By Lori EhdeWhen a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. That was the case of city lots advertised for sale in the April 23 Home and Garden edition of the Star Herald.Dan Statema, director of Luverne Economic Development Authority, placed an ad in the special edition advertising $2,000 lots in the Evergreen Addition.The text of the ad should have indicated the lots at those prices were in the Sybesma Addition in the southwest part of town.Statema said he accepts responsibility for publishing incorrect information, and a corrected version of the ad appears in this week’s paper.Meanwhile, two interested buyers dropped off $2,000 checks at City Hall with the intent to purchase Evergreen Second Addition lots at the advertised price.Those buyers, Sam and Barb Berghorst (city finance officer) and Greg and Trisha Hoogeveen, were notified of the advertised error and their checks were returned.However, the buyers claim their transactions are legally binding and hope to follow through with their purchases at that price.Berghorsts are interested in the lot next to their current new home just off Blue Mound Avenue near the new park.That lot is currently part of a developer’s plan to build spec homes in both Evergreen II and Sybesma additions.Sam Berghorst had protested the city’s approval of those plans at the April 22 LEDA meeting, saying he was concerned about the developer’s plans to build a $110,000 to $150,000 home next to his $250,000 home.He said he’s concerned about his property value, and buying the lot would give him some control over future structures there.Hoogeveens purchased a lot directly west of the park on Almar Street, and Trisha’s father, City Public Works Director Darrell Huiskes, has retained legal counsel on their behalf."They (the city) accepted the check, and now they’re trying to give it back," he said Friday.Assistant City Attorney Jeff Haubrich said newspaper advertisements are not legally binding documents, and he said the fact that checks were dropped off at City Hall does not warrant legally binding purchase agreements.Another part of the story, Statema said, is the misperception that Sioux Falls native Erik Christensen is proposing to build substandard homes in Evergreen II and Sybesma additions."The homes he plans to build will be less expensive because he’s offering unfinished basements for prospective owners to put some sweat equity into later on," he said."Theoretically, a $130,000 home, with a little work, could easily become a $175,000 home. … Affordable doesn’t necessarily mean cheap, or poor quality."Statema also clarified that the city is not undermining efforts of local contractors by working with the Sioux Falls developer, another common misperception."We want to do what’s best for our local contractors," he said, ""We also want to do what’s best for the city. Christensen’s intent is to use as many local contractors and suppliers as possible."He said local contractors have the same opportunity to build spec homes as Christensen is offering to do.

By Lori EhdeUnder the threat of fewer state dollars to fund education, the Luverne School Foundation made the timely announcement Tuesday that it’s officially ready to receive donations.With the Southwest Minnesota Foundation serving as the umbrella organization, the Luverne School Foundation is able to accept tax-deductible donations exclusively for the benefit of the district.It will not serve the same purpose as Dollars for Scholars, rather the board views it as a potential "sister" foundation to Dollars for Scholars.Superintendent Vince Schaefer said this is a point of clarification that may need repeating. "It’s not a scholarship committee, and it in no way competes with Dollars For Scholars," he said."It’s important that the public recognize that if they want to give scholarships, they give to Dollars For Scholars, if they want to donate to the school, they give to the School Foundation."The Foundation will be set up to accept two types of donations: designated and undesignated funds.Schaefer said some donors may have specific areas they intend for their money to benefit, such as technology or repairing theater seats, for example.Others may give undesignated funds to help whatever areas the Foundation Committee identifies as needy.The Foundation will provide the opportunity to set up endowments, which would use only money generated from interest, or it may accept funds as grants to be used outright. "At least now we have a vehicle in place to receive donations," Schaefer said."There have been times members of the public have wanted to make donations, but it’s been virtually impossible to accept them."Luverne School Board members approved the creation of the Foundation last winter, and a committee has been working since then to iron out details.Serving on the committee are School Board members Becky Walgrave, Bill Stegemann and Don Bryan, Schaefer, District Finance Officer Marlene Mann, Student Council member Tyler Elbers, community members Glenn Burmeister, Harold Tilstra and James Ouverson, teacher Shirley Harrison and paraprofessional Vicki Baartman.The group met Monday night with a representative of the Southwest Minnesota Foundation to finalize documents.Schaefer said funneling money through the Southwest Minnesota Foundation prevented the district from reinventing the wheel, as far as becoming a legal non-profit organization to receive funds.All gifts to the foundation are tax deductible.Inquiries for donating to the Luverne School Foundation can be directed to the District Office at 283-8088.

