By Sara QuamThe Luverne City Council is still finalizing a separation agreement with City Administrator Greg La Fond, who leaves office May 27.He is represented by Luverne attorney Doug Eisma.La Fond was terminated without cause Monday, May 9. He has been with the city since September 2003.It is in La Fond’s contract that he gets six months severance pay and benefits after a no-cause termination. He is earning an annual salary of $83,345.Even with the contract outlining severance pay, City Attorney Ben VanderKooi said other issues will be tied up in the final separation agreement.Until then, the city has no immediate plans for an interim administrator."I have no ill will," La Fond said at Tuesday’s Council meeting. "Luverne has been a great place to work and all the staff has been wonderful."Council member Pat Baustian said, "I would like to commend La Fond for his professionalism to consider still working for the city after being terminated."La Fond has continued to be productive, knowing his last day is May 27. Typically, when administrators are let go, they are asked to clear their offices of personal materials and sever all ties to the city government immediately.La Fond said he is concerned about projects that he knows the city will be facing, and wants to help them along while he can — union contract negotiations, what to do with the "old" hospital and airport expansion for examples.The pastThe last time the city of Luverne hired an administrator was in 2003, after Matt Hylen left through a special "separation agreement." He was earning $75,545.At that time there was a pool of 40 initial applicants. The position was advertised with a salary in the range of $60,000 to more than $70,000. The firm Brimeyer Group, Hopkins, was hired by the city to do the "headhunting" for $14,000. Jim Brimeyer said that many applicants for administrators appear to have a short work history or job hopping. "It’s just the nature of the job," Brimeyer said. "Sometimes a new council or mayor may use the job politically." When the city does advertise the position, the names of applicants aren’t public until they interview before the Council.

By Sara QuamA petition circulating in Luverne may result in the recall election of South Ward Councilman Maynard Lafrenz.The move for recall is largely based on the termination of City Administrator Greg La Fond last week.David Hauge, who ran for re-election against Lafrenz, is on the five-person recall committee. Hauge said he wants the Council seat back.The committee had to submit a statement on grounds for removal in order to start the process. That statement said in part, "City Council Member Maynard Lafrenz has, with no factual basis to support his position, voted to terminate the Employment Agreement of City Administrator Greg La Fond. "Such unwarranted action by Maynard Lafrenz will result in City of Luverne taxpayers and rate payers making payments to La Fond in excess of $50,000. Such expenditures of city funds is neither necessary nor fiscally responsible."The statement also says Lafrenz violated open meeting laws by discussing the termination in closed sessions of small groups of council members to avoid a quorum, even though votes were pretty much tallied in those meetings.The statement claims this opens the city to further litigation and legal liability and has damaged employee morale and efficiency.Other people on the recall committee are Gary Kurtz, Shirley Akkerman, David Meyer and Jason Johnson. (Akkerman, Kurtz and Meyer actually live in the North Ward.)City staff estimated that the cost of a special election in one ward would be about $2,000 to $3,000. There would probably be 1,000 ballots printed, and they would be hand counted.Hauge said Tuesday that he’s gotten a "pretty good" reaction to his efforts so far. "People are afraid that the Council is being too rash in the decision-making process," Hauge said. "Everybody knew La Fond was looking for a new job and they could have just waited for him to leave and avoid the severance pay."Hauge said, "Maynard is a good guy, but I don’t think he’s thinking of the ramifications of his actions."Breaking down the processThis is the first recall effort anyone can find in the history of Luverne, so interpreting this portion of the City Charter at this point is new to everyone. oDeclaring the existence of a committee, as the five Luverne people have, is the first step in a recall election. oThe city administrator then has to verify the petition, which Greg La Fond did Thursday, May 12. oWith the clock ticking from that point, the group has 30 days to collect 500 signatures from registered voters in Luverne. The magic number 500 is specified in the Charter and isn’t based on population or percentage of registered voters.City Attorney Ben VanderKooi said the Charter is "silent" as to where within the city signatures can originate. It just says the petitioners must be registered voters in Luverne. Hauge said they will collect from any registered voter who lives in the city, even though the council position in question is from the South Ward.oIf 500 signatures are collected, the city administrator certifies the signatures. The city has a list of registered voters to compare to the petitioners, and any newly registered voters will also be counted.La Fond won’t be working for the city after May 27, and there is no stand-in administrator yet, so the signatures will be certified by City Clerk Marianne Perkins. Perkins is always in charge of regular elections.oAt the Council meeting following certification of the signatures, the Council sets a date for the election by resolution. The election date must be set at least 45 days, but not more than 60 days after that meeting, and publicly noticed.Lafrenz has the chance to make a case for keeping himself in office, too. Other than the usual advertising or publicity, Lafrenz may write a statement of up to 500 words, which the city pays to publish in the newspaper as a part of the election notice. If the whole process goes through, voters will see a ballot that is unusual. The ballot would first ask the question of whether Lafrenz should be recalled. If the answer to that question is no, the voter is done. If the answer is yes, he continues to the next question and chooses a candidate. Because Lafrenz is a part of the first question (and a "no" means the voter wants Lafrenz in office), VanderKooi’s opinion was that Lafrenz can’t file to be listed on the second question.Hauge has said he wants to represent the South Ward, so he will likely file for office and his name will be on the ballot. Because there is no primary, any number of people may also file for election.Lafrenz said he had no comment on the recall issue.

