Star Herald Editorial

We’re in the height of summer travel and vacation season and thousands of people are motoring cross-country along Interstate 90.  As they enter Minnesota many will stop at the Beaver Creek Travel Information Center, but they won’t find travel information thanks to an unpopular decision by Explore Minnesota earlier this summer.  Explore Minnesota Deputy Director Beth Helle reached out to…

The Star Herald had received a number of suggestions for a “thumbs up, thumbs down” editorial, and this week we’re sharing those submissions.  Thumbs up — to a new place in town to get ice cream. Cowbells Meats and Treats opened earlier this month, and the homemade ice cream selection is fabulous (as are the waffle cones and other options.)  Thumbs down — to parking on the street in front of…

Luverne has a reputation for being a “clean and pleasant” town, with rows of stately homes, shaded drives and manicured lawns.  This year, with Highway 75 construction in the middle of town, it’s harder to pull off that image for visitors.  Especially for town celebrations — like this weekend’s Buffalo Days and upcoming Hot Dog Night and our 75th Annual Tri-State Band Festival.  While we’re…

The Minnesota Department of Human Services reports that 9,070 children and youth experienced out-of-home care in 2025. Of those 63% are in greater Minnesota.  Children’s Home, a subsidiary of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and longtime leader in foster care and adoption, is seeking additional foster parents to care for children in need.  “Statewide, there is a shortage of foster families…

During Mental Health Awareness Month, Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation is encouraging conversations around mental health in agriculture and reminding farmers that support, and resources are available.  Farming is a rewarding yet high-pressure profession. From volatile markets and unpredictable weather to long hours and diverse daily responsibilities, the challenges farmers and ranchers face can…

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about the prevention, symptoms, and treatment of tick-borne illnesses as tick activity increases with warmer weather.  Key efforts focus on educating the public to avoid infections, which can cause serious long-term health issues if left untreated.  LymeDisease.org offers the following tips for prevention and awareness: …

Are you ready for severe weather? Each year, Minnesota’s office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management collaborates with the National Weather Service to sponsor Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota.  The week is designed to refresh, remind and educate the public about the seasonal threats from severe weather and how to avoid them.  It’s also a good time to make and practice…

February is American Heart Month, a federally designated month since 1964 to spotlight cardiovascular health and combat heart disease — the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.  It’s a time to take charge of heart health through lifestyle changes, with key initiatives, such as:  •Knowing risks for heart disease: Checking blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as these are…

Our readers have had an active week with recent submissions for “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” sentiments in the community. Thumbs down — to motorists who park in front of local EV chargers. The charging stations are there for a reason, and if you’re not charging your vehicle, please leave the parking spots open for EV motorists who need a charge. Thumbs up — to last week’s July 4 celebration at…

This week is National Fire Prevention Week, and the 2024 campaign focuses on educating families about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the majority of U.S. home fire deaths continue to occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. “Smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, but…

This is the week, folks, the “be a george week” in honor of the late George Bonnema who would have turned 75 on July 18. The T-shirts have been distributed, and if you bought one (or three), now’s the time to wear it. If you committed to the mission, now’s the time to ‘be a george.’ It’s an exciting week in Luverne and Rock County, where people are already known for their generosity. If you…

Gov. Tim Walz is proclaiming June 2024 as Great Outdoors Month to encourage Minnesotans to get out in nature and enjoy the state’s outstanding outdoor opportunities. The proclamation points to investments in the state’s outdoor recreation system through the Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) initiative as an example of the critical importance of outdoor recreation to…

It’s been a while since the Star Herald issued thumbs up and thumbs down for the good and bad in our community, and our news team put our heads together for a fresh list to consider. Thumbs up — to Luverne’s citywide Christmas tree pickup. It’s a much-appreciated perk for living in the city and another reason to “Luv Luverne.” Thumbs down — to another planned postage rate increase for…

Unseasonably warm weather this winter has prevented the usual ice fishing and ice activities that would normally occur this time of year. While many lakes and rivers still have open water in southwest Minnesota, colder weather is coming and some may be tempted to venture onto the ice too soon. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has been urging people to be aware of degraded ice…

On Friday local first responders will meet with Angela Nolz, a licensed clinical counselor and integrated health therapist at Sanford Luverne, and we’re happy to hear our caregivers will get some care for themselves. When a tragedy happens in a community, public safety professionals absorb that pain. They experience significantly more traumatic events than the average person, resulting in higher…

Foster Care Month in May offers an opportunity to recognize foster parents for providing care and stability to children in crisis across Minnesota. Children often experience mental health challenges from trauma and family disruption. In fact, mental and behavioral health is the most significant unmet health need for children and teens in foster care. As many as 80 percent of children in foster…