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County Board may increase levy 5.5 percent

By Sara StrongThe Rock County Board of Commissioners Tuesday set its 2005 preliminary levy at 5.5 percent more than this year’s. The county will collect a total of 3,191,769 and anticipates $941,558 in aid. The county is spending about $481,055 more than in 2004.The 5.5 percent levy increase doesn’t mean each property owner will pay that much more in county taxes. Individual valuations or classifications affect tax bills. Also, the tax base has increased. The overall growth means less is needed from individuals who all share in the levy collectionCommissioner Bob Jarchow said he was comfortable with the 5.5 percent levy increase. "I look at the preliminary levy as building in a cushion for the county," he said.State law requires the preliminary levy be set in September and then finalized in December. The preliminary levy may be decreased, but not increased before it is certified.County Administrator Kyle Oldre said that with the state budget shortfall, the county’s aid might change. "I am not all that confident that we’ll actually get this aid when the state is a billion short," Oldre said.Commissioner Richard Bakken said, "This budget is really being held hostage by a few things."Another variable in the county budget is the Rock County Pool and Fitness Center, which the county said it will no longer share with the city. The county terminated the agreement in order to recoup lost money from the city of Luverne, which terminated its dispatching joint powers agreement and the $155,847 that came along with it.The county was slated to pay $68,066 for the pool in direct payments and per diem costs for board members. It removed that from the budget, but may be open to reinstating the joint venture if other city contracts pan out.Commissioner Jane Wildung said, "The pool is valuable for all citizens of the county.Also a budget variable is the city of Luverne’s intention to pay its law enforcement contract in 2005. The county has budgeted for the city to pay $669,366 for law enforcement services, even though the city cancelled dispatch.Jarchow said he hoped the board didn’t consider partnerships in law enforcement and the pool together while negotiating."I personally think they are mutually exclusive, independent operations and contracts," Jarchow said.He says that, referring to some contract proposals from the city of Luverne that have included both law enforcement and pool numbers.Truth in taxation statements sent out in the fall will tell property owners what to expect to pay when all levies are certified.Department budgetsCommissioners are still in the process of reviewing department budgets for 2005.Tuesday, they heard from two: Family Services and the Rock County Community Library.Family Services has a proposed levy of $920,006, or a 6 percent increase from 2004.That includes the assumption that the costly budget item of out-of-home placements (foster care, treatment centers, etc.) will stay the same as 2004.Payroll costs assumed merit system and cost of living increases; 8 percent health insurance rate increase; a retirement and replacement hire; a new full-time financial worker (40 to 45 percent federally reimbursed), and an additional part-time accounting technician (33 percent federally reimbursed).Family Services also budgeted a 20 percent increase in Southwestern Mental Health Center Block Grant (a $16,451 increase); and allocated $10,693 to the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.The Rock County Community Library will receive $113,000 from the county. The library needs new computers and carpeting, but doesn’t have those improvements budgeted for 2005. With the loss of the bookmobile, librarian Glenda Bremer said, "We’re trying to still get out there in the county."Children’s librarian April Gangstad used a grant to visit 24 day cares with a summer reading program. That reached 145 children.Bremer shared a monthly report with the board to illustrate the use of the library. In August, there were 4,859 borrowers. There was an average daily circulation of 299, and a monthly circulation of 7,768. All numbers reflected an increase from the same time last year.

