Features (1071)
LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT — NRHEG graduate Erin Holland is truly enjoying her position as a first-grade teacher at NRHEG Elementary School in Ellendale. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
NRHEG graduate joins staff as first-grade teacher
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
It’s only been two weeks since school started, and all 19 students already have her hooked. Without a doubt, Mrs. Erin Holland loves every minute of her new job as a NRHEG first-grade teacher.
Whenever a hand is raised or a voice summons, Holland does her best to scurry over and make sure her little understudies comprehend the material.
“As long as I stay positive and happy, they are hopefully going to feed off of that and be positive and happy as well,” Holland said.
Monday through Friday, she’s wants them to feel important, safe and welcome.
“I have high expectations for them,” Holland said. “When it’s time to have fun, we can have fun. When it’s time to listen, then it’s time to listen.”
Her subject repertoire is as follows: reading, math, science, social studies and art. And even if things don’t go according to plan, she knows there is always tomorrow.
New Richland City Council
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The New Richland City Council, with all members present Monday evening, adopted Resolution 11-27, which set the preliminary budget and tax levy for 2012. The levy amount is $316,837, an increase of $27,511 over the 2011 levy. Council member Wynnemer voted no. Per state law, the preliminary levy cannot be increased, but can be lowered prior to setting the final amount which will take place during the final council meeting of 2011, December 12th. The council decided to schedule a budget work session for Monday, October 17 at 6 p.m. For a complete proposed budget breakdown, go to the city of New Richland’s Web site: www.cityofnewrichlandmn.com.
Police Chief Scott Eads was on hand and reported 99 calls for service and 45 other contacts during the month of August. A felony theft and possible burglary (same incident) were reported at the end of the month, which is still in the investigation stage.
“Seventeen tickets were issued to children wearing bike helmets during August,” said Eads. “It’s part of the “I Got Caught” program. We started with 30 tickets and only have five left. We as a department are pleased parents in New Richland have been diligent with their children’s safety over the summer.”
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
The Steele County 4-H Club organization is made up of 13 clubs, including Deerfield Get There, Future Citizens, Ellendale Hustlers, Happy Hustlers, Lemond Snappy Boosters, Medford Go Getters, Meriden Meadowlarks, Merry Lane, Merton Speeders, Owatonna Victory Boosters, Pratt Commandoes, Record Busters, Straight River Stars. A total of 550 youth are part of the Traditional Steele County 4-H Club organization, and 450 are enrolled in the Non-Traditional After School Program and 4-H on Wheels Program. A total of 125 volunteers lending a helping hand to these programs.
Below you will find the project, entrant’s name and the club that the local members of the Ellendale, Geneva and New Richland areas who received champion, reserve champion and purple awards for their projects that were entered at the 2011 Steele County Free Fair.
2011 Steele County Home Economics and General Exhibit Awards
Project: Child Development
Senior Champion - Shauntel Thiele, Straight River Stars
Project: Citizenship
Reserve Champion - Kayley Camerer, Straight River Stars
Project: Crafts
FINALLY — After 43 years, former Marine Jim Wilker of rural New Richland was recognized for herosim in Vietnam, receiving the Silver Star. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
After 43 years, rural NR man decorated for heroism in Vietnam
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Semper Fidelis.
It’s Latin for always faithful. It’s the motto every member of the United States Marine Corps, past or present, lives by. Rural New Richland resident Jim Wilker and his family recently experienced the true meaning of Semper Fi. Forty-three years removed from then Corporal Wilker’s gallant action in Vietnam, he was awarded the nation’s third highest honor for valor, the Silver Star. Only two other decorations are above the Silver Star, the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross.
Former Marines, family and friends gathered at the Waseca American Legion on Friday evening, September 2 to honor and congratulate Wilker for his achievement.
“I had no idea they were having a reception for me,” said Wilker. “I was totally surprised.”
After growing up and attending school in Waseca, Wilker decided to enlist in the Marines in 1966.
“I signed up for four years instead of just two,” said Wilker. “That way I was guaranteed aviation school instead of being in the infantry.”
A new football season without a familiar face
Written by Jim Lutgens
LONELY VIGIL — With empty bleachers as a backdrop, former NRHEG B-Squad coach Duey Ferber is picured on the sidelines where he has coached football for the last 17 years. Ferber decided to step down from coaching football earlier this year. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
Coach Duey Ferber talks of his love for the game
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
A light drizzle fell on the football field last Friday morning. The bleachers, overlooking the freshly cut grass of the gridiron, sat vacant for now. Come early evening, parents and students would fill the void which now existed, eagerly cheering on their Panther football team in its inaugural game of the 2011 season. The “Friday Night Lights” would again be brightly shining as the Panthers hosted the Blooming Prairie Blossoms.
