The weather just gets a little more fall-like each day and that is all right with me. However, the dry conditions in northwestern and north central Minnesota have prompted the Minnesota DNR to issue burning restrictions on some counties. 

And, because fire danger is high to very high across major portions of the state due to continued drought conditions, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) initiated burning restrictions in northwestern and north-central Minnesota, beginning at 1 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 23.

The counties having limitations placed on camp fires and open burning include: Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Cass (north of Highway 200), Clearwater, Douglas, Hubbard, Kanabec, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, Stearns, Todd and Wadena.

Please use caution when camping not only in these counties but elsewhere in the state. Locally, there are no burning permits being issued at this time due to the extremely dry conditions. Using a little common sense can go a long way towards preventing a disastrous situation.

I have to admit the condition of some of our area lakes have made it less than appealing for me to want to fish them. I do know that northern fishing on Fountain Lake has actually been very good; even with the die-off that occurred during the hot summer. 

I have also heard that the panfish have been a little sporadic lately. I look for bass fishing to be pretty good now through the fall for those that choose to seek them out. 

I am planning to do a little fishing on Fountain Lake in the next few weeks to take advantage of the anticipated good fall fishing. I really do think that the bass fishing on Fountain Lake is one of the better kept secrets of the area. It’s been said many times that when water levels are low, the fishing will be better than in normal years.

The low water levels we are experiencing in area lakes have a lot of sportsmen anticipating the worst-case scenario for the upcoming winter months. If we don’t get a substantial amount of rain in the next couple of months, there may be a freeze-out on many of these lakes. 

After all the work that has been done by the DNR and the local Watershed Board to improve the water quality of the lakes in our area, it is hard to watch the water levels go down and the threat of freeze outs loom.

On a lighter note, the thought of fall fishing always makes me feel invigorated and excited about the sport, almost as much as the arrival of spring. I am looking forward to a few days on the lake just taking in the fall colors and maybe even reeling in a fish or two.

I had a good friend whose son went bass fishing on Lake Francis as soon as the first hard frost occurred. He used frogs and casted them to the top of the lily pads and then “plopped” them off as if the frog was jumping on its own. 

He caught more than one bass in the 5-lb. range using this technique. I am actually talking (writing) myself into hitting the water as soon as possible.

When fall rolls around I no longer have my grandson Trevor to lean on as a fishing partner. This time of year, he is all about waterfowl and, with the opening of duck hunting, he will be nowhere to be found. I have to say he is a real sportsman because if he isn’t hunting, he is out scouting for his next hunting spot.

I look at this as a good thing and can only wish that more of our youth would get involved in the outdoors. I do think that I have seen more young folks fishing our area lakes this summer than I have for quite a few years. These are the folks that will carry the torch, so to speak, for the next generations. 

Without the younger folks getting involved and caring for the outdoors these sports as we know and enjoy them today will slowly disappear. This is why it is good to encourage our youth to go hunting and to take the firearms safety courses to learn the right way to do it.

There is an old phrase ”we’re all in this together” and when it comes to the outdoors, it couldn’t be anymore true. Whether you enjoy watching waterfowl and shooting them with a camera or actually enjoy the hunt for game, we need to preserve what we have.

I can’t say enough good about all of the local organizations that do what they can to support the sports of hunting and fishing. By holding fundraisers and educating future hunters and fishers about those sports, they are doing their part to preserve our outdoors heritage for the future generations.

Until next time, enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and maybe wet a line while you’re at it.

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

Lately, there has been a lot of controversy over the school’s hot lunch program. Some would like to ban certain foods, while others insist on a particular menu. 

Nonetheless, we can all agree that nutritious, hot lunches are beneficial to students. In some cases, school lunch is the only nutritious meal they will have for the day. 

In my opinion, serving hot lunches is not the problem. Changing people’s eating habits is.

