By now the Easter dinner leftovers are long gone, but what about those uneaten Marshmallow Peeps? The pastel-colored, chick-shaped confections may be a little harder and more difficult to chew, but Fortune magazine recently reported how the popular candies may be adapted for other uses. According to Fortune, consumers buy 1.2 billion Marshmallow Peeps a year. About a third of those Peeps "are bought not for eating but to be used in science experiments, arts and crafts and rituals." The arts, crafts and ritual uses are comparatively easy to understand, but the idea of using chick-shaped candies in the name of science is — much like a three-year-old Marshmallow Peep left on a shelf — hard to swallow. But it’s true. In the late 1990s, two professors from Emory University did extensive research on the Peeps and found only one liquid, an industrial-strength chemical solution, that could dissolve the candy chicks. On April Fool’s Day 2000, NASA launched five Peeps in a balloon from the Marshall Space Flight Center. Unfortunately, the candy chicks were lost when the balloon ruptured. Dissolving and astronaut-wannabe chicks aside, there must be other scientific uses for Marshmallow Peeps. For example, the chicks might someday be part of an important dietary study. One test group would be fed nothing else but leafy, green and yellow vegetables for one month. Another study group would be fed only Marshmallow Peeps. At the end of the study, the vegans will undoubtedly be lean, physically fit and eager to run the First Annual Marshmallow Peep Marathon Race. The Peep eaters will predictably be high strung, due to their high sugar intakes, and overweight. It all sounds very simple, but that’s how many dietary studies become bestseller books. The Peeps could also be used for longevity studies. It’s a commonly accepted fact that the candies have a shelf life of at least 25 years, which anyone knows is equivalent to 180 human years. Perhaps the physical makeup of Peeps could be adapted to humans. Should our skin be dyed bright yellow or pink so that we resemble them? Should we all be rolled in sugar in order to receive protective coatings against the elements? Military scientists at the Pentagon might consider the curious results of Peep jousting matches, the latest Peep torture shown on various Web sites. Peeps armed with toothpicks in their tiny beaks face each other in a microwave oven and as they expand from the radiation, their lances move closer. The first chick to strike a blow wins. This would be a perfect way for the Pentagon to observe the effects of radiation on military might and soldiers’ aggressiveness and willingness to go into battle. With a few graham crackers and a couple of chocolate bars, the discarded results of the experiments could become s’mores, a tasty treat for the weary scientists. The Peeps will not have melted in vain. Nursing students could practice giving injections to Marshmallow Peeps. They (the Peeps, not the nurses) are, after all, soft and pliable like many humans, but they won’t yell out when they’re in pain. Doctors in training could use the Peeps as they practice making first incisions for future surgeries. Perhaps the scientific uses for Marshmallow Peeps aren’t all that difficult to imagine after all.

Once upon a time many, many, many years ago, a tiny baby was born. She had naturally curly hair and was the most beautiful child in the world, or at least her mother always said so. The daughter was nurtured and encouraged and cherished. She grew up to be a semi-normal kid, but had secret ambitions of becoming Golda Meir. As time wore on, she graduated from high school and then continued on to college to be a librarian instead of the Prime Minister of Israel. Through these tumultuous years of self-actualization, the mother stood by her daughter during the good times and the bad times. And there were many bad times. During this time the daughter became a feminist and caused all sorts of turbulence in the family. She decided she would not be like her mother and slave over a hot stove, work 40 hours a week, do the laundry, do the gardening, do the cleaning, and after all of that, still get her husband a dish of ice cream while they watched TV together. As the years passed by, the daughter’s radical feminist views became less radical. She began to see her mother in a different light. The mother was kind to everyone. She went the extra mile when someone was hurt or down. She made her children and grandchildren feel very, very important. She was unselfish and put the feelings of others first. She was fun, she was smart, and she was adventurous. When the daughter got to be in the middle years, she finally realized that, yes, Golda Meir was someone to be admired, but if she really wanted to be an exceptional woman, she would have to grow up to be just like her mother. Sunday is Mother’s Day. Cherish her. Check out this new book for a heart-warming story, "A Good Yarn" by Debbie Macomber. Elise Beaumont, a retired librarian, joins one of Lydia Hoffman’s popular knitting classes. Since losing her life savings, Elise has been living with her daughter, Aurora — the only positive legacy from her brief marriage to professional gambler Marvin Beaumont. Now she learns that her one-time husband plans to visit and that Aurora wants a relationship with her father, regardless of how Elise feels about him. Bethanne Hamlin, like Elise, is facing the fallout from a divorce. But her husband, Grant, left her for another woman — not a pack of cards — and she's still struggling to reshape her life. She joins the knitting class at her children's urging; it's the first step in her effort to recover a sense of dignity and hope. Then she starts a small business and meets a man with whom she has something surprising in common! Courtney Pulanski is a depressed and overweight teenager. She's staying with her grandmother, who's trying to help her… help that takes the form of dragging her to seniors' swim sessions — and to the knitting class at "A Good Yarn." Like so many women, these four find companionship and comfort in each other and in this age-old craft. Who would've thought that knitting socks could change your life?

