For only the third time in 25 years, the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will have a new investigator beginning July 1.
Investigator Sgt. Jeff Wieneke will retire at the end of the month, having served 20 years in the position.
Current deputy Chad Kempema will take his place as investigator and will be promoted to sergeant.
Kempema has been in law enforcement for 22 years and with Rock County since 2016.
The promotion leaves the sheriff’s department seeking a deputy replacement.
“Currently we have not received any applications after one month of posting,” said Sheriff Evan Verbrugge. “As of today, there are 162 openings in the state of Minnesota for a law enforcement position.”
 
Career has been rewarding
Soon-to-be-retired Wieneke advised anyone interested in law enforcement to explore the career first, much the same way he did before he graduated from Luverne High School in 1987.
He completed an exploratory class which included riding with local peace officers and assisting the department during the summer months.
His original plans to join the military after high school changed as he chose instead to work in Luverne for a year, saving money to attend college.
He graduated from Alexandria Vocational-Technical College in 1990 with a two-year degree in law enforcement.
Wieneke first accepted a position as part-time officer with the Luverne Police Department before moving to a full-time deputy position with the sheriff’s office in January 1991.
“The job market was a little different back then,” Wieneke recalled. “You’d go and apply and there would be a lot of people there. It’s not like that anymore.”
While national perceptions of law enforcement have changed in the wake of Minneapolis police incidents, Wieneke said his experience in Rock County has been positive.
“Around here I have never felt disrespect,” Wieneke said. “People have gone out of their way to say how much they appreciate us.”
 
Wieneke started as investigator in 2003
A 1998 merger between the Rock County sheriff’s department and the Luverne police department marked the creation of the first investigator position within the new sheriff’s department.
Clyde Menning served as the first investigator, retiring in 2003.
Months later, Wieneke filled the position. “It was kind of ‘Here it is, have at it,’” Wieneke recalled. “I think it was originally intended as a five-year position.”
Wieneke said a large share of his investigator knowledge came through Carrie Nelson’s murder at the Blue Mounds State Park in 2001, two years before he became the investigator.
Two shelves in Wieneke’s current office hold all the written reports Paul Soppeland with the Minnesota Bureau of Investigation gave to Wieneke to catch up to where the investigation stood.
“I had plenty of reading to do when I wasn’t doing other stuff,” Wieneke recalled. “It was pretty obvious there weren’t any strong suspects.”
Wieneke balanced his regular investigation of burglaries, child protection, and especially in the early 2000s, narcotics cases with reading the Nelson case.
“I got pulled into a lot of types of cases,” he said. “They’re never the same every day, that’s for sure.”
For the first four years of Wieneke’s 20-year investigator career, he sought answers to the Nelson case.
 
Nelson case solved under Wieneke’s watch
An advancement in DNA testing in 2007 ultimately led to Nelson’s murderer, Randy Swaney, who was later convicted in 2008. He’s still serving a life sentence.
Because Swaney, who was already in custody for another crime, wouldn’t talk with investigators, Wieneke and others had to build the case by other means.
“I learned a lot because we interviewed a lot of people,” Wieneke said. “I also learned the collection of evidence and how to log everything — to do everything the proper way. It was unfortunate to learn in that type of situation, but I learned from a better investigator (Soppeland).”
Wieneke now frequently uses other advances in technology such as cell phone records, including text messages and social media postings, to solve cases and provide closure for victims.
“I’m not saying I am a computer person but you have to have some computer skills,” he said. “You will learn them, that’s for sure.”
 
