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To the Editor:

On behalf of the 21 members of the Lewis & Clark Rural Water System, a big thank-you to Congressman Gil Gutknecht for recently coordinating and participating in a meeting in the area with Congressman David Hobson from Ohio. Hobson is Chairman of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee. This subcommittee determines Lewis & Clark’s funding levels in the House. The meeting, which focused on the urban and rural benefits of the project, was an excellent opportunity for Gutknecht and local sponsors to explain and demonstrate to Hobson the importance of the project to not only southwest Minnesota, but also the entire tri-state region. Luverne, Rock County Rural Water, Worthington, and Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water are part of the Lewis & Clark project. Hobson talked about the value of the Lewis & Clark partnership among federal, state, and local levels of government, which is a model he said needs to be encouraged. He also talked about the importance of completing projects as soon as possible in order to keep costs from increasing as a result of inflation. In the end, Hobson expressed his support for project funding, which will provide a big boost to the project in the House. Thanks again to Gutknecht for helping bring the Chairman to the area, as well as for the steadfast support and strong leadership he has provided to ensure this vital water pipeline project becomes a reality, especially during the past six months when South Dakota has been without a representative. He and Congressman King from northwest Iowa have really stepped up to the plate to fill in the gap, which is greatly appreciated. Troy LarsonExecutive DirectorLewis & Clark Rural Water System

To the Editor:

Shame!That is the best printable word I can come up with. I had to stop in Luverne on my way home Monday the 7th. I could not help but notice all the American flags flying at the top of their masts. I was first struck by Country Kitchen but then, as I drove out of town 10 minutes later, I see they had taken care if it. It was nice to see the Courthouse was at half-mast. So, too, was the Armory. The park was rendering proper honors as well. Soooooo? McDonald’s, City Hall, City Centre Apartments, Agri-Energy, Gold’n Plump, power plant and Country Club what exactly is your excuse? Minnwest Bank had the Highway 75 branch done but not Main Street. I can ALMOST stomach "I support the troops but not their Commander in Chief." Almost. I still throw up every single time. What is it that you don't like about Ronald Reagan? Was it the cut in taxes from 79 percent to 28 percent? Was it the idling of thousands of nuclear missiles that had been pointed our way? Was it that Pres. Reagan fired the first shots in the War on Terror? Or is it just a subtle reminder that this is the land of Humphries, Mondale, and Wellstone? Maybe I just answered my own question. The rule that says if you can't fly it right just take it down, REALLY applies to Luverne apparently. That’s a SHAME.Joe BalounVeteranFormer Luverne ResidentNever More Proud American

Peeking in the Past

10 years ago (1994)"‘Soup’s on!’Home-delivered meals are back in Beaver Creek. It’s the result of combined efforts of Pastor Sarah Richardson, volunteers from the Beaver Creek Presbyterian Church, Tuff Memorial Home, and Carol Wulf, coordinator of the Aging program in Rock County."25 years ago (1979)"Hills Stainless Steel and Equipment Co. and A.R. Wood Manufacturing Co. announce that they have signed a letter of intent for the sale of the Luverne Fire Apparatus Co. to Hills Stainless Steel and Equipment Co. Transfer of control of the business is in progress and should be completed by mid-August. Under the new ownership Luverne Fire Apparatus Co. will continue to operate in its present facility at 308 E. Maple in Luverne. "50 years ago (1954)"Vermayne Sundem received a telephone call Tuesday morning, informing him that he had won the state essay contest, sponsored by the VFW Auxiliary. Vermayne had won the county and regional previously. As a result of his efforts he receives $100 as a prize and then goes to Hibbing soon where he will receive other honors. He also earned the right to enter the national contest, which is coming up very soon."75 years ago (1929)"Miss Tilda Rossum and mother and brothers, Oscar and Lewis, attended graduation exercises in Luverne last Friday night. Miss Tilda’s niece, Miss Martha Lunde was one of the graduates from the high school." 100 years ago (1904)"The Ebenezer Church of the Evangelical Association, located on the southwest corner of Section 31, Luverne Township, which for the past 10 years has been better known as the Pleasant View Church, is one of the oldest church organizations in the western half of Rock County and possibly the first church organized in the county outside of Luverne. This splendid Christian organization began teaching the blessed gospel as early as 1872, which was about the time that many of our oldest pioneers came west and took claims in Martin, Clinton, Luverne and Beaver Creek Townships, then an apparent wilderness, with Sibley, Iowa, the nearest railroad town. Charter members of the congregation were Mr. and Mrs. Fred Nuffer, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Bertuleit, Emelia Bertuleit, Mr. and Mrs. John Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Loose, Mrs. John Loose, Mary Loose, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Nurenberg Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. C. Carner."

