Jim Lutgens
Eugene Kammerer, 87
Eugene Kammerer, 87, of Ellendale, died Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at Homestead Hospice House.
Eugene was born March 1, 1924 near Medford the son of Leo and Joyce (Ellsworth) Kammerer. He was raised and attended country school near Medford. Eugene was united in marriage to Marilyn Jensen on January 12, 1946 in Geneva. They made their home in Albert Lea where he worked at Wilson Meat Packing plant. They then moved to Geneva and later to Owatonna where he worked with his father-in-law at Jensen Manufacturing making cabinets and doing carpentry work. Eugene also farmed. They moved to Ellendale where he lived until the time of his death.
Marilyn and Eugene loved dancing and would always find places to dance on weekends. He also enjoyed playing Bingo, going to casinos, his apple trees and watching professional wrestling.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn Kammerer of Ellendale; two daughters, Linda (and Richard) Weckwerth of Geneva; Martha (and Mike) Jensen of Wichita, KS; a son, Craig (and Janet) Kammerer of Pine River; a sister, Maxine Wulf of Duluth; a brother, Roger Kammerer of Roanoke, TX; five grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The visitation will be held on Friday, January 13, 2012 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Geneva Community Lutheran Church. Memorial service will be held on Friday, January 13, 2012 at 7 p.m. in Geneva Community Lutheran Church with the Reverend Carrie McElfresh officiating. Interment will be held at a later date in the spring at St. Ansgar Cemetery, rural Ellendale. Arrangements are pending with the Michaelson Funeral Home, Owatonna.
John E. Tesch, 88
John E. Tesch, 88, of New Richland, MN, died Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at Hillcrest Health Care Center, Mankato, MN. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 13, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Waldorf, MN, Pastor Michael Mathews officiating. Burial will be at First Lutheran Cemetery in Waldorf, MN. Visitation will be held at the Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells on Thursday, January 12, 2012 from 4-7 p.m. and one hour before services at the church on Friday. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is in charge of the arrangements.
John was born July 17, 1923 at the farmstead of Alfred and Elisabeth (Kain) Tesch in rural New Richland. He married Elaine Heitner on June 10, 1945 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, North Mankato, MN; the service was performed by Elaine’s brother, the Rev. Donald Heitner. John and Elaine purchased and farmed the family farm which became a “Century Farm” in 2007. John enjoyed his church activities where he held various offices. He enjoyed his sports and later enjoyed playing with the “Beltones.” He loved visiting and helping his family and friends, playing cards, fishing, hunting and traveling to be with his family and friends.
John is survived by his wife, Elaine (Heitner) Tesch of New Richland, MN; children: “Geri” Gurene (Larry) Putz of Brooten, MN; Joan (Jim) Lewer of Omaha, NE; “Stan” Stanley (Donna) Tesch of Plainview, MN; and “BJ” Beverly Tesch of Mankato, MN; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Elizabeth Tesch; infant brother, Alvin; infant sister, Bertha; brother, Carl; sisters, Sophia Hedberg and Pearl Mauer; and also an infant great-granddaughter, Julia Lewer.
Thank you and God bless all the caregivers and staff at Hillcrest Healthcare Center.
Weird weather
Bernard says enjoy it while it lasts, because it could change quickly
BROWN GROUND — Above, a dried-up pond just north of New Richland illustrates just how dry and unseasonably warm it’s been in the area lately. The pond usually is filled with a couple feet of water, normally frozen in January. Below, a small group of ice fishermen kept close to shore on Beaver Lake Sunday. (Star Eagle photos by Jim Lutgens)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Old man winter has been acting a tad peculiar this past December and January. Of course, there’s seemingly little room for complaint, but it would still be satisfying to hear a solid explanation.
So, here to shed some wisdom on our unseasonable brown surroundings is local agronomist, Mark Bernard.
“I seem to remember that the winters of 2006-07 and 01-02 were rather warm as well,” Bernard said. “But, why is there no snow on the ground? Well, there is no one reason. There are many factors to consider when this happens.”
According to Bernard, the matter at which these “open winters” occur is never predictable, due to frequency and magnitude of occurrence.
