Register new students starting July 24
Families can register students who are new to the Luverne School District starting July 24. Call the elementary office at 507-283-4497, Option 4, and the high school and middle school office at 507-283-4491, Option 5. School open house is Aug. 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the elementary and from 4 to 7 p.m. in the middle school-high school.
Suicide prevention info online July 25
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Minnesota Chapter online “Introduction to Suicide Prevention” is from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 25. Register at https://tslmn-0725.attendease.com.
Learn common risk factors for suicide, how to spot warning signs in others and how to keep community members safe.
The online event is paid for with funds raised through the Luverne Out of the Darkness Community Walk. Contact Angela Nolz, angela.nolz@sanfordhealth.org with questions.
Mobile dental clinic in Luverne
The mobile dental clinic will be in Luverne on Wednesday, July 26, Thursday, July 27, and Thurs. Aug. 17 at ATLAS of Rock County. (Note the location; use Community Room entrance). This clinic provides dental care for adults and children of all ages. Call 612-746-1530 to schedule an appointment. All forms of insurance accepted. Organized by #Luv1LuvAll's Rock County Oral Health Task Force.
Community Ed new classes or updates due
Aug. 1 is the deadline to share ideas about new classes for Luverne Community Education. It’s also the deadline for teachers wanting to lead new classes or update information about current classes. Email li.nath@isd2184.net or call 507-283-4724.
The most recent community ed brochure is on the school website, www.isd2184.net. Community Education thrives through the sharing of talents, interests, and information from all members of the community. The new brochure will be available on Sept. 2 in the Luverne Announcer and online on Sept. 5.
Nutrition Assistance for Seniors Aug. 3
Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors 60 & older, sponsored by A.C.E. of SW MN will be from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3. It will be a drive thru distribution in the parking lot off Maple Street at the A.C.E office on the east side of the Generations Event Center. Pre-registration required. Call Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064.
Blood Bank at Take 16 for ‘Pint for a Pint’ Aug. 4
Take 16 Brewing Co. will host a community blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4. Donors can register inside Take 16 Brewing, online at www.cbblifeblood.org or by calling 605-331-3222. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. Donors receive an event T-shirt and a pint of their favorite brew.
5K run and 2-mile walk Aug. 2
Area residents can participate in a 5K run and two-mile family fun walk at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, to benefit the Southwest Crisis Center and the Mary Kay Foundation. Both causes help southwest Minnesota victims of domestic and sexual violence. The event is part of the Nobles County Fair in Worthington. Call 507-376-4311 or email sara@mnswcc.org for information.
SAIL classes start in Beaver Creek Aug. 7
New SAIL classes meet from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. every Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 7 through Oct. 25 in the Beaver Creek City Council Meeting Room. The free classes, Stay Active and Independent for Life improve strength and balance. Call A.C.E. of SW MN manager, Linda Wenzel, 507-283-5064 or A.C.E. volunteer Nancy Lange, 605-838-5915.
Free summer events at Plaza
Life on the Prairie The Rock County Historical Society will host a hands-on prairie experience for kids from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 27, at the Fitzer Barn on the Rock County Fairgrounds. The event is free.
Live music on the Plaza Ron and Jane Cote will provide live music at the Plaza on Main from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 27. Enjoy lunch from Wildflowers Lunch Trailer. Attendees are asked to bring a chair.
Seniors in motion Seniors in Motion is a free mobility and fitness class hosted by Luverne Aquatic & Fitness at the Plaza on Main from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2.
Furs and Fossils Furs and Fossils is a free “feel and learn” event for kids hosted by the Rock County Historical Society at the Plaza on Main from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3.
Park announces July programs
The Blue Mounds State Park has announced its July programs and events. Contact bluemounds.statepark@state.mn.us or 507-283-6050 with questions or special requests.
Mammal Mania Nature Cart will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 27, at the Picnic Area. Bison may be the star of the show, but they are not the only mammal that make their home at the park. All ages welcome!
Magical Monarchs will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 28, at the Amphitheater. The monarch has become a national icon for pollinators across America. From life cycles to a long migration, explore the world of pollinators through the lens of our state butterfly. Bring a chair as seating is limited.
