Australian ranchers might want to hand out riding helmets to their hired help this Christmas. It’s all because a hefty fine was recently imposed against a ranch after one of its cowboys fell off a horse and hit his head. The boss of the outfit evidently failed to warn his men that a horse can weigh half a ton and that under certain circumstances, it might bolt, roll over or rear up on its hind legs. According to the Associated Press, ranchers down under are seriously talking about requiring their cowboys to wear helmets. Presumably, the helmets will resemble those chosen by motorcyclists rather than those worn by Lance Armstrong and other bicyclists. The sleek, streamlined look of bicycle helmets would definitely clash with the rugged image projected by leather chaps, stirrups and oversized belt buckles. We can only surmise that additional horse mishaps in Australia will lead to similar talk about saddles equipped with safety belts and side impact air bags. As is the case with a runaway horse, it might to difficult to rein in overly enthusiastic lawmakers who intend to make cowboys look like sissies. When we begin treating cowboys like car drivers and motorcyclists and assume they can’t make safety decisions for themselves, we should expect other changes on the trail ahead. The helmet issue will only be the tip of the iceberg. For example, cowboys on their way home from a Saturday night in town might be pulled over for TUIs (trotting under the influence). Repeat offenses might lead to more serious charges of GUI (galloping under the influence), in which case the guilty party would be required to relinquish, in lieu of a horse driving license, his neck scarf, harmonica and, of course, his helmet. Speaking of driving licenses, government-issued horse riding licenses might eventually be required. However, instead of listing the driver’s weight, the horse riding license will list the driver’s weight both with and without the weight of the horse. Similarly, the height of the cowboy will be listed two ways –— standing alone and seated on horseback. Exhibition riding, much like exhibition driving, will not be treated lightly. Examples of exhibition riding would include leaping over deep ravines wider than 20 feet, rescuing damsels who aren’t in distress and would rather be left alone, or any other form of horsing around. Health and safety disclaimers similar to those on cigarette packages could be branded onto the flanks of Australian horses. As briefly as possible the messages could read, "Warning –— horseback riding can be hazardous to your health." While being marked with a red-hot branding iron, horses might appreciate their cowboy-owners’ attempts to be less wordy. Helmets are only the beginning. Eventually, horseback riding will be treated the same as driving a car and law enforcement officials will be on the lookout for horses with faulty equipment. "I’m sorry to pull you over, sir, but your horse’s right rear shoe appears to be loose." Repair tickets, requiring work to be done during a certain period of time, will be issued for such minor technicalities as horsetails which hang asymmetrically, and out-of-tune neighs and whinnies. The cowboys’ only acceptable response will be, "Horse feathers!"

It’s that time of year. Even St. Nick is writing a resolution to lose enough weight to fit into his Santa suit.Odds are, he will stick to that resolution for a while. In fact, according to a University of Washington survey, 63 percent of all people making resolutions are still at it after two months.The top resolutions are to increase exercise; to be more conscientious about work or school; to develop better eating habits; and to stop smoking, drinking, or using drugs (including caffeine).Also, people more commonly make resolutions to start a new habit than to break an old one. This is all old news, really. Writing about resolutions is actually an unoriginal, tired topic. (Sorry.)The tradition of resolutions, according to some shady source of mine, actually dates back to the early Babylonians. Our resolutions might be to lose weight or quit smoking, but the early Babylonians’ most popular resolution probably was to return borrowed farm equipment.It’s a sad thing to make a resolution and break it — just one more check mark in the "reasons to have low self-esteem" column.Many people vow to be more honest, gamble less or eat their vegetables. I don’t need to do any of those, but I can make wishes:oI wish my dryer would get fixed.oI wish I could see my family more.oI wish I would spend more time on hobbies.oI wish I didn’t have to get out of bed to go to the bathroom at 4 a.m.oI wish I could always be making my way through a really great book.oI wish I would remember everyone’s birthday.oI wish someone would turn me in to one of those makeover shows.In case you want to make real resolutions instead of just lazy wishes, I found a Web site, hiaspire.com, which sends out e-mail reminders of your resolutions. My wishes are just for 2005, keep in mind. In 2006 I plan to see my family less often, break household appliances and be more forgetful of important dates.

