Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

1999: year in review (Winsted-Lester Prairie)



Newly elected members of the Winsted City Council, including
Mayor Floyd Sneer, Council Member Tom Wiemiller, and incumbent Council Member
Gary Lenz were sworn in.

At the same meeting, outgoing Mayor Don Guggemos was honored
with a plaque for his years of service to the city.

The new owner of the Depot in Lester Prairie was profiled
in the Journal. Angela Ross-Litzau, the grand daughter of the original Depot
owner, Henry Wiedenroth, bought the business from Peter Jude in 1998.

New members were sworn in for the Lester Prairie City Council.
Mayor Eric Angvall, Larry Hoof, and Roland Bruckschen were all given the
oath of office by outgoing Mayor Ed Mlynar.

Outgoing Council Member Larry Peterson received a plaque
for his years of service to the city. Angvall also had words of praise for
Peterson, Mlynar, and outgoing council member Stan Erhke.

Ridgeview Ambulance Service of Waconia stated that it needs
more emergency medical technicians for its service in the Winsted area.

The DNR met with the city council and local landowners
to discuss the completion of the Luce Line Trail through Winsted.

Landowners present at the meeting included the City of
Winsted, Steve Millerbernd, and Dan and John Entinger.

Discussion not only involved the sale or rental of land
from the respective landowners for the trail’s possible course, but its
location near the airport and federal regulations concerning land usage
near any air traffic area.

Millerbernd expressed an interest in renting land to the
DNR as long as the trail was kept from his business’ buildings.

The Entingers mentioned interest from another buyer, Cenex
Co-op, for the tract of land the DNR wanted, and how that land would be
appraised for purchase.

The Holy Trinity Trojan boys varsity basketball team continued
on a seven game winning streak, beating Minneapolis Lutheran and Lester
Prairie.

The Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity wrestling team placed fourth
in a tournament in Norwood Young America.

The Winsted Karate Club was featured for its long line
of members who have competed successfully in national and international
competition.

Included in that membership was the current Chief Instructor
Louis Stifter, who had competed at the World Championship with the U.S.
team.

Winsted hosted a meeting between area city councils and
the University of Minnesota Extension Service to implement a Business Retention
and Expansion Plan.

The plan would send out volunteers with questionnaires
for area businesses to diagnose problems the businesses were facing.

A recommendation was made that the cities of Winsted, Lester
Prairie, Howard Lake and Silver Lake cooperate in the venture, but it was
not met with enthusiasm.

Matt Johnson, from the Mid-Minnesota Development Commission,
reported the results of a land use survey to the Winsted council.

The report was part of the city’s effort to complete a
new comprehensive plan. In the same council meeting, the council discussed
member absenteeism, investigated a request from the Westgate neighborhood
for a speed reduction, and processed applications for Winstock 1999.

The Long Range Facilities Task Force made recommendations
for a new high school for the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted school district.

Task Force Co-Chair Joe Campbell cited a growing population
and age of the current high school as reasons for the new school.

At the time, the project was predicted to cost $14.2 million.
The task force recommended a centrally located site.

Winsted had already made three proposals for a site, Waverly
had passed on the opportunity, and Howard Lake’s proposals were pending.

Also, an option to consolidate with Lester Prairie was
discussed due to the availability of a $6 million grant.

Dairy Farmers of America announced 34 layoffs due to a
change in production from cheese to a cheese powder product.

A fire consumed Coachwork Connection in Lester Prairie.
Fire Chief Jerry Pawelk reported that the fire was accidental.

The owner, Tom Westrup, had recently been remodeling his
business, and it was believed that the fire started between a new and older
ceiling.

Winsted American Legion Post 407 received a new mural entitled
“Anchors Aweigh” from Giles Guggemos, Inc. The painting represented
200 years of United States Naval History.

Two railroad cars fell off their tracks east of New Germany.
The cars, owned by Dakota Railroad, were carrying an alcohol-based, flammable
liquid, and five families were evacuated from their homes.

Noah Carlson was selected as the Junior outstanding male
competitor at the Hutchinson Shotokan Karate Tournament.

Winsted City Council turned down a request from Joe DeJaeghere
of the DNR to write a letter to the FAA that it would not expand the airport
runway.

The request was based on the DNR’s plan to use land near
the airport to complete the Luce Line Trail. If the runway were to be paved,
the FAA would not allow the placement of the trail so close to air traffic.

