Features (1071)
SERENE SCENE — This is a peaceful early morning picture of one of the many small Grand Rapids area lakes. (Photo by Dick Herfindahl)
2011 Governor's Fishing Opener
By DICK HERFINDAHL
Outdoors Writer
This past weekend I was once again invited to take part in the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener, which started a new era with Governor Mark Dayton. The Governor, like a lot of us, did manage to catch a northern on his first official opener. The Governor ventured out at midnight on Lake Pokegama in Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids is a beautiful city located in northewast Minnesota, just three hours – 180 miles — north of the Twin Cities metro area. Grand Rapids is close enough to be convenient, but just far enough away to provide you with a real escape. With over 1,200 area lakes and one million acres of public and industrial forestland, the Grand Rapids area is a well known destination for families, groups and business travelers.
Grand Rapids has 13,900 residents and during the peak of the tourist season it serves as a service center and regional hub of commerce to more than 43,000 people daily and tens of thousands of visitors annually.
NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
Honeywell requests money
At last Monday’s regular school board meeting, NRHEG Superintendent Kevin Wellen reported a communication from the Honeywell/ESG Project Supervisor at Honeywell, Inc., citing numerous change-orders as the reason for requesting the district to pay Honeywell an additional sum of approximately $16,000.
Only last month, the board had finally okayed the $4,400 completion payment to Honeywell for the project, which had been withheld by the district pending resolution of a dispute over a major error in the specifications. An air exchanger included in the project plans was omitted from the specs, and much subsequent work was needed, which took nearly two additional years to be both finished and written off.
Wellen, summarizing the letter for the amused board members, expressed some surprise that there even was a supervisor for ESG at Honeywell responsible for the project, which was acquired by Honeywell in its purchase of Energy Services Group several years ago.
No action was taken.
Last year the board declined an offer from Honeywell of an $18,000 annual service agreement on the contract work, believing it to be superfluous.
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
All members were present as Mayor Tom McShane called the New Richland City Council to order Monday evening May 23. After approving the evening’s agenda, the council approved the consent agenda which included a temporary liquor license for the Farm and City Days Committee and payment of the first half installment for the County Senior Citizens Transportation program.
City resident James Butler was present to discuss water and sewer delinquent charges on his rental properties. City clerk Wayne Billing explained that water and sewer bills are the responsibility of the property owner unlike other utility bills such as electricity or cable. The council took no action on the matter.
The council next adopted Resolution 11-14 certifying delinquent charges on eight various properties throughout the city for a total of $1,506.89, and Resolution 11-15 accepting a $2,500 donation from the New Richland Fire Relief Association to be used for new playground equipment.
Superheroes, a computer and a dash of creativity
Written by Jim Lutgens
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED — Mark Domeier reached a longtime goal with the publishing of his first novel, “Heroics 101.” (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
NRHEG English teacher completes his first novel
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
A Mount Everest climb requires a first aid kit, sleeping bags, climbing equipment, oxygen bottles, and satellite phone, among many other things.
But for NRHEG English Teacher Mark Domeier, all he needed for this mountainous adventure was a computer and a dash of creativity. O.K., maybe a truckload.
Now sitting atop his virtual mountain peak, Domeier can safely add author to his repertoire, as he has written his first book, titled “Heroics 101.”
“It's one of those things that not everyone can do, sort of like a slam dunk in basketball,” Domeier said. “I'd love to be able to do that too, but I'll stick with what I have the ability to do!”
The fulfillment he feels is tremendous. It’s something he wasn’t sure he could accomplish.
“I did always want to do this, but thought it was a rather daunting task,” Domeier said. “I'd really just like people to say they enjoyed it. It doesn't have to change their life or even make their top list of books ever read. It's purely for enjoyment.”
SUCCESS AT STATE — NRHEG FFA members at the state convention May 1-3 include, front from left, Brittany Reese, Samantha Hogstad and Amanda Groskreutz. Back: Jarred Hanson, Jessica Stenzel, Ryan Schlaak, Bethany Stencel, Emily Riihl, Hannah Haroldson, Betsy Johannsen, Christian Stewart, Rachel Ledding and Erin Larson. Not pictured: Tara Simon, Matt Dahle, Sam Jewett, Shelby Mogenson, Hailey Johnson and Presley Johnson. (Submitted photo)
Twenty-two members of the NRHEG FFA traveled to St. Paul, May 1-3 to compete in various competitions and to receive recognition for accomplishments this past year.
The chapter had five teams competing for state titles. Of those, the Small Animal team did the best with an eighth-place finish. Bethany Stencel led the team with a seventh-place individual finish.
The Dairy Cattle Team finished 13th overall.
Both teams will see the return of most of their members next year.
The General Livestock and Soils teams each received silver ratings. Soils is the newest contest for the NRHEG chapter.
