Portraits 2012

Page 1

El Ri e ca . s e. l e l a w i s e l e v l a W i e . N v W . n e . d a ia s y l seca . J . New Richlan eville . Elysian . Waseca . Jan ew RichlandMarch 2012 E . ille v N n e d . n a n n a J i n a a . s l a J i y . a h s la c c y a i h l e c c R E s i e . e . El a R s w e a W l e ew vil .W .N d. N e n . d n n a a l n a i n J a h s a l . i c y i h l s .J a c y E i l c . a E R e c wR . s e l e l a w i s e l e v l a .W vi W .N ne e . d a n n n J d a a . a i l n J s . a a h l y c l s c a i h y E c l c R . i e E R s . e w l a l Wase i e e w l v l W Ne ne evi d. . n.N a n n a J i n a a . s l a J i y . a h l s c c y E a i h l e c c R E s i e . a R s lle . w e a W l e l w . i W N e ev .N d. n. n a land n a i n J a h s a l . i c y i h l s a c y E R i l c R ca .E se le . e l a w i s e l New e v l a W i e . N v W . n e . d a ian lan nd Jan s . a.J a h l y c l c a i h e E c l c R s . i e E a R s . e w l a l W i e e w l v l W N i e . e . v ne nd Jan ian n.N a a . s l a J i y . a h l s c c y E a i l e . c R E s . a Ri se w e a W l e l w . i W N eville e v . . d N e n . d n n a . Ja ian ichl hlan lysia s a c y E R i l c . E R e w . s e l e l a w i sec e l e v l a W i .N e . N v W . n e . d a n n n J d a a .J a. hla lan ysi c l c a i h e E c c R s . i e a R s e w l a l W i e w ille v W N e v . e d. . e N n d . n n a n a a J i n J a . a hl sia a. c c y Elys i c l e . R e E s s . e a l a l w i e W l e v l W .N . i . N v n . d ne e d a n i n n n a s a l a a i y l J l h s ic ly .E a. ich E R c R e . l e l i w s e w l v e l a e i e N v W N nd n e . . a a l n n. J d n h . a a n J c i i a . a s l c R y se w ich eca . El a e R s e a W N l l . . w i W e v d . n e N a a. n i . n c a s l nd a e y n J l h s a . E c i a i . s a R y W w ille sec . El d. e v a n e e N l a l W . n l i . a v h n J c e d a . i Ely i n R . s a a y l c Jan l e l w h e l E i e s c . i v a N ne .W wR n. a ville J e a d e i . s N n n a y . a a l l c J E n h . e ew . s ic a N a e sia . l c R l i e W n s v . w a a e i e nd an lys .W .N a J l E . d n . h a a n c i e i l c a s l l R i e y W l h s v . E a w e . d e n Ric W n e a N . l J l a . i l . d v ich ca ian ne lan s R e a h s y J l c a w . i E e R . a W . N c e ev l w . l d i n e n v n a ase N a J e a i . l . s n h y n a a l .J Ric ec sia .E s a y l e a c w l E l i e e . W s v . N a e e . l l .N d n W n n a . n a J a evi i a l . d i s h s n y a l c y a i l c R .E se e.E a ichl w l e l l R e i l W i v . N v w e . e . d e n n n n a d a a J a i l n J . s . a h n.N l y a l c a i h c E c c R e . Ri se as w le a l i e w W v W N e . . e . N n d d . n a n ne n J ia n a a . s l a J i y hla . a h l s c c y E a i l e . c R E s a se w ille e. a W l e v l . i W N e v . . d n e n a d n n J a a l n . Ja ian ich hla lysi ca . s a c y E R i l c . E R e w . s e l e l a w i e .N ev .W Ne vill . n n e d a a n i n n J d s a a . a i l n J y l s . a a h l y E c l c a i h e E c c R s . i e a R s a ille ew .W v W N ew . e d . N n n d . n a a l n a J i n a . h s l a Ja i c y . a i h l s c c R y E a i l e . c R E s e . e a l s a ew vil .W ille W N e v . . d n e n a d n n J a a l n a . i J a h s an l . i y ic h l s a c y E R i l c . seca E R e w . s e l e l a ew W ille .N evi . N v . n n e d a a n i n n J s a a . a i l J y l s . a an h l y c l c a i h e E c c R s . e.E i e a R s e w l a l W Ne ew .W evi d. . N n n d . n a a l n a J i n a . h s l a i c y . a i h l s c c y E a i l e . c R E s w RA special e . e a l s l w i e a W l e il W ev .N d .the Waseca News . Janev ichlanof hland . lysianCounty ca . Jan publication s

portraits

of Waseca C ounty

Faces of our Community

A TRADITION OF SUPPORTING

OUR COMMUNITY

With our community, we are appreciative With strong commitment commitment to to positively our community, community, we we are are appreciative appreciative With aa strong positively impacting impacting our of throughout 2010. theover over3,800 4,300hours hoursour ouremployees employeesvolunteered volunteered throughout ofofthe the over 3,800 hours our employees volunteered throughout2011. 2010. LifeCustomer seca ad of BBre W reada of Life

Appreciation

Sponsoring

Farma

and Workin

merica

g at the Sch

ool Musica

l Grease

Drive ly ly Drive ooooll SaSuuspeppcpa SSch oorfti ch aald W W Wollldec rfon

School

Tours

ply C

School Sup

a rd

fBo kk OrO.fff HHabitat oJ o y C abitat fo o t i forr HHuum hhaiirlllli Co P C maannitityy y a aay C z z W i d P e W t i e d v n e i t U od dr Uni

Hunger Kids Against

y fo

tle Har

unior Board

ECFE Fair

M Miinnnneesota F sota FooodSh odShaare re

rmed Cross -J FaR the of Ta m A thenFarm ofica steer Taste

Farmam

Hearts for Hartley

owls

erica SEcEmhmpptytyBBowls ool Tours

Relay Relay For For Life Life

Relay For Life Lum inaries

Ho Holid liday ay Fo Food od Do Dona natio tionn

HHats off to ats off to RRelay elay

W Waasseeccaa Schoo Schooll SSupply upply DDrive rive

Postivively Impacting Peoples’ Lives since 1881

Roundbank

www.roundbankinsurance.com www.roundbankinsurance.com Waseca Waseca 507-835-1499, 507-835-1499, 200 200 2nd 2nd Street Street NE NE Waldorf Waldorf 507-239-2166, 507-239-2166, 102 102 South South Main Main New New Richland Richland 507-465-8111, 507-465-8111, 121 121 South South Broadway Broadway Avenue Avenue

www.roundbank.com www.roundbank.com www.roundbank.com Waseca 507-835-4220, 200 2nd Street NE Waseca 507-835-4220, 200 2nd NE Waseca 200South 2nd Street Street Waldorf507-835-4220, 507-239-2166, 102 Main NE Waldorf Waldorf 507-239-2166, 507-239-2166, 102 102 South South Main Main

®

Investment Solutions www.investmentsolutionsmn.com

Waseca www.roundbank.com | 507-835-4220 | 200 2nd Street NE www.roundbank.com

Member Member FDIC Member FDIC FDIC

Waseca Waseca || 507-835-4220 507-835-4220 || 200 200 2nd 2nd Street Street NE NE

Welcome...

Inside these 24 pages you will find rich, colorful stories of people who represent the faces of our communities. The people featured in this edition come from a variety of backgrounds, professions and walks of life. They come from the business community, the world of education and sports, the faith community, law enforcement, city government and the world of volunteering. All of them play a significant role in making Waseca County a great place to live. These stories take you behind the scenes with glimpses of people you may or may not know. Together, the stories of these 11 Waseca County residents let us know them a little better and give us a new appreciation for their role in our county. This production is a product of the Waseca County News staff, following months of photography, interviewing, writing, designing and creative advertising efforts. We hope you enjoy Portraits 2012 for weeks and months to come as we celebrate some of the people who make Waseca County special.

