By Lexi MooreThe Hills-Beaver Creek school board met late Monday night allowing board members to enjoy the H-BC bands performing in the gym.A large portion of the meeting focused on the preliminary audit for the 2003-2004 school year. The audit presented to the school board reflected an end-of-year deficit of $840,372. This deficit was attributed to several unusual expenses that occurred in the 2003-2004 school year. Among those were the cost of the locker room, boiler repair, bus repairs, special education payments and severance payments.A final version of the 2003-2004 school audit will be presented to the council on Jan. 10, 2005.In other business Monday the board addressed a smattering of issues:oSuperintendent David Deragisch’s mother, Doris Blom, began the meeting by donating her 1996 Town and Country van to the school district (see related story).oTodd Holthaus, H-BC Elementary Principal, said he was proud to report that the School Cents fund-raiser earned the school a $1,000 reward. The money will be used to purchase character education materials. The program is called Second Step.oHolthaus announced that the posts for the elementary school gates have been cemented and will be installed soon. The new gates will block cars from entering the playground at the elementary school.oThe blood drive at the H-BC high school in conjunction with the American Red Cross yielded 46 units of blood. H-BC students and administrators met their goal of 45 units.oStudents’ interest in Knowledge Bowl continues to increase. School officials organized tryouts to determine which team students would be on. Deragisch said, "To have three teams and alternates gives our school a big advantage."oThe Rock County Collaborative gave H-BC officials $200 to give seat belt checks at the high school. Students received $5 if they arrived at school wearing their seatbelts. During the first check, officials found that 40 percent were wearing their seatbelts. The numbers on the second check were slightly higher.oFinally, the board accepted the resignation of head volleyball coach Curt Doorneweerd and Kid Care Coordinator Heather Erickson.

By Lexi MooreTuesday Hills City Council members met with Rich Crawford from Vanteck Communications to discuss the holes Vanteck drilled on the top of the Hills water tower.This fall, after an agreement was made with the City of Hills, Vanteck technichions installed an antenna on the top of the Hills water tower. The agreement did not give the the company permission to drill holes into the tower. City officials are concerned the antennae and the holes could cause problems with the tower if the situation is not corrected.Mayor Jim Jellema began the discussion by telling the respresentative, "Something needs to be done and needs to be done shortly."Crawford informed the group, "The antennae is installed in a way that does not approach the amount of tension required to do damage."After a lengthly discussion Vanteck agreed to remove the antennae, plug the holes and find a new way of mounting on the water tower that will not cause any long-term damage. This proposal will be presented by Vanteck prior to the spring of 2005.Wayne Ward, Hills maintaince manager, gave a report on the city’s fire hyrdrants.After extensive work on the city’s hydrates during the flushing process, Ward determined which hydrants are not getting enough pressure. The low pressure hydrants will be painted a different color until they can be repaired in the spring.Ward said the flushing procress continues to bring mixed results. Many residents have seen improvements, but there are still complaints about black flecks of iron in the water.In other business:oThe truck owned by the city and used to transport Ward around town has stopped functioning. The council elected for members to check out a potential replacement vechile prior to the next council meeting.oThe council will no longer allow U.S. postal boxes to be installed along Highway 270 due to the added potential for traffic accidents.oA 3-percent salary increase was given to all city officials.oChristmas tree removal will begin on Jan. 3 and run through Jan. 7. Residents can leave their trees curbside for the city to dispose of.oHoliday garbage pickup will be on Friday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Jan. 31.

By Lexi MooreThe Hills-Beaver Creek School Board began Monday night’s meeting by accepting a gift from Doris Blom.Blom, David Deragisch’s mother, said she wanted to give back to the school that had given her so much.She was the wife of former superintendent Dean Deragisch and watched as the Hills-Beaver Creek School District educated her six children. She said when her son decided to walk in his father’s footsteps, she decided she needed to do something to thank the district for what it has done for her.In November she told David that it was time for her to get a new car and she intended to give her old van to the school district."This school meant as much to my husband as it does to David," Blom said. "I want to thank H-BC for what they have done for my family. What better way then to give them my vehicle." Her white 1996 Chrysler Town and Country is reportedly in excellent condition and runs well.Gary Esselink accepted the van on behalf of the school board and thanked Blom for the "very generous gift."Before leaving the meeting Blom said, "This is a time of giving."

