The NRHEG boys’ track and field team competed in a pair of meets last week, placing fourth at Maple River Thursday and fourth at Blue Earth Area Friday.

Gopher Conference favorite United South Central/Alden-Conger won at Maple River with 150 points, followed by LCWM/Nicollet with 118.5, Madelia-Truman 96.5, NRHEG 66.5, Maple River 45.25, Mankato Loyola 42.25 and Minnesota Valley Lutheran 39.

The Panthers’ lone first was by senior Tony Wacholz, who tossed the discus 131-4.5. He was second in the shot put at 43-3.25.

Also taking second was the Panthers’ 4x100-meter relay team of Matt Webster, Geoff Ramaker, Brian Billing and Hunter Eustice.

Freshman T.J. Schiltz was third in the 1600 and 3200.

The NRHEG baseball team dropped a 6-4 decision at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Friday.

The Panthers’ overall record evened out at 4-4 and their conference mark fell to 2-3.

Jake Staloch and David Lassahn had the big hits for the Panthers. Staloch’s was a two-out, two-run double. Lassahn had a clutch two-out run-scoring single. Brad Claycomb also had a strong day offensively, going 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored.

Offsetting that was 14 strikeouts for NRHEG.

“We had way too many strikeouts,” said Panthers coach Jeff Reese. “We have to work hard on our two-strike swings.”

Sam Lundberg pitched a complete game for the Panthers. In six innings he gave up six runs (three earned) on 10 hits, with five strikeouts and five walks.

“Sam Lundberg’s pitching performance was good enough for a win,” said Reese. “But a couple of crucial errors hurt.”

The Panthers trailed 2-0 after one inning but tied it in the third as Claycomb and Chad Schlaak scored. NRHEG took a 4-2 lead in the fourth on runs scored by Cody Kraay and Claycomb.

The Buccaneers won it with a four-run sixth.

The Panthers faced Glenville-Emmons Tuesday. They play Thursday, May 5 at Mankato Loyola and host JWP Tuesday, May 10.

By JODY WYNNEMER

Staff Writer

The NRHEG Panther golf teams have had a rough go of it this spring. More often than not, their matches have been played in the wind, rain or both.

Last Thursday was no different as they played host to the Rebels from United South Central at Riverview Golf Course in New Richland. A stiff breeze and temps in the low 40s led to some difficult scoring conditions.

USC 228, NRHEG girls 235

Several of the Panther golfers encountered a few tough breaks on the links as the Rebels finished with a seven-stroke margin. USC’s Ali Wood had a 50 to capture medalist honors. Maddy Reed was low for NRHEG with a 54. Abby Holland (58), Michaela Hansen (59) and Brina Bergland (63) rounded out the scoring.

NRHEG boys 176, USC 187

Panther senior Jon Walstrom came out firing as he was one-under-par until he dumped one in the water on No. 3, but held on and finished with a 41 to lead the scoring on the boys’ side. Aaron Patraw was one stroke back with a 42. Matt Nafe (45) and Spencer Hanna (48) also figured in the Panther’s total. Sam Gackstetter was low for USC with a 46.

“The boys continue to do well,” said coach Brad Root. “Jon [Walstrom] was medalist again. Good news from the JV team was Cole Lenort who had a 45 and will be moving to varsity.”

The Panthers face the Triton Cobras at Dodge Center Tuesday, May 3. They play host to JWP Wednesday, May 4. 

LEAGUE CHAMPS — New Richland Liquor Company, winners of the 2010-11 Wednesday Night Bowling League at Trapper’s Lanes in New Richland. Front from left: Shannon Young and Karl Proehl. Back: Dick Root, Al Waldhauser, Mark Routh and Wayne Billing. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)

By KATHY PAULSEN

Staff Writer

The Wednesday Nighters Bowling League at Trapper’s Lanes in New Richland held their end-of-season awards program on Wednesday, April 20th.

The league this past season was comprised of seven teams: Ebnet Construction, Johnny's Custom Cabinets, New Richland Liquor Company, New Richland Liquor Company Women, State Bank of New Richland, Swamprats and Trapper’s Lanes. Once again Janice Pederson from Superior Foods catered the evening meal, which consisted of barbequed pork and turkey, scalloped potatoes, whole kernel corn, macaroni salad and buns. Some of the women on the State Bank of New Richland team — Ann Hagen, Jenny Thompson, Jill Schlaak and Cindy Holland, assisted Janice Pederson, served the meal.

