By John RittenhouseA weekend full of racing action ended with area drivers posting seven feature wins at five different tracks.One week after rain limited outings at some tracks, the area drivers made up for lost time with successes Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.Three of the feature titles for area talent came Friday at Rapid Speedway, Rock Rapids, Iowa.Adrian’s Mark DeBoer, Ellsworth’s Greg Roemen and Kanaranzi’s Colter Deutsch took checkered flags in the late model street stock, sportsmen and hobby stock classes respectively.DeBoer, one of four area drivers racing in the street stock class, won the second heat race before taking his feature title.Former Rock County resident Darrin Korthals won the first heat race and placed second in the street stock feature. Luverne’s Scott Overgaard placed second in the first heat and fifth in the feature. Adrian’s Brad Klaassen placed fifth in the first heat and ninth in the feature.Roemen, one of two area drivers competing in the sportsmen class at Rapid Speedway, placed fifth in the first heat before winning the feature.Former Luverne resident Anthony Mann finished third in the first heat and sixth in the feature in sportsmen competition Friday.Deutsch was one of seven area racers competing in the hobby stock class at Rapid Speedway. Deutsch won the A feature.Luverne’s Seth Stegenga won the first hobby stock heat race before placing third in the A feature. Ellsworth’s Mike Deutsch finished second in the second heat and second in the A feature. Magnolia’s Josh Klay and Magnolia’s Larry Kracht placed fourth and 13th respectively in the A feature.Luverne’s Robert Carlson and Magnolia’s Bobbi Kracht also raced in the hobby stock division in Rock Rapids.Kracht placed seventh in the first heat and sixth in the B feature. Carlson finished seventh in the first heat and fifth in the B feature.Saturday night brought feature wins to a pair of area drivers at tracks in South Dakota.Kanaranzi’s Colter Deutsch placed third in the third heat in hobby stock competition at Lake County Speedway in Madison before winning the feature event.Adrian’s DeBoer finished third in the second heat and third in the street stock feature in Madison. Ellsworth’s Roemen placed fourth in the second heat and seventh in the sportsmen feature at the same track.Korthals posted a feature win after winning the second heat race in street stock competition at I-90 Speedway in Hartford Saturday.Adrian’s Klaassen (third in the first heat and second in the feature) and Luverne’s Jesse Akkerman (second in the second heat and fifth in the feature) competed against Korthals in Hartford.Luverne’s Chad Overgaard placed third in the second heat and third in the feature in the Wissota late model class at I-90 Speedway Saturday.During racing action at Nobles County Speedway in Worthington Saturday, Luverne’s Brett DeJager and Mike Steensma finished third and fourth respectively in the modified class.Steensma returned to Worthington Sunday and placed third in the modified feature.Adrian’s Cliff Lynn won the sportsmen feature at Nobles County Speedway Sunday.Magnolia’s Klay collected a feature win at Huset’s Speedway, near Brandon, S.D., Sunday.One of five area drivers competing in the hobby stock class, Klay placed second in the first heat before winning his feature.Luverne’s Cory Schmuck (fourth in the first heat and fourth in the feature), Luverne’s Tom Cauwels (seventh in the first heat and 12th in the feature), Kanaranzi’s Colter Deutsch (first in the second heat and second in the feature) and Luverne’s Carlson (fifth in the second heat and 13th in the feature) also raced in the hobby stock class at Huset’s.Adrian’s DeBoer placed fifth in the first heat and second in the feature in the street stock competition at Huset’s. Luverne’s Akkerman placed second in the second heat and fifth in the feature in the same class.