10 years ago (1995)
The Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Center is getting a new addition, which should be complete by September.
The Hills-Beaver Creek district had a record voter turnout of 657 people. By contrast, there were 170 voters in 1994 elections. Top vote getters were Dan Siegfried and Lloyd DeBoer.
Dennis McNeil, Luverne, came home from the Governor’s Fishing Opener Saturday with the biggest fish of the day, a walleye weighing 8.9 pounds.25 years ago (1980)
A group of citizens challenged the vote to dissolve the Magnolia School District. They said voters were not well informed as they cast ballots because the school board withheld information.
A three bedroom house constructed by students at Blue Mound Vocational Center will be sold at auction.
More than 350 Rock County area students will receive high school diplomas this spring.50 years ago (1955)
Interest has shown up more enthusiastically the past week on the coming Hills school bond election issue, scheduled for Friday, June 3. The school officials are also urging legal voters (freeholders or not) in the district to be sure to turn out for the public hearing, to be held in the school house Thursday night preceding the election, June 2.75 years ago (1930)
Anna Kartrude filed for the office of register of deeds, joining the race against Bertha Adams, L.H. Jones and M.L. Ruddy.
Nearly 100 members of the junior and senior classes attended the Junior-Senior Prom. The juniors proved unusually hospitable hosts to their guests, the seniors. The general scene was that of an old-time pirate vessel.,li>Jake Kuker’s famous California Knight Hawks have been secured to furnish music for the dance to be given next week at the Armory.100 years ago (1905)
The work of moving the corner saloon building into the street, preparatory to beginning work on the construction of the new brick building to take its place, was begun this week under the supervision of P.N. Gillham. Mr. Gillham has the contract for the excavation of the basement and construction of the basement walls, and will begin this work as soon as the ground is cleared.

NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSMinnesota Rule 7020.2000, subp. 4NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR LIVESTOCK FEEDLOT PERMITNotice is hereby given per Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 215, that G & A Farms Inc., have 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 SE 1/4 of section 3 in Clinton Township, Rock County, Minnesota.The proposed facility consists of a 101’ x 176’ total confinement barn to house 2200 head of swine between 55 and 300 pounds and a 51’ x 176’ total confinement barn to house 1100 head of swine between 55 and 300 pounds. Using 0.3 animal units per head, total animal units are 990. The buildings shall have a 101’ x 176’ x 8’ poured reinforced concrete pit for manure storage and a 51’ x 176’ x 8’ poured reinforced concrete pit for manure storage. The total animal unit capacity will be 990.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. (5-19, 5-26)

ORDINANCE NO. 274, THIRD SERIESAN ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM, APPLICABILITY OF ORDINANCE, AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 13.03 AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE CITY CODE CHAPTER 13 AND SECTION 13.99 WHICH, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CONTAIN PENALTY PROVISIONSTHE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LUVERNE ORDAINS: SECTION 1. Section 13.03 is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows: SEC. 13.03. APPLICABILITY OF ORDINANCE. The Administrative Enforcement Program shall apply only to the following provisions of the Municipal Code of the City of Luverne: -Chapter 4 - Building Regulations -Chapter 7 – Streets and Sidewalks-Chapter 9 – Parking Regulations under Sec. 9.02, Sec. 9.04, Sec. 9.09, Sec. 9.10, Sec. 9.30, Sec. 9.35, Sec. 9.36 and Sec. 9.50-Chapter 10.01 – Unlawful Deposit of Garbage, Litter and the Like -Chapter 10.12 – Animals and Fowl -Chapter 10.40 – Shade Tree Disease and Prevention -Chapter 10.44 – Open Burning of Leaves -Section 10.56 – Nuisances -Chapter 11 – Land Use (Zoning) Regulations SEC. 2. This ordinance shall take full force and effect seven (7) day after its publication. /s/ Andrew G. SteensmaAndrew G. Steensma, MayorATTEST: /s/ Greg A. La Fond Gregory A. La Fond, City Administrator(5-19)

