editorial
- July 25, 2016Negative news events and extreme humid weather have taken their toll in recent weeks, leaving many of us in sour moods. To get away from the national police shootings and negative political events, residents can use this week’s Rock County Fair to step back, take a deep breath and enjoy a conversation with neighbors. Today’s Star Herald highlights some of the fair events taking place now through…
- By Noah Hultgren, Minnesota Corn Growers Association presidentJuly 19, 2016A statewide editorial June 24 called on agriculture to take the lead on managing pollutants. As farmers, we’re always working to improve how we grow food, feed, fiber and fuel for an increasing world population. And when it comes to the important issue of water quality and managing pollutants, farmers are already playing an important leadership role. For example, corn farmers in Minnesota…
- July 11, 2016Summer months in Rock County are filled with dozens of special events, most of which feature food and beverages. Also common in the summer is foodborne illness or food poisoning. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in six Americans (that’s 48 million people) suffer from foodborne illness each year, resulting in roughly 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. “…
- July 05, 2016People are still talking about it. Luverne’s Fourth of July celebration was a big hit. An out-of-the-park hit. Home run. Slam dunk. Call it what you want — the event was undeniably spectacular. Especially for a first-time effort by a group of enthusiastic volunteers, willing city workers and smart chamber organizers. Please, please take a moment to scroll through the Star Herald’s website and…
- June 27, 2016The Father’s Day flood of 2014 tore through the spillway of the dam at the Blue Mounds State Park, draining what had been the park’s Lower Lake. Since then, park visitors and community members have been waiting for answers about what would be done about the flood damage. Those answers were delivered last week: The dam will not be replaced and there will not be a lake feature at the park. The…
- June 20, 2016Drivers in Luverne need to take notice. Pedestrians always have the right of way. If drivers don’t stop and let pedestrians cross the road, they could be subject to a fine. And if the crossing lights are malfunctioning, it’s not an excuse. On a daily basis Sheriff Evan Verbrugge is contacted about malfunctioning pedestrian crossing lights on Highway 75 at Dodge Street, Barck Avenue and, most…
- June 07, 2016As work continues on bringing broadband Internet to all rural residences in Rock County, commissioners are reconsidering the county’s current tax abatement resolution. For almost 20 years Rock County has offered tax incentives to new businesses that move into or expand within the county boundaries. Passed in 1997, the tax abatement resolution allowed commissioners to forego their share of the…
- May 23, 2016We have life pretty good here in Rock County, with relative peace and prosperity that we tend to take for granted. We don’t worry where our next meal will come from and we don’t fear enemy attacks on our community. When we turn on the light switch and water faucet, we don’t give it another thought when the lights go on and water fills the sink. When we get in the car, we assume it will start and…
- 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 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 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 28, 2016A report released earlier this year named Rock County as one of only 10 counties in Minnesota to have fully recovered from the 2010 recession. The National Association of Counties report indicated a large majority (93 percent) of U.S. counties have not recovered to prerecession levels in jobs, unemployment rates, economic outputs and median home values. Fortunately, Rock County is among the 214…
- March 21, 2016Where does your food come from? For many Americans, the answer is the grocery store, and for those of us living in an agricultural community, that’s a disturbing answer. The grocery store isn't where food comes from. It's just where food is distributed. In reality, far too many people are unaware of the role American agriculture plays in their daily lives … and what it really takes to…
- By By Jim Zachary, Valdosta, George, Daily Times Transparency Project of GeorgiaMarch 14, 2016Government must be held accountable. The only way for the public to hold government accountable is for all of the actions of government to be out in the open. That is why open government is part and parcel of democracy. When government is allowed to operate behind closed doors, it grows out of control, is not responsive to the public and is subject to corruption. These are some of the reasons the…
- By Cammy (Martin) and Rick Iverson, guest editorialFebruary 29, 2016Your article in the Feb. 11 edition of the Star Herald highlighted the work of so many committed citizens in Luverne who have made it possible to ask the question, “Is Luverne ready to be a destination?” From our perspective, the answer is a resounding YES! In June of last year, a group of twelve of our friends from Minneapolis joined us as we all enjoyed Luverne as a destination for three days…
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