The annual Fourth of July celebration at The Lake in Luverne experienced cloudy skies and a rain delay while finishing with the well-attended fireworks display.
“Other than the weather — which slowed down one of the triathlon events — the weather was good,” said organizer Traci Davis, who with her husband, Mike, head the Fourth of July committee.
The potential for rain forced the band to set up inside. The move didn’t dampen spirits, however.
“We needed the rain,” said Mike Davis. “We were happy.”
Hundreds gathered for the daylong event that featured various activities, a food court and music. The event culminated with the fireworks display.
The Tuesday night event was well-attended.
Mike Davis noted that the two portable bleachers moved in for the event were full, along with areas around The Lake, to view the fireworks.
“We had a little bit bigger fireworks show this year,” Mike said. “Jonathon Kurtz (and Jen Wieme) put a lot of work into the show. Many people commented it was the best fireworks show they’ve ever seen.”
The committee, Luverne Lake Events, organized this year’s event for the first time, taking over from the Luverne Convention and Visitors Bureau and Luverne Area Chamber.
About 40 volunteers helped with this year’s Fourth of July celebration, and Mike said the committee will meet soon to evaluate last week’s event and plan for 2024.

Pastor Praveen Muthusamy heard about southwest Minnesota’s blustery winters, not knowing the severity of cold and snow until moving to Hills in October.
Muthusamy accepted the open pastoral position at Hills United Reformed Church, moving his wife, Sharon, and daughter, Hannah, to Hills weeks before one of the coldest and snowiest winters hit the area.
“The snow is pretty,” said the native of Chennai, the capitol of Tamil Nadu in southeast India. “The coldest it gets in Chennai is 70 degrees F. That’s winter for us.”
Fortunately for Muthusamy, he lives in the parsonage next door to the church in Hills.
“I personally didn’t mind the snow except on days where I needed to use our car for going different places,” he said.
He’s also become used to Hills’ small population (around 700 residents), a stark contrast to his home country’s population of roughly 11.8 million.
“Definitely I see a lot less people here in Hills, but I enjoy the country living. It is peaceful and quiet,” Muthusamy said.
“I enjoy the slow pace of living in the town compared to the hustle and bustle of big cities life. Hills is a nice town with lots of friendly people.”
 
Second career
The ministry is a second career for Muthusamy, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, electronics and communication.
“I was pursuing a PhD in optics and laser science in Vellore Institute of Technology Chennai campus,” he said. “During that time I felt the Lord was calling me to the ministry.”
He carries on the tradition of Tamil Nadu, India, in which they don’t use last names.
Generally, wives and the children take the first name of their father. Muthusamy uses his father’s first name as his last name, but his wife and daughter use his last name, Praveen.
In Hills he is known simply as Pastor Praveen.
He credits his mother for preparing him for the Christian ministry when he was a child.
India primarily practices Hinduism (80 percent) with just over 2 percent being Christian.
“It was God’s gift to me that I was born in a Christian family in a country that has idols of gold, silver and wood in every nook and corner of a street,” he said.
“My mom not only taught my brother and me to constantly pray to God but showed us how to do it in her life.”
English is Muthusamy’s second language after his native language of Tamil. He is fluent in both languages.
He can read, write and listen to Hindi, one of the common languages in India. He’s also studied French, Greek, Hebrew, German and Latin.
In August 2018, he entered the Mid-American Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana, for a Master of Divinity Degree.
 
Intro to Hills came through seminary
At seminary in 2019, he met his wife, Sharon, who grew up in Indiana and taught Spanish and world history for 16 years at Illiana Christian High School.
She became a full-time mom when Hannah was born 16 months ago.
As a requirement for his divinity degree, Muthusamy needed to complete two summer internships. Both times he traveled to Hills and the Hills United Reformed Church. The first was in 2021 and the second last summer.
“Both those summer internships went really well. We loved the congregation and the congregation loved us, which reflected in the call after I sustained my candidacy exam in September 2022,” Muthusamy said.
“So, in God’s providence it was clear that God wanted us to serve his people at Hills.”
At Hills United, Muthusamy said his primary duty is to preach the good news of Jesus Christ to the congregation of 20 families.
“Lost sinners are brought into true faith in Jesus and those who have true faith continue to mature and become more and more like Jesus,” he said.
“This is what I want for my congregation so that by the grace of God the Father and through the power of God the Holy Spirit, we can be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”

