NRHEG spring musical draws rave reviews

NRHEG High School presented its 2013 spring musical, “Bye Bye Birdie,” to rave reviews for three shows last Friday and Saturday. Above from left: Kalana Shurson, Brina Bergland, Brenna Hagen, Brad Claycomb, Maddy Reed. Emmy Hobbs. Below from left: Brina Bergland, Nicole Edon, Brina Bergland, Kalana Shurson, Abby Christopherson, Brenna Hagen, Emmy Hobbs and Hailey Clausen. For more color photos from the play, see Pages 6, 7 and 14 of this week's Star Eagle. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

Looking out my mother’s window, I am reminded of the "dad" next door who said, "After spending hours putting up the simple ladder slide and climbing wall structure for the kids so they could enjoy playing outside, guess what they enjoy the most?” 

Answer: the swing. And not even a “boughten” swing, unless you count the rope he threw up over a branch in the tree high enough to swing high, wide and free. The children have spent hours on it and are the envy of anyone who happens to see them fly!

What they may not realize, is that it’s more than the swing their dad made just for them. It’s the dad who goes with it. 

Here is a dad I see during the summer swinging (yes, he is out there swinging), playing ball or building a "coop" for a few pet chickens for the kids to take care of and watch grow. 

Here is a dad who is not above sliding down the mini hill, wading or playing in the snow with the kids.  No motorized vehicles or fancy stuff - just his love and attention. 

Sometimes we forget life’s simplest pleasures.

While I was growing up, we enjoyed swinging on a swing at my Grandma and Grandpa’s house. The swing was attached to a rope that had been thrown up high enough in an old boxelder tree so that it gave us a good swing. It had an old tire for a seat. 

The swing at my mom and dads' house consisted of two ropes over a boxelder limb with a wooden seat, and we could go ever so high, pretending we were flying. And look, Mom, no batteries, electricity or talking in that machine. Just laughter and screams of delight as we used our legs to pump the swing and "fly" ever so high.

Remember stilts? Usually made of wooden 2x2's with a foot piece on the side, sometimes made with a piece of inner tube to help a beginner get accustomed to walking up high.

Then there was the "hoop," which was a metal ring, probably from an old piece of machinery or a wooden rain barrel.

The power was provided by us kids with a lath strip with a cross piece and our legs to run and keep it going so it didn't tip over. No walls to climb, but trees aplenty, and only a "monkey’s uncle" could have been more of an expert.

Sitting on a tree branch out of sight in the green leaves left a great deal of space for daydreaming or pretending, or just plain thinking.

Did you ever hypnotize a chicken by putting its head under a wing and maneuvering the chicken around, which more or less hypnotized or left the chicken dizzy enough to have to stand or wander like a drunken sailor. Did it hurt the chicken? I don't think so, and why it was a fun thing to do, I don't know.

My mother tells how the little grove of trees in the orchard on the farm was an outdoor playhouse back in her time. Hours were spent raking the ground clean - picking up branches and leaves. 

Grandma always tricked us, when she asked us to see who could pick up the most twigs or branches from the lawn. We did have fun seeing who could pick up the most, and Grandma got her lawn clean so that she could mow the grass.

I remember how part of a front frame from an old car became a make-believe fireplace, and any number of cans were "cooking utensils" in the make believe stove. I  also remember my sister Kaye and I made mud pies in the back yard of the house I still live in here in Geneva. 

Decorated with flowers from weeds, we put the mud pies on our swing set to dry. One swing that was up high was used as the oven, but when one of the containers of mud pies came down on Kaye’s head, it caused a big mess. Maybe that mud pie was an "upside-down cake" instead. 

I can remember some afternoons when we shared lemonade and cookies with the neighbor kids like so many "old ladies" at a coffee party. 

Taking a trip through the toy section of the supermarket is like going through fantasy land. There is little there that isn't cute and colorful enough to gain interest in the most discriminating child. One needs to carry a thick billfold and realize that many of these things will be short lived when the next wave of manufactured toys and extensive salesmanship comes into play.

