On July 18 Rock County Food Shelf Co-Director Katie Baustian posted a call for donations on the organization’s Facebook page. 
“It has been a while since our shelves have been this bare,” she wrote. “If you enjoy donating items, we are in need of many.” 
The post included photos of mostly bare shelves at the food shelf location on Maple Street in Luverne along with a list of a dozen specific items most in need.
The post was shared by 55 people and spurred a number of donations in the last week by individuals, organizations, businesses and churches to help restock the shelves. 
“We knew that would happen,” Baustian said. 
“This community has always been so generous; once they knew there was a need, they stepped up. We’re so grateful for that.”
Baustian and co-director Mary Gehrke said that even though the shelves are mostly full again, the situation highlights the community need for the food shelf and for the donations to continue.
The program receives no government funding.
 
Increased use
The food shelf is open every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. and also from 5 to 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of the month. 
Families can visit the food shelf twice a month. 
The food shelf serves 35 to 48 families per week, an average that is higher than it’s ever been. 
“Some families have one person, some have up to 10,” Gehrke said. “So that’s a lot of people being served each week.”
The food shelf distributes 1,600 to 1,800 pounds of food per week, which is an average of 40 to 50 pounds per household. 
Gehrke said there are new households visiting the food shelf every week. 
“Oftentimes they have jobs and may be moving to town for those jobs, but they need the help when there are moving expenses, rent deposits and other things at that same time,” Gehrke said.
“We’re happy to help them get settled or on their feet in their new community. Some of them may move around more and aren’t here as long because of changes in their work.”
Other reasons for the increased traffic at the food shelf, according to Baustian, may be higher grocery prices, children home from school in the summer, more retired people on fixed incomes, and changes in government support available to families. 
“We ask people if they are using EBT or food stamp benefits, and many say they have recently gotten a job and no longer qualify for those benefits, but they still are in need of support for food,” Baustian said. 
Those 65 and older comprise another growing population accessing the food shelf. 
“It can be very hard to afford groceries on such a fixed income,” Gehrke said. “Sixty-five to 75 is our fastest growing group that uses the food shelf now.”
Gehrke and Baustian said personal care and hygiene products are also very popular at the facility. Toilet paper, dish soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent and feminine hygiene products are some of the most needed items. 
“You don't realize how expensive those items have gotten,” Gehrke said. 
 
‘Dignity of the person’
The food shelf previously operated in cramped quarters in the basement of the United Methodist Church.
The fact that it now has its own building on Maple Street may be another reason for increased use, Baustian said.
“We are in our second year in this facility now and it’s made a world of difference,” she said. “To have this larger, open space with a waiting area is just a much more enjoyable experience.”
The directors said since the move to the new space, those visiting the food shelf are able to “shop” on their own and even use grocery carts.
“It really is like shopping at the store,” Gehrke said. “We want them to feel comfortable.”
“It’s about the dignity of the person,” Baustian said. “That’s the big goal.”
Gehrke said the food shelf is also working to make the food selection more appropriate for the people of different cultural backgrounds who are served by the program. 
“If we can add new foods that are more popular or familiar with people from different backgrounds, we definitely want to do that,” she said. 
Gehrke added that one regular volunteer at the evening shift at the food shelf also speaks Spanish. 
“You can just see the peoples’ faces light up when they are able to visit with her in their own language,” Gehrke said. “All of those things make the food shelf experience more dignified.”
 
Support still needed
The directors pointed out that there are many ways to support the food shelf's continued mission. 
Donations of non-perishable food and hygiene products can be dropped off on the east side of the building on West Maple Street, and cash donations are always welcome.
“We purchase about $3,000 worth of groceries a month,” Gehrke said. 
Each month one or two Rock County churches are also encouraged to collect items for the food shelf.
“Some churches do it all year around; some just during their month,” Gehrke said. “We appreciate all the donations we can get.”
Baustian and Gehrke said local physicians and many other groups donate food for holidays and other special occasions throughout the year. 
For example, 4-H and other groups have created “birthday bags” that have all the supplies needed for a child’s birthday party in a bag that parents can pick up in order to provide a birthday party for their child. 
The Backpack Program, which provides take-home food for school-aged students, also distributes from the food shelf. 
The organization partners with the local farmers market in a number of ways to provide more healthy options, and local gardeners share fresh fruits and vegetables with the food shelf as well. 
Baustian said Sunshine Foods in Luverne donates excess food and other products. “Sunshine is very supportive,” she said. 
“We are also part of the food rescue program through Dollar General,” Gehrke said. “At times they donate food from their store to use before it is no longer useful.”
Overall, the co-directors of the Rock County Food Shelf say they’re grateful for the support and are always ready to share information about the important program to others.
“If anyone or organization would like a tour of the food shelf and learn about how we operate, please contact Katie Baustian,” the July 18 Facebook post stated.
“We appreciate your continued support of our mission.”
Questions can be directed to Baustian or through the food shelf Facebook page.

