Editorials
- By Joseph KertisDecember 14, 2021The Covid-19 pandemic put many of last year's holiday festivities on hold, so these holidays are the first opportunity that many have had to gather and celebrate. But this could also mean that many people who've become addicted to drugs and alcohol are seeing their family again, which could bring a lot of things to light. That's because the Covid-19 pandemic drastically worsened…
- December 07, 2021The Star Herald this week doles out “thumbs up and thumbs down” for a variety of topics that have frequently come up in local conversations. Thumbs up — to the volunteers, organizers and sponsors of the Nov. 28 Santa Train, fireworks and park lighting. Everything was well-organized and executed, which results in holiday cheer and goodwill all the way around. The evening drive through the park is…
- By Jodi Harpstead, commissioner of Minnesota Department of Human ServicesNovember 23, 2021All children need safe, loving, permanent families. But right now, too many Minnesota children aren’t getting the basic building blocks of support, stability and love that families can offer. During uncertain times, the safety that families provide is more important than ever. Foster children face their own upheavals, not only dealing with the turmoil of the world around us, but also with day-to-…
- November 16, 2021Have you thanked a teacher lately? If not, you should. And while you're at it, you might thank a school administrator, support staff and school board member. Few people are undertaking the challenges these folks face on a daily basis. They literally have the lives of our children in their hands, yet we often don’t consider what that’s like and what it means for the individuals on the job at…
- 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 Kari Voss-Drost, Southwest Crisis Center assistant directorOctober 19, 2021Each year the Southwest Crisis Center joins advocates, survivors and supporters across the nation to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). More prevalent than most realize, one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. Last year, the Southwest Crisis Center served over 500 individuals, families and children, providing nearly…
- 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…
- By Lori Sorenson, editorSeptember 20, 2021Views expressed on this page are those of the authors. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the Rock County Star Herald. This should be obvious. It’s the Opinion Page, after all. We invite our readers to submit letters expressing their views, and we encourage opposing viewpoints to play out on this page. It’s a sign of a healthy and engaged readership. Since the advent of Facebook and…
- 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…
- By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolAugust 31, 2021“Let's have one last celebration before summer ends! What shall we do?" “Great idea! Let's spend thousands of dollars in legal fees! Or … spending months in the hospital might be fun. Or how about dying in a car crash?" If all of that sounds like a ridiculous way to spend Labor Day weekend, we agree. And yet that's what can happen if you don't find a sober ride, as a…
- 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…
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