Hardwick and Kenneth newspapersThe following was printed in the Rose History in 1911:Hardwick’s first news journal was the Hardwick News. It was a six-column folio and was founded by A.M. and D.J. Ross May 18, 1899, the mechanical work being done in the office of the Rock County News at Luverne. The News celebrated its first birthday by changing management, A.H. Higley being the purchaser. When the Rock County News suspended publication the plant was moved to Hardwick, and thereafter it was used in putting forth the Hardwick News. A partnership was formed between E.S. Holman, the former publisher of the Rock County News, and Mr. Higley, who continued publication in partnership, the latter being editor and manager. With this change came a change in politics — from republican to democratic. When the plant was installed the size of the paper was increased to a five-column quarto. From August to December 1902, the News was conducted under a lease by J.S. Randolph, and thereafter by the former publishers. Holman & Higley suspended publication of the News July 6, 1906, alleging lack of support. An effort was made to form a company of local businessmen to take over the plant and continue publication, but the attempt was unsuccessful. December 15, 1909, C.C. Lowe, of the Luverne Journal, and Charles J. Olsen began publication of the Hardwick Star. A few months later Mr. Lowe became sole publisher and installed C. Milton Schultz as editor and local manager. The Star was purchased by William R. Minard, formerly of Little Rock, Iowa, and that gentleman took possession August 3, 1910. Mr. Minard has since conducted the paper in a creditable manner.The Kenneth Pioneer, established May 3, 1902, by B.H. Berry, had an existence of a few months. It was a five-column quarto.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.
