgaard, Rebecca Raymond, Deb Javner 5. Contract 3-2110-06 with Southwestern Mental Health Center to provide various mental health treatment services to adults and children in Rock County. Contract effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06. 6. Amendment to contract 7-2111-05 with Rock County Developmental Achievement Center to provide Day Habilitation and Transportation services to eligible clients. Amendment effective 10-1-05 to 12-31-05.7. Contract 20-2057-06 with New Life Treatment Center to provide Detoxification services. Contract effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-07.8. Contract 45-2111-05 with Rock County Developmental Achievement Center to provide Home and Community Based Services to one individual. Contract effective 7-1-05 to 6-30-06. 9. Contract 107-790-05 with Elder Care Services Inc. to provide Case management services to one client. Contract effective 7-1-05 to 6-30-06.10. Contract 108-2110-06 with Southwestern Mental Health Center to provide Adult Community Support Services, Adult Day Treatment Services, 24 hour Crisis Line Services, and Adult Mental Health Crisis and Assessment and Intervention services. Contract effective 1-1-06 to 12-31-06. Mark Sehr, Engineer, provided information regarding the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks. Following the presentation, the County Board took no action.Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Bakken, to authorize the purchase of quote #1 for a Case JX1090V Tractor 90 for $36,000 from Mark Jacobson, declared carried on a voice vote. 1. Mark Jacobson, LuverneCase JX1090V Tractor 90 gross hp/77 PTO hp $36,0002. St. Joseph Equipment RochesterNew Holland TL 90 Delux Tractor 90 gross hp/77 PTO hp $38,6843. Hohn Implement, LuverneJohn Deere 6403 Tractor 98 gross hp/85 PTO hp $37,700Motion by Bakken, seconded Boyenga, to authorize the purchase for (2) additional tractor mowers in 2006 from Mark Jacobson for $49,950.00 with the trade in allowance, declared carried on a voice vote. Denise Severtson, Office Manager of the Land Management Office, requested to forward project proposal application to RC&C for $5,056.00; motion by Boyenga, seconded by Bakken, to support the request, declared carried on a voice vote. Also provided an update, there are currently three CREP proposals totaling 150 acres within Rock County. Also the Land Management Office was recently informed that 90% of the funding for the technician position will be provided by the state; that is up from 75% as previously agreed.Gloria Rolfs, Auditor/Treasurer, presented additional claim items $400.00 from the Family Services Agency and $1,450.00 in per diems; motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the claims, declared carried. A complete listing of the claims is available at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office.General Revenue $425,744.41Family Services $ 98,698.71Road & Bridge $ 56,503.02Ditch $ 0.00Land Management $ 5,301.52Trust $ 1,092.24Taxes $202,027.88TOTAL $789,367.78Motion by Bakken, seconded by Wildung, to accept the fund balances, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board was informed that on December 1st at 7:00 P.M. the Truth In Taxation Hearing would be held at Family Services.The Auditor/Treasurer also provided an election update; she informed the board that she has 45 days to submit her plan to the state for their review. The County Board was informed that the county has received the MCIT Dividend for 2005 - $53,084.00; $25,000 had been budgeted. Randy Ehlers, Family Services Agency Director, introduced new employees Stephanie Busjahn and Debra Drost, both Social Workers. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Bakken, to authorize a 3% rate increase for 2006 for the Rock County Pool & Fitness Center, declared carried on a voice vote.The County Board discussed the Redwood County meeting letter regarding Waste to Energy and took no action.Motion by Bakken, seconded by Wildung, to do a feasibility study on geothermal heat; the cost of the study is $3,500, declared carried on a voice vote.The County Board was in receipt of an annual report of veteran’s benefits to Rock County; no action was taken. The County Board received an update on the City/County Liaison meeting. Dave Smith, Luverne Chamber of Commerce Director, informed the County Board that the Southern Minnesota Tourism and Travel Southwest allocation had been changed from $1,400 to $1,000.00. The County Board briefly discussed appointments for 2006 and took no action.The County Board was informed that State Auditor Pat Anderson will be at the Rock County Courthouse on November 28th at 2:30 P.M. to discuss the Waiver Program and the Rock County Township Annual meeting is scheduled on December 2nd at 1:30 P.M.The County Board meeting scheduled for 2006 was reviewed; approval was tabled until the December 13th meeting. With no further business to come before the County Board, meeting was declared adjourned.Ken Hoime, Chairman of the BoardATTEST:Kyle J. Oldre, Clerk to the Board(12-15)

