Jim Lutgens
Howard I. Recknor, 86
Funeral services for Howard I. Recknor, age 86, of Hartland, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 24, 2011 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 from 5 – 8:00 p.m., Monday, May 23, 2011 at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea, and one hour prior to the service at the Church on Tuesday. To sign the guest book, go to www.bayviewfuneral.com.
Howard died on Friday, May 20, 2011 at the Albert Lea Good Samaritan Center.
Howard Isaac Recknor was born on October 7, 1924 to Ray and Beatrice (Chambers) Recknor in rural Creston, Iowa. He graduated from Creston area schools. On January 3, 1945 Howard was united in marriage to Betty Jean Swanson. Howard was a member of the Cross of Glory Lutheran Church, and served on the church council. He was a member of the New Richland – Hartland School Board for 25 years. Howard was a lifelong farmer, but especially enjoyed his flower gardening. His main pride and joy was Betty’s Scandinavian rosemaling.
Softball team falls short against USC
PUT IT IN PLAY — The Panthers’ Harlee Vokoun lays down a bunt at Legion Field. The Panthers ran their overall record to 9-6 by going 2-2 in recent action. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
Panthers’ overall record slips to 9-6
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
It was not a pretty game for the NRHEG softball team.
The results reflected it.
The Panthers committed five errors — three in the first inning on the first three batters — and went on to lose 7-5 to United South Central at Wells Monday afternoon.
“This was a sloppy game,” said NRHEG coach Wendy Schultz, whose team fell to 6-4 in the Gopher Conference and 9-6 overall. “We are not going to win many games with five errors.”
The Panthers battled back with four runs in the second and, after USC took a 5-4 lead in the third, NRHEG tied it with a run in the sixth when Jade Schultz led off with a triple to the left center field gap and scored on a Tara Simon sacrifice fly. The Rebels won it with two in the seventh.
The Panthers’ designated hitter, Mandy Deml, continued her consistency, going 2-for-3. Schultz, Tara Simon, Morgan Staloch and Tori Raimann had NRHEG’s other hits.
Schultz pitched a complete game. She allowed no earned runs on five hits, with eight strikeouts and one walk.
“Her change-up kept the hitters off balance,” said Coach Schultz.
The Panthers hosted WEM Friday, May 13 and won 5-1.
Spring struggles continue for NRHEG baseball
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG baseball team has not had the success it had hoped for this season.
The Panthers saw their losing skid reach seven of their last eight games with three recent losses. Their record through Monday was 3-7 in the Gopher Conference and 5-9 overall.
The Panthers traveled to Mankato May 5 and lost 2-0 to Loyola.
NRHEG starting pitcher Sam Lundberg deserved a better fate, according to coach Jeff Reese, throwing a three-hitter. He gave up one earned run, striking out six and walking six.
Mitch Akemann was 2-for-3 at the plate. Jake Staloch doubled.
“Offensively, we are definitely struggling,” said Reese. “We are making some baserunning and mental mistakes, which are correctable. Although the team and the coaches are frustrated, we are proud of how they keep working and staying enthused. Good things will happen when they stop pressing.”
The next game, May 12 at Blooming Prairie, looked like a good one for the Panthers as they took a 5-3 lead in the top of the sixth inning. Staloch delivered the key hit, a two-run home run. The Blossoms answered with one in the bottom of the sixth and two in the seventh to win it 6-5.
Golf teams third in Gopher Conference tournament
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Sports teams speak of home field advantage. Being totally familiar with your home golf course usually leads to victory for your team. The United South Central Rebels used Oak View Golf Course to their advantage as both their boys and girls teams won the respective Gopher Conference championships Friday, May 13.
The Rebels boys finished with a 350 team total, 13 strokes ahead of runnerup Blooming Prairie and 18 ahead of NRHEG.
The USC girls amassed a 419 total for a seven-shot margin over Faribault BA. The Panthers were 24 back at 443.
Boys’ medalist was Aaron Forgaard (Faribault BA) with a 79 over the 18-hole layout. Panther seniors Aaron Patraw (88) and Matt Nafe (90) were the top performers for NRHEG. Both golfers were selected all-conference honorable mention. Jon Walstrom (94) and Spencer Hanna (96) also figured in the Panther total.
On the girls’ side, USC sophomore Ali Wood fired a 99 for the championship. The Panthers’ Brina Bergland had a 108, tying for seventh place. Michaela Hansen finished tied for ninth with a 109. Bergland was selected all-conference and Hansen received honorable mention. Lexi Wayne and Maddy Reed shot 113s to complete the team score.
NRHEG girls fifth in True Team Section Meet
The NRHEG girls’ track and field team finished fifth among 14 schools in the Section 2A True Team Meet at Maple River High School in Mapleton Tuesday, May 10.
Blue Earth Area won with 830.5 points, followed by USC/AC with 669, LeSueur-Henderson 664, LCWM/Nicollet 575.5, NRHEG 541.5.
“We were not unhappy with fifth place,” said Panthers coach Duey Ferber. “However, we expected to finish in the top four. Blue Earth is a powerhouse right now.”
Carlie Wagner, the Panthers’ freshman sensation, continued to impress, taking two firsts and two seconds. She won the 200 meters in 26.88 seconds and the high jump at 5 feet, 4 inches. She was second in the 100 in 12.62 and second in the 400 in 62.11.
