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 Lori SorensonMarch 26, 2025Luverne City Council members heard a presentation about Minnesota GreenStep Cities during their March 18 meeting at City Hall. A GreenStep city refers to a city that emphasizes sustainability, good air quality, low pollution and accessible green spaces as important elements of urban development and promotion. Nadya Bucklin of the Southwest Regional Development Commission shared information…
- March 26, 2025Meetings Suicide Loss Support Group will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 31, in the Rock County Library basement. Pleasant View Cemetery Association will meet for their annual meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, April 7, in the home of Allen and Sue Nuffer, rural Hills. Call 605-929-1593 with questions. Nutrition for Seniors April 3 Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors 60 and older,…
By Mavis FodnessMarch 26, 2025A throwback to the 1980s takes place next week when the Green Earth Players (GEP) perform “A Night at the Palace at the Palace Theatre” April 4-6 and 10-13. The three one act plays feature local cast members portraying one or more parts in each 30-minute production. A similar format was last performed by the GEP 40 years ago. Since the January auditions, first-time directors Haley Boltjes and…
By Mavis FodnessMarch 26, 2025Martin Township joined the city of Hills in plans to refurbish the existing 29-year-old rescue truck. Under the joint-powers agreement, the two entities will split the cost. Martin Township voted to move forward with the refurbishing of the 1996 Ford at the annual meeting March 11, as recommended by Hills Area Fire Department chief Jared Rozeboom. He said his decision comes from the department…
March 26, 2025Allen Nuffer (right) of rural Hills was recognized Tuesday, March 11, at the annual township meeting for his 30 years of service as a Martin township supervisor. Presenting Nuffer with an appreciation plaque was Martin Township secretary Doug Bos. Friends and family were invited to the meeting to share cake and ice cream.
By Mavis FodnessMarch 26, 2025Bulletin boards at Luverne Elementary are filled with pictures of college mascots during March Madness as students celebrate local, regional or nationally known colleges and universities. In September each of the elementary school teachers adopted a college with the idea that it’s never too early to introduce students to postsecondary education options, according to Luverne Elementary Principal…- By Mavis FodnessMarch 26, 2025The Luverne High School speech team claimed the second-place trophy Saturday at the Pipestone Arrow Invitational, one point out of first place. River Valley High School placed first in the large school category with 50 points, and Luverne scored 49. Fourteen schools participated in the speech invitational with 133 competitors. Eighteen LHS students were recognized with medals or ribbons.…
By Mavis FodnessMarch 26, 2025The Luverne High School ag mechanics team placed first in the Region 6 Competition March 11 in Jackson. Team members Jaden Reisch, Tucker Remme, Layne Sasker, Jessie Aning and Lucas Madison placed first overall, an impressive showing, according to FFA adviser Travis Bullerman. “They won four out of five areas and placed second in the remaining one,” he said. “This effort earns them a spot at…- March 19, 2025A Jasper resident was arrested last week following a March 11 search warrant executed at the residence 116 Spicer Avenue North, Jasper. As a result of a search warrant and investigation by the Buffalo Ridge Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, Marco Alejandro Ojeda was charged in Pipestone County district court with possession of pornographic work involving minors under the age of 14 years. This…
By Lori SorensonMarch 19, 2025The Luverne Fire Department was dispatched to a hog barn fire Thursday morning southeast of Luverne. The fire was reported at 11:18 a.m. March 13 at 1548 91st Street in a facility owned by Craig Stegenga. According to Luverne Fire Chief David Van Batavia, everyone was out of the building when the fire was reported. Firefighters battled the blaze by pulling down tin and removing burning…
By Mavis Fodness, reporterMarch 19, 2025A March 13 fire at Magnolia Milling LLC at 107 N. Broadway Street in Magnolia was started by ‘natural combustible elements.’ According to Magnolia Fire Chief Scott Dohlmann, the Magnolia Fire Department responded to a fire in the steel-framed building located at the corner of Broadway and State streets at 10:09 p.m. Luverne and Adrian fire departments provided mutual aid. Dohlmann said heavy…- By Mavis Fodness, reporterMarch 19, 2025In a March 13 work session, Luverne School Board members received their first look at proposed budget cuts for the 2025-26 school year. Previous board discussions indicated cuts would range from $250,000 to $1 million. The district is preparing budget cuts due to inflation and a projected enrollment drop of 35 students for the 2025-26 school year. The Thursday evening work session outlined…
By Lori SorensonMarch 19, 2025Dozens of people joined Monday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Luverne on Main Street where crowds also wore green to enjoy the festive parade entries. Below, Chamber Director Kenzi Klein hands out gold dollar coins at the end of the parade route. Below right, Star Herald staff Rick Peterson (in Ranger), Greg Hoogeveen and Heather Johnson toss candy. Dianne Ossenfort and her friends wave at parade…
By Lori SorensonMarch 19, 2025The Blue Mounds Baptist Church will lease space in the former Dragonfly building on East Main Street starting April 1. Pastor Jeremy Jacob, Luverne, is leading the new congregation as a “church plant” from East Side Baptist Church in Sioux Falls. “I prayed the Lord would give us a store front,” Jacob said. “That’s where the city is and that’s where the people are.” The church is leasing the…
By Lori SorensonMarch 19, 2025Hills cabinet shop owner Dennis Hartman and his son, Tim Hartman, want to operate a cannabis retail business in southwestern Rock County. They approached the Rock County Board of Commissioners last summer before the county had established its ordinance. Since then, they’ve met with Hills and Beaver Creek city officials and township boards in Martin and Beaver Creek townships. Some of the local…
By Mavis Fodness, reporterMarch 19, 2025For the second year in a row, wind energy production taxes will exceed $1 million in Rock County. The five wind production farms will pay $1.062 million in 2025, about a $1,000 less than last year. The 165 turbines operating in the county generated 901,300 megawatt-hours of electricity in 2024. Walleye Wind, operating 39 turbines near Beaver Creek, will pay the most tax at $569,096 followed by…
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