APRIL 26, 2005MINUTES 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 Tuesday, April 26, 2005, at 7:30 p.m. The following members were present: Vicki Baartman, Colleen Deutsch, Dan Kopp, Cary Radisewitz, Bill Stegemann, and Becky Walgrave. Absent: Laura Herman. Also present: Superintendent Vince Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Stacy Gillette, Gary Fisher, Angie Swenson, and Matt Crosby, K101/KQAD Radio.The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Becky Walgrave. Superintendent Schaefer gave announcements. Motion by Deutsch, second by Baartman, to approve the agenda. Motion unanimously carried.Angie Swenson, German teacher, presented an i-movie on the 2004 Germany trip by our students. She also requested the School Board consider setting a cycle of foreign language trips in even numbered years and music department trips in odd numbered years. Administrative reports were given. Motion by Stegemann, second by Kopp, to approve the School Board minutes of April 14, 2005. Motion unanimously carried.Motion by Kopp, second by Stegemann, to approve payment of the District bills as presented in the amount of $971,204.26. Motion unanimously carried.Motion by Deutsch, second by Radisewitz, to receive the Student Activity Report showing the balances as of March 31, 2005. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Baartman, to approve an extension in the roofing bid date from April 26 to May 24. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Stegemann, to accept the retirement of Shirley Debates, two-hour food service worker, effective June 1, 2005. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Deutsch, second by Baartman, to accept the resignation of Al Brinkman as 9th grade football coach. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Deutsch, to accept the resignation of Amy Anderson, Middle/High School English Teacher, effective at the end of the school year. Motion unanimously carried. Committee reports were given. The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed. Motion by Kopp, second by Deutsch, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: April 26, 2005Colleen Deutsch, Clerk(5-19)

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALENOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: July 10, 2000ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $38,286.45MORTGAGOR: Calvin C. Morrison and Mary Ann MorrisonMORTGAGEE: Minnwest Bank, Luverne, a Minnesota banking corporationDATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Filed for record July 18, 2000 as Document No.148176 with the Rock County Recorder’s OfficeLEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:A tract of land in Rock County Minnesota in the Southwest Quarter (SW 1/4) of Section Nineteen (19) in Township One Hundred Four (104) North of Range Forty Four (44) West of the 5th P.M., which is described as follows, to wit:Beginning at the Southwest Corner of said SW 1/4, going in an Easterly direction 690 feet along the South line of said section to the point of beginning, thence in a Northerly direction 689 feet parallel to the West section Line, thence in a Westerly direction 300 feet parallel with the South section line; thence in a Northerly direction 410 feet parallel to the West section line, thence in an Easterly direction 464 feet parallel with the North section line; thence in a Southerly direction 410 feet parallel with the East section line; thence in a Westerly direction 124 feet parallel with the South section line; thence in a Southerly direction 689 feet parallel with the East section line; thence in a westerly direction 40 feet along the South section line to the point of beginning. AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $39,701.23THAT prior to the commencing of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee complied with all notice requirements as required by statute;THAT no action or proceeding at law is now pending to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof;PURSUANT to the power of sale in the mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of Rock County as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: June 30, 2005 at 10:00 A.M.PLACE OF SALE: The west front steps of the Rock County Law Enforcement Center, located at 213 East Luverne Street, Luverne, Minnesota, to pay the debt secured by said Mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorney fees allowed by law subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the Mortgagors, their personal representatives or assigns. 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 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.Dated: May 13, 2005 Minnwest Bank Luverne/s/ Jeffrey L. HaubrichBy: Jeffrey L. HaubrichAttorney in fact for MortgageeAttorneys for MortgageeKlosterbuer and Haubrich, LLPP.O. Box 538Luverne, MN 56156-0538Telephone: 507-283-9111IMPORTANT NOTICEThis notice is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. (5-19, 5-26, 6-2, 6-9, 6-16, 6-23)

