Features (1071)
NRHEG 2013 Valedictorian
TOP OF THE LIST — Emilia Hobbs, left, recevies her diploma from NRHEG School Board member Mike Moen during 2013 commencement for NRHEG High School. Hobbs was Valedictorian for the class of 2013, carrying a 4.0 GPA. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Contributing Writer
Like many other high school seniors, NRHEG’s Emilia Hobbs has made it to the graduation finish line. But for Hobbs, grasping her diploma in hand felt a tad more gratifying.
She is the class of 2013’s Valedictorian.
“When I found out I was Valedictorian, I was very happy and proud of myself,” Hobbs said. “Being Valedictorian means a lot to me because it is a sign that all my hard work in school has paid off.”
Maintaining that 4.0 grade point average certainly came with many hours of study. Yet, most of the schoolwork never seemed all that overwhelming to accomplish.
Ellendale City Council
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met Thursday June 13, with Mayor Swearingen, Councilmen Reiter, Groth and Lassahn present. Councilman Goebel was absent. Also in attendance were Steve Louks, clerk; Josh Otto, maintenance; Pete Paulson, MLS manager; and Matt Arthur.
The Community Center kitchen was brought up for discussion when Louks mentioned to that the Health Inspector had recently stopped by. The inspector, after meeting with Paulson, stopped by the clerk’s office and asked about the kitchen in the Community Center. The inspector’s questions were about what types of groups use the kitchen. Louks was told that groups who use the facility for fund-raisers should get a special use permit. The question was then raised, is the kitchen necessary? The council felt the kitchen is for the most part, one of the main reasons the center gets rented out. After further discussion the council will get some ideas for updates and bring to a future meeting.
Many, including Wellen and Cyr, move on
SO LONG — Retiring from the NRHEG school district are, from left, Rebecca Mueller, Cathy Stringfield, Jeff Reese, Julie Economy, Deb Gaines and Principal Paul Cyr. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Another school year at NRHEG has come to a close and, as a result, the annual Years of Service program and breakfast, was held on Friday, June 7 in Ellendale.
The NRHEG administration, teachers, paraprofessionals, social worker, sign language interpreter, coaches, librarian, nurse, office staff, janitors, cooks, school bus drivers, and school board members gathered in the school cafeteria at 8 a.m. A total of 102 people enjoyed a catered breakfast.
Superintendent Wellen welcomed everyone and called upon Gratia Johnson to share information about the district’s Wellness Program. Johnson also presented door prizes.
How well do you know New Richland? For the next few weeks, test your knowledge against clues that might lead you to the hidden Farm and City Days medallion and the prize of $50 in New Richland Bucks! Another clue is added each week, right up to the big July 11-14 weekend celebration. Clues will be posted in the Star Eagle, and by 10 a.m. Thursdays at local businesses. Happy hunting!
Clue No. 1:
1, 2, 3s and A, B, Cs, put the clues together and you will find me!
Look low, look high, look forward, look backward, that is the key!
Benefit for Jonathan Cobb Sunday
A benefit for Jonathan Cobb will be held June 23 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Ellendale Community Center. It will consist of a Sloppy Joe and Hot Dog luncheon and buffet. There will also be a silent auction and bake sale at the event.
Farmamerica to again host farm camp
Farmers, farm organizations, local agribusinesses and volunteers have joined together to organize and host the second annual “Farm Camp Minnesota” for youth. This event is open to youth entering grades 3-6. This one-day camp will be held twice, Monday, August 12 and Tuesday, August 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Farmamerica in Waseca. Cost is $10 per camper. Lunch and snacks are provided, and every camper will receive a T-shirt and fun bag. Space is limited. Registration will close July 31 or when full. For more information call 507-835-2052.
City approves contract with Radio Link Internet
Written by Jim LutgensNew Richland City Council
By CARRIE GILBERTSON
Staff Writer
The New Richland City Council met for their first June meeting on Monday night at City Hall. Anthony Martens was absent, with all other council members present.
