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  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway Patrol
    May 25, 2021
    Question: Do I need an oversize or wide-load permit to haul a boatlift that is over 9 feet wide to my cabin? Answer: You would need to obtain a permit because the width is over 8 feet 6 inches. Hauling oversized items without a permit or escorts (if required) can be dangerous and is illegal. Troopers and private escort companies are required to be trained and certified. An oversize and/or…
  • By George Bonnema, Luverne Horticulturalist
    May 25, 2021
    If you applied systemic rose care as I advised earlier, that was six weeks ago so now is the time to make a second application. All forms of pine trees and shrubs are making their new growth now. That new growth is called a candle. For the more compact varieties of pines like Mugho and Tannenbaum, cutting off 1/2 to 3/4 of that new growth will result in a much fuller and compact plant. Completing…
  • By Betty Mann, president, Rock County Historical Society
    May 25, 2021
    The following appeared in The Rock County Star-Herald on Jan. 26, 1950.   $15,000 Polio Fund Drive Starts   Nearly $22,000 Spent For Polio Care by Local Chapter the Past Year Civic and social organizations have united to carry the March of Dimes campaign through its most crucial test, John Kurvink, county director, said this week. Chairmen named to date for the various communities are as follows…
  • By Scott Rall, outdoors columnist
    May 25, 2021
    I recently spent a few days in western South Dakota shooting prairie dogs. This was a great trip and the subject of another column in the next few weeks. I was wondering what other kinds of creatures made a life on the grazed grasslands of this part of the state. As I was researching what those creatures might be, I came across a question that I just could not answer. “What is the difference…
  • By Scott Rall, outdoors columnist
    May 20, 2021
    The great Minnesota fishing opener was May 15. I have participated in this annual event about 25 of the past 30 years. When I was younger, I would start at the midnight opening bell. I entered every fishing contest in the area for the competitive challenge. Today my fishing exploits have far more to do with who I am with and which lake I am on than how many fish I could catch in a day or even a…
  • By Brenda Winter, columnist
    May 18, 2021
    I’ve known people over the years who guard their volunteer time at Redeemed Remnants like it’s a meeting with the Queen.  Now I know why. Redeemed Remnants is the resale/thrift store that generates finances for ATLAS of Rock County. ATLAS offers free Christian counseling and other services to people in need. As chairman of the ATLAS board, I’ve been volunteering at Redeemed Remnants to gain a…
  • By Rick Peterson, Tollefson Publishing general manager
    May 18, 2021
    It seems that I have come to a point in my life where my short-term memory forgets to work. Over my working career I usually begin my day with a daily to-do list. The list generally serves two purposes: first, it gives me achievement goals for the day; but mostly, it helps remind me of smaller tasks  I may forget over the course of the day. Just recently I was writing one such note to myself…
  • By Betty Mann, president, Rock County Historical Society
    May 18, 2021
    The following articles appeared in The Rock County Herald during 1895.   Jan. 11, 1895 The HERALD takes great pleasure in announcing to its readers that it has again made arrangements by which it is enabled to furnish the Weekly New York Tribune to its patrons for 25 cents per year, or both for 58 cents, per year. This price is probably less than the cost of the white paper, and the offer is a…
  • By Mavis Fodness
    May 11, 2021
    In the past year I’ve struggled with feelings of uncertainty, unanswered questions and an overwhelming cascade of local, state and federal happenings that have left my brain — well — foggy. Last week, Minnesota Public Radio aired a segment about exactly what I’ve been feeling. Apparently, mental health professionals have a name for this unsettling feeling that isn’t quite burnout or hopelessness…
  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway Patrol
    May 11, 2021
    Question: Are you seeing increased speed more in the metro or Greater Minnesota? And are those increased speeds on the highway or the city streets?  Answer: The Minnesota State Patrol is seeing increased speeds across the state. Whether you live in the metro or Greater Minnesota, excessive speeds are a cause for concern. People tend to think of dangerous speeds on the highway, but traveling at a…
  • By Betty Mann, president, Rock County Historical Society
    May 11, 2021
    The following appeared in The Rock County Star-Herald on Jan. 19, 1950.   New Café To Open In Beaver Creek   “The Beaver Café” Will Hold Formal Opening Jan. 25   Geo. Schultz  and C. L. Gray, Sioux Falls Man, Owners, Announce Business Staff Formal opening of the new Beaver Creek will be held next Wednesday, January 25th. Although the café will be opened prior to that for serving meals and lunches…
  • By George Bonnema, Luverne Horticulturalist
    May 11, 2021
    I hope you have noticed the beautiful lavender flowers of the rhododendron shrubs that have been blooming for the last two weeks. The variety is PJM, and these rhododendrons are broad-leaf evergreens, meaning that they do not drop their leaves in winter. This rhododendron grows to about 3 feet tall. They prefer a slightly acidic soil, which is not what we have in this part of Minnesota, so…
  • By Kent Thiesse, Farm Management Analyst
    May 11, 2021
    The University of Minnesota recently reported that the median net farm income for southern and western Minnesota farmers in 2020 was $102,848. It’s the highest since 2012, which was followed by seven years (2013-2019) of poor income levels in the region. The 2020 net farm income levels in that region were enhanced by robust crop profits that resulted from above-average crop yields, improved grain…
  • By Lori Sorenson, editor
    May 04, 2021
    There’s a reason music therapy is popular in nursing homes. Songs have a way of stirring memories that carry us back in time, often to happy moments of our youth. Today’s 85-year-olds still enjoy the “big band” sounds that they once danced to, and 75-year-olds may smile to hear Elvis Presley or Johnny Cash. I’ve thought about which songs would stir happy memories when I’m older and needing some…
  • By Rick Peterson, general manager
    May 04, 2021
    Mary and I spent a couple of days in Des Moines recently for a family gathering, and from there we drove to Redwood Falls for our grandson’s confirmation. We were a couple of hours into our trip when we pulled into a Kwik Star gas station. For whatever reason, what we know as Kwik Trips in Minnesota they call Kwik Stars in Iowa. On our way out the door headed to our car, I noticed this girl…
  • By Betty Mann, president, Rock County Historical Society
    May 04, 2021
    “Generous hearted Rock countians came through in grand style for the annual Sister Kenny Fund Drive,” said Elmer Piepgras, Rock county drive chairman. When the campaign for funds closed last Thursday, donations totaling $3,505.51 had been turned in. This is more than double the quota assigned to Rock county, $1,705. “We certainly want to express our most sincere appreciation to all the good folks…
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