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

Please note that due to the situation at hand throughout the United States, the New Richland Area Foundation and the Waseca Area Foundation grant applications deadline will be extended to April 15, 2020. 

Application guidelines are found along with the application form on the WAF website at www.wasecaareafoundation.org  and the City of New Richland website at www.cityofnewrichlandmn.com. Please use the same form for all grant requests and note which fund your request applies to on the form.

Your application must be emailed to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or sent to Waseca Area Foundation, Attn: Amy Potter, 501 East Elm Ave, Central Building, Waseca, Mn.  56093. Or contact Gail Schmidt of the NRAF.

Applications must be in the WAF office by or before April 15, 2020 to be considered for grants.

Grocery stores, others remain busy as ever

AT THE READY — Mitch Heimer of Wagner Foods, above, says business has been brisk lately, as does Dean Morgan of Morgan’s Meat Market. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)

By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher

Many businesses in Minnesota — and nationwide — have been forced to alter operations or close completely in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

For some, though, it’s gotten busier; much busier.

Mitch Heimer, owner of Wagner Foods in New Richland, said it would be a safe bet to say his store has set a weekly record for sales.

“It has been busy,” said Heimer. “That’s maybe putting it a little lightly.”

Ross Sletten, owner of Lerberg Foods in Ellendale, tried to talk on the telephone Saturday, but was too busy with customers.

Heimer, talking while he worked, said he’s especially grateful for his employees.

“We’re not requiring anyone to be here right now,” he said. “They’re here because they choose to be here. Everyone is working real hard to keep the shelves filled, keep everything clean, and get people in and out as quickly as possible.”

 

By DEB BENTLY
Contributing Writer

One thing needs to be perfectly clear: “This is NOT a series of ‘flexible learning’ days,” states NRHEG school superintendent Dale Carlson.

“I see ‘flexible’ learning as a system to maintain an educational plan,” explains elementary principal Doug Anderson. “Our ‘distance learning’ is designed to help students expand their academic skills.”

“It’s very much a work in progress,” observes secondary principal Dave Bunn. “We’re building this particular plane in the air. 

“The important thing is, everyone at the schools is working together to get the engine running and the wings attached.”

Figurative language aside, NRHEG district employees have been using the time frame allotted, March 16 to 27, to create plans and find delivery systems for the many levels and types of learning which are usually delivered in the school building, but now must be shared remotely.

“Our one-to-one technology initiative is a valuable foundation,” comments Bunn. “Those districts who haven’t issued electronic devices to their students are at a real disadvantage in this process.”

New Richland City Council

By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer

The New Richland City Council had to make a few adjustments for its second meeting of the month on Monday, March 23. The meeting was conducted in the main gathering room at city hall in order to follow the CDC guideline of keeping six feet of space between individuals in order to help prevent the spread of covid-19. Discussion revolved mainly around the virus throughout the meeting, and an official proclamation was made by Mayor Mike Shurson declaring a local emergency.

Resolution 19-17, extending the period of the local emergency until April 13, was also approved. The council agreed to purchase equipment at a cost of up to $2,000 for upgrades to the council chambers. The upgrades would allow video or phone conferencing of council meetings if a situation such as the current one was to happen again.

Chuck Ness presented the care center report, noting that no cases of covid-19 have been diagnosed at the center, which is taking extensive efforts to prevent the disease from affecting residents. The census for February was down, and the center saw a $28,695 loss for the month, due in large part to a high amount of bonuses and overtime pay to employees as well as the cost of an interim Director of Nursing. 

By DAN KRAKER
MPR News

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order, intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 across the state and tamp down its impacts, is a dramatic step that requires people to stay home unless absolutely necessary.

It’s a far-reaching measure that has the potential to drastically impact the lives of all Minnesotans, changing the ways in which we work, play, learn and go about our daily lives.

But what will it mean, in practical terms?

 

When does the stay-at-home order go into effect?

The order went into effect at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 27. It is set to last until Friday, April 10 at 5 p.m.

 

So, what am I still allowed to do?

Lots of things. Minnesotans are allowed to do several things outside their homes — as long as they follow social distancing recommendations.