By John RittenhouseA set of brothers rallied on Saturday to win the Member-Guest Quota Tournament played at the Luverne Country Club Friday and Saturday.Member Jeremy Sudenga and his guest, Jason Sudenga, of Sioux Falls, scored 16 quota points on the final day of the tournament to win the championship by four points.The Sudengas needed to play solid golf on Saturday to win their first M-G title as a team. The brothers appeared to be out of the running for a title when they scored four quota points on Friday, but they blew away the field while scoring a tournament-high 16 points on Saturday.It looked like member George McDonald and guest Bob Fiechtner, Fargo, N.D., would be the team to beat after 18 holes of play Friday.McDonald and Fiechtner tallied 15 points on Friday to sport a two-point lead over member Dave Gangestad and guest Doug Hart, Spencer, Iowa, who combined efforts to score 13 points.Member Tom Klein and guest Steve Elias, of Adrian, were in third place with 12 points on Friday. Member Darwin Elbers and guest Mike Pap (Sioux Falls), and member Nate Golla and guest John Kvamme (Pipestone) were four points off the pace with 11 counters. Member Dan McGuire and guest Mark Iveland (Lincoln, Neb.) also were within striking distance with 10 points.Saturday proved to be a rough day for the McDonald-Fiechtner, Gangestad-Hart, Elbers-Pap and Golla-Kvamme teams. All of the squads finished the second round with negative points, knocking them out of the title contention.That opened the door for the Sudengas, who followed their four-point effort on Friday with a 16-point performance on Saturday and a tournament-high total of 20 points.Other than the Sudengas, only two other teams scored more than 10 points on Saturday. Member Dan Kindt and guest Dave Kindt (Bruce, S.D.) scored 12 points on Saturday. Member Nate Skattum and guest Matt Skattum (Marshall) scored 11 and one-half points during Saturday’s second round.Klein and Elias proved to be the Sudenga’s biggest challengers. They followed their 12-point effort on Friday with four points Saturday, giving them 16 points for the tournament and a second-place finish.The Skattums, who scored three points on Friday, earned a share of third place with member Pat Strassburg and guest Andy Noll (Fairmont) by scoring 11 and one-half points on Saturday for a total of 14 and one-half points. Strassburg and Noll scored seven points on Friday and seven and one-half points on Saturday.McGuire and Iveland added three points on Saturday to their 10-point effort on Friday to place fifth with 13 points.Saturday’s comeback erased a pair of disappointing finishes in recent years for the Sudengas.Jason Sudenga formed a team with then member Cory Norman that won the 1999 championship, but he was unable to win the title after joining forces with his brother in recent years, which included a pair of tournament appearances that left the team feeling snake-bitten.In 2003, the Sudengas lost a one-hole sudden-death playoff to Don and Tom Cashin. That heartbreaking event came after another sudden-death playoff loss to Tim Knoll and Al Connell in 2002.Both Sudengas earned individual awards for their performances during the Quota Tournament.Jason Sudenga shot a gross 147, giving him second place in the low-gross standings behind Iveland, who shot a 141 to win that award.Member Dan Serie placed third with a gross 151, Adrian’s Dean Elias (guest of Denny Holtrop) was fourth with a 153, and Andy Noll and member Tim Connell shared fifth place with 155s.Jeremy Sudenga shared fourth place with Rogers’ Jim Walker, the guest of Mike Haakenson, in the low-net standings. Both players shot net 140s.Gangestad emerged as the low-net champion with his net 132. Benson’s Michael Forsberg, the guest of Ray Marszalowicz, placed second with a net 135. Todd Iverson, the guest of Dave Iverson, placed third with a net 138.Member Gary Golla and Andy Noll teamed up to win The Derby title on Friday.The Derby is a nine-hole event consisting of teams made up of the members and guests who shot the lowest gross rounds during the first 18 holes of play in the Quota Tournament. Ten teams start the event, and one team is eliminated after each hole.Golla and Iverson and a team consisting of member Steve Smedsrud and Todd Iverson were the last two squads in contention for the title after eight holes of play in The Derby.Both teams made bogeys on the ninth hole, which set up a chip-off between the guest members of each team. Noll won the chip-off against Iverson.

