Volunteers spent several hours earlier this month collecting wildflower seeds at Touch the Sky Prairie northwest of Luverne.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Kim Emerson supervised the harvest, which yielded nearly 25 pounds of seed from nearly a dozen different species. Wildflower seeds are expensive to buy in seed mixes, and native seeds have a better survival rate.
The seeds will be tested for viability and will be used to restore land recently acquired by the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation. Touch the Sky Prairie now comprises roughly 1,200 acres is part of the Northern Tallgrass Prairie.

A study recently identified 25 potential industrial sites along the Buffalo Ridge Regional Railroad with the best transportation connection to the railway.
Three of the top four properties along the 41-mile railway in Nobles and Rock counties are in Rock County.
Two are located near Luverne and two are located near Magnolia (one on the county line).
“They are ideal from a layout and topography perspective,” said Dan Kippley, economic development director with Ellis & Eastern Railroad, which operates the railway.
“They are flat, offer great connect ability with a siding, and have access to paved roads, offering access to Interstate 90 in equal distance in each direction.”
He presented the information in a joint meeting with commissioners in Rock and Nobles counties.
The top parcels will be studied further to determine conceptual layouts and cost estimates for development.
ISG Inc. of Sioux Falls began the study in January. Will Kraft, ISG transportation and practice group leader, said the study concentrated on properties within one mile of the railroad.
Each property was ranked according to size, slope, proximities to hard surface roads, electrical and natural gas lines, within a broadband area, and outside wind farm projects.
Also considered was whether or not parcels were located within a federal opportunity zone.
Businesses looking to expand often consider the same criteria.
“Very important to any rail service is slope,” Kraft said. “We wanted to make sure that we had flat slopes, especially for the rail itself. As you know, rails require pretty flat slopes — they cannot do uphill or downhill well.”
Landowners whose property scored high based on the criteria were informed about the study; however, it doesn’t mean that any of the parcels would ever be developed.
“They (all the sites) would be revisited if the opportunity arises,” Kippley said.
The completed study was sent to the Minnesota Department of Economic Development (DEED), Southwest Regional Development Commission (SWRCD) and the economic development departments at the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroads that the BRRR connects.
Identifying the best parcels along the railroad puts the BRRR ahead of any requests for information.
“This is a report that will put you one step ahead of the rest when applications come out for businesses looking in this area to expand,” said Robin Weis, SWRCD deputy director.
“Rail is often identified as one of those specifics.”
Applications often have a short response period.
“I may be receiving it today but it is due next Friday. That is how quickly they are looking for a response,” Weis said.
The study took six months to complete at a cost of $7,500, which was paid for by the local rail authority.
Commissioners in Rock and Nobles counties formed a rail authority in 1987 to oversee the Buffalo Ridge Railroad.
The railway was leased to the Ellis & Eastern Railroad in 2017 and is currently undergoing a $14.4 million federal grant to upgrade the 41-mile railway.

A college professor’s two-day stop in Luverne in 2018 resulted in Rock County taking centerstage in his book, “Farm Fresh Broadband: Rural Interventions in Communications Policy.”
Christopher Ali, a media studies professor at the University of Virginia, includes the story of Rock County being an unserved internet area that becomes a leader in the state in fiber-to-the-home connectivity.
“The story of Rock County and what came to be known as the Rock County Alliance both embodies and engenders my broadband localism thesis,” Ali wrote.
“It speaks to the importance of community champions, partnerships, municipalities, cooperatives, states and fiber.”
Ali completed a two-week, 4,000-mile road trip from his home in Charlottesville, Virginia, with his dog, Tuna. He made stops in Kentucky, Missouri and Minnesota.
He stopped in Rock County in July 2018.
He details Rock County’s journey to provide fast and reliable internet access at a local level, a task the large communications companies wouldn’t tackle because the return of investment would take decades to achieve.
Current U.S. policies and grants to large telecommunications companies seem to support the rural notion that the existing dial-up or wireless services in rural areas is “just good enough” for those rural areas.
Ali begs to differ.
He wrote that partnering with a telecommunications cooperative, like Rock County did with Alliance Communications out of Garretson, is a model that should be replicated across the U.S. and that current policies should support.
“They have been more successful than the major telecommunications companies at connecting their communities, educating their populations, and keeping prices affordable,” he wrote.
The book, which features interviews with several local “broadband champions” is available at the Rock County Library.

