Features (1071)
FUN FOR ALL — Young and old alike enjoyed Litomysl’s 41st Annual Summer Festival Sunday, July 29. (Star Eagle photos by Nicole Billing)
By NICOLE BILLING
Editorial Assistant
Despite the cloud-filled skies threatening to bring rain, there was still a huge crowd at Litomysl's 41st Annual Summer Fesitval Sunday, July 29. A crowd of kids and adults alike had fun playing games and eating food.
It turned out to be a truly gorgeous day. All of the money Litomysl recieved during the festival will be donated to support the preschool through fifth-grade school, St. Isidore.
The outdoor activities began at 11 a.m., which included such things as food booths, a flea market, a silent auction in the school, a country store with garden produce, and games for all ages.
Former NRHEG, RCTC standout takes his skills to South Dakota State
BIG STEP — NRHEG High School graduate Kevin Klocek, a football standout at Rochester Community and Technical College the last two years, is making a big step this fall to the Division I level at SDSU. (Star Eagle photo by Nikki Erickson)
By NIKKI ERICKSON
Contributing Writer
He said it was the hardest decision of his life. But Kevin Klocek packed his bags and left for South Dakota State University with his dreams of playing Division I football coming to fruition.
Once a Yellowjacket linebacker, Klocek finished most of his general college credits while playing on scholarship at RCTC in Rochester, within 50 miles of his home in New Richland. His new journey will move him more than 200 miles from home.
There, he will walk-on after a standout career at RCTC, where he served as captain. The prospects are bright as Klocek takes to SDSU a 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame that can run the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds.
Most would say 200 miles isn’t that far, but Klocek’s ties to his family and local community are the biggest influences in his life, and that will be hard to leave behind.
Geneva cooks up another cancer fund-raiser
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Many people from the area have have done so much to support research in hopes of finding a cure for cancer.
Once again, the Geneva Cancer Committee, established in 1985, is asking for your help. It is everybody’s chance to come together to remember loved ones, inspire others and celebrate life while making a difference in the fight against cancer.
This inspired group of people would like to publish a cookbook that will include the favorite recipes of people in our area who are dedicated to this cause, and also from all those who have been touched by cancer.
The cookbook committee would like the people of our area to contribute recipes for a loved one they want to remember, or recipes to symbolize a future of freedom from cancer. They are asking people to submit 3-5 of their favorite recipes for this special cookbook.
Congratulations to Waseca County 4-H members advancing to the State Fair.
Livestock youth will be attending the fair August 25-29, and the non-livestock youth will have their projects judged August 31-September 2.
Trip winners are as follows: Emily Barbknecht, Joe Barbknecht, Amy Beckstrand, Jamie Beckstrand, Trevor Beckstrand, Zach Clayton, Etta DeLong, Austin Hansen, Michaela Hansen, Bruce Harguth, Emily Hildebrandt, Paige Hildebrandt, Rob Jewett, Samuel Jewett, Joshua Johnson, Natalie Jewison, Nick Jewison, Jill Kalis, Kevin Kalis, Tanyce Krause, Tatiana Krause, Emma Kruger, Erin Larson, Nicole Larson, Ben Lewer, Katharine Lewer, Owen Lewer, Katie Manthey, Justin Manthey, Sarah Manthey, Alex Merritt, Marissa Mortenson, Sadie Mortenson, Jessica Nafe, Carson Parker, Hannah Perry, Emily Prigge, Sam Prigge, Tyler Raimann, McKinsy Rew, Emily Riihl, Tucker Roeker, Stephanie Root, Camielle Rykhus, Abby Sankovitz, Eric Sankovitz, Caroline Scheffert, Brady Schumacher, Grace Schlueter, T.J. Sommers, Simon Sommers, Chris Stenzel, Jessica Stenzel, Luke Stenzel, Zach Stenzel, Kenny Strobel, Matthew Strobel, Alex Snyder, Ben Snyder, Samantha Snyder, Lauren Summers, Ellen Thompson, Aaron Walechka, Jarrod Witt, Bailey Wolff and Andrew Yock.
The Waseca County Arts-In crew and the Homegrown Explorers will also be attending the State Fair.
Espe remains one of NR area’s most beloved characters
BLESSED AND GRATEFUL — That’s how Pastor Charles and Kathy Espe feel to be a part of the New Richland community. The couple recently celebrated their 55th anniversary. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
He’s a New Richland history buff and a pulpit prodigy. Well, he doesn’t like to think so.
Yes, Pastor Charles Espe is a bit modest, but the fact remains there is a mountain of knowledge tucked away in his brain. All one has to do is prod it.
“There’s the old saying: sometimes God closes some doors and opens others,” Espe said. “This year, I’m actually learning how to shade garden because the LeSueur River parsonage just a block north of here across the river had lots of open space in the sun.”
No longer does Espe tend to his tomatoes, corn, cucumbers and squash in his backyard. He has managed to find a loophole, however.
No adjectives can do justice in remembering McDonough
Written by Jim LutgensBy RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
So many adjectives can be used to describe the life of Sue McDonough, but none will do true justice in illustrating how much area folk truly loved her spirit and smile.
