We may not be what we eat. Who we are and how old we are can be more accurately determined by what we read. In our home the alumni newsletter from a college we both attended says it all. Although the lead stories are different with each edition, each newsletter contains the same types of information on its pages — class news and listings for advanced degrees, marriages, births and deaths. Over the years and as we grew older, we turned first to whichever section had the highest name recognition. At present, that would be the deaths section. We shake our heads in dismay as our classmates’ names appear in the newsletter for the last time and 60-somethings with the faces of 19-year-olds fall off like so many fruit flies. Our inexplicable fascination with obituaries isn’t all that rare, and it does put us in good company. Noel Coward once remarked, "I read the Times and if my name is not in the obits I proceed to enjoy the day." The class notes in the newsletter are limited to grandiose accomplishments. Special attention is given to graduates doing such things as winning Nobel Prizes, being the first person to scale Mt. Kilimanjaro alone and without any type of climbing equipment, or discovering the long sought after cure for hangnails. Ten years without a speeding ticket, successfully quitting smoking or significant weight losses don’t seem to count in the class notes. The listings for advanced degrees include information about where the graduate work was completed and the captivating titles of dissertations and theses — "The Mating Habits of Canadian Geese – Monogamy or Monotony?" and, "Peacetime Uses of the Atom." After reading the titles you decide to hold off buying the publications and wait until the movies come out. The marriages column has changed over the years. What used to be a single listing for each graduate’s life now resembles the multiple listings for real estate. People live longer and older spouses either die or are replaced periodically with new and improved models. The births column is living proof that even though some classmates didn’t do particularly well in the academic world, they have excellent reproductive skills. Not to be minimized, those skills are important to immortality and the general scheme of things. The deaths column, a personal favorite, raises many questions. What did they die of? Was there any indication when they sat next to you in Geology 101 that they were sickly or bound to die before their time? Was their lifestyle any different from yours? What was their birth date? You vaguely recall dating some of the names and socializing with others. (In itself a remarkable feat, because you can’t always remember what you had for breakfast.) If some dearly departed shares the same birth date with you, right down to the same year, there’s the uncanny sense of losing a kindred spirit or some unknown twin, perhaps separated from you at birth. Playwright Neil Simon summed up many of our sentiments when he wrote, "The thought of death has now become a part of my life. I read the obituaries every day just for the satisfaction of not seeing my name there." How true.

Curves gets new ownersThe Curves Fitness Center in Luverne has new owners.Jason and Laurie Veld, Brandon, have purchased the Luverne Curves. Curves is a fitness center that caters to women.Curves opened in 2002 in a part of the former Smith Furniture Building.This is the first Curves operation for the Velds, and according to Laurie, no immediate changes in the operation are planned.Rock County Historical Society to hold annual meetingThe Rock County Historical Society has set Tuesday, Sept. 21, for their annual meeting and banquet.This year’s speaker will be Vance Walgrave, who will talk about moving the old Luverne cemetery, from its former location north of the American Reformed Church to Maplewood Cemetery west of Luverne.The evening is also used as the society’s annual fund-raiser. A silent auction and raffle will be used to help raise funds for the group. Some items included will be a handmade queen-sized quilt, a toy John Deere tractor, and a pork bundle.Tickets for the banquet can be purchased at the Luverne Chamber of Commerce or the Luverne Style Shop.One project recently completed was the cataloging of negatives from Myhre’s Studio during the ‘30s. The negatives were donated by Sam and June Polzin.The negatives are listed by family name. If you are interested in a family photograph from the ‘30s, contact Betty Mann at 283-2913.Cyclone Marching Band to be featured at Tri-StateThe featured guest band for this year’s Tri-State Band Festival will be the Iowa State University Cyclone Marching Band.The Cyclone Marching Band is considered one of the premier college marching bands in the country and has marched at various events throughout the United States to promote Iowa State University.Along with Iowa State as their guest band, the Tri-State Band festival will have 19 bands performing this year from Minnesota, South Dakota and Iowa.The Sept. 25th event will begin with a parade at 10 a.m. on Luverne’s Main Street and will be followed by field competition at 1 p.m. at the Luverne High School athletic field.This will be the 54th year