January

Jan. 3 — The Central High School dance team begins its inaugural season after seniors Nicole Lind, Abbey Carey and Ashley Zabel organize support.

Rick and Paula Gort and Del and Ken Gallup are new members of the Cologne Lions.

Jan. 10 — Members of the Senior Strides group at Peace Villa share about their participation in an exercise program that tracks the number of miles they walk on their way to various destinations.

A student survey at Central schools reveals that more local students are planning on going to college than students statewide. Local students were also more fit, but they also had higher rates of alcohol and tobacco usage, and over 40 percent reported driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol in the past year.

Carver County reported fewer DUIs through the holidays than in past years.

Jan. 17 — The Cologne City Council formally objects to the construction of a railroad loading/unloading facility just east of the city in Dahlgren based on traffic safety concerns.

The Cologne Academy, a new charter school in the area, begins hosting open houses for interested parents.

Planners take measures to encourage smaller businesses to set up shop in the Tacoma West Industrial Park.

Jan. 24 — The cities of Norwood Young America, Cologne and Hamburg finalize a grant application for improving homes in the older parts of each town.

Don Smith and Jacob Steinbauer of Cologne begin leading an effort to clean up Benton Lake.

Friends and co-workers of Randy Lueck, co-owner of Perfection Printing in Norwood Young America and Central Printing in Waconia, remember his life after he passed away at the age of 50 from cancer.

Planners tentatively schedule the demolition of the old Oak Grove dairy buildings for the first quarter of the year.

Jan. 31 — Cologne city officials hope to install a new railroad crossing at Village Parkway and County Road 36 sooner than expected after learning that railroad officials have dropped their plan to appeal the action in court.

Residents in Dahlgren Township share their concerns about the potential construction of a railroad loading/unloading facility by L. G. Everist.

Officials from state and county agencies attend a meeting hosted by the Cologne Lions to discuss what can be done to rehabilitate Benton Lake.

Elias Wiff, 17, of Cologne shares about his experiences as a member of the Civil Air Patrol.

Cassie Schlueter and Charlie Byrne are named Mayer Lutheran’s Snofest royalty.

February

Feb. 7 — Wally Riplinger visits St. Bernard’s School in Cologne to teach students about his Lakota-Dakota heritage.

Town Cop Tom Fadden reports that the number of serious crimes committed in Norwood Young America dropped 28 percent from 2006 to 2007.

Feb. 14 — Local residents turn out for the Minnesota state causes on “Super Tuesday.” A total of 86 citizens participated at the GOP site, and 61 took part in the event at the DFL site.

Blake Noennig shares about his experiences traveling to China with the Gustavous Symphony Orchestra. The trip included five performances in five cities and students saw some of the buildings constructed for the summer Olympics.

The NYA Chamber of Commerce holds its annual meeting, reviewing its work in 2007 and its goals for 2008.

Feb. 21 — Around 350 local farmers attend the 16th annual Carver County/University of Minnesota Dairy Expo.

Organizers of the 2008 Relay for Life hold a community kickoff and fundraiser. Area residents are encouraged to put together teams in support of the event.

St. Bernard’s holds its 35th Winter Carnival, featuring food, a silent auction, games and more.

Students at Emanuel Lutheran School celebrate Mardi Gras day by sampling traditional Cajun food and learning about Cajun culture.

Feb. 28 — The official registration period for the Cologne Academy begins and 40 students are signed up so far. The school’s budget is based on an enrollment of 82 students.

Charles Erickson talks about his experiences as a member of the Baghdad Provincial Reconstruction Team in Iraq.

Three senior wrestlers at Central High School qualify for the state tournament. They are Nick Mackenthun, Dusty Meuleners and Matt Meuleners.

Residents at The Harbor enjoy a President’s Day program put on by a group of local home school students.

March

March 6 — The NYA City Council gives the go-ahead to begin remodeling the North Fire Station with a 3-2 vote.

Matt Meuleners captures second place at 215 pounds in the state wrestling tournament.

The girls’ basketball team falls in the section semifinals to Holy Family.

March 13 — Michelle Olund of Norwood Young America tells about her experience meeting the rock band Foo Fighters after her friend wins an arm wrestling contest sponsored by radio station 93X.

Students at Central High School present the “Grand Night for Singing,” a dinner, auction and choir concert that will help fund a trip to New York.

Gilbert Frank Wuetherich, 87, of Norwood Young America is killed in a single vehicle crash on icy roads.

