Features (1071)
SCENE OF SADNESS — Crosses and flowers have been placed at or near the crash site of 16-year-old NRHEG student Russell Witke west of New Richland on Highway 30. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
Sixteen-year-old Russell L. Witke of New Richland was killed Tuesday in a one-car automobile mishap approximately 5 miles west of New Richland on Highway 30.
Witke, who would have been a junior at NRHEG High School this fall, was pronounced dead at the scene after being ejected from the vehicle. Authorities from the Minnesota State Patrol and Waseca County Sheriff’s Office are investigating whether Witke was the driver or passenger of the car, a 1998 Pontiac Grand Am.
Skid marks on Highway 30 indicate the vehicle was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed and skidded before winding up in a drainage ditch on the north side of the road.
A fund has been established to help defray funeral expenses for Witke. Donations can be made to the State Bank of New Richland.
CAN YOU DIG IT? — Thomas Desmond Donnelly IV, rural Clarks Grove, otherwise known as ‘Digger,’ has lived in many places around the world. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
Native of Ireland has seen, and dug, a lot in his 60 years
As you ramble through life, whatever be your goal;
Keep your eye upon the doughnut, and not upon the hole.
Irish proverb
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
There is something about the Irish, and there is a lot about the man and character of Thomas Desmond Donnelly IV. With a sly sense of humor, he describes himself as an "internment specialist,” otherwise known as a grave digger.
Known to some as Tom and to many as "Digger," he is like a quick little leprechaun, and as friendly as can be. He was born in Donegal, Ireland 60 years ago. He admits to being the oldest and the smallest of the family of four boys.
His father was in the Army Air Force, so his family moved around a great deal until he was 18 years old. He came to America in 1953, and has lived in many places around the world.
He went to elementary school in Japan and Colorado, junior high in Texas, and high school in Utah, where he was named student body president. He then went on to attend college in California, Utah and eventually went to Boston to attend a macrobiotic cooking school. He worked two years as a cook and became a vegetarian for several years.
Tom worked as a jockey when he was about 24 for a year. The envy of the jockeys at 5 feet tall and 95 pounds, he had all the makings of being a fine jockey. But, he felt that working with horses was really not his calling.
HOSPITALITY — Much of Pastor Lisa Dodd’s preaching this summer will center on hospitality and how to welcome people, with a goal to let people know that God loves them and they are not alone. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
Church invites public to join Farmer’s Market, outdoor services
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Summertime ushers in a time of relaxing under the sun. But, that doesn’t mean we should give any less than our best.
At least, that’s what the Ellendale United Methodist Church and their head pastor, Lisa Dodd, thinks. So come Father’s Day, June 19, they will kick off the theme, Farmer’s Market, to be carried out throughout the summer months.
This theme will be present in all the worship services. After each service, there will be a mini-farmer’s market, where guests and church members can peruse the produce.
“We will do a freewill donation, and the money will go to the food shelf here at church,” Dodd said. “Anyone can come, and bring their fruits and vegetables to donate to the cause. So, if you pick up a head of lettuce, just put in the basket what you think it’s worth.”
Things will go a little differently during the worship services too. Instead of Dodd walking in, there will be a “sing along,” at the beginning, to make things a little more casual.
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
This year’s NRHEG concert band members were and still are all one big, happy music family.
“I get to know them really well in the five day school week,” said recently graduated band member Pieter Majeske. “In the summer, when we do marching band, we’re pretty much always together then too.”
As one of NRHEG’s Louis Armstrong Award recipients (Outstanding senior in Jazz Band), Majeske accepted the recognition with humility.
“I was very happy and slightly surprised that he gave it to both me and Tony Wacholz,” Majeske said. “He’s only given it to two people once before."
Now that his hard work with concert and jazz band has paid off, he is able to take a breather. But that’s very short-lived, as his summer and fall will be filled with music galore.
“In the fall, I’m beginning Concordia College, and majoring in music performance,” Majeske said. “I want to spread my love of music to other people.”
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
In recognition of the achievements, participation, leadership and the pursuit of excellence, the annual NRHEG High School Awards Program was held on May 25th at the high school gym in New Richland.
The morning program began with a number of awards, letters and plaques of recognition presented to members of the class of 2011.
Information is listed as award, presenter and recipient:
• Music; Mr. Broderius and Mr. Siewert; John Phillip Sousa for Concert Band; Christian Stewart.
Louie Armstrong for Jazz Band; Pieter Majeske and Anthony Wacholz.
Senior Choir Awards; Emily Light and Evan Ferber.
National Choral Award; Pieter Majeske.
Marching Band - Panther of the Year; Emily Light.
