Luverne City Council members presented city attorney Ben Vander Kooi with a plaque of appreciation during their Dec. 18 meeting when they accepted his resignation.

Vander Kooi has served as Luverne’s city attorney for the past 22 years and is leaving the post effective Dec. 31. 

‘Donate to Decorate’ at library

Beaver Creek City Council members approved their 2026 budget and levy during their Dec. 10 meeting.

The levy was set at $169,326 for taxes payable in 2026. That’s a 5.5-percent increase over the current levy of $160,496.

New signage greets motorists at the corner of Highway 75 and County Road 75 near the community of Hardwick.

According to Hardwick City Clerk Tammy Johnson, the updates are thanks to grant funding a community and business effort to pursue the new look.

Christians believe “God so loved the world that he gave his only son” to take away the sins of the world (John 3:16), and as such, Christmas is a celebration of the arrival of Jesus as told in the Bible’s second chapter of Luke:

I enjoy seeing the variety of Christmas trees this time of year as people’s personal tastes and holiday spirit are expressed in their choice of lights and ornaments on the branches.

Many are truly beautiful, and I marvel at the creative investment in each of them.

The Luverne Cardinals wrestling team won three and lost five duals this past week.

At the Sibley Quadrangular Tuesday, Dec. 16, Luverne fell 47-24 to Sibley-Ocheyedan, 58-24 to Spirit Lake Park and 76-6 to West Sioux.

It’s not often that my column hits the stands and mailbox the day before Christmas. So, I thought I would take the opportunity to share a few of my Christmas memories from childhood to grandpa-hood. 

Strong, Brave and Hopeful

This fall has been rough for Luella and our family.

Luella began experiencing an increase in seizures over the summer, and in September a severe seizure on the school tennis court resulted in a concussion and eight stitches.