One local murder case remains open
However, one murder case is still open in Rock County, and Wieneke will retire before the 1984 death of Kelly Robinson is solved.
Robinson’s body was found in a gravel pit northeast of Luverne.
“There’s just no active leads in that case,” he said. “I’ve spoken to the family and I would like to give them closure.”
The Robinson and other cases waiting lab results remain open as Wieneke retires and will now be handled by Kempema.
“I will be reaching out to him in the next couple of months to see what the results are,” Wieneke said.
Wieneke and his wife, Patti, who works at Minnwest Bank, plan to continue to reside in Luverne after his retirement.
“It is a rewarding career,” he said. “Overall, 32 1/2 years goes by really fast, and I hope to survive several more so I can enjoy retirement.”
The couple has two grown daughters, Sierra and Olivia, both students at the University of Minnesota Mankato. His parents, Alvin and Connie Wieneke, also live in Luverne.

Members of the Denver Go-Getters 4-H Club spend late Friday afternoon painting the town’s first Little Free Library and talking about books.
By Sunday the Little Free Library was in place and readied for use.
“We really wanted to encourage reading in Hardwick as all the kids are home for the summer,” said club leader Theresa Raak. “And we get a lot of visitors at the campground.”
Members painted the two-shelf wooden box (that would become the library once a door was added) a bright red in part due to its location near the Hardwick Fire Hall and its resemblance to a livestock barn.
The library will be registered online with the Little Free Library network.
Little Free Libraries are book-sharing boxes that are open 24/7/365. Visitors can borrow a book and/or leave a book for another visitor to read.
There are thousands of Little Free Libraries located across the U.S., including nine in Rock County.
Working with the local Friends of the Library members, Hardwick’s free library will be regularly stocked with adult and children’s books.

Luverne City Council members approved a new ordinance at their June 13 meeting that regulates “pollinator” and “natural” lawns that are gaining popularity.
They include grasses and flowering plants that are allowed to bloom and seed out for pollinators, and they require less water and fertilizer than traditional lawns, which require chemicals that pollute groundwater and harm wildlife.
Done right, they’re good for the environment, but done poorly, they’re neighborhood eyesores that propagate noxious weeds.
According to Luverne building inspector Chad McClure, there are only a few Luverne property owners experimenting with natural lawns.
“Some are maintained nicely and neatly, and some we’re getting complaints about,” he said. “We just wanted to respect people’s ideologies and give them the opportunities to establish some alternative methods to turf grass.”
He said the ordinance specifies what qualifies as a pollinator lawn, and it provides parameters for property owners to grow them in.
“We wanted to make sure that it wouldn’t allow people to just let their grass grow long and call it a pollinator garden,” McClure said.
“We want them to do it in a manner that isn’t going to be egregious to neighboring property owners.” 
To do it properly, he said a property owner needs to get rid of all turf grass, observe property setbacks, maintain it in a way so that at least once a year it gets cut down to a foot in height, and it can’t be taller than 60 inches.
The “natural lawn” area may not exceed 30 percent of the pervious surface area within setbacks.
“This lets people do what they want to do, as long as they do so in a way that’s specified and gives us an ability to regulate it,” McClure said.
“Nothing makes everybody happy, but at least this will be much more orderly for the ones we have received complaints about. … The ones who do maintain them with diligence and with pride we never have complaints about. It’s just the ones who get unruly and are haphazardly out of control. This ordinance would take care of those.”
McClure and city clerk Jessica Mead were involved in helping the council write the ordinance, which is based partly on similar ordinances in effect in other cities.
The ordinance allows “managed landscapes in residential areas and provides opportunities to meet other goals of biodiversity and conservation.”
It “promotes native plants and managed landscape practices and expands and improves the quality of habitat corridors between larger protected areas and residential, urban areas.”
The ordinance also provides context as to what defines native vegetation and turf grasses.

Meetings
Grand Prairie Cemetery Association will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at the Grand Prairie Cemetery. In case of rain the meeting will be in the office room of Orv and Sons Plumbing in Ellsworth.
 
Rock The Edge accepting service projects
Rock The Edge will host the local Service Over Self mission week June 26-29. If you have a project you need assistance with (painting, cleaning, yardwork, small construction, etc.) call 605-261-4000 or 507-227-1978. To volunteer as an adult, call 401-500-3427. Child care provided upon request.
 
