Features (1071)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
All members of the Geneva City Council united to discuss town matters on April 12. Once Mayor Steve Bailey called the meeting to order, councilman Janell Tufte made a motion to accept minutes, the financial report and bills payable. Returning councilman Rich Weckwerth seconded, and it carried.
The council then invited Kory Kress to the table for his plans of a deck addition to his house. Kress pitched his ideas to the council, saying the home project would involve 500 square feet, with its widest point tallying 16 feet. He went on to explain that the cost will be around $2700, and that he’ll purchase the necessary materials in town.
Tufte made a motion to grant the building permit, and councilmen Taff Worrell seconded. The motion carried, so city clerk Nancy Cornelius requested Kress with an amount of $20 to make the matter final. The money will go directly to the City of Geneva.
Andy Bernau then stepped forward to annotate this year’s audit report. The general fund originally budgeted for $132,300, but disbursements totaled $201,901. So Bernau recommended the council to readjust the budget for more accuracy.
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The New Richland City Council had an earlier start than usual Monday night as they gathered at Wallace’s Laundromat to inspect the sidewalk due to a complaint from the property owner. It appears the sidewalk heaves up in places during the winter preventing the front storm door from operating properly. After a brief discussion, the council returned to city hall and re-assembled for the regular meeting. All members present approved past meeting minutes, financial documents, a right of way permit and a proclamation by Mayor Tom McShane making May Poppy Month in New Richland.
The council adopted the following resolutions:
• Resolution 11-11 Tobacco Free Beach. This designates the beach and within 25 feet of the concession area at St. Olaf Lake Park a no smoking area.
• Resolution 11-12 Accepts a donation from Mark Querna of $1,000 to be divided between the Ambulance Service and Legion Field flood damage repairs.
HELPING OUT — NRHEG Elementary School students helped area food shelves exceed their March goal. Front from left: Ben Lewer, Sierra Johnson and Olivia Christopherson. Back: Maci Surat, Christopher Stenzel, Kyra Possin, Jazzlyn Johnson and Oakley Baker. (Submitted photo)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The Mission Impossible Team decided to accept their mission of raising contributions and awareness for the local food shelves, and they exceeded even their lofty expectations. These modern-day heroes were spotted at many churches and other local events, spreading the word to raise funds to help their neighbors in need.
“We had set a goal of 5,000 pounds of food and $5,000 for the March FoodShare Month campaign,” said Larry Goehring, from the Mission Impossible Team headquarters at the New Richland Area Food Shelf. “At last tally, we had collected 3,998 pounds of food and $13,399.38. Using the conversion of foodshare (one dollar equals one pound of food), our grand total is $17,397.”
The Mission Impossible Team made its presence felt in Ellendale as the Ellendale Area Food Shelf also exceeded their goal.
“Our goal was to raise a total of 5,000 dollars and pounds,” said Bethany Mikesell, Ellendale Area Food Shelf Coordinator. “As of April 7, our combined total stands at $5,237.20. It’s a few thousand more than last year’s campaign.”
KNOWLEDGE BOWLERS — The 2010-11 NRHEG High School Knowledge Bowl team. Front from left: Kirby Butler, Douglas Rudau, Kyle Wallerich, Adam Anderson and Maverick Waltz. Row two: Matt Dahle, Rachel Ledding, Bethany Stenzel, Emily Riihl and Tony Wacholz. Row three: Jessica Stenzel, Carly Krippner, Crystal Olson, Liz Eder, Kyle Bayerkohler, Jade Waltz and Hans Frank. Back: Pieter Majeski, Kristina Cole, Alexis Tieskotter, Amanda Anderson and Logan Davis. (Submitted photo)
STANDOUTS — This NRHEG Knowledge Bowl team advanced to regions and finished in 13th place. Front from left: Matt Dahle, Pieter Majeski and Tony Wacholz. Back: Christopher Bently and Hans Frank. (Submitted photo)
The NRHEG High School Knowledge Bowl teams have completed a very successful season.
Knowledge Bowl is open to students in grades 9 - 12. Students sign up and practice beginning in late October, with 30 enthusiastic young people participating this year. More than half of the students were joining for the first time.
Weekly practices were held where speed and correct answers were honed. Due to conflicts with other activities, numbers dropped to 24.