Something was different though. A familiar and friendly face which has paced up and down the sidelines of that field, coaching hundreds of student athletes, was absent for the first time in 17 years.
Panther B-Squad coach Duane “Duey” Ferber reflected on his years coaching football.
“I love football,” said Ferber. “I have had the opportunity to coach with three great head coaches, John Schultz, Adam Barner and Dan Stork. It’s going to be hard at first not being on the sidelines. I know I will miss it.”
Ferber grew up and attended school in Byron, MN. He played defensive back and flanker during his high school career.
Calls received/action taken by the New Richland Police Department:
Thursday, August 4, 11:30 p.m. — Directed patrol St. Olaf Lake Park. Park clear.
Friday, August 5, 2:30 a.m. —Medical assist S. Broadway Ave.
Friday, August 5, 8:10 a.m. —Animal complaint N. Birch Ave. Lost dog found and returned.
Saturday, August 6, 12:05 a.m. — Directed patrol St. Olaf Lake Park. Park clear.
Saturday, August 6, 12:25 a.m. — Bar check N. Broadway Ave. All okay per staff.
Saturday, August 6, 2:50 p.m. — Civil matter N. Birch Ave. Party advised of options.
Saturday, August 6, 6 p.m — Welfare check N. E. 1st. St. No answer. Party located later and okay.
Sunday, August 7, 8 a.m. — Agency assist/NR Fire S. Aspen Ave.
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The Hartland City Council met for its August meeting with all members present except Kyle Reed. Also present were city clerk Tiffany Krueger, maintenance operator Andy Flatness and fire chief Brandon Flatness. The evening’s agenda and meeting minutes from July 5 were approved.
Fire chief Flatness reported that the department didn’t respond to any calls in the last month. He also informed the council about the department purchasing a thermo imaging scanner, and that the Hartland Fire Department hosted the Freeborn County Fire Meeting. The old fire truck and ambulance should be advertised with the Star Eagle and posted on the League of Minnesota Cities website, requesting bids to be submitted by the September council meeting.
The council reviewed a quote submitted by Melby’s Masonry for the concrete work to be performed around town. The council gave approval to have Melby Masonry move forward with concrete work, allowing Dan Harguth to submit bids if they come in lower than the current bid.
EVERY PENNY COUNTS - Looks Unlimited owner Rhonda Hareid holds up her new creation, a 2012 Rugged Men of Looks Unlimited calendar. All proceeds will go directly to Steele County tornado relief and cancer research. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
Looks Unlimited project raises funds for cancer, tornado relief
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Nobody said creating a calendar from scratch was going to be easy, but once Rhonda Hareid starts something, she has to finish it. So that’s what this Looks Unlimited hairdresser did.
Hareid couldn’t be more proud of how this Rugged Men of Looks Unlimited calendar turned out.
“I love them, Hareid said. “I think they are fantastic. I wouldn’t have done anything different. I think the men did wonderful. They should all be fashion models.”
Her new Rugged Men of Looks Unlimited 2012 calendar is more than just a calendar. It’s a photography flipbook that, if purchased, will help the cancer cause and the victims from last summer’s tornado catastrophes in Steele County.
“Seeing what Tom Wayne went through, and Michael and Cyndi Bartness and many other people, to me this is the best cause,” Hareid said. “So every penny will go to the Red Cross.”
S&S Motorsports: helping automobile dreams come true
Written by Jim Lutgens
MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE — Darrin Stadheim, owner of S & S Motorsports in rural Ellendale, has been helping make automobile dreams come true since 1993. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
For some, late models, classics, and muscle cars rekindle memories of days past. Fulfilling a dream of purchasing their car of choice, fixing it up, turning it on, and listening to that engine purr, as it turns onto the roadway – there isn’t anything better.
So if you’re looking for a Corvette or other classic car, let S & S Motorsports help you find it.
“Watching customers drive out with their dream car is the most rewarding experience,” said owner Darrin Stadheim.
Since 1993, S & S Classic Motorsports in rural Ellendale, has taken ‘the work’ out of the equation. Whether for show, a need for speed, or pure pleasure, they go in pursuit of providing their customers with a sweet new ride.
Steve Stadheim has been restoring cars since he was 12.
“I think Steve was born with cars on his brain,” said his wife, Doris Stadheim.