10 years ago (1994)
Long-time Luverne Superintendent Norman Miller surprised the School Board members by submitting his resignation. As the last item on the agenda for the final meeting of the calendar year, Chairman Gene Cragoe read Miller’s letter of resignation, effective June 30, 1995.
The Luverne boys got off to a great start in the Southwest Conference basketball race by posting two wins this week. The Cardinals downed defending league champion Worthington by four points in Luverne Tuesday. Luverne bested Pipestone-Jasper by three points in Pipestone Friday.25 years ago (1979)
Rock County girls interested in being a candidate for the second Rock County Pork Queen are invited to an open house sponsored by the Rock County Porkettes.
The Country Cobbler advertised Moon Boots for $9.99.50 years ago (1954)
Sue Manion, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Manion won first place in her division of the National Baton twirling Association contest in Tampico, Ill. Eleanor Rober, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rober, won second place.
Voters of school district 65, Ashcreek, voted in favor of consolidation with Luverne in an election Dec. 10. The vote was 34-30.75 years ago (1929)
Ed Buckley, for many years a resident of Luverne, opened his new theatre, the New State, last week in Olivia.
Luverne’s board of education decided to offer a reward of $100 for information resulting in the arrest and conviction of the parties responsible for the theft of the gate receipt of the Luverne-Pipestone Armistice Day football game. The money, $213.95 in currency and silver, was taken from the vault in the superintendent’s office.
Earl Loose, Luverne, was given credit by Tin City daily papers for the Minnesota University basketball team defeating the North Dakota Aggies in Minneapolis.100 years ago (1904)
Dr. C.O. Wright is again making his professional calls in his automobile, after having a new 16 h.p. double-cylinder engine installed in place of the 10 h.p. engine used before.
Prof. Young has found places in pleasant homes in Luverne for six girls from the country who are attending school and working for their board, and says that places are offered for others. Like opportunities for boys appear to be hard to find.

STATE OF MINNESOTA IN DISTRICT COURTCOUNTY OF ROCK FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICTMARGARET PICK, Plaintiff, ANDANNA ANDA, KARL ANDA, EDNA MERRICK SUMMONSTHELMA HAMEL, AKA THELMA HAMMEL,ISABEL BURNETT AND LEROY ANDAAND ALL OTHER PERSONS UNKNOWNAND THEIR UNKNOWN HEIRS CLAIMINGANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, INTEREST, OR LIEN IN THE REAL ESTATE DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, Defendants.THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS:YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED AND REQUIRED to serve on Plaintiff’s attorney a Response to the complaint which is on file in the office of the Court Administrator of the above named Court within twenty (20) days after service of this Summon upon you, exclusive of the day of service. If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint which involves, affects or brings in question real property situated in the County of Rock, State of Minnesota legally described as follows, to-wit: Lots Eleven (11) and Twelve (12), Block Three (3), Original Plat of the Village (now City) of Kenneth, Minnesota. The object of this proceeding is to Quiet Title to the real estate described above by excluding the Defendants from any interest in said real estate. Dated: December 14, 2004By: Benjamin Vander Kooi, Jr.Attorney for PetitionerBENJAMIN VANDER KOOI, JR.VANDER KOOI LAW OFFICES, P.A.127 East Main, P.O. Box 746Luverne, Minnesota 56156(507) 283-9546Attorney I.D. No. 112124(12-16, 12-23, 12-30)

