The scurs were close in the rainfall department, which counts if you were one of the lucky ones who received it. Notice how they slyly continue to evade the amount question? Will we see any improvement in the precipitation picture? Starting Wednesday, partly cloudy with a moderate chance of a shower or thunderstorm. Highs near 85 and lows around 70. Thursday, partly cloudy with a slight chance of s shower or thunderstorm. Highs around 85 and lows near 70. Friday, partly cloudy with highs of 90 and lows of 70. Hotter on Saturday with a slight chance of a shower or thunderstorm.  Highs of 90 – 95 and lows near 75. Sunday, partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms. Highs 95 and lows near 70. Monday and Tuesday, partly cloudy to mostly sunny with highs around 90 and lows of 65 – 70. The normal high for July 20th is 82 and the normal low is 65. The 20th is significant because we’ll slip below 15 hours of daylight for the first time since May 21st. We’ve also lost 29 minutes of daylight since the summer solstice on June 20th. The scurs will need to start their Tiki torches a little earlier to ward off the bugs around the “ceement” pond.

Vista’s noted Swedish astronomer has spotted Venus and Jupiter in the early-morning skies to the east at roughly 4:30 a.m. You probably recall that Venus spent much of the winter and spring shining brightly in the west. It is now a morning “star” again, outshining even the larger Jupiter. When the noted Swedish astronomer was asked what he was doing up at that time of day he claimed to be watering the flowers.

Crops continue to hang on through the heat, looking better perhaps than they have a right to. Corn continues to pollinate with some of the middle and later plantings coming online. As of this writing, for some of those fields it’s still a little too early to tell exactly how they’re reacting. One thing is for certain however, and that’s with every day we go without rain and endure the heat, it will not help ear length. Soybeans are beginning to set pods and are for the most part R3. It is past the labeled time to apply glyphosate at this point. A few soybean aphids have been found but the heat has been slowing them down too. With the dry conditions one thinks about spider mites but so far they have been no-shows in and around Greater Bugtussle. Having said that someone will cut some hay or a road ditch somewhere and we’ll probably see some. We also could see some grasshopper movement into crops given some of the same circumstances.

It was a week of hoping it would rain substantially and for most it did not. The showers and thunderstorms that moved through the area on Friday the 6th offered very little in the form of relief unless one was living on the east side of the viewing area. Gazing at the sky from the Waseca County Fair, one could see the high top of a thunderstorm developing to the south and east. Trouble was, we were looking at its backside. As we were leaving the fairgrounds we heard a report of a large amount of rain near the Holy Land (they always get more rain there) so we were optimistic that we may have received some. The road was wet all the way home, a good sign. When we turned onto our road however the pavement suddenly was dry and there was no puddle to greet us at the end of the driveway. We’d been missed again and there was only a 10th in the gauge, part of which had fallen earlier in the day.  The kindly neighbor phoned me the next morning to see what we collected in the gauge at the ranch. One gauge there read 2” and that’s less than a mile and a half as the crow flies from the ranch. Ground truthing it with a soil probe in the field a few days later and there was no doubt: Him speak ‘um truth.

The dry weather woes don’t seem to faze the bird population at the ranch. The bluebird young have fledged and their call was scattered among the trees. A young male cardinal has been spotted cleaning up under the birdfeeders along with a mature male. A pair of rose-breasted grosbeaks enjoys the sunflower feeder when the large numbers of goldfinches let them. A few more hummingbird sightings although they’re still not as numerous as they were through the months of May and June.  There are still a few barn swallows yet to leave the nest adding to an already prolific group of young patrolling the grounds. Not sure if they’re why the mosquitoes are seemingly starting to let up but having them around certainly doesn’t hurt.

Seldom do sheep qualify as intelligent, but they seem to be smart enough to accumulate a knowledge base that makes them a threat to get out at any given inopportune time. Take last Friday at the Waseca Coounty Fair for instance. When the animals were being judged, those that were chosen to come back for State Fair lineup were temporarily put in small holding pens on the side of the show ring. Every year it seems one or more figure out how to undo the gate latches and a sheep rodeo ensues. This year was no different and several of them became so difficult it became necessary for me to hold a few gates shut so Mrs. Cheviot could attend to her ring duties. Another ring man and I ended up nicknaming one lamb “Einstein” based on his performance. 