Blue Mounds State Park became the sixth location last week where an all-terrain trackchair is available for public use through the DNR.
The trackchair is battery-powered and can travel on trails that can’t be accessed using a regular wheelchair.
According to Blue Mounds State Park manager Chris Ingebretsen, the trackchairs can maneuver on the majority of the park’s trails.
“They won’t be able to use it on the Burr Trail or on the 1- and 2-mile loop,” he said.
The trackchair is limited to trails with inclines of 20-percent or less and is unable to be driven over thick mud areas.
A battery-operated trackchair can travel four- to seven-miles before recharging.
There is no charge for use of the chair, but visitors must have a state park permit.
Reservations for the trackchair are made through the state park’s main entrance office.
Ingebretsen tried the trackchair himself last week.
Top speed is 3 mph.
“It’s a nice leisurely ride,” he said.
Ingebretsen had his own parents in mind when he filled out the application for a trackchair in the Blue Mounds.
“My mom is an avid hiker, but my dad can’t do long distances,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for them to do a long-distance hike together again.”
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources launched the trackchair program in 2022 with five chairs.
“These trackchairs represent the type of investment the DNR will make over the next several years, thanks to historic legislative funding for our Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) Initiative, which aims to ensure Minnesotans of all abilities and interests enjoy world-class outdoor experiences,” said DNR commissioner Sarah Strommen.
Action Manufacturing of Marshall was awarded the bid to provide the eight additional trackchairs to state parks, including the one at Blue Mounds.
Cost of the chair is currently $15,800.
The amount is more than last year’s $14,500 per chair cost.
“We added a few more amenities,” said Jamie McBride, a consultant for the state park and recreation program.
These include joy stick that can be operated from either side of the trackchair, a place to carry a backpack or bag, and extra pockets so users don’t have to hold personal items in their laps.
The trackchair can be used year-round.

The Luverne City Council is considering $4,039,200 in capital improvements for the proposed 2024 budget.
At their July 19 meeting, council members heard budget requests from city department heads as part of the normal city budget process. 
Expenses for water, wastewater, electric, fire, government buildings, parks and recreation, streets, airport, pool and fitness, parking lots, Luverne Loop and civil defense make up this year's requests. 
Council members will vote on the proposed capital expenses at an upcoming meeting. 
Those expenses will be factored into the city’s overall budget that needs to be in place by mid-September’s preliminary levy decisions.
 
Wastewater- $1,090,450
The Wastewater Department led all departments with a total request of $1,090,450. 
According to city officials, the majority of that expense, $782,950, will be to extend sewer services for the proposed multifamily housing development in the Sybesma Addition. 
“We want to be ready for that development, including the possibility of the need for a lift station for that development,” said City Administrator Jill Wolf. 
Other expenses in the Wastewater Department include $50,000 for sewer line replacement, $15,000 for new equipment including pumps and valves as needed and half the cost of a one-ton dump truck ($42,500) shared with the Water Department. 
2024 Capital Improvement Budget Requests
City of Luverne
 
Department/Category           Total Amount
Requested
Wastewater                            $1,090,450
Water                                      $650,750
Electric                                    $638,000
Streets                                     $395,000
Fire                                          $350,000
Parks and Recreation              $315,000
Luverne Loop                          $265,000
Parking Lots                            $150,000
Gov’t Buildings                        $100,000
Pool and Fitness Center          $30,000
Civil Defense                           $30,000
Airport                                    $25,000
 
Water - $650,750
Many of the Water Department’s capital requests are also related to the Sybesma Addition housing development that would need $343,250 in water line extensions. 
The department is also requesting $160,000 to paint the interior of the north water tower. Related to that, $25,000 is planned to install a variable frequency drive (VFD) to the north booster station, which allows water to be pumped faster or slower based on need. 
The VFD on the north end of the town will allow water pressure to remain adequate when the north water tower is out of service for painting. 
 
Electric - $638,000
Electric Department funding requests include $200,000 for distribution system upgrades and $150,000 for transformers. The department is requesting $120,000 for power plant improvements, including tuck pointing and completing window replacements. 
Another $60,000 is requested for streetlight poles and fixtures, including replacing the banners on Highway 75 in 2024. 
 
Streets - $395,000
A new dump truck with a plow comprises the majority of the Street Department’s capital requests for 2024.
The $295,000 request was approved for 2023, but the order was delayed, so city staff are now requesting it for 2024. 
According to Public Works Director John Stoffel, the new truck will replace a 2000 model dump truck that has served the city well for over 23 years. 
“It's an everyday use vehicle,” Stoffel said. “It’s used year-round.”
He requested another $100,000 to replace a 2005 pickup for the department as well. A large built-in tool box is included on that truck. 
 
