NEW LEADERS — New officers were recently selected for the New Richland Fire Department. From left are Josh Moen, lieutenant; Jeremy Parpart, chief; Cody Dobberstein, assistant chief; and Larry Shurson, captain. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)

New Richland Fire Department welcomes new officers

By RACHEL RIETSEMA

 

Staff Writer

They’re the ones who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It doesn’t matter if it’s 3 a.m. If duty calls, they answer.

The New Richland Fire Department’s goal is to save lives, plain and simple. So, for the department’s newest chief, Jeremy Parpart, the biggest thing is to get on scene and figure out a plan of attack.

“We get to some fire scenes and it’s complete chaos,” Parpart said. “I’m constantly thinking, ‘Is everybody doing everything in a safe way? What’s the next step? Is everybody safe?’ That thought process just keeps going in circles until we are done.”

On the department for the past 12 years, Parpart is elated with his new position. Although it may not always be fun on scene, the camaraderie among the department is amazing.

“All 25 guys that we have on the department get along really well,” Parpart said. “It just seems like something I need to do.”

In his reign as chief, he plans on bringing what knowledge he has to the entire department. Whether it be a structure or grass fire, he will lead the pack.

 

The Waseca County Dairy Banquet will be Saturday, March 26th at the Purple Goose in Janesville. Social half-hour will begin at 7 p.m. and the dinner and banquet will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The 2011 Waseca County Dairy Princess Sarah Manthey will be crowned during the banquet. Sarah is the daughter of Chuck and Chris Manthey of Janesville. Sarah is a senior at JWP and will graduate in May. Sarah has helped with various jobs on their dairy farm such as helping milk, feeding cows and calves and helping bale hay.

She is involved in 4-H, Yellow Ribbon,track,cross country,FCCLA, youth group,pep band, show choir and musicals.

Her plans are to attend the University of Wisconsin- River Falls in the fall.

Sarah said that she has come to realize that not everyone has the opportunity to grow up on a dairy farm. Growing up on a dairy farm has taught her about hard work, responsibility and life lessons. These are all things she will be able to use throughout her life. She has also learned never to take anything for granted. Life can change in a matter of moments.

The Dairy Princess program is made possible by the local dairy farmers’ dairy promotion check-off dollars.

During the banquet, the Milk Pitcher award will also be presented. The Milk Pitcher Award is awarded to any individual, group or business that has gone above and beyond to promote the dairy industry. The Butter Knife Award will also be awarded. The Butter Knife Award is awarded to any food establishment that serves real butter and other real dairy products.

Tickets for the banquet are $10 and can be purchased from Curt Keyes, Waseca County Dairy Board chair. Keyes can be reached at 507-271-5757.

Joy Dunn, 67, went to be with her precious Savior, Jesus Christ on March 14, 2011. She was surrounded at home by her beloved family. Her funeral service, with Tim Coop officiating, will be held at Crossroads Christian Church on Thursday March 24, 2011 at 11 a.m.

Joy was born on June 1, 1943 to Robert and Florence Hanson, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. She attended nursing school in Minnesota for three years. Three months before completion of the program she decided nursing was not the direction she wanted to continue. She married her Marine, Lloyd Dunn, 47 year ago and they moved to California. At the age of 55 Joy completed her education with a Bachelor of Science Degree at Hope International University.

For the past 28 years Joy and Lloyd owned and ran a small business, Evans Leak Detection. Helping run their business didn't keep Joy from volunteer community work. She was Corona Parks and Recreational Commissioner for 18 years, a Mentor Mom for "Moms of Pre-Schoolers” and a Home Fellowship Leader. She worked with the Corona Police Community Partnership. Joy was a very active member of Crossroads Christian Church for 43 years. She was a church elder.

 

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Joy had a special passion for her work and her friendships with the Circle City Rotary Club, where she had served as president. On Sunday, March 13, she asked that they be told how much she loved them and that "Rotary meant everything to me ... They were part of my family." She was an active member for over 20 years. Through the Hurricane Katrina Stars (Service to American Rotarians) Joy and Lloyd traveled on their Harley from California to the Gulf Coast to help in the rebuilding of little league baseball field and a Rotarian home. She was a Rotoplast Medical Team Member traveling to Cumana, Venezuela to make the lives of the people better. Joy was a part of the selfless endeavor of Rotary Mission trips to Costa Rica, bringing medical supplies, dental care and school supplies to students.

