Peterson wins election for county commissioner
Rick Peterson won the special election for Rock County’s District 3 and is set to join the county board of commissioners early next week.
PowerOn Midwest narrows routes
PowerOn Midwest has narrowed its preferred route for a proposed high-voltage transmission project, and one of its choices would cut through Rock County within one mile of the Blue Mounds State
Murder suspect to have mental evaluation
Accused murder suspect Melvin Frazier made his initial appearance in Rock County District Court Monday in a remote hearing before District Court Judge Kayla Johnson.
Main Street intersection to close Aug. 24
The second phase of construction on Highway 75 is set to begin on Aug. 24, with the closure of the Main Street intersection.
Beaver Creek celebrates Beaver Days
Beaver Creek community members and visitors celebrated tthe weekend with a full lineup of events and activities for all ages.
Candidate Johnson: 'How we spend our money is an expression of our values'
Over 60 people gathered at the Rock County Library in Luverne Thursday night for a public town hall meeting with Dist. 1 Congressional candidate Jake Johnson, Stewartville.
News
June 24, 2026Sanford nutrition supervisor earns statewide recognition Diana Buffington, nutrition foods supervisor at Sanford Luverne Medical Center, was recently awarded the Dietary Department Excellence award from the Minnesota Hospital Association. The MHA assesses nominees on how effectively their kitchen staff balances nutritional requirements, dietary restrictions, and overall patient satisfaction…
By Lori SorensonJune 17, 2026The council chamber of Luverne City Hall was packed with people Tuesday, June 9, as the council considered a petition to amend the city charter. Many in attendance were people who signed the petition that promised to give residents more control of their government which would operate with more “transparency.” Others were city employees and department heads who wondered how the proposed change…
By Nicole RonchettiJune 17, 2026The owners of three parcels of agricultural land within Hills’ city limits are requesting separation, providing the formal paperwork to the city con June 9. The farmers had previously come before the council in May with a request to transition the land into rural service districts, which would have kept the land in city limits but lowered the tax rate to account for its agricultural use.…
By Lori SorensonJune 17, 2026Several volunteers are working with the city of Luverne to control and improve the local cat population. Organized as “Rock County Animal Support” the volunteers trap and neuter feral cats and rcommunity. According to local animal welfare activist Beth Capistran, city of Luverne oearlier this year about cat colonies that had developed in some areas of Luverne. One colony near the Eagles…
By Jason BerghorstJune 17, 2026From using a printing press and a dark room in 1992 to using 3D printers and robots in 2026, Bill Thompson and his students have seen major changes during his 34-year teaching career. “When I started, we didn’t use computers in my class,” Thompson said. “And now we have robotics, 3D printing, transportation technology, airbrushing, prototyping and more.” Tschool in May after teaching middle…
By Jason BerghorstJune 17, 2026When Chris Nowatzki was hired to teach art at Luverne High School, he told his wife Martha that he would teach in Luverne fwould move to Colorado. That was 39 years ago. Nowatzki retired on the last day of school, May 21, after teaching nearly four decades, and 34 more years than he expected, in Luverne. “Our daughters were born and we realized this is just a great community to raise our…
June 17, 2026The nonprofit Friends of the Blue Mounds State Park served 300 free bison burgers to park visitors Saturday s part of an effort to raise awareness of the park and of their volunteer organization. “The Blue Mounds State Park is a hidden tsmore visibility for the park and for our group.” The group paid for the meal that included a burger and condiments plus a bag of chips and a beverage. Park fees…
By Lori SorensonJune 17, 2026Rep. Joe Schomacker, R-Luverne, announced on Friday that’s he’s resigning from his District 21 seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He had already announced he’s not seeking another term in the 2026 elections, but his seat will now be vacant for the remainder of the year. Schomacker said he’s accepted a position with LeadingAge Minnesota, which is a nonprofit organization that…
June 17, 2026
By Nicole RonchettiJune 17, 2026St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne is looking for donations of children’s clothing to support a new ministry. Tabitha’s Trove will be a clothing exchange that will offer free children’s clothes to families in the community, with no applications, or qualifications necessary. “With the rising costs of everything, we just wanted to reach out and help people,” said Becky Booe, who is helping…
June 17, 2026On Monday evening in the south parking lot of the Luverne Elementary School, every large vehicle imaginable could be found parked in rows. There were firetrucks, squad cars, ambulances, tractors and a semitrailer – all available for children to touch, get close to and even climb into the drivers’ seats. The annual Touch a Truck event, held June 15 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., brought over 250 local…
June 17, 2026The Luverne Lions Club donated funds to cover the tuition of two local students so they can attend one week of Diabetes Camp at Camp Gilbert in Estelline, S.D. The two students sponsored by the club this year are Parker Oye and Nick Lenz. Whitney and Parker Oye and Lions member Gordon Mulder take a photo.
June 17, 2026More than 30 paddlers navigated the Rock River Trail Saturday during the 2026 Ride the Rock event, sponsored by the Luverne Area Chamber. Two groups got in the river several miles north of Luverne and enjoyed a nearly two-hour ride that ended at the Main Street bridge near the Luverne City Park. A river guide, morning snack and follow-up lunch were provided, and participants who finished the ride…
June 17, 2026The community of Hills was filled with food, music and fun with the annual celebration of Friendship Days over the weekend. The event, hosted by the organization Helping Build Communities Stronger, began on Friday, June 12, and ran through Sunday, June 14. It featured a cruise-in, street dance, live music and a parade among other activities so that community members of all ages could enjoy…
June 10, 2026Luverne’s legendary Buffalo Days weekend unfolded June 4-7, ushering in the official start of summer. Lori Sorenson photos.
By Nicole RonchettiJune 10, 2026Now that the filing period for county and large city elections has closed as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, local races have started to take shape. Here are the candidates who are seeking election to positions in Rock County and the city of Luverne. Rock County District 2 Two candidates have filed to compete in District 2 for a seat on the Rock County Board of Commissioners. Stan Williamson,…
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