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 Nicole RonchettiJune 10, 2026It’s difficult to name the value of a church. Is it the number of baptisms, marriages and funerals it holds? Since its congregation first formed in 1894, Trinity Lutheran Church in Jasper has held hundreds. Is it the building itself, and the faith of the community that took the chance of creating it? Jasper’s first Trinity Lutheran Church burned down in 1929, and in less than one year the…
By Lori SorensonJune 03, 2026Cowbells Quality Meats & Treats opened in Luverne this week at the corner of Main Street and Highway 75 in the building formerly occupied by Fareway Meat Market. Alongside traditional offerings of cut beef, pork, seafood, soups and breads, Cowbells offers signature desserts, including crepes, truffles and homemade ice cream. On Monday night a “soft opening” event drew dozens of people…
By Lori SorensonJune 03, 2026Organizers and volunteers working to renovate the “Smith Mercantile” building downtown continue to raise money toward a goal of opening this year. The local nonprofit, Luverne Initiatives For Tomorrow (LIFT) partnered with the Southwest Initiative Foundation last year to purchase the building for $200,000. Now, a $400,000 fundraising campaign is underway to renovate the historic structure that…
By Nicole RonchettiJune 03, 2026The Luverne School District will operate with two principals instead of three following the retirement of Elementary Principal Stacy Gillette on June 30. Under the new plan, Middle School Principal Jason Phelps will transition to overseeing kindergarten through seventh grade. High School Principal Ryan Johnson will oversee eighth through 12th grades. The announcement was made as a part of…
By Nicole RonchettiJune 03, 2026Each item held up by Lt. Edison Dengler, a member of the Buffalo Ridge Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, looked like an everyday object – shaving cream, pens, hair brushes and more. But each of them had been converted into stashes that could hold anything from alcohol to pills. Dengler was the law enforcement officer presenting “Hidden in Plain Sight” on May 27 at Big Top Tents and Events in…
By Nicole RonchettiJune 03, 2026Ten months after negotiations began, the Luverne School Board has reached an agreement with the teachers’ union, providing final approval during its meeting on May 28. “This was the first time that anyone can remember having to start and end a year without reaching an agreement,” said Jason Berghorst, a high school teacher and co-president of the union. But it wasn’t salary negotiations that…
By Nicole RonchettiJune 03, 2026One of the biggest events of the summer is coming to Luverne starting on June 4 as the community celebrates its annual Buffalo Days weekend. While all of the usual events will be happening, including the parade, car show and more, some will look different due to the ongoing construction on Highway 75. Here’s what to look forward to: Thursday, June 4 Festivities begin on Thursday, June 4, with…- By Jason BerghorstJune 03, 2026The number of Rock County residents declaring their candidacy for elected office increased this week as the filing period closed at 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 2. Three positions on the Rock County board and other county elected positions are open, as well as two seats on Luverne City Council. As of noon on Tuesday, when this edition of the Star Herald went to press, a number of competitive races…
By Nicole RonchettiJune 03, 2026The Luverne School District has ordered a new electric scoreboard for the west end of the football field, a decision that comes after months of consideration and fundraising. While initially presented with options that ranged in price, the final selection was for a board that offers video functionality at a cost of $285,000, not including installation costs. Payments will be made over five…- June 03, 2026Prairie Rose Minnesota Community Fund grants and scholarships of more than $40,000 were awarded from Exus Renewable (formerly Enel Co.) $40,000 annual contribution. The Community Fund board of directors met recently to conduct the annual disbursement of student scholarships and organization grants. Six scholarships totaling $4,500 were awarded to area students in the Prairie Rose wind farm…
June 03, 2026First responders answered two calls about burning vehicles in two days. The first, on Wednesday, was a semi that had pulled to the side of Highway 75 in Luverne. The second was a passenger vehicle that was engulfed in flames north of Luverne on Highway 75 on Thursday. Both drivers were able to exit safely and call emergency services. Firefighters douse a fire that had started with the brakes of a…
June 03, 2026The Spotlight Dance Center, Luverne, hosted its spring showcase, “Tickets Please: A Passport to Dance!” at the Historic Palace Theatre on Sunday, May 31. For the annual event, 102 dancers took the stage under the direction of studio owner, Maddie Kellen, “to take the audience on an adventure around the world.” With two shows, 36 routines, and thousands of rhinestones, the recital welcomed an all-…
By Nicole RonchettiJune 03, 2026The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board has approved two bids related to new lighting for the school’s football field. The first bid, by Musco Sports Lighting, will be for the materials, including the 4-foot field lights. The bid was approved earlier this spring at $93,000. The second bid, by Sioux Falls Electric, will be for installation. It was approved during the board’s meeting on May 26 for…
May 27, 2026The American Legion and VFW conducted annual Memorial Day services at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne Monday morning with guest speaker Rick Tupper of Augustana University. Memorial Day weather was sunny and mild for holiday activities that also took place in Hills, Hardwick and Beaver Creek.
By Lori SorensonMay 27, 2026Dist. 21 Sen. Bill Weber (R-Luverne) bid farewell to his colleagues in St. Paul last week after the Senate adjourned Sunday, May 17. On Monday, retiring senators had an opportunity to provide some reflections to the body for the last time on the Senate floor, and Weber shared that experience in his email newsletter Friday. “It is with a heart full of gratitude that I write to you as I enter ias…
By Lori SorensonMay 27, 2026A high voltage transmission line may pass through north-easter Rock County, potentially affecting residents east of Luverne and north of Interstate 90. That's according to a proposed route recently announced for the 765-kilovolt transmission line known as "PowerOn Midwest." A June 3 meeting in Luverne will provide information and accept public input. The "routing open house" will be from 10 a.m…
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