The council said it could probably not pave the runway,
since that would also require moving the airport due to its proximity to
industry. The council rejected the request due to City Attorney Fran Eggert’s
recommendation not to write the letter.

Kyle Koch was named wrestler of the month by the Guillotine,
a state wrestling magazine.

Bailey’s Tavern and Grill was purchased by Jeffery Fuerstenberg,
the father of the previous owner, Kim Hirsch.

Lester Prairie City Council appointed numerous members
to its planning, zoning and park board. It also discussed changing the emergency
services director from Police Chief Fred Pawelk to Fire Chief Fred Pawelk.

In the same meeting, the council considered a Web-site
and city guidebook.

Winsted City Council moved into new offices in downtown
Winsted.

Kay Jepson resigned from the Lester Prairie City Council
due to her move from Lester Prairie to Sturgeon Lake.

Andrew Brown, Alex Brown, Matt DeMars and Heidi Roufs were
named to all-tournament teams from Holy Trinity’s participation in the Waconia
Basketball Tournament.

At a regular meeting of the Lester Prairie School Board,
discussion centered around a proposed excess levy referendum and what the
proposed monies could be spent on.

Public concern was also voiced over the school’s lack of
space. Chairperson Gene Starke called upon the community to help direct
the board in future planning issues and a proposed consolidation with the
Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted school district.

At that same meeting, the board got notice from the teacher’s
association to begin negotiations.

Lighthouse Educational Mini-stries, a school for home-schoolers,
was profiled in the paper.

The school, run by Dave Behrens of Winsted, was designed
to give home-school students the social aspects of regular classes.

The Winsted Civic and Commerce Association spent an evening
at The Blue Note Ballroom honoring volunteers. Among the honorees were Francis
and Germaine Schommer who were given a community service award.

Adam Painschab won the 1999 Humphrey Elementary spelling
bee.

The HLWW Snow Fest Royalty were crowned. The queen was
Sara Ostgulen, and the princess was Laura Williamson. Josh Oswald was the
king, and Dan Gatz was crowned prince.

Paul Kliewer of Cokato opened a Subway restaurant with
breakfast items and a drive-thru in Winsted.

Howard Lake presented its site proposals to the Long Range
Facilities Task Force. The proposal not only included four sites, but a
promise to waive sewer access and water access connections.

Mayor Gerry Smith included in the proposal reasons why
the school should be located in Howard Lake. He cited transportation costs
and time, support from local organizations, and other factors that would
suffer if the school were located outside of the city. Howard Lake’s proposal
was also endorsed by Waverly Mayor Charlie Bush.

LP/HT wrestlers returned home from the state tournament
to a welcome home celebration at the school’s gym. Josh Eckstein placed
as the state runner-up. The other wrestlers did not place, but had victories
of their own at the tournament.

The LP/HT wrestling team also had a landmark season with
20 wins, breaking the school record.

Debi Zillmar won the district spelling bee at Lester Prairie
High School.

The Lester Prairie eighth grade girls basketball team took
seventh in the Norwood Young America Tournament.

The Lester Prairie School Board continued its discussion
of its own long- range planning issues, while also discussing the merits
of consolidation with the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted school district.

Discussion of sites continued as Winsted proposed its sites
for the new high school again to the Long Range Facilities Task Force.

In a Winsted City Council meeting, City Administrator Aaron
Reeves felt that Howard Lake Mayor Gerry Smith’s presentation of growth
and operation figures for the new school was subjective and said Winsted
would not do the same.

In that same city council meeting, Winsted council members
were solicited by Mike Larson for weight equipment in the fire hall.

The equipment would be available to Winsted City employees
and the Fire Department. The proposal was rejected due to insurance liability
to the city. Also, engineer Cynthia Moeller-Krass presented information
on the impact of Dairy Farmers of America’s change in production on the
city’s sewer rates. Moeller-Krass predicted a $10 increase in each resident’s
bill.

The Humphrey Elementary Knowledge Bowl team took fifth
at a regional competition at St. John’s University, Collegeville.

A bake sale was held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church to benefit
Austin Luedke, who had hydrocephalus.

Ron Foust was appointed to the Lester Prairie City Council
to replace Kay Jepson.

Prudence Gushwa, a professor at Minnesota State University,
Mankato, presented preliminary data to the school board on her study of
the Lester Prairie district. She also advised the board on strategies for
involving the community in long-range planning decisions through public
meetings.