The Rock County History Center has acquired a new 6-foot-tall nutcracker that mirrors an existing 6-footer that greets visitors at Luverne’s 5,000-piece collection.
The “King Red” German nutcracker, with an estimated value of nearly $6,000, was first given to the Alexandria Shrine Club to be used as a fundraiser for the Minneapolis Shriners Hospital for Children.
It was brought from East Germany in the 1980s before the fall of the iron curtain. After it was purchased, it took the owners three years to get it into West Germany and eventually to Minnesota.
Now it makes its home in Luverne, standing at attention in the doorway to the nutcracker collection and across from a white one that looks nearly identical, except for its color.
“They could be twins,” said Betty Mann, who started Luverne’s nutcracker collection in 2016 when she donated her personal nutcracker collection to draw more people to the museum.
Since then, the collection has grown from 2,800 to more than 5,000.
The white 6-footer arrived in Luverne with a donation of 130 German nutcrackers from a Northfield resident last year, and Mann said they may name that one also, since King Red has a name.
She said the museum recently received 22 additional German nutcrackers formerly owned by the late Rev. Alfred and Trudy Schmalz, who ministered at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne from 1956 to 1981.
That brings the current number of nutcrackers in Luverne to exactly 5,435, the third-largest collection in the United States.
Seguin, Texas, has a collection of over 8,000, and the Nutcracker Museum in Leavenworth, Washington, has 9,100.
Those may be the largest collections in the United States, but Mann makes an important distinction about Luverne’s collection.
“I tell everybody that comes through here that all their items are made in Germany and the majority of their collection actually cracks nuts,” she said.
“Our collection has anything that reminds you of a nutcracker. I’m biased, but their collections have racks and racks of what look like tools. … They’re beautiful, but you know, they are different from ours. And people have told me you see a lot more color here.”
Regardless of who has the most nutcrackers, Mann said she’s enjoyed comparing nutcrackers to Luverne’s population.
“Our claim to fame at this point is that we now have more nutcrackers than people.”
Luverne’s nutcracker collection is housed in the Rock County History Center on East Main Street.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays. Call 507-283-2122 or email rcmuseum@gmail.com.

Luverne will celebrate Hot Dog Night for the 61st time Thursday, June 13. 
Since 1963, local businesses have thanked their customers by serving free hot dogs. More than 50 Luverne businesses and organizations will participate this year. 
“Over the years, the event has changed and responded to the current needs and opportunities,” said Jane Lanphere, Luverne Area Chamber director. 
“But one constant remains; Hot Dog Night is a family-friendly, fun and free event that our businesses and organizations come together to give back to their customers and community.” 
Between 14,000 and 15,000 hot dogs will be served on Main Street and at businesses throughout the community. Most businesses begin serving at 5:30 p.m. 
Events are planned throughout the evening, and live music will be at Sterling’s Cafe and Grille, Take 16 Brewing Company and Big Top Tents and Events. 
Take 16 will also have a dunk tank and Big Top will host a keg throwing contest. 
“Our businesses continue to come up with fun ways to thank customers during Hot Dog Night,” Lamphere said. 
The first official Hot Dog Night event will be in the morning at 10:30 at Kolbert Park where the Rock County Library will host a summer storytime reading of the children’s book, “Hot Dog,” by Doug Salati.
Some copies of the book will be given away to children in attendance. 
The Hinkley House Museum is open from 2 to 4 p.m. and the Luverne Farmers' Market is open from 4 to 7 p.m. at Redbird Field. 
Events on Main Street begin at 5 p.m. with face painting, inflatables and more. 
"The Chamber and all our members couldn't be prouder to be able to keep up this great tradition," Lanphere said. "It's one of the most iconic summer events in Luverne."

The Luverne School District has a new, more modern sign on the front lawn along Highway 75.
The new sign is 20.5 feet high, 18.3 feet wide and two feet deep with a 10-by-18-foot Daktronic digital screen.
It replaces the existing 1990s structure that had a 2-by-10-foot screen that was no longer working.
The new free-standing sign is in the same vicinity as the old one and was made possible through a K.A.U.R. Foundation gift to the district.
ACE Signs, Sioux Falls, completed the work for $223,792, which was covered through a private donation to the school.

Luverne ISD #2184 requests quotes for bakery products
REQUESTS FOR QUOTES
LUVERNE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Notice is hereby given that quotes for bakery products will be received until 
10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023, at the Office of the Superintendent, Luverne
High School, Luverne, Minnesota.
Detailed specifications and information are available at the Office of the
Superintendent of Schools.
The School Board reserves the right to reject any and all quotes and bids and
to waive any technicalities.
David Wrigg
Clerk
(07-13)

Meetings
Battle Plain Township Board will meet at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 13, in the Edgerton Ag conference room.
 
