Features (1071)
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met Thursday July 28 with council members Helland, Reiter and Groth present. Absent were Mayor Engel and Goebel. Also in attendance was Clerk Louks, City Attorney Kohl, Mrs. Goebel and Todd Sinholdt.
The agenda was modified for the evening and a motion to do so was passed.
The council reviewed the fire department expenditures for the month. Total expenditures for the department was $239.90. The council approved the report.
The council next asked Sinholdt, who was representing Dan Dailey, to address the council. Sinholdt told the council he was asked to come to the meeting to get the council’s feelings about Dailey’s business options. The council told Sinholdt that the council would be able to better address Dailey’s options if he would bring to the council a plan of what he intends to do. City Attorney Kohl told the council that without knowing what business Mr. Dailey intends to have, the city cannot make any decisions. Sinholdt told the council he would take this information back to Dailey.
A Hartland man died Saturday afternoon when his motorcycle crashed after he was hit in the head and upper body by a wild turkey flying across the roadway.
Neil F. Phillips, 60, of Hartland, was killed in the 2:20 p.m. crash on Route 6 in McKean County, Pennsylvania, in the northwestern part of the state, east of Erie. He was wearing a helmet. EMS rushed to the scene but Phillips succumbed to his injuries before he could be transported.
EMOTIONAL EVENT — NRHEG teachers and cancer survivors, from left, Bonnie Jacobson, Georgia Dinneen and Kris Pfeffer were part of New Richland’s Caring Friends team that participated in the Annual Waseca County Relay for Life Friday, July 22nd. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
Hundreds of supporters, survivors attend annual event
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
One day, one night, one hope exemplified the true spirit of humanity and compassion on Friday, July 22nd. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of people joined together to celebrate, remember, and fight back in the war on cancer at the annual Waseca County Relay For Life at the Waseca County Fairgrounds.
This silent avenger has left no life unscathed. Cancer affects everybody. It can strike anyone at any time. Previously, there wasn't much hope in finding a cure. Today, that just isn't so.
"Twenty years ago, cancer was a death sentence," said Julie Svoboda.
"Now, it can be cured,” added Lanae Thorstad."
Kris Pfeffer, Bonnie Jacobson, and Georgia Dinneen have encountered this malicious assailant. They are survivors. A survivor is someone who has been told, "You have cancer."
"We are here to support friends who have had or has cancer in their journey, and for the camaraderie,” said Gayle Dummer.
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
It is said that every person will encounter five defining moments in their journey of life, and those moments will forever change their life.
Bonnie Jacobson can tell you a lot about life-changing moments.
In the early morning hours of October 18, 2000, Jacobson started her day in a manner of daily routine. While showering, she performed a self-breast examination. In doing so, she discovered an abnormality.
"I found a popper," Jacobson said. "It scared me, yet, unwilling to admit it to myself, I decided, I'll just recheck it in a few days."
As the day trudged forward, her mind replayed the morning’s findings. Not wanting to cause unnecessary alarm to her family and friends, Jacobson scheduled an appointment with her family doctor. Immediately, her physician sent to her Albert Lea for a biopsy of the mass. The biopsy confirmed her worst fears.
"You have cancer," he said.
COLORFUL AND MEANINGFUL — Jimmy Clem of Jimmy’s Stained Glass in New Richland with one of his many creations. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
Life drastically changed for Jimmy Clem of Jimmy's Stain Glass after surviving a heart attack. Clem soon struggled with depression, a common aftershock of the complications heart disease takes upon a person. Unsettled and disturbed by his noticeable limitations, he felt less than adequate.
"Please give me something so I feel worthwhile again," Clem prayed.
God heard his plea. Clem's sister, Karen Sullivan, decided she needed to relocate to Texas to be near her son, so she asked Clem to take over her stained glass business, which dramatically changed Clem’s life.
"Making glass come to life is quite something," said Clem, who has discovered the fuels to his fire. Clem did some dabbling in stained glass throughout the years, but three months ago that all changed. Currently, it is something he does 8-10 hours per day.
CULTURAL DIVERSITY — Children and adults from several countries were part of the Songs of Hope musical group that entertained on the New Richland Care Center lawn July 23rd. (Star Eagle photos by Carol Jolly)
Group representing several countries entertains at NRCC
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
"The future started yesterday and we're already late," sang 50 talented performers — from 17 different countries and five continents — who provided an opportunity to open eyes in the world, by sharing cultures through a non-stereotypical event.
