By Mavis Fodness
December 20, 2023
Four years after announcing plans to build a 1,522-acre solar farm north of Magnolia, developers are again moving forward with the Elk Creek Solar project.
Tom Karas, senior project manager, and Marc Morandi, permitting manager with National Grid Renewables (NGR), updated commissioners Dec. 12.
Residents can weigh in on the project during public hearings in February.
“I’m sure you are aware…
By Lori Sorenson
December 20, 2023
A pickup stolen from Sioux Falls turned up in a crash near Beaver Creek Tuesday afternoon.
According to Rock County Sheriff Evan Verbrugge, the report came in around noon Tuesday of a rollover accident near the I-90 overpass west of Beaver Creek.
The driver, who has not been identified, was thrown from the vehicle and suffered serious injuries.
He was transported by air ambulance to a Sioux…
December 20, 2023
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages Minnesotans to use caution and stay aware of wildfire risk. Lack of snow and unusually warm, dry conditions over the next week are likely to
increase fire danger in much of Minnesota. Dry, brown grasses and
vegetation mean wildfires can start easily and spread quickly. This elevated risk is likely to persist until we have continuous snow…
By Lori Sorenson
December 20, 2023
Sanford Luverne hosted a party Thursday afternoon for Carol Wieneke, who retired from a 60-year career as a nurse.
As Sanford’s longest-running employee on record, Wieneke has been celebrated at milestone parties marking 40 years, 50 years and even 55.
Dr. Diane Kennedy, has worked alongside Wieneke during her own tenure in Luverne.
“She is respected by everyone here and is extremely…
December 20, 2023
Luverne Rotary Club member Gregg Gropel was recently selected as the Rotary District 5610 “Rotarian of Distinction” for his outstanding service above self for the local club and Luverne community.
The district consists of 39 clubs.
Local club members nominated Gropel for the district award, pointing out that he:
•resurrected the club’s newsletter, “The Rotary Spoke,” during the pandemic to…
December 20, 2023
Winter recreation options are abundant in Minnesota state parks, recreation areas and trails
Many Minnesotans visit state parks and hit the trails in summer, but winter outdoor activities are just as fun.
To help people plan winter visits to state parks, recreation areas and trails, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources shares its top tips to have fun this winter, along with some…
By Kent Thiesse, Farm Management Analyst
December 20, 2023
At the end of every year, various publications, websites, etc. have their Top 10 or Top 5 list for that year.
In this issue I am highlighting my “Top 5 Ag Topics” for 2023, based on issues that were discussed in the columns throughout the year.
Lower grain prices and tighter profit margins in 2023
Grain marketing decisions will have a big impact on profit levels for farmers in 2023. The “…
By Mavis Fodness
December 13, 2023
The Minnesota National Guard’s newest readiness center officially opened its doors Saturday morning for a public ribbon-cutting and community tours.
Local, state and federal dignitaries gathered in the assembly hall of the 49,293 square-foot facility, touting its significance as the new home of the Alpha Battery 1-125 Field Artillery.
“It’s hard to believe that we broke ground only two years…
December 13, 2023
Prior to the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, Mr. Twister (Bob Anderson from Sioux Falls) warms up the children and adults who attended Santa Claus Day in Hardwick on Saturday. Mr. Twister made balloon hats and animals for everyone. The afternoon activities also included cookie decorating, ornament making and holiday coloring. The events concluded with the appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus (Dave…
By Mavis Fodness
December 13, 2023
Rarely is County Administrator Kyle Oldre at a loss for words, but at the Nov. 21 commissioners meeting, he was speechless.
Sheriff Evan Verbrugge attended the meeting to discuss a grant, but in his address to the board, he announced Oldre would receive the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) Outstanding Service Award.
“This award is presented to individuals who have exhibited exceptional…
By Lori Sorenson
December 13, 2023
Luverne’s newest downtown business, Functional Nutrition, opened Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting celebration and open house.
Tyler de Cesare describes his business as a one-stop shop for sports nutrition products, vitamins, supplements, soft serve FroYo protein shakes, smoothie bowls and more.
The store also offers fresh and frozen and fully cooked, prepackaged meals and snacks. A microwave is…
By Lori Sorenson
December 13, 2023
Construction workers are in the process of replacing the roof on the future child care center, which will be established in the renovated former Total Card Inc. building.
City leaders decided to re-roof the building before the actual renovation project starts next year, due to the poor condition of the roof and to prevent delays in the renovation project.
The city, which owns the building, has…
By Lori Sorenson
December 13, 2023
Minnesota West Community and Technical College hosted a retirement party Monday afternoon in Luverne for Lisa Smith, director of the school’s Medical Assistant Program.
In her 28 years with Minnesota West, she’s been the MA program director for the past 20 years and has been on the Luverne campus since it opened in 2007.
“I have a passion for helping students learn and I’ve learned so much from…
By Mavis Fodness
December 13, 2023
A portion of the underground tunnel between the Rock County Courthouse and Veterans Memorial Building lay exposed last week as workers from McGill Restoration continue the $890,000 corrective project that began last month. Workers discovered that puncture holes from the railing installation more than a decade ago allowed water to seep under the membrane surrounding the tunnel. Water then seeped…
By Lori Sorenson
December 13, 2023
Students in Katie Kopp’s high school general business class will host a Christmas Market from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, in the Luverne High School commons.
There are 25 students in the class, and they created items for sale that fall into the categories of products, food or games.
Kopp said general business students typically learn how to set up and follow through with…
December 13, 2023
The semi-retired veterinarian mulched leaves and “took a little off the top” as he mowed his lawn Thursday, Dec. 7, during lunch time. He mowed around the lighted nativity scene, careful not to cut the extension cord, and passed the three snowblowers (in background) that he has for sale. Temperatures reached into the upper 40s on Dec. 8 along with strong winds, which brought more winterlike…