— Julie Frazier Publisher and Editor

Story Index Page 2

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012 n. Elysia ville . nd a . Jane Richla Wasec ian . New a . Jan land . ys . lle . El . Wasec w Rich n . Ne eca . Janevi Richland lle . Elysian ia ys El w vi . Was ville . n . Ne eca . Jane w Richland nd ia ne la ys Ja . El ch as . a Ri Ne a . Jan Wasec ian . New a . Janeville Richland . W . Elysian . land . ys lle . Wasec ysian . w Rich neville . El land . Wasec ysian . New eca . Janevi RichlandMarch 2012 El . Ne . lle Ja n El w . vi . Was eca w Rich ville . n . Ne eca . Jane w Richland . Elysia eville chland . Was Elysian . Ne aseca . Jane w Richland ville . Elysia as . nd . W . Elysian . Ne aseca . Jan New Ri . Janeville chland . W . Elysian . Ne aseca . Jane w Richla . a Ri nd . W neville . Ne W lle ysian . Wasec ysian . New a . Janevi Richland . lle . Elysian . Waseca . Ja . New Richla neville . El land ec w vi . Ja n . El w Rich eville chland . Was Elysian . Ne aseca . Jane w Richland ville . Elysia aseca . nd . W . Elysian . Ne aseca . Jan New Ri . Janeville chland . W . Elysian . Ne aseca . Jane w Richla . W lle . a Ri nd nevi . Ne W lle ysian . Wasec ysian . New a . Janevi Richland . lle . Elysian . Waseca . Ja . New Richla neville . El land ec w vi . Ja n . El w Rich eville chland . Was Elysian . Ne aseca . Jane w Richland ville . Elysia aseca . nd . W . Elysian . Ne New Ri . Janeville chland . W . Elysian . Ne aseca . Jane w Richla lle vi a Ri ne . Ne W lle . Wasec ysian . New a . Janevi Richland . lle . Elysian . Waseca . Ja ec w vi . El eville chland . Was Elysian . Ne aseca . Jane w Richland . New Ri . Janeville chland . W . Elysian . Ne a Ri lle . Wasec ysian . New a . Janevi ec . El eville chland . Was New Ri a . Jan . Wasec land . lle . Elysian w Rich vi n . Ne eca . Jane w Richland . Elysia Ne Was . . lle n vi ia nd a . Jan ys a . Jane New Richla lle . El nd . Wasec ysian . ec vi as ne . W land . lle . Elysian Waseca . Ja . New Richla neville . El land . Ja w Rich vi n . Ne eca . Jane w Richland lle . Elysian . Waseca . n . New Rich Jan Elysia vi as . ville . nd . W . Elysian . Ne aseca . Jane w Richland ville . Elysia . Waseca ian . a . Jane Richla Ne nd ne Wasec ian . New a . Janeville Richland . W . Elysian . Waseca . Ja New Richla neville . Elys nd ys lle . . ec El w vi n . as a . Ja Richla eville chland . W Elysian . Ne aseca . Jane w Richland ville . Elysia Wasec ian . New a . Jan . . nd Ri Ne W ne . la . Ja n Elys ville New . Wasec ysian . . Jane w Richland ville . Elysia . Waseca . n . New Rich . Janeville . a nd la ec El a ne land lle . Elysia . Was ysian . Ne w Rich ville . . Wasec eca . Ja w Rich vi n . Ne eca . Jane w Richland . El eville chland . Was Elysian . Ne aseca . Jane w Richland ville . Elysia as nd . W . Elysian . Ne W Waseca . Ne News ville . of .the nd New RiA special a . Jane New Richla ysianCounty a . Jane publication Richla neville . Wasec lle . El . Wasec ysian . New a . Janevi Richland . lle . Elysian . Waseca . Ja ec El w vi . as nd ne Ne W la . Ja n. eville chland . w Rich aseca . Elysia New Ri . Janeville chland . W . Elysian . Ne a Ri lle . Wasec ysian . New a . Janevi ec . El eville chland . Was Ri w Ne

Working His Way Up ..................................................................................................3 Waseca County Deputy Sheriff has seen law enforcement from all angles

Two Million Meals...And Counting ...........................................................................4 Hartley Elementary food service manager recalls 26 years with the Waseca School District

Making the Bluejays ...................................................................................................6 Coach has had immeasurable impact on Waseca athletics

The Business of Teaching............................................................................................8 Waseca High School business teacher Barb Kunz gets energy from her students

Returning the Favor ................................................................................................. 10 Waseca restaurant owner Oscar Marquez says ‘thanks’ to community by sprucing up his business

The Joy of Volunteering............................................................................................ 12 New Richland couple Pam and Larry Goehring find fun in volunteering

aits portreca C ount y of Was

Faces of our Community

Portraits 2012 A special project of the Waseca County News 213 2nd St. N.W., Waseca, MN www.wasecacountynews.com

Publisher/Editor Julie Frazier Account Consultants Kristie Biehn, Nicole Howard

Via New Orleans........................................................................................................ 14

Cover Design Loralea Baldwin

Sharing Her Secret .................................................................................................... 16

Ad Design Loralea Baldwin, Naomi Kissling, Kelly Kubista

Born for Small-Town Living .................................................................................... 18

Contributing Writers/Editors/Photographers Marianne Carlson, Ruth Ann Hager, Jordan Osterman

Waseca youth pastor Zach Marino found a home he never knew existed

Purple Goose owner Judy Jacobs knows a good staff is the key to success

Janesville Mayor Mark Novak found his way back to a small community after years in the big city

A Couple Years? Try Twenty.................................................................................... 21 Waseca Hy-Vee meat department manager found it hard to tear himself away from his community

Dedicated to Education............................................................................................. 23 Kids are the real draw for Family Education Center secretary

Advertiser Index

Ag Power Enterprises....................................................................... 11 Associated Lumber Mart .................................................................24 Brown Printing ................................................................................ 4 Carter’s Plumbing & Heating ........................................................... 10 Clifton Larson Allen......................................................................... 4 Country Neighbors ...........................................................................7 Emerson ........................................................................................22 Express Employment Professionals ................................................... 12 Grace Lutheran Church .................................................................... 8 Guardian Energy.............................................................................24 HomeTown Credit Union.................................................................24 Janesville Agency............................................................................ 16 Janesville Bowl ............................................................................... 19 Janesville Car Wash .........................................................................13 Janesville Nursing Home ................................................................. 19 Janesville Service Center ..................................................................13 Janesville State Bank....................................................................... 16 Kieffer Communications ................................................................... 8 Kinder/Dennis Funeral Homes .........................................................22 Lampert Lumber ............................................................................. 19

Portraits 2012 is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Waseca County News at no additional charge. All rights reserved. ©2012 All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertiser.

Latham Place ................................................................................. 21 Main Street Dental ...........................................................................7 Maple Terrace ................................................................................ 14 McRaith Funeral Homes .................................................................. 21 Morgan’s Meat Market .................................................................... 10 New Richland State Bank ................................................................22 Patton, Hoversten & Berg..................................................................3 Pioneer Hi-Bred ............................................................................. 23 Purple Goose................................................................................. 23 Staples/Expressway ......................................................................... 19 State Farm/Sherry Tuohy ................................................................. 19 The S.H.O.P................................................................................... 14 Thrifty White Drug ...........................................................................3 Waseca Chamber of Commerce .........................................................7 Waseca County Sheriff’s Department .................................................13 Waseca Neighborhood Service Center............................................... 8 Waseca Public Schools.................................................................... 12 Wireless World ...............................................................................15 Wiste’s Meat Market ....................................................................... 19

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

County News/Marianne Carlson

Waseca County Deputy Sheriff Jay Dulas stands in front of his county vehicle outside the sheriff’s ofďŹ ce building.

Page 3

Working his way up

By MARIANNE CARLSON mcarlson@wasecacountynews.com WASECA — After graduating from Alexandria Technical and Community College, Waseca County Deputy Sheriff Jay Dulas embarked on a career in law enforcement that has allowed him to understand the entire process from the initial call to detaining a criminal. Dulas started out as patrolman with the Waterville Police Department where he worked for two years. From there, he started working dispatch for the Waseca County Sheriff’s office. Then it was on to the jail. Dulas is now a deputy sheriff and said, “I’m living the dream.� “I purposely wanted to understand how everything worked,� Dulas said. “It has actually been very beneficial.� Thanks to his cross training, Dulas can fill in if there is ever a desperate situation that requires his assistance. For the past 10 years he has been an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). The FOP is the world’s

122 East Elm Ave. Waseca, MN

‡

Monday - Friday: 9am-6pm Saturday: 9am-1pm Sunday: CLOSED

largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, with more than 325,000 members in more than 2,100 lodges. Dulas is the Secretary/Treasurer of the local lodge in Waseca that is home to more than 165 members from southern Minnesota. The organization supports the police officers and their families, and is committed to improving the working conditions of law enforcement officers and the safety of those they serve through education, legislation, information, community involvement, and employee representation. According to Dulas, “doing good deeds� and community involvement is really important to FOP. The group recently helped with the benefit breakfast for Benita Nelson. They also do an annual event called, “Shop with a Hero� or “Shop with a Cop,� where they invite underprivileged children to select Christmas gifts for themselves and/or other family members and loved ones. “We like to be visible in the community,� Dulas said. In 2006, Dulas became a Waseca firefighter.

