At their Tuesday, April 11, meeting, Luverne City Council members approved annual liquor and Sunday on-sale licenses for Los Bravos, LLC, the Mexican restaurant coming to South Highway 75.
The owner of Los Bravos, Luis Abundes, purchased the former 75 Diner restaurant from Codie Deutsch and requested liquor licenses for the period April 12 through Dec. 31.
Abundes closed on the purchase Monday and plans to open for business in a month, just after Mother’s Day.
Deutsch will serve as the resident manager for Abundes, who lives in Jackson; however, she said she’ll have no role in the operation of the new restaurant.
Abundes also owns Fiesta Brava Mexican Restaurant in Jackson. Another Fiesta Brava operates in Rock Rapids, Iowa. He also owns several other restaurants in other states.
According to council information, all materials have been submitted (copy of restaurant license, certificate of insurance and fees) and the background checks for Abundes and Deutsch were favorable.
Those applications will be sent to the state for approval as well.

Meetings
Kenneth Cemetery Association annual meeting will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 6, in the Kenneth Community Center. Members and non-members are encouraged to attend.
 
LHS puts on Addams Family musical
The Luverne High School Drama Department will present four performances of the “The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy,” on April 27, May 4, 5 and 6 in the performing arts center.
Curtain opens at 7 p.m.
 
Kindergartners to perform April 28
The kindergarten students of Luverne Elementary will perform “Getting Down with Mama Goose” 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, in the performing arts center.
The performance will also be livestreamed from the schools’ social media site.
 
SAIL classes in Hills
SAIL classes meet in Hills Monday and Thursday mornings now through June 22.
The classes, Stay Active and Independent for Life, improve strength and balance. They meet from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Game Plan 4 Hope, 312 W. 3rd St. in Hills. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required by calling volunteer class leaders Carol Gerhke, 507-220-1116, or Nelva Behr, 507-962-3413.
 
Remember Rally sponsors event for emergency responders
A “Trauma and Mental Health” conference for emergency responders will be Thursday, April 20, at Pizza Ranch in Luverne. Professionals will talk about mental health, PTSD and suicide prevention for an audience of invited law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS, clergy and counselors in Luverne and surrounding communities.
Pre-register by texting Diane Sherwood, 507-920-5349, or email promos@iw.net.
The movie, Break Every Chain,” will be shown that night at the Palace Theatre at 7 p.m. as a fundraiser for Luverne first responders.
 
LWML Spring Rally April 22
The Pipestone Zone Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Spring Rally will be Saturday, April 22, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone.
Registration is at 9 a.m. with coffee and rolls. Guest speaker is the Rev. Dr. Armand Boehme on the topic, “I am spiritual, but not religious. Millenials and the church."
Gifts from the Heart are personal care items for the Pipestone County Hospice. Lunch will follow program. Call Linda Wenzel, 507-220-8194.
 
A.C.E. starts ‘Matter of Balance’ classes April 24
A.C.E. of Southwest Minnesota will offer a new six-week round of “Matter of Balance” classes starting Monday, April 24, at the Magnolia Post Office. The classes will continue meeting at 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through May 17. There is no cost, but re-registration is required and donations are accepted.
Call Linda, 507-283-5064, or Connie (507) 220-3584 or online at   https://yourjuniper.org/Classes/Register/3978
 
Online BQA certification April 25
University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota Beef Council will host a free online Beef Quality Assurance training from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, for producers to earn a three-year BQA certification.
The training is free, but registration is required at https://z.umn.edu/BQAApril25
 
State park naturalist offers programs April 29
The Blue Mounds State Park naturalist will offer two programs on Saturday, April 29, at the picnic shelter.
“Predator vs Prey,” from 10 to 11 a.m. is designed for ages 6-12, but all ages are welcome. From the smallest insect to the largest fish in the river, every animal plays a role in the ecosystem.
“Beavers: Nature’s Engineers” from 3 to 4 p.m. is about America’s largest rodent. Discover how these critters use unique adaptations to impact the landscape. The program will conclude with a short walk to the creek to look for beaver activity. 
Contact park staff at bluemounds.statepark@state.mn.us or 507-283-6050 with questions.
 