Fire - $350,000
The Fire Department is requesting $350,000 in 2024 for a new rural pumper truck to replace the current one that’s nearly 25 years old.
“The trucks are kept so clean and shiny and maintained so well, you don't even realize how old they are,” said city council member Kevin Aaker at the meeting. 
 The total cost of the rural pumper truck will be split between the 2024 and 2025 capital budgets, and funds from the townships’ fire protection contracts will be applied to the cost. 
 
Parks and Recreation - $315,000
Parks and Recreation Department capital purchases include $150,000 for Hawkinson Park improvements. 
According to Stoffel, the development of the Luverne Loop has expanded the size of the park on North Cottage Grove Avenue as well as its access and visibility. 
“We hope to add nature-themed play equipment in that park, which will be unique to the city,” Wolf said. 
Stoffel said the city is also considering adding one or two pickleball courts at the park on the west side of town. 
“We’re getting lots of requests for more pickleball courts so we’re going to look into what we can do,” Stoffel said. “We know there’s a demand out there right now.”
The Parks Department is also requesting $85,000 to replace an 11-foot mower and $50,000 for improvements at Kolbert Park on West Main Street. 
“We’ve heard some requests from neighbors in that area to update the outdated equipment,” Wolf said. 
 
Luverne Loop - $265,000
A new fence and retaining wall along the Loop trail near the left field of Redbird Field is being considered. 
“There’s quite a drop-off there now, and this will help with drainage,” Stoffel said.
Additional landscaping around The Lake ($65,000) and new benches with attached coverings for shade ($50,000) were also requested. 
 
Government buildings - $100,000
Replacing the roof on the Carnegie Building for $25,000 and tuck-pointing at the Palace Theatre for $75,000 were the requests under the government buildings category of the capital requests. 
 
Parking lots - $150,000
A request for $150,000 to repair the north parking lot at City Hall was included in the capital requests. 
“The project would include leveling and help with drainage and improve safety, especially in the winter with ice buildup,” Wolf said. 
 
Civil Defense - $30,000
A new civil defense siren will be worked into the rotation of the current seven sirens throughout Luverne. 
“We’ve replaced two sirens in recent years,” Stoffel said. “We try to do about one a year to keep them current; it’s good to update them.”
 
Pool/Fitness - $30,000
The Pool and Fitness Center capital requests include $20,000 to replace the diving board and stand and $10,000 to purchase additional exercise equipment. 
According to city staff, the diving board was refurbished in 2008 and the current stand has been in place since 1992. 
 
Airport - $25,000
Airport manager Ben Baum is requesting $25,000 to purchase a used skid loader to replace a 1982 skid loader currently being used at the airport.

Commissioners issued a letter of support for the housing project proposed for the city of Luverne.
County administrator Kyle Oldre wrote the support letter for the Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (SMHP) project.
“The county board believes the units, consisting of two, three and four-bedroom townhomes, will help address the critical shortage our community currently faces in affordable housing,” Oldre wrote.
“The board is also very supportive of the fact that this project includes four units designed for persons with disabilities.
“… please let this letter serve as the county board’s very strong support for your efforts.”
The board approved the letter of support at the July 11 commissioners meeting after it was requested by Jen Theneman, director of real estate and community development with the housing partnership.
In her June 26 email to Oldre, Theneman asked for potential financial support and for a letter of support to secure a grant.
“To make this project work, we will be submitting a grant application to the Minnesota Housing Finance for significant financing,” she wrote. “Of course, much of the application is also focused on local factors and support, which is why I’m reaching out to you.”
Theneman was not specific about the financial request to Rock County commissioners.
Commissioners agreed only to a letter of support at this time.
The city of Luverne is providing land in the Sybesma Addition with access along County Road 4 and will develop a tax increment finance district for the project.
The letter to commissioners came after a public discussion of the plans.
“(On June 20) we held a community open house to hear from residents, employers, business owners and government officials about the project,” Theneman wrote to commissioners.
“It was very well received, and we heard that this will be impactful for the city of Luverne and Rock County.”
SMHP is proposing to develop, own and asset manage a housing development similar to the existing Rock Creek Townhomes in Luverne.
The housing partnership asked the city of Luverne to sell the land for $1 and create a TIF district in order to make the project financially feasible.
In late June the city approved creating a TIF district for the project.
Application for a Minnesota Housing Finance grant is for “significant funds,” according to Theneman’s email.
She supplied no specific project costs in her request to commissioners.
If the finance agency’s application is denied this year, the partnership intends to apply again during the next funding cycle.
If approved this year, construction on the housing project could begin in 2024.

