With the potential for an operating referendum looming, the Luverne School District is facing a budget shortfall of $1.7 million amid inflationary pressures and decreased enrollment.

Alongside statewide and local races in the 2026 general election ballot, local voters will consider ballot questions. 

School district voters will be asked if they want to increase funding for local school districts – without increasing taxes. 

The Nov. 3 general election presents several contested races for local voters. Following is a summary of those candidates and offices.

Rock County Auditor Treasurer Ashley Kurtz heads up election processes in Rock County and said the 2026 general election is going well leading up to Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Rock County’s school districts have shared their most recent MCA test results, with Luverne leading the southwest region.

The 1984 hit movie “Ghostbusters” will be featured at the Palace Theatre at 7 p.m. on Oct. 30 as a free, family-friendly event.

Meetings 

Vienna Township Board will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the Kenneth Community Center. 

Rock County Library Board will meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the library. This meeting is open to all. 

Four generations of the Bonnett family gathered on Saturday, Oct. 17, to celebrate 140 years of the Bonnett family farm near Magnolia where Tom and Ellen Bonnett moved to from Oshkosh, Wis., on Oct. 16, 1886. 

At their Sept. 28 meeting, Adrian City Council members approved a preliminary levy of $851,192 for taxes payable in 2027. 

This represents a 9% increase over the current levy, which had increased 10% for taxes payable in 2026.