Features (1071)
UNIQUE ABILITY — Whitney McCavish texts on her cell phone while doing the hula hoop for the inaugural Ellendale Community Idol contest Friday, July 15. McCavish won the competition. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
Ellendale residents display variety of skills for Community Idol competition
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
The first Ellendale Community Idol contest really was much more like Ellendale's Got Talent. Performers were slow to register, although fearless, in spotlighting their talents on Friday, July 15 during Ellendale Days festivities.
Two-year-old Alana Sorum, accompanied by her mother Barb, delighted the audience with her song stylings of the hippo song, and a squashing of a bumblebee, although a hushed silence washed over the crowd when she recited a poem in Hungarian.
The Ferguson Sisters — Millie Flugum, Alice Richards and Rosie Peterson — pleased visitors with songs they sang in their barn years ago. They learned to harmonize while milking cows. They sang Springtime in the Rockies, You are my Sunshine, and enticed the crowd with A Tinker, Tailor, Soldier and Sailor, waiting at the old barn door for none other than the milkmaid. However, yodeling was icing on the cake for listeners.
Five-year-old Kia Otto played to the judge, Pastor Lisa Dodd of United Methodist Church, with her sweet rendition of Jesus Loves Me.
EVERY YEAR SINCE — Rhonda Jacobson placed second in the Horticulture Division of the 2011 New Richland Community Flower Show. Her mother’s yucca plant never blossomed during her lifetime, but has done so every year since. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
Rich in decades of tradition, the 2011 themed "America the Beautiful" New Richland Community Flower Show brought a magical world of soaring floral architecture bursting with color, fragrance and imagination through the wide array of entries that lined the tables in New Richland City Hall on Saturday, July 9.
The New Richland Community Flower show enticed young gardeners’ participation, including the 5-8 year-old gardener entries of Kaeden and Zachary Neitzel. Gardening also has a way of nurturing emotional fulfillment.
"In memory of my mom, I entered her yucca plant," said Rhonda Jacobson. "The entire time she was alive it never blossomed; it has, every year since her passing, nine years ago."
Sometime in the early morning hours on Monday, July 11, a truck owned by Troy Anderson of New Richland was stolen from the family’s driveway. The Andersons live directly west of One Stop. The keys were not in the ignition, but there may have been a spare loose key in the center console, which would have required a lot of effort to find.
The truck, a 2000 GMC Sierra, was found in a driveway near Hartland completely burned.
New Richland Police Chief Scott Eads said there are no leads at this time and the matter is under investigation.
Anyone with any information on the case is asked to call the NRPD at 507-465-3240.
Clara White’s 101st birthday is Tuesday, July 26th and it is hoped that the people of our area would send her a birthday card. Greetings such as those mean so much to her at her age. Plans are to celebrate her birthday on July 24th in Onalaska, Wis., with her family.
Clara now resides in the Onalaska Care Center. Cards may be sent to her daughter, Joanne Neuhart, at 1264 County Highway PH, Apt. 112, Onalaska, WI 54650. Clara had been living with Joanne for about seven years.
Clara is the mother of Ed Jensen, Beaver Lake; Dennis Jensen, Albert Lea; and Joanne Neuhart, Onalaska, WI; as well as a sister to Roger Sward of Clarks Grove and sister of Phyllis Lipowski of Albert Lea and Doris Clark of Florida.
Clara’s husband was pastor of the United Methodist Church in Ellendale and Geneva, many years ago.
Happy birthday Clara!
Calls received/action taken by the New Richland Police Department:
Saturday, July 2, 2:20 a.m. —Parking complaint N. W. 2nd St. Administrative citation issued.
Saturday, July 2, 6:55 p.m. — Agency assist Hwy 13 N. of town. Debris removed from roadway.
Sunday, July 3, 10:20 a.m. —Theft. Unspecified location. Report for insurance.
Sunday, July 3, 4:25 p.m. — Hit and run/DUI. Hwys 13 and 30. Party arrested.
Sunday, July 3, 9:35 p.m. — Civil stand-by N.E. 3rd St. Stand-by while party obtained personal items.
Monday, July 4, 12:25 a.m. — Juvenile nuisance/disturbance N. Birch Ave. Matter resolved.
