NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALENOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage:DATE OF MORTGAGE: February 12, 2004ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $78,000.00MORTGAGOR(S): Nikki Musch, and Reeo Musch, wife & husbandMORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded: February 13, 2004Rock County RecorderDocument # 158097LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:A tract of land in the E 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 16, Township 101 North, Range 44 West of the 5th P.M., Rock County, Minnesota, described as follows:Beginning at the Northeast Corner of SE 1/4, thence southerly 514 feet along the East Section Line to the point of beginning: thence south 624.00 feet, continuing along the East Section Line; thence westerly 414.00 feet, parallel with the South Section Line; thence northerly 310.00 feet, parallel with the West Section Line; thence westerly 16.00 feet, parallel with the South Section Line; thence northerly 314.00, parallel with West Section Line; thence easterly 430.00 feet, parallel with the North Section Line to the point of beginning. COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Rock AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE: $79,484.88THAT all pre-foreclosure requirements have been complied with; that no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof;PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows:DATE AND TIME OF SALE: June 9, 2005 10:00 A.M.PLACE OF SALE: Sheriff’s Main Office Courthouse Steps, West Entrance Luverne, MNto pay the debt secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys fees allowed by law, subject to redemption within 6 months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns. Mortgagor(s) released from financial obligation: NONETHIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION.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 IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND ARE ABANDONED. Dated: April 14, 2005Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc.Mortgagee Wilford & GeskeAttorneys for MortgageeLawrence A. WilfordJames A. Geske7650 Currell BoulevardSuite 300Woodbury, Minnesota 55125(651)209-3300File ID: 08081(4-14, 4-21, 4-28, 5-5, 5-12, 5-19)

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALENOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: October 20, 2003ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $77,038.00MORTGAGOR(S): Debbie Counts and, Joseph Counts, both single persons MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING:Recorded: February 19, 2004Rock County RecorderDocument #: 158134LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:The S. 96 feet of the N. 192 feet of the E. 148 1/2 feet of Block 22 in Helgeson and Qualleys Addition to the Village (now City) of Hills, Rock County, MinnesotaCOUNTY IN WHICH PROPERY IS LOCATED: RockAMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE: $80,049.88THAT all pre-foreclosure requirements have been complied with; that no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof;PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows:DATE AND TIME OF SALE: June 2, 2005 10:00 A.M.PLACE OF SALE: Sheriff’s Main Office Courthouse Steps, West Entrance Luverne, MNto pay the debt secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys fees allowed by law, subject to redemption within 6 months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns.Mortgagor(s) released from financial obligation:NONETHIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. 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 IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. Dated: April 14, 2005Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc.Mortgagee Wilford & GeskeAttorneys for MortgageeLawrence A. WilfordJams A. Geske7650 Currell BoulevardSuite 300Woodbury, Minnesota 55125(651)209-3300File ID: 07815(4-14, 4-21, 4-28, 5-5, 5-12, 5-19)

DISTRICT COURTPROBATE DIVISIONFIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICTNOTICE AND ORDER OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORSSTATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKESTATE OFLloyd Untiedt, a/k/a Lloyd B. Untiedt DECEDENTIt is Ordered and Notice is given that on May 16, 2005, at 3:30 (p.m.) a hearing will be held in this Court at the Rock County Courthouse, 204 East Brown, Luverne, Minnesota, for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of Decedent, dated January 15, 1999, and codicil (N/A) to the will dated N/A, and separate writing (N/A) under Minn. Sat. 524.2-513 ("Will"), and for the appointment of Rachel E. Untiedt whose address is 203 Oak Drive #218, Luverne, Minnesota 56156 as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in a 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 personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the Estate, including the power to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the Estate. 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. /s/ Timothy K. Connell 4/5/05Timothy K. Connell Judge Date/s/ Sandra L. Vrtacnik 4/5/05Sandra L. Vrtacnik Court Administrator DateAttorney for Personal RepresentativeDonald R. KlosterbuerKlosterbuer & Haubrich, LLP120 N. McKenzieBox 538Luverne, MN 56156-0538507 283-911156674(4-14, 4-21)

