10 years ago (2012)
•The federal government will have a greater impact on what ends up on the trays of 32 million kids who have school lunch every day—including those in Luverne.
Less salt and fat, more whole grains, fruit, veggies and low-fat dairy are what kids can expect in the school cafeteria, according to new nutrition standards for school meals announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture this week.
Just over $3 billion will be spent over the next five years to implement the changes, including setting limits on total calories for a meal.
While some kids aren’t getting enough calories in a day, there’s also the competing challenge of obesity.
In trying to balance these concerns, the USDA decided to set an age-appropriate calorie range for lunch:
550 to 650 calories for kindergarten through fifth grade; 600 to 700 for sixth through eighth grades; 750 to 850 for ninth through 12th grades.
 
25 years ago (1997)
•As of Tuesday, Luverne schools have lost nine school days to snow, according to the district office. That doesn’t count short days, when students arrived late or left early.
With a calendar that figured in four possible snow days, it means the district must schedule make-up classes on in-service days and vacation days.
According to Marlene Mann in the superintendent’s office, classes will be held on Feb. 14, Presidents Day Feb. 17, June 5, and if the district needs to make up the Governor’s canceled day, probably on April 28. Students already made up one day on Jan. 24.
Easter Monday is still a possible vacation day … but no one in the district office is willing to bet they’ve seen the last snow cancellation.
 
50 years ago (1972)
•Margaret Erickson of the Blue Ribbon 4-H Club of Hills will represent Rock County in the District 4-H Radio Speaking Contest scheduled for this Saturday, Feb. 5, from 2-3 p.m. over KWOA Radio.
Miss Erickson was recently named County Champion and Rick Jauert was named Reserve Champion in the Rock County contest. In the Junior Division, Ruth Garnmeister was named Champion and Pam Heronimus was named reserve Champion.
 
75 years ago (1947)
•Sales during December at Southwestern Minnesota department and general stores were up 26 per cent from last year, while total sales for the year registered a 29 per cent increase over those of 1945.
December retail trade volume in the entire Ninth Federal Reserve District averaged a 23 per cent increase over last month and a 30 per cent increase over December 1945. According to the Final Department and General Store Summary just released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, sales reported to the bank in 1946 by 551 stores located throughout the district topped last year’s sales at the same stores by 34 per cent.
 
100 years ago (1922)
•Nine Rock county boys and girls have thus far definitely decided to join the Rock County Boys’ and Girls’ Calf club, and in most instances have already selected the calves on which they hope to win honors next fall and winter.
Those who will join the club are: Eda and Esther Carlson, of Magnolia township; Ruth Axelson, Velma and Peter Vandemore, of Mound; Ethel Oesterle and George Godfrey, of Beaver Creek; Dick Aukes and Fred Paulsen, of Clinton. All were members of last year’s club.
The Misses Carlsen, Axelson and George Godfrey will feed Shorthorn calves; Velma and Peter Vandemore, Herefords; and Miss Oesterle, Dick Aukes and Fred Paulsen, Abereen Angus.

SMSU Marshall announces honor students
Rozilyn Oye and Cassidy Teunissen, both of Luverne, were named to the Honors list for the Fall 2021 semester at Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall. To be eligible, students must earn at least a 3.5 GPA with a minimum of 12 graded credits.
 
Northwestern College releases dean’s list
Garrett Raymon, Hills, and Ainslie Robinson, Luverne, were named to the Collegiate Scholars list for the Fall 2021 semester at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. To qualify for the high honors, students must earn a 3.75 GPA or higher. A perfect 4.0 average is indicated with a pound sign following the name. 
Raymon# is a senior majoring in biology-ecological science. Robinson is a freshman majoring in biology-health professions.
 
Tatge named to NDSU dean’s list
Lauren Tatge, Beaver Creek, was named to the Fall 2021 dean’s list at North Dakota State University in Fargo. To be eligible, students must earn at least a 3.5 GPA with a minimum of 12 graded credits.
Lauren is majoring in pharmaceutical sciences.
 
Robinson named to U of M Duluth dean’s list
Mark Robinson, Luverne, was named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2021 semester at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Students must earn a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average.
Robinson is a senior majoring in stats and actuarial science in the Swenson College of Science and Engineering.

