By JODY WYNNEMER

Staff Writer

The New Richland City Council met Monday, February 28, with all members in attendance. The evening’s agenda and consent agenda items were both approved. Consent agenda items included accounts payable in the amount of $57,571.74, four rental licenses and a pay request from Abdo, Eick & Meyer for $10,000 for the city audit.

Mayor Tom McShane opened the required public hearing for an addition to the Waste Water Treatment Facility upgrade project. The additonal work will involve the re-construction of the sewer on Dogwood Avenue from Sixth Street south to the County Ditch. There were several city residents present for the hearing.

“What size pipe will be used for the replacement?” asked John Hullopeter.

By SCOTT GROTH

Contributing Writer

The Ellendale City Council met Thursday, February 24, 2011. Mayor Engel and Councilmen Helland, Reiter, Goebel and Groth were present. Also at the meeting were City Attorney Kohl, Wes Brown, Shannon Sweeny, Clerk Louks, Maintenance Supervisor Swearingen, Rev. Lisa Dodd, Sandy Becker and three property owners on 5th Street.

As part of the evening’s agenda the council took time to declare March as Food Shelf Month. Mayor Engel, Rev. Dodd and Becker posed for a picture as Engel signed the declaration. Area residents are encouraged to drop off items at the food shelf, which is located in the United Methodist Church. Monetary donations are also accepted. Rev. Dodd explained to the council that the food shelf has been greatly received. Any donation, great or small, is very helpful!

By REED WALLER

Staff Writer

The NRHEG School District’s February meeting is traditionally when cuts are made. But this year, at the regular meeting and at their work session held on January 31, there was more discussion about increases than decreases.

Unexpected growth

After the reductions made over the last three years, and the consolidation of the elementary school, NRHEG is suddenly having to find room for more students. NRHEG has gained 20 elementary students, and is receiving open enrollment applications from students in other districts in response to program cuts made at other schools.

“We are using every bit of (elementary) classroom space now,” Superintendent Kevin Wellen said. “We can sprawl in our high school, but our elementary space is being fully used.”

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

It was ironic.

Statistics for the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva girls’ basketball team were left at Minnesota State-Mankato after Monday night’s Sub-Section South 2AA Tournament finals.

All coach John Schultz had were what Blue Earth Area coach Al Cue sent him via e-mail. It was more than enough to tell the story.

BEA implemented a near-flawless game plan while the Panthers had their poorest performance of the season and lost, 39-34.

“Our offense went stagnant, but give credit to BEA’s defense and strategy,” said Schultz, whose team finished 23-4 overall. “We were sub-section runner-up and Gopher Conference champs. I am happy with our efforts last night and all season.”

You can talk about rebounding , turnovers, shots that failed to fall or bad bounces, but the most telling statistic Monday was at the free-throw line. The Panthers attempted only one. The Bucs were 14-for-22.

“Obviously, the free-throw line made a difference,” said Schultz.

Gerald J. “Bud” Possin, age 78, of Waseca, was born into eternal life Sunday, February 27, 2011 at the Owatonna Hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 3^rd at 11:00 a.m. at the LeSueur River Lutheran Church in rural New Richland. Interment will be in the church Cemetery.

The Possin Family will greet friends on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at McRaith Funeral Home & Crematory in Waseca, and will continue on Thursday morning for one hour prior to services, at church.