By Lori EhdeMinnesota Senator Jim Vickerman says the legislature has made big strides this session, but he admits there’s more work to be done.He said the Senate accomplished a major goal for the 2005 session by passing an $886 million bonding bill by a vote of 61-3.The capital investment package could create up to 10,000 jobs throughout Minnesota.Parts of that bonding bill that specifically affect Luverne and Rock County include $306,000 for an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Unit at the Minnesota Veterans Home."I promised I’d deliver that and I’m going to deliver it," said Vickerman, who was instrumental in getting the Veterans Home built in Luverne in 1992.Another $500,000 in federal funding is still needed in order to make the unit possible in Luverne.Also included in the bonding bill is $2 million for the Lewis and Clark Rural Water Project that will bring water from the Missouri River to water systems in southwest Minnesota. "This will improve the quality and quantity of drinking water in southwest Minnesota," Vickerman said.The bill includes $108 million for the University of Minnesota system and $213 million for Minnesota state colleges and universities, but there’s no new money for early childhood education.The Luverne School District may cut funding for all day every day kindergarten, and he replied to questions about state funding for schools."The state provides school districts with funding for half-day kindergarten," he said. "If schools want to provide all-day kindergarten, they must fund the other half-day themselves, either through a special education levy on property taxes, through fees charged to parents, or by applying for special kindergarten funds from the state."The Department of Education has $7 million available for all-day kindergarten for schools that have a high number of students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. "I don't believe that the Luverne school district is eligible to participate in this program," Vickerman said.He said a bipartisan group of senators has proposed a $750 million increase in education funding, which would provide schools with an additional $250 per pupil unit.Although the legislature has made no final decision about how the schools could use this increased state funding, Vickerman said it's possible that some of the additional funding could be used by schools to fund all-day kindergarten."My position is that the state should always give schools more flexibility about how to best meet their educational needs, based upon the input of parents."Vickerman serves in the Senate Agriculture Committee, Veterans Affairs Committee and Gaming Committee.He can be reached at sen.jim.vickerman@senate.mn or 651-296-5650.

By Lori EhdeLaw enforcement is enlisting the help of area merchants in the local fight against meth.Business owners will have a chance to learn more about their role by attending a Meth Watch merchant education seminar Tuesday night.The meeting, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pizza Ranch in Luverne, will introduce merchants to Meth Watch. It’s a statewide program designed to help curtail the theft and suspicious sales of pseudoephedrine products, as well as other common household products used in the illicit manufacturing of methamphetamine in small, toxic labs. A key goal of Meth Watch is to promote cooperation between retailers and law enforcement to prevent the use of legitimate products for illegal use. Lewis Drug Pharmacist Craig Hohn is heading up the Meth Watch efforts in Luverne and Rock County.He said Meth Watch aims to accomplish three things: educate businesses, educate customers, and increase communication between the community and sheriff’s department.Working through the Chamber of Commerce, Hohn identified roughly 30 area businesses that sell "meth precursors," common household products used in manufacturing meth."The list includes everyone from Sears to M-M to Pamida," Hohn said, adding that he included grocery stores, discount stores, pharmacies, convenience stores and gas stations, farm elevators and veterinary clinics.These businesses received written invitations to attend Tuesday’s meeting."I urge you to join the task force in the local battle against the methamphetamine scourge by participating in implementation of voluntary restrictions on the sale of meth precursors," Hohn said in his letter to merchants. He said it’s in their own interest to participate in Meth Watch."Retailers that carry pseudoephedrine or any number of household products are prime targets for meth cooks who may steal or buy in large quantities."Hohn said he is asking retailers to consider limiting the number of packages containing any of the products used in meth production to two packages per customer, as well as placing pseudoephedrine behind the counter and requiring buyers to be 18 or older.He said merchants shouldn’t be afraid that Meth Watch will hurt their business. "There’s nothing here that says we’re trying to halt or circumvent the sale of these products," he said. "It’s just about heightened awareness. ... It’s just an attempt to up the ante for meth cookers – to make a statement that our community is aware of the meth problem and we’re not going to stand by and do nothing."Business owners who come to Tuesday’s meeting will hear from Rock County Deputy Evan Verbrugge and John Ramlo of Rock-Nobles Community Corrections.Those who would like to participate in Meth Watch and who can’t attend Tuesday’s meeting can call Hohn at 283-9549. For more information about the program or about meth, see www.methwatch.com.Hohn’s work with Meth Watch is one of three arms of the Southwest Meth Task Force, which aims to curtail meth use through prevention, education and awareness.Hohn, who also serves on the Luverne Area Chamber Board chairs the Merchant Education Committee of the Task Force.For more information about the local task force, call 283-5077 or the non-emergency phone number for the Rock County Sheriff’s Department, 283-5000.* * *Meth can be made from commonly available, legitimate household products. The ingredients used to make meth, usually found at retail stores, are legitimate household materials, such as:
over-the-counter cough, cold, asthma and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine
Acetone
Rubbing and isopropyl alcohol
Iodine
Starter fluid (ether)
Gas additives (methanol)
Drain cleaner (sulfuric acid)
Lithium batteries
Rock salt
Matchbooks (red phosphorus)
Lye
Paint thinner
Aluminum foil
Glassware
Coffee filters
Propane tanks

