Features (1071)
NRHEG school board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
NRHEG fall coaches were approved for hire at last Monday’s regular meeting of the NRHEG school board.
Coaches
Football: Head Coach – Dan Stork, Varsity Asst. – John Schultz, B-Squad – Andrew Peterson, 9th Grade – Taylor Holland, 8th Grade – Seth Tukua, 7th Grade – Tom Peterson.
Cross Country: Head Coach – Mike Weber, Asst. – Lori Tomsche (Tomsche is a volunteer).
Volleyball: Head Coach – Joe Kuchenmiester, B-Squad – Trevor Janich, 9th Grade – Onika Peterson, 8th Grade – Corrine Schuller, 7th Grade – Stacy Ignaszewski.
Cheerleading: Head Coach – Kari Buendorf.
The board accepted the resignation of assistant volleyball coach Jill Schlaak, with gratitude. Schlaak retires from coaching after 17 years.
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Everyone is invited to come out to the country for a run or walk you will truly enjoy.
The 2nd Annual Harvest Run For Hunger will be held Saturday, September 17th. The Harvest Run will provide participants a great opportunity to enjoy some beautiful scenery, as well as get to know some great people. It will also provide the opportunity to raise money to support local food shelves and those that require the much needed help that these services provide.
Last year’s participants, sponsors and volunteers made a difference in the lives of many people in Steele and Waseca counties, and it is hoped that this year’s event will be bigger and better.
A total of 122 walkers and runners participated the first year of the event, and all of the participants concluded their walk/run by 11 Saturday morning. The donations received last year were given to help people in Ellendale, New Richland, Owatonna and Waseca.
New Richland City Council
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
New Richland City Council members Christine Gislason and Anthony Martens were absent as Mayor Tom McShane brought the August 22 meeting to order Mnday evening. The night’s agenda and consent agenda items were all approved. Notable on the consent agenda was granting of a temporary liquor license to All Saint’s Church for their Fall Festival in September, as well as a pay request from Civil Ag Group in the amount of $136,025 for work on the Dogwood Avenue sewer upgrade.
Pam and Larry Goehring were in attendance representing the “Save the Legion Building” committee.
“Our goal is to purchase, renovate, and turn the building over to the city as a community center,” said Larry Goehring. “We would like to raise $200,000 by December 1st. Plans are for relocating the food shelf and the historical society to the building. The back room will be rented out for weddings and other community events. There will be a board to oversee operations.”
“The building has been inspected,” said Pam Goehring. “There are a few issues. Landscaping has been done on the north side.
The Goehrings announced an Ice Cream Social will be held at City Hall on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 4-8 p.m.
Not long after Earl Parriott scratched off a $200,000
winner, former NR resident Kevin Dinneen hits it big
HE WAS BOTH — New Richland native Kevin Dinneen at the Minnesota State Lottery headquarters in Roseville. He cashed in his winning $250,000 ticket Aug. 8. (Submitted photo)
New Richland native wins $250,000
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Everyone has dreams of what they are going to do with the money they receive when they finally hit the lottery. New Richland native Kevin Dinneen and a co-worker were discussing what they wanted as they scratched their lottery tickets they had just purchased on a work break in Lakefield, MN.
“If you win, I want a laptop,” Dinneen told his friend. In turn, his friend’s request was a new flat screen television in the event Dinneen had a winner.
As Dinneen scratched his ticket, he couldn’t believe his eyes. The $10 “Quarter Million Cash” ticket in his hands was just that — a $250,000 winner.
“I won!” exclaimed an excited Dinneen to his buddy. His friend couldn’t believe it until he examined the ticket for himself.
“It’s real,” said his companion.
ON A MISSION — Ellendale United Methodist Church members who attended a week-long mission to the Black Hills included, front from left, Aaron Seath and Whitney McCamish. Row two: Maison Green, Wesley Dodd, Jade Hill and Cassidy Worrell. Back: Penni Mueller, Jordan Mueller, Adam Anderson, Lisa Dodd, Miranda Richards, Cecelia Torp and Destiny Hill. (Submitted photo)
UM members work with homeless in Black Hills
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Trekking the Black Hills was cool, but even more awesome for the Ellendale United Methodist youth group members was impacting the lives of others.
All 10 youth members still get revved up thinking about their week-long mission trip to Rapid City, SD. Their group leader and church pastor, Lisa Dodd, truly enjoyed introducing them to something “that would change their lives.”
“What I looked forward to the most was introducing the kids to the experience of serving others,” Dodd said. “It was great just to see them realize how wonderful it is to serve. It also made them more cohesive as a group.”
