column
By Brenda Winter, columnistFebruary 21, 2024On May 9 the “elderly spinster sisters from Leota, Minnesota,” Marlene and Darlene, played by DJ Luethje and me, will take the stage at the Palace Theatre for the annual Generations spring fundraiser. This year’s show is called “Without George.” When George Bonnema died unexpectedly in December 2023, he left a void bigger than most. One of the many positions he vacated was being the “Life Force…
By Lori Sorenson, editorFebruary 14, 2024My mother-in-law cautioned me about her son early in our dating years. “You know, these Norwegian men aren’t very affectionate,” she told me, in case I should want to escape the relationship before I was too invested. Of course, she laughed when she said it, but she wasn’t wrong. My husband is a kind and gentle man, but affectionate, he is not. Especially in public. During our own wedding…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolFebruary 14, 2024Question: Hello, I thought I read somewhere that rest areas help reduce crashes. I saw a trooper at a rest area the other day, and it got me thinking about that. Can you write about that? Answer: More than 20 million travelers stop at Minnesota rest areas annually. Rest areas serve as an essential safety feature on the highway system by giving travelers a place to stop and rest. This helps…
By RIck Peterson, general managerFebruary 14, 2024Every time something about the world’s largest nutcracker coming to Luverne is published in the paper or on Facebook the anti-nutcracker folks seem compelled to voice their concerns. Earlier this month it was Groundhog Day, and I can only imagine the local naysayers from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, when they heard about the idea of Groundhog Day. I can’t help but imagine the conversation at the…- By Pastor Jeremy Wiersema, Reformed Church of SteenFebruary 14, 2024A few weeks ago, I received some good news. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law had a baby boy. He was their first child and this was wonderful news. I shared with many people that I became an uncle again. I was excited for them and I was happy to see our family grow. I am sure that my excitement at this good news doesn’t come as a surprise to any of you. Good news is good news and we love…
By Mavis Fodness, reporterFebruary 07, 2024Attending last week’s Minnesota Newspaper Association Convention reminded me why I chose a career in newspaper journalism. Being a conduit for information speaks to my creative nature and fits my personality, and the like-minded conference attendees rekindled my news passions. They include an eagerness to tell people about exciting news, a sense that what I do actually matters and pride in a…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolFebruary 07, 2024Question: I was driving on the freeway during the worst part of a recent storm. Just had a question — are people supposed to use their emergency flashers when they are driving? So many cars on the freeway were, and it made it impossible to tell if someone was actually stopped or moving slowly (also, if they changed lanes, there was no way to tell). I was having trouble seeing anyway, and this…
By Betty Mann, Rock County HistorianFebruary 07, 2024The following article is part of the Diamond Club Member group that began in the January 7, 1943, issue of the Rock County Star Herald. Members of this group consist of persons of age 75 and older. The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on April 27, 1944. “The first money I ever earned that I could call my own, I got working in an onion patch,” declared Hans Christiansen, Luverne, who…
By Brenda Winter, columnistJanuary 31, 2024It was just after the Big Chill a few weeks ago that Melvin appeared by our back door. The big orange tabby was also a few feet from death’s door. He had a cut on his face, a bent tail, a gimpy leg and hadn’t had a bath in weeks. He looked like he’d had a close encounter with a car, or maybe a snow plow. His coat was a mess and his eyes were watery and sad. Melvin was in tough, tough shape. I…
By Rick Peterson, general managerJanuary 31, 2024The local Kwik Trip should be opening soon and is highly anticipated by many of the locals. I have to admit watching the Kwik Trip construction project over the last nine months has been impressive. From start to finish it seemed to be a well-orchestrated effort. My first experience with the Kwik Trip was really at a Kwik Star along I-35 in central Iowa on our way to visit our daughter in Des…
By Betty Mann, Rock County HistorianJanuary 31, 2024The following article is part of the Diamond Club Member group that began in the January 7, 1943, issue of the Rock County Star Herald. Members of this group consist of persons of age 75 and older. The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on April 13, 1944. (Harry Curry continues his story.) One time the Curry family never went to town for six weeks, and they still fared well. The…
By Scott Rall, outdoors columnistJanuary 31, 2024Sitting in my day job office this morning, my mind did wander a little bit anticipating the first 70-degree day of 2024. Working outside on habitat projects is about as much fun as I can have. Others like to golf or chase round ball sports. I just don’t share the same interests as many others and that is very OK. Working on habitat that is owned by the public was for a long time very difficult…- By Pastor Josh Hayden, Living Rock Church, LuverneJanuary 31, 2024What is Christianity? Is it just a doctrine or your theology? Is there no need to get up out of your pew or seat? Is there no need to care for the least of these? What is Christianity? Is it a Sunday morning symphony? Where everyone can sing their hymns in harmony? Yet not grow in love and unity? What is Christianity? Is it loving your neighbor and the lost? Is it an energy-packed conference…
By Lori Sorenson, editorJanuary 24, 2024A Star Herald co-worker last week discovered a lone screw on the floor beneath my office chair. “I thought you should know, in case it’s essential,” she handed me the short, stubby screw. I retrieved a Phillips screwdriver from the 50-year-old toolbox in the former press room, now a warehouse-sized storage room, to repair my 40-year-old office chair. I think it’s 40. It was well used when I…
By Betty Mann, Rock County HistorianJanuary 24, 2024The following article is part of the Diamond Club Member group that began in the January 7, 1943, issue of the Rock County Star Herald. Members of this group consist of persons of age 75 and older. The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on April 13, 1944. Early days in Kanaranzi township were recalled this week by Harry S. Curry, Luverne, who for many years was a blacksmith and…
By Mavis Fodness, reporterJanuary 17, 2024For the new year, I am participating in a 12-week Healthy Human Challenge with about 120 like-minded individuals. Daily points are assigned for meeting our nutrition and step goals. More points are added for drinking water, getting enough sleep, and listening to a self-improvement podcast. I’m motivated to amass the 2,600 points necessary to fulfill the three-month challenge. One thing I’ve…
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