Features (1071)
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
Open Enrollment Busing
The NRHEG School Board Transportation Committee (John Harrington, Rick Schultz, and Michele Moxon) reported at the Board’s meeting Monday, March 14, that after “lengthy discussion” they had not yet reached any conclusion regarding bus transportation for out-of-district students.
Requests have been received for NRHEG buses to make stops off the current bus routes, in order to make transportation available to some Open Enrollment students. The requests were passed to the Transportation Committee at last month’s meeting for consideration.
Accommodating out-of-district attendees would mean altering one or two of the district’s bus routes. These routes, the result of optimization over the last several years, run from 45-64 minutes, and no one wants to have to make them any longer.
The Transportation Committee will meet with bus drivers and Transportation Director Karla Christopherson to discuss the feasibility of altering routes.
NRHEG High School in New Richland underwent a soft lockdown Monday morning, according to Superintendent Kevin Wellen.
“There was a possible disruption we did not want to expose the kids to,” said Wellen. “It was between one adult and another.”
Wellen and local police met with an individual at the front doors of the school and the matter was resolved.
The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. and lasted 21 minutes.
In a soft lockdown, lights are left on and teaching continues. In the case of a hard lockdown, lights are turned off, curtains are pulled and students wait in a designated area.
Lockdown drills are held at least once a year.
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
An individual out jogging Monday evening, March 21 in New Richland Township happened to make a surprising discovery. Around 7 p.m., an unusual object was spotted and deputies were summoned to the scene on 170th Street near St. Olaf Lake.
The unusual object turned out to be a pipe bomb. After deputies and the New Richland Fire Department arrived to secure the scene, the Bloomington (MN) Bomb Squad was called in to handle the situation. Using a robotic device, the pipe bomb was destroyed around 11 p.m. that evening.
The Prairie Fire Theater and NRHEG Elementary School has announced the cast list for this year’s performance of “Tom Sawyer.” After a week of rehearsal, the play will be presented in the north gymnasium on Friday, March 25 at 7 p.m. and again on Saturday, March 26 at 2 p.m. The NRHEG PTO is sponsoring the production.
Tour Actors and Directors: Rightful King of France - Chris Rosser; Aunt Polly - Ashleigh Keeran.
Family: Tom Sawyer - Will Rudau; Huckleberry Finn - Randy Anholt; Becky Thatcher - Maci Surat; Suzie Harper - Sophia Mrotz; Mrs. Thatcher - Lillian Bell; Mrs. Harper - Jillian Jongbloedt; Sidney - Riley Chicos; Hildegarde - Carma Pederson.
Townies: Townie #1 - Cecilia Torp; Townie #2 - Chris Stenzel; Townie #3 - Orin Mely; Townie #4 - Lauren Herrmann; Townie #5 - Ross Lenort. Other Townies: Anna Jacobson, Ben Witikko, Cole Staloch, Braden Routh, Mason Ferber, Jack Hogstad, Lexi Combs, Kade Reese, Skylar Lembke, Chalsea Garretson, Mia Williams, Hope VanWilgen, Sarah Johns, Lorelei Strom, Branden Howieson, Morgan Besser, Evan Reyna, Emma Klemmensen, Tali Wayne, Taytum Ihrke, Grace Lewison, Mariah Narvaez, Rebecca Peterson and Kyra Crosson.
River Rats: Roger - Payton Misgen; River Rat #1 - Erin VanWilgen; River Rat #2 - Caitlin Goette; River Rat #3 - Caty Nelson; River Rat #4 - Benjamin Lewer; River Rat #5 - Michelle Katzung. Other River Rats: Hailey Stenzel, Karenna Strom, Jazzlyn Johnson, Devin Buendorf, Tyler Jacobson, Natalie Aaseth, John Spence, Joshua Garretson, Lawren Deml, Michiah VanSyckel, Markus Misgen, Ethan Strenge, Elizabeth Karl, Sierra Johnson, Elli Baker, Mia Farr, Sydney McCamish, Jayna Domeier and Mikayla Olson.
Ghouls: Kendra Raimann, Jennifer McKay, Courtney Deml, Desiree Medrano, Makenzi Rhoades, Sophie Thompson, Kyra Possin, Mackayla Knutson, Maurya Johnson, Rachel Horejsi, Emily Crabtree and Hailey Westrum.
Bats: Kendall Crosson, Hanna Crabtree, Madison Knudson, Kaya Nelson, Avery Hill, Cambria Nissen, Kaitlyn Quimby, Nick Staloch, Thor Routh and Baily Schwartz.
Technical Crew: Rayna Crosson, Hayleigh Williams and Morgan Styke.
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
In the absence of Mayor Routh, Acting Mayor Kyle Reed opened the scheduled public hearing on the capital improvement plan. All other council members were present.
