The community woke to disheartening news Saturday morning about vandalism to Christmas light displays in Luverne City Park.
A 2 a.m. barn fire near the park appears to be related to the vandalism spree, according to Luverne Fire Chief David Van Batavia.
He reported the cause of the blaze to the state fire marshal as arson.
“There was no power to that building and nothing in there that could have started on fire on its own,” Van Batavia said.
He said his crews arrived to find the structure fully engulfed and they controlled the flames as it burned to the ground.
The acreage once belonged to the late Melvin Reese and is now owned by his family members.
Reese’s old pickup was parked nearby but was towed clear of the structure after it was threatened by flames.
Meanwhile, deputies assessed damages in the park, which since Nov. 29 has been decorated with lighted displays by businesses, organizations and community members for the holiday season.
Eight businesses reported their displays — some had several displays — were vandalized with damages estimated at nearly $1,500.
“This case is still under investigation and we are looking for any information about this incident,” said Rock County Sheriff Evan Verbrugge.
“The Rock County Sheriff’s Office is posting a reward for $1,000 for any information that leads to an arrest on this incident.”
The reward money comes from a fund started by the city of Luverne and the Chamber and is managed by the Sheriff’s Office.
Tips may be shared via the Sheriff’s Office App, Facebook Messenger through the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page or through email to evan.verbrugge@co.rock.mn.us or jeff.wieneke@co.rock.mn.us.
The Sheriff’s Office non-emergency phone number is 507-283-5000.
“Any information is greatly appreciated,” Verbrugge said.
He’s working with the Luverne Area Chamber and participating businesses to assess the damages.
Much of the damage involved free-standing pieces like reindeer and angels being tipped over, but some lights were torn down and inflatable displays slashed and deflated.
Many have been repaired and put back, but some aren’t replaceable.
Jodi Reverts, owner of the Howling Dog Saloon, put up more than two-dozen of the displays. She posted photographs on Facebook of her damaged displays.
“When you try to do something to bring joy to others and someone goes and vandalizes everything,” she wrote. “People suck.”
Thirty-nine businesses and organizations participated in the Chamber’s “Love the Lights” celebration and put up roughly 70 lighted displays in the park.
“The Chamber is devastated by these stupid and hateful actions,” Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere posted on social media Dec. 5.
“The vandalism at the park and to the Reese property last night is horrible. We need to work together to make these vandals understand how devastating their actions have been to so many people.”