Jim Lutgens
Panthers pass biggest test yet
NRHEG girls complete 3-0 week with win over Goodhue
CRUNCH TIME — NRHEG’s Carlie Wagner (3) tries to get a handle on the ball between a pair of USC defenders during the Panthers’ 89-57 victory at New Richland Thursday, Jan. 26. It was part of a 3-0 week that included an overtime win over BA and a victory over a 17-2 Goodhue team. At back left is the Panthers’ Raelin Schue. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
It was billed as a clash of the titans.
The NRHEG girls’ basketball team turned it into a mismatch.
The Panthers, rated No. 2 in the state in Class AA, took a big early lead and cruised to a 77-68 victory over a 17-2 Goodhue team Saturday night at Carleton College in Northfield. It completed a 3-0 week for NRHEG, which improved to 20-0 overall and 11-0 in the Gopher Conference. The Panthers are the last remaining undefeated team in Class AA.
“I was very proud of our efforts tonight,” said coach John Schultz. “Goodhue (ranked No. 2 in Class A) had just beat Kenyon-Wanamingo by 30 and also beat previously undefeated Pine Island last week. We knew they were a quality team coming in. We rose to the occasion.”
The Panthers took a 12-2 lead to start the game, led by 18 at half and increased it to 27 midway through the second half. They were up by 23 with four minutes left when Schultz cleared the bench.
NRHEG wrestlers run record to 8-3
Panthers drop tough one to Waseca, win big one over LARP
TWO FOR A TAKEDOWN — NRHEG’s Jacob Staloch takes down Waseca’s Tanner Pehrson during last Thursday’s nonconference dual meet at New Richland. The Panthers lost 34-32. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
LOCKDOWN — The Panthers’ Matt Dahle attempts a move on Waseca’s Jon Trevino at New Richland last Thursday. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG wrestling team ran its dual-meet record to 8-3 when it went 1-2 last week.
The Panthers lost 34-32 to Waseca at home Thursday. On Saturday at Kasson, they defeated Lewiston-Altura/Rushford-Peterson 35-33 while falling 60-10 to Simley, rated No. 1 in the state in Class AAA.
Coach Paul Cyr was not happy with what happened against Waseca.
“We were very disappointed in the outcome of the dual meet,” said Cyr. “We had to hold some of our guys out due to match count issues and it came back to haunt us. Frankly, it was a poor job of matching up and coaching on my part. I feel badly for our guys in that respect. Give Waseca credit. They wrestled well when they had to and didn’t give falls which ultimately made the difference.”
For those unfamiliar with the term “match count,” the Minnesota State High School League allows each wrestler to compete in 36 matches before the section tournament.
NRHEG boys drop two
TOUGH PLAY — NRHEG's Sam Lundberg (32), Spencer Hanna (15) and Nic Mangskau (10) scramble for a loose ball against Bethlehem Academy at New Richland last Tuesday. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG boys’ basketball team experienced both ends of the spectrum last week.
Unfortunately, neither was a victory.
The Panthers kept it close throughout against Bethlehem Academy on Tuesday, falling 51-46 at New Richland. Three nights later they were blown out by United South Central 75-37 at Wells.
Tuesday was a familiar story of late for the Panthers, according to coach Pat Churchill.
“We play well, but fall on the short end of the stick,” he said. “BA made the plays down the stretch and made their free throws to win the game. It is very frustrating for our kids. We know we are playing better basketball but we aren't seeing the results in the wins and losses.”
Frosty, Medallion clue No. 3
As the Sleigh and Cutter festival draws near, you could win some cold, hard cash.
Up to $1,250 is waiting to be won. Someone in Waseca County has been chosen to be “Frosty,” an ambassador for the festival. All you need to do is follow the clues and try to guess who Frosty is. Even if you don’t know everyone, by following the clues you may gather enough information to win some big money. Possible tools that may help you cash in are the internet, Google, dictionaries and the love of puzzles.
