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

 

At his final Mass at All Saints Catholic Church in New Richland on June 29, Fr. Michael Cronin, the outgoing pastor, received from church trustee Gretchen Supalla, donations and pledges over $35,000 recently raised by parishioners for the refurbishment of two large stained glass windows over 80 years old.

The windows were fabricated by the Tyrolese Art Glass Co., Innsbruck, Austria. Last year the parish raised $100,000 to refurbish 10 other windows, but needed to raise an additional $50,000 for the two remaining windows. With this latest gift the parish has reached that goal and will be able to go ahead with the project. Cronin said he was pleased with the announcement as he had hoped to compete the project before his departure. Fr. Cronin, who has served the parish for three years, moved to Winona on July 1 for a new pastoral assignment. In addition to the presentation at Mass, Fr. Cronin dedicated the 10 windows completed just before Christmas last year. Cathedral Craft of Winona will be contracted again for the additional work. A timetable for the project has not been determined.

The Ellendale Area Heritage Society will meet July 13 instead of July 6 due to the July 4 weekend, at Whispering Oak, second floor, at 9 a.m. The public is welcome.

NRHEG agrees to pay $15,000 to former football coach

By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher

When the NRHEG school board chose not to renew the head football coaching contract for Dan Stork last year, it created an awkward situation, to say the least.

Now, the school district hopes the situation is closed. It reached a settlement with Stork during a closed session June 10, agreeing to pay him $15,000 to avoid possible litigation.

Stork, following the advice of his attorney, did not comment.

NRHEG Superintendent Dale Carlson said $10,000 of the settlement will be paid by the school district’s insurance company. In addition, the district agreed to pay $2,210 for mediation services. Both parties are responsible for their own attorney fees.

The agreement with Stork is public. The Star Eagle obtained a copy — provided by Carlson — at Monday’s school board meeting.

The agreement includes a statement saying neither party admits any liability or wrongdoing, and that all applicable laws were followed.

 

The New Richland Lions will served baked potatoes with toppings for $4 and root beer floats for $3 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, July 12 during Farm & City Days at NR City Hall.

Proceeds to toward the NR Lions Scholarship Fund.

Farm and City Days runs July 12-14.

By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher

A lot of effort was put into promoting music and fireworks at St. Olaf Lake July 4 — maybe a little too much effort.

John Flor, chairman of the St. Olaf Lake Association, got a phone call Monday from the Waseca County Sheriff, who gave a long list of legal requirements the association simply did not meet.

“I had no idea,” said Flor. “I had asked for police presence for the music and for traffic control. The bottom line is we can’t meet their requirements in this short of a time.”

In the past, authorities were known to look the other way during firework displays at St. Olaf Lake, traditionally held on or around July 4. But it was officially a private show for lake residents and those who heard through the grapevine.

This year Flor saw an opportunity to include more people while raising funds for the New Richland Area Food Shelf. He and the lake association secured a grant, hired a band, put up flyers and purchased advertising.

As diappointed as he is with the situation, Flor made it clear he doesn’t hold the sheriff’s department responsible.

“I don’t want the sheriff’s requirements to be blamed for this,” said Flor. “We just don’t meet the requirements.”