From parched to drenched
Harvest is in full swing for much of Rock County this week, marking the final stretch of what’s arguably been a challenging growing season.
Highway 75 project proceeds (almost) on schedule
Contractors have been given a five-day extension on completion deadlines due to September’s frequent rainy weather.
H-BC School Board Candidates share priorities
There are five candidates seeking election to four open seats on the Hills-Beaver Creek School Board.
The Loft after-school program helps kids find community
Starting at 3:20 p.m. on the dot, the quiet halls of First Presbyterian Church in Luverne start to fill with the noise of children.
Luverne preliminary levy set to rise 7.12%
Luverne City Council members are proposing a 7.12% levy increase for taxes payable in 2027.
Adrian reporter to contribute to Star Herald
The Rock County Star Herald is expanding its coverage area east toward Adrian, and Deb Kroon will be the face of those stories for the Star Herald news team.
News
September 23, 2026The Rock County Board of Commissioners’ fourth district has two candidates running: incumbent Sherri Thompson and challenger Pat Saum. Sherri Thompson Tell us about your family. I am married to Bill Thompson, who recently retired after 34 years of teaching at Luverne Middle and High School. We have two children, Brent and Susan, both of whom have said they are grateful to have grown up in…
By Lori SorensonSeptember 23, 2026An exclusive club of retired teachers is gaining members who gather annually at the start of the school year. This year the group included nearly 40 women, some recent retirees and some who have been retired longer than they were teachers. “As I was thinking about this year’s endeavor, I was curious as to how many of our retired colleagues were in the area,” said retired teacher Jane Cote,…
September 23, 2026Adrian held its Homecoming coronation in the middle school gym on Sunday, Sept. 20, with the court consisting of (front row, from left) Lucy Brown, Ava Brown, Elliot Bullerman, Knox Lunt, Kaedyn Bullerman, Olivia Bullerman, (back row) Carter Murphy, Mitchell Bullerman, Queen Kamry Lehnhoff, King Charger Erlandson, Phillip Balster and Cael Hendel. Contributed photo.
By Nicole RonchettiSeptember 23, 2026Already facing higher costs for fuel and fertilizer, farmers across Minnesota also faced another hurdle this year as the price for their health insurance increased by 10, 20 and even 30%. While some farmers have a spouse who works outside of the farm and can share their health insurance, many farmers are forced to navigate purchasing insurance on the individual market. The issue of health…
By Lori SorensonSeptember 23, 2026After a hot, dry summer, Rock County’s parched, cracked soil received a cool drenching rain over Labor Day weekend. Those first few days in September saw over 3 inches, and rainfall totals for the month have so far totaled more than 6 inches, depending on county location. “That actually puts us above average for September,” said Lucas Peterson of Professional Ag Marketing. He uses a digital…
By Nicole RonchettiSeptember 23, 2026In just under two weeks and after several late-night sessions, Sherri Thompson completed her masterpiece – a depiction of the World’s Largest Nutcracker made entirely from Minnesota seeds. Just a few days later, it was on display at the state fair’s crop art exhibit. “I didn’t tell anyone I was doing this,” Thompson said. “I’ve been going to the state fair with the same group of friends for…
By Sen. Amy KlobucharSeptember 23, 2026As I visit Minnesota’s 87 counties every year, I see how small businesses power so many of our local economies. I’ve met with farmers who feed America and entrepreneurs who invent new products. I’ve seen how we export to the world, especially to Canada. Canada is Minnesota’s top trading partner and our trade relationship strengthens our state’s economy. Our state’s exports to Canada represent…
By Lucas Peters, Professional Ag MarketingSeptember 23, 2026In February, I wrote a piece asking, “Where is the good news in ag?” Today, after seven months, are we starting to find it around Rock County? The growing season has been a challenge in 2026. Good planting conditions were followed by an extended dry and cold May making emergence and early growth of the corn and soybean crops challenging. The weather did warm eventually, but unfortunately the…
By Lori SorensonSeptember 23, 2026Hunter Thilges is the newest member of the Rock County Land Management Office professional team. He started this summer as an engineering technician to round out staff shortages after Arlyn Gerhke moved into the position of assistant LMO director when Doug Boss retired last year. He comes to the position from an internship with South Dakota Game Fish and Parks and currently commutes to Luverne…
By Erin deKoning, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Rock Veterinary ClinicSeptember 23, 2026How do you cope with stress? Do you go for a walk to clear your mind? Perhaps some yoga or stretching? Have a sip of your favorite beverage, or eat your favorite chocolate bar? In response to stress, our body, as well as the bovine body, releases a hormone called cortisol. Over time, high levels of cortisol can decrease how the immune system functions, how food is digested, and can negatively…
By Lee Tapper, Engineering Technician Rock County Soil and Water Conservation District/Land Management OfficeSeptember 23, 2026Have you planted a new tree or grove within the last three to five years? With how dry conditions have been, it is especially important to make sure younger trees are receiving enough water. How much water each tree needs can vary depending on its size, age, and soil conditions. If your tree is 1-3 inches in diameter, the University of Minnesota Extension recommends providing 1-5 gallons of…
By Lori SorensonSeptember 23, 2026Luverne native Kaia Nowatzki is lending her artistic talents to a “Farm to Fiber” movement connecting raw wool to finished textiles. She was among nearly a dozen artists who demonstrated the fiber-making process for the Farm to Fiber Festival Sept. 13 in Ivanhoe. The event was described as a “celebration of local fiber production, rural creativity, and the journey from raw wool to finished…
By Ashley Connell, Kozlwoski InsuranceSeptember 23, 2026Federal crop insurance changes expand supplemental coverage and increase premium support, giving producers more options to consider for the year ahead. Harvest may be taking center stage, but 2027 crop insurance decisions will be here before we know it – and producers will have some important new options to consider. Changes to the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) and Enhanced Coverage Option…
September 23, 2026What started as a small idea at Two Little Bees Family Farm has grown into a simple way for neighbors to care for and connect with neighbors — one jar of fresh-picked flowers at a time. “Jars of Joy,” a community kindness program created by Kyle and Brittany Lessman of Two Little Bees Family Farm, invites local volunteers to visit the farm, pick a free jar of flowers, and then give that jar away…
By American Farm Bureau economists Faith Parum Ph.D. and Daniel MunchSeptember 23, 2026Key Takeaways •USDA raised its 2026 net farm income forecast by $5 billion from February to $158.4 billion, and its estimate of 2025 income even more. As a result, net farm income is now expected to fall 2.6% in nominal terms and 5.5% after inflation in 2026. •The expense outlook has deteriorated significantly. USDA raised its 2026 production expense forecast by $15.1 billion since February to…
September 22, 2026Watch the video below or use the links below to jump to specific sections of the video.
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