By Sara QuamThe Luverne City Council approved new fire department members at its Tuesday meeting.They are David Riphagen, Mike Buss, Travis Franken, Craig Shelton and Allan Pilaczynski. The Council also accepted the resignation of firefighter David Cook, who wrote that he left the position because he is often out of town and unable to respond to most calls.Councilman Pat Baustian said one of the newly appointed firefighters will replace Tom Nelson, who has indicated he will leave.Baustian said, "I would like to thank Tom for his 20 years of service." In other business Tuesday, the Council:>
Approved the addition of another handicapped parking space in downtown Luverne as a response to an individual request.He asked for the parking space because of difficulty finding a spot close enough to his apartment building.The space will be on the east side of Spring Street. It isn’t a reserved space for the individual; it is just a handicapped parking space available to properly marked handicapped vehicles.
Approved the appointment of Karen Radisewitz to the Pool Commission.
Approved the advertising for bids for pickups in the Public Works and Electric Utility departments.
Approved the purchase of a hydraulic truck attachment, mostly for use in blacktopping. Northern Truck Equipment was the low bid at $6,424.
Approved the Luvenre Flowers bid for care of flower planters at $4,957.
Learned that compliance with dog licensing is improving. The city has more than 230 licensed dogs now, compared to about 70 a while ago. The Council recently confirmed that dogs must be licensed, or pay impound fees if they are caught away from their owners.

By Sara QuamBrent Polanchek is recognized around Rock County as the cheerful railroad engineer and as the driver of a bright red Hummer.Now, he’s recognized nationwide through Hummer Life, which featured him in the Spring 2005 edition.He was urged by the Sioux Falls Hummer dealership to submit photos and his story to the magazine, so he did, and the magazine featured him and his wife, Kathy.Brent said, "It’s a once in a lifetime deal and we take real good care of that ‘car.’ There’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears in it."The magazine article explains the work and customizing Polanchek has done to his H2.It says, "We all have our reasons why Hummers have become our chariots of choice. For some it’s the Hummer’s off-road prowess, while for others, it’s simply because it is the coolest truck on the road. The Hummer community is one big family made up of people from all walks of life. " … One day we received the images of a red H2 lifted with bumper-to-bumper chrome. From the 22-inch KMC backseat wheels to the chrome steering stabilizers. After closer inspection we noticed the red powder-coated suspension, what looked like a Hitchkiss aftermarket sway bar and 385,000 candle watts of power made possible by the four KC daylighters sitting ready on the roof. "The H2’s show quality chrome, along with its ‘ready to crumble anything in its path’ appeal definitely was worthy for Ultimate Hummers."Hummer Life, the magazine for Hummer owners, contacted Polanchek for further information and comment.Polanchek said, "I always wanted to take a vehicle and do all the cool stuff to it I possibly could."Polanchek, Minnesota Southern Railway owner, lost both legs in a railroad accident and is confined to a wheelchair. He said the Hummer "… is very easy to drive and handles very well. I have no trouble at all driving it with hand controls. I can see everything out there, and everyone can see me!"Polanchek and his wife have done much of the accessory installation himself, including the more than 40 pieces of chrome. The couple plans to attend an unveiling ceremony of a new Hummer, the H3, next month. They also went to a Hummer festival of sorts, which Brent called a "Hummathon." That brought Hummer owners together to experiment with off-road capabilities.Even with the long list of customizing Polanchek has completed on his Hummer, he said he’s still not done.Kathy said, "I’m sure he’ll keep finding more things to put on it. We have fun with it, though, and it’s something to do together outside in the summer."

