Area veteran photos wanted

Area veterans or family members are asked to submit photos for inclusion in the Memorial Day issue of the NRHEG Star Eagle (May 24.) Photos may either be dropped off at the office 128 N. Broadway, New Richland, mailed to P.O. Box 248, New Richland, MN 56072, or e-mailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Deadline for submission is May 18. For information or inquires call (507) 463-8112.

Blessing of the Bikes Sunday

The Third Annual Blessing of the Bikes will take place this Sunday, May 20, at New Richland’s Central Park. There will be a meal served prior to the 1 p.m. service.

People who ride motorcycles or bicycles are all cordially invited to this non-denominational event sponsored by the New Richland Ministerial Association. 

Facebook page set up for community group

People showed up, hot dogs were served and ideas were thrown out during a meeting at New Richland’s City Park to discuss the revival of the commercial club or the formation of a community club on Wednesday, May 9.

A Facebook page has been set up, called “New Richland Community Group.” The Web address is www.facebook.com/groups/378450678857549. Interested parties are invited to join in sharing ideas to improve the community.

NRHEG social media presentation May 17

There will be a special presentation concerning Facebook and other social media at NRHEG Elementary school in Ellendale on Thursday, May 17 from 5-6 p.m. This presentation is geared towards parents and grandparents of students in grades 4-6, however any interested adult is welcome.

There is no cost to attend, but reservations are requested before May 15. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact Barb Handahl, NRHEG Family Service Coordinator (507) 416-2139 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. using Facebook presentation in the subject line.

Firearms safety class offered

The New Richland Area Sportsmen Club will be providing training to youth of our area through a Field Day on June 23, 2012. The students are to finish their classroom work via an online course on the MN DNR web site. This will allow them to get their field day card to get their hands on training.

Students can sign up at the Elementary or High School to secure a place for the Field Day. Parents are encouraged to have their children receive this training even if they are not hunters. For more information contact Dennis Boulduan at (507) 317-5417.

Basketball camp registrations due May 18

NRHEG basketball camps are scheduled for 2012.

The girls’ camp is at the high school from June 5-8 for girls entering grades of 3-8. Questions? E-mail John Schultz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 507-417-2646.

The boys’ camp will be from June 11-14 at the high school for boys entering grades 3-9. If they have any questions, they should e-mail Pat Churchill at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call at 507-417-2613.

The camps will be conducted by NRHEG head basketball coaches John Schultz and Pat Churchill and Panther varsity players.

The fee of $40 and registration are due by May 18.

Free sports physicals offered May 24

Mayo Clinic Health System will again be offering free sports qualifying physicals to area school athletes grades sixth through twelfth on Thursday, May 24 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Health Reach campus, 1705 S.E. Broadway, Albert Lea.

These athletic screenings are provided by Mayo Clinic Health System physicians and staff and meet the requirements for participation in sports by Minnesota and Iowa state high school leagues, but are not intended to replace an annual, comprehensive physical exam. Mayo Clinic Health System providers recommend an annual exam for children ages 11 and over.

Packets are available for pick-up in local high school athletic offices, Mayo Clinic Health System’s Patient Education Center and at the Health Reach campus. Forms must be filled out completely and signed by a parent or guardian prior to the event. Please call 507-377-5900 for more information.

NRAFF accepting grant applications until June 5

The New Richland Area Foundation Fund Grants Committee will be accepting grant applications until June 5, 2012.

The approved applicants will be announced and presented at the New Richland Farm & City Days Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, July 8 at 9 am.

The Foundation’s grant focus is; Arts & Culture, Education, Health & Human Services and Recreation.

Grants are made to nonprofit organizations under 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code and also to schools and government agencies.

The policy of the Foundation is to provide grants for community development projects and programs, which are responsive to the changing community needs in promoting quality education, cultural, wellness, recreational, social service, environmental and civic opportunities.

Applications can be obtained off the city website at www.cityofnewrichlandmn.com or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Applications must be received by the deadline of June 5.

Ellendale Farmer's Market opens June 2

The Ellendale Farmers' Market will be open again this year every Saturday starting June 2 through the end of October from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. next to the municipal liquor store. For sale will be local produce, baked goods, and crafts.

Interested vendors should contact Dan Sorum at 688-0514 or e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also find our group under Ellendale Farmers Market on Facebook.

Carl “Bud” “Governor” Matthies, 89, of New Richland, MN passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2012 in Bullhead City, AZ. Services will be held on June 13, 2012, at 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in New Richland. 

Carl was born June 19, 1922 In New Richland, MN to Carl F. and Bertha (Halvorson) Matthies. He was a retired farmer and operated the road grader for New Richland Township for many years. He was a former Lion’s Club member and a bowling team member. 

Carl loved to hunt in Wyoming, travel the country and relax at his favorite casinos. He made many friends as he went through life.

His family will truly miss him which includes son Steven (Mary) Matthies of Lakeside, AZ; daughter Wendy Linderman of Bullhead City, AZ; grandchildren Stephen Matthies of Red Wing, MN, Michele Matthies Graunke of Victoria, MN, Chris Matthies of Chaska, MN, Eric Matthies of Chaska, MN and Jesse Linderman, Surprise, AZ; great grandchildren Danielle, Anthony, Nicole, Amy, Miranda, Lucas, Emma, Hayley and Christopher.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Jeanne Marie (Christensen) Matthies; brothers Otto, Fred, Orville, and Ralph; sisters Cora, Ella, Elsie and Clara; and great grandchild Brandon Matthies.

