2024
- By Mavis FodnessJanuary 22, 2025Hills businessman Jim Susie was sworn in Tuesday night, Jan. 14, as mayor of Hills. It’s the first leadership change for the community of 662 residents in 12 years. First-term council members Dusty Seachris and Joseph Streeter also recited the official oath. Susie said his first meeting at the helm was “frustrating.” “It’s just going to take a little time for us to get caught up,” Susie said…
- By Lori SorensonJanuary 22, 2025Winners have been announced for the Fall Luverne Chamber and Convention and Visitors Bureau Landscape and Nature Photography Contest. “Special thanks to everyone who submitted photos for the contest,” said Chamber Director Kenzi Klein. “We have many talented photographers that submitted photos.” Winning photos include Deb Vis’s “Frosty Morning,” Ian Sandager’s “Sunset Haul,” Jayda Walgrave’s “…
- By Lori SorensonJanuary 15, 2025A good way to measure growth over time is to track the number of building permits issued for construction. The city of Luverne issued fewer building permits in 2024 than in the prior year, but the permitted projects had a higher total valuation than the 2023 list. Luverne building official Chad McClure compiled a building report for 2024 that shows he issued 162 permits for projects, with…
- By Greg Hoogeveen, sports editorDecember 31, 2024Looking back at 2024 and all the sporting events the Star-Herald featured, the accomplishments of many teams and individuals at both Luverne and Hills-Beaver Creek high schools are worth recognizing. Here are the Star-Herald’s Top 5 sporting events of 2024, as well as several personal recognitions in LHS and H-BC activities. No. 1 – H-BC Patriots Football Team The Patriots finished their…
- By Lori SorensonDecember 30, 2024The Star Herald in 2024 carried stories about contested elections, legalized cannabis, weather extremes and ongoing challenges of child care shortages. It also chronicled community growth, with a $30 million elementary school under construction in Beaver Creek, an $18 million feed mill expansion in Magnolia, and several other multi-million-dollar projects. These stories, as well as human…
- By Lori SorensonDecember 30, 2024The honorable Terry Vajgrt retired Dec. 31 after nearly 13 years as district judge of the Fifth Judicial District. He said his career has been both challenging and rewarding. “From Day 1 I’ve thought about how fortunate I am to have been able to do this. I’ve enjoyed it,” Vajgrt said. “I’ve had an opportunity to make an impact. That could be through consequences, but it can also mean…
- By Mavis FodnessDecember 30, 2024As we reflect on stories that made headlines in 2024, many involved friends and neighbors who prompted reflections on what makes us a community. For example, after George Bonnema died Dec. 26, 2023, it took an entire community to fill the shoes of the former Luverne Flowers owner, Star Herald columnist, and community volunteer. Those efforts played out throughout 2024. The Magnolia Juniors 4-H…
- December 30, 2024The following is a list of the obituaries that appeared in the issues of the Rock County Star Herald in 2024. December 2023 Dec. 7: Robyn VanDinther, Grand Rapids, Mich. Dec. 13: William Krotzer, 76, Beaver Creek. Dec. 24: Mary Kraetsch, 89, Luverne. Dec. 25: Lloyd Matthiesen, 87, Luverne. Dec. 26: George A. Bonnema, 74, Luverne. Dec. 29: Joseph Kellen, 82, Adrian. Dec. 31: Steven…
- By Mavis FodnessDecember 24, 2024The Rock County Commissioners approved pay increases for elected employees at their last meeting of 2024 on Dec. 17. The increases take effect Jan. 1. Salaries for elected commissioners Greg Burger, Gary Overgaard, Sherri Thompson, Stan Williamson and Jody Reisch will increase 5 percent from the current $22,820 to $23,961. Commissioners also approved a 5-percent increase for county attorney…
- December 24, 2024Luverne High School Jazz Band students played Christmas music at Wildflowers Coffee Boutique Wednesday afternoon as part of a tour of holiday music they shared in the community over the past week. The Jazz Band, under the direction of James Jarvie, also played at the Veterans Home and Rock County Opportunities Tuesday, and they were featured at the annual band concert at Luverne High School along…
- December 24, 2024LSS meals at Generations Monday, Dec. 30: Cheesy chicken spaghetti, green peas, country vegetable blend, dinner roll. Half-Price Day sponsored by Security Savings Bank. Tuesday, Dec. 31: Chicken a la king, steamed rice, parslied carrots, dinner roll. Wednesday, Jan. 1: Closed. Thursday, Jan. 2: Oven-roasted turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, bread, chocolate chip bar. Friday,…
- December 24, 2024Elementary and secondary students at Hills-Beaver Creek schools were sent off on the holiday break by some special Christmas characters. On Thursday, Dec. 19, the Grinch, Elf and Santa Claus waved to elementary students from the rooftop and visited classrooms. On Friday, Dec. 20, the costumed characters also appeared at the secondary school when student council members greeted students in the…
- December 18, 2024Parishioners at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne hosted their annual live nativity Sunday night, turning the church parking lot into a live nativity complete with three wisemen, shepherds, live animals and the baby Jesus. The public was also invited inside for a soup supper, children’s activities and another indoor scene depicting the birth of Christ.
- By Lori SorensonDecember 18, 2024Luverne City Council members certified a levy of $3,566,592 for taxes payable in 2025. That’s a 10.33-percent increase over the current levy of $3,232,740. Council members noted at their Dec. 10 Truth in Taxation hearing that this levy amount is $75,000 less than the preliminary levy they approved in September. This is because improvements in liquor store revenues allowed $50,000 more to be…
- December 18, 2024Hardwick Community Club members hosted a memorable Santa Claus Day in the community hall Saturday afternoon with Mr. Twister (aka Bob Anderson of Sioux Falls). Participants enjoyed sugar cookies and a glass of milk, made crafts, and posed for free pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The annual event brightened up a foggy day with temperatures around 32 degrees.
- By Lori SorensonDecember 18, 2024Beaver Creek City Council members certified their 2025 budget and levy during their Dec. 10 meeting. The levy was set at $160,496 for taxes payable in 2025. That’s a 9.6-percent increase over the current levy of $146,342. The amount will help bridge the gap between Beaver Creek’s revenues of $147,157 and its expenses of $307,653 in 2025. A new fire truck is one of the expenses affecting Beaver…
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