I am proud of all the Star Herald readers who were brave enough to put their opinions in ink this week. The letters came just as I was starting to fear that no one was following local politics and all the city and county stories we’ve run.I say I’m proud of the letter writers because it’s difficult to print an opinion when most people either don’t care enough to form one, or share their views only within their own safe circle of friends. As difficult as it is to put opinions in writing, it’s even more difficult to be an elected person and have those opinions form policies that are so open to criticism. It’s not easy to go head-to-head with neighbors, friends, co-workers, or church members, but the elected people and administrators of Rock County and Luverne do it all the time. Even though I acknowledge their difficult roles and have respect for their positions, in the words of one of our wise letter writers this week, "Contract disputes have developed into personality conflicts that do not seem manageable at this point and it is reflecting poorly on our community. Their disputes are not serving the citizens of this community who have elected these people to act responsibly and in our best interest."I cover both the Luverne City Council and Rock County Board of Commissioners, so I have watched first-hand their relationship disintegrate over the past year.Just like in many aspects of life, the local political disagreements started with money. When the state budget shortfall trickled down to local governments, people’s jobs and city and county programs were on the line. Ever since I’ve worked here, city leaders always said they thought the county was getting a good deal on their shared ventures, and the county thought the city was getting a lot for its money. To the Luverne leaders, it looks like city residents are getting charged more for services, which they are because they pay both city and county taxes. But the county points out that all city residents of all cities in the nation pay county and city taxes.The county doesn’t appreciate its budgets being looked over by people who don’t operate the programs within those budgets. And the city says it has a right to look out for its residents’ tax dollars, no matter who’s collecting them. Defensiveness has overridden productivity even though both opinions probably have merit.As for my opinion, which I formed after attending numerous meetings and talking personally with leaders whom I respect, is this: In a county with a population of 10,000 there’s no reason that a handful of elected and appointed people can’t come to terms on joint ventures.In the words of another letter to the editor, "Fix it."

During a coffee break this week, the periodical librarian pointed out an interesting article in one of the new magazines. The title was "Brace Yourself: August is Gonna be a Scorcher with these Sizzling Ideas." I wasn’t even going to look at an article with the non-word "gonna" in it, but reconsidered thinking perhaps it was a list of ideas to prevent sunburn or heat stroke. (Did you know that a moderate sunburn damages the blood vessels to the extent that it takes four to 15 months for them to return to normal?) I’m getting sidetracked. The article turned out to be a list of sizzling ideas for women to improve the marital love experience. (I’m trying to express this in a refined manner.) I wanted to share these tips with you, but the article specifically said "marital" and some non-married people might read this. You can check out the magazine yourself. There was one idea, however, that might be suitable for all marital statuses and I will share that with you. Ladies, we are scheduled to try this on Monday, Aug. 23. "Feed him a sexy dinner with chopsticks, then clean his mouth with your kisses." I didn’t want to scream, "That’s disgusting!" in front of the other librarians, for fear they would think me prudish. But after polling the other staff members, I found that we agreed, don’t come home for supper on Aug. 23. You can read the whole list for yourself in Redbook magazine. Or, if you want something really entertaining, try " ‘R’ " is for Ricochet" by Sue Grafton. Wealthy octogenarian Nord Lafferty hires P.I. Kinsey Millhone to help his newly paroled daughter, Reba Lafferty, find her way back to the straight and narrow after doing time for embezzlement. Abandoned by her rebellious mother when she was an infant, she was the only child of a rich man already in his mid-50s when she was born, and her adoring father thoroughly spoiled her. Now, at 32, having had many scrapes with the law, she is about to be released on probation from the California Institution for Women, having served 22 months of a four-year sentence for embezzlement. Though Nord Lafferty could deny his daughter nothing, he wasn't there for her when she was brought up on this charge. Now he wants to be sure she stays straight, stays at home and away from the drugs, the booze, the gamblers. It seems a straightforward assignment for Kinsey: Baby-sit Reba until she settles in and make sure she follows all the niceties of her parole, maybe a week's work. The woman seems remorseful and friendly. And the money is good. But life is never that simple, and Reba is out of prison less than 24 hours when one of her old crowd comes circling round. "Kill the Messenger" by Tami Hoag. At the end of a long day battling street traffic, bike messenger Jace Damon has one last drop to make. But en route to delivering a package for one of L.A.'s sleaziest defense attorneys, he's nearly run down by a car, chased through back alleys, and shot at. Only the instincts acquired while growing up on the streets of L.A. allow him to escape with his life — and with the package someone wants badly enough to kill for. Jace returns to Lenny Lowell's office only to find the cops there, the lawyer dead, and Jace himself considered the prime suspect in the savage murder. Suddenly he's on the run from both the cops and a killer, and the key to saving himself and his 10-year-old brother is the envelope he still has — which holds a message no one wants delivered: the truth. In a town built on fantasy and fame, delivering the truth can be deadly. We also have Bill Clinton’s new biography, "My Life." We have quite a waiting list for this book, so call and get your name in early.

