Luverne’s Board of Appeals and Adjustments approved the variance request for a 73-foot-tall nutcracker on South Highway 75 at Monday night’s meeting.
The measure passed unanimously, but not after significant board discussion.
For example, some questioned whether the statue should be as high as 73 feet, or perhaps 60 feet, which is the height of the original Mobil sign that was on the existing 40-foot steel post years ago.
At the end of the hour-long meeting, city leaders ultimately agreed to grant the variance as requested.
Structurally, the 65-foot-tall nutcracker will stand on an 8-foot-tall pedestal and will be supported by an existing 40-foot-tall solid steel post that once carried a “Mobil” sign for a service station.
The property is home to Those Blasted Things, opened more than 20 years ago by Vance and Becky Walgrave, who granted an easement to the nonprofit in order to build the giant nutcracker.
They said the “World’s Largest Nutcracker” will complement the “World’s Third-Largest Nutcracker Collection” at the History Center, where thousands of tourists have already stopped to visit.
They and their daughter, Katie, are on the Just For Nuts board, a Luverne private nonprofit that has drawn more than $200,000 in local donations and $50,000 from the Blandin Foundation.
The nonprofit Just for Nuts will continue raising money and will support other future ventures in the community.
At the March 20 variance hearing, Katie Walgrave quoted from the Blandin website.
“Vibrant communities don’t arrive by accident, and they’re not going to last long in isolation,” she read.
“Resilient communities make their own future, both by taking responsibility for it and by building powerful networks of sustaining relationships. These actions catalyze a community’s ability to expand opportunities for all its residents.”
She said that’s why Blandin gave them the grant.
“They saw what we’re doing and saw it as a good idea to help the community,” she said.
“Getting people to come off the interstate is the biggest hurdle. This nutcracker will accomplish that.”
The city’s ordinance allows for signs up to 96 square feet. The proposed sign is roughly 600 square feet, so the Walgraves applied for a variance in order to request an exception to the rule.
After considering all the information and input from the community, the city’s Board of Appeals and Adjustments approved the request.
“We’re grateful for all the support, and we’re happy to be moving forward,” Becky Walgrave said. “We can’t wait to see the results. We’re looking forward to achieving our goals.”
She communicated those goals at the public hearing.
“We’re doing this because we’re proud of Luverne and we want to make it go,” she said.
“We’re hoping that people will also go downtown. That’s our goal. That’s why we started this.”
The Walgraves are working on next steps with engineers and will announce a construction timeline soon.

Father Tom Jennings, Rock County’s longtime leader of religious and social causes, died March 29 at age 78 at his home in Caledonia.
Jennings served 15 years as priest of St. Catherine’s Church in Luverne. However, he’ll be remembered across all denominations in the community for his gentle spirit and encouraging leadership style.
“It’s been magical. It’s been a magical time,” he said at his September 2018 retirement party that attracted 275 community members.
In addition to weekday and weekend services, Jennings presided over 378 baptisms, 212 funerals and 94 weddings in his time with the Luverne and Ellsworth parishes.
Jennings often shared his love of nature and farming, weaving messages into his homilies.
“He enjoyed all of God’s creations to the fullest,” his obituary reads (page 7A).
“He was frequently seen taking pictures of all kinds. He loved hiking, gardening, photography, reading and drives in the countryside.”
A farm boy at heart, he often joined local agriculture tours and events and participated in the annual Rock County Tractor Drive behind the wheel of a vintage International tractor.
“I saw so much more than I usually do in my car going 55,” he said.
“Going slow allows one to see what God sees — all the details of creation, light and shadows, fence posts, vast varieties of wildflowers and grasses, the cuts made by meandering streams, the shapes of clouds. Sounds are more accentuated when moving slowly. I felt so free moving at 12 mph.”
His message: “Go slow in September and enjoy the early days of autumn. Go slow and see, hear and feel more than ever before.”
Funeral services were Tuesday in Caledonia where McCormick Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Four students earned trips to represent the Luverne High School chapter of the Future Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) at the national conference in July.
They earned the national trips for their performance in the STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) events during the state conference March 26-28 in Minneapolis, where students could earn a potential trip to the national conference July 2-6 in Denver, Colorado.
National qualifiers include junior Hallie Bork and senior Ella Lanoue (who also qualified for her professional presentation) for their chapter in review portfolio, and sophomores Gemma Nelson and Janica Oechsle for their professional presentation.
Luverne chapter members earning gold (high ranking) honors in the STAR events are Tori Hemme, Lacey Morseman, Addison Huiskes, Reese Louwagie, Camden Kunkel, Morgan Jonas, Priscilla Muehr, Nora Louwagie, Bethany Behr and Hailey Johnson.
Four other Luverne students were selected to serve as area and state officers for 2023-24.
Sophomore Audrie DeBates is the state president-elect.
She’s the first LHS student to lead the state FCCLA organization.
“I went up to the state conference not knowing if I was going to make into state office at all,” DeBates said. “I had no idea that I would be the state president-elect until all of the candidates were on stage and I was the only one who had yet to be given their office position.”
Sophomore Janica Oeschle is the state vice president of community service.
Area officers are eighth-grader Anna Reisdorfer (secretary) and sophomore Hallie Bork (treasurer).
As president, DeBates will be part of a state leadership team who plans the state conference, will lead the state council meetings, and will serve on the board of directors for the state FCCLA.
DeBates joined the LHS FCCLA chapter almost four years ago.
“If you told me as a seventh-grader that I would stand in front of almost 500 people and give a speech at the 2023 state convention, I wouldn’t have believed you,” she said.
DeBates credits FCCLA for learning the communication, public speaking and life skills necessary for the state leadership position.
“I’m so excited for everything to come in the next two years and that I get to go through it with the 2023-24 state office team.”

