Herbert Calvin Gahler was born on May 23, 1928, in Freeborn Township, Waseca County, Minnesota. He was the son of Herman and Laura (Roeker) Gahler. Herb was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed as a youth. He received his education at area rural schools in Waseca County and was a graduate of Waldorf High School.

In 1950, Herb was drafted into the United States Army. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1952.

Identify FROSTY and win some cash!

Prize money totaling $1,250 is waiting to be won. FROSTY is a Waseca County resident chosen to be an ambassador for the Waseca Sleigh & Cutter Festival. Follow the clues and guess FROSTY’S name.

Grand prize is $250. If you are at the official unmasking at 9:30 p.m., on Friday, February 8, 2013, you will win an additional $50. Unmasking is at the annual Sleigh & Cutter dinner and dance at the VFW Club Room, 113 West Elm Avenue, Waseca, MN. 

The hunt is underway for the Waseca Sleigh and Cutter Medallion, and the prize is big.

The lucky finder will receive gift certificates valued at $1,250.

The Medallion is hidden on public property within the city limits of Waseca.

If found, the Medallion should be turned in at Charlie’s Hardware in Waseca. Sponsors of the contest are Waseca Hy-Vee, Charlie’s Hardware, Waseca County News, First National Bank and KOWZ/KORN Radio.

ALL FOR ONE — Running the inaugural meeting for the Yellow Ribbon program in Ellendale Saturday evening were, front from left: Brenda Bergstron, Kayla Sikel, Angela Blouin and Bri Blouin. Back: Robert Sikel, Jeff Howe, Rally Witzel and Darcy Roemhildt. (Star Eagle photo by Jessica Lutgens)

By JESSICA LUTGENS

Editorial Assistant

“It only takes one to make a difference.”

The above quote is essentially the backbone of the Yellow Ribbon program, which began with one letter that was sent from a student in Colorado to a student in Wisconsin, who shared it with her counselor, who then took further efforts to start a program to help prevent suicide. This program grew to be larger than anyone could’ve imagined, and we now have our own Yellow Ribbon program in our community.

Founded by the family of Jacob Sikel in his loving memory, the goal of the program is to train everyone in the community — adults, children, teens, teachers, and everyone else — in suicide prevention. An adult informational meeting was held on Saturday evening, January 5 at Vibrant Life Assembly of God Church in Ellendale. There is a specific order that the current members of the program wish to reveal it to the community, starting with the adults, including teachers, factory workers, parents, etc., and working their way to the kids. 

Eli Lutgens of New Richland, left, enjoys the view from the front row on his first visit to Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., for last Saturday’s Wild Card playoff game between the Vikings and the Packers. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)

NRHEG girls tame Tigers, vanquish Vikings while improving to 10-1 overall

By DALE KUGATH

Sportswriter

The New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva girls’ basketball team stretched its win streak to eight straight with a pair of victories last week. 

The Panthers pounded Medford to remain perfect in Gopher Conference play.

NRHEG defeated a solid Hayfield squad on the road Saturday. The Vikings are one of the better section teams with NRHEG.

The Panthers are 4-0 in the conference and 10-1 overall. NRHEG has won both of its home games and is 8-1 on the road. 

Medford

MEDFORD – NRHEG poured in 10 three-pointers to make things easy in a 79-17 victory over Medford at Medford Friday. 

The Panthers defeated Medford 90-22 and 67-35 last season. 

NRHEG won its fourth straight conference game. Medford slipped to 1-3 in the Gopher and 4-6 overall. 

Panthers top St. Clair, fall to Blue Earth in triangular

HIGH FLYING ACTION — The Panthers’ Cody Ripka tangles with his Blue Earth Area opponent during the 182-pound match at New Richland last Friday. Ripka lost the bout and the Panthers lost the dual meet, but they bounced back to beat St. Clair. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

By DALE KUGATH

Sportswriter

NEW RICHLAND – After nearly three weeks of inactivity, the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva wrestling team returned to the mats.

