Features (1071)
The NRHEG Public Schools have received notification that their sites in New Richland and Ellendale have been awarded a 4 Star Parent Aware Rating by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. This is the highest possible rating. As a Parent Aware participant, NRHEG will be featured on the Parent Aware website: www.parentawareratings.org.
NRHEG Schools is committed to serving families in their communities with quality programming in early childcare and education.
ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) and Panther Preschool programs are offered to residents in our district to preschoolers and their families. For more information about these programs, please contact Marilyn Dobberstein, Director of Community Education, ECFE, and School Readiness at 507-417-2667 or Darlyne Dahle, Panther Preschool/ECFE Childhood Instructor at 507-417-2635.
ID Frosty for $325, find Medallion and win $1500!
Who is “Frosty?” Where is the Medallion?
Identify Frosty — or find the Medallion — and win some cash! Prize money totaling $3,000 is waiting to be won, $1,500 for the Frosty Contest and $1,500 to the finder of the Medallion.
Frosty is a Waseca County resident chosen to be an ambassador for the Waseca Sleigh & Cutter Festival. Follow the clues and guess Frosty’s name.
Nominations sought for young farmer award
The Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness committee has announced it is seeking nominations for the Waseca County Outstanding Young Farmer award. This award recognizes a farmer between 19-39 years of age, utilizing innovative farming methods, has made improvement in farming operations and demonstrates service to community organization and conservation practices. The criteria includes: agriculture career (50%), soil and water conservation practices (25%), and contribution to the wellbeing of the community, state, and nation (25%). Nomination forms can be found on the chamber website. www.wasecachamber.com under agribusiness, or may be picked up at the office at 112 North State Street. Award winner will be announced and recognized at the Waseca chambers annual Farm and City luncheon March 20th noon at the American Legion. Completed applications are due by Jan. 20.
The early childhood years from birth to the start of kindergarten are an important time of rapid learning and growth. Early Childhood Screening is a quick and simple check of how your child is growing and developing. Between the ages of 3 and 4, screening can detect possible health or learning concerns, so that children can get the help needed before entering kindergarten.
Early Childhood Screening or evidence of a comparable screening by a non-school provider is required for entrance into Minnesota’s public schools or within 30 days of enrollment into kindergarten. Screening documents vision, hearing, height, weight, immunization status, general health review, and development in the areas of communication, concepts, small and large muscles, as well as, social-emotional skills.
30th Annual Geneva Cancer Auction kicks off this weekend
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we may have forgotten it will soon be that time of the year for the annual Geneva Cancer Auction, which this year marks the 30th anniversary.
The cancer auctions over the years at Geneva Bar & Grill have been so successful, it should be a stimulus to not only continue the efforts, but strive for even more.
Grab your sellable treasures and homemade goodies and that special hometown spirit and come out for some great fun and fund raising in Geneva. Donations can be dropped off at Geneva Bar & Grill any time. It is hoped that many of the great cooks from the area will also bring along some tasty food items for the auction when they come to support this yearly fundraising event.
ID Frosty for $325, find Medallion and win $1500!
Who is “Frosty?” Where is the Medallion?
Identify Frosty — or find the Medallion — and win some cash! Prize money totaling $3,000 is waiting to be won, $1,500 for the Frosty Contest and $1,500 to the finder of the Medallion.
Frosty is a Waseca County resident chosen to be an ambassador for the Waseca Sleigh & Cutter Festival. Follow the clues and guess Frosty’s name.
Hobbs lands fashion job in New York
HARTLAND GIRL AT HOME IN NYC — 2010 NRHEG High School graduate Kayna Hobbs feels at home in New York City, well on her way to a glamorous fashion career.
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
How do you spell “impressive?” One way to spell it is “Kayna Hobbs.”
Hobbs, daughter of Gwyn Regehr of Hartland and a 2010 graduate of NRHEG High School, is well on her way to a glamorous fashion career in New York City.
Hobbs’s parents can attest to her love of clothing and fashion, starting back when she was just a young child. By the time she got to middle school, she was watching the runway shows on television and reading all the fashion magazines she could get her hands on. She has always loved the big city over country life, but she says now she is grateful to have experienced both environments.
2013 crops year in review
By MARK BERNARD
Contributing Writer
The 2013 cropping season is in the books for most, and not a moment too soon. A growing season that had the potential on paper to be a dream for many turned out to be a nightmare. Coming out of the fall of 2012, soil conditions were very dry and concerns of having enough moisture to keep a crop going abounded. Soil moisture conditions the fall before had been similar and pulling off another crop like 2012 couldn’t be ruled out. As the old adage goes, plant in the dust, bins will bust. Plant in the mud, crop is a dud. Soil moisture changed over the course of the winter and by April, some of the snow had melted into the soil surface, adding precious moisture for spring planting.