Wetland Wonders will be from 3-4 p.m. Saturday, July 29, at the Picnic Area. Home to animals like great blue herons, painted turtles, and beavers; wetlands are more than just a swamp. Discover the wonders of wetlands through eyes of animals big and small and learn why we as humans need these wonderful places. This program is designed for ages 6-12 years old, but all ages are welcome.
Blue Mounds Birding will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 29, at the Picnic Area. Learn about popular bird species at the park how to identify birds in the wild. We will hike a short half-mile hike to practice new skills. *Bring sun and insect protection as well as good walking shoes. Bring your binoculars if possible. All ages welcome.
Library Happenings
For more information about library happenings, call 507-449-5040 or email rockcountystaff@gmail.com.
Books on Tap takes place at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Take 16 in Luverne.
The 50 State Challenge for adults and older teens is currently underway where patrons are encouraged to read a book set in one of each of the 50 states through Jan. 1, 2024.
Summer reading program for youth and adults is currently underway now through Aug. 15. Youth can pick up the “Find Your Voice” reading log to earn prizes for the number of books read. In the adult program, for every five books read, patrons may enter their name to win one of three gift baskets.
Trivia Night is at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Take 16 in Luverne. Team registration is at 6 p.m.
Free summer events in August
Free root beer floats and historic downtown tours To celebrate National Root Beer Float Day, Take 16 Brewing and the Luverne Chamber will host
golf cart tours of the historic Luverne downtown at 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6, and serve root beer floats at the Plaza. Call 507-283-4061 to reserve a seat.
Super Summer Books “Super Summer Books,” a child reading outreach, is hosted by the Rock County Community Library at the Plaza on Main from 10 to 10:30 a.m.Tuesday, Aug. 15.
Yard Games & Fellowship Free fun activities will be available at the Plaza on Main from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug.17, hosted by Rock County Opportunities. Wildflowers Food Truck will be available for lunch.
Music on the Plaza with Bruce Dysthe Bruce Dysthe will sing from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at the Plaza. Enjoy the great sounds of one of the area’s finest vocalists. Wildflower’s Food Truck will serve from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Crazy Summer Fun for Kids |This event is hosted by Luverne Chamber at the Plaza on Main from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug. 18. Free lunch will be served for kids. Reservations are requested by Aug. 16. Call the Chamber at 507-283-4061.
Sip & Ride Golf Cart Coffee Tour This event is hosted by Luverne Chamber at the Plaza on Main. Rides depart at 8 and 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, for the Tales of the Graves golf cart tour. Reserve your seat by calling the Chamber at 507-283-4061.
Stick Fitness This is a free exercise class hosted by Luverne Aquatic & Fitness at the Plaza on Main from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21.
SAIL classes in Luverne through Sept. 28
New SAIL classes meet from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 11 through Sept. 28 at Generations Event Center in Luverne. The free classes, Stay Active and Independent for Life, improve strength and balance. Call A.C.E. of SWMN manager Linda Wenzel, 507-283-5064 or A.C.E. volunteer Corey Ziegler, 507-920-0587.
Kits available at library
Libraries in the Plum Creek Library System have Storytelling Kits in a wide range of subjects from ABCs to Zoos. Each of the more than 130 kits contains a variety of materials based on the kit’s theme. Some include Wonderbooks, puppets, music CDs and DVDs. Various learning activities can also be found in the kits.
Reminiscence Kits are available featuring various topics such as gardening, pets, baking, sewing, farming and hunting. The kits are designed to use with a loved one experiencing memory loss, encouraging loved ones to open up about activities they once loved in the past.
STEAM kits are also available checkout. Motion, lights, hydropower, robotics and magnets are among the kits.
Food Shelf evening hours
The Rock County Food Shelf is open for an additional evening shift from 5 to 6 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. Call Mary at 507-227-5548 or Katie at 507-227-3531.
A.C.E. respite care available, volunteers needed
A.C.E. of SW Minnesota (A.C.E.) offers respite care services in Rock County for those needing a break from caring for a loved one.
The respite program offers short-term (1-3 hours), temporary care for families and caregivers by providing a brief period of reprieve from the daily cares they provide to their loved one.
Volunteers provide non-professional supportive services to caregivers to give them time for themselves, relieve their stress and help them remain healthy.
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