Disaster declared in Rock County
Preliminary estimates are over $2 million in public infrastructure damage as a result of the June 21-22 flood event.
Some areas receive 12+ inches of rain
Multiple rounds of torrential rain in Rock County and the tri-state area created significant flooding over the past week, wreaking havoc on properties and public infrastructure.
Farmers tally losses of flood event; full impact on crops unknown until harvest
When floodwaters finally receded over the weekend, area farmers had a chance to assess the damages of crops under water and or washed away.
Service over self volunteers build, donate beds for 'Sweet Dreams' mission
This week, dozens of local teens involved with Rock the Edge are performing public service projects in and around Luverne for their annual “Service Over Self” local mission work.
Early voting for Luverne primary starts June 28
Early voting for the Aug. 13 primary election is from June 28-Aug. 12.
Introduction to fishing
Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources spent two hours Friday morning at The Lake in Luverne instructing youth about fishing, fishing r
News
By Mavis FodnessJune 26, 2024Preliminary estimates are over $2 million in public infrastructure damage as a result of the June 21-22 flood event. Rock County made an emergency declaration Friday, June 21, as the first step in qualifying for state and federal reimbursement for the repairs. Commissioners formally adopted the emergency resolution Monday afternoon in a special meeting. “The impact is substantial countywide,”…
By Lori SorensonJune 26, 2024Multiple rounds of torrential rain in Rock County and the tri-state area created significant flooding over the past week, wreaking havoc on properties and public infrastructure. A low-pressure system slowly drifted cross the upper Midwest prompting rainfall exceeding 5 inches over the weekend, bringing five-day totals to more than 12 inches in some areas of Rock County. No travel was advised in…
By Lori SorensonJune 26, 2024When floodwaters finally receded over the weekend, area farmers had a chance to assess the damages of crops under water and or washed away. According to agronomist Mark Moeller, low lying or poorly drained areas took the brunt of the five-day flood event, especially in the Rock River flood plain. “Those areas are drowned out,” he said. “I don’t see a that a lot of that will survive.” Crops,…
By Lori SorensonJune 26, 2024This week, dozens of local teens involved with Rock the Edge are performing public service projects in and around Luverne for their annual “Service Over Self” local mission work. They typically perform yard work, painting projects, landscaping and other home-improvement-type work. But a new project this year is the “Sweet Dreams” initiative that is building and distributing beds for families…
By Lori SorensonJune 26, 2024Early voting for the Aug. 13 primary election is from June 28-Aug. 12. On Luverne primary ballots are three-way contests for Luverne mayor and North Ward Luverne City Council. Pat Baustian will face two challengers in his bid for re-election as Luverne mayor after Isaac DeBoer and Willy Baker also filed for election to the office of mayor. Dan Nath will also face two challengers for his North…- By Mavis FodnessJune 26, 2024Two local funeral directors and Southwest Health and Human Services disagree about how public dollars should be spent on the final disposition of bodies when financial assistance is requested. On May 1, SWHHS updated its policy that stipulates cremation as the primary disposal method, and no other funeral add-ons can be completed without jeopardizing the $3,900 payment. If family members, a…
- June 26, 2024As Minnesotans deal with the heat and humidity this summer, Animal Humane Society is sharing tips for keeping your pets safe, cool, and comfortable: *On hot days, leave your pet inside with the air conditioning on. If you are outside with your dog, ensure they have access to plenty of shade and fresh water in a tip-proof bowl. *Limit exercise to morning or evening hours. Take extra care with…
- June 26, 2024With the risk of flooding increasing in many parts of the state, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) urges private well users to prepare for the possibility that their wells might flood. If you get your drinking water from a private well, taking these preventative actions now may help protect that water from becoming contaminated. If your well is in a flood-prone area and you have time,…
June 26, 2024Friday morning, June 22, the Luverne Fire Department responded to a semitrailer rollover on the east-bound lane of Interstate 90 near Magnolia. The semi was 80 percent underwater due to flash floods in the area, with two victims located on top of the semi.- June 26, 2024From the Rock County Highway Department: Due to the June 21 - 22 flood event, the following roads are closed for damage incurred and will not reopen until repairs are completed. Some roads may be closed for weeks. - County Highway 3 (190th Avenue) from the Iowa/Minnesota State Line (11th Street) to County Highway 1 (41st Street) is expected to be reopened later this week. - County Highway 58 (…
- By Mavis FodnessJune 26, 2024Three charter members of the Hardwick American Legion Post 478 will lead the Hardwick Jubilee Days parade on Saturday. The parade begins at 7 p.m. Lowell Ahrendt, Harold Kindt and Russell Wenzel were chosen by Hardwick Community Club members to lead the parade. The three served in the Korean War and became members of the post when it organized in 1957. The men, all in their 90s, continue the…
June 26, 2024Fourteen local youth participated in “Mission Impossible,” the first of three themed summer day camps offered through Rock County 4-H. Mission Impossible took place June 7. The three-hour event featured all 14 “secret agents” learning how to make and solve codes, and they also took a closer look at fingerprint patterns. Closing out the camp was a test to solve a scavenger hunt set up on the…
June 19, 2024Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources spent two hours Friday morning at The Lake in Luverne instructing youth about fishing, fishing rules and how to catch a fish. The “Learn to Fish at The Lake” class through Luverne Community Education was the first time the DNR brought its interactive program to Luverne. “We want to connect kids with the outdoors,” said DNR’s…
By Lori SorensonJune 19, 2024When George Bonnema died Dec. 26, 2023, community members reflected on his spirit of giving and the positive impact he had on those around him. The list was long and expansive, as people tallied the time and resources Bonnema freely shared through his talents in gardening, landscaping, baking (especially carrot cakes and apple desserts), decorating, mentoring and more. And a common theme was…
By Jason BerghorstJune 19, 2024“Andrew, you really put Luverne on the map.” That’s how Dr. Anita Gaul summed up the work of Andrew Prekker of Luverne in creating the winning design of the new Minnesota state flag. Gaul is vice chair of the Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission and joined Prekker to present a program about the new state flag at the History Center in Luverne on Flag Day, June 14. Gaul, a history…
By Mavis FodnessJune 19, 2024Librarians at the Rock County Community Library have more than 40 special events planned for the summer. While most of the activities are geared toward families and children, some are planned just for adults. “It is important to offer a variety of activities during the summer to show libraries are becoming much more than just a place to check out books,” said librarian Bronwyn Wenzel. “We…
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