10 years ago (2011)
•Urban Planner Michael Schroeder took the stage of the Palace Theatre in Luverne Thursday, Jan. 13, to present possible directions for a commercial revitalization plan.
Local leaders have been working with consultants to draw up a plan for Luverne’s future growth.
A community meeting on Nov. 30 drew more than 100 interested community members who shared their thoughts on what direction Luverne could take.
At the Jan. 13 meeting, Schroeder, an architect with LHB Inc., Minneapolis, presented some of those ideas, many of them accompanied by architectural drawings.
One idea, for example, focused on the city’s aging power plant. It will eventually become obsolete as far as supplying city power.
However, its architectural design, with spacious interior, tall windows, and multiple levels inside, lends itself to creative uses.
Schroeder suggested the building could one day house a gallery, restaurant or a brew pub. He presented rough architect drawings of what it might look like in this capacity.
With its location at the head of the Blue Mound Bike Path and near the Rock River, it could also house an outfitter or rental business for kayaking, canoeing and biking.
The power plant was one of more than a dozen specific ideas for Luverne that would connect its resources and make the community more economically viable.
25 years ago (1996)
•The two-year pairing agreements between Luverne and Hills-Beaver Creek for cross country and gymnastics expire this year, and Luverne School Board members are considering whether or not to renew them.
Luverne Athletic Advisory Committee members cited problems with lack of participation and transportation issues, particularly related to cross country. Their feelings were, considering the complications, it would be easier to simply offer the sport in Luverne for Luverne students.
However, the door was not closed on pairing. In a letter to the H-BC board, Supt. George Maurer stated the Luverne Athletic Advisory Committee and Board of Education will continue to review the agreements.
50 years ago (1971)
•When Elmer Ehde retired last year as rural mailcarrier at Steen after 49 years, it was said it would be difficult to find someone to fill his shoes and his mailboxes.
But Elmer and his Model “A” Ford have been replaced by a 48-year-old Hills housewife and postal clerk and her 1970 stationwagon.
Mrs. Albert Juffer took over Ehde’s route the day after Christmas and everything is running smoothly according to her and Postmaster Jay Aykens.
Mrs. Juffer was granted the route on the basis of seniority—she had been a postal clerk for the past 24 years at Hills. The 53-mile route she covers was too large to consolidate with another route upon Ehde’s retirement and so notices appeared last year calling for applicants to take over the Steen route.
It wasn’t a matter of “Women’s Lib” that influenced Ella Juffer to apply. She had discussed the idea with her husband and two children, and they approved. Mr. Juffer is a part-time construction worker in Hills while the two children both attend Hills’ schools. The Juffers also have a book-binding business.
75 years ago (1946)
•Bad weather has retarded construction of the alfalfa dehydrating plant which H. A. Paulson is erecting on the south edge of Luverne. But as soon as the weather opens up, construction will go ahead full blast, he said. Scheduled completion date is June 1.
When completed, the new industry will represent an investment of approximately $50,000 and will give employment to about 25 men. The plant will also be used for drying ear corn and shelled corn.
Mr. Paulson said that unusual interest has been shown by Rock county farmers in the new plant which will open up a greater market for them.
“We’re urging farmers to plant more alfalfa in 1946 because this new plant will assure them of an important source of income.
“We want at least 1,000 acres of green alfalfa supply for the plant and at least 1,000 acres of sun cured alfalfa.
100 years ago (1921)
•A deal was closed Saturday night where John Cameron sold the Cameron grocery store, including the stock fixtures, and good will and a long term lease on the building to Harry Snook, who was given immediate possession.
In connection with taking over the business, Mr. Snook retained the services of J. Earl Cameron and Claude L. Cameron, who have grown up in the business, and who have been closely identified with their father in its conduct, and also the services of Nels Petersen and Henry Schneekloth, who had been employed in there for some time.
Mr. Snook has had an ambition to engage in the grocery business in this city for some time, and following the consummation of the purchase he announced that it is his intention to continue the business along the same general lines as has the retiring proprietor, and that he will handle the highest quality goods and endeavor to give the best possible service. The store will be known as Snook’s grocery.
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