for the Tri-State Band Festival, which is the longest running festival of its kind, according to the Luverne Chamber of Commerce.Entrance to the field events requires a band festival button and will be available at the parade as well as the gate to the field events.Bookin’ Buddies needs your helpThe Rock County Collaborative is once again working with the Luverne Elementary School to get the Bookin’ Buddies program going for this school year.To facilitate the project, the group is seeking mentors for their lunchtime reading program.According to Lisa Dinger, the mentors share 30 minutes of their time each Wednesday from 12:30 to 1 p.m. during the school year reading with a second grade student.The program is scheduled to start on Oct. 6.If you would like more information about the program, contact Lisa Dinger at 283-4497, ext. 3580.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com

10 years ago (1994)"Enrollment in the Luverne Public Schools for 1994-1995 has increased by about 100 students, but the statistics need to be explained. For the first time, numbers include Magnolia and Luverne students from grades kindergarten through 12. Total enrollment released at the Luverne School Board meeting Thursday lists 1,507 students. In September 1993 the total was 1,416."25 years ago (1979)"A new county senior citizen services advisory committee will make recommendations to the county board on the matter of providing mini-bus service for senior citizen church goers.The commissioners received two petitions, one from a group of senior citizens and one signed by Luverne pastors requesting that mini-bus service be restored on Sunday."50 years ago (1954)"Eight cars of the north bound Great Northern freight train No. 418 were derailed Tuesday afternoon about four miles southwest of Beaver Creek.Cause of the derailment was not known. Five of the cars, tankers loaded with asphalt, were thrown completely from the track down a steep embankment. One of the cars was split open emptying 10,000 gallons of asphalt into a nearby stream."75 years ago (1929)"Rock County’s most successful fair — the 21st annual — came to a close Wednesday night after a four days’ run, under uniformly ideal weather conditions.Tuesday, the second admission day, was the record maker in the matter of attendance, with about 8,000 paid admissions, and the largest crowd that has ever assembled at the fair grounds for an evening’s program, was present that night. Nearly 5,000 people were on the grounds at 8:30 o’clock."100 years ago (1904)"The local theater season was opened Saturday night by the presentation of Messrs. Wood and Ward’s musical comedy ‘Two Merry Tramps.’ The performance was far above the average of its class and gave excellent satisfaction to the large audience in attendance. On Monday night the ‘Factory Foundling’ presented the play by that name to a ‘packed house.’ Added interest in the presentation of this play was found in the fact that two of the principle characters, Messrs. Hugo Myers and Thos. Barck, are former Luverne boys."

DISTRICT COURTPROBATE DIVISIONFIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICTNOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKESTATE OFFlora Larson, a/k/a Flora J. Larson DECEDENTNotice is given that an application for informal probate of the Decedent’s will dated January 18, 2001, and codicil (N/A) to the will dated N/A, and separate writing (N/A) under Minn. Stat. 524.2-513 ("Will"), has been filed with the Registrar. The application has been granted. Notice is also given that the Registrar has informally appointed Keith Aanenson and Audrey Aanenson whose address is: 1005 North Freeman, Luverne, Minnesota 56156 as personal representatives of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representatives or may object to the appointment of the personal representatives. Unless objections are filed with the Court (pursuant to Minn. Stat. 524.3-607) and the Court otherwise orders, the personal representatives have full power to administer the Estate including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate.Any objections to the probate of the will or appointment of the Personal Representatives must be filed with this Court and will be heard by the Court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing. Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representatives or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred. /s/ Timothy K. Connell 9/10/04Timothy K. Connell Registrar Date/s/ Sandra L. Vrtacnik 9/10/04Sandra L. Vrtacnik Court Administrator DateAttorney For Personal RepresentativeTerry VajgrtSkewes, Klosterbuer & Vajgrt, L.L.P.120 N. McKenzieP. O. Box 538Luverne, MN 56156-0538507 283-9111205035(9-16, 9-23)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGVariance RequestPursuant to the Rock County Zoning Ordinance, Notice is hereby given by the Rock County Planning Commission that a public hearing will be held at the Rock County Ag Service Center located at 311 W Gabrielson Road in Luverne, MN at 8:30 p.m. on Monday, September 27, 2004. The purpose of the hearing is to rule on the application submitted by Dave’s Repair for a variance request on the size of a business sign allowed for a business located in A-2. The proposed 4’ x 12’ lighted sign is to be located at the intersection of 60th Ave and 51st Street. The site is located in the NW 1/4 of section 15 in Martin Township, T101N, R46W, Rock County, Minnesota.Zoning AdministratorEric Hartman(9-16, 9-23)

