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Opinion

  • By Scott Rall, outdoors columnist
    September 10, 2025
    The numbers are in, and they are the best we have had in a very long time. The Minnesota DNR has released the results of the August roadside counts, and if you are a pheasant hunter you should be excited. I have been doing the Nobles County Roadside Count routes for about 15 years. It took me over 20 years of waiting to get that volunteer job. I had to wait until the current driver either…
  • By Tom Getman
    September 03, 2025
    Recently friends from across the country and the world expressed concern about what life is like in the District of Columbia, which is occupied by out-of-state soldiers. We are asking, “Why does an authoritarian national leader now feel a need to govern us with misinformation-laced theatrics and an unconstitutional military force in place of our very capable local elected officials?” It has a…
  • By Mavis Fodness, reporter
    September 03, 2025
    We take our eyesight for granted. Each morning we don either glasses or contacts, with the luckier ones having no assistance whatsoever, in order to see clearly. I’ve learned recently that some people need transplants in order to achieve clear sight. Two Minnesotans currently have their sight again, thanks to Bryan’s donated corneas. A letter from the Dakota Lions Sight and Health in Sioux…
  • By Rick Peterson, general manager
    September 03, 2025
    I can’t help myself this time of year, but all I think about is football. High school, college and the pros – I can’t get enough of it. I share my high school team loyalties between the Redwood Valley and the Luverne Cardinals. This year there isn’t a Peterson grandson on the Redwood varsity team, so the local Cards get all my support. That is subject to change next year, however. As a product…
  • By Calla Jarvie, Rock County Library director
    September 03, 2025
    September is a great month at the library – but then again, every month is a great month at the library. What makes September so special? I’m glad you asked. It’s Library Card Sign-Up Month! There are almost 3900 people who have library cards with the Rock County Community Library, which is fantastic. However, we always have room for more! Check your wallet: do you see a green library card…
  • August 27, 2025
    Whether children walk, ride their bicycle or take the bus to school, it’s extremely important that they take proper safety precautions. As students return to school, the National Safety Council offers the following tips for children to safely travel to and from school:    Walkers: Review family walking safety rules and practice walking to school with your child. ●Walk on the sidewalk if one…
  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    August 27, 2025
    Question: I was driving in the metro area the other day and I witnessed a bus driving on the shoulder. Is this allowed? Answer: Transit buses and metro mobility buses are permitted to use the shoulder of a freeway or expressway. Buses can use the shoulder only when main-line traffic speeds are less than 35 miles per hour. Bus drivers on the shoulder may not exceed the speed of main-line traffic…
  • August 20, 2025
    Wellness Month is observed in August when we’re encouraged to focus on improving our overall health and well-being. In our Rock County communities there are countless opportunities to engage in activities that support physical, mental, emotional and social health.  We have walking and biking paths, splash pads, fitness centers and numerous classes for senior balance and strength training. But…
  • By Lori Sorenson, editor
    August 20, 2025
    In the days following my husband’s appointment as sheriff, friends and acquaintances have, in gest, called me the future “First Lady” of Rock County. While I was flattered, something about the title for a sheriff’s wife didn’t ring true, so I asked Siri. In short, “first lady” is typically reserved for the wives of presidents, governors and mayors, but not for the wives of sheriffs.  By…
  • By Rick Peterson, general manager
    August 20, 2025
    August is a busy family celebration month at our household. We have three birthdays and two anniversaries on the calendar this month. One of the birthdays belongs to me, and one of the anniversaries reminds Mary and me it’s been 48 years since the “I do’s” were exchanged. Those of you who have 48 years or more of marriage under your belts probably already know there are only so many ways to…
  • August 13, 2025
    Aug. 6 marked the 60th Anniversary of the passage of the federal Voting Rights Act, which most historians would put on their top 10 list of most consequential acts ever passed by the U.S. Congress. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon reached out last week to observe the date and to encourage Minnesotans to continue their long history of strong voter turnout. He said the legislation stands…
  • By Calla Jarvie, Rock County Library director
    August 13, 2025
    In case we don’t know each other, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Calla Jarvie, your friendly neighborhood library director. I have lived in Luverne since 2013, and I have been lucky enough to be the Rock County Community library director since 2018. Rock County is a wonderful place, but hands down, my favorite spot is the library. First of all, it’s got working air conditioning (most of the…
  • August 06, 2025
    The Star Herald has received a number of suggestions for “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” mentions in recent weeks. They include: Thumbs down — to train delays at intersections in town. The community appreciates that our railroad is vibrant and contributing to the local economy, but frequent and lengthy delays in the middle of town are not only an inconvenience to motorists, they can be a public…
  • By Mavis Fodness, reporter
    August 06, 2025
    I noticed the angels surrounding me beginning late afternoon on July 11. They’re not angels as supernatural beings with actual wings, but angels in the sense of the compassion and care they displayed in the three weeks following my husband’s motorcycle accident and resulting funeral on July 26. I’ve offered a personal thank you to many of these angels, while some I’ve yet to meet and maybe I…
  • By RIck Peterson, general manager
    August 06, 2025
    The first week of August is in the books, and the back-to-school shopping season is well underway. It’s fair to say back-to-school shopping isn’t what it used to be. Granted, I am out of the loop when it comes to back-to-school shopping. For this column I reached out to my two granddaughters for their help with the “must have” back-to-school clothes, shoes and school supplies. Brooke is a soon-…
  • By Brenda Winter
    July 30, 2025
    Jim and I were enjoying a blistering hot summer evening on the Take 16 patio when our out-of-town guests asked casually, “So what’s with all the nutcrackers?”  An eerie silence fell over our table, and the free-flowing conversation was stalled by the question no one can answer. We took small, nervous sips of our ice-cold beers, eyes darting from side to side. The air was thick enough to cut…
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