By Lori Ehde
John Burgers has long been a shining star among Rock County employees, known for his enthusiasm and dedication to his job.

He started working for Rock County's Soil and Water Conservation District in 1992, and in 1994 earned state recognition for bringing local feedlot operations into compliance.

The Minnesota County Achievement Award recognized Rock County's inter-agency feedlot program as an innovation that "improved the quality of life for people in Minnesota."

At the time, livestock producers were fearful of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, which was enforcing new feedlot management guidelines.

They feared MPCA fines, but many were unable to afford the necessary construction to bring their feedlots into compliance.

Serving as a liaison between producers and the state, Burgers sought funding support and provided technical know-how to get the work done.

In addition, he established a feedlot ordinance for new construction or expansion of existing operations that became a template for counties statewide that were also balancing agribusiness and environmental concerns.

In 1995, Burgers' feedlot work earned him further state recognition as the "Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District Employee."

In addition to his successful feedlot management program, the award recognized him for implementing a county water plan, managing water quality improvements and stabilizing funding for soil and water conservation.

Many of his co-workers nominated him for that award. "John has worked many hours outside the normal duty hour to assist producers," FSA director Roger Carson wrote.

Extension Educator Fraser Norton wrote, "John is one of those truly gifted individuals with tremendous 'people skills.' ... His achievements in Rock County will forever bear testimony to his unwavering will to serve."

By 1996 Burgers was named director of Rock County's newly established Land Management Office. By that time his can-do reputation was known both locally and statewide.

"Our impression of John's work has always been favorable. He was always very good to work with," said Mark Jacobs of the MPCA office in Marshall.

"He was supportive of the program and its rules and statutes. I enjoyed working with him."

Burgers bridged the gap between livestock producers and MPCA officials.

"John is regarded as one of the top people in his field," said Luverne farmer Tom Arends, who describes himself as a "John Burgers fan."

"You can call anyone in the county and they'll tell you the same thing. He has more common sense than anyone I've ever met in that industry. That's what John shined in," Arends said Monday, following the news of the indictments.

"There's a lot of times people get disgusted to put in a lot of money on pollution control. He had a way of handling that that was second to none."

Arends compared the news of Burgers' indictments to the news of the East Coast terrorist attacks.

"These are the things that hurt you deeply," he said. "This was John's life. He did a good job."

By Jolene Farley
Former Hills resident Jim Theis doesn't make it home very often. His duties as a Foreign Service officer have transported him to United States embassies in Central America and later to Washington, D.C., to work on various assignments.

A 1975 Hills-Beaver Creek High School graduate, Theis attended Michigan State University before earning his law degree from the University of Minnesota.

After graduation, Theis enlisted in the Army and served from 1983 to 1987 as a captain in Field Artillery. He said military service "increased his interest in traveling around the world."

After his stint in the Army, Theis became a legislative assistant for South Dakota Sen. Larry Pressler from 1987 to 1990, covering technical and communication issues.

In 1990, Theis decided to take the written and oral exams needed to become a Foreign Service officer.

About 10 percent of people who take the written exam pass. Of those, only 10 percent pass the oral exam. The exam contains questions about history, geography, economics and management, among other subjects. Also required are thorough medical examinations and a background check.

The Foreign Service is divided into five "career tracks" - political, economic, consular, administrative and public diplomacy.

Theis works as a consular officer. Consular officers serving at U.S. embassies overseas assist Americans who lose passports, family members of Americans who die overseas, Americans who adopt children overseas, and foreign-born children who obtain American citizenship papers. The Consular sections in U.S. embassies also issues visas to foreigners traveling or emigrating to the United States.

Taking into consideration the qualifications of the individual, the Foreign Service decides where officers are sent on their two-year "tours."

"We submit a 'bid' with at least six positions we are interested in," Theis said. Officers are not guaranteed any of the locations they bid on, he said.

Guidelines for bids include no more than three bids in one geographic area, candidates must know the language of the area they are bidding and candidates must have the correct rank for the position they are bidding.

Theis's first tour was in El Salvador, his second choice in the bidding process. His second tour was in Costa Rica.

When Theis transferred to Washington in 1996, he was assigned to the Cuba office or "desk," as the Foreign Service calls the offices that deal with issues in certain countries. Theis worked on migration issues between the United States and Cuba, traveling from the United States to Cuba more than once.

His next tour in 1998 through 2000 was again in Washington, with the Bureau of Consular Affairs in the Office of Overseas Citizens Services. This office coordinates everything done for Americans overseas. If officers at a particular embassy have difficulty they call on the Office of Overseas Citizens, according to Theis.

Because Foreign Service officers can remain in one location for only three tours, Theis knows he will be sent overseas after his current assignment, training others for consular work, is done.

Theis says Costa Rica was the most enjoyable of his overseas travels so far. "There is so much to see in that country, rain forests, active volcanoes, beautiful beaches. It's just a very nice country to live in," he said.

"I expected Latin America to be more different than it was from the United States. The rest of the world is slowly becoming Americanized, including Pizza Hut, Burger King and cable TV."