Shannon Sweeny of David Drown & Associates was present to explain the bonding procedure. Financing the city hall roof will not exceed $110,000. The city has the option to finance the project at a seven year term through a micro loan program, which would require the city to finance $35,000 internally due to the Capital Improvement Plan that limits the city to 0.16 percent of the taxable market value. The second option would be to finance the project through a General Obligations Capital Improvement Plan bond issued through David Drown & Associates, which would cost the city $4000 more in issuance cost but would eliminate the $35,000 internal financing. The council will make their decision at the April 5th council meeting. Reed asked if the audience had any comments on the proposed financing. No one wished to be heard.
The council voted to adopt a five-year capital improvement plan pursuant to Minnesota Statute Chapter 475.521.
The council then adopted resolution 2011-6 declaring the official intent of the city to reimburse certain expenditure from the proceeds of bonds to be issued by the city.
Resolution 2011-7 was agreed upon giving preliminary approval for the issuance of the city’s general obligation capital improvement plan bonds in an amount not to exceed $110,000 and adopting the City of Hartland Capital Improvement Plan 2011-2015.
Acting Mayor Reed closed the public hearing and called the regular meeting to order. Past meeting minutes were approved
The council next instructed the fire department to put the fire truck up for bids.
Council members decided to issue a change order extending the completion date of the city hall roof to April 15, 2011.
The council accepted a proposal from Johnson Heating and Air to move plumbing fixtures in city hall at the amount of $6,289.00.
Council instructed the city clerk to look at different options to launch a city website.
Lara Chicos motioned to approve resolution 2011-5 supporting Freeborn County grant application to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Legacy Grant. Linda Pederson advanced; motion failed with Neal Batt and Kyle Reed voting no.
The bills paid during the month of February 2011 were approved.
The council approved payment to Jones, Haugh and Smith in the amount of $1,240 for design, plans and specifications for city hall roof.
Neal Batt motioned to approve the reimbursement of $1,531.67 to Brandon Flatness in the expense of retrieving the new fire truck from Arizona. Lara Chicos advanced; motion carried.
Council tabled the discussion of new Christmas lighting.
It was announced that the city-wide rummage sales will take place on April 30 from 7 a.m. to Noon.
Lara Chicos informed the council that she has been in contact with the NRHEG School regarding joining the little league program with New Richland, Ellendale and Geneva. They informed Lara that Hartland’s little league team would still be able to select their coach and be able to play against New Richland, Ellendale, Geneva and Alden. Lara will request more information regarding uniforms and equipment.
The council voted to have council meetings start at 6:30 p.m. instead of 7 p.m.
The council requested the city clerk to include little league signup, animal shot clinic, dog licensing and notice of time change of council meetings to 6:30 p.m. in the April newsletter.
Neal Batt motioned to allow city clerk to attend MCFOA conference in March and MCFOA training seminar in July, sharing the cost with the City of Hayward. Lara Chicos advanced; motion carried.
Neal Batt motioned to allow Mayor Routh to attend Legislative Conference in March. Lara Chicos advanced; motion carried.
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
A cross-section of Waseca County was well represented at the Southern Research Outreach Center on Friday morning, March 11 as a community speak-out for biobusiness recruitment was conducted.
In attendance were former Congressman Tim Penny, State Representative Kory Kath, Waseca County Board Chair Mike Hintz, mayors or councilpersons from every city in the county, and many others with a wealth of experience in government, education or business.
“We were so pleased to have such a fantastic turnout,” said Amy Nelson, County Community Growth Initiative Coordinator.
The main purpose of the breakfast meeting was for the group to become familiar with the excellent potential the Southern Minnesota area has in the development of new biobusinesses. Examples of similar new businesses were outlined in the Worthington and Willmar areas, both of which have been successful.
NEW LEADERS — New officers were recently selected for the New Richland Fire Department. From left are Josh Moen, lieutenant; Jeremy Parpart, chief; Cody Dobberstein, assistant chief; and Larry Shurson, captain. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
New Richland Fire Department welcomes new officers
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
They’re the ones who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It doesn’t matter if it’s 3 a.m. If duty calls, they answer.
The New Richland Fire Department’s goal is to save lives, plain and simple. So, for the department’s newest chief, Jeremy Parpart, the biggest thing is to get on scene and figure out a plan of attack.
“We get to some fire scenes and it’s complete chaos,” Parpart said. “I’m constantly thinking, ‘Is everybody doing everything in a safe way? What’s the next step? Is everybody safe?’ That thought process just keeps going in circles until we are done.”
On the department for the past 12 years, Parpart is elated with his new position. Although it may not always be fun on scene, the camaraderie among the department is amazing.
“All 25 guys that we have on the department get along really well,” Parpart said. “It just seems like something I need to do.”
In his reign as chief, he plans on bringing what knowledge he has to the entire department. Whether it be a structure or grass fire, he will lead the pack.
The Waseca County Dairy Banquet will be Saturday, March 26th at the Purple Goose in Janesville. Social half-hour will begin at 7 p.m. and the dinner and banquet will begin at 7:30 p.m.
The 2011 Waseca County Dairy Princess Sarah Manthey will be crowned during the banquet. Sarah is the daughter of Chuck and Chris Manthey of Janesville. Sarah is a senior at JWP and will graduate in May. Sarah has helped with various jobs on their dairy farm such as helping milk, feeding cows and calves and helping bale hay.
