Weird weather
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Bernard says enjoy it while it lasts, because it could change quickly
BROWN GROUND — Above, a dried-up pond just north of New Richland illustrates just how dry and unseasonably warm it’s been in the area lately. The pond usually is filled with a couple feet of water, normally frozen in January. Below, a small group of ice fishermen kept close to shore on Beaver Lake Sunday. (Star Eagle photos by Jim Lutgens)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Old man winter has been acting a tad peculiar this past December and January. Of course, there’s seemingly little room for complaint, but it would still be satisfying to hear a solid explanation.
So, here to shed some wisdom on our unseasonable brown surroundings is local agronomist, Mark Bernard.
“I seem to remember that the winters of 2006-07 and 01-02 were rather warm as well,” Bernard said. “But, why is there no snow on the ground? Well, there is no one reason. There are many factors to consider when this happens.”
According to Bernard, the matter at which these “open winters” occur is never predictable, due to frequency and magnitude of occurrence.
“The La Niña event in the Pacific, a cooling of the surface sea temperatures, is usually associated with above normal winter precipitation and colder than normal temperatures for us,” Bernard said. “That is why most forecasters were convinced we were in for a wetter and colder than normal winter. The same conditions existed last year, so it seemed like a slam dunk.”
Powder Hounds aim to be more than just a snowmobile club
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OFFICERS — The inaugural meeting of the Powder Hounds Snowmobile Club was held Sunday, Jan. 8 at Blondie’s in New Richland. Officers are, from left, Jessie Shaffer, Secretary/Treasurer; Brian Hoffman, Vice President; and Joe Ranniger, President. (Star Eagle photo by Jessica Lutgens)
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Contributing Writer
Eventually, it will snow.
At least that’s what New Richland’s new snowmobile club is hoping.
The Powder Hounds held their inaugural meeting on Sunday, January 8th at Blondie’s Grill, during which they discussed what the group plans to do, and who they’d like to see be a part of the club.
They’re looking for new, younger members who will be able to bring new ideas and be the future of the club. They are hoping it will be something for everyone to be able to take part of and enjoy as a group.
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Grants by NRAF total $5,100 in December
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BY THE GRACE OF GOD — New Richland Area Foundation Fund representatives and grant recipients gathered at The Willows restaurant in New Richland for a recent grant presentation ceremony. Pictured front from left: Gail Schmidt, Cindy Coy, Toni Larson, Kathy Flor, Pam Goehring and Kermit Schoenrock. Back: Jeremy Parpart, Scott Eads, Cody Dobberstein and Jennie Johnson. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Giving back to the community.
This is exactly what the New Richland Area Foundation Fund expects to accomplish, and they are exceeding expectations.
Thanks to an anonymous donor or donors, the grant committee handed out $5,100 on Thursday, December 29 at The Willows restaurant in New Richland. The money came from the By The Grace Of God Fund, which is part of the NRAFF.
“This $5,100 brought the total to $14,600 granted by the NRAF and the BTGOG Fund to various projects in the New Richland area in 2011,” said Gail Schmidt, NRAF representative. “Added to this amount is another $9,400 from the Waseca Area Foundation and the EF Johnson Foundation Funds. That’s a total of $24,000 given back to our schools and community in 2011.”
Area organizations who recently benefited from the benevolence were the New Richland Care Center ($700); Waseca Area Neighborhood Service Center ($700); NR Legion Field Improvements ($700); NR Ambulance Dept. ($1,000); NR Fire Dept. (1,000); and NR Police Dept. ($1,000.) Representatives from the organizations were on hand to receive their various grants.
Schmidt wanted to again thank the anonymous donor who gave the gift of grain this past fall.