The long-awaited day has arrived, and Luverne is now home to the world’s largest nutcracker. It stands 73 feet from ground level, with the nutcracker itself towering above visitors at 65 feet, plus the 8-foot-tall base it stands on.

Work is continuing on Highway 75 in Luverne, with the closure of the Dodge Street intersection as the next big change residents can expect.

The Kids Rock! Childcare Center in Luverne has been open for one year, and a cthe milestone.

An outdoor open house event will feature ice cream floats and inflatables from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 26, at the childcare center on 1 Roundwind Road in Luverne.

The Luverne Charter Commission met in two special sessions in the past week to address a citizen petition for a Nov. 3 ballot question amending the city’s charter to allow for a municipal utilities commission.

The City of Beaver Creek has approved an agreement with the Hills-Beaver Creek School District to purchase the former elementary school for $1 and then demolish it. 

Hardwick’s Jubilee Day celebration is this weekend, and it will include an all-school reunion and a chance to stamp another event in the America 250 Rock County Passport. 

The City of Luverne received the League of Minnesota Cities 2026 City of Excellence Award in the under 5,000 population category for its Kids Rock! Child Care Center. Luverne leaders will be recognized Thursday night, June 25, at the League’s Annual Conference in Rochester. 

Meetings 

Al-Anon group will meet each Wednesday at 8 p.m. in the library at United Methodist Church in Luverne. Use the back northwest door for entrance. 

America 250 Rock County 

Passport series