Introduced to the Youth Works program for the first time, Jordan Mueller, Cassidy Worrell, Miranda Richards, Adam Anderson, Destiny Hill, Whitney McCamish, Cecilia Torp, Maison Green, Jade Hill and Aaron Seath split up into three groups for their work sites.
“I’m not totally comfortable with nursing home patients, so that was challenging,” said Mueller. “We mainly helped out with what they needed. We were that extra pair of hands. At one nursing home, we played cards and bingo with the residents.”
HELLO BUTTERCUP — Nick Jewison, right, holds his prize cow “Buttercup” as children visiting the Mark Sommers farm southwest of Waseca learn more about dairy farming. The event, sponsored by Waseca Community Education took place on Monday, August 1. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
Preschoolers get first-hand experience at a dairy farm
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The Waseca County Farm Bureau and Waseca Community Education coordinated “An Evening at the Farm” Monday evening, August 1. The Mark Sommers farm off of County Road 9 southwest of Waseca was the host. Pre-schoolers and their parents boarded a bus in Waseca for the short trip out to the Sommers place. While en route, Jurgen Peters, Waseca High School Agricultural Instructor Emeritus, pointed out different things about area agriculture and answered questions.
Upon arrival, attendees were split into two groups for a tour of the dairy barn and to help bottle-feed some calves. The Sommers Dairy currently milks about 58 head of cattle. Mark Sommers was asked what affect the recent heat wave has had on milk production.
“Most of the cows produce about 65 pounds of milk a day,” said Sommers. “With the heat, they were down to 42 pounds, but they are coming back now.”
Opening day of football practice was a little more exciting than usual Monday morning in New Richland.
Shortly after 9 a.m., a beef steer weighing between 900 and 1,000 pounds escaped while being unloaded at Morgan’s Meat Market. The steer proceeded south across Highway 30, where it damaged the left front portion of a pickup truck. It then meandered farther south and onto the NRHEG High School football field, eventually winding up in the southwest corner.
“It caused quite a ruckus,” said New Richland Police Officer Ron Deckard. “There were football players out there. It was a safety issue.”
Deckard, an expert sharpshooter, put down the steer with one shot of a rifle.
Ellendale City Council
By SCOTT GROTH
Contributing Writer
The Ellendale City Council met Thursday, August 11 with council members Helland, Reiter, Goebel and Groth present. Mayor Engel was absent. Also attending the meeting were Roger Swearingen, LeeAnn Hojberg, Ollie Reese, Helen Schimdt, David Brown and Cindy Goebel.
The agenda was amended to include Mrs. Reese’s concern. A motion was made to approve the amended agenda.
David Brown, with David Brown and Assoc., was present to discuss the funding for the projects going on in the city. Brown informed the council of his firm’s bids for the bonds that will finance the projects for the city. The council firm received two bids for the projects. Brown said that Northland Securities, Inc. was the low bidder. The interest rate to the city will be 3.1687 percent. Brown noted the city will save about $20,000 in interest cost. Brown also told the council his firm would recommend using the micro loan program, through Minnesota Rural Water, for the street surfacing. Brown told the council this would be just a straight loan for a little under $100,000. Brown had for the council two resolutions to adopt. Resolutions 08-11-11-01 and 08-11-11-02 were passed.
The 2011 Waseca County Fair was the highlight of the year for over 250 members in Waseca County 4-H, as they saw their hard work pay off with livestock shows, exhibit judging, and other fun events. Below are the 4-H youth who received recognition for their project work at the 2011 Waseca County Fair.
DOG SHOW RESULTS – Saturday, July 9 & Monday, July 11, 2011
• Champion Beginner A Obedience - Grace Schlueter, Janesville Jacks & Jills
• Reserve Champion Beginner A Obedience – Lindy Fiebiger, Palmer Sunbeams
• Champion Beginner B Obedience – Hannah Perry, Home Grown Explorers
• Reserve Champion Beginner B Obedience – Madelyn Perry, Home Grown Explorers
• Champion Graduate Beginner Obedience – Lydia Perry, Home Grown Explorers
• Reserve Champion Graduate Beginner Obedience - Zachary Clayton, Riverside Ramblers
• Champion Novice Obedience - Benjamin Lewer, Vista Busy Bees
• Reserve Champion Novice Obedience – Josse Crouch, Waldorf Peppy Peppers
• Champion Graduate Novice Obedience – Ryan Priebe, Clover Clan
The Winters family of Janesville has been named Waseca County’s “2011 Farm Family of the Year” by the University of Minnesota.
