By Sara QuamThe Rock County Board of Commissioners Tuesday voted to spend $10,000 more on an architectural study to determine the feasibility and cost of remodeling the Law Enforcement Center.The Board first paid $2,500 for an initial needs assessment.Commissioner Jane Wildung said, "I think the next step is to find out potential ways to fulfill those needs."Space isn’t the only concern for the current Law Enforcement Center. Making the workspaces useful and effective among department members is a priority.The useable square footage is about 7,500. The Board said the next study will help determine actual costs to remodel the space to be more efficient, and also look at costs of building new.A rough estimate of remodeling is $1.75 million.If remodeled, the county would add a new garage and secure entry.Commissioner Bob Jarchow said, "We have to consider the usefulness of a three-story structure versus a new, one-story. Are we going to pay money to find out what we already know? … But the process is probably as important as the end result."Commissioner Richard Bakken said, "If we decide to bond for this, we have to show we did our research on both ends of it. … If we don’t do due diligence, people will be upset."Wildung said, "If it turns out that the Law Enforcement Center isn’t useable for anything, we have to make that determination through studies to show justification."Sheriff Mike Winkels said the location is ideal for the office. He said, "I’m at the courthouse all the time, more than the rest of [the office]." He said a location further from the courthouse would still be workable, though.Wildung said, "If we end up with a building next to the courthouse that can’t be used for anything, we have to face that, too."Using bonds to borrow for special projectsIf the Board decides to use bonding to pay for a new Law Enforcement Center, using an old or new building, it gets more complicated than just paying for a project outright.One option that would make it possible for the county to bond is to pass a capital improvement plan (CIP).Passing a five-year CIP would require a public hearing.County Administrator Kyle Oldre said to the commissioners. "The question is, does the County Board want to use this tool?"Bakken said, "I like that it forces you to project forward and stops you from voting on things on the spur of the moment when something looks good."If the County Board develops a CIP and wants to finance projects by bond, another public hearing is required. If 5 percent of voters sign a petition, the bond goes to a reverse referendum on a countywide ballot.The Department of Employment and Economic Development also reviews the bond to ensure the county has considered alternatives to bonding.The bonding capability is based on taxable market value of the county, which means the county could bond for up to $462,626 per year.In other business Tuesday, the board:oApproved a $60,000 loan to Rural Energy Marketing. Loren and Russell Forrest, for the proposed corn stover fuel project.The Forrests are applying for a grant that will have a better chance if they get commitments from local people and entities.The county’s loan is contingent on personal guarantees.oWas introduced to Jessica Buus, a new financial worker in Rock County Family Services.oLearned that there has been an increase in out-of-home placements recently. There are 23 local children living out of their families’ homes now. Two juveniles will be admitted into treatment centers for mental health issues. Even though there is a recent increase, it is still less of a problem than it was a few years ago when Family Services drastically went over budget on out-of-home placements. Family Services Director Randy Ehlers said there is no one particular trend or reason for the out-of-home placements.