10 years ago (1994)
Hills-Beaver Creek School Board met to discuss building conditions. Board members voted to approve a special committee’s recommendation to build a new 7 through 12 facility in Hills and to renovate the elementary building in Beaver Creek to meet fire and accessibility codes.
While at Glen’s Food Center, Virgil Thompson left his Boston terrier, "Madchen," in the car. The dog put the car in reverse, backed across the entire parking lot through some snow and ended up on Harvey Ball’s boulevard.25 years ago (1979)
Ken Twito, utilities supervisor for the city of Luverne, said he was pleased with the electrical system upgrade. The city had to generate its own power while the system was
Luverne Police Chief Keith Aanenson reminded people that snowmobiles cannot be operated on Highway 75, Blue Mound Avenue or Main Street. Snowmobiles can be operated on other city streets, in accordance with the law.50 years ago (1954)
The new Phillips 66 service station, now nearing completion on U.S. 75 between Maple and Warren streets, has been leased by the Rock County Cooperative Oil Company to Dale Larson and Howard Iverson.
Christmas mail in Luverne set a new record this year as any weary mailman can attest. The Post Office handled about 9 percent more mail this year. That was 128,138 pieces of mail from Dec. 10 to Dec. 21.75 years ago (1929)
Henry Dean and Robert Brooks were awarded gold medals for heroic conduct in saving the lives of three fellow Boy Scouts at the annual meeting in Sioux Falls.
Brick work on the second of the new boilers installed at the municipal light and power plant was completed yesterday, and all that is necessary now to have the new equipment ready for use in all respects is time in which to permit the fresh walls to dry out.100 years ago (1904)
"No event in the history of Luverne is more noteworthy than the formal dedication of the beautiful new Carnegie library building which this week has been opened to the public."
Some complaint was heard against the ordinance passed by the Luverne City Council regarding public pound and the running at large of animals. Some thought the ordinance was too strict and the penalties too high. No animals were to be allowed to run free in any part of the city; fines were set at not less than $3 and not more than $100 for violations.

9:00 A.M.Rock County Courthouse December 14, 2004 Chair Jarchow called the meeting to order with Commissioners Hoime, Bakken and Wildung present and Commissioner Boyenga absent. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to approve the December 14, 2004, County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to approve the November 23, 2004, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Bakken, seconded by Hoime, to approve the consent agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.1. Appoint Tom Houselog, County Assessor 4 year term2. Y2005 membership dues to Coteau Des Prairie — $300.003. 2005 Natural Resources Block Grant Agreement — $38,8994. FSA Contract #3-2110-05 w/Southwestern Mental Health Center to provide mental health services to Rock County clients effective 1-1-05 to 12-31-05. Block Grant amount is $116,130, and reflects a 20% increase. 5. FSA Contract #6-578-05 w/Rock County Attorney, Rock County Sheriff, and the State of Minnesota for Agency Child Support services effective 1-1-05 to 12-31-06. Rate for the Rock County Attorney shall be $90/hour (up from $80). Rate for the Rock County Sheriff to provide document service is $25/unit, and $15/unit if the client is not available.6. FSA Contract #7-2111-05 w/Rock County Developmental Achievement Center to provide DT&H services to eligible clients effective 1-1-05 to 12-31-05. 7. FSA Contract #20-2057-05 w/New Life Treatment Services to provide Detoxification services to eligible clients effective 1-1-05 to 12-31-05. The rate shall be $190/day (up from $185).8. FSA Contract #6-130-05 w/Rock County Heartland Express to provide transportation services to eligible medical and social service clients effective 1-1-05 to 12-31-05. Rate for volunteer drivers will be $.60/mile (up from $.50/mile).9. FSA Contract #95-788-05 w/Sioux Valley Regional Health Services, D.B.A. Luverne Community Hospital to provide Chemical Dependency Assessment services effective 1-1-05 to 12-31-05. Rate is $170/assessment.10. FSA Contract #104-103-05 w/Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council to provide Employment assistance services to eligible clients effective 1-1-05 to 12-31-05.11. FSA Contract #108-2110-05 w/Southwestern