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

Batt publishes birding book, Domeier writes sequel


By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

Everybody who reads the Star Eagle knows Al Batt and Mark Domeier can write.

Batt has written for nationally syndicated comics for many years, and his column has graced the pages of this newspaper since before it was the Star Eagle. Domeier, whose Page 2 column has become a must read for most people, has published a novel.

Now, Batt has published a book and Domeier has written a sequel to his first.

A news release on Batt’s book, “A Life Gone to the Birds,” reads as follows:

“Squirrels attacking motorcyclists. Alien abductions. Koi-feeding cardinals. Binocular lust. Welcome to the life of Al Batt.”

By KATHY PAULSEN

Staff Writer

Santa is coming to town Saturday, December 14, in Geneva, for his yearly visit with all the young kids. Those attending will be able to sign up for the afternoon door prizes upon their arrival.

Geneva Bar & Grill and Victory Life Assembly of God Church are helping organize Santa’s yearly visit to Geneva this year. Prior to Santa’s arrival at the Geneva Community Center, bingo will be called, starting at 1 p.m. Warren Torgerson will call 20 games of bingo, and children in attendance will be able to play bingo the old-fashioned way and will use corn kernels to cover the numbers on their bingo cards.

Making a Difference

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NOT WORK — Pat Motl makes a difference by decorating at Whispering Oak for the holidays, with at least 56 trees this year. Said Motl, “If you like what you’re doing, it doesn’t seem like work.” (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)


By KATHY PAULSEN

Staff Writer

You might say "Deck The Halls" is what this lady does best, but she does so many things well. Pat Motl’s decorating talents shined recently at a tour of Whispering Oak in Ellendale.

Visitors are welcome to stop by Whispering Oak to visit with the residents and see all the beautiful Christmas trees and decorations. Pat is busy planning an Open House for Saturday, Dec. 7 from 2-4 during Christmas in the Country. All are welcome.

Whispering Oak is home to many people who, even though they are no longer are able to stay in their own homes, still enjoy holiday decorations. Pat makes their home look festive. 


 

Memorable band concert ends with standing ovation

 

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SOUNDS AND SIGHTS — The NRHEG High School Indoor Marching Band Concert was a big hit last week. Performing above from left: Zach Stenzel, Natalie Aaseth, Kendra Raimann, Haley Deml and Kevin Kalis. Below is a scene from the band’s performance of “Applause.” (Star Eagle photos by Chris Schlaak)

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By NIKKI ERICKSON

Contributing Writer

Music and applause. It was all you heard throughout the night and, with a rocking lineup from the 1960s to today’s pop rhythms, the NRHEG Indoor Marching Band Concert enticed the crowd that filled high school gymnasium last Monday and Tuesday night.

The jazz band began the evening with a swinging blues selection called “Attitude Adjustment” written by composer Larry Barton. The strong bass line in the tune showcased the talent in the band’s saxophone line and brass base lines with a baritone saxophone solo by T.J. Schiltz.

A lively trombone ballad, “As I Look At You,” by Les Aldrich, was played by Kellen Ferber and kept the spirit of the evening alive. Composer Chris Sharp’s “Mamacita” was the next number. The song was inspired by a ‘60s latin jazz groove with solos by trumpeters Logan Knutson and Doug Rudau, and base guitarist Will Rudau. The final selection of the evening for the jazz band was “Back Row Politics,” by Gordon Goodwin. Featuring the entire trumpet section in straight eighth rhythm, it kept the audience’s feet tapping.

 

Christmas in the Country Saturday
The Ellendale Commercial Club would like to remind everyone about Christmas in the Country. The 26th Annual event will be held on Saturday, December 7, this year instead of Sunday. The move was prompted by low attendance in the past. The event will start Saturday at 9 a.m. and will runn until 3 p.m. The Commercial Club will also host Santa Bingo for the children at 2 p.m. at The Refuge. New this year will be a chance for two people to win $50 in Ellendale Bucks. Ask one of our business owners how you could win. Join us December 7 during Christmas in the Country. We can't wait to see you.

Norwegian Meatball Supper Saturday
The Owatonna Sons of Norway/Nortonna lodge will host a Norwegian Meatball Supper on Saturday, December 7, 2013 from 5-7 p.m. at the Owatonna Elks Club. Cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. The menu will include authentic Norwegian meatballs, parslied potatoes, mashed rutabagas, peas w/pearl onions, beet pickles, lefse, Norwegian Christmas cookies and coffee. For tickets call Gloria at 451-4274 or Nina at 451-5841.