Hills Local News

Madison Elbers, spent from Monday through Wednesday in the home of her grandparents, Wilmer and Betty Elbers. Mitchell spent from Thursday until Sunday in the Elbers home. Both are from Valley Springs, S.D.Norris and Lavon Meland, Florence, S.D., spent Friday afternoon with Vic and Fran Sandager. The couples worked together in New Guinea.Friday Joanne Goehle and Tom attended the high school graduation at Winona when Nicole Nester was one of 365 graduates and one of eight graduating with high honors. She is the daughter of Rick and Michele Nester. Friday evening guests in the Wilmer and Betty Elbers home were Marvin and Carol Brommer and Arvin and Cena Mae Tilstra. Wayne and Barb Schlueter came Friday from Kansas and picked up Luella Schlueter to go to the wedding on Saturday of Kari Schlueter and Paul Croft at Lake Park. The reception was at Fair Hills Resort on Lake Pelican which I highly recommend for anyone’s vacation, Kari is the daughter of Gerry and Sue Schlueter. Harriet Skattum spent the Memorial weekend from Friday until Tuesday morning in the home of her daughter, Margo and Dewayne Edwards, in Forestburg, S.D.Bob and Twila Kirsch were Sunday dinner guests in the home of Deb and Luke Mathias at Heron Lake. David and Grace Hofman, children of Seth and Susan Hofman, Melvin, Iowa, spent from Thursday until Sunday in the home of their grandparents, Chuck and Rheta DeBoer. Gretchen Edwards came from Yuma, Ariz., Thursday to spend overnight with her grandmother, Harriet Skattum. Gretchen is a registered nurse.Wednesday night Merlin and Bill Veenhof, Luverne, Shirley Olson and Bob and Twila Kirsch, met a friend from Harlingen, Texas, to spend the evening at Rock Rapids Country Club. Cliff and Vi VanWyhe attended the Luverne High School commencement Sunday afternoon and the reception for their grandson, Justin, at the home of his parents, Steve and Marilyn VanWyhe in Steen. Relatives and friends gathered at the home of Charlie and Dawn Sandager Saturday afternoon to honor their son Lucas, a graduate of Luverne High School. A reception for Katie Sandager, daughter of Mike and Nancy Sandager, was at her home Sunday afternoon following the graduation service at Luverne High School.Ron Solberg motored to Lansing, Kan., a week ago Friday to pick up his grandchildren, Bret and Jo Solberg. The Solbergs and the children went to Wheaton to visit Jan’s mother, Hattie Walz, and to Fosston to visit Ron’s mother, Violet Solberg. The children are spending this week in Hills with their grandparents.

