The Rock County Star Herald hosted a livestreamed and recorded candidate forum Wednesday, Sept. 25, from the new Star Media studio.
The forum featured candidates vying for election to mayor and city council — in both the north and south wards.
Isaac DeBoer is challenging incumbent Pat Baustian for election as mayor, and Josh Gangestad is challenging incumbent Dan Nath for election to the North Ward City Council seat.
South Ward City Council member Scott Viessman did not file for reelection, and Lori Hallstrom and Mert Kracht are vying for that open seat on the council.
While Star Media livestreamed the event, a crowd of about 50 people joined the watch party at the Palace Theatre in Luverne to view candidate discussions on the big screen.
The recorded conversations are now available for viewing online, with separate links bringing viewers directly to the conversations of interest — mayor, North Ward and South Ward.
So far, the recording has been viewed more than 800 times, and it will remain available for viewing through the Nov. 5 general election.
An unedited transcript of the three conversations can be read online - https://www.star-herald.com/2024-forum-transcript.
A city map showing the dividing line between the north and south wards in Luverne will also be on the Star Herald website, along with helpful links to local election officials and the Minnesota Secretary of State voting information.
Early voting started Sept. 20 for the Nov. 5 general election. Rural Rock County residents in mail ballot precincts will receive their mail ballots soon.
Star Media debuts livestreaming with candidate forum
Star Media is the Rock County Star Herald’s new livestreaming and podcast service that will enhance news and sports coverage beyond traditional coverage of the community.
For example, a Sept. 23 podcast featured a conversation with Rock County Pheasants Forever board member Darin Kindt about the Thursday night banquet in Luverne.
Next week during National Fire Prevention Week, a Star Media podcast will be a conversation with Luverne Fire Chief David Van Batavia about the challenges and rewards of local volunteer firefighting.
Future Star Media podcasts will feature local football coaches about the 2024 season and conversations with city and county election officials about the 2024 ballot processes.
Information is at starmedia.today/2024election