We were just about to head back to the fair that evening and as we were going down the driveway we noticed a couple of our own lambs were out. They’d slipped through the electric fence and as soon as we chased them they went back in. We put the fence back up but it wasn’t charging. It was getting toward dark and since sheep are clannish there was little danger that they’d stray very far should they decide to get out again. We took off and had a great time with some friends and when we came home the lambs were still in. The next morning I was up early and found them still asleep as I did the chores. I then set out to find where the fence was grounded and after walking almost the entire length I discovered the broken wire and repaired it. While I was eating breakfast, I looked out the window to see what appeared to be the instigator warily strolling towards the fence, about to test it. The ewe lamb kept walking slowly then suddenly did a backflip when it contacted the wire, nearly causing me to spit my coffee out. Ya gotta get up purty early in the morning to put one past ol’ Mr. Cheviot.

See you next week…real good then.  

T.J. Schiltz captures talent treasure

T.J. Schiltz performs a piano solo during the New Richland's Got Talent competition Friday, July 6. Schiltz was chosen the winner by vote of the crowd. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)

By JODY WYNNEMER

Staff Writer

Even though New Richland is pretty far from the ocean, it didn’t prevent a pirate from coming to town and plundering the “loot” at the Farm and City Days “New Richland’s Got Talent” event Friday evening, July 6.

The week-long temperatures close to 100 couldn’t deter the audience gathered on Broadway in front of the stage from having a good time. The format for the annual event was changed from last year’s New Richland Idol to allow different forms of talent in the contest. Instead of judges, the audience determined the winner.

Master of ceremonies Kelly Martens welcomed everyone and introduced the first performer, Lillie Nielsen (New Richland Idol Junior Winner 2011) who sang “Rolling in the Deep.”

GRANT RECIPIENTS — Members from various organizations are shown following the announcement of the grant recipients at the Farm and City Days Breakfast. Front from left: Joanne Phillips, Barb Wildgrube, Ellie Schlaak, Elaine Spain, Kathy Flor, Jen Grothem and Tim Siewert. Back: Angie Aaseth, Doug Anderson, Larry Goehring, Jennie Johnson, Cody Dobberstein, Scott Eads, Jeremy Parpart and Pete Grothem. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)

By JODY WYNNEMER

Staff Writer 

Many groups and organizations around New Richland received some very good news on Saturday morning, July 7 at the annual Farm and City Days Pancake Breakfast at the New Richland Fire Hall. The New Richland Area Foundation Fund and the By The Grace of God Fund teamed up to hand out $15,000 in grants.

NRAFF representative Gail Schmidt announced the grant recipients and gave those in attendance a brief history of the foundation fund.

“Last year we handed out $9,000,” said Schmidt. “During this past year, we received a donation of four semi loads of grain which really helped. Also, in January we received the Donald Hamilton bequest in the amount of $320,000 which has enabled us to increase the total funds available.”

By JODY WYNNEMER

Staff Writer

The New Richland City Council had all members in attendance when Mayor Tom McShane convened the first meeting of July 2012 Monday evening.

The agenda and consent agenda were approved. Notable items on the consent agenda included the purchase of equipment damaged at Legion Field in the 2010 September flood event. The council gave the go-ahead to obtain a slush machine, refrigerator, microwaves, cheese dispenser, food warmer and hot dog steamer. All of the equipment is commercial grade and the funds for the purchase came from FEMA flood relief money.

The New Richland Reds defeated Wells 6-3 on Saturday night. Aaron Gilliland went 3-3. Sam Lundberg got the win and Adam Harrington the save. At the plate the Reds drew eight walks and were very aggressive on the basepaths, stealing five bases.

On Sunday afternoon the locals lost in a disapointing performance to a team they beat 15-1 the week earlier, falling 11-5 to the Cleveland Spiders.

“We hit the ball well, totaling 13 hits, but couldnt get any hit with runners in scoring position,” said player/manager Jason Churchill.

Mitch Akemann took the loss on the mound.

“We did hit the ball well and played good defense,” said Churchill. “We were really hurt by some costly errors in the field.”

