Features (1071)
BY THE GRACE OF GOD — New Richland Area Foundation Fund representatives and grant recipients gathered at The Willows restaurant in New Richland for a recent grant presentation ceremony. Pictured front from left: Gail Schmidt, Cindy Coy, Toni Larson, Kathy Flor, Pam Goehring and Kermit Schoenrock. Back: Jeremy Parpart, Scott Eads, Cody Dobberstein and Jennie Johnson. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Giving back to the community.
This is exactly what the New Richland Area Foundation Fund expects to accomplish, and they are exceeding expectations.
Thanks to an anonymous donor or donors, the grant committee handed out $5,100 on Thursday, December 29 at The Willows restaurant in New Richland. The money came from the By The Grace Of God Fund, which is part of the NRAFF.
“This $5,100 brought the total to $14,600 granted by the NRAF and the BTGOG Fund to various projects in the New Richland area in 2011,” said Gail Schmidt, NRAF representative. “Added to this amount is another $9,400 from the Waseca Area Foundation and the EF Johnson Foundation Funds. That’s a total of $24,000 given back to our schools and community in 2011.”
Area organizations who recently benefited from the benevolence were the New Richland Care Center ($700); Waseca Area Neighborhood Service Center ($700); NR Legion Field Improvements ($700); NR Ambulance Dept. ($1,000); NR Fire Dept. (1,000); and NR Police Dept. ($1,000.) Representatives from the organizations were on hand to receive their various grants.
Schmidt wanted to again thank the anonymous donor who gave the gift of grain this past fall.
28th annual two-weekend event to begin Friday, wrap up Jan. 14
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Christmas and New Year’s have passed, and the little town of Geneva once again plans to open its doors wide to provide for the annual Geneva Cancer Auction.
Long known for the kindness and generosity that radiates from this little town and its surrounding neighbors since the first cancer auction in 1985, this event continues to grow and give to help others.
Many events are scheduled throughout the year to bring in donations to fight the cancer battle, and the annual Cancer Auction has become an unforgettable event.
Twenty-seven years is a long time to think about causes and cures, as well as the loss of loved ones, but the message still comes through loud and clear: help find a cure for cancer.
The people of our area do their best to benefit those we love by sharing their love and generosity by supporting this annual event.
This year, the Geneva Cancer Auction will once again be held at Geneva Bar & Grill beginning on Friday, January 6 at 7 p.m., and resuming again at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The auction will continue the following weekend, January 13, at 7 p.m. and the 14th, at 2 p.m.
Ellendale City Council
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met December 22, 2011 with Mayor Engel and Councilmen Helland, Reiter and Groth present. Absent was Councilman Goebel. Also attending the meeting were Clerk Louks and Gwen Reiss.
After approving the agenda for the evening, the council went over the Fire Department claims and financial statement. The council approved the claims list for evening. The council then approved the Resolution 12-22-11-01, allowing the transfer of money from the Fire Department checking and the Fire Department savings account to the city’s general fund account. The account would be marked for the Fire Department. This action is required by the state.
The council approved the minutes from December 8, 2011, Truth and Taxation, and also the regular meeting held December 8, and the special meeting for the Municipal Liquor Store held on December 15.
The claims for the evening were presented by Clerk Louks for approval. The claims totaled $2,254.50. The claims were approved by the council.
AT YOUR CREATIVE SERVICE —Computer and canvas wiz, Audrea Horejsi, is ready to take the lead in all your creative and business-driven projects. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
Geneva’s newest business to hold open house January 21
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Therein the home sweet home of Audrea Horejsi lies a shrine of keepsakes. Everywhere visitors look, Horesji has taken the liberty of featuring heaps of art projects and other crafty items on the walls.
How fitting is it then that her newest business venture thrives off the knack she has for transforming empty space into a colorful kaleidoscope of creativity?
“I’ve worked in an office all day long since I was 18 years old,” Horejsi said. “I just didn’t want to do it anymore.”
Officially free of the filing cabinet, this innovative daredevil is overjoyed to announce the founding of her new business, Custom Creations by Audrea, with an open house to be held on Saturday, January 21 from 12-5 p.m. at the Geneva Community Center. She welcomes any and all curious souls to stop by and soak in all the services she plans to provide.
2011 in review
Editor’s note: This is the first of a three-part series reviewing the year 2011 as seen in the pages of the Star Eagle
Compiled by JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
2011 was a year of change for most of the world. The year saw the end of the FBI’s most wanted terrorist, Osama Bin Laden. The state of Minnesota experienced the longest shutdown in the United States. Weather wise, we were wet in the spring and unseasonably dry in the fall here in Minnesota. Several important people left us in 2011, notably Steve Jobs, founder of Apple and Harmon Killebrew, Hall of Famer who played for the Minnesota Twins. Locally, another stretch of Highway 14 opened up south of Waseca, saving driving time west to Mankato.
