Running across North America
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Pete Kostelnick began running in Kenai, Alaska
By MELANIE PILTINGSRUD
Contributing Writer
As a reporter, you never know what you’re going to be called upon to do to cover a story. On Oct. 3, I put on my running shoes…
Pete Kostelnick, originally from Iowa, is running from Kenai, Alaska to Key West, Florida – approximately 5,300 miles. He started his journey on July 31, and on Wednesday, his path took him through New Richland.
Two years ago, Kostelnick beat the record, which Frank Giannino, Jr. set in 1980, for the fastest run across America, running from San Francisco to New York City, covering 3,067 miles in 42 days, 6 hours, and 30 minutes. But there were some drawbacks to pounding out the miles that fast. “In a nutshell, it was a lot of pain, a lot of running – 72 miles a day. I mean, I wasn’t really enjoying anything I was seeing,” says Kostelnick. On this run, Kostelnick is averaging 53 miles a day, although he says he’s done anywhere from 20 to 92.
“It’s still about as big a challenge overall, just because I’m pushing all my gear,” says Kostelnick. On his previous trip, Kostelnick was followed by a van that carried food and water. This time, he’s carrying his own food and water, toiletries, clothes, “Lots of shoes,” – and spare tires – in a jogging stroller. “It’s tough that way, but it’s just a different type of challenge.”
Festival provides fun for all
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The Church of All Saints recently holds its annual fall festival
By MELANIE PILTINGSRUD
Contributing Writer
The Church of All Saints Fall Festival took place on Sept. 22 in New Richland. A full house greeted the performance of the group “Just Friends” and the Catholic Mass that followed. Some individuals even stood outside in the narthex during the service.
The Church Ladies Committee, including Laurie Anderson, Sheri Donovan, Kathy Flor, Terri Kormann, Pam Shurson and Jeanne Waldhauser did a fantastic job of organizing this event, including setting up tables and tents, making sandwiches and serving.
Outside, tables were set up with fresh garden vegetables, such as beets, carrots, and yellow tomatoes; packets of Seed Savers seeds, plates of tempting sweets, colorful crocheted potholders and a quilt raffle for the “Country Store” where Nicole Weitzel and Mary Sack helped customers when they had decided on their favorites.
Homecoming week kicks off Monday
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By ELI LUTGENS
Editor
Homecoming week 2018 at NRHEG High School kicks off Monday, Sept. 24 when the queen and king are crowned. Coronation is set for 7:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium in New Richland.
The royalty will be crowned — based on a vote of the grade 9-12 student body — and will reign over Homecoming week.
This year’s candidates, based on vote by their classmates, are:
Queen
• Alexis Anderson, daughter of David and Heidi Anderson
• Olivia Christopherson, daughter of Doug and Karla Christopherson
• Jayna Finseth, daughter of Jim and Saundra Finseth
• Lexie Ignaszewski, daughter of Tim and Tracy Ignaszewski
• Laura Worrell, daughter of Taff and Jean Worrell
Marching band is victorious again
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By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
There's something about the Waseca Marching Classic that always seems to bring out the best in the NRHEG High School Band.
The locals almost always seem to come home with a trophy and Saturday, Sept. 22 was no different, with NRHEG placing first in its class.
"This was the culmination of a successful summer marching band season," said director Miles Otstot.
"The students worked hard all summer," said Otstot. "This culminated with the win this weekend in Waseca."
A total of 12 high school marching bands performed in Waseca.
NRHEG marched in 10 parades this past summer, including at the Minnesota State Fair and at the 100th anniversary of the American Legion convention.
The band is led by drum majors Jayna Finseth and Jayna Domeier. Seniors include Finseth, Aubrey Johnson, Devin Buendorf, Jadyn Surat, Mackayla Knutson, Michian VanSyckel, Sophia Mrotz, Sierra Johnson, Karenna Strom, Hailey Westrum, Hailey Stencel and Lawren Deml.
Other bands performing Saturday were from Eastview of Apple Valley, Lakeville South, Luverne, Pipestone Area, Spring Grove, Stewartville and Worthington of Minnesota and from Iowa, Benton, Eagle Grove and Sheldon.
Vista Lutheran hosts 160th anniversary
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By MELANIE PILTINGSRUD
Staff Writer
The pews were filled to overflowing on Sunday, Aug. 19 as Vista Lutheran Church celebrated their 160th anniversary. Chairs were placed in the nursery and the foyer, and still more people came from far and wide to attend the two-hour long celebration of this congregation’s commitment to serving God and one another.
Pastor Brian Gegel presided over the service, expressing his gratitude for the many people who gave of their time and talents to make this event a success. He also read a message of congratulations from their brothers and sisters in Christ at Vista Evangelical Covenant Church, and said that a similar congratulatory message had come from LeSueur River Lutheran Church.