Top 10 stories of 2013
Wagner again shatters state records as Panthers take title
THANKS TO CARLIE, WE WERE THE CHAMPIONS — As NRHEG fans celebrate in the background, Carlie Wagner goes in for a layup after stealing the ball late during the Panthers’ state championship victory over Braham last March. Wagner and the Panthers were chosen the top story of the year by the Star Eagle for the second year in a row. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Contributing Writer
Last year was one filled with big changes for our small communities of New Richland, Hartland, Ellendale and Geneva: a state championship, new administration at the school, a new area priest, and national attention for some of our own hometown heroes. It’s difficult to narrow it down to just 10 of the most important events, but the number one slot should be more than obvious.
Once again, Carlie Wagner and the Lady Panthers basketball team steal the spotlight, bringing home NRHEG’s first state championship. Coming off a 32-1 season and a third-place finish, the Panthers made their second visit to state in a row, their third appearance ever (the first being in 2004). Despite the loss of key player Jade Schultz four minutes into the semifinal game, the girls fought their way to victory, defeating Pelican Rapids, Minneapolis Washburn and finally undefeated Braham in what has been called one of the most exciting championship games in state tournament history.
Band, choir present Christmas Concert
MAESTRO PLEASE — NRHEG High School Band Director Tim Siewert directs his troupe as the NRHEG High School Choir, directed by Jennifer Fredrickson, stands at the ready during the combined Band/Choir Concert at the high school Monday, Dec. 16. (Star Eagle photo by Nikki Erickson)
By NIKKI ERICKSON
Contributing Writer
There was a hush in NRHEG High School gym last Monday night as the choir opened the 2013 Christmas Band and Choir Concert.
The sixty-eight members of the NRHEG Concert Choir began with the well-known song, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," arranged by Elizabeth Campbell. The addition of snazzy snaps and the cool, laid back feel of the men's foundation of "doom" in the baritone line was catchy.
Choir Director Jennifer Fredrickson welcomed the crowd to the concert and gave a resounding thank you to the many students who put their time and talent to provide the entertainment for the evening. Thanks was also given to Gratia Johnson for her beautiful accompaniment on the piano.
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Just for Kix Winter Dance Recital
Members of the Just for Kix dance program perform during their Winter Dance Recital Saturday, December 14 at NRHEG High School in New Richland. See Page 12 of this week's Star Eagle for more color photos from the recital. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
NRHEG’s 2013 payable 2014 budget shows an approximately $200,000 increase in next year’s tax levy over previous years, as revealed at the district’s annual Truth in Taxation hearing Monday, Dec. 16 at 6:00 p.m. just preceding the regular monthly board meeting. This represents an approximately 16 percent increase.
The Truth in Taxation hearing is held every December for taxpayers’ information purposes, and is required by law if there is a substantial change in the levy amount from one year to the next.
The reason for the upcoming levy increase is building projects undertaken this year which required bond financing, including first payment on the new construction at New Richland, and extensive asbestos abatement.
Folks again flock from all over for Wild Game Feed
WILD GIRLS — The ticket girls who help with the gun raffle at Geneva’s Wild Game Feed are, front from left: Leann Figueroa, Brenda Misgen and Lori Klemmensen. Back: Nicole Beede, Jessica Tuttle, Tracy Callahan, Jamie Theuer and Becca Harrigan. There was a great turnout for the 29th annual event despite extremely cold temperatures. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
The 29th Annual Wild Game Feed was held under the big top on the parking lot at Geneva Bar & Grill Saturday, December 7.
Another big crowd turned out and, of course, no one left hungry.
A whole group of enthusiastic cooks use their culinary talents to help prepare all the great wild game that has been donated for the event.
The first wild game feed was held in 1984 and it has continued to grow in size, favor and flavor into an event that has the whole community and others talking about and anticipating. Folks come from far and wide every year. A record book is placed at the beginning of the service line where many people sign their names and where they are from. Reviewing 13 pages of names, it was interesting to learn where people came from this year.
Ellendale City Council goes ahead with levy increase
Written by Jim LutgensBy REED WALLER
Staff Writer
The Ellendale City Council, at their regular meeting last Thursday, approved a four percent increase in the city levy for 2014. This represents an increase of $11,646 over last year’s $318,764.
This decision followed intense discussion regarding a recent increase in state funding, and whether a levy increase was really called for.
City Clerk Lee Ann Hojberg reported to the Council that the City of Ellendale should be receiving a 28.4 percent increase in Local Government Aid for next year. This would mean approximately an additional $35,000.
The Minnesota State Legislature in their 2013 session okayed an additional $80 million for LGA funding.