By Sara QuamFor the first time, Luverne will be one of the sites for a paint ball tournament as a part of the Northern Plains Ultimate Crown.The Luverne City Council approved a lease agreement with Chad Hess, Aimless Enterprises. Hess will pay for the use of baseball field, plus $100 deposit, July 9 through 11 and provided proof of proper insurance.A group of local paint-ball enthusiasts meets at the Rock County Fairgrounds Saturdays, but will use the city diamonds for the tournament because the fairgrounds are booked for enduro races.Hess said the tournament will draw more than 150 people from South Dakota, Minnesota and North Dakota. The competition is one of six in the region.Council member Pat Baustian said, "I would like to recognize you for taking this initiative. Thank you for bringing the number of people to town that you are. It’s good for the city — good for hotels and the food industry."Hess said the paint balls are environmentally safe and shouldn’t leave marks on the field because they are made from a food-grade dye and gelatin. They wash away in water.The activities will be contained within a netted area so the public can watch.City marketing viewedThe KELO-TV advertising campaign featuring the city of Luverne began getting airtime this week.The CBS affiliate in Sioux Falls, S.D., gave the city a tape of the ads, which the Council watched Tuesday. The ads have five slight variations based on private sponsorships of the commercials.Council member Esther Frakes, who also serves on the Luverne Economic Development Commission said, "We think this will be a positive thing for the community." The commercials feature the state park, hospital facility, quality school district, housing developments, Pool and Fitness Center and Job Opportunity Building Zones.Financial honorFor the 10th consecutive year Finance Officer Barb Berghorst received recognition for Excellence in Financial Reporting based on the city audit.City Administrator Greg La Fond said, "This is not something that every city receives automatically or without a great deal of effort."Berghorst also gave credit to staff in City Hall, particularly to accountant Candy Reese.