PIN TO WIN — NRHEG’s Dustin Esplan works for a fall against Blooming Prairie’s Riley Olson. He went on to win the 130-pound title at St. James Saturday. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

Improvement is what NRHEG wrestling coach Paul Cyr is looking for this time of year.

He saw some on Saturday. Just not as much as he’d hoped.

Two days after drilling Blooming Prairie 69-12 in their Gopher Conference opener, the Panthers were fourth out of five six schools in the St. James Classic. Minneota won with 179 points, followed by LCWM with 161, St. James 159, NRHEG 1345, LeSueur-Henderson 120.5 and Minnehaha Academy/DeLaSalle 38.

“Frankly, overall we did not show as much improvement as I would have liked to see,” said Cyr. “There were places and individuals that picked it up a notch, but as a group we were not as good as we need to be.”

The Panthers had one champion, senior Dustin Esplan at 126 pounds.

“Esplan, despite winning his weight, is still not 100 percent,” said Cyr. “But he continues to show flashes of his old self.”

FAST BREAK — Sophomore Jade Schultz (12) scored 23 points and grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds as the NRHEG girls’ basketball team defeated Mankato Loyola 68-37 to start the Gopher Conference season Tuesday, Dec. 6. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

The NRHEG girls’ basketball team played only one game last week, and maybe that’s a good thing.

It left more time to practice.

The Panthers survived what coach John Schultz called an “ugly, frustrating game” at Mankato Loyola Tuesday, Dec. 6, winning 67-38 to start the Gopher Conference season 1-0 and improve to 3-0 overall. But it wasn’t easy. At least not at the start.

“We had a lot of turnovers and missed shots,” said Schultz. “Our rebounding and hustle on defense made the difference.”

Also helping was a 12-2 run to start the second half, extending the Panthers’ 30-17 halftime lead and putting them in control.

MY BALL — The Panthers’ Carter Tollefson (33) battles for a rebound against Evan Ellingworth of Mankato Loyola during Gopher Conference action at New Richland last Tuesday. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

The season has not started as hoped for the NRHEG boys’ basketball team.

The Panthers are off to an 0-3 start after falling 64-40 to Mankato Loyola Tuesday, Dec. 6 and 55-42 to United South Central Friday Dec. 9. Both games were in New Richland.

The locals kept it close early against Loyola, but the Crusaders went on a late first-half run to take a 35-21 halftime advantage. NRHEG had 12 turnovers to Loyola’s four and got off 15 shots to 28 for the visitors in the first half.

“They racketed up the pressure on us defensively and we did not respond well to that,” said Panthers coach Pat Churchill. “They were the dominant team tonight.”

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. You may not think of him as such, though his rig is red and he travels just about everywhere. His suit is more apt to be tan or brown with hot green luminous stripes. He is your local fireman, who volunteers his time, risks his life, leaves whatever he is doing, including being sound asleep in the middle of the night, to answer a fire or other disaster call.

He maybe your neighbor, your husband, dad, friend or someone you don't even know, though you should because of all the things he does for you and what he stands for.

Many firemen carry on the tradition of fire fighting from their fathers, and fathers before them. Or they are firemen because they respect and appreciate what a fireman does. Also remember that many of our local firemen also have a regular career, which allows them to make a living to support their families.

How many services do we ever get for free that would even come close in comparison to what our local firemen do? No, I guess I should amend that because sometimes our local firemen need assistance, mechanical or extra man power and may ask for and receive "mutual aid" help from others.

The fireman’s gift to you is peace of mind 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and isn't available at your favorite department store. Your local firemen will advise you to purchase smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and other things that may help keep you safe. Firemen remind us that we should all have smoke alarms in our homes and businesses, testing them every month and install fresh batteries when needed. They might advise us to unplug our electrical gadgets when we aren't home and take care to use them safely when we are home. Electricity is to be respected.

Our friendly firemen also remind us that we should have two ways of escape from every room in our homes. Families need to practice fire drills, which will teach children not to panic or hide if a fire were to occur. It is also very important for families to establish an outside meeting place so they will know that everyone got out of their home safe and sound if a fire should occur.

Smoking indoors isn't just a cancer concern. Careless use is often the cause of fires. We all need to keep matches in airtight containers and cigarette lighters and "strikers" out of the reach of children.

With the present cost of fuel in regards to heating our homes, the use of wood burning stoves and fireplaces can be money saved, but caution should be taken to go by the established codes when they are installed, and people must remember to use every precaution when using them.

If you choose to burn candles in your home, make sure that you do it safely.

