Luverne, Minnesota
Encyclopedia
As of the census
of 2000, there were 4,617 people, 1,968 households, and 1,247 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,356.1 people per square mile (524.3/km²). There were 2,161 housing units at an average density of 634.7 per square mile (245.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.27% White, 0.67% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 0.58% from other races
, and 0.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.56% of the population.
There were 1,968 households out of which 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.8% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.6% were non-families. 33.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 21.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 22.3% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 26.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 89.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.5 males
The median income for a household in the city was $36,271, and the median income for a family was $46,745. Males had a median income of $30,549 versus $22,660 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $18,692. About 5.7% of families and 8.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.1% of those under age 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or over.
, represented by Mankato
educator Tim Walz
, a Democrat
. At the state level, Luverne is located in Senate
District 22, represented by Republican
Doug Magnus
, and in House
District 22A, represented by Republican Joe Schomacker
.
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 4,617 people, 1,968 households, and 1,247 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,356.1 people per square mile (524.3/km²). There were 2,161 housing units at an average density of 634.7 per square mile (245.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.27% White, 0.67% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 0.58% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.56% of the population.
There were 1,968 households out of which 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.8% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.6% were non-families. 33.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 21.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 22.3% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 26.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 89.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.5 males
The median income for a household in the city was $36,271, and the median income for a family was $46,745. Males had a median income of $30,549 versus $22,660 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $18,692. About 5.7% of families and 8.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.1% of those under age 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or over.
Local attractions
- Blue Mounds State ParkBlue Mounds State ParkBlue Mounds State Park is a state park of Minnesota, USA, in Rock County near the town of Luverne. It protects an American bison herd which grazes on one of the state's largest prairie remnants....
is north of Luverne. A foraging bison herd is among the beautiful park's unique attractions. Camping, hiking, rock climbing, swimming and birdwatching are among the park's most popular activities. As once posted on the following website, writer Chris Welsch vividly describes key aspects of Blue Mounds State Park: "...this fragment of prairie—about 1,800 acres—is a small oasis in what used to be a sea of grasses and flowers that stretched from the Rockies to Indiana, from Manitoba to Texas...Most of Blue Mounds State Park resides on a plateau of bedrock, rising about 100 feet above the fertile farmland around it...The Sioux quartzite—a remnant of an ancient seabed more than 1.5 billion years old...Ephemeral flowers grow on ancient stone. On close examination, endless vistas expose intricate ecology. Overwhelming and intimate at the same time, these former hunting grounds of the Dakota people remain awe-inspiring today." Blue Mounds State Park listing by Department of Natural Resources - The Blue Mound Biking & Hiking Trail is a six-mile (10 km) path that stretches from Main Street in downtown Luverne to the lower lake parking lot at Blue Mounds State ParkBlue Mounds State ParkBlue Mounds State Park is a state park of Minnesota, USA, in Rock County near the town of Luverne. It protects an American bison herd which grazes on one of the state's largest prairie remnants....
. Along the path visitors can see open scenery and agricultural fields, tree-lined shade, and a beautiful view of the Blue Mound cliff line. A portion of the trail branches off and goes to the top of the 90 feet (27.4 m) cliff line for a panoramic view of the community. - In addition to the large City Park beside the Rock River, Luverne maintains 10 neighborhood parks.
- Luverne Area Aquatics and Fitness Center
- Quentin Aanenson Field – Luverne's Airport placed a lengthened runway and expanded facilities into service in 2009. The Airport is named after WWII flying hero Quentin Aanenson whose narrative was a pivotal focus of the Ken Burns PBS Series, The War.
- Ice Arena
- The Palace Theater on Main Street underwent a $1 million renovation. Then on September 6, 2007, the historic movie theater hosted the world premiere of Ken BurnsKen BurnsKenneth Lauren "Ken" Burns is an American director and producer of documentary films, known for his style of using archival footage and photographs...
' epic 15-hour PBS documentary, The War—first aired on PBS September 23, 2007. Luverne is one of four U.S. cities that serve as anchor points for The War. The series tells the story of World War II from the perspective of "so-called ordinary Americans" who fought and lived through the global cataclysm. The six-year project by Florentine Films was acclaimed as the best work to date from legendary filmmaker Ken Burns—who attended the Luverne premiere and a special showing for veterans, both held at the Palace Theater. The Palace Theater hosted a dazzling screening of Casablanca at the extensive 2009 Luverne All-School Reunion. - Green Earth Players presents two productions yearly and a children's summer theater at the historic Palace Theater. The troupe has become a leading area attraction drawing its ensemble from a 50-mile radius.