DISTRICT COURTPROBATE DIVISIONFIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICTNOTICE AND ORDER OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (ANCILLARY PROCEEDING)STATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKESTATE OFPaul Dietrich, a/k/a Paul A. Dietrich DECEDENTIt is Ordered and Notice is given that on January 3, 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 12/19/2003, and codicil to the will dated N/A and separate writing (N/A) under Minn. Stat. 524.2-513 ("Will") and for the appointment of Sharon Morrison whose address is 131 Sunrise Ridge Road, Brookings, South Dakota 57006 as ancillary 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 power to administer the assets of the Estate in Minnesota including the power to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, and 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 12/10/04Timothy K. Connell Judge Date/s/ Sandra L. Vrtacnik 12/10/04Sandra Vrtacnik Court Administrator DateAttorney For Personal RepresentativeDonald R. KlosterbuerSkewes, Klosterbuer & Vajgrt, L.L.P.120 N. McKenzieBox 538Luverne, MN 56156-0538507 283-911156674(12-16, 12-23)

DISTRICT COURTPROBATE DIVISIONFIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICTNOTICE AND ORDER OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (ANCILLARY PROCEEDING)STATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKESTATE OFPaul Dietrich, a/k/a Paul A. Dietrich DECEDENTIt is Ordered and Notice is given that on January 3, 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 12/19/2003, and codicil to the will dated N/A and separate writing (N/A) under Minn. Stat. 524.2-513 ("Will") and for the appointment of Sharon Morrison whose address is 131 Sunrise Ridge Road, Brookings, South Dakota 57006 as ancillary 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 power to administer the assets of the Estate in Minnesota including the power to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, and 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 12/10/04Timothy K. Connell Judge Date/s/ Sandra L. Vrtacnik 12/10/04Sandra Vrtacnik Court Administrator DateAttorney For Personal RepresentativeDonald R. KlosterbuerSkewes, Klosterbuer & Vajgrt, L.L.P.120 N. McKenzieBox 538Luverne, MN 56156-0538507 283-911156674(12-16, 12-23)

Law Library 9:00 A.M.Rock County Courthouse November 23, 2004Chair Jarchow called the meeting to order with all Commissioners present. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Bakken, to approve the November 23, 2004 County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded Hoime, to approve the November 9, 2004, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the following consent agenda items, declared carried on a voice vote. 1. New Day Care licensing — Jennifer Larid; Amber Nath; Rebecca Raymond2. Voluntary Day Care closing — Deanna Stanley3. Foster Care licensing — Charles and Georgia SorensonNancy Sandager Rock County 4-H Program Director and Kia Harries, Regional Extension Educator, Youth Development Director, Holli Arp, Regional Extension Educator provided an update of 4-H programs in Rock County. Currently, there are eight clubs in the county with 167 youth members. The County Board was in receipt of the Family Services Agency year to date budget report; no action was taken. Gloria Rolfs, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims for payment and per diems of $645.00; motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to approve the claims and per diems, declared carried on a voice vote. A complete listing of the claims is available by request at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office. General $ 36,620.31LEC .00Road & Bridge 22,354.77Welfare 45,969.92Landfill 1,541.37TOTAL $106,486.37Motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the fund balance report, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Bakken, to approve the following rural water splits, declared carried on a voice vote.oResolution No. 32-04; parcel number 11-0214-000 located in the SW 1/4 of 29-103-46oResolution No. 33-04; parcel number 17-0002-000 located in the NW 1/4 of 01-103-44The County Board authorized a service contract extension with Computer Professionals Unlimited for online/phone support relating to the GASB34 contract for additional $127.00 per month. Mike Winkels, Sheriff, presented a final review of the Community Policing training and discussed the evaluation report from the Upper Midwest Policing Institute. The County Board was informed that on December 14th Community Corrections will host their annual meeting and will be located in the Countryside Inn in Adrian, Minnesota. The County Board discussed information pamphlets for the Rock County Collaborative; by direction of the Chair, authorized the Administrator’s office to draft/print these pamphlets. The County Board was invited to participate in the SHARE distribution on December 10th beginning at 11:00 A.M.The County Board received an update of the Sioux Valley Addition pertaining to Outlot 3; currently the plat is being completed and will be signed and recorded as soon as possible. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to discuss the sale price of the Rock County Pool & Fitness Center, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Bakken, to arise from closed session, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board received an update of the DAC construction project. Currently, they are constructing a new home directly behind the existing day facility on West Main Street. The County Board requested from the City of Luverne the accurate budget amount for the Rock County Pool & Fitness Center for 2005.Motion by Bakken, seconded by Hoime, to recess until 1:30 P.M., declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board reconvened at 1:30 P.M. by order of the Chair; motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to rescind the motion from the December 29, 2003, County Board meeting to terminate the joint powers agreement for the Rock County Swimming Pool effective December 31, 2004, and extend the termination date to March 31, 2005, and fund .25% of the 2005 contribution and will remit payment by January 15, 2005, with the hope of obtaining a new long term agreement and have all payments made in accordance of the contract; motion was declared carried on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Boyenga voting nay. 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(12-16)