Next up this week for the Reds, Friday at LeSueur 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at Lake Crystal 2 p.m.

The Reds are 8-7 overall and 5-7 in league play.

The New Richland Jazz American Legion baseball team has a doubleheader at Stewartville Thursday. Playoffs begin July 16.

The Jazz’s current record is 5-7. The team recently split a doubleheader with Byron  in New Richland. 

The news of the tragedies that occurred this past week have affected many people in our area, especially those in the New Richland area.

The story, "Run in the Rain," has always been a favorite of mine. Ironically, it came on my computer as a rerun this past week. As I read the story, I couldn't help but think that sometimes we need to run in the rain.

I shed tears of sadness for my special friends. Please take time to tell your family and friends that you appreciate them and love them. Make time and take the opportunities to make special memories every day. Treasure and remember those precious memories, and take the time to live!

Run In The Rain

A little girl had been shopping with her mother in Wal-Mart. She must have been six years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle-faced image of innocence.

It was pouring outside — the kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there, under the awning, just inside the door of the Wal-Mart. 

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. 

I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day. 

Her little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in, “Mom, let's run through the rain.” 

"What?" Mom asked.

“Let's run through the rain!” she repeated. 

“No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit,” Mom replied. 

This young child waited a minute and repeated, “Mom, let's run through the rain.”

“We'll get soaked if we do,” Mom said. 

“No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning,” the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm. 

“This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?” 

“Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, He can get us through anything!'”

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one left. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. 

Now, some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith. 

“Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If God lets us get wet, well, maybe we just need washing,” Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They got soaked. 

They were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing. 

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories. So don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. 

To everything there is a reason and a time to every purpose under heaven. 

I hope you still take time to run through the rain.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.

I hope that you will share this story with your family and friends and let them know you'll never forget them. If you don't, it means you're in a hurry. Take the time to live!

Keep in touch with your friends — you never know when you'll need each other.

Ironically, my "Whatever Comes To Mind" was to be about rainbows.

I've always had a fascination with rainbows. It is like a promise from God that the storm is over and that everything is going to be all right.

It is like a symbol of happiness, a colorful moment to cherish in our mind and hearts.

Isn't there always a promise of a rainbow after the rain? We just have to look for it.

Birthdays and anniversaries:

• Thursday, July 12th: Daniel Christensen, Kimberly Peterson, Rick Pelzl, Daryl Waltz, Herb & Lori Moon.

• Friday, July 13th: Megan Elizabeth Nowariak, Audrey Lillian Peterson, Marayah Mae Mortenson, Kolette Lageson Stevenson, Brenda Misgen, Sandra Cerney Collins, Joseph Adrian Parks, Ed Nelson, Cynthia Fuerniss, Dick Larson, Amber Anderson, Jean Johnson, Corey & Danielle Wangsness, Jason & Shannon Peterson.

• Saturday, July 14th: Kallen Reed Rasmussen, Gavin Cole Halverson, Sharon Richards Lucas, Annette Hove, Madison Larkin, Dana Simonson, Jeff Kitzer, Jerry Langlie, Lee Cummins, Shane Davis, Peter Kasper, Roger Swearingen, Bethany & Ashley Ashton.

• Sunday, July 15th: Nathan Daniel Wayne, Nathan Joseph Bauers, Levi Peterson, McCoy LaVerne Schwierjohann, Bob Long, Thad Aaseth, Judd Aaseth, Stacy Seath Tempel, Lacinda Jensen, Vicki Utpadel Knudson, David & Kim Killian.

• Monday, July 16th: Sue Stieglbauer, Hudson Mrotz, Kyle Ladlie, Jeff Helmers, Nancy Wilder, Kenny & Sarah Price, Dave & Deb Oeltjenbruns.

• Tuesday, July 17th: Kaylee Christine Hanson, Merton Nelson, Ralph Diaz, Sandi Vangen, Victor Christenson, Larry Molenaar, Leslie Schwartz, Lisa & Bob Wayne, Kristine (Simon) & David Freitas.

• Wednesday, July 18th: Anika Christine McDonald, Nancy Anderson, Matthew DeShane, Katie Dobberstein, Michael Graif, Luke Rye, Roger & Betty Davies, Mark & Mandy Boehme.

