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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 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 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…
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 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 Pastor Ed Borchardt, Zion Lutheran Church, HardwickSeptember 02, 2026What television show started with the line, “What time is it?” What time it is relates to this time too. It is time to find the school list that was mailed out in July. It is time to realize the shoes the kids have been wearing all summer are now two sizes too small. It is time to replace the batteries in all the alarms and detectors. It is time to triple check the calendar and mark off all the…
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 Youth Leader Cameron McCullers, Living Rock Church, LuverneAugust 26, 2026With summer settling down, school will be back in session here shortly for Luverne and surrounding communities. For the kids, this means butterflies in anticipation of a new school year, or maybe fear of the unknown that a new season brings. Some enjoy the prospect of learning something new, while others may believe they know all they need to know to succeed and make it in the world. …
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 Pastor Bob Junak, Rock River Community Church, LuverneAugust 19, 2026If you’ve lived in Luverne longer than 10 minutes, you already know we’re in the middle of what the Bible might call “tribulation,” and what the rest of us call “construction season.” Highway 75 is shut down, Main Street is the detour, and now they’re closing the intersection we all actually need. I don’t know who’s in charge of cone reproduction, but they’re fruitful and multiplying far…
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…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolAugust 12, 2026Question: I saw your last article was about stopping. With school just around the corner, can you talk about stopping for the school bus? Answer: I certainly can and with last year’s law change it’s a good reminder. Previously, the law required drivers to stop for a bus’s red flashing lights and extended stop arm. Alarmingly, this could create a situation where some drivers might pass the bus…
By Brenda Winter, columnistAugust 05, 2026I’m going to teach the Life Skills class at E q u i p t Christian School in Luverne this fall so I’ve spent a lot of time lately pondering which life skills are most important to students in grades K-6. Big Picture skills come to mind such as “how to maintain committed relationships” or “how to manage money.” Last year the students studied carpentry, farming, sewing, cooking, party planning…
August 05, 2026Question: With summer being upon us, can you get some information out in regards to motorcycle safety? Answer: Operating a motorcycle requires different skills than driving a car, so there are some additional requirements for motorcycle riders: •Motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of their lanes and have all the rights and duties of other drivers. •Operators must have a valid license…
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