Mental Health Center to provide Crisis Line, Crisis Bed, Adult Community Support, and Adult Day Treatment to eligible clients effective 1-1-05 to 12-31-05.12. New Day Care Licensing — Carrie Overgaard; Laurie Gorder; Traci Davis.13. Day Care Relicensing — Kellie HermanGloria Rolfs, Auditor/Treasurer presented a number of items; motion by Wildung, seconded by Hoime, to pay the claims and approve the Per Diems of $175.00, declared carried on a unanimous vote. A complete listing of the claims is available by request at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office.General $106,224.89LEC .00Road & Bridge 28,219.35Welfare 48,764.59Landfill 4,485.05TOTAL $187,693.88Motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to approve the fund balances, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Bakken, seconded by Wildung, to approve tax forfeited land conveyance from Beaver City to Beaver Creek Township, declared carried on a voice vote. Mark Sehr, Engineer, presented Resolution No. 34-04, allowing Rock County to provide maintenance work for MnDOT; motion by Bakken, seconded by Hoime, to approve Resolution No. 34-04, declared carried on a voice vote. The Engineer requested approval for out of state travel to attend the 2005 National Association of County Engineers convention in Bismarck, North Dakota, on April 17th - 21st; motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to authorize the out of state travel to attend the convention, declared carried on a voice vote. The Engineer provided a construction update; currently the construction is completed on Bridge L2148 on CSAH 17 west of Beaver Creek. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Hoime, to move the December 28, 2004, County Board meeting to December 21, 2004, at 8:00 A.M. in the Law Library of the Rock County Courthouse, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board was in receipt of a health insurance update and that the loss ratio was 86.85% through June of 2004. The County Board was informed that the Open Enrollment for 2005 has been completed. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to approve the union contract for dispatch for 2005-2007, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to approve expenditures totaling $9,460.00 to ProMap Corporation for software upgrades to the E911 mapping system to be paid out of the E911 fund, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board was informed of the Client Community Incorporated construction update on Outlot 3 of the Sioux Valley addition; currently construction is proceeding as planned. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to develop a lease agreement for the remaining lots in Outlot 3 and sell the lots after the completion of the lease agreement, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board received a petition for improvements to be made to Judicial Ditch No. 3; the item was referred to the County Attorney’s Office for review. Don Klosterbuer, County Attorney, presented Resolution No. 36-04, authorizing eminent domain on a tract of land in the NE 1/4 of NE 1/4 of 03-102-45 located along US Highway 75 for the purpose of construction easement and relocation of the US Highway 75 access; motion by Hoime, seconded by Wildung, to approve Resolution No. 36-04, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Attorney reviewed issues raised by the Information Policy Analysis Division of the Department of Administration. The state is requesting a response from the county to a letter received from City of Luverne Administrator questioning whether or not the county is out of compliance by not having a Data Practices policy. The County Board directed the County Attorney’s office to send a response to the Department of Administration, Information Policy Analysis Division. Mike Winkels, Sheriff, introduced Brian Bose, Rock County’s newest deputy. The County Board discussed the status of the Rock County Pool & Fitness Center and the agreement with the City of Luverne. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to table any action until the December 21, 2004, County Board meeting, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board was also in receipt of information that the City of Luverne is considering whether or not to continue the operation of the animal impound. No action was taken. The County Board was in receipt of information that the City Council is also discussing the issue of Law Enforcement and Dispatch; no action was taken. