TOP 10 FEATURE STORIES: Schuelke still helping others

TOP 10 FEATURE STORIES in 2018

1 Donnie still helping others.
2 Dream trip turns confusing.
3 Finding lost history.
4 Rusty’s sold.
5 Maher home from unrest.
6 Generosity was his legacy.
7 Ryes retire after 57 years.
8 Flying to see sons’ graduate.
9 Miracle man of St. Leo.
10 Graduation to remember.

Donnie stillhelping others

Last year, the top local news story for 2017 was the death of Donnie Schuelke IV, who was killed in a one-vehicle accident at age 18.
This year, Schuelke’s name again tops one of our lists; this time for the top local feature story. When Schuelke received his driver’s license as a 16-year-old, he signed up for the organ donor program.
After his death, his organs were used to help over 70 others across the country. Among those benefitting from Schuelke’s organs were two men, a 54-year-old from California and a 56-year-old from Florida, each receiving a heart valve during a heart transplant surgery.
Schuelke’s corneas were also used to help two others regain their sight. Eight other recipients were given connective tissue organs that were used for to repair sports-related injuries.
Skin tissue, long bones and veins were among some of the other organs used. Because his body wasn’t discovered right after the accident, Schuelke’s major organs – the heart, kidneys, liver and lungs – were unable to be used as donor organs.
Schuelke’s parents, Donnie III and Julie, are adamant about getting the message out to others to become organ donors.
“It’s a passion of mine,” said Julie. “I encourage everyone on the fence to find out more information about it, talk to others, or talk to an organ recipient. The impact a donor can have is huge.

2. Dream trip turns into confusion

Coleen Pederson of Ghent, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2017, embarked on a Hawaiian vacation with her family last January, but got much more than they bargained for on the morning of Jan. 13.
Pederson, her longtime companion Lawrence Rogge, and their children Cailin (Rogge) Morris and Austin Rogge, were among the many people receiving an upper-case lettered warning simultaneously at 8:08 a.m. on their Smartphones informing them that a ballistic missile was approaching the island.
The message read: “EMERGENCY ALERT. BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”
The message was also sent out to television and radio stations, as well as digital highway signs in Hawaii.
Confusion, panic and bewilderment ensued throughout the state for 37 minutes until an “all-clear” message was sent out in lower-case lettering.
“A lot of people were upset,” Pederson told. “They wanted some answers on how that first message could be sent out in error like that.”
 It turned out that the warning was attributed to human error, Hawaii Governor David Ige explained.
“The error was made during a standard procedure at the change of a shift,” he said. “An employee pushed the wrong button.”
 

3. Finding lost history

Mascot publisher Byron Higgin was very close to his father, Richard (“Dick”) Higgin, who was also a longtime newspaper man who had ink running through his veins.
For many years, Byron had been wondering what happened to the large bound volumes of the Cosmos News and Cosmos Sun that his late father owned and operated for nearly four decades. The Cosmos newspaper went out of business many years ago and the editions were put on disc.
The printed columns and news stories that his father penned were of special value to Byron, who had a strong desire to see them returned to the family.
In April, Byron got word that Mark Minnick, who currently writes a monthly newsletter, the Galactic Gazette in Cosmos, had located the volumes. After the papers had been transferred to disc, they became the property of City Hall. And when the old City Hall building was sold, the papers became the property of the new owner. Minnick asked the man that owned the bound volumes if he would be willing to sell them. After agreeing to a purchase price, Minnick obtained the volumes and traveled to Minneota to deliver them to Byron.
“I will forever be grateful for Mark doing this,” Byron said. “This is my folks’ legacy. And all of what happened in Cosmos when I was a child is in these books.
 

4. Rusty’s sold to Texas couple

With just a few days remaining before Rusty Rhymer planned to close his popular Rusty’s Corner Café in Taunton after operating it for the last 30 years, a young couple from Texas gave him an early Christmas present.
Brad and Courtney Norcutt of Houston agreed to purchase the restaurant and begin operations on Jan. 1. Rusty, who lost his wife Paula to cancer 16 months ago, wanted to spend more time with his two grandchildren and decided to close his business on Dec. 30 if it had not sold by then.
Brad Norcutt, a native of Tracy, had been in the U.S. Army for 20 years and earned the coveted Green Beret. Courtney is a native of Toronto. The Norcutts were married earlier this year and are expecting their first child, a son, in March.
Their son will be named Duke Alex Norcutt. Duke is the nickname of Brad’s grandfather and Alex will be used to honor Brad’s nephew who was killed in a farming accident at age 16.
Rusty will train the Norcutts for two weeks before he will fly to Florida for a well-deserved vacation. Brad will serve as the head cook at Duke’s Corner Café, while Courtney will have the title of bookkeeper and waitress among her duties.
“The people here have been so nice,” said Courtney. “I think we’ll be happy here.”
Although Brad admitted he is looking forward to owning his own business, the rapidity of which everything came together still has him shaking his head.
“I’m 43 years old, I just got married, we’re having our first child, and I bought a restaurant,” he said, before joking, “Am I nuts?”

