Rock County voter turnout in the 2022 general election was nearly 75 percent, according to local election official Ashley Kurtz.
Of Rock County’s 5,582 registered voters, 4,163 participated in the midterm (non-presidential) election.
That turnout is high compared with Minnesota’s 60.66 percent turnout and the national turnout of just under 50 percent. However, Kurtz said 2022’s local participation is similar to the 2018 midterm election, which attracted 73.44 percent of Rock County voters.
Rock County stood out in the 2022 election for another reason, according to Kurtz.
“We are proud to say we were the first county in the state fully reported,” she shared in an email at 9:10 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, after all local precincts had reported.
“Everything went well. I feel like we have a great system at the courthouse on Election Night. We have lots of help, including employees from other departments such as Administration and Land Records.”
She said the staff divides and conquers election night duties, with an absentee processing room, a mail ballot processing room and one person assigned strictly to uploading results.
Meanwhile a group of employees assists those from the polls bringing in results, and others help carry equipment in as it’s being brought back from the precincts. 
“We’ve done it this way for a few years, and it works really well for us,” Kurtz said. 
“Every year we learn things that we can tweak for the next election, so it seems like the process gets quicker and more efficient each election. 
Kurtz said credit for a smooth election night is shared with many.
“Our city clerks and election judges that process polling place results work hard to make sure their numbers all balance before getting to the courthouse as well, which also helps the process,” she said. 
“There are a lot of tasks that have to happen from the time that the polls close at 8 p.m. and when the results are posted online. I think we’ve come up with a good system to get us there.”
 
Rock County deep red
Meanwhile, Rock County voters showed their true Republican colors on their ballots for state and federal offices in Minnesota.
DFL governor Tim Walz won his bid for re-election with 52.27 percent of state votes, but if Rock County voters had their way, the next governor would have been Republican challenger Scott Jensen, who captured nearly 70 percent of Rock County votes.
Similarly, DFL incumbent Steve Simon was re-elected as Minnesota’s Secretary of State. However, Simon’s Republican challenger Kim Crockett had more than 70 percent of Rock County’s votes.
Rock County’s “red” trend continued for state attorney general and state auditor. DFL incumbent Keith Ellison was re-elected as attorney, but in Rock County, his Republican challenger Jim Schultz had 72 percent of Rock County votes. And DFL incumbent Julie Blaha was re-elected as state auditor, but 70.21 percent of Rock County voters chose Republican Ryan Wilson.
Following are official results from local contested races.
 
Luverne School Board
The Luverne School Board election drew extra attention this year with 18 candidates for five open seats.
Four were elected out of 15 candidates vying for the four-year terms on the board. They include Zach Nolz (1,173 votes, 11.27 percent), Randy Sasker (1,020 votes, 9.8 percent), Michael DeBates (913 votes, 8.77 percent) and Eric Hartman (902 votes, 8.67 percent).
Ryan DeBates was elected to fill the remaining two years of the seat vacated by Jeff Stratton who left the board to become the school resource officer. DeBates captured 1,288 votes (46.53 percent) in the three-way contest.
 
Luverne City Council
In the race for Luverne City Council’s Ward 2 seat, incumbent Kevin Aaker narrowly defeated challenger Mert Kracht by 10 votes, 377-367.
The margins were close, but not close enough to trigger an automatic recount. The difference needs to be less than one-half of one percent.  In this case, the difference was 1.34 percent.
 
Minnesota House
In the contest between two Luverne candidates for Minnesota’s District 21A House seat, Republican incumbent Joe Schomacker beat D-FL challenger Pat Baustian with 74.29 percent of the votes (13,536). Baustian garnered 25.64 percent (4,671).
 
Hills and Beaver Creek city council races
The Hills City Council election had five candidates vying for two open seats. Newcomer Cory Metzger garnered the most votes, 171 and 30.11 percent, with incumbent Vickie Busswitz keeping her seat with 149 votes and 26.23 percent.
Four people filed for two open seats on the Beaver Creek City Council. Council members Jeff Dysthe and Pat Bender did not file for re-election, and Heidi Freese (89 votes, 36.93 percent) and Jacob Conger (78 votes, 32.37 percent) were elected to replace them.
For more complete 2022 election results, see the Minnesota Secretary of State website, sos.state.mn.us. Click on elections and 2022 results.

Meetings
Annual meeting of the Rock County Association of Townships will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, in the downstairs meeting room at the Rock County Library. Representatives from each township are encouraged to attend.
 
