If the Christmas wreaths seem brighter on Luverne’s light poles this year, it’s because are.

Thanks to a combined effort of city staff and local volunteers, the 20-year-old wreaths have new, brighter LED lightbulbs to replace the aging, dimmed bulbs.

Anticipated increases in human services costs prompted Rock County Commissioners to certify the 2026 levy at a 5-percent increase over the current levy for taxes payable in 2026.

At their Dec. 18 meeting, Luverne City Council members certified the levy at $3,789,392 for taxes payable in 2025. 

That represents a 6.25-percent increase over the current levy of $3,566,592 for an additional $222,800.

The first class of the new Hills-Beaver Creek Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame will be inducted in April.

Nominations are due by Wednesday, Dec. 31, and include two categories: individual coach or athlete and team.

Frank Mongold will officially retire at the end of the year after 28 years with the City of Luverne.

He started in 1997 picking up city garbage, and on Dec. 31 he’ll end his career in the same position.

Luverne City Council members presented city attorney Ben Vander Kooi with a plaque of appreciation during their Dec. 18 meeting when they accepted his resignation.

Vander Kooi has served as Luverne’s city attorney for the past 22 years and is leaving the post effective Dec. 31. 

‘Donate to Decorate’ at library

Beaver Creek City Council members approved their 2026 budget and levy during their Dec. 10 meeting.

The levy was set at $169,326 for taxes payable in 2026. That’s a 5.5-percent increase over the current levy of $160,496.

New signage greets motorists at the corner of Highway 75 and County Road 75 near the community of Hardwick.

According to Hardwick City Clerk Tammy Johnson, the updates are thanks to grant funding a community and business effort to pursue the new look.