Rice Lake Elementary turns 30

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Over the past 30 years, a lot has changed at Rice Lake Elementary (RLE), but one thing remains the same — “The original three.”

Kelly Kuzel, Patty Nelson and Linda Drilling are three of the original teachers who continue to teach in the building today. When the building opened, more than 1,000 students were enrolled in the school; today, that number is 680.

“A lot has changed,” Nelson explained. “Technology has really changed our jobs with communication from parents, staff and administration. Also, with technology comes training for both computers and smart boards,” she added. “When Rice Lake opened, staff didn’t have a computer or smart board. We had two computer labs, a hanging TV, chalkboards and chalk.”

RLE will celebrate its 30th birthday with a carnival Sunday, May 21.

History of the school site

The Centennial School District purchased the 55-acre RLE school site from Harold Lehman and Irene and Hugo Jorgenson in 1991.

Before the land was settled, the wild rice, lakes and large number of animals attracted Native Americans, who camped on the shore of Rice Lake and hunted, fished and harvested the rice.

The Lehman property was homesteaded by Charles and Maria Lehman in 1877. They raised 10 children via blacksmithing and farming.

The farming tradition established by Charles and Maria was carried on by their son, August, and his wife, Eva LaBelle. They added 173 acres to the homestead. They had four children. Harold, their youngest, farmed until 1985. In 1991, he sold nearly 40 acres of the farm to the Centennial School District and kept 3 acres, including the 1893 brick farmhouse for his home.

The Jorgenson property, which is now the east side of the school site, was settled by Karl Wenzel in 1853. His oldest son, Anton, married Henritta Nekerich in 1863.

If You Go

What: 30th birthday & carnival

When: 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 21

Where: Rice Lake Elementary School, 575 Birch St. Lino Lakes

Details: Celebrate Rice Lake’s 30th birthday with a carnival featuring a dunk tank, food trucks, games, prizes and a silent auction.

Together, they raised seven children on their farm. Their home also served as a community gathering place during this time. In 1885, they deeded land south of the present school site for Centennial's forerunner, School District 52, and to the Rice Lake Methodist Church and Cemetery. They enlarged their farm by the end of the century to 806 acres.

The farmland was leased out after Anton Wenzel's death in 1914. In 1923, Wenzel's grandson and wife, Anton and Mary Rehbein, purchased the farm. Anton was the son of the oldest Wenzel child, Pauline.

One of their two daughters, Irene, married Hugo Jorgenson in 1949, and they continued the farming tradition of raising crops and vegetables. In 1991, the district purchased 19 acres from the Jorgensons.

“One thing families and our staff always hear me say is that we have a great building on one of the most beautiful pieces of land, but that isn’t what makes it great,” explained Bryan Carlson, who has served as the school’s principal since 2014. “It’s about what happens on the inside with students and staff connecting with one another — that’s the beauty!”

The original 3

Drilling taught at Golden Lake Elementary, Nelson at Centerville Elementary and Kuzel taught in another district before joining the RLE family. Kuzel and Nelson both currently teach second grade; Drilling teaches first grade.

The three agree that what has kept them at RLE all of these years is the supportive nature of the other staff and the community at large.

“It’s a pretty close community … the staff, students, parents and administration,” Nelson explained. “I have made some lifelong friends here at Rice Lake.”

Carlson added, “The success of Rice Lake is built on relationships and connecting with one another.”

The original three also agree that what makes their job so enjoyable is the students. “They make every day interesting and fun,” Kuzel said.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

Quad Area Senior Expo And Wellness Fair

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 18

Where: St Geneive's Community Parish Center, 6995 Centerville Road, Centerville

Details: Free fair includes vendor booths, health screeings, food vendors, prescription/sharps collection and lot of prizes.

Contact: www.quadareachamber.org

Ongoing Events

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY '500'

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday May 18; June 1 & 15; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N.

Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited.

Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com

HUGO SENIOR CLUB

When: 1 p.m. Monday, June 19; the 3rd Monday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N.