e r a C e W

“It is something that I always wanted to do,� Dulas said with a smile. “Sometimes I will find myself in a situation where I am doing double duty.� He does continuous training and certification for his fire fighting skills and his first responder certification. “We respond to medical calls,� Dulas said. “Every medical (call) that North Ambulance responds to, the Waseca Fire Department responds to. The rescue squad also gets paged to assist as well.� Dulas is one of two training officers for the Waseca Fire Department. He is responsible for making sure the fire department and all of the firefighters are properly trained and in compliance with all regulations. Whether it is with the fire department, the sheriff’s office or FOP, Dulas can be seen around the community helping with fingerprinting clinics, the Early Childhood Family Education fairs, National Night Out, the Waseca County Fair, the Bike Safety Rally, and anywhere else he might be needed. “I’m really never off duty because people know that I’m an officer and a firefighter,� Dulas said. “I’ve always got people asking me questions. I love it. I love my job. I love to help people on or off duty. It feels good that people are comfortable approaching me and asking questions.� Dulas and his wife, Robin, have three daughters: Landi (18), Madison (13) and Keegan (10). Landi is in her first year of college and she is studying law enforcement and psychology. Family is very important to Dulas and he credits his wonderful wife and daughters for supporting him. “I’ve missed holiday meals and church events because of fires or being on duty,� Dulas said. “They are always very understanding and that means a lot.� Robin is the secretary at Grace Lutheran Church and the coordinator of the food shelf there. Dulas and his daughters pitch in and help unload the food from the truck, stock shelves, or dispense the food when their help is needed. Dulas grew up on a farm in Steele County and said, “You can’t get the farming out of my blood.� He not only crop farms, but he “dabbles� in animal farming as well. He considers the farming and pretty much any other outdoor activity “relaxing.� Besides sports, snowmobiling, four wheeling, and farming, he loves to help one of his good friends establish and maintain wildlife habitats. He recently worked with Pheasants Forever to establish a 400-acre Wildlife Management Area near St. James. “Helping people is contagious,� Dulas said. “So much of what you give, you get back with the positive feelings from helping others.�

Patton, Hoversten & Berg, P.A. A Professional Association/Attorneys at Law

$ JHQHUDO SUDFWLFH ODZ ¿UP ZLWK QLQH ODZ\HUV SUDFWLFLQJ LQ WKH DUHDV RI ‡ $JULFXOWXUH ‡ &ULPLQDO /DZ ‡ ':, ‡ (OGHU /DZ ‡ /LWLJDWLRQ ‡ 5HDO (VWDWH ‡ %DQNUXSWF\ DQG 2WKHU 'HEW 5HOLHI ‡ %XVLQHVV /DZ ‡ (VWDWH DQG 1XUVLQJ +RPH 3ODQQLQJ ‡ )DPLO\ /DZ DQG 'LYRUFH ‡ 3HUVRQDO ,QMXU\ ‡ :LOOV DQG 3UREDWH

(DVW (OP $YHQXH 3 2 %R[ :DVHFD 01 7HOHSKRQH ‡ ZZZ SKEODZRI¿FH FRP

2 million meals...

Page 4

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

and counting

By RUTH ANN HAGER rhager@wasecacountynews.com

WASECA — In 26 years, Linda Huebl has served two million meals to students in the Waseca School District. District-wide, 1,600 meals are served each day and 300,000 meals are served in a year, she said. Now the manager of food service at Hartley Elementary School, Huebl said working in the kitchens of Waseca’s schools has been a great career for her. After working in daycare while her daughters, Hilary and Amy, were young, Huebl looked for other work when they reached seventh and fifth grades. “I wanted a change and I felt I wanted to be out of the house,” she said. Huebl started subbing in the school district’s food service and was hired full-time a year later. It was 1986 when she began her career work-

County News/Ruth Ann Hager

Hartley food service manager, Linda Huebl, cuts pizza for lunch for the school’s students March 1.

ACCOUNTING

TAX

OUTSOURCING

ASSURANCE

ADVISORY

A NEW KIND OF FIRM CliftonLarsonAllen offers something different: exceptional capabilities, deep industry experience, and singular client service—all for organizations like yours.

See HUEBL on 5

More than just a printer At Brown Printing Company customer service is not just a department, it’s our culture. Each employee takes pride in ensuring that we meet and exceed the expectations of our customers. Founded in Waseca, Minnesota in 1949 and incorporated in 1957 by Wayne “Bumps” Brown. Brown was acquired in 1979 by Gruner + Jahr of Hamburg, Germany, a subsidiary of Bertelsmann AG - one of the world’s largest communication conglomerates. Brown Printing Company, a web offset plant, is the third largest publication printer and the fifth largest catalog printer in the U.S. It is nationally recognized as an industry leader in its ability to consistently produce high-quality printed materials in large volumes to meet the needs of the customer.

CUSTOMER S ERVI ERVIC CE it’s our culture

Waseca, Minnesota 507-835-4412

©2012 CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

ing as a kitchen aide at Central Intermediate School, followed by a time splitting her duties between CIS and the high school, 10 years at Hartley and back to the high school. When the food service manager’s position opened at Hartley, she applied and got the job. She has been there for the past six years. Each week, Huebl receives the weekly menus from food service director Jason Forshee. She then orders the supplies to make those meals and Forshee submits orders for the entire district. “It’s not your old-fashioned cooking anymore,” she said. The high school and junior high do more “scratch” cooking than the other kitchens and some of the cooked food, such as meat for tacos and sloppy joes, chicken for fajitas, and mashed potatoes, come from those school kitchens where the equipment is larger, Huebl said. Huebl’s day begins at 7 a.m. when she prepares for the students’ breakfast in the Hartley gym.

www.cliftonlarsonallen.com

Brown Printing Company 2300 Brown Avenue, Waseca

www.bpc.com

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

Page 5

Linda Huebl serves lunch to Hartley students, who that day had a choice of cheese pizza or hot dogs.

Huebl Continued from page 4 Each morning approximately 80 students eat breakfasts that range from cereal to pancakes, French toast and waffles. “The number varies with the weather. The kids want to play outside if it’s nice. When it’s cold, they all come in,” Huebl said. She said there’s a big need for the breakfast program, more than ever. With breakfast and lunch, children can get two good meals a day plus a healthy morning snack such as fresh fruit. The snack cart program is three years old and is really good for the kids, she said. After breakfast, Huebl receives lunch counts from the teachers, then the kitchen team, Huebl, Suzanne Johnson and Judy Shutrop, prepare for the day’s meal. Most of the

school’s students, about 80 percent, eat hot lunch there, Huebl said. As for the food served at Hartley, the kids like pizza, hot dogs, corn dogs, grilled cheese and chicken nuggets the best, according to Huebl. They also love corn, especially corn on the cob, but many aren’t too crazy about the other vegetables. On a recent pizza day, Huebl “trayed up” 380 servings (38 trays) of pizza, which are baked in the Hartley kitchen. The kids really like the cheese pizzas called “Big Daddies,” she said. As for the Hartley kids, Huebl said they are polite and nice and always say “please” and “thank you.” “We do have some picky eaters at the beginning of the school year. But by the end of the year, they’re eating everything,” she said. For almost 20 years, the school district has had an “Offer versus Serve” policy, which means they don’t have to take everything on the menu, Huebl said. Three items on a tray constitute a meal. If pizza is served, pizza and milk

County News/Ruth Ann Hager

would make a meal because pizza has two food components, she said. “Some kids are scared to come through the lunch line because they think they have to take everything. We encourage kids to try food but we don’t make them,” she said. The food service crew gets to know the kids pretty well, including their likes and dislikes, she said. Huebl said she’s enjoyed her job and the people she’s worked with over the years. Her job worked especially well when her own children were at home as she had the same days and the summer off. Once they grew up and moved away, she kept working because she likes her work. Her husband, Chuck, is busy with his own business and her kids are busy with jobs and their children, Anna and Corbin Mulcahey and Lucy and Isaac Sainsbury, who visit their grandparents often. “[Hartley] feels like home to me. I started first grade here. It’s my second home and we’ve got a good team,” she said. “I don’t see any need to stop working.”

Page 6

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

Making the Bluejays Coach’s impact on Waseca athletics immeasurable

By JORDAN OSTERMAN josterman@wasecacountynews.com

County News/Jordan Osterman

More than four decades coaching have made Gary Meurer a fixture in Waseca sports.

WASECA — It’s difficult to imagine how different Waseca athletics would look today had Gary Meurer stuck to his veterinary medicine studies at Mankato State University.

