Public forum addresses city charter amendment question on Nov. 3 ballot
Luverne voters will be asked in the Nov. 3 general election if they support an amendment to change their city’s government charter.
County proposed tax levy to increase 5% instead of 7.46%
After initially looking at a tax levy increase of 7.46% for 2027, the Rock County Board of Commissioners has reduced the proposed tax levy amount to increase 5%.
Merc to receive EDA grant for facade improvements
The Luverne Economic Development Authority approved a $15,904 façade improvement grant for Luverne Initiatives for Tomorrow (LIFT) for work on The Merc.
Generations celebrates 56 years, honors Neva Claussen
Generations celebrated its 56th anniversary on Sept. 12 with an open house, which included recognition for Neva Claussen who served the organization for 35 years.
Public forum to address city charter amendment
Luverne voters will be asked in the Nov. 3 general election if they support an amendment to change their city’s government charter.
Meals on Wheels faces funding shortage
A recent funding reduction has forced southwest Minnesota’s local Meals on Wheels program to scale back its services, prioritizing those with the highest needs.
News
September 16, 2026Join moderator Scott Marquardt, Executive Director of the Southwest Initiative Foundation, as he leads a forum on the proposed public utilities commission charter amendment. This forum was held Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at the Palace Theatre in Luverne, Minnesota, with Isaac DeBoer, Lori Hallstrom and Sheryl Staeffler representing the Charter Amendment Committee and Barb Berghorst, Mert…
By Lori SorensonSeptember 16, 2026Luverne voters will be asked in the Nov. 3 general election if they support an amendment to change their city’s government charter. If adopted, it would change the structure and governance of Luverne’s municipal utilities, transferring powers and responsibilities from the city council to a “Municipal Services Commission.” Since the ballot question was approved this summer, the proposal has…
By Nicole RonchettiSeptember 16, 2026After initially looking at a tax levy increase of 7.46% for 2027, the Rock County Board of Commissioners has reduced the proposed tax levy amount to increase 5%. Four factors contributed to the reduction. The first is that the county’s planned appropriation to A.C.E. of Southwest Minnesota was reduced by nearly $19,500 after the organization received a grant. The second is that Rock County…- By Lori SorensonSeptember 16, 2026At their Monday morning meeting, members of the Luverne Economic Development Authority approved loans for a salon business and building owner downtown totaling $10,000. The Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program through USDA Rural Development helps capitalize local revolving loan funds for small and emerging rural businesses. Monday’s approval involved two loans, one for D&A Real…
September 16, 2026Bonnie Meinerts and Denise Severtson hosted the Rock County Master Gardeners Saturday morning for the group’s annual Garden Tour. The 10 tourists were treated to freshly baked coffee cake and homegrown watermelon at Meinerts’ location, and they got to pick a flower at Severtson farm which offered for sale pumpkins, broom corn, decorative corn and gourds. According to Master Gardener Lynette…
September 16, 2026The Luverne Economic Development Authority approved a $15,904 façade improvement grant for Luverne Initiatives for Tomorrow (LIFT) for work on The Merc. The scope of work on the storefront at 205 E. Main Street includes: •replacing the entire storefront with new windows, door, and columns •adding a sign panel area with smooth panel and trim above the new storefront glass (up to the upper story…- September 16, 2026The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is accepting applications now through Oct. 1, 2026, for its program, including the 2027 Horticulture Core Course, beginning Dec. 29, 2026. People in all of Minnesota’s 87 counties and of any experience level are welcome to apply. In 2025, 3,498 certified Master Gardener volunteers across the state contributed 208,400…
By Lori SorensonSeptember 16, 2026The Hardwick community hosted a ribbon-cutting celebration Saturday morning for the opening of the new gas pumps along County Road 7 in Hardwick. Chandler Coop recently purchased the pumps from the city of Hardwick and invested in new equipment and property updates that were recently completed. Hardwick city clerk Tammy Johnson thanked the company for investing in the community. “They have…
September 16, 2026The intersection of Main Street and Highway 75 has been closed since Aug. 24 for construction, and will remain so for several more weeks. Workers are rebuilding the intersection to include wider turn radiuses for truck traffic, safer pedestrian crossing and a new traffic signal system. That has affected the landscaping at the corners, which the Minnesota Department of Transportation is working to…
By Nicole RonchettiSeptember 16, 2026Generations celebrated its 56th anniversary on Sept. 12 with an open house, which included recognition for Neva Claussen who served the organization for 35 years. First chartered in 1970 as the Luverne Senior Citizens it operated in the former Lincoln Hotel during its early years. In 2019 it changed its name to Generations, and two years later it purchased its current building at 105 South…
September 16, 2026Lori Sorenson (left) of Carson's Cause accepts a gift of $3,000 from Tom Strassburg of the Ben Franklin Masonic Lodge, Luverne. The grant is awarded through the Minnesota Masonic Charities Matching Funds Grants Program to supplement dollars raised through the Buffalo Days Run 4A Cause fundraiser event this summer. The gift will offset costs of professional programming the local nonprofit uses to…
September 16, 2026This week, Sept. 13-19, is National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, and Rock County Opportunities (RCO) is honoring the support professionals who work individuals with disabilities. “They are teachers, coaches, advocates, and companions who empower the individuals we serve to build independence, find meaningful work, and take part in the life of our community,” said Eric Sage, Rock…
September 16, 2026Throughout the year, Rock County 4-H youth select project areas that reflect personal areas of interest and pursue hands-on learning in both self-directed and guided environments. The results of their learning are exhibited each July at the Rock County Fair. A collection of the best exhibits from each division are then brought to the 4-H Building and livestock barns at the Minnesota State Fair…
September 16, 2026The Hills-Beaver Creek Homecoming court was recognized on Monday, Sept. 14, in the secondary school in Hills. They are (front, from left) Joseph Brission, Malachi Bush, Easton Giles, Karson Metzger, Tryg Tollefson, Tatyana Williams, Lena Barazer, Aspyn Bartels, Hope Bosch, Lula Susie, (back row), Camdyn Broesder, Jed Fagerness, Hunter Leenderts, Riggins Rheault, Brynn Bakken, Olivia Deelstra,…
September 10, 2026Watch the video below or use the links below to jump to specific sections of the video.
September 09, 2026Sept. 10 is recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day during National Suicide Prevention Month in September. In Rock County communities are “Lighting the Town Purple” as a show of community support for brain health and suicide prevention. The initiative is raising money for the Rock County GAP fund (Grant Assistance Program), which helps local individuals afford mental health care. The GAP fund…
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