Shoebox collection due by Nov. 21
Operation Christmas Child Shoebox collection week is Nov. 14-21. Boxes can be ordered online at samaritanpurse.org. Boxes may also be picked up at the American Reformed Church in Luverne (south door) and dropped back to the church.
Call Edna Buys, 507-227-7169 or Charla Sandbulte, 507-227-1722, for more information.
 
Food distribution is Nov. 17
New Life Celebration Church’s third Thursday monthly food giveaway is at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Atlas building at 101 W. Maple Street in Luverne.
Enter from Maple Street and stay along the west side of the building. Parking lot opens at 3 p.m. Do not block the Redeemed Remnants parking lot, intersection or alley entrance. Food will be loaded into vehicles, which exit via the alley going west. Call 507-283-8963 or 507-283-4366 with questions.
 
SHARE releases distribution date
Those wishing to receive groceries, clothing and toys from the Rock County SHARE program must apply by Wednesday, Nov. 23.
SHARE will distribute the gifts to Rock County residents in need from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Luverne National Guard Armory on South Freeman Avenue. 
Note: SHARE is NOT accepting donations of used items at this time. To support the program, mail financial gifts to SHARE, PO Box 792, Luverne, MN 56156.
For information, contact Amy at 507-227-6944 or Monica at 507-820-1100.
 
UMC community free Thanksgiving meal Nov. 23
The United Methodist Church will host its Wednesday night free community Thanksgiving meal at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23. A pick-up option is available by calling 507-283-4529.
 
Thanksgiving at the Eagles Club
The Luverne Eagles Club will host a traditional Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 24, for a freewill donation. Meal includes turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, cranberries and pumpkin pie. Home-delivered meals are available by calling 507-227-2776 or 507-920-7649 by Monday, Nov. 21.
 
Mobile dental clinic Nov. 30 and Dec. 1
The mobile dental clinic will be in Luverne on Wednesday, Nov. 30, and Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Rock County Health and Human Services community room.
This clinic provides dental care for adults and children ages 0-100+. Call 612-746-1530 to schedule an appointment. All forms of insurance are accepted. The clinic is organized by #Luv1LuvAll's Rock County Oral Health Task Force.
 
Free Narcan training Dec. 5
A free public training on how to respond to an opioid overdose using Naloxone (Narcan) will be from noon to 1 p.m. or 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, at Sanford Luverne. Registration is preferred by Nov. 28. Call 507.449.1246 or email stephanie.pierce@sanfordhealth.org. 
 
St. John Festival of Nativities Dec. 2-3
St. John Lutheran Church, Luverne, will host its Festival of Nativities from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. View nativities of all sizes and shapes, from handcrafted and international to children’s sets and more. Refreshments will be served. It’s free and open to the public with handicap accessibility. Call 507-283-2316 with questions.
 
Community Ed
Community Education will offer the following classes in the next few weeks. Call 507-283-4724 to register.
Students (grades K-5) can learn to decorate holiday cookies like a professional at B'S Bakehouse on Dec. 10.  Register by Nov. 18. Fee is $30. 
Ages 2 – 5 years will enjoy activities in the preschool rooms when they attend Grandparent & Me with a grandparent or another favorite adult on Nov. 22. No fee, but registration is required.
Register by Nov. 30 for the outdoor portion of Snowmobile Safety to be held on Dec. 10. Plan to do the online portion ($29.95 online) prior to coming for the outdoor portion. Outdoor portion cost is $10.
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. If your child is 4 and has not been screened, call to complete the screening before kindergarten.
 
Library Happenings
For more information about library happenings, call 507-449-5040 or email rockcountystaff@gmail.com.
Story Time with Bronwyn is Fridays from now through. Dec. 2. The event starts at 10 a.m.
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.
 
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.
 
CoffeeBreak Bible Study meets Tuesdays
CoffeeBreak Bible Study meets each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne. There will be StoryHour Bible stories and playtime for ages 3 to kindergarten, and a nursery is available. It’s free for all faiths and no prior Bible knowledge is necessary. Call Kristi Stroeh at 507-227-5102 or email atkristi.stroeh@hotmail.com
 
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.