Clinton Chatter

Would you believe we have had three or more beautiful spring-like days in a row! I even got to my garden and planted one whole row of sweet corn. I am just hoping that the weather will hold and I can catch up on the weed population. I can’t believe how fast they grow! I was reading the other day that gardening was the most popular pastime in America. Well, I know you can pass a lot of time there but I never thought of it as being a pastime. Perhaps I don’t understand that as for me, I think it is work, even hard work at times. Perhaps it is all in the way you look at it. Steve and Marilyn VanWyhe had an open house Sunday afternoon in honor of their son, Justin, who graduated from Luverne High School this year. Congratulations to him. His sisters, Amber and Heather, were home to help him celebrate. Melvin and JoAnn Paulsen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Ramada Inn in Sioux Falls this weekend. Those attending were Floyd Paulsen, Indiana; Mark Paulsen and family, Marshall; their grandson, Glen Paulsen, and family, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Melvin’s sister, Donna and husband, Wayne, Randall, Long Prairie; JoAnn’s sister and husband, Joyce and Otis Wells, California; Melvin’s mother, Laura Paulsen, Hills; and Johnny and Marilyn Howland, Rapid City, S.D.Pastor Dan and Karen Ramaker returned home Monday from visiting relatives in Wisconsin and celebrating their wedding anniversary there. Happy Anniversary to them!Guest pastors in Steen Reformed Church this week were Brian Dengler, morning service, and the Rev. Fred Wilgenburg, evening service. Thursday evening guests in the Mildred Paulsen home were some relatives of the Steen family for whom this town was named, Cathy Lykes and her husband, Seattle, Wash. Kathy’s grandfather was John Steen and his brother was Pete Steen. Ole Steen and Otis Steen were also relatives. She would welcome any information that anyone has about Pete Steen as they know very little about him. I have their address if anyone has something to share.An open house for the 50th wedding anniversary of Arvin and Cena Mae Tilstra was Saturday afternoon at Steen Reformed Church. Those coming from a distance to help them celebrate were Marv and Carvill Brommer, Ontario, Calif.; Taylor Withrow, Amarillo, Texas; Linda Soehl, Howell, Mich.; Charles and Bobbie Timmer, Norfolk, Neb.; Cindy Gannon, Katie and Janet, Black Hawk; Larry and Joan Moeller, Mitchell, S.D.; and Cena Mae’s mother, Elizabeth Elbers, who is 95 years old, from Hills. There were many other friends and relatives from the surrounding area who also attended.Winnie Scholten attended a cousin’s family reunion Sunday afternoon at Orange City, Iowa. Spring has arrived! The Steen softball team played their first game of the season Friday evening. They played Carmel, Iowa, and won their first game. Way to go!The Girls’ League of Steen Reformed Church had their annual campout on June 6 and 7. I am sure a good time was had by all.With the arrival of June we find that it has been a very popular month for weddings. It reminds me of this little rhyme about June, moon, croon, spoon, honeymoon! Now I am not sure that is what happens in June but there are always many weddings. I did happen onto a little history that might enlighten us on the subject. The June tradition started back in the days of the Roman Empire. The idea was originated by men, but in more modern times the women began deciding such matters. The boys in togas, which was a garment, believed June was luckier for marriages than any other month. They even named it for Juno, the god of love. The tradition of marriage in June was carried down through the Middle Ages to now — and somewhere along the line the women took over the privilege of naming the date. I think it has not changed much since then. I would like to give a few words of advice to the brides-to-be as they embark upon a brand new life style:Marry a man who is a fortune in himself. Horses, lands and large inheritances are well enough, but the wheel of fortune may be gone in a few years. There are some things, however, which are a perpetual fortune — good manners, geniality of soul, kindness, intelligence, sympathy, courage, perseverance, industrious and wholeheartedness. Marry such a one and you marry a fortune, whether he has an income of $50,000 a year or an income of $1,000. Good luck and best wishes to all of the brides-to-be and the new brides in June this year!

Letters from the farm

A new study may explain why people in love often resemble each other in appearance and behavior. It may also be why couples in my high school chose to wear matching sweaters when they were "going steady." An Italian scientist, Donatella Marazziti, recently theorized in New Scientist magazine that when couples fall in love their individual testosterone levels alter. The levels fall in men and rise in women. As a result, they become more like each other. "It’s as if nature wants to eliminate what can be different in men and women, because it’s important to survive at this stage," noted Marazziti, who does her work at the University of Pisa. However, after two years and the couples in her study were no longer madly in love, the testosterone levels were back to normal. The study may solve many puzzles about early love. For example, we can understand why the burliest guy in the world is humming tunes to love ballads. At the same time, the woman in his life is beginning to show a genuine interest in televised sports. It could be the reason why he tries writing love poetry. His words may not sound as romantic as, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways," but his version of "Roses are red, violets are blue," may cause her to laugh and punch him in the arm. He may consider giving up watching games on TV with his guy friends at the same time she seems particularly happy spending time with those same friends. All at once, dancing will seem like a very natural activity for him, and she will mention how she would like "to rough it" and go fishing with him for the first time. While he actually cares about which song will become known forever as "their song," she is feverishly memorizing the names of every team in professional basketball, baseball, football and hockey. At the same time he wishes he could cook a special meal for her — a meal perhaps with pasta, glasses of wine and soft music — she wants to be around him when he works on his car. "I love the smell of your garage," she coos. While sharing walks with the woman he loves, he suddenly becomes aware of colorful sunsets, flower gardens, and a cobalt blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds that resemble baby ducks and soft baby rabbits. At the mention of the word "rabbits," she reminds him that she would like to go hunting for the first time and "bag a few." The small gifts he chooses for her are exceedingly romantic — a single rose, a book of poetry, scented soaps. However, when he offers her a glass for her soda, she responds, "Nah, I’ll just drink it straight from the can." He takes notes on how to dress from his now favorite TV show, "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," and he thinks the Fab Four really seem to make sense. Meanwhile, she asks if she may have his old, cast-off shirts because "they’re so comfy." He wishes he could help out in the kitchen. She wishes she could go tent camping in some remote, primitive location. The more dangerous, the better. At first, he pretends to like chick flicks, but after sitting through a few, he sheds real tears when the guy on the movie screen finally gets the girl while beautiful, heart-wrenching music swells to a dramatic crescendo in the background. The Italian study may also explain why the relationships get back to normal after a year or two.