SWCC seeks board members
The Southwest Crisis Center is seeking individuals to serve on its board of directors. Board members serve two-year terms and serve on one committee. Time commitment is about two to four hours a month.
Applications are at www.mnswcc.org/workwithus. Or contact Kenna Wahl at kenna@mnswcc.org.
 
Events at the Plaza
Common Ground at Plaza June 22: #Luv1LuvAll will host a free concert by “Common Ground” with musicians Brady and Katie Wrede from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at the Plaza. Enjoy complimentary gourmet popcorn during the event. Open to the public. Bring a lawn chair.
Senior dance June 22:Exercise through dance with Luverne Aquatic & Fitness staff at the Plaza on Main from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, June 22.
Treats & Treasures June 22: Treats and Treasures, hosted by Luv1LuvAll, will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at the Plaza on Main with a free snack and program info.
Squeals & Wheels June 26: Hosted by the Luverne Chamber, Squeals and Wheels is a free live animal event for kids at the Luverne City Park                                                                from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 26. Food will be available for purchase. 
Fascinating Frog Books June 27: Fascinating Frog Books is a child’s reading outreach program hosted by Rock County Community Library at the Plaza on Main from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 27.
Strength, Balance and Flexibility June 28: Strength, Balance and Flexibility, a free class to improve mobility, will be from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, at the Plaza on Main and is hosted by Luverne Aquatic & Fitness.
Free root beer floats and music June 28: Free root beer floats and music, hosted by Rock the Edge, will be at the Plaza on Main at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, to celebrate Rock the Edge Work Week.
 
Mobile dental clinic in town June 22
The mobile dental clinic will be in Luverne on Thursday, June 22, at ATLAS of Rock County (note the new location, use Community Room entrance). This clinic provides dental care for adults and children ages 0 to over 100. Call 612-746-1530 to schedule an appointment. All forms of insurance are accepted. Organized by #Luv1LuvAll's Rock County Oral Health Task Force.
 
Eden Church hosts annual service June 25
Eden Lutheran Church of rural Jasper will observe 135 years since its founding during its annual service at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 25, with pastor Sue Grinde officiating. Theodore Miller, representing the sixth generation of Hunstads in the church, will be baptized. A potluck noon meal under a tent will follow the service, and 1:30 meeting will include stories of past families in the church. Call Bev, 507-348-4126, with questions.
 
Free community meal June 28
United Methodist Church June 2023 Free Community Meal will be at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, at 109 N. Freeman Ave. All are welcome. Call (507) 283-4529 with questions.
 
Community Ed
Community Education will offer the following classes in the next few weeks. Call 507-283-4724 to register.
The office will be closed on Monday, June 19 due to the Juneteenth holiday. There will be no Community Ed/Summer Rec activities that day. 
Planning for Long Term Care class is June 22. Fee is $5.
Students grades K-2 (as attended during the 22-23 school year) with an adult caregiver are invited to Child-Adult Yoga. Starting on July 1, this 4-week class series will focus on building and/or strengthening the bond between child and caregiver. Fee is $40.
Defensive Driving next refresher four-hour class is July 10. 
Paint and Snack Classes for grades K-4 during the 2022-23 school year are July 17 and Aug. 14. Fee is $33/class.
Students (grades K-6) can decorate Summer themed cookies at B's Bakehouse on July 12. Register by July 5. Fee is $35.
Grade 5 through adult can work on a clay project with assistance from an instructor during Open Studio. Reserve two hour blocks of time on  July 8 or August 12. Fee is $25 and covers all materials, glaze and firing.
Participants (grades 3-5 and age 14-adult) can learn the basics of knitting at Knitting for Beginners on July 10. Fee is $28 and includes yarn and needles. 
At Couples Yoga for Adults you will learn independent and partner poses that encourage relationship building, communication, and trust. Couples can sign up for 4 sessions starting on July 10. Fee is $40.
Wrestling Camp for grades 1-11 (as attended during 22-23 school year) on July 10. Fee is $50 (or $30 for any additional registration after the first).
 