Every day, we are presented with choices about what we eat. We know that some of our favorite foods are lacking in nutrition, but we are so conditioned to their good taste that we eat them anyway.

Remember when health was a subject in school? As youngsters, we rarely thought about it, but the wisdom of age does kick in. 

And, when you think about it, your health is the most important physical attribute you can possess. Good parents start the education of their children early. Good parents not only set an example of eating what is good for us, but insist that children try foods that are good for them. 

It is far too easy to serve prepared foods, rather than the more nutritious food basics that require some preparation. This is wrong on two counts; you not only are sacrificing less than desirable food for the savings of a few minutes of time, but it costs you money as well. 

Take a tip from the old world. Take the time to prepare food from the basics. 

How much time do you really save? Not as much as you think. You will save a lot of money in using food basics rather than prepared food, and you will be teaching your children to eat better.

Have you ever noticed that when serving Mexican, Italian, Greek, or Oriental food that there is very little protein (meat) served? Instead, there is much more pasta, tortillas, or noodles, as well as a flavorful broth. Not only are these meals healthier for you, but they cost less, too!

I once had a friend — a talented cook — that prepared an entire gourmet meal out of what was then known as commodity distribution products. Governments would give out powdered milk, cheese, rice, beans, flour, etc. 

The people invited to the meal raved about the food, and she told them that all of the food had been prepared using only the free commodities available to everyone. It was an insight; good and cheap food, and it didn’t take that much longer to prepare.  

Today, we purchase Hamburger Helper. What is saved? A few minutes of time to cook the pasta?

Kids will eat healthy food if they are hungry. Those that lived through the Depression weren’t too worried about how the food tasted. 

That’s good news and bad news. That’s where “clean up your plate” started, and that’s a wrong signal. 

Children should be presented food and encouraged to try every kind of food. They can eat all they want but should not be encouraged to eat more.

In this day of abundant food (and refrigeration; remember, our parents and grandparents didn’t have much refrigeration) kids should be encouraged to snack between meals, but only on healthy snacks.  Grapes, easy-peel oranges, bananas, fresh fruit, and other healthy snacks should be available. Children should be told that they can have any of these choices when they are hungry.

I am proud of my daughter Kimberly’s children who have learned to eat a wide variety of vegetables, including broccoli and mushrooms. Kim’s girls drink water, milk and juice, not pop, and limited amounts of specialties, like birthday cake and ration their amounts of Halloween treats. 

I don’t mean for this to sound preachy, but if you don’t teach your kids to eat well, who will? The television, with their advertisements for snacks? 

We need not eat like people did in the 18th century, but you will be surprised what even a little change in diet can do for you. Substitute ethnic cooking for American cooking and you will cut down on meats and fats as well as develop a taste for exotic and interesting meals.

Mena Johnson was my earliest hot lunch cook.  She felt bad if there was food wasted because as a child of the Depression, she actually knew hunger, thus she thought the kids needed it more than the garbage can. 

She struck a compromise with the kids and teachers. She asked that the students taste everything, even if it was one pea. Her philosophy was that you came to school to learn about food and the preparation of food, as well as subjects.

One of the things you will find is that your family actually becomes more involved in meal time if the food is prepared instead of served from a can. In Europe and South America, meal time becomes a social time. 

Because meals take a little more time to prepare, family members can anticipate the meal. There is the time of preparation of the meal and an appreciation for the cook!

Try this: cooking healthy for a month. Actually mark it on the calendar. Serve ethnic foods, cut back on prepared foods and make fruits and vegetables available for your family during that time. 

If you want a snack after dinner, pick a healthy one. I really would like to know what the results are for your family: their health, their preferences, your food budget, how much more time it actually takes you to prepare healthy food.  

Write a letter to the editor or contact me directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I will be glad to know what you learned, how you feel and ideas. Happy eating!