Firemen are heroes! They are called upon to do a number of very important jobs. They are intelligent, trained people skilled to help in most any emergency. Many firemen also receive special training and are able to offer first responder medical assistance and help with life-saving procedures. Firemen are also teachers as they give safety rules to our young people in our schools.

Be a Santa’s or firemen’s helper. They always need new equipment and training. That takes money. When firemen have charity events, it is not only a good time, it is a great time to help others. Respect the things they do and think about them with thanks.

Maybe we need to remember our firemen on our Christmas lists.

So, yes, a fireman is a Santa Claus of sorts. He gives gifts that can never be compared. Not only that, but he gives gifts all year long, not just Christmas time. When you see a firemen, and he may be hard to spot because he looks just like someone you know, say thank you, support his cause. Someday his gift could save your life.

God bless them - every one!

Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented that they like to read about the local happenings and family events such as family and school reunions, birthday and anniversary celebrations, and birth and wedding announcements.

In order to read about these important things, we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us, so we can then pass along the news to you. If you have news to share, please contact me.

Also, if our NRHEG Star Eagle readers would like to share birthdays and anniversaries of your family and friends, or you know of some that should be deleted, or names have changed, please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.

• Thursday, December 15th: Jolene Sorenson, Brenda Burshem, Dustin Quimby, Maureen Riley, Richard Peterson, Nancy Kelly, Travis Reichl.

• Friday, December 16th: Dorothy Christensen Lund, Allen Larson, Abraham Groth, Angie Deml, Karen Zicafoose, Laura Rayman, David Brandt, Bev Phillips, Vicky Dobberstein, M. Carol Nelson, Peggy Radjenovich, Paul & Mary Groth.

• Saturday, December 17th: Zachary Tracy, Becky Edwards, Gretta Lageson, Tanya Blouin, Cheryl Cooper, Jack DeRaad, Joel Davis, Alex Edward LaFave, Keith & Leigh Ann Wayne, Lyle & Helen Swearingen, Bruce & Faye Thompson.

• Sunday, December 18th: Mary Togerson, Catherine Suzanne Olson, Scott Lang, Chris O'Byrne, Margaret (Mugsy) Swearingen, Gavyn Tlamka, Jay & Sheri Crabtree.

• Monday, December 19th: La June Hagen, Kathy Peterson, Jerry Thompson, Sheryl Tracy, Loren Haroldson, Cheryl Utpadel, James & Barb Bremmer, Chris & Jennier Paulson, Jerry & Bev White.

• Tuesday, December 20th: Corlyn Paulsen, Kyle Johnson, Laurie Swift, Debbie Whelan, Odean & Andrea Johnson.

• Wednesday, December 21st: Audriene Nelson, Nancy Rich, Liz Wangness, Darin Rhodes, Brandon Hagen, Dave & Tammy Peterson, Duane & Cheryl Lembke.

Wishing you all that is dearest, all that is brightest, all that is best on your special day!s

The snowfall we experienced last weekend reminded me that Christmas is just around the corner. Come to think of it, some radio stations were playing a sprinkling of Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving, which happens to suit me just fine.

I have always had a special fondness for Christmas. I enjoy listening to the music, witnessing the blankets of snow-cover, and the Christmas lights that decorate some of the houses in town, surely brings out the kid in me.

Growing up where I did was almost like being in the country. It was always special during the holiday season because I was removed from much of the hectic times that were a part of Christmas. I have fond memories of growing up in a small house that was cozy-warm in the winter, and although we didn’t have a lot of money, Mom always made sure that Christmas was fun for us.

I’m guessing that the shopping experience was probably the same; just a little simpler. I am sure that my folks felt the same challenge of Christmas that we did at times as parents raising two boys. We’d always try to get at least one gift for our kids that they really wanted. Sometimes, that wasn’t so easy. 

Brian, my oldest, would have his wish list set well ahead of time, and the item that he’d have at the top of his list for months would suddenly be replaced by something else a day or two before Christmas. This presented a problem because Santa had the first one wrapped and bagged by then. There were a couple of years when the last minute change of mind would result in a year-long delay of the gift Brian wanted. And of course, that usually changed again a couple of days before the next Christmas.

I do think that Christmas was a little less hectic when I was growing up; of course I wasn’t the one doing the shopping. I can remember Mom taking me along when we’d go to Montgomery Wards or Penney’s when both stores were Downtown. I can also remember her quizzing me on one occasion about what I really wanted for Christmas. 