“The La Niña event in the Pacific, a cooling of the surface sea temperatures, is usually associated with above normal winter precipitation and colder than normal temperatures for us,” Bernard said. “That is why most forecasters were convinced we were in for a wetter and colder than normal winter. The same conditions existed last year, so it seemed like a slam dunk.”
NR flood recovery funds finally arrive
New Richland City Council
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The New Richland City Council chambers were partially full for the first meeting of 2012 Monday night as two Boy Scout leaders and eight Scouts were present to observe the meeting. Mayor Tom McShane called the meeting to order and roll call showed all members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all and after amendments; the evening’s agenda was approved.
The consent agenda was rather lengthy due to the required annual Mayoral appointments, notably: Official Newspaper - NRHEG Star Eagle; Depository - State Bank of New Richland; Deputy Mayor - Christine Gislason; Fire Chief - Jeremy Parpart; and City Attorney - Perry Berg.
The council next adopted the following resolutions:
• 12-01 — Water and Sewer Rates. The base rate will be $17.47 per month for each meter connection, allocated as $7.12 for water and $10.35 for sewer. Volume rates will be $15.38 per 1,000 gallons of usage, allocated as $9.51 for water and $5.87 for sewer. The new rates will become effective after meter reading January 2012.
Powder Hounds aim to be more than just a snowmobile club
OFFICERS — The inaugural meeting of the Powder Hounds Snowmobile Club was held Sunday, Jan. 8 at Blondie’s in New Richland. Officers are, from left, Jessie Shaffer, Secretary/Treasurer; Brian Hoffman, Vice President; and Joe Ranniger, President. (Star Eagle photo by Jessica Lutgens)
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Contributing Writer
Eventually, it will snow.
At least that’s what New Richland’s new snowmobile club is hoping.
The Powder Hounds held their inaugural meeting on Sunday, January 8th at Blondie’s Grill, during which they discussed what the group plans to do, and who they’d like to see be a part of the club.
They’re looking for new, younger members who will be able to bring new ideas and be the future of the club. They are hoping it will be something for everyone to be able to take part of and enjoy as a group.
Cancer Auction gets off to successful start
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Geneva. It's the village with a heart that sends out arteries of love and concern to the many areas that surround it. In its 28th year at Geneva Bar & Grill, thousands visited this little site for the annual Geneva Cancer Auction, to donate, purchase and contribute to the cause for cancer.
This year’s two-weekend event began Friday, Jan. 6. It will conclude with two more big days this weekend, including an appearance by former Minnesota Viking “Benchwarmer” Bob Lurtsema and two Vikings cheerleaders Friday from 6-7 p.m.
But that’s just a small part of the action, spearheaded by Whitey and LaJune Hagen and several extended family members.
As Whitey is quick to say, there would be no auctions if it weren't for the good people of our area who bring and buy while enjoying a night of camaraderie. Old friends, young friends and new customers are welcomed as one.
The Daybreakers Kiwanis Club of Albert Lea does an outstanding job assisting in the auction, and a long list of volunteers help in many ways. Some great auctioneers continue to give of their time and talents year after year.
At 87, Edna makes it 57 years at Do-It-Best
2011 Year in Review
Part 2 of 4
Compiled by JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
APRIL
• New Richland’s Edna Erdmann knows it’s time to retire at age 87. The owner of the Do-It-Best Hardware store has kept things going for the last 57 years.
• The Winter family is chosen Waseca County Farm Family of The Year. They own and operate the Indian Island Winery southwest of Janesville. Patrick Gregor was selected as Outstanding Young Farmer.
• Brittini Wangsness and Thomas Camerer announce their engagement.
• Steve’s Meat Market of Ellendale wins several awards at the state Meat Processors convention in Rochester, MN.
• Jake Papinski and Jackie Freschette were the top chili cooks at the 3rd Annual New Richland Liquor Company Chili Cook-off. The event raised 30 pounds of food and $260 for the NR Area Food Shelf.
• Both New Richland and Ellendale Food Shelves surpass their March Foodshare Month goals. NR collected 3,998 pounds and $13,399.38. Ellendale collected a combined total of $5,237.20.
• NR Lion Bob Frisk is selected Lion of the Year for Zone 8.
• Ellendale and Geneva firefighters attend Skywarn Spotter training. About 30 members of both departments were in attendance.