Luverne Public Schools lone sports pairing agreement was terminated March 23.
Board members unanimously supported ending the agreement made with Adrian in November 2018.
At that time the board extended the cooperative hockey agreement for five years, allowing two current freshmen to complete their high school hockey participation with the Luverne Cardinals.
This current school year was the one participating student’s senior year.
The high school hockey season ended earlier this month.
Adrian students had limited participation in the Luverne Hockey Association program.
“They have no kids in the youth program either,” said Superintendent Craig Oftedahl. “Without any benefit to the students from Adrian, it makes no sense to keep the agreement in place,” said Superintendent Craig Oftedahl.
Adrian reimbursed Luverne financially for their students’ participation in the program.
 
In other business
The Luverne School board approved:
•volunteer coaches and assigned (activity) for Jeremy Olson (softball) and Matt Sterrett (baseball).
•the selection of baseball coaches Derek Elbers (B-squad), Jake Haugen (ninth grade) and Jeff Stratton (middle school).
•the hiring of Kristi Groth as long-term substitute teacher for Ann Sandager beginning April 14 through the remainder of the school year.

Henry F. Wulf, 86, of Brainerd, died Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society – Bethany in Brainerd.
Arrangements are pending with Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home in Brainerd.
(0406 DN)

Meetings
Parkinsons Support Group (change of date) will now meet at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at Poplar Creek in Luverne. All are welcome. Call 507-935-8173 with questions.
Beaver Creek Sportsman’s Club annual meeting is at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the SpringBrooke Events, Golf and Grill in Beaver Creek.
Beaver Creek Township Board will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 10, in the township hall.
Vienna Township Board will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, in the Kenneth Community Center.
American Legion Auxiliary Post #123 will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, at Pizza Ranch. Call Dianna Tomlinson with questions.
Sanford Luverne Pink Ladies will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 17, at Sanford Luverne Medical Center. Note the change of date. Contact Sharon Zinnel, 507-227-3821, with questions.
 
Winter tree damage seminar April 12
“Animal & Winter Tree and Shrub Damage” seminar will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at the Rock County Courthouse commissioners’ room.
Gary Wyatt, Extension agroforest educator, will lead the seminar that includes a field trip to the Project Food Forest at 308 N. Blue Mound Ave., Luverne.
Register by April 10 at the Rock County Extension Office, 507-283-1302.
 
Senior nutrition assistance April 6
A.C.E. of SW MN will offer Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors 60 and older from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 6. It will be a drive-through distribution in the parking lot at the new A.C.E. office location on east side of Generations Event Center. Pre-registration is required for those not already registered. Call Linda Wenzel at 507-283-5064.
 
Mobile dental clinic in Luverne April 13
The mobile dental clinic will be in Luverne Thursday, April 13, at ATLAS of Rock County on Maple Street in Luverne. (Note the new location, and use the Community Room entrance.)
This clinic, organized by #Luv1LuvAll's Rock County Oral Health Task Force, provides dental care for adults and children ages 0 to over 100. Call 612-746-1530 to schedule an appointment. All forms of insurance are accepted.
 
