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

The Ellendale City Council met for its first regular meeting of the month July 8, 2021. 

Consent agenda items

The consent agenda items were approved, which included Accounts Payable/Claims, Meeting Minutes from the June 24 council meeting, Resolution 2021-20: Authorizing a donation of money from the Ellendale Fire Relief Association to purchase wildlife gear from Heiman Equipment for the Ellendale Fire Department, Resolution 2021-21 authorizing a donation of money from the Ellendale Fire Relief Association and Financials.

Public Input

Fire Department Building Committee Jacklyn Froman stated the RFQs for the building will be gathered on July 12.  They will be reviewed by the council at the July 22 meeting.

Fire Department report 

Fire Chief Busho stated he will be submitting a receipt for an order he placed for glue to repair the tear in the drop tank that is utilized for hauling water in the amount of $17.00. He is gathering quotes for a new drop tank. He is also gathering quotes for two hydrant adapters that will pass through mutual aid and quotes for repairs for the A/C in the Pumper.

Next, he gave an update on certifying the Arial Truck and stated American Test Center is behind in scheduling and will let him know within three weeks when a time to inspect the truck and ladders will be feasible.  

By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor

During the regular meeting of the New Richland City Council July 12, a request was heard from Fire Chief Josh Moen for $105,000 for fire truck outfits/repairs, and a $27,000 contract with Coordinated Business Systems was approved, to be paid over five years for the lease and service of office printers and copiers. 

Fire Department

Fire Chief Josh Moen was present for his first city council meeting of the year and informed council members that the fire department’s air packs and face pieces in town are “borderline going out of compliance.” The equipment is good for 15 years and the oldest of the air packs and face pieces were purchased in 2006. Chief Moen told the council, “We do feel we already have enough finances for the purchase. I’d like to have them by the first of the year.” The rough estimate Moen reported is a cost of $105,000 for face pieces, packs and tanks. 

Fire department members took part in a controlled burn of 40 acres and Moen said it was good practice for the department. 

A floor drain in the department hall is in need of repair. 

Chief Moen also shared that Councilperson Chad Neitzel’s team, including Dylan Arnold and Adam Wacholz, were the winners of Farm and City Days Water Wars 2021. 

Copier/Printer Services


Valedictorian Kendall Johnson speaks during NRHEG's 2021 graduation ceremony

By Melanie Piltingsrud
Staff Writer

Kendall Johnson, the daughter of Chad and Rochelle Johnson of Ellendale, graduates as the 2021 Valedictorian at NRHEG High School.

Johnson has had a packed schedule at NRHEG, which included volleyball, basketball, Student Council, National Honor Society, Knowledge Bowl, as well Yearbook, Prom and Homecoming Committees. During non-school hours, she helped on the family farm, worked at Applebee's in Owatonna, and attended youth group and confirmation at her church.

With her sights set on Valedictorian ever since sixth grade, Johnson says she feels proud and accomplished to have achieved her goal. Two of the things that helped in her achievement were her family, including siblings AJ, Jace, Brixton and Aubri, who believed in her and knew she could do it; and never being afraid to ask for help when she needed it.

The knowledge of growing crops is something that has been around for thousands of years and is often passed down from generation to generation. There must also be a passion behind farming for one to continue from generation to generation. This year’s Farm Family has had this passion passed down from their father, and his father before him. This year, we are pleased to recognize the Wayne Family as the Steele County Farm Family of the Year.

Brothers Greg, Brian, David, and Tom Wayne have all been helping on the family farm for as long as they can remember. The farm has been in operation since their grandfather, Manford Wayne, bought the original farm in 1943. Manford’s son Lyle, purchased the adjacent farm in the 1950’s. From there, Lyle’s farm has become the main location for the Wayne Brothers' operation. 

As each one of the brothers graduated, they stepped up and took a role in helping in the family operation. The brothers have worked to expand the family operation to 6,000 acres of corn and soybeans. Aside from some family friends that help during the busy seasons, it’s a family run operation. Greg, David, and Tom all work together to do spring planting and the fall harvest. The fourth generation of the family has assumed roles as well. Greg’s son Nathan, and David’s sons, Dustin and Alex, along with Brian, do the tillage and herbicide applications. 

By MELANIE PILTINGSRUD
Staff Writer

Anna Jacobson graduates as the NRHEG Co-Salutatorian of 2021 with Grace Tufte.

Jacobson is the daughter of Erik and Heidi Jacobson, and sister of Tyler and Erin of New Richland.

Jacobson didn't expect to win Salutatorian. “I knew I had a great GPA,” she says, “however there are so many more students who also work very hard for their grades.”

At NRHEG, Jocobson's played volleyball and softball for four years and basketball for two years. She was also involved in both National Honor Society and choir for two years. Outside of school, Jacobson was involved in Luther League, Operation Christmas Child, and Adopt-A-Highway. On the job, she worked as a lifeguard, a nanny, and a certified nursing assistant.

“I feel honored and proud of my accomplishment after working hard over the last four years,” says Jacobson of earning Salutatorian.