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New Richland City Council
By ELI LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Mayor Gail Schmidt welcomed new City Administrator Michelle Johnson during the New Richland City Council’s regular meeting, April 26. Johnson’s first day was Tuesday, May 4.
Following a discussion regarding city financials, the consent agenda items were approved. The People’s Service report was tabled until the May 10 meeting, when the department plans to announce the new city employee filling the vacancy left by now full-time peace officer, Josh Knutson.
Streets and water report
Maintenance Department Director Ryan Nissen presented the Streets and Water report and asked the council to consider street improvements for 2021.
3rd Street Northwest to be resurfaced
Following a lengthy discussion, council approved resurfacing of 3rd Street Northwest at the cost of $119,000. The other street discussed was Balsam Avenue. Councilperson Jason Casey asked Nissen to do an inventory of and rate the conditions of all the streets in town.
City Well #2 approved for inspection
The City’s wells are inspected and pulled every seven years on a rotating basis. This year well number two is up for inspection. Following questions, the council approved the inspection of well number two at the cost of $3,500 plus the cost of parts.
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Lutgens prepares for post-journalism life
A LONG TIME — Since June of 1981, Jim Lutgens has worked in community journalism. Here, he’s caught with his camera during a homecoming parade. (Photo by Rodney Hatle)
By MELANIE PILTINGSRUD
Staff Writer
Jim Lutgens was a seasoned newspaper writer when he bought the New Richland Star in 2005.
At the age of 20, the Waseca native landed his first job as the sports editor at the Waseca Weekly, which later became the Waseca County News.
Lutgens took a few journalism classes, but mostly learned on the job. His boss at the Waseca newspaper, Mike Johnson, showed him how to lay out pages during his first week of employment, and Lutgens' education continued from that point on.
Subsequently, Lutgens worked as a reporter for the Albert Lea Tribune from April – Dec. 1987, and was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Albert Lea Superintendent for his “thoroughness and accuracy” in covering school board meetings.
Then, Lutgens was hired to be the sports editor for Minnesota Suburban Newspapers in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities, where, from 1988 – '90, he covered sports for seven high schools: Columbia Heights, Concordia Academy, Fridley, Irondale, Mounds View, Roseville Area, and Totino-Grace. “It was kind of fun and it wasn't that tough,” said Lutgens.
Just previous to buying the New Richland Star, Lutgens was the sports editor at the Albert Lea Tribune. The position had been open for a while by the time Lutgens heard of it. In 1990, Geri McShane, lifestyles editor, whom Lutgens had worked with at the Waseca County News, approached the managing editor at the Tribune one day with Lutgens' name written down on a piece of paper, and said, “Here's your new sports editor.”
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By DEB BENTLY
Contributing writer
“It gave me a real sense of achievement,” observes NRHEG Junior Sophie Stork. “It let me know all my hard work was worth it.”
Stork and 12 other members of the junior and senior classes were inducted into the NRHEG chapter of the National Honor Society during a 2 p.m. ceremony on April 14. The newly installed members were Katie Lee, Alex Dobberstein, Cora Harpel, Jordan Horejsi, Brenlee Knudson, Cassie Kormann, Kylee Kruger, Ava Kyllo, Miranda LaCanne, Matthew Mueller, Anna Peterson, Sophie Stork and Journey Utpadel. They join 10 fellow members who were inducted last year.
“I felt honored to become part of a group with the people who were already members,” said inductee Journey Uptadel. “Just as they set an example for me, now I will have a chance to become an example for others.”
During the ceremony, NRHEG math teacher Susan Schaub shared her personal story of overcoming challenges and following through on personal commitments, which began when her mother died when Schaub was only 13. Her speech emphasized the four “pillars” of the National Honor Society: scholarship, leadership, service and character. Schaub cautioned that, for those who wish to see a future which includes those virtues, it is important to show them in everyday life.
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Jim Lutgens hands over reins to Eli Lutgens
FATHER TO SON - Jim Lutgens, right, hands the deed to the building to his son Eli Lutgens as they shake hands in front of the Star Eagle. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
The sale of the NRHEG Star Eagle was finalized this week as Eli Lutgens purchased the publication from his father, Jim Lutgens.
Jim purchased the Star from LaVonone Meyer in 2005 and acquired the Ellendale Eagle in 2007, combining the two to form the NRHEG Star Eagle. During his time as publisher, Jim worked hard to modernize the paper by putting the paper online, redesigning the layout, and adding color printing to the front and back pages.
After running the NRHEG Star Eagle, raising three kids, and working in journalism for his entire adult life, Jim said he is ready to retire. “I’m happy it’s Eli taking over for me and not someone from outside of the town or outside of our family. Someone else might not call me and ask me what I think; they would just do what they want. The paper wouldn’t have survived if it weren’t for Eli. With him here, I don’t have to worry about the future of the Star Eagle.”
Jim plans to assist Eli wherever possible, but did say he is looking forward to unloading the stress of the paper from his shoulders.
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NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
At Monday’s regular meeting, the NRHEG Board of Education approved the assignment of Nicholas Jurrens for the new Elementary Principal.
Jurrens was selected for recommendation out of 18 applicants. Interviews were conducted on March 17 and 18. Second round of interviews with six semifinalists by staff and stakeholders was held on April 7, leading up to interviewing finalists on April 12.
He has currrently been serving as Elementary Principal at United South Central Public School, for the last two years. Prior to that he has served as K-12 Principal and Elementary Principal at other districts, and a few years back was a K-5 teacher at Kasson-Mantorville Public School, where he grew up.
Jurrens will start July 1 on a two-year contract.
‘This is my fifth year as a principal,” said Jurrens. “I spent five of 12 years teaching 5th grade, and coaching three sports at Kasson-Mantorville, my family have built a home just over 12 acres just south of Kasson. I have three stepsons going to Kasson-Mantorville, and two boys of my own. I value small town, small community feel, and this district is very similar in size to USC, so I’m looking forward to get to know you all and the staff and work along with you.”