STATE OF MINNESOTA DISTRICT COURTCOUNTY OF ROCK FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICTMortgage Electronic RegistrationSystems, Inc., Plaintiff, Court file no.vs. SUMMONSAnthony J. Irvine; Sheila Irvine; NorwestBank South Dakota, National Associationn/k/a Wells Fargo Bank NationalAssociation; John Doe and Mary Roe, Defendant(s).THAT STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT:YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to serve upon plaintiff’s attorney, within 20 days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the date of service, an Answer to the attached Complaint of the plaintiff, which Complaint is on file in the Office of the above named Court, which Complaint is herewith served upon you in accordance with the rules of Civil Procedure of the State of Minnesota. NOTICE OF ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTIONParties to a lawsuit are encouraged to attempt alternative dispute resolution pursuant to Minnesota law. Alternative dispute resolution includes, mediation, arbitration, and other processes set forth in the district court rules. You may contact the court administrator about resources in your area. If you cannot pay for mediation or alternative dispute resolution, in some counties, assistance may be available to you through a nonprofit provider or a court program.The object of this action is to affect a foreclosure by action of the referenced property. If you fail to answer the complaint within the time aforesaid, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in said Complaint, together with plaintiff’s costs and disbursements. No personal claim has been made against any defendant. This action involves, effects or brings into question real property situated in the County of Rock, State of Minnesota and legally described as follows:A Tract of Land located in the SW 1/4 of Section 14 and in Lot 2, in Section 15, all in Township 102 North, Range 47 West of the 5th Principal Meridian, Rock County, Minnesota, described as follows: Commencing at the Northwest Corner of Lot 1, of Fractional Section 15, thence on an assumed bearing of South along the West Line of said Fractional Section 15 a distance of 2663.07 Feet to the point of beginning of the land described, thence continuing on said bearing of South along said West Line of Fractional Section 15 a distance of 403.95 Feet; thence South 89 Degrees 40 Minutes 00 Seconds East a distance of 1678.00 Feet; thence North 0 Degrees 03 Minutes 23 Seconds West a distance of 377.11 Feet; thence North 88 Degrees 45 Minutes 00 Seconds West a distance of 1678.00 Feet to the point of beginningIF PART OF THE PROPERTY TO BE SOLD CONTAINS YOUR HOUSE, YOU MAY DESIGNATE ANY AREA AS A HOMESTEAD TO BE SOLD AND REDEEEMD SEPARATELY.YOU MAY DESIGNATE THE HOUSE YOU OCCUPY AND ANY AMOUNT OF THE PROPERTY AS A HOMESTEAD. THE DESIGNATED HOMESTEAD PROPERTY MUST CONFORM TO THE LOCAL ZONING ORDINANCES AND BE COMPACT SO THAT IT DOES NOT UNREASONABLY REDUCE THE VALUE OF THE REMAINING PROPERTY. YOU MUST PROVIDE THE COURT WITH A LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE HOMESTEAD YOU HAVE DESIGNATED.IF THE PROPERTY TO BE SOLD CONTAINS SEPARATE TRACTS, YOU MAY REQUEST THAT THE TRACTS BE SOLD AND REDEEMED SEPARATELY. EACH OF THE SEPARATE TRACTS MUST CONFORM TO LOCAL ZONING ORDINANCE. YOU MUST PROVIDE THE COURT WITH A COPY OF THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF EACH OF THE TRACTS YOU HAVE DESIGNATED TO BE SOLD SEPARATELY.Dated: 4/13/05SHAPIRO & NORDMEYER, LLP/s/ Craig M. BarbeeCraig M. Barbee – 0302016Attorney for the Plaintiff7300 Metro BoulevardSuite 390Edina, MN 55439952-831-4060PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEPT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, YOU ARE ADVISED THAT THIS LAW FIRM IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. (5-19, 5-26, 6-2)

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORSBITUMINOUS OVERLAYS – SAP 57-604-21; SAP 67-611-05; SAP 67-618-07; SAP 67-620-10; SAP 67-622-03; & SAP 67-635-03 BIDS CLOSE JUNE 17, 2005LUVERNE, MINNESOTASealed proposals will be received by the Rock County Highway Department at Luverne, Minnesota until 10:00 A.M. on Friday, JUNE 17, 2005.READ CAREFULLY THE PROVISIONS FOR THE WAGE RATES AS CONTAINED IN THE SPECIAL PROVISIONS, AS THEY WILL AFFECT THIS PROJECT.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, June 21, 2005, at the regular Board of Commissioners Meeting.The approximate quantities of work on which proposals will be received is as follows: 278,600 Sq. Yds. Mill Bituminous Surface 25,394 Tons Type LV3 Wearing Course, Mix B 33,532 Tons Type LV3 Non-Wearing Course, Mix B 10,194 Tons Aggregate Shouldering, Class 1 1,360 Lin. Ft. Remove Curb and Gutter 1,600 Sq. Ft. Remove Concrete Sidewalk 1,975 Sq. Ft. 4" Concrete Walk 1,360 Lin. Ft. Concrete Curb and Gutter, Design B618 22 Each Frame and Ring Castings 294,000 Lin. Ft. Paint StripingPlans, 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 $25.00.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. SAP 67-604-21, etc."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. Mark R. Sehr, P.E.Rock County Highway Engineer(5-19, 5-26, 6-2)