It is not a great secret that some of the pretty packed boxes on the shelf retain children’s interest as long or longer than the toys within. 

I have yet to see a child who wasn't intrigued by Scotch tape. I know it's "bite your tongue" when you see them enjoying it and might be quick to say, "don't waste it," but considering the price, imagination and education gained by Scotch tape, paper, pencil or crayons, it really isn't that expensive. 

Toddlers love colored measuring cups, a bright colored bowl and a spoon to stir and pretend. Even an older child finds a purse with an assortment of goodies to explore an interesting and exciting play project long after its original contents have been replaced by other objects of their choosing.

Spring will arrive, soon I hope, and I recall Michelle from Sonshine Gardens in Clarks Grove would say how fascinating it was for her, when she planted those first dry seeds and waited impatiently for little green shoots to make their appearance. 

The same is true for children. What kid doesn't like dirt? The miracle of growth is always something to anticipate, and being a part of watching something grow, and learning its need for water and loving care is all part of life’s cycle. Consider having your kids grow a garden, even if it’s just some seedlings on a window sill. There are a lot of lessons to be learned in growing a garden, watching life develop, learning responsibility. 

How many of you threaded a button onto a two foot length of string  and then tied the string into a loop? 

Holding each end of the loop we twirled the button around to wind up the string. Then we pulled our hands apart to let the string go slack, and then we would spin and wind the thread, only to see the button spin, again and again. We kept repeating the process and got the buttons spinning faster and faster like a buzz saw.

I can remember taking a comb from the bathroom drawer and a piece of tissue paper to make a kazoo, and would hum, and made beautiful (?) music.

I also remember many days spent drawing pictures with chalk on the sidewalks, as well as playing hopscotch.

One doesn't always need big expensive toys to have fun. A child’s intelligence and imagination is hard to match.

Not only are these toys inexpensive, but play encourages activity. Perhaps if more kids were more active, we would have less childhood obesity.

Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, April 25th: Ed Deml, Nicole Langlie La Tourneau, Nicole Nielson, Evie Toft, Christine Davidson, Jeff Kunkel, Janice Morreim, Stan Reichl.

• Friday, April 26th: Jim Arends, Lester Casterton, Teresa Deml Sisler, Beverly Harpel, Jean Larson, Pat Motl, Ashley Bangert, Mary Peterson, Pat Pichner, Steve & Judy Christensen, Bob & Gerry Flim, Allan & Darline Jensen.

• Saturday, April 27th: Brian Schember, Norma Robertson, Heidi & Christopher Olson.

• Sunday, April 28th: Martin Rossing, Rodney Peterson, Mildred Flugum, Jamie Cameron, Jean & Chuck Groth.

• Monday, April 29th: Derek Anthony Kubicek, his 6th; Jane Brocker, Roberta Dettman, Angie Hall, Mitchell Jensen, Pat & Linda Goodnature, Jennifer & Steve Schultz.

• Tuesday, April 30th: Nancy Williams, Jeff Misgen, Paul Moen, Dawn Cooper, Kevin Cooper, Jonathon Lein, Karey Dufresne, Judah Ashton, Jonathon Lein, Rick & Melonie Miller.

• Wednesday, May 1st: Carter Levi Titus, Jim Hanson, Shirley Pichner Helgeson, Christopher "Critter" Johnson, his 11th; Luke Dobberstein, Gene Budach, Sandi Otto Glenn, Richard Helmers, Sue Kasper Anderson, Tim Kasper, Norma Long, Cari Jensen, Thomas Van Riper, Veronica & Jim Graif, Heidi & Ryan Baldwin.

God bless you and have a great day!

Birthdays and anniversaries are for reflecting ... dreaming ... enjoying. Have a wonderful day!

This past Wednesday, while on my usual early morning walk, I was greeted by a spring breeze. I enjoyed  the fresh smell of open water. 

This scent came from a lake that had just shed its icy cover and was ready for a fresh start. This is a special smell that only comes around in the spring of the year. There is something invigorating about that smell carried through the air in the spring of the year. 