Parish nursing gains momentum

By Lori EhdeThe parish nurse program at Luverne’s United Methodist Church has grown from a good idea for a local congregation to a state model for other communities to build on.The Southwest Minnesota Foundation recently approved another $10,000 to support parish nursing in Luverne. It’s the third and final year for the grant, but Foundation staff members had high words of praise for registered nurse, Tammy Moeller, saying she’s built a program others can aspire to match.Moeller appreciates the compliments, but said she’s really only doing what she loves to do — making people feel better, physically and spiritually."I’m very glad I chose this occupation," she said. "I love the work and I love the opportunity to help so many people."Moeller previously worked at Luverne Community Hospital and the Hospice Cottage. She started the more administrative job of safety officer at the hospital when she heard of this opportunity."God has a way of making it work," she said. "I did it with faith, and I just prayed that it would work out."The Foundation is one of several funding sources for the parish nursing program, but Moeller’s salary is paid primarily by the Methodist Church.The Rev. Bart Fletcher brought the idea to the congregation three years ago because he spent much of his time during visits dealing with matters that were better left to a nurse. The church agreed that it would be ideal to return to the old tradition of being involved with health care.The Methodist Church partially funds Moeller’s position, which is also funded by a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Foundation. The purpose of Moeller’s work is outlined as health education, counseling, illness prevention and being a community resource liaison. Moeller said in her fourth year on the job, she’s fulfilled all those requirements. "I’m most proud that people are talking about parish nursing," she said."I think every church and community should support it, because it’s getting people back to thinking about other people. … That was the original purpose of the parish nursing — It’s caring for people."As a registered nurse, she observes things like ankle swelling or medication side effects with a trained eye. And she’s also a concerned friend who can see if her "patients" need more help than they’re getting."The most invasive thing I do is blood pressure checks," Moeller said. "For anything more, I get them to their doctor."She gets satisfaction out of knowing her work can make a difference in the lives of her patients and their families. For example, one person had a low blood level after a recent surgery that might have been fatal had Moeller not detected it and recommended treatment."I guess in this situation, I was just the person who had the medical knowledge to help someone get help before they ended up seriously ill," she said.The success of the program lies in referrals which come primarily from within the Methodist Church congregation. But the program was clearly developed as a community outreach tool, as well, and Moeller said she’s seeing more and more patients outside of her church.And that, she said, is what it’s all about."That’s the bottom line," she said. "People are caring for people again."Moeller doesn’t have many set office hours, but she can be reached by cell phone at 920-7653 for information on programs or to get a visit from Luverne’s parish nurse.

Car crashes into Main Street office building

By Lori Ehde"It could have been worse," Cary Schroeder kept repeating after his Edward Jones investments office was destroyed by a car last week.At nearly 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, a 1999 red Monte Carlo driven by 17-year-old Chessa Ossefoort veered off Main Street, ran over a postal drop box and crashed through the brick wall at the Freeman Avenue intersection.Ellie Oldre, office administrator, works in the front of the building, which was completely demolished."I thank the good Lord I’m still here," she said. "If I had been a little farther south, it would have been a completely different story."The impact sent bricks and glass flying in all directions, and a large shelving unit struck the far wall adjacent to Dr. Bill Preuss’ chiropractic office next door.Kim Arends, office manager for Preuss, was in the Jones office talking to Oldre when car crashed through the wall. Her back was to the front windows, and she was facing Oldre, who was seated behind the desk counter."The only thing I remember is Kim was talking to me, and it was like a football player hit her from the south and sent her north," Oldre said.She said the impact split the L-shaped desk and pushed it back."My chair has wheels, and I kind of moved with my desk," Oldre said. "If I’d been in a stationary chair, I would have been under the desk."Arends said she briefly thought about the people trapped in their offices during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks."That came to mind," she said. "I looked around and wondered how Ellie and I were going to get out of there."She said both she and Oldre were a bit traumatized at first. "I just stood there literally screaming," Arends said. Both women had scrapes and bruises, but they said it would take longer to heal emotionally."You sort of play mind games … all the ‘what-ifs.’ If Kim hadn’t been with me, I might have been at the copy machine where there’s a whole pile of bricks."Arends said she had nightmares that night. "I dreamt that someone was trying to kill me," she said.People tell them they’re lucky, but Oldre disagrees."Luck had nothing to do with it," she said. "We had the good Lord and all his angels with us."Schroeder, an investment representative with Edward Jones, is just glad he’s dealing only with inconveniences of the destroyed building. "We’re fortunate we didn’t have some deaths," he said. "It’s just a crazy, crazy deal."Questions about causeOssefoort, who was not injured in the accident, said it’s been an uncomfortable week as people speculate about the cause of the accident and about her health."I don’t want people to jump to conclusions," she said. "One kid at school even accused me of doing it on purpose. … Someone else said I might be pregnant and that’s why I blacked out."She said she doesn’t remember anything after turning the corner at the stoplights on Highway 75 and Main Street. "Everything went black," she said.Ossefoort said she’s also bothered that people think she may have been distracted by her cell phone, which both Oldre and Arends recall seeing in her hand at the time of the accident."My phone was in my purse in the back seat," Ossefoort said. "Although that was the first thing I grabbed when I came to. I called my mom."Cell phone records have been requested to determine the timing of the call.Relocated across streetSchroeder said he and Oldre have been sharing his office space in the north part of the building, but as of today they’ve temporarily moved operations across the street to the former Luverne Chamber Office.With the front under construction, clients had to access the Edward Jones office through Dr. George McDonald’s optometric clinic. "It wasn’t real convenient," Schroeder said.Further, the noise of hammer on bricks and cement saws rumbling in the background haven’t made for an ideal work environment.So, to escape distractions, Edward Jones will be located at 102 E. Main St. for the next few months. "We’re trying to get the word out to our clients," Schroeder said.The phone number to reach the business will stay the same.Earl Hanson, who owns the building, said he appreciated quick response from Marilyn Bloemendaal and Pam Haakenson at Buffalo Ridge Insurance."They really took me by the hand," he said. "Before I knew it they had a contractor on site."He said Tom Nergaard, Luverne, had been working in Magnolia, but came immediately when Haakenson called. "They just dropped what they were doing and came over," Hanson said.The building has been declared structurally sound and repairable, but it will take time to repair it.Hanson said ballpark estimates at the time of the accident put damages at somewhere between $30,000 and $50,000. That’s not figuring possible damage on the Preuss side of the wall.But, Hanson, too, said he was grateful the outcome wasn’t worse."Buildings can be fixed and replaced, but when you get a loss of life or a personal injury, it’s an entirely different issue," Hanson said.