- Verne Drive-in Movie Theater features latest films for viewing under the stars—one of a limited number of such drive-ins remaining in the country. Movies in season begin at dusk. The Verne is located less than half a mile south of Luverne on Highway 75.
- Rock County Veterans Memorial, dedicated May 28, 2007, is located on the south lawn of the historic and refurbished Rock County Courthouse. Many have likened the quality of the Memorial to what would be seen in Washington, D.C. The Memorial was built by KA.H.R.—a family foundation. Supplementing the Memorial are individual paver stones that honor by name Rock County veterans of all services. A dynamic design allows future Rock County veterans to be added to the site. Many surviving WWII honorees were aboard an Honor Flight sent to the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. on May 1, 2010. Minnesota Governor Tim PawlentyTim PawlentyTimothy James "Tim" Pawlenty , also known affectionately among supporters as T-Paw, is an American politician who served as the 39th Governor of Minnesota . He was a Republican candidate for President of the United States in the 2012 election from May to August 2011...
and the state's First Lady took a personal interest in the Rock County group by being present at the send-off and previously hosting a group of Rock County WWII veterans at the Governor's Mansion. Among the veterans on the Honor Flight was long-serving former State Representative Wendell O. EricksonWendell EricksonWendell O. Erickson was a Minnesota politician and is a former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from southwestern Minnesota.-Service in the Minnesota House:...
. - Sanford Luverne Medical Center opened its doors in July, 2005, near the equally new regional Veterans Home in north Luverne. The 25-bed hospital is supported by 200 employees and nine family physicians as part of the regional Sanford Health System based in nearby Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Speciality physicians provide outreach clinics on a regular basis. Sanford Luverne patients, including those from surrounding counties, are afforded state-of-the-art medical care as well as at the regional medical center of Sioux Falls. The Sioux Falls hospitals include those of the Sanford Health campus established by a 2007 $400 million original gift. In 2010 Sanford Luverne installed digital mammography equipment and upgraded its CT scan and ultrasound equipment. Patient records are now computerized and accessible across the entire Sanford Health System as well as in each patient room.
- Those Blasted Things – a small rock shop with natural items from all over the globe, including fossils and meteorites.
- Touch the Sky Prairie – a Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, northwest of Luverne. The Brandenburg Prairie Foundation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have jointly acquired over 800 acres (3.2 km²) of native prairie. A 15-year management plan in progress seeks to restore hundreds of native species. Touch the Sky Prairie was included in the BBC television documentary, Life—a sequel to the award-winning Planet Earth series.
- Brandenburg Gallery – Award-winning photography from Luverne native and National Geographic photographer Jim BrandenburgJim BrandenburgJim Brandenburg is an environmentalist and nature photographer and filmmaker based near Ely, Minnesota. His career includes over 10 years as a newspaper photojournalist, over 30 years as a contract photographer for the National Geographic Society, and commissions from such groups as the United...
is located on the first two floors of the Rock County Veterans Memorial Building dedicated in July 2009 on Luverne Street at Courthouse Square. Featured subjects include wildlife, the outdoors and a focus on the vanishing prairie. Profits from the Gallery go to support the mission of the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation. - Herreid Military Museum and the Heritage Gallery occupy two upper floors of the Rock County Veterans Memorial Building. Dedicated in 2009, the new galleries building adjoins the new Kahler Terrace providing an outdoor setting for community events. An underground tunnel connects the building to the Rock County Courthouse, itself beautifully renovated in 1987–88. Both structures were built from locally-quarried Sioux quartzite. The Memorial Building's transformation from the former county jail and Sheriff's residence to a museum complex was driven by the KA.H.R. Foundation of Warren Herreid II and Jeannine Rivet. Visitors will find time spent at Rock County Courthouse Square rewarding and stimulating.
- Luverne Public Schools – A large, modern educational plant bordered by many acres of athletic fields and room for expansion is situated in the northwest portion of Luverne beside Highway 75. The community long has taken pride in the quality of its educational system, opening a new elementary school addition on December 1, 1998. Another indicator is Luverne Dollars for Scholars. Its several million dollars in endowment provide scholarships for graduating high school students. The Luverne chapter's endowment is the nation's second-largest among 1,100 local chapters ranking only behind founding chapter Wakefield, Massachusetts. Founded in 1983, the Luverne chapter is non-profit and volunteer-driven.
