Luverne Area Chamber and Luverne barber Eric Oye and his wife, Charissa, celebrated the grand opening of Honor Barber Shop Thursday morning, Dec. 2, at 118 N. Freeman Ave. The shop name is a nod to Eric’s National Guard military career, from which he recently retired. Participating in the ribbon-cutting were (from left) Shelly Nibbelink, Cory Tilstra, Bethany Tilstra, Dave Hup, Shannon Oye, Eric Oye, Charissa Oye, Holly Sammons, Amber Lais, Cris Oeltjenbruns, Becky Walgrave, Knute Oldre, Don Bryan, Michael Blank and Kevin Thelen. Honor Barber Shop is open Monday through Saturday and offers scalp, beard and facial services.

The Star Herald this week doles out “thumbs up and thumbs down” for a variety of topics that have frequently come up in local conversations.
Thumbs up — to the volunteers, organizers and sponsors of the Nov. 28 Santa Train, fireworks and park lighting. Everything was well-organized and executed, which results in holiday cheer and goodwill all the way around. The evening drive through the park is well worth the effort.
Thumbs up — to the Terry Connell memorial collector car ride. Many of us have lost loved ones this year, and it was truly a touching sight having so many people gather together in a unique tribute.
Thumbs down — to the offensive political sign near the fairgrounds on Freeman Street. Sharing political views on a bold sign with vulgar expletives goes beyond the norms of free expression. The Star Herald has received several requests to mention the Freeman Street sign as a “thumbs down,” especially since the school bus stops near the sign.
Thumbs up — to the Hills Building Communities Stronger committee who brought back the community supper, Santa Claus visit and public Christmas tree — along with holiday cheer in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Thumbs down — to home owners who accumulate junk in their yards. It reflects poorly on neighborhoods where other residents are trying to do better.
Thumbs up — to the grounds crew of Luverne Public School who removed a dozen 60-year-old pine trees in front of the middle-high school. Sorry, folks, we all hate to see a tree cut down, but they were dying and needed to go. The bright side of their demise: resourceful decorators salvaged branches and cones for holiday greenery in outdoor pots and table centerpieces.
Thumbs down — to MnDOT’s roundabout proposal at Main Street and Highway 75. We don't argue the potential merits of a roundabout, but considering so many other pressing transportation needs (repairing Highway 75 north) we feel there are far better ways to spend $900,000.
Thumbs up — also to the organizers, volunteers and sponsors of Luverne’s Winterfest. There were so many enriching activities and events that added up to a fine community celebration. What a proud weekend for Luverne.
Thumbs up — to another crowd pleaser display at the Cozy Rest Hotel. We’ve watched for weeks as each string of lights was added. The result is a wonderful burst of color on those drab winter events.
Thumbs down — our “walking-down-Highway 75” moose on the loose might have met his demise on a road near Tea, South Dakota. We need to be more careful during the fall hunting season when more wildlife is roaming and crossing our highways.
Thumbs up — to the Leicher family for bringing an original Luverne Automobile back to its original manufacturing city. The car is a welcome new addition to the History Center where many have already stopped to see it.
Thumbs up — to local landowners who set aside less-than-productive farmland for wildlife management and have chosen to participate in the state’s Walk-In program. Our local pheasant hunters report they’ve had a very successful harvest in Rock County, rivaling hunting spots in South Dakota.

Those who know me know I wear my Dutch heritage like a badge of honor.
I’m frugal to the core in such a way that I’ve made a sport out of finding the best deals and recycling household items.
Like plastic service ware.
Most plastic forks, knives and spoons in my pantry have been used, washed in the dishwater and reused more times than I can count.
I get laughed at, but no one knows the difference when they appear at the next occasion.
Most Solo cups survive the top shelf in the dishwasher remarkably well, time and time again.
Plastic Dixie cups — not so much. But my friends who poke fun of my plastic reuse are the ones who get served with the oddly deformed plastic cups. Like Shrinky Dink art projects gone bad.
I’m on year No. 25 of fancy plastic dinner plates and dessert saucers. Through the years we’ve lost many of them to cracking, but it still makes me smile to bring them out for picnics or impromptu banana bars and coffee.
I don’t wash and reuse most zippy bags, but I have been known to turn a bread bag inside out and fold it neatly in the drawer for some future use. … Like leftovers for the farm cats. Not for liners in my snow boots. (I think we’ve all learned from childhood wet socks that this never works.)
This holiday season, the city tree dump provided a Dutch girl’s dream for holiday decorating.
Mavis wrote a story this week about the Luverne School District’s removal of some stately, 60-year-old pine trees that have been there longer than the high school building.
We all love trees and hate to see them destroyed, but as the story goes, these were old and shabby and needed to be cut down.
The dead branches were shaved from the trunk, but there were plenty of branches still green with lovely boughs, a detail that wasn’t overlooked by my fellow frugal holiday decorators.
The timing for the tree project at school couldn’t have been better. Just before Thanksgiving, truckloads of evergreens were hauled to the tree dump south of town.
And sure enough, the dump was crawling with people like me wielding garden pruners and leather gloves.
It gave a whole new meaning to holiday joy — the kind one feels when suddenly surrounded by nature’s beauty free for capturing.
We’d never deface a live tree for garland, but the trees were now dead, and soon the boughs would be also.
It was heartwarming to see the old trees go out with such style — in creative pots on porches, and twirling garland on railings and anywhere else fresh evergreens could be displayed.
I was a little late to the party, but I still found enough fresh greenery to fill my dining room centerpiece and supplement my outdoor winter arrangements … which, of course, were built with recycled birch branches, dogwood sticks and 10-year-old pine cones.
Merry Christmas, dear readers. May you, too, find joy in breathing new life into old things.

