Features (1071)
NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
The NRHEG School Board has scheduled a work session for Monday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m.
In past years work sessions have been dominated by discussion about budgetary problems and staff and program cuts due to restricted finances and declining enrollment. This session will be to come up with solutions to ensure adequate resources for a growing elementary student bodyenrollment.
In a related action, the board approved the purchase of a 10-passenger van, price not to exceed $25,000.
The district has a schedule wherein they purchase buses and lease or purchase minivans on a rotation basis. This time growing need calls for a larger vehicle.
“I think we may have exceeded minivan class,” said Supt. Kevin Wellen, referring to the increasing Elementary Special Education numbers.
Hearing problem
While the board examined a $2,500 payment to LinguaOne, Inc. for ASL translator and materials for New Richland High School, Supt. Wellen reviewed the situation with the company.
Council hears water tower maintenance options
Written by Jim LutgensNew Richland City Council
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
There were just enough New Richland City Council members present for a quorum Monday evening, November 28 at NR City Hall. Council members Amy Ihrke and Christine Gislason were both absent as Mayor Tom McShane called the meeting to order. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the night’s short agenda was approved. There were no public hearings, petitions, resolutions, or people wishing to be heard.
Cody Dobberstein, representing City Maintenance, noted significant progress has been made in regards to the rain garden project at St. Olaf Lake Park. He reported the city had issued 27 delinquent utility bills resulting in no shut offs. Dobberstein presented the report for water use at the public hydrant on the corner of Ash Ave. and S. W. 1st St. He mentioned the snowshoes used for winter meter reading are broken and need replacing. The council approved up to $250 for the purchase.
Sheriff warns residents of rural burglaries
In the last year, there have been four burglaries in Waseca County which have something in common.
“They all occurred in rural areas, and involved residents who were attending funerals at the time of the burglary,” said Waseca County Sheriff Brad Milbrath. “So far, it has been mostly cash and change which has been taken.”
The people responsible for the crimes are more than likely obtaining their information from obituaries for family members published in the local papers or on the Internet.
Sheriff Milbrath urges everyone living in the rural areas to be vigilant and to lock their doors.
Holiday Train to be in Waseca Monday
“Making a difference, one stop at a time,” is the theme this year when the annual Canadian Pacific Holiday Train makes a stop in Waseca on Monday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. The best viewing location is on the north side of the tracks adjacent to the depot area.
The reason for the holiday train is to benefit the Waseca Neighborhood Service Center and Food Shelf. More families than ever need your support. Help make a difference in your community by bringing a cash or food donation to this year’s Holiday Train.
Red Cross bloodmobile in Waldorf December 6
Give the gift that money can’t buy this Christmas.
By giving blood, you could be helping up to three individuals enjoy another hug, another laugh, another smile, another chance.
Plan to give blood at the Waldorf Community Center on Tuesday, December 6 from 1-7 p.m.
For an appointment call Bev at (507) 239-2461.
SERVICE WITH A SMILE — For two years, Nancy Jane Klecker of Nancy Jane’s Bakery in New Richland has been delivering quality baked goods with a smile. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
Nancy Jane’s Bakery celebrates two years on NR’s main street
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
Nancy Jane Klecker, a Geneva community resident, is truly the little engine that could.
While working at a bakery in 1982, Klecker discovered her true passion in life.
"I absolutely love baking," said Klecker.
So, in 1987 she went to baking school, where her creativity was unleashed. As she mixed ingredients, rolled and kneaded dough, her love of baking continued to soar. And, thoughts of one day having her own bakery began to blossom.
As Klecker continued to work and explore the magic of baked goods, her desire grew stronger. Moving forward with her idea, the shy woman rounded up enough courage to present her plan to a financial institution. Klecker was turned down. However, that was not going to stop her.
NEW DIGS — Albert “Doc”Flor, right, and Dr. Jonathan Fabian of Main Street Dental Clinic stand next to the New Richland American Legion’s patch collection, now located next door to the Star Eagle. The building will also host the Legion’s meetings. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Albert “Doc” Flor served as an Army Dentist during World War II. He was stationed stateside, ensuring troops heading overseas wouldn’t have to worry about problems with their teeth while confronting the enemy.
“I worked on countless soldiers from different units,” said Flor. “Many of the patches in my collection were from those soldiers.”
The huge display of military patches includes every infantry and armored unit in the U.S. Army. On the sides are patches from various organizations in the Navy, Marines and Air Force. There are also numerous badges signifying different military ranks.
