If you’re looking for an unusual vacation, why not try Sing Sing prison? It might be a perfect destination for tourists who feel guilty about taking time off from their everyday lives and have an inexplicable need to be punished for having a good time. The dark, imposing prison, according to Reuters, is located on the Hudson River about 30 miles north of New York City and is still active. Many of its 1,745 inmates are held in maximum security, which leads us to believe they’re not in there for insider trading or other white-collar crimes. Local officials in Westchester County hope to receive start-up costs of about $5 million from the state to convert the prison’s old powerhouse into a museum and build a tunnel to the original cellblock, no longer in use. At least 150,000 tourists a year are expected to take the trip "up the river". Jerry Mulligan, a planning commissioner and a spokesman for the project, recently noted, "It could be the Alcatraz of the east. This could trigger a whole wave of tourism." Actually, the prison renovation plan could either "trigger a whole wave of tourism" or a crime wave, depending on whether you’re talking to Westchester County’s director of tourism or potential victims in nearby Ossining, N.Y. Inmates will undoubtedly relish the idea of the new underground tunnel. It could serve as a convenient exit for prisoners unwilling to dig one of their own with only a spoon over a span of several, painstaking years. It would be a perfect answer for prisoners longing for the bright lights, big city. In much the same way that inmates were recruited to build the original cellblock in 1825, it is hoped that present inmates might work in the prison museum. However, the planners should be reminded that prisoners in 1825 were there before the days of grand theft auto and drug cartels. They were a comparatively easy-going group of felons, guilty of horse stealing, stagecoach holdups, bank robberies, claim jumpings or piracy on the high seas. They were the stuff of today’s adventure movies. Many of the hardened criminals are there now because of domestic terrorism, serial murders and drug dealing. They tend to be not very nice people and you certainly wouldn’t want them to be chit-chatting with your daughters in the prison gift shop. You would be understandably leery about them handling your credit card numbers at the shop’s cash register or serving as tour guides through the prison’s new tunnel. On the other hand, a prison-based vacation spot might unlock other possibilities. The old cellblock could be turned into a bed and breakfast with chain-suspended cots for beds. We might expect to see an indoor amusement park, complete with exciting rides. After all, what could be more thrilling or chilling than a roller coaster ride operated by convicted killers who like to hear people scream? A prison-themed restaurant for tourists might offer barberry pies, Big House Bagels and Slammer Sirloins. A special dining attraction could feature hamburgers and steaks grilled to perfection on "Old Sparky", the prison’s infamous electric chair. But let’s not stop there. If the prison tourism project becomes highly profitable, why not release all of the convicts to the streets and make room for more attractions?

By Lori EhdeLuverne School Board members accepted an offer by the elementary booster club, Parents: Partners in Education, to fund swimming lessons for the next two years."I want to thank PPIE for all the work they’ve done on this," said board member Vicki Baartman, who made the motion to accept the offer."From what I’m hearing there’s a real focus in education on wellness, and what better way to get exercise than swimming? It would be prudent for us to take advantage of this."Board member Colleen Deutsch seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.For about 25 years, Luverne elementary students have had the opportunity to take swimming lessons as part of the elementary school health curriculum.The district bused students to the Rock County Pool and Fitness Center and paid $12.50 for each student's two-weeks of swimming instruction.Luverne School Board members cut the program starting with the 2004-05 school year as part of its overall effort to trim the budget.The measure represented roughly $3,000 in savings to the district per year.Recognizing the value of the program, PPIE offered last fall to pay for the 2004-05 swimming program through its fund-raising budget.School administration and board members, however, declined the offer, because a one-time funding of the program wouldn’t help for future years.So, PPIE turned to other sources to fund the program for two years.PPIE member Katie Baustian presented board members with the information at their meeting Thursday, Jan. 27.To fund the program for the next two years at a total of $6,800, she said PPIE has agreed to give $4,100, with the rest coming from interested donors.For example, the city of Luverne approved $750 and Sioux Valley Physicians and Luverne Optimist Club offered $500 apiece.Elementary physical education teacher Dan Amborn encouraged the board to accept the money."It’s an incredible program that’s wonderful for the kids," he said. "It’s giving them an opportunity to do something that some of them wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to do."He said future funding of the program won’t likely be an issue, since most parents pay up to $25 for two weeks of lessons in the summer, and this program requires $12.50 per student, plus busing to the pool."From what I’m hearing, there’s a multitude of parents willing to pay the $12.50 plus $12.50 to adopt another kid," Amborn said."There’s no doubt that if you use the money available now, this program will flourish on donations alone."The board’s decision to accept funding for the program will ensure swimming lessons will continue for the next two years.If the public is interested in supporting the swimming program or other PPIE projects, they can contact PPIE president Kayla Jarchow, 449-4745.

