opinion
By Rick Peterson, general managerMay 06, 2026I started my 40-year newspaper career in 1985 at the Worthington Daily Globe. It was called the Daily Globe back then because it was six days a week, so close enough. I have a handful of columns left to write before I punch out for the last time on my July 31 retirement date. Today, my column reflects on the technology advances in the newspaper industry over those 40 years. In 1985 the Globe…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolMay 06, 2026Question: Like most people I travel every day for work and I know that construction season is upon us. Can you write about getting people to understand the zipper merge? I still see a lot of people that can’t seem to figure this out. Answer: The zipper merge is a driving strategy that requires drivers to change their mindset about merging. Traditionally, drivers have been taught to merge early…- By Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, St. John Lutheran Church, LuverneMay 06, 2026The First Amendment says Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion or abridging the freedom of speech. Most Americans take that for granted. However, what happened in Finland recently should give all Christians concern. On March 26, the Supreme Court of Finland convicted Dr. Päivi Räsänen, a sitting member of parliament and former government minister, along with…
By Nicole RonchettiApril 29, 2026When I was growing up, books were very nearly my entire life. Every morning before school I would wake up early to read before breakfast. If there was a spare minute in class, I would pick up my book. I even read while I was walking home from school, taking my nose out of the pages only to look both ways before crossing a street. But then my life changed. I went to college. I graduated. I…- By Linda Wenzel Program Manager, ACE of Southwest MinnesotaApril 29, 2026Volunteer Appreciation Week was last week, April 19-25, when we recognize the individuals who quietly, consistently, and generously strengthen our communities. Here in Rock County, that spirit is alive and thriving thanks to the remarkable efforts of local volunteers. A.C.E. of Southwest Minnesota – Rock County is proud to celebrate 751 dedicated volunteers who, over the past year,…
By Calla Jarvie, Rock County Library DirectorApril 29, 2026Happy May! It’s time to take out the patio furniture and fully embrace the nice weather. Can we still get a snowstorm in May? Sure. But at least it won’t stick around for more than a day! You know what this gorgeous May weather is great for? Yard games. Did you know the library has yard games to check out? We sure do, thanks to the Friends of the Library! The library has an amazing…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolApril 29, 2026Question: I am looking to purchase a used vehicle. I have been online and checking things out and some of these listings appears too good to be true. Do you have any advice on what a person can or should do so they don’t become a victim? Answer: If it’s too good to be true, it usually is. Online marketplaces are full of stolen and tampered vehicles. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of…- By Star Herald EditorialApril 22, 2026National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a biannual, nationwide event sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It is held twice a year, typically on the last Saturday of April and October. The next national event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25. In Rock County, the Sheriff’s Office collects unused medications year-round at a secure collection box in the…
By Lori SorensonApril 22, 2026On a recent Sunday morning I put a frozen Stouffer’s family-size lasagna in the oven before we headed out the door for church. During the service, I mentally patted myself on the back for such good planning. We would arrive home to a kitchen filled with aroma of Italian baked pasta, cheese and meat sauce. And while it cooled on the counter, I would prepare leafy green lettuce salads with…- By Allen Saakyan, HillsApril 22, 2026To the editor: The City of Hills and City Clerk-Treasurer Connie Wiertzema are currently being sued for illegal public data practices. Former mayors of the town have defended these practices and even told citizens investigating them to move out of town. That raises an obvious question: how long has this been going on — and could this culture of gatekeeping be part of what has kept Hills stuck…
By RIck Peterson, general managerApril 22, 2026I have shared many of my life events and experiences with you over the years on this page. If you haven’t read or heard I announced my upcoming retirement at the end of July. I told my Star Herald family last week and now it’s your turn. Over the past 40 years, the newspaper business is what I did. In the mid 1980s I started what turned out to be a long and enjoyable career. First at the…- By Shirley Harrison, LuverneApril 22, 2026To the editor: I have attended a couple of events at the performing arts center at the high school when the student body was in attendance as well. Both times I was impressed with our students. The talk presented by “President Teddy Roosevelt” demonstrated his ability to overcome obstacles and encouraged respect, patriotism and perseverance. The students were attentive and respectful. They…
- By Lori Ann Hallstrom, LuverneApril 15, 2026Dear Editor, parents, friends and neighbors The last few weeks I’ve noticed while I binge watch television, that there’s a new commercial that comes on repeatedly-online/phone app gambling. Interestingly I had recently heard a story on MPR about this exact issue. A woman talked about the struggles over her son’s now gambling addiction. She discussed her own struggles of addressing the issue…
- By Larry Green, LuverneApril 15, 2026To the Editor: Pete Hegseth was appointed to the post of Secretary of Defense (not War) by President Trump, and serves at the pleasure of the president. Like Trump, he is “thin skinned” according to Democratic Representative Adam Smith, and if given information he does not like he may retaliate against the person who spoke out. Hegseth has fired more admirals and generals (12) in his brief…
- By Marilyn Sasker, LuverneApril 15, 2026To the Editor: I thoroughly enjoyed Lori’s article in the April 2 Star Herald titled “Adrift in unchartered waters.” Myself being a word lover more often than not, meanings go right over my head. I just simply appreciated Lori’s article. And to get the drift of it; I literally read it twice! I realize there is a lot of work and thought that goes into writing for the paper. It is all…
- By Star Herald EditorialApril 15, 2026Are you ready for severe weather? Each year, Minnesota’s office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management collaborates with the National Weather Service to sponsor Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. The week is designed to refresh, remind and educate the public about the seasonal threats from severe weather and how to avoid them. It’s also a good time to make and practice…
You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.