Question: I have a question about headlights. It seems that drivers are using their hi-beams to compensate for their cloudy headlights. Is this an equipment problem?
Answer: Using high beams to compensate for cloudy headlights is a hazard to oncoming traffic. If your headlights are cloudy, it is recommended that you clean them. If they are still cloudy after cleaning them, you may have to replace them. When the driver of a vehicle approaches a vehicle in the oncoming lane, you are required to dim your headlights within 1,000 feet.  When following a vehicle, you are required to dim your lights within 200 feet. 
Question: If my headlights are 2500 lumens each, is that legal in the state of Minnesota?
Answer:  Yes, they are legal in the State of Minnesota according to state statue 169.48. Any lighted lamp for the exception of a headlamp, a spot lamp, or an auxiliary driving lamp of an intensity greater than 300-candle power (3770 lumens) shall be directed that no part of the beam will strike the level of the road at a distance of more than 75 feet away.
It is important to make sure the headlights are properly aimed on your vehicle so you get the most light as possible on the roadway when you are driving.  If the headlights are improperly aimed too high, this could cause a vision hazard for oncoming vehicles.
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)

Dispatch report
Nov. 26
•Complainant on W. Church Avenue, Steen, reported harassing communication.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported theft.
Nov. 27
•Complainant on Interstate 90, mile marker 11, Luverne, reported two pedestrians walking on Interstate 90.
•Complainant on Interstate 90, mile marker 12, Luverne, reported threats.
•Complainant on Highway 11, Garretson, reported a dead deer in the lane of travel.
•Complainant on S. Kniss Avenue reported suspicious activity at location.
•Complainant on 51st Street, Magnolia, reported fire at location.
Nov. 28
•Complainant on E. Dodge Street requested to speak to a deputy/language barrier.
•Complainant on N. Estey Street reported landlord tenant issues.
•Complainant on W. Hatting reported theft.
•Complainant on W. Warren Street reported a vehicle on the side of the road.
•Complainant on 180th Avenue, Kenneth, reported smoke at location.
•Complainant requested to speak to deputy about tenant issues.
•Complainant on W. Warren Street reported fireworks being set off.
•Complainant on N. Estey Street reported narcotic paraphernalia was confiscated.
Nov. 29
•Subject with warrant at location on W. Mead Court.
•Complainant on County Road 6, Hills, reported a window shot with a BB gun.
•Complainant reported property was found at location on N. Oakley Street.
•Complainant on E. Main Street reported property lost at location.
•Complainant east-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 12, Luverne, reported a dead deer in lane of traffic.
•Complainant on N. Linden Street requested a phone call to the emergency room.
•Complainant on County Road 3 and 11th  Street, Ellsworth, reported a possible drunk driver.
•Complainant on County Road 12 and 80th Avenue, Jasper, reported a DWI arrest.
Nov. 30
•Complainant on Highway 75, Luverne, required roadside assist.
•Complainant eastbound on 201st Street, from Hardwick, reported a vehicle crossing centerline and tailgating.
•A civil issue was reported on W. Mead Court.
Dec. 1
•Complainant on Count Road 9 and Interstate 90 underpass, Luverne, reported a found license plate.
•Complainant on 61st Street, Hills, reported vandalism.
•Complainant on W. Bishop Street reported suspicious activity.
•Complainant on County Road 4, Luverne, reported a deer carcass on the road.
•Complainant east-bound on Interstate 90, mile marker 16, Magnolia, reported a driving complaint.
•Complainant on W. Warren Street reported a missing child at location.
•Complainant on W. Crawford Street reported suspicious activity in her home.
•Complainant on W. Crawford Street reported suspicious activity at location.
•Complainant on E. Dodge Street reported a driving complaint.
Dec. 2
•Complainant reported harassing behavior from another driver.
•Complainant in alley behind Sterling’s Café and Grille reported vandalism.
•Fire was reported at location on County Road 4 and 80th, Beaver Creek.
Dec. 3
•Complainant on N. Kniss Avenue requested a deputy for assistance with an intoxicated person.
In addition, officers responded to 1 motor vehicle accident, 1 deer accident, 1 transport, 1 escort, 11 ambulance runs, 2 paper services, 6 animal complaints, 2 fingerprint requests, 15 burn permits, 1 vehicle impound, 3 background checks, 4 drug court tests, 5 purchase and carry permits, 25 traffic stops, 10 abandoned 911 calls, 3 tests, 1 welfare checks, 2 reports of cattle out, 1 curfew check and 1 follow-up.