5. Maher home from Haiti unrest

Mary Maher, a former resident of Minneota now living in Marshall, embarked on a mission trip to Haiti with a former Tracy High School classmate and 14 others. But while there assisting needy families, the mission group was caught in the middle of political unrest and an attempted overthrow of Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant.
 Maher and others witnessed violent protesting, burning, rock throwing and more. Lafontant had called for a 51 percent increase of fuel prices, which led to the uproar from citizens. Roads were blocked, making it difficult for the 300 mission workers from all over the United States to get out of the country.
 “Their idea was to stop traffic so they put up roadblocks everywhere,” Maher said about those protesting. “They used rocks, cement blocks, wood and anything they could find. And they lit tires on fires which caused a lot of thick, black smoke.”
  Eventually, the workers were able to get out of the troubled area and driven to an airport in a convoy of seven or eight old school buses.
 “We were pretty packed in the bus,” Maher recalled. “Some of the buses had armed guards on them to protect the mission workers.”
 Maher made it back home to Marshall on July 11, four days later than originally expected.
 “It felt so good to sleep in my own bed,” she noted

6. Generosity was Virgil Ufkin’s legacy

Virgil Ufkin was one of the most popular businessmen in Minneota for decades. The former furniture store owner turned 100 years old on Dec. 27, 2017 and then passed away on Jan. 4.
 Following Ufkin’s passing, stories of his generosity began to unfold. Ufkin donated to just about every cause he came across, whether it was for his church, the community, the school, or just an act of kindness.
 Ufkin was a member of the Minneota Rotary Club for 63 year and was instrumental in spearheading the annual rose sale. He was also a charter member of the Minneota/Taunton American Legion Post.
 Ufkin was instrumental in funding and in founding the Minneota Community Swimming Pool, Minneota Manor and Countryside Golf Club.
 Not long ago, Ufkin donated $40,000 to the Minneota Public Schools for a scholarship fund.
 “He really helped shaped this town,” said Ralph Hagen after Ufkin’s death. “Whenever someone needed funding for something, Virgil was always right there.”
 Also an impressive grandfather clock maker, Ufkin donated three of them – one each to St. Edward’s Church, Hope Lutheran Church, and the American Legion – so they could auction them off to raise money.
 ‘I just wanted to give something back to the community that has been so good to me,” he said, shortly before his death.
 A story was penned in the Mascot a couple of years ago about Ufkin’s days serving our country in the military, which included he and other members of his Third Army’s 71st Division were commanded by General George S. Patton. One of Ufkin’s duties was to enter two of Adolf Hitler’s homes/headquarters after the war was over to check for information. After the story printed, Ufkin showed his appreciation by giving a monetary gift to the paper and to the reporter of the article.

7. Ryes retire  after 57 years

In order to stay in business for many years, you have to work hard, be knowledgeable and, above all, considerate to your customers. Rodney and Darlene Rye have been all of the above, and more.
But after owning and operating Rye’s Nursery between Taunton and Porter along Highway 68, the couple decided to retire and auction off their landscaping machinery, boom trucks, shrubs, potted trees and more.
The Ryes decided to remain living on their 135-acre property. They will keep the stump grinder and tree spade.
“I’ll still grind stumps and move some trees,” Rodney, 83, said. ‘But that’s about it.”
The Ryes are hoping someone will buy the nursery and equipment and run the business from the same location.
The Ryes have been married for 60 years and still laugh at each other’s wisecracks and tease one another like teenagers in love.
“I couldn’t have done this for so long without her,” Rodney insists. “She keeps everything together and organized here.”
Darlene often marvels at how much energy her husband still has.
“He never stops working,” she noted. “That’s why it’s been hard for me to get him to slow down.”
 