World Kindness Day was Nov.13, a day that more than ever before needs recognition.
Here at NAMI Minnesota, we’ve been promoting “Space and grace,” to give others space to err, to be upset or mad. It means giving others grace so that our response to them is not filled with anger or frustration.
When we respond with grace and space, we actually feel better – because we have responded with kindness.
Grace and space also apply to us as individuals — reminders that we’re not perfect, that we make mistakes, that we aren’t always at our best. It’s accepting ourselves as who we are and loving ourselves unconditionally and that we will do better next time.
The Greek Author Aesop wrote, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
After a tough two and a half years, we need more acts of kindness toward individuals and our greater communities. We can make a difference to one person, and for the greater good.
This year the theme of World Kindness Day 2022 was “Be Kind Whenever Possible.”  It’s taken from the Dalai Lama who adds, “It is always possible.”
So, what is possible? Focus on individuals. Send a kind note to someone. Bring someone who is struggling a meal or rake their leaves. Ask the cashier, clerk or waitperson how they are doing, thank them for their work – especially if you can see that place is understaffed. Bring items to a food shelf, donate blood, place a book in a free library, etc. 
So, what is possible? Focus on the greater community. Encourage elected officials to fund important programs that bring people together or support them living in the community.
It could be funding youth programs at the park, arts in the schools, in-home support for people with disabilities or programs serving children and adults with mental illnesses. Donate to a nonprofit that does good work.
The important thing is to do something to make our communities a little kinder. Stop and think before posting a mean meme on social media, yelling at someone who cut you off on the freeway, or being impatient with a person struggling to pay for their groceries.
We control how we respond, and if we respond with grace and space, and show kindness to others, we will feel better too.
 
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a non-profit organization working to improve the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses and their families through education, support and advocacy.

Are we ever satisfied with the lives we’re living?
Does there ever come a time when we don’t strive to earn more money, search for that perfect job, that perfect house and family and the perfect relationship? This striving often shows up in the social media posts we share with one another.
Lately I find myself sharing less of myself on social media.
Does this mean my striving in life has waned and I’ve reached my peak life experiences just south of the age of 60?
According to nationwide polls, it appears I’ve reached and passed peak life satisfaction.
Did you know the average Minnesotan experiences peak life satisfaction at age 43?
That’s according to a survey conducted by Mixbook Photo Co., a technology platform for making photobooks.
It had 3,442 people age 65 and older respond to the survey.
The survey took a deep look at when the average American believed they had obtained peak life satisfaction — a happiness with the trajectory of their lives, jobs, friends, family and relationships.
While Minnesotans indicated their peak satisfaction at age 43, the national average was 44.
Surveys indicated by that time in their lives they had a family, an established career, a stable home, and hopefully, an income that allowed spending on vacations, cars, dining out, etc.
There were variations between states.
Marylanders reached this point at a relatively young age of 37. Comparatively, Vermonters reached contentedness at age 63.
The survey also found that 52 percent of respondents felt the pandemic increased their satisfaction with life.
I found myself drawing closer to what I have — during the pandemic days in 2020 and 2021.
The result of being quarantined is that we took stock of what’s important — spending more quality time with loved ones and appreciating what we have.
It's not so surprising that a photo book company would say relationships and celebrating memories are what people are the happiest with.
I created one of those memories recently, traveling two hours to attend a five-minute school program performance by my oldest grandchild.
It was her first, and a few tears were still falling when she walked on the stage with her fellow kindergartners.
When she caught a glimpse of her parents and her grandparents in the stands, however, a giant smile appeared.
And, yes, her first concert became a social media post — and my satisfaction with life will increase as she grows.

As you probably know, the season of fall is my favorite time of the year because fall means football and pheasant hunting.
Unfortunately, it also means Old Man Winter is just around the corner.
The cold weather of the past weeks reminds us it’s time to make the switch from lawn mower to snow blower. Rakes are replaced by snow shovels, and flip flops are kicked to the closet, with the snow boots front and center.
The calendar tells us the official start of winter is still a month off, so let’s not write off fall just yet.
There is still a lot of football yet to be played, and watching the Vikings this year has been nothing short of exciting. Some of the best pheasant hunting of the season is yet to come.
Let’s not forget about Thanksgiving. It’s just a week from today. The turkey might cost a little more this year, but the turkey is still the best buy in the meat department.
Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy is without question the most economical holiday meal and, in my opinion, the best.
The Thanksgiving meal also gets bonus points for being No. 1 when it comes to leftovers.
                ***********
Once again, The Star Herald is collecting greeting cards to send off to our men and women who are serving in our country’s military ranks at home and around the world.
We will have a display in the city park with a mailbox for you to drop off your greeting cards. You may also drop off your greeting cards at our office.
Check out the ad in today’s Star Herald it’s on Page 14A for more details.