ROCK ON — The 90th and final wooden rocking horse built by beloved area farmer David Swenson, who passed away April 12. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)

By KATHY PAULSEN

Staff Writer

I only met David Swenson once, when he brought his horse to Geneva to be sold at the auction’s cancer crusade. Just that one time made me realize this was a man of the world. Swenson was a man that I'd not soon forget.

This 90th rocking horse creation of his was the last, as on the following Tuesday, April 12, he left his family, his woodworking and many worthy deeds behind. It is only befitting that we honor and pay tribute to this admirable man for his love of his work, his fellowman and charity.

Indeed, he was a wealthy man, as evidenced by the throng of people who came to pay honor to this hard working, kind and worthy man at the time of his passing. He did his best at whatever he did, whether it was farming, serving his community, caring for his friends, woodworking or just being a loving role model to his family.

He had much passion and pride for this big wooden rocking horse he had created, built and gave to people he loved. This beautiful creation was big enough for a small adult, like LaJune Hagen, who tried it on for size at the cancer auction. 

FAMILY AFFAIR — The winter family of rural Janesville has operated Indian Island Winery since last year. From left: Angie Winter (wine master), Tom Winter, Angela Winter with son Riley, Lisa Winter and Ray Winter. (Star Eagle photo by Mike Harnish)

By MIKE HARNISH

Staff Writer

Historically, there is no way of knowing for sure when the first grapes were crushed for their juice. Likewise, there is no indication of when some daring soul first looked into a cask of supposedly spoiled (fermented) juice and said, “What the heck, I’ll drink it anyway.”

But we do know that sealed wine jugs have been found in the Middle East, dating back to around 7000 BC. Evidence of wine making can be traced prominently to ancient Greece and throughout the Mediterranean region.

If quizzed about wine making, a lot of people probably still picture a large tub filled with grapes, which were enthusiastically crushed under the bare feet of local peasantry. It could make for a good tourist attraction, or an episode of “I Love Lucy,” but the truth is that winemaking has advanced considerably, not only through technology, but geographically. The University of Minnesota has been researching and developing different varieties of grapes since the 1990s.

It is hard to believe that Mother’s Day and Prom are both coming up this next weekend. Prom begs many questions: What was it like that year? Is it still in your favorite memories? What did you wear? Where did you go and how was the gymnasium decorated? 

In my mother’s time, there was a junior-senior banquet, with no music or dancing. The girls wore formal dresses, and she believed the boys got "dressed up," but not in tuxedos. The banquet was held in the gymnasium, because back in those days, there was no school cafeteria. 

The mothers of the junior students prepared the meal and the dinner was then served by the sophomore students. Eventually, the banquet became a tea or luncheon, which soon disappeared from the Prom scene.

My mother also remembers a theme selected for the banquet. She doesn't remember fine details, but does remember there was a make believe radio station, appropriately with the "call numbers" being Korn.

Most of the boys were obliged to drive the family car; I would wager few young people owned their own car back in those “good old days.” This annual affair served as a great way to perform an overhaul cleaning of the family vehicle. If anything, the car had a good re-polishing.

At that time, only junior and senior students from Ellendale, no "outsiders,” were allowed to attend. That eventually changed when juniors and seniors started seriously dating sophomores. Actually, it became a "big thing" to bring a date from a different community, especially if they were particularly stylish, beautiful or handsome.

Attire changed through the years. Many of the earlier dresses were designed and made by the girl or her mother. Some were extravagantly bought at about $39. The dress was worn for both the junior and senior proms. 

My mother remembers her favorite dress, with bold colored flowers worn by Alice Richards. It was the talk and envy of all the girls. Through the years, the Misgen girls had some spectacular dresses, probably made by their mother or Aunt Audrey.

I would guess that tuxedos became the “thing” to wear over time. A brave soul may have tried something new, and then the next year, there were more followers.  One year, "tuxs" trended more towards white, but then tapered off to just a few. 

