opinion
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 Pastor Bob Junak, Rock River Community Church, LuverneAugust 19, 2026If you’ve lived in Luverne longer than 10 minutes, you already know we’re in the middle of what the Bible might call “tribulation,” and what the rest of us call “construction season.” Highway 75 is shut down, Main Street is the detour, and now they’re closing the intersection we all actually need. I don’t know who’s in charge of cone reproduction, but they’re fruitful and multiplying far…
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 Pastor Andrew Palmquist, Bethany Lutheran Church, LuverneAugust 12, 2026“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) Do you enjoy listening to love songs on the radio or the internet? Every generation has their favorite stars that speak touching, poignant messages through beautiful music. Back in the mid-60s, Dean Martin scored a huge hit with the song, “You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You.” While it was a love song that encouraged the…
- 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 Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, St. John Lutheran Church, LuverneAugust 05, 2026Is there a more iconic Christian image than Jesus as the Good Shepherd and his people as his sheep? It’s in Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.” You can find it in Revelations 7, “The Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd.” And in the Gospel of John, chapter 10, Jesus teaches, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Why do you…
- 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. …
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolJuly 29, 2026Question: I’m seeing more and more vehicles in Minnesota with dark tinted windows. I thought there was a law prohibiting dark tinted windows on both the driver and passenger windows but back windows can be dark. Unless the laws changed and I didn’t know. Thank you. Answer: In Minnesota, you can have your windows tinted to a light transmittance of 50 percent, but not less. Light transmittance is…
By RIck Peterson, general managerJuly 29, 2026My column countdown is at the end of the road. This will be the last one. For over 20 years every other week I hunted and pecked out a column. At the top of each of those columns was the heading “For What It’s Worth,” but I’m not sure what the “worth” was of most of the columns. I was more interested in them being entertaining or humorous, often times poking fun of myself and sometimes Mary…
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