• NRHEG Knowledge Bowl teams, under the direction of Mary Sack, have a successful season.
• Three area churches and one New Richland business were burglarized the week of April 12. Thieves stole the PA system at Le Sueur River Lutheran Church.
• Melissa Warner, the new Director of Nursing at the New Richland Care Center, says “Smiling is a big part of my day; making sure that there is a pleasant and happy environment is the key to a smooth operating team.”
Wrestlers battle inconsistency, run record to 7-0
PIN TO WIN — The Panthers’ Dustin Esplan, top, pins Blue Earth Area’s Mike Ankeny during the 126-pound match in New Richland last Friday. The Panthers were 3-0 on the night, including a 36-30 win over BEA. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
SIX POINTS — Seth Petranek of NRHEG scores a fall against his BEA opponent Friday night. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG wrestling team improved its dual-meet record to 7-0 while throttling three opponents in last Friday’s Panther Quad in New Richland.
The Panthers slammed St. Clair 54-15, trampled Triton 48-22 and got by Blue Earth Area 36-30.
“Despite getting three wins, as a group this was not a great effort by the Panthers,” said NRHEG coach Paul Cyr. “We never had everyone on the same level of intensity for a whole dual meet. When one guy would wrestle well, someone else would come up with a poor effort. I certainly hope we can get everyone pointed in the right direction by Saturday.”
Winning for NRHEG against St. Clair were Dillan Kubiatowicz, 106 pounds; Jade Waltz, 120; Dustin Esplan, 126; David Lassahn, 145; Nathan Krohn, 160; Dillon Parpart, 170; Keith Maxon, 182; Geoff Ramaker, 195; Seth Petranek, 220; and Zeke Erickson, 285.
Winners in the Triton meet were Kubiatowicz, 106; Brandon LeBlanc, 138; Lassahn, 145; Jake Staloch, 152; Nathan Krohn, 160; Parpart, 170; Maxon, 195; Petranek, 220; and Erickson, 285.
Posting wins against BEA: Esplan, 126; Tyler Logan, 132; LeBlanc, 138; Lassahn 145; Parpart, 170; Ramaker, 182; and Petranek, 195.
“David Lassahn had an excellent night for us, scoring three falls,” said Cyr. “It was great to see Dillon Kubiatowicz get in the win column twice after having a rough start to the season.”
The Panthers dropped from the Guilltine’s Class A top 12 but remain in the magazine’s “Lean and Mean” category.
The Panthers wrestle at Stewartville Saturday.
No. 3 rated NRHEG girls handle Hayfield
MINE — The Panthers’ Anna Schlaak grabs a rebound Saturday evening against Hayfield. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The Hayfield Vikings came to New Richland with a good defensive game plan to stop the NRHEG girls’ basketball team.
It worked only so well.
The undefeated Panthers were held to a 22-17 halftime lead and went on to win 50-40 in a nonconference game Saturday night.
“Hayfield really matched up with us nicely on defense,” said NRHEG coach John Schultz. “The biggest difference in the game was the team rebounds where we almost doubled them. We were frustrated with missing so many bunny shots. We were glad to get them, but we just couldn’t connect. I was happy with our man defense we used a lot of the second half. Hayfield is much better than their record indicates, very well coached.”
The Panthers, rated No. 3 in the state in Class AA in the most recent poll, improved their overall record to 11-0. They’re 5-0 and alone atop the Gopher Conference.
NRHEG boys fall short to Hayfield
ON HIS GAME — Tyler Sorenson of the Panthers (11) goes up for a shot against Hayfield Saturday night. Coach Pat Churchill said the senior is playing very good basketball right now. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG boys’ basketball team fell short against a strong Hayfield team Saturday night, dropping a 56-45 nonconference decision in New Richland.
The Panthers fell to 3-9 overall. The Vikings improved to 10-3.
It was a hard fought, physical, defensive game, according to Panthers coach Pat Churchill, whose team jumped to an early six-point lead. Hayfield slowly got the momentum — particularly at the foul line, where they shot 35 free throws, 14 in the first half — and took a 27-19 halftime advantage.
“We were fouling a little bit too much and letting them get opportunities from the line,” said Churchill. “Fortunately they didn't shoot well from the line tonight, only making 16 for the game.”