‘Coach Stig’ coming to Luverne May 1
Luverne Initiatives For Tomorrow will bring John Stiegelmeier to the Palace Theatre in Luverne at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 1.
“Coach Stig” formerly coached the South Dakota State University football team and is known as the winningest football coach in the history of SDSU.
He'll bring his message, “It Takes a Whole Team to Win,” for the event that’s free and open to the public.
LIFT is selling tickets for reserve seating and a VIP reception at Sterling’s Café and Grille as a fundraiser for its community projects.
Call the Chamber, 507-283-4061 for advance tickets.
 
Ecumenical Coffee May 3
The Presbyterian Women will host an Ecumenical Coffee at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, in the fellowship hall of First Presbyterian Church, Luverne. Speaker will be Pastor Jakob Danilko on Ukraine and current needs. All are welcome.
 
Mobile dental clinic in Luverne May 18
The mobile dental clinic will be in Luverne on Thursday, May 18, at ATLAS of Rock County to provide dental care for adults and children of all ages. Call 612.746.1530 to schedule an appointment. All forms of insurance are accepted. Organized by #Luv1LuvAll's Rock County Oral Health Task Force.
 
Registration opens for 4-H camps in June
Youth who have completed grades 3-6 can attend one of two residential camps at Lake Shetek June 19-21 and June 21-23.
4-H staff and high school youth counselors lead activities, small group discussions and outdoor activities during the camps.
Registration is open until May 10. Contact the Rock County Extension Office, 507-283-1302, or mnnext-rock@umn.edu.
 
Community Ed
Community Education will offer the following classes in the next few weeks. Call 507-283-4724 to register.
Students (grades 4-6) will follow along with the instructor step by step to create a painting at Paint and Snack class on April 24. Fee is $33.
Learn how to propagate fruit and nut plants during a hands on Fruit Propagation Workshop at Prairie Ally on April 29. Take home a berry or grape plant. Fee is $20.
Students grades 6-12 can learn basic yoga poses and breathing exercises at Teen Yoga. This four-week series starts on May 1. Fee is $40.
Watch for the new Summer Brochure in the Luverne Announcer April 29. Registrations will be taken starting May 1.
 
SAIL classes in Beaver Creek
SAIL classes meet in Beaver Creek Monday and Wednesday mornings now through May 24.
The classes, Stay Active and Independent for Life, improve strength and balance. They meet from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in Beaver Creek City Hall in Beaver Creek. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required by calling Linda Wenzel, 507-283-5064.
 
Library Happenings
For more information about library happenings, call 507-449-5040 or email rockcountystaff@gmail.com.
Books on Tap takes place at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Take 16 in Luverne.
Story Time with Bronwyn is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. Fridays now through April 28. Stories and make-and-take crafts are the same at either event.
The 50 State Challenge for adults and older teens is currently underway where patrons are encouraged to read a book set in one of each of the 50 states through Jan. 1, 2024.
Trivia Night is at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Take 16 in Luverne. Team registration begins at 6 p.m.
Reminiscence Kits are available featuring various topics such as gardening, pets, baking, sewing, farming and hunting. The kits are designed to use with a loved one experiencing memory loss, encouraging the loved one to open up about activities they once loved in the past.
STEAM kits are also available checkout. Motion, lights, hydropower, robotics and magnets are among the kits.
 
Food Shelf evening hours
The Rock County Food Shelf is open for an additional evening shift from 5 to 6 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. Call Mary at 507-227-5548 or Katie at 507-227-3531.
 
