More pheasants, less partridge
According to the Minnesota DNR, the four Southwest Minnesota counties, Rock, Nobles, Murray and Pipestone, have shown an increase of 27 percent in this year's pheasant population over last year, but a decrease of 50 percent in the number of Hungarian Partridge in the area.
Ringneck pheasant numbers increased from 52 to 72 birds observed per 100 miles driven in the DNR's annual roadside survey.
That's the third highest count in the last 10 years, with 1999 and 2000 being higher.
Unfortunately, that increase does not apply specifically to Rock County. Rock County was the only one of the four counties to see a decrease in its roadside count.
According to the DNR, weather conditions were nearly perfect for pheasants this past year.
The winter was warm and mostly snowless, allowing hens to enter into the nesting season in excellent condition.
The nesting season had a cool start but was dry, which is favorable to high pheasant chick survival rates.
The one drawback to the dry summer was earlier and more intensive mowing of roadsides and other odd areas for hay.
Undisturbed grass areas through July are critical to good pheasant production.
Luverne merchants to host second annual trick or treat program
Luverne merchants will host their second annual Halloween treats program this year.
Forty-seven participating Luverne merchants will hand out Halloween treats to kids on Oct. 31, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
A sign in their windows can identify participating merchants.
Parents are asked to bring their children to the participating merchants.
Because of the large number of kids involved, parents are also urged to use caution and cross streets only at designated intersections.
Prairie Smoke Floral now open
Luverne's newest floral shop is now open.
Prairie Smoke Floral is located at 220 E. Main, the original location of Cook's Clothing.
Owners of the new Luverne business are the mother and daughter team of Jamie Tofteland and Julie Hamann.
The new flower shop will be affiliated with Teleflora and is planning a grand opening for Saturday, Nov. 2.
One more week to see the scarecrows
If you havenÕt been up to the Veterans Home to see the scarecrows, it's worth the time.
The sixth Annual Scarecrow Festival was set up the first week of October and will start to come down starting Nov. 1.
A lot of people put a lot of time and effort into this yearÕs display, and it shows.
SHARE starts to prepare for Christmas 2002
Sharing Hearts Are Reaching Everyone (SHARE) is preparing for its annual Christmas collection and disbursements.
SHARE is a community-wide program to provide gifts of food, clothing and toys to Rock County residents during the holiday season.
Until 1985, the Christmas gift program was handled through the Rock County Family Services Agency.
Due to increased need, SHARE was established in 1985 and incorporated in 1988.
All of the board and committee members involved with the group are volunteers.
In 2001, SHARE provided 121 families, consisting of 175 children and 176 adults, with groceries, clothing and toys.
But to make it a successful program, SHARE needs donations from individuals like you, as well as churches, organizations and businesses.
The group gives away groceries, clothing, toys, meals for senior dining and home delivery meals.
This year, the dates for collection will be on Friday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and again on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Luverne National Guard Armory.
To receive something from the program, fill out the SHARE request form by Dec. 7.
Distribution will be from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16.
For more information about the program, phone 283-4310 or 283-2810.
Publisher Roger Tollefson can be contacted by e-mail at
tolly@star-herald.com