editorial
- By Sara Wahl, SWCC Executive DirectorOctober 07, 2026October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact of domestic violence, to honor survivors, to remember those whose lives have been lost and to commit to helping everyone live free from violence and fear. For the Southwest Crisis Center (SWCC), this work happens year-round — not just in October. Since 1984, SWCC has provided support, advocacy, and hope to individuals…
- By Star Herald EditorialSeptember 30, 2026In small towns, suburbs and cities across America, local newspapers are there for the moments that matter — elections and ballgames, new businesses and school decisions, celebrations and tragedies. How we deliver the news has changed. Why we do it hasn’t, according to Lynne Lance, executive director of the National Newspaper Association. “Newspapers inform their communities, hold government…
- By By Craig Oftedahl, Superintendent of Luverne Public Schools and Todd Holthaus, Superintendent of Hills-Beaver Creek Public SchoolsSeptember 30, 2026Minnesota voters will see a proposed constitutional amendment on the Nov. 3 general election ballot related to the Minnesota Permanent School Fund. The Luverne School District and the Hills-Beaver Creek School District are sharing the following information to help our communities understand the question and make an informed decision. What is the Permanent School Fund? The Permanent School Fund…
- By Star Herald EditorialSeptember 23, 2026Monday was World Alzheimer’s Day, and September is World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign to raise awareness, challenge stigma and promote support. Here in Rock County local volunteers are planning a “Dementia Walk” under the theme, “Love Never Ends.” The event, planned for Saturday, Oct. 3, is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Generations Event Center, hosted by A.C.E. of Southwest…
- By Eric Sage, director of Rock County OpportunitiesSeptember 16, 2026This week, Sept. 13-19 is National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, and Rock County Opportunities (RCO) can think of no group more deserving of a community's gratitude. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the ones who turn good intentions into reality for individuals with disabilities. They are teachers, coaches, advocates and companions who empower the individuals we serve…
- By Star Herald EditorialSeptember 09, 2026Sept. 10 is recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day during National Suicide Prevention Month in September. In Rock County we’re “Lighting the Town Purple” as a show of community support for brain health and suicide prevention. The initiative is raising money for the Rock County GAP fund (Grant Assistance Program), which helps local individuals afford mental health care. The GAP fund,…
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 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 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 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 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 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 American Heart AssociationJuly 22, 2026As summer heat intensifies across the U.S., the American Heart Association warns that soaring temperatures don’t just make people uncomfortable — they can put serious strain on the heart and increase the risk of life-threatening complications. Although tragic deaths from major disasters like hurricanes and tornados may get the most news coverage, extreme heat is actually the leading weather…
- By Mayor Pat BaustianJuly 08, 2026A five-person citizen group has submitted a petition for a ballot question about amending Luverne’s City Charter to create a Municipal Services Commission. The proposed amendment shifts supervision, management, employment and all financial oversight of the city utilities to a separate governing commission. The petitioners, spearheaded by Isaac DeBoer, said they drafted their charter amendment…
- By Star Herald EditorialJuly 01, 2026We’re in the height of summer travel and vacation season and thousands of people are motoring cross-country along Interstate 90. As they enter Minnesota many will stop at the Beaver Creek Travel Information Center, but they won’t find travel information thanks to an unpopular decision by Explore Minnesota earlier this summer. Explore Minnesota Deputy Director Beth Helle reached out to…
- By Star Herald EditorialJune 24, 2026The Star Herald had received a number of suggestions for a “thumbs up, thumbs down” editorial, and this week we’re sharing those submissions. Thumbs up — to a new place in town to get ice cream. Cowbells Meats and Treats opened earlier this month, and the homemade ice cream selection is fabulous (as are the waffle cones and other options.) Thumbs down — to parking on the street in front of…
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