The foundation of our well-being in general depends on the domestic production of food. Our farmers and ranchers provide us with an abundant, nutritious food supply throughout the year.
In recognition of this achievement, members of the Rock County Farm Bureau and Rock County Library will celebrate Farm Week next week.
On Monday, March 21, stop in for giveaways and coloring contest sheets. Patrons are encouraged to bring in farm toys and/or wear farm shirts and tell library staff about the items.
On Tuesday, March 22, join the farm scavenger hunt at the library.
On Wednesday, March 23, at 10:30 a.m. a special story time will feature guest farmer Peter Bakken of rural Beaver Creek.
On Thursday, March 24, at 4 p.m. enjoy the classic farm movie “Charlotte’s Web,” with snacks provided.
Farm Week wraps up Friday, March 25, with Bronwyn’s 10:30 a.m. story time. Coloring contest winners will be announced along with book giveaway winners.
Among other things, Farm Week at the Library will celebrate the productivity and efficiency of ag producers as they continue to maintain a stable supply of food in our communities.
Their dedication and skill levels have overcome a difficult marketplace, weather extremes and plant and animal pests and diseases.
Their effective natural resource management increasingly provides crucial environmental benefits to a growing area of sensitive water supplies.
Farm families achieve these successes despite receiving a steadily smaller portion of the retail grocery dollar.
According to new U.S. Department of Agriculture data, in 1973 farmers and ranchers received approximately 30 cents out of every dollar spent on food. By 2018 the share farmers and ranchers received had declined to approximately 10.4 cents.
The pattern remains the same for this year. Off-farm costs – processing, packaging, transportation, wholesaling and retailing – account for the majority of the food prices consumers pay.
Most of the recent increases in retail food prices have been the result of higher prices of energy needed to process, haul and refrigerate food.
Our bountiful domestic food supply is the product of skill and dedication. We invite readers to join us in celebrating the farmers who grow our healthy and nutritious foods.

Like most of you, I’ve been keeping a pretty sharp eye on world news lately and it doesn’t look good.
That’s why I’ve started reading books written for preppers.
Preppers are people who prepare for long- or short-term emergencies by having storage closets full of food, bunkers in the woods and ammo.
For a few days or a few months, preppers desire to be prepared when “the stuff hits the fan.”
(Some might argue the stuff is hitting the fan right now. It’s hard to tell.)
They say dried foods are one of the keys to successfully surviving an emergency. So, while standing in line at Walmart the other day, I decided to make my first “prepper” purchase – a bag of Spicy Hot Cheetos.
I figured the Cheetos met a lot of prepping criteria. They have a shelf life of thousands of years, and the spiciness would keep me warm if the power goes out.
An unanticipated flaw in my plan was that I ate them on the way home.
So much for shelf life.
As for toilet paper, I still have several dozen packs left from the Covid Panic of 2020.
There was an incident involving a mouse that borrowed a few bits of toilet paper for a small home in a rolled up rug. What’s left of the TP stash is secure.
Regarding personal protection, I’m not really much of a gun person.
I’m not opposed to guns. I just figure if I ever had to use one in a crisis situation, I’d probably blow my own foot off.
So instead of buying ammo, I’ve set up an elaborate network of shoes, boots and recycled boxes in our entryway – intended to cause a potential home invader to tumble head over heels and leave us alone.
We know this plan works because we test it daily.
If the internet goes down, we’re going to have to read books again.
Here’s advice from one of my favorites:
“Don’t save treasures for yourselves here on earth. Moths and rust will destroy them. And thieves can break into your house and steal them. Instead, save your treasures in heaven, where they cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal them.” Matthew 6:19- 20
I think, along with reading the world’s news, I’ll start spending more time reading this “prepper” book and less time reading the others.

Question: I am a new parent and I am not sure if I am doing this child car seat thing properly. Is there somewhere I can go to find out if I am doing it right? Thank you.
Answer: Congratulations on parenthood! I know the feeling and there will only be more questions as time goes on. For child passenger safety, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety has a map that you can click on for your area, and it will bring you to a “car seat check.” https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/child-passenger-safety/Pages/car-seat-…
If this doesn’t work out, a person can always check with their local police department/ sheriff’s office, local public health department or any hospital and clinic. If they are unable to help, they should be able to point you in the right direction.
 
