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 RonchettiAugust 26, 2026Rock County’s levy could increase 7.46% for taxes payable in 2027, and cost increases for Southwest Health and Human Services would account for roughly half that increase. That’s according to preliminary budget discussion at the Aug. 18, Rock County Board meeting. Of the $584,615 levy increase, $294,277 is for SWHHS in 2027. This represents a 10% increase to the county’s contribution to the…
By Lori SorensonAugust 26, 2026Rep. Brad Finstad of Minnesota’s First Congressional District was in Luverne Monday as part of southwest Minnesota roundtable discussions with local leaders about issues impacting their communities. In Luverne he met with members of the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System and Rock County Rural Water for a roundtable discussion to discuss their ongoing expansion projects. Finstad pledged…- By Lori SorensonAugust 26, 2026On Saturday, the city of Luverne and airport staff will host the annual fly-in and drive-in breakfast at the Luverne Municipal Airport, Quentin Aanenson Field. Last year’s event attracted roughly 600 people, dozens of classic cars and nearly 50 visiting aircraft. Saturday’s event from 7 a.m. to noon includes an all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast, skydiving and inflatables for kids…
August 26, 2026The most recent feature of the Rock County Historical Society’s America 250 Passport Series was a performance by a barbershop quartet at the Hinkly House in Luverne on Sunday, Aug. 23. The All Nighters Barbershop Quartet, made up of singers from South Dakota, wowed audiences with a broad selection of classic tunes performed in the characteristic four-part a cappella style. Dean Knutson performed…
August 26, 2026For the fourth straight year, Becker’s Hospital Review has named Sanford Luverne and Rock Rapids’ Tammy Loosbrock to the 2026 edition of its community hospital CEOs to know. The list honors community hospital chief executive officers dedicated to “delivering high-quality, affordable care within their communities,” Sanford shared in an Aug. 18 press release. In collaboration with their…
By Lori SorensonAugust 21, 2026The city of Luverne has been approved for a grant through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) totaling $830,820. The funds are awarded through DEED’s Business Development Public Infrastructure (BDPI) Grant Program, which helps communities build or expand infrastructure to “create jobs, grow the tax base and support local economic development.” In Luverne,…
By Lori SorensonAugust 21, 2026At their Monday meeting, members of the Luverne Economic Development Authority approved a Facade Improvement Program application for the Herb N’ Legend building on East Main Street. Business owners Terry Gray and Monty Hagedorn are planning a façade improvement for the storefront at 218 E. Main Street. Bids came in at $32,770 for the work, which includes a refresh of the exterior façade, with…
By Lori SorensonAugust 19, 2026Twenty-three-year-old Jayson Delfs, Hardwick, entered a guilty plea Monday morning in Rock County District Court to the charge of criminal vehicular homicide. He admitted in a crowded courtroom that on March 27, 2025, he took the life of 47-year-old Grant Crawford, rural Jasper, when he rear-ended Crawford’s pickup while driving intoxicated at 129 mph. According to the plea petition, Delfs…
By Lori SorensonAugust 19, 2026Legal proceedings for Luverne murder suspect Melvin Frazier are suspended following a Rule 20 motion that was granted in Rock County District Court Monday. A Rule 20 evaluation is conducted by a court-appointed examiner to assess a defendant’s ability to understand the proceedings and assist in their defense. Frazier, 61, is accused of killing 47-year-old Janelle Lea Carlson in their Luverne…
By Nicole RonchettiAugust 19, 2026After 33 years on the job, Rock County Administrator Kyle Oldre officially submitted his notice of retirement during the Aug. 18 county board meeting. Oldre’s final day of service will be Feb. 28, 2027. “After 33 wonderful years, making the decision to step away is truly bittersweet,” Oldre told the board. “It has been a distinct privilege to serve the residents of Rock County for over three…
By Nicole RonchettiAugust 19, 2026A misunderstanding between Rock County and Lyon County led to a temporary budget shortfall for the local construction and demolition landfill. The two counties have been operating under an agreement in which Rock County hauls its municipal solid waste to Lyon County, and Lyon County sends its construction and demolition waste back to Rock County. “This agreement goes back probably 25, 30…
By Jason BerghorstAugust 19, 2026Members of the Luverne High School marching band recently completed long hours of band camp in preparation for the 2026 fall marching season. “These kids have worked incredibly hard over 80 hours the last two weeks to learn this show,” band director James Jarvie said at the Aug. 13 preview show. “This is still very much a work in progress, but they’re off to a great start,” he said. Senior…
By Lori SorensonAugust 19, 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 by voters, 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.” This five-member commission (three elected, two appointed…
August 19, 2026Naturalists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service led a prairie wildflowers nature walk Wednesday morning, Aug. 12, at Touch the Sky Prairie where participants learned which wildflowers are in bloom and what to expect in the coming months. The waterfall trail hike, which involved more than 30 people, was part of Rock County’s America 250 Passport Series honoring the nation’s independence…- By Jason BerghorstAugust 19, 2026With the Aug. 11 primary in the rearview mirror, attention has turned to the Nov. 3 general election, which presents several contested races for Rock County voters. Depending on where voters live, local ballots will include the following candidates this fall. County offices There three contested races for county officials on the fall ballot. All Rock County voters will have an…
By Nicole RonchettiAugust 19, 2026A new future is about to begin for Hardwick’s gas station, with Chandler Co-op stepping in as the new owner and operator. Chandler Co-op has officially purchased the station on First Street from the city of Hardwick with plans to have it operating by the end of August. “Chandler Co-op has built a strong reputation for serving communities throughout southwest Minnesota, and we are excited to…
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