10 years ago (2011)
•Visitors will find it easier to navigate Touch the Sky Prairie following the unveiling of three directory kiosks Tuesday.
Dignitaries and school children gathered to see the covering removed from a three-sided, wood-framed kiosk containing maps, brochures and photographs intended to guide visitors across the federally managed 1,000 acre-tract of tall grass prairie in central Rock County.
The Brandenburg Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service helped finance the $6,000 signage project.
Refuge manager Alice Hanley explained that Touch the Sky Prairie is “the crown jewel” of the Northern Tall Grass Natural Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is made up of 5,200 acres of land in Minnesota and Iowa consisting of separate tracts ranging in size from 21 to 1,122 acres.
25 years ago (1996)
•The old Orey’s Café building, most recently occupied by Dug Out Plus, is now only a remnant of its old self.
W&N Construction, Luverne, has been chipping away at the structure for more than a week in an effort to completely demolish and remove it. A vacant lot now exists where the old building once stood. Stairs that once led to an apartment above now led to open skies.
Minnwest Bank has purchased the lot and intends to construct a new office building there, which will have an updated front to match its neighboring offices, also undergoing renovation.
When the office building is completed, Minnwest will trade it with Pat Forester for his State Farm office, which is adjacent to the bank. Foerster will occupy the new space, and Minnwest will set up its insurance and investments in the State Farm office space.
50 years ago (1971)
•Luverne police are investigating the theft of three billfolds with money in them, taken Saturday between 12:15 and 1 p.m. at Nelson’s Shopping Center.
Police Chief Chester Bendt said that two of the billfolds were taken from the office at the Ben Franklin department store, and one from a coat room in the main store. The one taken from the coat room had been removed from a purse. The purse was found later.
75 years ago (1946)
•Miss Audre Schlapkohl, Luverne high school senior, was crowned homecoming queen of 1946 at ceremonies held in the high school auditorium here Thursday evening. Placing the crown on her head, and handing her the scepter was Jack Butler, who was elected “king” of the homecoming by is football team mates.
100 years ago (1921)
•Ray Olson, who for the last three years has conducted the Luverne Steam laundry, on Saturday sold the business to C. J. Duggan, formerly manager of the Cort theatre. Possession was given Monday.
The new owner plans to continue the business along the same general policy as that followed by the retiring owner, and will endeavor to improve the service which the institution may offer patrons, wherever possible. For the present Mr. Olson will assist him in getting thoroughly acquainted with the business.
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