To think: four decades worth of coaching could just as easily have disappeared had he gone to the University of Minnesota and finished his degree, perhaps never finding his way to Waseca, the town 45 minutes east of where he grew up in Nicollet. But after his sophomore year Meurer returned home to Nicollet and had the chance to coach wrestling. Something clicked, and veterinary medicine all of a sudden didn’t seem like the thing for him. He wanted to coach. “Seeing the light go on in a young athlete’s eyes when they really figure it out,” Meurer said. “That’s what did it for me.” Whatever up-and-coming Nicollet wrestler first had that light go off, Waseca should thank him; after switching his major to math and physical education and graduating in 1970, Meurer took a job teaching and coaching in Waseca. The rest is Bluejays history. By any standard measure Meurer’s 41 years of coaching have been extremely successful: As the wrestling coach Meurer saw 18 individuals to the state tournament, including two state champions. As the cross country coach he has seen five boys and seven girls South Central Conference champions, and a state championship team in 2009. See Muerer on 7

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

Page 7

Muerer Continued from page 6 Another measurement is the hundreds of kids that have passed through his teams during that time. Underlying Meurer’s passion for coaching is the desire to improve young people’s lives, which athletics have always given him the opportunity to do. “Athletics are one of those stepping stones that teach lessons in life and makes better people,” Meurer said. “Instilling in them the values of hard work and commitment sets them up for life.” It’s in that desire that Meurer said his own measure of success comes from. “Where a boy or girl enters the program, they leave a young man or woman,” he said. “Respectful, thoughtful, caring young adults. If I’ve truly done my job, they’re going to be an asset to society.” One of the unique aspects of high school wrestling and cross country is the common-place inclusion of athletes as young as seventh grade on the varsity roster. That often means a mix of 13-yearolds and 18-year-olds on the same team, but Meurer said his passion for coaching younger athletes is rooted in treating them all the same. “The fact that we don’t treat them any different than juniors and seniors has helped them,” Meurer said. “We treat them as varsity athletes. That’s something a lot of them have never experienced and they buy into that.” Part of that treatment is dealing with grades, which Meurer has always made a point of prioritizing. “Grades are important,” he said. “If you’re not doing well you’re going to have a 1-on-1 with the coach and figure it out.” The success of that approach is reflected in the grades of his athletes, which collectively hang out in the A range on a consistent basis. Meurer said the attitude of athletics

Gary Meurer, left front, was named to the Waseca High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

and academics in Waseca is part of what kept him here. “Utopia’s not out there,” Meurer said. “Waseca’s as good a place as I’ve found.” It’s not difficult to believe someone who has spent 42 years here feels that way, but in the early stages Meurer had no idea he would stick around so long. After his

second year of coaching he was recruited to Prior Lake and considered it before a conversation that truly benefited Waseca made him think twice. “A veteran coach told me, ‘They have big plans for you here.’ To this day I have no idea who ‘they’ were, but shortly afterward I was named head wrestling coach and things really started moving,” Meurer

said. “Someone must have recognized in me that ‘they’ were able to put their trust in me.” All these years later, it’s safe to say the trust was put in the right place. “Forty-two years is a long time,” Meurer said. “But I can’t imagine spending 42 years anywhere else. This has been an outstanding community.”

Open Monday-Saturday and 2 evenings

New Patients Welcome “We Welcome Emergencies” 132 N. Broadway, New Richland, MN 56072 (507) 463-0502

mainstreetdentalclinics.com

Page 8

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

The BUSINESS of TEACHING

County News/Marianne Carlson

Waseca High School business teacher Barb Kunz wears many hats. She is the advisor and teacher for DECA, BPA, YSL, and AVID classes. Kunz is also the staff coordinator for the WHS Law Team and the assistant boys and girls golf coach.

By MARIANNE CARLSON mcarlson@wasecacountynews.com WASECA — “I always wanted to be a teacher,” Waseca High School business teacher Barb Kunz said. “The students energize me. They keep me young. They teach me to look at life differently. I think if you are always surrounded by adults, it becomes more difficult to see the world from a kid’s perspective.” Kunz was a graduate of Janesville High School and she credits two of her teachers, Larry Milow and Eileen Hiasson, for inspiring her to become a business teacher. After attending Mankato State University, Kunz started out in accounting, but later decided to get a degree in education as well. “I found out that was where I really belonged,” Kunz said. “Teaching was what I loved and it was what I was good at.” Kunz worked at Loyola High School in Mankato for two years. She and her husband, Alan, decided that it would be best if she stayed home with their three children, Brian, Missy and Joel, when they were young. Their children are now grown and Kunz has two grandchildren. See KUNZ on 9

GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

KIEFFER COMMUNICATIONS

Sunday

Sr. Pastor Roger Haug Associate

Worship/Traditional/Blended - 8:00am Sunday School - 9:15am Worship/Contemporary - 10:30am

Wednesday

Confirmation - 7th & 8th Grade

Summer Services

May 27th - September 9th Thursday - 6:30pm Sunday 9:00am

Grace Garden Child Care

Open Year Round with our School Age Program during the summer! Monday through Friday 6:45am-5:30pm Food Program, County Assistance and affiliated with ELEA

www.wasecagracelutheran.com

Specializing in Voice and Data Wiring

In Business Since 1993

Specializing in voice and data solutions, we provide: Phone System Installation Voicemail Solutions Voice, Data and Fiber Optic Wire Installation Testing and Certification of Existing Wiring

ay for Call Us Tod

sultation a Free Con

7743

5507-83

Workstation and Local Area Networking (LAN)

w w w. k i e f fe r c o m m u n i c a t i o n s . c o m

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

Page 9

County News/Marianne Carlson

Waseca High School business teacher Barb Kunz stands up with one of her Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) ninth-grade students during a recent presentation to the Waseca School Board.

Kunz Continued from page 8 According to Kunz, teaching is a great career for family. “I always tell my kids that they need to do what makes them happy,” Kunz said. “Money is not the only thing of value in life. They need to figure out what matters to them. For me, it is family time and working with kids.” Kunz has been a teacher at Waseca High School for 27 years, as well as doing her student teaching there in 1977. “I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to learn from such great teachers,” Kunz said. “Waseca has always been known for their great business and DECA program. Don Zwach and Joan Springeler were both great mentors and role models for me.” She started out as a part-time teacher in Waseca and also worked part-time in the accounts payable office at Carlson Craft in Mankato. Kunz said that she taught all three of her kids in class, a situation she said had its rewards and challenges. “If they were short lunch money, I was right there, or if they wanted a snack, they could get one out of my drawer,” Kunz said with a smile. “But if something happened at

school, I knew about it. Which for me was a reward of the job, but for them I’m sure it was a challenge.” According to Kunz, when she first started teaching, she taught typing. On typewriters. She recalled getting the first Apple IIe computers, which were “state of the art,” and then teaching “keyboarding” class. When Springeler retired, Kunz took over the Business Professionals of America (BPA) program and her courses. After her colleague Ted Hammond retired, Kunz also began to share the responsibilities of the DECA program with fellow teacher Donna Hodgkins. Two years ago, Kunz took on the Youth Service Leadership (YSL) class. “I love it,” Kunz said. “It is so fun to see the kids interacting with the senior citizens and the preschoolers or elementary students. They feel like they are doing something good for someone else.” The YSL students perform a variety of “reachout” projects, such as playing cards and bingo with senior citizens, reading to younger students, or making fleece blankets for veterans. They also volunteer at different organizations around Waseca, such as the Neighborhood Service Center and the Waseca County Historical Society. “They take pride in their community and they under-

Kunz is teaching a select group of ninth grade students in a college readiness program called Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) funded through a grant from Minnesota State University, Mankato. “One of the things the kids in AVID have learned is that organization is a proven key to success,” Kunz said. “Besides the obvious things we work on — reading, writing and inquiry — they are reaping the benefits of a hidden curriculum they don’t even know about. Public speaking, comparing and contrasting, and problem solving are a few examples.” Kunz is also the staff coordinator for the WHS Law Team. In addition to teaching students in the classroom, Kunz also teaches students on the golf course. She is the assistant boys and girls golf coach. She said it has been a rewarding experience working with the kids, seeing them succeed and helping them through slumps. Kunz started golfing 15 years ago as a fun family sport. “Some of the best conversations I’ve ever had with my kids have been on the golf course,” she said. Kunz said she loves her job and truly enjoys coming to work every day. “The students are so respectful and motivated,” she said. “My job is to give them the resources they need and

Page 10

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

Returning the favor

County News/ Ruth Ann Hager

Oscar Marquez came to Waseca six years ago to purchase El Molino, a downtown restaurant.

Restaurant owner upgrading to show appreciation to customers By RUTH ANN HAGER rhager@wasecacountynews.com

WASECA — Six years ago, Oscar Marquez came to Waseca for the first time when his friend offered to sell his Mexican restaurant to him, “if he liked it.� Plaza Moreno became El Molino. “And I’m still here,� Marquez said with a grin. Now he is looking forward to remodeling and adding space to his restaurant as a way to show his appreciation to his customers and to the city of Waseca.