I had my eye on a Tobin Rote football that was in the Wards basement where they had the toys and sporting goods. Going with her to the store at Christmas time was something I really enjoyed because I could see almost all of the things that I dreamt of having on display at the same time. I will always remember that Christmas as special because that football did appear under the tree on Christmas morning. 

Indeed, it just wasn’t Christmas without walking past the display window of the Skinner Chamberlain Department store with the mechanical Santa waving, laughing and wishing you a Merry Christmas – now that was Christmas!

The stores were always open on Friday nights ‘til 9 p.m. During the holidays, they were also open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. It was an exciting time for a kid to be downtown with all the stores dressed in Christmas lights and garland, holiday music playing in the background. 

I can remember some nights, usually Saturday or Sunday, when the stores were closed. I’d go uptown with my Grandma and my Aunt Alice when to do what was commonly called “window shopping” back then. I always enjoyed those times because the merchants had their store windows decorated. I also warmly remember all sales specials signs. Yes, it was an exciting time and to this day when I see snow and the Christmas lights displayed on many homes around the town, it makes me think of that kid and the warm memories of Christmas’ past.

With the snowfall we experienced, I have actually found a little compassion for the squirrels that seem to inhabit my garage and the trees in my yard. I have however found a new problem that has arisen in the yard, hindering my quest to get birds to the feeder. 

A cat that belongs to one of my neighbors (I don’t know which one) had recently “snuffed” one of the birds feeding at my feeder and placed it by the door on my deck. Now, I don’t pretend to be an ace detective or anything, but cat tracks in fresh snow leading up to a dead bird are a pretty good clue. I usually write about the problem of letting cats roam free in town to prey on birds and small animals in the spring, but this seems to be a year-round problem that only the owner can remedy.

Ice fishing is on the horizon, but as of now, I don’t think I’d be venturing out until the ice is at least 4-inches thick. I have never been a big advocate of the early ice adventure because that’s exactly what it can turn out to be for some. 

Ice is funny when it comes to undercurrents and such because it may be solid around the edge, but wherever current runs, it can be a lot thinner. I am a January kind of guy when it comes to ice fishing; of course maybe that’s why I don’t usually have that much luck. I guess I almost relate it to walking a tightrope between two tall buildings. I love solid ground; whenever I walk on ice and it starts to crack and creak, I feel a little chill go up my spine.

Just remember to use caution when venturing out for the first time. It is wise to check the ice thickness before trotting out on it with all your equipment. We all know that early ice is the best ice for catching fish, but going out too early can have bad results. Some folks take a cordless drill with them to measure thickness of the ice. This may sound like you are being a bit too cautious, but it’s better to be too cautious than end up being a statistic.

Until next time, play safe, stay off the thin ice and enjoy the outdoors experience.

Please remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers during the coming year. They are the reason we are able to enjoy all the freedoms that we have today.

Echoes from the Loafers' Club Meeting

"One day, you will look back on your life and realize that your best moments were when you did something for others."

"You want me to buy your coffee, don't you?"

"Yes, I want you to have precious memories."

Driving by the Bruces

I have two wonderful neighbors — both named Bruce— who live across the road from each other. Whenever I pass their driveways, thoughts occur to me, such as: great gifts are to give credit where it’s due, bite your tongue, write a friendly letter, call a loved one, and pay attention.

Merry Christmas

Gift bags change hands more often than a dollar bill.

It wasn't always so.

When lights began to grow on trees, we pushed tables together to make enough room to eat. We suffered from a full-nest syndrome. The kids ate at card tables with frail legs. Perilous dining. Plates of food went by at a furious rate. By the time I was finally able to take a bite, someone passed another plate heaped with grub.

After the meal had been devoured and the dishes were washed, we formed a circle of love. It was time for the youngest to pass out the gifts. As the radio played Burl Ives singing unwrap music, the gifts were opened as if it were a timed event. No rodeo cowboy ever had better times wrestling a gift. Shredded wrapping paper filled the air.

We watched tots playing with boxes and realized that we needn't have put any toys in the boxes. Soon, all the presents had been opened except my father’s.

He looked at his gifts. Most of them were the same size and shape. That was because most of them were boxes of chocolate-covered cherries.

Dad picked up a gift and said something like, "It's so pretty, it's a shame to open it."

We all paused to watch my father as he didn't open his gifts.

Dad reached into his pocket and removed a well-worn Barlow jackknife. If someone asked to use my father’s jackknife, he handed it to the requestor with the admonition, “Be careful. It’s sharp.” The blades had been honed thin by years of sharpening. He carefully sliced the cellophane tape in order to preserve the gift-wrapping paper. He folded the paper and placed it neatly on the floor near his chair. It took him longer to open his few gifts than it did for all of us to open ours. Christmas comes and goes all too quickly. Maybe Dad was trying to slow it down and take the time to appreciate the gifts.

