opinion
By Nicole RonchettiOctober 07, 2026When I was 5 years old, standing outside of the elementary school and nervous for my first day of kindergarten, my mother did what so many parents do and gave me a hug. Then, she kissed my hand and said that if I ever became scared or overwhelmed that her kiss was still there – all I had to do was think about it and she’d be with me. That was the ritual for the first several months of…- By Sara Wahl, SWCC Executive DirectorOctober 07, 2026October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact of domestic violence, to honor survivors, to remember those whose lives have been lost and to commit to helping everyone live free from violence and fear. For the Southwest Crisis Center (SWCC), this work happens year-round — not just in October. Since 1984, SWCC has provided support, advocacy, and hope to individuals…
- By Mike Cox and Evan Verbrugge, LuverneOctober 07, 2026To the editor: A recent social media post advocating for a Municipal Utilities Commission in Luverne relied on figures from 2019 through 2022 to argue that electric utility funds are being over-transferred. However, a closer look at these numbers — and what was left out — reveals a misleading narrative. First, the time frame selected (2019-2022) reflects a period under a different city…
- By Pastor Jeremy Jacob, Blue Mounds Baptist ChurchOctober 07, 2026Fall is fast upon us. From changing leaves to pumpkins for sale to the return of pumpkin pie-spiced lattes, we are in full fall mode. With fall comes harvest season. The crops planted in the spring are now ready for harvest, revealing their results. For many farmers, there will be rejoicing over an abundant yield, but for others, disappointment at the lack of return. Harvest season is great for…
- By Star Herald EditorialSeptember 30, 2026In small towns, suburbs and cities across America, local newspapers are there for the moments that matter — elections and ballgames, new businesses and school decisions, celebrations and tragedies. How we deliver the news has changed. Why we do it hasn’t, according to Lynne Lance, executive director of the National Newspaper Association. “Newspapers inform their communities, hold government…
By Tom Brakke, president, Tollefson EnterprisesSeptember 30, 2026Unlike other church buildings that are sold or demolished or left to decay once a congregation disbands, Blue Mound Lutheran Church has been lovingly maintained by former parishioners and their families. Every fall they celebrate together, inviting the public to join them for worship. A half-century after the doors closed, the spirit lives on. Dennis Olson, an emeritus professor at…- By By Craig Oftedahl, Superintendent of Luverne Public Schools and Todd Holthaus, Superintendent of Hills-Beaver Creek Public SchoolsSeptember 30, 2026Minnesota voters will see a proposed constitutional amendment on the Nov. 3 general election ballot related to the Minnesota Permanent School Fund. The Luverne School District and the Hills-Beaver Creek School District are sharing the following information to help our communities understand the question and make an informed decision. What is the Permanent School Fund? The Permanent School Fund…
- By Pastor Mark Eliason, Palisade Lutheran ChurchSeptember 30, 2026In 2017 we acknowledged the anniversary of 500 years since Martin Luther protested what he thought was lacking in the church. Or maybe a better way to express what Luther was trying to do was to reform the church so that it more closely resembled what Jesus intended the church to be. This was a huge task, and Luther did not walk this path alone. There were many others before, during and after…
- By Lori SorensonSeptember 23, 2026It’s not often that reporters and photographers find themselves part of a story — being interviewed and recorded. And when it happens, it can cloud perspective. I’d been following Jason Lennox and his Recovery Road walk around the periphery of Minnesota. I read the Star Tribune story about him, along with compelling coverage by community newspapers on the state’s border about his 1,776-…
- By Star Herald EditorialSeptember 23, 2026Monday was World Alzheimer’s Day, and September is World Alzheimer’s Month, an international campaign to raise awareness, challenge stigma and promote support. Here in Rock County local volunteers are planning a “Dementia Walk” under the theme, “Love Never Ends.” The event, planned for Saturday, Oct. 3, is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Generations Event Center, hosted by A.C.E. of Southwest…
- By Dennis Pike, LuverneSeptember 23, 2026To the editor: After attending and considering arguments from both sides in the public meeting on a proposed charter amendment in Luverne tonight, I’m leaning in favor of a commission based on the city’s policy of contributing to entities unrelated to utilities. While many of these entities such as the ice arena serve a great purpose, many of us don’t benefit from this, or other entities of…
- By Jesse Booker, LuverneSeptember 23, 2026To the editor: Many of us attended the town hall at the Palace on Tuesday, Sept. 15, regarding the proposed amendment to our town charter to establish a utilities commission. For those who could not attend, I encourage you to watch the Star Media recording on YouTube or directly from the Star Herald's website. It seemed to me that the committee representing the proposal for the amendment failed…
By Calla Jarvie, Rock County Library DirectorSeptember 23, 2026One of the many fun things I get to do as a library director is attend conferences. I just got back from my favorite conference of the year, the Association for Rural and Small Libraries conference. This year it was in Montgomery, Alabama. As you probably guessed from the title, this conference is geared toward small and rural libraries. ARSL defines “small and rural” as those with service…- By Pastor Michael Geiger, Crosspoint church, Georgetown, TexasSeptember 23, 2026“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, …” Ephesians 1:18 Paul prayed that the eyes of the Ephesians’ hearts would be opened so they could know “the hope to which he has called you.” Notice that Paul did not pray that God would give them a better set of circumstances. He prayed that they would see more clearly what…
By Scott RallSeptember 16, 2026It was one of the first Labor Days that I can remember over the past years that was actually a rainout. Nobles County received about 3.5 inches of rain over the long weekend. This is the first significant rain we have had in about three months. It killed a lot of plans but part of my weekend plan went off despite of the rain. A few years back I enrolled about 75 acres in a conservation…- By Eric Sage, director of Rock County OpportunitiesSeptember 16, 2026This week, Sept. 13-19 is National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, and Rock County Opportunities (RCO) can think of no group more deserving of a community's gratitude. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the ones who turn good intentions into reality for individuals with disabilities. They are teachers, coaches, advocates and companions who empower the individuals we serve…
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