He expects to open the addition by late April or early May. The first reason for the update is to provide main floor restrooms, he said. There will also be more bar space, a bigger kitchen, 10-12 more tables and a “better looking outside,� Marquez said. People who walk into his restaurant are doing him a favor, he said. In turn, he tries to be nice to everybody and

contribute to the community. “Waseca is a beautiful town to everyone,� he said. When he hears that customers have driven from out-oftown to eat at El Molino, it makes him feel good. “I’m feeling very, very happy in Waseca; it’s been really good to me,� Marquez said.

Carter’s

8JPM 2O<O@ & National Award-Winning Hometown Meat Market

507-465-3888

202 S. Ash Ave. New Richland

, % <H OJ KH 2<OPM?<T <H OJ KH 2PI?<T "GJN@?

www.morgansmeatmarket.net

Plumbing and Heating, Inc. Turn to CARTER’S PLUMBING & HEATING for technical expertise, customer satisfaction and Carrier systems that are second to none. s 5NMATCHED #ARRIER EXPERTISE EFlCIENCY AND RELIABILITY s 2ESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL

Jim and Carol Carter 11732 375th Ave., Waseca "USINESS s -OBILE

See MARQUEZ on 11

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

Page 11

County News/Ruth Ann Hager

Oscar Marquez and some of his staff pose for a photo at El Molino just before the lunch crowd begins to arrive. From left to right: Juan Pablo, Oscar, Gabriel, Luis and Eduardo.

Marquez Continued from page 10

He credits his staff of seven, who all live in Waseca, for their part in making the restaurant successful. He tells them if they give good service, they will receive good tips; if they do well, people will leave happy and come back and everybody will be happy. The customer is number one, he said. Marquez hand picks his staff and tries to find people he knows or who are recommended to him. They work hard and he wants them paid well. “I see them like friends,� he said. He recently brought on a new waiter who will be trained in time for the opening of the bigger restaurant. In addition, he and his brother, Francisco, opened Las Brazas on the south end of Waseca. Marquez is active in the Waseca Rotary Club and he and his wife, Maria, and daughters, Abril and Camila, are members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Abril, 8, attends Hartley Elementary School and Camila, 5, attends Sacred Heart Montessori School.

He said he tries to be involved in town to see what people need. “If we work together, it’s better for everyone,� he said. Born in Chicago, he moved to Mexico with his mother and grew up there. He started to work in the restaurant business when he was 17-years-old. A year later, he and his 21-year-old brother opened a restaurant in Chicago but they had no experience and it was in a bad location. Six months later, it shut down. From there, he went to Michigan, back to Mexico where he married his wife, then to Mason City, Iowa, where he worked in his brother’s restaurant for four years. But Marquez wanted to have his own business and began looking around. On one such drive around Minnesota, he stopped in New Ulm to see his friend who told him he had a business in Waseca that Marquez could buy. He changed the name of the restaurant and brought his family. Now his wife says, “I don’t care what happens, I don’t want to leave Waseca.� Marquez said he appreciates Waseca and tries to show that appreciation by giving something back. And he has no plans to leave.

on New Locatimer m u S Open of 2012!

NEW LOCATION - 3555 18th St. SW. Owatonna, MN

F a rm & L a wn Care Equi pment ' RI L L S s # H AI N 3AW S - ORE Your Local Stihl Dealership

TH 3T 37 /WATONNA -.

www.agpowerjd.com

Page 12

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

The joy of volunteering By RUTH ANN HAGER rhager@wasecacountynews.com

County News/Ruth Ann Hager

Larry and Pam Goehring stock a shelf in the New Richland Food Shelf located in the basement of Trinity Lutheran Church. Two Mondays a month, food purchased from the Channel One Food Bank is delivered to the food bank.

achieve gold!

Think Blue

Wa s e c a P u b l i c S c h o o l s

Proudly supporting our Community! Wa s e c a P u b l i c S c h o o l s - # 8 2 9 | 501 E a s t E l m Ave n u e | Wa s e c a , M N 5 6 0 9 3 | ( 507 ) 8 3 5 - 2 50 0

We thank,

NEW RICHLAND — To Pam and Larry Goehring of New Richland, the most fun they have comes through volunteering in Pam’s hometown. The daughter of Bill and Jean Horn, Pam said New Richland was a great place to grow up. “We had the freedom to run around and play and when the whistle blew, you knew you had to go home,� she said. Kids also knew that someone would see them and report anything out of the ordinary, and that made them feel protected, she said. In 1968, Pam graduated from New Richland High School and moved to Sioux Falls to attend Augustana College. Meanwhile, Larry, who grew up in Sioux Falls, had moved away to work in the Twin Cities.

See GOEHRING on 13

Experience the difference. & Flexible Staffing & Direct Hire & Extensive Benefits

& Computer Training & Contract Staffing & Payroll

Our Mission To help as many people as possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people.

Sue Kulseth Barb Kunz Gary Meuer Linda Huebl f o r t h e i r h a r d wo r k a n d c o n s t a n t d e d i c a t i o n t o Wa s e c a P u b l i c S c h o o l s !

501 E a s t E l m Ave n u e Wa s e c a M N 5 6 0 9 3 507 - 8 3 5 - 5 6 2 6 507 - 8 3 5 - 11 61 f a x Office Hours: . P O E BZ 5 I V S T E BZ ' S J E BZ

t "E V M U # B T J D & E V D B U J P O t "E V M U 4 U V E F O U $ M B T T F T t 'B N J M Z & E V D B U J P O $ F O U F S t ( Z N O B T U J D T t 3 F D S F B U J P O t 4 D I P P M "H F $ I J M E $ B S F

www.expresspros.com

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

Page 13

Goehring Continued from page 12

The two met on a blind date in Minneapolis almost 20 years later. They’ve now been married for 25 years and returned to New Richland in 2009 to make it their home. After a career with Delta Airlines from 1984 to 2003, Larry had returned to Delta in 2009. Pam was working for a video product company when her job ended. It was the year after her mother died. “Pam said, ‘Let’s go back to New Richland.’ It was a fabulous move,� Larry said. “I’m loving it. The pace is slower but we’re just as busy.� They live in Pam’s family home, built by her grandparents in 1909, where Pam spent a great deal of time with her grandmother while her parents ran The Horn Inn, a supper club where The Willows is now located. “When you’re the fourth generation of a family, you have deep roots,� she said. When they were new in town, the word got out that they enjoy volunteering and people started calling, Larry said. Now, between the two of them, the Goehrings are involved in the New Richland Historical Society Board of Directors; the city’s Historic Preservation Committee; the Waseca Area Neighborhood Service Center Board of Directors; St. Olaf Cemetery board; the New Richland Area Foundation Fund; Trinity Lutheran Church council and WELCA; quilting (she rips and he ties); Farm & City Days committee and board; the Bone Builders Class through RSVP;

County News/Ruth Ann Hager

Pam Goehring surveys the Trinity Lutheran Church room that is stocked with items for the New Richland school’s backpack program, which sends meals home with 97 students each weekend.

and, last but far from least, the New Richland Food Shelf. It is the food shelf, in the basement of Trinity Lutheran Church, where they spend a great deal of their time. “Pastor [Paul] Andree at Trinity Lutheran Church convinced us that we needed to work with that; now we run the whole thing,� Larry said. The food shelf began in one empty Sunday School room; now it fills four rooms. On the second and fourth Mon-

days of each month, Jeff Bjergum with the Channel One Food Bank delivers pallets of food and supplies purchased with donations to the food shelf. On a recent week, he delivered three pallets: 3,000 pounds of everything from meat to diapers. The Goehrings restock the shelves to make room for deliveries and make sure it’s presentable. Food donations are welcome, but money is the best way to donate, Larry said. The food shelf, which is open

Waseca County Sheriff Sheriff Brad J. Milbrath as the chief law enforcement authority in the County is charged with the duty to ‘’Serve and

on Tuesdays, currently serves 38 families. But Pam encourages people to call the church at 4653635 because they don’t want to miss anyone. “We want to make sure they can feed their children,� she said. In 2011 the New Richland Food Shelf served more than 5,000 people and distributed 64,000 pounds of food, Pam said. From 2010 to 2011, food shelf use increased by 38 percent and so far in 2012, the use is still higher, Larry said. “The need is still there because

Janesville Service Center “For All Your Automotive Needs�

!UTO 4RUCK 3ERVICE 2EPAIR

231-6742

s 0ARTS s 4IRES s "ATTERIES s !UTO !CCESSORIES

211 S Main St

Customer Satisfaction is the CENTER of our service!

things have not calmed down. It’s a very needed program in our area,� he said. “We just run it. It’s the whole community and its churches that make it possible. We have wonderful support,� Pam said. They also operate the back pack program, which serves 97 students each week, providing them with four meals over the weekends. Larry said he has heard comments from teachers that the weekend meals have made a tremendous difference in their students. Pam said they try to dispel the idea that food shelf recipients don’t work. “Our people work. You can’t live and support a family with a minimum wage job,� she said. Larry added that many of their families have at least one parent working two or three jobs. “Food is often the least of their problems. If we hear of a need, we try to help out,� Pam said. “You have to take care of each other and be kind to each other. And if someone needs help, you help them; if something needs to be done, you just do it,� she said. “That’s how I was raised. [I try to] follow the example and set an example for some of the kids,� Pam said. “It’s good for them to know there’s an adult who cares about them, who looks after them without judging. If you’re judging ... don’t bother.� So the couple bowls, takes occasional trips and takes walks around town for relaxation. “But volunteering’s the most fun,� Larry said. “We keep moving forward and do whatever we possibly can.� “It’s just fun. It has to be a joy,� Pam said.