Minnesota child car seat law and steps:
•In Minnesota all children must be in a child restraint until they are 4’9” tall, or at least age 8, whichever comes first.
•Rear-facing child seats: Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer.
•Forward-facing seats: Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether. Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer.
•Booster seats: Use after outgrowing a forward-facing harnessed restraint; safest to remain in a booster until 4 feet 9 inches tall, or at least age 8, whichever comes first.
•Seat belts: Use when children can sit with their back against the vehicle seat and have their knees bent comfortably over the edge with their feet touching the floor.
 
Keeping children safe
•From 2016-2020, 20 children (ages 0–7) were killed in motor vehicles and only 40 percent of the victims were known to be properly secured.
•Of the 86 children (ages 0–7) seriously injured in motor vehicles in the past five years, only 50 percent of the victims were known to be properly secured.
•Of the 15,672 children ages 0–7 who were properly restrained in the past five years, 88 percent were not injured, and another 9 percent sustained only minor or possible injuries.
 
For the safety of your children: 
•Be an attentive driver.
•Always buckle up.
•Always secure your children in the proper restraint for their age, height and weight.
•Always have your children sit in the back seat.
You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober.  Help us drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.
If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at Statue 169.791 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)

Meinerts informs readers of historic event, 'Peoples Convoy'
To the Editor:
Since the Star Herald did not deem the People’s Convoy as newsworthy, I will do my best to inform the readers of this potentially historic event.
Having participated from Beaver Creek to Albert Lea, I can say that seeing so many people waving flags on every overpass and the hundreds of cars waiting to receive the convoy in Albert Lea was an inspirational and heartwarming experience.
It shows that if we do unite, there is hope for America. For those who are interested, there are several live streams going on daily which cover the important stories ignored by the mainstream media. I personally recommend WYSIWYG TV, Oreo Express, and Sasnak on YouTube.*
There are many heartwarming stories of patriotism and community stemming from this convoy and the honorable people within it. It has all been extremely peaceful and law abiding. For those who don’t know, there were, are, and will continue to be meetings taking place between the convoy organizers and our elected officials in D.C.
In true Star Herald fashion, I give our local paper a huge thumbs down for not covering this.
In regard to our mayor’s letter* in the March 10th edition of the Star Herald: It is interesting to see that our democrat-led city is referencing our workforce fleeing to red states.
Maybe it has less to do with schooling opportunities and more to do with freedom. Maybe we should mandate freedom and opportunity as opposed to stifling local small business owners and supporting increased government spending, which seems to be counterproductive.
Todd Meinerts
Luverne
 
Editor’s notes:
*WYSIWYG TV is operated by rightwing streamer Christopher Brow who participated in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Oreo Express describes itself as “Patriots on the frontline standing against the communist left that is trying to destroy our country,” and Sasnak is a trucker’s social media post.
*The March 10 “mayor’s letter” is a news story about southwest Minnesota mayors organizing to support businesses experiencing labor shortages and to encourage students to study and work in Minnesota.

Larson Crane Services, Worthington, continues demolishing the grain elevator in Beaver Creek Tuesday afternoon. The 125-foot-tall wooden elevator hasn’t stored grain for over a decade; it was being used only for its office and scale. New Vision put up three new bins — with a total grain storage capacity of 1.1 million bushels — 15 to 20 years ago. The old elevator will be replaced with a new office and scale in time for harvest this fall.

