Features (1071)
THE COLD HARD FACTS — Windom Postmaster Kim Melson-Gohr, right, reads a USPS prepared statement while Tom Schmel, Lake Crystal Postmaster, takes notes of Hope residents questions and concerns at a community meeting June 29 regarding the closing of the Hope Post Office. Below, concerned citizens listen. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
Passion and controversy inspired the residents of Hope to gather in the Community Center on Wednesday, June 29 for an informational meeting regarding the proposed closing of their local post office.
The United States Postal Service is recommending the Hope, Minnesota location be added to a list of more than 25 other Minnesota post offices being considered to close, so they can meet their economical budget.
"The economic recession, with the growing popularity and convenience of Internet shopping, bill paying, electronic filing of taxes, and e-mail during the past five years, has significantly cut mail volume," said Kim Melson-Gohr, Windom Postmaster.
Community members attending the informational meeting voiced their objections of the local office’s potential closure.
"We may be a small community, but we are not a dead community," said an unnamed community member. "We have thriving businesses here."
LOCAL, LOCAL, LOCAL — Pat Abbe, left, and Dawn Halgren discuss the New Richland Area Foundation at a meeting July 21 at New Richland City Hall. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
"Kudos to the New Richland community for their generosity, said Karen Buum. “Local money, local projects, local people is what the New Richland Area Foundation is all about."
On Monday evening, June 21, the New Richland Area Foundation held a meeting at New Richland City Hall to explain the concept of the NRAF.
It is a community foundation that gives the public the option to build charitable funds. The monies donated are invested with other funds, thereby allowing the money earned from the investment to make grants to non-profit organizations in the New Richland area.
The NRAF provides grants for community development projects and programs. They promote quality education, arts and culture, wellness, recreational, social service, environmental, and civic opportunities that may not otherwise come to fruition.
WE FOUND IT – The Harrington Team was successful again this year locating the elusive 2011 Farm and City Days Medallion. The super sleuths, after carefully deciphering the third clue, found the prize under the back steps of Dad’s Good Stuff at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 30. Pictured are John, Jordan (holding medallion) and Kelli. They were rewarded with $50 in New Richland Bucks for their efforts. The team also located the medallion in 2010. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The Harrington family had a pretty good idea where the 2011 Farm and City Days Medallion was. In fact, they had the location narrowed down.
“The kids were on the computer last Wednesday morning,” said Kristi Harrington, Kelli and Jordan’s mother. “They were waiting for the third clue to be available at 10 a.m. Then they went and found the medallion.”
This year, the medallion was under the back steps near the alley of Dad’s Good Stuff on Broadway.
The fourth clue to treasure hunters, if needed, read:
“Some claim he has cornered the market on nice,
Still a bargain’s a bargain, all for the right price.
But whether you seek this in person, by phone,
When it comes to the good stuff, one man stands alone.”
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The Ellendale Commercial Club has been busy planning a fun-filled weekend for July 14-17 in the town of Ellendale.
Thursday, July 14
6 p.m. — Meat raffle and tacos at Ellendale Liquor Store.
6 p.m. — Mayo One Demonstration (lot south of Post Office.)
6-10 p.m. — Luverne’s Contertina Band.
Friday, July 15
4-7 p.m. — Taco supper and bake sale at United Methodist Church.
5 p.m.- Midnight — “Paint ‘til You Faint” at Country Charm.
5-7:30 p.m. — Ellendale Idol Contest at United Methodist Church.
By RODNEY HATLE
NRAHS
New Richland Area Historical Society (NRAHS) will return to the former hotel for 2011 Farm and City Days displays.
Emphasis this year will be on pictures of the town's business places from 1915 through 1940, the era between two world wars.
And since this is the 150th year since the American Civil War began, items concerning state and area involvement in that four-year event will also be on display.
NRAHS has made enlarged prints of available professional photographs of business interiors and exteriors from 1915-40. Proprietors and employees, and often customers, are shown.
Individual prints on 8x10 photo paper will be on tables for everyone's convenience. Few in the pictures are identified; therefore, the public will have the opportunity. In addition are a few advertising slides in color.
At approximately 7:45 a.m. Friday, the WFS grain facility in New Richland, Minnesota experienced a small grain dust fire. No injuries were reported.
The fire was caused when the bottom of a 1,500-bushel hopper bin gave way causing grain to spill out and a dust cloud to form. It is believed that the steel of the hopper bottom fell against another metal object causing a spark that ignited the flames.
