Racing kart stolen from NR garage

An undisclosed reward is being offered for information on the theft of the above shifter racing go-kart stolen from a garage in New Richland last week. The kart is owned by Ryan Stringfield, who was devastated by the news. The New Richland Police Department is investigating. Please call (507) 465-3240 if you have information.

13U team dominates regular season, post-season tourney

CHAMPS — The 2012 QCBA 13-and-under baseball team completed an undefeated season this summer. Front from left: Chad Erickson, Jason Jongbloedt, Sam Prigge and Brady Agrimson. Back: Jack Schultz, Oakley Baker, Tyler Raimann, Chad Agrimson, Jake Holz and coach Darian Baker. (Submitted photo)

The Quad Cities Baseball Association 13-under team had an outstanding season in 2012, compiling an 11-0-1 regular-season record.

Members of the team include Chad Agrimson, Collin Christenson, Jack Schultz, Sam Prigge, Oakley Baker, Jason Jongbloedt, Jake Holz, Bryce Okland and Chad Erickson. With the low numbers in this class, Bryce Oakland and Chad Erickson graciously offered to “move-up” and help fulfill a nine-man roster.

“Without their help, we would not have been able to field a 13U team for the summer,” said coach Darian Baker.

The boys outscored their opponents by an average score of 14.6 to 2.8 runs per game.

South Central Youth Baseball League

2012 Final Standings

11-and-under

*QCBA Black 13-1

Wells 10-4

QCBA Red 9-5

JWP 5-9

Maple River 4-10

St. Clair 1-13

*End-of-year tournament champ

Lois M. Gekeler, age 65 of Janesville, died on Monday, July 30, 2012 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 4th at 11 a.m.. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville, with Rev. Dr. Larry Griffin, officiating. Interment will be in the St. John’s Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Iosco Township, Waseca County.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Arnoldt-McRaith Funeral Home & Crematory in Janesville, and will continue on Saturday morning for one hour prior to services at church.

THANKS, MONSANTO — Representatives were on hand at Legion Field last Friday for a $2,500 donation from Monsanto to the Quad Cities Baseball Association. From left: Tim Stenzel, District Sales Manager, Asgrow-DeKalb Seeds; Rick Schultz, area seed dealer; Jeff Reese, NRHEG baseball coach and area farmer; and Mark Querna, QCBA Secretary. ( Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)

Summer is in full swing, which means America’s favorite pastime is too. Thanks to one local coach/farmer and America’s Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM, the Quad Cities Baseball Association will now be able to purchase new equipment.

Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, gives farmers the opportunity to win $2,500 for their favorite local nonprofit organizations. Jeff Reese, of New Richland was the winning farmer in Waseca County. He recognized the program’s many needs and directed the donation to Quad Cities Baseball Association.

“Currently, I am a high school varsity baseball coach,” Reese said. “My passions are farming and baseball.”

13U squad dominates tourney; NR to host Legion Baseball Final Four

The Quad Cities Baseball Association wrapped up its youth season July 20-21 by hosting the 13U tournament in New Richland. Eleven teams showed up, with the host team running away with the championship and 10-running all three teams they played, including a 13-3 drubbing of Maple River in the championship. It was a fun and successful day for youth baseball in the NRHEG towns.

The QCBA also held its raffle drawing on July 21. Winners include: Kari Harpel, Ellendale – $200; Ali Maye, Waseca – $100; Paul Wyrum, Hartland – $75; Ed Dahle, New Richland – $50; Terri Prigge, New Richland – $25; Paul Stene, Hartland – $25; Erica Klein, Eau Claire – $25; Carey Prigge, New Richland – $25. Thanks to everyone who purchased a raffle ticket to help support youth baseball in the NRHEG area.

The QCBA has one last event this summer. New Richland will play host to the Legion Baseball Final Four on July 26, 28, and 29. 

The New Richland Reds split a pair of 13-60 League playoff games last weekend, falling 9-8 to Wells on Saturday and bouncing back to defeat the Cleveland Spiders 5-3 on Sunday.

The Wells loss was a heartbreaker for the local nine, according to player/manager Jason Churchill. New Richland led 8-6 going into the bottom of the 11th inning but could not secure the win.

Sunday was another story as the Reds’ Adam Harrington allowed one earned run on seven hits for a complete-game victory.

“It was a good bounce-back win in an elimination game to extend our season,” said Churchill.

Next the Reds travel back to Wells for a rematch with the Wildcats on Saturday July 28th at 2 p.m. with the winner advancing to the Region 4C playoffs.

Council notified at Monday's meeting

By JODY WYNNEMER

Staff Writer

The New Richland City Council met for its second regular meeting of July Monday evening, July 23. As Mayor Tom McShane brought the gavel down promptly at 6:30 p.m., roll call found all members in attendance with the exception of Council member Martens. The meeting agenda was approved as written.

NR Care Center Mikenzi Hebel informed the council that the Advisory Board meeting earlier that day did not have enough members to hold a quorum. Hebel requested to have the city advertise to fill a vacancy left by the passing of member Sue McDonough. Hebel also requested approval for the accounts payable and profit and loss for June, which council duly approved. The facility is in need of a drain auger at a cost of $650, which was approved.

Hebel next handed each member of the council her letter of resignation, which included a 30-day notice.

NRHEG School Board

By REED WALLER

Staff Writer

A bid from Strategic Equipment & Supply of St. Cloud for New Richland cafeteria equipment was approved at last Monday’s regular meeting of the NRHEG School Board, held at the Ellendale Media Center. The quote was $9,280.

Equipment included in the purchase were two 5-well hot-foot buffets, steam table pans, a 12” food slicer, a manual can opener (“Long overdue” commented Supt. Kevin Wellen), compact power mixer, backguard and extra oven rack, and two tray and silver carts.

Wellen observed that some of the new kitchen equipment and scheduled renovation may make the food service more labor intensive. “Now we have students serving themselves to some extent,” he said. 

The Facilities Committee will be conferring with the construction manager on construction and funding ideas.