ROCKIN’ THE CARE CENTER — Above, NRHEG High School YSL students getting down at New Richland Care Center May 14 inclued, from left, Alearah Neumann, Lisa Dummer, Hunter Eustice, David Lassahn, Emily Light and Matt Dahle. Below, Carter Tollefson pushes Elsie Roehmildt during the grand march. (Star Eagle photos by Carol Jolly)
YSL PROM — NRHEG students participating in the 2011 YSL Prom were, from left, Anna Schlaak, Kristina Cole, Rachel Ledding, Hunter Eustice, Alexis Tieskotter, Michael Smith, Emily Light, Kyle Bayerkohler, Jake Staloch, Jacob Reed, Katie Carlson, Evan Ferber, David Lassahn, Lisa Dummer, Carter Tollefson, Matt Dahle and Alearah Neumann. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
YSL Prom caps busy week
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
Nursing Home week, celebrated since 1967, is a week not too many people know about, but, for nursing home residents it's probably the busiest week of the year.
The New Richland Care Center celebrated Nursing Home Week May 8-14.
“National Nursing Home Week honors the residents, caregivers, and volunteers who work in nursing homes,” said Kathy Flor, NRCC Activities Director.
For residents at the New Richland Care Center, the celebration began with a special Mother’s Day Dinner, followed by daily themes. Monday was Hats or Crazy Hair Day. Tuesday was Hawaiian Day, with a special performance by the NRHEG Jazz Band. Farmers Day, Wednesday, included an exclusive concert by the NRHEG Choir. Western Cowboy Day was on Thursday.
GENEROSITY — Rayna Crosston, left, presents $60 she earned from a garage sale to Pastor Paul Andree. Rayna hoped to raise $300 to attend Girl Scout camp but, upon falling short, donated her earnings to the New Richland Area Food Shelf. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
11-year-old donates garage sale earnings to food shelf after falling short of camp goal
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
This time of year brings youngsters outdoors. They are riding bikes, playing sports, and even hosting kool-aid stands. Except 11-year-old Rayna Crosson.
Crosson went to work marketing, pricing, managing, and was head of sales in her own yard sale. She designed promotional fliers, and distributed them throughout the New Richland community.
Next, Crosson went home and scoured her room for items to sell. She pondered giving away some of her favorites, a shirt, some bags, purses and trinkets.
"I asked my family for things to give things that they didn't want anymore," Crosson said.
She then priced all the items she gathered, and set up her products display, now, ready to conduct business. Crosson opened her doors for business May 13-15, eager to greet customers.
This NRHEG fifth-grader with a dream hoped to raise enough money to attend Girl Scout camp this summer.
Ellendale City Council
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met Thursday, May 26 with Councilmen Helland, Reiter, Goebel and Groth in attendance. Mayor Engel was absent. Also in attendance were Clerk Louks, Maintenance Supervisor Swearingen, Shannon Sweeney, Brian Blattie, Dan Pettsinger and Jeremy Reese.
The council approved the amended agenda for the evening.
Blattie, representing the Thompson Oaks Association, was given the floor to discuss the possibility of the city connecting a water line to the Oaks. Blattie was at the council meeting on May 12 to initiate the possibility. At that meeting, the council told Mr. Blattie they would consider providing water to the 17 homes in the Oaks. The council stated at that time they would ask legal council for an opinion. The council also would have the city’s engineer take a look at the area and bring to one of the next meetings some figures as to the costs to both the city and the homes in the Oaks.
Blattie told the council the association had held a meeting and he was there with a couple of questions. Is the city interested in providing water to the Oaks?
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
NRHEG FFA Chapter President Emily Riihl welcomed the 75 members and guests present as the 81st Parent-Member Banquet commenced at the New Richland City Hall on Wednesday evening, May 18. Following dinner, the traditional opening ceremonies were conducted by the chapter officers. Each officer explained the duties of their appointed office outlining how each office contributes to the overall goal of the FFA organization. The FFA motto is “to practice brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities and responsiblities, and develop those qualities of leadership which an FFA member should possess.”
NRHEG School District Superintendent Kevin Wellen next greeted the audience on behalf of the school speaking of the importance of FFA in the district.
“It’s not the same farm today that some of grew up knowing,” said Wellen. “FFA has been a tradition at NRHEG.”
The presiding officers in turn next congratulated all of the members during the member degree ceremony. The pins they received denotes the next step in their progress in FFA.
Calls received and/or action taken by the New Richland Police Department:
• Sunday, May 1, 11 p.m. – Medical assist, 1st St. NE. Assist rendered.
• Monday, May 2, 5:30 p.m. – Domestic, S. Cypress Ave. Juvenile party arrested.
• Tuesday, May 3, 9:15 p.m. – Attempt to locate, S. Dogwood Ave. Assist locating juvenile who left residence.