A couple of weeks ago, I received a call from Lloyd Kaplan of Owatonna, who invited me to join him at the new Steele County History Center that had just opened this past spring. I first met Lloyd a few years ago when I did an article about him and his trapping. 

He first approached me at the Steele County Historical Society’s annual meeting held at the old Boathouse on Beaver Lake. I had written in one of my columns that there didn’t seem to be the number of trappers around that there once was. 

He told me that he was a trapper and was still doing it, so he invited me to his home to see what trapping was all about. Lloyd, who is in his mid-70s, has since sold his home in the country and moved to Owatonna. But, he still does some trapping. If folks have a problem with muskrats or other critters, they can call Lloyd and he will come to the rescue.

This past week, I met Lloyd in Owatonna and he gave me the deluxe tour of the new Steele County History Center. It is indeed quite a facility that is located on the east side of the Steele County Fairgrounds. The new History Center was built without any tax dollars — it was all donations from individuals and businesses. 

The main reason for his call was to show me the fantastic habitat displays and this area’s history. I had asked two of my grandsons, Trevor and Grant, if they wanted to tag along and see what I anticipated being an interesting experience. I was not disappointed because Lloyd gave us the deluxe tour and took the time to explain each era.

The first thing we noticed when entering the building was the full-size buffalo mount in the middle of the lobby. This introduced the display that we were there to take in. 

The display is set up to depict four eras of our history; pre-Eastern era before 1858, Early Pioneers 1858-1910, Agriculture Advancements 1910-1960 and Agriculture & Natural Resources 1960-Present. It was interesting to see how each era had an effect on our wildlife habitat. Prairie grass was abundant when the buffalo were roaming the area, but once the land was settled, the buffalo and prairie grass started to disappear.

There were so many different and interesting things to see; everything from Indian artifacts to a “bone crusher” that was used by buffalo hunters to crush buffalo bones. The crushed bones were sold back east for farm fertilizer. Local farmers fed them to the chickens instead of crushed oysters. There was a different type of plow called a “swamp angel,” which was pulled through sloughs by oxen to drain swamps and create farm land.

The whole display had numerous mounts of various animals and fowl that were abundant in each era. Many of the mounts were either donated or on loan from area taxidermists or private parties. There was a separate display for the Beaver Lake area featuring, among other things, you guessed it — a beaver. 

There was also a “pumpkin seed” duck boat on display. I soon learned what the hole on each end of the boat is for. There was a pair of “duck shoes” that didn’t look anything like the ones from today with the same name. 

It was very interesting to see how many animals that were abundant in those early days are still around today. One display had a pheasant, snow goose, jack rabbit and a picture of an eagle. 

Kaplan said that it is illegal to display a mount of an eagle so you can only use pictures. He also said that one reason for the decline in the pheasant population is the increased number of eagles and hawks in the area.

There was a display of antlers from the tsunami deer, which are raised on an area game farm. The world champion rack for that species of game farm raised deer is also on display. Kaplan said that game farms of today have a lot to do with the preservation of our outdoors heritage.

Lloyd said that we are coming full-circle from where we once were when it comes to preserving habitat. When the land was first developed it was for settling and clearing land for farming and eventually much of the wildlife habitat was destroyed. Now there is new habitat being created through WMA’s, set-aside and land being donated for habitat.

If you get a chance, I would recommend taking a short drive and visiting the Steele County History Center to see this display. The display will be there until September 1st. 

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 7-16, and free for anyone 6 and under. Hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday 10-4; Thursday 10-8; Saturday 10-3; closed Sunday. 

If you would like to become a member of the Steele County Historical Society, a membership is $25 annually and $15 for seniors or students; an annual family membership is $35 per year.

If you are interested in trapping or learning about it, Owatonna will be hosting the National Trappers’ Convention at the Steele County Fairgrounds August 2-5. According to Kaplan, they anticipate breaking the record for attendance at this year’s event. It sounds like it could be an interesting event for trappers and non-trappers alike.

Until next time, take a little time to relax and enjoy a picnic at an area park, go for a walk or wet a line and soak a worm, but mainly just enjoy the outdoors experience and stay cool!

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.