Culligan Water Conditioning of Waseca has been a long-time supporter of the Frosty contest. Additional sponsors are Latham Place of Waseca, iWealth, Domino’s Pizza and Mediacom. The grand prize is $250 in cash, to the person who can identify Frosty and is determined to be the Grand Prize winner by the judges. If you are determined the winner and are present during the unmasking of Frosty at 9:30 p.m. during the Sleigh and Cutter Dance at the VFW in Waseca, you will get a $50 cash bonus from Culligan of Waseca. That is a total of $300.
Again this year: $100 to the first person from Janesville, the first person from New Richland and the first person from Waseca who correctly guesses Frosty and submits their entry in their respective towns. (See where to drop off your entries under Rule No. 9) Judges decision is final.
Here’s how the contest works:
1) Through February 8, a new clue will be published in the Waseca County News each Wednesday as well as in the NRHEG Star Eagle. Clues will also be available at the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce and at www.wasecacountynews.com and on the Waseca County News Facebook page. KOWZ/KRUE Radio will also broadcast the clues.
2) Each contestant is allowed only one guess per week.
3) Contestant must be 18 years of age.
4) Contestant must live in Waseca County.
5) If more than one entrant guesses Frosty’s identity, a drawing from all of the correct entries will be held during the unveiling of Frosty on February 10. Four names will be drawn for $50 each and the winner must be present during the unmasking to win. Four more names will be drawn for $50 each and the winners need not be present to win these. This is a total of eight $50 winners.
6) If there are no correct entries, a drawing will be held from all entries received.
7) Entries must be received by 3 p.m. on Friday, Februrary 10.
8) The decision of the judges will be final.
9) To enter your guess, if you live in Waseca: mail it to the Golden Touch Salon, 110 South State St., or drop it off in person during business hours. If you live in Janesville: mail it to the Golden Touch Salon or drop it off in person during business hours and mark the ballot, “Janesville.” If you live in New Richland, your entry can be dropped off at the office of the Star Eagle during business hours.
The first clue:
The time has come to seek me out, the hints I’ll give should help you out.
Three more clues will come your way, so waste no time and start today.
I was born and raised in Waseca town, but I have lived all around.
A few small towns have been my home, but across the border I also roamed.
I’ve done some coaching in my years, basketball, track and softball, lots of cheers.
One more clue, my age you ask, I was born before 1960 had passed.
The second clue:
I come from a larger family as you will soon see, where there is a mom a dad, five siblings and and me.
There were more girls than boys in our family nest, now put on your thinking caps and figure the rest.
You may be wondering if I am a boy or a girl, just start your guessing and give it a whirl.
While attending college I met the perfect catch, a friend introduced us and thought we were a good match.
Now more than 30 years later and kids of my own, I'm busy as ever, this is well known.
The third clue:
Now if you're still wondering who I could be, maybe you’ll get it with clue number 3.
A Scarlet, a Bluejay, a Maverick and more, the places I've been have opened the door.
Two boys have left and one is at home, the halls of Waseca is where I now Roam.
Sleigh and Cutter medallion hunt begins
It’s time to begin the 2012 Sleigh and Cutter medallion hunt.
The medallion is hidden outdoors, on public property, within the Waseca city limits. A prize of $1,250 in Chamber dollars will be awarded to the person who finds the medallion. Clues will be published each week in the NRHEG Star Eagle and Waseca Area Shopper, and announced on KOWZ/KRUE Radio.
Clue No. 1:
It may be hard to find redemption for a crook from the court.
Two where three should be might pardon an outlaw from the gallows.
Clue No. 2:
An unfilled cavity can result in an abscess.
Recognizing some forms of depression may require a pick-me-up.
Clue No. 3:
Yards of colliers, bricks and maul lead to ambitious excavation.
After completing the masterpiece, perhaps the creator felt compelled to take a bough.
Marlys Vernon Swenson, 82
Memorial services for Marlys Vernon Sorenson, age 82, of Clarks Grove will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at Community Lutheran Church in Geneva. Rev. Carrie McElfresh and Rev. Pastor Kent Otterman will officiate. Interment will be at East Freeborn Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by Freeborn County area veteran’s organizations. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 1st at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. To sign the guest book, go to www.bayviewfuneral.com.
