The maple tree at the corner of Dodge Street and Highway 75 in Luverne is at least the age of the stately three-story home on the property — more than 100 years old.

For the first time in its 75-year history, Luverne’s Tri-State Band Festival will open its button design contest to the public.

Previously open only to students, the contest has been an annual event since 1976 when the first winner, Missy Weinman, received $10 in prize money.

The Luverne School Board members were presented with four different calendar options for the 2026-27 school year during their meeting Thursday night, Feb. 26, but no clear favorites rose to the surface.

Luverne City Council members approved a quote by Climate Systems of Sioux Falls to replace the rooftop dehumidification unit at the city pool and fitness center.

Council members approved the quote for $374,750, which includes:

The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) has issued its 2027 Request for Proposals (RFP) for funding from Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF).

On Monday, March 2, members of the Rock County DFL volunteered to fill backpacks for Luverne school students at the Rock County Food Shelf.

As part of February’s I Love to Read Month, Luverne Elementary School students and staff had fun with special dress up days. Friday, Feb. 27, was “Space Jammies and Popcorn Day,” and Elementary Principal Stacy Gillette popped popcorn for students and staff to enjoy while reading.

Haley Boltjes, an actor with the Green Earth Players community theater group, reads the children’s book, “Miss Nelson is missing!” to Luverne kindergarten students in the elementary school library on Monday afternoon.

The Luverne boys’ hockey team ended their season earlier than they expected.

The Cardinals fell 2-1 to Mankato West Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Section 3A Championship game in St. Peter.

It took three overtime periods to decide who would move on to the 2026 state tournament.