Airport expansion delayed

By Sara StrongCity officials have to put off the airport expansion plans for a few years, but they’re still counting on eventually making the runway longer.It could take five to seven years until the city is in a position to get the new runway."For federal funding, there’s criteria we didn’t meet," City Administrator Greg LaFond said.In order to get money for expansion, the airport needs to have an anticipated 500 uses per year of twin engine or larger planes.Luverne expects just 100 to 120. The numbers are down from previous estimates largely because of Agri-Energy’s decreased use of the airport."We just need to generate more business," LaFond said.Even though the project is on hold, the city is moving forward with land purchases so future airport expansion is possible.About 80 acres of the Vegge property will be purchased for $273,000. If the city doesn’t buy it, the family intends to sell it to another party.Stegenga property, how many acres and price.Luverne’s runway is the shortest in the state.

H-BC, Luverne pursue child mental health position

By Lori EhdeRock County and the school districts of Hills-Beaver Creek and Luverne are continuing to work together to help mentally ill children.During their most recent school board meetings, Luverne and Hills-Beaver Creek school districts took action to name H-BC as the fiscal agent for the position.This done, the districts are positioned to seek funding in order to hire a shared child mental health specialist.The person would ideally be a licensed mental health social worker specializing in child mental health. The person would be shared by the two districts and Rock County Family Services, and he or she would deal specifically with issues more serious than current school counselors typically deal with.Randy Ehlers, director of Rock County Family Services presented information at meetings with both districts.According to the Surgeon General, 21 percent of children ages 9-17 are emotionally impaired at least at the minimal level; 11 percent are significantly impaired; and 5 percent are extremely impaired.Among the most diagnosed impairments, depression has a 6 percent prevalence, ADHD is 3 to 5 percent, oppositional defiance disorder is 2 to 16 percent and anxiety disorders are as high as 13 percent.Often, if a child is diagnosed with one disability, there’s a good chance he or she will also have additional, overlapping impairments.The schools currently have an arrangement with the county for mental health services, but the position would take those services to a more preventative level."The earlier problems are identified, the more efficiently and effectively we can intervene," Ehlers said. "We must screen were youth are — schools."The districts are seeing high school students, for example requiring significant mental health attention. The belief is that had those same students been helped earlier on, their problems likely wouldn’t be so severe today."The implementation of early identification for the general student population makes sense," Ehlers said.Neither school district can afford to hire right now, but school officials recognize that it’s reached the point where paying an extra salary to help with prevention will pay off in the end.Funding sources are being explored, but the person’s salary would likely be paid from the two districts’ special education reimbursements and from grants.The H-BC board voted at its May 24 meeting to serve as the employer of record for the position. Wages will be paid for by State Special Education funds (68 percent of salary) and County Children’s Mental Health funds. H-BC agreed to provide phone service, computer, fax, office space, etc. for the employee. The Rock County Board will advance about $20,000 a year to the district to cover a two year delay in special education reimbursement payments from the state.In other business at their May 27 meeting, Luverne School Board
Reduced the number of Title I paraprofessionals from 11 to six, to reflect a $42,000 reduction in Title I grant money. Elementary Principal Melody Tenhoff told board members in other years, if there was less grant money, she could reduce hours here and there to make up the difference, but $42,000 required more serious cuts.
Heard a presentation by Dennis Moritz on the agriculture education curriculum.
Approved the summer curriculum schedule, summer school contracts and special education summer school services.
Accepted the resignation of Jaime Creegan as Discovery Time Preschool teacher effective at the end of the school year.
Accepted the resignation of Kari (Stoakes) Lais as ninth-grade volleyball coach, and hired Susan (Remme) Bork to replace her.
Accepted the resignation of Terry Althoff as assistant football coach.
Started the negotiating process with unions, department heads and administration.

