Political parties gather for caucusesRock County Republicans and Democrats will be gathering next Tuesday for their respective caucuses.Members of the Democratic-Farmers Labor Party, as the Democrats are known in Minnesota, will be meeting at the Elementary Commons at the Luverne Elementary School.The Republicans will meet at the Blue Mound Banquet and Meeting Center on West Hatting.Those attending the DFL caucus will have four candidates to choose from, however, John Edwards and John Kerry are considered the only two left with a chance at the nomination.Although there is little or no opposition to President Bush on the Republican side, both parties will have platform issues to address.Both meetings start at 7 p.m. on March 2. If you have any questions about the caucuses, contact Ben VanderKooi for information on the DFL gathering at 283-9546, or for the Republican Caucus, contact Bill Weber at 283-2391.‘The Passion of The Christ’ will play at the PalaceIf you’re hoping to see Mel Gibson’s new movie, "The Passion of The Christ," you won’t have to go to Sioux Falls to see it.The movie will show at the Palace in Luverne the first week in April and will run the entire week.If attendance is strong, a second week could be added.The Internet Movie Data Base summarization of the movie said:"The Passion of The Christ focuses on the last twelve hours of Jesus of Nazareth's life. The film begins in the Garden of Olives where Jesus has gone to pray after sitting at the Last Supper. Jesus must resist the temptations of Satan. Betrayed by Judas Iscariot, Jesus is then arrested and taken within the city walls of Jerusalem where leaders of the Pharisees confront him with accusations of blasphemy and his trial results in a condemnation to death."The movie has been very controversial since the filming was announced.Some have accused Mel Gibson, the writer, director and producer, of creating a film that could fan the flames of anti- Semitism.While others simply feel it depicts the historically accurate and brutal death of Jesus Christ.You might want to consider the appropriate age that children should be be allowed to go. The violence and torture, of which there is a considerable amount, is very graphic and probably not appropriate for children under the age of 12, according to many sources.Across the country, many church groups have rented out entire theater complexes for their parishioners.In Plano, Texas, a 20-screen movie complex was showing the movie on all 20 screens, and sold out the entire 8 p.m. showing.Advance tickets will be sold prior to showing. Where and when the advance tickets will be sold will be announced later.Spring weight restrictions take effect FridayWith the onset of warmer temperatures, spring weight road restrictions will go into effect Friday on Rock County roads.Maps indicating the weight-restricted roads are available at the Rock County Highway Department.If you have any questions, contact Mark Sehr at 283-5010.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com
