The Worthington Globe

By Hope Moural

LUVERNE — U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (DFL-Minnesota) declared “Luverne rocks” during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Kids Rock! Daycare Center in Luverne on Wednesday.

She, along with fellow U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (DFL-Minnesota) gave a few remarks after touring the now fully renovated childcare center on Roundwind Road. The senators helped to secure $2.6 million in federal funding to transform the former office building into a daycare center. Smith, followed by Klobuchar, signed on to the request in early 2022. The 30,000-square-foot center is scheduled to open the first week of June.

“This $2.6 million Congressional-authorized spending request was all because of your work and your support in believing in us and we are so thankful for that,” Luverne Mayor Patrick Baustian said during the event.

Kids Rock! Executive Director Sara Robinson led the senators through various playrooms and classrooms for all ages. They also got to view the playground on the east side of the building as well as the kitchen, sick rooms and more.

The facility will provide care for children from infancy to age 12. During the tour, Robinson shared with the senators that Kids Rock! has 186 spots available and so far, 32 children have been enrolled.

Both Smith and Klobuchar asked Robinson and Baustian numerous questions, including hours of operation and how staffing is going.

“Would a child be able to be here for a full 12 hours?” Smith asked Robinson after learning the hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Robinson answered that yes, that could sometimes be the case with parents who work 12-hour shifts in positions such as health care, emergency services, construction, etc.

Following the tour, each of the senators gave remarks, sharing how excited they were to see the project come together so well.

“I think this has exceeded our wildest expectations. Luverne rocks today,” Klobuchar said. “This is such a positive place for families. … I don’t think we’ve ever seen $2.6 million be better spent than this. I believe this can be a model for the rest of the state.”

Smith echoed that sentiment, saying, “I know there are families in this community who will walk through these doors with a sign of relief. It’s tremendously exciting to see what you have built, and we’re really proud to have been a part of making it all happen.”

The senators, along with Baustian, members of the Kids Rock! staff and board of directors, along with various city representatives, then cut the ribbon and posed for photos outside the center.

Holly Sammons, Luverne Economic Development Authority director, said she’s glad the daycare’s big day is almost here and that the senators seemed impressed with the facility.

“It’s really exciting to be at this point,” Sammons said. “I’m excited for the kids to have their own space…it’s meaningful to be a part of something bigger than yourself.”