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
By Nicole RonchettiSeptember 02, 2026The Hills City Council voted against allowing three farmers to remove their agricultural lands from city limits in an ongoing dispute between the landowners and the city. The council’s decision was made unanimously during its meeting on July 14, contesting the farmers’ request. Now it’s up to the farmers whether to take the issue to court. Background The precipitating events to the council’s…
By Lori SorensonSeptember 02, 2026The city of Luverne and airport staff hosted the annual fly-in and drive-in breakfast at the Luverne Municipal Airport Saturday under partially overcast skies and breezy conditions. The event attracted roughly 550 people, including 90 classic car drivers and more than 10 aircraft, including the Sanford AirMed helicopter. The morning included an all-you-can-eat pancake-and-sausage breakfast (a…
September 02, 2026When students in Luverne and Hills-Beaver Creek school districts return to class next week, they’ll be greeted by familiar staff and also new faces in the classrooms. Luverne’s newest teachers are (from left) Jeanette Vanden Hoek, high school chemistry; Brooklyn Ver Steeg, elementary physical education; Cody Henrichs, middle school and high school art; and Shayla Rainford, middle school and high…
By Lori SorensonSeptember 02, 2026“Amazing,” is how Chantel Connell describes what it’s been like to return to her job at the Announcer and Star Herald in Luverne. “I’m enjoying myself,” she said. “I’m visiting with my old clients. Getting back in my groove.” And she’s getting hugs. Which isn’t surprising, considering the relationships she built over 20 years of calling on clients. Connell returned to newspaper sales this…
September 02, 2026Luverne native Jennifer Iveland was recently promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army. The promotion took place Aug. 3 in Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, where her parents, Dan and Deb Iveland, and her husband, Matthew Knutson, attended. Her parents and husband were involved in the pinning ceremony, removing the pins from each shoulder designating her as a major and replacing…- September 02, 2026Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison last week joined a coalition of 25 states in filing a lawsuit against the United States Postal Service (USPS) challenging its new rule that purports to grant USPS the authority to regulate mail voting in elections. On Aug. 27, a federal judge in Massachusetts temporarily blocked the USPS from enforcing rules that would have required states to overhaul…
By MN DNRSeptember 02, 2026Whether people are looking for a day trip or a full weekend, Minnesota state parks and trails have something everyone can enjoy this Labor Day weekend. “For those looking to savor the last bit of Minnesota summer, state parks and trails have so many opportunities to get outside,” said Ann Pierce, director of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Parks and Trails Division. “During the…
September 02, 2026Luverne Public Schools and regional educators recently expanded hands-on STEM education in rural Minnesota with the launch of RESEPI — the Rural Experiential STEM Education Partnership Initiative. Luverne hosted Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU), South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC), Southwest West Central Service Cooperative (SWWC) for the launch event Aug. 24. The event was an…
September 02, 2026The Brandenburg siblings celebrated a combined 243 years of marriage at Revel Kitchen and Cocktails in Luverne on Aug. 19. Brothers Everett, Larry and Gary Brandenburg and sister Audrey Jansen and their spouses all have summer anniversaries and get together annually to celebrate. Everett and Jan (Nelson) Brandenburg of Luverne celebrated 71 years of their wedding day in Luverne on Aug. 7,…
By Lori SorensonAugust 26, 2026The Kids Rock! Child Care Center in Luverne has a new director following an annual inspection of licensed childcare centers for compliance with state health, safety and education standards. The inspection resulted in more than two dozen infractions, and assistant director Andrea Smith has replaced outgoing director Sara Robinson to ensure the concerns are addressed. Kids Rock! Board president…
August 26, 2026U.S. Senator and Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Amy Kchildcare facility in Luverne Tuesday morning, taking time to greet staff members and read children’s books to toddlers. Kin securing funding for the facility, successfully advocating for $2.6 million in federal financing for the project. Now the childcare center offers services for infants through school-age students, and is licensed to…
By Nicole RonchettiAugust 26, 2026Rock County could be looking at a 7.46% increase to its tax levy in 2027, based on a preliminary budget presented to county commissioners on Aug. 18. The budget has the total amount levied increasing from $7,835,604 to $8,420,219. Each percent increase to the levy accounts for approximately $78,000, with the total increase measuring out to $584,615. Some of the increase comes from expected…
By Nicole RonchettiAugust 26, 2026The intersection of Main Street and Highway 75 is officially closed for construction, and will remain so for several weeks. The closure began on Aug. 24 and is expected to last for 40 days as crews rebuild the intersection to include wider turn radiuses and a new traffic signal system. In addition to the intersection itself, the blocks to the west, south and east are all blocked from traffic,…
By Nicole RonchettiAugust 26, 2026Dr. Jen Rose-Post has traded the busy traffic of New Jersey for the cornfields of Minnesota and Iowa, joining the Rock Veterinary Clinic as its newest small animal vet. “I definitely don’t mind not having to drive through traffic every morning,” she said. Rose-Post joined the clinic earlier this summer after moving with her new husband, who’s from the Rock Valley, Iowa, area. But this isn’t…
By Lori SorensonAugust 26, 2026During a meeting earlier this summer, Luverne City Council members heard a report from Laura Gee about the Luverne Municipal Airport and about the Blue Mound Area Theatre Board. Gee and her husband, Ryan, ashe is also president of BMAT. Between reports at that July 1microphone as the council asked her to “switch hats” for the next report. Airport manager She told the council that she and her…- August 26, 2026DGR Engineering recently opened office space in Luverne, with staff operating out of the Luverne City Hall building. According to DGR president Curt Dieren, the Luverne office expands the firm’s presence in southwest Minnesota and allows it to better provide service to clients closer to their communities. “We appreciate the growing number of clients we are working with in the southwest…
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