By Sara QuamA Luverne man accused of theft and possession of stolen property is out on bond. Terry Hoffman, 37, has pleaded not guilty to the seven charges of grand theft against him in South Dakota. He hasn’t entered a plea in Rock County, but charges are pending here for 12 counts of possession of stolen property.He is in Luverne now, but signed a waiver of extradition to return to South Dakota for upcoming court dates in Minnehaha County.Hoffman was arrested Dec. 8 when three search warrants uncovered allegedly stolen items such as snowmobiles, a boat, a pickup, a sport utility vehicle, a camper, an all- terrain vehicle, a trailer and vehicle parts.When questioned, he allegedly admitted to investigators that he possessed the items and knew they were stolen.Hoffman owns a vehicle restoration business and was publisher of Vintage Snowmobile magazine.The initial tip came Oct. 22 from Brandon, S.D., where a suspicious Chevy Tahoe of Hoffman’s was being stored at the home of his brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Joni Hoffman.The ongoing investigation and initial search warrants included personnel from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Sioux Falls Police Department, Brandon Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol and National Insurance Crime Bureau.

By Sara QuamA group of local residents are meeting regularly in search of a better night’s sleep.The Sleep Apnea Support Group gives local sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea a way to learn from experts and each other. Last week, the new group drew more than 40 people with the condition to its first meeting at Sioux Valley Home Medical Equipment, Luverne.Sleep apnea is the temporary cessation of breathing that happens to some people while they are sleeping. It affects 18 million Americans. Monte Owens, a registered respiratory therapist out of Sioux Valley Home Medical, said, "Basically, the support group lets people with sleep apnea get support and share ideas with each other while learning more about it."The first support group meeting had a bigger turnout than expected, and its members will meet in a larger facility in April.The meeting covered basic information about sleep apnea and hygiene of CPAP equipment. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. It is commonly recognized as the nasal mask that forces airflow while people with apnea are sleeping.A serious conditionSleep apnea can be life threatening as well as life altering. People can die in their sleep when their airways collapse.Sioux Valley Home Medical Equipment Manager Brett Christiansen said it’s estimated that 90 percent of those who have sleep apnea are undiagnosed.The collapsed airway is caused by:
extra tissue in the back of the throat, such as large tonsils or uvula
a decrease in the tone of the muscles holding the airway open
nasal obstruction
certain jaw or facial structures or attributes, such as a recessed chin.Statistics show that four in 100 middle-aged men have obstructive sleep apnea and one in 100 women have it.People need a sleep study prescribed by a doctor to be diagnosed with sleep apnea.Owens said, "This office follows orders from doctors treating people with apnea and guides them in correctly using therapy."Owens said apnea means more to people who have it than just feeling as if they haven’t rested well. "If they have sleep apnea," Owens said, "they have increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and are at higher risk for fatigue-related injuries."Owens talks about one patient who took medication for depression for years, and once she started the CPAP therapy, she didn’t need it anymore.Future meetings of the support group will include topics such as weight management and drowsy driving.What’s your snore score?While snoring is an indicator, people who snore don’t always have sleep apnea and people who have sleep apnea don’t always snore.Answer yes or no to the following questions to help determine if you suffer from sleep apnea:1. Are you a loud, habitual snorer, disturbing your bedroom companion? 2. Do you feel tired or groggy when you first wake up?3. Do you experience sleepiness and fatigue during waking hours?4. Are you overweight?5. Has anyone told you that you choke, gasp or hold your breath when sleeping?6. Do you frequently fall asleep watching TV or reading?7. Have you ever fallen asleep while driving?8. Is your neck size 17 or larger?If you answered yes to two or more of the questions, you should talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