Fifteen NRHEG students join National Honor Society
Written by Jim Lutgens
CHARACTER — Junior Alicia Merritt lights the candle signifying “Character,” one of the four principles of the National Honor Society, during the annual induction ceremony at NRHEG High School on November 16. Fifteen seniors and juniors were inducted into the exclusive organization. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
To the sounds of a piano processional, current members of the National Honor Society filed in to the school gymnasium, candles lighting their path. Senior Michaela Hansen welcomed family members and the entire student body to this year’s induction ceremony Wednesday, Nov. 16. Principal Paul Cyr introduced present members and their parents.
Present members who were inducted in November of 2010 include Michaela Hansen, daughter of Terry and Wendi Hansen; Samantha Hogstad, daughter of Dean and Shannon Hogstad; Hailey Johnson, daughter of David and Kristine Johnson; Rachel Ledding, daughter of Richard and Michelle Ledding; Alicia Merritt, daughter of Larry and Glee Merritt; Eric Sorenson, son of Rodney and Peggy Sorenson; Jillian Theuer, daughter of Mike and Patricia Theuer; and Carter Tollefson, son of Mark and Sandy Tollefson.
Guidance Counselor Tim Stoesz proceeded to announce the names of this year’s selectees. As their names were called, students were escorted backstage to don the red robe of society membership.
FOND FAREWELL — After a challenging tenure at Vibrant Life Assembly of God Church in Ellendale, Pastor Trevor Janich, left, and his wife, Angie, were given a warm sendoff with an open house Sunday, Nov. 6. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
Vibrant Life church holds sendoff for pastor since 2005
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
Having faith and vision through the Lord led Pastor Trevor Janich to ministry in Ellendale in 2005.
Janich began his journey as Senior Pastor at the formerly known Assembly of God Church, when he was a mere 24 years old.
His path to guiding the congregation in their spiritual journey was met with obstacles and resistance in the church, now known as Vibrant Life Assembly of God.
"The church was set in some old traditions in physical appearances, and spiritual habits," Janich said. "Within two months of my pastorship, I began to struggle with my board."
They had made significant purchases without Janich’s knowledge. Those actions started what became a two-year power struggle that sent Janich into a state of depression, and contemplating thoughts of quitting.
"We don't have any lawyers, doctors, or actors within the church membership," said Janich. "The average household income is between $40,000-$60,000."
In February 2007, in the midst of the power struggle, Janich was accused of embezzling (he was later absolved) from the church, and coincidentally the church was heading toward bankruptcy at the same time.
Two months later, Janich found himself at a district council meeting listening to Pastor Dan Betzer speak about missions.
Ellendale City Council
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met November 10 with Mayor Engel, Councilmen Helland, Goebel and Groth present. Councilman Reiter was absent.
Also attending the meeting was Maintenance Supervisor Swearingen, Clerk Louks and Liquor Store Manager Kirby Hannem.
The council approved the agenda as presented for the evening.
The first agenda item was the monthly report from Swearingen, who told the council a water line on Second Street had broken. The break was very close to where the city had just repaired the line. The break is also close to where the council had some discussion about moving the water line that was currently on another property. The council moved to do the work and move the line in question.
Swearingen next reported that the city needed to get some more rock at the lagoons. He has already removed four muskrats from the lagoons this fall. Swearingen said he would pick up about three-fourths of a load of salt for the winter season. Swearingen told the council the city will need two new batteries for the main generator. The old ones will not hold a charge.
Mortenson’s Peace Poster wins top prize in district
Written by Jim LutgensAllie Larson of the Ellendale Lions Club announced last week that Sadie Mortenson’s first-place Veteran’s Day Peace Poster won top prize at the district level.
Sadie’s poster was chosen as the winner out of 65 different Lions Clubs. The district includes all Lions Clubs from Winnebago to Blue Earth and Worthington to the Iowa border. Sadie will be recognized at a brunch for the District Lions Club in Mankato on February 12. Sadie’s Peace Poster will go on to be judged at the national level, competing against Lions Clubs all the way to the North and South Dakota border and up to Manitoba and Ontario, Canada. If Sadie’s poster wins, she will advance to Washington D.C. where she’ll be recognized.
“We are so proud or her,” said Holly Mortenson, Sadie’s mother. “She is such a talented little artist. Her work is impeccable. She puts her heart into everything she does. We wish her the best of luck as her poster moves on to the national level for judging.”
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
There is something in the air and it sure smells good.
It is time for the annual Wild Game Feed, which will be held at Geneva Bar & Grill Saturday, Dec. 3. Geneva Bar & Grill will also be hold a Bean Bag Tournament "under the big top" Friday night starting at 6:30.
The reputation from the Wild Game Feed draws a crowd from a large area, with its invitation to enjoy many different meats and foods you might only find in the best restaurants. The food is fresh and tasty.