By Lori EhdeLuverne School Board members voted unanimously at their Thursday, April 14, meeting to cut funding for all day every day kindergarten."It breaks my heart to do it," said board member Cary Radisewitz. "But we can’t keep cutting into the muscle of other areas in the district. … Fiscally, our job is not to look after just those 100 and some kindergartners, but all 1,300 students."The state funds a half-time kindergarten program for public schools, and for the past five years, Luverne School District has subsidized – at about $120,000 per year – the other half for a full-time program.When Luverne’s full-time program started five years ago, the legislature was considering funding full-time kindergarten, but since then, funding for education hasn’t kept pace with expenses, let alone cover new programs.In order to compensate for rising costs and shrinking revenues, the Luverne District has cut more than $646,000 in all areas of the budget in the past five years.For example, when Elementary Principal Melody Tenhoff left the district two years ago, then-middle school principal Stacy Gillette assumed that role, leaving high school principal Gary Fisher to serve as middle school and high school principal.This move saved the district $73,663 per year.At the same time, when Jan Olson filled a middle school teaching position, her previous responsibilities as curriculum coordinator and alternative school director were assumed by Gillette and Superintendent Vince Schaefer, respectively.This saved the district $40,453 per year.Other retirements haven’t been filled, classes have grown bigger and the district has been getting by with less in general. To illustrate the fiscal reasons for cutting Luverne’s full-time kindergarten, District Finance Officer Marlene Mann recapped other cuts at the board meeting. Since 2001, for example, the district:oReduced sections in third and fourth grade to save $80,000 per year.oWent from two media specialists to one to save $48,168 per year. Kim Schmidt now shares his time between elementary and middle school-high school libraries. oCut the elementary art specialist to save $22,000. Art projects are now covered in regular classrooms.oCut an elementary computer teacher to save $25,000oCombined the high school business and computer teaching position to save $22,412oCut the high school industrial arts program to half-time to save $22,000Superintendent Schaefer said flatlined state funding and rising costs, such as fuel and health insurance, will force another $235,000 in cuts this year.Cutting all-day kindergarten will save $120,000 per year, and shifts in staff development funds could bring an additional $100,000 to the general fund, Parking fees, busing changes and elementary music and phy ed offerings may also be considered as potential ways to recoup costs, in addition to several other options presented at Thursday’s meeting.Board member Bill Stegemann said he regretted cutting the kindergarten program Thursday. "There’s not one of us here who, if there were other choices, would take this choice if we didn’t have to," he said."In the state we’ve been a leader in education, and it’s a sad day that we have to take action like this. It’s a product of our governor and our legislature."

By John RittenhouseKerri Fransman and the Luverne High School softball team opened Southwest Conference play in Luverne Thursday.The Cardinals entertained Redwood Valley for a double-header.Luverne won the opening game before falling in the finale.Fransman, a Hills-Beaver Creek High School sophomore, picked up one hit during Thursday’s double-header against Redwood Valley in Luverne.The LHS second baseman delivered an RBI single while going 1-3 at the plate during a 7-0 win in the opener.Fransman went hitless in four trips to the plate during an 8-1 loss to RWV in Thursday’s finale.The Cardinals were scheduled to play at the Martin County West Tournament Saturday, but the event was rained out.Luverne, 3-1 overall, hosts Marshall today and Martin County West Monday.

By John RittenhouseThe Hills-Beaver Creek-Ellsworth-Edgerton track teams expanded their schedules by entering a meet with little warning Thursday.After having the Central Lyon Relays washed out April 12, and finding out the event would be rescheduled on a date H-BC-E-E already had filled, the Patriots were looking for an extra opportunity to compete. They found the opportunity in the annual Cardinal Relays in Luverne, an event that was rained out April 12 and rescheduled Thursday.Competing in eight-team fields, the H-BC-E-E squads placed fifth. The girls tallied 64 points and the boys scored 63.5 counters.The girls’ 3,200-meter relay team secured the lone meet title for H-BC-E-E by winning the event with a time of 10:31.1. Amanda Tilstra, Mya Mann, Rayna Sandoval and Cassi Tilstra formed the team.The Patriot girls placed second in the 800- and 1,600-meter relays with respective 1:55.39 and 4:21.31 times. Amanda Connors, Kelly Mulder, Mann and Cassi Tilstra ran the 800. Mann, Amanda Connors, Amanda and Cassie Tilstra formed the 1,600-meter team.H-BC-E-E athletes placed second in two individual events and one relay to highlight the appearance at the meet for the Patriot boys.Cody Schilling cleared 6-0 to placed second in the high jump. John Sandbulte covered 36-10 1/4 to finish second in the triple jump.The 800-meter relay placed second with a time of 1:36.85. Jan Sommerling, Cody Scholten, Kale Wiertzema and Tyler Bush formed the team.Here is a look at the rest of H-BC-E-E’s point-producers during the Cardinal Relays.H-BC-E-E girlsThird place: Sandoval, 3,200, 13:18.23.Fourth place: 400 relay (Rosie Lewis, Brittney Helgeson, Kari Roozenboom and Mulder), 57.64; A.Tilstra, 400, 1:07.03; Lewis, shot, 29-7.Fifth place: Lewis, discus, 90-8; Roozenboom, triple jump, 29-11 1/2.Sixth place: Roozenboom, 110 hurdles, 18.79; Mulder, discus, 29-1; A.Tilstra, triple jump, 29-5 1/5.H-BC-E-E boysThird place: 1,600 relay (Sommerling, Wiertzema, Jon Klaassen and Bush); Cody Schilling, triple jump, 36-10.Fourth place: 400 relay (Roger DeBoer, Sandbulte, Klaassen and Schilling), 48.75; Sandbulte, 300 hurdles, 46.33; Schilling, high jump, 5-6.Fifth place: 3,200 relay (Wiertzema, Derek Haak, Sommerling and Bush), 9:15.7; Scholten, 200, 24.76.Sixth place: DeBoer, 110 hurdles, 18.89.Eighth place: Haak, 3,200, 11:44.79; Sandbulte, long jump, 16-8 3/4.