NEW VENTURE — Cheryl Johnson is Ellendale’s newest business owner, recently opening Downtown Hair Design Inc. (formerly Barb’s Styling) at 115 5th Ave. W. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
Owner of Downtown Hair Design Inc. aims to make people feel good about themselves
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
"When you’re least looking, opportunity knocks," says Cheryl Johnson.
A stylist since 1988, Johnson is excited to become a member of the small business owners in Ellendale.
"Everything happens for a reason," Johnson said.
On April 27th, Johnson closed the deal on her new venture. After a few simple cosmetic changes, she opened the doors of Downtown Hair Design Incorporated, (formerly Barb's Styling) located at 115 Fifth Avenue West on May 3, 2011.
"Making a difference in the lives of others, while making people feel good about themselves," is something Johnson strives to achieve. Johnson, a self-described "people pleaser," is dedicated to providing good quality service. She plans to continue on what the previous salon owner started, and introduce new things too.
The New Richland Farm and City Days Parade committee is seeking nominations for the 2011 Farm and City Days Parade Grand Marshal.
We are again asking for the input of members of the community to help us honor an individual or a couple that plays an active role in our community and has helped to make our community great. If you feel you know someone that is truly deserving of this honor, we ask that you send a letter of nomination highlighting the reasons this person(s) should be considered.
Letters should be sent to: Grand Marshal Nomination, New Richland Farm and City Days Committee, PO Box 262, New Richland, MN 56072.
The deadline for letters is Monday, June 13. If you have any further questions, or would like to be a part of planning this year’s festivities, please feel free to contact any member of the Farm and City Days Committee. Thank you in advance for your help in making this year’s Farm and City Days Parade a great memory for everyone!
Kelly Martens,
Parade Chairperson
Hartland City Council
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The Hartland City Council met on April 5, 2011 with all members present. The evening’s agenda and March meeting minutes were approved.
Neil Schlaak was present to discuss his intentions with the property formally owned by WFS. Mr. Schlaak plans to add a hopper bin, wet bin, dryer and shed to the property.
Lance Skov of Hill, Larson, Walth & Benda P.A. was present to discuss the city’s annual audit report. He found no discrepancies in the audit and the council is doing a great job with the annual budget. He recommended increasing the fire department budget to cover expenses. The department has exceeded expenses the last two years for repairs to trucks.
Fire Chief Brandon Flatness reported the department responded to one mutual aid call and three medical calls. The department would like to put the old fire truck and ambulance up for bid. Council instructed Flatness to work with the clerk to get this advertised and put on the League of Minnesota Cities marketplace website. The new fire truck needs a one inch hose, new tires with aggressive tread, water monitor that can be plumbed through L&D Ag and new striping on the exterior of the truck.
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Once Mayor Steve Bailey called the Geneva’s city council meeting to order on May 10, discussion centered on a handful of town matters. First on the agenda was approving the minutes, financial report and bills payable. Councilman Jim Beenken made a motion to approve. Fellow councilman, Taff Worrell seconded and the motion carried.
Bailey then invited Alliant Energy representatives to step up to the table. Al Stadheim, Albert Lea senior manager for Alliant Energy, addressed a few issues of concern voiced by Geneva residents. Stadheim began by explaining the first area of complaints, meter estimations.
Whenever blizzard conditions occur, it’s impossible for Alliant representatives to read meters. This issue is inevitable and unavoidable, but he informed the council that in 2014, they plan to implement automated meter readers. The new system will eliminate this matter altogether.
HOW DID WE DO? — Panther clay target team members confer with scorer Paul Cyr, right, as to how many targets they broke. Displaying proper gun range safety procedures are, from left, Kirsten Olsen, Seth Petranek and Larissa Peterson. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
New NRHEG shooting team part of statewide league
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Students are participating in a new sport at NRHEG. You don’t have to run, jump, throw or catch. Strength and size are not required. You don’t even have to work out to compete. The rules are the same for boys and girls. All you really need is a good shooting eye and be able to handle a firearm safely.
The sport is clay target team shooting and NRHEG is now a member of the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League. The league, starting in 2008 with three teams, is now comprised of 29 schools across Minnesota. The goal is to promote shooting sports in a safe, positive environment to enhance character and personal growth in the students. NRHEG is part of the Minnesota South Conference with Belle Plaine, Faribault BA, New Prague, Jordan, Prior Lake, Worthington and Tracy. The team shoots on Thursday evenings for 10 weeks at the Owatonna Gun Club located just south of Hope. The shooting league is a virtual league, meaning each team shoots on their home shooting range and scores are sent to a central location. This reduces travel expenses, which is meaningful because shooting can prove to be a somewhat expensive sport. Fees alone are $200 per student, which covers the cost of ammunition and targets. All shooters have to use factory ammuniton. Reloads are not allowed. The team has enlisted the help of the following sponsors who have contributed to keep costs down: Cabela’s, Ahlman’s Gun Shop, Midstate Trucking, Southern Gateway Chapter MN Deer Hunters Association, Morgan’s Meat Market, Schlaak Trucking, Ellendale Hustlers 4-H Club and Mr. John Olsen.