Vests matched dresses - garters were worn by the guys on top of their suit coat sleeves. Corsages were worn on the left shoulder and went to the wrist.  One year, the fashion statement was black, and another year slinky and sequined was all the rage. Bouffant dresses were trendy in the early progression of proms, gave way for awhile, and now this style is coming back with billowing skirts, tucks and layers. The original pink, blue and yellows of yesteryear are in style again, but cost a great deal of money.

Back then, one put their own hair, which was usually long, up with bobby pins. A few got "waved" at a beauty shop. Now most girls frequent the beauty salon for a style they hope will wow their date and the spectators. Many are given the works from pedicures to manicures, facials, and of course you have to have a wonderfully tan to go with the new dress.

Shoes have gone up and down to the highest and the lowest of styles, including "flip flops," but not the $1.98 kind you find at the dollar store. This silver and gold footwear are found more at expensive department stories, and are more comfy for dancing.

Every year brings its own trends and individuality.  The same goes for limousines that ran their course and sort of faded out. This faded fad is probably due to the fact that the guy eventually had more ability to buy their own vehicles as the years went on.

Somewhere along the way it became important to "go somewhere" after the prom. Now it’s usually the security of the "After Prom Party," which is probably the most fun for all. Every year, Dan Nelson works with the parents of the junior and senior students to get the whole event planned.

Dan and Terry Jensen have probably hosted all of the parties held at the Geneva Community Center since it began years ago.

A long tradition that had been held in New Richland was students obtaining their prom tickets at the New Richland Care Center. This allowed the care center residents to see the "pretty couples" decked out in the finest of attire. Some years, the juniors and seniors came to the care center to have a Senior Citizens prom. I am sure that it was a thrill for those elderly folks who probably never experienced a prom before.

It has been fun rooting through old Ellendale Raider annuals to try and piece together that era in the lives of many of our area residents. My best bet is that the first prom started in about 1951. The first ones had a banquet too. What was eaten is hard to tell; with that excitement for such a big event at school, who could remember. 

The annual Junior-Senior banquet in 1947 was "The Circus." In 1949, the theme of the banquet was "Southern Plantation.” The 1951 "The Raider Howls" annual stated that a great number of the previous year’s activities centered around the purpose of raising money for the Junior-Senior Banquet. 

The 1952 "Raider" asks this: “What shall be the prom theme?” The theme they selected was "Fairyland,” which was carried out in silver, gold and green decorations. Albert Lea Swing Band furnished the music. 

The Raider in 1953 said the junior class spent a great deal of their activities raising money for the Junior-Senior prom in 1952. The theme the junior class selected for the event was "Apple Blossoms in Moonlight." The theme for the junior-senior prom held in 1953 was "Harbor Lights."

The waitresses were all dressed in sailor-type attire. The theme back in 1954 was "Hawaiian Sunset," and Lenny Wavrin provided the music. Eventually, bands gave way to disc jockeys,, as it became too expensive for the classes to hire them.

I guess I could have done some more "researching" in the annuals, but I don't think that our paper would have allowed me that much space.

So what do you remember about your prom?  What comes to mind about this major event of the spring school year for you?  For most, prom and graduation were the last big things you experienced in your junior and senior years of high school.

It is hard to believe that some of the people who will be there to witness the grand march this year will be seeing their grandchildren and great grandchildren making their own memories of this big high school event.

Birthdays and annivesaries:

• Thursday, May 5th: Mckenzie Lynn Jensen, her 10th; Alexis Janning, his 10th; Jeff Draayer, Shirley Jensen, Melody Krenke, Ron Langlie, Ryan Larson, Shirley Swearingen, Amber Obermoller, Dennis Sauke, Martin Whelan, Erik & Shannon Smith, their 10th; John & Lucille Nechanicky, Tim & Jolene Sorenson, Kevin & Annie Avery

• Friday, May 6th: Caleb Scott Harpel, his 11th; Tracy Haddy, Cheryl Nelson, Iris Jensen, Brandon Wallace, Bill Vavra, Tim Wilker, Jennifer & Michael Vetsch, their 11th, Bill & Judith Hatch

• Saturday, May 7th: Brody Hanson, Brian Jensen, John Snyder, Nancy Swearingen Grant, Brian Johnson, Heidi & Jason Owen, their 5th, Bryan & Diane Brighton, Heidi (Crabtree) & Jason Owen, their 6th