Jessica Oelfke of Hamburg is named a dairy princess in Sibley County.

Centre Stage Theatre & Arts presents its fourth annual dinner show, “The West Town Caper.”

March 20 — Shawn Hogan is introduced as the new director of the Cologne Academy.

The Millstone Pantry becomes the third business to make use of the old mill building on 3rd Avenue SE in Norwood Young America. It joins The Flower Mill and The Mill House.

A comedy team of Wild Bill Bauer, Dan “The Common Man” Cole from KFAN radio and Alex Cole, an independent filmmaker and comedian, hold a weekend show at Crossroads.

Children in Norwood Young America and Hamburg take part in community Easter egg hunts.

The Central boys’ basketball team is eliminated in section quarterfinal play by Glencoe-Silver Lake.

March 27 — Former police detective Norm Prusinski speaks to members of the NYA Chamber of Commerce about how to avoid identity theft.

Cologne approves a contractor to construct a new main well for the city’s water supply.

The Cologne Happy Timers 4-H club hosts its third annual Easter egg hunt.

April

April 3 — City officials learn that the Oak Grove Redevelopment Project will be delayed for at least one year because of a shortfall in funds budgeted for the county’s portion of the project.

Staff from the Science Museum of Minnesota visit St. John’s School and carry out a number of demonstrations in chemistry for excited students.

The post prom committee at Central High School hosts its first spring craft fair.

April 10 — Marian Klaustermeier of Norwood Young America was named the Dairy Farm Woman of the Year at the 56th annual Dairy Day Dinner. Kindra Boelke and Kari Hoen, both of Cologne, were named dairy princesses at the same event.

Colby Lindback, a third grade student at Central Elementary, and his family take a trip to Disney World courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Minnesota.

Mel Lawson, superintendent of District #108 from 1959 to 1982, passes away at his home in Arizona.

April 17 — A joint application by Norwood Young America, Cologne and Hamburg for home improvement loans is turned down. The cities receive positive feedback, however, and intend to make another attempt in 2009.

Glad Days planners intend to increase the number of events at this year’s celebration and call for volunteers to help with the weekend.

April 24 — Students from Central High School take a day trip to Washington D.C. with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum as the main destination.

Hamburg unveils its first city logo to help commemorate its 125th anniversary. It features the railroad, community hall, church and water tower.

Town Cop Tom Fadden is promoted and leaves the city after approximately two years of service.

The local American Legion Auxiliary selects Alyssa Ulrich to represent the area at Girls State.

May

May 1 — Four of the original 17 members of the Young America Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1783 Auxiliary join current members in celebrating the organization’s 50th anniversary at the Pavilion. Several members recall memorable events during that time.

Dr. Robert Fisch, a Holocaust survivor, speaks to students from Central Schools and Sibley East.

A business projection study estimates that retail space will more than double in Cologne by 2030.

May 8 — A total of 77 couples participate in the grand march during prom night at Central High School.

All Central High School seniors pass the Basic Standards tests in math, reading and writing.

Following a shooting in Watertown Township, a manhunt in northern Carver County ends in the arrest of Ryan Lindeen, who was found in Winsted. Both Watertown-Mayer and Mayer Lutheran High Schools go into lock-down mode during the hunt.

May 15 — Maynard Harms, a former Bongards area resident and graduate of Central High School, is inducted into the Future Farmers of America Hall of Fame for his teaching career in agriculture at Belle Plaine High School.

Glad Days organizers appear before the Cologne City Council with suggestions for improving the celebration, including adding a big tent, power service for entertainers and involving businesses directly through sponsorships.

A school district facilities committee examines options for a new high school building and discusses unearthing Central Elementary School.

Brandon Fable, a sixth grader at Central Middle School, is nominated to advance to the national science fair after collecting a number of awards at the regional event.

May 22 — Demolition of the Oak Grove facility begins. The work attracts former employees and other onlookers who come for a last look at the city landmark.

Katie Hebeisen, a student at the College of St. Benedict, shares about her experience teaching in China and her connection to students there who survived the 7.9 magnitude earthquake that occurred one week ago.

Businesses members of the NYA Chamber of Commerce discuss staying open later to make themselves more available to customers.

May 29 — Hundreds of local residents attend Memorial Day ceremonies at cemeteries and Central Elementary School.

Central teachers Darroel Dammann, Jeff Delwiche, David Foss, Donna Foss, Pat Moriarty and Heidi Pflispen have submitted resignations or retirement notices this spring.