On Saturday afternoon, July 23rd, Songs of Hope artists performed outside on the New Richland Care Center lawn. Songs of Hope is a six-week, overnight performing arts summer camp in Saint Paul, Minnesota, for kids age 10 and older from around the world.
The Songs of Hope camp offers participants a unique opportunity to live in a community with kids from other cultures, while learning, and performing music from many different countries. Each summer, up to 75 children and adults venture to Minnesota from Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and the U.S. They arrive as strangers, but soon find themselves embraced in a close, supportive community as they learn popular songs and dances from each other's cultures.
Repairs will mean citywide water shutoff in Hartland
Written by Jim LutgensHartland City Council
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The Hartland City Council met the day after our country’s birthday with Mayor Routh and council member Laura Chicos absent. The evening’s agenda and June meeting minutes were both approved.
City fire chief Brandon Flatness reported the department responded to two calls. The ambulance has been repaired and is ready to be put up for bid. City Clerk Krueger informed the council that there have been complaints about the old fire truck sitting outside for such a long period of time. Flatness stated they can not move it without towing it. The department plans to list the ambulance and old fire truck for sale now that the ambulance is repaired.
WELCOME TO HARTLAND — From left, wife Amy, Pastor Shawn Stafford, daughter Anju, daughter Solveig and son Jonah. In a village of 60 people, he had no complaints. For one thing, he and his family had wide open spaces in abundance for miles upon miles. But, God had a plan for him outside the slower pace of northern Minnesota. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
Pastor heeds calling to Southern Minnesota
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Carefully listening to God’s whispers, Shawn Stafford soon realized his 11-year-run as pastor for Our Savior’s Lutheran church in Bagley and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lengby was up. And now, living 355 miles south in Hartland, Stafford is happily adjusting to his new church life.
Hartland and Manchester Evangelical Lutheran are his number one priorities right now. Only a month or so in, he feels right at home, preaching God’s word to Southern Minnesotan folk.
“I had two calls,” Stafford said. “I had the call to the place where I was, and the call to serve here. I had to wrestle with the decision.”
He feels uniquely qualified for this new chapter of life, and is excited to rev up the youth groups and start some adult bible studies real soon.
“As I was praying about it, I felt like the situation took me over, rather than me controlling the decision,” Stafford said. “I felt like my objections to changing locations were breaking down. Obviously, the easy thing to do is stay where you are and not to change.”
98 AND COUNTING — Dorothy Nelson of Ellendale celebrated her 98th birthday July 1st. She still lives alone in her house, with very little help, and can recollect many moments in Ellendale history. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
"Dear Lord, So far today, I am doing all right. I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or self indulgent. I have not whined, complained, cried or eaten any chocolate. I have charged no money on my credit card, but I am getting out of bed in a minute. I think that I will really need your help then."
So sayeth the label on Dorothy Nelson’s refrigerator.
Nelson turned 98 years old on July 1st, another year for others to be blessed by this sharp, witty little woman. She is a great woman, and deeply loved by many.
The oldest child of seven children in the family of Lafayette and Irene Cress, Dorothy was born in 1913. Her sister, Daisy, was born in 1918. Lawrence, a brother, was born in 1921. Another brother, Donald, was born in 1922, and later died in World War II. The family tree also includes an infant brother, who is buried in Geneva; and a sister, Deloris, born in 1927, and living in Oklahoma. Another brother, Richard, was born in 1935 and killed in a car accident in 1957. Dorothy and Deloris are the only two living.
Dorothy was just a baby when she and her family moved to Minnesota. Her father was a farmer. The day he sold $600 worth of hogs, she entered the world. Ninety-eight years ago, $600 worth of hogs was a lot and a great deal of money.
NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
The NRHEG school board last week approved a one-time $40,000 increase in the district’s Technology Capital Outlay Budget, to accommodate the costs of bringing the district schools’ computer and media technology up to competitive standards.
Planned technology purchases include one or two classroom sets of iPads (a set for each school would be about $30,000), depending on the availability of grant money; more Smartboards for $9,000 (already mostly covered by a $7,000 PTO donation); and $21,000 to make both buildings wireless enabled. Also planned are the purchase of short-throw projectors to replace the cameras in the Smartboard-equipped rooms, and about $13,000 slated for replacing books in the Media Center destroyed by the leaky roof, will be spent for technology. Some of the expenditure will be ebooks.
