Editorials

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: …

Volunteer Appreciation Week was last week, April 19-25, when we recognize the individuals who quietly, consistently, and generously strengthen our communities.  Here in Rock County, that spirit is alive and thriving thanks to the remarkable efforts of local volunteers.  A.C.E. of Southwest Minnesota – Rock County is proud to celebrate 751 dedicated volunteers who, over the past year,…

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a biannual, nationwide event sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  It is held twice a year, typically on the last Saturday of April and October. The next national event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25.  In Rock County, the Sheriff’s Office collects unused medications year-round at a secure collection box in the…

To the editor:  I have attended a couple of events at the performing arts center at the high school when the student body was in attendance as well. Both times I was impressed with our students. The talk presented by “President Teddy Roosevelt” demonstrated his ability to overcome obstacles and encouraged respect, patriotism and perseverance.  The students were attentive and respectful. They…

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…

April is Child Abuse Prevention month, a time for communities to come together and commit to the safety and well-being of children.  This year is especially meaningful, as it is the first time we are bringing this type of awareness campaign to our region.  At the Southwest Crisis Center’s Child Advocacy Program, we work alongside children and families during some of their most vulnerable…

Sen. Alex Padilla of California and Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota were joined by three Secretaries of State for a recent virtual press briefing to discuss the potential impacts of the SAVE America Act on elections.  Secretary Steve Simon (Minnesota), Secretary Steve Hobbs (Washington), and Secretary Stephanie Thomas (Connecticut) discussed the impacts to voters, election administrators, and…

The Star Herald has received a number of suggestions for “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” mentions in recent weeks. They include:  Thumbs down — to the removal of beautiful, mature trees on North Highway 75. Their shade and functionality will be missed as the landscape of that corridor changes drastically. The only good thing about their loss is that they’re coming down for progress — a new road…

When we talk about transparency in government, it’s natural to focus on the halls of Washington, D.C., or the state capitol building in St. Paul.  But as your local community newspaper, we at the Star Herald are proud to say we’ve been advocating for government transparency at the most local levels of town, school and county government.  This week, March 15-21, is Sunshine Week when newspapers…

This week, March 8-14, is National Groundwater Awareness Week, a national observation dedicated to the responsible management and use of groundwater.  Established in 1999, the special week raises awareness about the critical role groundwater plays in public health, environmental sustainability and the nation’s economy.  Groundwater provides drinking water for more than 44 percent of the U.S.…

The Minnesota Department of Management and Budget’s February forecast projects a $3.7 billion surplus at the end of the fiscal year 2026-27 biennium. That’s $1.3 billion higher than November estimates, with a projected $377 million surplus in FY 28-29 amid an ongoing structural imbalance. This is a significant improvement from the last economic forecast.  Today’s budget news means that…

This week over 1 million students across the U.S. are celebrating FFA Week, which aims to highlight Future Farmers of America and the importance of both agriculture and student leadership. For a deeply agricultural community like Rock County, it’s important to celebrate with our FFA students and do everything we can to support them on their journeys. Our Feb. 19 Star Herald carried a full-page…

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…

Over the past months I presumed insights from Washington were helpful for you friends back home.  Now I must admit that in the presence of heavy clouds of the climatic and political winter of 2026 it is family and friends in Minnesota who are sources of salvatory wisdom and light in the persistent darkness.  With appropriate pride I point to pastoral, political and personal leaders from home…

The Trump administration's assault on Minnesota long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. It is a campaign of organized brutality against the people of our state. It isn't just. It isn't legal. And, critically, it isn't making anyone any safer. Quite the opposite: Immigration agents have now shot and killed two of our neighbors: Renee Good and Alex Pretti. And there are…