A.C.E. respite care available, volunteers needed
A.C.E. of SW Minnesota (A.C.E.) offers respite care services in Rock County for those needing a break from caring for a loved one.
The respite program offers short-term (1-3 hours), temporary care for families and caregivers by providing a brief period of reprieve from the daily cares they provide to their loved one.
Volunteers provide non-professional supportive services to caregivers to give them time for themselves, relieve their stress and help them remain healthy.
Respite care volunteers are also needed. Trained A.C.E. volunteers provide respite care to family caregivers of adults age 60 and older who are suffering from long-term health conditions.
Contact Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064 or ace.rock@co.rock.mn.us.

The H3N2 strain of canine influenza has been confirmed in the recent Twin Cities animal shelter outbreak. This strain tends to be more virulent, spreads faster and easier, and tends to make dogs sicker than the H3N8 strain. Dogs shed the virus for 28 days after becoming infected.
Vaccines may be in short supply, especially bivalent varieties. H3N2 specific, mono-valent vaccines my be available and are recommended until the bivalent supply is restocked. Animals at high risk for severe clinical disease (young, old, other medical conditions) should be prioritized, as well as dogs in high-risk settings.
Any dog with upper respiratory signs should be quarantined for 30 days to help prevent the spread of influenza, even with a negative test result.
Remember to follow some simple precautions with suspected patients in your clinic.
Patient physical contact should be limited to only what is necessary, and staff should always wash their hands before and after handling patients.
If an animal appears healthy and has had no known exposure to other dogs with suspected or confirmed canine influenza, staff can exercise normal precautions.
If an animal presents with clinical signs consistent with canine influenza virus infection, staff should put on additional personal protective equipment (PPE), including facemask, gloves and a gown or lab coat. Take off and/or discard the PPE after the animal has left the facility.

​Are you ready for severe weather? Each year Homeland Security and Emergency Management, in collaboration with the National Weather Service, sponsors Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota.
The week is designed to remind and educate the public about the seasonal threats from severe weather and how to avoid them. 
It's also a good time to make and practice emergency plans and check emergency preparedness kits.   
The most important events during Severe Weather Awareness Week are the two annual statewide tornado drills. 
In Minnesota the 2023​ statewide tornado drills are scheduled for Thursday, April 20​​. Outdoor warning sirens will sound in a simulated tornado warning.
The first drill is intended for institutions and businesses. The evening drill is intended for second shift workers and families.
Minnesota experiences an average of 29​ tornadoes per year.
In 2021 Minnesota recorded 64 tornadoes, including 22 on Dec. 15 alone. They were the latest reported tornadoes on record. A record was set in 2010 with 113 tornadoes touching down across the state.
Understanding this threat and knowing what to do when a tornado is approaching can save lives. 
Take advantage of Severe Weather Awareness Week to review your own and your family's emergency procedures and prepare for weather-related hazards.  
The week observes different aspects of weather awareness.
For example, severe thunderstorms produce large hail or winds of at least 58 mph. Some wind gusts can exceed 100 mph and produce tornado-like damage. That’s why many communities sound outdoor sirens for damaging straight-line winds. 
In terms of floods, nearly 200 lives are lost nationally to flooding each year, and 300,000 people are forced from their homes due to property damage in excess of $2 billion. In 2019 six out of the nine state and federally declared disasters in Minnesota involved some sort of flooding. 
About 75 percent of flash-flood deaths occur at night. Half of the victims die in automobiles or other vehicles. Many deaths occur when people drive around road barricades that clearly indicate that the road is washed out ahead. 
Severe Weather Awareness Week also focuses on heat. According to the Department of Health, from 2000 to 2016 there were 54 deaths directly attributable to extreme heat in Minnesota. 
On July 19, 2011, an all-time heat index record was set in Minnesota with air temperatures at 93 degrees and the heat index reaching 130 degrees in Moorhead. 
The National Weather Service places high priority on alerting the public to heat wave hazards.
More information about Severe Weather Awareness Week is at dps.mn.gov.

