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
June 17, 2026
By Nicole RonchettiJune 17, 2026St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne is looking for donations of children’s clothing to support a new ministry. Tabitha’s Trove will be a clothing exchange that will offer free children’s clothes to families in the community, with no applications, or qualifications necessary. “With the rising costs of everything, we just wanted to reach out and help people,” said Becky Booe, who is helping…
June 17, 2026On Monday evening in the south parking lot of the Luverne Elementary School, every large vehicle imaginable could be found parked in rows. There were firetrucks, squad cars, ambulances, tractors and a semitrailer – all available for children to touch, get close to and even climb into the drivers’ seats. The annual Touch a Truck event, held June 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., brought over 250 local…
June 17, 2026The Luverne Lions Club donated funds to cover the tuition of two local students so they can attend one week of Diabetes Camp at Camp Gilbert in Estelline, S.D. The two students sponsored by the club this year are Parker Oye and Nick Lenz. Whitney and Parker Oye and Lions member Gordon Mulder take a photo.
June 17, 2026More than 30 paddlers navigated the Rock River Trail Saturday during the 2026 Ride the Rock event, sponsored by the Luverne Area Chamber. Two groups got in the river several miles north of Luverne and enjoyed a nearly two-hour ride that ended at the Main Street bridge near the Luverne City Park. A river guide, morning snack and follow-up lunch were provided, and participants who finished the ride…
June 17, 2026The community of Hills was filled with food, music and fun with the annual celebration of Friendship Days over the weekend. The event, hosted by the organization Helping Build Communities Stronger, began on Friday, June 12, and ran through Sunday, June 14. It featured a cruise-in, street dance, live music and a parade among other activities so that community members of all ages could enjoy…
June 10, 2026Luverne’s legendary Buffalo Days weekend unfolded June 4-7, ushering in the official start of summer. Lori Sorenson photos.
By Nicole RonchettiJune 10, 2026Now that the filing period for county and large city elections has closed as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, local races have started to take shape. Here are the candidates who are seeking election to positions in Rock County and the city of Luverne. Rock County District 2 Two candidates have filed to compete in District 2 for a seat on the Rock County Board of Commissioners. Stan Williamson,…- By Nicole RonchettiJune 10, 2026Minnesota’s candidate filing period ended at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2. Here are the candidates who filed for state and federal offices affecting Rock County voters. State Senator, Dist. 21 The current senator representing District 21 in the Minnesota Senate, Bill Weber, Luverne, has announced he is not seeking reelection. The two candidates who have filed are Chris Knoll, Republican, and…
By Lori SorensonJune 10, 2026A group of Luverne residents is petitioning for a city charter amendment to form a “municipal services commission” that would operate the city’s public utilities. The proposed amendment would reallocate supervisory and rate- and fee-setting authority from the city to the commission for the city’s municipal electric, water and wastewater utilities. “We respectfully request that this proposed…- By Lori SorensonJune 10, 2026Free bison burgers will be served in the Blue Mounds State Park at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 13, which is also Minnesota’s “free park day,” so visitors will not be charged admission. “The Blue Mounds State Park is a hidden treasure,” said Rick Serie with the Friends of the Blue Mounds State Park, which is hosting Saturday’s meal. “What we’re trying to accomplish is more visibility for the…
By Nicole RonchettiJune 10, 2026When Al Hartz first applied for a job with the Rock County Highway Department in 1983, he could have hardly imagined it would be his career for more than 40 years. “I grew up on a farm, I’ve always been around equipment,” he said. “In the 1980s when farming was tight, I started as a sign man who put up road signs. Hartz continued in that role for around 10 years before taking a position as a…
June 10, 2026The Blue Mound Quilters Guild hosted the annual quilt show at the Historic Hinkly House over the Buffalo Days weekend. The display featured approximately 105 quilts and 50 handmade items, such as handbags made out of feed bags, dresses, purses, hot pads, placemats, table runners and Christmas items. The group is looking for new members. It typically meets on the first Monday of the month at 2…
June 10, 2026Visitors to the Rock County History Center on Sunday were treated to performances that brought local history back into reality. The annual “Tales from the Grave” event featured stories of four notable residents in Rock County history. They included Lilly Kille, Father Francis Sampson, Captain Lenore (Sandager) Hansen, and Lt. Frank Ferguson, each brought to life by local performers. Over 100…
By Nicole RonchettiJune 10, 2026The Rock County Sheriff’s Office is adjusting its fees for fingerprinting, among other price changes. Sheriff Matthew Sorenson presented to the Rock County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, June 2, proposing an increase of fingerprinting fees from $20 to $25 for residents and up to $30 for nonresidents. He explained that wages for staff have increased and that his office has also seen an…- By Minnesota Secretary of State's OfficeJune 10, 2026As with all aspects of voter registration there are many safeguards in place to ensure only eligible voters are registered. There are only two options for vouching: •A registered voter from your precinct can vouch for you •A staff person from a facility who proves they are employed at the facility can vouch for you Providing false information is a felony offense punishable by up to five…
You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.
