Jim Lutgens
Janet May Roeglin, 76
Janet May Roeglin, age 76 of rural Waseca died on Monday, May 9, 2011 at her residence.
Born on May 19, 1934 in Waseca, Minnesota, she was the daughter of George A. and Fayette E. (Wobschall) Bauman. She attended rural Waseca County School District #46 and graduated from Waseca Central High School in 1951. Janet married Stanley Roeglin on January 23, 1952 at St. John Lutheran Church in Waseca. She and Stanley lived in Waseca before moving to a farm west of town. She worked at various places in Waseca and retired from the E.F. Johnson Co. in 1998. She enjoyed spending time with family, traveling to Salt Lake City to do family history and genealogy, and socializing with friends over lunch. Janet was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church in Waseca where she taught Sunday School and Bible School, was active with WELCA and the quilters, and also served on the church council. She also volunteered with various other organizations.
Dale Gordon Winegar, 87
On May 7, 2011 the world lost a wonderful man. Dale was a retired third generation farmer, lifelong resident of New Richland, who raised hogs, loved his chickens, took great pride in his perfect fields. Dale was born to Seth and Sara Winegar on November 15, 1923. He was preceded in death by Catherine Doyle Winegar after 38 years of marriage.
An avid hunter and fisherman his whole life, Dale was also a prolific gardener and a bird-watcher. He was a Texas Hold ‘Em champ, and there was no better entertainment than watching a good Twins, Vikings, or New Richland Cardinals game.
Dale was unassuming and strong-willed; he survived 5 different cancers. He taught us to accept fate with good humor and without complaint. There is an empty chair at the farmers’ table of wisdom at Blondie’s café.
He is survived by his wife, Verona Tufte Winegar; they married on September 29, 1990.
Lacinda 'Cindy' M. Meyman, 54
Lacinda "Cindy" M. Meyman, 54, of Owatonna, died Thursday, May 5, 2011 at Homestead Hospice House, where she received such wonderful care after courageously fighting a cancerous brain tumor since 2009.
She was born July 15, 1956 in Albert Lea, Minnesota; the daughter of W. Manfred and Shirley (Martin) Jensen.
A special “thank you” is given to Mike Ryan, Cindy’s very special friend, who moved in to take care of her so she could spend this last year and six months in her own home.
As a baby, she lived by Freeborn, MN and later moved near Hartland. Later, the family moved to rural Ellendale. Cindy attended grade school in Freeborn, Hartland, Geneva, and Ellendale. After graduating from Ellendale High School in 1974, she went on to graduate from Austin Junior College. She attended Mankato State after which she started working in Owatonna for Federated Insurance Company in June 1977, where she was still employed. On February 6, 1982, Cindy was married to James Meyman at the Clarks Grove Baptist Church. They were later divorced.
A story of faith, determination
FAMILY OF FAITH — A strong faith in God and a desire to never give up has been the creed of the Goette family of rural New Richland. From left: Brad, Vern and Alice Goette. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
Rural New Richland man lives with MS
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
He’s a completely normal guy. It’s just that his muscles don’t function as they should.
At 39 years old, Brad Goette’s muscular dystrophy limits most movement. But if you’ve ever met Goette, his lips are rarely at a standstill.
“I have my good days, and I try not to think about the bad ones too much,” Goette said. “Sometimes it’s hard to do that, but I have to do it I guess.”
Just about a month ago, he had a not so good day. His older sister, Cheryl Johnson, frantically dialed 911, and at warp speed, four ambulances came to the rescue.
“They were able to keep my parents and my sister calm,” said Brad’s other older sister, Theresa Larson. “He wasn't able to ride in the ambulance, so the EMT rode with them in their van all the way to the hospital. If they hadn't shown up so quickly, he may not have made it.”
His mother, Alice Goette, wants everyone to know that Brad is just fine. His heart problem is under control, and is regulated with medication. Also put on oxygen with a ventilator, he is back to his old self.
John, Sean Darcy enjoy ‘special bond’
CLOSE — Sean and John Darcy of New Richland enjoy their time spent together. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
NRHEG seventh-grader’s Father of the Year essay recognized by Minnesota Twins
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
For the past few years, the Minnesota Twins have recognized a Father of the Year. For the second year in a row, a NRHEG seventh-grade student’s essay has made the finals in the competition.