AUGUST 26, 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 District Office on Thursday, August 26, 2004, at 7:30 p.m.The following members were present: Don Bryan, Colleen Deutsch, Dan Kopp, Cary Radisewitz, Bill Stegemann, Steve Tofteland, and Becky Walgrave. Also present: Superintendent Vince Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Gary Fisher, Stacy Gillette, Jane Cote, Laura Herman and Lori Ehde, Rock County Star Herald. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Becky Walgrave. Superintendent Schaefer gave announcements.Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve the agenda. Motion unanimously carried. Administrative reports were given. Motion by Kopp, second by Bryan, to approve the school board minutes of August 10, 2004. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Kopp, to approve payment of the district bills as presented in the amount of $629,887.99. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Deutsch, to approve the use of school facilities and grounds for the Tri-State Band Festival to be held on Saturday, September 25. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Deutsch, to set the Capital Outlay hearing for October 28, 2004, during the regular school board meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Business Manager Marlene Mann presented information regarding the proposed operating levy referendum. Member Kopp introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:RESOLUTION RELATING TO INCREASING THE GENERAL EDUCATION REVENUE OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND CALLING AN ELECTION THEREONBE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of Independent School District No. 2184, State of Minnesota, as follows: 1. The Board hereby determines and declares that it is necessary and expedient for the school district to increase its general education revenue by $455.35 per resident marginal cost pupil unit. The additional revenue will be used to finance school operations and the property tax portion thereof will require an estimated referendum tax rate of approximately .14682% of the referendum market value of the school district or taxes payable in 2005, the first year it is to be levied. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. The question on the approval of this referendum revenue authorization shall be School District Ballot Question #1 on the school district ballot at the special election held to approve said authorization. 2. The question of increasing the general education revenue of the school district shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the district at a special election, which is hereby called and directed to be held in conjunction with the state general election on Tuesday, the 2nd day of November, 2004. 3. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute, Section 205A.11, the precincts and polling places for this special election are those precincts or parts of precincts located within the boundaries of the school district which have been established by the cities or towns located in whole or in part within the school district. The voting hours at those polling places shall be the same as those for the state general election. 4. The clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause written notice of said special election to be provided to the county auditor of each county in which the school district is located, in whole or in part, and to the Commissioner of Education at least fifty-three (53) days before the date of said election. The notice shall specify the date of said special election and the title and language for each ballot question to be voted on at said special election. The clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause notice of said special election to be posted at the administrative offices of the school district at least ten (10) days before the date of said special election. The clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause a sample ballot to be posted at the administrative offices of the school district at least four (4) days before the date of said special election and to cause a sample ballot to be posted in each polling place on election day. The sample ballot shall not be printed on the same color paper as the official ballot. The clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause notice of said special election to be published in the official newspaper of the district, for two (2) consecutive weeks with the last publication being at least one (1) week before the date of the election. The notice of election so posted and published shall state the question to be submitted to the voters as set forth in the form of ballot below, and shall include information concerning each established precinct and polling place. The clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause a notice of the election to be