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NRHEG Commencement, June 6, 2021
ONE LAST TIME - For the first time in 15 months, the class of 2021 was together, for the final time. Seated listening to speakers are Courtney Techau, Jenika Tonkin, Grace Tufte, Jazmyne Urschitz, and Kayliegh Wilkie. See the June 10 edition of the Star Eagle for many more photos from graduation. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
Together they stood together for the final time.
One by one, they walked out into the world.
The NRHEG High School class of 2021 graduated 68 students Sunday afternoon in a packed high school gymnasium in New Richland– something not possible a year ago.
“It’s a privilege and honor to be part of your celebration today,” said superintendent Dale Carlson, who thanked everyone who made it possible: the school board; parents and guardians, “your child’s most influential teacher,” along with teachers and support staff.
This past year, teachers faced the most challenging time of their careers. “You persevered in your mission of service to students,” Carlson said. “Today we celebrate you as well.”
Carlson encouraged the graduates to change the world, cherish friendships, and follow their hearts and intuition.
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NRAF recipients are pictured above. Front row, from left: Karla Christopherson, Betsy Bartness, Pam Goehring, Kathy Flor, and Stacy Lienemann. Middle row: Dave Dunnet, Laina Rajala. Back row: Kermit Schoenrock, Chad Neitzel, Anthony Martens. (Star Eagle photo by Eli Lutgens)
The New Richland Area Foundation (“NRAF”) celebrated the 2021 grant recipients at two recent community meetings. Community groups submitted 18 grant requests totaling $53,500 during the grant cycle, which ended March 31. Members of the NRAF met to consider these proposals in April and were able to provide $20,025 in funding for 13 community development projects and programs which are responsive to the changing community needs in promoting quality education, or cultural, wellness, recreational, social service, environmental, and civic opportunities.
NRHEG School projects and programs were the beneficiaries of $10,600 in funding. The following were awarded certificates at the school board meeting on May 17:
• Special Ed – $2,025 for furniture and supplies for the new EBD (Emotional and Behavior Disorder) room at the secondary building; this will support students and provide a safe and comforting space for students to de-escalate and learn
• Special Ed - $950 for social and mental health curriculum for Special Education students aged 4-10 years; students will practice, learn, and improve social competencies including self-regulation, social emotional learning, executive functioning, perspective talking, and social problem solving
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Lutgens now enjoys tasks he never imagined doing
OUT AND ABOUT — Eli Lutgens before a recent meeting of the New Richland City Council. (Star Eagle photo by Deb Bently)
By DEB BENTLY
Contributing Writer
If the NRHEG community is a network, Eli Lutgens has become the microprocessor which accepts the input and generates reports—except for one important detail. Microprocessors don’t have hearts.
“Where I can, I like to help out,” says the 2016 NRHEG graduate. “In communities like ours, getting people’s stories told is the first step to finding a solution. People step forward and do what they can.” He mentions one recent terrifying heart attack which came to an uplifting conclusion. “In other towns,” he says, “your neighbor doesn’t respond to a 911 call and save your life.”
At 23, Lutgens has been the managing editor at the Star Eagle for three years, having taken on the duties from his father. As has been mentioned in recent issues, he has now purchased the newspaper and pictures himself continuing—and perhaps growing—the business for decades to come.
While it’s been short in years, though, the path to this moment has been winding and uncertain. “I always told myself I wouldn’t take over from my father,” he says. “I loved the line of work, but didn’t think I could work at the Star Eagle.”
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Carlson hopes NRHEG continues to improve
ENGAGING - Dale Carlson discussing the difficulty of Covid-19 and the decision behind his retirement. (Star Eagle photo by Deb Bently)
By MELANIE PILTINGSRUD
Staff Writer
Dale Carlson, superintendent of the NRHEG school district for the past six years, has decided to retire.
Carlson credits his upbringing with inspiring him to work in education. His father was a Lutheran pastor, and his mother was an administrative assistant at a community college. “They really instilled in me that real core belief of service and of helping,” said Carlson, who knew early on that he wanted to serve as a teacher.
Carlson received his teaching degree in mathematics from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. Subsequently, he worked for 30 years at larger school districts in Wis., such as La Crosse and Janesville, first as a teacher for 10 years, then as a principal for 13 years, and finally, as a superintendent for seven years. He also coached wrestling for 10 years.
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Administration faces difficult reality, considering cutting staff hours
By ELI LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
New Richland Care Center Administrator Chuck Ness shared multiple concerns, including a $13,000 fine incurred against the care center with the New Richland City Council during its regular meeting Monday April, 26.
Surveys
Administrator Ness shared details regarding surveys conducted by the Advanced Health Institute (HI) at the care center last fall. He mentioned two different surveys where financial penalties were threatened.
“In January, I missed the notice of it (the fine) and we weren’t able to appeal it; which may or may not have done any good anyway,” said Administrator Ness.
Administrator Ness said the penalty/fine is a result of a survey for infection control issued as a result of Covid. He further explained the situation to the council saying because he missed the email notifying the care center of the fine, they automatically assumed fault. By accepting the penalty now, after the fact, the care center reduced the original fine of roughly $18,500 by 35 percent.
Administrator Ness was asked many questions including: who issued the fine, what the fine was for, if the surveys conducted were repetitive, as well as how the care center responds to these surveys and how these negative results affect the care center’s state rating.