Coach Paul Cyr’s wrestlers, who had not competed since Dec. 15, made their initial home appearance Friday. 

NRHEG lost to Blue Earth and bounced St. Clair in the triangular meet at New Richland. 

“It was great to get a chance to compete again after being off for three weeks,” said Cyr. “We are good in places, but not real good in others.”

Panthers fall to Medford, Hayfield while dropping to 2-8

FOCUSED — NRHEG sophomore Macoy Schwierjohann goes to the basket during the Panthers’ 72-58 loss to Medford at New Richland last week. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

By DALE KUGATH

Sportswriter

The New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva boys’ basketball team suffered some growing pains in a pair of losses last week. 

Medford

NEW RICHLAND – Medford was more physical than the Panthers and rolled to a 72-58 Gopher Conference victory in New Richland last Thursday. 

The Panthers dropped to 1-2 in the conference and 2-8 overall. NRHEG is 1-2 at home this winter. 

Medford got its first conference win in three starts and evened its overall mark at 4-4.

NRHEG swept the Tigers a year ago, winning 63-58 and 60-52. 

Both teams had leads in the first seven minutes of the game before Medford gained control. The Tigers established control of the offensive boards and powered to a 36-22 advantage at the intermission. 

Americans are living longer today than at any time in the past. Many of us will remain mentally and physically healthy well into our 80s.

Some people, however, will become ill or die before others of a similar age. To some extent, this is a matter of chance, environment, and heredity. 

But there are some very important factors in determining how healthy you are now and how healthy you'll be in your later years that are under your control.

You can stay healthier throughout your life by making positive lifestyle changes and by having regular checkups, so that any disease that develops can be detected and treated early.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle does not mean that you have to stop enjoying life. It does, however mean taking responsibility for your actions.

Medical research performed during the past 20 years clearly shows how a healthy lifestyle can help prevent a variety of diseases that cause most deaths before age 65. Heart disease and cancer are major causes of premature death, but you can take steps to help prevent some of these diseases.

Though finding ways to fight cancer has become a year-round effort here in our southern Minnesota area, January is when we typically put the big push on to secure funds to help find a cure during our local cancer auction.

There are so many different types of cancer and it’s not a one-kind cure for all types of disease.

There are research articles, books, and experiences, and all of them can contribute to a hopeful means of never contracting the disease or if it does happen, there are ways one can deal with it.

There are over 10 million cases of cancer diagnosed each year. By the year 2020, we could see a 50 percent increase if we don't get our act together.

Cancer doesn't develop overnight or come from nowhere. Most cancers are preventable, but it takes healthy changes in one’s daily life to significantly reduce the risk.

Any knowledge that I have gained over the years is for you to decide if it is fact or fiction, and if it is something that you would like to try and put into practice. I am only passing along information I have learned about.

Did you know the fermentation process for making sauerkraut produces cancer-fighting compounds?  Compounds like ITC's, indoles, and sulforaphane. To reduce the sodium content, it is important to rinse canned or jarred kraut before eating.

President Bush may not have liked broccoli but it is actually a cancer preventing "super food" and one should eat it frequently. It is important to know that broccoli should be steamed or eaten raw, as microwaving it destroys 97% of its positive cancer-protective flavornoids.

Cornell University studies from the University of Arizona has learned that Brazil nuts toasted and sprinkled on your salad will contain a rich form of selenium, which is a trace mineral that convinces cancer cells to commit suicide, so to speak, and helps cells repair their DNA. 

Two hundred micrograms of selenium daily, which is the amount found in two unshelled Brazil nuts, resulted in 63% fewer prostrate tumors, 58% few colorectal cancers, 46% fewer lung maligancies and a 39% overall decrease in cancer deaths. 

The Dartmouth Medical School has said that choosing a calcium supplement with Vitamin D reduces colon polyps, which is a risk factor for colon cancer, in those susceptible to the growth.