Dispatch report
March 4
•Complainant on Bluemound Avenue and Luverne Street flagged down a deputy for assistance.
•Complainant eastbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 12, Luverne, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported threats via phone.
March 5
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported suspicious items found.
•Complainant westbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 12, Luverne, reported a driving complaint.
March 6
•Complainant on W. Virginia Street requested a deputy to contact family.
•Complainant on N. McKenzie Street reported an activated carbon monoxide detector.
•Complainant on 160th Avenue, Luverne, requested extra patrol.
•Complainant on E. 4th Street, Hills, reported suspicious activity at location.
•Deputy reported an equipment outage.
•Complainant eastbound on County Road 4, Beaver Creek, reported a driving complaint.
March 7
•Complainant in Nobles County, Worthington, reported subject with a Rock County warrant.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported a Crime Stoppers tip.
•Complainant on N. Estey Street reported harassing communication.
•Complainant had questions about child custody agreements.
•Complainant on 150th Avenue, Luverne, reported a refrigerator in ditch at location.
•Complainant on W. Hatting Street reported welding parts were stolen.
•SFPD reported a stolen vehicle may be in Luverne.
March 8
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported receiving counterfeit money.
•State patrol assisted another department on Highway 23.
•State patrol assisted another department westbound on Interstate 90, mile marker 9, Luverne.
March 9
•Complainant on W. Interstate Drive reported theft.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported employee is threatening her.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported a disorderly at location.
•Complainant on 180th Avenue, Magnolia, reported a vulnerable adult situation at location.
•Complainant on 101st Street, Magnolia, reported a suspicious vehicle.
•Deputy out with two vehicles at location on S. Kniss Avenue.
March 10
•Complainant in Minneapolis requested out-of-county 911 assistance.
•Complainant on 180th Avenue, Magnolia, reported a vulnerable adult situation at location.
•Complainant on E. 4th Street, Hills, reported possible threats.
March 11
•Metro reported a 911 text in Jasper.
In addition, officers responded to 4 motor vehicle accidents, 1 escort, 5 ambulance runs, 6 paper services, 3 fingerprint requests, 14 burn permits, 1 driver’s license check, 1 alarm, 5 drug court tests, 6 purchase and carry permits, 51 traffic stops, 8 abandoned 911 calls, 1 test, 1 OFP and 3 follow-ups.

LSS meals at Generations
Monday, March 21: Chicken wild rice, broccoli, pineapple, dinner roll, cookie.
Activities: A.C.E. of SW MN-Rock Co.: 8:30 a.m. Quilters.
Tuesday, March 22: Tater tot hotdish, green beans, warm peaches, cookie.
Half-Price Day sponsored by Grace Lutheran Church.
Activities: 12:30 p.m. Bunco; pinochle.
Wednesday, March 23: Meatballs, mashed potatoes, carrots, bread, dessert.
Thursday, March 24: Roasted turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, sage dressing, dessert.
Friday, March 25: Barbecue pork on a bun, baked beans, pears, dessert.
LSS Dining offers well-balanced and affordable meals in a community atmosphere.
Call Lynette Hoiland at 283-9846 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.

Magnolia woman earns business accolades
Rock County native Wendy Wills is among the Top 25 Women in Business for 2022 named by Prairie Business Magazine.
“We are grateful for her leadership, dedication to our customers, and support of the Sioux Falls community,” was the Facebook by First International Bank & Trust, Sioux Falls, where Wills is “Chief Experience Officer.”
The annual contest honors creative and successful businesswomen in North Dakota, South Dakota and western Minnesota and the impact they have on industry and economy in the region, according to Prairie Business.
Recipients are selected through nominations based on professional achievement, community contributions and volunteerism.
The 25 honored women come from finance, health care, manufacturing and a number of other industries and professions.
“Each of the women listed has made exceptional contributions in their chosen careers and communities,” according to the magazine.
Wills is the daughter of Dennis and Norma Remme, Magnolia, a graduate of Luverne High School and Concordia College. She and her husband, Thomas Wills, live in Sioux Falls.

The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on June 13, 1902.
Relic hunters have been busy the past week unearthing Indian skeletons which were discovered by a road crew engaged in excavating a road through Kanaranzi hill, about two miles north of town, says the Rock Rapids Review. “The skeletons found are similar to those found in the mounds on the Sioux river in the west part of the county, save for the fact that their condition would indicate that they have been longer in the ground than have those on the Sioux. Another difference is that in the instance of the remains found no beads or other relics with the skeletons, while these are almost invariably found in the mounds in the west end of the county. Altogether since the first discovery of the relics nine or ten skeletons have been excavated, several of them having been found in the pasture of the poor farm. Old settlers state that in the earlier days of this community it was nothing uncommon to find these skeletons at this location, ‘but it has been so long since they were known that the recent find created quite an amount of excitement. The skeletons  thus far found have been placed with the heads to the north, a characteristic common wherever the remains of deceased Indians have been found.”
         Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.