JANUARY
• “Whitey” Hagen, of the Geneva Cancer Auction Committee, announced the prizes and highlights of the annual affair scheduled for January 7-8, and 14-15.
• Eric and Heather Hendrickson of rural New Richland spoke of how their lives were forever changed when they were blessed with triplets November 4, 2010.
• Third grade students at Ellendale went on a shopping spree at Lerberg’s Foods to gather items for the area food shelf. The students decided to give to others instead of having a gift exchange among themselves. All told, the students collected $450 which purchased about 200 pounds of food and other items.
• The Panther girls’ basketball team was nipped by tourney host St. Peter 57-55 in a holiday tournament.
• Thelma Kormann’s children hosted an open house for their mom in honor of her 80th birthday.
• The New Richland Care Center re-opened after over a three-month closure due to the September 2010 floods.
• Recently re-elected Mayor Tom McShane and New Richland Council Members Christine Gislason and Amy Ihrke are sworn in for their terms at city hall.
• The Panther wrestlers top Medford to stay unbeaten in their young season.
• The NRHEG Star Eagle celebrates its 125th year serving the news needs of the community.
NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
Among items discussed at last Monday’s NRHEG School Board meeting were the state of the ball fields, and the plan to move the sixth grade to the New Richland building.
6th Grade to New Richland
Enrollment projections indicate a probable 505 K-6 students for next year. This would include four sections each of first and second grades, and three sections each of fourth and sixth grades, each grade at an estimated 75 students.
Space is too tight at Ellendale, administrators all agree.
A solution is to move the sixth grade to New Richland.
Sixth grade will require at least three rooms, and the junior high wing in New Richland will have at least four rooms available.
“It’s not ideal,” said Supt. Kevin Wellen at a board work session held Dec. 12, “but we believe it’s the best choice.”
“I never thought I’d say that,” Wellen added ironically.
Pluses. The resources of the High School would be available. Mr. Siewert could teach sixth-grade music. They could trade library time for an art program.
Minuses. One big challenge, said High School Principal Paul Cyr, is adding another 75 students to lunch.
“Do we (New Richland cafeteria) have space for everyone to sit?” Cyr asked.
Wellen replied that they do, but added that “one of the problems will be the serving line space itself.”
“Is there enough locker space?” one board member asked.
“I think it was a good idea that I put those extra (locker) areas there,” said Cyr, smiling.
Also the sixth-graders would have to shuttle to Ellendale for sports.
FAMILY FRIEND — NRHEG 9th-grader Amy Beckstrom was awarded one of 11 heifers at this year’s Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
NRHEG student awarded heifer at St. Paul Beef Expo
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Every Monday through Friday, Amy Beckstrand’s alarm clock rears its startling alert at 5 a.m.
And although not one human is stirring in the house, somehow Beckstrand effortlessly lifts her eyelids and is already mentally prepared for the day ahead. Quickly, she changes clothes, grabs a pair of work boots and heads outside to the adjacent building of yesteryear.
Once inside the rustic barn, this ninth-grade NRHEG student grabs the necessary sustenance for Maci, her very own heifer she won at last October’s St. Paul Beef Expo.
“There were a total of 11 winners in this year’s Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program,” Beckstrand said. “I acquired Maci on behalf of the Shorthorn Association. They started this program for kids to have the chance to be involved in the beef industry.”
Her mother Maryjo added, “The program has been around since 2004, and she’s the first one we’re aware of in Waseca County who has won this. I just think it’s a terrific accomplishment.”
This auspicious occasion didn’t arise without a wee bit of effort though. Two weeks prior, she completed an application process largely comprised of an essay portion.
“I explained why I felt I should be awarded the heifer,” Beckstrand said. “I gave two reasons. First of all, we can’t really afford to buy heifers. Then, I was hoping to win the heifer so I could mentor younger kids and help them be more involved in the beef industry too.”
Beckstrand continued, “This was the second time I applied. I only received the good news a week before the expo, so I was really excited.”
As one of the 100 Minnesota applicants aged 12-16, she also had to provide two reference letters to accompany the application. She inquired of her 4-H program coordinator Amy Nelson and longtime neighbor Brenda Gerdts to help out with fulfilling this portion.
“I also had a say in the breed,” Beckstrand said “My first choice was a commercial heifer, and my second choice was short horn.”
Awarded a short horn purebred, she couldn’t be more grateful and excited. Typically, heifers at Maci’s age (1 year) cost anywhere between $1,400-40,000.
“They are really expensive,” Beckstrand said. “She is worth about $1600.”
