The Star Herald hasn’t issued a “Thumbs” editorial in a while, and that’s partly because we haven’t heard from our readers. So …
Thumbs down — to our readers for neglecting to share their “thumbs” up and down editorial ideas. Please send them to editor@star-herald.com
Thumbs up — to our readers and community sources in general for keeping us informed of news and feature story ideas in Rock County. This paper wouldn’t be what it is without those priceless tips. Thank you.
Thumbs up — to the reopening of our locally owned Agri-Energy Ethanol plant. It was a regional success story when it opened the first time in 1996. Now it’s especially heartwarming to see these same progressive investors buying the operation back from Gevo after years of refining isobutanol production.
Thumbs up — to Kids Rock! Child Care Center for its Wednesday grand opening and recent state licensure. It goes without saying that this is one of our most important stories in recent years as the benefits of quality child care will affect the local economy for years to come.
Thumbs down — to Canada’s wildfires and our resulting poor air quality. In our part of farm country we’re used to breathing air that’s relatively free of pollution. Our hearts go out to the Canadians, but we’re looking forward to a clear horizon hopefully soon.
Thumbs up — to recent rains and growing progress of local crops. We’re still teetering on the verge of drought here in Rock County, but several recent light showers have so far been enough to push plant seeds up from the soil.
Thumbs up — to our recent high school and college graduates, and best wishes to the hometown students as they venture out into the world. The Star Herald shared our annual graduation edition in our May 22 publication. Next week we’ll share our annual Arts and Academics special section, which celebrates artistic and academic accomplishments of our local students.
Thumbs down — to our state department of transportation and its feeble attempts to keep Highway 75 from crumbling completely apart. Recently workers applied liquid asphalt that was better at making a mess than smoothing the road. Our 2026 Highway 75 reconstruction project can’t come soon enough in Rock County.
Thumbs up — to Buffalo Days and the official start of summer celebrations in Luverne. The weekend starts with Thursday’s Tour de Loop and Friday’s cruise-in. It continues with Saturday’s 5K run, parade and Expo, and wraps up with Sunday’s “Tales from the Graves” and brand new “Woofstock” in the city park.
We have a lot to be proud of in Luverne, and Buffalo Days is one of our shining summer moments.
Have a “thumbs up, thumbs down” submission? Send it to editor@star-herald.com or to P.O. Box 837, Luverne, MN 56156. Identify submissions as “thumbs up” or “thumbs down,” and they must be signed. However, names are not published.