DISTRICT COURTPROBATE DIVISIONFIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICTNOTICE AND ORDER OF HEARING ON PEITITON FOR APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVESTATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKESTATE OFVIRGINIA MAE SMEDSRUD A/K/A VIRGINIA M. SMEDSRUD DECEDENTIt is Ordered and Notice is given that on Monday, May 23, 2005, at 3:30 (p.m.) a hearing will be held in this Court at Rock County Courthouse, Minnesota, for the appointment of David D. Smedsrud whose address is: 408 West Brown, Luverne, MN 56156 and (2) Kellie Jo Smedsrud whose address is: 909 Douglas, Yankton, SD 57078 as personal representatives of the Estate of the Decedent in SUPERVISED administration. Any objections to the Petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the successor personal representatives will be appointed with full power to continue the administration of the Estate. /s/ TIMOTHY K. CONNELLTIMOTHY K. CONNELLJudge Date/s/ SANDRA L. VRATCNIKSANDRA L. VRATCNIK Court Administrator DateAttorney for PetitionerBENJAMIN VANDER KOOI, JR.VANDER KOOI LAW OFFICES, P.A.127 E. MainP.O. Box 746Luverne, MN 56156-0746507-283-9546Attorney I.D. No. 112124(5-5, 5-12)

SURPLUS PROPERTYPursuant to City Code, Section 2.71, Subd. 3 (c), the City Council has declared the following City of Luverne property as "excess" property and ordered it sold via open market: Electric Dept. Two (2) oil circuit breakers 600 amp, 1956, 23kV, type S Made by Westinghouse One (1) Oil breaker 600 amp 1975, 24kV, Type S, Made by General Electric. One (1) Ditch witch tandem axle trailer with surge brakes GVWR 9420 and GAWR 8000One (1) 1987 Square D 1200 amp Fluarc SF6 Substation Circuit Breaker Voltage rating of 15 kV to 25.8 kV Public Works Dept. Three (3) 60 Gallon Handcrank Oil Lubsters One (1) HTC 1800 Truck Conveyor One (1) VecTec Bison, Serial #100917 Mosquito Sprayer (Briggs Stratton Twin Cylinder 18 HP Motor) Public Utilities Dept. One (1) Digester Cover One (1) Boiler Rock County Pool & Fitness Center One (1) Precore 515e Skier One (1) Schwinn 330 Stepper One (1) Schwinn Airdyne Bike One (1) Recumbent BikePlease call City Hall (507-449-2388) for details.(5-5)

NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSMinnesota Rule 7020.2000, subp. 4NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR LIVESTOCK FEEDLOT PERMITNotice is hereby given per Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 215, that Schwartz Farms Inc, has made application to the County of Rock, for a permit to construct a new feedlot with a capacity of 900 animal units or more. The proposed feedlot will be located in the NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of section 34 in Vienna Township, Rock County, Minnesota. The proposed facility consists of a 152’ x 164’ total confinement barn to house 3,000 head of swine between 10 and 300 pounds. Using 0.3 animal units per head, total animal units are 900. The building shall have a 152’ x 164’ x 8’ 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. (5-5)

NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTSMinnesota Rule 7020.2000, subp. 4NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR LIVESTOCK FEEDLOT PERMITNotice is hereby given per Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 215, that Schwartz Farms Inc, has made application to the County of Rock, for a permit to construct a new feedlot with a capacity of 900 animal units or more. The proposed feedlot will be located in the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of section 32 in Denver Township, Rock County, Minnesota. The proposed facility consists of a 152’ x 164’ total confinement barn to house 3,000 head of swine between 10 and 300 pounds. Using 0.3 animal units per head, total animal units are 900. The building shall have a 152’ x 164’ x 8’ 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. (5-5)

