Features (1071)
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Editorial Assistant
The New Richland City Council held its second meeting of August at 6:30 Monday evening. Everyone was present with the exception of Council Member Amy Ihrke. Also present to discuss topics were Brad Field and Denise Becker, representing the New Richland Water Treatment Plant and Care Center, respectively.
The first issue discussed was the cleaning of sewer mains throughout town. It was approved that beginning in the early part of September, the following streets will be televised: Aspen, North Broadway, and Highway 13 from One Stop to the Willows.
Then Denise Becker, Interim Administrator, came to discuss changes to come to the Care Center. The purchase of a $499.99 iPad and $39.99 protective case was approved, along with a $100 training course to those interested who will instruct users how to operate an iPad. The purchase and installation of a new walk-in cooler was also approved, totaling $5,000. New board member Michelle Muff was also welcomed.
Ellendale City Council
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met Thursday August 23, with Mayor Engel and all council members present. Also in attendance for the meeting was Steve Louks, City Clerk, and Pete Paulson, Municipal Liquor Store Manager.
The city council took on the yearly task of determining how much and what is needed in the city to set the tax levy for the year 2013. The council felt that streets are a major concern for the upcoming years and would like start doing projects in stages. Mayor Engel pointed out to the council that the backhoe will be paid for this year and that will help a little. The council reviewed the interim budget report prepared by Clerk Louks for the meeting. After some discussion the council moved to leave the levy the same as 2012, which is $307,118.00. This amount will be sent to county for certification.
The council reviewed the fire department’s new Relief Association bylaws. As explained to the council at a prior meeting, the major difference will be in the time it takes an individual to get vested in the fire department. The council moved to accept the new bylaws for the fire department.
By NICOLE BILLING
Editorial Assistant
Habitat For Humanity is helping an underprivileged family by fixing up a donated house. Joe Fritz, building coordinator, encourages all interested volunteers to sign up by September 1.
The house, located at 508 NW 4th St. in New Richland, needs a fair share of repairs before the family can move in.
According to Joe Fritz, "We need to replace the walls, windows and siding. There has to be Radon tests done. Volunteers won't be asked to do any of the big things, but it would be nice if they could help with little things like yard work and hammering nails into the wall. People could even help put sheet rock up if they wanted."
New warning system in place for Steele County
Written by Jim LutgensBy KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Welcome to Everbridge.
The switch has been made and Steele and Rice County now have a new emergency notification system in place and operational.
There was a meeting of the minds on Wednesday, August 15, at the Owatonna Fire Department with Deputy Director of Emergency Management, Chris Gannon; Steele County Sheriff, Lon Thiele; Owatonna Police Chief, Keith Hiller; Owatonna Fire Chief and Steele County Emergency Management Director, Mike Johnson; Rice Steele 911 Center Administrator CEM Administrator, Timothy Boyer; City of Ellendale Maintenance/Ellendale Emergency Management Director, Roger Swearingen; as well as area media services.
Vista, LeSueur River’s search for full-time pastor concludes with first-time pastor
A GATHERING PLACE — LeSueur RIver and Vista Lutheran’s full-time pastor Brian Gegel invites you to his spacious garden for a time spent in connection with God. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Seated amongst his home congregation in Indiana, Brian Gegel felt an urgent sense of both an internal and external sense of call to become a pastor.
However, it just never seemed to be the right timing. Until now that is.
“There is faith and hope in the call of the church,” said Gegel, the newest full-time pastor for the two-point perish of Vista Lutheran and LeSueur River Lutheran churches. “There’s a little bit of anxiety in a new atmosphere, but I’m excited about being established in a new place and discovering what it is God brought me to these congregations to learn and do together.”
Originally from southwestern Illinois, Gegel and his wife Jane have happily settled into the character-filled parsonage that clearly has been loved for many years. The stewardship of the church is obvious, he says.
French foreign exchange student brings family to town for mini-reunion
LONG-AWAITED VISIT — After 34 years, former New Richland exchange student Ghyslaine Longefay-Perroud returned to town Sunday, Aug. 12 for a reunion with her host family and classmates. Front from left: Don and Audreene Smith. Back: Alison Hagen, Jayne Busho, Longefay-Perroud, Anne Hagen and Lori Towle. (Star Eagle photo by Nicole Billing)
By NICOLE BILLING
Editorial Assistant
Ghyslaine Longefay-Perroud came to New Richland from France during the 1977-78 NRHEG school year as a foreign exchange student.
Ghyslaine was back visiting old classmates at City Hall on Sunday, August 12, after 34 years of being away. She mentioned she would be staying and visiting for a week.
In 1977-78, she stayed with the Donald L. Smith family for an entire year.
"Living in America was very different,” said Ghyslaine. “I came from a very small village and had never been abroad before. The people were very welcoming."
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Filings for area city political offices were completed last week.