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.

Brain health is health. This concept lives in my mind, daily. I have worked as a mental health therapist for the past 15 years.
The more research emerges, the better we understand the inner workings of the brain, and yet, we have so very far to go to best understand illness and best recovery treatments. 
Some things have changed in the 15 years that I've been involved in this field, but the need for mental health services and the need to destigmatize these illnesses remains. 
Mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, professional counselors, social workers and case managers, work from research and evidence-based modalities. We are bound by stringent ethical standards.
The work can be hard but is incredibly rewarding.
Each of us in this field understands brain health is health. Mental illness is not a flaw of character. It is not a choice. It is not a sin.
According to CDC, more than 31 percent of people in the United States will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. About one out of every six adults will have depression at some time in their life. Depression affects 16 million American adults every year. These illnesses do not discriminate, impacting youth and elderly, men and women, poor and affluent and people of all races. 
This work is vast. For me and for others who do this work locally, we have chosen to keep our focus here, in the southwest region of Minnesota.
We “Love the Life” and work to ensure that all people know how important their lives are, to not give up even when things feel hopeless. Hope is at the core of this work — always. 
Luverne is currently part of a Minnesota Department of Health grant to engage in “Pathways to Care” that focuses on youth mental health and ensures no one falls through the cracks. We continue to offer classes like “Talk Saves Lives” and “More than Sad” to ensure we are having the difficult conversations that lead people to the help they need.
All local agencies are attempting to expand their workforce to improve population-to-services ratios. All local mental health providers meet monthly as part of the Luv1LuvAll Brain Health group to explore gaps in services, upstream approaches and community engagement opportunities. 
We will soon host our third annual “Out of the Darkness” suicide prevention walk from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Luverne City Park. These walks help us process grief as a community, provide hope and share a community goal of suicide prevention.
The walks are hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention all over the state of Minnesota and the nation. To register for the Sept. 16 walk in Luverne, go to AFSP.org/luverne.
I hope that people are talking about mental health. I pray they are seeking services when needed, without shame or stigma.
We will, as a mental health community, continue this work as long as it takes to ensure help is available and that we are talking about brain health as health.

Office chatter at the Star Herald has been entertaining this week.
“I’m definitely wearing a cowboy hat,” I said.
“I think I can turn some jeans into Daisy Dukes,” Greg chimed in.
“But wait — then you’ll need chaps. Where can we get those?”
Mavis, a seasoned horse rider, volunteered to bring her wardrobe to work.
We discussed safety. “If the air quality is poor, I’ll have my inhaler handy.”
And we discussed ways to cheat … “if we put Gracie in the wheelbarrow, we can just carry it.”
If it isn’t obvious, the Star Herald has a team in Friday night’s Ag Olympics at the fair.
We’ll be competing as the “Star Busters” among teams with names like “City Slickers,” “Cagy Cardinals,” “Rock Bottoms” and more.
It all starts at 7 p.m. Friday, July 28, in the grandstands at the fairgrounds in Luverne.
We’d like to train for the physical challenges, but we’re not sure how.
For example, who has access to a 4-foot round bale or square straw bales for the “bale rolling and stacking” competition?
Other categories of Ag Olympics include “Move the Calf,” “Backseat Driver,” “Three-Man Wheelbarrow Race,” and “Bucket Relays.”
With three of our four team members over the age of 54, we’re hoping for short distances and light bales.
At least one woman must compete in each of the challenges. (As farm girls, Mavis and I are confident we’ll be the stars of our Star Busters team).
But we’re more than a little concerned that some of our opponents stacked their teams with 20-somethings.
We’re just assuming that whatever we may lack in athletic prowess we’ll make up for in style. Hopefully there’s a ribbon for that.
 
Pucker up, buttercup!
Speaking of style, I’m personally excited about Friday’s intermission when a lucky volunteer will pucker up to kiss a pig for charity.
Potential kissers are school principal Ryan Johnson, county administrator Kyle Oldre and city mayor Pat Baustian.
Whose lips would you like to see on a pig snout? The one ending up with the most money gets to pucker up. Look for donation boxes at the grandstand gates. (I heard the principal is already busy raising money for the other kissers.)
Money raised will go to Carson’s Cause, a foundation for local brain health started in memory of my son, Carson Ehde, who died by suicide on Sept. 13, 2022.
Thanks, fair board members, for choosing Carson’s Cause as this year’s Kiss the Pig charity.
We really miss our Carson, but thanks to generous donors, we’re making a difference and honoring his memory. Find us on the Luverne Area Community Foundation website, luvacf.org, and on Facebook.