Details: Monthly meeting followed by afternoon of games. Refreshments served.

Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com

CRIBBAGE

When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, May 22; the 4th Monday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N.

Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served.

Contact: 651-429-4413

DROP-IN 55+ FITNESS CLASSES

When: 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays

Where: Rice Lake Centre, east end of

CONTRIBUTED

Hugo Public Works building, 6900 137th Street N.

Details: Free fitness classes for Hugo-area adults 55+ by Live 2B Healthy. Class designed for seniors to help improve balance, strength, and flexibility in a group setting. Periodic fitness tests so participants can track their progress.

Contact: Barb @ 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com

Current Events

'LA CAGE AUX FOLLES'

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, April 28-May 21

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Comic play performed by Lakeshore Players Theatre. Tickets $10-$30.

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

ANOKA COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS

PLANT SALE

When: 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 16 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, May 17

Where: Anoka County Fairgrounds

Details: Purchase Minnesota-grown plants including native plants, sun and shade perennials, annuals, vegetables, and flowers for pollinators. Also opportunity to ask gardening questions. Plants discounted from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday. Contact: anokamastergardeners.org

LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST: FISH OF MINNESOTA

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, May 17

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: Free monthly naturalist-led program for those 50+. May include trail hike. Registration not required; equipment provided.

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

VEHICLE FAIR

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 18

Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave.

Details: Free family event hosted by Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) where young kids can explore a variety of big trucks and vehicles. No registration required.

Contact: 651-407-2441 or communityed. mahtomedi.k12.mn.us

LAKESHORE PLAYERS THEATRE GALA

70

When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 18

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Annual fundraising event for Lakeshore Players Theatre, celebrating it's 70th season, includes cocktail hour, dinner, benefit concert, auction, and piano bar after party. Cocktail attire encouraged.

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

FIVE WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT LGBTQ+

YOUTH IN YOUR LIFE

When: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, May 18

Where: Parkview United Church of Christ, 3737 Bellaire Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Workshop for parents, family members, educators, and friends who want to learn to support and understand LGBTQ+ kids in a safe space. Register online. Contact: drmsky.us/5waysregister

SHOREVIEW COMMUNITY GARDEN CLUB PLANT SALE

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, May 19

Where: Shoreview Community Center, Haffeman Pavilion, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: Wide variety of nursery-grown annuals, member-grown perennials, and herbs.

Contact: 651-484-4341

CANINE CARNIVAL

When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 20

Where: Wildlife Science Center, 22830 Sunrise Rd. NE, Stacy

Details: Learn about dogs and their wolf relatives, meet dog related service providers, visit with vendors , and enjoy dog demonstrations. Food and beverages. Dog on leashed welcome. See cost details online.

Contact: wildlifesciencecenter.org/upcoming-events/canine-carnival

Plant sale and garden expo

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 20

Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, Highway 5 and Manning Ave.

Details: Shop for a variety of heirloom tomatoes, peppers, herbs, annuals, perennials, prairie plants and grasses and landscaping decor while supporting Washington County Master Gardeners. Visit with Master Gardeners and other experts on gardening topics.

Contact: washingtoncountymg.org

PARKING LOT SALE

When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 20

Where: White Bear Senior Center, 2484 E County Rd F

Details: Individuals and vendors can set up a garage sale in the parking lot for a fee; shoppers can attend to find treasures. Also Craft Corner gift shop sale. Contact: 651-653-3121 or communityservices.isd624.org

EAA CHAPTER 745 PANCAKE

BREAKFAST

When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 20

Where: Benson Airport, 5860 Highway 61 N., White Bear Lake

Details: Fly-in breakfast also open to the public. Contact: chapters.eaa.org/eaa745

BIRD WALK SERIES

When: 5-7 p.m. Monday, May 22

Where: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve, 7373 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: Walk through the park with an experienced birder and hear 20-60+ species of birds. All ages and abilities. See registration and cost information online.

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com