The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on July 7, 1905.
Was a Grand Success
Such Was Luverne’s Celebration of the Glorious Fourth
6000 People Were in Attendance
Notwithstanding Preceding Unfavorable Weather Conditions, Luverne Observes Our Nation’s Birthday With a Notable Successful Celebration—Occasion Graced by Presence of Governor John A. Johnson Who Delivers Inspiring Address—Splendid Program Carried Out to the Satisfaction of All
This article is continued from last week.
Ring Ride
While the ring ride on Main street was in progress, the streets were fairly packed with pleasure seekers who divided their time between watching the riding and the other attractions on the streets. There were a large number of entries for the ring ride and this popular sport provided much enjoyment for all present. The prizes for the contest were awarded as follows: First prize, double driving harness, to Julius Wiese; second prize, riding saddle, to Will Sodemann; third prize, riding bridle, to Fred Lutgens; fourth prize, whip, to Ed. Biss.
Street Sports
The various street sports took place on Main street immediately after the ring ride. The result of the races was as follows: 50-yard free-for-all, Irving Jargo first, Percy Mingus second; 100-yard race for boys under 12, J. R. Jones first, Walter Robinson second. In the 400-yard relay race there were three teams of four men each. In the first team, which won the race, were Irving Jargo, Martin Snook, Geo. Gilbertson, Percy Mingus; in the second, Albert Helling, A. Schaeffer, Ed. Wiegel, Frank McClintock; in the third, Dewight Hulett, Verne Canfield, Chas. Preston and F. Brown.
Tug of War
The tug of war between the north and the south ends of the county was won by the south side. There were ten men on each side, the team from the north being captained by Wm. Goettsch, and that from the south by A. W. Scott.
Greased Pig Chase
The chase for the greased pig closed the sports. The pig was turned loose in front of the Vienna bakery and was captured by one of the contestants before it had scarcely left the box and also before the starters had given the word. It was accordingly again started and after a spirited chase was captured by R. S. Bailey. The pig mounted the sidewalk and ran through the crowd, scattering the people right and left and was caught in the doorway of the Eagle Clothing store.
Band Concert
The program of the day’s entertainment closed with an hour’s concert by the South Dakota Fourth Regiment band and the Luverne band at 7 o’clock in the stand prepared for the purpose at the bank corners. The concert won high commendation for both bands and was greatly enjoyed by all who heard it.
Carnival of Fun
Contrary to general expectations the crowd did not greatly diminish at the close of the sports, but nearly all remained to participate in the fun looked for in the evening. And all who looked for fun found it in any quantity desired. From early in the evening until 11 o’clock it was fast and furious. All along Main street “confetti battles” raged furiously, and those who had restrained themselves from shooting fire crackers during the day indulged in that sport to their heart’s content. While no public fireworks were displayed, a number of excellent displays were made by private parties in various parts of the city, which were greatly appreciated by those who had the opportunity to witness them.
Indoor Entertainments
The indoor entertainments also drew large crowds. The vaudeville show in the Opera house by the Novelty Vaudeville company called out a packed house and all who witnessed the performance were well pleased. The dance in Union hall under the auspices of the Luverne band and Hook and Ladder company No. 1, furnished amusement for a crowd which taxed the capacity of the hall to the utmost. The music for this dance was furnished by the Hyke-Millhouse orchestra. Another dance, given by the Fourth Regiment band in the Opera house after the show, also entertained a fair-sized crowd and added to the evening’s enjoyment.
All Are Pleased
So far as the Herald can learn, all are pleased with the celebration. The program of entertainments was an excellent one, everything promised was given, everything came off promptly on time, and everything was free. If in the judgement of those in attendance the celebration was worthy of the day and creditable to Luverne, the object sought has been accomplished. To the credit of those who planned the celebration and did vast amount of work required, it is only fair to say that the celebration was most admirably conducted.
         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.
 

Glenyce Peterson Lecher, of Anderson, SC, formerly of Hendersonville, NC, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2022, at NHC Healthcare Anderson with her loving husband, John by her side.
Glenyce was a registered nurse who worked in many places in North Carolina during her career. She was a member of Zion United Methodist Church. She enjoyed fishing and living on Lake Hartwell.
She is survived by her husband of 36 years, John J. Lecher; daughter, Jennifer Sanders and grandson, Thomas Cole Young of Wake Forest, NC. She is also survived by her step-children, Johnny Lecher, Tammy Lecher, and Tina Lecher, all of Niagara Falls, NY; a brother, Elwayne Peterson of Luverne, MN; sister-in-law, Gale Beal (William) of Hendersonville, NC; 7 step grandchildren; and her nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 30, 2022, at 2:30 pm at Zion United Methodist Church with Rev. Beverly CroweTipton officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zion United Methodist Church, 5708 Hwy. 187 N., Anderson, SC 29625.
 