Ellendale citizens express concerns on youth center
Written by Jim LutgensEllendale City Council
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Somehow, Canada let Ellendale Mayor Steve Engel return to Minnesota so he could preside over the council meeting conducted Thursday evening, July 14. Acting Mayor Scott Groth relinquished the gavel to Engel as all members were present to approve the evening’s agenda.
Maintenance supervisor Roger Swearingen wanted to publicly thank Floyd Davidson for help with pest control.
“Floyd sprayed around the public buildings and ball fields for mosquitoes prior to Ellendale Days,” said Swearingen. “His help is greatly appreciated.”
Swearingen presented two bids for an electric pump for a lift station. The council accepted the low bid of $4,857. There was discussion about driveway tile issues and also an update on 8th Avenue water and sewer installation. Swearingen expressed a need for a temporary road to allow access to Ertel Field for this weekend’s ball tournaments.
The council accepted the minutes from the June 23rd meeting as printed, as well as bills and claims presented.
Geneva wants to compare apples to apples with electricity
Written by Jim LutgensGeneva City Council
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Mayor Steve Bailey and all council members assembled for Geneva’s city council meeting on July 12 at 7 p.m.
Councilman Taff Worrell made a motion to approve minutes, bills payable and financial report. Rich Weckwerth seconded and with no one opposed, they moved on to late items.
Bailey invited Bob Danner, Alliant Energy representative, to the table for some friendly discussion about new franchise agreements. Council members listened in as Danner proposed two different options, a 25-year contract with a 15-year window, and a 20-year contract with a 10-year window.
But for Danner to give exact rates, he had no ability to do that; the state shutdown has put the 22 percent increase proposal at a standstill. He did inform the council that by the looks of things, the increase will end up being less than the proposed 22 percent.
Calls received/action taken by the New Richland Police Department:
Saturday, July 2, 2:20 a.m. —Parking complaint N. W. 2nd St. Administrative citation issued.
Saturday, July 2, 6:55 p.m. — Agency assist Hwy 13 N. of town. Debris removed from roadway.
Sunday, July 3, 10:20 a.m. —Theft. Unspecified location. Report for insurance.
Sunday, July 3, 4:25 p.m. — Hit and run/DUI. Hwys 13 and 30. Party arrested.
Sunday, July 3, 9:35 p.m. — Civil stand-by N.E. 3rd St. Stand-by while party obtained personal items.
Monday, July 4, 12:25 a.m. — Juvenile nuisance/disturbance N. Birch Ave. Matter resolved.
Monday, July 4, 7:35 p.m. —Suspicious circumstances N. Broadway Ave. Someone possibly entered residence. No damage/nothing missing.
Wednesday, July 6, 11 a.m. —Ordinance vioation N. Broadway Ave. Party given compliance letter.
Thursday, July 7, 3:25 p.m. — Ordinance violations N.W. 4th St. Party given compliance letters.
Thursday, July 7, 4:55 p.m. —Agency assist/driving complaint. Hwy 13 S. of town. Unable to locate.
Thursday, July 7, 5:15 p.m. — Disturbance St. Olaf Lake Park beach. Parties already gone.
Thursday, July 7, 7:40 p.m. — Suspicious circumstances. Hwy 13 N. of town. Referred to Waseca County.
Friday, July 8, 11:35 p.m. — Bar check N. Broadway Ave. All okay per staff.
Saturday, July 9, 12:35 a.m. — Bar check N. Broadway Ave. All okay per staff.
Saturday, July 9. 1:30 a.m. — Bar check N. Broadway Ave. Staff request assistance clearing bar. Cleared and closed.
Sunday, July 10, 4:30 p.m. — Hit and run W. Division St. Report completed.
Monday, July 11, 3:25 p.m. —Medical assist N. W. 6th St.
Monday, July 11, 8:30 a.m. — Theft of motor vehicle S.E. 2nd St. Vehicle entered stolen, found in Freeborn County. Under investigation.
Monday, July 11, 8:15 p.m. — Ordinance violation St. Olaf Lake Park beach. Parties warned glass containers not allowed in park.
Monday, July 11, 10:25 p.m. — Suspicious circumstances N.E. 3rd St. Male party seen near vehicle, when questioned, left area.