Law Library 9:00 A.M.Rock County Courthouse November 23, 2004Chair Jarchow called the meeting to order with all Commissioners present. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Bakken, to approve the November 23, 2004 County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded Hoime, to approve the November 9, 2004, County Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the following consent agenda items, declared carried on a voice vote. 1. New Day Care licensing — Jennifer Larid; Amber Nath; Rebecca Raymond2. Voluntary Day Care closing — Deanna Stanley3. Foster Care licensing — Charles and Georgia SorensonNancy Sandager Rock County 4-H Program Director and Kia Harries, Regional Extension Educator, Youth Development Director, Holli Arp, Regional Extension Educator provided an update of 4-H programs in Rock County. Currently, there are eight clubs in the county with 167 youth members. The County Board was in receipt of the Family Services Agency year to date budget report; no action was taken. Gloria Rolfs, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims for payment and per diems of $645.00; motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to approve the claims and per diems, declared carried on a voice vote. A complete listing of the claims is available by request at the Auditor/Treasurer’s office. General $ 36,620.31LEC .00Road & Bridge 22,354.77Welfare 45,969.92Landfill 1,541.37TOTAL $106,486.37Motion by Wildung, seconded by Boyenga, to approve the fund balance report, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Bakken, to approve the following rural water splits, declared carried on a voice vote.oResolution No. 32-04; parcel number 11-0214-000 located in the SW 1/4 of 29-103-46oResolution No. 33-04; parcel number 17-0002-000 located in the NW 1/4 of 01-103-44The County Board authorized a service contract extension with Computer Professionals Unlimited for online/phone support relating to the GASB34 contract for additional $127.00 per month. Mike Winkels, Sheriff, presented a final review of the Community Policing training and discussed the evaluation report from the Upper Midwest Policing Institute. The County Board was informed that on December 14th Community Corrections will host their annual meeting and will be located in the Countryside Inn in Adrian, Minnesota. The County Board discussed information pamphlets for the Rock County Collaborative; by direction of the Chair, authorized the Administrator’s office to draft/print these pamphlets. The County Board was invited to participate in the SHARE distribution on December 10th beginning at 11:00 A.M.The County Board received an update of the Sioux Valley Addition pertaining to Outlot 3; currently the plat is being completed and will be signed and recorded as soon as possible. Motion by Hoime, seconded by Bakken, to discuss the sale price of the Rock County Pool & Fitness Center, declared carried on a voice vote. Motion by Boyenga, seconded by Bakken, to arise from closed session, declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board received an update of the DAC construction project. Currently, they are constructing a new home directly behind the existing day facility on West Main Street. The County Board requested from the City of Luverne the accurate budget amount for the Rock County Pool & Fitness Center for 2005.Motion by Bakken, seconded by Hoime, to recess until 1:30 P.M., declared carried on a voice vote. The County Board reconvened at 1:30 P.M. by order of the Chair; motion by Wildung, seconded by Bakken, to rescind the motion from the December 29, 2003, County Board meeting to terminate the joint powers agreement for the Rock County Swimming Pool effective December 31, 2004, and extend the termination date to March 31, 2005, and fund .25% of the 2005 contribution and will remit payment by January 15, 2005, with the hope of obtaining a new long term agreement and have all payments made in accordance of the contract; motion was declared carried on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Boyenga voting nay. 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(12-16)