NRHEG registered four teams for the competition season. These teams are made up of five members. The South Central Region of Knowledge Bowl includes 83 teams from 29 school districts. Meets included: January 6th in Fairmont, January 21st in Mankato (hosted by MNCS), January 28th in Blue Earth, February 17th in Mankato (hosted by NRHEG) and February 25th in Cleveland.
GENEVA MEATS — The crew at Geneva Meats. From left: Juan Vazquez, David Luna, Paula Broitzman, Dean Anderson, Dan Schmidt, Mike Farr, Doug Felt, John Bjoraker, Diane Smith and Whitey Hagen. Geneva Meats will hold an open house May 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
BY RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Geneva Meat Market employees take their jobs very seriously. If something’s a bit off, it’s back to the recipe card.
Since their sausage department leader, Dean Anderson, has been in meat industry since age 16, they can look to him for guidance. Anderson knows a thing or two about reaching that point Goldilocks coined as “just right.”
This precision came in very handy at this year’s Minnesota Association of Meat Processors convention in Rochester. Turns out, their specialty snacks and dried beef were deemed worthy of the Reserve Champion award.
“This is basically our first year of competition,” Anderson said. “There were quite a few entries in dried beef, so earning an award for that category was a nice accomplishment.”
Well versed in the meat industry, Anderson attributes their success to remaining a non-cookie cutter plant. He has been Geneva’s sausage go-to guy just over a year now, and in that time, he has put his special touch on a few recipes.
“I’m happy Geneva brought me aboard,” Anderson said. “I just want to turn out a product they’ll be proud of, which will hopefully keep people coming back.”
As a previous co-owner of Nick’s Meat Market in Hayward for five years, he says it feels great to see Geneva succeed, gazing at the pair of shiny plaques decorating their walls.
“Here in Geneva for a little over a year, it’s nice to know we can turn out a product we are happy with,” Anderson said.
So as a first-year contender at this convention, his fellow employees are also more than pleased with the outcome. At next year’s convention, they plan to up their game even more.
“We just like to turn out a good product and have the public appreciate it,” Anderson said.
As it stands right now, their sausage varieties available for purchase tallies between 30 and 40. And now that two cases have been added to the shop, customers can look forward to perusing many more types of meat.
“One case will contain tons of sausage,” Anderson said. “Then, we have one case that has anything from steaks to chops and patties. Stuff like that.”
More cosmetic changes are in the works. All of the market’s floors will soon be refinished as well.
“We’re changing the attitude of Geneva Meats,” Anderson said. “We want customers to think, ‘I can’t wait to get back there.’”
He hopes the constant upgrading, combined with competitive prices, will set them up for many more years of success.
“We are staying busy, which is always a good thing,” Anderson said.
Everyone has also been involved in concocting a new line of venison this past season, which is another example of how far they have progressed in their sausage program.
“People seem to enjoy our products,” Anderson said. “A few weekends ago, we had 1,400 hot dogs go to an open house for Noble RV. It’s always fun to get out with everybody and see customers I haven’t seen in a long time.”
With almost 20 years of meat making feathering his cap, Geneva Meats remains a huge passion of his. Whatever task needs doing; his hands gladly fall right into sync.
“I started at Nick’s as a cleanup boy at age 16,” Anderson said. “Today, I occasionally get into the cutting aspect of it too. That’s fun because I get to go out with everybody and see customers come in that I haven’t seen in a long time.”
LION OF THE YEAR — Lions District Vice Governor Sue Bowman of Geneva, left, presents Bob Frisk a certificate in recognition of his being selected Zone 8 Lion of the Year at a meeting in New Richland March 3. (Submitted photo)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
If you have ever attended a Lion’s Pancake Breakfast in New Richland during the past ten years, you have probably seen Bob Frisk. If he’s not busy flipping pancakes, he’s undoubtedly busy somewhere close by, ensuring things are running smoothly. He is normally one of the first Lion members to arrive in the morning, and one of the last to leave.
“Bob has been the chairman for our pancake breakfasts the last ten years,” said Rev. Charles Espe, Secretary of the New Richland Lions. “He normally handles the advertising, orders the supplies and sets up the member’s work schedule.”
The Lions normally schedule two of their pancake breakfasts a year, many years they have had three or more. The breakfasts serve as fundraisers for people in the community who have experienced tragedies or who are having challenging health problems.
