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
May 20, 2026Luverne enjoyed its first-ever entertainment wrestling event Saturday at The Lake in Luverne. “New Sound Wrestling, the Final Countdown to Summer Break,” was at the beach for free, thanks to sponsorship by Luverne businesses Herb ‘n Legend and High Fidelity Cannabis.
May 20, 2026The Rock County Sheriff’s Office observed National Police Week last week and National Peace Officers Day on Friday, May 15, at the Rock County Law Enforcement Center. Sheriff Matthew Sorenson treated deputies and dispatchers to barbecued ribs Friday at noon and also that evening for night shift staff. The sheriff’s office also shared an updated staff photo on its social media page, thanking…
May 20, 2026Members of the Hills-Beaver Creek Student Council hosted an elementary retreat on Thursday, May 7, to spread positivity with younger students. For the retreat, kindergarteners, first graders and second graders read “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” and third, fourth and fifth graders read “The Energy Bus.” Members of the H-BC student council then led discussions with each group focusing on the…
May 20, 2026Dozens of young bicyclists joined the Luverne Optimist Club for its annual Bike Rodeo Saturday morning at the Blue Mound Ice Arena in Luverne. They practiced riding skills through an obstacle course, had their bikes’ safety checked by Second Mile Bikes, visited with Rock County deputies and received a bunch of prizes through drawings from the Optimist Club and participating sponsors.
By Nicole RonchettiMay 15, 2026A public forum during the May 12 Hills City Council meeting drew over 60 people, the majority of whom were there to express support for the city council and city clerk amid an expected lawsuit. Hills Area Chamber of Commerce president Kris Gagnon has said he is filing the lawsuit alleging that the City of Hills and City Clerk Connie Wiertzema have failed to provide public data when requested in…
By Nicole RonchettiMay 15, 2026Against the backdrop of a contentious public gathering, the Hills City Council on May 12 rejected a pro bono offer by Allen Saakyan to modernize the city’s website. At the council’s last meeting, Saakyan, Hills, had demonstrated what the city website could look like, but the council opted to table the decision until all members were present. While some had initially viewed the website favorably…
By Lori SorensonMay 15, 2026Members of the Luverne Convention and Visitor’s Bureau are asking the city of Luverne to reconsider plans for housing development in the downtown corridor. Specifically, they’re requesting the half-block south of the History Center be reserved for green space instead of housing. “Some type of green space or public plaza would only enhance the livability of this community,” they wrote in a…
By Lori SorensonMay 13, 2026Luverne’s Agri-Energy started producing ethanol last month and is ramping up to near capacity production, according to plant general manager Mike Stanley. “We’re about 80 percent there,” he said on April 30, as trucks lined up outside the facility to deliver corn. He said the plant’s production capacity is 18 million gallons of ethanol per year, which requires 6 million bushels of corn. …
By Lori SorensonMay 13, 2026Dozens of flower stems were collected at downtown businesses and artfully assembled into Mother’s Day bouquets Saturday during Luverne’s Mother’s Day Flower Walk. Community members were invited to visit each business between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to collect a flower and other treats so that they could assemble their very own bouquets. Nineteen businesses and organizations participated in the…
By Nicole RonchettiMay 13, 2026The Rock County Board of Commissioners approved an order for a new dump truck during its meeting on Tuesday, May 5. The equipment will be a 2026 MAC GU 713 tandem axle dump truck and plow, with attachments. Due to the extended production time, the new dump truck wouldn’t arrive in Rock County until spring of 2027. “We’re asking to reserve a slot,” said county engineer Mark Sehr. “They only…
By Lori SorensonMay 13, 2026Congressman Brad Finstad toured the Agri-Energy Ethanol Plant in Luverne Tuesday, May 5, at the invitation of plant officials. “We were waiting for a registration from Federal EPA, and his office was helpful in getting the nudge,” said David Kolsrud, co-founder of A.E. Innovation which purchased the former Agri-Energy facility from Gevo last year. Finstad, who represents Rock County in…
May 13, 2026The Rock County Master Gardener plant sale is coming up on Saturday, May 16, and this year other organizations are joining the annual spring event. “The Master Gardeners have done this plant sale for years, and we thought it’d be kind of fun to get a few more things happening that morning,” said Cindy Arends, one of the organizers. In addition to the plant sale, there will be a food truck…
By Nicole RonchettiMay 13, 2026Despite cool and windy weather, Luverne elementary school students ran with everything they had for the Cardinal Dash on Wednesday, May 6. The annual fundraiser brought in a total of $15,803 to support activities and initiatives at the elementary school. Starting in 2015, the Cardinal Dash replaced the annual frozen food sale. Now to fundraise, students collect pledges to support their mile-long…- By Nicole RonchettiMay 13, 2026Local business owner Mert Kracht was elected to the Luverne City Council in 2024 and said he’s learned a great deal about government processes since then. Today, he’s agreed to share advice for newcomers considering running for public office in 2026. “I learn something new every time I’m at city hall for anything,” Kracht said. “If you’re thinking you want to make a difference or represent…
- By Lori SorensonMay 13, 2026The filing period for many public offices opens May 19 and those interested in seeking election to a local public office have until June 2 to throw their hats in the ring. Offices on the ballot in Rock County this year include •U.S. Senator and Congress •Minnesota Governor and Lieutenant Governor •Minnesota Secretary of State, State Auditor & Attorney General •State Senate and House…
By Lori SorensonMay 13, 2026Luverne will have its first-ever entertainment wrestling event Saturday at The Lake in Luverne. “New Sound Wrestling, the Final Countdown to Summer Break,” will be at the beach from 4 to 6 p.m. The event is free, thanks to sponsorship by Luverne businesses Herb ‘n Legend and High Fidelity Cannabis. “We hope a bunch of people show up,” business owner Terry Gray said. Concessions will be…
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