Theis said he could watch any of the major U.S. networks while he was in Latin America. "I could sit at home and watch the Vikings play and order in from Pizza Hut."

"A lot of people overseas have a ... kind of 'schizo' view towards the United States," Theis said. "You'll see a college student protesting against the U.S. one day, and the next day they will show up at the window for a visa."

The United States is clearly the top choice of countries in the world in which to live, Theis said.

Some foreign governments dislike U.S. policies. In Latin America, however, the United States is very well perceived, according to Theis.

"Obviously, in the Arabic world there is a lot of hostility related to our support of Israel," said Theis.

In the past, Theis was never frightened during his travels, even on his trips to Cuba. After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, his sense of security depends on where he is sent on his next tour. "Obviously, terrorists can strike anywhere," said Theis.

Theis said he agrees with the actions the Bush administration has taken so far against the terrorists.

"The administration is taking a very well-thought-out approach ... differentiating between terrorists and the general population, differentiating between bin Laden and the Islamic population, and actively focusing on terrorists themselves."

Theis was teaching a class a few miles away from the Pentagon when the terrorist blast occurred in Washington, D.C. Although all federal buildings were evacuated, Theis stayed behind because he had task force experience. The Foreign Service establishes a task force when a big event happens.

Theis remained in the building until a formal task force roster was prepared. "It was nice to feel useful," he said.

The terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon has permanently changed the way Americans think, according to Theis. Many Americans thought of terrorism as something that was far removed from the United States, only happening somewhere else.

"As a nation we have permanently changed our approach toward that feeling of security," Theis said.

By John Rittenhouse
Hills-Beaver Creek-Ellsworth's Brad Haak earned a return trip to state, and he was nearly joined by the entire boys' varsity cross country team.

Competing at the Section 3A Championships in Tracy Friday, Haak turned in a dominating performance by winning an individual championship.

With the talented senior leading the way, the Patriot boys made a bid to advance to state as a team after finishing third overall in a 15-team field.

The top two teams and top seven individual finishers at the section level earn berths in the Minnesota State Class A Cross Country Championships that will be staged in Northfield Saturday.

Haak qualified on the basis of his victory, but his team came up one place short of advancing. Canby-Minneota-Lincoln HI won the section team title with 34 points, Jackson County Central was second with 82, and H-BC-E was third with 117.

"We were hoping to get one of those top two team spots, but JCC just ran an awesome race and had a great day overall," said Patriot coach Tom Goehle. "We gave ourselves a chance by running hard and putting ourselves in a position to run our best, but we just couldnÕt catch JCC."

After the varsity race was nearly one-third complete, nobody could catch up with Haak.

After letting some other runners set the pace early in the race, the defending state track champion in the 800-meter run switched gears and broke out into the lead. No one seriously challenged Haak the rest of the way as he reached the chute at the end of race with a winning time of 17:03.

"At about the one-mile mark Brad made his move to take a 40- to 50-yard lead. He was able to hang onto the lead the rest of the way," Goehle said.

Haak, who races at 1 p.m. Saturday in Northfield, will bring past experience to the state meet.
When he was a sophomore in 1999, Haak earned a qualifying spot by placing fourth in the section event. A side ache led to a 108th-place finish at state.

Haak improved to a third-place finish at the section meet and went on to place 65th at state in 2000.

"He wants to make a bid to gain all-state honors this year, which means placing in the top 25 at state," Goehle said.

Tyler Bush, Greg Van Batavia, Lee Jackson and Kale Wiertzema joined efforts with Haak to give the Patriots their best finish at a section cross country meet as a team.

Bush placed 12th in 18:03, Van Batavia 25th in 18:47, Jackson 39th in 19:03 and Wiertzema 45th in 19:18.

Matt Buck and Nathan Fick finished 54th and 58th in 19:39 and 19:56 respectively without influencing the team score.

A group of five Patriot girls made school history by finishing with 338 points and placing 13th in a 15-team field.

"This was the first time we had a complete girls' team for the section meet, so that was an accomplishment in itself," Goehle said. "I told the girls that they shouldn't scoff at placing 13th. That's right about where our boys' team placed at the section meet three years ago."

Cassi Tilstra produced the best finish by a Patriot girl in section competition by placing 31st in 17:29.

Brittney Rozeboom placed 50th in 18:04, Amanda Tilstra 91st in 20:21, Becky Broesder 96th in 20:28 and Stacy Bush 102nd in 21:07.

Emblom's Midwest Powerline builds a new section of power lines for Land O' Power Co-op, Rock Rapids, Iowa. Crews began work Monday east of Hills replacing lines running south toward the Iowa border.

Photo by Jolene Farley

Kendra Michael is cute as a button in a ladybug costume at the Community Club Halloween Party Saturday at the Hills Legion.

James William Luettel, 54, rural Adrian, died Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2001, as a result of an automobile accident.

Services were Friday, Oct. 26, at St. Adrian Catholic Church in Adrian. Burial was in the parish cemetery.

Jim Luettel was born to Greg and Wilhelmine (Suedkamp) Luettel on June 15, 1947, in Adrian. He graduated from St. Adrian High School in 1965.

