By Mavis Fodness
June 19, 2024
The Hardwick City Council hosted a public hearing Tuesday, June 11, about a $4.6 million project to replace the city’s aging water system.
As part of the USDA Rural Development grant application process, the city is required to conduct a meeting to inform residents about the potential project.
Five members of the public attended the 30-minute public hearing and no one objected to plans.…
By Mavis Fodness
June 19, 2024
Low enrollment in the Hills-Beaver Creek Patriot enrichment after-school care program forced its closure.
H-BC school board members approved the closure and elimination of the coordinator position at their June 10 meeting.
The program started three years ago and expanded two years ago to serve up to 20 students.
“We have very little interest in this coming year,” said board member Tami Rauk,…
June 19, 2024
In preparation for the new 924 area code, all customers located within the 507 area code region should prepare for 10-digit dialing.
Beginning July 30 all local calls made within the 507 area code region must be placed using 10 digits (area code plus the seven-digit telephone number).
Starting July 30, calls placed using just seven digits will not be completed.
Beginning Aug. 30 new telephone…
By Jason Berghorst
June 19, 2024
Progress continues on replacing the parking lot on the north side of Luverne City Hall adjacent to the Minnesota West Community College entrance.
Workers began pouring concrete last week for the project that includes removing the previous pavement, regrading the existing granular base, and replacing the pavement with 6-inch concrete.
Curb, gutters and sidewalks will also be fully replaced.…
By Mavis Fodness
June 19, 2024
The Hills-Beaver Creek High School FFA Chapter conducted the 2024 awards banquet May 17 at the Steen Reformed Church.
Members and others FFA supporters received recognition for their achievements during the 2023-24 school year.
The evening ended with the installation of the 2024-25 officers.
Honorary degree
An honorary chapter degree was awarded to New Vision Co-op.
“New Vision has…
June 19, 2024
Southeast Technical College has awarded 164 full-ride Build Dakota Scholarships to incoming students through the Build Dakota Scholarship program.
The competitive scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, uniforms, tools and supplies.
Local students recognized at a June 7 signing event include Carter Abels, Hills, in automotive technology, and Morgan Jonas, Kenneth, in licensed practical nursing…
June 19, 2024
Luverne
A Honor Roll
Quarter 4
Seniors: Morgan Ahrendt, Tyler Arends, Alexsis Berg, Zoey Berghorst, Kayla Bloemendaal, Hailey Boll, Brynn Boyenga, Kai Buss, Cassandra Chesley, Jenna DeBates, Gavin DeBeer, Elliot Domagala, Morgan Hadler, Elle Halverson, Henry Hartquist, Roselynn Hartshorn, Uriel Hernandez, Julia Hoogland, Addison Huiskes, Kira John, Nathan Kinsinger, Spencer Kracht, Jacob…
June 19, 2024
H-BC A Honor Roll
Quarter 4
Seniors: Grace Anderson, Lanae Elbers, Sylvia Fick, Alexis Garner Swenson, Cooper Gehrke, Taylor Gehrke, Aiden Kerkhove-Brandt, Tahliya Kruger, Ty Leuthold, Joshua Lohr, Brynn Rauk, Justin Roelfs, Larissa Steinhoff, Avril Susie, Logan Susie, Olivia Susie, Riley Tatge, Joylynn Taubert.
Juniors: Beau Bakken, Gracie Fagerness, Harli Rozeboom, Kadence Rozeboom, Bailey…
By Mavis Fodness
June 19, 2024
Eleven Rock County 4-H’ers competed at the annual communication arts contest May 4 at the American Reformed Church in Luverne.
Participants exhibited in the categories of public speaking, interpretative reading, creative writing and photojournalism.
Judge Monica Horn awarded ribbons based on the participants’ performance.
Purple is the highest ribbon awarded.
Goals of the contest include…
June 12, 2024
Four area volunteer fire department teams went head-to-head Saturday afternoon in the inaugural Fire Department Water Wars in Hills during Hills Friendship Days activities. Three-man teams from Ashton, Iowa, Rock Rapids, Iowa, Beaver Creek and Hills competed in the double-elimination event. The team of Ty Bundeson, Sawyer Bosch and Logan Suzie fought back through the consolation bracket to take…
By Mavis Fodness
June 12, 2024
For eight months, world-renowned wildlife photographer and Luverne native Jim Brandenburg coordinated the finding and restoration of a 1942 military Ford GPW jeep used 80 years ago in the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France.
In September he will formally gift the rare military relic to Luverne for appearances at community celebrations.
“Jeeps are special to me, and Luverne has…
By Mavis Fodness
June 12, 2024
On Friday, June 7, the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne celebrated the 30th anniversary of its opening in 1994.
At center stage were the staff members, who have made the veterans home welcoming.
“I feel what they do is so genuine,” said Dennis Olson, an Air Force veteran from Sioux Falls who has been a resident for 16 years, the longest of any current resident.
In 30 years, 952 veterans and/…
June 12, 2024
The Plaza Committee of Luverne Initiatives for Tomorrow hosted the third annual “Touch a Truck Night” Monday evening in the south lot of the Luverne Elementary School. Dozens of local families explored fire trucks, large vehicles and farm implements, along with squad cars, skid loaders and other public service equipment as part of the evening that is designed to introduce local residents and…
By Lori Sorenson
June 12, 2024
A group of worshippers gathered atop the Blue Mounds State Park Saturday evening for a modern-day version of Christ’s “Sermon on the Mount.”
The Rev. Steven Voris of Luverne’s First Presbyterian Church delivered the sermon to a small gathering at Eagle Rock, formerly the state park interpretive center.
“Standing on the Blue Mounds, we can see for miles and miles,” he said. “Jesus wants us to…
By Lori Sorenson
June 12, 2024
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 Ward seat on the Luverne City Council when he seeks election to a third term. Josh Gangestad and Kenny Rolling also filed for election to the seat.
City council member Scott…
By Mavis Fodness
June 12, 2024
As currently permitted, the local demolition landfill will be full in four years unless an agreement can be reached with state officials to expand the existing facility east of Luverne.
Representatives from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and engineers spoke with Rock County Commissioners June 4.
Discussion centered on a report by the St. Cloud engineering firm Short Elliot…