Cologne residents Don Smith and Jacob Steinbauer begin collecting water samples from Benton Lake and Meuwissen Lake and providing the information to the county in order to help speed the process of cleaning those waters and restoring their former vitality.

Holocaust survivor Henry Oertelt visits Central High School to tell of his experiences.

Zion Lutheran captures first place at the annual Play Day competition with Emanuel and St. John’s for the first time since 1995.

June

June 5 — City officials in Norwood Young America decide to cut back on the number of infrastructure projects they will pursue this year in light of a sluggish economy.

A total of 98 students receive their diplomas in Central High School’s 98th annual commencement ceremony.

Mayer Lutheran’s class of 2008 consists of 64 graduates.

Dillon Rolf, 11, wins a logo design contest for a new Harley Davidson store near Brainerd.

June 12 — Bongards’ Creameries celebrates 100 years of business with an open house.

Officials with the Cologne Hollanders and Norwood Indians promote the entertainment value of town team baseball in a time of high gas prices.

The LHS baseball team earns a trip to the Class A state tournament after capturing the Section 4A title.

June 19 — A groundbreaking ceremony is held for Yeager Machine, which becomes the second tenant of the Tacoma West Industrial Park.

Work on various infrastructure projects, including the complete reconstruction of Wilson Street, begins.

The Jolly Czech’s kick off the 2008 Music in the Park series at Legion Park.

The Crusaders are eliminated from the state baseball tournament with two losses.

June 26 — Firefighters from six area departments battled a blaze that broke out when a spark set off fireworks intended for Hamburg’s Zummerfest celebration that were stockpiled in a 120 by 80-foot barn. One individual received minor injuries when the fire began.

Hamburg celebrates Zummerfest and its 125th anniversary with a weekend of activities and a fireworks show.

Martin Mayer und sein Dorfmusikanten is announced as the musical headliner for Stiftungsfest.

A group of about 75 Central students and staff depart on their trip to New York.

July

July 3 — The community says farewell to Dr. Bert McCarthy, a longtime dentist and amateur baseball star, who passed away in Plymouth but wanted his funeral to be held in Norwood Young America.

Dwayne Kaelberer shares about his hobby as an amateur radio operator after operators congregate at Baylor Park for a nation-wide emergency preparedness demonstration.

City officials discuss the possibility of constructing a new fire station on the south side of town.

July 10 — Rob Shanahan, a native of Norwood Young America, shares about his adventures as the official photographer of Ringo Starr and his encounters with various other celebrities through his photography and his Rolling Stones tribute band.

District #108 enjoyed much improved results in the recently released MCA-II tests, scoring above the state average in all but three of 14 categories.

Fire departments from Norwood Young America, Hamburg and Cologne join about 20 other city departments in battling a massive warehouse fire in Green Isle that burns for several days.

July 17 — NYA Fire Chief Brent Aretz and Paul Lano show off some of the equipment, including a rescue truck and thermal imaging camera, recently purchased with funds raised at Stiftungsfest.

Pat Zellmann tells about her family’s battles with cancer in the week before Norwood Young America’s Relay for Life.

July 24 — The Relay for Life brings 29 teams, 280 team members and hundreds of supporters to Central High School. Lois Zellmann is the event’s honorary chairperson. While fundraising was not yet complete, the event had already raised over $102,000.

Norwood Young America applies for a grant that would allow it to master plan its future growth with the aid of a consulting firm.

July 31 — The city of Norwood Young America approves a purchase agreement that could locate a new South Fire Station on a plot of land currently used by eight lots of the Faxon Court Manufactured Home Park.

Cologne celebrates a revitalized Glad Days with a variety of events including a Kid-Fest, a 5k run, music a softball tournament and more.

Centre Stage Theatre and Arts presents “Harvey.”

August

Aug. 7 — Loren Schwinghammer, a crane operator from Cologne talks about his contributions to rebuilding the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis. Schwinghammer has worked at the site for 12 hours a day, seven days a week for six straight months.

Erin Anderson of the Carver County Historical Society gives a presentation entitled “Lost Communities of Carver County” at The Harbor, shedding light on 15 ghost towns within the county’s borders.

Stiftungsfest organizers announce that the 2008 event will feature a longer and more impressive fireworks show, from 20-30 minutes long rather than 10-15 minutes.

Aug. 14 — Area citizens attend the 140th Carver County Fair in Waconia.

Residents turn out for Norwood Young America’s first National Night Out safety event at Legion Park.