Although the start of a new season may mean something different to other folks, to me it is kind of like a re-birth or a fresh beginning. The signs of winter are supposedly subsiding and we are beginning the next chapter of the seasonal book. Some winters, as we are finding out, take a little longer to let go than others, but we can rest assured that eventually it will happen.

There are some smells that I will always cherish like bacon frying over a campfire. Popping popcorn will usually always make my mouth water, freshly mown hay is unmistakable, as is freshly cut grass (not the same), and a new litter of young pups has its own distinct odor. 

If you’ve ever walked in the woods and been treated to the smell of fallen leaves after a late fall rain, you know what I’m talking about, and of course the aforementioned lakes smell soon after ice-out. These are odors that can make me stop and say to myself “life is good.” Yes, sometimes something as simple as a fragrance can turn a frown into a smile.

Speaking of spring, (which I still have hopes of seeing) I can remember as a kid how I would embrace the first big melt of the year. Growing up north of town on Bridge Avenue had a lot of advantages for a kid. 

Bridge had county ditches running along both sides of it that fed into the “crick” where I loved to spend most of my time as a youth. Glenview Drive was still gravel so whenever the snow would melt, it would form its own ditches that would carry the water to the big ditch and eventually on to the “Crick.”

This is when we’d build small rafts out of sticks or wood scraps and go to the “headwaters” of the tributary that had formed by the melting snow. Some of the neighbor kids joined in and we would float these makeshift boats in the gullies formed along the road occasionally coaxing them along until they reached the rushing water of the ditch.

The water in the ditch could be fairly deep at times. I can remember a few of those times where it was almost up to the shoulder of the road. 

That was probably the most exciting time, because to get through the culverts it would disappear into a whirlpool. We took pleasure out of tossing in anything that would float and watch it get sucked under the water. 

Then we ran as fast as we could to wait for it to reappear on the other side and follow it until it reached the slough. We knew that there was only a small window of opportunity to enjoy the “raging river” before it would start to subside, so we tried to make the most of it.

I don’t think our Moms thought playing by the ditch when the water was high was a very good idea. The one thing about spring I could count on was the fact that we’d usually never come home with dry pants or shoes. 

I know that I wouldn’t have enjoyed it if I had to grow up inside the city limits. There were too many things to do in the country where we always found ways to make our own fun. 

Whenever I drive past the house where I grew up, thoughts of those childhood friends and those days gone by still come to me. Those are good thoughts of fun times, and remembering how it once was gives me a warm feeling that is hard to describe.

The Minnesota DNR has just finished a three year investigation into illegal fishing violations in Northern Minnesota and has issued the following news release:

Fish-poaching investigation:

In March 2010, the DNR initiated a three-year special enforcement investigation into the illegal selling, buying and dumping of protected game fish in north-central and northwestern Minnesota. The investigation has now resulted in state charges against at least 21 individuals and federal indictments against 10 others. The fish involved were mainly walleye from some of Minnesota most popular fishing lakes: Red Lake, Lake Winnibigoshish, Leech Lake and Cass Lake. The results of the investigation will continue to unfold in 2013. The infractions took place in the following counties; Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Itasca, Pennington and Polk.

——————————-

Whenever I read about any infractions involving taking game or fish over the limit it makes me feel a little sad, as these are resources that cannot be replaced overnight.

The recent moisture is just what we needed. If you do get a chance to venture out and dodge a few raindrops, there is plenty of waterfowl to observe in the channel by Frank Hall Park. The ducks, geese, and pelicans are there in good numbers. It is always fun to stop and watch the wildlife, especially this time of year.

Until next time, try to get out and take in a little of the great Minnesota outdoors.

Please remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers, because they are the reason we are able to enjoy all the freedoms that we have today.

Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting

"My brother thinks highly of you."

"I don’t even know him."

"That’s why he thinks highly of you."

Driving by the Bruces

I have two wonderful neighbors — both named Bruce — who live across the road from each other. Whenever I pass their driveways, thoughts occur to me, such as: An optimist invented the airplane. A pessimist invented the parachute.

