A look back at 2023

In the past year, the Star Eagle has covered many exciting stories worth remembering. Here is a look back at the best highlights from the year that was 2023.

 

April

• Jessica Knutson took over as Director of Nursing for the New Richland Care Center in September of 2022 after a period serving as Interim Director of Nursing. “She was so good at it that we offered her the job,” said Administrator Bob Johanssen.

• “Stretch your bidding arms,” was the call made as Geneva Cancer Auction held its Annual Mini-Auction Saturday, April 1 at the Geneva Bar and Grill.

• Bob Johannsen began as administrator of the New Richland Care Center last October. His parents, Dale and Dixie, live in the New Richland area and he has a sister, Rachel Jellum, living in Waseca. Prior to taking this role, he was doing interim work. When Johannsen heard a permanent position near his family was available, he says he felt it would be a better fit for him than traveling and “went for it.” As administrator, Johannsen oversees operations at the Care Center, ensures they have appropriate staffing levels, and plans future events – whether those are meetings, activities, staffing changes, or projects for community maintenance.

• No matter what happens on the field, this will be an historic season for the NRHEG High School softball team.

It's the 25th, and final, year for Wendy Schultz as the Panthers' head coach.

"I'm just always excited before every season," said Schultz. "It's my 25th one. It’s amazing, you know, how every year I'm just still equally as excited to get going for it."

• The 2023 Freeborn County Farm Family of the Year has been announced as the Aaron and Tammy Cech family, who live north of Myrtle. The family raises corn, soybeans, and hogs and were honored during the 18th annual Agriculture Luncheon hosted by the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce on March 15.

• Brenda Routh Insurance Agency is among a select number of agencies from Minnesota who received a Star Award from North Star Mutual this year. Agencies receiving this award have reached new milestones in growth. Brenda Routh Agency has been representing North Star Mutual since 2013.

• About 30 NRHEG students from grades 9 to 12 spent March 24-29 on a week-long trip to New Orleans. The trip was organized by Colin Zidlicky and Krista Reeder, the school's band and choir directors, as a way to introduce students to the rich culture, music, and history of the city. Students were accompanied by three teachers along with three supervising adults. All concerned feel that the trip was a great success.

• Baseball, God, family.

But not always in that order.

Those three pillars have guided the life of legendary NRHEG baseball coach Jeff Reese for more than 40 years.

Fans attending the Panthers' home opener last Tuesday were welcomed to a surprise as Reese's name was announced as an “assistant coach.”

“I still get goosebumps and butterflies,” Reese said. “I guess when I lose that it’s time to stay home… I always wanted to finish up here. I’m always a Cardinal or Panther in the heart.”

About a month ago, he returned home to the Reese family farm on Hwy 30 after a five-month stay in an assisted living facility in Mankato. Reese has been battling cancer along with other health conditions since 2019.

• As of April 17, Dan Schmidt is no longer a member of the NRHEG school board, but has instead become the district’s Transportation Site Manager. The position, which, like the district-wide management positions for food services and buildings and grounds, is new this year, will have Schmidt in charge of matters to do with bus drivers and routes, bus safety and maintenance, and bus garage operation and organization.

The board voted both to accept Schmidt’s resignation and to instate him in the transportation position during the meeting.

• About 100 hungry area residents helped themselves to tacos, company, and raffle tickets by about the midway point of the Ellendale area food shelf annual donation drive on Sunday, April 23 at Ellendale United Methodist Church. Event workers included some of the nearly two dozen food shelf volunteers, who help with the food shelf throughout the year. Also helping were Ellendale area Boy Scouts from Troop 7 out of Albert Lea. They were NRHEG freshmen: Wyatt Larson, Jordan Brouwers, Jacob Karl and Devon Nelton.

• Ever since its charter in April of 1971, the Ellendale Lions Club has been a staple in the surrounding area. And now, as this group celebrates anniversary number 52, its membership numbers continue to climb.

• Coming off a successful cropping season left us with some optimism heading into the 2023 growing season. Like last year, prices remain generally strong, but perhaps weaker than what many would like to see, especially those who haven’t priced a major share of their crop yet. Also as we did last year, we’ll get out our crystal ball and lucky rabbit’s foot to gain some insight for what may be in store for the cropping year.

• It wasn't a textbook win by any means for the NRHEG High School baseball team.

But it was a win. And that's what the Panthers were looking for.

Alden Dobberstein walked, advanced on two wild pitches and scored on a balk as the Panthers prevailed 3-2 at Martin Luther Monday afternoon.

NRHEG coach Mark Lee called it a crazy game, which included a triple play pulled off by the Panthers.

"I still don't know how that happened," said Lee.

The Panthers were tied 2-2 before Dobberstein's baserunning clinic in the top of the sixth inning.

"It was a great read by Alden, great baserunning," said Lee.