By Lexi MooreEarly Thursday, April 7, 32 Hills-Beaver Creek band and choir students boarded a chartered bus in Hills and headed for Chicago.The students were accompanied by nine chaperones, H-BC Choir Director Jodi Ackerman and Band Director Josh Hogberg.The H-BC choir and band departments plan a major trip every four years. During the non-trip years, students participate in a variety of fund-raisers to earn money for the trip.This year’s trip included visits to many of Chicago’s biggest attractions as well as a visit to Wheaton College.The chaperones, as well as the directors, say they enjoy this time because they get to interact with the students outside of the classroom.Hogberg and Ackerman worked together to submit a summary of the days spent in Chicago.ThursdayWe left the H-BC High School at 7:00 a.m. Thursday. We arrived in Chicago around 4:30 p.m. (rush hour), but did not make it downtown to the Sears Tower until 5:45. We took the elevator up to the 103rd floor and had a fantastic view of the city. After we left the tower, we went to Andy’s Jazz Lounge to eat supper and listen to some wonderful jazz music.FridayFriday was a day packed full of events, including the Museum of Science and Industry, the John G. Shedd Aquarium and Oceanaruim, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Navy Pier, followed by a Broadway production of "Les Miserables."Seeing "Les Miserables" was definitely a highlight for many who went on the trip.SaturdaySaturday was another day packed full of events. We started out that morning by going to Wheaton College and took part in a master class.The band worked with Dr. Dan Summerville, and the choir worked with Dr. Paul Wiens.Both professors had a lot of good things to say to the ensembles and the students responded well. We will definitely use the comments learned in preparing for our concert on Thursday, May 5.After the Master Class, we went to the Hard Rock Café in downtown Chicago.After eating, we went to the Field Museum of Natural History.The museum was right across from Soldier Field, so after going through the museum, many of us walked around the football stadium and brought some Purple Pride to the Bears.Next on the agenda was a walk down the "Magnificent Mile." Many enjoyed places such as ESPN Zone, Nike Town, various malls, listening to street musicians and the Water Tower Place, among others. After another busy day we went back to the hotel to unwind.SundayThe bus left early to return the students to Rock County.

By Lexi MooreFriday night the Hills-Beaver Creek High School gym will be transformed into a romantic setting as it plays host to the H-BC 2005 junior/senior prom, "Dreaming of You."H-BC juniors and seniors, along with their dates, will begin arriving at the high school for pictures at 5:30 p.m. Following pictures students will be served dinner.The public is invited to photograph the students from 7:45 – 8:15.The Grand March, an H-BC tradition, will be at 8:30 in the high school gym. There is a $1 admission fee for all school-age children and adults who wish to attend the Grand March.Following the dance the parents of students in the junior class will host an after-prom party in the H-BC Elementary School Gym in Beaver Creek.Students who wish to attend the event must arrive by 12:30 a.m. and will not be permitted to leave until 3:00 a.m.Jason Mystic, a comedian hypnotist, will entertain the students during the event. Food and prizes will be available for all students in attendance.

10 years ago (1995)
Pinnacle Programs will likely meet the June 1 target date for opening in the former Magnolia school building.
Ash Creek driver David Kruger decided to retire from area racing after 12 years of track action.