I’ve learned

The only way to be sure of winning a lottery is to buy all the tickets.

I want my bed warm and my pillow cool.

To never argue with a cook.

The news from Hartland

The Eat Around It Cafe reminds customers that club sandwiches are for members only.

Trampoline Land stops serving prune smoothies.

Neighbors chip in to pay college tuition for teen with nine electric guitars.

A fall in the spring

A woman from Mankato told me that she had slipped on the ice and fallen while letting her dog into the house. She ended up at the emergency room where it was determined that she had a broken wrist.

When she first went to the hospital, she told the nurse, "I just want to know if I hurt myself."

"Does it hurt?" asked the nurse.

"Yes."

"Then you hurt yourself," said the nurse.

Echoes from the aisles

I was in a store, doing some light shopping. It was so light that I hoped the store had a "one item or less" checkout lane. After finding the thing I needed, I walked toward the checkout area. On my journey there, I encountered a young mother in the company of four small children who were heavily into wanting and needing. As I walked behind them for a bit before I could find a passing lane, I couldn’t help but hear them asking for this and that. During that short period, the mother recited the "shopping with children" haiku. It went like this.

"No no no no no.

No no no no no no no.

No no no no no."

Tales of a traveling man

I was speaking in far-flung places. I went through airport security. I hoped that I’d remembered not to forget to remember to remove everything from my pockets before going through the metal detector — a full body scan bully. The security folks were apparently searching for stuffing. I flew in a cramped plane. I sat in coach, but my feet were in first class. I mumbled, "Turn here," for most of the flight. It had been a tiring day on the road. I checked into a hotel and, because the dining room was closing soon, left my luggage at the front desk and went to eat. After a good meal, I reclaimed my luggage and realized that I’d forgotten my room number. I went back to the desk and asked the clerk on duty, "My name is Al Batt, could you please tell me what room I am in?"

"Certainly," said the clerk. "You're in the lobby."

A sign on the door to the room next to mine read, "Disturb at your own risk." A man snored in the room on the other side of me — or there might have been a chainsaw-carving contest in progress. I wasn’t surprised by any of it. I don’t expect apples from an oak tree. Despite all these things, I enjoyed my trip immensely. I always do.

Did you know?

The Tobacco Growers’ Mutual Insurance Company of North Canaan, Conn. wrote the first hail insurance policy in 1887.

Rapper Kanye West doesn’t read books, but wrote one that he wants you to buy. West is the co-author of "Thank You And You're Welcome." His book contains 52 pages — some blank. One two-page section reads, "Life is 5% what happens and 95% how you react!" Another page reads, "I hate the word hate!" Another says, "Get used to being used." He calls these "Kanye-isms." West adds, "I am a proud non-reader of books. I like to get information from doing stuff."

Crash Davis, in the movie "Bull Durham" said, "Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring! Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls — it's more democratic."

Nature notes

"Why do geese honk in flight?" In flocks, it may sound as if they all want to pass, but they call to maintain contact—perhaps with family members. The younger members are likely honking, "Are we there yet?" The honking helps coordinate the movement of the flock. When in pairs, one tells the other, "Follow me,” “I’m over here,” “Let’s go,” or “Stop and ask for directions.”

Come birding with me

Join me for a bird watching adventure on May 3 from 2 to 3 PM at Maplewood Park in Waseca. Bring binoculars if you have them. Call 835-5626 for information.

Meeting adjourned

Do not hold grudges. Let go of what steals your joy. Be kind.

After the NRHEG School Board meeting in April concluded, a special committee meeting was held. The purpose was to be “pro-active” rather than “re-active.” This was in reference to the NRHEG girls’ basketball team hopefully being in the 2014 Minnesota State Basketball Tournament.

It was understood by all present how the 2013 girls put NRHEG on the map by winning the 2013 Minnesota Girls’ Basketball Tournament. If the girls do their part and get to the 2014 State Tourney, the fans must also do their part in keeping NRHEG on the map.

