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 Sen. Bill WeberMarch 19, 2025Sen. Bill Weber, Luverne, Minnesota Senate, District 21 Congratulations to the Luverne High School boys’ hockey team on making the state tournement last week. Even though it was a tough loss, it was a tremendous honor to see our boys out there. Here’s a look at some of the bills I have introduced so far this year: •SF-164: This bill requires colleges and universities to have opioid…
By Mavis FodnessMarch 12, 2025Remodeling at the Rock County Courthouse moved into new phases as work on previous floors has come to a standstill. Workers are now on the second floor (court administration) as remodeling efforts on the first floor (land records office) wait for ordered materials to arrive. The 1888 courthouse in Luverne is undergoing remodeling and/or a refreshing of furnishings project in phases.…- By Lori SorensonMarch 12, 2025Luverne Initiatives for Tomorrow will host a community gala Friday night, March 21, to share information about current local initiatives. Jane Lanphere of the Luverne Chamber is helping to coordinate the event for LIFT. “We’re putting together a program we think people will be interested in,” she said. The gala at Big Top Event Center will start at 5 p.m. with a social hour. A Bluestem catered…
- By Mavis FodnessMarch 12, 2025A staff shortage will reduce the number of days available to schedule driving exams in Rock County from four down to one beginning Monday, March 31. The once-a-month option will be in effect through June 30. In Rock County, examiners will be available only on the second Wednesday of each month in April, May and June. The same once-a-month reduction is also effective in Pipestone, Murray and…
By Mavis FodnessMarch 12, 2025Demolition of the 100+-year-old former Hills-Beaver Creek High School began Tuesday morning. The 32,808-square-foot, three-story brick structure was last occupied by students in the fall of 2011, when the current secondary school opened for classes. DRC Inc. of Litchfield bid $448,000 for the demolition that began on the west side of the school. The attached Hug0 Goehle gym will be saved and…- By Lori SorensonMarch 12, 2025A 2024 study lists Rock County as the second-best county to live in Minnesota, which is the No. 2 state in the nation for raising families. This is based on data about education, housing, recreation, affordability and other factors. According to the study by SmartAsset, a financial technology company, Rock County is the second-best county in Minnesota to raise a family, based on four criteria…
March 12, 2025Jen Wipf (center), owner of Rock River Apothecary, was awarded the first-ever Battle of the Beverages plaque and event hosted by the Luverne Area Chamber. Through the month of February, 16 businesses and organizations in Rock County offered a signature beverage for customers to try and vote as their favorite drink. Wipf’s featured drink was called the Electric Apple.- By Lori SorensonMarch 12, 2025Mike and Cheryl Cox will receive more than $21,000 in city funds for a façade improvement project at their Main Street Financial Services Building at 212 E. Main Street in Luverne. At their Monday morning meeting, the Luverne Economic Development Authority approved an application by Mike & Cheryl Main Street Property LLC for funding to complete a facade improvement project. The total…
By Mavis FodnessMarch 12, 2025Ag lessons are a little more hands-on at Luverne Middle-High School, thanks to a donation by the Luverne American Legion Post 123 and the family of the late Al Willers. Legion member David Banck said the Willers family donated $500 toward a one-time scholarship. Instead of selecting one student as the recipient, Legion members decided to benefit an entire class. Ag teacher Travis Bullerman…
By Lori SorensonMarch 12, 2025Generations hosted 16 teams Saturday for its popular Puzzle Tournament, with three different categories and team configurations and two rounds of competition. Participants could enter 300-piece two-person teams, 500-piece three-person teams or 300-piece adult and youth teams. Winners were determined by who completed puzzles in the shortest amount of time. Austin and April Spronk won in the two…- By Lori SorensonMarch 12, 2025A Luverne man is facing felony charges following a recent Rock County investigation into criminal sexual misconduct. Court documents state that 80-year-old R G Hensley, owner of the Cozy Rest Motel in Luverne, was charged with first-degree and second-degree criminal sexual conduct for illegal acts that allegedly occurred repeatedly between 2007 and 2017. According to the complaint filed in Rock…
- March 12, 2025The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources State Climatology Office is seeking rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure precipitation in their backyards using a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge. Participants submit their precipitation reports online. The data from backyard rain…
- March 12, 2025The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is now accepting applications for water storage grants to help make landscapes more resilient to severe weather events. Eligible applicants include soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, municipalities, counties, tribal governments and joint powers organizations. The state is experiencing more frequent and intense…
March 12, 2025Kadhim is a native of Iraq and in 2008 began classes at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, graduating in 2013. He attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion from 2018-2022, receiving a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice/sociology. Kadhim was hired as a Rock County deputy sheriff in August, after graduating from Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Worthington. He…
By Mavis FodnessMarch 12, 2025Twelve residents at Tuff Memorial Home in Hills prepared more than 1,000 meals in a volunteer activity that left them feeling a sense of purpose. Representatives from Then Feed Just One, a mobile food-packing organization based in LeMars, Iowa, traveled to Hills Feb. 22. They coordinated the assembly-line filling of plastic bags containing soy, dried vegetables, rice, vitamins and minerals.…- By Mavis FodnessMarch 12, 2025The Luverne High School speech team secured two team trophies from invitational tournaments on March 1 and 8. Redwood Valley Cardinal Invitational Nine LHS students earned awards at the Redwood Valley Cardinal Speech Tournament in Redwood Falls March 1. The team finished sixth out of 22 teams with 42 points. Russell-Tyler-Ruthton won the event with 136. LHS students earning recognition…
You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.
