According to the Minnesota Department of Health, 19 Rock County residents have died of COVID-19.
Now help is available for their families through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The agency is providing financial assistance — up to $9,800 per family, for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020.
Rock County Emergency Management Director Kyle Oldre said the aid will be a welcome relief for those who qualify.
“For those who were impacted, it could be a really big deal,” he said.
Among other things, family members must have a death certificate that shows the cause of death was COVID-19.
Jordan Dingmann of Dingmann Funeral Home has already assisted families with the FEMA applications.
“This has been a wonderful surprise for families we have served who have lost a loved one due to the coronavirus,” he said.
Eligible expenses covered by the grant include:
•transportation for up to two people to identify the deceased individual.
•the transfer of remains, a casket or urn.
•a burial plot or cremation niche.
•a marker or headstone.
•clergy or officiant services.
•the arrangement of a funeral ceremony.
•the use of funeral home equipment or staff.
•cremation or interment costs.
•costs associated with producing multiple death certificates.
Call FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline at 1-844-684-6333.
For fastest service following application, documents can be submitted online through Disasterassistance.gov.

Hills city officials are asking volunteers to help clean, repair and revitalize a popular recreation area west of the city.
The first groups will help with spring cleanup Friday and Saturday.
Council member Stacen Burgers outlined his ideas at the city council’s April 13 meeting.
“I think it will be a great start to get some groups in there and do a little polishing,” he said.
The council also discussed ideas to improve the public’s experience camping, swimming, hiking and fishing at the Hills Rez Park.
“There are so many people that go down there,” said council member Vicky Busswitz. “The place just needs to be kept up.”
Students from the Hills-Beaver Creek Secondary will complete the initial cleanup on Friday, weather permitting. The action is part of the school’s Earth Day cleanup lessons.
“Giving back to our community and being good stewards of the environment are important to our students and school,” said Principal Andrew Kellenberger.
Beaver Creek Sportsmen members will work with Burgers Saturday to set the dock into the water and begin work on the larger improvement projects such as tree trimming, mowing, weeding and reconditioning the sand at the beach.
“It just needs to be turned over and then some fresh (sand) added to it,” Burgers said.
The council will also examine the current playground, walking path and fishing conditions.
Burgers said he talked with an aquatic specialist, who indicated that the Rez is an ideal fishing location but sediment is a concern.
“The little pond is a great fishery,” he said. “The water quality is there. The little things we can do (will help.)”
The city council is gathering costs for the improvements and materials, and as many projects will be completed this year as possible within the current budget.
In 2019 the parks and recreation fund had revenues of $42,000 and expenses of $33,000.
Council members suggested “Adopt a Pad” program, where individuals and groups would fund improvements to one or more of the seven camping pads located at the Rez.
Burgers will develop a detailed revitalization plan as work progresses.
“This is something I am passionate about,” he said.
 
Cabin available for rent at the Rez
The Hills City Council approved the purchase of a 12-by-24-foot cabin to be placed in the Rez Park and rented for overnight stays.
The cabin arrived April 13 and was moved into place on the park’s west side.
“I think it will be a great addition,” said Mayor Keith Elbers.
Cost of the cabin was $6,200 plus the costs of adding bunk beds, electricity and cabinetry inside the cabin.
The cabin is anticipated to be ready by Memorial Day weekend, Elbers said.
Council members set rental at $50 per night with a 10-day maximum stay. Reservations and a $100 deposit can be made at the Hills City Offices by calling 507-962-3290.

Nearly 30 red, white and blue light pole banners are on display in Beaver Creek, welcoming people to the community.
Local businesses and organizations sponsored the two-sided banners for $125 apiece.
 The 18-by-45-inch banners are the same size as the previous “Welcome to Beaver Creek” banners, which means existing hardware could be used for most replacements.
The artwork, designed by Quality Printing in Luverne, features a red-and-blue Patriot, which is the Hills-Beaver Creek School District mascot, and space at the bottom is reserved for the sponsoring business, organization or family.
Banners are displayed on First Avenue and Fourth Street, which have about 20 poles, and they’re also hung on nearby streets, some only on one side of a pole.
Letters were mailed to local businesses and organizations to seek sponsorships, and banners were ordered this winter and hung in the first part of April.
They will remain on display until winter, when they’ll be taken down and replaced with holiday decorations.

Spring weight restrictions lifted
Spring weight restrictions are lifted in Rock County on all county, effective April 20. Restrictions were put in effect as the warmer spring weather removed frost from under the roadways. Call the Rock County Highway Department, 507-283-5010, for more information.
 