In New Richland, voters will choose between Christine Gislason and Jacob Papinski for the office of mayor. Gislason is a current member of the city council. Incumbent Mayor Tom McShane did not file for reelection.
There are three candidates for two city council positions in New Richland. Incumbent Tony Martens is seeking reelection. Sandy Neumann and John Hullopeter are also running.
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
A Welcome Back to School Breakfast will be held for NRHEG staff members on Tuesday, August 28. Following the breakfast a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support program will be presented to the entire staff.
The PBIS is a newly developed program, guided by six important principles, and will be implemented to improve student academic and behavior outcomes during the upcoming school year. The program will ensure all students will have access to the most effective and accurately implement instructional and behavioral practices and interventions possible.
Participants urged to sign up early for Harvest Run for Hunger
Written by Jim LutgensBy KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
It is hard to believe in this country there are those who go hungry, but there are. No one should have to go to bed at night with a stomach that aches from lack of food.
In lieu of this, the local congregations of Zion Lutheran Church, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, First Lutheran Church of Owatonna and Pontoppidan Lutheran Church are again hosting the annual Harvest Run For Hunger to help raise money to support the local food shelves.
The 3nd Annual Harvest Run For Hunger will be held Saturday, September 15 and includes a 7k Run, 4k Walk and a Youth Run for children 10 years and younger, which is 400 meters in length.
Everyone is invited to come out to the country to enjoy the beautiful scenery for a run or walk. Last year’s participants, sponsors and volunteers made a difference in the lives of many in Steele and Waseca County. It is hoped that this year’s event will be bigger and better.
NRHEG junior T.J. Schiltz sets sights high for cross country, track
SIGHTS SET — NRHEG High School junior and school-record holder T.J. Schiltz looks for big things during the upcoming cross country season. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
NRHEG High School’s track and cross country teams have a star runner amongst them. And, his career continues to climb the record charts even when injury presents hardship.
“My first year of varsity track, I ran three miles in about 23 minutes,” said junior T.J. Schiltz. “Three years later, I finished the state meet with a 16:48.”
Evidently, Schiltz has made excellent strides since his 8th-grade season. His determination and hate-to-lose attitude have everything to do with the improvement.
“I don’t want all my hard work wasted,” he said. “I just keep chugging along so that I can put myself well ahead of the competition.”
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Geneva man creates mini Civil War cannons
HOLDING HISTORY — Scott Stohr of Geneva holds one of the many model cannons he has created. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Following the news and some of the miserable and unacceptable things some people do, it helps to pause and think about all the good people in the world.
Even better, a good share of them live right next door. We may know them as a good neighbor, helpful and friendly, but often we don't know of the interesting things that make them tick.
Scott Stohr is one of those people.
Stohr moved to Geneva in 1991 and enjoys living there because small towns don't have traffic signals. He has a fascinating hobby concerning knowledge of the Civil War, guns, ammunition and a lot of other things — and we mean a lot — things we won't go into right now.
New Richland City Council
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
The New Richland City council commenced its first meeting of August on Monday evening, August 13 at 6:30 p.m. All councilpersons were present for the almost-two-hour meeting, with the exception of Jody Wynnemer. Council members approved the meeting agenda as written.
The New Richland police department reported 138 calls for the month of July, with one ongoing case that involves the theft of a valuable item. Then it was also stated that with some concerns and requests from townspeople, the department made use of the city’s game camera at two commercial properties.
City Clerk Wayne Billing then relayed the news about trespass issues at the water plant in town. This behavior will be taken care of swiftly under the discretion of the police department.
Ellendale City Council
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met Thursday August 9 with Mayor Engel, councilmen Helland and Groth present. Absent were councilmen Reiter and Goebel.
Also attending the session were Eric Haefner, Ed Nelson, Jim Fiebiger, Municipal Liquor Store Manager Pete Paulson, clerk Steve Louks and maintenance man Roger Swearingen.
Nelson was recognized to lead the discussion about the possibility of having the Steele County Snowmobile Trail Association put pull tabs back in the Municipal Liquor Store. Nelson told the council that currently the association has pull tabs in two sites in Owatonna.
Mortensons qualify for State Fair in six events
Written by Jim Lutgens
COUNTY FAIR HONORS — Marissa Mortenson, left, and her sister, Sadie, with the many ribbons and awards they received in 4-H this year. Both qualified for the State Fair. (Submitted photo)
It was a great year for local 4-H’ers Marissa and Sadie Mortenson, who qualified for the State Fair in six events.
Marissa will participate in photography while Sadie will sing “The Rose” on the State Fair Performing Arts Stage for the general encampment, when the girls stay at the state fairgrounds.
Marissa has qualified the last couple years and had a blast with other fellow 4-H’ers. This will be Sadie's first year staying up there. She's excited to meet new people, learn new things and make new friends.
At the end of September, they will both go up with their dogs to the 4-H State Dog Show.