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Letters to the Editor March 9, 2023

Forrest: Nutcracker's multiplier effect leads to thriving community
To the Editor:
Studies show that if someone visits your community and stays for two or more hours, the average amount spent in the community is $200 including visiting an attraction, filling their vehicle with fuel, eating and shopping.
Presently, the Jolly Green Giant in Blue Earth brings in around 50,000 people per year. If Luverne could bring in a similar amount of people per year to see the World’s Largest Nutcracker, which is a likely scenario, and have even 5 percent of that number spend two or more hours in the community, that would be 2,500 people spending their time and money in the community. At the rate of $200 spent per visitor, Luverne could see $500,000 infused into the  economy each year.
There is, as always, more to the story than just the initial $500,000 infusion from the visitors. We can also consider the Local MultiplierEffect, which is an economic theory put forth by John Maynard Keynes. Thetheory states that money spent locally will recirculate a certain number oftimes, generating significantly more impact than the original investment.
A study in Luverne shows a local multiplier effect of seven, meaning that the$500,000 infused in the economy of Luverne by people visiting the World’sLargest Nutcracker would be recirculated and generate $3,500,000 for the local  economy per year.
The fact that this project will be created using private donations and willsit on private property is a huge bonus. The World’s Largest Nutcracker can be a perpetual money maker for Luverne at no cost to the taxpayers.
To me, numbers like this are extremely exciting for the community and cancontribute to Luverne not only surviving as a community, but thriving.
Russell Forrest,
Luverne
Green stresses the importance of print new format
To the Editor:
I recently sent a letter and a copy of last week’s Star Herald to the editor of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. I wanted to communicate my feelings about the importance of the print format in communicating the news.
The Star Herald is a prime example of a quality publication that continues to inform its readership.
Too many news rooms are reducing their staff due to economics, with the result that the readership is losing important eyes and ears in their towns’ areas of functioning/government/and shared community spirit.
Your newspaper is an important support to the Luverne motto, “Love the Life.”
Larry Green,
Luverne
Mundt: 'It's a privilege to own a vehicle'
To the Editor:
Your right to travel does not mean you have a right todrive or a right to a particular mode of travel. It is a privilege to own a vehicle.
Since God graced humans with legs, you could always give walking atry so your “rights” aren’t infringed upon.
Roads and highways are public infrastructure, and state governments are within their rights to require drivers to be properly licensed.
Is there an age limit to your “rights,” or are we going to waive that also?
How do you plan on maintaining roads?
It is your choice to travel by vehicle. If you can’t handle the responsibilities that come with that, WALK!
Ashley Mundt,
Luverne

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