Messages of condolence may be left for the family by visiting The McDougald Funeral Home website, WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM.
(0203 V)

Sharon Ann Riddle, 63, Luverne, died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
A funeral service was Monday, Jan. 31, at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne. Burial was at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
Sharon Ann Schouwenburg was born Aug. 8, 1958, to Henry and Lucille (Caswell) Schouwenburg in Rock Rapids, Iowa. She graduated from Hills High School.
Sharon married Robert Riddle on July 20, 1985, in Etowah, Tennessee. The couple lived in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, for 10 years before moving to Luverne in 1995. Sharon worked at Continental Western in Luverne for over 20 years.
She enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family and friends. She especially loved her grandchildren.
Sharon is survived by her three daughters, Michelle (Ryan) Anderson, Meagan Riddle, and Melissa Riddle, all of Sioux Falls; two grandchildren, Braxton Anderson and Hailey Riddle; two brothers, Melvin Schouwenburg, Bismarck, North Dakota, and Stan (Terri) Schouwenburg, Hills; a sister, Linda (Wayne) Yarrow, Sioux Falls; and three nieces, Kristi (Tom) Duncan, Lisa (Ryan) Vos and Amber (Brett) Dessel.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Robert, on Sept. 7, 2017.
Arrangements were provided by Dingmann Funeral Home of Luverne, dingmannandsons.com.
(0203 F

Jean Marie Wallenburg, 66, Inwood, Iowa, died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, following a 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
A memorial service was Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, at Bethany Reformed Church in Canton, South Dakota.
Jean Marie Hassebroek was born Sept. 24, 1955, to Jake and Anna Mae (Muller) Hassebroek in Sibley, Iowa, and first lived on the family farm near Ellsworth. When Jean was 3 years old, the family moved to a farm north of Magnolia. At 4 years old Jean started school at Magnolia until her junior year, when her parents moved back to a farm east of Ellsworth. She finished her senior year attending and graduating from Ellsworth High School.
Jean married Alan Eben in 1974 and they divorced in 2005. While married to Alan, Jean helped with the farm including milking cows, doing the chores and fieldwork. They were blessed with four children, Stacy, Jodi, Curtis and Scott.
Jean enjoyed riding horse from childhood until her health prevented her from doing so. She bought her own Harley Davidson motorcycle and rode it many times in the Black Hills at the Sturgis Rally.
She loved to go camping, whether alone or with her grandchildren, Dax or Jesse. Jean also loved watching her two sons and her grandsons wrestle.
In January 2011, Jean met Dave Wallenburg They married on July 7, 2018. Dave introduced her to many firsts, like shooting her first deer, shooting a Canadian goose, fishing for walleye, and trapping raccoons.
Jean was a member of the Bethany Reformed Church of Canton, South Dakota. She taught Bible School, Sunday School, and served on the Lyon County Dairy Board.
Jean is survived by her husband, Dave Wallenburg; four children and eight grandchildren, Stacy (Todd) Dieren and their children, Paige and Trevor of Rock Rapids, Iowa, Jodi (Dan) De Groot and their children, Dax and Jesse of George, Iowa, Curtis (Amanda) Eben and their children, Graham, Rhett, Sage, and Nash of Rock Rapids, and Scott Eben of George; three stepchildren and eight step-grandchildren, Melissa (Greg) Van Den Berg and their children, Kyla and Nolan of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Dustin (Roxy) Wallenburg their children, Ben and Sawyer of Canton, South Dakota, and Krista Wallenburg (Jared Cramer) and their children, Addie, Cameron, Norah, and Quinn of Sioux Falls; father- and mother-in-law, Gerald and Marion Wallenburg; and two brothers, Gary (Marcene) Hassebroek of Luverne, and Glen (Diane) Hassebroek of Adrian.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorials may be given to Lake Pahoja Recreation Area along with a memorial bench and Ava’s House.
Arrangements were provided by Porter Funeral Home of Inwood.
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Florence Mabel Helle, 91, Luverne, died Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, at the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne.
Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 4, at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
Florence Hoiland was born on Sept. 23, 1930, to Arne and Hilda (Josal) Hoiland in Luverne. She was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Luverne. She attended Luverne High School and graduated in 1948. She furthered her education in Mankato and completed the teacher’s program for elementary education, graduating in 1950. She then taught elementary school in the Magnolia and Worthington districts.
On June 24, 1956, Florence married Oscar Helle at Zion Lutheran Church in Luverne. Florence transitioned from teaching to being a homemaker and farm wife. She enjoyed her role on the farm as she raised chickens, harvested produce from the garden, grew beautiful flowers, kept the men fed while they worked in the field and raised their four children. The couple farmed until 1990 when they then moved to the Hoiland family farm. In June of 2005 Oscar entered the Good Samaritan Society – Mary  Jane Home in Luverne while Florence remained on the farm. Oscar died on July 19, 2005.
In 2017 Florence moved to The Oaks senior living apartments in Luverne, and in August of 2020 she became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne.
Florence was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. She was active in Circle, quilting, and held various GLCW Board positions. She was also very involved in the community. She was a member of Lions 92 (receiving the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award), the Extension Club, Pink Ladies, Luverne Tourist Club, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Maplewood Cemetery Auxiliary, and volunteered with the Magnolia Juniors 4-H Club. Florence enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, needlework, traveling with friends, bowling and volunteering.
Florence is survived by her children, Barbara (Terry) Kohn of Wheaton, Illinois, Sandra (Steve) Klosterbuer of Ellsworth, and David (Vicki) Helle of Luverne; seven grandchildren, Kelly (Kohn) Kohlmann, Kyle Kohn, Greg Helle, Amy (Helle) Lysne, Rachel (Helle) Horsman, Katie (Klosterbuer) Pedersen, and Casey Kosterbuer; nine great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar Helle; her parents; a son, Steven Helle; and a sister, Norma Gertz.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, hartquistfuneral.com.
(0203 F)