Notable residents
- Quentin C. AanensonQuentin C. AanensonQuentin C. Aanenson was a World War II veteran fighter pilot and former Captain of the 391st Fighter Squadron, 366th Fighter Group, 9th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Corps...
, World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
ace, was born in Luverne. Aanenson heroically completed 75 flying missions earning numerous medals. While overseas in Europe, he wrote to his future wife, Jackie Greer of Baton Rouge, La., describing the human toll of combat. He later became a successful insurance executive and devoted family man. In retirement, he further articulated the horrors he had seen for a nationwide audience on Ken Burns' The War series on PBS. His home community honored him by naming its airfield after him. - Jim BrandenburgJim BrandenburgJim Brandenburg is an environmentalist and nature photographer and filmmaker based near Ely, Minnesota. His career includes over 10 years as a newspaper photojournalist, over 30 years as a contract photographer for the National Geographic Society, and commissions from such groups as the United...
– Award-winning nature photographer for National Geographic and other leading publications, filmmaker and environmentalist. Twice named Magazine Photographer of the Year and in 1988 Wildlife Photographer of the YearWildlife Photographer of the YearWildlife Photographer of the Year is an annual international wildlife photography competition owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife. Its sponsored name is currently Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year...
by Great Britain's Natural History MuseumNatural History MuseumThe Natural History Museum is one of three large museums on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, England . Its main frontage is on Cromwell Road...
and BBC WildlifeBBC WildlifeBBC Wildlife is a British glossy, all-colour, monthly magazine about wildlife, founded by BBC Worldwide and published through the BBC Magazines Bristol division, also trading as Bristol Magazines Ltd....
. Co-founder of Brandenburg Prairie Foundation. The non-profit Brandenburg Gallery at Courthouse Square displays some of his striking photographs and books.Jim Brandenburg Blog - Jerilyn BritzJerilyn BritzJerilyn Britz is an American golfer. She attended Mankato State College and the University of New Mexico.Britz was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Before making her LPGA Tour rookie debut in 1974 at age 31, Britz spent eight years working as a schoolteacher.During her 26 year career on the LPGA...
– U.S. Women's Open Golf Champion in 1979. Winner of the 1980 LPGA Mary Kay Classic. Finished second-place at two other major championships. Played on LPGA tour 1974–1999. First played golf at age 17 at Luverne Country Club course. She turned pro at age 30 scoring 43 top ten finishes. Jerilyn Britz LPGA Profile - Al McIntoshAl McIntoshAlan Cunningham McIntosh was editor of the of Luverne, Minnesota. He was president of the in 1949. The association now recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional service to the field of journalism with its Al McIntosh Distinguished Service to Journalism Award.Ken Burns included several...
– Editor and publisher of The Rock County Star Herald, president of (forerunner to) the National Newspaper Association and the Minnesota Newspaper Association. The Al McIntosh Distinguished Service to Journalism Award is presented by the Minnesota Newspaper Association. Stirring excerpts from his "More or Less Personal Chaff" weekly columns during World War II were voiced by actor Tom HanksTom HanksThomas Jeffrey "Tom" Hanks is an American actor, producer, writer, and director. Hanks worked in television and family-friendly comedies, gaining wide notice in 1988's Big, before achieving success as a dramatic actor in several notable roles, including Andrew Beckett in Philadelphia, the title...
in The War. McIntosh's wartime columns were published September, 2007, in Zenith Press' Selected Chaff. Filmmaker Ken Burns said the columns were his greatest archival discovery in over 30 years of filmmaking. - Frederick Manfred was a prolific author whose significant body of work includes 18 novels set in the American West and Upper Midwest often located in the Iowa-Minnesota-South Dakota tri-state area he named "Siouxland". Frederick Manfred USD Information Page
- Shantel VanSantenShantel VanSantenShantel Yvonne VanSanten is an American actress and model. She currently stars in the CW television series One Tree Hill where she portrays Quinn James On film, she stars in You and I, Something Wicked, and The Final Destination...