 

May

• Two 8’x 16’ murals will be installed at the two NRHEG school sites this week as part of a project funded by “Finly’s Wings at Work,” a local charity founded by Erin and Nick Budach in memory of their daughter, Finly, who would have been a member of this year’s sixth-grade class. Their non-profit organization receives donations from area individuals and groups, then channels them to benefit the students and communities of the NRHEG district. Donations include scholarships for graduating seniors, support for special events, school supplies, and much more.

• A NIGHT TO REMEMBER - A total of 56 couples walked the magic carpet during NRHEG Prom Saturday, April 29, 2023 in the high school gymnasium. The night's theme was “Enchanted Midnight.” NRHEG track competitors posed for the camera.

• “Our community members were having to go out of town for a haircut, which I thought was silly, since I live right here,” declared Ruthie Webster of Waldorf. She's been a hairstylist for more than twenty years, and in November opened Haven Studio in Waldorf. “We dabble in all things hair,” Webster said of her services – cuts, color, balayage, styling, extensions; they'll do it all.

• NRHEG High School softball coach Wendy Schultz unknowingly notched her 300th career victory Thursday night in New Richland when the Panthers defeated JWP 14-4 in six innings. Waiting to celebrate the milestone with her were former players, alumni, friends, family, players and fans.

“It's super special,” Schultz said. “I can't say thank you enough. It's so special that so many people come back to show their support. We have such a wonderful community and wonderful kids.”

Schultz, of course, had no idea she was about to earn her 300th victory.

• The winners on Saturday were, well, the weather, and the 100 plus folks who showed up despite the on-and-off rain for the annual Spring into Ellendale event put on by Gwenn Reiss.

• The NRHEG Ag Department will be holding its third annual plant sale from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 12 and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 13. Shoppers will find themselves surrounded by vibrant color.

• It's not all that often that an NRHEG girls' track and field team finishes first in the NRHEG Invitational. That honor has, more often that not, gone to Albert Lea.

Not this year.

The NRHEG girls totaled 100 points, edging Albert Lea by eight, to capture the title Thursday, May 4. WEM totaled 83.5, Maple River 45.5, Mankato Loyola 44.

• The city of New Richland declared a state of emergency Thursday after more than five inches of rain fell over an eight hour period Thursday morning, May 11.

• The New Richland American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary always treat Memorial Day with deep reverence. After all, who better to recognize veterans than a veteran organization?

This year, as they always have, members of the Legion will start their day by visiting six area cemeteries and giving recognition to the soldiers and veterans buried at each of them. Special mention will be given to those who have been buried within the past year.

• NRHEG Secondary principal of 10 years, David Bunn, has resigned effective with the end of the 2022-23 school year on June 30. His resignation was accepted by the school board during its May 15 meeting.

In a letter written to staff, Bunn said that he has decided to “pursue new opportunities.” The change, he said, is “the right one for me at this stage of my life.” His wife, Jennifer, will continue as a teacher at the NRHEG Elementary site; his three children, twins Payton and Parker, and sixth-grader Sofia, will continue attending school in the district.

• The New Richland Area Foundation presented grants to various local organizations during the New Richland City Council’s first meeting of the month on Monday, May 8. The total amount of funds granted this year came to $18,500, with additional grants funded by the Curtis Swenson Family Fund and the Waseca Area Foundation, totaling $6,818.

• NRHEG graduating senior Wyatt Groskreutz and sixth-grade teacher Duey Ferber were speakers during the 2023 Baccalaureate ceremony held the evening of Sunday, May 21. More than 200 community members and about 35 members of the graduating class attended.

• Roger Swearingen, a Vietnam veteran of the US Air Force, received a letter of commendation recently, hand-delivered by his grandson, Jacob.

Swearingen, a resident of Ellendale, was drafted in 1967, just two years after his high school graduation. He became an aircraft mechanic, and worked on C-130 Aircraft, which carried both troops and cargo.

• Jayne Marie Vairma of New Richland passed away peacefully at her home on May 17th, 2023 with her best friend and husband, Brian Douglas Vairma, giving comfort and care as Jayne went to meet her Heavenly Father after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.

June

• Grant Berg, social studies teacher with NRHEG since 2004, has been chosen as the secondary principal, filling a position left open by the recent resignation of 10-year leader David Bunn.

• The current group is a bit larger than last year and is sure to increase enthusiasm as the NRHEG High School graduating class of 2023 takes the stage at the high school for commencement Sunday, June 4 at 2 p.m. This year’s graduates number 67, up from 57 last year.

The valedictorians for the class of 2023 total three, who all attained a perfect 4.0 GPA. They are, in alphabetical order:

Anton Domeier, son of Mark and Michelle Domeier. His future plans include attending Minnesota State University Mankato to study graphic design.

Bree Ihrke, daughter of Chris and Sara Ihrke. Her future plans include attending the University of Minnesota, studying architecture.

Eva Wayne, daughter of Brandon and Jodi Wayne. Her future plans include attending the University of St. Thomas, studying business.

This year’s salutatorians total two:

Erin Jacobson, daughter of Erik and Heidi Jacobson. Her future plans include attending South Dakota State University, studying agronomy.

Sidney Schultz, daughter of John and Wendy Schultz. Her future plans include attending Winona State University, studying radiography.

