Features (1071)
AT HOME — There’s a good reason Teri Kormann feels at home as Mr. Cyr’s secretary at NRHEG High School. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
If high school secretaries could fly, NRHEG’s newly hired one would.
That’s just how dedicated and driven Teri Kormann is.
“As Mr. Cyr’s secretary, I enter lunch payments and student data, make changes in data if the phone number and or addresses have changed,” Kormann said. “I also update e-mail addresses, update attendance daily, look up student schedules and interact with students.”
All of these daily tasks keep her busy from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. from Monday through Friday.
“Every day is different,” she said. “The time at school flies by. I love it.”
BUSY HANDS ARE HAPPY HANDS — Phyllis Hanson keeps busy knitting baby caps, which she donates. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
There are those who say they are retired, but that doesn't always coincide with their personality.
Phyllis Hanson, formerly of Clarks Grove, now lives at Bancroft Creek Estates in rural Albert Lea. She has always been active in whatever she does, and she is willing to try anything.
Phyllis was a volunteer with the Naeve Hospital Candy Stripers and hospital auxiliary for many years. When it came time to scale back a bit, she wanted to find something to fill her time and still feel useful.
As a rule, the hats provided for hospital infants, if purchased, are made of tight polyester, complete with seams and tags. Phyllis decided however that a more loving and nurturing way to meet this need was to put her knitting skills to good use for the wee ones who would be making their grand entrances into the world.
Band fund-raiser currently underway
The NRHEG Band Boosters are holding their annual fall food sale, with items like pie, soup, pizza, cookie dough, cheese cake, and more.
You can order from any 8-12 grade band member until October 22. Delivery will be November 5.
Girl Scouts Centennial Day set for Oct. 13
On October 13, Girl Scouts in New Richland will celebrate their final Girl Scout Centennial event by working together to improve the local watershed. Taking place in all 49 counties of the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys Council, the Centennial Day of Service: 2012 Take Action Project is designed to remove 20,000 pounds of phosphorus, prevent 10 million pounds of algae growth and save $6 million in clean-up costs through a one-day effort.
Win at Waseca caps another successful year under Siewert
MARCHING ON — Above, members of the NRHEG Marching Band Color Guard lead the band during the 2012 Waseca Marching Classic. From left: Hailie Mahlman, Abby Crabtree, Maddie Reed, Elizabeth Eder, Emmy Hobbs, Jessica Phillips and Crystal Olson. Below, director Tim Siewert cheers the band during the Waseca Marching Classic. (Star Eagle photos by Nikki Erickson)
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Editorial Assistant
The NRHEG High School Band has been very successful in recent years, shown not only by their excellent performances, but also by awards they’ve received. The band has won the Waseca Marching Classic the last three years in a row, and six out of the last seven years.
Two years ago, they didn’t win first place, but they did win the People’s Choice award, which some could argue is even better.
“This summer was very successful for our marching band,” said Tim Siewert, band director. “We had a whole new look with great uniforms and drums we were able to purchase, but our reputation stayed at the high level it’s always been at.”
Food shelf gifts to determine which ministers color hair
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
To pay the electric bill or buy groceries? That is the question of many local residents these days.
But, by just glancing inside the Ellendale United Methodist Church’s food shelf, the majority of their answers to this question becomes painfully obvious. The empty shelves speak for themselves.
“This year to date, we are at a 37 percent increase in clients from where we were last year,” said Bethany Mikesell, Ellendale Area Food Shelf Coordinator. “This is due to the tank in the economy a few years ago; the grocery price incline isn’t helping either.”
In light of these startling truths, Ellendale United Methodist’s pastor Lisa Dodd along with Pastors Patrick Stitt (Vibrant Life, Assembly of God), Carrie McElfresh (Geneva’s Community Lutheran Church) and Richard Sliper (First Lutheran Church) are taking action.
NRHEG students O.K. after car rolls over
NRHEG High School students T.J. Schiltz and Adam Anderson survived a close call Friday night.
The vehicle Schiltz was driving hit a tree and flipped over south of One Stop in New Richland. The car was totaled. Schiltz and Anderson were uninjured.
Schiltz, a junior and a standout cross country runner, was working Saturday but reported Monday on Facebook he was still feeling a little sore.
Bloodmobile to be in NR October 10
The American Red Cross is holding the New Richland Blood Drive on Wednesday, October 10. It will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. at the City Hall. To schedule an appointment please call Mary at 507-465-3734.
Wayne brings home Grand Champion title
GRAND CHAMPION — Remi Wayne stands next to the Featherlite trailer that she won the use of for one year for winning Grand Champion honors at the 2012 Minnesota State Fair. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
This March came in like every other March for the Wayne family. It was time to pick out pigs for 4-H.
Rodney and his daughter, Remi, found what they thought would be good pigs at the swine auction in Albert Lea. There were 85 pigs available.
Over the years, the Waynes have come to know Randy Morris well, purchasing pigs from him each spring. Randy lives near Myrtle, and he and Justin Morris, who lives in Mankato, also show pigs at the fair.