LaFond finalist for job in Hibbing

By Sara StrongLuverne City Administrator Greg LaFond was named a finalist for a new job, but he’s not going for the interview.LaFond was named one of four finalists for the city administrator position in Hibbing, which has been without an administrator since Aug. 1, 2003. He said, "I was asked to submit a resume, and I was pleased to be selected based on that, but I have withdrawn from consideration."LaFond said he likes Luverne and wants to continue his work here."Luverne is just too nice a town to leave and there’s too much to do. I think we’ve accomplished a lot and there’s still a lot more to keep me here."Hibbing has a population of about 17,000 and is located in northeast Minnesota, about 70 miles north of Duluth.LaFond has been with the city of Luverne since September.

Runaways found on farm near Magnolia

By Lori EhdeFour runaways from Southwestern Youth Services, Magnolia, were taken into custody late Friday night on the farm yard of Jack and Patsy Cragoe.The boys, ages 14, 16 and two at 17, ran away from the residential facility for troubled youth at about 1:45 a.m. Friday.They ended up on the Cragoe farm 1 1/2 miles away where they spent the rest of the day Friday in the grove and machine shed.Authorities were alerted of their location after one of the boys called his mother in Sioux Falls, asking her to pick them up.She, in turn, alerted local enforcement at about 10:30 p.m. Friday and the call was traced to the Cragoe residence.When Rock County deputies called the farm to warn of the boys’ presence there, the phone line was busy, because the Cragoes were on the Internet.Meanwhile, local dispatchers called Cragoe’s daughter and son-in-law Stacy and Hunter Riggs, who also have a home on the Cragoe farm.They learned from Riggs that Cragoe did keep a gun on the premises, so local deputies responded to the call with their weapons drawn."About that time we came up from the basement after checking e-mail … and we missed all the action," Jack Cragoe said. "They had our house surrounded — I suppose they figured it was a hostage situation."When Riggs opened the machine shed to see if the gun was there, he found the boys and called the deputies in that direction, Cragoe said.He said his pickup keys were right next to a case of Mountain Dew that the boys had helped themselves to, but they didn’t find that or the graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows in the back seat of the pickup."As hungry as they were, I feel kind of bad they didn’t find the food," Cragoe said. "They didn’t do damage to anything, which is hard to believe."The boys were taken into custody without resistance and have since been turned over to juvenile detention centers in Worthington and Sioux Falls.According to Rock County Sheriff Mike Winkels, these boys, and all the boys residing at Southwestern Youth Services (formerly Pinnacle Programs Inc.) are considered non-violent offenders.They are sent by their hometown court systems to Magnolia typically after repeatedly finding themselves in trouble with the law. There are currently 12 juvenile boys in the local program.Winkels said he’d like to work with Magnolia residents and rural residents on a system to inform the area when boys like these run away."We’re attempting to devise a way, maybe a residential calling tree, so that they might be located a bit earlier and so people can go out and get the keys from their vehicles," Winkels said.Cragoe is local newsmakerStar Herald readers may remember Cragoe making headlines last fall when he fell more than 13 feet off the top of his combine and landed on his head.He reports that he’s made remarkable recovery from those potentially fatal injuries, with only neck stiffness to note.He’s in the Star Herald twice this week — for this story and a weather story, which includes information about storm damage on his property.He said his friends are telling him if bad things happen in threes, he’s done now. "Let’s hope that’s the case," he said Tuesday.

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