• About 75 people gathered in the NRHEG secondary gym the morning of Monday, May 29 to take part in a Memorial Day ceremony sponsored by the New Richland American Legion.

Speaker Kelly Delacruz told the crowd that history is peppered with “days that will never be forgotten” for their tragedy and their impact. Even remembering such days, she said, “seems to suck the oxygen out of our chests.”

• So many parents, siblings, grandparents and family members came that extra seating had to be acquired as 48 4- and 5-year-olds entered the NRHEG Secondary gym to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” the evening of Friday, May 26. As many as 6 adults were needed to keep the line moving in an orderly fashion, and even then there was some confusion about which chairs to sit in. The audience was all smiles.

• “We are meant to fail, learn, and then succeed,” suggested Tatum Smith Vulcan, one of three class speakers at NRHEG’s graduation ceremony held Sunday, June 4.

The Class of 2023 included 68 graduates, 36 of whom had grade point averages (GPAs) above 3.0. Three valedictorians were honored: Anton Domeier, Bree Ihrke, and Eva Wayne, all three for having earned perfect 4.0 GPAs. Two salutatorians, Erin Jacobson and Sidney Schultz, were announced. 

• Blair Jon Nelson, age 65, of Waseca passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by his loving family on May 30, 2023 in Waseca.

• The Curtis Swenson Family has established a $25,000 donor advisor fund administered by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. The primary purpose of the fund is to benefit the New Richland Public Schools and Library. Born on December 27, 1939, Curt Swenson began his schooling at the one-room schoolhouse nearest the family farm in New Richland. As a distinguished student at New Richland High School, graduating in 1957, he earned a National Merit Scholarship and graduated from Macalester College with a degree in economics.

• For Nancy Jane Klecker, it was the stuff of nightmares. “His eyes rolled back in his head and he sort of fell back. I leaped out of my chair and ran out into the hallway screaming.

“The doctors say I probably saved his life by reacting so quickly.”

Fortunately, “the hallway” was in a hospital where Harry, 57, and Nancy Jane’s husband of 31 years, had just learned that there was dangerous blockage in a number of blood vessels connected to his heart, and that he should be scheduled for open heart surgery in the near future.

• Lise Weegman, NRHEG Secondary’s business teacher for the past six years, did not have an easy time deciding to submit her retirement this spring. One of the greatest joys of being a teacher, she observes, is the opportunity to introduce students to concepts and practices “that they knew very little about, and possibly had never even thought of before.”

• Kathy (Flor) Hinkley will retire on June 23 after 42 years with the New Richland Care Center. She invites everyone to a public Open House retirement party on Friday, June 23 at the New Richland City Hall from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

• A retirement celebration for Deb Bently, NRHEG teacher of 26 years, will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 17 at St. Olaf Lake City park. Snacks and beverages provided; no gifts, please.

• As surprises go, this should be a big one.

Rourke Wacholz, 6, his brother Arlo, 4, and parents Chelsey and Mike are expected to leave their rural Ellendale home Friday morning, and are forbidden to return until 11:30 Sunday. While they’re gone, Rourke’s bedroom will have new carpeting installed. The walls will be painted and decorated, new curtains will likely be hung.

And, if Rourke has his way, his bed will be much taller than the standard double-sized bed he inherited when he moved out of the room he once shared with his brother. But, although he can be fairly sure his wishes will be followed, he is not being given any details.

All will be made clear at Sunday’s “reveal.”

• A full lineup of events, minus Martin Ellingson jumping off the room of the Ellendale bank (in a theatrical performance), is in place for the annual Ellendale Days celebration, beginning with food vendors and a street dance at 8 p.m., Friday, June 23, 2023.

• Pastor Billie Jo Wicks is taking on a new role in her Ellendale and Meriden congregations, Zion and St. Paul Lutheran churches. Wicks has already served as deacon at both churches for nearly two years, and, after being ordained in January, has been their pastor ever since.

• “The bed. And the ‘fridge.”

Rourke Wacholz, 6, has little patience with questions this morning of Sunday, June 25. He has returned home to see the makeover his room has been receiving the past couple of days. But he is able to identify two favorites.

In addition to the lofted bed–the request he was most excited about–he has returned home to find new carpeting, freshly painted walls, a toy chest filled with dinosaurs, a special circular ceiling light with a small ceiling fan inside it, and even a karaoke machine and a small refrigerator that can hold up to four child-sized beverages.

• A New Richland man was killed the morning of Wednesday, June 21, in a collision with a semi.

58-year-old Scott Bolduan was traveling southbound on Highway 13 between Hartland and New Richland at about 11:07 a.m in a 2006 Dodge Ram truck when he was struck by a semi-truck driven by Darryn Bullock, a 35-year-old man from Dallas, North Carolina.

• The New Richland City Council approved the resignation of police officer Ryan Gehrke during its first meeting of the month on Monday, June 12. Gehrke, having accepted a position with the Steele County Sheriff’s Office, had his last shift with the New Richland Police Department (NRPD) on May 29.