Tour de Donut July 15
The annual Tour de Donut will be Saturday, July 15, at The Lake in Luverne. Start time of the first event is 7 a.m. New this year are 7- or 11-mile tours on the Luverne Loop or the Luverne Loop and Ashby Trail. Register at https://tinyurl.com/donutMN
 
Euphonium music at Plaza July 20
#Luv1LuvAll will host Matthew Dulas, who plays the euphonium, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at The Plaza on East Main Street. Gourmet popcorn and freshments will be served.
 
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.
 
Free summer events
Summer crafts and activities, hosted by Rock County Opportunities, provides free activities and fun for all ages at the Plaza on Main from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 13.
 Jim Brandenburg’s Touch the Sky Prairie Nature Walk with naturalist Pat Doyscher will meet at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 15, at Prairie Waterfall Trail.                         
Zumba Fitness & Fun is a free exercise class hosted by Luverne Aquatic & Fitness at the Plaza on Main from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 17.
Fun at the Beach books, a child reading outreach program, is hosted by Rock County Community Library at the Plaza on Main from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 18.
 A Fun Day for Kids, hosted by Quality Printing, will provide free activities and games at the Plaza on Main at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 19.
Treats & Treasures is hosted by Luv1LuvAll at the Plaza on Main from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 20. A free snack and program info will be provided.
Live music on the Plaza Luverne Street Music is celebrating their 10th anniversary and will provide live music on the Plaza on Main at 5:30 Monday, July 24. Participants are asked to bring a chair.
Senior dance Luverne Aquatics & Fitness will host a senior dance class at the Plaza on Main from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 25, to promote free exercise thru dance class.
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.
 
Community Ed
Community Education will offer the following classes in the next few weeks. Call 507-283-4724 to register.
Paint and Snack Classes for grades K-4 during the 2022-23 school year are July 17 and Aug. 14. Fee is $33/class.
Cake Decorating Camp for students in grades 3-5 (as attended in the 22-23 school year)is July 18 & 19. Learn to bake and decorate cake from start to finish! Fee is $100. Register by July 13 (Community Ed office closed July 14-28).
Yoga grades 3-5 starts July 24 for four sessions. Fee is $40. Register by July 13 (Community Ed office closed July 14-28).
Missoula Children’s Theatre returns to Luverne on July 31-Aug. 4 for ages Kindergarten (as attended during 22-23 school year) through age 18 to perform in “The Princess and the Pea.” Fee is $35 paid by July 13.
 
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.
Built Like a Bison will be from 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 15, at Eagle Rock Vista. Big, bold, and beautiful; bison have been roaming the prairies of North America for hundreds of years. Discover what it takes to be built like a bison and thrive on the prairie at this stop-and-go style program.
Storytime on the Plains will be from 5-6 p.m. Saturday, July 22, at the bench across from Campground Host. Long before writing and libraries, people have been sharing their culture, history, and values through story telling.  Hear stories that have been shared on the Great Plains for centuries. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Story-lovers of all ages are welcome.
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.
All Day Savenger Hunts challenges library visitors to find various items. Successful hunters can earn a prize. The last hunt takes place July 25.
Story Time in the Park is at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays through July at the following locations.
•July 13, Kolbert Park
•July 20, Veterans Memorial Park
•July 27, Hawkinson Park
Traveling Story Time continues in city or county parks in all the communities outside of Luverne in July. 
•Monday, July 17, 10 a.m. Magnolia; 10:45 a.m., Kanaranzi.
•Wednesday, July 19: 10 a.m., Hardwick; 10:45 a.m., Kenneth.
•Monday, July 24, 10 a.m., Beaver Creek, 10:45 a.m., Hills, 11:30 a.m., Steen.
•Wednesday, July 26, 10 a.m., Magnolia, 10:45 a.m., Kanaranzi.
Plaza Story Time with children’s librarian is at 10 a.m. at the History Center Plaza on Tuesday, July 18.
Arts & Crafts provides an hour of fun for kindergarteners through fifth-graders. The event begins at 3 p.m. each Wednesday through July.
Teens in Action provides a time for children ages 12 to 18 to meet and discuss books, music and movies. Meets each Thursday at 3 p.m. through July.
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
Respite care volunteers are also needed. Trained A.C.E. volunteers provide respite care to family caregivers of adults age 60 and older who are suffering from long-term health conditions.
Contact Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064 or ace.rock@co.rock.mn.us.

Luverne ISD #2184 requests 
bids for dairy products
REQUEST FOR BIDS
LUVERNE PUBLIC SCHOOLS 
Notice is hereby given that bids will be received until 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023, at the Office of the Superintendent, Luverne High School, Luverne, Minnesota, for the furnishing of the following products:
          A. Dairy Products
Detailed specifications and information are available at the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.
The School Board reserves the right to reject any and all quotes and bids and to waive any technicalities.
David Wrigg
Clerk
(07-13)