Features (1071)
HUGE TURNOUT — Pastor Paul Meierding addresses the crowd at LeSueur River Lutheran Church in rural New Richland Sunday. A huge crowd turned out to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the church. Pick up a copy of this week's Star Eagle for a color photo page of the weekend's festivities. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
The LeSueur River Lutheran Church in rural New Richland isn’t shouting it from the rooftops or anything, but they are very happy to announce 150 years together as an organized church.
A momentous occasion such as this couldn’t go without celebration, so last Saturday and Sunday, June 18-19, they did it up like good country folk. A hog roast, hay rides, special speakers, and a special dinner were just a few things featured to commemorate their milestone anniversary.
“We’ve been planning a little over a year now,” said Matt Groskreutz, chairman of the anniversary committee. “Our first official meeting was held last June.”
Tracking down the guest list took a little bit of finesse. Finally, after months into the planning process, their search was complete, and they happily sealed well over four hundred invitations.
“We invited anybody who was ever confirmed here,” Groskreutz said. “We started looking for the people right away last August. But it took until last March to find everyone’s address.”
SO LONG, KERMIT — NRHEG school bus driver Kermit Kalke received a warm sendoff when he retired after 32 years behind the wheel. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
NRHEG gives retiring bus driver a warm sendoff
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Imagine yourself going through the want ads of your local paper and reading a job description which reads something like, “Employment requires the handling of precious cargo at least twice daily. Patience, understanding, and a good sense of humor are a must. Able to navigate rural roads in all kinds of weather required. Ample opportunity for time off during summer months.”
Would you pick up the phone and call after reading the ad? Would you still call if you knew the job was for a licensed bus driver?
New Richland resident Kermit Kalke says he never replied to a help wanted ad when he started driving school bus. Kalke recently retired from his bus driving duties after 32 years behind the wheel.
“Superintendent Earl Hedman hired me,” said Kalke. “Paul Stennes took care of the buses back then. In those days, we didn’t have the bus garages we do now. I would have to get there at 6 a.m. on the cold days to warm up the bus before my route.”
One can just imagine the stories Kalke can tell after 32 years of piloting a big yellow bus, with hundreds of students for which he has been responsible.
BASEBALL BUDDIES — Autumn Kelley, right, with Country Neighbors resident Roger Tangen. Kelley and Tangen describe themselves as “baseball buddies.” (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
Kelley embraces role as nursing assistant
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
June 16-23, 2011 recognizes National Nursing Assistants Week. Each year, Nursing Assistants Week is held to celebrate and honor the hard work of all nursing assistants who are important providers in diverse health care settings.
"Come grow old with me and the best is yet to be," is something Autumn Kelley is committed to every day.
Kelley, wife of James, and mother of two boys, Brennan and Wyatt, is a natural caregiver. Currently, she is a nursing assistant with Country Neighbors in New Richland.
Although born in Hawaii, Kelley grew up in Duluth. She graduated from Carlton Medical Institute of Minnesota with a degree as a Veterinary Technician. However, she developed serious allergies that ended her career choice, yet, she remained in the health care field.
"It's amazing what you can do to make a difference in the life of someone else," said Kelley.
Kelley previously worked with the developmentally disabled before moving to New Richland five years ago.
WE’RE ALL FARMERS — It was a warm afternoon on Monday, June 6 but the heat didn’t stop a group of visitors from learning about Minnesota farming. Pictured from left: Don and Barb Overle from Lake Crystal, MN; Vicky and Scott Singlestad of Waseca; Wakaba Nagano, Katsufumi (Mike) Maekawa, Hideyuki Hatsuta, Kenji Katsukawa and Kikuo Ebihara. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
Japanese trade team pays a visit
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Agriculture is big business in Southern Minnesota. When you look at the broader spectrum and realize how agriculture affects people around the world, it becomes even larger. Soybean and pork production are two of Minnesota’s biggest exports. Soybeans are the number one exported value crop to Minnesota farmers. In 2009, the U.S. exported 1.2 billion bushels of soybeans. Japan is the third largest customer for U.S. soybeans, behind China and Mexico.
The pork industry in Minnesota ranks third nationally, providing 22,500 jobs while contributing $7.6 billion to local economies.
Nations who trade with each other regularly send teams of experts to allow for a better understanding of each other’s products. This was the case Monday, June 6, as five members of a Japanese Trade Team were in Waseca as part of a six-day Midwest tour. They spent part of the day at the Southern Outreach and Experiment Station. Later, they were given a tour of the Scott and Vicky Singlestad farm just north of Waseca. After introductions all around, Scott Singlestad explained a little about his operation.
