NRHEG Star Eagle

137 Years Serving the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva Area
Newspaper of Record for NRHEG School District
Newspaper of Record for Waseca County, MN
PO Box 248 • New Richland, MN 56072

507-463-8112
email: steagle@hickorytech.net
Published every Thursday
Yearly Subscription: Waseca, Steele, and Freeborn counties: $52
Minnesota $57 • Out of state $64

Making a Difference:

NR’s lucky to have Norm, Sharon Eckart

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SMALL TOWN PROUD — Sharon and Norm Eckart with their dog, Corky, who they of course obtained from a neighbor, are proud to call New Richland home, evidenced by the many volunteer activities they’re involved in. (Star Eagle photo by Jessica Lutgens)


By JESSICA LUTGENS

Contributing Writer

To some, they’re parents. To others, they’re grandparents. And to our community, they are pillars, giving an abundance of time, effort, and care, never asking for a thing in return.

Norm and Sharon Eckart are natives of New Richland; both grew up here and graduated from New Richland-Hartland High School. They married young, and Norm, a Vietnam veteran, was drafted into the military, where he served three years shortly after their marriage. But nothing could hinder their relationship.

“We were high school sweethearts,” Sharon commented humorously, although the endearing look exchanged between the two said it all.

“We’ve had arguments, just like anyone,” Norm said, “but we always sit and discuss it.”

School closed consecutive days as storm hammers area

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WINTER BLAST — Larry Goehring of New Richland, above, uses his snow blower to clear downtown sidewalks last Friday. Roads were closed, school was cancelled and events postponed as a two-day blizzard hit the region. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)


By JIM LUTGENS and KATHY PAULSEN

Of the Star Eagle Staff

Feeling a little edgy lately? Notice anybody else acting a little cranky? Blame it on the weather. Welcome to the winter that will not end.

The winter of 2013-2014, already the ninth coldest on record with more sub-zero temperatures in the forecast, added a new twist in the region last week — a good old-fashion blizzard that dumped some 7 inches of heavy, wet snow, causing road closures, school closings last Thursday and Friday and dozens upon dozens of automobile and truck mishaps.

New Richland City Council

By JESSICA LUTGENS

Contributing Writer

The New Richland City Council held its second meeting of the month Monday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m. All were present except councilperson Tony Martens. The agenda was approved, followed by the consent agenda. Resolution 14-05, which certifies delinquent property charges to be collected with 2015 taxes, was approved with no further discussion.

The first report presented was by the Maintenance Department. It was stated a wastewater license needs to be renewed at the cost of $23, with a request that the city pay the cost. It was approved.

NRHEG School Board

By REED WALLER

Staff Writer

Facing pressure from disappointing test scores and new state laws mandating performance evaluation, the NRHEG School Board heard arguments at Monday’s meeting for adding two new positions.

In a report to the board, instructor and Education Minnesota representative Deb Bently detailed the requirements of the new Minnesota law.

Groove 4 Food Sunday at Trinity Lutheran

The New Richland Area Food Shelf is kicking off March FoodShare with "Groove 4 Food" Sunday, March 2, 1:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland. Talent includes  Lillie Nielsen, T.J. Schiltz, Melissa Williams, Dalton Kraay, Two Guys and a Preacher (Pr. Pamela Jensen), Donna and Greg Moe and Just Friends! Al Batt is the emcee. There will be a mystery auctioneer!   Live auction items include NRHEG Panther boys’ and girls’ basketball team boards by Brenda Kampen, a pool party for 12 at Crossings by Grand Stay in Waseca, pinatas by Virginia Gaona, gift certificates to First Impressions and KJs Styles, turkeys (frozen) from Wagner Foods, quilt from St. Peter’s NR and Otisco quilters, a coffee-theme basket from Trinity quilters, a baby gift set by Gail Batt, 31 totes and an additional Kampen board!