- Model and actor, born in Luverne and most known for her role in the TV series One Tree HillOne Tree Hill (TV series)One Tree Hill is an American television drama created by Mark Schwahn, which premiered on September 23, 2003, on The WB Television Network. After its third season, The WB merged with UPN to form The CW Television Network, and, since September 27, 2006, the network has been the official broadcaster...
. - James Russell WigginsJames Russell WigginsJames Russell Wiggins was managing editor of The Washington Post and United States Ambassador to the United Nations.-In Minnesota:...
– Executive editor of The Washington PostThe Washington PostThe Washington Post is Washington, D.C.'s largest newspaper and its oldest still-existing paper, founded in 1877. Located in the capital of the United States, The Post has a particular emphasis on national politics. D.C., Maryland, and Virginia editions are printed for daily circulation...
. Ambassador to the United NationsUnited NationsThe United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
, appointed by PresidentPresident of the United StatesThe President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
Lyndon B. JohnsonLyndon B. JohnsonLyndon Baines Johnson , often referred to as LBJ, was the 36th President of the United States after his service as the 37th Vice President of the United States...
. President of the American Society of Newspaper Editors 1959–60. Published The Ellsworth AmericanThe Ellsworth AmericanThe Ellsworth American is a local newspaper from Ellsworth, Maine.Thomas N. Schroth, former editor of The Brooklyn Eagle and Congressional Quarterly and founder of the National Journal, served as editor of The Ellsworth American from 1972 until 1977, while it was owned by his father-in-law, James...
in MaineMaineMaine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost...
until retirement at age 95. He began his career by publishing a Luverne newspaper and then edited the St. Paul Pioneer PressSt. Paul Pioneer PressThe St. Paul Pioneer Press is a newspaper based in St. Paul, Minnesota, primarily serving the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Circulation is heaviest in the eastern metro region, including Ramsey, Dakota, and Washington counties, along with western Wisconsin, eastern Minnesota and Anoka County,...
.
Politics
Luverne is located in Minnesota's 1st congressional districtMinnesota's 1st congressional district
Minnesota's 1st congressional district extends across southern Minnesota from the border with South Dakota to the border with Wisconsin. The First District is primarily a rural district built on a strong history of agriculture, although this is changing rapidly due to strong population growth in...
, represented by Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota
Mankato is a city in Blue Earth, Nicollet, and Le Sueur counties in the U.S. state of Minnesota. The population was 39,309 at the 2010 census, making it the fourth largest city in Minnesota outside of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. The county seat of Blue Earth County, it is located...
educator Tim Walz
Tim Walz
Timothy James Walz is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2007. He is a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party .The district comprises the state's southern end, running along the entire border with Iowa...
, a Democrat
Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
The Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party is a major political party in the state of Minnesota and the state affiliate of the Democratic Party. It was created on April 15, 1944, with the merger of the Minnesota Democratic Party and the Farmer–Labor Party...
. At the state level, Luverne is located in Senate
Minnesota Senate
The Minnesota Senate is the upper house in the Minnesota Legislature. There are 67 members, half as many as are in the Minnesota House of Representatives. In terms of membership, it is the largest upper house of any state legislature. Each Senate district in the state includes an A and B House...
District 22, represented by Republican
Republican Party of Minnesota
The Republican Party of Minnesota is the Minnesota branch of the United States Republican Party. Elected by the party’s state central committee in June 2009, its chairman is Tony Sutton, and its deputy-chairman is Michael Brodkorb.-Early history:...
Doug Magnus
Doug Magnus
Douglas Rudy "Doug" Magnus is a Minnesota politician and a member of the Minnesota Senate, representing District 22, which includes all of Cottonwood, Jackson, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone and Rock counties in the southwestern part of the state...
, and in House
Minnesota House of Representatives
The Minnesota House of Representatives is the lower house in the Minnesota State Legislature. There are 134 members elected to two-year terms, twice the number of members in the Minnesota Senate. Each senate district is divided in half and given the suffix A or B...
District 22A, represented by Republican Joe Schomacker
Joe Schomacker
Joseph "Joe" Roy Schomacker is a Minnesota politician and a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives who represents District 22A, which includes all or portions of Murray, Nobles, Pipestone and Rock counties in the southwestern part of the state...
.
External links
- Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB
- Rock County Star Herald and Luverne Announcer weekly newspapers
- KQAD 800 AM - KLQL 101.1 FM Luverne radio stations
- Digitell Studio Luverne and area fine art photography by Greg Hoogeveen