In recognition of his efforts, Frisk was chosen the 5M2 Zone 8 Lion of the Year. The honor was bestowed on Frisk at a Lions meeting March 3 by District Vice Governor Sue Bowman of Geneva.
MORE FOR THE WALL — Rachael Lee, left, and Donnavon Eaker of Steve’s Meat Market have continued the award-winning tradition of the late Steve Eaker. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
They specialize in award-winning smoked and cured meat and sausage products and are darn proud of it. They've won more than 310 state and national awards since 1975.
They’re Steve’s Smokey Acres Meat Market of Ellendale. And their reputation continues to grow.
Owners Rachael Lee and Donnavon Eaker attended the Minnesota Association of Meat Processors convention in Rochester March 18-19 and, as usual, they brought home a cartful of awards.
They included:
• Grand Champion, Ring Bologna
• Grand Champion, Specialty Whole Muscle Item (Apple Cinnamon Bacon)
• Reserve Grand Champion, Specialty Summer Sausage (Blueberry Summer Sausage)
• Reserve Grand Champion for Fresh Pork Sausage Item (Maple Pork Sausage Links)
• Reserve Grand Champion, Non-fermented Summer Sausage (Hickory Summer Sausage)
• Reserve Grand Champion, Cooked and Smoked Pork (Semi-Boneless Ham)
• Champion, Whole Bone In Ham
• Champion, Specialty Snack Sticks (Cranberry Sticks)
• Reserve Champion, Bacon
• Reserve Champion, Cooked Summer Sausage, Regular.
On Thursday, before the convention began, Lee was able to attend a members’ seminar and saw how some new meat products are being prepared. During the convention they also attended several learning seminars about HAACP, and learned about new laws that will be put into place for all meat processors. They were also able to attend special sessions in the Exhibit Hall at the Rochester Civic Center, where they were able to talk to company representatives that supply raw meat products, meat processing machines, equipment, seasonings and casings for the meat industry.
Bernard outlines nation’s ag outlook to area farmers
Written by Jim Lutgens
Roger Bernard
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Agricultural specialists from about the area listened intently to presentations Tuesday morning at New Richland City Hall, which were geared specifically to them.
The first was from Jeff Vetsch from the Southern Research Outreach Center in Waseca. Vetsch spoke about local soil conditions and what chemicals can be applied depending on the soil chemistry.
“Typically, here in Minnesota, we see zinc deficiencies in corn,” said Vetsch. “Telltale signs are pale yellow strips on the plants and stunted growth. Sulfates may also be needed in certain areas. Much of the country used to receive atmospheric sulfates, which were generated from coal-burning electric plants. Now, the number of coal burning operations has been curtailed.”
Roger Bernard was the next speaker. He is the news editor for Pro Farmer magazine out of Cedar Falls, IA. He gave a brief overview of some of the happenings in Washington and their effects on agriculture.
“Capitol Hill is really looking ahead to the 2012 election right now,” said Bernard. “They are dealing with continuing resolutions and the size of government. Jobs and the economy are key factors. The Tea Party had a lot of clout in the primaries, although the GOP doesn’t really have a leading candidate.”
Bernard spoke of the huge budget deficit facing Congress this year.
“They are looking at around $4.3 trillion,” said Bernard. “By 2020, the national debt is projected to be around $20 trillion.
2011 FARM FAMILY — The Winter family of rural Janesville shown with their award for being selected the 2011 Waseca County Farm Family of the Year. From left: Ray Winter, Lisa Winter, Angie Winter, Ben Netzke, Angela Winter (holding Riley) and Tom Winter. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
For years, Waseca County has had the reputation of promoting agriculture and business as a unit, which has richly impacted agriculture throughout the county. In recognition, the Waseca Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Farm and City Luncheon Thursday, March 24, at the American Legion in Waseca. There were about 250 people in attendance. Keeping with tradition, everyone was treated to a locally-grown meal.
Producers Tim Fischer and Tom Klug provided the pork and beef, respectively. Birds Eye donated the vegetables and the Waseca County Dairy Association furnished the milk. 4-H and FFA members served the guests. Local Ag Instructors Mrs. Hoefs (Waseca) and Mr. Sorum (NRHEG) were recognized for teaching students about agriculture.
Casey DeRosier of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture was introduced as the event’s keynote speaker. She is involved with the Minnesota Grown Program at the office in St. Paul.
“We have 900 listings right now in the program,” said DeRosier. “1,100 members are involved and the number keeps growing.
