Crowning moment

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Created: 06 February 2018

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NRHEG High School Snow Week coronation was held Monday afternoon in the high school gymnasium in New Richland. Michelle Katzung looks on as Emily Crabtree is crowned Snow Week Queen. A talent show open to the public is set for Friday afternoon and Snow Week concludes with a semi-formal for students in grades 9-12 from 8-11 p.m. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)

Another auction in the books

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Created: 27 January 2018

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34TH ANNUAL GENEVA CANCER AUCTION — Keith Hagen holds the “Lotto Luck” scratch-off board that created and donated by Keith and Ruth Hagen. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)

By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer

On Friday, Jan. 19, Whitey Hagen again welcomed everyone to the 34th Annual Geneva Cancer Auction.

“I appreciate all the years people have been coming to help fight cancer,” said Hagen. “You all do a super job and I feel that we are going to show you a good time again tonight”. 

Whitey went on to say that the farm and sports related portions of the cancer auction would be held on Saturday afternoon. He said that he was glad that people, including many local seed dealers, had stepped up and donated a number of items for that portion of the auction again this year.

He then said, “I hope you are ready to get started.”

Again the first item up for bid was a quart jar of Vi Blazek’s pickles that are now made by her daughter, Sue Hill. That was followed by the Geneva Cancer Auction’s famous “stew maker,” a bag of potatoes, a bag of onions, along with a pound of Hope butter. Next up was an oil change and grease job from Dave Syverson Ford, which Whitey explained have helped the local auction for a lot of years

A plate of peanut clusters made by Judy Christensen and donated in memory of LeRoy Christensen was also put up for bid and it was followed by many things ,including another subscription to the Star Eagle. Whitey thanked the Star Eagle for all the great coverage that they have given of all the cancer fundraising activities over the years.

Jamie Hagen then took over as auctioneer and asked everyone to thank his dad, DeWayne, and Hank Thompson for first getting the cancer fundraising event started back in 1985.

Big win

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Created: 08 January 2018

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Carlie Wagner of the University of Minnesota women's basketball team, right, works against Michigan State's Jenna Allen during Big Ten action at Williams Arena Sunday, Jan. 7. Wagner, a New Richland native, totaled 15 points, 3 assists and 2 steals as the Gophers defeated the Spartans 83-77, improving to 13-4 overall and 2-2 in conference play. Follow Wagner each week with the Wagner Watch on the pages of the Star Eagle. (Star Eagle photo by Eli Lutgens)

Coming home

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Created: 03 January 2018

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NRHEG 2nd-grade teacher originally hails from Geneva

HOME AGAIN — New second-grade teacher Kiley Beenken is very happy to be living and working in the NRHEG school district.

By MELANIE PILTINGSRUD
Contributing Writer

Kiley Beenken, originally from Geneva, MN, is the new 2nd-grade elementary teacher at NRHEG this year. She graduated in May from Minnesota State University-Mankato with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (K-6) and a certificate in STEM education.

As someone who grew up in this area, Beenken is excited to have the opportunity to teach in her home district.

Beenken says she decided to go into teaching because she wanted to make a difference in students’ lives. “I believe that helping to shape young lives is an absolute privilege,” says Beenken. “Throughout my college career the most common question I was asked was “Why do you want to be a teacher?” For me, it was, and still is, a simple question to answer because teaching is my passion. My goal in life is to help all students become lifelong learners who will contribute positively to our society. Teaching is my tool which will allow me to help children soar in their academics and will also help me shape students into kind, caring, and respectable individuals.”

Even though this is her first year of teaching, Beenken knows exactly what type of classroom she wants to have – a welcoming one that helps students grow academically and personally. “But I also want our classroom to have an environment that promotes equity, offers unconditional support, and makes children feel safe and appreciated,” says Beenken. That’s why the theme this year in her classroom is “Home.” “The students know that it’s not just ‘My’ classroom, it’s ‘Our’ classroom. It’s important for me that all students feel ‘At Home’ when they come into our classroom. I also want my students to feel that they always have a welcoming place to come learn in and express who they are as individuals. I want to help all of my students reach their full potential!”