10 years ago (2012)
•Words like “salvage” and “disaster” have begun to appear in 2012 crop reports.
The drought covering 56 percent of the United States has crept into Rock County as the area’s weather designation moved from “abnormally dry” to “moderate drought” last week. …
Some farmers have begun to consider the option of harvesting the corn plants now for silage instead of risking a total crop failure if the region’s drought continues.
Sioux Falls recorded its second driest June since 1893, receiving less than an inch of rain. Luverne recorded less than a half inch of rain in June.
25 years ago (1997)
•The only certainty downtown is change.
After 15 years in business on Main Street Luverne, Derald and Linda Shaw will close Shaw Drug.
On Aug. 11, Derald will start a new job as manager of the pharmacy in the new Pamida Store opening south of the I-90 interchange.
Linda will continue to operate the gift business for a short time at their downtown location until the inventory is sold out. The couple will eventually sell the building.
50 years ago (1972)
•Ben Vander Kooi, Luverne attorney, will again be seeking election to the State Senate from the newly formed District 26, composed of Pipestone, Rock, Nobles and a large portion of Murray County.
Vander Kooi, who sought the Senate chair in 1970 and lost by a slim margin, filed July 18. …
Vander Kooi has been an active member in the Rock County DFL for 22 years, and has served as county chairman during ten of those years. He is a member of the Luverne Airport Commission, Blue Mound Board, Rock County Historical Society Board, V.F.W., Farmers Union and the Minnesota Bar Association. He is a Rotarian, was American Legion past judge advocate of District 2 and was Deputy Registrar of Motor Vehicles in Rock County for ten years.
75 years ago (1947)
•A Luverne youth, James Moeller, 15, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Moeller, became not only junior champion skeet shooter in the state of Minnesota Sunday, but won the junior championship of the Northwest Skeet Association. …
“Jimmy” and his father had discussed the matter of taking in the state skeet shoot several times, but never really gave it much consideration until last Saturday night. Then, after talking the matter over, it was decided they wouldn’t go. A neighbor, caused the Moellers to change their minds, when he said he’d drive his car to St. Paul the next day if they would go with him. That settled the matter, and early the next morning they left Luverne for the cities.
“Jimmy,” who has been making some impressive scores at the local gun club since last fall, had to shoot against some of the best junior shooters in this part of the northwest. He defeated last year’s state champion, Nick Smith, of St. Paul, breaking one more clay-bird than the champion. The Luverne youth shot 43 out of 50, breaking 22 in one round, and 21 in the other. The St. Paul youth shot a 42, 21 in each round.
100 years ago (1922)
•Luverne’s two theatres passed under one ownership and management Saturday when Mark Swedberg, who had conducted the Cort theatre since a year ago last May, sold this popular amusement place to Herman Jochims, owner and manager of the Palace theatre. The new owner was given possession Sunday.
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