Long, winding road leads home
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Trisha Lestrud lands back in Hartland
HOME IN HARTLAND — After traveling to Sweden to be an exchange student, living in Hawaii managing a travel agency, working as a nurse and managing two clubs in Albert Lea, Trisha Lestrud is right at home behind the bar at Hartland University. “I lost touch with my community, and now, I’m getting back into that,” said Lestrud. “I’m home.” (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
By CAROL JOLLY
Contributing Writer
Seventeen-year-old Trisha Lestrud’s mind wandered as she sat in the classroom. She thought of hanging out with her friend Nancy, and of the amazing adventures life might hold for her beyond her senior year of high school.
"I wasn't real outgoing – band, choir," Lestrud said dismissively. "And I really wasn't very good at sports."
Impulsively, she rose to her feet, books and assignments in hand, and requested permission to be excused.
"I was a good kid," she said.
Moments later, she found Nancy in the hallway, and together they went to the Foreign Exchange Student informational meeting.
Golden Girl signs with Golden Gophers
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Carlie makes it official
NRHEG High School senior Carlie Wagner is accompanied by her parents, sisters and coach as she signs a letter of intent Wednesday morning to play basketball for the University of Minnesota. From left: Maddie Wagner, Jane Wagner, Carlie Wagner, Darren Wagner, Marnie Wagner and NRHEG head girls’ basketball coach John Schultz. (Star Eagle photo by Nicole Billing)
All gave some, he almost gave all
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Veterans Day special
After 45 years, Gary Berg reunited with medic who helped save his life in Vietnam
PURPLE HEART — New Richland native Gary Berg holds the Purple Heart Award and plaque he earned in Vietman in 1968, a day before he was set to go home. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Gary Berg was sitting around a swimming pool in Southern California, enjoying a reunion of the Navy Seabees, when he heard someone call his name.
“Gary Berg? Is that you?” said the man. “As bad as you looked the last time I saw you, I didn't think you'd make it. I never thought I'd see you again.”
The last time the man – still known as “Doc” to Berg – saw him, they were near an airstrip in Vietnam awaiting a helicopter, and Berg was hanging on for life.
Franken speaks in NR
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Senator gives Veterans Day address at school
ATTENTIVE AUDIENCE — NRHEG High School senior Presley Johnson, right, reads her award-winning Veterans Day essay as Superintendent Dennis Goodwin, U.S. Senator Al Franken and Principal David Bunn listen during Monday’s ceremony at NRHEG High School. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Veterans Day is always big at NRHEG High School, but this year was extra special.
U.S. Senator Al Franken, a Minnesota native and well-known veterans advocate, was the keynote speaker at the annual Veterans Day ceremony Monday morning.
“It makes me so proud to come from a state where so many men and women have made the courageous and selfless decision to serve our country,” said Franken. “Today, I hope every Minnesotan joins me to pause and honor the service and sacrifice of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, as well as their families.”
Electricity was in the air as upwards of 700 people (about 500 of them students) packed the gymnasium for the program, the start of which was delayed as Franken and his entourage were slowed by snowy roads. It began about a half hour late with Franken and company en route from Waseca to New Richland.
Happy birthday, Edna!
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Family, friends celebrate with longtime NR store owner
A 90th birthday party for esteemed New Richland resident Edna Erdmann was held Saturday, November 2, at her store, Gambles Do It Best in New Richland. Above, Edna’s pictured with family members, front from left: Anna Erdman, Michelle Padden, and Elayne Lampe. Back: Kim Erdmann, Daryl Erdmann, Jen Erdman, Galen Erdman, Edna Erdmann, Adam Seales, Marissa Erdmann, Mike Grahams, Mary Erdmann, Shawn Padden and Erin Lampe. Below, employees Marilyn Meyer, Belinda Gold and Norm Eckart pose for a photo with Edna, who bought the local hardware store with her late husband, Vince, in 1954 — 59 years ago. Meyer has been an employee at the store for 49 years. Gold has worked there approximately 35 years. The store has been for sale for some time but there haven’t been any buyers, so Edna and her employees continue to operate it. (Star Eagle photos by Jim Lutgens)