“We farm 600 acres, about half corn and half soybeans,” said Singlestad. “We grind our own feed for about 120 sows in the farrow to finish hog operation.”
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Mayor Steve Bailey brought the Geneva City Council meeting to order on June 14. All councilmen except Taff Worrell were in attendance.
Janell Tufte made a motion to approve bills payable, minutes and the financial report. Rich Weckwerth seconded and the motion carried.
Discussion soon turned to Geneva Bar & Grill’s request to hold a street dance on Saturday, July 23. No one opposed to the idea. Permission was granted.
Bailey then noted that the city pool opened up on June 13. He went on to tell the council about the pool’s recent break-in. Shortly after the actual incident, city maintenance man Steve Nielsen, came to Bailey’s house with the bad news.
Two life belts were stolen and damage was done to the door. Bailey called it in, so the break-in is officially on record. Nielsen already fixed the door.
Anyone interested in the pool services are encouraged to come out this summer. The cost is $50 for a family, which includes lessons as well.
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
June 3rd was a day that many students were anticipating across the nation. It was the last day of school for the 2010-11 educational term for many. That was no different for NRHEG Elementary students in Ellendale, with excitement mounting, because soon it would be their time to relish the lazy days of summer.
Many NRHEG students earned special recognition for their individual achievements of their outstanding performance, and those students were honored at a special awards ceremony on Friday morning.
Those awards included: A and B Honor Rolls, Accelerated Reader, Honor Choir, and 6th-grade Science Fair participants.
A Honor Roll:
4th Grade: Alexis Anderson, Alexander Buckmeier, Olivia Christopherson, Lawren Deml, Caitlin Goette, Jack Hogstad, Rachel Horejsi, Lexie Ignaszewski, Tyler Jacobson, Ellarose Jameson, Aubrey Johnson, Jazzlyn Johnson, Sierra Johnson, Mackayla Knutson, Dalton Kraay, Ross Lenort, Sydney McCamish, Elizabeth Miller, Sophia Mrotz, Caitlyn Nelson, Atom Oquist, Sydney Schlinger, Jacob Schuller, Tanner Smith-Vulcan, Hailey Stenzel, Jake Stork, Karenna Strom, Jadyn Surat, Spencer Tufte, Michiah VanSyckel, Hailey Westrum, Brooke Wobschall, Laura Worrell and Dennis Wrobleski.
50th BIRTHDAY LEAP — Lisa Hessenius with her daughter, Nicole. Lisa decided to do a tandem parachute jump in honor of her 50th birthday. (Submitted photo)
NR woman goes free-falling for 50th birthday
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Rollercoasters freak her out. Absolutely no one can coax her to go on one. It nauseates her even just to think about those crazy rides.
But for some reason, jumping out of an airplane seems to be like a lollipop at a candy store. She just had to try it at least one time.
“I did my first tandem parachute jump on May 17,” Lisa Hessenius said. “I told myself some years ago when I sobered up in May of 1990 that if I live to be 50, that’s what I’m going to do on my 50th birthday.”
Driving to the Waseca airport that day, Hessenius could hardly contain her excitement. Her husband, daughter and close friend thought she was plum crazy, but she didn’t care; all she could think about was hopping aboard the skeeter plane.
“When we got to 12,000 feet, my tandem instructor opened the door,” Hessenius said. “He put his one foot out the door. I put my foot out. We rocked back and forth three times and then jumped.”
Hooked together with her Southern Minnesota Skydiving instructor via harness, the view beneath was magnificent. The awesome little quilted patterns of land took her breath away.
RESPONSE TEAM — New Richland resident Earl Parriott is surrounded by the Emergency Responders who saved his life May 23, 2011. Pictured from left: Brad Zinniel (North Ambulance,) Anthony Svoboda, Cody Dobberstein, Parriott, Brian Svoboda, Jeremy Parpart, Josh Moen and Chad Neitzel. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
On the evening of May 23rd, members of the New Richland Ambulance and Fire Department were dispatched to the Earl and Kathryn Parriott home southwest of New Richland based on a report of a person complaining of chest pain. Upon arrival, the responders found Mr. Parriott lying on the kitchen floor, semi-alert and in obvious discomfort. He was placed on oxygen, and cardiac protocol initiated. North Memorial Ambulance was summoned for an intercept. Shortly after arriving, Mr. Parriott became unresponsive and cyanotic. The responders started CPR, followed by defibrillation and Mr. Parriott was airlifted for futher care at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.