Items from locals in paper 1884The following appeared in the Rock County Weekly Herald on Feb. 1, 1884:"Prof. Fogg is contemplating an enterprise which will prove of great value to Luverne and the county in general. Under his management the Rock County farm has yielded, during the past season, for the first time, some profit, but he understands fully the difficulties of farming so large a tract successfully and has decided to divide the place up into farms of 160 acres and build suitable houses and make necessary improvements on each for the purpose of renting the farms to tenants. In this way the land will undoubtedly yield a good profit both to tenants and proprietor, and the county will be the gainer in the way of increased personal property and the acquisition of more actual settlers. Mr. Fogg has rented one section of his land for the coming season for a cash rent and that portion of the farm will be used almost exclusively for the purpose of stock raising." "A meeting of some of the business men of Luverne was held in the editorial room of the Herald office Friday evening for the purpose of taking action with reference to the project of securing the establishment of a tow mill at this place. The project was earnestly favored by all who were present, but it was deemed advisable before any effort was made to induce anyone to engage in the enterprise to determine what encouragement could be obtained in the way of contributions of flax straw from farmers, and other contributions, from the people of Luverne. For this purpose a committee, consisting of A.E. Patterson, W.M. Raymond and A. Jaycox, was appointed, and as soon as their work is completed another meeting will be held. The project is an important one and should receive encouragement from all who are in anyways interested in Luverne. Undoubtedly a very large acreage of flax will be raised next year and the conversion of the straw into its market value in cash will largely increase the next year’s income of our farmers. Those who are willing to contribute to the support of the enterprise are requested to report as soon as possible to some member of the committee above named."Donations to the Rock County Historical Endowment Fund can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, P.O. Box 741, Luverne, MN 56156.Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.

I live in Luverne.I also live in Rock County.Friends of mine run both the city and the county governments. I make no statements on how to handle the current conflicts between the city and the county but I know this — "What is good for the city is also good for the county and vice versa: Fix it! — No Excuses — No Alibis — Fix it Now!Tom SerieLuverne

A couple of weeks have passed since Rock County’s Relay for Life. I have taken a break and now am getting all the articles that were in the Star Herald (which I want to thank for the great coverage) into my scrapbook. When rereading the articles, it makes me think of the wonderful core committee members who took their jobs and went with them and who helped so much. Then there were the team captains and the teams who all worked so hard with fund-raisers. Each and every team was so unique in their way of working for the Relay and all the silent auction baskets were awesome as were all those who supported the Relay by bidding on them. Also, I want to recognize all the sponsors of the event and those who helped pay for the ad in the Announcer, again without your sponsorship the event would not have been as successful. Then there is the entertainment that shared their talents and Jerry Gladis, The Best Of, the DJ who kept everybody going until morning, each and every one of you added to the event so much, and for that I want to say thank-you. There were many exciting things that happened that night in my eyes. A few that stick in my mind were the survivors lap, Andraya Gacke cutting off 10 inches of her hair for the Locks of Love, the amount of money that was taken in and all the people that were present in spite of the weather. Oh, yes, the pink pots, too. In closing, I want to thank Nancy for co-chairing with me and each and everyone of you that had any part of the Relay for Life 2004.Glenda SchomackerLuverne

