column
By Mavis Fodness, ReporterAugust 29, 2017Naming an animal is not at all unusual. As a child I named every cat — along with a special chicken or cow. Giving an object a name is a little more unusual. In elementary school I gave my first band instrument, a clarinet, the name Clarice. Clarice the Clarinet. I grin at the thought. You might think I named the black plastic instrument after Jodie Foster’s character in the horror movie, “…
By George Bonnema, Luverne gardening enthusiastAugust 29, 2017For weed spray to be most effective, the weeds should be growing actively ... with all the rain we have had, the weeds ARE really growing actively. So, I’m saying that right now is a great time to attack creeping Charlie and any other broad leaf weed in your lawn. A fall application of spray will catch the weed seedlings as they germinate, giving you a clean sweep going into spring. Tough weeds…
By Jason Berghorst, reporterAugust 22, 2017There’s a first time for everything. I had one last week when I purchased my first brand new major household appliance. I’ve purchased brand new TVs, computers and furniture before, but never an appliance. When I bought my house eight years ago, the refrigerator, range, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer all came with the house. I really hesitate to type this, but so far only the washing…
By Betty Mann, President, Rock County Historical SocietyAugust 22, 2017The following appeared in the Rock County Herald on October 8, 1926: CROW HUNTERS FAIL TO BAG MANY BIRDS Total of Only 103 Crows Killed in First Crow Hunt Staged by Local Izaak Walton League LOSING TEAM TO GIVE WINNING TEAM A FEED Second Hunt will be Staged Next Month, When it is Hoped More Favorable Weather Will Prevail. A total of one hundred three crows were killed in the three-day…
By George Bonnema, Luverne gardening enthusiastAugust 22, 2017The Minnesota Northern Gardener magazine was in my mail box today, and there is an article about a new disease showing up in roses in the Midwest ... Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. The disease is rampant in southern states because of milder weather. Rose rosette disease (RRD) is caused by a virus which is carried by a microscopic mite. The tiny, wingless…
By Brenda Winter, columnistAugust 15, 2017And now they are 2. The baby girls who became our granddaughters two years ago have had their birthdays — one in June and one in July. So the family is blessed with not one, but two, completely illogical people. Webster defines logic as “a proper or reasonable way of thinking about something.” A 2-year-old is not a logical creature, especially regarding property rights. We were about to cross the…
By Brenda Winter, columnistNovember 07, 2016It’s Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, and the sun is rising over the bike path in my back yard. I’ve had my first cup of coffee and fed the stray calico kitty who now lives on our deck. (Because we are clever we have named her “Deck Kitty.”) I haven’t yet cast my ballot for oatmeal or scrambled eggs, but there will be a winner. Oatmeal is pulling ahead in the polls because it comes with the…
By Lori Sorenson, editorOctober 31, 2016Several weeks ago, my sisters and I and my parents planned holiday dates for the Kroontje Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. While we were busy entering the dates into our smartphones, Mom made an off-hand remark that stopped us mid-text. “It’s a blessing to be able to plan for the future,” she said, returning her calendar to its nail in the kitchen wall. It took us awhile for the observation…
By Betty Mann, President, Rock County Historical SocietyOctober 31, 2016The following was found in an atlas dated 1886: ORGANIZATION OF ROCK COUNTY Prior to its organization Rock County was attached to Jackson for civil and judicial purposes, and when, in the winter of 1869-70, the Legislature passed the enabling act, there was but comparatively little talk or agitation of the question. However, after the passage of the bill, in July or August, 1870, the Governor…
October 17, 2016The following appeared in the Rock County Herald on November 20, 1896: The Northwestern long distance telephone line with headquarters in Skauge’s drug store, is completed as far west as Salem. All important towns along this route will be supplied with instruments. Last week the work of stringing the wires from Minneapolis to Fargo, N. D., was finished and as soon as the instruments are placed…
By Jason Berghorst, columnistOctober 17, 2016Since my middle school years, I've had an interest in politics. I think it actually is important who is elected and I think it matters how our elected officials act and react to people and situations. In my opinion, our candidates reflect on us as a nation, and their character counts. So, as you can probably imagine, I'm not enjoying this campaign season. This election season is like a…
By Rick Peterson, Star Herald General ManagerOctober 11, 2016Just a second while I strap on my spurs because I am about to get on my high horse. A year ago on this page I wrote about the rising cost of health care because of the Affordable Healthcare Act, otherwise know as Obamacare. Well, affordable health care is anything but affordable. Premiums are skyrocketing beyond belief and at the same time deductibles are reaching five figures in an effort to…
By Brenda Winter, columnistOctober 11, 2016My granddaughters have reached the toddler stage so “going for a walk” has taken on a whole new meaning. Traditionally, “going for a walk” means moving quickly with the goal of increasing one’s heart rate. Toddler walks are different. Toddler walks are more focused on sticks, rocks, leaves and worms and less focused on physical fitness. Or getting anywhere. Or actually walking. Toddlers live in…
By Betty Mann, President, Rock County Historical SocietyOctober 11, 2016The following appeared in the Rock County Herald on December 4, 1896: STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR 1896 The Total Acreage of Various Farm Products, the Number of Horses, Cattle, Sheep and Hogs, and Other Facts of Interest—Some Comparisons With the Statistics for 1895 The agricultural statement of Rock county for the year 1896, prepared by the county auditor from the statistics gathered by the…
By Lori Sorenson, editorOctober 03, 2016We have another almost-licensed driver in our household, which is about to have a profound effect on the grownups in our family who currently chauffeur him to practice, social outings and other obligations. I say “almost” and “about to” because the kid is 15 and has passed his behind-the-wheel test to secure a farm permit — which allows him to travel for farm purposes only, and only for limited…
By George Bonnema, Luverne HorticulturalistSeptember 26, 2016Just a reminder that if you have had indoor plants “vacationing” outdoors for the summer, it is time to start acclimating them to coming back inside. A day or two inside followed by a day or two outside will give them a chance to adjust to lower light and the warmer temperature without shocking the plant by an abrupt change which often results in a lot of leaves turning yellow and dropping. Do…
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