Rodney and other farmers are only able to purchase pigs at an auction. They can’t just go to the Morris farm and look over the pigs available for purchase and buy one.
Rodney admits that although he is the most influential, Remi is the one who selects the pigs they purchase and is the one who takes care of them the most. They both work together to get the end product.
Schwierjohann crowned queen, Schue king
NRHEG 2012 Homecoming King Riley Schue, right, crowns Maddy Schwierjohann Homecoming Queen during coronation ceremonies Monday night at NRHEG High School in New Richland. See Pages 6-7 of this week's Star Eagle for a photo of the full Homecoming court and a list of past queens and kings. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
HOMECOMING CANDIDATES — NRHEG’s 2012 Homecoming candidates are, front from left: Kiley Beenken, Maddy Schwierjohann, Raelin Schue, Dana Jensen and Paige Bolduan. Back: Casey Rosacker, Nic Mangskau, Dustin Burshem, Brad Claycomb and Riley Schue. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Homecoming royalty candidates have been selected at NRHEG High School. They are:
Queen
• Kiley Beenken, Geneva, daughter of Jim and Tammy Beenken. She has two older siblings, Alex and Jady. She’s involved in fall and winter competition cheerleading and a class officer.
• Paige Bolduan, New Richland, daughter of Dennis and Melissa Bolduan. She has two brothers, Brandon Jensen and Tyler Bolduan. Post-secondary studies take up most of her free time these days.
• Dana Jensen, Geneva, daughter of Wayne and Diane Jensen. She has a brother, Brady, and a sister, Tara. She’s involved in cheerleading and student council.
NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
Several projects were examined by the NRHEG School Board at their September meeting Monday, Sept. 17.
Ellendale sound system
Representatives from the PTO and music instructor Frank Whitcomb were on hand to discuss the purchase of a new sound system for the Ellendale Gym.
A sound system was tested last year in cooperation with Audio Logic Systems, with the speaker installation above the stage.
“It made a big difference,” said Whitcomb.
A new system which Whitcomb and the PTO believe will suit Ellendale’s needs is estimated to cost approx. $20,500.
The PTO now has about $4,000 in donations and is working up to a $10,000 goal. Would the district agree to matching funds?
More...
NR to make offer to potential NRCC Administrator
Written by Jim LutgensNew Richland City Council
By NICOLE BILLING
Editorial Assistant
The New Richland City Council held its second meeting of September at 6:30 Monday evening. All members of the council were present for the meeting. The council members approved the meeting agenda as revised with two additional items dealing with the softball field.
The first order of business was the fire department reporting on the condition of the building that the fire department wants to obtain for storage. The council authorized the fire department to contact Lester Wenzel, who owns the building, as soon as possible.
The People’s Service Report stated the city’s sewer repair budget was 60 percent used up for this year. It also stated they were making good progress on the reconstruction of the waste water plant. The in-flow and infiltration was down this month, because of no rain.
Diva Central brings big-city style to tiny Clarks Grove
STYLING — Anna and Marianna Allshouse and Maria Siwiec welcome you to check out Diva Central in Clarks Grove, which offers big-city style and small-town prices. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Anna Allshouse and her mother Maria Siwiec invite shoppers of all ages to their new clothing store in Clarks Grove.
Yes, you heard correctly. Diva Central carries fashion styles across the board.
“We are friendly, have different styles that you can’t find at Shopko, Herberger’s or Wal-Mart,” Allshouse said. “We also have a little bit of men’s clothing available.”
Future shoppers will also encounter a very unique vibe once inside this lively decorated store.
“If we don’t have something, we ask people what styles they like,” Allshouse said. “Then, I look at my vendors and see if I can match their style. We have done that for a couple customers already.”
NRHEG students O.K. after car rolls over
NRHEG High School students T.J. Schiltz and Adam Anderson survived a close call Friday night.
The vehicle Schiltz was driving hit a tree and flipped over south of One Stop in New Richland. The car was totaled. Schiltz and Anderson were uninjured.
Schiltz, a junior and a standout cross country runner, was working Saturday but reported Monday on Facebook he was still feeling a little sore.
Bloodmobile to be in NR October 10
The American Red Cross is holding the New Richland Blood Drive on Wednesday, October 10. It will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. at the City Hall. To schedule an appointment please call Mary at 507-465-3734.
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Though the event was held at the New Richland Sportsmen’s Club, no guns were fired and nothing was shot.
Instead, Waseca County Commissioner candidates Jim Peterson and Jody Wynnemer squared off in a battle of words at a forum hosted by the Waseca County Corn and Soybean Growers Association Tuesday, Sept. 11.
Who won? Neither candidate, because no scores were kept. The winners were the people who showed up to learn more about the men running for office. It was far short of the number expected, but there was a reason.
“We didn’t know this was going to be in the middle of harvest,” said Leon Schoenrock, one of the event organizers.
Peterson and Wynnemer alternated answering questions asked by Soybean Growers Association Chairperson Tammy Haley, some prepared in advance and some taken from the audience. A couple farmers showed up with lists in hand.