Growing up, I always admired the wisdom and counsel of my grandfather. He once offered the same sage advice I heard later in life: "Never get in a st(ink)ing match with a skunk, unless you’ve got more st(ink)."I’ve tried to follow that advice in my career; but, last week’s column by Ms. Ehde is so blatantly devoid of facts that it requires an answer. In addition, Ehde’s obvious personal attack on current city council members demands a response. Ehde claims that in the 10 months since I became city administrator, the city has saved no money. How would Ehde know? She’s never been in city hall since I’ve been city administrator, she’s not attended even a single city meeting that I’m aware of and her total lack of financial facts is obvious. For example, consider the following items:oThe city obtained a $500,000 grant to pay for a portion of the water, sewer and street projects associated with the new hospital.oThe reorganization of city staff that included the reduction of two management and three staff positions. Annual savings to city taxpayers and utility customers totals more than $200,000 in the first 10 months. oThe city’s contract with Missouri River Energy Services for operation of the city’s electric utility will save electric customers $25,000 - $50,000 per year. oThe reorganization at the Community Pool & Fitness Center saved $40,000 per year. oTCI will eventually employ more than 150 people with an economic impact that totals millions of dollars each year. oThe city’s bond rating was recently upgraded to the "A" category as a result of our effort to improve and enhance the management of city finances. Interest savings associated with the recent bond sale are estimated at $25,000 - $35,000. oThe city council approved our recommendations regarding the prosecution of non-sufficient funds checks. Annual savings to city taxpayers totals $5,000.These are just a few of the cost savings implemented. But Ehde opposes the review of current contracts and agreements between the city and Rock County which may actually result in changes which would be beneficial to city taxpayers. The relevant question is: Why do city of Luverne taxpayers pay for 60 percent of dispatch and jail expenses through a "special premium tax" which is part of the current agreement?The reaction of Ms. Ehde and her cohorts to the city council’s directive to review all contracts and agreements which affect the city seems to be "if you don’t like the message, shoot the messenger." In other words, let’s simply launch a campaign of personal attacks designed to get rid of the city administrator.As city administrator, I represent the interests of city taxpayers and residents … and that means all city taxpayers and residents from the banker on Main Street to the high school teacher to the local barber and to the retired widow who’s trying to make ends meet and stay in her home and community. Frankly, I didn’t come to Luverne to sit on my backside and do little or nothing. I didn’t come to Luverne to be part of the "good old boys" or the local "political clique." I came to Luverne to do a job, to improve city programs and services, to enhance the city’s financial status and operations and to protect city taxpayers. The changes happening in Luverne are long overdue. Finally, allow me to say a word or two about the current city council. People may tend to disagree with policy decisions made by this, or any, city council. But make no mistake about the level of effort of this council, their commitment to continuing the outstanding level of programs and services provided to the citizens of Luverne, their dedication to "fair and equitable" contracts and agreements, and their unending pledge to protect city taxpayers. I also remember another piece of advice from my grandfather regarding skunks. He said: "Left to their own devices, many a skunk has been known to drown in their own st(ink).Sage advice grandpa … sage advice.Greg LaFondCity Administrator

There is an old saying, "If something is working well, don’t mess with it." "If it isn’t broke don’t try and fix it." The joint county and city of Luverne law enforcement debate affects all the cities in Rock County. Each city also pays for protection and services. At a time when new meth labs are popping up in the area and drugs are a problem; at a time when the number of illegal aliens in this area is increasing; at a time when Homeland Security is an important issue, this doesn’t seem to be a very good time to rock the boat.Perhaps if money is the issue the city manager job could be eliminated and given to County Administrator Kyle Oldre. Give him another secretary and a little raise and keep on trucking.A lot of good people put in a lot of good work on a very good system. There seems to be plenty of money for everything except law enforcement and remodeling the law enforcement center. If staring down the barrel of a gun isn’t what you are doing for a living, "thank a cop."Marvin KroontjeMagnolia