editorial

  The Rock County Sheriff’s Office and the members of Rock County Triad hosted a local celebration for National Night Out Tuesday. The national observance began as a way for neighborhoods (both residential and business) to meet and connect with each other. The premise for the celebration is that “friends take care of friends” and neighborhoods comprised of friends take care of each other. The…

      In several studies over the past decade, behavioral scientists have found that some people look so much like their pets that outside observers can match them based on pictures alone. The accompanying image, for instance, comes from a 2005 study in which test participants identified owner-pet pairs at a success rate far greater than what you'd get with random guessing. So, if this is…

  Question: I read an article about gas-powered bicycles/mopeds and I have some questions of my own. What is needed in addition when one has a permit or driver’s license? Answer: These rules apply to required equipment and gear for moped riders: •A moped must meet the same lighting requirements as a motorcycle, with a headlight, taillight and stop lamp. The headlight must be on during operation.…

  Construction on U.S. Highway 75 in Luverne is about halfway through the project timeline and we are starting to see some of its effects, both good and bad. First the good effects. Slowly, the large machines that have been digging and trenching in the middle and the sides of the roadway are disappearing. There are no more gaping holes in the ground detouring traffic from both directions. Slowly…

          By Mavis Fodness A grassroots movement is taking place to develop activities that get us up off the couch in Rock County. We hope more of this catches on. Kayaking down the Rock River, boating and swimming at a former gravel pit were some of the activities demonstrated last week. Not only did they seem fun, the activities burned a lot of calories. The Southwest Health and Human Services…

  Growing up in Luverne in the 1980s and 1990s, I experienced a very quiet Fourth of July holiday in my hometown. Some years our family would travel to Leota to see fireworks or maybe to Hills to swim at the Rez. Any holiday activities were always in other towns. Luverne was closed for the Fourth. Independence Day is a summer, outdoor holiday. Luverne has no lake. There was no beach and no…

  Transplantation is one of the most remarkable success stories in the history of medicine. But despite continuing advances in medicine and technology, the need for organs and tissue is far greater than the availability. The Star Herald this week features a story about Al Berdahl and his quest to educate the public about organ and issue donation. Transplantation gives hope to thousands of people…

  This month is National Dairy Month, so the Star Herald did some research on dairy and why we should care. Outside of the fact that dairy operations play a big role in our local ag economy, there are plenty of nutritional reasons we should stock milk and other dairy products in our fridges. • Milk is the number one food source, in terms of consumption, for three of the four nutrients the Dietary…

  The Star Herald isn’t lacking this week for topics that warrant thumbs up and thumbs down. Thumbs up — to local town celebrations. Luverne enjoyed great weather for its annual Buffalo Days celebration, and last weekend Hills enjoyed a proud weekend in the spotlight for its 125th Anniversary and Friendship Days events. Keep your eyes on the calendar for upcoming town parties, like Hardwick’s…

  A resolution adopted recently by the Luverne School Board is leading student involvement in athletics and activities in a more positive direction. Our young people will be better served by this change. Instead of thinking athletic and activity events as after-school events, the board views student participation in events as part of educating youth. At their May 28 board meeting, members watched…

  Earlier this year, Governor Dayton proposed legislation to require all public waters from lakes and rivers and drainage ditches to have a 50-foot vegetative buffer. The governor wanted to protect our drinking water while increasing wildlife habitat. He met with resistance from landowners and agricultural groups who balked at the idea of a “one-size-fits-all” solution to the problem. Last week’s…

Congratulations to the Class of 2015. It’s a proud time for the news staff at the Star Herald, because we’ve watched (mostly through the lenses of our cameras) these students grow up over the past 18 years. Through various photo opportunities, we’ve come to know them as they’ve risen through the ranks of preschool, elementary and high school, and by now we feel like we know them. We’ve…

  At this exciting time of year, we have many occasions to celebrate the amazing success of our students, including scholarship ceremonies, awards banquets and commencement activities.  These annual occasions exemplify our most valuable asset: an educated citizenry prepared to build the future prosperity of our communities and grow our competitive advantage. What does this really mean?  As public…

  Question: I bought a used vehicle and noticed that the horn does not work. Is a person required to have a horn? Answer: Yes, you are required to have a working horn in the State of Minnesota. According to Minnesota State Statute, “Every motor vehicle when operated upon a highway must be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from…