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Election results slow to come in
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Results from local races
Election was a long night for everyone, including the communities of New Richland, Hartland, Ellendale, and Geneva. Normally, the Star Eagle reports the winners of the local elections the week of the election, but this year was not a typical year.
New Richland Elections
According to Wayne Billings, this was one of the most contested elections in New Richland history. The winner of the New Richland mayoral race was Gail Schmidt (477 votes) defeating Christina Petsinger (114). There were 19 votes for write-in-candidates.
Winners of the race for the two open council seats are Chad Neitzel (309 votes) and Jody Wynnemer (235). Runners up were: Pat Darcy (178), Jenna Pederson (167), Joyce Wobbrock (81), Patrick Petsinger (63), David Hedin (60).
New Richland residents also voted in a special election. The winner of New Richland’s special election was Loren Skelton (223). Angela Gehrke (209) and Brandon Schlaak (157) were the two other candidates vying for the open seat.
NRHEG School Board
As was the case for many different races this election cycle, the NRHEG School Board saw many candidates seeking your vote. Dan Schmidt (1,304), Terry Engel (1,273), and Loren Schoenrock (1,001) were winners for the three open school board positions. Runners up were: Karen Flatness (981), Nancy Lageson (701), Tami L. Tufte-LaCanne (698), Jennifer Johnson (596).
JoAnn Hagen Maloney ran unopposed in the special election in the other open school board race. The other item on the ballot for voters was a vote for a property tax increase to provide an additional $560 per student in the NRHEG school district. The measure was voted down by a vote of 1,783 opposed to 914 who voted yes.
Homecoming set for November
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NRHEG coronation to take place in high school gym at 7 p.m. November 21
By DEB BENTLY
*Editors note: Due to new regulations we were unable to bring the homecoming court together for a picture prior to coronation. Pictured above are senior photos of the 2020 NRHEG homecoming court.
The NRHEG senior class has elected its homecoming court in preparation for a modified homecoming celebration, set to bring together students and fans on Thursday, November 12, with a 7 p.m. game against Norwood Young America.
There is much more than the surprisingly late date of this year’s homecoming observance which is somewhat out of the ordinary. NRHEG Student Council advisor Barb Roesler has worked with student leaders and school athletic director Dan Stork to find events which are permissible under current social distancing expectations.
Board candidates air their views
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Candidate forum for NRHEG Board of Education proves lively event
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
On Thursday, Oct. 8, a School Board Candidate Forum was held where the candidates could speak on the issues before the election.
On Nov. 3, three school board positions will be up for four-year terms.
There are seven candidates including two incumbents, Karen Flatness and Dan Schmidt (Flatness was unavailable for the forum). JoAnn Maloney will be running unopposed for a two-year term.
New candidates running are Jennifer Johnson, Tami Tufte-LaCanne, Loren Schoenrock, Nancy Lageson, and former Curriculum Director Terri Engel.
Mark Domeier moderated.
Tomorrow is not always promised
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Eckarts are grateful to celebrate 55 years of marriage
THANKFUL - Sharon and Norman Eckart are extremely greatful for the top notch care Norman received from the New Richland Ambulance Department, the staff at the Mankato Hospital, and everyone else who was there to help. (Star Eagle photo by Eli Lutgens)
By ELI LUTGENS
Editor
“Don’t take tomorrow for granted.” According to Sharon and Norman Eckart, “Tomorrow is not given today.”
The Eckarts had a wake-up call last week. “At around midnight Norm fell down,” said Sharon. “And then again at three. We thought it was just his diabetes acting up, so I got him some orange juice.”
Around six in the morning Norm woke up and fell down again. This time he hit his head. According to Sharon, this was when they knew something was wrong. “I called my kids,” said Sharon. “They’re both former first responders, and they came over right away. We called the ambulance and they were here in no time flat.”
“I remember thinking, if he makes it to the hospital, it’ll be a miracle,” remarked Sharon. “‘Are we gonna make it to our 55th anniversary?’” was one another thought on the way to the hospital.
But Norm did make it to the hospital. With little time to spare. Once they got to the hospital, Sharon remembers walking in and hearing, “Code blue 14.” And Sharon knows that Code 14 is code for a heart attack. Right after that the nurse who checked them in walked over and handed Sharon a sticker that said her husband was in room 14.
Seniors bid good-bye to NRHEG
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A DAY TO REMEMBER — Aracelis Sepulveda sits in her vehicle during NRHEG Commencement Sunday, May 31. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
It wasn’t a typical graduation ceremony.
But this isn’t a typical year.
Fifty-five NRHEG High School seniors officially graduated Sunday, May 31, though certainly not the way they expected.
Instead of the usual ceremony in the gymnasium where students walk across the stage to receive their diploma, graduates and guests remained in their motor vehicles — parked about 8 feet apart — as the commencement was moved to the grassy area west of the school in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Police were present at both entrances and most of those helping with the festivities wore facemasks. A large stage was set up on a flatbed trailer, flanked by two semi trailers, with a big screen above the stage.
No outside visitors were allowed, though a few watched from neighboring yards. At the conclusion, a fireworks display replaced the tradition of gathering in the street for congratulations and photos.