The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on February 3, 1905.
 
In Social Circles
Record of a Typical Mid-Winter Week
Serial Life In Luverne Characterized by One Continuous Round of Pleasure—Dancing, Card, Dinner, Birthday Parties, Etc.—Wedding next Wednesday
 
This is continued from last week’s publication
***
The most enjoyable event of last season was the first party given by the “Has Been” club. In view of this fact the sending out of the subjoined invitations has aroused keen interest among those fortunate enough to receive them. The invitations, which, by the way, have been sent to married people only, are printed on wall paper and read as follows:
         Ure hereby notified that the Has Been Overhawl Klub are agoing fur to have another one of those popular meetins, same as the ones you was, or ought to have ben to last year. This meetin is agoin to be held at Onion hall, Friday, February 10th, 1905. The same rules and regulashuns will govern as were in force at former meetins, and iny person bringin more’n one wife will have to stay in the auntie room. There won’t be no tickets to this meetin, so bring you notice with you, as you kant get in without it Kissin or flurtin is prohibited, and iny person wearin store close will have to go without supper and help wait on table. The committee believe in womin sufferage and every other dance will be ladies’ choice. Susies baud will furnish musick and Proffessor Waxinheimer will render vocal selections durin the evenin. Ure xpected to bring a basket filled with sumthin to eat and don’t ferget tew koffey kups. Now this is all fur fon and if bizness interfers with this meetin, cut out, the bizness, for if we dident want you, we woodent have asked you to kum.
***
         Mr. and Mrs. John Ulrich and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Ulrich were hosts and hostesses Wednesday evening at a delightful card party given at the home of the former to the heads of the firm and the clerks in the different departments of Nelson Brothers’ store. Twenty-four guests were present.
***
         The Hydrophobia club gave a banquet Wednesday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Wittenberg in honor of Mr. John M. Connell and Dr. F. W. Winter.
***
         Jay Sanders and Francis Kelley entertained a number of their young friends at a card party Saturday evening at the home of the former’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Sanders.
***
         Dr. and Mrs. C. A. Palmer were host and hostess last evening at a pretty little dinner party given to a number of their neighbors at their home on West Main street. Twelve people gathered at the table, which was prettily decorated.
***
         Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Nelson entertained a few of their friends Friday evening at an informal card party.
***
         Two events are scheduled for rounding out the social record of the week—one tonight and one tomorrow night. This evening the Luverne Social club will hold one of their enjoyable dancing parties in Union hall. This is the club’s fourth dance of the present season. Tomorrow night Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Furlow will entertain the members of the “Muskrat Club” and their wives at diner at their home on Lincoln and Estey streets.
         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.

LSS meals at Generations
Monday, Dec. 13: Orange chicken, brown rice, Oriental vegetables, mandarin  oranges.
Tuesday, Dec. 14: Beef goulash, peas, tropical fruit, garlic breadstick.
Wednesday, Dec. 15: Chicken fiesta casserole, vegetable, pears, dessert.
 Thursday, Dec. 16: Country-fried steak with gravy, mashed potatoes with gravy, warm cinnamon apple slices, bread, dessert.
Half-Price Day by anonymous sponsor.
Friday, Dec. 17: Fish patty on a bun with tartar sauce, cheesy hash browns, baked beans, cake.
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.

10 years ago (2011)
•A Luverne High School student is finding success in the film industry in the Twin Cities.
His latest work, “In Harm’s Way,” will premiere at the Historic Palace Theatre in Luverne at the end of the year.
Mason Makram, who graduated from Luverne High School in 2008, was part of the movie crew that filmed a feature film primarily in the Twin Cities locations.
He started working with the crew two years ago as a film student, and now the finished product had its world premiere at the Riverview Theater in Minneapolis on Nov. 17.
Makram is the film’s editor and assistant director and also has a very brief cameo appearance. He also designed the film’s website, www.inharmswayfilm.com
“He was an amazing editor and did all the artwork,” said producer Brandon Van Vliet. “It was phenomenal stuff.”
 