• Wednesday, May 4, 6:50 a.m. – Medical assist, 7th St. NW. Assist rendered.
• Wednesday, May 4, 8:25 p.m.– Criminal damage to property, Legion Field. Concession stand door damaged.
• Wednesday, May 4, 10 p.m. – Intoxicated party, S. Broadway Ave. Party transported to detox.
• Friday, May 6, 10:35 p.m. – Agency assist/Waseca County. Various from Wells. Attempt to locate possible drunk driver.
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Veterans organizations will celebrate Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2011 in accordance with the following schedule. Please set aside time to attend one of these featured events in commemoration of those who have and are currently serving our country in the military. As citizens of the United States of America, we especially pay tribute to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice of life so we may experience freedom in the United States of America.
Ellendale Area — American Legion Post #296 and VFW Post #8941, along with the Ladies’ Auxiliaries, will provide Memorial Day Services on Monday May 30, 2011 at the following times and locations, weather permitting:
8:30 a.m. - Holy Trinity Cemetery, Litomysol
9:15 a.m. - St. Aiden’s Cemetery, Bath
10:15 a.m. - Geneva Community Cemetery, Geneva
11:15 a.m. - First Lutheran Cemetery, rural Ellendale
The American Legion and VFW Posts will provide an honor guard and firing squad at all locations. A message fitting the day will be delivered at the Geneva and First Lutheran Cemeteries by Jody Wynnemer, United States Navy, Retired. He is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War and was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon.
PEACE OF MIND — Lee Christensen, left, receives a blessing from Pastor Pamela Jensen of First Congregational Church during the Second Annual Blessing of the Bikes event at New Richland’s City Park Sunday, May 15. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
Bikers, clergy come together for 2nd Annual Blessing of the Bikes
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
Good food, great fellowship, and glorious faith walked hand in hand on Sunday, May 15.
Area bikers, clergy, and community members came together for the Second Annual Blessing of the Bikes service in the New Richland City Park.
"It doesn't matter what you ride, or if you ride at all," Brenda Ebnet said.
"It's a sense of comfort to know Jesus is with us," Randy Lewer added.
Pastor Paul Andree of Trinity Lutheran in New Richland opened the service welcoming the multi-generational congregation, as the "Just Friends" band led worshippers in songs of praise.
"This social event is something that needs to be done; it gives comfort through the word of God, knowing He is with you," Larry Crabtree said.
FINANCIAL BLESSING — A rainbow over New Richland’s water tower symbolizes a recent $25,000 anonymous donation to the New Richland Area Fund. (Photo by Corrine Schuller)
The New Richland Area Foundation recently added a $25,000 gift by an anonymous donor.
The donor advised fund, titled “By the Grace of God,” will distribute grants approved by the donor’s benefactor.
The New Richland Area Foundation was formed by the New Richland City Council after the city was approached by the Waseca Area Foundation, which had received an anonymous donation of $13,918. Since then the Lions Club added more than $700 and other small donations have been made.
In 2010, the NRAF was able to award a combination of $1,500 which went to the Girl Scouts for a City Park project and to the New Richland Care Center to help pay for flood damage expenses.
Because of these grants, Gail Schmidt, NRAF representative, said, “This Foundation has the potential to make an impact on the schools, churches and non-profit organizations in the area. It is a great benefit and opportunity for New Richland, but we can’t do it without growing the fund.”
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH — NRHEG students of the month for the 2010-11 school year were (front from left): Katelyn Klug, Jessica Stenzel, Katie Carlson, Emily Riihl, Shauntel Thiele, Hannah Moe, Lisa Dummer and Amber Schmidt. Back row: Anthony Wacholz, Pieter Majeske, Logn Davis, Kyle Bayerkohler, Cory Kaupa and Jonathan Walstrom. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The faculty at NRHEG High School has announced the Students of the Month for school year 2010-11. The students, all seniors, were selected by the different departments at the school based on a number of factors.
Band — Hannah Moe. She has been active in band her whole high school career and served as captain for the color guard. Hannah is a member of the National Honor Society, cheerleader and plays golf for the Panther golf team. She is the daughter of Greg and Donna Moe.
F.A.C.S. — Jonathan Walstrom. He has been a four-time letter winner for the Panther golf team and also bowls for the Albert Lea High School team. He has made the ‘A’ Honor Roll and lists fishing and salt water aquariums as his hobbies. Jonathan’s parents are Garry and Sandy Walstrom.
Science — Kyle Bayerkohler. The three sport athlete (football, basketball, track and field) enjoys spending time with family and friends. Kyle is in the National Honor Society and a Knowledge Bowl participant. Dale and Carol Bayerkohler are Kyle’s parents.