Above from left, NRHEG High School band members Haley Deml, Julia Borchert and Nicole Kaupa perform during the annual Christmas concert Dec. 19. Below, Tara Simon sings a solo. (Star Eagle photos by Nikki Erickson)
NRHEG band, choir team to present sounds of the season
By NIKKI ERICKSON
Contributing Writer
The NRHEG Department of Music hosted a grand evening of entertainment on Monday, December 19th. The packed high school gym enjoyed a Christmas concert extraordinaire.
The night started with the Concert Choir being led by director Jennifer Fredrickson. The choir donned bright red robes and graced the stage to open with, “A Festive Holiday!” arranged by Jerry Estes. They transitioned into an arrangement of “Carol of the Bells” by Riccardo Spina and it set the mood of Christmas cheer. They followed with “The Snow Begins to Fall” by Andy Beck and then sang “Whisper! Whisper! (Baby Born Today)” by Jay Althouse.
SHINING STARS — Performers pictured in St. Isidore School’s annual Christmas Musical included Dakota Wood, Charlie Johns, Alia Kubicek, Sophia Schiller, Lainey Schultz and Zoe Ehlers. (Star Eagle photo by Nikki Erickson)
CHRISTMAS STARS — Students performing in the annual St. Isidore School Christmas Musical included Cody Wood, Sam Michaud, Cassidy Martin, Luke Kubicek, Jesse Deml, Gabriel Rysavy, Colton Krell, Luke Kubicek, Ethan Ehlers, Zachary Kubicek, Rose Michaud, Hazel Michaud, Levi Kubicek, Rhys Martin, Patrick Johnson, Felicia Wood, Jenna Klecker, Laura Deml, Isaac Rand, Zoe Ehlers, Charlie Johns, Alia Kubicek, Sophia Schiller, Lainey Schultz and Dakota Wood. In the back is Mrs. Gloria Van Duzer. (Star Eagle photo by Nikki Erickson)
St. Isidore presents Christmas musical
By NIKKI ERICKSON
Contributing Writer
St. Isidore School performed their Christmas program “A Star is Born” on Friday, December 9th. The program was written and directed by a talented lady, Mrs. Gloria Van Duzer.
The preschool students began the night with the songs “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” “Jack in the Box” and “Gifts of Love,” led by their teacher Ms. Tammy Harber. Dressed in their holiday best, they were also wearing bright yellow stars to set the mood!
The play began with the narrator Jessica Pieper introducing the audience to the star. This was not just any star.
“I am big and bold and bright, and I can shine most every night”, is sung by star, Zachary Kubicek. The star is soon joined by the angel Gabriel, played by Gabriel Rysavy, and is heckled by the star for his harmonica playing! Clouds that are getting married and going to have a raindrop soon join them; and then the cloud party planner also enters, frantically trying to gather all the items needed for the party. The star is given a goodie bag, but is left all alone by the clouds.
A solitary voice then startles the star, who admits to being lonely and not having any friends, and the star is reminded that, “Love and friendship demand sacrifice, and a sacrifice is a gift you give to someone that comes from the heart” and that “God is always watching!” The group comes together to sing “With a Star that Bright” and then the scene moves to town.
Gabriel returns with Mary and Joseph, played by Rose Michaud and Colton Krell, (who also played the clouds). They begin to discuss the coming baby that God has given Mary. Gabriel sings “Mary Did You Know” and the donkey, played by Cody Wood, carries Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. As they
enter Bethlehem, the Innkeeper, played by Hazel Michaud, tells Mary and Joseph there is no room in the inn, but they can stay in the stable, and the cast sing “Silent Night” as the three fall asleep.Comments invited on proposed swine expansion
Written by Jim LutgensThe Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet prepared for Matt Holland’s proposed swine expansion in southwestern Steele County. Written comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 11, 2012.
Holland proposes to double his swine operation from 2,400 to 4,800 finishing hogs. He also maintains a beef herd of 20 cow/calf pairs on pasture. For the expansion, Holland plans to build a total confinement barn with a manure pit underneath. The feedlot is in Berlin Township, 1.26 miles west of Ellendale.
After expansion, the feedlot would generate 1.9 million gallons of liquid manure a year. Holland plans to remove manure from the pits beneath the barns once a year in the fall for application to nearby cropland. The feedlot would have two manure-storage basins with a total storage capacity of 2.5 million gallons.
Although the feedlot is surrounded by land zoned for agriculture, 41 homes are located within one mile of the feedlot and manure-application sites. The closest home is about one-third mile from the feedlot. Based on computer modeling, the MPCA expects the expanded feedlot to comply with state air-quality standards.
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Donald Hamilton of New Richland was born in England, traveled the world while serving in the Army and U.S. Border Patrol and, along the way, met John, Robert and Ted Kennedy and Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Jimmy Carter. Last week, he did something even more remarkable.