With the girls and the NRHEG fans all doing their part, “Carpe Diem” will be the buzzword in March of 2014.

The following are some of the “NRHEG Country” suggested items and who will be responsible to carry them out:

The NRHEG School Board will be head of the committee. 

There will be a billboard as soon as possible on the main street leading into each town in the NRHEG school district. The billboard message will be “Welcome to NRHEG Country.” The CEO of each town bank will be responsible for paying for the billboards. 

The Star Eagle Newspaper will change the person-recognition to “Fan in the Stand” during the basketball season. Jim Lutgens will do this. 

Bobblehead dolls of each member of the team will be available for sale at the beginning of the girls’ basketball season. The cheerleaders will handle this. 

The New Richland Lions Club will host a benefit with matching funds in January. The Ellendale Lions Club will host one in February. (The funds will be used to help defray the team costs.)

There will be no school the days of the girls’ tourney – the school board will make this possible. 

There will be no church service the days of the girls tourney – each church will take care of this. The girls will attend the church of their choice the Sunday after the championship game. Coach John Schultz will get this done. 

A former mayor of each NRHEG school town will be in charge of the fan buses to the games. The City Councils will make this a city resolution. 

Signs for the fans to hold up during the game will be furnished. Ginger Thompson of Ellendale will supervise the making of the signs. 

A media disc will be distributed answering the question “Who is NRHEG?” Students plus faculty will do this. 

A qualified medical person, plus two good sized male RN trainees, will be at each NRHEG tourney game to handle any fan medical emergencies. Physicians Assistant Judy Sibilrud of Hartland will cover this.

“Praise Him” group from Ellendale will be leading in the singing of the National Anthem before the first game, the Ebnet Family of New Richland the second game, and the local Ecumenical Choir the third game. At the beginning of the fourth quarter, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” will be sung using “One, two, three, four, five fouls and you’re out.” 

The quartet of Warren Torgerson, Whitey Hagen, Elmer Vanden Heuvel and Sharon Sorenson of Geneva will lead in singing at the first game. The quartet of Jim Johnson, Andy Lerberg, Roger Swearingen and Arlen Brekke of Ellendale will lead singing at the second game. The quartet plus one of Jim Hendrickson, Virgil Thofson, Jim Olson and Randy Tuchtenhagen, with Al Batt of Hartland being the plus-one, will lead singing at the third game.

Just as NRHEG made the last shot of the game to win by one point, my mind got a bit fuzzy as to what was happening. I heard Genie say, “You’ve got about ten more May Baskets to make.”

Do you suppose my dream will come true? As Genie likes to say, “We’ll see.”

———

Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.

The scurs were sure precipitation would continue only they weren’t sure what form it would take. All they knew is most of it would be a four letter word. Will April go out like a lamb or a lion? Starting Wednesday, mostly cloudy with an increasing chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs in the middle 40s and lows in the upper 20s. Mostly sunny on Thursday with the highs in the upper 40’s and lows in the middle 30s. Partly cloudy Friday with highs in the upper 60s and lows in the lower 40s. Partly cloudy and warmer on Saturday with a slight chance of an evening shower. Highs in the upper 60s and lows in the upper 40s. Partly cloudy again for Sunday with a chance of an evening shower or thunderstorm. Highs near 70 and lows in the low 50s. Partly cloudy Monday with a chance of a morning shower or thunderstorm. Highs in the upper 60s and lows in the upper 40s. Mostly sunny with a chance of rain on Tuesday. Highs in the upper 60’s and lows near 50. The normal high for April 30th is 64 and the normal low is 42. We will see over 14 hours of daylight on the 27th, roughly the same as we’ll see on August 4th. The scurs are thinking Old Man Winter’s days may be numbered.

The Full Moon for the month falls on the 25th and goes by several names. The most common is the Full Pink Moon, named for the pinks that flower in the forests and woodlands. It also is known as the Full Sprouting Grass Moon and the Full Egg Moon. The Ojibwe knew this as the Broken Snowshoe Moon and by the Sioux as The Moon of Greening Grass. At the ranch we’re going by The Shedding Border Collie or Change the Vacuum Cleaner Bag Moon.