Dispatch report
Nov. 4
•Complainant reported theft.
•Complainant reported outage.
•Complainant on County Road 6, southbound from 41st Street, Hills, reported a driving complainant.
•Complainant on N. Jackson Street reported harassing communications.
Nov. 5
•A hazmat issue was reported on County Road 4 and County Road 6, Beaver Creek.
Nov. 6
•Extra patrol was provided on County Highway 4, Beaver Creek.
•Complainant on S. East Park Street reported vandalism.
•Complainant on W. Maple Street reported an open door.
•Complainant on County Road 11 and Highway 270, Steen, reported burning.
•Complainant west-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 19, Magnolia, reported a driving complaint.
Nov. 7
•Complainant reported a civil issue.
•Complainant on E. Main Street and Summit Street, Hardwick, reported property damage.
•Complainant on W. Mead Court reported a civil issue.
•Complainant on 145th Avenue and County Road 8, Luverne, reported an abandoned vehicle.
•Complainant on Highway 75 and 171st Street, Luverne, reported a parking issue.
•Complainant on W. Veterans Drive reported a runaway.
•Complainant on Minnesota Avenue, Steen, reported a runaway.
Nov. 8
•Complainant in Luverne reported a civil issue.
•Complainant reported an outage.
•Complainant on Central Lane reported a transient.
•A warrant was issued on 81st Street, Beaver Creek.
•Complainant on W. Veterans Drive reported a runaway.
•Complainant on W. Lincoln Street reported trespassing.
•Complainant on Crawford and Blue Mound Avenue reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant on S. Donaldson Street reported a disorderly.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported a transient.
•Complainant on Highway 75, southbound from Pipestone, reported a driving complaint.
Nov. 9
•Complainant on Main Street and Kniss Avenue reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant on W. Church Avenue, Hills, reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant on S. Dakota Street, Steen, reported vandalism.
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported an assault.
•Complainant on County Road 6 and County Road 4, Beaver Creek, reported roadside assist.
•Complainant on E. Warren Street reported harassing communications.
•Complainant on County Road 20 and County Road 13, Hills, reported a driving complaint.
Nov. 10
•Complainant on S. Freeman Avenue reported a fire.
•Complainant westbound on Interstate 90, between markers 8 and 9, Beaver Creek, reported debris.
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported a runaway.
•Complainant on Highway 23, mile marker 10, Beaver Creek, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on 90th Avenue, Luverne, reported a sudden death.
Nov. 11
•Complainant east-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 6, Beaver Creek, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on 110th Avenue and 115th Street, Luverne, reported a driving complaint.
•Assistance from another department was provided westbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 5, Beaver Creek.
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue reported theft.
•Complainant on W. Lincoln Street reported a civil issue.
•Complainant on E. Main Street and Blue Mound Avenue reported debris.
•Complainant on S. McKenzie Street and E. Warren Street reported a hazmat issue.
In addition, officers responded to 1 motor vehicle accident, 4 deer accidents, 13 ambulance runs, 4 paper services, 7 animal complaints, 2 fingerprint requests, 7 burn permits, 3 alarms, 3 drug court tests, 9 purchase and carry permits, 2 stalled vehicles, 33 traffic stops, 9 abandoned 911 calls, 2 tests, 2 reports of cattle out, 1 OFP and 2 follow-ups.

… there’s smoke testing of sewer lines underneath Highway 75. The work is part of the infrastructure project that closed six blocks of the main corridor north of Main Street in Luverne from Oct. 17 for a month. Smoke testing identifies sections of the sanitary sewer system that may have defects such as cracks, leaks or faulty connections that allow rainwater to enter the underground pipe network. The work also includes spot repairs, new manholes and directional boring of new service lines under the highway. The project is expected to be finished this week.

Luverne Elementary students hosted a Veterans Day Coffee & Treats Open House Friday morning for local veterans. The two-hour event in the school commons was hosted by the fifth-graders and organized by the school’s elementary student council. Local veterans and their families were invited to sit at tables with students who had lists of questions for the guests. Students in other grades delivered “thank you” messages scrolled in crayon and pencil.

LSS meals at Generations
 
Monday, Nov. 21: Tuna noodle casserole, mixed vegetables, warm cinnamon applesauce, dessert.
Tuesday, Nov. 22: Barbecue pork on a bun, coleslaw, vegetarian baked beans, warm fruit crisp.
Half-Price Day sponsored by Minnwest Bank.
Wednesday, Nov. 23: Turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, dinner roll, dessert.
Thursday, Nov. 24— Closed. Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, Nov. 25: Tater tot hotdish, green beans, romaine lettuce with dressing, dinner roll, warm apple slices with raisins.
 
LSS Dining offers well-balanced and affordable meals in a community atmosphere.
Call Pam Franken at 283-9846, extension 11 to reserve one day prior, to arrange to pick up a dinner or for home-delivered meals.
Gift certificates are available at the meal site or online at www.lssmn.org/nutrition.