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FORLIVESTOCK FEEDLOT PERMITNotice is hereby given pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 116.07, Subd. 7(a) that New Horizon Farms LLP has applied to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for a renewal of its NPDES Livestock Feedlot Permit and the new permit would allow the expansion of a feedlot with a capacity of 500 animal units or more.The existing NPDES permit has a current capacity of 1,275 animal units and relates to the New Horizon Farms East facility located in the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 19 of Denver Township, Rock County, Minnesota (2135 100th Avenue, Hardwick, MN). The proposed expansion is necessary not because actual operations of the feedlot will change but because when initial NPDES feedlot permit applications were made applicants were advised to use the original design capacity of the feedlot versus the actual maximum stocking density at any one point in time which is what the current MPCA NPDES applications now request. The existing permit allows 2,850 finishing hogs and 8,400 nursery pigs equaling 1,275 animal units. The new permit application would allow 3,130 finishing hogs and 9,450 nursery pigs equaling 1,412 animal units. The facility consists of 26’x368’, 31’x360’, and 36’x160’ nursery barns with 2’ manure pits underneath; 36’x264’ and 41’x252’ finishing barns with 6.5’ manure pits underneath, and a 44’x96’ finishing barn with a 2’ manure pit underneath; a 160’(diameter)x10’(deep) concrete circle manure pit; and a 40’x40’ dead rendering pick up area. No new construction or expansion in the actual operation of the feedlot is being proposed. This publication constitutes notice to each resident and each land owner within 5,000 feet of the perimeter of the feedlot as required by Minnesota law.Published at the request of New Horizon Farms LLP. Any questions about this notice or the permit application can be addressed to New Horizon Farms LLP, Steven L. Perkins, Sec/Treas, 319 N. Hiawatha, P.O. Box 708, Pipestone, MN 56164 or 507-825-5462.Published in the Rock County Star Herald (12-15)

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING OF PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Luverne City Council that a public hearing will be held in the Council Chambers, Second Floor, in City Hall, 203 East Main Street, Luverne, Minnesota, at 5:05 p.m., Central Standard Time, on December 27, 2005, to consider amendments to City Code Chapter 11 that were inadvertently omitted when Chapter 11 was completely revised in February of 2005 via Ordinance No. 272, Third Series. The proposed ordinance adopts City Code Section 11.09, Subd. 10 through Subd. 12, relating to industrial land use regulations which were inadvertently omitted; amends Section 11.09, Subd. 4, which clarifies attached/detached accessory structure requirements; and amends Section 11.16, Subd. 2 © by adding requirements from the sign code regarding freestanding signs within .2 miles of I-90 and along Highway 75 which were inadvertently omitted. A complete copy of the proposed ordinance is available in the office of the City Clerk at City Hall.All persons wishing to be heard in favor or in opposition to the proposed City Code amendment should be present at the hearing or present written comments prior thereto to the Building/Zoning Official. Anyone needing reasonable accommodations or an interpreter should contact the City Clerk’s office, 203 E. Main St. (507) 449-2388.MARIANNE PERKINSCITY CLERK

The work of SHARE (Sharing Hearts are Reaching Everyone) continues. The distribution this year was on Thursday, Dec. 9.We distributed more groceries, clothing, blankets, toys and other necessities than ever before. The needs of these families in our county are real. Through SHARE some of these needs are met, at least during the holiday season. Hundreds of voluntary hours from many organizations and individuals make SHARE happen. Because our distribution numbers are higher, with an additional 35 families, the need for your financial assistance is greater now than ever. I am asking for your help. If you can see it in your heart to contribute to this worthwhile organization, it would be so appreciated. Please send what you can to PO Box 792, Luverne, MN. Thank you!Cheryl CoxSHARE Board of Directors