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to approve a propagation study to review communication tower coverage relating to Law Enforcement radios and to authorize Elert & Associates to complete that study for $5,500.00, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board was in receipt of an update regarding Public Health Home Care and the decision of the Nobles/Rock Public Health Board to continue with home health care and to bring in an outside consultant to study the financial and operational activities of home health care services. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to approve Resolution No. 35-04, a resolution supporting the efforts of the Southwest Minnesota Opportunity Council’s efforts to increase state funding, through the Community Action Grant, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board was in receipt of a program update and activity report from the Department of Veteran’s Administration of Minnesota. Commissioner Hoime provided information from a Planning & Zoning hearing that he had recently attended and provided an update of the transmission lines and the location of where they will cross the county. Commissioner Jarchow informed the County Board that the Regional Development Commission is looking for a Transportation Committee member and they will continue until that position is filled. Motion by Bakken, seconded by Hoime, to approve Attachment I to the Addendum to Memorandum of Agreement between the University of Minnesota and Rock County, which increases the 4-H Program Coordinator to .75 FTE for the amount of $43,050.00, declared carried on a voice vote. With no further business to come before the County Board, meeting was declared adjourned.Bob Jarchow, Chairman of the BoardATTEST:Kyle J. Oldre, Clerk to the Board(12-23)

Notice of HearingThe Luverne Planning Commission will hold a hearing to present the new "Land Use" ordinance and new "Zoning Map" resulting from the recent adoption of a new Comprehensive Plan. This hearing is held to allow public input and questions on the content and changes to the Land Use "Zoning" regulations in the City Code. Monday, January 3, 20057:00 P.M.Luverne Elementary School-Commons709 N. Kniss AvenueLuverne, MNWe invite anyone interested to attend this hearing.All persons wishing to be heard in favor or in opposition to the proposed City Code amendment should be present at the hearing or present written comments prior thereto to the Building/Zoning Official. Anyone needing reasonable accommodations or an interpreter should contact the City Clerk’s office, 203 E. Main St. (507) 449-2388.(12-23)

ORDINANCE NO. 269, THIRD SERIESAN ORDINANCE RELATING TO AUTHORITY OF THE SHERIFF, AMENDING SECTION 10.10, SUBD. 4, AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE CITY CODE CHAPTER 10 AND SECTION 10.99 WHICH, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CONTAIN PENLATY PROVISIONSTHE CITY OF LUVERNE DOES HEREBY ORDAIN: SECTION 1. That Section 10.10, Subd 4, be amended in its entirety to read as follows: Subd. 4. Exception. Nothing in Subdivision 3 of this Section shall apply to a display of fireworks by an organization or group of organizations authorized in writing by the Council, or to a peace officer in the discharge of his lawful duties, or to a person in the lawful defense of his person or family. This Section shall not apply to the discharge of firearms in a range authorized in writing by the Council. SEC. 2. This ordinance shall take full force and effect seven (7) days after its publication. (12-23)

ORDINANCE NO. 268, THIRD SERIESAN ORDINANCE RELATING TO HUNTING AND TRAPPING WITHIN CITY LIMITS BY CREATING NEW SECTIONS 10.10, SUBD. 3A AND 10.10, SUBD. 3B, AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE CITY CODE CHAPTER 10 AND SECTION 10.99 WHICH, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CONTAIN PENALTY PROVISIONSTHE CITY OF LUVERNE DOES HEREBY ORDAIN:SECTION 1. Section 10.10, Subd. 3 A, is hereby created to read in its entirety as follows: Subd. 3A. Hunting Within City Limits. It shall be unlawful to hunt in any manner within the corporate limits of the City of Luverne. For purposes of this subdivision, the term "hunting" shall mean the taking of birds or mammals by any means including, but not limited to, firearms, bow and arrow, snare, or trap. SEC. 2. Section 10.10, Subd. 3B, is hereby created to read in its entirety a follows: Subd. 3B. Trapping within City Limits. The City Council may annually issue permits for the trapping of animals as allowed by law within the corporate limits of the City of Luverne. Such permits shall be issued by the City Clerk following approval by the City Council. For purposes of this subdivision, the term "trapping" shall have the meaning as defined by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. SEC. 3. This ordinance shall take full force and effect seven (7) days after its publication. (12-23)