Andy Rozeboom was elected president of the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs.25 years ago (1980)
Gaylen Lloyd is the new post office master at Luverne.
Michael Rath, a senior at Luverne High School, had an opportunity to observe some of the frenzy of the last days at the state capitol. He visited the capitol with other high school students as part of a group called Project 120.50 years ago (1955)
Death came unexpectedly Monday to Raymond C. Engan, 59, highly esteemed Luverne citizen and professional man for 35 years. He was stricken with a heart attack in his law office. He worked up until about five minutes before his death.
Marjorie Huisman was chosen as a delegate from Rock County to attend Minnesota Girls State.
A botany professor suggested that Mounds State Park could become a tourist attraction if it was restored to a natural prairie and purchased an additional 500 acres.75 years ago (1930)
H.C. Bell was re-elected superintendent of the Luverne schools during his 19th year in the position.
There was a plan in Luverne to ban Oleomargarine but most grocery stores will still carry it.
Between 30 and 40 public-spirited, willing workers responded to the call for a park improvement bee and put in a strenuous afternoon Monday in tidying up and otherwise enhancing the appearance of Luverne’s public park.100 years ago (1905)
H.Q. Snook opened his new restaurant on the south side of Main Street Saturday morning.
Ernest Kiebach, of Mound Township, is one of our enterprising farmers who believes in purebred stock and is making money in stock raising. He will give special attention to hog raising this season and has added to his drove of Poland Chinas a fine specimen of that breed.

Sandbulte applies for feedlot modification permitNOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSMinnesota Rule 7020.2000, subp. 4NOTICE OF APPLICATIONFORLIVESTOCK FEEDLOT PERMITNotice is hereby given per Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 215, that Aaron Sandbulte, has made application to the County of Rock, for a permit to modify 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 34 in Battle Plain Township, Rock County, Minnesota. The proposed facility consists of an 100’ x 405’ total confinement barn to house 900 head of finishing cattle. Using 1.0 animal units per head, total animal units are 900. The building shall have concrete floor with manure pack for manure storage. Existing open lots will be closed. 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. (4-21)

Law Library 9:00 A.M.Rock County Courthouse April 05, 2005Chair Hoime called the meeting to order with all Commissioners present.Brian Paulsen of Paulsen Architects was introduced to the County Board. Mr. Paulsen has been contracted by Rock County to do a space need analysis on the law enforcement building. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Jarchow, to approve the April 05, 2005, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to approve items on the consent agenda, declared carried on a voice vote. 1. Resolution No. 16-05, supporting the efforts of the SRDC2. FSA Contract 49-186-05 with New Dawn, Inc. to provide Supported Independent Living Services to eligible Rock County clients. Contract effective 1-1-05 to 12-31-05.3. Amendment to FSA contract 110-1689-05 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Waivered services to one individual. Amendment redistributes units of service to better meet client’s needs. No increase in cost. Contract effective 1-1-05 to 12-31-05.4. FSA Contract 129-1689-05 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one eligible Medical Assistance client. Contract effective 1-1-05 to 12-31-05. 5. FSA Contract 130-1689-05 with Habilitative Services Inc. to provide Home and Community Based Services to one eligible Medical Assistance client. Contract effective 1-1-05 to 12-31-05.6. Foster Care Licensing – Nick and Shawna SjaardaMotion by Boyenga, seconded by Wildung to approve the March 22, 2005, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.Jon Ramlo, Rock-Nobles Community Corrections Director, presented a program update and a comparison of the three types of corrections in the State of Minnesota — Department of Corrections, Probation only, and Community Corrections. No action was taken. Tom Houselog, Land Records Office Director, presented an assessment review for year 2005. Mr. Houselog also informed the County Board that the pending tax court claim had been dropped by the Tuff Village. Eric Hartman, Land Management Office Director, presented (6) conditional use permits for gravel extraction:oBuffalo Bituminous Located in the SE 1/4 of Section 15 in Luverne TownshipoRupp Construction Located in the NW 1/4 of Section 33 in Battle Plain TownshipoPronk Ready Mix Located in the NW 1/4 of Section 28 in Battle Plain TownshipoPronk Ready Mix Located W60 acres of NE 