Janesville Car Wash

Janesville, MN 56048 Fax 507-231-5396

507-231-6742

Protect� our County residents as well as keeping the peace. Paul & Alice Pfennig, Owners

122 3rd Ave NW, Waseca . 507-835-0510

Complete Automotive Service & Repair

201 S. Main St., Janesville 507-231-6742

Page 14

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

Youth pastor, never hearing of the area, comes to Waseca from Bemidji

via NEW ORLEANS

By JORDAN OSTERMAN josterman@wasecacountynews.com Youth pastor Zach Marino speaks to a group of children at Christ Community Church.

WASECA — Zach Marino has lived in Minnesota his entire life, yet when he made his way to New Orleans for a summer internship in 2006 he had never heard of Waseca. A native of Bemidji, even after Marino met the youth group from Christ Community Church he didn’t think anything twice about the southern Minnesota town some fiveand-a-half hours south of his home. But that following spring when Marino was at a conference with his Bemidji church, Waseca’s Sally Isder saw his face on a video at the conference and sought him out. She remembered meeting him in New Orleans and approached him about an opportunity

to work at Christ Community Church that upcoming summer. With graduation from Oak Hills Christian College on the horizon, it was the perfect fit for Marino. Little did anyone at the time know that, by way of New Orleans, Waseca had just found itself an energetic young youth pastor. “In my mind it’s a God thing,” Marino said. “There’s no other way to describe that connection. God orchestrated that.” Marino, who will be 26 in May, spent that summer of 2007 in Waseca and things fell into place quickly.

Live in Waseca’s Biggest Home!

See MARINO on 15

THE SHOP

Brian Harguth & Keith Johnson

32452 Hwy. 13 South, Waseca

OWNERS

507-835-7040 s !# 7ORK s /IL #HANGE s %XHAUST 3YSTEMS s 4RANSMISSION &LUSH s #OMPLETE $IAGNOSTICS s %NGINE 4RANSMISSION 2EPAIR s &UEL )NJECTION #LEANING 4UNE 5PS

County News/Jordan Osterman

59 1-BR apartments in our 5-story complex. Annual income of less than $37,600 (single) or $43,000 (couple). Elderly, handicapped/ disabled. HUD Low Rent Housing, rent is 30% of your income, all utilities included except TV & phone. For more information & a tour of our complex call: WASECA HRA/MAPLE TERRACE APARTMENTS 308 2nd Avenue NW, Waseca, MN 56093 Phone:507-835-1753

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

Marino

Continued from page 14 He returned to school in As the youngest child the fall and arranged it so in his family Marino said it that starting in December was difficult for his parents he could start working part- when he moved away pertime in Waseca and finish manently for the first time, his schooling at the same but after taking the leap he time. That setup allowed found a solid landing spot at him to accept the position Christ Community. of youth pastor full time in Some five years later May 2008 immediately af- Marino is now well enter he graduated. trenched in his role there.

Marino works in his office at Christ Community Church.

Page 15 In charge of a youth group of around 60 seventh to 12th graders, Marino takes on the daily task of having a positive impact on young people and “keeping their lives focused on Christ.” Working with a group of 15 active adults that help him with the youth ministry, he concentrates on finding a balance in small groups, prayer, service and connecting with other groups in the area.

“We’re trying to teach not only head knowledge ... but putting it into practice,” Marino said. How best to work with the youth and the rest of the Waseca community is something that Marino has been shaping in himself for a long time. Far from knowing he wanted to be a pastor when he was a youth, Marino started to piece together that it might be something he was interested in as he got more and more feedback from youth leaders that he was a natural fit for it. Many of those leaders were a part of trips Marino took to New Orleans, which started in eighth grade as little more than wanting to find a mission trip that included basketball. Marino appealed to be waived from the age cutoff of ninth grade and after taking part in that first trip, went back for the next five summers. “That was part of growing up,” Marino said. “That

was a huge formative time of my life, particularly with cross-cultural relationships.” Marino said the trips were pivotal for him in understanding and addressing stereotypes he didn’t even know he had, and finding ways to build cross-cultural relationships that were centered on Christ. Those lessons are serving Marino well here in Waseca. “Waseca is more diverse than it looks like,” Marino said. “I really see an opportunity to build relationships with not only ethnically diverse people here, but also socio-economically.” Between the initiative to build those relationships, running the youth program and a marriage in the near future, it’s safe to say Marino has plenty on his plate. One relationship that may help make it easier is that with his best friend, Jared, who married his sister and lives with her in Hacken-

sack. That alone would be a nice point of commonality, but Jared’s job makes it even more pronounced: he’s a youth pastor as well. “He loves where he’s at,” Marino said. Marino has also found himself in a good place where, despite his love for the Green Bay Packers, plenty of people support the positive impact he’s trying to make. “We have an amazing staff who are very supportive of the ministry,” Marino said. “Chris [Johnson], our head pastor, is very supportive of me and what I want to do.” With five years behind him, Marino has started down the path of leaving a positive impression on the Waseca community. “[Marino] has a genuine love for Christ and a heartfelt passion to see students’ lives impacted for the good,” Johnson said.

For GREAT customer service visit the staff at

Wireless World! Buy your phone from us & get:

5 off

FREE email set up!

w/ when you sign up for text update alerts.

Protect Cell Options!

Bill Pay Service.

$

AND on-going service available @ 35+ Wireless World Locations!

County News/Jordan Osterman

Waseca Across from Waseca High School 507-835-2169 WirelessWorldUS.com

WIRELESS WORLD

Page 16

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

County News/Marianne Carlson

Business owner Judy Jacobs stands behind the bar at her Purple Goose Eatery and Saloon in Janesville.

Sharing her secret

By MARIANNE CARLSON mcarlson@wasecacountynews.com JANESVILLE — When asked about the key to success, Judy Jacobs replied, “Hire the best.” Jacobs owns the Purple Goose Eatery and Saloon and Catering in downtown Janesville. “I would be nothing without my staff,” Jacobs said.

“They are my Goose Crew. They are awesome.” She has four full-time employees and a lot of part-timers at the Purple Goose. Jacobs has been a business owner since she was 23 years old. She was born in Iowa, but grew up for the better part of her life in the northeast corner of Nebraska. See JACOBS on 17