By Sara QuamCommunity Corrections isn’t something most people even know the definition of, but it basically involves supervising people on supervised release and probation. In Rock County, the Community Corrections agent is Cathy Rockman, who has done that for almost 11 years. She handles almost 200 cases at a time — from felonies to minor offenses by juveniles. Jon Ramlo is the joint Nobles and Rock County Community Corrections Director. He presented the Rock County Board of Commissioners with an overview of the department last week. Commissioner Ken Hoime said, "I really like what we have now. I think the joint powers was the way to go."Community Corrections is governed by a local board that gets state money. Without being a part of Community Corrections, Rock County would spend $119,299 on its own. Now it spends $47,686.Community Corrections is also eligible for grants and additional services, such as electronic monitoring. Rockman has 27 juvenile cases right now and said methamphetamine use is an increased factor for them. She said that is difficult to see. Ramlo said, "We’ve seen a huge jump in juveniles with methamphetamines just this year."Rockman said, "Treatment just isn’t effective with most people until they really want to go through it, so recidivism is so high for drug and alcohol violations."Ramlo said, "We struggle whether to send people to treatment programs."Rockman said that generally, DWI offenses make up the majority of her casework.In 2004, there were 77 drug-related sentences in Rock and Nobles counties. Of those, 75 percent were methamphetamine-related.For people subject to random drug testing while on probation, 164 tests came up positive for meth. That’s compared with 142 for marijuana, 38 for cocaine and 28 for other drugs.Per capita, Nobles and Rock counties have about the same number of drug sentences.Another role Corrections plays in the community is providing work for public or non-profit agencies. Crews p paint, renovate buildings and do outdoor clean-up projects."In seven years, one left a worksite," Ramlo said. "And he was found three blocks away and said he was going to get a cigarette."Locally, the Historical Society, Rock County Courthouse and Carnegie Cultural Center, to name a few, have used Community Service workers.Sex offenders and state statistics Rockman said, "Personally, I think dealing with sex offenders is the hardest to deal with, but there aren’t high numbers of those."Ramlo said a Level 3, the most severe, sex offender will be released to Rock County this summer. At that time, public meetings will disclose the offender and her place of residence. State agencies are involved in that process. Ramlo said, "Sometimes I think that the Level 1 and 2 offenders are almost worse because they slip under the radar because there’s no meetings about them."Ramlo said that there are probably a dozen sex offenders in Rock County now, including a few juveniles.Sex offenders make up only about 1 percent of the work in Corrections, he said, but they get a lot of media attention because of the nature of the crimes and the public’s fear of them.Statewide, there are 130,000 people in prison or on probation. About one in 46 Minnesotans is on probation, but that number is a little higher locally. In Rock County, about one in 40 is on probation, and in Nobles County about one in 38 is on probation.Minnesota has the lowest incarceration rate per capita in the country while it has one of the highest rates of offenders on probation.

By John RittenhouseLuverne’s Mary Jo Graphenteen will return to the coaching ranks next fall.After coaching the Luverne High School volleyball team for 19 years, Graphenteen will step into the head coaching position at Adrian High School next fall.Graphenteen’s years of coaching service at LHS consists of two different stints.She served as head coach of the program from1983-1997 before giving up the reigns to Paul Meyer for the 1998 season. Graphenteen returned to the post in 1999 and remained head coach through the 2002 season, after which school officials decided not to renew her contract.Graphenteen will bring experience and impressive credentials to the AHS program, which was headed by Jessica Hogan for the last two years before her teaching position was recently cut.During her 19 years of service at LHS, Graphenteen compiled a 332-164-31 record. The Cardinals won one Southwest Conference championship, seven District 8 championships, two Region 2 championships and made two appearances at the state tournament."We’re happy to have her coming over here," said Adrian superintendent Roger Graff. "Mary Jo is a seasoned, experienced coach. We have a good nucleus of players over here right now, and we know she will put forth her best effort with them."Unfortunately for everyone involved, Graphenteen didn’t leave the LHS post willingly.According to the coach, a situation involving the 2002 team prompted school officials not to renew Graphenteen’s contract in 2003, and her coaching career at LHS was over."They (LHS officials) decided to go in a different direction," Graphenteen offered. "Many people assume I did something horrid. I didn’t. Very few people know the truth."Graphenteen is convinced the truth will be revealed one day, and she’s ready to begin a new part of her coaching career in Adrian."I’m really looking forward to it," she said. "I’m exited about going to work with Roger Graff (Adrian’s superintendent) and Ron Rother (Adrian’s athletic director) and the Adrian school district. I’ve had the chance to go over there and put on some summer camps in recent years, so I know some of the kids. They are fired up. They love the sport of volleyball, and that’s all it really takes."Graphenteen actually had two options in rekindling her coaching career.Along with Adrian, Hills-Beaver Creek is seeking a replacement for former head coach Curt Doorneweerd. After considering her options, Graphenteen decided to take the position at AHS."I would love to work for Dave," she said. Dave Deragisch is H-BC’s current superintendent and former Luverne Middle School principal."Actually, I would have loved to coach at either school. For me, at this point in my career, Adrian seemed to be the better fit."The Dragons have struggled on the volleyball court in recent years, but Graphenteen is convinced AHS is close to becoming a strong team once again."They are on the brink," Graphenteen said of the Dragons. "They have had a competitive team the last couple of years, but volleyball is a funny sport. You can win a lot of games and not win any matches.""I think Jessica Hogan and (AHS assistant coach) Lynette Springman have done a great job of preparing the Adrian volleyball program to take the next step," she said. "I hope to continue that."Graphenteen will continue her work in Luverne as middle school teacher.