She is involved in 4-H, Yellow Ribbon,track,cross country,FCCLA, youth group,pep band, show choir and musicals.
Her plans are to attend the University of Wisconsin- River Falls in the fall.
Sarah said that she has come to realize that not everyone has the opportunity to grow up on a dairy farm. Growing up on a dairy farm has taught her about hard work, responsibility and life lessons. These are all things she will be able to use throughout her life. She has also learned never to take anything for granted. Life can change in a matter of moments.
The Dairy Princess program is made possible by the local dairy farmers’ dairy promotion check-off dollars.
During the banquet, the Milk Pitcher award will also be presented. The Milk Pitcher Award is awarded to any individual, group or business that has gone above and beyond to promote the dairy industry. The Butter Knife Award will also be awarded. The Butter Knife Award is awarded to any food establishment that serves real butter and other real dairy products.
Tickets for the banquet are $10 and can be purchased from Curt Keyes, Waseca County Dairy Board chair. Keyes can be reached at 507-271-5757.
Terri Engel, NRHEG fifth-grade teacher, has been selected as the ABC 6 (Austin and Rochester) News Excellent Educator for Wednesday, March 23. Her segment will be aired on ABC 6 News on Wednesday, March 23 at 5 p.m. It will also run again on the ABC 6 News Good Morning the next day. You can also go to kaaltv.com and choose the Excellent Educator link to view a photo and profile on Terri, after the story has aired.
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met Thursday March 10, 2011 with Mayor Engel, Councilmen Goebel and Groth present. Councilmen Helland and Reiter were absent.
Also attending the meeting were maintenance supervisor Roger Swearingen, city clerk Steve Louks and Brian Wayne.
The agenda for the evening was approved as presented.
The council heard an update on the Whispering Oak facility. The Oak has currently finished a four-apartment addition. The units are single-bedroom apartments. The Oak has 18 employees on staff.
The Oak currently has two apartments open of which they will be making calls to those on their waiting list to see if they are interested in moving yet. The manager has recently completed the audit required by the TIF agreement. The council felt the Oak facility is a nice asset to Ellendale and the surrounding area.
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By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Geneva City Council members convened their monthly meeting on March 8 at 7 p.m., with Mayor Steve Bailey calling the meeting to order. All councilmen and women were present except Richard Weckwerth.
Councilman Taff Worrell made a motion to approve meeting minutes, financial reports and bills payable. Without delay, Jannell Tufte seconded and the motion carried.
City Clerk, Nancy Cornelius, then provided an update from the Steele County Cooperative. After corresponding with co-op representative Syd Briggs, no new information is available at this time. The ball is still rolling however, as their retained lawyers continue to iron out the logistics.
The Verizon Wireless Internet update included much discussion about cost comparison. Based on similar situations in neighboring areas, the council unanimously concurred that an offer of $1500 for the lease agreement is not satisfactory.
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Following a request from lifeguards, the New Richland City Council adopted a smoking ban on the beach at St. Olaf Lake Park during business conducted Monday evening, March 14. All members were present and unanimously approved the measure. There is to be no smoking on the beach area and also within 25 feet of the concession serving area. Signs will be posted prior to the beach opening for the season.
Police Chief Scott Eads reported 72 calls for service and 40 additional contacts during the month of February. Eads briefed the council on directed patrols the department has been conducting.
“Since January, we have been present during various sporting events at the high school,” said Eads. “We have also had directed patrols at Trapper’s Lanes on Friday nights. There has been positive feedback at both locations and we will continue performing these duties.”
Due to a state-mandated switch to electronic citations, Eads requested to order the citations at a cost not to exceed $225, which was approved.
Members of the NRHEG Speech Team brought home a third-place trophy from an invitational tournament held Saturday, March 5 at Morristown. Every competing team member brought home an award or recognition; highlights were the first-place and third-place medals earned by Jessica Katzung in storytelling and Amanda Groskreutz in Humorous Interpretation. Seven team members attended the event.
Said team coach Deb Bently, "It's a privilege to be there at the moment when team members are rewarded for their hard work and dedication." The competitive speech season begins each year in late January and continues until early April. Still on the schedule for this year's team is an invitational tournament on March 19 at JWP, the sub-section meet at Fairmont on March 26 and the Section meet at St. Peter on April 8. According to Bently, at least a couple members of this year's team have a chance at advancing to state-level competition, which will be held in mid-April.
NRHEG English instructor helped facilitate Internet Safety Night at Ellendale Elementary Feb. 24. The event, sponsored by the NRHEG PTO, highlighted dangers of the Internet. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
It's a beautiful summer night, family all gathered 'round the bonfire, kids roasting marshmallows, Mom telling campfire tales.
Suddenly, Hadley stumbles, and falls atop the burning bed of coals. Immediately, Dad springs into action, freeing her from the blazing hearth as a chorus of stop, drop and roll sings in the air.
We instill rules of safety in our children continuously as they grow. However, we may be overlooking a danger that lurks within our homes every day.