8. Flying in to see  sons graduate

When someone graduates from high school, some relatives often travel a long distance to attend the celebration. But for two graduating Minneota boys, they had relatives fly in from other countries.
On May 19, foreign exchange students Yan Din Suter of Switzerland and Tsung-Tai “Amos” Tu of Taiwan were fortunate enough to have their families attend graduation ceremonies at the high school, and later attend their receptions the following day.
Amos Tu’s host was Brenda Swoboda, whom he referred to as “grandmother”. Suter’s host family was Scott and Bree Anderson and their sons Logan and Carter. Brenda is Bree’s mother.
Both boys held joint graduation receptions at Swoboda’s home. Amos’s father, Jimmy Tu, and his sister Yi-Ling Tu, flew to Chicago from their home in Hsinchu, Taiwan, then rented a vehicle and drove to Minneota to attend the commencement exercise.
“We drove 10 hours here,” Yi-Ling said. “My father and I took turns driving.”
Yan Din’s mother, Season Suter, flew from Zurich, Switzerland, to the Sioux Falls airport where Scott Anderson picked her up and drove her to Minneota.
“I didn’t realize (graduation) was such a big deal here,” Season said. “I was impressed how well prepared everyone is about graduation. I’m glad I came to see it.”
And so was everyone else.
“It was a grad party and a going away party,” said Bree. “It was a great way for kids, teachers and friends to say goodbye.”
 

9. Miracle man of St. Leo

LeRoy Kack still mows six lawns a week around St. Leo each summer just to keep busy. He still runs a snowblower up and down his driveway, still shovels large snowdrifts that build up along his house, and still showcases his moves on the dance floor at social events with his wife of 63 years, Audrey.
Not bad for an 85-year-old man. And even more remarkable when you consider he was battling pancreatic cancer just five years ago.
LeRoy hardly lets a moment go by without offering a big of his wit and charming personality. When told by doctors after being released from the hospital that he should only eat several small meals a day, LeRoy decided that wasn’t in his plans.
“To heck with small meals,” he said with a wide smile. “I wasn’t going to eat small meals. I ate three big meals a day like you’re supposed to.”
LeRoy and Audrey operated a tavern in St. Leo that was built by LeRoy’s grandfather and then ran by his father, called “Kack’s Place”.
“It had one pool table, spittoons, and an outhouse out back,” he recalled.
“We sold beer, candy bars, ice cream cones and things like that,” Audrey added.  “A cone with a couple of scoops was only a nickel.” When asked what he did at the tavern, LeRoy responded: “Drank beer”.
Because of his ability to knock out cancer at 85, LeRoy has become known as the “Miracle Man of St. Leo”.
 
10.  A graduation to remember

Landyn VanOverbeke was planning to graduate with other Southwest Minnesota State University seniors with his family in attendance on May 5.
Instead, that day he and his family attended the funeral of his father, John VanOverbeke, who passed away in his sleep at his home in Minneota at age 53.
 Because some family members had traveled from far away to attend Landyn’s graduation, the funeral was instead scheduled for that day so they could all attend.
 “I sat down with my brother (Avery, who had just completed his sophomore year at SMSU) and talked to him about everything,” Landyn explained. “We could either power through all this or try to make them delay the funeral.”
Even though it meant a lot for Landyn to have his family in attendance as he walked across the stage at R/A Facility as his name was called during commencement exercises, Landyn felt his father’s funeral was much more important.
Landyn contacted his advisor, Dr. Kris Cleveland, to find out how he could receive his diploma.
Upon hearing about his father’s passing and his unfortunate circumstances, SMSU officials arranged a special ceremony for Landyn so he could receive his four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science.
The ceremony was held on May 9 outside the office of SMSU President Dr. Connie Gores at Founders Hall with several other administrators on hand.
 Wearing a borrowed cap and gown, Landyn was able to graduate with his mother, Caryn Hetland, and brother in attendance. Also attending was John’s parents, Duane and Diane VanOverbeke, and Landyn’s cousin, Riley Yost.
 