Last year, Dan Stork was nominated by his daughter Anna; this year John Darcy of New Richland was nominated for Father of the Year by his son Sean.
The Twins notified Sean’s teacher Mark Domeier that Sean’s essay was chosen runner-up of all seventh-grade essays received. The staff at the National Center for Fathering will select men for interviews after personal questionaires are reviewed. The Father of the Year finalists’ families will have an invitation to the Celebration of Fatherhood on Saturday, June 18.
John Darcy is a construction worker and also has a daughter Veronica, 14.
“I was surprised when I heard my essay had been chosen,” said Sean. “Dad has been a major role model in my life. Grandma has really helped us out as well.”
Minnesota niceness returns from Middle East
GIFTS FROM IRAQ — Maryann Schlaak was the proud recipient of some special gifts from a soldier stationed in Iraq. The two became acquainted through the Operation Minnesota Nice campaign. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
We have all heard the expression, “Minnesota Nice.”
In fact, there are about 20 local residents who practice “Minnesota Nice” on a regular basis by sending treats and necessities to troops stationed in the Middle East. The motto of Operation Minnesota Nice is “To make a difference, one package at a time.”
To that end, some have developed a unique relationship and communicate on a regular basis. Maryann Schlaak of New Richland has been sending Army Specialist Roletta Goldsby from Macon, GA boxes of goodies starting in July of 2010. Around Christmas, Schlaak received a package of her own in the mail.
“I was really surprised,” said Schlaak. “When I opened the box, there was a shawl and an American flag which had flown over the Army base in Iraq. That was real special for me; I think I started to cry.”
Specialist Goldsby is attached to the postal unit of the Army’s 4th Brigade, 3rd Infantry stationed at Camp Ramadi, Alanbar Province, Iraq. The American flag she sent Schlaak flew over her base on December 5, 2010. She is a single mother of two boys, ages seven and four.
April 28 Ellendale City Council
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met April 28 with Mayor Engel, Councilmen Goebel, Reiter and Groth present. Absent was Councilman Helland. Also in attendance were Clerk Louks, Jeff Johnson, Maintenance Supervisor Swearingen and Steele County Sheriff Lon Thiele.
Thiele was present to ask if the council had any questions or concerns for the newly-elected sheriff. Mayor Engel asked the sheriff if he had found or brought with him any new contracts between the county and Ellendale. Thiele responded he had looked into the matter but did not bring anything with him.
Thiele also told the council about the 800 mhz meeting he and other county officials attended. Thiele explained that because Steele County is further along in the process, the county will leapfrog over Rice County.
Thiele was excited to report the sheriff’s department will hold a bicycle rodeo for kids in grades 4-6. The bike safety course will be held May 6th at the Ellendale building. Kids will be encouraged to bring their bikes to school that day so that they can participate in the training. Thiele told the council there will be some surprises for the kids and that a letter will be sent home with each child in grades 4-6.
Other agenda items for April 28th, 2011:
Johnson gave his monthly fire department report to the council. Johnson handed out the monthly expense report and the council approved expenses of $1885.68. The council thanked Johnson for coming.
Dan Sorum, representing the Farmers Market, was next to speak. Sorum reported the market would like to hold the weekly event at the same location. Sorum said the market had better traffic last year, and overall most vendors were happy with the location. Sorum would like to have the council’s approval to hold the market in the same location as last year, along with the O.K. to allow him to charge a one-time fee of $5 to each participating vendor. The Farmers Market will probably start the first Saturday in June. Swearingen noted he was going to work with the Farmers Market on some signage. The council approved the location request from the Farmers Market.
The Council approved the minutes from the April 14, 2011 regular meeting and the minutes of the April 18, 2011 Local Board of Appeals as presented.
The claims for the evening totaling $26,990.23 were approved as presented.
The council went over the Financial, Investment and Disbursements reports. All were approved as presented.