mailed by first class mail to each taxpayer in the district at least fifteen (15) but no more than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the special election. The notice shall contain the required projections and the required statement specified in Minnesota Statutes, Section 126C.17, Subdivision 9, paragraph (b). The clerk is also directed to cause a copy of this notice to be submitted to the Commissioner of Education and to the county auditor of each county in which the school district is located in whole or in part at least fifteen (15) days prior to the day of the election.The clerk is authorized and directed to acquire and distribute such election materials and to take such other actions as may be necessary for the proper conduct of this special election and generally to cooperate with election authorities conducting the state general and other elections on that date. The clerk and members of the administration are authorized and directed to take such actions as may be necessary to coordinate this election with those other elections, including entering into agreements with appropriate municipal and county officials regarding preparation and distribution of ballots, election administration, and cost sharing. 5. The clerk is further authorized and directed to cooperate with the proper election officials to cause ballots to be prepared for use at said election in substantially the following form, with such change in form and instructions as may be necessary to accommodate the use of an optical scan voting system. SCHOOL DISTRICT QUESTION BALLOTINDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2184LUVERNE PUBLIC SCHOOLSSPECIAL ELECTIONNOVEMBER 2, 2004To vote for a question, put an (X) in the square next to the word "YES" for that question.To vote against a question, put an (X) in the square next to the word "NO" for that question.SCHOOL DISTRICT BALLOT QUESTION #1APPROVAL OF SCHOOL DISTRICTREFERENDUM REVENUE AUTHORIZATIONThe board of Independent School District No. 2184, Luverne Public Schools has proposed to increase its general education revenue by $ 455.35 per resident marginal cost pupil unit. The additional revenue will be used to finance school operations and the property tax portion thereof will require an estimated referendum tax rate of approximately.14682% of the referendum market value of the school district for taxes payable in 2005, the first year it is to be levied. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. ___ YES Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 2184 be approved? ___ NO BY VOTING "YES" ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE. On the back of all paper ballots shall be printed the words "OFFICIAL BALLOT," the date of the election, and lines for the initials of two judges. The printing shall be so placed as to be visible when the ballot is properly folded for deposit. In precincts using an optical scan voting system, the ballots must be printed in black ink on white colored material, except that marks to be read by the automatic tabulating equipment may be printed on another color ink. The name of the precinct and machine-readable identification must be printed on each ballot. Voting instructions must be printed at the top of the ballot on each side that includes ballot information. The instructions must include an illustration of the proper mark to be used to indicate vote. Lines for initials of at least two election judges must be printed on one side of the ballot so that the judges’ initials are visible when the ballots are enclosed in a secrecy sleeve. 6. If the school district will be contracting to print the ballots for this special election, the clerk is hereby authorized and directed to prepare instructions to the printer for layout of the ballot. Before a contract exceeding $1,000 is awarded for printing ballots, the printer shall furnish, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 204D.04, a sufficient bond, letter of credit, or certified check acceptable to the clerk in an amount not less than $1,000 conditioned on printing the ballots in conformity with the Minnesota election law and the instructions delivered. The clerk shall set the amount of the bond, letter of credit, or certified check in an amount equal to the value of the purchase. 7. The individuals designated as judges for the state general election shall act as election judges for this special election at the various polling places and shall conduct said election in the manner described by law. The election judges shall act as clerks of election, count the ballots cast and submit the results to the school board for canvas in the manner provided for other school district elections. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Deutsch and upon vote being taken thereon the following voted in favor thereof: Bryan, Deutsch, Kopp, Radisewitz, Stegemann, Tofteland and Walgrave and the following voted against the same: none whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. Motion by Tofteland, second by Bryan, to approve the hiring of Mary Dupic as Sign Language Interpreter at an hourly rate of $20.00. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Bryan, second by Radisewitz, to approve the hiring of LaDonna Iveland as Fall Play co-Adviser at a salary of $692.00. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Tofteland, to approve the hiring of Darren Olson as 8th grade boys’ basketball coach at a salary of $1,441.00. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Deutsch, to approve the hiring of Nick Nafziger and Tom Cauwels as Boys’ Hockey co-Head coaches at a salary of $3,152.00 each. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Deutsch, to approve the hiring of Sherri Thompson as part-time elementary secretary at an hourly rate of $10.72. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Kopp, second by Stegemann, to approve the hiring of Holly Barber as elementary cook at an hourly rate of $9.83. Motion unanimously carried. Marlene Mann, Business Manager, presented the Structural Balance reports for the agreements between Independent School District 2184 and AFSCME, Council 65, Local Union 2558E (custodial) and AFSCME, Council 65, Local Union 2558F (support staff). Motion by Radisewitz, second by Kopp, to approve the report for 2558E as presented. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Deutsch, to approve the report for 2558F as presented. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Radisewitz, to approve Paula Lammert as long-term substitute for Kari Lais, health teacher, from September 1 through January 2, 2005. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Tofteland, second by Stegemann, to approve Roger Headrick as long-term substitute for Sheleen Bauer, English teacher, from September 1 through November 5. Motion unanimously carried. There were no committee reports.The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed.Motion by Deutsch, second by Stegemann, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: August 26, 2004Colleen Deutsch, Clerk(9-16)

Mortgage foreclosure sale set for Nov. 4NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALEDate: September 8, 2004YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT: 1. Default has occurred in the conditions of the Mortgage dated September 26, 1983 executed by Lynn E. Reu, a single person as Mortgagor, to Minnesota Federal Savings Loan Association as Mortgagee, and filed for record on September 30, 1983 as Document No. 116499, in the Office of the County Recorder of Rock County, Minnesota. The land described in the Mortgage is not registered land. 2. As the result of a merger and consolidation, Minnesota Federal Savings Loan Association is now known as Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. 3. The original principal amount secured by the Mortgage was $30,000.00. 4. No action or proceeding at law is now pending to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, or any part thereof. 5. The holder of the Mortgage has complied with all conditions precedent to acceleration of the debt secured by the Mortgage and foreclosure of the Mortgage, and all notice and other requirements of applicable statutes. 6. At the date of this notice the amount due on the Mortgage, and taxes, if any, paid by the holder of the Mortgage is $15,483.54. 7. Pursuant to the power of sale in the Mortgage, the Mortgage will be foreclosed, and the land described as follows: A tract of land located in the Southeast Quarter (SE 1/4) of Section Nine (9), Township One Hundred One (101) North, Range Forty-five (45) West of the 5th P.M. described as follows:Commencing at the Southeast corner of said SE 1/4; thence going in a North direction on the East side of said SE 1/4 1320 feet to the point of beginning; thence going in a North direction 412 feet on the East side of said SE 1/4; thence going in a West direction 610 feet parallel to the South side of said SE 1/4; thence going in a South direction 412 feet parallel to the East side of said SE 1/4; thence going in an East direction 610 feet to the point of beginning, subject to easements, if anywill be sold by the County Sheriff of Rock County, Minnesota, at public auction on November 4, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. at the office of Rock County Sheriff, Front Steps of the Law Enforcement Center, Luverne, MN. 8. The time allowed by law for redemption by Mortgagor(s) or Mortgagor’s personal representatives or assigns is 12 months after the date of sale. 9. THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. 10. THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DISCHARGED DEBT SECURED BY THE MORTGAGE AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL MORTGAGEE IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. Wells Fargo Bank, National AssociationAttorneys for MortgageeMark D. StephensonSTEPHENSON & SANFORD, P.L.C.Suite 2201905 East Wayzata BoulevardWayzata, MN 55391(952) 404-2100(9-16, 9-23, 9-30, 10-7, 10-14, 10-21)