Council considers 'Downtown Zone' for uniform look

By Sara StrongThe Luverne Planning Commission reviewed a new zone that will give the commission more control in the core of Luverne.A new Downtown Zone will be established if the proposed plan goes through. The City Council must approve it after a recommendation from the Planning Commission and a public hearing.The Downtown Zone would be a square area from East Park Street on the west, Crawford on the north, Blue Mound Avenue on the east, and Fletcher on the south.Zoning Administrator Dan Delgehausen said the new zone plan will also give the Planning Commission flexibility.In this new zone, to build new or substantially remodel, people must apply for conditional use permits through the Planning Commission.Conditional use permits mean the city can impose specific requirements on the property, from materials used to landscaping.Character and scale of surrounding properties will be strictly considered in the conditional use permitting process.The control of downtown’s appearance was set as a priority during the recent Comprehensive Plan process.The only properties not developed in the proposed Downtown Zone are the former Fledgling Field and parking lots near the clinic.

LEDA courts new business

By Sara StrongThe Luverne Economic Development Authority is looking forward to a possible deal that will bring a Canadian company to Luverne through JOB Zone incentives.City Administrator Greg LaFond said the business is close to making a commitment to come to Luverne.He said, "We’re not anticipating offering a great deal, because there won’t be many employees."The company may employ eight by its second year.Esurance is a company that sells and services car insurance through the Internet and competes with companies such as GEICO and Progressive.It is also planning an office in Sioux Falls.The Luverne branch could be located in the former Exsito building, which is now occupied on a month-to-month lease by Falcon Pallets.LEDA coordinatorThe LEDA coordinator’s job description was also discussed at its Tuesday meeting.Essentially, day-to-day supervision will be done by City Administrator Greg LaFond — similar to what is done with all department heads who answer to him.The LEDA will set direction and manage policies that the coordinator will carry out.