As I recall the events of Christmas past, I realize that possessions never bring as much happiness as moments do. Cameras capture moments. So do memories.

When the past and the present collide as they do each Christmas, I know that happiness doesn't come from having things. Happiness comes from being a part of things.

I once owned a Ford whose gas gauge moved in direct response to the speedometer. When the car's speed increased, I could see the fuel level drop. There are those who claim that this is a common experience for humans around Christmas time. Folks see their joy level dip with each added activity and obligation.

Maybe everyone needs to open his or her gifts with an old jackknife.

I've been reading

This from The Log from the Sea of Cortez by John Stenbeck,  “I have tried to isolate and inspect the great talent that was in Ed Ricketts, that made him so loved and needed and makes him so missed now that he is dead. Certainly, he was an interesting and charming man, but there was some other quality that far exceeded these. I have thought that it might be his ability to receive, to receive anything from anyone, to receive gracefully and thankfully, and to make the gift seem very fine. Because of this everyone felt good in giving to Ed--a present, a thought, anything.”

Talking to the Holstein

I was talking to the Holstein the other day. The Holstein is a retired milk cow, so she has time to talk. I told the Holstein that people complain when they don’t get everything they want for Christmas.

Meeting adjourned

“Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.” — Oren Arnold

With most of the snow now gone, the scurs can focus on getting the temperatures right. Will our snow-free luck continue? Starting Wednesday, mostly cloudy with a good chance of rain becoming snow after midnight. Highs of 40 and lows near 25. Thursday, partly cloudy and cooler with highs of 30 and lows of 15. Partly cloudy on Friday with highs of 25 and lows around 15. Partly cloudy and warmer on Saturday with highs of 30 and lows of 20. Sunday, warmer again with a chance of overnight rain/snow mix. Highs of 35 – 40 and lows near 25. A slight chance of snow Monday with highs near 30 and lows around 20. Mostly sunny for Tuesday with highs of 30 and lows of 15. The normal high for December 15th is 26 and the normal low is 9. The scurs will be taking some time off from preparing to get mentally prepared for Christmas shopping. Lots of time yet.

The December 10th early morning eclipse largely was a disappointment in this area of the state, although it was probably more interesting than what we’d been led to believe. From the view at the ranch, about ¾ of the moon was covered by the earth’s shadow when it disappeared under a cloud deck before setting. That’s O.K. If we can wait until November 28th, 2012, we can see a penumbral eclipse at moon set. In 2013 we’ll see a penumbral eclipse on May 25 and a total eclipse again on April 15th, 2014. Of course if the Mayans are right we won’t have to worry about it.

The snow has largely disappeared from the landscape and much of it has ended up in the ground as dry as it is. Add some of the forecast rain to the mix and we may be starting to recharge our soil moisture. There is still a long way to go and anything at this point is welcome. Looking at many of the small wetlands and shallow ponds in the area certainly makes one aware of that. Interestingly enough, St. Olaf Lake has opened back up again amid reports of other area lakes still maintaining a cover of ice. The geese that stayed on the lake until the initial freeze up and the strong winds over the weekend probably had a lot to do with it. There is still an ice shelf in the NW corner of the lake visible from the road however, reminding one that it won’t take long once it gets cold to refreeze.

The chickadees are back again at the ranch! Yeah, it’s no big deal to some but to those of us loyal birdfeeders; it’s like it just isn’t winter if those little guys (and gals) don’t show up. The birds in general  have been keeping a much lower profile at the feeders than some winters in recent memory. Others who are avid bird feeding fans are reporting much the same. It does keep the bird seed budget more in line to be certain. The irruption of redpolls and siskins a few years ago is still fresh in my mind when filling the thistle feeders. Trying to keep up with them was almost impossible and makes the weekly trek to fill the feeders seem like a cakewalk.

Slow steady progress is being made on the Studebaker project. The carburetor is getting a thorough going over at Pete’s Service. A wise idea before discovering the mouse urine found in the air cleaner also damaged the carb. More literature has also been procured to help expand knowledge of the model and trim package. The most recent yet-to-arrive purchase from the Studebaker National Museum includes what’s known as the factory production order. 

