editorial
- November 09, 2021It’s time again for the Star Herald news team and contributing commentators to share another round of Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down for a number of issues, good and bad, in the community. Thumbs up — to the completion of the Chris Ashby Trail and the meaningful dedication ceremony in October. Our hearts go out to Barb and Gene Ashby who have been living without their son since 2006 when he died in a…
- November 02, 2021Legendary jazz vocalist Norah Jones recorded “American Anthem” in December 2006 especially for the Ken Burns documentary film, “The War.” Jones’ piano- and-vocal interpretation of “American Anthem,” written by American composer Gene Scheer, became an emotional centerpiece for the documentary. Her haunting notes and Scheer’s poignant lyrics are an appropriate way to honor veterans throughout our…
- October 26, 2021Saturday, Oct. 23, was National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs. Locally a drop box is available at the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. The box is available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Last year 200 pounds of pills were collected from the drop box. Nationally 420 tons of medications were…
- By JoAnne Lund, Second Harvest child hunger program managerOctober 12, 2021If you have a school-aged child, you may be aware that school meals are free for all students this school year regardless of household income, due to a federally funded U.S. Department of Agriculture program. This ensures Minnesota kids get the nutrition they need to thrive in another pandemic school year, but it may also mean that fewer families are filling out the Application for Educational…
- October 05, 2021This week is National Newspaper Week and it’s a good time to consider why the Star Herald is worth the price of a subscription. •We are the only news outlet that covers your school boards, city councils and Rock County Board of Commissioners. These elected officials, dear readers, are the ones who spend your tax dollars and take action on building projects, commercial development and other…
- By Mark Jacobson, Winona Peer support specialistSeptember 28, 2021Although the majority of people who have depression do not die by suicide, having major depression does increase suicide risk compared to people without depression. The risk of death by suicide may, in part, be related to the severity of the depression. Recent data on depression that has followed people over long periods of time suggests that almost 2 percent of those people ever treated for…
- September 14, 2021Thumbs up — to the Historical Society for its work on the parking lot/plaza area on East Main Street by the History Center. That block just keeps looking better and better. Thumbs down — to the visitors’ side bleachers at the Luverne High School football field. They’re a slippery hazard — especially the steps — when they’re wet, and the rickety setup isn’t very welcoming to out-of-town guests…
- September 07, 2021Schools in Rock County resumed classes Tuesday, and that means students will be crossing streets and driveways, school buses will make stops for pickups and drop-offs, and there will be increased traffic at intersections near the school campus. What that means for the rest of us, especially the motoring public, is that we need to be hyper-vigilant in school zones and nearby neighborhoods. Further…
- August 17, 2021‘Curious Rock County’ answers questions about rocks and trains Several weeks ago, the Star Herald launched its “Curious Rock County” segment, which solicits questions from readers with promises to search for answers. Q. Our first question was a softball: Where did Rock County get its name? A. Many might assume that it’s named for the rock outcroppings of the Blue Mounds, but Rock County was named…
- August 10, 2021We have a lot of opinions this week, based on an informal survey of our Star Herald news team and support staff. Most of the feedback is positive because, let’s face it, Rock County is a great place to live and work in, and we don’t have a lot to complain about. But, upon further reflection, there is always room for improvement. Thumbs up —overwhelmingly to the Rock County Ag Society and their…
- July 27, 2021Have you ever wondered about something you’ve seen or heard about in Rock County or have questions about a story you read in the Star Herald? If so, we would like to answer questions on what you’re curious about. We’re calling it “Curious Rock County.” It’s not an original idea; we’re borrowing it from the Star Tribune. In 2019 Star Tribune editors launched “Curious Minnesota,” which invites…
- July 20, 2021A year after the Rock County Fair was canceled in the pandemic, this year’s event will be one to remember and enjoy. Included in this week’s Star Herald is a special Fair Preview section which spotlights a few highlights of the July 28-31 event. However, there are more events than we had space in our newspaper to write about. For a day-by-day listing of events, make sure you check out page 11 in…
- July 13, 2021A quiet revolution is underway on Rock County’s agricultural landscape that is changing how we grow crops, feed livestock, manage weeds and fertilize the soil. Progress is occurring at a pace non-ag people wouldn’t notice, but the Star Herald has enjoyed a front row seat to remarkable farming ingenuities over the past several years. And, thanks to articulate, driven ag leaders in Rock County, we’…
- July 06, 2021Preliminary figures from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety show 202 people have died on Minnesota roads since Jan. 1, compared to 148 last year at this time. The state reported its 200th traffic death on July 1, the earliest since 2009, and State Patrol Lt. Matt Sorenson said this is unacceptable. “Most tragedies on the road can be prevented, and we’re working to remind motorists to slow…
- June 15, 2021One day last week something remarkable happened. Quietly, almost imperceptibly, Rock County hit a milestone with its COVID-19 data. While our masks were getting lost in glove boxes and purse pockets, and while we crowded together at Buffalo Days and began planning for the Fourth of July, and while we ramped up our social schedules after a pandemic year of isolation … … Rock County reached 20…
- June 01, 2021A year ago at this time, we lamented Rock County’s students in the Class of 2020 who were robbed of their graduation ceremony by the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent state guidelines barring in-person ceremonies. For the Class of 2020, it was the year that ended in sudden, unprecedented fashion. The dates clicked by on the calendar without spring sports, year-end academic challenges, prom and…
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