Winter angling returns to St. Olaf

The New Richland Sportsmen's Club held its ice fishing contest on St. Olaf Lake from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. According to Lee Mendenhall, “Fish houses are allowed; prize announcements can be heard on FM 88.1.”

An icy wind moved the 20-degree air across St. Olaf Lake, but seemed not to dampen the spirits of so many ice fishermen. The clogging of boots on ice and the hoots and hollers of hearty, heavily dressed Minnesotans could be heard while approaching the announcer’s booth, which Mendenhall described for anglers as being “under the pole with the American flag on it.” Among this year’s many prizes were opportunities to win cash. Seykora Automotive Repair out of Owatonna donated a “fishing license for life” to one child under 18 years old.

Waseca Marine and More set up a mobile bait shop. The city park concession stand offered pop, bratwurst, hot dogs and hot chocolate as long as supplies lasted.

The afternoon’s largest reward, the 50/50 raffle prize of $1,143, went to Rick Shultz.

Tyler Jacobson won the grand prize drawing of $500.

First place with a $75 cash prize for the largest fish of the day was Todd Ide: his fish weighed 1 pound, 8.4 ounces.

Taking second place and earning a $50 cash prize was Hunter Priebe, whose fish weighed 1 pound, 6.6 ounces.

A $25 cash prize for the third largest fish for the day went to Alexa Schmidt; her fish was 13.5 ounces.

The lifetime fishing license drawing was given out by Dave Dunnette of Seykora Automotive Repair of Owatonna to Alexander Revermann of Waseca. Dunnette is also president of the New Richland Sportsmen's Club. Alex’s parents were instructed to fill out paperwork, then bring it to Seykora’s to be mailed in with a check. The little Revermann said, “I wrote my name on the paper when I registered, but I never thought I would win. I was so excited because I never really win anything.” He also received an ice fishing care package to assist him with his new license, including ice fishing poles, lures, a tackle box and strainer.

Karl Proehl listed a lot of names expressing gratitude for the annual event he has announced every year for the past decade. Proehl took over for Bill Robinson when he passed away nearly 15 years ago.

This year’s sponsors and some “helpers” included: Dennis Bouldan, Karl and Tammy Proehl, Jerry Iberson, Rod Hullopeter, Lee Mendenhall, Lorna Jacobson and many more. Sponsors:

The Sportsman’s Club would like to thank the following sponsors for their donations to this year’s event: Southside Marine – Neal Schauer, Free Minnows, Josh Moen Snow Removal, Country Edge Seed – Josh and Alex Moen, Shawn and Rose Loken, State Bank of New Richland, Main Street Dental, Golf Carts and More – Carter Routh, Scott Routh Insurance, Thompson Auto Body, New Richland Dish Network, Budach Implement – Gary, Dan and Nick, Rick Schultz – Southern Seed, Midwest Repairables, New Richland Home Supply, The Willows, Arnold’s Case – Tim Engebretson, Northern Country Coop, Ron Thorson – Jerky, Kibble Equipment, The Bend in the Road, Jeff Monacy, Interstate Junction Motorcycles, Albert Lea Seed, Neighbor’s Meats, Thirsty Beaver, Channel Seed, Seykora Automotive Repair, Schott Budweiser, NR Sportsman Club, Johnson Doerhoefer and Miner PA, Wuerflein Honda, Hi Yield Products – Hartland, Hanson Tire Service – Albert Lea, Riverview Golf Course, CMD Transport – former Schmidt Trucking, Star Eagle, MinnWest Insurance – Formerly Roundbank, Grant Berg Lawn Care, Nancy Jane’s Bakery, Kim’s 1st Impressions, Brian Mendenhall – Southern MN Pressure Washing, Pioneer Lane Janike, Scott and Robin Routh Crop Insurance, Wagner Foods, Red Leaf Café, Bohlen’s Plumbing and Heating, NR Auto Repair, T's Sweet Treats and More, Lerberg’s, RJ’s – Ellendale, Sorenson Appliance and TV, and New Richland Liquor Company.