All Star Wrestling came to Lester Prairie to raise funds
to paint the gymnasium.

Winsted parents, community leaders, law enforcement officials
met to discuss juvenile crime at the Holy Trinity gymnasium. The discussion
centered around the presentation of Judge Phillip Kanning who challenged
the idea that most juvenile offenders are violent offenders.

The Winsted City Council revisited the issue of having
weight-lifting equipment placed in the fire hall. Officer Scott Larson asked
the council to reconsider its decision.

The Holy Trinity varsity boys basketball team ended its
season with a 22-3 record, a new school record. Seniors Blake Trnka, Kyle
Kutz, and Jim Bisping were named to the all-conference team.

The Lester Prairie City Council opted to combine the Highway
261 turnback projects with improvements in their sewer and water systems.

In a joint meeting, the Lester Prairie City Council and
School Board discussed future planning strategies for the community, including
those for a new facility for the school and the need for more housing.

Chuck and Sandra Adams told their story about their wish
to adopt four children from California.

Winsted Police Chief Mike Henrich reported in the police
department’s annual report that crime was down, but admitted that it may
be on the rise.

Winsted City Council finally gave in to requests and allowed
the fire department to have a weight-lifting set.

The Longhorn Days Committee announced that a demolition
derby will be added to the festival’s line-up.

The Adult Training and Habilitation Center was profiled
in the paper for its work with adults with developmental disabilities.

The clean-out of County Ditch 12 was a concern, as the
ditch flowed into Winsted Lake.

Of concern was whether the county was required to have
a permit for the clean out, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency. According to Winsted’s Lake Association, the ditch was a significant
source of silt in the lake, and the association was seeking that farmers
in McLeod County, whose land intersected the ditch, put 16- foot grass strips
along the course of the ditch.

RAM Buildings, Inc received a building lot as a new incoming
business to Winsted.

The sale and agreement with RAM did stir some discussion
in the Winsted council chambers as members discussed how much the city should
give to the prospective business for locating in the city.

A joint meeting between the Lester Prairie and Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted
school districts ended with a call for comparisons of curriculum.

The meeting addressed the continuing proposal of the two
districts consolidating into one.

Sidney Stamm won first place in humorous interpretation
at the state high school league speech meet.

Lester Prairie began preparations to take a survey to continue
the creation of its comprehensive plan.

The Winsted Fire Department celebrated its new fire hall
with a parade and open house.

ShadowBrooke Golf Course was vandalized.

The Lester Prairie School Board held a series of meeting
including 70 members of the public and Prudence Gushwa, a professor from
the Minnesota State University, Mankato, on long-range planning issues.

Members of the public broke into small groups, answered
questions, and brainstormed for the future. Also, the majority of those
in attendance indicated that they did not want to consolidate with the Howard
Lake-Waverly-Winsted School District.

Holy Trinity students Mary Schoenfelder, Melissa Weibel,
Ryan Marquardt, Stacy Bebo, Dave Hoen, Laura Ollig, Adam Johnson, Katie
Neumann, Jason Campbell, and Maggie Hertel were inducted into the Holy Trinity
National Honor Society.

Two linden trees were planted at Linden Wood Apartments
in Winsted to commemorate National Homes for the Aging Week.

Volunteers Richard Genty and Sylvia Artmann received the
Bishop’s Medal of Service from the New Ulm Diocese for their work in the
Holy Trinity Parish and Winsted community.

Mitchell John Flatgard, 31, of Lester Prairie was arrested
for discharging a weapon in his apartment.

Bids for the Highway 261 turnback project came in higher
than expected in Lester Prairie, $40,000 more than expected.

In the same meeting, the council sought to pursue charges
against Andrew Galles, a former police officer for breaching his employment
contract. Galles left before the contract was up and the contract stipulated
fees for equipment and training.

Community meetings in Lester Prairie regarding future planning
for the school district concluded. The public in attendance told the board
to keep the school independent and not consolidate with the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted
school district.

Also discussed was possible future bonding for a new facility,
most likely an elementary school.

HLWW hurlers Andy Gagnon and Laura Williamson pitched no
hitters in high school baseball and softball respectively. Also, golfer
Sarah Swenson had a hole-in-one at the The Greens golf course in Hoard Lake.

Lester Prairie School Board officially declined an offer
to consolidate with the Howard Lake-Winsted-Waverly district.