Ray’s father and mother purchased the family farm in Janesville, in 1950. There, they ran a dairy and crop farm while raising five sons. Ray’s dad retired in 1985, so Ray and his wife Lisa were able to rent it. In 2000, Ray and his wife changed the farm by planting their first acre of grapes. Two years later, the couple started Winterhaven Nursery, at which they grew grape plants for other vineyards. Since the year 2000, the Winter family has expanded their vineyard to 13 acres. In 2005, son Tom started working with his mom and dad full-time. In 2006, Ray ceased crop farming, and in 2008 the Winter family began building Indian Island Winery. In the fall of 2009, daughter Angie came home to be the winemaker, and in 2010 the winery opened. The business has been a major success due to Ray and his wife Lisa, son Tom, daughter Angie, and daughter-in-law Angela.
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HE STRUCK GOLD — Earl Parriott of New Richland won $200,000 in the Minnesota Lottery’s Pure Gold game. He purchased his winner at One Stop in New Richland. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
Earl Parriott wins $200,000 in lottery
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
The Minnesota State Lottery ticket New Richland resident Earl Parriott was handed last week called “Pure Gold” boasted of a $200,000 top prize and “25 chances to win.” Parriott purchased the $10 ticket at New Richland One Stop and only scratched off the bottom of the ticket which reveals a bar code.
“I had Brenda [Johnson] at One Stop scan the ticket for me,” said Parriott. “She told me it was a winner because the machine read out said, “Go to Lottery Office.” I knew it had to be over $500, but I put the ticket in my pocket and left.”
Parriott must have wanted a second opinion on his winning ticket as he stopped at the Lottery kiosk inside the New Richland Liquor Company. At this point, he hadn’t scratched off the rest of the ticket.
“It’s definitely a winner, Earl,” confirmed Kris Young at NRLC after she had scanned the ticket. “Do you want me to scratch off the rest and see what you have won?”
A GOOD TIME BY ALL — Hundreds of people, young and old, flocked to Litomysl for the 40th Annual Summer Festival July 31. Pick up a copy of this week's Star Eagle for a color photo page of the event. (Star Eagle photo by Carol Jolly)
Litomysl holds annual Summer Festival
By CAROL JOLLY
Staff Writer
Where can you combine Mass, school, music, games, auctions, eats and treats, a flea market, face painting, pony rides, raffles, pull tabs, wagon rides, and even beer?
You may not be able to find it on a map, but miles and miles of motor vehicles line County Road 4 and 24th Avenue Southeast in rural Owatonna for the Annual Litomysl Summer Festival.
"Every year it gets bigger, and bigger," Hope resident Dale Wilker said.
On Sunday, July 31st, the Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Litomysl held its 40th Annual fundraiser. The funds raised help support the parish and St. Isidore school. St. Isidore houses the preschool through fifth grade, and is also the patron saint of farmers.
This family fun day kicked off at 10 a.m. with the Litomyslaneous Group in a Polka Mass. Also participating in the morning mass were the Owatonna Knights of Columbus #945's Fourth Degree Knights.
"The 140 parish families work so hard to put the festival together," said Sister Del Marie of St. Cloud. "I enjoy seeing relatives, parish members, and love the Czech old-time music."
IT’S FREE, IT’S FUN — Alicia Butler is excited about a new after school program at Vibrant Life Assembly of God Church in Ellendale. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
Vibrant Life offers free after school program
BY RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
Alicia Butler, Pastor Trevor Janich and Angela Janich can’t contain their excitement any longer.
On September 7, they will be opening the doors of a free after school program located in Vibrant Life’s Refuge add-on area. They have high hopes that “The Depot” will become a second home for K-6 students.
“We are so looking forward to this program getting on its feet and running,” said program president Butler. Trevor added, “It is free. It is fun. It is educational and it keeps kids active. What more could you ask for?”
Located only three blocks from Ellendale Elementary School, the walking distance will be perfect. It will be a safe place for kids to focus on their social, educational and physical needs.
“Every day, we will spend 45 minutes in ‘educational time,’ either doing their homework or playing an educational game,” Butler said. “We may even read a book too.”
New Richland City Council
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
Roll call showed all members present as the New Richland City Council met in chambers Monday evening, August 8. Following agenda approval, consent agenda items were also approved, notably a $250 payment to the Town and Country Garden Club for 2011 and a request for safety vests for the NR Fire Department at a cost of $660.
There were no public hearings scheduled nor petitions to be heard.
Police Chief Scott Eads reported 95 calls and 68 addtional contacts for the month of July. There were three felonious thefts during the month, one involving property, the other two motor vehicles. One suspect in a vehicle theft has been arrested and the investigation submitted to the county attorney for charges. The council approved the repair of front brakes to the squad car in the amount of $502.90.
Care center Administrator Mikenzi Hebel received approval for bills incurred and paid and the final profit and loss statement for June. She noted census at the facility is 50 for the second month in a row.