Saturday rally to observe Sept. 11

By Sara StrongDiane Sherwood doesn’t want the third anniversary of Sept. 11 to go without recognition for those who died in the terrorist attacks. She also thinks it’s important to continue helping survivors who are still suffering emotionally and physically. "There are cases where these workers are losing lung capacity as time goes on, and cancer cases are increasing. … They first said cancer would show up in 20 years, but they’re getting it now," Sherwood said.She organized Remember Rally, a national motorcycle rally effort that will take place in at least 25 locations — from Alaska to New York to Texas — Saturday afternoon. All of the proceeds from registering for the event go to rescue worker charities."We actually had three planned in Florida, but with the hurricanes, they might not be able to do it," Sherwood said.Locally, the rally starts with registration at the Howling Dog at 11 a.m. From there, bikers will drive down Main Street, Luverne, with local firefighters.People are invited to line Main Street at 12:30 as a show of support when they pass.One of the organizers of a New York run is a firefighter suffering from multiple health problems after working on the World Trade Center disaster site.Sherwood said, "There was a host of chemicals they ingested. So many toxins were released when the buildings burnt."Sherwood’s firefighter friend said he hopes to be strong enough to make the ride this year, but isn’t holding out much hope that he’ll even survive two more years.His insurance company just discontinued his coverage, and he’s on multiple medications."Remember Rally has been an amazing project. You talk to these people and it’s so emotional," Sherwood said.Registration for the event is $10 per rider. From Luverne, bikers will go to Wilmont, Key Largo, Fulda, Bigelow, Ellsworth and back to the Howling Dog for free barbecues and Pepsi.

Did you hear?

Taco John’s get new ownerLuverne’s Taco John’s has new ownershipJason Lindblad recently purchased the local Taco John’s franchise from the Bob Latham estate.Latham, who was an active Luverne businessman in Luverne, died suddenly last December.The sale became effective July 23.This is Lindblad’s second Taco John’s franchise. he purchased his first Taco John’s on July 1 of this year.Vets Home sponsors 8th annual Scarecrow FestivalThe Minnesota Veterans Home is making plans for their 8th annual Fall Scarecrow Festival.Last year, individuals, groups and community organizations created more than 30 displays at the Vet’s home, along Highway 75.This year I’m sure they are hoping it will be bigger and better than ever.According to Shirley Connor, Recreation Coordinator for the Home, "there will be no specific theme to follow, just let your imagination run wild."Connor said the residents get a lot of enjoyment out of the displays, and participate in judging the contest.Small prizes are awarded in several different categories.The scarecrows should be set up at the Vet’s home between Sept. 27 and Oct. 3.According to the registration form, each display will be set up by a numbered white flagpole along the driveway.When you register you can get the exact location for your display.When planning your display, you are reminded the displays will be outside during the month of October and could be subject to wind, rain and snow.You may want to keep that in mind when you deciding what materials to use.You are required to remove your display on Nov. 1 and 2.For more information, contact Shirley Connor at 283-1100.Remembering 9/11The United Hands for 9/11 are planning a Remember Rally on Saturday, September 11.Everyone is encouraged to join the Luverne Police Department and the Luverne Fire Department on Main Street at 12:30 p.m.A group of motorcyclists will be escorted down Main Street for the event.As in past years, spectators are encouraged to hold hands in support of those who died on 9/11 and also for those who are now sick from doing cleanup at ground zero.If you would like more information, contact Diane Sherwood at 283-4194.Health care services "only" went up 10.5 percent in 2003This 10.5 percent is the increase in the amount covered by private insurance companies in Minnesota.When I say it "only" went up 10.5 percent, that’s because the year before it went up 15.5 percent.As health care costs continue to increase much faster than income, wages and inflation, 2003 marks the fourth straight year of double digit growth in privately insured health care spending, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.According to Minnesota Commissioner of Health, Dianne Mandernach, health insurance premiums grew by nine percent per person in 2003, the third straight year in which premium growth has slowed, and the slowest rate of growth since 1998.Because spending has been growing faster than premiums for the last two years, private insurance premiums currently are not sufficient to cover cost. Investment income and profits from their lines of business have offset the losses that Minnesota’s health plans have incurred for private insurance carriers, according to Mandernach.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com