A CENTURY OF EXPERIENCE — From left, Belinda Gold, Marilyn Meyer and Edna Erdmann have logged more than 100 years at the New Richland hardware store. At age 87, Erdmann has been searching for a buyer for the store. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Edna Erdmann is like the Energizer Bunny. Erdmann just keeps going and going. But like it or not, Erdmann isn’t Superwoman and the cape must come off eventually.
As owner of New Richland’s Do-It-Best Hardware, she knows it’s time to retire. Now a spritely age 87, she continues to wait patiently. The right people will come along eventually, at least that’s her hope.
“I’m not going to be able to keep on forever,” Erdmann said. “I’d like to sell out completely, but there’s nobody to buy it. If it comes to worst case scenario, I’ll just sell it out to the walls and close the door.”
Best case scenario is that this 57-year strong staple will live on. Part-time employee, Marilyn Meyer, doesn’t want to see the business disappear either. With 45 years of service under her belt, Meyer has utter confidence in saying what it will take for a new owner to succeed.
“We need a young couple to take over,” Meyer said. “And one of them would almost need an outside full-time job to carry the benefits. Then hire part-time help like Edna does.”
That’s not all. Candidates must be willing to work long hours, and possess a great deal of patience. Being mechanically minded wouldn’t hurt either. “If the new owner had children, the store would really teach them responsibility and a work ethic,” Meyer said.
More...
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The New Richland City Council addressed the stray cat problem to a degree during their regular meeting Monday evening, March 28.
All members present agreed on several revisions to the current animal ordinance which had been drafted by City Clerk Wayne Billing. A major change to the ordinance states residents may only keep five total domestic animals as pets, with a maximum of two adult dogs. Persons who feed stray animals may be considered owners of the animals under the new guidelines. The council is expected to approve the final draft of the ordinance at their next scheduled meeting.
New Richland resident Dale Wallace addressed the council over concerns regarding the sidewalk in front of his business on Broadway Ave. During the reconstruction phase of the street, the concrete sidewalk was removed and replaced. Apparently, the contractors did not correctly install the sidewalk, which was subsequently removed and replaced. Now, the sidewalk has heaved up, resulting in problems with the front door of the business. Mr. Wallace thanked the council and removed himself from the chambers.
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
The LeSueur River Lutheran Church is making preparations for an upcoming milestone, their 150th anniversary celebration.
On Sunday, April 3, the LeSueur River congregation will be using their "older" orders of Worship, from the "Service Book and Hymnal," a former hymnal used by the LeSueur River Lutheran Church.
Saturday, June 18, a hog roast is scheduled for 5 p.m. The evening promises to be eventful, with games, a hayride and other activities for the children. An evening social is planned for the adults, mingling with members and former members. They will also have a small program highlighting the past 150 years.
Waseca County residents urged to sign up for Code Red
Written by Jim LutgensBy JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Code Red
With the onset of the annual severe weather season fast approaching, Waseca County Sheriff Brad Milbrath is encouraging residents to sign up for the Code Red Emergency Notification System.
“Residents can receive warnings by phone, text or e-mail,” said Milbrath. “It’s not only for severe weather alerts, but other general emergencies affecting the county such as road closures.”
Residents can sign up for Code Red by going to the county’s web site www.co.waseca.mn.us or the WCSD web site www.wasecacountysheriff.com. There is a link on the bottom of the home page where information can be entered. Physical addresses have to be entered, not P.O. boxes.
When an emergency has been declared, system subscribers will see the following numbers show up in their cellular phone windows:
Snowy winter could delay planting a bit for area farmers
Written by Jim LutgensBy RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
A few robins are on the loose, but for the unlucky spotters, this exciting occasion could be delayed just a bit more.
This statement may not be 100 percent accurate, but Agro Economics Crop Consultant Mark Bernard has confidence in his projections for the upcoming spring. But before focusing too much on May flowers, Bernard provides an analysis of the past winter.
“Measuring snowfall with the gauges I have isn’t entirely accurate,” Bernard said. “But my estimate of snowfall would lie in that 75 to 80-inch range. Normally, that number is an estimated 56.”
As an official precipitation recorder for Waseca County, he keeps a very close eye on the weather. He distinctly remembers November, when things came to a “screeching halt.” Not much snow fell during this fall-like month, but the flakes that did, stayed around.