Senior Nutrition Assistance July 6
Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors 60 & older, sponsored by A.C.E. of SWMN, will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 6, as a drive thru distribution in parking lot off Maple Street on the east side of Generations Event Center. Pre-registration required call  Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064.
 
SAIL classes start in Luverne July 11
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.
 
Library Happenings
For more information about library happenings, call 507-449-5040 or email rockcountystaff@gmail.com.
Ralph Covert concert, 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, in the library basement.
Mobile Sign Shop at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 22, features artist Peter Harken Thompson helping 60 participants make their own personal signs from word. Call the library to reserve a spot.
All Day Savenger Hunts challenges library visitors to find various items. Successful hunters can earn a prize. Hunts take place June 20 and July 25.
Story Time in the Park is at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays through July at the following locations.
•June 29, Veterans Memorial Park.
•July 6, Evergreen Park
•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 10, 10 a.m., Hardwick; 10:45 a.m., Kenneth
•Wednesday, July 12, 10 a.m., Beaver Creek, 10:45 a.m., Hills; 11:30 a.m., Steen.
•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 Tuesdays, June 27 and July 18.
Afternoon Movie is at 3 p.m. Tuesdays for participants to enjoy popcorn and drinks beginning at 3 p.m. Tuesdays: Sing 2, June 27, and How to Train your Dragon, 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.
The Oz Brothers visit the library at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 11.
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.
Trivia Night is at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Take 16 in Luverne. Team registration begins at 6 p.m.
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 the loved one 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.
 
Storytelling kits at library
Libraries in the Plum Creek Library System are rolling out their new 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 as well.
The initial checkout period for the kids is one week with two renewals.
 
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.

Premium Iowa Pork’s bid to purchase the closed HyLife pork facility in Windom was officially accepted June 13.
The purchase price was $14 million.
HyLife Foods placed the facility up for sale in April and weeks later filed for bankruptcy.
Premium Iowa Pork (PIP) officials submitted a bid for the plant that processes 1.2 million hogs per year with more than 1,000 employees, and the bid was accepted.
“We are excited about the opportunity that this acquisition represents for the future of our business,” said Dan Paquin, PIP president. “The proximity of this new pork plant to our existing operations will complement our workforce and operations in both Hospers and Luverne.”
Together the Hospers, Iowa, and Luverne plants have more than 900 employees.
PIP had previously announced plans for a multi-million-dollar expansion at the Luverne location.
The purchase of the Windom facility has officials reassessing the company’s needs, according to PIP spokesperson Kelsey Ritchey.
“With the acquisition of the Windom plant, we are reviewing all our current assets and will be putting together a comprehensive plan, which supports our growth strategy,” Richey indicated.
Company officials are in the beginning stages of the comprehensive plan, which Richey indicated has no timeline.
“Our company will share plans for the facility and how it will best complement our existing operations once it has been determined,” Richey said. “We want to assure you that we are committed to the Luverne community.”

The Hills Community Fund Committee recently awarded its annual giving grant dollars of $220 each to Rock Ranch and Tuff Memorial Home, both in Hills. Community funds are part of the Luverne Area Community Foundation and gifts are awarded each year for projects in or around Hills.