One of her good pals, Mikenzi Hebel, who worked with McDonough at New Richland Care Center, remains deeply saddened by the tragic loss of her precious life.
“Her support and guidance meant so much to me,” Hebel said. “She was very caring, compassionate, generous, and a fun lady to be around.”
Clearly, McDonough filled the role of mentor and confidant in this administrator’s life. And, that is something Hebel will never forget. No one impacted her life quite like that.
Fall sports meeting Aug. 14
The calendar still says summer, but the fall sports season is right around the corner.
NRHEG High School football and volleyball practice for grades 9-12 starts Monday, Aug. 13 at 7:30 a.m. Cross country practice begins the next day at 7:30 a.m.
Also on Tuesday, Aug. 14, there is a mandatory meeting for all fall athletes and parents at 6:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. You will be able to pay athletic fees and turn in necessary forms at this time.
Meet the Panthers Night is set for Tuesday, Aug. 21 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Seventh and eighth-grade football and volleyball practice begin Tuesday, Aug. 28.
Ellendale City Council
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met Thursday, July 26 with Mayor Engel and all councilmen present. Also attending the meeting were Clerk Louks, Pete Paulson, Municipal Liquor Manager, Fire Chief Jeremy Reese, fireman Pat Krueger and Sandra Rahn.
The filing dates for persons interested in being on the city Council opened July 31. The office of mayor, a two-year term currently held by Steve Engel, along with two council positions are open. The two councilmen up for re-election are Gene Helland and Duane Goebel. Anyone interested in filing should stop at the City Clerk’s office to fill out the appropriate form and pay the filing fee of $2. The last day to file will be August 14.
The council reviewed the monthly fire department report. The council approved the expenses for the month at $ 922.09.
Racing kart stolen from NR garage
An undisclosed reward is being offered for information on the theft of the above shifter racing go-kart stolen from a garage in New Richland last week. The kart is owned by Ryan Stringfield, who was devastated by the news. The New Richland Police Department is investigating. Please call (507) 465-3240 if you have information.
Council notified at Monday's meeting
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The New Richland City Council met for its second regular meeting of July Monday evening, July 23. As Mayor Tom McShane brought the gavel down promptly at 6:30 p.m., roll call found all members in attendance with the exception of Council member Martens. The meeting agenda was approved as written.
NR Care Center Mikenzi Hebel informed the council that the Advisory Board meeting earlier that day did not have enough members to hold a quorum. Hebel requested to have the city advertise to fill a vacancy left by the passing of member Sue McDonough. Hebel also requested approval for the accounts payable and profit and loss for June, which council duly approved. The facility is in need of a drain auger at a cost of $650, which was approved.
Hebel next handed each member of the council her letter of resignation, which included a 30-day notice.
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Slow but steady wins eating contest
A GOBBLING GOOD TIME — Hot dog eating contest participants try to beat the clock in the hopes of winning some pretty stellar prizes Saturday, July 21 during Ellendale Days. (Star Eagle photos by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Slow and steady chompers won the Ellendale Days hot dog eating contest last Saturday afternoon.
The head organizer of this event, Erin Schlaak, didn’t witness any vomiting this time around. The barf bucket was on hand though. Contestants could be sure of that.
“A couple of us parents in the community decided a couple years ago that there weren’t enough activities for kids,” Schlaak said. “So, we came up with the idea of having the fun zone and hot dog eating contest.”
As the countdown commenced, every last big and little eater braced themselves. Stuffing one’s face takes quite a bit determination and chewing power, you know.
NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
A bid from Strategic Equipment & Supply of St. Cloud for New Richland cafeteria equipment was approved at last Monday’s regular meeting of the NRHEG School Board, held at the Ellendale Media Center. The quote was $9,280.
Equipment included in the purchase were two 5-well hot-foot buffets, steam table pans, a 12” food slicer, a manual can opener (“Long overdue” commented Supt. Kevin Wellen), compact power mixer, backguard and extra oven rack, and two tray and silver carts.
Wellen observed that some of the new kitchen equipment and scheduled renovation may make the food service more labor intensive. “Now we have students serving themselves to some extent,” he said.
The Facilities Committee will be conferring with the construction manager on construction and funding ideas.
FRY BOYS — Arlen Brekke and Brian Wayne of the Ellendale Commerical Club cooked pork chops during Ellendale Days last weekend. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
With raindrops falling on heads, making events like garage sales inconvenient, it was interesting to hear no complaints during opening day of Ellendale Days Friday, July 20. The rain was a blessing from God. The community celebration was on.
It was a busy week in Ellendale and people were appreciative. There was something for everybody and some new events.
What's interesting about Ellendale Days is that it’s organized and planned by many or most of the town’s residents and business owners.
Of course there is food and music. Thursday night offered the ever-pleasant Laverne’s Concertina Band.
New school registrations accepted Aug. 21, 22
Are you new to the NRHEG School District? If so, there will be a time set aside for new student registration. Both the NRHEG Middle/High School and the NRHEG Elementary School will accept new student registrations on the following dates:
• Tuesday, August 21, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, August 22, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Questions? Call Doug Anderson, Elementary Principal at 507-416-2102.