Johnny Jonas, 55, died Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Oklahoma.
A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Grand Prairie Cemetery in Ellsworth, with full military honors provided by the Ellsworth American Legion. A time of fellowship will be from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday after the graveside service at the Magnolia Methodist Church in Magnolia.
Johnny Jonas was born on Sept. 10, 1966, to Robert and Viola (Emerine) Jonas in Winters, Texas. He attended school in and around Ballinger, Texas. Upon graduating from high school in 1986, Johnny joined the Air Force and trained at Chanute AFB, Illinois, to be an aerospace ground equipment (AGE) technician. His Air Force assignments included Holloman AFB in New Mexico, Osan AB in Korea, and Tinker AFB in Oklahoma, where he remained until his retirement in 2017 with 20-plus years in service of his country. While stationed at Tinker, Johnny deployed in support of Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Provide Comfort, and many others.
After retirement from the Air Force, Johnny accepted a position as an auxiliary operator for OG&E at Horseshoe Lake plant in Harrah, Oklahoma, where he worked for 14 years. His work required his expert mechanical skills in providing Oklahoma and surrounding states with electrical power. He retired from OG&E in October 2021.
Johnny enjoyed all kinds of hunting and fishing with his sons, including bear hunting in Minnesota. He also loved tinkering on old Jeeps and helping others with their mechanical needs.
Johnny and his wife of 23 years, Shawna, especially loved time with their children and supporting them in their activities.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Shawna (Bruhn) Jonas; his daughter Hunter; his son Jake; his two sisters, Karen (David) Lara and Mary (Dean) Harper, and his two brothers, Robert JR and Roy Jonas, all of Texas; his father- and mother-in-law, Richard and Linda Bruhn; sister- and brother-in-law Tonya and Jade Honermann; and brother-and sister-in-law Josh and April Bruhn, all of Minnesota; nieces and nephews; and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, and two nieces.
Arrangements are provided by Hibbs Funeral Home of Choctaw, Oklahoma, and Dingmann Funeral Home of Adrian, dingmannandsons.com. 
(0203 F)

It was two more lopsided victories and another near upset for the Luverne girls’ basketball team this week. 
The Cardinals, now 13-4 on the season, defeated St. James by 40 points (74-34) Jan. 25 and Redwood Valley by 55 points (69-14) Jan. 28.
LHS then faced Wagner, South Dakota, Saturday at Augustana University in Sioux Falls. Wagner is 13-0 and ranked No.1 in their class in South Dakota girls’ basketball. The Cardinals lost to Wagner 45-40.
The Luverne girls have a busy week ahead. The Cardinals host the Worthington Trojans tonight (Feb. 3) in a key Big South Conference rematch in the Luverne classic gym.
Friday night, Luverne travels to Southwest Christian in Edgerton before playing conference games in Pipestone Tuesday and in Windom next Thursday, Feb. 10. 
 
Luverne 74, St. James 34
Luverne made the trip to St. James to face the Saints Jan. 28.The Cardinals scored early and often in the contest. St. James held a brief 4-3 lead about five minutes into the game, but otherwise LHS dominated the game.
Luverne led 44-17 after the first half and outpaced the Saints 30-17 in the second half to earn the 74-34 road victory.
Elizabeth Wagner led the Cardinal offense with 36 points, including a three-pointer and seven of eleven free throws she attempted.
She also pulled in a team-leading ten rebounds in the contest.
Averill Sehr drained three shots from behind the arc for a total of nine points and Kira John had eight points.
John, Lauren Hansen and Christina Wagner tallied six rebounds each. 
 
