Opinion
By Matthew Sorenson, Rock County SheriffSeptember 02, 2026It’s been called to my attention that detoured traffic is creating hazards for pedestrians in the downtown area of Luverne. Now with school starting, these hazards will be replicated all over town, as drivers are navigating unfamiliar routes and students are making their way to and from class. In particular, the question I heard was, “Do pedestrians have responsibilities to cross the street…- By Lori SorensonSeptember 02, 2026I learned last week that new refrigerators, the kind that cost $5,000, are equipped with cameras on the inside. Upon learning this, my immediate thought was, “Oh good. Another tool to curb late night snacking.” I imagined the refrigerator syncing with my diet and exercise app to report undocumented calories. •two slices of ham •two tablespoons of French onion dip •three bites of…
- By Lori SorensonAugust 26, 2026As we head into the thick of campaign season ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, we have several local races on our countywide ballots and a highly impactful ballot question in Luverne. Now might be a good time to consider the tone of campaign messaging — how we reach out to residents to request their votes. Will we over-inflate the virtues of a candidate or ballot issue? Or will we present…
By Jason BerghorstAugust 26, 2026For 13 summers, I’ve had the opportunity to write part-time for the Star Herald when on break from my real job as a teacher. As a high school teacher, I have the opportunity to attend many graduation parties each spring. I’ve written at least one column over the years about “grad parties,” how they both change and stay the same, and how much I do enjoy them. One of the aspects of graduation…
By Calla Jarvie, Rock County Library directorAugust 26, 2026September is one of the most exciting months at the library. For one thing, it’s Library Card Sign-Up Month. If you don’t have a library card, get yourself into the library and sign up for one ASAP! But the big event in September is the Friends of the Library annual book sale. Every year, the Friends of the Rock County Community Library put on a massive book sale in the basement of the…
By Nicole RonchettiAugust 19, 2026I have a confession to make: I own too many houseplants. Not by my estimations, of course, but maybe by others. The greenery brings me peace, as does the careful care each week of checking their water levels, their leaves and their health. That’s why when I moved to Luverne I thought it was fitting to buy a new houseplant in honor of the move. I knew the species I wanted, shopped around, and…- By Star Herald EditorialAugust 19, 2026On Aug. 21, National Senior Citizens Day recognizes the achievements of the more mature representatives of our nation. The day provides an opportunity to show our appreciation for their dedication, accomplishments, and services they give throughout their lives. In Rock County, nearly 24% of our population is comprised of seniors 65 and older, compared with less than 19% of the national…
By Lori SorensonAugust 12, 2026We said goodbye last month to our beloved Chance, who was such a good boy — the best of all good boys among dogs. And he made us better human beings after showing what true love, loyalty and devotion look like. He lived to be nearly 15 years old, and we were lucky enough to become his adoptive family through Tracy Area Animal Rescue when he was 3 years old. We were told he was a well-behaved…- By Star Herald EditorialAugust 12, 2026Local blood donations urgently needed National shortage hitting locally, blood drive scheduled for Aug. 17 The American Red Cross has declared a national blood supply crisis, only the second in its history, after blood donations have hit the lowest summer numbers in four years. This shortage isn’t just affecting faraway places, it’s also hitting close to home, with the Sanford Luverne…
- By Mark Wallig, LuverneAugust 12, 2026To the editor: Luverne has been my summer home for many years. My wife was born and raised here. I’ve been very dismayed that Luverne now has five marijuana dispensaries, only one liquor store, and no diner where one can buy a traditional breakfast. I wish Wildflowers well in their new location. I would suggest that they expand their menu to include the typical bacon and eggs breakfast and…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolAugust 12, 2026Question: I saw your last article was about stopping. With school just around the corner, can you talk about stopping for the school bus? Answer: I certainly can and with last year’s law change it’s a good reminder. Previously, the law required drivers to stop for a bus’s red flashing lights and extended stop arm. Alarmingly, this could create a situation where some drivers might pass the bus…- By Minnesota League of Women VotersAugust 05, 2026The leaders we elect make decisions that affect our daily lives. Elections are our chance to stand up for what matters most to us and to have an impact on the issues that affect us, our communities, our families and our future. It’s our civic duty to vote, and it’s our responsibility to be prepared for Election Day. Aug. 11 is the primary election, and the Minnesota League of Women Voters has…
By Brenda Winter, columnistAugust 05, 2026I’m going to teach the Life Skills class at E q u i p t Christian School in Luverne this fall so I’ve spent a lot of time lately pondering which life skills are most important to students in grades K-6. Big Picture skills come to mind such as “how to maintain committed relationships” or “how to manage money.” Last year the students studied carpentry, farming, sewing, cooking, party planning…
August 05, 2026Question: With summer being upon us, can you get some information out in regards to motorcycle safety? Answer: Operating a motorcycle requires different skills than driving a car, so there are some additional requirements for motorcycle riders: •Motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of their lanes and have all the rights and duties of other drivers. •Operators must have a valid license…- By Star Herald EditorialJuly 29, 2026Rock County voters will participate in the Aug. 11 primary election that also affects the Dist. 3 Rock County Board seat and the South Ward Luverne City Council seat. Rock County District 3 generally encompasses the northwest neighborhoods of Luverne and rural Rock County sections four miles west of Highway 75 between 131st Street and the Iowa border. It also includes the sections east of…
By Jason Berghorst, reporterJuly 29, 2026It all began at the pre-trip meeting. As chaperone for a church youth trip to Colorado, I was given a waiver to sign. The waiver released the owners of the ranch from any responsibility if a planned horseback trail ride in the mountains ended poorly. Horseback ride? No way. Guys my size with limited animal experience are not meant to ride horses on flat ground, let alone on hillsides. …
You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.
