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GETTING ACQUAINTED — New Richland Care Center’s new administrator, Lyn Sebenaler, left, chats with resident Robert “Swan” Tollefson. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
It’s no secret that New Richland Care Center residents are having a holly, jolly time this holiday season. And no, it’s not because of the mistletoe or colorful lights.
Sure, these Christmas-oriented things might liven up everybody’s spirits, but the core of their happiness stems from the newly-hired administrator, Lyn Sebenaler.
“I enrich lives that normally would be lonely,” Sebenaler said. “Nursing homes are notorious for being cold and impersonal, but I thought this place to be very warm and open.”
Actually, the moment she walked on the premises, there was an instant connection. Smaller-bed facilities just have a way of doing that to her.
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New Richland City Council
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Editorial Assistant
The first city council meeting of December commenced at 6:30 on the 10th, with all members present. The meeting was also the last one for current members who have not been reelected to another term.
The police report was presented first. The New Richland Police Department reported 57 calls and 39 other contacts/activities for December. There were no serious or felonious crimes reported. It was a slower month, and the department believes it has to do with the cold weather settling people down and keeping them indoors.
The front brakes on one of the squad cars need to be replaced, and despite the best efforts of the officers, the dealership doesn’t look like it’s going to cover the cost. The topic is to be discussed at the next meeting.
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By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
“One afternoon while I in our dining room in Hartland, I got this knowing feeling that I wanted to write,” said acclaimed author Sandra Esch. “I never knew what, just that I wanted to write.”
Esch trusted that gut feeling, and when the time was right, she started work on her first novel, Tracks in the Snow, and eventually won the San Diego Christian Writers Guild’s Best Fiction Book Published in 2011 for its compelling and well-rounded quality.
“Receiving the award meant the world to me,” she said. “Did I expect to win? No. I feared being disappointed if I held out hope and lost. There are too many good writers out there.”
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Annual event marks 25th year
FUN FOR ALL — The 25th Annual Christmas in the Country event offered something for all ages in downtown Ellendale Sunday, Dec. 2. (Star Eagle photos by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Sure, there may have been no white flakes blanketing Ellendale this past Sunday, but they sure had plenty of Christmas cheer to go around.
From noon to 5 p.m., town residents of all ages flocked to a myriad of entertainment and shopping events for Christmas in the Country. The kids especially had a grand ole time.
“I’ve called Santa Bingo since our kids were little, so we’ve been doing this for 25 years,” said Commercial Club member Brian Wayne. “All the bingo winners receive prizes provided by local businesses in town.”
Some of the prizes available for selection included Play-Doh, an Angry Birds ball, Candyland, bead kit, weaving loom and a Nerf basketball kit.
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Nicole Johnson benefit planned for Friday
A pulled pork fundraising supper and silent auction benefit will be held for Nicole Johnson on Friday, December 14.
Nicole was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer on May 17, 2012. She underwent chemotherapy followed by surgery. The cancer spread to her lymph nodes and she is now under going radiation treatments. Nicole is the daughter of Cindy (Kasper) originally from Ellendale, and Dave Johnson originally from Hope. She is the granddaughter of Theresa Kasper from Ellendale.
The benefit will be held at Owatonna VFW, 135 Oakdale St. It will be held from 5 until 9 p.m.