Marlys died Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Mayo Clinic Health System Albert Lea after a 10-year battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
Marlys Vernon Sorenson was born on January 14, 1930 to Albert and Helen (Brynestad) Sorenson in Berlin Township of Steele County. He grew up in Ellendale and attended school in Ellendale. In 1951 Marlys enlisted in the United States Army. On October 25, 1953 Marlys was united in marriage to Theresa Otterson in New Richland. Marlys was a heavy equipment operator prior to working at Bridon Cordage until his retirement. He was member of First Lutheran Church in Ellendale where he was confirmed and currently a member of Community Lutheran Church in Geneva. He was also a member or the American Legion, Eagles, Elks and Moose Clubs, Sons of Norway and the Stateline Polka Club. Marlys enjoyed camping, dancing, gardening, mechanics, reading, and woodworking. He liked to go to tractor pulls and he and Theresa loved to travel many places. Marlys loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his children, Kathy (Milt) Solomonson, Karen Olson, Kay (Loren) Sames and Keith Sorenson (Monica Wallace); grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Wilde, Angela (Chad) Mundahl, Kelly (Kevin) Kruse, Brandon (Courtney) Dobbertin, Joshua Sorenson, Lindsey (Garrett) Schultz, Dustin Schroeder, Jaime Schroeder, and Mitchell Sorenson; great-grandchildren, Anthony Mundahl, Jordan Wilde, Damian Chaloner, Lilly Mundahl, Jayda Sorenson and Caden Wilde; siblings, Muriel Shaunce, Margaret (Clifford) Otterson, Bernetta Hanson, Donna Guevara, Donald (Caroline) Sorenson, Richard (Linda) Sorenson and Raymond (Glenda) Olsen.
Marlys was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Sorenson and Helen Guervara; wife Theresa Sorenson; great-granddaughter, Myah Sorenson; sister, Luella (Robert) Nelson, brother, Howard Sorenson; brothers-in-law, Lyle Hanson and Glen Shaunce.
Myrtle Ruth Skalicky, 71
Myrtle Ruth Skalicky, age 71, of Owatonna, died Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Owatonna Hospital.
Myrtle was born March 20, 1940 in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky the daughter of Jack and Mabel (Justis) Bivins. She attended school in Muhlenberg County. She met Jerome Skalicky, while he was stationed in the Army, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. She married Jerome on June 11, 1957 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Litomysl. They purchased the family farm in Aurora Township in 1960 and continued farming until they retired in 1985. Following their retirement, they moved to Owatonna and in 1991 moved to rural Ellendale. Most recently, Myrtle resided at Cedardale Apartments in Owatonna. Throughout her years, Myrtle worked at Josten’s, operated her home health care business, and most recently, the Steele County Courthouse as a receptionist until her retirement.
Myrtle was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and St. Aidan’s Catholic Church. After her retirement, she quilted with the ladies at First Lutheran Church in Hope. She loved to knit, crochet, sew, and bake for her family and many friends.
She is survived four sons, Allan (and Lisa Rae) Skalicky of Altura, Ronald (and Faye) Skalicky of Claremont, Steven (and Darla) Skalicky of Ellendale, and Jarrod (and Jacquelyn) Skalicky of Ellendale; three daughters, Debbie (and Hans) Andresen of Greenville, KY, Julie (and Dan) Gritz of Owatonna, Felicia (and Brent) Carlson of Edgerton, WI; fourteen grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; sister, Margie (and Larry) Hancock of Louisville, KY; nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jerome, two granddaughters, two grandsons, and brother, Virgil Bivins.
Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Friday, January 27, 2012 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Saturday from 12 noon to 1 p.m. A rosary service will be held Friday at 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held January 28, 2012 at 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Litomysl with The Reverend Andrew Vogel officiating. Interment will be in the Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery in Somerset Township. Memorials are preferred to donor’s choice.