• Sunday, May 8th: Olivia Kay Smith, her 5th; Kristina Follien, Marguerite Christensen Nelson, Ronald Wangsness, Elizabeth Bremer, Sandy Neubauer

• Monday, May 9th: Elli Pearl Baker, Aidan Jeffrey Schlaak, his 4th; John Jensen, Sue Pence, Jake Simmons, Vi Callahan, Julie Haroldson, Sue Hohansee, Audrey Horan, Karol Carroll, Njole Aaseth, Rachelle Doran, Carolyn Greer, Karla Kelly, Jerry Westrum, Jill (Ottesen) & Cam Kehne

• Tuesday, May 10th: Tari (Walterman) Erickson, Ryan Callahan, Tina Nelson, Steve Nielsen, Christine Ingvaldson, Dave Oeljenbrun, Mary Wilker, Brody Johnson, Mark & Sara Misgen, Rande & Jamie Nelson

• Wednesday, May 11th: Michaela Ann Hanielton, Jaxon Edward Beavens and Parker Reese Beavens, their 6th; Carol Cromwell Cox, Ed Haberman, Krista Hanson, Troy Janka, Daniel Robertson, Robert Vaith, Loretta Schewe, Scott & Shannon Pacholl

• Thursday, May 12th: Everal Lageson, Richie Robinson, Dorothy Jensen, Larry & Jean Klocek

• Friday, May 13th: Brooklyn Christine DuBois, her 8th; David Richards, Rose Glienke, Troy Donahue, Curt Esplan, John Nechanicky, Holly Pence, Tracy Swearingen, Larry Schmidt, Reed Thostenson, Rose Glienke, Alan & Kathy Knudson, John & Barbara Olson

I wish you sunshine, flowers and many, wonderful days ahead.

The 2011 fishing opener is just around the corner and I don’t know if I am ready. It seems like I wait all winter for the season to open, but always wait until the last minute to get myself into that “ready-to-go” mode.

As a kid, I could tell you exactly how many days there were until that magic time. In fact, I probably had it dissected into hours. Opening day – that was the big one!  Even into my 30s, I would be busily checking and rechecking my tackle boxes and at least once during the late winter or early spring I’d clean them all out and rearrange them to make sure all was ready for that big day. I would even take the reels apart and oil and grease them at some time during the winter months.

My father-in-law, Orville, had a much simpler solution to readying for the opener. Rather than replace the line or try to fix them, he’d simply throw away the old Zebco 202s and buy new ones for the upcoming season. In their family, all the kids got the same rod and reel every year — the old Zebco 202 — and they caught fish.

There was one time when he and I had gone fishing on Clear Lake in Waseca and it was getting close to the end of summer. Orv said, “The reel’s not working quite right, time to lubricate it,” and he dunked it in the water and kept right on fishing. Now I don’t know if that actually worked, but he said it did. I think that he probably did that just to make me wonder. He had a way of doing that from time to time, knowing that I was kind of particular about my fishing tackle.

We did a lot of fishing around this area in those days. We fished bullheads early in the spring and caught some dandy ones. My mother-in law Shirley would fry them up that same evening and we’d feast on bullheads, Van Camps beans and fried potatoes. I don’t care what you say, that was some mighty good grub.

There were quite a few lakes in the area that had some dandy bullheads in them. We also tried our hand at fishing the south shore of State Line Lake a few times and usually had some pretty good luck. One thing I learned was that when bobber fishing from shore in the presence of my mother-in-law, you needed to have your head on a swivel. When she went to set the hook, she meant business, and after a couple of near misses with flying bullheads, I learned to keep my distance. I think she just might have passed that trait on to her oldest son Lynn.

Pickerel Lake used to be loaded with bullheads, and I can remember cars lined along the highway in the spring. I recall the time my uncle Harvey Christensen took me  there. I believe I was about 10 years old at the time and the fishing was almost elbow to elbow.  I can remember thinking I’d never fished around this many people, but because I’d never fished that lake before, I thought it was great, and we were catching fish.

You just don’t see many folks fishing for bullheads these days and I don’t know if it’s because there aren’t that many swimming in our lakes or if they are now considered a rough fish. I do feel the bullhead population has gone down and my own theory is the carp have taken over the primary areas of lakes that bullheads used to roam.