A number of residents attend the NYA city council meeting to voice opposition to the purchase of Faxon Court land for a new South Fire Station. They specifically object to the location north of the railroad tracks, the ousting of residents from the manufactured home park and the decision not to use land already owned by the city.

Meg McPadden and Ben Flygare, both soon-to-be seniors at Central High School, earn a trip to the National Rodeo Finals in New Mexico.

Aug. 21 — Richard Lehrman of Hamburg survives a collision with a train while driving to work along County Road 31 during foggy conditions. His car, however, was destroyed and Lehrman suffered a fractured shoulder, elbow and humerus.

The farm of Shirley and Meldon Melcher near Norwood Young America will be recognized by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at the state fair because it has been in the family’s possession for at least 150 years.

Aug. 28 — Thousands attend the 147th annual Stiftungsfest in Norwood Young America. Megan Shanahan is crowned as queen of NYA, while Mackenzie Wolter and Annie Kidrowski are the princesses.

Carolyn Durbin and Ardell Wolter of Norwood Young America are named Senior Citizens of the Year at the Carver County Fair.

The Cologne council approves the construction of a roundabout at CSAH 53 and Village Parkway and a number of other construction projects for this fall.

September

Sept. 4 — District students return to the classroom, and five new teachers at Central High School and Middle School provide some background information on themselves. Those teachers are Lori Cantrell, Sarah Hammers, Mitch Kimmes, Leslie Swanson and Tammy Mathiowetz.

A benefit is planned for Austin Harms, the one-year-old son of Kraig Harms and Tracy Winkler of Cologne, who is battling a brain tumor and several other medical conditions.

County officials approved a preliminary tax levy with a 9.9 percent increase.

Sept. 11 — Four new teachers at Central Elementary School are featured. They are Alissa Friend, Tamara Hedeen, James Leonard and Katie Leonard.

Cologne officials approve a preliminary levy increase of seven percent for 2009.

The filing period for city elections closes with a number of challengers and incumbents running for each position in all three cities.

Sept. 18 — After approximately 100 people attend a public hearing to protest the location of a new South Fire Station at Faxon Court, the NYA city council decides not to purchase the site.

A preliminary tax levy increase of 9.3 percent is approved in Norwood Young America.

Site preparation work for a new 750,000-gallon water tower will begin in NYA this fall.

Carver County officials are planning to build a fiber optic loop around the county to increase efficiency and improve deficient technology.

Wes Willemsen and Annie Kidrowski are named Homecoming King and Queen at Central High School, and Kayla Thom and Adam Fosmo are royalty at Mayer Lutheran High School.

Sept. 25 — Hundreds of congregation and community members turn out to see the new addition at St. Bernard Church in Cologne. It is the first major addition in the church’s 131-year history.

The Cologne council approves a project to raise County Road 36 about six feet and extend Village Parkway toward the railroad tracks in preparation for a future crossing.

Citizens take part in the third annual Carver County Public Safety Motorcycle and Classic Car Rally to raise money for local food shelves.

Sister M. Florence Hesse, originally of Cologne, celebrates 75 years of service as a nun.

October

Oct. 2 — Stan Werner is the only challenger to file for a supervisor seat in surrounding townships. He filed in Camden Township.

The NYA Chamber of Commerce helps sponsor a congressional forum for candidates John Kline and Steve Sarvi.

District #108 begins distributing information about its referendum renewal that will be on the ballot in November.

Oct. 9 — Residents and staff celebrate the two-year anniversary of the opening of The Harbor with a singing group, the Minnesota Go-4s and other activities. The building reached capacity two months ago.

School officials make a case for voter approval of the new levy, which will not increase taxes and will last for five years. They point to higher student achievement and fiscal responsibility as key considerations in the referendum request.

The Rolf-Stuewe Century Farm was recognized at the county fair as being in continuous family ownership since 1903.

Oct. 16 — A new policing plan that provides increased coverage to Cologne has led to fewer incidents in the city since May, according to a report by Deputy Aaron Hommerding.

State Representative candidates Paul Kohls and Marcia Krueger share their stances on current issues with local voters in preparation for the election.

The Raiders cross country team finishes fourth in the Minnesota River Conference despite dealing with inexperience and injuries all year.

Oct. 23 — Citing difficult economic conditions for taxpayers, NYA city officials begin looking at ways to eliminate any tax increase for 2009 through cuts or delayed expenditures.