On second thought

Choose the bike path instead of aBig Mac on the couchThere’s been significant grumbling in the past year about the wisdom of spending nearly $1 million on Rock County’s bike path during a time of state and local budget crisis.I would argue it’s money well-spent for a number of reasons, but anyone in the North Blue Mound Avenue area Tuesday night could see that the path is at least seeing plenty of use.It was a gorgeous, sunny evening with a hint of fall in the crisp, cool air.It made me smile to see a steady stream of traffic on the Blue Mound Trail, as it’s called. There were bicycles, tricycles, training wheels, inline skates, strollers and plenty of sneakers.The point of the bike path is purely recreational, and state and local governments have long seen community parks and recreation as an obligation worth funding.Outside of its recreational value, though, the path could be saving money for the state through the indirect benefit of promoting healthier lifestyles.It’s no secret that Americans are unhealthier than ever, with smoking and obesity sharing most of the blame for diseases and conditions that are killing us and driving up health care costs.I’ve often wished for laws against both smoking and fast food, since both are costing the entire nation a lot of money.Unfortunately, like most social problems, we can’t legislate them away, but we can approach them on an individual basis and work to "improve our own little corners of the universe."In Rock County’s case, if Tuesday was any indication, the bike path appears to be nurturing healthy behaviors among our own residents.We can’t impose restrictions on Big Macs and too much time on the couch, but we can all take steps to improve our own health – and maybe even inspire one or two others around us.Do we really need a million-dollar bike path to be healthy?No.We can all run laps around our back yards, if we’re really bent on healthy living.But there’s something very inviting about a long, smooth path winding away from the city to a quieter place in the country.If that kind of solitude doesn’t clear our arteries, it will at least calm our nerves. … And less stress, as we all know, leads to better health.On the other hand, there’s also something socially inviting about a wide, paved trail that accommodates a few walkers and strollers at a time.It’s a fun place to see people who I’d rarely cross paths with otherwise, and there’s nothing like a lively conversation to make exercise seem fun and the miles fly by quickly.Keep up the good work, all you on wheels, skates and sneakers. If we can’t affect the national health averages, at least individually, we’ll reap the benefits.

Racers pick up five wins

By John RittenhouseThe Labor Day weekend brought three A features and two B feature titles to area racers.Two of the wins came Friday at Rapid Speedway, in Rock Rapids, Iowa, for Adrian’s Mark DeBoer and Luverne’s Robert Carlson.DeBoer’s win came in the late model street stock competition, where he took the feature title after winning the second heat race.Adrian’s Brad Klaassen (second in the second heat and sixth in the feature), Luverne’s Scott Overgaard (fourth in the second heat and third in the feature) and former Rock County resident Darrin Korthals (third in second heat and 10th in the feature) also raced in the street stock class Friday.Carlson won the B feature race in the hobby stock class. Carlson, who placed fifth in the first heat race, went on to place 12th in the feature.Magnolia’s Josh Klay (fourth in the first heat and fifth in the A feature), Magnolia’s Larry Kracht (first in the third heat and third in the A feature) and Kanaranzi’s Colter Deutsch (fifth in the third heat and eighth in the B feature) also raced in the hobby stock class Friday.Klay came up with a feature win during Saturday’s races at Lake County Speedway in Madison, S.D. After placing second in the second heat in the hobby stock division, Klay won the feature title.Former Luverne resident Anthony Mann and Ellsworth’s Greg Roemen won heat races in the sportsman class at Rapid Speedway before placing second and fifth respectively in the feature race.Klay came up with a feature win during Saturday’s races at Lake County Speedway in Madison, S.D. After placing second in the second heat in the hobby stock division, Klay won the feature title.Both Mann and Roemen raced at Lake County Speedway. Mann placed fourth in the third heat, won the B feature and placed 11th in the A feature. Roemen placed second in the third heat and third in the A feature.Luverne’s Overgaard (second in the first heat and fifth in the feature) and Adrian’s DeBoer (first in the second heat and second in the feature) competed in the street stock class in Madison.Luverne’s Mike Steensma won the modified feature event at Nobles County Speedway in Worthington Saturday.Overgaard and Luverne’s Jesse Akkerman raced in the street stock class during Monday’s races at Huset’s Speedway near Brandon, S.D. Overgaard placed fourth in the third heat and third in the feature. Akkerman finished third in the second heat and fourth in the feature.Ellsworth’s Roemen competed in the sportsman class at Huset’s, placing third in the second heat and third in the feature.Magnolia’s Kracht (fourth in the first heat and third in the feature), Luverne’s Cory Schmuck (sixth in the first heat and fifth in the feature), Kanaranzi’s Deutsch (third in the first heat and seventh in the feature) and Magnolia’s Klay (third in the second heat and ninth in the feature) raced in the hobby stock class at Huset’s.Luverne’s Alex Wiese completed a successful season as at Thunder Valley Raceway in Marion, S.D., over the weekend.Wiese, 13, won a track championship in the junior dragster division this year.