By Lori EhdeDuring their Tuesday meeting, the Pool Commission approved a new contract with Sioux Valley Hospital that would charge $37.50 per hour for physical therapy time in the pool.This will be instead of the $1,000 monthly rate under the current contract.The new rate, effective in January, will come closer to the pool’s actual costs — about $45, according to City Administrator Greg LaFond.It will also be a better deal for the hospital, which currently pays the monthly fee, whether reserved time slots are used or not.The pool is typically reserved 45 to 50 hours per month for therapy at that monthly rate, but it’s actually used for therapy 30 to 35 hours per month, according to Sioux Valley Chief Financial Officer Stan Knobloch."There were times when they have allocated hours for us at the pool, but we weren’t able to use them," Knobloch said.The contract with Sioux Valley will also include scheduling adjustments.Knobloch said therapists currently work with patients at different times of the day. Under the new contract, therapy staff will meet with pool supervisors to block off specific days and hours, which will remain the same."Hopefully this will allow both of us to better utilize the pool," he said. According to pool supervisors Robin Wessels and Samantha Honerman, this will help the pool accommodate its members for other services.Plus, the new contract will allow the pool to be used for other members while therapy is in session, as long as a Medicare patient isn’t in the water."Medicare rules prohibit multi-tasking of the pool, so on days when there are not Medicare patients, we can multi-task," LaFond said.The Rock County Pool and Fitness Center is looking for ways to recoup costs in 2005 after the county and city part ways on the joint venture with the facility.The county and city currently contribute $61,000 to the facility.The county withdrew from the joint powers agreement with the pool after the city terminated its role in joint law enforcement.The Pool Commission’s action was forwarded to the Luverne City Council for approval, but LaFond said it won’t be brought before the Rock County Board for approval, because the pool will be a city-only venture in 2005."This will affect business after the new year when the contract is terminated," he said.County Commissioner Ken Hoime sits on the Pool Commission, and he questioned that protocol."I’m just stating questions for the County Board," he said. "How can you change rates and hours without coming to the joint body?"Rate increase, hour decreaseThe Pool Commission Tuesday adopted its 2005 budget, which includes a 15-percent rate increase for members.There was some discussion about how members would accept a rate increase at the same time the facility is decreasing hours.Wessels and Honerman said they hadn’t heard any complaints, and Pool Commission member Mike Rofshus confirmed that, based on casual conversations he’s had with members.New hours will be Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.The reduction of 16.5 hours per week will save the budget staff time. Two people are on duty through most shifts.Memberships and programsWessels and Honerman presented an update on memberships, which show a slow, steady increase over the past couple of years.To date, there are 914 pool and fitness memberships. Last year there were 793 and in 2002 there were 726.LaFond said one reason for increased memberships is the implementation of new programs and incentives to join.For example, Wessels and Honerman reported that student monthly summer memberships were popular.During the summer, students (13 and younger) could have pool-only memberships for the three months of summer. "That went over extremely well," Honerman said.She said the facility also offers a student monthly and 120-day membership for the pool and fitness center combined. "This membership is available year round and we have had great response to that as well, especially for college kids that are home on breaks," Honerman said.

By Sara StrongThe Luverne City Council Monday approved a preliminary tax levy of 3.71 percent more than the 2003 levy. The local tax levy will amount to $744,697 of the total governmental budget, which is about $3.8 million.The majority of the governmental budget comes from state aid and city enterprise funds, such as utilities and the liquor store.City Administrator Greg LaFond said, "I think it’s a very responsible budget, a very responsible tax levy."He explained that most property owners will see a decrease in taxes, except for those who made assessed property improvements, because the overall valuation increased by 8 percent.A higher valuation overall means less is needed from individuals who share in the total levy collection.The city will have a public hearing Dec. 14 regarding the 2005 budget and proposed tax levy. The preliminary levy is for 2004, collectible in 2005. The city can reduce the levy from the preliminary amount before it is finally certified in December.Although many property owners won’t pay more in city taxes, utility rate increases are figured into this budget.Residential sewer rates will increase 11 percent in 2006 through 2008. Commercial sewer rates will increase at the same rate.Refuse and recycling will increase 10 percent in 2006, and 5 percent in 2007 and 2008.Residential water rates will increase 3.8 percent in 2006 and 3.5 percent in 2007. Commercial water rates will increase 4 percent in 2006 and 3.5 percent in 2007. Electric rates are undergoing a study to help determine rates for 2006 through 2008.