Box score:
C. Wagner 0 1 0-0 3, Beyer 1 0 0-0 2, Ver Steeg 2 0 1-2 5, Sehr 0 3 0-0 9, E. Wagner 13 1 7-11 36, Stegenga 0 0 0-0 0, Sandbulte 0 0 0-0 0, John 3 0 2-5 8, Smith 0 0 0-0 0, Huiskes 1 0 0-0 2, Serie 0 0 0-0 0, Voorhees 2 1 0-0 7, Bloemendaal 0 0 0-0 0, Hansen 0 0 0-0 0, Schmuck 1 0 0-0 2, Jadyn Hart 0 0 0-0 0
 
Team Stats:
Luverne: 29 of 52 (56 percent), 10 of 18 free throws (56 percent), 40 rebounds, 19 turnovers
St James: 12 of 46 (26 percent), 6 of 14 free throws (43 percent), 25 rebounds, 27 turnovers
 
Luverne 69, Redwood Valley 14
It was a very one-sided affair when the Luverne Cardinals traveled to Redwood Falls to take on the Redwood Valley Cardinals Jan. 28.
Luverne's defense held Redwood Valley (which shot just 14 percent) to only seven points in each half. LHS led 40-7 at the half and won the game 69-14.
The Cardinals out-rebounded Redwood 42-26 and gave up half the turnovers, 36 to 18.
Luverne had a balanced offensive attack with Brooklynn Ver Steeg scoring 15 points, Elizabeth Wagner totaling 14 and Christina Wagner adding 13 points. In total, 11 Luverne players scored in the game. 
 
Box Score:
C. Wagner 4 1 2-4 13, Beyer 2 0 0-0 4, Ver Steeg 5 1 2-2 15, Sehr 1 0 0-0 2, E. Wagner 7 0 0-2 14, Stegenga 1 0 0-0 2, Sandbulte 0 0 1-2 1, John 3 0 2-2 8, Smith 0 0 0-0 0, Serie 1 0 1-2 3, Voorhees 0 0 1-2 1, Hansen 1 1 1-2 6, Schmuck 0 0 0-0 0, Jadyn Hart 0 0 0-0 0
 
Team stats:
Luverne: 28 of 63 (44 percent), 10 of 18 free throws (56 percent), 42 rebounds, 18 turnovers
Redwood Valley: 5 of 36 (14 percent), 4 of 9 free throws (44 percent), 26 rebounds, 36 turnovers
 
Wagner 45, Luverne 40
It was a unique location and opponent when the Luverne girls traveled to the Elmen Center on the campus of Augustana University in Sioux Falls Saturday night to face the Red Raiders from Wagner, South Dakota.
Wagner, with an undefeated 13-0 record, is ranked No. 1 in South Dakota Class A girls’ basketball.
While the location and opponent were different, the Cardinals coming back to nearly defeat another high-quality team was not. Luverne nearly upset the Marshall Tigers in the same fashion a week before.
The Red Raiders led 25-15 at the half. Luverne outscored Wagner 25-20 in the second half and the game ended with a 45-40 Wagner victory.
The Cardinals were down by as much as 16 points (33-17) after halftime before slowly working their way back into the game, getting to within one point (41-40) with about two minutes remaining.
“Wagner did their homework and took away some of our strengths,” said Luverne senior Brooklynn Ver Steeg. “By the time we adjusted, we ran out of time.”
Overall, Ver Steeg and her teammates were pleased with the opportunity to play against some of the best competition South Dakota has to offer.
“We managed to come back from being down double digits and having foul trouble,” Ver Steeg said.
“We are glad to get some experience from strong competition that will help us in the future.”
The Cardinals were led by Elizabeth Wagner with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Ver Steeg tallied seven points, including two shots from behind the three-point line.
Christina Wagner and Kira John pulled in six rebounds each in the game. 
 
Box Score:
C. Wagner 1 0 2-2 4, Beyer 0 0 0-0 0, Ver Steeg 0 2 1-2 7, Sehr 1 1 0-0 5, E. Wagner 5 2 3-5 19, Stegenga 0 0 0-0 0, Jocelyn Hart 0 0 1-2 1, John 2 0 0-2 4
 
Team Stats:
Luverne: 14 of 48 (29 percent), 7 of 13 free throws (54 percent), 31 rebounds, 13 turnovers
Wagner: 14 of 39 (36 percent), 10 of 19 free throws (53 percent), 31 rebounds, 16 turnovers