Joy was diagnosed to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in September 2008. She called upon her faith, family, and friends as she accepted the fact that this neurological disease would destroy her Central Nervous System. She credited the Lord Jesus for answering the prayers of family and friends in slowing the progression of her muscle weakness.

Her nomination for "Woman of the Year" 2011 for the State of California was a great honor. She was looking forward to going to Sacramento on March 21, 2011 for the award ceremony.

She determined to make each day special. That determination was important for her as she worked hard to maintain peace and acceptance of her disease. She and Lloyd ventured out on several major trips following her diagnosis. They traveled to Costa Rica, Chile, México, Minnesota, Washington, and even rode their Harley from Corona, California to Abilene, Texas in April of 2010. They met their goal to make each day special. Joy reminded herself of a favorite scripture in Philippians 4:3: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Joy had very close family ties with all who survive her; Husband, Lloyd Dunn, sons, Mark (Adrienne) Dunn and Brian (Jennifer) Dunn of Corona, and her Rotary "exchange kid", Claudio Valenzuela from Chili; eight grandchildren, brother Kurt Hanson of Kent, WA, Sisters, Lorna Berg of Albert Lea, MN; Linda Anderson of Rochester, MN; Anita Kess of Eagan, MN and many nieces and nephews. She had a host of close friends. The parents of Joy preceded her in death.

Terri Engel, NRHEG fifth-grade teacher, has been selected as the ABC  6 (Austin and Rochester) News Excellent Educator for Wednesday, March 23.  Her segment will be aired on ABC 6 News on Wednesday, March 23 at 5 p.m.  It will also run again on the ABC 6 News Good Morning the next day.  You can also go to kaaltv.com and choose the Excellent Educator link to view a photo and profile on Terri, after the story has aired.

Memorial services for Beulah E.I. Crabtree of Ellendale, MN, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Ellendale. Pastor Lisa Dodds will officiate. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at a later date.

Beulah died Tuesday morning, March 15, 2011 at the Albert Lea Medical Center. She was 89 years of age.

Beulah was born June 5, 1921 on the family farm in Steele County. She was the daughter of Harold and Nelsena (Skow) Ferguson. She graduated from Ellendale High School in 1939. On June 25, 1941 she was united in marriage to Charles Henry Crabtree at the First Methodist Church in Ellendale, MN.

Beulah was a Steele County resident for most of her life and a member of the United Methodist Church in Ellendale. She was active in the Church Choir, United Methodist Women and taught Sunday school for many years.

 

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Beulah was a member of the Sweet Adeline’s Owatonna Chapter and loved all types of music. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking, gardening and being a homemaker to her loving family.

Beulah is survived by her children; Millie and her husband Allen Paulson of Ellendale, MN, Allie Larson of Ellendale, MN, Becky and her husband Allen Larson of Ellendale, MN, Bob and his wife Leah Crabtree of Brainerd, MN, Kathy Crabtree-Shoudel of Coppell, TX. There are 13 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Also surviving are four sisters; Anna Foster of Red Wing, MN, Alice Richards of Geneva, MN, Mildred (Gerald) Flugum of New Richland, MN, Roselyn (Eldon) Peterson of Hayfield, MN, one sister in law Marjorie Trandem of Owatonna, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

Beulah was preceded in death by her parents; Harold and Nelsena, husband Charles Henry, son in law Dennis Larson and sisters Wanda Fisher Christensen and Helen Holmes.

She will be sadly missed by her loving family and many friends.

BACK-TO-BACK! — The NRHEG sixth-grade girls’ basketball team won a second consecutive MYAS state championship March 5-6 in Bloomington. Front from left: Natalie Aaseth and Grace Johns. Row two:Maddie Wagner, Jennifer McKay, Aubrey Schlinger, Marnie Wagner, Gretchen Ramaker, Maci Surat and Kendra Raimann. Back: Samantha Herman, Macala Sundve, Jillian Jongbloedt,  Kayley Camerer, Madison Martin and Mariah Navarez.