Tuesday, July 12, 3:00 a.m. — Theft of motor vehicle W. Division St. Vehicle located in Steele County. Suspect located later and arrested.
Thursday, July 14, 7 a.m. — Medical assist W. Division St.
Thursday, July 14, 7 p.m. — Hit and run S. Birch Ave. Report for insurance.
Thursday, July 14, 8:10 p.m. — Three “I Got Caught” tickets issued to juveniles wearing bike helmets on S. W. 1st St.
Thursday, July 14, 11:55 p.m. — Agency assist/driving complaint. Hwy 13 S. of town. Party okay, dropped phone.
Friday, July 15, 12:15 a.m. — Ordinance violation St. Olaf Lake Park. Parties warned on park closing time.
Friday, July 15, 9:20 a.m. — Medical assist N. E. 3rd St.
DESERVING — Pastor Paul Andree was named Grand Marshal of the 2011 Farm and City Days parade. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
NR pastor selected 2011 parade Grand Marshal
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Keeping with tradition, Espe always gives a few clues to everyone to see if they can guess who will be this year’s Grand Marshal of the Farm and City Days Parade.
“This year’s grand marshal wears many hats,” said Espe.
Espe called upon fellow man of the cloth Pastor Paul Andree to come forward to have him unwrap the plaque and reveal the name of this year’s selectee. Much to everyone’s surprise, it was none other than Andree himself who was selected to lead the parade.
Farm and City Days Parade Grand Marshals are selected from nominations sent in by individuals in the community. A special committee then selects the person or persons who receives the most nominations.
“You do wear many hats Paul,” said Espe. “The work you have done with the Food Shelf, the Lions Club, the Ministerial Association, and the countless other things. I know the community appreciates it. Thank you, Paul.”
IDOLS — Lillie Nielsen, left, accompanied by her little sister, won the Junior Division of the 2011 New Richland Idol during Farm and City Days Friday, July 8. John Darcy, top, won the Adult Division. (Star Eagle photos by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Some of the 2011 New Richland Idol contestants had a small case of the butterflies. Others just went up on stage like it was nobody’s business.
Nerves aside, all 12 contestants took comfort in the crowd’s support last Friday night.
“Every year, NR Idol gets better and better,” said Idol organizer Kim Schlaak. “Last year, we moved it outside, which works a lot better. Out here everyone enjoys the weather and they have a good time.”
This year’s judges, Pete Wagner, Melissa Buren and Lorna Reysted, put their pens to work marking their thoughts on four categories: vocal quality, creativity, appearance and song difficulty.
“We had mostly girls, but also some brave young boys,” Schlaak said. “We don’t do rehearsals. We wing it. It’s karaoke after all. They just go up there and do your best.”
Livewire Wire DJ, Jamie Jensen, graciously provided the music for the evening. But Jensen’s involvement went far beyond Friday night.
“I really appreciate Jamie’s help,” Schlaak said. “I called ten times beforehand to make sure we had the right song version, or to see if he even had the song on hand.”
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AMAZING — Hailey Schuller, left, and Abby Christopherson won the 3rd Annual Kid’s Amazing Race during Farm and City Days Saturday, July 9. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
New Richland’s Farm and City Days’ Third Annual “Kid’s Amazing Race” lived up to its name once again, with area kids aged 10-15 zooming all around town on a wild goose chase.
They faced a doozy of a first challenge, matching up artists and songs of the 50s, 60, 70s and beyond. Of course, the “beyond” artist matchups were a breeze. But, when it came to artists such as Blondie, Guns and Roses and Buddy Holly, time spent on the park’s picnic benches seemed like an eternity.
All 13 teams of two ended up enlisting the help of older and wiser folk. And soon enough, they were off to their first non-park destination. Event organizer and founder, Corrine Schuller, made sure to plan out 10 equally challenging and fun tasks worth conquering.
“They just like the challenge of running around doing different things,” Schuller said. “It lets them go out on a limb a little bit.”
Once finding four poker chips around town, they advanced to their third challenge, “passing of the sponge.” Teams stood back to back, with one team member repeatedly passing the sponge overhead to the other.