By Sara QuamThe city of Luverne and Rock County are close to an agreement on a law enforcement contract, which they said would be finalized by Feb. 15.It appears that the city will pay $604,000 for the 2005 contract. Then, through 2010, the city of Luverne will pay 5 percent more per year.The county took prisoner medical care and room and board out of the base cost, which was a point of contention with the city of Luverne. The county first set the contract with the city at $669,000, so it has to make up the difference in other parts of its budget.County Administrator Kyle Oldre said the road and bridge fund is the likely target. It will be reduced by $107,000 to pay for the lost law enforcement revenue and to pay for the county’s half of the Pool and Fitness Center government contribution, which wasn’t budgeted this year.Details comingCounty and city representatives got together Monday night in a special liaison meeting to discuss the contract.A part of the contract includes information sharing with the city of Luverne. Sheriff Mike Winkels said, "On a quarterly basis we could break it down for you and you’d get an idea of what calls for service we’re doing."Winkels said he and dispatchers would come up with recent data to show the city what current software is capable of. The city is interested in knowing where crime occurs and at what frequency and type. Mayor Andy Steensma said, "Patterns may help us assess what changes need to be made or just help us learn more."Winkels said some things don’t show in statistics on dispatch records. For instance, from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. officer presence in Luverne may deter crime. He said the department doesn’t record "initial complaint reports" for work such as officers talking to suspicious people or doing vehicle checks.

By Lori EhdeA suspect is in custody after deputies repsonded to an early-morning car theft report Wednesday in Luverne.According to information from the Rock County Sheriff's Department, James Fisher had dropped off Jon Mollberg on East Dodge Street when a man on a bicycle approached them.Sheriff Mike Winkels said 20-year-old Daniel Lee Ronan, Luverne, confronted them, and after an altercation, stole Fisher's 1996 Monte Carlo. At nearly 2 a.m. Wednesday, it was reported stolen, and deputies recovered the vehicle in the 900 block of South Highway 75.Ronan reportedly fled the vehicle on foot, but deputies chased him and arrested him a block later.Ronan is held in the Prairie Justice Center pending charges.The car was returned to Fisher with light damage.

By Lori EhdeFlu season is reaching a fever pitch as schools, nursing homes and work places are affected by illness.In the past couple of weeks, Influenza A has been making it’s rounds in Luverne Public Schools."Kids that come down with it have a bad headache, then fever and cough, and they’re achy all over," said school nurse Deb Vander Kooi."They can come to school just fine, and they get the temp and the headache … so it hits quickly."As of Monday, 45 students were out sick, campus-wide (roughly 1,200 students), but at the height of the outbreak, more than 110 were missing in a single day.She said it started in the middle school Jan. 10, and then moved to the high school, and now the elementary school students are getting sick."There were 35 kids out today, so we’re not over it yet," elementary secretary Gail Jahn said Tuesday."There are still some pretty sick kids out there. Some are getting it twice, and some are getting over it and coming down with other things."Students typically miss three days, but in some cases students missed an entire week.Vander Kooi said one teacher on Tuesday had five kids missing from the classroom. According to one parent, her child had Influenza A and B and strep throat.She said the flu outbreak in school this year could be attributed to the vaccine shortage."Some families always go in for their shots, and obviously they couldn’t do that this year," Vander Kooi said."I don’t remember having it last this long in other years. I think it’s worse this year."Vander Kooi said she recommends students stay home 24 hours after they’ve had a fever.Hills-Beaver Creek schools also reported that student numbers are now leveling off after an outbreak there as well.Rock County’s flu outbreak is indicative of what’s happening statewide, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.Reports of influenza in the state have increased markedly in recent weeks and have come from all regions of the state. But, because flu season often peaks in March or even April, department officials are still encouraging people to seek a flu shot if it’s available in their communities.People over age 50, children 6 to 23 months, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions are especially urged to get a shot if they haven’t already done so.It takes about one to two weeks for a flu shot to become fully effective.People are encouraged to talk to their doctors about getting a shot, but local public health officials have no vaccine available at this time.The Minnesota Department of Health offers the following guidelines to avoid getting influenza:oDo your best to stay healthy. Get plenty of rest, moderate exercise and eat right.oStay home from school or work if you have a respiratory infection. Avoid exposing yourself to others who are sick with flu-like illness.oCover your nose and mouth with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.oWash your hands often with soap and water, or with an alcohol-based waterless hand sanitizer.oClean surfaces you touch frequently, such as door knobs, water faucets, refrigerator handles and telephones.More information on influenza can be found at www.mdhflu.com.