Funeral services for Henry A. Johnson, age 91, of Hartland, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at the Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Hartland.  The Rev. Dennis Frank will officiate.  Interment will be in the Hartland Cemetery.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Henry died on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the Country Neighbors in Mapleton.

Henry Albert Johnson was born on March 15, 1921 in Hartland, the son of John A. and Nellie A. (Young) Johnson.  He was a lifelong farmer in the Hartland area.  He went to country school there and was a member of the Cross of Glory Lutheran Church.  Henry loved all things associated with farming.  One of his favorite pastimes was driving around “checking the crops.” He also enjoyed black dogs and had several as pets, all named “Blackie.”  Henry was a very devoted son and a wonderful brother and uncle.

Survivors include his nieces Linda (Gale) Poyorena of Santa Barbara, CA and LeAnn (Mike) Speshyock, of Goleta, CA, four great-neices and three great-nephews, special friends Alan (Kim) Lebeck and their family.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marie Esse, and brothers Edwin and James Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Mayo Clinic Hospice or to Country Neighbors, 206 – 3rd Ave. NE, Mapleton. MN 56065.

Four errors lead to five unearned runs in loss to Mankato Loyola

SAFE AT SECOND — NRHEG shortstop Tori Raimann takes the throw too late while Anna Stork backs her up last week at Legion Field in New Richland. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

One bad inning is all it takes, and that was the case for the NRHEG softball team Monday.

The Panthers committed four errors with two outs in the fourth, allowing Mankato Loyola to score five unearned runs on the way to a 5-1 decision at New Richland’s Legion Field.

“It was a spectacular game except for one inning,” said Panthers coach Wendy Schultz, whose team ran its record to 4-2 in the Gopher Conference and 8-2 overall.

Jade Schultz took the pitching loss despite throwing well, allowing no earned runs on five hits. She struck out seven and walked six.

Schultz was also 2-for-3 at the plate. Tori Raimann went 2-for-4. Alyssa Esplan, Anna Stork, Tara Simon and Hannah Lundberg added one hit apiece. Esplan had the lone RBI and Stork scored.

Panthers bounce back, top Loyola

The NRHEG baseball team ran its record to 9-2 overall and 5-1 in the Gopher Conference in winning two of three games in recent action.

Senior Matt Dahle again provided the big RBI Monday at Legion Field as the Panthers edged Mankato Loyola 5-4, drawing a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the seventh inning. For the game, he was 2-for-3 with a double. Sam Lundberg was 3-for-4, leading off the seventh with a single and scoring the winning run.

Mitch Akemann went the distance on the mound, allowing two earned runs on seven hits, with two strikeouts and six walks.

“Mitch gave a gutty performance despite not having his best stuff,” said NRHEG coach Jeff Reese.

The Panthers were also strong defensively. Shortstop Tyler Sorenson made a nice diving play to get a runner out, and right fielder Nic Mangskau threw out two runners at home.

The NRHEG girls’ track and field team turned in a strong performance to win the Blue Earth Area Invitational last Friday.

The Panthers totaled 73.66 points to 71 for second-place BEA. Martin County West had 60, Madelia-Truman 50.33.

“We competed in horrible conditions,” said NRHEG coach Duey Ferber. “The girls really pulled one off. We are really experimenting with our lineup yet. The big meets are right around the corner. Everyone is stepping up and going for it, and that’s the name of the game.”

Sophomore Carlie Wagner continued to step up, winning the high jump and 200 meters while running a leg on two first-place relays. Her little sister, seven-grader Marnie, won the long jump. Mikayla Lindell was first in the discus and second in the shot put.

The foursome of Abby Crabtree, Danielle Krueger, Raelin Schue and Carlie Wagner won the 4x100 and 4x200 relays.

The NRHEG Panther golf team traveled west to St. Peter and New Ulm last week to play in the invitational tournaments and came home in fifth place and a tie for fourth.

St. Peter Invite

The boys varsity team failed to crack the top ten places as the team placed fifth with a team score of 365. Sam Grothem was low with an 86. Spencer Hanna carded an 88; Macoy Schwierjohann 93; and Sam Nafe 98.

Prior Lake’s Chase Cooper was medalist with a fine 74 on the Southland Country Club layout.

“We played better, but nowhere near our potential,” said coach Brad Root.

Team scores:

Ellendale City Council

By JODY WYNNEMER

Staff Writer

Many small town city council meetings aren’t very well attended by the general public.

Last Thursday evening’s meeting in Ellendale was an exception.

Due to the expected large crowd, the Ellendale City Council moved the meeting place from city hall to the Community Building. There weren’t many empty seats as Mayor Steve Engel called the meeting to order. All council members were present.

The townspeople were in attendance not to hear the regular agenda items. They were there in support of City Maintenance Supervisor Roger Swearingen, who was facing 12 allegations of misconduct brought by the council. On hand to act as crowd control were two Steele County Sheriff Deputies.

Following approval of the agenda, the council listened as Jeremy Johnson from the fire department explained the radios requested by the department.