We had cake in the office Tuesday to celebrate my 30 years as Star Herald editor. I love what I do, and I cherish the role of a weekly paper in a community, so it’s definitely worth celebrating.
Thirty years sounds impressive, but it’s just on par with countless feature stories we’ve written about people in their jobs for 30 or more years.
When I started at the Star Herald in April 1993, Charlie Braa was still running the County Auditor’s Office — and the County Board, too, from what I could tell.
Bill Weber had just replaced Gordy Gits as Luverne mayor, and Andy Steensma was representing us in the State Capitol where Arne Carlson was governor.
In my first months on the job, I wrote about Kyle Oldre starting as county personnel director (now administrator) and Dr. Diane Kennedy starting at Luverne Community Hospital (when it was still located downtown).
I wrote about Betty Mann’s retirement from 25 years of teaching. Norm Miller was school superintendent and Ed Salzer was elementary principal in the three-story brick building in the middle of town. Magnolia elementary students still attended classes in Magnolia.
The Veterans Home had just opened in 1993 and the Evergreen housing additions were still part of the city’s long-range plan.
I came to Rock County after writing for the U of M campus daily in Minneapolis and at the Worthington Daily Globe.
Lynn Taylor was the outgoing editor and Carole Olson was the reporter who became my mentor and dear friend.
We were still photographing on film, which we developed in the darkroom where we printed images on paper in chemical trays. We pieced together the weekly editions one strip of waxed news copy at a time on pages that were driven to a press room 30 miles away.
Today we’re digitally produced and sent to printers online. We still circulate news on paper, but many of our subscribers like the E-edition.
What hasn’t changed in 30 years, however, is our approach to local news.
We’re more committed than ever to telling the stories of Rock County — the schools, governments, businesses and, of course, the citizens.
In the name of journalism, I’ve had rare opportunities to get close to people and families I may have never otherwise met, and I’m a better person (and better journalist) for knowing them.
If this job has taught me anything, it’s that we’re all human, and everybody hurts.
And more than that, I’m repeatedly impressed by the resiliency of our people and the generosity of our community when someone needs help.
It's what sets us apart from other communities, and it’s what makes my work so rewarding.
I consider it an honor and privilege to have been documenting Rock County’s history for 30 years, and Lord willing, I’ll be here many more.
Thank you, dear readers, for the journey and for allowing me to tell your story.

Spring rummage sale (May 3-6) and the citywide spring cleanup (May 1-5) are just around the corner.
The citywide cleanup event is one of the nicest perks the city offers. There are rules to follow as to what you can place by the curb for free pickup. The citywide cleanup also draws a fair number of out-of-town treasure seekers as well as locals.
Truth be told, I’ve harvested a treasure or two over the years.
Now for the rules for the spring cleanup. Don’t put out tires, chemicals, electronics, batteries, light bulbs or paint cans. If you do, they will be left at the curb. Don’t start hauling your junk out too early. One week prior to pickup would be appreciated.
The city is running ads in today’s Star Herald and this weekend’s Luverne Announcer with a schedule of neighborhood pickup dates.
Your garbage and recycling routes will remain the same.
It would be a good idea to set your containers away from your curbside items.
If you have a few of the hefty items such as appliances and mattresses, the city crew will pick those up on Friday, May 5. There is a cost for this, however. Appliances cost $15 each and the mattress/box springs cost $30 each. You must prepay and register at city hall before the pickup, and no refunds will be issued.
As you should know by now, our city crews operate like a well-oiled NASCAR pit crew, and if they hit your “hood” before the scheduled date, don’t worry. They make a return visit.
Branch pickup will start on Monday, May 8. Put the branches parallel to the curb, and they are to be no more than ten feet long.
Don’t lollygag on this one – get your branches to the curb by 7 a.m. or you’ll be hauling them to the burn site yourself. The city crews will make one pass through the city to pick up branches.