NRHEG track boys 10th among 14 at True Team meet
The times and marks for the NRHEG boys’ track and field team were acceptable.
The Panthers just couldn’t compete with Section 2A’s best.
The NRHEG boys finished 10th among 14 schools in the Section 2A True Team Meet at Maple River Tuesday, May 10.
“It was a rough night for the Panthers,” said NRHEG coach Duey Ferber. “Times were decent for us, but we had trouble competing with the big dogs.”
USC/AC won the meet, with LCWM/Nicollet second.
Senior Tony Wacholz was the Panthers’ top placewinner, tossing the discus 128 feet, 2 inches for fourth place. He was 10th in the shot put at 41-4.
The 4x100-meter relay team of Ross Chester, Geoff Ramaker, Brian Billing and Hunter Eustice took fifth in 48.03 seconds.
Everyone's a winner at After Prom Party
WELCOME ABOARD — Terry Jensen, left, and Dan Nelson have welcomed guests to the After Prom Party at the Geneva Community Center for 23 and 27 years, respectively. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
The Hollywood Premiere was here: red carpet, sparkling lights and beautiful girls with handsome escorts. And when they had been photographed in their finest attire and had danced the night away, they left the red carpet behind and walked the gang plank at 12:30 a.m. to a sea adventure where treasures galore were all in store for the lucky treasure hunters.
The Geneva Community Center had once again been transformed by many of the parents of the NRHEG junior and senior prom attendees for the annual After Prom Party Sunday, May 8. The parents wished the students fair weather with lots of treasure to plunder.
This overnight affair provided the “ye swabbies” a perfect place to come aboard the Black Pearl Party Ship to “plunder ye seven seas and chase dreams of treasure across thy Caribbean.”
The captain of the ship, Jack Sparrow, along with Dan Nelson, and sidekick Elizabeth Swan and Terry Jensen, welcomed them on board. Nelson has been greeting students at the NRHEG After Prom Party for 27 years. Terry has been by his side for 23 of those years.
The 54 seniors, 64 juniors 23 underclassmen and 26 guests, along with the prom waiters and waitresses, signed the ships manifest and received their VIP number once they boarded the ship.
NRHEG students get ready for cycling season
READY TO RIDE — From left, NRHEG Elementary students Katie Crabtree, Nikita Peterson and Makenzi Rhoades get ready to ride the bicycle safety course during a program at the school Friday, May 16. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
As Mother Nature rears her head allowing spring weather to brighten the blue skies, lengthening daylight hours, outdoor activities enchant the young.
Skateboards are pulled from the hall closet, outdoor pools quickly appear in backyards, and bicyclists roam the community. Sometimes, inexperienced unobservant riders hit the streets, unprepared for a possible interlude with danger.
On Friday, May 6th, the Steele County Sheriff's Office rounded up NRHEG fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade students to teach them bike safety in Ellendale.
"May is Bike Safety Month, we need to get the information out so kids get educated, and to save them," Deputy Scott Hanson said.
This Bike Safety Program and Rodeo was made possible through funds to the Steele County Sheriff's Department by the Steele County Health-Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) grant.
Beulah and Charlie Cowell: greeting campers since 1989
STILL GOING — Beulah and Charlie Cowell have greeted guests at Hope Oak Knoll Campground since 1989. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Watching all the "snow birds" flying back for the summer always brings to mind Beulah and Charlie Cowell. Since October 1, 1989, the Cowells have leased the Hope Oak Knoll Campground at Hope.
They lead a double life, managing the camp ground in Minnesota during the summer and retreating to McAllen, Texas to escape the colder months. This routine has worked out well for them and along the way, they’ve met a lot of people in both places. Over the years they have played a lot of cards and dice. Charlie also calls bingo two nights of the week while in Texas.
The Cowells returned "home to Minnesota" during the last part of March. And when they left their Texas home, it was 90 degrees in McAllen.
Many years ago, Beulah and Charlie lived at Matawan and were caretakers at another Owatonna campground. At the same time, they also held down regular jobs, before they started managing the Hope Oak Knoll Campground. Beulah’s full-time job entailed housekeeping and laundry at the New Richland Care Center, although she is known as a lady of many jobs. Charlie worked at Fabricated Wood Products.
Superheroes, a computer and a dash of creativity
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED — Mark Domeier reached a longtime goal with the publishing of his first novel, “Heroics 101.” (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
NRHEG English teacher completes his first novel
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
A Mount Everest climb requires a first aid kit, sleeping bags, climbing equipment, oxygen bottles, and satellite phone, among many other things.
But for NRHEG English Teacher Mark Domeier, all he needed for this mountainous adventure was a computer and a dash of creativity. O.K., maybe a truckload.
Now sitting atop his virtual mountain peak, Domeier can safely add author to his repertoire, as he has written his first book, titled “Heroics 101.”
“It's one of those things that not everyone can do, sort of like a slam dunk in basketball,” Domeier said. “I'd love to be able to do that too, but I'll stick with what I have the ability to do!”
The fulfillment he feels is tremendous. It’s something he wasn’t sure he could accomplish.
“I did always want to do this, but thought it was a rather daunting task,” Domeier said. “I'd really just like people to say they enjoyed it. It doesn't have to change their life or even make their top list of books ever read. It's purely for enjoyment.”