As a kid, I never really set out in search of any certain species of fish. I was just going fishing. It was pretty simple back then. Go in the back yard and dig up some “angle worms” and put them in an old tin can with a little dirt grab some extra hooks, sinkers and a cork, and you had the fixings for a day of fun. Although I never set out to catch bullheads, they were usually the fish I’d catch most, but that really didn’t matter as long as I was fishing and catching a few.  Some things never change no matter what your age.

I have to admit that in the time it takes to clean a bullhead you may clean two or three perch. This may be one reason not as many people fish them. Another is probably the obvious: they are not a pretty fish and looks alone may kill the appetite of a lot of today’s fishermen. The stingers on a bullhead can leave a lasting impression on you. Getting one rammed into your hand or finger can definitely make you leery. Anyone who grew up in my time knows exactly what I’m talking about. It almost became a challenge to us kids when we’d catch bullheads and try to get them off the hook without getting stung. The bigger ones were easier, but the smaller they got the harder it was to avoid those side stingers.

I have to admit I’m not thinking bullheads right now because I have my sights set on a different species, but it sure is fun to look back and relish those days of the past.

— — —

The May meeting of Crossroads Chapter 54 of Muskies, Inc. will be Wednesday, May 11. Our special program will be a tour of the Waterville Fish Hatchery. We will meet at 6:45 p.m., at Casey's Convenience Store, on Highway 13, coming in from the south. Anyone interested in muskie  fishing is always welcome. Our meetings are second Wednesday of every month and include informative speakers. Check our Web sight at www.michapter54.com. Our goal is to improve muskie fishing and opportunity in southern Minnesota. Also, there’s muskie talk and tips to help members catch more muskies.

— — —

Until next time; it’s time to do a little fishing and get out and enjoy the great Minnesota outdoors!

Remember our brothers and sisters who are proudly serving our country so that we can keep enjoying the freedoms that we have today.

The Minnesota Twins are normally a fun team to root for. They play good defense, hit in the clutch and play smart. However, this year it’s tempting to throw up your hands and exclaim in disgust. Granted, the team has key injuries and is only able to start about half of the regulars. As the Twins are composed presently, they are only a fair team that if lucky would probably be fighting for third place in the Central Division.

This means the team must scratch out wins and take them when they are offered. The other night the Twins had the Kansas City Royals on the ropes behind the pitching of Scott Baker. But they lost because of poor defense and ignorance.

By saying the team is ignorant, I don’t mean they are dumb. And they are trying hard, but they are not using baseball knowledge and background. Much like we learn from experience and education how our jobs are done, so baseball players have to do likewise. There were a couple of occasions in the Kansas City game when the runners on second should have scored on a hit, but did not because they were not prepared. They didn’t know where the outfielders were playing and consequently delayed their base running to first locate them. Both Jason Kubel and Danny Valencia should have scored easily. They did not and it cost the Twins a run both times.

I am not a fan of Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter. I don’t like his patronizing attitude of, "You guys are pretty good, but you really don’t belong on the same field as the New York Yankees." But I saw him make a wonderful play to cut down the Oakland Athletics’ Jeremy Giambi to win a playoff game. The ball had rolled free in front of home plate and Giambi was coming home with the winning run. Jeter got there, flipped the ball to the catcher, Giambi didn’t slide and he was out at the plate. Derek Jeter had no business being there from his shortstop position, but he anticipated the play, Giambi was out and the Yankees went on to the World Series.

You don’t have to be a clinical psychologist to play baseball, but you should think a play or two ahead. The Twins show no evidence of this.

The front office seems to be lacking that ability also. I could be mistaken, but when I was listening to general manager Bill Smith being interviewed, he was asked why he didn’t re-sign Nick Punto to a very reasonable salary. He replied that he felt some of the younger players deserved a chance. That is kind of like saying, “Well, we’re not going to bring back Justin Morneau, because minor league first baseman Chris Parmalee deserves a chance.”

