Finally together, one last time
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NRHEG Commencement, June 6, 2021
ONE LAST TIME - For the first time in 15 months, the class of 2021 was together, for the final time. Seated listening to speakers are Courtney Techau, Jenika Tonkin, Grace Tufte, Jazmyne Urschitz, and Kayliegh Wilkie. See the June 10 edition of the Star Eagle for many more photos from graduation. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
Together they stood together for the final time.
One by one, they walked out into the world.
The NRHEG High School class of 2021 graduated 68 students Sunday afternoon in a packed high school gymnasium in New Richland– something not possible a year ago.
“It’s a privilege and honor to be part of your celebration today,” said superintendent Dale Carlson, who thanked everyone who made it possible: the school board; parents and guardians, “your child’s most influential teacher,” along with teachers and support staff.
This past year, teachers faced the most challenging time of their careers. “You persevered in your mission of service to students,” Carlson said. “Today we celebrate you as well.”
Carlson encouraged the graduates to change the world, cherish friendships, and follow their hearts and intuition.
NRAF awards $20,000
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NRAF recipients are pictured above. Front row, from left: Karla Christopherson, Betsy Bartness, Pam Goehring, Kathy Flor, and Stacy Lienemann. Middle row: Dave Dunnet, Laina Rajala. Back row: Kermit Schoenrock, Chad Neitzel, Anthony Martens. (Star Eagle photo by Eli Lutgens)
The New Richland Area Foundation (“NRAF”) celebrated the 2021 grant recipients at two recent community meetings. Community groups submitted 18 grant requests totaling $53,500 during the grant cycle, which ended March 31. Members of the NRAF met to consider these proposals in April and were able to provide $20,025 in funding for 13 community development projects and programs which are responsive to the changing community needs in promoting quality education, or cultural, wellness, recreational, social service, environmental, and civic opportunities.
NRHEG School projects and programs were the beneficiaries of $10,600 in funding. The following were awarded certificates at the school board meeting on May 17:
• Special Ed – $2,025 for furniture and supplies for the new EBD (Emotional and Behavior Disorder) room at the secondary building; this will support students and provide a safe and comforting space for students to de-escalate and learn
• Special Ed - $950 for social and mental health curriculum for Special Education students aged 4-10 years; students will practice, learn, and improve social competencies including self-regulation, social emotional learning, executive functioning, perspective talking, and social problem solving
Administrator, director resign
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Care center’s Ness, longtime maintenance man Nissen step down
By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
The New Richland City Council accepted four resignations, including Chuck Ness, Care Center Administrator, longtime maintenance man Ryan Nissen, and two part-time police officers, at its regular meeting, Monday, May 10.
NR Care Center
The resignation of Administrator Ness was effective immediately.
The only initial discussion following the announcement of the resignation was a question from councilperson Jody Wynnemer. “Is there some kind of bug going around with all these resignations?”
“I’m not going to discuss it here,” replied Mayor Gail Schmidt. “But I know. I know that. I can’t discuss it. It’s nothing personal. I don’t think it’s because of us. But we would be the last to know. So I don’t know. It’s just a change in occupation and things like that.”
Discussion
Later in the meeting, councilperson Jason Casey asked what the city plans to do with the care center and how they will hire a new director.
The care center interim director will be Dave Vandergon until the care center is ready to hire a new director. Vandergon is a retired former director who works with Advanced Health Institute. AHI is a long-term, post-acute care consulting firm based out of Bloomington, MN that has been operating since 2014.
Reflecting on the many positives
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Carlson hopes NRHEG continues to improve
ENGAGING - Dale Carlson discussing the difficulty of Covid-19 and the decision behind his retirement. (Star Eagle photo by Deb Bently)
By MELANIE PILTINGSRUD
Staff Writer
Dale Carlson, superintendent of the NRHEG school district for the past six years, has decided to retire.
Carlson credits his upbringing with inspiring him to work in education. His father was a Lutheran pastor, and his mother was an administrative assistant at a community college. “They really instilled in me that real core belief of service and of helping,” said Carlson, who knew early on that he wanted to serve as a teacher.
Carlson received his teaching degree in mathematics from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. Subsequently, he worked for 30 years at larger school districts in Wis., such as La Crosse and Janesville, first as a teacher for 10 years, then as a principal for 13 years, and finally, as a superintendent for seven years. He also coached wrestling for 10 years.
Star Eagle is sold
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Jim Lutgens hands over reins to Eli Lutgens
FATHER TO SON - Jim Lutgens, right, hands the deed to the building to his son Eli Lutgens as they shake hands in front of the Star Eagle. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
The sale of the NRHEG Star Eagle was finalized this week as Eli Lutgens purchased the publication from his father, Jim Lutgens.
Jim purchased the Star from LaVonone Meyer in 2005 and acquired the Ellendale Eagle in 2007, combining the two to form the NRHEG Star Eagle. During his time as publisher, Jim worked hard to modernize the paper by putting the paper online, redesigning the layout, and adding color printing to the front and back pages.
After running the NRHEG Star Eagle, raising three kids, and working in journalism for his entire adult life, Jim said he is ready to retire. “I’m happy it’s Eli taking over for me and not someone from outside of the town or outside of our family. Someone else might not call me and ask me what I think; they would just do what they want. The paper wouldn’t have survived if it weren’t for Eli. With him here, I don’t have to worry about the future of the Star Eagle.”
Jim plans to assist Eli wherever possible, but did say he is looking forward to unloading the stress of the paper from his shoulders.