This past week was another wet cold one. I’m convinced that snowpack in Canada is actually a glacier. Winter has worn out its welcome to be sure. We have however recharged our soils to the point that we are at or above our normal levels for April 15 in the top 5’ of soil, which is around 10”. The April 15th measurement was 9.2” in the top 5’ at the SROC. Since that time we’ve accumulated over 1.5” of precipitation so we actually should be getting close to field capacity. That seemed to be borne out by the puddling that was starting to be evident before the snow covered the fields back up once again on Monday night. For the month at the ranch, we have recorded 5.94” of precipitation. We have been fortunate that the rains have generally come in smallish, measured amounts, minimizing the amount of runoff. All things considered, we should have adequate moisture to run for a couple months without substantial rainfall.

The slow green-up on area pastures means more pressure on an already tight hay supply.  The hay is also coming to life slowly and there are few signs that alfalfa has broken dormancy yet. That’s probably a good thing as last Saturday’s low of 19 degrees probably wouldn’t have done it any favors. The lateness of the spring has added an additional burden in that some who were considering planting small grains are looking at the calendar and deciding to forego that option. That will add to the present shortage of bedding and press livestock producers to look for alternatives such as corn stalks or soybean stubble.

Around the ranch, spring has been struggling to show its face. There are still some signs it will eventually get here. During the middle of the week, a wood thrush appeared in the yard. Due to the rusty brown color at first glance the thought was brown thrasher. The tail however wasn’t long and the bird simply wasn’t big enough. For whatever reason, other birds in the yard were very rude to the lone stranger and within a few minutes it was gone. More newcomers to the trees included yellow-bellied sapsuckers. These woodpeckers were much maligned in the old days, with many of them being shot on sight by orchard owners. Their habit of drilling holes in parallel groupings in trees, eating the sap and the insects attracted to it makes them unique. One can understand why their activity didn’t set well while further research has since indicated they do little actual harm to the tree.

The weather being too ugly for much of anything else gave me time to clean out the bluebird houses. Have seen no bluebirds yet or any tree swallows yet for that matter. Last year by this time the tree swallows had been here nearly a month. The first planted corn had emerged too. Of course, in order for swallows to survive they need insects, primarily of the flying type. There are reports of an occasional mosquito so hopefully they will soon be on the way. The presence of mosquitoes is a signal it’s time to start the heartworm medications for Fudgie and Ruby. The robins also continue to struggle. There are earthworms on the pasture’s south facing slope, when it warm enough and not covered with snow. They continue to subsist on the crabapples that are becoming shorter and shorter in supply.

It’s tough to think about mowing lawn or gardening this year after being covered with snow every few days or the ground freezing solid. Still, there are signs that we may eventually be able to salvage something. The rhubarb made it through in spite of the drought, helped by some watering before it was put to bed last fall. While their first leaves looking like clenched fists are just below the surface yet, they’re posed to explode when we see those forecast 70-degree temperatures. The slope south of the house is greening up even in the cold weather so when it warms up, it won’t take long with the rain we have until mowing becomes a reality. Of course that part of the lawn always dries up first when the rain stops so it all evens out. 

See you next week…real good then. 

Every time I see Activities Director Dan Stork these days, he’s shaking his head and looking at calendars. It’s been a crazy spring when it comes to athletics and just life in general. (Picture every local farmer nodding and agreeing!)

Last week, the Swami postulated that Minnesota should consider summer baseball like in Iowa. Way to steal my idea, Kugie! Anyway, I’d like to expand on that notion.

Let’s start with spring sports and then expand throughout the entire year. 2012 was an aberration when it came to weather. 

I umpired a game on March 30, 2012, the earliest day you could possibly play a game. This year, I’ve had one game and suffered through some cold weather and a lot of mud.

Most years, the spring sports schedule has events the first week of April. Most years, those events are rescheduled. Why do we even try?