Ellendale City Council
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met Thursday, August 25 with Mayor Engel, Councilmen Helland, Reiter and Groth present. Councilman Goebel was absent. Also attending the meeting were Jeff Johnson, Clerk Louks, Dan Dailey and Steele County Sheriff Lon Thiele.
Sheriff Thiele was in attendance to discuss the contract between the city and the county. Thiele had given Clerk Louks a copy of the updated contract earlier in the day. Thiele asked the council to review the contract and approve the agreement at one of the next meetings. Thiele noted the contract was for the same amount of man hours as used in the last couple of years. The council budgets around $40,000 a year for police protection. Thiele told the council that overall things have been fairly quiet in town. Once again Thiele urged council members and anyone in the community to call the Sheriff’s Office if they see anything strange taking place. Thiele told the council that classes had just been held on the 800 mhz radios. The sheriff thought the county could go live some time around Thanksgiving.
More...
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
With school starting in less than a week, there will be a significant change in the routine at the Ellendale Elementary School.
In the past, students arrriving by bus were dropped off and picked up on School Street, which is on the east side of the building.
Upon completion of a new parking lot on the south end of the property, school buses will load and unload near the gymnasium. The new lot, which is 117 feet wide by 200 foot deep, will enter and exit off of 8th Avenue (Steele Cty Rd 38.) The school district had to apply for variances for the entrances from Steele County, which granted approval. It will feature off-street parking for about 42 vehicles. The property also has a newly constructed garage/storage facility near the entrance.
“Moving the loading and unloading off the street will significantly improve the safety of our students,” said NRHEG Superintendent Kevin Wellen.
Due to the fact that it involved improvements to safety, the project is eligible to be paid for using Crime Levy funds.
Parents are asked to drop off students at the curb on School Street where the buses previously loaded. This will be much safer than in the new south parking lot.
Area 4-Hers fare well at Freeborn County Fair
Written by Jim LutgensBy KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Former Freeborn County Agent, Eldon Senske, stated, "4-H is about purple ribbon kids not purple ribbon animals and projects."
Theodore Roosevelt said, "Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."
The 750 members of the Freeborn County 4-H clubs believe in their 4-H Motto: Head, Heart, Hands and Health.
They worked hard to prepare and present some of the best projects for the Freeborn County Fair Aug. 2-7.
The Freeborn County 4-H Club organization consists of 17 clubs: Albert Lea, Alden, Bath-Geneva, Conger, Freeborn, Freeman, Hartland, Hayward, Mansfield, Moscow, Myrtle, Nunda, Oakland, Riceland, Shell Rock, Twin Lakes, Willing Workers.
LOOKING GOOD — Fifth-year NRHEG Superintendent Kevin Wellen looks over open enrollment figures for the district, which typically gains more students than it loses. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
It’s only a matter of time before the many NRHEG students occupy their desks again.
And according to Superintendent Kevin Wellen, there won’t be very many empty seats, if any at all.
Based on past school year’s numbers, the district typically gains more students than it loses through open enrollment. In the 2010-2011 school year, 126 students enrolled. Ninety-six had left the year prior, but the district managed a net gain of 30. The previous year, the numbers were similar; 123 enrolled, 88 lost and a net gain of 35.
“We hope these numbers are an indication that we are offering a climate and programs that appeal to families,” Wellen said.
The last four years have shown a decline of one to two percent, a manageable amount for the NRHEG district. Open enrollment may account for this.
“Open enrollment is not actually a policy,” Wellen said. “State law allows parents to request to open enroll in a district the student doesn't live in. If both districts agree, the student may enroll.”
Through 70 years, things have evolved for sportsmen’s club
Written by Jim Lutgens
WATCHFUL EYE — New Richland Sportsmen Club member Gary Strenge “pulls” the targets and keeps score for the trap shooters at the club’s facility east of town. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
You have to start somewhere. This old adage holds true for anyone or any group of individuals. Such is the case for the New Richland Area Sportsmen’s Club, which has seen quite a bit of change in the past 70 years.
“We held our first ice fishing contest in 1940,” said Lee Mendenhall, a long-time member of the club. “Obviously, I wasn’t around then. According to Eugene Warke, they had to borrow an ice auger to drill the holes.”
Club meetings were held at the old Star Creamery from 1940-1950. The club moved its meetings to the old American Legion club which was upstairs downtown until the new Legion club was built. The club also held meetings at city hall and the school building.
Years ago, sporting clubs used to engage in some activities which have gone by the wayside. Fox and rabbit hunts were popular past times enjoyed by New Richland area members. They also held numerous oyster stew and smelt feeds to help fund their programs.