Features (1071)
The Waseca Soil and Water Conservation District is a local unit of government that manages and directs natural resource management programs at a local level. The District works in both urban and rural settings, with landowners and with other units of government, to carry out a program for the conservation, use, and development of soil and water related resources.
One critical niche the District fills is that of providing soil and water conservation services to private landowners. Managing these private lands, whether agriculture or urban, is a key to the quality of life in Waseca County.
The District is instrumental in facilitating the leveraging of funds from State and Federal agencies for projects and programs. One example of this is payments made to landowners who participate in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), and the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP).
Conway retires after long career as elementary teacher
THE TIME IS NOW — After 34 years as an elementary teacher, Mary Conway now has more time to spend in her back yard. (Star Eagle photo by Jessica Lutgens)
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer
When it comes to teaching, you could say it’s in her blood.
“It’s like this profession was handed to me on a gold platter,” said recent NRHEG retiree Mary Conway.
One of several beloved and longtime staff members bidding adieu to the district this year, Conway dedicated 34 years to her career, although education is something she’s been involved with since she was young.
Born and raised in Waseca, where her mom was a kindergarten teacher for many years, Conway’s motivation behind her career choice is obvious; one of her favorite activities as a child was playing “school” with her sister, and she taught Sunday school.
The Waseca Area Neighborhood Service Center 2014 School Supply Program is now accepting donations for the 2014-15 school year. Donations can be taken to Roundbank 200 2nd St. NE; Wal-Mart 2103 N State St.; WANSC 203 3rd Ave. NW; Waseca Area Food Shelf 113 2nd Ave SW; New Richland Area Food Shelf 204 1st St NW; Janesville Food Shelf 412 N. Main St. Thank you for making a difference. Call 507-833-4119 for more information. WANSC hours are Monday & Friday 9-5; Tuesday-Thursday 9-7; Saturdays 9-1.
Bench, tree dedicated at ‘new’ Memorial Park
MEMORIALIZED — Above, Pastor Paul Andree speaks during the dedication ceremony at New Richland’s Memorial Park July 11. Below from left are NR firefighters Dan Budach, Cody Dobberstein, Anthony Svoboda, Tom Gislason, Craig Eustice, Curt Pederson, Brian Svoboda, Tyler Hansen, Mike Thompson, Mike Shurson and Mitch Thompson. (Star Eagle photos by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
In a solemn, inspirational ceremony, the recently landscaped Memorial Park — as it has become known — was dedicated Friday evening, July 11, during New Richland’s Farm and City Days.
The new hospice tree — donated by Mary Ignaszewski and family, and the bench that was donated in memory of Tommy Bruzek by the NR Fire Department 10 years ago — were the main focus.
Gail Schmidt of the New Richland Area Foundation, which donated $2,200 toward the project, was the first to speak.
EAHS to meet at old Thompson Boat House
The Ellendale Area Heritage Society will meet Saturday, Aug. 2nd at 9 a.m. at the old Thompson Boat House on Beaver Lake. We invite you to join us for a time of sharing photos and memories. So, if you live in Ellendale or surrounding area, have a summer cabin or a year-around home at Beaver Lake, feel free to join us for a fun time.
With many construction issues looming, it’s not likely at this time
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
Is the NRHEG School Board ready to consider the feasibility of a new gym for NRHEG?
Maybe, maybe not.
Discussion was intense at the close of Monday’s board meeting in Ellendale, as members (board chair Rick Schultz was absent) struggled to get their heads around a new project close on the heels of the renovation in New Richland – a job which is still not complete and has unsolved problems.
The Building and Grounds Committee has conferred with D.L.R. Group architects in the matter, and they were given a price of $15,000 for an initial design study, and about $38,000 for a proposal, half of which would be returnable.
The District Superintendent of Southern Prairie District of the United Methodist Church, Minnesota Annual Conference, has announces that it is the intention of Bishop Bruce Ough to appoint Pastor Randy Cirksena as Pastor of the Ellendale United Methodist Church. Acting on behalf of the congregation, The Staff/Parish Relations Committee has confirmed the Bishop’s intention.
On July 18, 2014 at 10:46 a.m., the Waseca County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatality accident on Old Hwy. 14 near the intersection of 95th Street.
Involved in the accident was a semi tractor trailer driven by 61-year-old Randall Mahlman of Owatonna. The driver of a 1999 Buick Sedan was 66-year-old Sharon Weckwerth of Waseca — formerly of New Richland — who was pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation is being conducted by the Minnesota State Patrol with responding agencies Waseca County Sheriff’s Office, Waseca Police Department, Janesville Police Department, Waseca Fire Department, North Ambulance, Waseca County Highway Department and Minnesota DOT.
SALUTE — The 2014 Farm and City Days Parade Grand Marshals were 13 people who served in World War II. Front from left: Dr. Albert Flor, Gordon Peterson, Harold Thompson and Winston Evenson. Back: Richard Crumb, Eugene Warke, Bud Shurson, Donnie Bartness and Tony Arnfelt. Not pictured: Kenneth Eaton, Donald Smith, Audrene Smith and Marie Querna. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By NICOLE BILLING
Editorial Assistant
On Saturday, July 12, at New Richland’s Farm and City Days annual breakfast, the 2014 Parade Grand Marshal was announced – or rather, we should say Grand Marshals.
This year’s Grand Marshals were 13 people who served in World War II: Gordon Peterson, Dr. Albert Flor, Buddy Shurson, Harold Thompson, Kenneth Eaton, Donald Smith, Audrene Smith, Don Bartness, Winston Evenson, Marie Querna, Eugene Warke, Richard Crumb, and Tony Arnfelt.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when the names of the veterans were announced. Many of them had no idea what was going on, even as their names were read. Some came with their uniform cap, like Dr. Flor, while others came in regular clothes.
NEW ILLUMINATION — Retired State Bank of New Richland President Bernie Anderson stands under one of the lights for which he and the bank donated nearly $40,000. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Folks are seeing downtown New Richland in a whole new light these days — thanks to Bernie Anderson and the State Bank of New Richland.
SBNR and Anderson, the bank’s retired president, recently donated nearly $40,000 for “new” street lights along Broadway Ave., greatly enhancing the after-dark perspective on main street.
The globe-style lights and poles are of the vintage variety. Purchasing them for his hometown was the brainchild of Anderson.
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Winning button numbers announced
Winning Button numbers for 2014 Farm and City Days:
• $25 - 644
• $25 - 666
• $50 - 414
• $100 - 704
Check your button! If you have a winning button, please notify City Hall.
A new group has been organized, Friends of the New Richland Library. The purpose of this organization is to focus attention on the library, services, facilities, and the needs of the NR Public Library. Membership is open to all individuals in the community and costs $5 for one year. Members will be invited to participate in special events during the year. Membership forms will be available at the library.
The New Richland Area Foundation display will be set up in the City Council room during the 2014 Farm and City Days Pancake Breakfast on Saturday July 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The NRAF’s mission is to continually improve the community awareness in how to contribute and also make aware where the funds have helped in our community and schools.
The search is over for the 2014 New Richland Farm & City days medallion. It was found Monday by Kendra Raimann, hidden under the slide at Legion Field.