He married Ruth Voss on Aug. 22, 1970, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Lismore. After their marriage they farmed south of Adrian where he had made his home his entire life.

Mr. Luettel was a member of St. Adrian Catholic Church where he was a former member of the parish council. He also was a former member of Westside Township Board and a current member of the Wilmont-Adrian Coop Elevator. He enjoyed farming, fishing and dancing.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Luettel, rural Adrian; four children and their spouses, Dean and Jennifer Luettel, Kristi and Dave Wempen, Brad Luettel and Sarah Luettel all of rural Adrian; one grandson, Lance Luettel; his father, Greg Luettel, rural Adrian; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Ron and Deb Luettel and Mark and Pam Luettel, all of rural Adrian; and one sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Bill Einck, rural Iona.

Mr. Luettel was preceded in death by his mother, Wilhelmine Luettel, one brother, Dave Luettel, and an infant sister, Rita Luettel.

Dingmann Funeral Home, Adrian, was in charge of arrangements.

Memorial service for Scott Beers is at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 2, in St. Catherine Catholic Church, Luverne. The Rev. Andrew Beerman will officiate. Burial of cremains will be in St. Catherine Cemetery. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, at Dingmann Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Luverne.

Scott Beers, 46, Luverne, died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2001, in his home.

Scott Beers was born Dec. 26, 1954, to Roger and Gayle (Frakes) Beers in Fort Riley, Kan. He graduated from Luverne High School in 1973.

He married Gina Ziegler on March 9, 1987, in Las Vegas, Nev. After their marriage the couple lived in Luverne. Mr. Beers farmed with his father and brother southwest of Luverne.

He was treasurer of the Rock County Fair Board for more than 20 years. He was a former member of the Luverne Country Club Board, where he helped build the new south addition to the clubhouse. Mr. Beers was a volunteer for the Minnesota State Fair 4-H Beef Show for more than 20 years and recently volunteered for the Minnesota Beef Expo.

Survivors include his wife, Gina Beers, Luverne; two children, Jason (Kimberly) Thiesse, Rochester, and Amanda Thiesse, Luverne; his parents, Roger and Gayle Beers, Luverne; one brother and sister-in-law, Brad and Jane Beers, Luverne; two nieces, Amber and Ryleigh; and one great-niece, Shayla.

Dingmann Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Luverne, is in charge of arrangements.

Gladys Marion Stroh, 81, Luverne, died unexpectedly Friday, Oct. 26, 2001, in Luverne Community Hospital in Luverne.

Services were Monday, Oct. 29, at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. The Rev. Mark Mumme officiated. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne.

Gladys McClure was born to Horace "Mike" and Frieda (Beyer) McClure on Nov. 20, 1919, in Luverne. She was raised near Luverne and graduated from Luverne High School.

She married Vernon Stroh on Nov. 17, 1939, in Luverne. Following their marriage they lived and farmed near Luverne. They retired from farming in 1980 but continued living on the farm. In 1997 they moved to their home in Luverne.

Mrs. Stroh was a member of the Rock County Extension Club. She enjoyed traveling and spending the winters in Texas. She also enjoyed camping, embroidering, gardening, crossword puzzles and spending time with her family.

Survivors include her husband, Vernon Stroh, Luverne; four children, Judith (Daryl) Reese, Worthington, James (Pat) Stroh, Alan (Sue) Stroh, all of Luverne, and Carol (Dean) Brouwer, Lennox, S.D.; 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Stroh was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter, and one brother.

Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.

A gathering of friends and family for Margaret (Kleine) Pickard, formerly of Magnolia, will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne, followed by a memorial service with the Rev. Dell Sanderson officiating. Burial of cremains will be in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne.

Margaret Mae Pickard, 83, Susanville, Calif., died Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2001, at Lassen Community Hospital in Susanville.

There was a memorial service for her Saturday, Oct. 27, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Susanville.

Margaret Kleine was born to Earnest and Myrtle (Lehmann) Kleine on March 31, 1918, in rural Rock County. She was the eldest of 16 children. She graduated from Magnolia High School and later lived and worked in California.

She married Tom Pickard on July 12, 1958. Upon retirement they moved to Magnolia. In 1988 they moved back to California.

Mrs. Pickard was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Susanville. She was also a volunteer for the CDF Fire Prevention Program. She enjoyed needlework, crafts and gardening.

Survivors include three grandchildren and their spouses; five great-grandchildren; five brothers, William Kleine, Louis (Lois) Kleine, Dallas Kleine, all of Luverne, Donald (Martha) Kleine, Ann Arbor, Mich., Thomas (Penny) Kleine, Cincinnati, Ohio; and eight sisters, Evelyn Nelson, Barbara Dye, Nyla Stearns, Mildred (John) Steece and Mary (Floyd) Kraetsch, all of Luverne, Joyce (Glenn) Hawes, Jasper, Patty (Loren) Krier, Beresford, S.D., and Janis (Jerry) Glapa, Rochester.

Mrs. Pickard was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Tom, one son, Robert Kohrt, one brother, Rodney, and one sister, Helen (Dick) Taillefer.

Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne, is in charge of arrangements.