Sanford adds mental health staff
Sanford Luverne recently expanded behavioral health care services at the local clinic.
Field day to share latest in soil health
Area farmers will have an opportunity to learn the latest in soil health management at a July 17 field day near Jasper.
News
By Mavis FodnessJune 18, 2025At 6 feet, 5 inches, Gordie Hansen was a center on the Luverne High School basketball team, an experience that brought the 1984 graduate back to his alma mater to teach for 35 years. He decided this spring to join his wife, Colette, in retirement. Together they worked a combined 73 years in the district. Colette, who also announced her retirement at the end of this school year, spent 38 years…
By Mavis FodnessJune 18, 2025Lots of tears were shed on the last day of the 2024-25 school year in third-grade teacher Pam Christensen’s classroom. “My students and I were all sobbing, which led to a heartfelt class hug,” she said. “I said a few final words, but no one would leave the room. It is a moment that I will always remember.” Her last day of teaching is among many memories created during the 25 years she spent at…
June 18, 2025Several retired and current Hills Area Volunteer Fire Department members joined in leading this year’s Friendship Days parade in Hills Saturday morning. The 45-minute parade culminated with the opening of the 1921 Hills High School time capsule (see related story). The three days of activities began Friday and ended Sunday.
By Mavis FodnessJune 18, 2025Remodeling begins this week at the former Luverne armory on South Freeman Avenue for the new the location of the Rock County Land Management Office (LMO). LMO staff is expected to move into the space by Sept. 1, when its current lease expires. Jeff Nelson with Falls Architecture Studio of Sioux Falls said the remodeling of the 1922 former armory building includes installing all new electrical…
By Jason BerghorstJune 18, 2025The First Baptist Church in Luverne is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the congregation this weekend. The events begin with a special program Saturday evening at 7 p.m. at the church, followed by pie and ice cream. The celebration continues on Sunday at 9:15 a.m. with Trivia with rolls and juice. The worship service will be at 10:30 a.m., with a picnic on the north lawn of the church to…
By Mavis FodnessJune 18, 2025Local veterans hosted an informational program on flag etiquette at the Plaza on Main in Luverne Friday morning. Current Army National Guard member Kenzi Klein spoke with assistance from Jerry Hoff, Terri Gulden, Dave Meyer, Ed Stearns, Jim Klosterbuer and Chuck Egland. The small crowd learned to never let an American flag touch the ground, use as a decoration or advertising, and to carry it…
By Lori SorensonJune 11, 2025Luverne’s annual four-day Buffalo Days weekend enjoyed spectacular weather and near record participation. Thursday night’s Tour de LOOP attracted 288 riders and Friday night’s cruise-in had over 280 vehicles that were registered. Saturday morning’s Buffalo Days Run 4A Cause attracted roughly 100 people at the Luverne City Park, and 80 entries participated in the Buffalo Days Parade, some with…
By Mavis FodnessJune 11, 2025Traditionally fire trucks lead parades, but in the case of Friendship Days in Hills, firemen are the 2025 parade marshals. “We chose the Hills Fire Department because it’s a big anniversary of 120 years in Rock County,” said Joey Streeter. Streeter is president of HBCS (Helping Build Community Stronger), the volunteer community organizers of Friendship Days. The Hills Area Fire Department has…- By Lori SorensonJune 11, 2025The Luverne Planning and Zoning Commission approved four of five conditional use permit applications for cannabis licensing following a public hearing Monday night. At the start of the hearing, the commission allowed for public comment, and Ken Vos approached the microphone. In addition to asking about setbacks and hours of operation, he shared a personal observation. “For the last 20 to 25…
- By Jason BerghorstJune 11, 2025A facade improvement project request for the former Sterling’s building was approved by the Luverne Economic Development Authority (LEDA) Monday. The building owners, Arcade Building LLC, were approved for a grant of $18,788 and a loan of $18,788 at a rate of 4 percent for seven years. LEDA member Ryan DeBates abstained from the vote. The $53,680 total project will add a commercial entrance…
- By Mavis FodnessJune 11, 2025Three members of the Luverne High School student council have appealed to school board members to reinstate free event admission to senior high students. The board may address that request at their next meeting on June 17. Incoming Student Council President Tyler Hodge and council representatives Xander Carbonneau and Olivia Lund asked to make their request at the board’s May 22 community input…
June 11, 2025Sharon Zinnel was honored as the Quilter of the Year and her quilts were featured at the Blue Mound Quilt Show at the Hinkly House during Buffalo Days weekend. The Blue Mound Quilters honored Zinnel for her creativity and technical skills and for her contributions for the betterment of Rock County through volunteer hours. “As many women of her generation, she was the family's seamstress. She…- By Lori SorensonJune 11, 2025The Kids Rock! Child Care Center in Luverne received a $60,000 gift, thanks to two local banks who applied for grant funding through Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. Minnwest Bank and First Farmers & Merchants Bank received grants through FHLB that will be used for operation support for the Kids Rock! Child Care Center Inc. The funds will be used to buy additional supplies, toys,…
June 11, 2025Ally, a 12-year-old lab-retriever mix, retired this spring after working five years in Luverne Elementary School as a certified therapy dog. Her human companion, school counselor Marie Atkinson Smeins, would bring her to school two to three days a week to help with students where needed.
June 11, 2025This year the event featured five characters from Rock County’s past. Above, Cody and Nicole Henrichs portray Neil and Jessie Roberts. Sheriff Roberts held his position in local law enforcement for many years, and his wife, Jessie, was popular for the meals she cooked for jail inmates. The event is a fundraiser for the Rock County Historical Society, which accepts donations to help offset costs…
By Lori SorensonJune 11, 2025The Blue Mound Tower apartment units will soon undergo a major rehabilitation, thanks to funding through Minnesota Housing. The $1 million project will address plumbing issues, elevator maintenance and other repairs for the 70-unit apartment building in Luverne. Funds were secured through the Publicly Owned Housing Program (POHP) a state-funded program that rehabilitates and preserves public…
You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.