Henning Construction, Adrian, was the low bidder on the trail spur connecting the Luverne Loop trail to the Sybesma housing subdivision on the west side of town.
The 10-foot-wide concrete trail will connect the neighborhood to the Luverne Loop. It will connect on the south side of Warren Street between Pine and Main Street (County Road 4) where a cross walk will be painted.
During a June 6 bid letting Henning submitted the low bid of $219,851.50 compared with the high bid of $269,000.
Luverne City Council members approved a resolution awarding the bid to Henning at their June 13 meeting.
“It will be a nice improvement on the corner,” said council member Scott Viessman.
Council member Kevin Aaker said it will improve safety for residents in the neighborhood.
“They won’t have to be walking or wheel chairing on the street,” he said.
The project is near Mary Jane Brown and the assisted living facilities of The Oaks and Poplar Creek.
As such, it qualified for funding through an “Active Transportation Infrastructure Program” trail connection grant through the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Rock County Commissioners meet May 16 
Herreid Board Room          9:00 A.M.
Rock County Courthouse May 16, 2023
The meeting was called to order by Chair Thompson with all Commissioners
present. Also in attendance were County Administrator Kyle Oldre,
County Attorney Jeff Haubrich, Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum,
and Star-Herald Reporter Mavis Fodness.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Motion by Overgaard, seconded by Reisch, to approve the May 16, 2023,
County Board agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Burger, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the May 02, 2023, County
Board minutes, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Williamson, seconded by Reisch, to approve the consent
agenda, declared carried on a voice vote.
1. Resolution No. 07-23, MnDOT Agreement for the use of Federal Funds for SP 067-601-014, a bridge replacement on CSAH 1 over Kanaranzi Creek.
Rachel Jacobs, Land Records Office Director, provided a follow up regarding a classification error on Parcel 02-0275-100 from year 2003 and a request for a refund of the tax payment difference.  Jacobs reviewed appeal process as defined in MN Statutes, and highlighted that the property valuation oversight is on the burden of the property owner and that a classification error is not defined as clerical error.  The property owner failed to notify the Assessor’s office of any concerns regarding the valuation of his property until 2023, and also did not allow or schedule previous assessments of the inside of the home. Upon notification to the Assessor’s office, a determination was made that the life of the home was incorrectly classified and has now been corrected reducing the valuation of the home; the new valuation will impact the taxes payable in 2024. After considerable discussion, motion by Reisch, seconded by Burger, to deny the tax refund request due to failure to follow assessment policy and procedures, declared carried on a voice vote.
Ashley Kurtz, Auditor/Treasurer, presented the claims for payment; motion by Burger, seconded by Reisch, to approve, declared carried on a voice vote. A complete listing of the claims is available upon request at the Auditor/Treasurer's office. 
MAY 16, 2023 CLAIMS OVER $2,000
BREMIK MATERIALS, INC $35,535.97 
CHS INC             14,034.81 
ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH     7,167.77 
FLEET SERVICES DIVISION-ADMIN FMR                 7,158.28 
HANCOCK CONCRETE PRODUCTS CO IN 159,713.85 
KETTERLING SERVICES INC             13,622.24 
LAKE SUPERIOR COLLEGE                 3,425.00 
LITTLE FALLS MACHINE INC                 4,902.43 
LUVERNE/CITY OF                 6,867.10 
LYON COUNTY LANDFILL             20,082.65 
MORRIS ELECTRONICS                 4,049.46 
STAPLES ENTERPRISES INC                 8,994.00 
TOLLEFSON PUBLISHING                 2,072.75 
WAHLTEK INC PAYMENT             10,500.00 
ZIEGLER INC             10,649.53 
82 PAYMENTS LESS THAN $2,000             42,075.38 
     TOTAL                 $350,851.22 
The County Board was in receipt of the Fund Balance report reflects a large increase due to the first half of the property tax collection. Motion by Williamson, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the Fund Balance report, declared carried on a voice vote.
Motion by Reisch, seconded by Overgaard, to approve the re-issuance of lost
warrant #14313 for the amount of $370.76 payable to Argus Leader Media,
declared carried on a voice vote.
The County Board was in receipt of the engagement letter from Clifton, Larsen and Allen to conduct the 2022 audit for Rock County, Rural Water and Community Corrections; motion by Reisch, seconded by Thompson to approve, declared carried on a voice vote. The Auditor/Treasurer the 2022 audit will be a single audit.
The County Board was in receipt of a request to purchase and place a tornado siren located at an unincorporated portion of Kanaranzi Township. The Administrator stated that the estimated cost of a new siren is $30,000 and that the
expense is not eligible for any emergency management funds nor is it E911 eligible.
It was the consensus of the County Board to deny the request for the siren, but
notify the concerned resident of the Nixel Notification system.  
The Administrator updates on a number of legislative issues that he has been
tracking, to include: Capitol Bonding, Police Aide, CPA, Paid Family Leave,
Staffing ratios/Bargaining right, Legalization of Cannanbis, Public Health funding,
Road & Bridge funding and Mental Health funding.
The County Board was informed the AMC District VIII Meeting is scheduled for June 8 from 8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. in Luverne at the Generations building.
The Administrator also reported on the following activities: Building issues – HVAC project and the Kahler Terrace repair project; landscape construction project at the school, the county is taking the excess black dirt; hosted a Regional HSEM; attended the Community Ventures Network event, Community Corrections, FEMA map project event and MACA Legislative meeting.
Deputy Administrator Susan Skattum stated that she had attended the
MCHRMA Spring Conference where the focus was on employee recruitment
and the impact of the proposed legislation; also met with insurance broker regarding
the addition of some ancillary benefits.
Commissioner Reisch stated that he attended the following meetings/
events: Community Corrections, and City/County Liaison.
Commissioner Williamson stated that he attended the following meetings/
events: Rural Water and the City of Beaver Creek.
Commissioner Overgaard stated that he attended the following meetings/events: 
Community Ventures Network event, Generations fundraising event and
City/County Liaison.
Commissioner Burger stated that he attended the following meetings/events: none
Commissioner Thompson stated that she attended the following meetings/events:  Southwest Regional Development Commission, Generations fundraising event. 
With no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting was declared
adjourn by order of the Chair, declared carried on a voice vote.
(06-22)