Board Chair Gene Starke added, “That doesn’t mean
we would stop looking completely at Howard Lake with the possibility of
cooperation in some areas.”

When asked whether LP district citizens understood the
significance of $6 million in state aid and the tax impact of the proposed
high school, Starke said, “I doubt it. I don’t think everybody does.”

Ridgeview Medical Center purchased the Winsted Family Practice
Clinic.

Ben Shaffer was the HLWW Valedictorian. Krista Gustad was
the Salutatorian.

Wade Fowler received the John Phillips Sousa Award for
the spring solo and ensemble competitions. Katie Padden was the recipient
of the National School Choral Award.

Holy Trinity High School presented “The Wizard of
Oz” to two nights of enthusiastic audiences.

Pastor John Hogue joined the Evangelical United Church
of Christ as the church’s pastor.

Highway 261/Country Road 1 was detoured for the turnback
project.

The Pantry Cafe celebrated its one year anniversary under
new ownership.

Holy Trinity, Lester Prairie, and Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted
graduated three classes of seniors.

Audrey Litzau and Jake Bandemer held the 1999 Polka Festival
at the McLeod County fairgrounds.

The communities of Lester Prairie and Winsted commemorated
Memorial Day with ceremonies at their respective cemeteries.

Winsted finalized its purchase agreement with RAM Buildings,
Inc.

Chuck Thiel gave a humorous good-bye to graduates at Lester
Prairie High School.

Winstock ’99 saw artists such as John Michael Montgomery
and Jo Dee Messina take the stage for two days of music, food, and fun.

The Winsted on the Lake housing development project received
a $1 million Community Activity Set- Aside for the Minnesota Housing Finance
Agency.

The Lester Prairie Lions honored Joe Miller for his contributions
to the community, as both a humanitarian and an educator. Miller received
the Melvin Jones Award, one of the Lions’ highest honors.

The Lester Prairie City Council met with the school board
to discuss future planning issues. The school was particularly concerned
with the possibility of more housing in the city of Lester Prairie. The
school also began planning for an excess levy referendum vote in November.

The Howard Lake School Board urged voters to ignore the
rumors that Winsted Elementary School would close. Board Member Charles
Weber discussed the possibility of expanding the school to reduce open enrollment
to other districts.

New streetlights were installed in Lester Prairie.

Dr. James Neff celebrated 25 years of dentistry in the
community of Winsted.

RAM Buildings, Inc. broke ground in Winsted.

Louis Stifter qualified for the world karate championships
to be held in Moscow, Russia.

Raymond Quast won $100,000 with a Casino Royale scratch-off
ticket.

The state legislature removed language from the omnibus
K-12 policy and appropriations bill that provided a $6 million grant for
school consolidation.

The Department of Natural Resources received approval from
McLeod County to manage an 80-acre habitat in Winsted Township.

Joan Barrie-Daigle took the position of general manager
at TDS TELECOM of Winsted.

The city and township disagreed over the turnover of taxes
regarding the annexation of Littfin Lumber Co. into Winsted.

A motorcycle accident took the life of Scott Leon Schultz,
42, a Winsted city employee.

The city began discussions on establishing a tax increment
financing district at the industrial park.

Efforts to restore the old city hall in Winsted were met
with calls for more information on the options for the historic building.

Public sentiment supported restoring the old building,
despite a vote on raising taxes to pay for the renovation years ago.

The Lester Prairie School Board expressed some disappointment
with meetings with the city regarding future planning issues.

A Homeward Bound Theatre Production of the Mark Twain classic,
“Huckleberry Finn,” was brought to Lester Prairie.

The HLWW Long Range Facilities Task Force discussed site
selection for a proposed new high school for the school district.

Amy Gatz joined the Community Bank Winsted as a loan officer.

Micron Rubber Inc. proposed to build a tire recycling facility
in Winsted, promising the city $15 million in funds.

The council was wary of the proposal due to a request to
implement the deal quickly and legal inconsistencies in the contract the
company wanted to sign with the city.

Ultimately, Micron withdrew its offer. The city later found
that Micron had proposed similar deals to different cities and was under
investigation for shady dealings.

The Winsted American Legion Festival ’99 kicked off two
days of festivities with a kiddie parade. The weekend included food, beverages,
a full parade through downtown, and the crowning of the Winsted royalty.