BUBBLING UNDER:
•Memories melting away: A “Reviving the Rink” campaign was started by some dedicated committee members to repair and renovate the downtown ice rink in Ghent. The rink was a popular “hangout” for many years for those playing hockey, basketball, figure skating and more. But major repairs are needed to the boards and the concrete flooring, as well as other areas. Committee members include: Jodi and Bill Maertens, Chassidy and Adam DeRoode, and Mike Stassen. Several businesses and individuals have been assisting toward the campaign by donating materials or money. A Reviving the Rink Facebook page directs viewers to a GoFundMe account set up for donations.
•Vikings crash local gal’s wedding: Dan and Cindy (Coquyt) Scamp were married on May 19 at Holy Redeemer Church in Marshall. Following the ceremony, the wedding party decided to make the rounds to the local watering holes before attending the wedding reception. That same day, Minnesota Vikings players Anthony Harris, C.J. Ham and Stephen Weatherly were in Marshall for a promotional team tour and clinic for 300 high school players. The Scamps and other eventually ran into the Viking players and two Vikings cheerleaders and were able to have photos taken with them. Cindy, a native of Minneota, just happens to be a Green Bay Packers fan.
•Happy, musical biker dude: A lonely bike rider entered into the Minneota city limits on June 18, then stopped at Brad’s Market for a bite to eat. As it turned out, Nikolaus Hasenfus was making a 100-day cross-country bike ride from Portland Maine to Portland, Oregon. Hasenfus, who played in a band in Maine, is hoping to enhance his music career out west. His bike tour also helped raise money for Go Big for Hunger, as well as Adventure Cycling Association. Hasenfus, who traveled with only a few necessities and a guitar, eventually made it to Oregon in August. He made a little money “busking”, which is the act of playing music in the street or public place for donations.
•Ghent’s miracle in the mud: Adam DeRoode had decided to participate in the Challenge of the Lions Mud Run with his wife Chassidy during Belgian-American Days in Ghent. Sometime during the run, Adam’s wedding ring slipped off his finger without his knowledge. When he discovered the ring was missing later that night at his home in Ghent, he realized it must have come off when he was in the mud. A group of family members searched the lengthy course, but trying to find a small ring in a mud-filled course seemed nearly impossible. After 45 minutes of searching, Adam searched by a hill that he recalled helping to Chassidy over. Figuring that was where thering had slipped off, Adam saw a small circular shape next to a footprint in the mud, reached down and pulled out his ring.
•The Can Man: Minneota native Lawrence Moorse of Marshall retired from his job 11 years ago, but felt restless and wasn’t ready to sit at home in his rocking chair. Urged by his wife, LaVonne, to make better use of his idle time, Moorse began volunteering at The Kitchen Table Food Shelf in Marshall. Now 88 years old, Moorse still volunteers five days a week for three hours a day. His efforts have not gone unnoticed either.  On Nov. 29, Moorse was awarded the Harvey Buchholz United Community Action Partnership Volunteer of the Year Award at a banquet in Redwood Falls. The award covers a nine-county area in southwestern Minnesota.
•Lighting the way for Brad: When Porter farmer Brad Noyes passed away on Aug. 16 at age 44 after a lengthy battle with cancer, he left a void in many people’s hearts. That was no more evident than when hundreds of people showed up on Aug. 18 at the softball field in Porter to pay their respects by releasing Chinese lanterns into the night sky in his honor.
The various-colored lanterns illuminated the sky as voices could be heard calling out “We love you, Brad”. Anna Noyes, Brad’s wife, came up with the idea because the family had been given to the Noyes’ children a month earlier in order to write inspirational messages and release them.
•Little bit of Italy: Hollie Thompson, an Early Childhood Special Education instructor in Minneota, and her husband Jerry, own and operate 3B Vineyard on their farm outside of Dawson. People come from all over to pick their own grapes from among seven varieties grown on 4,500 plants grown by the Thompsons. The Somerset seedless grapes are generally sold to the public, while King of the North grapes are used by 3B Vineyard to make jelly, juice or syrup to sell to the general public. The Thompsons also host field trips for schools.
•Florida volunteers captivated by mission to Minneota: Five volunteers from Titusville, FL came to Minneota in July on a mission trip called “Mission Minneota” The group from Trinity Community Church in Florida hooked up with Bethel Fellowship Church of Minneota. The volunteers worked alongside some of the Bethel Fellowship members to paint the home of Carolyn Meiners and the garage of Marcia Johnson. The Floridians enjoyed Minnesota’s weather better than their home state, but were not impressed with our mosquitoes.
•Heather Anderson becomes principal in Ivanhoe: Heather Anderson, who was featured by the mascot and WCCO-TV for her unconventional idea of having her classroom filled with comfortable flex seating in order better serve her students, was hired as the new elementary principal in Ivanhoe. Anderson was a high school English teacher at Minneota, her alma mater, for five years before moving on to an administrative position at Ivanhoe. She replaced Courtney Frie, who took a position at Lakeview Public School in Cottonwood.
•Guatemala trip like a time machine: Former Minneota student Sofia Rabaey, a recent graduate of the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, spent five weeks as a volunteer at the San Lucas Toliman Mission in Guatemala this past spring. Rabaey said the experience felt like stepping into a time machine and going back 100 years.
The San Lucas Toliman Mission has a long history of support from the Catholic Diocese of New Ulm. Sofia’s parents, Fred and Margrit Rabaey, have been on several missions together. Inhabitants of San Lucas are very poor and often cook on floors, wash their clothes in lakes and learn to cope with little money or food.