Features (1071)
NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
The NRHEG School Board voted in favor of a purchase agreement for the property just south of the school in New Richland at its regular meeting Monday.
The meeting was held at the remodeled New Richland Media Center, following the open house for the newly-constructed school Entry-Kitchen-Cafeteria-Commons area.
The property is approximately one acre, is currently residential and has a house and trees. The owner wishes to sell and made an offer to the district.
Michele Moxon of the Building and Grounds Committee said, “This will be useful for expansion at some point, but even now it’s worth it for the improved access, even without doing anything with it.”
Ellendale City Council
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City met Thursday September 12, with Mayor Swearingen, Councilmen Reiter, Groth and Lassahn present. Councilman Goebel was absent. Also in attendance were LeAnn Hojberg, Assistant City Clerk; Josh Otto, City Maintenance; Pete Paulson, Municipal Liquor Store Manager; Pastor Patrick Stitt, and Matt Arthur.
The council had on the agenda for the evening to propose the 2014 tax levy. The levy had to be sent to the Steele County Auditor by September 15 and is certified in December. The council was reminded that the levy that is set now may only be lowered in December; it may not be raised. The council decided on setting a 4 percent raise over last year’s levy. Last year the council did not raise the levy. Last years levy was $291,138 along with a special levy for 8th Ave. of $15,980. The total new levy will be $318,764, which compares to last year’s levy of $307,118. The council adopted the levy with Resolution 09-12-13-01. The council also set the Truth in Taxation hearing for December 12 at 7 p.m. with a continuation date of December 26 at 7 p.m.
Marching Panther fans can expect something new
Written by Jim LutgensBy JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The 2013 NRHEG High School Marching Band season officially comes to a conclusion Saturday, Sept. 21 at 12:30 p.m. with the Waseca Marching Classic.
The Panthers have fared well at the event in the past, winning their class three years in a row and six of the last seven, but according to Director Tim Siewert, the emphasis is somewhat different this time.
“This year we’re not looking to win, that’s not our goal,” said Siewert. “If it happens, that’s great, but we are there to entertain the crowd and have fun.”
The one award the band is shooting for is the People’s Choice Award.
The NRHEG Early Childhood Family Education program will have its registration kick-off with a Vehicle Fair on Tuesday evening, September 17, 2013 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (Rain date is Thursday, September 19th). The kickoff this year will be held at the Beaver Lake Parking Lot.
This Vehicle Fair will be for children (who are too young to attend school at this time) and their families. There will be a variety of vehicles: fire truck, farm implements, tractor, ambulance, school bus, semi, 4-wheeler, and many more to explore.
New Richland City Council
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The proposed 2014 tax levy for the community was foremost on the minds of the New Richland City Council at its first meeting of the month Monday night at City Hall.
Not far behind was the old library building and what to do with it.
Both items — and several others — were discussed at length as Mayor Christine Gislason, all council members and several guests were present.
The bottom line for the proposed 2014 levy was the adoption of Resolution 13-24, approving a 6.29 percent increase from 2013, when taxes shot up 9.51 percent. The total amount is $341,877, a number that can be reduced but not raised before the 2014 budget is finalized in December.
Ellendale City Council
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met in special session on Thursday September 5, with Mayor Swearingen, Councilmen Rieter, Groth and Lassahn present. Councilman Goebel was unable to attend. Also in attendance were Phil Kohl, City Attorney; LeAnn Hojberg, Assistant City Clerk; Pete Paulson, Municipal Liquor Store Manager; Josh Otto, Maintenance; Cindy Goebel and Ed Reiss.
The council had two items for discussion, the first was the proposed budget for 2014 and the second was discussion on the City Clerk position, vacated when Brian Louks abruptly resigned at the August 22 council meeting.
Hartland Pioneers to hold kickoff picnic
Children in kindergarten through sixth grade and their families are invited to the Hartland Lutheran Pioneers picnic at Arrowhead Point Park in Freeborn on Thursday, September 12 at 6 p.m. Hot dogs will beprovided. Each family may bring a dish to pass. We will be registering for the 2013-14 Pioneers program. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Shawn Stafford at 507-845-2218 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Volunteers sought for Ellendale Fall Cleanup
Volunteers are needed for the Fall Cleanup in Ellendale on October 19. Volunteers will complete yard work for senior citizens in our community. Bring a rake, work gloves, and a smile. Please call Luann Fairbairn to volunteer (507-363-0699).
LIVING THE DREAM — Adam McKane, New Richland’s newest part-time police officer, knew early in life what he wanted to do for a career. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Adam McKane had a pretty good idea at a young age what he wanted to be when he grew up.
