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NRHEG Board of Education
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
At Monday’s meeting of the NRHEG Board of Education, high school principal David Bunn proposed (by telepresence) the district’s plans for the NRHEG Covid-19-compliant graduation ceremony. Since last week, the plans have been firmed up some.
The practice area between the school and the football field will be the location for the graduating seniors and their families to drive in and park, and a flatbed trailer will serve as the stage, with projection screens to left and right of the parking area. Parking will be directed for spacing and taller vehicles will go in back.
In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place in the school parking lot and Ash Ave.
The board does not normally need to approve more than the graduating class roster, but this time Bunn asked for board approval due to the unusual circumstances.
“The Minnesota Dept. of Education is watching us closely,” commented board chair Rick Schultz.
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New Richland City Council
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer
After some minor technical difficulties, the New Richland City Council’s first meeting of the month started at about 6:40 p.m. on Monday, May 11. The meeting was once again held remotely, and all members were present.
Following approval of the agenda and consent agenda items, the council approved Resolution 20-08, extending emergency declaration to the date of the next meeting, with councilperson Jason Casey voting no, as well as Resolution 20-09, care center banking authorization.
Tony Martens presented the police report, which stated the department had 87 calls for service in April.
“The number of calls is down because of Covid-19 stuff,” said Martens. “We’re trying to limit face-to-face activity.”
The number of calls for the year to date is at 449, down from 454 for January-April of last year. Martens noted that regular conference calls with area responders continue, as well as talks with school administration regarding activities for this year’s graduating seniors.
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The State of Minnesota issued guidelines on May 8 about what is, and is not, allowed at graduation ceremonies. These expectations forced the school to change its plans, yet again, for how NRHEG’s event will be performed. Schools are discouraged from having any kind of public gathering, and those that do have one must use a “drive-in” format—that is, people must sit in their cars.
“The rules make it clear we can’t let the graduates get out of their cars,” explains Mr. Bunn. “Not even to walk up to the stage and be handed their diplomas.”
“Only a few people are allowed to move around at all.” For example, the speakers can leave their cars long enough to give their speeches, but must then return.
“The school district has no choice but to comply with the rules,” says Mr. Bunn. “If we break them, our ceremony could be shut down completely. The plans have to be approved in advance by certain health agencies.”
The state’s rules specifically preclude using a stadium or bleachers; they also say it is against the rules to let people sit outside their cars on chairs or blankets.
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Ellendale City Council
By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
Ellendale Days is still not totally off the table for 2020.
The farmer’s market is a go.
These items and others were discussed as the Ellendale City Council met for its regular meeting Thursday, May 14. Present in person were councilman and acting city clerk Steve Engel, assistant city clerk Kim Zimprich and the Star Eagle reporter. Attending remotely via computer were council members Duane Goebel, Scott Groth and Steph Kibler and visitor Keith Langlie. Mayor Russ Goette was absent.
The council briefly talked about Ellendale Days, which won’t be held as usual because the city withdrew its support of the annual event. It could, according to a council member, be held as a one-day event in the fall.
The farmer’s market question stemmed from a phone call received by Engel asking if it would be held this year.
Groth asked about guidelines and, after some discussion, it was agreed to allow use of City Park for the farmer’s market.
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Co-valedictorians worked hard for the distinction
SOCIAL DISTANCING — NRHEG High School’s 2020 co-valedictorians Alexandra Combs, left, and Jayna Domeier practice proper social distancing. (Star Eagle photo by Melanie Piltingsrud)
Combs always kept an eye on her grades
By MELANIE PILTINGSRUD
Staff Writer
Lexi Combs, the daughter of Lisa Combs, is co-valedictorian with Jayna Domeier this year at NRHEG High School.
Winning valedictorian was not a complete surprise to Combs. “I have always kept an eye on my grades and did my best to ensure they were all A's,” she says. “When it came time to announce the valedictorians, I knew I had been at a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. I was working toward becoming valedictorian. Somewhere along the way, it became a goal of mine. I've always strived for a 4.0 GPA.”
Combs is candid about her struggle to study consistently. “Honestly, I don't have the best study habits,” she says. “For my College Chemistry final last year, I would study anywhere from three hours to eight hours straight. My best habit, though, is I don't wait to study, because I find that cramming really doesn't work for me.
“Studying has become much more challenging because of the stay-at-home order,” Combs continues. “It can be difficult to motivate myself to study when everything is so different than I'm used to it being.”