Dispatch report
April 7
•A warrant was issued in Lyon County.
•Road closure on 60th Avenue, from 41st Street to 61st Street, Hills.
•Complainant on N. Freeman Avenue reported disturbing the peace issue.
April 8
•Complainant on E. Lincoln Street reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant on U.S. Highway 75, Luverne, reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant on 191st Street, Hardwick, reported a fire.
•Complainant on Highway 75 and County Road 16, Luverne, requested roadside assistance.
•Complainant on 180th Avenue, Ellsworth, reported property damage.
•Complainant reported an outage.
•Complainant on 180th Avenue and 211th Street, Hardwick, reported flooding.
•Complainant on S. Church Avenue, Hills, reported a civil issue.
•Complainant on 161st Street and 100th Avenue, Luverne, reported suspicious activity.
April 9
•Complainant on 140th Avenue, Hardwick, reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant on Highway 75, Hardwick, reported trespassing.
•Complainant on 141st Street requested roadside assistance.
April 10
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue requested assistance from another department.
•Complainant on 141st Street requested roadside assistance.
April 10
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue requested assistance from another department.
•Complainant on W. Main Street reported property damage.
•Complainant on County Road 4 and 81st Street, Beaver Creek, reported an abandoned vehicle.
•Complainant on N. Estey Street and Luverne Street reported burning.
•Complainant on 170th Avenue and 251St Street, Edgerton, reported flooding.
•Complainant on Church Avenue, Hills, reported a parking issue.
•Complainant eastbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 8, Luverne, reported a miscellaneous public assist.
April 11
•A warrant was issued on W. Hatting Street.
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue requested assistance from another department.
•Complainant on W. Main Street reported trespassing.
April 12
•A warrant was issued at W. Hatting Street.
•A fire was reported at 60th Avenue, Hills.
•An outage was reported at Highway 75 and Fletcher Street.
•Complainant on W. Luverne Street reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant reported an outage.
April 13
•Complainant at Redbird Field reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant on W. Interstate Drive reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant reported drugs.
•Complainant reported narcotics.
In addition, officers responded to 2 motor vehicle accidents, 1 vehicle in the ditch, 2 transports, 1 escort, 8 ambulance runs, 5 paper services, 3 animal complaints, 29 burn permits, 11 purchase and carry permits, 34 traffic stops, 18 abandoned 911 calls, 1 OFP and 1 follow-up.

Luverne firefighters had a busy Monday when they were dispatched to a barn and grass fire on the heels of a truck fire.
At around 10 a.m. the Luverne Fire Department and emergency responders were sent to a truck fire west of Luverne on County Road 5.
The driver of the Buffalo Ridge truck, Jason Lindquist, of Pipestone, said he heard a clunking sound under the hood as he was driving down the road.
He discovered a fire and attempted to put it out with an extinguisher but ended up calling for help.
By the time firefighters arrived, the semi was fully engulfed in flames, and it took them about a half hour to completely extinguish the blaze.
Only a few hours later, the Luverne Fire Department was dispatched to a blaze northwest of Luverne that was reported as a grass/barn fire at 1371 120th Ave. Luverne.
The fire, reported at 1:45 p.m., was caused by a burning tree pile that got out of control and spread to the barn, which appeared to be a total loss.

The Hills Area Fire Department spent four hours at the Norm Sjaarda farm north of Hills fighting a fire involving large hay bales.
Fire chief Jared Rozeboom said his department received the call at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 12.
The farm is located along County Road 6 near 51st Street in Martin Township.
The Beaver Creek Fire Department provided mutual aid.
“The downside of a hay fire is that you can’t put them out without a whole lot of work,” Rozeboom said.
He surmised a piece of metal in one of the bales went through the bale grinder at the feedlot, providing the spark for the fire.
“They’re pretty sure it wasn’t a mechanical failure, just metal went through the grinder,” he said.
Firefighters prevented the fire from spreading as the bales were opened and allowed to burn themselves out.
No livestock was affected by the fire.
A hoop building near the grinding area was lost.