“Once in their partner’s hand, they squeezed the water out into a bucket until it overflowed,” Schuller said. “I didn’t pick out terribly hard things this year.”
COMMUNITY COOKOUT HELPERS — Lions Club members helping out at the 5th Annual Ellendale Lions Club Community Cookout included, front from left: Jani Waage, Millie Paulson, Cheryl Peterson, Gail Skroch, Mary Lerberg, Cynthia Nelson and Sandy Becker. Back: Dale Waage, Scott Groth, Kevin Bernhart, Bob Wayne, Rick Peterson, Don Peterson, Andy Lerberg and Mark Skroch. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
The Lions roared loud and clear when hosting their 5th Annual Community Cookout. The 22-member local Lions Club in Ellendale, had a large number of their members on hand, helping with the cookout and serving up good food, to all those who came to support their fundraising event. All proceeds went to the Ellendale Area Food Shelf.
The Lions served hamburgers, brats, sauerkraut, hotdogs, potato salad, baked beans and beverages at the Ellendale Community Center, starting at 5 p.m. on Friday night, June 24th. About 200 people were served before they shut off the grills and turned out the lights that night.
Local people were encouraged to bring in donation items during the cookout. And the results were pleasing, as 218 pounds of food had been donated before the evening came to a close. Raffle tickets were given to those who brought food items to donate to the food shelf.
The Ellendale Lions Club invited visitors to view the freshly hung pictures of past events and sites from Beaver Lake, displayed in the Ellendale Council Chambers at the Community Center. Three large picture frames held 14 pictures of Beaver Lake events, many dating back to the early years.
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
All members were present for the July 11 New Richland City Council meeting as Mayor Tom McShane called everyone to order. The evening’s agenda and consent agenda items were approved. Notable in the consent agenda was approval of a contract with Civil Ag Group for the Dogwood Ave. sewer upgrade and the lift station on 3rd St.
The council passed Resolution 11-20 which accepts donations in the amount of $7,750 from the New Richland Area Foundation Fund as follows: $1,000 each to the reserve accounts for the police, fire and ambulance; $1,000 toward a new whirlpool tub at the NR Care Center; $2,000 towards an AED for St. Olaf Park, residual to reserve; $500 to Legion Field; $500 to City Park; $750 to the Historic Preservation Commission for the Odd Fellows Restoration.
New Richland City Council
Ambulance chief Jennie Johnson reported 135 runs for the service so far in 2011. Johnson mentioned an application was received from Beth Hoffman, who is currently a First Responder. Quotes are being obtained for a power cot for the ambulance.
New Richland Care Center Administrator Mikenzi Hebel was present and noted Bonnie Ellickson was hired as the new dietary manager and started training on July 8. The council approved bills incurred and paid for the center. Hebel reported even with the state shutdown, the Governor announced MA payments were “essential services” and would continue. The center had a census of 48-50 residents the entire month of June.
Police chief Scott Eads reported 61 calls for service and an additional 45 contacts for the month of June. No serious crimes were noted. Eads told the council there were no incidents during Farm and City Days. The department was augmented by three reserve officers, all volunteers. Eads and the council briefly discussed the squad car and plans for future replacement.
There was a discussion concerning a proposal from David Flor, but the matter was referred to the EDA with hopes Mr. Flor could be in attendance.
Calls received/action taken by the New Richland Police Department:
Thursday, June 16, 1:15 p.m. – Disturbance S. Aspen Ave. Situation resolved.
Thursday, June 16, 7:10 p.m. —Miscellaneous complaint S. Ash Ave. Kids asked to stop swimming in creek.
Friday, June 17, 12:45 a.m. —Parking complaint S. Birch Ave. Unfounded.
Friday, June 17, 2:15 a.m. — Disturbance S. Broadway Ave. Party arrested on warrant.
Friday, June 17, 5:05 p.m. —Suspicious circumstances N. Aspen Ave. Extra patrol requested.
Friday, June 17, 7:30 p.m. — Animal complaint/loose aggressive dog S.W. 1st St. Administrative citation issued.
Friday, June 17, 8:20 p.m. —Animal complaint/loose dogs S. Broadway Ave. Gone on arrival, unable to locate.