 

The NRHEG sixth-grade girls’ basketball team competed in the MYAS grade school tournament at Bloomington, MN on March 5 and 6th. They didn't know what to expect as they went from class 1A last year, which they won in some very close matches, but was moved up to class 4A this year. It is a pool of 16 teams, all from large schools.

On Saturday, they beat an excellent Winona team by the score of 34-26. They then went on to defeat Hopkins 37-15. Sunday they faced a great shooting team from White Bear Lake and pulled out a victory  40-35. They then met up with a fast team from Prior Lake in the championship game. It was quite a battle, but NRHEG was victorious by the score of 31-26.

CELBRATORY SKATE — Helping the Albert Lea Figure Skating Club celebrate its 50th anniversary this Saturday are area skaters, from left, Marissa Mortenson, Caty Nelson, Sadie Mortenson and Sierra Misgen. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)

 

By KATHY PAULSEN

Staff Writer

The Albert Lea Figure Skating Club plans to celebrate its 50th year of existence March 19 and 20 during a skating program titled, "Celebration! 50 Years on Ice."

The production will take place at the City Arena in Albert Lea with the first performance presented at 7 p.m. Saturday and the second at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets will be available at the door and cost $9 for adults and $7 for children.

Several area skaters will be part of the program, including Caty Nelson, daughter of Marianne Christensen of rural Geneva; Sierra Misgen, daughter of Mark and Sara Misgen of Ellendale; and Sadie and Marissa Mortenson, daughters of Don and Holly Mortenson of rural New Richland.

By SCOTT GROTH

Contributing Writer

The Ellendale City Council met Thursday March 10, 2011 with Mayor Engel, Councilmen Goebel and Groth present. Councilmen Helland and Reiter were absent.

Also attending the meeting were maintenance supervisor Roger Swearingen, city clerk Steve Louks and Brian Wayne.

The agenda for the evening was approved as presented.

The council heard an update on the Whispering Oak facility. The Oak has currently finished a four-apartment addition. The units are single-bedroom apartments. The Oak has 18 employees on staff.

The Oak currently has two apartments open of which they will be making calls to those on their waiting list to see if they are interested in moving yet. The manager has recently completed the audit required by the TIF agreement. The council felt the Oak facility is a nice asset to Ellendale and the surrounding area.

By RACHEL RIETSEMA

Staff Writer

Geneva City Council members convened their monthly meeting on March 8 at 7 p.m., with Mayor Steve Bailey calling the meeting to order. All councilmen and women were present except Richard Weckwerth.

Councilman Taff Worrell made a motion to approve meeting minutes, financial reports and bills payable. Without delay, Jannell Tufte seconded and the motion carried.

City Clerk, Nancy Cornelius, then provided an update from the Steele County Cooperative. After corresponding with co-op representative Syd Briggs, no new information is available at this time. The ball is still rolling however, as their retained lawyers continue to iron out the logistics.

The Verizon Wireless Internet update included much discussion about cost comparison. Based on similar situations in neighboring areas, the council unanimously concurred that an offer of $1500 for the lease agreement is not satisfactory.

 

By JODY WYNNEMER

Staff Writer

Following a request from lifeguards, the New Richland City Council adopted a smoking ban on the beach at St. Olaf Lake Park during business conducted Monday evening, March 14. All members were present and unanimously approved the measure. There is to be no smoking on the beach area and also within 25 feet of the concession serving area. Signs will be posted prior to the beach opening for the season.

Police Chief Scott Eads reported 72 calls for service and 40 additional contacts during the month of February. Eads briefed the council on directed patrols the department has been conducting.

“Since January, we have been present during various sporting events at the high school,” said Eads. “We have also had directed patrols at Trapper’s Lanes on Friday nights. There has been positive feedback at both locations and we will continue performing these duties.”

Due to a state-mandated switch to electronic citations, Eads requested to order the citations at a cost not to exceed $225, which was approved.