No employees or customers were in the vicinity when the fire occurred, however employees heard the noise, including the collapse of the equipment, from the office and then saw flames erupting from the bin. Emergency personnel were called immediately and employees evacuated the building.
DISGRACE TO ALL — Larry Goehring, caretaker at St. Olaf Cemetery just outside of New Richland, is, like many people, apalled at the recent vandalism and thefts at area cemeteries. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
Vandals strike area cemeteries
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
When one enters through the doors of a church, they've entered the house of God. When one enters a cemetery, they have entered upon sacred ground, a serene paradise on earth for families to chat with loved ones lost. It’s a place to pay respect to ancestors, parents, siblings, children, other family members, friends and talk with God.
Recently, New Richland area cemeteries have been under siege by hooligans, pranksters, or thieves committing despicable acts. St. Olaf cemetery has had memorial flowers completely disappear. To some, this may seem trivial. However, to the lost loved one’s family, it is not.
For many young families this has been extremely frustrating, because this year, many of those assaults have been on their children's sites.
"That really makes me sad," said Larry Goehring. "We try to make things nice for everyone."
IN MEMORY OF KARI — George and Joanne Klug are pictured on the new park swing which they so graciously donated funds to have placed at St. Olaf Park. They hold a plaque in memory of their daughter Kari Jo Rasmussen and infant child who were killed in a tragic auto accident in 2010. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
After the final load of mulch was spread about the new playground equipment at St. Olaf Lake Park Wednesday evening June 15th, there seemed only one thing remaining for the hard working volunteers. It didn’t really involve any toil of labor, just the bowing of heads in prayer. Pastor Paul Andree of Trinity Lutheran Church led the group in a short dedication service. Andree welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming to the dedication.
“A special welcome goes to George and Joanne Klug, parents of Kari Klug Rasmussen,” said Andree. “Their care and concern for kids makes this dedication even more meaningful to us. I can not imagine a greater joy than to hear the laughter of children.”
Kari Rasmussen and unborn child died in a tragic traffic accident in June of 2010. The Klugs, along with John Rasmussen, (Kari’s husband) donated almost $5,000 for the purchase of the new playground equipment, as their daughter loved to spend time at the park.
NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
Insurance plan
Quotes for the district insurance plan were reviewed at Monday’s regular meeting of the NRHEG School Board, and TPS Insurance Agency was again approved for the coming term. Premiums are “a little higher than they’ve been in the past,” commented NRHEG Superintendent Kevin Wellen, “but that’s to be expected with all the claims we’ve had recently.”
2010-2011 Revised Budget
The 2010-2011 Revised Budget was approved, reflecting an approximately $145,000 decrease in fund balances under projections. This is partly attributable to a reduction in Special Education services funding, as impacted by declining enrollment. Another factor is funds withheld by the State for the district’s taxes.
“The State always overcollects on taxes on building bonds,” said Wellen. “We’ve had extra funds for cash flow purposes this past year, but if you’re showing too much, (the State) takes it back.”
Lunch prices and food co-op
There was a $10,000 deficit in Food Service balance. The board approved an increase in lunch prices, which is mandated by the State at a minimum of $0.05.
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The New Richland Farm and City Days Committee has been hard at work preparing a weekend full of a variety of things to do and see for young and old alike. The annual celebration will be held the weekend of July 8-10.
Friday, July 8
5 – 10 p.m. — J & K Rides and Concessions.
5-7 p.m. — Dunk Tank, Division Street.
5-9 p.m. — Lions Bingo in City Park.
7 p.m. — New Richland Idol “A Night on Broadway.” $4 admission. Bring your own chair. Refreshments and desserts served.
Saturday, July 9
7 – 10 a.m. — Pancake breakfast and bake sale at NRHEG School Cafeteria. Admission is $2 with Farm & City Days button, $8 without. Kids 5 and under free. Music by “Kozy” sponsored by State Bank of New Richland.
8 a.m. — 2 mile Panther Fun Run/Walk. Check-in 7 a.m. at City Park.
9 a.m. — Farm vs. City 3 Person Scramble golf tournament at Riverview Golf Course.
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New Richland City Council
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
All New Richland City Council members were present with the exception of council member Amy Ihrke as Mayor Tom McShane called the second meeting of June to order Monday evening. Following the approval of the night’s agenda, the council granted renewal liquor licenses to NR Liquor Co, The Willows, Trapper’s Lanes and Wagner Foods.
There were no scheduled public hearings or petitions to be heard.