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:

• Thurday, September 27th: Layla Grace Schultz, Judy Christensen, Naomi Wangsness, Mary Wayne, Gail Farr Christenson, Sara Holmes Wencl, Steve Lageson, Kristin Paulsen Zinke, Jacob Tasker, Chris Ritz, Katie Cameron, Eleanor Rodriguez, Carl Shadden, Daniel Van Kampen, Donna Mae McCamish, Kristin Severson, Lud Borchert, Jocelyn & Jason Heyer.

• Friday, September 28th: Madeline Schei, Kylie Lembke, Denise Hagen Olson, Mary Therneau, Mitch Vangen, Taff Worrell, Haley Mattson DuBois, Bunny Jepson, Miranda & Isiah Payton, Jerry & Ginger Thompson, Bill & Sharon Vavra, Jill & Todd Kubicek.

• Saturday, September 29th: Inez Shaunce, Norrine Jensen, Gail Kaplan, Annette Flugum, Millie Flugum, Ellen Pence, Jenna Quimby, Kevin Klemmensen, Linda Schmidt, Fran Ladlie, Ron & Donna Sletten, Jason & Tara DeWight, Dave & Donna Maixner.

• Sunday, September 30th: Chloe Walterman, Dean Hunt, Elmer & Joan Vanden Heuvel, Gilbert & Harriet Larson, Todd & Cheryl Utpadel, Amy & Shannon Vander Syde, Aaron & Jean Klemmensen, Tiffany & Luke Mueller, Kelly & Joshua Warke.

• Monday, October 1st: Kaeli Wayne, Ana Renee Larson, Lois Plunkett, Larry Crabtree, Vince Bergdale, Brian Flor, Melinda Milan, Renae Thompson Weatherley, Lisa Lembke, Carl & Brenda Shadden, Barbara & William Conly.

• Tuesday, October 2nd: Laurie Jensen, Taya Richards, Amanda Hullopeter, Makayla Vangen, David Lembke, Christopher Bergerson, Adrian Jensen, Andrea Zamora, Wilma Ditlevson, Dawn Hanna, Chuck & LuAnn Hanson, Amy & Alex Kromminga, Brooke & Tim Krohn, Brody & Katie Richards, Bob & Kathy Hanson.

• Wednesday, October 3rd: David Bunn, Lori Neidermeier, Dawn Enzenauer, Colette Holmes, Carrie Thompson, Wendy Thostenson Bogen, Paul Wayne, Lisa Zabel, Larry Carlson, Edna Thomas.

Wishing you a day of fond memories and new beginnings.

NRHEG School Board

By REED WALLER

Staff Writer

Several projects were examined by the NRHEG School Board at their September meeting Monday, Sept. 17.

Ellendale sound system

Representatives from the PTO and music instructor Frank Whitcomb were on hand to discuss the purchase of a new sound system for the Ellendale Gym.

A sound system was tested last year in cooperation with Audio Logic Systems, with the speaker installation above the stage.

“It made a big difference,” said Whitcomb.

A new system which Whitcomb and the PTO believe will suit Ellendale’s needs is estimated to cost approx. $20,500.

The PTO now has about $4,000 in donations and is working up to a $10,000 goal. Would the district agree to matching funds?

New Richland City Council

By NICOLE BILLING

Editorial Assistant

The New Richland City Council held its second meeting of September at 6:30 Monday evening. All members of the council were present for the meeting. The council members approved the meeting agenda as revised with two additional items dealing with the softball field.

The first order of business was the fire department reporting on the condition of the building that the fire department wants to obtain for storage. The council authorized the fire department to contact Lester Wenzel, who owns the building, as soon as possible. 

The People’s Service Report stated the city’s sewer repair budget was 60 percent used up for this year. It also stated they were making good progress on the reconstruction of the waste water plant. The in-flow and infiltration was down this month, because of no rain.

