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
- April 30, 2025The replacement of traffic signs which are at the end of their service lives began on April 28 along several highways in south central and southwest Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Traffic signs located on various highways in the following counties are being replaced: Blue Earth, Jackson, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Nobles, Rock, Sibley and Waseca. MnDOT replaces…
- April 30, 2025Four Rock County 4-H’ers were recently selected to receive scholarships awarded annually by the county federation executive committee. The recipients, their 4-H club and their parents are the following: •Brianna Kinsinger, Magnolia Juniors, Shawn and Teresa Kinsinger, Luverne. •Andrea Luitjens, Magnolia Juniors, Dean and Laura Luitjens, Luverne. •Gracie Fagerness, Blue Ribbon, Chris and Mary…
By Mavis FodnessApril 30, 2025Luverne High School junior Zander Carbonneau earned a seventh-place finish Friday during the Class A Minnesota State High School Speech Tournament in Shakopee. Carbonneau was one of the top eight students chosen for the extemporaneous speaking finals. Friday’s event was his fourth state tournament appearance. “The final round of extemporaneous speaking at state tournament is always a highlight…
By Mavis FodnessApril 30, 2025Nine Hills-Beaver Creek Secondary teachers and staff stepped up April 17 for the “Pie Your Teacher in the Face” fundraiser. Secondary students spent the prior week placing money into different buckets designating the seven teachers and two paraprofessionals who agreed to the challenge. The three buckets with the most money would be “pied.” Willing to have a pan full of whipped cream to their…- April 30, 2025Three Rock County organizations will split $2,484.90 in the latest Operation Round Up grants from Sioux Valley Energy (SVE). The H-BC Letter Club in Hills will receive $750 in funding for academic and sports letters, pins and an interactive television for a planned hall of fame. In Luverne, the Rock County Community Library received $750 to develop a story trail in the Luverne City Park, and…
April 30, 2025Students in the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes at Luverne Elementary School performed “Bunnies: The Musical” Thursday afternoon, April 24, to a packed house in the school’s performing arts center. Director Morgan Van Holland led the 85 first-time public performers through five songs. Each student wore a handmade paper hat depicting either a rabbit or a wolf.
April 30, 2025Luverne FFA chapter members drive tractors to school Friday and conduct a parade for the elementary students and residents at the Mary Jane Brown Good Samaritan Home. The event previously took place in February, so Friday’s 60-degree temperatures were more favorable for the 15 students to drive the farm implements to school.
By Kent Thiesse, Farm Management AnalystApril 30, 2025In the past 18 months there have been very few good opportunities for farmers to market corn and soybeans at favorable levels. This has resulted in a large amount of grain being sold below breakeven levels, as well as a significant amount of the 2024 corn crop still in storage on farms across the Midwest. This has also left farmers with some very difficult grain marketing decisions for both the…
April 30, 2025Hills-Beaver Creek High School hosted its junior-senior prom Friday night with the theme, “A Night in the City.” Promgoers enjoyed a Tony’s catered meal of beef tips and mashed potatoes before the dance, and after-prom activities were at Big Top Tents and Events in Luverne where there were snacks, games, axe throwing and a hypnotist.
April 30, 2025Luverne High School hosted its junior-senior prom Saturday night with the theme, “Dancing on the Stars.” Promgoers enjoyed prom events all located at the school. There was a dance followed by after-prom activities that included bingo, casino-style games, volleyball and a hypnotist.
By Lori SorensonApril 23, 2025U.S. senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith stopped in Luverne Wednesday, April 16, to celebrate the completion for the Kids Rock! Child Care Center. The senators were instrumental in securing a $2.6 million USDA grant for the facility’s construction, and Wednesday was a chance for them to see how the investment was put to use. After touring the interior, they paused in the lobby to congratulate…- 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 Lori SorensonApril 23, 2025Area corn and soybean growers started planting in earnest over the previous week as soil temperatures and planting conditions improved markedly after mid-April. Soil temperatures warmed up to near 50 degrees by April 13-18, which is near the minimum desired soil temperature for good corn planting and seed germination conditions. In his latest “Focus on Ag,” Farm Analyst Kent Thiesse said…
By Mavis FodnessApril 23, 2025A time capsule was discovered April 15 during the last stages of the former Hills High School demolition. Brad McColley with DRC of Litchfield was operating the excavator and had a partial wall left to remove in the southeast corner of the 32,808-square-foot building. He was cautious since the wall abutted the current Hugo Goehle gymnasium, which is undergoing renovations and is not part of the…
By Lori SorensonApril 23, 2025The Luverne Board of Appeals and Adjustments granted a variance request for the former Vinnie’s property on South Highway 75. They met Monday night in Luverne City Hall as a follow-up to the Monday, April 14, public hearing on the matter. Peter Dikun of Dikun Properties requested a variance to commercial setbacks requirements on his property at 704 S. Kniss Ave. in Luverne. He's planning to…
By Lori SorensonApril 23, 2025Inmates with Rock Nobles Community Corrections have been working on the former Luverne Armory to get interior rooms ready for county office space later this year. After the new National Guard Readiness Center opened near I-90 in Luverne last year, the state transferred ownership of the former armory on Freeman Avenue to Rock County. Plans are underway to move the Rock County Land Management…
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