APRIL 14, 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 Thursday, April 14, 2005, at 7:30 p.m.The following members were present: Vicki Baartman, Laura Herman, Dan Kopp, Cary Radisewitz, Bill Stegemann, and Becky Walgrave. Absent: Colleen Deutsch. Also present: Superintendent Vince Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Stacy Gillette, Gary Fisher, Becky Rahm, Angie Janiszeski, Becky Runnoe, Mary Jacobson, Peggy Goettsch, Gayle Stegemann, Todd Oye, Cathy Rust, Shirley Harrison, Darlene Dreessen, Jane Cote, Alex Miller, Renee Guy, Dianne Headrick, Jennifer Engesser, Dan Amborn, LaDonna VanAartsen, Michelle Johnson, Lori Ehde – Rock County Star Herald, and Matt Crosby, K101/KQAD Radio.The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Becky Walgrave.Motion by Stegemann, second by Herman, to approve the agenda. Motion unanimously carried.Alex Miller, President of the Luverne Music Boosters, presented information for the School Board to consider in regard to their purchase of chairs for the Band Department. Administrative reports were given. Motion by Stegemann, second by Radisewitz, to approve the school board minutes of March 23 and March 29, 2005. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Herman, to accept the proposal presented by the Music Boosters to purchase chairs for the Band Department. Motion unanimously carried. Activities Director Todd Oye reviewed information regarding the Southern Minnesota Alliance. Member Kopp introduced the RESOLUTION FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE SOUTHERN MINNESOTA ALLIANCE. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Member Baartman and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Baartman, Herman, Kopp, Radisewitz, Stegemann, and Walgrave; and the following voted against: none; Member Deutsch was absent; whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.Superintendent Schaefer presented information regarding the kindergarten program and proposed budget cost savings. To balance the 2005-2006 budget, the School District needs to cut approximately $200,000.Motion by Stegemann, second by Kopp, to change the kindergarten program to an every day morning session with the option for the afternoon enrichment program at a cost of $150 per month to the parent. Discussion was held. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Baartman, to change the April 28 meeting to Tuesday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. Motion unanimously carried. Committee reports were given. Upcoming meeting dates were reviewed. Motion by Kopp, second by Herman, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried.Dated: April 14, 2005Colleen Deutsch, Clerk(5-5)

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORSBridge 67551 S.P. 67-597-04Bridge 67552 S.A.P. 67-620-11Bids close June 3, 2005Luverne, MinnesotaSealed proposals will be RECEIVED until 10:00 A.M., Friday, June 3, 2005, by the Rock County Highway Department, Luverne, Minnesota. READ CAREFULLY THE WAGE SCALES AND DIVISION A OF THE SPECIAL PROVISIONS AS THEY AFFECT THIS PROJECT. Attention is called to the fact that the Contractor must comply with the Special Equal Employment Opportunity Provisions as contained in this Proposal. 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 7, 2005, at the regular Rock County Board of Commissioners Meeting. Construct Bridge 67551; 3-Span (22’/28’/22’) Continuous Concrete Slab Span, and Miscellaneous Approach Construction.Construct Bridge 67552; Single-Span (75’ Prestressed Concrete Beam Span, 36’ Roadway) and Miscellaneous Approach Construction.S.P. 67-597-04 (City of Luverne), located over; the Rock River Overflow, S.E. corner of Luverne, MN. On Municipal Road 75, 0.6 miles south of the jct. of CSAH 4. The major items of work are: 79 Cu. Yd Structural Concrete; 2,856 Sq. Ft. of Bridge Slab Concrete; 149 L.F. of Type F railing; 35,560 Pounds of Reinforcement bars (Epoxy Coated); 590 Pounds of Structural Steel; 260 Cu. Yd. Random Riprap, Class III; 480 L.F. C.I.P. Piling, 12"; 2-C.I.P. Test Pile 70 ft. long, 12"; 560 L.F. of C.I.P. Piling, 16"; 2-C.I.P. Test Pile 80 Ft. long, 16"; and 1 Lump Sum Approach Grading. S.A.P. 67-620-11 (CSAH 20), located over: Beaver Creek, 4.5 Miles S.W. of Hardwick, MN on CSAH 20, 1.5 miles west of CASH 11. The major items of work are: 300 L.F. of Prestressed Concrete Beams 45M: 61 Cu. Yds. Of Structural Concrete; 2,966 Sq. Ft. of bridge Slab Concrete; 154 L.F. of Type F Railing; 32,640 Pounds of Reinforcement bars (Epoxy Coated); 600 pounds of Structural Steel; 260 Cu. Yds. Random Riprap, Class III; 720 L.F. C.I.P. Piling, 16"; 2-C.I.P Test Pile 70 ft. long, 16"; and 1 Lump Sum Approach Grading.Plans, 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. These two bridges will have separate plans and proposals, as well as separate Contracts.The non-refundable cost for Plans and one proposal will be $20.00 each, or $30.00 for both sets. Bids must be accompanied by a certified check or corporate surety bond drawn in favor of the Rock County Auditor/Treasurer in the amount of at least five percent (5%) of the proposal.Sealed bids shall be clearly marked "PROECT NO. SP 67-597-04 & SAP 67-620-11".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. Minimum wage rates to be paid by the Contractors have been predetermined and are subject to the Work Hours Act of 1962, P.L. 87-581 and implementing regulations. READ CAREFULLY THE WAGE SCALES AND DIVISION A OF THE SPECIAL PROVISIONS AS THEY AFFECT THIS/THESE PROJECT/PROJECTSThe Minnesota Department of Transportation hereby notifies all bidders: in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Act), as amended and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Subtitle A Part 21, Non-discrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation, it will affirmatively assure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded maximum opportunity to participate and/or to submit bids in response to this invitation, and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, disability, age, religion, sex or national origin in consideration for an award;in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, and Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 230 Subpart A-Equal Employment Opportunity on Federal and Federal-Aid Construction Contracts (including supportive services), it will affirmatively assure increased participation of minority groups and disadvantaged persons and women in all phases of the highway construction industry, and that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement equal employment opportunity will be provided to all persons without regard to their race, color, disability, age, religion, sex or national origin;in accordance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota Statute 363.03 Unfair discriminatory Practices, it will affirmatively assure that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement equal employment opportunity will be offered to all persons without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age;in accordance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota Statute 363.073 Certificates of Compliance for Public Contracts, and 363.074 Rules for Certificates of Compliance, it will assure that appropriate parties to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement possess valid Certificates of Compliance.If you are not a current holder of a compliance certificate issued by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and intend to bid on any job in this advertisement you must contact the Department of Human Rights immediately for assistance in obtaining a certificate. The following notice from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights applies to all contractors:"It is hereby agreed between the parties that Minnesota Statute, section 363.073 and Minnesota Rules, parts 5000.3400 to 5000.3600 are incorporated into any contract between these parties based on this specification or any modification of it. A copy of Minnesota Statute 363.073 and Minnesota Rules, parts 5000.3400 to 5000.3600 is available upon request from the contracting agency.""It is hereby agreed between the parties that this agency will require affirmative action requirements be met by contractors in relation to Minnesota Statute 363.073 and Minnesota Rules 5000.3600. Failure by a contractor to implement an affirmative action plan or make a good faith effort shall result in revocation of its certificate or revocation of the contract (Minnesota Statute 363.073, Subd. 2 and 3)."Mark R. SehrRock County Highway Engineer (5-5, 5-12, 5-19)