Early this holiday season, I discovered a Sioux Falls radio station devoted to playing holiday music 24 hours a day throughout the Christmas season. I was delighted.Normally my radio dial is tuned into 91.7 Minnesota Public Radio, but during this time of year, I love to overwhelm my senses with the holidays, which includes hearing every version of Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree at least 40 times.For the past two weeks, the radio at work and my car radio have stayed on Lite 92.5 Kelo-FM to hear their "Home for the Holidays" program.While at home, I switch to my family’s old Christmas records. They make the house warmer and my inner lights shine a bit brighter. On Monday afternoon, when I was driving home from some holiday shopping, I heard DJ Jeff Gould run through a list of holiday presents worthy of giving this year. The list was so inspiring I grabbed a loose receipt in my car and wrote down some of the basics.I am not promising that I can accurately reproduce the list here in this column, but I am going to try because the sentiment was that important.Give the gift of time this holiday season.It seems people are always rushing through their days and that "I just don’t have the time anymore" has become the mantra of many households in America.Well, this holiday season take the time to visit an old friend, to call a distant relative, to volunteer or to take your kids out for some ice-skating and Christmas light viewing.Lives are only as busy as you make them. Time is available every day for the taking. Just make the decision that tonight you are going to make sugar cookies with the kids or grandkids and then do it. Don’t let time hold you back.Give the gift of acceptance this holiday season.Acceptance is one of the greatest gifts a person can give. Whether you decide to stop holding a grudge against a relative or friend, or if you open your heart to a new heritage – your holiday season will be better because of it.Accepting new ideas and new customs helps humans continue to grow.Give the gift of seeing the best in people in this holiday season.Some years, people just need us to give them the benefit of the doubt. Most folks around us try hard to be good people and perhaps this year they just need people around them to look a little deeper in their soul to find the good in them.Give the gift of giving up a bad habit this holiday season.Nearly everyone has a habit that their loved ones wish they would give up. Why not make the decision today that one annoying or unhealthy habit is going to be gone before the holiday even arrives.Give the gift of teaching this holiday season.Every individual holds the key to vast amounts of knowledge or the skills to a great talent. This holiday season wrap that knowledge or talent up and put it under the tree. Teach a niece how to play the piano, juggle or sing. Give a nephew a certificate to help with the livestock or tractor next spring.Volunteer your talents at the local schools or nursing homes to help teach the old and the young something new.Knowledge can’t be taken away, and to pass it along to others is giving a gift they will never lose.Give the gift of letting others give this holiday season.Often we are too worked up over giving that we forget how to receive during Christmastime.Sometimes graciously accepting a gift allows the giver to experience the greatest joy of the holidays — the feeling of giving.So, instead of receiving gifts with thoughts of guilt (for not having given that person a comparable gift) just be thankful and allow them to give.Give the gift of listening this holiday season.Take the time to open your ears and actually listen to those around you during the holidays.Pick up the phone and listen to a sad or lonely friend. Listen to the youngsters around you. Their stories are endless, their songs are out of key, but just give them the gift of listening instead of pretending to pay attention while you cook, clean or be an adult.These gifts are easier to type and read than they are to give. But if we can give some of them this holiday season, we will be filling the hearts of those around us with love.Story ideas or comments can be emailed to Lexi Moore at lexim@star-herald.com or called in at 962-3561.

Ronald Lewis Emery, 68, died Monday, Dec. 5, 2005, at Avera McKennan Hospice in Sioux Falls, S.D., after a year’s struggle with cancer.Services were Friday, Dec. 9, at the Miller Funeral Home Chapel in Sioux Falls, with burial at Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne. Ronald Lewis Emery was born on June 24, 1937, in Luverne. He is the son of Olen and Alma (Steine) Emery. He attended school in Luverne and entered the U.S. Navy in December 1957. He was honorably discharged in December 1959. He worked for Hanson Silo for 22 years and for Sweetman Construction in quality control for 21 years, retiring in 2004.Mr. Emery coached Little League and played softball for AR Wood’s for several years. He also enjoyed golf, bowling and solitaire as well as trips to their cabin on Lake Madison. He was an avid Vikings fan.Survivors include his best friend and companion of 25 years, Judi Johnson, Sioux Falls; two sons, Timothy (Janet) Emery, Shakopee, Daniel Emery, Irrigon, Ore., one daughter, Christina (Ouseman) Jobe, Brooklyn Park; Judi’s children, Mitch Case, Fargo, N.D., Randy (Chris) Case, Sparks, Nev., and Melissa (Jimmy) MacIntosh, Kingwood, Texas; two brothers, Dennis (Yolanda) Emery, Manteca, Calif., Wayne (DyAnn) Emery, Inver Grove Heights; one sister, Myrna (Bob) Lange, Beaver Creek; one sister-in-law, Marge Emery, Woodstock; Judi’s father, Wayne Andersen, Sheldon, Iowa; Judi’s brothers, Roland (Nora) Andersen, Chaska, and Dennis (Jeannie) Andersen, Battleground, Wash.; nine grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; special friend and neighbor, Lynn Appel; and numerous relatives and friends.Miller Funeral Home of Sioux Falls was in charge of arrangements.

Once again, our area has shown its compassion. The pancake sausage benefit for George Reining was a success. Many people were generous with their time and support. We thank the firemen for preparing and serving the food, the Firemen’s Auxiliary for their help, Hills Locker for donating the sausage, Sunshine Food for groceries at cost, Bethlehem Church for paper goods, Thrivent Financial for financial support, Thrivent volunteers for baked goods and working, New Vision for the propane and the City of Hills for the use of the building.As we approach Christmas, the birthday of Jesus, let us all continue to give thanks for our many blessings.Ron, Jan and Twila KurshThrivent coordinators for Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Hills