NOVEMBER 29, 2004MINUTES 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 MS/HS Library on Monday, November 29, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. The following members were present: Don Bryan, Colleen Deutsch, Cary Radisewitz, Bill Stegemann, Steve Tofteland, and Becky Walgrave. Absent: Dan Kopp. Also present: Superintendent Vince Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Laura Herman, Vicki Baartman, and Lori Ehde, Rock County Star Herald.The meeting was called to order by chairperson Becky Walgrave. Superintendent Schaefer gave announcements. Motion by Bryan, second by Deutsch, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion unanimously carried. Administrative reports were given. Motion by Stegemann, second by Tofteland, to approve the minutes of the October 26 and November 4 school board meetings. Motion unanimously carried.Motion by Stegemann, second by Radisewitz, to approve payment of the district bills as presented in the amount of $981,751.03. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Bryan, second by Stegemann, to receive the Student Activity Report showing the balances as of October 31, 2004. Motion unanimously carried. Jim Gilman, representing Conway, Deuth and Schmiesing, PLLP, presented the 2003-2004 audit report. It was noted that the State of Minnesota owes the Luverne district approximately $1.6 million – these are monies withheld and "metered" to the district. There is currently a 20% tax shift in place. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Deutsch, to accept the report as presented. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Tofteland, second by Stegemann, to approve Henning Construction for snow removal. Motion unanimously carried.Motion by Radisewitz, second by Stegemann, to accept the proposal by Parents: Partners in Education (PPIE) to place a water cooler in the kindergarten area of the elementary school at their expense. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to accept the proposal by the Blue Mound Wrestling Club to purchase warm-ups for the wrestling squad. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Deutsch, second by Bryan, to approve the hiring of Brenda Vanderziel as an additional part-time playground supervisor. Motion unanimously carried. Committee reports were given.The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed. Motion by Deutsch, second by Stegemann, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: November 29, 2004Colleen Deutsch, Clerk(123-23)

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALETHE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION.NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: January 30, 2001ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $74,400.00MORTGAGOR(S): Raymond E. Winter and Margaret L. Winter, Husband and WifeMORTGAGEE: Paragon Home Lending, LLCDATE AND PLACE OF FILING: Filed February 5, 2001, Rock County Recorder, Document NO. 149296ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: Fleet National Bank, n/k/a Washington Mutual Bank, F.A. Dated: January 30, 2001, filed February 5, 2001, Document No. 149297LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:The S 35 feet of Lot 22 and all of Lot 23 in Crawford’s Addition to the Village (Now City) of Luverne COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: RockTHE AMOUNT CLAIMED TO BE DUE ON THE MORTGAGE ON THE DATE OF THE NOTICE: $73,910.62THAT 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: February 8, 2005. 10:00 amPLACE OF SALE: Sheriff’s Main Office, West Side Sheriff Dept., Front Step, Luverne, MN to pay the debt secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursement, 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. "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 5 UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. Dated: December 16, 2004Washington Mutual Bank, F.A.Assignee of MortgageeSHAPIRO & NORDMEYER L.L.P.BY /s/ NANCY A. NordmeyerLawrence P. ZielkeCraig M. BarbeeAttorneys for Mortgagee7300 Metro Blvd., Suite 390Edina, MN 55439-2306(952) 831-4060THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. (12-23, 12-30, 1-6, 1-13, 1-20, 1-27)