Columns
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 Greg Hoogeveen, sports editorSeptember 09, 2026The Star Herald will once against be covering Adrian-Ellsworth sports events in the Star Herald and on Star Media. It has been around six years since we have covered the Dragons, and we are excited to have them back on our roster. They now join the Cardinals and Patriots in our regular sports coverage. I am excited to get to know the Adrian-Ellsworth coaches and athletes, and I look forward to…
By Scott Rall, Outdoor ColumnistSeptember 09, 2026Even though it happens over a long period of time, changes in wildlife landscape and their habitats are always changing a little bit at a time. In this case it takes 30 years and then it kind of hits you like a hammer. While I was out doing the annual pheasant roadside counts this past month it got me thinking. Just where have the Hungarian partridge gone? This cool little game bird used to be…- 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 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 Greg Hoogeveen, Time OutAugust 26, 2026I am not sure where summer went. All I know is it was fast and full of baseball action. Now as we transition to fall and the start of another new school year that means one thing. Fall sports! Touchdowns, spikes, long volleys and sprints to the finish line are on their way. Teams are getting in their pre-season workouts and drills as we speak. Last season had many great victories and some…
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 Scott Rall, Outdoor ColumnistAugust 12, 2026The summer is quickly fading into what looks to be a great fall hunting season. Even though it is several months away I still spend more time than I should wondering just how successful the pheasant hatch was. In the meantime I continue my efforts to attack invasive trees in our public lands grassland habitats. It would take very little time, if left unattended for those same grasslands to…
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…
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