Raleah Baird was crowned Miss Congeniality. Leah Jude and
Sarah Bisping were crowned princesses. MacKenzie Strei was crowned queen.
Dick Genty was the parade’s grand marshal.

Holy Trinity proposed a joint community center with the
City of Winsted.

The Lester Prairie Comprehensive Arts Planning Program
held its second annual Prairie Arts Festival at the Lester Prairie High
School.

Randy Pool was found dead in the Clearwater River in Wright
County. An investigation led to the arrests of five suspects, some from
Howard Lake.

The Lester Prairie City Council sought to cut its budget
that showed a 47 percent increase.

The Lester Prairie School Board discussed the need for
new technology for the district and the need to dedicate some of the excess
levy referendum to that need.

Lester Prairie Police Chief Fred Blaser celebrated 25 years
on the job.

Matt Johnson of the Mid-Minnesota Development Commis-sion
presented the results of the Lester Prairie community survey, a part of
the city’s comprehensive plan.

Louis Stifter traveled to Russia to participate in the
World Shotokan Karate Championship in Moscow. Dr. James Neff also attended
as a coach for the U.S. team.

The Hair Company opened its doors in Lester Prairie.

Discussion at the Winsted City Council centered around
a proposal of eliminating the city’s police department in favor of having
the sheriff’s department patrol the city.

Ultimately, overwhelming business and public support for
the city’s police dissuaded the council from continuing to discuss the possibility.

Lester Prairie School Board set an excess levy referendum
vote for $415 per pupil unit on its November ballot.

Bob DeMaris was welcomed to Lester Prairie as the new owner
of the Lester Prairie Market and Deli.

Dairy Farmers of America exceeded its new production expectations
of a value-added cheese powder product.

Kenny Norman received the Angelo Giuliani Award for his
years in officiating baseball and softball.

Dana Ford was crowned homecoming queen in Lester Prairie.
Joel Gueningsman was crowned king.

Holy Trinity crowned Jennifer Davidson homecoming queen,
and David Hoen homecoming king.

Volunteers began Winsted’s Business Retention and Expansion
program by surveying 30 plus businesses.

A toy gun was used in a robbery of the Subway restaurant
in Winsted. Two arrests were made, including one juvenile, and David Peter
Mahon, 23.

Both the city of Lester Prairie and Winsted signed cable
franchise agreements with Mediacom L.L.C. The two cities received a number
of premiums in the deal including free service, a more powerful system with
more channels, additional fund for cable access, infrastructure improvements,
and internet service.

St. John’s Lutheran Church raised funds with its Tea and
Talent. Added to this year’s event was a book fair to raise funds for the
Sunday school.

The Lester Prairie varsity football team steamrolled past
its first two playoff opponents, McLeod West and Onamia.

The Winsted City Council opted to overcome a sewer rate
shortfall due to Dairy Farmers of America change in production by spreading
out rate increases to all users.

The council also went through numerous meeting to discuss
how to implement a pay scale for their city employees.

Veterans commemorated Veteran’s Day with ceremonies at
St. Mary’s Care Center and the Martin Krueger American Legion Post 407.

Kenneth Conrad received his high school diploma through
a program for veterans who did not receive their degrees due to their service.

Jonio’s Pizza and Family Restaurant opened in Lester Prairie
at the previous Past Times location.

The restaurant included dining, delivery and a complete
menu. Owners Doug and Joni Olson were welcomed to the community as new residents.

The Lester Prairie varsity volleyball team ended its season
with a 20-8-1 record and second place in the sub-section.

The Adult Training and Habilitation Center set up a Make-A-Difference-Tree
to distribute presents to needy children throughout McLeod County.

Martin Schauer was profiled for his years of service to
the Winsted community through the number of boards and commissions he volunteered
for. Schauer was also this year’s grand marshal for the Winter Festival
parade.

Santa Claus made appearances at area community Christmas
celebrations. He was seen at the Lester Prairie city hall and at the Winsted
Winter Festival. Lester Prairie had an evening of music and bake goods for
children of all ages.

Winsted had a two days of fun and games including prize
drawings, craft sales, a model train display and a lighted parade.

Bishop Raymond Lucker visited St. Mary’s Care Center administering
mass and anointing the sick and elderly.

The Lester Prairie School Board reported that taxes for
some districts may not go up due to state education credits. This was despite
an increase in the levy approved by a November vote.

Lester Prairie and Winsted expect no problems with the
year 2000 turnover.

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