Luverne woman dies in apparent homicide; suspect in custody
On Friday the Rock County Sheriff’s Office released information about an arrest following a suspicious death that evening in the city of Luverne.
World's largest nutcracker dedicated
The World’s Largest Nutcracker, “Verne,” was dedicated and named Saturday morning with a ribbon-cutting celebration at the nutcracker’s base on South Highway 75 in Luverne.
'On Golden Pond' coming to Luverne's Palace Theater July 24
A classic play centered on the complex relationships of families, the realities of aging and finding acceptance and reconciliation is coming to the Palace Theater in Luverne.
What should we do about e-scooters?
Luverne recently launched a civic assembly group for residents to help shape local decisions about electric scooters.
Luverne's Bull Pen Sports Bar and Grill featured on America's Best Restaurants
The Bull Pen Sports Bar and Grill in Luverne will host national media and marketing company America’s Best Restaurants (ABR) for an on-site visit next month as part of an upcoming ABR Roadshow.
This young pro became a licensed operator at age 18
Ryker Johnson became one of Minnesota’s youngest wastewater operators when he earned his Class D license at age 18.
News
By Lori SorensonJune 24, 2026The Luverne Charter Commission met in two special sessions in the past week to address a citizen petition for a Nov. 3 ballot question amending the city’s charter to allow for a municipal utilities commission. The proposed utilities commission, made up of three elected and two appointed individuals, would take over the city’s electrical and other utilities — including rate setting, management…
By Lori SorensonJune 24, 2026The City of Beaver Creek has approved an agreement with the Hills-Beaver Creek School District to purchase the former elementary school for $1 and then demolish it. As a part of the agreement, the school district will provide a one-time payment of $175,000 to help cover demolition, asbestos abatement and redevelopment costs. Demolition costs are estimated to be around $131,000 and asbestos…- By Lori SorensonJune 24, 2026Hardwick’s Jubilee Day celebration is this weekend, and it will include an all-school reunion and a chance to stamp another event in the America 250 Rock County Passport. This year the Hardwick Community Club has chosen the Hardwick All-School Reunion Committee and all Hardwick School alumni in attendance to be the honorary parade marshals. The parade will be at 7 p.m. on Main Street in…
June 24, 2026The City of Luverne received the League of Minnesota Cities 2026 City of Excellence Award in the under 5,000 population category for its Kids Rock! Child Care Center. Luverne leaders will be recognized Thursday night, June 25, at the League’s Annual Conference in Rochester. The LMC shared the following information about Kids Rock background in a press release about the award. Facing a long-…
By Nicole RonchettiJune 24, 2026The Luverne School Board approved a preliminary budget for the 2026-27 school year on Thursday, June 18, notably decreasing total expenses by over $30,000. The preliminary budget, which will be adjusted and finalized in the next few months, places the district’s budget for next year at $20,914,039.23. Last year the budget was $20,945,086. Part of the reduction comes from an expectation of…
By Nicole RonchettiJune 24, 2026Rock County will have two new deputies after a swearing in ceremony on Tuesday, June 16, welcoming Eduardo Carillo and Michael Diep to the sheriff’s office. Carillo is a Luverne graduate who has been living in Sioux Falls. He attended Minnesota West Community and Technical College and joined the National Guard. Prior to being hired in Rock County, he worked as a correctional officer at the jail…
June 24, 2026
June 24, 2026Joshua Crabtree, M.D., chief physician at Sanford Health, has been named to Modern Healthcare’s list of the 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives for 2026. This honor recognizes individuals who are shaping the future of healthcare through their leadership and innovative approaches to clinical care. The list is updated annually. “This recognition is shared with the incredibly talented team…
June 24, 2026Sanford nutrition supervisor earns statewide recognition Diana Buffington, nutrition foods supervisor at Sanford Luverne Medical Center, was recently awarded the Dietary Department Excellence award from the Minnesota Hospital Association. The MHA assesses nominees on how effectively their kitchen staff balances nutritional requirements, dietary restrictions, and overall patient satisfaction…
By Lori SorensonJune 17, 2026The council chamber of Luverne City Hall was packed with people Tuesday, June 9, as the council considered a petition to amend the city charter. Many in attendance were people who signed the petition that promised to give residents more control of their government which would operate with more “transparency.” Others were city employees and department heads who wondered how the proposed change…
By Nicole RonchettiJune 17, 2026The owners of three parcels of agricultural land within Hills’ city limits are requesting separation, providing the formal paperwork to the city con June 9. The farmers had previously come before the council in May with a request to transition the land into rural service districts, which would have kept the land in city limits but lowered the tax rate to account for its agricultural use.…
By Lori SorensonJune 17, 2026Several volunteers are working with the city of Luverne to control and improve the local cat population. Organized as “Rock County Animal Support” the volunteers trap and neuter feral cats and rcommunity. According to local animal welfare activist Beth Capistran, city of Luverne oearlier this year about cat colonies that had developed in some areas of Luverne. One colony near the Eagles…
By Jason BerghorstJune 17, 2026From using a printing press and a dark room in 1992 to using 3D printers and robots in 2026, Bill Thompson and his students have seen major changes during his 34-year teaching career. “When I started, we didn’t use computers in my class,” Thompson said. “And now we have robotics, 3D printing, transportation technology, airbrushing, prototyping and more.” Tschool in May after teaching middle…
By Jason BerghorstJune 17, 2026When Chris Nowatzki was hired to teach art at Luverne High School, he told his wife Martha that he would teach in Luverne fwould move to Colorado. That was 39 years ago. Nowatzki retired on the last day of school, May 21, after teaching nearly four decades, and 34 more years than he expected, in Luverne. “Our daughters were born and we realized this is just a great community to raise our…
June 17, 2026The nonprofit Friends of the Blue Mounds State Park served 300 free bison burgers to park visitors Saturday s part of an effort to raise awareness of the park and of their volunteer organization. “The Blue Mounds State Park is a hidden tsmore visibility for the park and for our group.” The group paid for the meal that included a burger and condiments plus a bag of chips and a beverage. Park fees…
By Lori SorensonJune 17, 2026Rep. Joe Schomacker, R-Luverne, announced on Friday that’s he’s resigning from his District 21 seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He had already announced he’s not seeking another term in the 2026 elections, but his seat will now be vacant for the remainder of the year. Schomacker said he’s accepted a position with LeadingAge Minnesota, which is a nonprofit organization that…
You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.
