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

With the dry conditions along with winds blowing, Waseca County Sheriff Brad Milbrath has issued a county-wide burning ban until substantial rain falls. 

Camp fires will still be allowed in 3x3 rings with flames no higher than three feet. Please be aware of the conditions and be safe.

Good things continue to happen for the New Richland Area Foundation Fund.

It started with an anonymous donation to the New Richland Area in 2008, the formation of the New Richland Area Foundation Fund in 2009, the anonymous donation of the “By-the-Grace-Of-God-Fund” in 2010 and the Gift of Grain in 2011 — overwhelming progress in such a short time for a small community like New Richland.

It seems that success has spilled over into 2012.

Early in February, Gail Schmidt, the NRAFF Representative of the Waseca Area Foundation, received a telephone call inviting her to attend a meeting with the attorney and estate representative of a New Richland resident who recently passed away. The news that she received left her speechless.

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KINDNESS MATTERS — NRHEG Elementary students chosen as winners for the third quarter were Spencer Christensen, Olivia Smith and Elizabeth Karl. For their efforts and actions, they were rewarded by having lunch with Elementary Coordinator Doug Anderson. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)


By JODY WYNNEMER

Staff Writer

The NRHEG Elementary school students held a pep rally of sorts Wednesday morning, March 28. The 2012 Panther girls’ basketball team was welcomed to a standing ovation by the student body. Mark Domeier, the voice of the Panthers, introduced each player. The basketball team was in attendance to speak about sportsmanship, a part of the yearlong Kindness Matters program at the school.

Several students were chosen to ask questions of the players in a news conference type of format. The topics ranged from how to be good sports to treating your opponents with respect. The players said that in order to be a team, you have to put your teammates ahead of yourself.

Sophomore guard Carlie Wagner told the younger kids of her experiences during the recent state tournament.

Forum urges return to Mother Nature’s origins

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WHOLESOME TALK — Envirosense owner Dean Goette addresses the crowd gathered at the South Central Sustainable Farming Association meeting held March 17 in Clarks Grove. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)


By RACHEL RIETSEMA

Staff Writer

They may not all sport Pioneer hats and overalls, but the South Central Sustainable Farming Association members still have one particular farming goal in mind: to wave back in an older, more wholesome food chapter.

“I don’t want to criticize, or be a martyr or crusader,” said Dean Goette, keynote speaker at the chapter’s March 17 meeting. “Mother nature is infallible. If we work with her, it’s amazing what happens.”

An advocate of three major soil companies, this Envirosense owner knows the pitfalls of processed food backwards and forwards. But, in order to spur change, big doses of teamwork and ingenuity must occur.

“We are what we eat,” Goette said. “Our cows and sows are no different.”

Fellow keynote speaker Jim Stiles, owner of Austin’s Superfresh, is just as enthusiastic about returning to Mother Nature’s origins.

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THE PROFESSOR SPEAKS — Dr. Gyles Randall, Professor Emeritus, addressed the attendees at the Agro-Economics annual meeting Wednesday, March 28 at NR City Hall. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)



By JODY WYNNEMER

Staff Writer

New Richland’s City Hall was the setting for the Agro-Economics annual get together prior to spring planting season. Host Mark Bernard welcomed the 30 or so agricultural specialists Wednesday, March 28, as the meeting kicked off about 10 a.m.

Jim Jirik, from the Waseca office of the Minnesota Natural Resource Conservation Service, was the first speaker on the morning’s agenda. Jirik mentioned several ongoing programs still available such as CRP and nutrient management.

“The nutrient management program pays you to have a test plot on your farm,” said Jirik. “Even consultant fees are reimbursed.”