retirement
By Jason BerghorstJune 17, 2026From using a printing press and a dark room in 1992 to using 3D printers and robots in 2026, Bill Thompson and his students have seen major changes during his 34-year teaching career. “When I started, we didn’t use computers in my class,” Thompson said. “And now we have robotics, 3D printing, transportation technology, airbrushing, prototyping and more.” Tschool in May after teaching middle…
By Jason BerghorstJune 17, 2026When Chris Nowatzki was hired to teach art at Luverne High School, he told his wife Martha that he would teach in Luverne fwould move to Colorado. That was 39 years ago. Nowatzki retired on the last day of school, May 21, after teaching nearly four decades, and 34 more years than he expected, in Luverne. “Our daughters were born and we realized this is just a great community to raise our…
By Mavis FodnessSeptember 24, 2025A final radio call will be made for retiring Rock County Sheriff Evan Verbrugge on Tuesday, Sept. 30. After 34 years on the job, Verbrugge announced in April he would retire at the end of September. “I have struggled with this decision, but I know in my heart that it is time for me to step away while things are in excellent condition,” he told county commissioners April 22. “I will truly miss…
By Mavis FodnessSeptember 17, 2025Luverne School District’s most tenured teacher will retire Sept. 19, only to return the following Tuesday to the same classroom. Chris Nowatzki began his 38th year at LHS, having instructed art to thousands of students along with some life lessons. “Your content area is something that you’re passionate about, but teaching critical thinking skills is equally as important— whether you do it in…
By Lori SorensonSeptember 03, 2025Dozens of colleagues, friends and family members gathered Thursday afternoon at a celebration for Doug Bos, who is retiring from the Rock County Land Management Office. “I have very much enjoyed serving 29-plus years in the capacity of helping out our county residents protect their natural resources,” Bos wrote in his retirement letter to the County Board. At his party and in his retirement…
By Mavis FodnessJuly 09, 2025June 30 marked Monsignor Gerald Kosse’s last day in Luverne as the full-time priest for St. Catherine Catholic Church. Parishioners ushered him into retirement with a June 29 supper celebrating his 49 years in the priesthood. He has served Luverne’s St. Catherine since the parish merged with Pipestone’s St. Leo Catholic Church in 2018. Under Kosse’s guidance, the dual parish gained its first…
By Mavis FodnessJune 18, 2025At 6 feet, 5 inches, Gordie Hansen was a center on the Luverne High School basketball team, an experience that brought the 1984 graduate back to his alma mater to teach for 35 years. He decided this spring to join his wife, Colette, in retirement. Together they worked a combined 73 years in the district. Colette, who also announced her retirement at the end of this school year, spent 38 years…
By Mavis FodnessJune 18, 2025Lots of tears were shed on the last day of the 2024-25 school year in third-grade teacher Pam Christensen’s classroom. “My students and I were all sobbing, which led to a heartfelt class hug,” she said. “I said a few final words, but no one would leave the room. It is a moment that I will always remember.” Her last day of teaching is among many memories created during the 25 years she spent at…- By Mavis FodnessApril 23, 2025Sheriff Evan Verbrugge announced his resignation to county commissioners Tuesday morning. His last day will be Sept. 30. “I have struggled with this decision, but I know in my heart that it is time for me to step away while things are in excellent condition,” he stated in a letter. Verbrugge was hired as deputy sheriff in 1991. He’s served 15 years on patrol and 19 years as elected sheriff.…
By Mavis FodnessApril 09, 2025Doug Bos, Rock County Land Management assistant director, tenured his retirement to county commissioners Tuesday morning. Bos’ retirement is effective Sept. 2. In his letter to the commissioners, Bos reflected on his time with the Land Management Office (LMO) and the Rock County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). “I have very much enjoyed serving 29-plus years in the capacity of…
By Lori SorensonDecember 30, 2024The honorable Terry Vajgrt retired Dec. 31 after nearly 13 years as district judge of the Fifth Judicial District. He said his career has been both challenging and rewarding. “From Day 1 I’ve thought about how fortunate I am to have been able to do this. I’ve enjoyed it,” Vajgrt said. “I’ve had an opportunity to make an impact. That could be through consequences, but it can also mean…
By Lori SorensonSeptember 11, 2024Al Aanenson has been working to keep Rock County electrified for over 50 years, wiring everything from grain bins on farms to lighting in stores and office buildings. During that time, he built a reputation among hundreds of loyal customers, many of whom are also good friends. Now, he’s selling the McClure Electric business in Luverne to his son-in-law, Tim Banck, and is learning a new trade —…
By Mavis FodnessAugust 28, 2024Luverne Education Association 2024 Teacher of the Year Becky Runnoe decided not to return to the classroom for the 2024-25 school year. She retires from a career after 40 years and never graduated out of the Luverne early childhood special education program. “I think I was always geared to be a teacher,” said Runnoe. “I started teaching a 3-year-old Sunday school class when I was 14. I still…
By Lori SorensonAugust 14, 2024When fall semester starts at Minnesota West Community & Technical College in Luverne, the medical lab technician program will be missing its longtime leader, Dr. Rita Miller. Miller retired this summer, marking the end of a 30-year career in higher education. “There is nothing more rewarding than educating students; watching them graduate, find a job, and pass the National Board…
By Mavis FodnessJuly 17, 2024Editor’s note: Four educators from Luverne Public Schools packed up their lesson books, cleaned their desks and retired from positions they held for a combined 124 years. This week, we caught up with Beth Capistran, who worked for 31 years at Magnolia and Luverne elementary schools. By Mavis Fodness Beth Capistran has sage advice for anyone selecting a career in education: “Be open to…
By Mavis FodnessMay 29, 2024Hills-Beaver Creek High School teacher and coach Dan Ellingson received the highest education association honor Friday night — Teacher of the Year. Hills-Beaver Creek Education Association member Haley Tollefson presented Ellingson with the honor during the H-BC graduation ceremonies. “Mr. Ellingson has been someone we all have learned from during this time at H-BC,” she said. “He is a leader…
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