Opinion
By George Bonnema, Luverne HorticulturalistJune 07, 2016We have had wonderful moisture for our flower and vegetable gardens and our season is about two weeks early. If you have hostas, I’m suggesting that you be on the lookout for slugs. These slimy critters eat irregular-shaped holes in the leaves, and if you don’t attack them early on, you will have those “holy” leaves to look at for the rest of the season. Slug baits are very effective as a…- May 16, 2016In the coming week, hundreds of local seniors will graduate from high schools in the Star Herald coverage area. As longtime news reporters, we’ve followed many of these students from preschool through their senior year, documenting their journey and accomplishments along the way. It’s been our pleasure to photograph them with their kindergarten construction paper art all the way to their senior…
- May 09, 2016Teachers play a critical role in educating and shaping our children’s lives. Many of these children will become the future leaders in our communities and will be the teachers for future generations. Our teachers’ impact is immeasurable and worthy of celebration every day. Last week marked the National Education Association’s National Teacher Appreciation Week. Since 1984, the NEA has designated…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolMay 02, 2016Question: With all this attention to distracted driving recently, I know that a person can talk on a cell phone while driving if they are 18 years or older. I understand that it is illegal for anyone under that age to be on a cell phone. Does that apply to a hands-free device such as a blue tooth? Answer: Anyone under 18 years of age may NOT operate a vehicle while using a cell phone whether…- By Terry Gallswyk, Tim Buysse and Vong RathsachackMay 02, 2016Minnesota West will soon award 661 diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees for spring commencement, and another 288 students have completed the Certified Nursing Assistant courses. Collectively, 949 awards will have been earned, and we know over 85 percent of these graduates will stay, live, work and raise families in this great state. Regional local employers have significant opportunities…
By Lori Sorenson, editorApril 19, 2016Growing older doesn’t necessarily mean growing up, and we’ll soon be reminded of this when the adult children return from college for the summer. At 18 they became legal adults eligible to vote, buy cigarettes, serve in the military, gamble at a casino and participate in other things reserved for adulthood. I’ve even said to the college kid on occasion, “You’re an adult now …” for dental work,…- April 19, 2016Gov. Mark Dayton has declared this week, April 18-22, Water Action Week to encourage Minnesotans to establish an ethic of clean water practices. Throughout the week, state agencies will promote practices and work being done to restore and protect Minnesota’s water. Responsibly managing our water resources is a priority for the Rock County Soil and Water Conservation District and Land Management…
- April 11, 2016A cool spring has blanketed much of Minnesota, but a change in weather and the storms that typically come with it are on the way. Tornadoes have occurred in Minnesota from March to November and last year, there were 39 reported touchdowns in the state. While there were no reported injuries or deaths in 2015, those tornadoes serve as a good reminder for families to have an emergency plan in place…
- By Nicole Woodley, Luverne native and current resident physician at the University of Minnesota, MinneapolisApril 04, 2016Preventing chronic illness and treatable diseases is necessary for supporting our long-term health and wellness. Over 70 percent of Minnesotans have a dedicated health care and dental professional, and along with personal health goals and responsibility, this is one of the most important factors that has led to Minnesota becoming the fourth-healthiest state in the nation. The University of…
- March 08, 2016March is recognized as MS Awareness Month through the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. For more than 20 years, Neil and Sharon Dohlmann of Magnolia have provided a face to MS and support for those living with MS. During MS Awareness Month, they want individuals to know that a diagnosis of MS is not a “death sentence.” While MS is an unpredictable, often debilitating disease of the…
- February 22, 2016Agriculture plays a key role in our daily lives and in a variety of ways. This week, more than half a million FFA members will celebrate the role agriculture plays in our lives while sharing their message of agriculture and agricultural education throughout the country. During National FFA Week, a host of activities raise awareness about the role the National FFA Organization plays in the…
- February 09, 2016Seven years ago, the Luverne community came together as individuals, businesses and government to brainstorm on ways to improve this community. The downtown retail corridor was suffering, the community was lacking things to do, places to eat, venues to shop and daily activities. People and businesses were moving out of town. Some of this was real, some was perception, but everyone agreed we…
- February 09, 2016Seven years ago, the Luverne community came together as individuals, businesses and government to brainstorm on ways to improve this community. The downtown retail corridor was suffering, the community was lacking things to do, places to eat, venues to shop and daily activities. People and businesses were moving out of town. Some of this was real, some was perception, but everyone agreed we…
- February 02, 2016During last week’s East Coast winter storm, at least 29 people sadly lost their lives, making headlines across the world. In Minnesota 25 people were killed on our roadways in January, yet most people don’t give a second thought. In just the first 31 days of 2016, preliminary reports from the state Office of Traffic Safety show 25 traffic fatalities, which compares with nine people at this time…
- December 28, 2015Rep. Joe Schomacker (R-Luverne) hosted a Town Hall last Tuesday, Dec. 22, for concerned deer hunters in southwest Minnesota to express their frustrations regarding the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource's (DNR) management of the deer herd. Over 50 deer hunters attended the Town Hall at Beaver Creek Archery Club in Slayton to hear from Rep. Schomacker, who was joined by Rep. Tom…
- December 28, 2015We at the Star Herald take our Year in Review coverage seriously, in part because it’s a way for us to look back at our work and assess how thorough (or not) we’ve been. People often ask our news reporters, “Do you ever run out of things to put in the paper?” And there’s never hesitation in our response: “No. Never.” Rock County is a happening place to be, and there’s never a shortage of news…
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