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

Last week in federal court in St. Paul, a 37-year-old Ellendale, Minn., man was sentenced on charges stemming from a mortgage fraud scheme that resulted in losses of at least $18 million for mortgage lenders. On May 10, 2012, United States District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson sentenced Michael Anthony Prieskorn for orchestrating the scheme, which involved the purchase of approximately 70 residential properties in Florida and Minnesota between December 2006 and April 2007. Prieskorn was sentenced to 72 months in prison on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of engaging in an illegal monetary transaction. Prieskorn was indicted on January 20, 2010, and pleaded guilty on March 23, 2010.

"Mortgage fraud creates so much harm to individuals, businesses, and our economy, but today's sentencing is a strong reminder how serious our courts consider this criminal activity," said Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, (IRS-CID), St. Paul Field Office Field office. "IRS-CID is committed to ‘following the money trail’ to ensure that those who engage in these illegal activities are vigorously investigated and brought to justice." 

NRHEG Prom 2012

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NRHEG High School prom goers went through an informal “grand march” in the theme of the evening, “Moonlight on the Pier,” following the traditional grand march Saturday, May 5. Above from left: Michaela Hansen, Paige Bolduan, Jenika Jongbloedt, Dana Jensen, Brenna Hagen, Brina Bergland and Jadyn Nelson-Spies. Below from left: Colton Ryg, Pete Blowers, Jared Reyant, Casey Rosacker and Ashton Hareid. Anne and Rick Feist chaired the prom committee. Michaela Hansen and McKenna Thiele served as emcees and sophomore waiters/waitresses were Jade Schultz, Carlie Wagner, Caitlin Hinz, Jarek Schendel, Alec Holland and Noah Krell. See Pages 2, 15 and 16 of this week's Star Eagle for more color photos. (Star Eagle photos by Jim Lutgens)


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Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed May 17, 2012 as Character Recognition Day in Minnesota. In celebration, Synergy & Leadership Exchange, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), will hold the fifth annual Minnesota State Schools of Character and Promising Practices Award Ceremony at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Nine schools will be honored with a Promising Practice award which recognizes development and implementation of a practice promoting character in their schools. These practices must be specific, unique and transferable, and encompass at least one of the Character Education Partnership’s Eleven Principles of Effective Character Education.

2012 honorees include:

2012 Minnesota School of Character 

• Waseca High School

2012 Minnesota Promising Practice Awards

The New Richland Area Foundation Fund Grants Committee will be accepting grant applications until June 5, 2012.

The approved applicants will be announced and presented at the New Richland Farm & City Days Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, July 8 at 9 am.

The Foundation’s grant focus is; Arts & Culture, Education, Health & Human Services and Recreation.

Grants are made to nonprofit organizations under 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code and also to schools and government agencies.

The policy of the Foundation is to provide grants for community development projects and programs, which are responsive to the changing community needs in promoting quality education, cultural, wellness, recreational, social service, environmental and civic opportunities.

Applications can be obtained off the city website at www.cityofnewrichlandmn.com or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Applications must be received by the deadline of June 5.

Rudau, Frank attain Eagle Scout status

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ONE BADGE AT A TIME — Eagle Scouts Douglas Rudau and Hans Frank proudly adorn their troop uniforms and scarves outside the Clarks Grove First Baptist Church. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)


By RACHEL RIETSEMA

Staff Writer

Douglas Rudau and Hans Frank’s ability to take charge around campfires is unparalleled. Even their compasses seem to have become extensions of themselves.

After all, these two fine chaps have officially graduated to Eagle Scout status.

“A lot of our Boy Scout skills came from learning by example,” said Rudau. “Both of us hope to provide a good example for the younger scouts and encourage them to keep advancing.”

Both Rudau and Frank can’t take all the credit for the prestigious honor. Only with the help of their scout leaders and fellow members did they achieve such a goal.

“This is taking scouts as far as it goes,” Frank said. “It makes me feel like I accomplished something.”