By Jolene FarleyBeaver Creek Township Supervisor Diana Schwartz recently broke another barrier for women in Rock County.Schwartz, who began her two-year term March 18, is the first female township supervisor in the county."I had a couple of people approach me and tell me I would do a good job," Schwartz said. Her name was added to the ballot as a write-in. John Schwartz, Diana’s deceased husband, served as a township supervisor for many years. "At first I told them, ‘I’m not sure I know much about this, but I’m willing to learn,’" she said.Schwartz works part-time at First National Bank in Beaver Creek and Luverne. She also serves on the Rock County Rural Water board and is active in her church. Other board members are Burdette Braun, Peter Bakken and Wil Pap. Glenda Kuehl is the secretary. "Everybody on the board is easy to get along with," she said. "It will be a good learning experience." Schwartz said her goal for her time in office is to keep the township roads well maintained and the people who live in Beaver Creek Township satisfied. Schwartz has two sons, Joshua, 22, and Travis, 18, and a daughter, Kelsey, 14.

By Jolene FarleyAt a Monday meeting the Hills-Beaver Creek School Board laid the groundwork for teacher and program reductions if state aid to the district declines.Board members passed a resolution allowing the superintendent to make recommendations for reductions should it become necessary. The School Board would vote on any program cuts before they were implemented. Cuts may be needed in the 2003-04 school year because of declining financial aid from the state, according to Superintendent Dave Deragisch. In the future, cuts may be needed because of declining enrollment. "We need to keep our options open as far as what’s going to happen legislatively and with student numbers," Deragisch told the board. Any individual staff members whose positions are affected this year would have to be notified by Monday, June 16. The law requires a 14-day period where the individual may choose to have a hearing. He said the Minnesota School Board Association recommends the districts pass the resolution every year as a precaution. Although the district has a fund balance, the general fund could be depleted quickly if the proposed cuts in state aid pass, according to Deragisch. "What’s really frustrating is we don’t know what the final (state budget) line will be," he said. Deragisch said he has staff members waiting for teaching assignments but is unable to give assignments until after state budget talks are finished. The last time teachers were placed on unrequested leaves of absence was in 1999, according to Deragisch. Staff development School Board members approved repeating the 2002-03 staff development goal for the 2003-04 school year. Administration and staff set the goal as "aligning learner outcomes and assessments in all subject areas, kindergarten through 12th grades."Board member Ann Boeve encouraged the board to approve using the goal a second year, because she felt there was still work to be completed. Deragisch agreed. "They’ll (staff) tell you they’re really feeling good about what’s been done this year," he said. "But they will tell you they’re not done."The elementary school had developed a checklist telling teachers what curriculum to teach in what grades so there is no repetition or omissions."The high school doesn’t have that clear, defined thing," said Boeve. The administration and staff is working toward developing a checklist for the high school. "It really gives the staff the knowledge of if we are giving our students the whole package," Boeve said. "… that we’re not missing anything." As an added benefit, the program has facilitated the staffs of the two schools getting to know each other better, according to Boeve. In other business: oThe board approved Nicole Fey’s drop from full-time to half-time elementary teacher. The board placed a five-year limit on the half-time status and asked for notification by Feb. 1 if Fey intends to return before the end of the five-year period. oThe board moved the Monday, May 26, meeting to Tuesday, May 27, because of Memorial Day. The June board meetings were set for Monday, June 9, and Monday, June 30.The board will meet once in July, on Monday, July 14.