By John RittenhouseThe Adrian baseball team went 1-2 and placed fourth at the Windom Tournament over the weekend.The Dragons won the opener against Windom on Friday before losing a contest against Murray County Central later that day.Adrian met Jackson County Central in the third- and fourth-place game Saturday, losing a two-run decision.The tournament started in a positive way as the Dragons notched a 13-6 win against the host school.Adrian outscored Windom 10-4 in the first four innings and went on to notch a 13-6 victory.John Archer tossed the first five innings to get the win. He allowed 13 hits and five runs. David Hoffer pitched two innings of one-run, one-hit ball in relief of Archer.Adrian, which compiled 21 hits in the game, received key offensive performances from Glen Kruger (three hits and five RBIs), Levi Bullerman (four hits and three RBIs) and Nick Weidert (two hits and two RBIs) against the Eagles. Cody Kontz, Hoffer and Will Lutmer added three hits each to Adrian’s effort.The Dragons compiled 20 hits during the game against MCC Friday, but nine errors in the field allowed the Rebels to pull out a 17-15 win.Trailing 13-8 after four innings of play, Adrian rallied to take a 15-13 lead after scoring seven runs in the fifth and sixth innings. MCC tied the game at 15 in the bottom of the sixth before winning it with two runs in the bottom of the seventh.Kontz tossed two and one-third innings of 12-run ball without gaining a decision. Brandon Diekmann pitched the final four and two-thirds frames and took the loss after surrendering five runs.Kruger (four hits and four RBIs), Bullerman (three hits and four RBIs) and Lutmer (two hits and two RBIs) led AHS at the plate. Joel Hoffman slapped three hits, while Kontz, Diekmann and Brent Tjepkes added two hits each.The Dragons let a 6-0 lead slip away during an 11-9 loss to JCC in Saturday’s third-place game.Adrian outscored the Huskies 6-0 in the first three innings, but JCC outscored the Dragons 11-3 the rest of the way to win by two.Lutmer pitched all seven innings for the Dragons. He allowed 11 runs, but nine were unearned as Adrian was charged with eight defensive errors in the contest.Bullerman drove in three runs with two hits against the Huskies. Kontz slapped four hits.Bullerman (nine hits and 10 RBIs) and Kruger (eight hits and 11 RBIs) made the all-tournament team for AHS.