Diva Central brings big-city style to tiny Clarks Grove

STYLING — Anna and Marianna Allshouse and Maria Siwiec welcome you to check out Diva Central in Clarks Grove, which offers big-city style and small-town prices. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)

By RACHEL RIETSEMA

Staff Writer

Anna Allshouse and her mother Maria Siwiec invite shoppers of all ages to their new clothing store in Clarks Grove.

Yes, you heard correctly. Diva Central carries fashion styles across the board.

“We are friendly, have different styles that you can’t find at Shopko, Herberger’s or Wal-Mart,” Allshouse said. “We also have a little bit of men’s clothing available.”

Future shoppers will also encounter a very unique vibe once inside this lively decorated store.

“If we don’t have something, we ask people what styles they like,” Allshouse said. “Then, I look at my vendors and see if I can match their style. We have done that for a couple customers already.”

HONESTY IS HIS POLICY — Cali Boyz Customs owner James Allshouse will never steer you in the wrong direction. You can be sure of that. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)

By RACHEL RIETSEMA

Staff Writer

For all those stereo enthusiasts out there, Cali Boyz Customs in Clarks Grove just may be your sound system heaven.

A stereo junkie himself, James Allshouse, makes certain that all of his customers are hooked up with the best equipment for their price range and lifestyle.

“We hold the most inventory, period,” Allshouse said. “People can actually pick out what they like, unlike most other shops that just hand you a catalog.”

From the start, Allshouse has made it his mission to distinguish this “ma and pa shop” with plain old honesty.

“We give customers advice and answer any questions they might have,” Allshouse said. “We try to educate our customers and explain to them what they are paying for.”

Customers will also be pleasantly surprised with the affordability of the equipment, yet another quality that most online stores simply don’t offer.

NRHEG students O.K. after car rolls over

NRHEG High School students T.J. Schiltz and Adam Anderson survived a close call Friday night.
The vehicle Schiltz was driving hit a tree and flipped over  south of One Stop in New Richland. The car was totaled. Schiltz and Anderson were uninjured.
Schiltz, a junior and a standout cross country runner, was working Saturday but reported Monday on Facebook he was still feeling a little sore.

Bloodmobile to be in NR October 10

The American Red Cross is holding the New Richland Blood Drive on Wednesday, October 10. It will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. at the City Hall. To schedule an appointment please call Mary at 507-465-3734. 

NRHEG gridders blanked at LCWM

NOT THIS TIME — The Panthers’ Nic Goette (71) sacks LCWM quarterback Kolten Barker at Lake Crystal last Friday. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

By DALE KUGATH

Sportswriter

LAKE CRYSTAL – Undefeated Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial’s stingy defense made it another tough night for the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva football team at Lake Crystal Friday. 

The Knights held NRHEG to under 100 total yards and shut out the Panthers for the second time in four games in posting a 36-0, Gopher/Valley AA Conference win. 

“We simply did not play well tonight,” said NRHEG coach Dan Stork. “We are struggling to play with the intensity necessary to compete at the level we are capable of.”

The loss was the fourth straight for the Panthers, three of them coming in conference play. 

LCWM, which nipped the Panthers 13-12 last season, climbed to 2-0 in the conference and 4-0 for the year. 

HOW LOW CAN YOU GO? — The Panthers’ Arionna Neumann goes to the floor for a dig against USC at New Richland last Thursday. The Panthers won 3-0. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

By DALE KUGATH

Sportswriter

Coach Joe Kuechenmeister’s New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva volleyball team was able to win just one of three matches last week. The Panthers lost to two teams in front of them in the Gopher Conference standings, and defeated a team below them. 

NRHEG suffered a three-game loss to defending state champion Faribault BA and fell to Medford in four games the following night. The Panthers swept United South Central to get back on the winning track. 

NRHEG is currently in sixth place in the conference at 2-2 and stands 4-5-2 overall. 

“This team has great athletes and competitors. We will get back to the drawing board and keep working hard to improve our weak areas,” said Kuechenmeister. “If and when we put everything together, this team will be special.”