More...
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
All members were present as Mayor Tom McShane called the regular meeting of the New Richland City Council to order on Monday evening, May 9. The evening’s agenda and consent agenda items were both approved.
The council approved Resolution 11-13, which authorizes advertising for bids for the upgrade to the Waste Water Treatment Facility. The project will enable the city to meet state guidelines for phosphorous content in treated water, and will replace equipment at the WWTF, which has deteriorated over time.
Police Chief Scott Eads noted a busy April for his department with 90 calls for service and an additional 92 contacts. Two burglaries were reported, one residential and one business. The county attorney’s office is reviewing the investigation for possible charges. Eads encourages city residents to remain vigilant in their neighborhoods.
“We ask anyone witnessing suspicious activity to please notify the department as soon as possible and we will check into it,” said Eads. “Even if something seems insignificant, if the activity piques a resident’s interest, there may be something to it.”
BARN QUILTERS — Participants in Marilyn Dobberstein’s barn quilting class through NRHEG Community Education include, kneeling, Sandi Schlomann and Corrine Eckhardt. Standing: Lynette Redman, Sharon Ackerman, Cynthia Nelson, Lorraine Anderson, Renee Holmes and Marilyn Dobberstein. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
NRHEG Community Education Director Marilyn Dobberstein needed to find a brilliant idea for a community education class. And once fellow NRHEG staffer, Renee Holmes, mentioned something about a barn quilting class, Dobberstein knew they were on to something spectacular.
“Most people don’t know what barn quilts are,” Dobberstein said. “They just think you are tacking fabric on a building.” Holmes added, “But actually barn quilts are patterns painted on plywood.”
When eight women signed up, they decided Holmes’ home would be the best location for this four-week class. To their surprise, the majority of the class was not from the Ellendale area.
“Only two students are from Ellendale,” Holmes said. “Four of them are driving an hour just to get here.”
Since Holmes was already well acquainted with barn quilting, she filled with the teaching role with ease. Guiding Dobberstein and all eight students through the necessary steps wasn’t at all tedious either.
“We all work as a team,” Holmes said. “Barn quilting is relaxing for me. Actually, when I was getting ready for this class, I thought ‘they really are paying me to do this?’ It seems so easy to me. But if you’ve never done it or don’t have a clue, this is a place to learn.”
Calls received/action taken by the New Richland Police Department:
Friday, April 1, 3 p.m. — Medical assist N. Ash Ave.
Friday, April 1, 7:15 p.m. – Burglary S. Birch Ave. Written report to county attorney.
Friday, April 1, 8:20 p.m. — Directed Patrol S. Broadway Ave. All okay per staff.
Friday, April 1, 11:45 p.m. – Bar check N. Broadway Ave. All okay per staff.
Saturday, April 2, 1:55 a.m. — Domestic N.W. 3rd St. Verbal only. Male party left for the night.
Saturday, April 2, 8:30 a.m. — Animal complaint/barking dog S. Dogwood Ave.
Saturday, April 2, 11:50 a.m. — Civil matter N.W. 2nd St. Landlord/tenant dispute.
Saturday, April 2, 8:45 p.m. —Domestic N.W. 3rd St. Verbal only. Male party left for the night.
"To everything there is a season, a time for every pupose under heaven."
On Sunday, May 15, the New Richland Area Ministerium will have a Community Worship Service for the Blessing of the Bikes at City Park. The Blessing of the Bikes is a nationwide annual tradition. Riders of motorcycles, bicycles or even tricycles are blessed by clergymen in hopes that it will bring safety for the rider in the coming season.
"I'd rather be riding my bike thinking about God, than sitting in church thinking about my bike."
Generally, the Blessing of the Bikes focuses more on rider safety than religion. However, the service does include prayers and reading of biblical passages, and bikes are usually sprinkled with holy water.
Everyone crashes. Some get back on, some don't, some can't. A brief memorial service is held to acknowledge riders who have died in the previous year. The Blessings of the Bikes Services highlights religion, fitness, cyclists' rights, and safety.
"Respect the person who has seen the dark side of biking and lived to tell about it."
The Blessing of the Bikes Service will begin at 3 p.m; followed by supper at 4 p.m. Music will be provided by "Just Friends," and free will donations will be accepted, with all proceeds going to the New Richland Area Food Shelf.
Even if you don’t ride yourself, come and see the parade of bikes through the New Richland City Park.
This is the season for The Blessing of the Bikes, a time that will clear your mind, and restore your faith.