Parade entries sought for Hills event
Entries are being sought for the Hills Friendship Days parade 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 12. Pre-registration deadline is Monday, May 31, to kaelbers@alliancecom.net or by calling Keith at 507-962-3433 or Annette at 507-962-3432. Questions can be directed to same email address and phone numbers.
 
Rock the Edge seeks local service projects
Rock The Edge Youth’s Service Over Self will be June 21-25, and the group is seeking a variety of community projects, such as painting, cleaning, organizing, yard work or other projects. Call 507-227-1978, 605-261-4000 or email rocktheedgemn@gmail.com.
 
Wednesday night free community meal
The Luverne United Methodist Church will host its monthly free community meal at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, with a pickup option available. Call 507-283-4529
 
Grief support group meets Mondays
Sanford Luverne Hospice Grief Support Group will meet from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through May 10 at Sanford Luverne. This group is for anyone grieving the death of a loved one, whether they were involved with hospice or not. Meetings are free and facilitated by Jill Roemen, licensed social worker. Call to register at 507-283-1805.
 
Crisis Center needs board members
The Southwest Crisis Center is seeking passionate community members to serve on its Board of Directors. The group encourages applications from people of diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and professional skills to oversee the organization's general operations. For more information, visit mnswcc.org or email sara@mnswcc.org.
 
Road closed east of Hardwick
County Road 7 between Kenneth and Hardwick is closed between 190th and 200th avenues for construction beginning April 12. Closure is expected to be for two weeks. This section of roadway is located 1 1/2 miles north of Kenneth. There is no official detour; use alternate routes. Call the highway department at 507-283-5010.
 
Shredding event coming May 22
St. Catherine Church Luverne will bring Dakota Shred It to Luverne from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 22, at Luverne Laundry on the corner of Main Street and Highway 75. Save the date.
 
Hospice auction planned for August 28
The Annual Hospice Dinner and Auction typically held in April is being planned for Aug. 28 to allow for expanded Minnesota COVID-19 guidelines.  More details will be announced this summer, or call the Hospice office at 283-1805.
 
Tax assistance available for Rock County residents
United Community Action Partnership will be providing free online virtual tax assistance for residents living in Rock County and surrounding communities. See website for details at https://www.unitedcapmn.org/services/community-family-services/tax-clin…
The number to make an appointment and to get intake forms sent via mail is 507-537-1416 ext. #2163. Or email Courtney Newgard at Newgardcourtney.newgard@unitedcapmn.org.
 
Take and Make bird treat kits
Stop by the Luverne Area Chamber at 213 East Luverne Street to pick up one or more Take and Make bird treat kits. Kits are free, but a $5 to $10 donation is welcome to benefit Project Food Forest in Rock County. (Or donate online at https://donorbox.org/support-pff)
 
Spring weight restrictions lifted
Spring weight restrictions are lifted in Rock County on all county, effective April 20. Restrictions were put in effect as the warmer spring weather removed frost from under the roadways. Call the Rock County Highway Department, 507-283-5010

ATLAS of Rock County Ministry Center celebrated its grand opening Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 15, 16 and 17, with a ribbon cutting Thursday morning at 101 West Maple Street in Luverne. Chamber Board members, ATLAS ministry center staff and volunteers and community supporters present at the ribbon cutting include (front, from left) Tony Schomacker, Mark Opitz, Jeane Leslie, Dawn Nath, Deb Boomgaarden, Greg Hoogeveen, Michael Blank, Loree Ness, Brenda Winter, Jean Staeffler, Carole Bosch, Carol Walgrave, Kay Umbreit, Nan Walgrave, Missy Merrill, Tyler Bush, (back) Shelley Nibbelink, Bonnie Berghorst, Cris Oeltjenbruns, Nancy Van De Berg, Donna Honken, Becky Walgrave and Karen Bosch.

Question: I see a lot of people that have their fog lights on, and when I am meeting them on the road, some are very bright and make seeing the road very difficult. Some of them appear to be out of alignment and are blinding. What is the law that covers this?
Answer: If the fog lights are aimed too high and/or are too bright, they are illegal even if they are in compliance with the rest of the law.  All vehicle lights allowed by statute must also be approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety.
Minnesota law says that any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two fog lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than 12 inches nor more than 30 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands and so aimed that, when the vehicle is not loaded, none of the high-intensity portion of the light to the left of the center of the vehicle shall at a distance of 25 feet ahead project higher than a level of four inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes. Lighted fog lamps meeting the above requirements may be used with lower headlamp beams.
Minnesota law also states that when a motor vehicle equipped with headlamps, as (herein) required, is also equipped with any auxiliary lamps, spot lamps or any other lamps on the front thereof projecting a beam of intensity greater than 300-candle power, not more than a total of four of any such lamps on the front of a vehicle shall be lighted at any one time when upon a highway.
It’s the law to have headlights and taillights on during rain/snow and when visibility is reduced, but best practice is to keep your lights on at all times to make yourself more visible to other drivers.
Anytime your vehicle’s height is altered by adding larger tires/rims or any type of suspension lift, your headlights and fog lights may need to be adjusted so they are not blinding to other motorists.
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 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)
  