Garlic contains sulfur compounds that may stimulate the immune systems natural defense against cancer and may reduce stomach cancer as much as by a factor of 12.

Sautee two cloves of crushed garlic in two tablespoons of olive oil. Mix in a can of low-sodium diced tomatoes. Stir gently until heated and serve over whole-wheat pasta. 

The lycopene in the cooked tomatoes protects against colon, prostate and bladder cancers. The olive oil helps the body absorb the lycopene and the fiber filled pasta reduces your risk of colon cancer. And it tastes good besides!

Several pieces of cantaloupe eaten each morning is a good source of carotenoids, plant chemicals shown to significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Blueberries rank number one in terms of antioxidant power. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are unstable compounds that can damage cells and lead to diseases like cancer.

Artichokes are a great source of silymarin, which is an antioxidant that may help prevent skin cancer.

Grilling meat can create a variety of cancer-causing chemicals but the American Institute for Cancer Research has found that coating the meat with a thick marinade helps prevent charring flames from contact with the meat and reduces the chemicals created. Precook your meat in the oven and throw it on the grill to finish it.

Every time you go to the bathroom, stop for a glass of good, clean water. Men who drink six eight-ounce glasses of water every day can slash their risk of bladder cancer in half. 

Women were able to reduce their risk of colon cancer up to 45 percent by drinking heavy amounts of water as well. A naturalist friend of mine recommended drinking two glasses of water first thing in the morning and a glass before bedtime as a part of the water regimine. (It also helps your blood flow.)

For thousands of years, the power of green tea has been valued in Asian Countries. Western research reveals that it protects against a variety of cancers as well as heart disease. Some scientists believe a chemical called EGCG could be one of its most powerful anticancer compounds ever discovered.

Beer can work both ways. It protects against the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which is possibly linked to cause ulcers and possibly linked to stomach cancer. But it is also important not to overdo it. Drinking more than one or two alcoholic beverages a day may increase your risk of mouth, throat, esophageal, liver and breast cancer. 

Information concerning this topic will be continued next week.

Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things, we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. 

If you have news, please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P. O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.

Birthdays and Anniversaries:

• Thursday, January 10th: Sue Hunnicutt, Gary Nelson, Robert & Eleanor Leiser.

• Friday, January 11th: Joyce Sward, Melissa Farr, Rick Hanson, Deb Robertson Hare, Brad Nelson, Kelly Reichl, Alvin & Ardys Nelson, Dennis & Barb Grunwald.

• Saturday, January 12th: Heather Mattson Johnson, Macy Misgen, Albert Diaz, Barry Jepson, Cindy Farner, Brian Milan, Chris Wilker.

• Sunday, January 13th: Julia Anne Marlin, Melonie Crabtree, Rita Sletten Nelson, Diane Lee, Haley Butler, Tracy Utpadel, Jay Brown, John Olson, Tracy Bergerson, Marion Hoffman, Bruce Haberman, Gregory David, Jack & Gloria Jensen.

• Monday, January 14th: Brooke Sorenson Krohn, Marlys Sorenson, Darla Hagen Matthees, Christine Hanson, Skyler Cromwell Lembke, Jenna Marie Abbott, Mark Langlie, Ryan & Kerri Wagner.

• Tuesday, January 15th: Steve Bailey, Paul Christensen, Emily Crabtree, Angela Borchert, Brian Farr.

• Wednesday, January 16th: Carter Howard Hanson, Kiley Beenken, Craig Bailey, Remi Wayne, Joshua Crabtree, Joni Groth, Jeff Kaplan, Tracy Tracy, Melissa Wagner, Emily Bedker, Tena Bryce, Jeremy Anderson.

Life is a journey we begin each day. Wishing that each new day is happier than the day before. Have a great day!

Surprise somebody. Call someone. Send a card and make their day. Little things mean a lot.