By Jolene FarleyIn the swing of planting, this year’s season seems to be on track for Rock County farmers so far. "I would say it’s going very good," Rock County Farm Service Director Roger Carlson said. "They’re in full swing."Carlson estimates 60-to-70-percent of the corn crop is planted. This year (as in the last few years) most farmers aren’t forced to detour around wet areas in the fields while planting, Carlson said. "I think planting conditions are excellent this year."Carlson cautioned that subsoil moisture is limited this growing season so most farmers welcomed the two-tenths inch of rain Tuesday evening, even if forced to quit fieldwork for awhile. "We certainly don’t have an abundance of sub-soil moisture," he said."It would certainly benefit all the crops that are planted and help for the future too," he said.Soil moisture content this year was 5.51 inches as of April 15, according to the Southwest Research and Outreach Center, Lamberton.This is in line with historic totals for the same date. "They’re saying we’re about normal for the year," Centrol Agronomic Consultant Mark Moeller said. Typically, crops are dependent on sub-soil moisture during the dryer late summer months. "Right now we’ve got enough to get the crop out of the ground but if it doesn’t rain, we don’t have an abundance in the soil," Moeller said.The last few seasons some farmers have gotten by on timely rains later in the season. Last summer dry conditions became critical.Rock County officials applied to the Department of Agriculture for a federal drought disaster declaration on Aug. 1. Soon after the disaster application, six inches of rain fell in the area. Rainfall in southwest Minnesota was three to six inches below normal until the storm."Overall, the county (crop) average wasn’t that bad but there were some areas that were affected." The northwest portion of the county suffered severe crop losses and Rock County received a disaster declaration.

10 years ago (1993)"It is rarely a good idea to make decisions based on what everybody else is doing.But Rock County may follow Nobles and Murray counties’ lead on a measure that could save taxpayers thousands of dollars annually.County Board members agreed Tuesday to a proposal that would allow them to combine the offices of county auditor and treasurer."25 years ago (1978)"The trend toward smaller cars that use less gasoline and the general inflation rate will be reflected in future road construction in Rock County.This was the message that came through clearly during the annual road hearing held Thursday night at the County Highway Building.A two-inch blacktop surface will hold up well for four or five years before it will require significant maintenance, said Fred Worden, county highway engineer."50 years ago (1953)"Rains, which can be classed in the ‘million dollar’ category, totaled 2.31 inches the past week, and boosted the total for the month of April to 3.47 inches, records kept at the Luverne municipal power plant disclose."75 years ago (1928)"Through arrangements completed the latter part of last week, Manager Herman Jochims, of the Palace Theatre, secured ‘The Poor Nut,’ a college comedy, for presentation on Monday evening, April 30. The offering is by the Better Plays company, the same road organization that produced John Golden’s ‘Seventh Heaven.’"100 years ago (1903)"John Engebretson, one of the enterprising young farmers who resides in the vicinity of Kenneth, was a Luverne caller Saturday. He states that the proposition to organize a farmers’ elevator company at Kenneth has been favorably received by the farmers and businessmen of that village and the names of K.G. Oldre, John O’connor, Baard Halverson and A.D. Parker are among those who have subscribed for stock."