“Hometown Heroes” is the parade theme for the Jubilee Days parade Saturday night in Hardwick.
While the theme highlights the volunteer firefighters, rescue squad and American Legion members within the community, there are many heroes helping to keep the small town in northern Rock County vibrant.
A dedication ceremony Friday night at the Milford Remme Memorial Park celebrates the improvements made this spring to the facilities and grounds by a volunteer leadership committee.
The event begins at 6 p.m. with free hot dogs and drinks, with the local dairy association serving ice cream. Music will be provided by Kenny Frey.
The park dedication provides the finishing touch to the $10,000 age-friendly community project completed with a grant Hardwick received through the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging.
The cruise-in car show Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. on Main Street is open to cars, trucks, tractors and motorcycles.
The Hardwick Elementary Wildcats Headquarters opens at 3 p.m. Friday in the community center. Alumni can pick up reunion apparel until 8 p.m. and reminisce about attending classes at the former K-8 school.
The day ends with karaoke at 8:30 p.m. in the Green Lantern.
 
Community meal at 5 p.m., parade at 7 p.m. Saturday
A community meal at the Hardwick Fire Hall will be served Saturday from 5 p.m. until gone. Ice cream is served by the Zion Youth Group, with music by Ron and Jane Cote from 5 to 7 p.m.
Free inflatables are available from 5 to 7 p.m.
The parade begins at 7 p.m. with the Hometown Heroes theme chosen by members of the Hardwick Community Club.
The theme piggybacks on a theme chosen three years ago.
“In 2020 we had planned on having all nurses and health care workers in the Hardwick area as our Hometown Heroes, but our Jubilee Days parade was canceled,” said community club member Lorna Bryan.
“We just want to say ‘thank you’ to our hometown heroes for their services to the Hardwick community — the firefighters, the rescue squad and the veterans of the American Legion.”
A pedal pull for children ages 4 to 11 and a hay bale toss for all ages follow the parade.
Free music will play from 9 p.m. Saturday until 1 a.m. Sunday.
A community worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday in the Zion Lutheran Church parking lot rounds out the Jubilee Days celebration. Attendees should bring a lawn chair. Lunch will be available after the service for a freewill offering.