Community members gather for a ceremony Friday at Schoneman Park where 60 trees were planted for Arbor Day. Of those, 25 bore yellow ribbons and were dedicated in memory of hospice patients who died in the past year. Friday's program was a combined city, county and school Arbor Day program that also served as the annual Hospice Tree Dedication ceremony. "My mother was in hospice," said County Commissioner Ron Boyenga. "The people of hospice did such a wonderful job, I'll never forget it." He said trees symbolize life, and it's fitting they're dedicated in memory of loved ones. The county and city of Luverne shared in the cost of the trees, which included oak, ornamental, ironwoods and maples. In addition, 200 seedlings were distributed to Luverne elementary second- and third-graders, who also attended the ceremony.
Photo by Lori Ehde