APRIL 10, 2003MINUTES 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 MS/HS Media Center on Thursday, April 10, 2003, at 6:00 p.m. The following members were present: Colleen Deutsch, Dan Kopp, Cary Radisewitz, Bill Stegemann, Steve Tofteland, and Becky Walgrave. Don Bryan was absent. Also present: Superintendent Vince Schaefer, Marlene Mann, Gary Fisher, Stacy Gillette, Melody Tenhoff, Jane Cote, Jennifer Engesser, Tim Christensen, Dan Amborn, Patsy Amborn, Mark Lundgren, Matt Crosby, K101/KQAD Radio, and Lori Ehde, Rock County Star Herald.The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dan Kopp. Superintendent Schaefer gave announcements including there is an addendum to the agenda. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Stegemann, to approve the agenda with addendum. Motion unanimously carried. Administrative reports were given.Motion by Deutsch, second by Radisewitz, to approve the consent agenda to include the School Board minutes of March 27, 2003, and to recognize the Luverne Education Association’s request to negotiate. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Walgrave, second by Tofteland, to approve Policy 202.01 – School Board Code of Ethics. This was the second reading of this updated policy. Motion unanimously carried.Superintendent Schaefer briefly reviewed Policy 102.2 – Parental Involvement Philosophy. Discussion was held. This was the first reading of this policy. No action was taken. Motion by Stegemann, second by Walgrave, to set all school board meetings at 7:30 p.m. rather than changing to 8:00 p.m. in the summer months. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Deutsch, second by Radisewitz, to approve the After Prom party trip to Worlds of Fun in Kansas City. This is at no cost to the School District. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Radisewitz, second by Walgrave, to accept the resignation of Elizabeth Petersen, 7th grade English teacher, effective at the end of the school year. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Deutsch, second by Tofteland, to accept the resignation of Katia Lopez-Petrovich, Spanish teacher, effective at the end of the school year. Motion unanimously carried. Motion by Stegemann, second by Radisewitz, to accept the retirement of John Oksness, Chemistry/Physics teacher effective at the end of the school year. Motion unanimously carried.Motion by Tofteland, second by Deutsch, to approve hiring 8th grade Baseball coaches Tom Rops for two weeks at a salary of $220.00 and Joe Roberts for seven weeks at a salary of $770.00. Motion unanimously carried. Committee reports were given. Mr. Schaefer reminded the Board that the Foundation Committee meets on April 28 at 7:00 p.m. The upcoming meeting dates were reviewed. Motion by Stegemann, second by Radisewitz, to adjourn the meeting. Motion unanimously carried. Dated: April 10, 2003William Stegemann, Clerk(5-1)

DISTRICT COURTPROBATE DIVISIONFIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICTNOTICE AND ORDER OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORSSTATE OF MINNESOTACOUNTY OF ROCKESTATE OFH. Reid Cleland, a/k/a H. R. Cleland, and as Herbert Reid Cleland DECEDENTIt is Ordered and Notice is given that on May 23, 2003 at 10:45 (a.m.) a hearing will be held in this Court at the Rock County Courthouse, 204 East Brown, Luverne, Minnesota, for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of Decedent, dated May 7, 2002 and codicil (N/A) to the will dated N/A, and separate writing (N/A) under Minn. Stat. 524.2-513 ("Will"), and for the appointment of Lucille E. Cleland whose address is: 109 East Luverne, Apt. 217, Luverne, Minnesota 56156 as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in a SUPERVISED administration. Any objections to the petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the Estate, including the power to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the Estate. Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred. /s/ Timothy K. Connell 4/29/03Timothy K. Connell Judge Date/s/ Sandra L. Vrtacnik 4/29/03Sandra L. Vrtacnik Court Administrator DateAttorney For Personal RepresentativeDonald R. KlosterbuerSkewes, Klosterbuer & Vajgrt, L.L.P.120 N. McKenzieBox 538Luverne, MN 56156-0538Telephone 507 283-9111Attorney License #56674(5-1, 5-8)

NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW FOR THE CITY OF LUVERNEThe Board of Review of the City of Luverne will meet on Tuesday, the 13th day of May, 2003, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 203 E. Main Street-2nd floor, starting at 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Property owners who wish to appeal the valuation or classification of their property are hereby notified to appear at this meeting. The Board of Review cannot act on current year property taxes. They can only act on the valuation or classification of property for the 2003 assessment year for property taxes to be paid in 2004.MARIANNE PERKINSCITY CLERK(5-1)