1/4 and the E 1/2 of the NW 1/4 and the W 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of Section 10 in Battle Plain TownshipoPronk Ready Mix Located in the SE 1/4 of Section 3 in Battle Plain TownshipoPronk Ready Mix Located in the SW 1/4 of Section 16 in Battle Plain TownshipMotion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the conditional use permits, declared carried on a voice vote. Mark Sehr, County Engineer, and Don Klosterbuer, County Attorney, presented the following bids for projects SAP 6705-31 and SAP 67-637-01, US Highway 75 and 131st Street: oBuffalo Bituminous, Inc $1,574,733.25oHenning Construction $1,605,830.22oCentral Specialties $1,612,290.32oR & G Construction $1,789,845.12oDuininck Brother, Inc. $1,831,361.32On a recommendation by the Engineer, motion by Jarchow, seconded by Boyenga, to accept the bid from Buffalo Bituminous for $1,574,733.25, subject to Buffalo Bituminous providing the additional items as specified in the bid, declared carried on a voice vote. Bill Ketterling, of Ketterling Sanitation Services, Inc. requested to amend the MSW contract with Rock County by adjusting the "per trip" charge for hauling municipal solid waste to the Lyon County landfill as a result of the increased fuel prices. Motion by Bakken, seconded by Boyenga, to deny the request, declared carried on a voice vote. The Engineer requested approval of Resolution No. 17-05, vacating .08 acres of highway right-of-way adjacent to CSAH 9 by the landowner Ann M. And Sven O. Bildtsen at 1513 170th Ave.; Luverne, Minnesota. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Bakken, to approve Resolution No. 17-05, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board discussed having a booth at the Rock County Fair for distribution of information regarding county departments and projects; the County Board referred the items to Department Heads. The County Board discussed the county’s representation on the Luverne Community Economic Development Corporation committee. Currently Commissioner Jarchow serves as the county’s representative with Administrator Oldre serving as the alternate. After discussion, they determined that no changes would be made. Gloria Rolfs, Auditor/Treasurer, presented a solid waste abatement of $63.00 on parcel #15-0311-000 located in the City of Hills; motion by Bakken, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the abatement, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Jarchow, to approve the per diems of $400.00 and claims, declared carried on a unanimous vote. A complete listing of the claims is available by request at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office. General Revenue $ 39,726.48Family Services $ 79,089.81Road & Bridge $ 7,574.29Land Management $0.00Rural Water $0.00TOTAL $126,390.58Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Bakken, to approve the fund balance report, declared carried on a voice vote.The Auditor/Treasurer presented a Deputy Registrar review for 2004, which indicated an overall performance review of excellent. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to congratulate the Deputy Registrar’s office for a job well done, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board was in receipt of a letter from RSVP detailing a 2004 program update and extending an invitation to the County Board to attend their Lifetime Award ceremony scheduled for April 23rd at 10:00 A.M. in the Luverne Elementary Commons. They also requested whether or not a Commissioner would participate in the ceremony. It was determined that Commissioner Jarchow would speak at the event and Commissioners Bakken and Hoime indicated that they would attend. The County Board was informed of the Tri-County (Rock, Nobles, Pipestone) Foster Care banquet scheduled for April 25th at 6:30 P.M. at the Countryside Inn in Adrian and it was determined that Commissioners Hoime and Bakken will attend that event. The County Board was reminded of a meeting with the cities of Hills, Hardwick, Kenneth, Magnolia, Steen and Beaver Creek. Purpose of the meeting is to review law enforcement performance in the contracted cities and to discuss contract extension proposal. Commissioner Boyenga informed the County Board that the RC&D grants are still pending and that these documents will be reviewed at their next meeting. Commissioner Bakken informed the County Board that he had attended the St. Cloud Bio Terrorism meeting regarding animal feedlots and that very good information had been presented. The County Board was reminded of the annual meeting for Southwest Mental Health.The County Board requested that the Nobles-Rock Public Health and Rock-Nobles Community Corrections joint powers agreements be placed on the April 19th County Board agenda with the County Attorney attending that meeting as well. 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(4-21)