        

In 1975 a band called Northern Lights recorded the hit song “Minnesota.” You might recall some of the lyrics.
“Minnesota, I can almost smell the air. I can feel her hand, and my feet in the sand in the lakes under trees back home.
“Minnesota, how I miss those sail-on days. I miss the stormy nights and the Northern Lights in the starry skies back home.”
I’ve updated some of the lyrics for 2021.
“Minnesota, there is tension in the air. I hear the demands, and the fear in the land in the streets under curfew back home.
“Minnesota, how I dread these lock-down days. I dread riots at night and the flares and the lights in the smoke-filled skies back home. …
OK, I’m not a songwriter, but the memories of our beloved state conveyed in the song “Minnesota” seem to be fading.
We are still the state of lakes and trees (and of course, corn and soybeans in our region) but we’ve also become the state of shootings, riots and way too much national news coverage. 
I’ve begun asking the question, “What does it mean to be Minnesotan?” 
The first thing that comes to mind, of course, is our accent and funny phrases. “You betcha!”
But how accurate is our picture of ourselves? The state at one time was inhabited by natives, then the French, Germans, Dutch, Irish and Norwegians. 
The Hmong joined us in the 1970s. Along came Hispanics, southern Blacks, Africans and other Asians.
Do the Lutheran jokes, the “uff dahs!” and the “oh for Pete’s sakes!” really sum up who we are? 
Do others have new stories to add to ours but perhaps we’re not listening?
I don’t know.
But here we are, some of us looking at others of us down the barrels of guns.
Some of us pray for peace while others plan to riot. 
Is there a way to find common ground that we are all Minnesotan? That we share a beautiful place with “northern lights and starry skies?”
Or do we really need to burn the whole place down and start over?
I guess that’s up to us.

National Volunteer Week 2021 is this week, April 19-24, and it is an opportunity for volunteers and organizations to raise awareness of the contribution volunteers make in their communities. It is also a chance to celebrate these efforts and to promote their work in our communities.
Week after week, the Star Herald has the honor and privilege of sharing stories about the local people and causes that inspire us to serve, and we applaud and thank our volunteers who lend their time, talent and voice to make a difference in the lives of others.
This past year in particular, we have seen particularly touching ways people have supported family, friends, neighbors and strangers.
National Volunteer Week was established in 1974, and today, as people strive to lead lives that reflect their values, the expression of civic life has evolved. Whether online, at the office or the local food bank, doing good comes in many forms, and we recognize and celebrate them all.
Literally hundreds of people in Rock County volunteer their time and talents to help make the world a better place. When they volunteer, they help to improve the lives of others. And when they volunteer, they also gain a greater sense of belonging to their communities.
And we sincerely thank them.
We recognize the value of the caring and compassion that each one has shown another, and we recognize the power of people, organizations and sectors working together.
And we challenge others to take their turn at self-sacrifice, because, in the words of Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

It’s always been a challenge to get high school spring sports games, matches and meets in due to weather. And last year the spring sports season was washed out altogether, thanks to COVID.
This spring things looked promising. Games, matches and meets were scheduled and the early April weather gave everyone hope that soon players, coaches, parents and, in my case grandparents, would be outside enjoying the events.
There are COVID-19 protocols in place, but that really didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s spirit. I mean spring sports with protocols is better than no spring sports at all.
Apparently Mother Nature had other plans. The nice early April weather turned to crappy weather, and games, matches and meets were postponed and rescheduled.
Mary and I are in a somewhat peculiar position. While we are Luverne Cardinal fans most of the time, we do cheer for the Redwood Valley Cardinals when the two redbirds meet.
Our three grandsons play football, basketball, baseball and hockey for the Cardinals to the north.
When the two Cardinal teams square off against each other, Mary and I take the approach that we are in a win-win position as Cardinals.
When the northern Cardinals play the southern Cardinals in Luverne, that’s like a double home game for us.  
We get to watch both Cardinal teams, and no matter who wins, it’s okay with us. Well, that is, if the Peterson Cardinal has a good game, of course.
Anyway, hopefully Mother Nature gets this weather thing straightened out and we hear “Play ball!” instead of “Sorry, the game has been postponed.”