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

Jacobs

Page 17

Continued from page 16

Her father was a professional deep sea diver and set high explosives in the ocean, so there were times when they did a lot of traveling when she was a kid. After an accident rendered her father unable to dive he started an electrical business in Nebraska. “I guess it’s in my blood,” Jacobs said with a smile. The first business she owned was a meat locker and grocery store. She has also owned bars, restaurants, and an insurance and real estate company. Now she owns and operates the Purple Goose Eatery and Saloon and Catering. They have a full menu, a full bar and a license for off-site catering and off-site liquor. So Judy and the Goose Crew could cater the food and the alcohol for a wedding at Farmamerica, for example. She and her husband, Jake, also own Park Lane Liquor in Mankato. Between the two of them they have six daughters. “I have three daughters and three step-daughters,” Jacobs said. She has seven grandchildren spread around the United States. Her oldest grandson will be attending college in Mankato next fall. Jacobs called herself “a protective Nana” and said she wished all of her grandchildren lived here in Minnesota. The Purple Goose has been referred to as one of the best kept secrets in Southern Minnesota. Whether it is the burger bar, the broasted chicken, pizza or the prime rib, people can’t quit talking about the delicious food. They also have free wi-fi. According to menupix.com, “They have amazing food and awesome drink specials,” a person named Brad posted. Another customer named Joe wrote, “It’s a fun little bar. A good place to enjoy good food, at a reasonable price. Always someone fun to talk with.” Teresa posted, “They have the best pizza I have ever had.” Jacobs was happy to hear that people are enjoying themselves when they come to the Purple Goose. “This place means a lot to all of us,” Jacobs said. “We work really hard to make sure that the people of Janesville have a nice place to go.” She is a very hands-on business owner. “Everyone tells me to sit down and take it easy, but I just don’t know how to do that,” Jacobs said with a laugh. “I like to be busy.” Jacobs referred to herself as “a jack of all trades, but the master of absolutely nothing.” However, that is not the way anyone else would refer to her. According to members of her staff, Jacobs has a talent for helping people and the entire community of Janesville. Every year the Purple Goose is host to an array of fundraisers and benefits and if it is for the kids or the community, she doesn’t charge for the use of the hall. Jacobs is the vice-president of the Janesville Chamber of Commerce. Three years ago she created and sold a cookbook as a fundraiser for the fire department. This year she is selling another cookbook full of new recipes, including appetizers, soups and stews, main dishes, desserts, cooking tips and a guide to herbs and spices as a way to raise money for Janesville’s summer festival Hay Daze. “She has a very giving personality,” bar manager, Dawn County News/Marianne Carlson Jesse said. “She bends over backwards for everyone, not Judy Jacobs holds up a copy of her new cookbook “What’s Cooking in Janesville.” The cookbook is a fundraiser just her staff, but her community. If you need help, Judy is for Hay Daze, Janesville’s community celebration, that will be held on Father’s Day weekend. the one. She will help or find help for whoever needs it.”

Page 18

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

Born for small-town living By RUTH ANN HAGER rhager@wasecacountynews.com JANESVILLE — Mark Novak always wanted to live in a rural community. Now he is mayor of Janesville, a city of 2,256 people. Born in Canby, another small Minnesota town, Novak grew up in the Twin Cities and moved to Mankato with CenterPoint Energy where he has worked for 39 years. In 2001, he and his wife, Pam, moved to Janesville. They have two daughters, one married with two children. Novak said his wife, who works for Patton, Hoversten and Berg, is “the biggest supporter I’ve got.” He appreciates the close knit society of a small town and found out quickly what that means. In 2003, strong winds tore off sections of the roof on the Novaks’ house at 4:15 a.m. By 7:15 a.m., their neighbors were on the roof making repairs, someone brought rolls, others moved furniture out of the way of leaks.

See NOVAK on 20

County News/Ruth Ann Hager

Mark Novak is in his first term as mayor of Janesville.

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

Janesville

Page 19

Welcome to

“A Community of Caring�

State Farm Insurance Companies Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois

Sherry Tuohy -DQHVYLOOH 01 ‡ ļ ļ janesvillenursinghome.com

Agent, Agent,Lic. Lic.#29621 #29621

138 N. Main, P.O. Box 129 Janesville, MN 56048 Office: (507) 234-5115

JANESVILLE BOWL

Open Bowling

s 0ROPANE s 'ASOLINE s $IESEL

s 6IDEOS s 3UBS s 'ROCERIES

s 0IZZAS s &OOD #OURT

%AST ST 3TREET *ANESVILLE 234-5154

Mid August - Mid May Men, Women & Mixed Leagues starting in September Pizza Snacks Beer & Set Ups Available

ĂŽäÇÊ ĂŠ >ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ-ĂŒ°]ĂŠ >˜iĂƒĂ›ÂˆÂ?Â?iĂŠUĂŠxäLJÓΣ‡xĂ“{Ç

90 years

of serving Quality Meats!

Wiste’s

Mon-Fri 8am - 6pm Sat 8am - 5pm

208 N. Main Street MEAT MARKET Janesville . 507-234-6278

Thinking of Building,

Then Think Of Us!

110 East Front, Janesville 507-234-6292 Hours: 7:30-5:00 M-F; 7:30-12:00 Sat. www.lampertyards.com

Cash & Carry

Page 20

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

County News/Ruth Ann Hager

Council members Kari Grisim, left, John Sprengeler, Mayor Mark Novak, and Cliff Blaisdell are at work at a meeting of the Janesville City Council. Missing is council member Mike Santo.

Novak Continued from page 18 “It was just astounding. That’s what you get from a small town,” Novak said. Novak’s not sure what triggered his decision but in 2010, he decided to run for mayor. At work he was doing a lot of volunteering. In Janesville, he was a member of the Economic Development Authority, working with the city council and the city. He looked at how everything was going and thought “so much more could be done to bring the town closer together,” he said. On his way to winning the election, Novak knocked on 819 doors and tried to find out what Janesville residents were thinking. He was surprised to find that many of the older residents didn’t know their neighbors. “My main focus was to bring people together. It’s painfully slow,” he said. “In 14 months, I haven’t gotten where I would like to be.” The biggest challenge was mass communication to Janesville residents, Novak said. He hopes with the combination of the Waseca County News, a new city email, and upgrades to Channel 8, they can get the word out to 80 percent of residents. Emails

should save postage by trimming the number of newsletters mailed to residents from 900 to 100, he said. He’s really happy with the city council, thinks they’re a good group of people and likes the mix of new council members, Mike Santo and Cliff Blaisdell, and experienced members, John Sprengeler and Kari Grisim. As mayor, he is enjoying lobbying in St. Paul and meeting with local legislators about local issues. “The council is taking care of the town’s problems and as much as I can, I’ll go to the capitol to have a voice in St. Paul,” Novak said. He is concerned about the cuts to Local Government Aid to cities. The formula has changed; it’s the same amount of money but the majority of Greater Minnesota is losing money, he said. “We worked so hard at keeping a zero levy increase, to cut us again would be really tough,” Novak said about the council’s 2012 tax levy and future LGA cuts. He plans to return to St. Paul in the spring to continue advocating for Minnesota’s small cities. After managing people for 26 years in his job with CenterPoint, Novak believes he can get more accomplished with honey than with vinegar. He wants to work with people. “I’m a public servant; I really believe it’s just a job,” Novak said about the mayor’s position. “I’m there to make things better in the community.”

He also calls himself Janesville’s social director. He organized the city’s first National Night Out this year. He was delighted with the turn out for the Holiday Train which resulted in donations of $3,800 and 1,200 pounds of food. And he hopes to bring movies to Veteran’s Park next summer. Novak said Sara Britton in the city office takes care of a lot of his “extra curricular activities” and city administrator Clinton Rogers and all of the city employees are very supportive. “I’m just another vote on the council but I can be the face of Janesville,” Novak said. He has a vision of a community that knows their neighbors and enjoys each other’s company in the parks. He would like to see more jobs come into the community. He had hoped for 20 new jobs by the end of his first term but they’re at five, he said. “I’m a firm believer in economic development of the south side of Highway 14 — a small hotel, restaurant and gas station — to pull drivers off the highway,” he said. In his spare time, Novak likes to golf and fish but he stays pretty busy with the mayor’s job. “I’ve gotten nothing but a positive response from people ... all I want is participation,” he said. Will he run for a second term as mayor? Novak said he doesn’t have to decide until August but he’ll keep his options open.

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

Page 21

A couple years? Try twenty Community ‘tough to leave’ for meat man who turns temporary job into career

By JORDAN OSTERMAN josterman@wasecacountynews.com WASECA — When Lee Whipple moved with his wife to Waseca to work at the freshly-opening HyVee, they said they would live here for a couple years and move on. With that in mind Whipple made his way be-

hind the counter as the manager of the meat department Whipple is as qualified as anyone to talk about being and started to it. plugged into the Waseca community; hundreds of people Twenty years, three kids and countless pork tender- stop by to see him on a daily basis for help putting dinner loin cuts later, the Whipples haven’t gone anywhere. on the table, which is the part of his job Whipple said he “It just kind of happened,” Whipple said of ending enjoys the most. up in Waseca all these years. “You get involved with the See WHIPPLE on 22 community, and it’s just tough to leave.”

Beautiful Lake-Side Apartments Affordably Priced

Living Life

McRaith Funeral Homes

and Crematory

Serving each family through a commitment to truth, respect and compassion

TO THE FULLEST ON THE LAKE www.lathamplace.com Email: contact@lathamplace.com Phone:507-833-0903 105 8th Street NW, Waseca, MN

Independent Through Assisted Living

McRaith Funeral Home 711 N. State St., Waseca 507-835-2870

1-800-210-8692

Arnoldt-McRaith Funeral Home 107 N. Skookum, Janesville 507-234-6775

Page 22

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

Whipple Continued from page 21

“It’s the people,� Whipple said. “What I really enjoy is the people you meet on a daily basis. You see other families and watch their kids grow up right in front of you.� That same phenomenon has happened in front of Whipple with his own kids. His oldest son, Davis, is 22 and a senior at Winona State University; his daughter Katharine, 19, is a freshman at Minnesota State University, Mankato; and his youngest, Patrick, is 13 and a seventh grader in Waseca. The school system in Waseca is part of the reason Whipple said his family decided to stick around. A product of Rock Falls, Iowa, Whipple forewent college himself to jump right into an apprenticeship the summer after he graduated. He said “college wasn’t going to be his bag,� but now that he has two kids enrolled he told them one thing when they left: “Make sure you enjoy what you’re going to do, because you’re going to do it for a long time.� It’s hard to argue that piece of advice from someone who is in the 29th year of his career and enjoying it every bit as much as he did in the beginning. The beginning for Whipple was that apprenticeship with

D Dennis

Lee Whipple prepares a meat entree.