Some of the national sportswriters are getting on Alexi Casilla saying that he is out of control and lacks the instinct necessary for shortstop. I don’t know about instinct. At one time animal behaviorists were giving instinct most of the credit for animal behavior. However, I had a Cocker Spaniel that when she heard my dad’s car on our gravel driveway headed for the stairs to greet him, paused, turned back and looked out my upstairs window to make sure it was him. Now that is using the old bean. So, I don’t think instinct is the problem for animals or people. I think the lack of baseball knowledge is to blame for Casilla’s difficulties.

In golf there is a shot called a mulligan where you are able to have another swing at the golf ball. Too bad there is not a "do over" for the Twins’ spring training. On the positive side, ignorance can be cured during the season. I hope it is in time.

Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting

“That’s an interesting cologne you are wearing.”

“You like it?”

“No, but I think it is interesting that you want to smell like a skunk eating rotten fish.”

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: wisdom comes in small pieces.

Things I’ve learned

1. To spay and neuter my pet peeves.

2. That the word “bedroom” looks like a bedroom.

3. That I’m never too old to learn the wrong things.

Telemarketer trauma

We each did our job.

The phone rang. I answered it.

I live back-of-beyond, but each day offers an array of opportunities. I hoped that the call would have been one. Alas, it was a fellow calling to ask for a donation. He proudly stated his name (I suspected it was an alias, but it produced an image of an All-American guy who watched baseball, ate apple pie, and drove a Chevrolet) and the organization on whose behalf he was calling. He was the third telemarketer to call that morning. I was familiar with the organization. Its people had called enough that I had checked its rating with a service that ranks charities. The performance of the outfit was appalling. I’d asked to be removed from their calling list numerous times. I try to be decent, but occasionally fail. I’m polite in an attempt to be fit company for myself. I was taught to listen because I might learn something and because I have two ears and only one mouth. My caller, “Brad,” resided somewhere between hopeful and obnoxious. I wanted to believe “Brad.” I wanted to believe that by giving him money, it would make the world a better place. I knew that it would improve “Brad’s” lot in life. I wanted to give but I couldn’t. I knew the company’s business. Money would be better spent elsewhere. I hung up on him before he got far into his pitch. I feel guilty about it. When some folks say “them” in a way that makes it sound as though “them” is everything that is wrong with the world, I think some people consider “them” to be telemarketers. I don’t look down on telemarketers. They’re just doing a job. Maybe “Brad” doesn’t like being a telemarketer. Maybe he has learned that he is good at something that he doesn’t enjoy doing. I hope “Brad” didn’t sense my guilt. If he did, he’ll be calling back.

Leaf it alone

Back when my bank account was in a piggy, my grade school class was assigned the leaf project. We were to gather leaves, identify them, and affix them to scrapbook pages. It was a delightful endeavor. Our farm was filled with walnut, several varieties of oak, elm, ironwood, cottonwood, ash, box elder, willow and a couple of species of maple trees. Leaves enough to fill any scrapbook. The problem was that I couldn’t find a nice red maple leaf. I knew where there was a tree that offered such leaves. It was in town. One day, I accompanied my parents to town. I deserted them as they shopped and ran to the tree. I saw the perfect leaf. It hadn’t fallen to the ground. No time for patience, I climbed the tree and was about to grab the fine specimen when I looked down and saw the tree’s owner.

“Looking for a leaf for school?” he asked.

There are no secrets in small towns. 

A scene from a marriage

“Did you look at the sink?” my wife, The Queen B, asked sweetly.

“I did,” I replied.

“Did you fix it?” she asked.

“I fixed all that I could,” I said.

“What did you do?”

“Nothing.”

Nature notes

A single bite by a mosquito could provide her with enough blood to lay 250 eggs. There are 176 species of mosquitoes in the U.S. — roughly 51 in Minnesota and 53 in Iowa. Not all species lay their eggs in water. A mosquito can find us 60 feet away, attracted by carbon dioxide, body temperature, movement and lactic acid. Birds, bats, fish, frogs, damselflies and dragonflies feed on mosquitoes.

The great blue heron seldom stabs prey. The heron uses its bill-like barbecue tongs and clamps onto prey.  

Folklore claims that if you dig a hole on a new moon, you’ll have dirt to give away. If you dig a hole on an old moon, you won’t have enough dirt to refill the hole.

Meeting adjourned

You will never know the true importance of your words, so make them kind.