The council unamiously gave its approval to a revision of Ordinance 11-02, which amends section 500 pertaining to nusiances.
Cody Dobberstein, representing the maintenance department, was present with several expenditure requests:
Booster pump repair, $2,985
Crosswalk paint, $792.75
12 traffic cones, $191.88
All of Dobberstein’s requests were approved. He next asked for input on the possibility of new Christmas decorations. The council agreed new decorations are needed, but there just aren’t funds in the budget at present.
Ellendale City Council
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met Thursday June 23, with Councilmen Helland, Reiter, Goebel and Groth. Mayor Engel was absent. Also attending the meeting were Wes Brown from Bolten & Menk Engineering, City Attorney Phil Kohl, Shannon Sweeney from David Brown and Assoc., Andy Bernau from Hill, Larson CPA, Maintenance Supervisor Roger Swearingen and City Clerk Steve Louks.
The agenda for the evening was approved as presented.
Wes Brown from Bolten & Menk was given the floor to review the bids for the remainder of the street projects. Brown told the council that the bids were tabulated on Tuesday June 14th, 2011. The following were the bid tabulations:
• BCM Construction, Inc. — $219,536.75 base bid; $36,820 alternate bid A.
• Heselton Construction — $237,851.10 base bid; $36,051 alternate bid A.
• Swenke Co., Inc. — $245,437.60 base bid; $51,395 alternate bid A.
• Elcor Construction — $249,009 base bid; $47,510 alternate Bid A.
Brown told the council the alternate bid was for ductile iron water main pipe (DIP). This was included due to the rumor that PVC pipe was in high demand and there could be a shortage, causing higher prices. Brown told the council the PVC did not come higher than expected and thought the city should stick with the PVC piping. After some discussion, the council passed Resolution 06-23-11-01, awarding the bid to BCM Construction, Inc.
Calls received/action taken by the New Richland Police Department:
Thursday, June 2, 9:10 p.m. —Agency Assist/Fire Department S. Dogwood Ave. Gas line rupture.
Friday, June 3, 3:55 p.m. —Missing person N. Broadway Ave. Party returned okay later that evening.
Saturday, June 4, 12:45 a.m. – Bar check N. Broadway Ave. All okay per staff.
Saturday, June 4, 8:45 p.m. —Intoxicated party W. Division St. Transported by ambulance.
Saturday, June 4, 11:20 p.m. — Agency assist/Waseca County– Matawan. Assist rendered at motor vehicle crash.
Sunday, June 5, 1:50 a.m. — Alarm Hwys 13 and 30. All okay, power outage likely caused alarm.
Sunday, June 5, 2:40 a.m. —Suspicious activity N. Aspen Ave. Checked area, found dog running loose.
Tuesday, June 7, 11:30 a.m. — Public Assist S.W. 1st St. Funeral Escort.
Wednesday, June 8, 8:35 p.m. —Animal complaint/loose dog N. Birch Ave. Owner warned.
NRHEG High School Principal Paul Cyr has announced the names of students selected to the Honor Roll for 4th Quarter 2010-11:
“A” Honor Roll
Grade 12 — Kyle Bayerkohler, Kristina Cole, Tyler Crabtree, Megan Dummer, Bonnie Gullickson, Jill Kalis, Katelyn Klug, Cody Kraay, Pieter Majeske, Kaylee Maxon, Hannah Moe, Matthew Nafe, Kacie Phillips, Emily Riihl, Shauntel Thiele, Anthony Wacholz and Jonathan Walstrom.
Grade 11 — Petrick Blowers, Journey Churchill-Malcolm, Michaela Hansen, Samantha Hogstad, Thomas Huntington, Hailey Johnson, Brandon LeBlanc, Rachel Ledding, Cody Mosher, Stormy Mulder, Anna Schlaak, Eric Sorenson, Amy Thompson, Carter Tollefson, Jade Waltz and Lexi Wayne.
Grade 10 — Kiley Beenken, Christopher Bently, Paige Bolduan, Julie Borchert, Dustin Burshem, Elizabeth Eder, Hans Frank, Ashley Garretson, Brenna Hagen, Emilia Hobbs, Jenika Jongbloedt, Erin Larson, Brooke Olson, Crystal Olson, Casey Rosacker, Madison Schwierjohann, Tara Simon and Nathaniel Wallin.
Grade 9 — Adam Anderson, Emily Christensen, Kellen Ferber, Presley Johnson, Hannah Lundberg, Laura Ranniger, Douglas Rudau, and Morgan Staloch.