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

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GIFT FROM ABOVE — That’s how Karolee Coppoc and Janet Thompson and their team of volunteers feel about the pregnancy crisis center that opens June 1 in Albert Lea. (Star Eagle photo by Carrie Gilbertson)


By CARRIE GILBERTSON

Staff Writer

On June 1, Albert Lea residents will have one more resource available to help families thrive when Gifts From Above, a pregnancy crisis center, will open its doors to the public. The organization will be housed in the lower level of First Baptist Church of Albert Lea and run by Karolee Coppoc and Janet Thompson and their team of volunteers. 

Gifts From Above will offer their services to pregnant women and new parents and guardians in the Albert Lea area. They will be open the first Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and every Monday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

According to Coppoc, “We’ll be working with pregnant women who have needs and helping to supply education, support and referrals for infants to 2t.”

By KATHY PAULSEN

Staff Writer

An informational meeting regarding the Geneva Post Office was held on Thursday, May 9 at the Geneva Community Center. Approximately 20 people attended to learn about the changes being considered.

Margie Jacobson, Janeseville Postmaster and Lynda Urban, Winnebago Postmaster, representing the Northland District, which is comprised of the 128 post offices in the 560 and 561 zip code areas for Area II, were on hand to present information regarding the Geneva Post office, as well as to get input from the residents.

Steve Bailey, who is the current "Officer in Charge," of the Geneva Post Office, was also in attendance.

The annual Blessing of the Bikes will be held Sunday, May 19 at New Richland City Park. It begins with a meal at 1 p.m. with services to follow. Local clergy will be on hand to bless motorcycles, bicycles and tricycles for the 2013 riding season. In case of rain, the event will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland.

Allie Larson receives Helen Keller Award

Lion Allie Larson received the Helen Keller Award at the 5172 Business meeting at the 2013 Mid Winter Convention in Mankato in March. In 1925 Helen Keller challenged the Lions of the world to become Knights of the Blind. Since 1960, the Lions of Minnesota have continued to meet the challenge of Helen Keller by establishing and supporting the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank. This year the efforts of the Lions of MN, research breakthroughs in diseases of the retina, molecular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and other blinding eye diseases and infections are making a difference in the rest of the world. This is a highly prestigious award. Congratulations to Allie from the Ellendale Lions Club.


Ellendale Farmer’s Market opens June 1

The Ellendale Area Farmer's Market will begin on June 1, located next to the Municipal Liquor Store in Ellendale. The market runs every Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m.  Interested vendors should contact Dan Sorum at 688-0514. 

Hanson marks 50th anniversary of first solo

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50 YEARS OF FLYING — Jim Hanson stands by his Cessna 120 airplane in the hanger at the Albert Lea Airport, which he manages. Earlier this month, Hanson celebrated the 50th anniversary of his first solo flight, which he took before earning a driver’s license. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)


By KATHY PAULSEN

Staff Writer

The names Orville and Wilbur Wright are familiar to everyone. The pioneering brothers were the first flight instructors and taught the world to fly.

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is given by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in recognition of pilots who demonstrate aviation expertise, skills and professionalism, as they were first established by Orville and Wilbur Wright.

On Saturday, May 4, the FAA bestowed this honor on James Paul Hanson, for a distinguished flying career spanning more than 50 years. Hanson first soloed an airplane on his 16th birthday, May 1, 1963, and on Saturday, May 4th, 2013, he threw a party for his friends and relatives to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the event, at the Albert Lea Airport, which he manages.