CENTURY CLUB — Long-time friends Donald Hamilton and Connie Field share a laugh at Country Neighbors in New Richland. Hamilton joined the exclusive Century Club, turning 100 years young on December 14, 2011. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
Hamilton joins century club
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Passing the century mark is an enormous milestone in anyone’s life. People who live to be 100 years old are in an exclusive club. One of the perks is that you normally receive a birthday card from the President of the United States.
New Richland resident Donald Hamilton joined the “Century Club” December 14.
Born in England, Hamilton immigrated to the United States in 1920 at the age of nine. One of 11 children, the family settled in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Hamilton was the next-to-last child, having one younger sister. His father was a mining engineer who drowned in a tragic auto accident.
While working for the Wyoming Highway Department, Hamilton worked on some of the roads leading to Yellowstone National Park. He helped construct about 280 miles of roadway in five years. More importantly, he met and fell in love with the principal of the local high school, Esther Michaelis, whose family farmed just south of New Richland.
“It was 1936 and we were going to get married in a small town called Paris, Idaho,” recalled Hamilton. “We had made arrangements to be married by the county clerk. He had forgot the sermon for the service. Esther wanted to be married by a preacher, not a justice of the peace. The Good Lord intervened and we were finally married by a Mormon Bishop. We didn’t travel too far for our honeymoon, only about 150 miles to Salt Lake City.”
Sandra Esch completes her debut novel, Tracks in the Snow
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Even at an impressionable age, 1965 New Richland-Hartland High School graduate Sandra Esch knew she and the art of fiction formed a perfect pair.
“It’s one of those things that just feels right inside,” Esch said.
Forever entangled with the idea of creating her own novel masterpiece, she needed something or someone to stir up her now matured, creative juices.
“When I moved to California, I had the privilege of spending a good deal of time with my mother’s first cousin,” Esch said. “He was born and raised in the Netherlands, and was a young man in Arnhem during the thick of World War II.”
Wanting to witness the aftermath of these rich tales in person, she set out to embark the scarred streets of the Netherlands. Her mother’s cousin of course accompanied her on this most enchanting journey.
“That trip gave me a firsthand account of World War II,“ Esch said. “I remember thinking how fascinating it would be to write a book about it.”
Imprinted with those cross-continent memories, she has finally realized her life-long desire to be published with her debut novel, Tracks in the Snow.
DONATION — Missy Malakowsky and Rachel Ledding, left, present a check to Sharon and Norm Eckart on behalf of the New Richland Area Food Shelf. (Star Eagle photos by Jody Wynnemer)
DONATION — Christa Stieler, left, accepts a check on behalf of the Freeborn County Humane Society from NRHEG FFA member Amanda Groskreutz.
DONATION — Brandie Anderson, left, accepts a check on behalf of the Waseca County Humane Society from NRHEG FFA member Betsy Johannsen.
DONATION — NRHEG FFA member Erin Larson, left, presents a check to Bethany Mikesell on behalf of the Ellendale Area Food Shelf.
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Members of the NRHEG FFA Chapter have been sponsoring their corn drive for many years. This year, the members decided to donate some of their proceeds to local food shelves and humane societies. In the past, Camp Courage, a camp for people with disabilities, has been the recipient of corn drive proceeds, and it was more of the same this year.
“We donated $7,500 to Camp Courage from this year’s corn drive,” said FFA Advisor Dan Sorum. “Additionally, there were five other organizations who shared in the donations.”
The organizations present to accept their checks were: Waseca County Humane Society, Brandie Anderson; Freeborn County Humane Society, Christa Stieler; New Richland Area Food Shelf, Sharon and Norm Eckart; and the Ellendale Area Food Shelf, Bethany Mikesell.
A representative from the Steele County Humane Society was unable to attend. Each organization received a check for $1,624.79.
“We surpassed the $125,000 mark in donations this year,” said Sorum. “The chapter wishes to thank all of the area farmers for their generous donations.”
WALKING TOUR — Care Center Administrator Mikenzi Hebel (left) discusses operations with Sue Koilling. Pam Bishop is in the background. The visitors were part of the SMIF and McKnight Foundation groups who visited New Richland on December 15. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Nancy Jane’s Bakery was a fitting place to begin the day as members of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and the McKnight Foundation arrived by bus in New Richland Thursday, December 15. The delegation had coffee or treats and saw the business they helped to start.
The SMIF, which started in 1986, is one of six Minnesota regional foundations established by the Minneapolis-based McKnight Foundation. The SMIF invests in new or emerging businesses to build vibrant communities and prosperity in the region.
SMIF President Tim Penny introduced everyone to the owner of the bakery, Nancy Jane Klecker. The SMIF was instrumental in helping Klecker open her bakery in New Richland over two years ago. She now employs three people.
“I have always loved to bake,” said Klecker. “I started frying donuts in 1982, then attended baking school at Anoka Technical School.”