Miller completes 'toughest row'
Although she didn’t set a world’s record rowing from California to Hawaii, Hardwick native Caitlin Miller is happy she completed the 2024 World’s Toughest Row.
County eyes former armory for Land Management Office
The state of Minnesota may give Rock County the former Luverne armory, and commissioners are considering using it for office and garage space to replace areas it rents from other en
Local committee announces second class of Alumni Hall of Fame, first class of Educator Hall of Fame
The Luverne Public Schools Hall of Fame Committee has announced the 2024 alumni inductees as well as first-time inductees to the new Luverne Educator Hall of Fame.
Hot, hot hot dogs!
The 62nd annual Hot Dog Night July 11 in Luverne drew thousands of people who consumed 15,000 hot dogs.
Food rescue program brings Kwik Trip, Food Shelf together
Twice a week local volunteers gather food items from the Kwik Trip in Luverne for Thursday distribution at the Rock County Food Shelf.
Capistran considered Army band before going into teaching
Editor’s note: Four educators from Luverne Public Schools packed up their lesson books, cleaned their desks and retired from positions they held for a combined 124 years.
News
July 17, 2024The city of Hills was recognized with the Project of the Year Award at the annual meeting of the Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC) in Windom on July 11. The city earned the award for its innovative community day care project, according to SRDC officials. “Facing a critical shortage of day care providers, Hills transformed a property into a facility supporting family child care…
By Mavis FodnessJuly 17, 2024Friends of the Rock County Library typically support activities and special projects inside the library. However, an outside project was completed last week, allowing patrons to take reading outside. Friends of the Library board members Elaine Harms, Kristi Groth and Cindy Arends took the lead to design a project that would create a welcoming outdoor area on the east side of the library…
July 10, 2024Luverne community leaders and volunteers hosted a full day of Fourth of July activities at The Lake on Thursday, July 4.
By Lori SorensonJuly 10, 2024Following flood damage to local crops, farmers are considering options for soil that was supposed to grow corn and soybeans. Large areas of corn and soybean fields are dead, and the resulting black soil will soon grow weeds and lose nutrients if no action is taken. Recognizing these pressing concerns, a group of farm organizations and soil health experts met in Luverne Wednesday, July 3, to…
By Mavis FodnessJuly 10, 2024A longtime businessman near Hills is looking to expand his current business to be a local supplier of cannabis and hemp. Dennis Hartman and his son, Tim, met with commissioners July 2 to answer questions, as the two move forward with state licensing applications. Legalized retail sales begin Jan. 1, 2025. “It is our intention to open a cannabis microbusiness in the county of Rock by Hills,…
By Mavis FodnessJuly 10, 2024Commissioners of Rock and Nobles counties committed $450,000 each toward repairs of the Buffalo Ridge Regional Railroad (BRRR). The two county boards met jointly via zoom July 2 to approve the request from the BRRR authority, who met July 1. An estimated $900,000 in damage was discovered by Ellis & Eastern Railroad, operators of the railway, after the flood event late last month. “We are…- By Mavis FodnessJuly 10, 2024Principals with Luverne Public Schools received salary increases, approved by board members June 20. Each will receive salary increases of 5 and 3 percent respectively for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. The district’s match to their 403(b) retirement plan will also increase from $3,500 to $4,000 annually. The percentage increases are in line with the recently approved contracts with…
By Jason BerghorstJuly 10, 2024Members of the Luverne Economic Development Authority (LEDA) made changes to the city’s Historic Façade Improvement Program during their regular meeting July 8. The enhancement makes additional expenses eligible for support funds. The program, which began in 2014, is intended to maintain and enhance Luverne’s historic Main Street buildings through public-private partnerships. “We look at…- By Mavis FodnessJuly 10, 2024Nominees are being sought for the newly approved Luverne Educator Hall of Fame. Luverne School Board members officially approved the recognition program for former educators and administrators at their regular June 20 meeting. Applications are accepted annually from Jan. 1 though April 30. The Educator Hall of Fame is similar to the Alumni Hall of Fame, which honored its first nominees last…
- By Mavis FodnessJuly 10, 2024Board members renewed the Luverne Public Schools 10-year operating referendum levy June 20. The levy will continue to generate $1,187 per pupil through local property values through 2035, or about $575,000 annually. The amount will fluctuate based on enrollment in grades pre-K through 12, said Superintendent Craig Oftedahl. “School boards were given the authority — this is the first time it’s…
- By Lori SorensonJuly 10, 2024Luverne is among eight Minnesota cities that will receive grants from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to create plans that will protect homes and businesses from flooding and other climate impacts. The MPCA announced on June 26 a $500,000 investment in Greater Minnesota to help communities better understand how to prepare their infrastructure for extreme weather caused by climate change…
- By Jason BerghorstJuly 10, 2024The Luverne City Council approved changes to firefighter retirement plans in addition to other business items at their regular meeting June 25. The council unanimously approved two requests from the Luverne Fire Relief Association. The first raised the pension factor from $2,750 to $3,000 for each full year of service as an active Luverne firefighter. “The last audit of the Fire Relief Fund…
By Jason BerghorstJuly 10, 2024Members of the Luverne Econonic Development Authority (LEDA) heard updated trail usage counts on the Luverne Loop. The Southwest Rural Development Corporation (SRDC) installed a trail counter along Blue Mound Avenue from May 24 to June 16. There were 4,604 users during that time with a daily average of 192 trail users. Sammons reported that trail use has increased steadily over the past…
July 10, 2024Through the Luverne Area Chamber LIFT design committee, 82 new banners were designed and will be displayed for the rest of the summer. This is the second year for the veterans banner program. Each banner depicts a veteran, lists his/her name, military rank and years of service. A waiting list is currently being assembled for a possible third year. Contact the Luverne Area Chamber, 507-283-4067,…- July 10, 2024Soil from gardens that were recently flooded may not be safe for growing fruit and vegetables this summer. Depending on the location, flood waters may contain contaminants such as agricultural or other chemicals, as well as disease-causing organisms from fresh manure, animal carcasses, septic systems, and even lagoons. Commonly found pathogens include E. coli 157, listeria, clostridium,…
July 10, 2024The trio are working on a documentary involving the families of two local World War II veterans and their experiences during the D-Day Invasion on Omaha Beach. “We are maybe the most remote Star Herald readers,” said Cocherie, the videographer on the project. Rivalin plays a character in the documentary while Rocher is the sound technician. The documentary will debut at the Palace Theatre,…
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