Rather, why not start baseball and softball in April? Spend a couple weeks getting ready, and then begin events in May. 

The playoffs could begin toward the end of June for baseball and softball. Take a break before section championships over the Fourth of July. This will give teams an opportunity to have their best lineups on the field for the biggest games. Wrap up the state tournament in mid-July.

With this idea, you could play more games and give kids more of an opportunity to develop over the years.

Of course, there would be headaches with transportation once school is out, among other issues. But from a purely sports-minded point of view, it would be ideal.

It’s unfortunate, but Legion baseball is dying in many areas. Many Legion posts aren’t able to support a team anymore, so it makes sense to combine the school and summer seasons.

Track coach Duey Ferber told me he wouldn’t want to move his season. However, tracks can be run on earlier than ball fields, and they can go indoors at MSU, so weather doesn’t have quite the same impact.

Now let’s take things a step further. You could look at the rest of the activities schedule from a couple of angles. One would be to leave fall sports where they are, as well as winter sports. Basketball tournaments wrap up in mid-March, giving players a chance to catch their breath. It would also be a great opportunity for the arts to step in, specifically school plays.

The directors of Bye Bye Birdie have been frantically working around sports schedules to get in rehearsals and prepare for the show. This would give them a bigger window to prepare a show, and everyone would benefit. While the performance I saw last week was exceptional, I’m sure all involved would have liked a consistent schedule without worrying as much about athletics.

You could also look at the possibility of not starting winter sports until after the Prep Bowl at Thanksgiving. Most players (unless you were in the state championship) would get a break before the grind of winter sports. The state tournaments would be pushed back to the end of March, still giving players a short break before spring sports.

With this, you could also look at the potential of a play in November, or still keep it in March/April. Either way, students get a better chance to be student-athletes, and Mr. Stork gets a chance to breathe a little easier.

On a side note, I’ve had the chance to meet so many people who want to comment about my column. I enjoy those interactions, whether the reactions are positive or negative. My loyal readers have seen that I will take requests as well, so if you really want to have me write about something, please contact me, and I’ll do my best to keep providing you something to at least think about every week, whether you agree or not!

Word of the Week: This week’s word is mendacious, which means untruthful, as in, “The mendacious student told the teacher the computer ate his homework.” Impress your friends and confuse your enemies!

New Richland City Council

By NICOLE BILLING

Editorial Assistant

The New Richland City Council held its second meeting of April Monday evening. The meeting started at 6:30 p.m. and lasted until 7:30. All members of the council were present. They approved the agenda with consent items added.

The first order of business was the People’s Service Report. They talked about cleaning up the sewer mains on Third Street Northwest and North Birch. Brad Field made the point that there is some Orange Bird around some houses in town, a substance that was used in the past. It’s not a good thing to have around, so they need to have someone clean it out.

The NRHEG baseball team’s Friday, April 26 home game has been designated a “Strike Out Cancer” game.

Pregame activities begin at 4:30 p.m., with the game following at 5 (pending the weather). There will be a short program with captains giving a short speech, captain Brad Claycomb and music teacher Mrs. Fredrickson singing the National Anthem, first pitches thrown out by Coach Jeff Reese, in memory of his sister, whose life was taken by cancer; Carley Kempe, cancer survivor and captain Casey Rosacker's mother; and Dacoda Malakowsky, NRHEG first-grader and cancer survivor.

The game will be announced and concessions will be available. A hot dog special and popcorn & pop special will be offered. Free will donations will be taken for the American Cancer Society. Students and the public can also make donations at school for the "Strike Out" Cancer Hall of Fame in honor or in memory of those who have been affected by cancer.

Emily “Polly” Streitz, age 86 of Waseca, died on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Colony Court Care Suites in Waseca.

Born in Waseca on October 21, 1926, Polly was the daughter of William and Mary (Erwin) Matz. She was baptized November 21, 1926 at the First Congregational Church in Waseca. She attended country school through grade five and later graduated from Waseca High School in 1944.