By Lori Sorenson
February 11, 2026
The Rock County’s 2026 precinct caucuses drew relatively large crowds Tuesday, Feb. 3, with both the Republican and DFL parties reporting over 70 in attendance.
Local Republicans gathered in the Luverne High School-Middle commons, and the Rock County DFL group were in the Generations Events Center.
Precinct caucuses are the initial first steps for voters to engage in the political process.…
By Lori Sorenson, editor
February 11, 2026
A Magnolia couple are facing multiple gross misdemeanor charges after a local investigation revealed a child has spent years living locked in a small space in deprived conditions.
Byron Dale Davis, 43, and his girlfriend, Samantha Rae Auch, 36, are both accused of keeping a minor child locked in a small laundry room.
According to criminal complaints filed in Rock County District Court, the…
February 11, 2026
Luverne Mayor Pat Baustian swore in Quinn Buss as the newest member of the Luverne Economic Development Authority board Monday morning in Luverne City Hall Council Chambers during the LEDA regular monthly meeting.
Buss replaces longtime EDA board member Sherri Thompson who resigned midway through her term, which was due to expire in 2031. The terms are for six years.
February 11, 2026
Jordyn Pater, a registered nurse at Sanford Luverne Medical Center, recently received the Daisy Award for her passion and commitment to patient care.
A nurse intern who worked alongside Jordyn last year nominated Pater for the Daisy Award.
“I watched as she took time with each of her patients, getting to know them and their families, making sure they never were in the dark or had unanswered…
February 11, 2026
Area residents and business owners are invited to an informal community event on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. to learn more about the possibility of bringing fiber-optic internet and phone service to the Luverne community.
The event will be held at the Trailhead facility (the former Casey’s on Main Street) and is designed as a come-and-go gathering, allowing attendees to stop by at…
By Mavis Fodness
February 11, 2026
Since the Luverne High School Business Professionals of America Chapter began in 2022, the largest local contingency of members will compete in state competition March 5-7 in Minneapolis.
Thirty-four LHS students advanced from the Region 8 BPA contest Jan. 19 in Marshall.
“The students were well prepared on Monday (Jan. 19) and represented Luverne well,” said advisor Katie Kopp, who’s in her…
By Lori Sorenson
February 04, 2026
After her brother died in 2013, Jennifer Radtke started journaling to get through the grief.
The tearful lines on those pages turned into thoughtful paragraphs and organized chapters that eventually became an impactful book released late last year.
“I never set out to write a book,” Radtke said. “I started writing down my dreams, because they were so emotional and so painful. I found myself…
By Mavis Fodness
February 04, 2026
More improvements are coming to the Rock County Fairgrounds after Rock County Commissioners approved no-interest loan to the Rock County Ag Society on Jan. 20.
The $161,090 loan, to be paid over 10 years, will be used to improve two buildings and replace aging sidewalks this year at the fairgrounds located on South Freeman Avenue in Luverne.
Ag society member Lee Sells requested the loan to…
By Lori Sorenson
February 04, 2026
Rock County Librarian Calla Jarvie will sign her books, “No Coast: Midwest Photography,” from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Take 16 Event Center in Luverne.
She’ll join friend and fellow author Jennifer Radtke who is hosting the event for her book, “When a Catholic Gets a Lutheran Pregnant.”
Jarvie said she’s excited to team up with Radtke for the event and is looking forward to sharing…
By Mavis Fodness
February 04, 2026
Demolition began last week on the final remodeling phase at the Rock County Courthouse.
The $87,251 bid from Empire Building Construction of Sioux Falls was the lowest of two bids commissioners approved Jan. 20.
It's the same firm that completed the remodel of the second and third floors of the courthouse that began more than a year ago.
Unlike the other floors. damage from years of water…
February 04, 2026
The Rock County Star Herald brought home nine awards from the 2026 Minnesota Newspaper Association Annual Convention, topping seven awards from last year’s event.
The Star Herald was recognized for excellence in the MNA Better Newspaper Contest, conducted annually to recognize the talent of news and design staff at newspapers statewide.
“We have always been an award-winning community newspaper…
February 04, 2026
Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown nursing home residents celebrated Groundhog’s Day Monday by making ‘pop-up Groundhog cupcakes with Oreos.
Activity director Katie Petersen hosts a weekly ‘Bake and Taste’ class with residents, featuring sweet treats requested by residents.
Residents participate in both the creation of the treats and, of course, sampling their creations.
Petersen has…
February 04, 2026
Quarter 2
H-BC A
Honor Roll
Seniors: Micah Bush, Caidence Ellis, Mya Erickson, Dania Hadley, Claire Knobloch, Jayden Kueter, Gavyn Leuthold, Jamin Metzger, Abigayl Olson, Sarah Prohl, Ella Sammons, Hadley Spath, Joshua Ternus.
Juniors: Brynn Bakken, Katelyn Chesley, Brooklynne Hubbard, Makynzie Koller, Hailey Sievers, Ava Steinhoff.
Sophomores: Aspyn Bartels, Kersi Billet, Claire Boeve,…
February 04, 2026
Luverne A
Honor Roll
Seniors: Bergen Ask, Anna Banck, Rhiannon Bartels, Isabella Benson, Julia Beyer, Connor Bose, Jenna Bullerman, Tyler Hodge, Ella Hoogendoorn, Rebecca Hoogland, Hannah Kempema, Allie Kracht, Addyson Mann, Paula Martinez-Penuelas, Greta McClure, Makayla Oechsle, Jordyn Reisch, Adelyn Rodriguez, Kimberly Rogers, Emma Saarloos, Austin Sandbulte, Ella Schmuck, Ava Sieve, Clay…
January 28, 2026
Luverne music students, families and volunteers hosted their 44th annual Winter Carnival Saturday night in the Luverne High School gym. Students manned carnival games, face painting, cake walks and more while volunteers helped with concessions, cotton candy, Bingo and other fundraising activities. According to Luverne Music Boosters organizers, crowds were steady Saturday night despite frigid…
By Mavis Fodness
January 28, 2026
Editor's note: Story has been revised to correct Kate DeBoer's first name and the name of her business.
Members of the newly formed Hills Chamber of Commerce envision their new organization not only supporting and promoting local businesses but also enhancing the quality of life in Hills.
Five of the Chamber members met with the Hills City Council Jan. 13 to collaborate with them by sharing…