By supplying the VIN#, this basically will tell me what options the original car was equipped with, date of manufacture, the destination (likely Marzolf Implement in Spring Valley, the local Studebaker dealer), the paint color (there were two different colors of blue used on 1960 Larks) and other info to hopefully make the restoration go more smoothly. There are some items on this vehicle that were likely add-ons such as the hood ornament, some additional trim and a side-view mirror. Studebaker was big on having some options installed at the dealership as they felt it helped keep the dealers’ shops busy. In addition, it allowed customers to purchase some options at a more reasonable price than if they had been installed at the factory.

We’re hoping it refreezes soon. With the recent thaw, Ruby really stinks after running around in the freshly cleaned barn. Somehow she enjoys frequenting the areas where the spreader traffic was heavy and there is thawed manure. Add a little moisture from the melted snow and voila! Her favorite eau de cologne!

See you next week…real good then.

Gerald D. "Jerry" Souba, 84, of Owatonna, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Clare Bridge in Owatonna.

He was born December 6, 1926 in Owatonna, Minnesota the son of Henry and Marguerite (Dillemuth) Souba. Jerry graduated from OHS in 1945 and entered the United States Army serving from 1945-1946. He farmed with his father, and together they ran Souba Truck Farm. Jerry married Genevieve Hafstad June 24, 1950 at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church. The couple was life long dairy and vegetable farmers. Genevieve passed away January 10, 2002. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Crane Creek School Board, CSA and was a longtime Bohemian National Cemetery Board member. He enjoyed square dancing, card games and coaching 4-H softball. He played softball for Riverside and Clark. Jerry and Genevieve were foster parents for many children. Jerry had a passion for farming which was shared with those who knew him. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy.

He is survived by his children Larry (Sandra) Souba, Barbara (Gerald) DeMars, William (Debi) Souba, Audrey (Randy) Schroht all of Owatonna, and Joanne (John David) Guevara of Harlingen, TX. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren Megan (John) Bauer, Laura Souba, Brian Souba, Carmen DeMars, Jonathan DeMars, Michael (Laura) DeMars, Amy Jo (Curt) Rieck, Jody (Timothy) Hugley, Mindy Souba, Andrew Souba, Aaron (Brooke) Schroht, Colleen Schroht, David Schroht, Thomas Schroht, Jacquelyn Guevara, and Jeffrey Guevara, seven great-grandchildren Savannah DeMars, Ingrid DeMars, Leah Rieck, Lydia Rieck, Lanie Rieck, Adeline Schroht, and Weston Schroht, and his sister Agnes (Bent) Paulsen of Plymouth.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Thomas, and his brother John.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday December 8, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m. and at United Methodist Church on Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. Funeral services will be held Friday December 9, 2011 at 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church with Pastor Loren Olson officiating. Interment will be in the Bohemian National Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to the Bohemian National Cemetery, the Parkinson's Foundation or the donor’s choice.

There will be a private funeral service for Daniel Michael John Maras.  Visitation will be held 4-8 p.m. Friday, December 9, 2011 at Friedrich Funeral Home, New Richland, MN.

Daniel Michael John Maras, age 28, passed away in Duluth, Minnesota, on December 4, 2011.  Dan was born on October 20, 1983, to Thomas and Denise (Byrne) Maras in Waseca, MN.  He attended schools in New Richland and Mapleton, Minnesota, graduating from Maple River High School in 2002.  After graduation, Dan moved to Duluth, Minnesota to attend Duluth Superior College.  He worked as a Program Developer and Client Enrichment Director for Innovative Living in Duluth.  He loved his job and took great pride in his work.  He especially found joy in his family away from his family, Scotty and Jordan.  Dan enjoyed playing the guitar, fishing, music, making others laugh, and attending Wide Spread Panic shows.  Dan especially enjoyed April Fools’ Day and playing pranks.   Dan’s family was very important to him, and he enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews.  Dan lived his life to the fullest and had a heart for everyone.

Dan is survived by his parents Brian and Denise Esser, siblings Peter (Shannon) Esser, Brian (Kelly) Esser, Katherine (Chris) Haulter, Lori (Herb) Moon, Sarah (John) Maras, Jacob (Chelsie) Maras;  nieces and nephews:  Brody, Ava, Leigha, Ellie, Claire, Kiley, Max, Riley, Meghan, Dominic, Graysen, Kenley and Baby Maras.  Grandmothers:  Beatrice Esser and Barb Byrne; Aunts: Joan Baynes, Bonnie (Don) Root, Stephanie (Ron) Rahn and Ann Maras; Godparents:  Connie Berg and Michael Baynes; Special Friend: Emilie Hofer, and a great extended family.

Dan is preceded in death by his birth father, Tom Maras;  brothers Matthew and Benjamin; maternal and paternal grandparents, two uncles and one cousin.