Ask anyone who has been there! Come early. They start serving at 11 a.m. and will continue to put out great food until everything is gone.
The best cooks and chefs will be serving exotic dishes made from wild game that has been donated. A number of very dedicated people from our area start cooking at 6 Saturday morning preparing some of the wild game, which includes alligator, duck, elk, fish, goose, pheasant, venison, and wild turkey, while some of the foods are prepared on site for you to see.
The event also includes a gun raffle for more than 50 guns, starting at 10 on Saturday morning.
Contributions to this event go to the Eagles Cancer Telethon.
If you have any questions, or would like to donate to this event, please contact Geneva Bar and Grill at 507-256-7278.
More...
The 4th Annual Matt Felt Memorial Cancer Benefit Pool Tournament will take place at Geneva Bar & Grill beginning at 7 p.m. Nov. 25, and resuming at 10 Saturday morning, Nov. 26.
Memories, socializing, and fun events bring out the best of the best people participating in this annual event. Last year 15, three-man teams registered for the tournament and it is hoped that the 2011 event will be more than well attended. If you enjoy playing pool, and feel that you are a good player, here is your chance to prove it, which will also help raise funds for cancer.
Please call Geneva Bar & Grill at 507-256-7278 to register.
Geneva Bar & Grill will once again host the 27th Annual Wild Game Feed on Saturday, Dec. 3, as well as the 28th Annual Cancer Auction Jan. 6-7 and Jan. 14-15.
SOLEMN TRIBUTE — Tim Penny addresses the crowd at NRHEG High School Thursday, Nov. 10. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
Penny speaks at NRHEG for Veteran’s Day
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The entire student body of NRHEG High School was gathered for a solemn tribute to our country’s veterans Thursday morning, November 10. The nation’s colors were paraded into the gymnasium by the members of New Richland Post 75 of the American Legion. The band, under the direction of Tim Siewert, performed the National Anthem. Students Abby Christopherson and Hailey Schuller took turns explaining the words of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Principal Paul Cyr thanked everyone for coming and recognized NRHEG instructors Frank Whitcomb and Brad Root who are veterans. Legion Post Commander Jeff Jessen introduced the ten Legion members present, several of them who had served in World War II. Carter Tollefson provided a reading followed by the choir singing “God Bless the USA” under the direction of Mrs. Frederickson.
Instructor Georgia Dinneen was warmly welcomed back by Principal Cyr and she introduced the essay contest winners. The topic for this year’s competition was “What Veterans Day Means to Me.”
“The Legion members sitting to my left were the judges for the essays,” said Dinneen. “They had a tough job as there were many excellent ones submitted.”
EXCELLENT ESSAYS — Veteran’s Day essay contest winners at NRHEG Elementary School in Ellendale were, front from left, Katlyn Olson, first place; Rob Jewett, third; and Ben Lewer, second. In back is Larry Otto of the Ellendale Lions Club. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
SUPERIOR POSTERS — Veteran’s Day peace poster contest winners at NRHEG Elementary School in Ellendale were announced Nov. 10. From left: Allie Larson of the Ellendale Lions Club; Camille Prigge, third place; Brice Oakland, second; and Sadie Mortenson, first. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
The Ellendale American Legion Post presented the colors during the Veteran’s Day program at the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva Elementary school on Thursday morning, November 10th.
Melissa McCornack and Frank Whitcomb played a trumpet duet of the "Star Spangled Banner.” Larry Otto announced the winners of the Veterans Day Essay Contest, which was sponsored by the Legion Posts in New Richland and Ellendale and NR Auxiliary members. They were: first place, Katlyn Olson; second, Ben Lewer; third, Rob Jewett.
The Elementary Honor Choir sang, "Thank You, Soldiers," accompanied by a video showing people serving in our military.
Former U.S. Congressman Tim Penny gave the morning message and described the servicemen’s participation in the various wars, the tale of American lives, and the fact they fought not only for our country but for others against aggression.
New Richland City Council
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
A public hearing was on the agenda as the New Richland City Council gathered for a regular meeting Monday evening, November 14. All members present stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance after Mayor Tom McShane called the meeting to order. The evening’s agenda and consent agenda items were approved.
Mayor McShane opened the public hearing considering a Flood Loan Application Amendment in the amount of $45,000. No one wished to be heard at the time.
Police Chief Scott Eads reported 72 calls for service and an additional 30 contacts for October.
“There was one felony assault that occurred,” said Eads. “An arrest was made within 30 minutes of receiving the call.”
Eads noted Halloween was even more uneventful than in years past.
“I believe last year I found three or four smashed pumpkins,” said Eads. “This year we didn’t even have that. All the trick-or-treaters were off the streets by 10 p.m.”