Blue Mounds Birding April 15
The Blue Mounds State Park naturalist will offer Blue Mounds Birding from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at the picnic shelter for a program about migrant songbirds and how to identify birds in the wild.
After some background information we will set out on the trail for a short ½ mile hike to practice your new skills. *Come prepared with sun and insect protection as well as good walking shoes. Bring your binoculars if you have them. All ages welcome. 
 
Blood drive April 18
The American Red Cross will accept blood donations from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at Living Rock Church on East Main Street in Luverne. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter LuverneMN.
 
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 id Rev. Dr. Armand J 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.
 
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.
 
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.
 Children ages 3-5 with a parent or caregiver are invited to On Track to Literacy Success on April 11. Registration required, but there is no fee.
Participants in grades 5 through adult can reserve time with an artist in Open Studio two-hour blocks of time on April 15. Fee is $25 and covers all materials, glaze and firing.
Registration is open for Discovery Time Preschool for ages 3-5 half-day classes during the 2023-24 school year. Age is determined as of September 1 of present school year. Free or reduced rates are available if income guidelines are met.
 
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.
 
Free tax preparation at library
AARP volunteers will offer free tax preparation for low-income individuals and seniors at the Rock County Library on Mondays starting Feb. 13 through April 15.
Call 507-449-5040 for appointments. Bring documents, including last year’s tax return and a form of identification to document social security number. Tax returns for 2021 will be prepared if requested.
 
Library Happenings
For more information about library happenings, call 507-449-5040 or email rockcountystaff@gmail.com.
Ag Trivia at Take 16 takes place Thursday, April 6, in partnership with the Rock County Farm Bureau and Rock Nobles Cattlemen. Burgers will be served starting at 5:30 p.m. and trivia begins at 7 p.m.
Skally Line will perform old-time stringband music and share tales about Minnesota at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 12.
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.
 
Community Ed announcements
Community Education will offer the following classes in the next few weeks. Call 507-283-4724 to register.
ECFE Classes for children ages 0-5 years and parents offers information and support to parents and provides activities for parents and children to explore together through classes that meet once a week throughout the school year. 
New Residents: Census Information Needed for Preschool Children. Call 507-283-4724 with information for children ages 0 to kindergarten. The school district uses the information for planning purposes, mailing out information on school events, including the state-mandated Preschool Screening for all 3-year-old children.
 
Food Shelf evening hours
The Rock County Food Shelf is now 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.

Driving distracted puts everyone on the road in danger, contributing to an average of 28 deaths and 156 serious, life-changing injuries per year in Minnesota.
That’s why law enforcement agencies and traffic safety partners are teaming up to educate motorists, enforce the hands-free cell phone law and help stop other distracting behaviors.
The distracted driving enforcement and awareness campaign runs April 1-30 and includes extra enforcement.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) coordinates the campaign with funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“We all lead busy lives and think we can multitask, but behind the wheel of the car is not the place to do that,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson.
“You may not think a quick glance down at your phone or radio will do any harm, but that simple distraction can seriously injure or kill someone in an instant.”
 
Distracted driving is dangerous driving
More than 32,000 crashes were distracted driving-related from 2018-2022, contributing to one in 11 crashes in Minnesota.
In 2022, preliminary figures show distracted driving contributed to 126 injuries and 22 deaths.
Distracted driving contributes to 9 percent of crashes in Minnesota.
 
Hands-free cell phone use is the law
Hands-free cell phone use became law on Aug. 1, 2019, in Minnesota.
That means drivers can no longer hold their phone in their hand.
Accessing or posting on social media, streaming videos, checking box scores or Googling information on a device while driving are all still against the law in Minnesota, even in hands-free mode.
 
Distracted driving has consequences 
The hands-free cell phone law allows drivers to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone.
However, hands-free is not necessarily distraction-free. Penalties for distracted driving include:
$100 or more including court fees for a first offense.
$300 or more including court fees for a second and/or subsequent offense.
If you injure or kill someone while violating the hands-free law, you can face a felony charge of criminal vehicular operation or homicide.
 
Drive smart and join Minnesotans driving distraction-free
Put your cell phone down, turn it off, place it out of reach or set up hands-free cell phone use.
Pre-program radio stations and arrange music in an easy-to-access spot. Adjust mirrors and ventilation before traveling.
Map out the destination and enter GPS routes in advance.
Avoid messy foods and secure drinks in cupholders.
Teach children the importance of good behavior in a vehicle and model proper driving behavior.
Passengers, speak up to stop drivers from distracted driving behavior and offer to help with anything that takes the driver’s attention off the road.
Visit HandsFreeMN.org and DriveSmartMN.org for more information.