10 years ago (1995)
Blue Mounds State Park has a noxious weed problem that area residents want corrected. Specifically, Canadian thistle flourished as park officials were concerned about chemical use and restoring native prairie.
Adrian and Luverne hospitals signed a joint management contract, with Jerry Carl serving as administrator for both.
Charlie Braa adjusted to retirement after working as the County Auditor for 24 years. He said, "I gave it my best shot… It was the most exciting and fulfilling job I’ve ever had in my life. I loved my job."25 years ago (1980)
Work on the Human Services Building is on schedule. The new county building on North Blue Mound Avenue in Luverne will provide offices for the Southwestern Mental Health Center, Family Services, Community Health Services and Veterans Services.
Rock and Nobles counties are working on an agreement whereby Nobles County will house prisoners from Rock County on a first priority basis.
Steve Smedsrud and James Keiper earned the Arrow of Light Award, the highest honor given Cub Scouts. 50 years ago (1955)
Records show that 225 babies were born in Rock County last year and 62 deaths.
Hunters from all over Rock County were invited to take part in the big rabbit hunt for the benefit of the March of Dimes. The objective is to bag as many jackrabbits as possible. Rabbits are worth 40 cents each.
Harley Jensen applied to the city of Luverne for a permit to open a roller skating rink.75 years ago (1930)
Complete control of the Home Automotive company was acquired Monday evening when Otto Bjerkamp and Esmonde L. Connell purchased the interests of seven other stockholders, all of whom are heirs of the late Henry and Sophia Bjerkamp.
All county teachers were required to attend four days of a teachers institute. There will be special presentations on arithmetic and citizenship. Supt. Garrett will report the results of the test surveys made last fall on achievement and mental examinations.
Luverne Mercantile Co. advertised grocery prices for the week: Swift’s white soap, 10 bars for 35¢; two pound cartons of lard for 29¢; three pounds of canned salmon for 87¢, and three pounds of bananas for 25¢.100 years ago (1905)
The Sioux Falls Produce company has started a cream station at Steen, under the supervision of A.C. Tangemann.
Dr. F.W. Winter finished closing up his business affairs in this city Wednesday afternoon and will open a practice in Rock Rapids.

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 OFHazel C. Hoiland, a/k/a Hazel Hoiland DECEDENTIt is Ordered and Notice is given that on February 28, 2005, at 9:00 (a.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 November 17, 2004, and codicil (N/A) to the will dated N/A, and separate writing (N/A) under Minn. Stat. 524.2-513 ("Will’), and for the appointment of Deanna Dawson whose address is: 1309 N. Olde Wagon Road, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 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 1/27/04Timothy K. Connell Judge Date/s/ Sandra L. Vrtacnik 1/27/04Sandra L. Vrtacnik Court Administrator DateAttorney For Personal RepresentativeDonald R. KlosterbuerSkewes, Klosterbuer & Vajgrt, L.L.P.120 N. McKenzie Box 538Luverne, MN 56156-0538507-283-911156674(2-3, 2-10)