Kindness counts at NRHEG Elementary
Day set aside to remind students school should be ‘safe, welcoming, comfortable’
CARRYING THE BANNER — NRHEG first-grade students say “Kindness Matters” on Tuesday, January 17th at Ellendale School. From left: Aden Berg, Bree Ihrke, Taya Lembke, Logan Adams, Anton Domeier, Zac Possin, Cody Reistad, Alexus Chambers, Evan Schaefer, Mason Klemmensen, Spencer Swenson, Charles Tipton, Bailey Ihrke, Sidney Schultz, Evan Beckmann, Eva Wayne, Avery Routh, Sawyer Prigge and Gavin Wilkenson. The students are instructed by Jill Boran. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 17 was a “blue” day at Ellendale Elementary.
One normally associates the color blue with sadness, gloom or unhappiness, but students and staff displayed just the opposite as they celebrated “Kindness Matters Because… I Matter” day.
Classrooms and hallways were full of students wearing their blue T-shirts, and blue was even the color of the Jell-O served in the cafeteria at lunchtime.
“Last March a group of school staff got together and formed the Anti-Bullying Committee (ABC) group at the school,” said Elementary Coordinator Doug Anderson. “Ten members make up the committee and meet twice a month to discuss programming for our K-6 elementary school. With the help of that group, as a school we’ve talked about and worked our own school-wide expectations, how to give and get respect, how to handle a bully and how to get help if bullied and that “Kindness Does Matter.”
School board to meet with NR City Council
Sixth-graders’ move to NR approved; Cyr sniffs out bargain on band uniforms
SCHOOL BOARD — The current NRHEG Board of Education. Front from left: Lori Routh, Michele Moxon, Karen Flatness and Lis Kormann. Back: Mike Moen, superintendent Kevin Wellen, Rick Schultz and John Harrington. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
At the Tuesday, January 17 meeting, the NRHEG school board approved the purchase of new band uniforms, the move of the sixth grade to New Richland, and a February 15 joint meeting date with the New Richland City Council.
Joint meetings with New Richland City Council
Last month’s discussion with Jeff Reese led the board to consider arranging a meeting with the New Richland City Council to discuss the poor condition of the jointly-used Legion Field ball fields.
After discussion with City Clerk Wayne Billing, a date of February 15 was proposed for a meeting of the full city council and the full school board, for the purpose of determining a possible agenda of items the school district and the city could collaborate on working on at future meetings.
What topics could be considered? “Not just the ball field,” said Superintendent Kevin Wellen, “but anything that could be discussed or shared, anything where we have a common interest.”
This might include crosswalks, parking, or traffic issues, among numerous possibilities.
Hearing Feb. 16 on use of Legion building
New Richland City Council
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
There wasn’t a full agenda as the New Richland City Council gathered for its second meeting of 2012 Monday evening. All members were present as Mayor Tom McShane called the meeting to order.
The night’s agenda was approved and two items were pulled from the consent agenda for further discussion. They were a conditional use permit and a pay request from Civil Ag Group for work done on the sewer system upgrade.
There were no public hearings or citizen petitions to be heard.
PeopleService representative Brad Field reported normal operations at the Waste Water Treatment Facility and progress being made on the upgrade to the plant.
Maintenance Supervisor Ryan Nissen was present and appeared dressed for snow removal.
“We start moving snow at 7:30,” said Nissen.
Hwy. 30 finally complete
2011 Year in Review, Part 4 of 4
Compiled by JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
OCTOBER
• The one-year anniversary of the New Richland flood of September 2010 was observed at the Care Center. After a blessing by Pastor Andree, Mikenzi Hebel released Monarch butterflies.
• Harold “Hap” Hagen of New Richland as his license plate says is a HAP-E-1. He received his nickname from his high school basketball coach.
• The Labor Day Harvest Festival Association of Freeborn collected over 45,000 aluminum can tabs which were given to the Miller Coors Brewing Co. as part of their “Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life” program.
• Beaver Lake Fact or Fiction writer Bob Hanson bids Semper Fi to Russ Anderson, a classmate and former Marine who recently passed away.
• Gene Dodge’s 1936 hospital bill from Albert Lea’s Naeve hospital totaled $36.25 for removing Gene’s appendix. The average cost today would be around $20,761.
• A last-minute touchdown spoiled the NRHEG Panthers’ homecoming celebration. Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial edged the home team 13-12.