Radio Link Internet was again present at the meeting to discuss housing their equipment on the water tower. The council approved the drafting of a contract to this effect. The contract will allow not only for the use of the site, but also for exclusive usage of the frequencies utilized in the service, with the exception of emergencies and advance agreements made with other users. This pertains specifically to equipment housed on the water tower. In return for the use of the site, Radio Link Internet will provide the city with three Internet connections when it becomes feasible to do so, or $150 monthly.
Unrelenting rain takes toll on area fields
By MARK BERNARD
Contributing Writer
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
That’s probably about as apt as one can describe what’s happened to us weather-wise since last fall. Let’s recap some of the weather happenings since then.
The Good:
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
We knew it was a lot, and possibly a record. Now it’s official. The 17.3 inches of May snowfall in Ellendale set a Minnesota state record for a three-day period.
Ellendale’s Jerry Ibberson can tell you about it. He measured it in his back yard on behalf of the National Weather Service. On June 1, he received official confirmation from Michelle Margraff of the NWS in Chanhassen.
“I have some exciting news!” Margraff said in an e-mail to Ibberson. “The Minnesota State Climatology office has decided to include your snowfall data as part of the state record for the May snowfall event! Your 3-day total of 17.3" was the highest in the state, so it will go down in the history books as the biggest 3-day snowfall total in May in Minnesota. Thanks again for being an observer. Your reports truly make a difference!”
New Richland resident Dr. Albert G. Flor represented WWII veterans as the Flag Pole Honoree at Target Field Sunday, May 19 at the Twins–Red Sox game. He was accompanied at the stadium by 130 family and friends. Prior to his raising of the flag and simultaneous singing of the national anthem, Dr. Flor’s military biography was read to the fans. His military bio, slightly edited by the Twins for time considerations, read as follows:
“As a third-year dental student at the U of M, I enlisted in the Medical Administration Corp Reserves as a 2nd Lieutenant in July 1942. I was inducted into active duty as a private in the A.S.T.P. program in July 1943.
“I graduated from U of M Dental School and was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Dental Corp on Dec. 16, 1943. I was ordered to Camp Grant, Illinois on Jan. 19, 1944 to serve in the Medical Training Battalion until July 31, 1944.
Owatonna Sons of Norway Midsummer Picnic June 17
The Nortonna Lodge 1-638 of the Sons of Norway will hold their annual Midsummer picnicMonday, June 17 at 6 p.m. at Mineral Springs Park in Owatonna. Midsummer is the centuries-old celebration of the height of summer in Norway where the summer is short and precious. Celebrations usually include a feast, large gathering of people, and a bonfire and singing. Hans Hohrman Jr. the “Accordian Man” will entertain us during this year’s Midsummer’s picnic. Members are reminded to bring your own dishes, utensils, beverage (coffee will be provided), and a dish to pass. There are picnic tables and benches, but we suggest you bring your own lawn chair. The breakdown of the dish you should bring is by the first letter of your last name as follows: A-G Dessert; H-M Salad; N-Z Hot Dish. Hope to see you all there. For more information call (507) 451-4274 or (507) 456-0674.
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New Richland City Council
By CARRIE GILBERTSON
Staff Writer
The New Richland City Council held its second meeting for the month Tuesday, May 28. All members of the council were present.
The council was informed a new director of nursing was hired at New Richland Care Center. Peggy Qual has 19 years of nursing experience and has spent the last 10 years as Director of Nursing at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea. She will begin here June 17.
Also at NRCC, Susie Abbott has also been moved from activities to the open Human Resources position. The council voted to approve the use of a temp agency to address other staffing shortages. For the month of June, All Temporary Midwest, Inc. will fill the unstaffed hours. The cost will be $30 per hour for approximately 100 hours weekly.
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
The 2nd Annual Geneva Cancer Run is ready to roll this Saturday, June 8, starting at Geneva Bar & Grill. It promises to be another fun-filled event, fighting cancer. This is not to be confused with the Matt Felt-Dillon Gordon Run, which will take place July 13.