A Level III sex offender, Gerald Keast, moves to Hamburg without prior notice. The Carver County Sheriff’s Office plans a public meeting to inform residents about his history and Carver County Attorney Jim Keeler files charges against Keast for failing to provide proper notification of his move.

Candidates for city offices in Norwood Young America, Cologne and Hamburg share their positions and opinions with voters.

Oct. 30 — John Kuenzel of Norwood Young America shares the story of his father, Fred, a veteran of World War I who was the last surviving member of the “Last Man’s Club.”

Hundreds turn out for the third annual Harvest Moon and Wine Extravaganza hosted by the West Carver Lions.

The Central High School volleyball team is eliminated in the first round of subsection play by Sibley East. Central’s season record was 14-12.

November

Nov. 6 — The Central High School football team returns to the state tournament after capturing its second consecutive Section 4AA title.

Hundreds of Hamburg residents attend a public meeting where officials inform residents about the history of the Level III sex offender who moved there unannounced early last month.

County officials look at eliminating some positions and reducing others along with other cuts to avoid a tax increase in 2009.

Nov. 13 — NYA, Cologne and Hamburg each elect new mayors in the 2008 general election. John P. Fahey replaces LaVonne Kroells in NYA, Bernie Shambour, Jr. replaces Barb Swanson in Cologne and Richard Malz takes over for Mike Buckentin in Hamburg.

New council members include Harold Hoernemann in NYA and John Barnes in Hamburg.

Randy Maluchnik, a Carver County Commissioner, is the keynote speaker at the annual Veteran’s Day ceremony at Central High School.

Jean Williams of Cologne is named one of eight finalists for the 2008 State Conservationist of the Year for her work on prairie restoration and Carver Creek.

The Raiders football team is ousted from the state tournament in the quarterfinal round by Caledonia in a 21-0 game.

Nov. 20 — An odorizer accident prompts an evacuation of Central High School and Middle School due to fears of a gas leak.

A feasibility study to examine options for expanding the West Carver Community Pool is approved by the NYA council. Pool employees have had to deal with overcrowding in the 2,840-square foot facility in recent years.

NYA, Cologne and Hamburg reapply for housing rehabilitation loans in an effort to improve older sections of the cities.

Nov. 27 — Shawn Erickson, a science teacher at Central Middle School, is named the Central Education Association Teacher of the Year.

County employees appeal to the county board to save jobs and services. Cuts the board is considering total nearly $550,000 and include the elimination four staff positions and various service hours and programs.

Central students share a typical day in their Media News class, which produces a weekly program featured on the local cable channel.

Hundreds of craft enthusiasts flood Central Schools during the city’s 26th annual craft fair. The event, sponsored by District #108 Community Education, features over 250 booths.

Central High School presents “Noises Off.”

December

Dec. 4 — Interested residents view a Total Maximum Daily Load study for five impaired lakes, including Benton, which was completed seven months ahead of schedule. The study is one of the first steps towards diagnosing the problems and rehabilitating the lakes.

County staff trim more than $1 million from 2009 budget, achieving a level that will have zero impact on taxpayers.

Central Schools are in good financial shape, as an audit report shows excess revenue from the 2007-08 year.

Dec. 11 — A 70-mile fiber optic loop connecting government, school and other buildings around Carver County was approved. Hamburg and New Germany will now also be included in the loop.

Cologne officials examine various locations to bring a skating rink back to the city. The pond at the Village at Cologne and Louis Street are considered options.

Lance Bruckelmyer of Hamburg talks about the economic and environmental benefits of installing a geothermal climate control system in local homes.

Dec. 18 — The tax rate for Norwood Young America will remain flat for 2009 after the council approved a levy with a zero-percent increase from last year.

A possible murder victim is found in a burning car less than four miles south of Hamburg in Sibley County. The victim is Daniel Juarez, 42, of Chaska.

John Worm, who recently underwent a kidney transplant, tells about his experience prior to a benefit planned for the Worm family.

Former Town Cop Tom Fadden, who was promoted and transferred earlier this year, will return under a new police plan for the tri-city area in 2009.

The Pavilion is packed for the Breakfast with Santa event hosted by the West Carver Lions.

Dec. 25 — Longtime business owner Ray Smith, 83, is found dead in his smoke-filled home after authorities respond to calls of a house fire.

The school district, county and Cologne approve levies for 2009. Cologne and the school district see slight increases, while the county’s rate will remain flat.

Local school children share holiday thoughts and memories through essays and drawings.