By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

Ashley Misgen is safe and sound.

That's what people in the NRHEG area were concerned about after explosions rocked the Boston Marathon Monday afternoon. Misgen, a 2005 NRHEG High School graduate living in Minneapolis, ran in Monday's race, finishing within minutes of bombs that killed at least two people and injured several dozen others.

"We were just a couple blocks away," said Misgen, reached by cell phone late Monday afternoon. "My mom and my sister were about a block away. When you watch some of the footage on TV, they're by the candy store you can see. They had just walked about a block down the street. We were pretty darn close. The whole area, within a minute, was just mayhem. A couple minutes after the first one went off, you could smell the smoke from the explosion."

Economy retires as NRHEG educator

FAMILY TIME — That’s what Julie Economy has had more of since retiring from the NRHEG School District after 33 years. She’s pictured with her grandchildren, from left, Kaeden Neitzel (holding Abby), Brynlee Neitzel and Zachary Neitzel. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)

By RACHEL RIETSEMA

Staff Writer

After 33 years worth of lesson plans completed for NRHEG school district, Julie Economy decided the time had drew near. So near in fact that it was time to retire.

“I do have some health issues and a desire to be free to spend more time with my sister, Barb, who is a resident of New Richland Care Center,” Economy said. “I want to be able to help my children and grandchildren and plant the garden on time for a change.”

Although she has no regrets, she dearly misses the kids and her grandchildren at school. The staff members are pulling on her heart strings too.