Riders came from many different areas last year and it is hoped many more will turn out again this year. A total of 87 bikes made the trip last year and even more enjoyed the evening entertainment.
The "riders," be they on motorcycle, or in cars, trucks or vans, are asked to gather at Geneva Bar & Grill starting at 10 a.m. A $10 donation to cancer will be accepted for the 2013 Cancer Run.
Leagues forming for youth, adult volleyball
Volleyball players wanted: as you may have read, the Girl Scouts will be refurbishing the volleyball court at Legion Field in New Richland as well as adding a second court. Now, Troop 23601 is sponsoring a teen co-ed volleyball league for grades 7-12. Teams need to be a minimum of four people. There can’t be more guys on the court than girls per team. Teams provide their own ball and a line judge. Team shirts or uniforms are optional. The league will be held Tuesday evenings from June 11 to July 30. Cost is $20 per team and sign up is due by June 4. To sign up or for more information, call (507) 456-0500.
An adult league is also being planned, organized by Kim Schlaak. She estimates the start of that league to be the week of June 10. To sign up your team or for more information, call Kim at (507) 461-2095.
Parade schedule set for NRHEG Band
The 2013 summer parade schedule has been announced for the NRHEG Marching Band.
The band will perform:
• Friday, June 14 - Lake Crystal, 6 p.m.
• Saturday, June 15 - Owatonna, 11 a.m.
• Saturday, June 22nd - Rogers, 12 noon
• Friday, June 28 - Rochester, 6:15 p.m.
• Saturday, June 29 - Ellendale, 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 3 - Albert Lea, 6 p.m.
• Thursday, July 4 - St. Peter, 10 a.m. AND Apple Valley, 1 p.m.
• Saturday, July 13 - New Richland, 5 p.m.
• Saturday, September 21 - Waseca, 12:30 p.m.
Church Guest Night June 12
Grace Lutheran Church of Waseca will host its annual Guest Night Wednesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. The program will be presented by Jan Jerdee and Company from Albert Lea, and the program is “150 Years of Stoves and Aprons.” Jerdee separates the program into 25-year segments. She includes the price of eggs and flour at that time, highlights some of the key inventions, who was president, and who was governor. Pictures are shown of what stoves looked like at that time, aprons are shown from that area and music is played from that time period and the audience is invited to sing along. All are invited to attend and enjoy a trip down memory lane, some fun and good fellowship. Grace Lutheran is located at 300 East Elm Avenue in Waseca.
Waseca Relay for Life meeting June 20
Relay For Life Of Waseca County is having a combined Committee and Team Captain Meeting at the Waseca County Fairgrounds in the Creative Arts Building Thursday, June 20th, 5:30-6:30 p.m. This meeting is for both Committee Members and Team Captains.
GPS event displays latest tech benefits for farmers
Area corn and soybean farmers will find out how they can increase production while decreasing costs at “Farming with GPS,” Wed. June 12 at Farmamerica, the Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center. The event begins at 8 a.m. with an overview of new capabilities and benefits of GPS. Farmers will learn about how the combination of global positioning technologies, sensors, and computers can enable higher precision, use of less fertilizer, and improved yields at lower costs, according to University of Minnesota Extension Educator Brad Carlson. Breakout sessions and demonstrations by Ag Leader, Case IH/Trimble, John Deere, and Precision Planting will be followed by a free lunch. Farmers can then stay for individual tutoring and “ride and drive” opportunities. “Farming with GPS” is sponsored by Farmamerica.
NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
Budget
The NRHEG School Board approved the revised budget for 2012-13 at their May meeting on Monday, May 20, noting that it came to within $10,000 of the proposed budget approved last summer.
2012-2013 Revenues Expend.
General $8,504,929 $8,590,708
Food Service 428,500 398,113
Comm. Ed. 166,772 148,645
Construction 1,194,836 73,000
Debt Service 608,348 666,735
Scholarship 4,000 4,000
Student Act. 95,000 95,000
Totals $11,082,385 $9,976,201