The technology purchases were just part of an unusual month of capital spending, in which the NRHEG board exercised their relatively new financial solvency to make a number of purchases in a general push to catch up with the district’s needs.
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By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The New Richland City Council met for the second time in July Monday evening, July 25 with everyone except council member Anthony Martens in attendance.
The agenda and consent agenda items were approved, except a pay request from the engineering firm of Bolten & Menk for work on WWTF improvements. The city is awaiting approval from Public Finance Authority (PFA) on the funding for the project, which is expected soon.
Maintenance supervisor Ryan Nissen was on hand with several items of business for the council. Nissen explained some of the American flags are in need of replacement. The council approved the purchase of six flags with poles at a cost of $167.94 plus tax. The concession stand at Legion Field needs two new doors, which was approved. Nissen also inquired about the supports on the wing for plowing snow. It is showing wear and is in need of a re-build or replacement. The council approved the purchase of a para-glide system at a cost of $4,240.
RUNNING OUT OF WALL — Dean Morgan of Morgan’s Meat Market in New Richland is quickly filling his walls with national awards. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Dean Morgan of Morgan’s Meats in New Richland is starting to run out of space on his wall. Granted, the walls are large, but his collection of awards for the products he keeps bringing back from state and national conventions keeps on growing.
“This is our fifth time at nationals,” said Morgan. “We brought home five awards.”
The nationals Morgan referred to was the American Cured Meat Championships. This year Reno, NV hosted the event June 16-18 which brought meat processors together from across the country to renew old friendships, make new ones, and exchange ideas.
“It’s always a good experience going to these events,” said Morgan. “I have a good friend from Pennsylvania. It’s the only time I get to see him. There are plenty of seminars to attend and you can learn a lot. By just going around talking to the other processors, you can get some great tips and ideas. The “old school” guys who have been in the business awhile are great to visit with.”
WWII vet Francis Misgen is Ellendale’s Grand Marshal
Written by Jim Lutgens
GRAND CITIZEN — Francis Misgen, a World War II veteran and the founder of Misgen’s Auto Parts, was selected Grand Marshal of the 2011 Ellendale Days parade. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
The Grand Marshall of the 2011 Ellendale Days parade has traveled the country and left his footprints in every state in the United States, with the exception of one. However, Ellendale, Minnesota is the place he calls home.
Francis Misgen was brought up on a farm. Misgen learned the importance of doing chores, and other farm work before Uncle Sam grabbed him two days before his 22nd birthday. Then, as a U.S. Army medic, he spent basic training in Arkansas and Mississippi, and then transferred to the 815th Engineer Battalion.
In May 1942, he climbed aboard the Queen Elizabeth, the largest ship in the world. He deported from New York with anticipation of his destination that would put him in his deceased mother’s homeland of Ireland. While in Ireland, he worked constructing an airport.
October came, and he was sent to North Africa by convoy. Whereas, he busily got to work, demining Hitler’s clever plant mines. On July 4th, 1943 he left North Africa to a little island below Ireland, where he began construction of another airport.
THANKS NRAF — Many community organizations were represented at the Farm and City Days Pancake Breakfast held Saturday, July 9. The New Richland Area Foundation Fund handed out grants that totaled $9,500. Pictured were front from left: Barb Wildgrube, Jennie Johnson, Toni Larson, Cindy Coy, Gail Schmidt, Teri Kormann, Amy Ihrke and Pam Goehring. Back: Jeremy Parpart, Scott Eads, Mikenzi Hebel, Anthony Martens and Scott Routh. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Community breakfasts are always special gatherings. This year, at the Farm and City Days annual pancake feed, area residents were treated to some good news, as well as great music by long-time keyboardist Jim “Kozy” Kozan.
New Richland Area Foundation Fund Chairperson Gail Schmidt gave a little talk about the fund and what it has accomplished so far.
“Last year in our first year, we gave grants of $500 to the Girl Scouts for their city park project and $1,000 to the New Richland Care Center,” said Schmidt. “This year we are handing out 11 grants totaling $9,500.”
Schmidt, along with grant committee members Pam Goehring, Scott Routh and Matt Harrington, are the ones who decide the best use of available funds.
“This year we are giving $500 to the NRHEG School for their anti-bullying program,” said Schmidt. “This money is from the New Richland Area Foundation Fund.” Teri Kormann was present to accept for the school.