By Lori Sorenson
August 10, 2015
People who attend the Rock River Beer Fest Saturday will enjoy more than 100 beer profiles, Luverne restaurant flair, live local music, commemorative beer fest mugs and a home brew contest with cash prizes.
“This year’s event is bigger and better than ever,” said Luverne Area Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere.
“We have seven more breweries than last year. By serving over 100 beer profiles…
By Mavis Fodness
August 10, 2015
As recycling materials begin making their way to Sioux Falls for processing, the cost for taking the materials will be zero — for now.
Rock County Commissioners, however, are leery that could change, based on recent observations outside of the city of Luverne.
Diapers, dog feces — and the latest, a barbeque grill complete with utensils — were recently thrown in one of the nine large canisters…
By Mavis Fodness
August 10, 2015
Kenneth Fun Days, set annually for the weekend after the fair, is two days of organized activities for both young and old.
“It’s a way to get together,” said organizer Kristy Vander Ziel. “People are so busy.”
Fun Days kicked off Friday night, Aug. 7, with movie night.
About three dozen children and adults gathered on the lawn behind the former Kenneth Lutheran Church building. Lying on blankets…
By Lori Sorenson
August 03, 2015
Luverne’s Keith Luethje was honored this summer for 60 continuous years of service to the American Legion.
He was presented a Certificate of Continuous Membership that was “issued in grateful appreciation for faithful and dedicated allegiance to the ideals of the American Legion.”
The certificate recognized Luethje’s 60 years of membership in good standing.
“And be it further known that such…
By Lori Sorenson
August 03, 2015
The city of Luverne will spend approximately $400,000 to paint the water tower on Highway 75 next year.
The scheduled maintenance will provide the opportunity to put the city logo “Luverne — Love the Life” on the tower tank.
“We’re excited to get that tower branded,” Call said at the July 21 capital budget meeting.
The north tower by the hospital was painted with the new logo last year. On the…
By Lori Sorenson
August 03, 2015
Performers in the Annual Rock County Talent Show took to the Palace Theatre stage in Luverne Wednesday night to sing, dance and entertain for judges and audience members.
With a full program with more than 30 entries, the Palace auditorium was full and local talent showcased at its best.
“It was a wonderful night at the Palace Theatre,” said Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere.
When the…
By Lori Sorenson
August 03, 2015
The city will spend nearly $2 million on the Luverne Loop hiking and biking path in the next five years.
That’s according to discussion at the June 21 meeting to review the five-year capital improvement plan.
Work on Phase 1 of the Luverne Loop bike and hiking path in 2016 is estimated to cost $692,378.
That includes $100,000 for Creamery Pond site preparation, $20,000 for signs to direct people…
By Jason Berghorst
August 03, 2015
Summer is a busy time of year for businesses in Luverne that cater to travelers.
With the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in the Black Hills, local gas stations, restaurants, and other businesses have seen a steady stream of motorcyclists headed west on Interstate 90 during the last week.
The rally, which officially began Monday, is expected to draw nearly one million people, and…
By Lori Sorenson
August 03, 2015
The head of Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources traveled from St. Paul to Luverne Tuesday night on a mission to promote outstate tourism.
“A lot of people don’t realize how beautiful prairies are,” said DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr. “They have a very subtle beauty, and you don’t appreciate them until you get out in them and walk through them.”
At last fall’s Pheasant Opener, a Twin…
By Lori Sorenson
August 03, 2015
Sears in Luverne is closing Aug. 29, according to a statement released this week by storeowners Jeff and Amy Cook.
“This was a tough decision … and we appreciate all the support over the last couple of years,” the release stated.
The announcement marks the end of another short chapter of local Sears ownership in a book comprised of short chapters.
The Cooks bought the business in June 2013 from…
By Lori Sorenson
August 03, 2015
The Luverne City Council is considering nearly $2.5 million in capital purchases next year, according to a July 21 budget discussion in City Hall.
That compares similarly to capital spending in 2014 and 2015 and an anticipated $4.5 million in 2017.
The council met with city department heads to review upcoming spending in the areas of fire, government buildings, parks and recreation, streets,…
By Mavis Fodness
August 03, 2015
When father and son duo Shaun and Shamus Evans traveled through Rock County Tuesday morning, the event meant they were halfway to completing their 3,205-mile run from Seattle, Washington, to New York City.
The Evans’ journey is to generate awareness for Ainsley’s Angels, which promotes inclusion and active lifestyles for children with disabilities.
Ainsley’s Angels is a non-profit organization…
By Lori Sorenson
July 30, 2015
Pleasant summer weather and a variety of events and activities attracted solid crowds to the Rock County Fairgrounds for the first few days of public attendance.
4-H judging started on Monday, July 27, and shows opened Wednesday, July 30, with the fair continuing through Saturday night.
In what’s been dubbed the “Salute to Agriculture Night” in the grandstands, micro sprinters, hobby stock, a…
By Lori Sorenson
July 29, 2015
Performers in the Annual Rock County Talent Show took to the Palace Theatre stage in Luverne Wednesday night to sing, dance and entertain for judges and audience members.
With a full program with more than 30 entries, the Palace auditorium was full and local talent showcased at its best.
“It was a wonderful night at the Palace Theatre,” said Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere.
When the…
By Mavis Fodness
July 27, 2015
Luverne School Board approved $181,058 in coaches’ and advisers’ compensation for the 2015-16 school year.
The 79 assignment amounts are based on the current teacher contract and may possibly increase once negotiations finish. Additional coaches and advisers could be added to the payment list as a result of the final contract.
Not all of the extra assignments have been filled, said Superintendent…
By Mavis Fodness
July 27, 2015
Luverne’s Lowell and Pat Ahrendt will be honored the next two weeks as Rock County’s 2015 Farm Family of the Year.
They'll first be recognized at the Rock County Fair and later by the University of Minnesota.
The Ahrendts are among 80 farm families throughout the state chosen by local Extension committees for their contributions to the agricultural industry and their local communities.
“The…