Opinion
By Scott RallSeptember 16, 2026It was one of the first Labor Days that I can remember over the past years that was actually a rainout. Nobles County received about 3.5 inches of rain over the long weekend. This is the first significant rain we have had in about three months. It killed a lot of plans but part of my weekend plan went off despite of the rain. A few years back I enrolled about 75 acres in a conservation…- By Eric Sage, director of Rock County OpportunitiesSeptember 16, 2026This week, Sept. 13-19 is National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, and Rock County Opportunities (RCO) can think of no group more deserving of a community's gratitude. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the ones who turn good intentions into reality for individuals with disabilities. They are teachers, coaches, advocates and companions who empower the individuals we serve…
By Brenda WinterSeptember 16, 2026Grapevines connect a family’s generations. Six Concord grape vines grew on the garden fence between the garage and rhubarb when Grandpa Winter bought the farm in the 1920s. His bride, fresh off the boat from Germany after World War I, made tending them part of her responsibilities as a dedicated hausfrau. Every September, Grandma dutifully lined the canning room shelves with sparkling jars of…- By Kristi FrankenSeptember 16, 2026To the editor: September is the month when we send our precious children off to the security of school for seven to eight hours. We wipe the sweat from our foreheads on that first day as they walk or ride to school and say, "Finally they are ready!" But as a parent are you ready? At any moment a parent can receive that call from the police, "I'm sorry to tell you this information, but your…
By Sgt. Troy ChristiansonSeptember 16, 2026Question: I saw in one of your recent articles talking about stopping for a school bus. In the article you stated, “Motorists are not required to stop for a bus if the bus is on the opposite side of a separated roadway (median, etc.) — but they should remain alert for children.” Can you explain the “etc.” as I still have questions. Answer: Excellent question and yes, I can. Minnesota state…- By Star Herald EditorialSeptember 09, 2026Sept. 10 is recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day during National Suicide Prevention Month in September. In Rock County we’re “Lighting the Town Purple” as a show of community support for brain health and suicide prevention. The initiative is raising money for the Rock County GAP fund (Grant Assistance Program), which helps local individuals afford mental health care. The GAP fund,…
September 09, 2026Some of my favorite high school memories start with me getting up at 6 a.m. to go with my dad to his Rotary Club meetings. Every Tuesday, we would get in the car before the sun had come up and drive to what used to be the Hibbing Park Hotel. Other Rotarians would already be there, setting up, and we’d say ‘hi’ and then order breakfast. A few minutes later, I would be sitting in front of a…
September 09, 2026Question: We are starting to see a lot more fog with spring time. Can you provide some advice for driving in those types of conditions. Answer: This is a great topic. Here is some information from the National Weather Service for driving in fog. If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in mind: •Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination. •Make…
By Matthew Sorenson, Rock County SheriffSeptember 02, 2026It’s been called to my attention that detoured traffic is creating hazards for pedestrians in the downtown area of Luverne. Now with school starting, these hazards will be replicated all over town, as drivers are navigating unfamiliar routes and students are making their way to and from class. In particular, the question I heard was, “Do pedestrians have responsibilities to cross the street…- By Lori SorensonSeptember 02, 2026I learned last week that new refrigerators, the kind that cost $5,000, are equipped with cameras on the inside. Upon learning this, my immediate thought was, “Oh good. Another tool to curb late night snacking.” I imagined the refrigerator syncing with my diet and exercise app to report undocumented calories. •two slices of ham •two tablespoons of French onion dip •three bites of…
- By Lori SorensonAugust 26, 2026As we head into the thick of campaign season ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, we have several local races on our countywide ballots and a highly impactful ballot question in Luverne. Now might be a good time to consider the tone of campaign messaging — how we reach out to residents to request their votes. Will we over-inflate the virtues of a candidate or ballot issue? Or will we present…
By Jason BerghorstAugust 26, 2026For 13 summers, I’ve had the opportunity to write part-time for the Star Herald when on break from my real job as a teacher. As a high school teacher, I have the opportunity to attend many graduation parties each spring. I’ve written at least one column over the years about “grad parties,” how they both change and stay the same, and how much I do enjoy them. One of the aspects of graduation…
By Calla Jarvie, Rock County Library directorAugust 26, 2026September is one of the most exciting months at the library. For one thing, it’s Library Card Sign-Up Month. If you don’t have a library card, get yourself into the library and sign up for one ASAP! But the big event in September is the Friends of the Library annual book sale. Every year, the Friends of the Rock County Community Library put on a massive book sale in the basement of the…
By Nicole RonchettiAugust 19, 2026I have a confession to make: I own too many houseplants. Not by my estimations, of course, but maybe by others. The greenery brings me peace, as does the careful care each week of checking their water levels, their leaves and their health. That’s why when I moved to Luverne I thought it was fitting to buy a new houseplant in honor of the move. I knew the species I wanted, shopped around, and…- By Star Herald EditorialAugust 19, 2026On Aug. 21, National Senior Citizens Day recognizes the achievements of the more mature representatives of our nation. The day provides an opportunity to show our appreciation for their dedication, accomplishments, and services they give throughout their lives. In Rock County, nearly 24% of our population is comprised of seniors 65 and older, compared with less than 19% of the national…
By Lori SorensonAugust 12, 2026We said goodbye last month to our beloved Chance, who was such a good boy — the best of all good boys among dogs. And he made us better human beings after showing what true love, loyalty and devotion look like. He lived to be nearly 15 years old, and we were lucky enough to become his adoptive family through Tracy Area Animal Rescue when he was 3 years old. We were told he was a well-behaved…
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