The Lifesaver Award was presented to Anthony Svoboda, Bradley Zinniel, Brian Svoboda, Chad Neitzel, Cody Dobberstein, Dan Wobschall, Jeremy Parpart and Josh Moen for their participation in the successful resuscitation of Mr. Parriott.
The NRHEG Marching Band, under the direction of Tim Siewert, started off “The Battle Tour” with a first-place finish in the band competition at the Fairmont Heritage Days parade Saturday, June 11. The Panther band performed “Battlefield” from the Cirque Du Soleil show KÀ. Additional 2011 performances: June 17, Lake Crystal; June 18, Owatonna; June 25, St. James; July 3, Albert Lea; July 4, Cannon Falls; July 4, Apple Valley; July 10, New Richland; July 16, Ellendale; September 1, Minnesota State Fair; September 17, Waseca; December 28, Orlando, Fla. (Submitted photo)
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
A baby was brought into the emergency room of St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester on January 11, 2011. After careful examination of the child, it was determined that a crime had been committed against this three-month-old infant .
Mandated by law, the incident was reported to authorities by a hospital social worker. The injuries are believed to have happened sometime between Dec. 28, 2010, and Jan. 11, 2011 while the child’s mother was at work.
“The infants ability to develop and function has been severely limited by the injuries inflicted,” the court complaint states. “He has serious vision problems or will be blind. It is also anticipated that he will never be able to walk. He will require special services, occupational and physical therapies, ongoing medical care, numerous medications, and will need someone to provide for his personal care needs.”
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It has been a little over a year since the New Richland Area Foundation Fund was formed and began its quest to seek donors to build on the initial anonymous gift of $13,918 that the New Richland area received. Since that time, they have recently received another anonymous “donor advised” gift of $25,000 called the By-The-Grace-Of-God-Fund. The NRAFF has also granted out $1,500 and will be approving its second round of grants to be announced at the upcoming Farm and City Days Pancake Breakfast.
There will be a community meeting on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at New Richland City Hall beginning at 6:30 p.m. Presentations at the meeting will be given by Karen Buum, the Executive Director of the Waseca Area Foundation, and Pat Abbe, who is the Gift Planner Specialist for the Minnesota Community Foundation.
“We hope to see a huge crowd attend this meeting and learn more about how we all can contribute to the Foundation and how our granting process works, said Gail Schmidt, the NRAFF Representative. “Our community has always been, and hopefully will continue to be supportive of our local schools, churches and organizations, so they can continue to build and strengthen the community which we have all become so very proud of.”
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The New Richland City Council met for its first meeting of the summer on Monday evening, June 13 with all members present except council member Anthony Martens, who was up north fishing.
All consent agenda items were approved. There were no public hearings scheduled nor requests from residents to be heard.
The council adopted Resolution 11-6, which accepts a $20,000 donation from the Fire Relief Association towards the purchase of the new brush truck.
Police Chief Scott Eads noted 47 calls for service and an additonal 43 contacts for the month of May. During the NRHEG prom, Eads reported the department had an extra car on patrol.
“We just wanted to maintain a presence,” said Eads.
The police department is participating in the “I Got Caught” program this summer which rewards young people with free Dairy Queen ice cream cones when playing safely.
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met Thursday June 9 with Councilmen Helland, Reiter, Goebel and Groth present. Steve Engel was absent due to his job. Also in attendance were Clerk Louks, Maintenance Supervisor Swearingen and Dan Dailey.
Roger Swearingen was present to give his monthly update to the council. Swearingen started out by updating the council on the work being done on 8th Ave. Swearingen stated the sewer line had been installed. Swearingen noted there were a couple of real bad spots in the sewer line, and that the city will be in good shape for many years with this new line.
Swearingen next told the council the new water line will probably start going in two weeks. He also noted that there is a temporary line in place to service Central Valley. Swearingen told the council that the local Lions club asked if they could use part of the maintenance building for their White Elephant Sale.
He said the Lions’ usual spot was not available this year. The council felt that this would be O.K. if there was no burden to the maintenance department.
Calls received and/or action taken by the New Richland Police Department:
• May 17, 5 p.m. – Disturbance/medical, 3rd St. NW. Party transported by ambulance.
• May 19, 1:45 a.m. — Open window, Hwy. 13. Owner of business contacted.
• May 19, 3:55 p.m. — Traffic control, Hwy. 13 and Co. Rd 12. School bus broke down in traffic lane at intersection.
• May 19, 7:20 p.m. — Animal complaint/loose dog, W. Division St. Party asked to keep dog on property.
• May 21, 4:15 p.m. — Medical assist, Hwy. 13 and 30. Assist rendered.