Five years ago Barbara Weber Friese sold the building that housed her wellness salon and clothing boutique in downtown Pipestone and retired.
Earlier this year she bought the brick Victorian-style home south of Luverne.
The move centrally located her near to her four adult children and 10 grandchildren, and it also brought Friese out of retirement and back into business this month.
“Retirement isn’t for me,” she said.
With thoughts of moving closer to Sioux Falls, Friese saw the Victorian house on South Highway 75 and knew she found an ideal location to reopen her hair salon and bridal boutique in her home.
“Barbara Kay’s Bridal Boutique” is open by appointment only, meaning Friese is not tied to set business hours, but she’s also not retired.
“By appointment” allows her to devote one-on-one attention to brides-to-be, their friends and family members as they peruse dresses in the private atmosphere.
“It’s more of a personal, special type of time to shop for a bridal dress,” she said. “It’s just really welcoming and really different from other bridal boutiques.”
Friese converted the home’s upstairs bedrooms to display the 85 bridal gowns and 38 prom dresses she typically has on hand.
The gowns and dresses are “off the rack,” meaning customers purchase the dress they choose that day. There’s no waiting for an order to arrive.
Working with a wholesaler, Friese is able to offer her merchandise at a savings to her customers — prices are 50 to 70 percent less than retail prices.
Selling from the rack also means that some dress styles may be available only in certain sizes, she said.
While Friese doesn’t complete the dress alterations herself, she’s able to recommend local seamstresses who can alter a dress to fit.
The end result is a unique product.
“They’ll have a one-of-a-kind dress that no one else has,” she said.
The search for a dress for her daughter’s wedding in 2011 prompted Friese to enter the bridal boutique business as a low-cost alternative for local brides-to-be.
“I paid a lot for the dress,” she recalled. “I was like ‘holy cow’ — I felt there was a need for this.”
A beautician for 40 years, Friese was used to working with the public, but she needed to give her arms and hands a rest from the repetition of cutting hair.
Her new “by appointment only” business allows her to slow down and enjoy retirement on terms she finds acceptable.
She set up a hair salon on her home’s main floor, also by appointment.
Since her move to Luverne in August, Friese has been painting the walls throughout the Victorian home. She officially opened the boutique to wedding and prom dress shoppers on Oct. 23.
She sold three wedding dresses on opening day, filling the need for a local dress shopping option.
For an appointment, contact Friese at 507-215-2098. Her home business is located at 1501 S. Kniss Ave., Luverne.

Luverne High School senior Mia Wenzel won the Section 3A singles championship and qualified for the individual state tennis tournament in Minneapolis on Oct. 28 and 29. 
Wenzel was the lone LHS participant in the final two rounds of the section tournament on Oct. 19 in St. Peter.
In the semifinals she defeated Kassidy Girard of Morris in straight sets 7-5, 6-4. In the finals Wenzel faced Emily Brace from Montevideo and won again in straight sets 6-3, 6-1.
She will now move on to the state tournament and face Ana Medina from Rochester Lourdes in the first round. 
“Mia has played great tennis for us all year long,” said LHS tennis coach Jon Beers. “Mia set a goal of not losing to any Section opponents this year, and she accomplished that goal.” 
He said Wenzel’s efforts throughout her tennis career and her senior year have positioned her well for state playoffs.
“She has worked really hard the past three years on her tennis game, and it is great to see that it has paid off for her,” Beers said.
“I could not be more proud of her, and I am very excited to watch her compete in the state tournament.”

The Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne managed to stay Covid-free during the height of the pandemic, but now an outbreak in the local facility is prompting state attention.
According to the latest information as of noon Tuesday, there are 36 positive cases among residents and staff, and the state is sending back-up nurses and assistance to help.
Luverne administrator Scott Buchanan wasn’t able to confirm if there have been fatalities, but he commended workers for their dedication.
“Staff and leadership are doing a remarkable job responding to this situation, and we are confident in the response we are providing,” he said Tuesday. 
According to local public health officials, Rock County’s 14-day COVID case rate on Tuesday was 57.
Jason Kloss of Southwest Health and Human Services said county cases are declining but still high. 
“Even though this case rate has decreased since the high of 93 on Sept. 29, COVID continues to maintain a foothold in the community, and the outbreak at the VA is indicative of that,” Kloss said. 
He said Sanford Luverne continues to see a high positivity rate for COVID testing. As of Oct. 25, 27 percent of the COVID tests performed were positive.
“The hope is that our case numbers will continue to trend downward, but that is not a certainty,” Kloss said. “Last year, the number of COVID cases peaked in December.”
The situation is different than last year, because now just under 50 percent of the Rock County population has been vaccinated for COVID. 
“But even with half the population being vaccinated in the rural parts of the state, the current COVID surge remains a challenge for long-term care facilities and our rural health care systems,” Kloss said.
“We continue to promote the layered approach to prevent the spread of COVID: get vaccinated, wear face masks when you can’t social distance, stay home when you are sick and get tested for COVID when applicable.  I know it sounds like a broken record, but doing one, two, or all these things is the best way to break the chain of transmission for this virus.”
Meanwhile at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, staff from other areas of MDVA are currently on site supporting as needed. 
As of Tuesday, six such outside staff — three registered nurses and three nursing assistants — were helping in the Luverne facility.
“I am truly proud of the staff,” Buchanan said. “They are dedicated to the health and safety of our veterans. We appreciate the community’s ongoing support for our veterans and staff during this time.”

Luverne’s popular Trunk ’N Treat returns to Main Street for 2021 after the 2020 pandemic drive-through “Street of Treats” at the school campus.
Because Halloween falls on a Sunday this year, the event will be on Monday, Nov. 1, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Main Street.
The event typically draws hundreds of costumed children and parents downtown where businesses and organizations set up elaborate Halloween displays and hand out candy.
In 2019, the Luverne Chamber estimates more than 1,000 little “ghosts, goblins and super-heroes” participated.
This year will likely be no different as Main Street will be closed off for dozens of businesses and organizations that signed up to host Trunk ’N Treat displays.
“It is a great event to see the excitement on the faces of children,” said Luverne Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere.
This year will be the ninth year the Chamber has hosted a Trunk ’N Treat in Luverne. Prizes are awarded in several categories for the best displays.
Friday was the deadline to sign up for a display, but for those who want to support it, donations can be made to the Chamber to buy and distribute candy.
All businesses, individuals and organizations were invited to participate, and there was no registration fee.
If weather is bad, it will be moved to the elementary school commons. A decision will be made by noon Monday and announced by radio and social media.
The Chamber can be reached at 507-283-4061 or luvernechamber@co.rock.mn.us.

Meetings
Parkinson’s Support Group will meet at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1, at Poplar Creek Care Center. Masks are required. Call Diane Karlstad, 507-530-3307, with questions.
People First Group will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1, at Pizza Ranch in Luverne.
Blue Mound Quilters will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1, at the library. Bring a sack lunch and beverage. The program will be the Wool Challenge Project. Members will be contacted on what to bring. Call 935-2560 with questions.
 
Donate blood Nov. 1
Sanford Luverne and Good Samaritan Society will host a community blood drive from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1, at Sanford Luverne. Donors will receive free McDonald’s gift cards. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbblifeblood.org, select “events” and Nov. 1. Or, call 605-331-3222.   
 
Trick or Treat at MJB Nov. 1
The Good Samaritan-Mary Jane Brown Nursing Home will offer trick-or-treats from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1, in the form of a parade outside the front windows so residents can view from safely inside the building. Candy will be handed out at the end of the decorated path. Call 507-283-3117 with questions.
 
SWCC business meeting Nov. 1
The Southwest Crisis Center annual business meeting is Monday, Nov. 1, at the Worthington Events Center. In-person attendance begins with a 5:30 p.m. meal and Zoom attendance begins at 6 p.m. The event will feature highlights from the staff, a financial report and information about the SWCC’s program and services. To RSVP email Alejandra at alejandra@mnswcc.org or call Sara at 507-376-4311.
 
Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection week is Nov. 15-22, and boxes can be ordered online at samaritanspurse.org or picked up at the American Reformed Church where they can be dropped off Nov. 15-22. Call Karen Bosch, 605-413-9676, or Charla Sandbulte, 507-227-1722, with questions.
 
One Warm Coat donations accepted
The Rock County One Warm Coat Project is collecting clean, reusable coats of all shapes and sizes (children’s coats are especially needed) from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Oct. 31 at ATLAS for Life. Drop-off bins are on the west side of the building. Coats may also be dropped off at the Luverne Elementary School during the month of October. Call Destiny, 507-220-0030, Atlas of Rock County, 507-449-5777, or Lisa Dinger at school, 507-283-4497. Coat drive dates are from 4 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 4 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 6.
 
Hardwick Legion hosts Veterans Day event Nov. 11
A Veterans Day Banquet will be Thursday, Nov. 11, at the Legion Hall in Hardwick. Social Hour is at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 6:30 p.m. Guest Speaker is Vietnam veteran Keith Schmuck. Patriotic music is by Madi Oye. The event is sponsored by the Hardwick American Legion Post #478. Open to the public. 
 
Library happenings
For more information about library happenings, call 507-449-5040 or email at rockcountystaff@gmail.com
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.
Story Time with Bronwyn is at 10:30 a.m. Fridays through Nov. 19. As the weather permits, the event will in one of Luverne’s city parks. See the library’s social media page for specific locations.
 
Community Education offerings
Luverne Community Education will offer the following classes and activities. Call 507-283-4724 or visit the website: comed.isd2184.net
A few more participants are needed to fill the Beginner Defensive Driving Class on Nov. 11 and 18 (four hours each evening). Adults 55 years of age and older taking this class can save up to 10 percent on insurance premiums for three years. After that, a four-hour refresher class keeps the discount in place.  Check with insurance agents for details.
Learn about Hand Building with Clay Nov. 12 or 13 when you build a platter or a taco fish. Fee is $20, plus pay a $10 material fee at class.
A few more participants are needed to fill the Cooking Under Pressure class on Nov. 13. Learn how to use the electric pressure cooker to make foods, and sample them too. Fee is $24.
Enjoy some old games, learn some new at It’s Game Time on Mondays, Nov. 15, 22. Fee is $10. Grades K -5.
 
SHARE applications accepted through Dec. 8
Rock County S.H.A.R.E applications are due by Nov. 24. forms are available on the Luverne Chamber website home page (in English and Spanish). Distribution is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 8. The S.H.A.R.E. program distributes groceries, clothing and toys to Rock County residents who are in need of support.  Donations of used items are not accepted. Monetary, tax-deductible donations can be mailed to SHARE at PO Box 792, Luverne, MN 56156.
 
Nominations sought for Rock County Hall of Fame
The Rock County Historical Society’s Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominations for the 2022 induction of current and former residents. Nominees must have a significant identity with Rock County and have made an exceptional contribution to society, achieved exceptional success, and brought honor and prestige beyond the borders of Minnesota. Nominations are accepted now through Feb. 28, 2022. Forms are available at The History Center, Luverne Area Chamber or online at www.rockcountyhistorical.com or www.luvernechamber.com. An awards presentation is scheduled for July 17, 2022.

Council chambers in Luverne City Hall were filled Oct. 20 with Minnesota House legislators who serve on the House Capital Bonding committee. 
The House Capital Investment Committee was in town to gather information about Luverne’s $1.5 million House bonding request and about Luverne’s proposed second LCRWS connection this morning in city council chambers.
If it is included in the 2022 Senate, House, and Governor’s bonding bill and a bonding bill is approved by all three, Luverne would see it around fall of 2022 or spring of 2023 for a spring/summer construction project of 2023.  
This would connect to the 24-inch main line south of town and connect to the south water treatment plant.
Total project cost estimate is $3 million; Luverne is seeking a $1.5 million bonding request. 
If approved, the connection would allow the city to fully utilize the south filtration plant that has been mothballed since 2016 when Luverne connected to LCRWS and provide redundant connections to LCRWS.