HyVee (“I’ve been a HyVee-er my whole life,� he said) for 24-28 months before he was considered a “journeyman meat cutter.� After two years of management training, Whipple was in position to accept a managerial job in 1991 at the store in Waseca. Since then he has watched the industry change, from swinging beef that came in on hooks, to boxed, smaller cuts that put more emphasis on the preparation and presentation to the customer. “That’s the new age of the meat department: preparation,� Whipple said. “We’ve

FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES

come full circle. Now a lot of people don’t know how to prepare a piece of meat. The next challenge is educating people. They want that.� Whipple said he has enjoyed the transition of what his job requires, especially the aspect of helping customers put a healthy meal in front of their family. “People come in at four, five in the afternoon and don’t know what they’re going to have for dinner,� Whipple said. “Creation. Getting your whole crew in on how to prepare it and convey it to your customers

[how to make it]. That’s the fun part.� With technology helping cut down on cutting and paperwork time, it frees Whipple up for more of that fun part, which contributes to Whipple admitting he wouldn’t want to be doing anything outside the meat industry. “It’s what I grew up with,� he said. “It’s what I know.� With almost three decades of experience under his belt, Whipple’s customers can have plenty of confidence he knows what he’s doing. And, much like the mantra of scrutinizing a skinny chef, there is little doubt he enjoys the product he prepares. “I couldn’t imagine being a vegetarian,� he said. While working with the meat and seafood is a major plus, the biggest thing for Whipple comes down to the interaction with his customers. “One day when I retire the one thing I’m going to miss is seeing the people,� he said. “Just seeing people on a daily basis.� Whipple heard at a conference once that if a person doesn’t enjoy their job 70 percent of the time, they should probably look for a different one, and he said there’s no danger of that for him. “Just like a chef: If you can’t cook and create and make people happy, then you’re probably not doing the right thing,� he said.

Kinder-Dennis Waseca (507) 835-2190 Prosch-Dennis Waterville (507) 362-8645

www.dennisfuneralhomes.com

“Serving Our Community For Over 110 Years� Whatever your question, your goal, your dream, turn to State Bank of New Richland. We will do everything in our power to say “yes.� www.sbnr.biz Member FDIC 103 Broadway Ave N, 1HZ 5LFKODQG 01 ‡

A Leading Manufacturer of RF, Microwave A Leading Manufacturer of and RF, Microwave and Optical Connectors Cables

and Optical Connectors and Cables 299 Johnson Ave., Waseca

299 Johnson Ave., Waseca

Dedicated to education Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

Page 23

By MARIANNE CARLSON mcarlson@wasecacountynews.com

WASECA — “If I had $1 for every hug I get here, I would be a gazillionaire,� Sue Kulseth said with a laugh. “The best thing about them is that they are so genuine.� Kulseth is the secretary for the Family Education Center located at Central Intermediate School (CIS), where they also house Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE). It offers services for children up to five years old with a pre-kindergarten program, kinderprep preschool for ages three to five, and school-age day care. Kulseth has worked for the Waseca Public School system for 15 years. During that time, she has worked in family education and she also worked in food service for three years. “That is the toughest job you will ever love,� Kulseth said. “Those ladies work incredibly hard. Food service is a busy place.� Kulseth and her husband, Paul, live in New Richland with their daughters, Mallorie and Kourtney. Mallorie is a senior at Waseca High School and Kourtney is a seventh County News/Marianne Carlson grader at Waseca Junior High Sue Kulseth, secretary for Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), poses for a picture with the kinderprep class which she fondly refers to School. as “her kids.� See KULSETH on 24

Larry & Pam are great assets to our community!

Purple Goose

Scott Routh

EATERY & SALOON

Independent Sales Representative for PioneerÂŽ brand products PHIÂŽ Insurance Services o full catering service o on and off site liquor o hall rental available for groups up to 250 o catering menu is custom made espically for you

Big city quality, Small town prices 1 0DLQ 6W ‡ -DQHVYLOOH 01 ‡

507-838-5554 Cell Scott.Routh@plantpioneer.com

BRAND PRODUCTS

121 NE 3rd St. New Richland, MN 56072 4EL s &AX

Layne Janike ;ITM[ )[[WKQI\M

507-995-6627 Cell layne.janike@plantpioneer.com

Page 24

Portraits of Waseca March 28, 2012

KULSETH Continued from page 23 Kulseth said she enjoys attending and helping with her daughters’ activities and pretty much “anything school related.” Both of her girls play sports, and both play the trumpet in band. Kulseth said she loves both of her communities — Waseca and New Richland. “I’m always torn when I watch Waseca play New Richland,” Kulseth said. “I cheer for both teams.” At the end of the school year, Kulseth looks forward to helping with Camp Patterson, an environmental camp in Mankato. For three days she cooks for fourth graders from the surrounding area. “I helped in the kitchen nine years ago and I never left,” Kulseth said with a smile. One of the perks of the building consolidation that will take place for next school year is that ECFE and adult community education will have a lot more room, which in turn will create more opportunities for the community, Kulseth said. She said that everyone is excited about the move to the other side of the building. Kulseth said she absolutely loves her job. “Working here is priceless,” she said. “You know you are in preschool because everything is sung. Whether they are going for a walk or washing their hands, you can always here us coming.” One of the things that makes her job so rewarding is getting to share in the children’s daily triumphs, she

GUARDIAN ENERGY

said. “What are little accomplishments for other people are huge for us here, like tying our shoes,” Kulseth said. According to kinderprep paraprofessional Jennifer Kinkade, the staff and students think Kulseth is a “pretty fantastic lady.” “They call her Mrs. Sue and they just love her,” Kinkade said. “She donates so much of her time and talent to the school district. She decorates the cafeteria for every season.” “She painted the whole motor room all by herself,” teacher Carol Omtvedt added. “She comes up with fun games and activities for the kids and she does so much that is above and beyond what she has to do for her position, and she does it with enthusiasm. She is absolutely wonderful. Our program would not be the same without her.” Kulseth said that she not only works with “the best staff,” but said the parent advisory board is always there if they “need anything.” One of her favorite things about working for the Waseca School District as a whole, she said, is the fact that “if anyone ever needs anything, all you have to do is ask.” “One e-mail is all it ever takes,” Kulseth said. She said that it is impossible to not be happy working at her job. “If you come in to work in a bad mood, it sure doesn’t last very long because the students and staff are such a joy to be around,” Kulseth said. “We hardly have a turnover because community ed is a great place to work. Forget Disney World. We are the happiest place on Earth.”

County News/Marianne Carlson

Sue Kulseth, secretary for Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), gets a hug from three-year-old Kaden Garza.

FINANCIAL FITNESS BEGINS AT HOME

4745 380th Ave. Janesville, MN 56048 507-234-5000 www.guardiannrg.com

8]ZKPI[M[ :MÅVIVKM[ 0WUM -Y]Q\QM[

Home Design Gallery

Serving those who live, work, worship or attend school in Dodge, Rice, Steele and Waseca Counties

your destination for beautiful interiors

2400 W. Bridge Street 1620 S. Cedar Avenue Owatonna 507-451-3798 888-451-3798

www.homedesigngallerywaseca.com 2100 Brown Ave. | Waseca | phone: 507-833-4663 | fax: 507-833-6034 |

Your Trusted Partner for Financial Success

WWW.HOMETOWNCU.COOP

Proud to Support Waseca County We have worked hard to create a pleasant one-stop shopping experience for everyone’s busy lifestyle. • Floral Department • Catering • HyVee’s Kitchen • On-Site Bakery • Customer Service • Service Meat Counter • Fresh Seafood • Fresh Bakery

• Pharmacy • Wine & Spirits • Organic/Health Foods • Fresh Produce • Video Rental • Kodak Picture Maker • On-Line Shopping

• One Hour & Next Day Kodak Photo Service • U.S. Postal Substation • Lottery Tickets • Drive-up grocery pickup • Plus 2,000 lower prices • And much much more!

www.hy-vee.com 1230 N. State St., Waseca 507-835-8030 • Open 24 Hours

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.