“It’s kind of funny,” he said. “In grade school, I drew a picture of a police officer. I said, ‘that’s what I want to be.’”
Now, that’s what he is.
McKane, 29, joined the New Richland Police Force in late May as a part-time officer. He still works full-time as a Freeborn County Corrections Officer, with hopes of becoming a deputy, but even if he does he’ll continue to patrol the streets of New Richland on a part-time basis.
He likes it here.
New Richland City Council
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
It’s been a month since the New Richland City Council received a report from Police Chief Scott Eads, so he had plenty to say at Monday night’s regular meeting at City Hall. All council members were there except the vacationing Amy Ihrke.
Eads, who did not present a report at the last meeting because he was on vacation, had several items of interest, most noteworthy reports of parties entering unlocked/unsecured locations and removing alcohol of various types. The incidents reported go back to late May.
“We’re working on this matter, and we’re asking for the public’s assistance in two ways,” Eads wrote in his report.
First and foremost, according to Eads, is to lock your doors. Second, if you observe anything suspicious, call 911 or 465-3240.
Ellendale City Council
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met Thursday, August 22 with Mayor Swearingen, Councilmen Reiter, Goebel, Groth and Lassahn all present. Also attending the meeting were Josh Otto, Maintenance Supervisor; Pete Paulson, Municipal Liquor Store Manager; Lynn Hecker; and Steele County Sherriff Lon Thiele.
At the close of the meeting Steve Louks, City Clerk, announced to the council that effective August 30 he would be resigning his duties as City Clerk. Louks did not comment any further than stating his last day would be a week from Friday, August 30. A surprised council discussed what options they will have moving forward. The council will check with individuals to see if they could get help in the interim.
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Making a Difference
Dahle off on South Africa mission
SOUTH AFRICA MISSION — Emily Dahle of rural New Richland departed last week for a mission trip to South Africa. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
Editor’s note: This is another in an ongoing series of stories in the Star Eagle focusing on people in the NRHEG area who make a positive impact in the lives of others. If you know of someone who should be recognized, call 463-8112.
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Little do we know how something said or suggested in conversation can grow into a major life event.
Even when she tried to put it aside as "only an impossibility," it just sat there and kept telling her, "You can do this." "Do it now." "Do it now while you are young and not faced with a job, a family, or something else important to do."
Such is the case of Emily Dahle, and her vision of a mission trip to South Africa is coming true.
For Emily, it’s been an exciting experience to anticipate.
Emily is no ordinary girl. She has always done things in a good way and it shows. This mission trip is only one of many successful ventures in her life.
6th-grade orientation Monday at 6:30 p.m.
There is an orientation planned for all students entering 6th grade and their parents on Monday, August 26 at 6:30 p.m. This orientation will begin in the NRHEG High School cafeteria in New Richland. This will be an opportunity for you to visit the building, meet with the 6th-grade teachers, gather information about what a typical day will be like, and learn about the expectations we have for our students. We look forward to meeting you and cannot wait for a great year!
Harvest Run for Hunger September 21
The annual Harvest Run for Hunger is set for Saturday, September 21. There will be a 7K run and a 4K walk. It will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Ellendale, 7126 SW 98th Street, which is 12 miles Southwest of Owatonna. The walk begins at 8:30 a.m. and the run begins 9. For children 10 years and under, no entry free is required for the walk. Registration forms are available online at: harvestrunforhunger.com and raceberryjam.com (under Road Races).
NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
Dr. Dennis Goodwin’s first session with the NRHEG School Board was a brisk meeting with a long agenda, but things went smoothly thanks to the contributing presence of Business Manager Karla Christopherson and Administrative Assistant Karen Gimberline. Both principals were also present and prepared.
Fall startup
Bills in the amount of $862,663.54 were approved for payment. The high figure was explained by Goodwin and board chair Rick Schultz.
“Some of that expense is for school supplies,” said Goodwin.
Geneva duo heads to Gettysburg for 150th anniversary of battle
FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE — Marshall Pederson, left, and his father Neal of Geneva recently participated in a 150th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg. (Submitted photo)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Marshall Pederson’s story began when he happened to see a cancellation, due to inclement weather, of a club meeting called the "Rochester Civil War Round Table" come across the bottom of the family television screen.
Being history buffs, Marshall and his father, Neal, looked up the the round table on the Internet and quickly joined the club. By the third year, they were asked to be speakers at monthly meetings.
They were told about an area reenactment. They went, and a Unit Captain called Marshall over to the camp. He looked over Marshall and made him get a uniform and join as a runner.
Marshall still laughs when he remembers, "I went to watch and before I knew it they were asking to look at my teeth, and told me that I was their newest recruit."