25 years ago (1996)
•Ice and snow may slow construction, but it hasn’t stopped action in Luverne.
The Luverne City Council approved the preliminary and final plat for the Sater’s Creek Addition. The plat was called the V. J. Christensen Addition and was first approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission in October.
The area is being developed by the Christensen Corporation and includes the Magnolia Steak House, the Super 8 Motel, and the Elmen property. The new Pamida building and additional areas for development are part of the property.
The 28.34-acre property is named for the drainage waterway that runs through it. According to Christensen, Minnesota Department of Transportation maps of the area gave the waterway that name.
 
50 years ago (1971)
•In a letter to the City Council last week, the Central Natural Gas Co. informed them that there will be an increase in the natural gas rates to their consumers in Luverne effective with the December billing.
The increase would be a result of Northern Natural Gas Company’s increase in wholesale gas rates on Nov. 14, according to Superintendent Jerry McGuire. “Northern was allowed this increase by the Federal Power Commission under the Natural Gas Act and Phase II price under control regulations,” he said.
McGuire added that the increase is again subject to refund and should the rate finally settled upon be less, a refund will be made by Northern to Central and consequently by Central to their customers.
 
75 years ago (1946)
•Authorities suspect “local” talent of having stolen $853.70 from the Magnolia Bar and Lounge some time after 2 a.m. Sunday. Entry was made by prying open the front door. The loot was taken from the cash register and a counter drawer.
While they have uncovered no clue as to who it might have been, Sheriff Roberts stated, evidence at hand indicates that the “job was pulled” by someone familiar not only with the place, but familiar with habits of those associated with the business. …
It was evident that after entry was made, the money was taken in a hurry and a hasty exit made.
 
100 years ago (1921)
•Final touches were given last week to Beaver Creek’s splendid new school building, erected at a cost of $70,000, and school opened in the building Monday morning. The new building is one in which the people of Beaver Creek may well find justifiable pride, for it is one of the finest and best equipped school buildings to be found in the state insofar as the smaller villages are concerned, and its construction bespeaks the interest in education taken by Beaver Creek citizens.
The following excellent write-up of the building is furnished by the Herald’s regular correspondent at Beaver Creek:
“No children of Rock county ever had so fine a school building, and with such pleasant surroundings excellent work should be accomplished. Work was begun last May and the building was finished in record time.”

Marcus “Mike” Uithoven, 91, Luverne, died Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne.
A funeral service was at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, at the American Reformed Church in Luverne. Burial with military honors was Saturday, Dec. 4, at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Luverne.
Marcus “Mike” Jr. Uithoven was born on June 7, 1930, to Jacob and Jennie (Ruiter) Uithoven. He spent his childhood on the family farm near Valley Springs, South Dakota. He attended country school. Mike’s family only spoke Dutch at home so it was a transition heading to school and learning English. Mike graduated with the Valley Springs class of 1948. Following school, he helped his family on their dairy and crop farm.
Mike married Viola Van Roekel on Dec. 18, 1951, at Valley Springs Reformed Church. He left for Army basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, in January of 1952. He was then sent to Korea, arriving in Inchon, Korea, by boat and marching to the front lines. After some time, he was stationed at T bone Hill to guard prisoners of war from the North. He was then sent to White Horse Mountain to complete his service. He was honorably discharged on July 27, 1953.
Mike and Viola made their home in Valley Springs for the next eight years were Mike farmed and worked at John Morrell in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They then moved to a farm near Beaver Creek, where they farmed for six years. As times were hard with farming, Mike went to work driving truck for a couple of years for M & JR Hakes. In 1968 Mike took a job with Iowa Beef Producers in Luverne. The couple purchased a home on the edge of town where they lived for over 50 years. At IBP Mike worked as a painter for a number of years and then out in the cattle yards. He retired from IBP in 1996.
During their retirement years, the couple enjoyed spending winters in Mesa, Arizona.
In August 2017, Mike entered the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne. Viola preceded him in death on Oct. 13, 2020.
Mike was a member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne. The couple taught Sunday School and were church youth counselors in their younger years. Mike was an avid softball player and was a member of several teams. He also enjoyed golfing, horseshoes, spending time at their lake place in Lake Benton, and traveling. Mike loved his family.
Mike is survived by five children, Gary (Marcia) Uithoven of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Greg (Marilyn) Uithoven of Magnolia, Leanne (Jim) Zarling of Fairmont, Glen Uithoven of Worthington, and Lisa Uithoven of Omaha, Nebraska; 10 grandchildren, Heather (Jeff) Andre, Shannon Uithoven, Megan (Chad Sieddel) Uithoven, Marcus Uithoven (fiancée Ashlee Placencio), Adam (Linda) Uithoven, Annie (Nick) Bork, Aric (Cassie) Uithoven, Kathryn (Billy) Moses, Tom Siebert and Zeven Sanders; 21 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Viola; his parents; two grandchildren, Amanda Uithoven and Shawn Uithoven; and his brother, Dick Uithoven.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home  of Luverne, hartquistfuneral.com.
(1209 F)