Mayor Engel went over his items for the evening. Engel started with the mowing in Emerald Park in Crown Ridge. Engel and council members felt the current mowing equipment would not take extra work. Engel stated Arlen Brekke has the equipment to do the mowing. The council moved to have Brekke do the mowing in the park at a rate of $75 a time and a maximum of 10 times. Engel next brought to the attention of the council the vacating of an alley in Crown Ridge. After some discussion the council felt they should move ahead with the vacating and leaving a 15-foot access. Engel will have the city attorney start the process. Engel told the council legal council was working on the franchise agreement with the gas company. The council reviewed the street lighting process in new developments and decided that past practice should be followed with the developer putting in the lighting.
Clerk Louks was next. Louks stated the water report was finished and will be published in the paper as required. Louks noted that everything was in order. Louks told the Council that the pump for the lift station on 8th Ave. will take $4140.34 to repair. The question was asked if the city could buy the pump that is currently in the lift station. Louks responded the company did not offer that as an option, but he will ask. After discussing the pumps, the council will have Clerk Louks look into the option of having auto-dialing put on all of the lift stations in the city.
The council was given a report from David Brown Assoc. regarding water rates in the city. The report suggests the city will need to raise the rates in order to break even. The council will bring it up in a future meeting. Louks told the council a group of people living in Thompson Oaks would like to address the council about getting water from the city. The group will likely be on the agenda in the future.
In the open discussion for council members, Councilman Reiter asked about the proposal for fixing the additional outdoor warning siren for the city. The estimate was for around $1800 and will be ready for the 800 mhz switch. The council approved the fixing. Councilman Goebel gave an update on the Municipal Liquor Store. Goebel reported that the end is in sight, waiting for some flooring and fixtures.
The next meeting of the Ellendale City Council will be May 12th at 7:30 pm.
Wakefield has top gainer at Iowa sale
TOP GAINER — Kyle Wakefield, right, of New Richland had the top-gaining bull in the Charolais group at the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association sale of performance tested bulls held in Dunlap, IA.4.Rick Grote of Pfizer presented Wakefield with an animal health product for the achievement. (Submitted photo)
Kyle Wakefield of New Richland had the top-gaining bull in the Charolais group at the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association sale of performance tested bulls held in Dunlap, IA. The April sale featured top performers in four breeds. Lot 142 from Wakefield Farms had an average daily gain of 4.16 pounds. Rick Grote of Pfizer presented Wakefield with an animal health product for the achievement.
The sale attracted Iowa and out-of-state buyers for active bidding. Only one sale remains for ICA tested bulls and heifers; that will be May 6 at Tama Livestock Auction in Tama. A group of 59 performance-tested open heifers will sell prior to the 70 bulls listed in the sales catalog.
Panthers hang on against BA, improve to 6-3 overall
GLOVING IT — NRHEG pitcher Jade Schultz hangs onto a pop fly during a recent game at Legion Field. The Panthers held off Bethlehem Academy 9-7 Monday. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The weather was not conducive to softball Monday afternoon.
The NRHEG Panthers got the job done anyway.
Playing in conditions that head coach Wendy Schultz described as “absolutely brutal,” the NRHEG girls held off Bethlehem Academy 9-7 at New Richland’s Legion Field.
“This is a game you’re just glad that you win and avoid injuries,” said Coach Schultz. “Our girls really kept a great attitude in light of the tough conditions.”
In a game that saw the teams combine for 12 hits and 18 walks, every out was made from the pitcher, second base and first base.
“Defensively, we played well, committing no errors,” said Schultz.
The Panthers took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first, breaking it open with five in the second and two in the fourth. They held on as BA scored twice in the fifth and three times in the top of the seventh.
NRHEG track girls 2nd to USC/AC at Mapleton
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
The NRHEG girls’ track and field team already knew United South Central/Alden-Conger was tough.
The Rebels showed them again anyway.
USC/AC topped an eight-team field at Mapleton last Thursday with 183.5 points, easily outpacing the second-place Panthers’ 103.
“The girls saw just how strong USC/AC can be,” said Panthers coach Duey Ferber. “They are going to be tough to beat at the conference meet.”
Rounding out the field: Minnesota Valley Lutheran 73, Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial/Nicollet 58.5, Madelia-Truman 55, Maple River 48 and Mankato Loyola 36.