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2011 Year in Review, Part 3 of 4
Compiled by JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
JULY
• The residents of Hope gathered at a town meeting to hear about the potential closing of their post office. The Postal Service is looking at ways to cut operational costs throughout the country.
• An equipment fire was to blame for a small fire at the WFS elevator in New Richland. No employees or customers were injured.
• The elusive Farm and City Days Medallion was no match for the Harrington family as they successfully located the prize for the second year in a row.
• Neighbor Lee Mendenhall claims to be “two years older than Gary Nordlie.”
• Dad’s Good Stuff in New Richland received a facelift as workers did some tuck pointing on the façade of the 1886 era structure.
• The Southern Storm (11 and 12 year old boys basketball team) raises funds for their trip to Nationals.
• Rev. Paul Andree is chosen Grand Marshal of the Farm and City Days Parade. Lillie Nielsen (junior division) and John Darcy (adult division) were selected as New Richland Idols.
• The New Richland High School class of 1946 held their 65th class reunion with seven members in attendance.
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Bernard says enjoy it while it lasts, because it could change quickly
BROWN GROUND — Above, a dried-up pond just north of New Richland illustrates just how dry and unseasonably warm it’s been in the area lately. The pond usually is filled with a couple feet of water, normally frozen in January. Below, a small group of ice fishermen kept close to shore on Beaver Lake Sunday. (Star Eagle photos by Jim Lutgens)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Old man winter has been acting a tad peculiar this past December and January. Of course, there’s seemingly little room for complaint, but it would still be satisfying to hear a solid explanation.
So, here to shed some wisdom on our unseasonable brown surroundings is local agronomist, Mark Bernard.
“I seem to remember that the winters of 2006-07 and 01-02 were rather warm as well,” Bernard said. “But, why is there no snow on the ground? Well, there is no one reason. There are many factors to consider when this happens.”
According to Bernard, the matter at which these “open winters” occur is never predictable, due to frequency and magnitude of occurrence.
“The La Niña event in the Pacific, a cooling of the surface sea temperatures, is usually associated with above normal winter precipitation and colder than normal temperatures for us,” Bernard said. “That is why most forecasters were convinced we were in for a wetter and colder than normal winter. The same conditions existed last year, so it seemed like a slam dunk.”
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OFFICERS — The inaugural meeting of the Powder Hounds Snowmobile Club was held Sunday, Jan. 8 at Blondie’s in New Richland. Officers are, from left, Jessie Shaffer, Secretary/Treasurer; Brian Hoffman, Vice President; and Joe Ranniger, President. (Star Eagle photo by Jessica Lutgens)
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Contributing Writer
Eventually, it will snow.
At least that’s what New Richland’s new snowmobile club is hoping.
The Powder Hounds held their inaugural meeting on Sunday, January 8th at Blondie’s Grill, during which they discussed what the group plans to do, and who they’d like to see be a part of the club.
They’re looking for new, younger members who will be able to bring new ideas and be the future of the club. They are hoping it will be something for everyone to be able to take part of and enjoy as a group.
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New Richland City Council
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The New Richland City Council chambers were partially full for the first meeting of 2012 Monday night as two Boy Scout leaders and eight Scouts were present to observe the meeting. Mayor Tom McShane called the meeting to order and roll call showed all members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all and after amendments; the evening’s agenda was approved.
The consent agenda was rather lengthy due to the required annual Mayoral appointments, notably: Official Newspaper - NRHEG Star Eagle; Depository - State Bank of New Richland; Deputy Mayor - Christine Gislason; Fire Chief - Jeremy Parpart; and City Attorney - Perry Berg.
The council next adopted the following resolutions:
• 12-01 — Water and Sewer Rates. The base rate will be $17.47 per month for each meter connection, allocated as $7.12 for water and $10.35 for sewer. Volume rates will be $15.38 per 1,000 gallons of usage, allocated as $9.51 for water and $5.87 for sewer. The new rates will become effective after meter reading January 2012.
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By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Geneva. It's the village with a heart that sends out arteries of love and concern to the many areas that surround it. In its 28th year at Geneva Bar & Grill, thousands visited this little site for the annual Geneva Cancer Auction, to donate, purchase and contribute to the cause for cancer.
This year’s two-weekend event began Friday, Jan. 6. It will conclude with two more big days this weekend, including an appearance by former Minnesota Viking “Benchwarmer” Bob Lurtsema and two Vikings cheerleaders Friday from 6-7 p.m.
But that’s just a small part of the action, spearheaded by Whitey and LaJune Hagen and several extended family members.
As Whitey is quick to say, there would be no auctions if it weren't for the good people of our area who bring and buy while enjoying a night of camaraderie. Old friends, young friends and new customers are welcomed as one.
The Daybreakers Kiwanis Club of Albert Lea does an outstanding job assisting in the auction, and a long list of volunteers help in many ways. Some great auctioneers continue to give of their time and talents year after year.