May 31, 2016
Clem Hatting (pictured) and Rich DeSchepper spent several days this week refreshing the paint on Luverne’s city streets. It’s among dozens of spring spruce-up projects underway in Luverne’s Public Works Department. For example, mowing has been a full-time job, and 100 new trees in boulevards have required regular watering. Public Works Supervisor John Stoffel said Hatting and DeSchepper are the…
May 31, 2016
Rock County agricultural producers looking to solve natural resource problems on their farms will want to plan ahead and sign up early for USDA funding.
Farmers interested in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program need to apply by Aug. 19 for funding in fiscal year 2017.
“EQIP is just one tool for landowners who want to apply conservation practices on the ground,” said Kurt Halfmann with…
May 31, 2016
The Rock County Land Management Office in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service will convene a local work group meeting to provide guidance and discuss local resource conservation concerns and NRCS programs in the county.
The next meeting will be 8 a.m. Monday, June 20, at the LMO lunchroom, 311 W. Gabrielson Road, Luverne.
The LWG includes representatives from cooperating…
May 31, 2016
Open Houses
Henry and Ann Petersen will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house from 3-7 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at their farm. Greetings may be sent to them at 2332 140th Ave., Hardwick, MN 56134.
Card Showers
Elmer and Eunice Bartels will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary Friday, June 10. Greetings may be sent to them at 501 James Street, Luverne MN 56156.
May 31, 2016
Robert Louis Drake, 48, Luverne, died Sunday, May 29, 2016, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
A private family celebration of Bob’s life will be at a later date.
Robert Drake was born Oct. 25, 1967, to Robert and Gladys (LoCollo) Drake in Plainfield, New Jersey. He received his baptism at Lady of Fatima Church in Piscataway, New Jersey. He attended school through the…
May 31, 2016
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recently recognized Alan Lais from the city of Luverne for maintaining a perfect compliance record with the city’s wastewater treatment permit during 2015.
Mayor Pat Baustian presented Lais with a certificate at the May 24 City Council meeting.
The certificate recognizes “exemplary effort expended in the year 2015 to comply with the MPCA’s permit…
May 31, 2016
Luverne High School
Honor Roll
Quarter 4
A Honor Roll
Seniors: Ryleigh Beers, Zoe Brown, Christina Casazza, Sierra Christenson, Jaidyn Elbers, Tatiana Gust, Karissa Hamann, Hannah Hoogland, Bailey Jacobsma, Jacob Jarchow, Alyssa Kienholz, Nicole Kneip, Di Ma, Nicholas Overgaard, Stephanie Riggs, Jenna Schelhaas, Allie Skattum, Susan Thompson, Caden Vickery.
Juniors: Madison Crabtree, Jeremiah…
By Lori Sorenson
May 29, 2016
A battered brass bugle has joined the collection of World War II artifacts at the Herreid Military Museum in Luverne.
While it’s still a functional instrument, it’s now retired, as is its previous bugler, Lois Nelson, who played it for “Taps” at hundreds of local funerals for veterans.
And for the first time in decades, its haunting notes weren’t heard at Memorial Day ceremonies Monday.
“You…
May 23, 2016
Students from around the region and in Rock County celebrated high school graduations over the weekend. Above, seniors toss their caps in the air at the conclusion of the Luverne ceremony in the Cardinal Gym Sunday.
Hills-Beaver Creek and Ellsworth seniors will graduate Friday, May 27, both ceremonies set for 7 p.m. in their respective high school gymnasiums.
By Lori Sorenson i
May 23, 2016
In the cemeteries of Rock County, there's a story for every flag and veteran's marker. Some have been told before and others are known only to a few.
Father Francis Sampson, who is buried in St. Catherine Cemetery, is relatively unknown to local residents, but his story of service in World War II was told through the 1998 Academy Awardwinning movie, “Saving Private Ryan,” starring Tom…
By Jason Berghorst, reporter
May 23, 2016
Each year, in his role as Luverne High School counselor, Craig Nelson gives LHS freshmen a list of careers.
The list includes college professor, Mars exploration scientist, director of scouting for an NFL team, retractable stadium engineer, professional dancer and Big Ten Coach, among others.
Nelson then asks the students what all of these careers have in common. The answer often surprises the…
By Lori Sorenson i
May 23, 2016
Remodeling work on the historic Carnegie Cultural Center continues into spring, and Luverne City Council members toured the building last week to check progress.
Luverne Building Inspector Chad McClure has been overseeing the project and answered questions during the May 17 tour.
He said he’s learned a few things about historic preservation along the way. For example, he anticipated matching the…
By Lori Sorenson
May 23, 2016
Crossing guards near the Luverne Public School campus were honored at a thank you brunch Friday, May 20, at the American Reformed Church.
Church staff there came up with the idea of hosting the luncheon to thank the crossing guards for their service and to present them with handmade thank-you cards from students.
Crossing guards who attended the brunch (and their years of crossing guard work)…
By Lori Sorenson
May 23, 2016
This year is the 100th anniversary of Minnesota state parks and the 125th anniversary of America’s national parks.
To celebrate, a summer of special events and activities has been planned at the Blue Mounds State Park and Touch the Sky Prairie.
The first of those events is set for this weekend when park manager Chris Ingebretsen shares the story of Blue Mounds State Park bison.
The event will be…
By Mavis Fodness
May 23, 2016
Tuesday marks the filing deadline for many local, state and federal offices.
Anyone interested in being elected to political office has until 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, to file.
As of 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 24, the following people have filed.
Current Luverne Mayor Patrick Baustian is seeking re-election to the position and filed May 17, the first day of filing.
Three people have filed so far for the…
By Lori Sorenson
May 23, 2016
Farmers are educating the community about safe and humane food production and charitable groups are seeking new ways to raise money for good causes.
The two efforts will join forces next month for a “Farm to Table” event to accomplish education and fundraising goals.
The Luverne Area Community Foundation (LACF) and the Rock County Corn and Soybean Growers will host a meal at 5:30 p.m. Sunday,…