Luverne tennis team falls from unbeaten ranks

By John RittenhouseThe Luverne tennis team went 1-2 while playing at a pair of different events since Saturday.The Cardinals lost matches to Redwood Valley and Montevideo during the Redwood Valley Triangular Saturday. LHS beat MACCRAY by three points in Luverne Tuesday.Luverne, 3-2 overall, hosts Brandon Valley today before traveling to Marshall Monday.Luverne 5,MACCRAY 2Strong performances from the singles players carried the Cardinals to victory during Tuesday’s home match against MACCRAY.LHS swept the four singles tilts and went 1-2 in doubles to rise above the .500 mark in match play."Our singles girls played really well," said Cardinal coach Greg Antoine. "All four girls played hard."Samantha Gacke secured 6-3 and 6-2 wins over Melissa Gustafson at No. 1, Alyssa Klein rolled to 6-2 and 6-0 victories over Claire Jaenisch at No. 2, and Nikki Van Dyk posted a pair of 6-3 wins over Amanda Forstrom at No. 3.Kaitlyn Deragisch won a three-set match from Ashley Forstrom at No. 4. After falling 4-6 in the first set, Deragisch won 6-0 in the second set and won a tiebreaker (7-2) for the third set.Luverne’s Brittney Boeve and Andraya Gracke prevailed in a three-set match (6-3, 4-6, 6-2) against Megan Hansen and Stephanie Grussing at No. 1 doubles.MACCRAY’s Amanda Bonnema and Ashley Trulock topped Jessica Klein and Heidi Sandbulte by 7-5 and 7-6 (7-3 in the tiebreaker) scores at No. 2 doubles. Anna Hagameyer and Shannon Hilbrands topped Lindsey Severtson and Katie Kraetsch 7-6 (7-4 in the tiebreaker), 4-6 and 8-6 at No. 3 doubles.RWV triangularThe Cardinals experienced defeat for the first time this season when they traveled to Redwood Falls for a triangular meet Saturday.Host RWV topped Luverne 6-1 in the first match of the day. Montevideo nipped the Cards 4-3 in the finale."I thought Montevideo was a better team than RWV," admitted LHS coach Antoine."I think the girls were a little tired in the first match. We had a long bus ride, and they had a school dance the night before. All of the kids played better in the second match."Samantha Gacke played well all day at No. 1 singles.Gacke topped RWV’s Sam Bouschek 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in the first match, and posed a 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 victory over Montevideo’s Dijana Vrtar in the finale."Sam had a great day," Antoine said. "She played well in her first match, and played an incredible match against Montevideo. She played six sets of tennis, which is a lot on a hot and windy day."Deragisch, who posted a pair of 6-3 victories against Montevideo’s Jenny Fitcher after falling in straight sets (6-2, 6-3) to RWV’s Caitilin MaGuire at No. 4 singles. Luverne’s third doubles team of Robin Madtson and Amy Herman won by 6-3 and 6-4 scores against Montevideo’s Trisha Baldwin and Tina Flaherty.Alyssa Klein went 0-2 at No. 2 singles. Van Dyk was 0-2 at No. 3 singles.Andraya Gacke and Boeve lost at No. 1 doubles against RWV, and Jessica Klein and Sandbulte fell against the host school.Klein and Boeve teamed up at No. 1 doubles against Montevideo, while Andraya Gacke and Sandbulte played at No. 2. Both LHS teams lost their matches in straight sets.

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