Fall Winter 04 Newsletter.indd

OHS Alumni Association
333 East School Street
Owatonna, MN 55060
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Owatonna High School Alumni Association Newsletter
The Owatonnian
Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Owatonna, MN
Permit No. 41
Fall/Winter 2004
SCHOLARSHIP
WINNERS
A
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT - Sarah (Doman) Foreman
I
came to Owatonna High School in the fall of 1971 and finally left the hallowed halls in 1995. The one
thing that I most remember about coming here is that I had to teach 11 classes of American Humor
and I had no text. Naturally everyone enrolled in the class because it sounded like such a great deal to sit
around and laugh for a class hour. I worked hard to find material, but wasn’t too successful. The biggest
mistake I made was having Friday as the joke day. I had to screen the jokes before they could be told.
Let me tell you I heard some wild ones. After that first year, I was able to teach Satire and Wit, which was
more my style anyway.
I had varied classes, but my favorite class in the years was Utopia in Literature. I will never forget those
books and the discussions that we had about 1984, Brave New World, Animal Farm, Fahrenheit 451 and others. I wonder
how many students took those classes with me? In addition to teaching, I directed plays at the high school---Linda Sothman
(Storlie) and I worked together on them.
Since my retirement, I have been directing plays at Little Theatre of Owatonna nearly every year, working with the American
Cancer Society, teaching at Riverland Community College, helping raise money for the new hospice house here in Owatonna, becoming active with my church as a lay minister and reader and trustee, and traveling around the world among other
things. Every day my calendar is full of things to do. I love it!
Oh, yes, for those of you who don’t know---I am married to Bill Foreman (the Dad of Pam ’77 and Will ’81). We’ve been
married for 26 years and I have the benefit of having two wonderful step-grandchildren who are the most wonderful children
to have ever lived! I am also a breast cancer survivor for 12 years and then again for 3 years. (It came back.) It has always
been my motto that when cancer came to call on me it got the wrong lady. The doctors have given me a clean bill of health
for all this time. I thank the Lord every day for the busy and productive life that I have.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
Keeping our database up to date is a huge task. Please contact us with any updates and name/address changes for yourself, relatives or friends. Suggestions and reunion information are also appreciated.
507.444.8885 alumniassociation@owatonna.k12.mn.us or via any board member
s was previously reported,
the OHS Alumni Association
began a scholarship program in
2003 for graduating seniors.
We are happy
to announce
our first two recipients of this
award. Jamie
Docken who is
now currently
Jamie Docken
attending Bemidji State University received
$1000,
and
Marci Busho
who is currently enrolled
at South Central
Technical
College
in
Faribault
received the
Marci Busho
$500 scholarship.
As an Alumni Association we are
committed to providing opportunities for deserving seniors to attend post-secondary education.
With your help we can continue
this mission. Please consider
donating funds to the scholarship
committee by way of gifts or memorials. Donations may be sent
to Scholarship Committee, c/o
OHS Alumni Association, 333
East School St., Owatonna, MN
55060.
NEW SUPERINTENDENT NAMED
F
rom Ezra Johnson in 1856 to P.J. Kuntz at the turn of the century, to Leslie
Gustafson in the 40’s and 50’s, C.P. Mickelson in the 60’s, Dave Landswerk in
the 70’s and 80’s and most recently Jim Bauck – Owatonna has had many wonderful leaders who have helped shape our District. The 2004
school year marked another change as Dr. Tom Tapper became the 25th superintendent in Owatonna’s history.
Tapper comes to Owatonna from Marshall, Minnesota,
where he was the superintendent for eight years. Prior to
that he taught junior high math and was an assistant principal. He has been a part of education for thirty years.
Tapper admits that the Owatonna District was quite attractive to him as it has garnered state-wide recognition for its
quality reputation. Tapper states, “There is a very positive
Dr. Tom Tapper
environment in Owatonna. It’s a great place.” He wants
to maintain what we have and build upon the existing to make it better. “It’s my
responsibility to create a school environment where the teachers have the opportunity to be successful, the kids feel good to be at, and the parents are comfortable
in sending their children to.”
SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT
M
any of you may be familiar with the popularity of the bobblehead dolls that
have become such a collector’s item for sports enthusiasts. The Owatonna Boys Hoops Club is hoping to capitalize on this craze and raise money for
the basketball programs here in Owatonna. This organization is selling Huskies
Bobbleheads and to commemorate the ten year anniversary of when the mascot
was changed, they have Indian Bobbleheads.
Sold separately for $15, or $25 for the set, these
items would make a delightful Christmas gift or a
wonderful souvenir for any OHS alumni.
The OHS Mascot Bobbleheads are now available locally at Cash-Wise Foods, Hy-Vee, Court
Sports and More, Fischer Sports, Alexander
Lumber, and the OHS school store. For our out
of town alumni, we ask that you send a check to
the Owatonna Hoops Club, c/o Kevin Raney at
1090 SW Robert Place, Owatonna, MN 55060.
Please include $7.00 for shipping and handling for the set, or
$4.00 if only one is purchased.
WEBSITE
Many of you have been asking for us to create a website and we’re happy to report that this project is currently underway. We intend to have a full report for you in our next newsletter, however for you anxious
ones, you might want to start periodically checking out www.owatonnaalumni.com and see how we’re
progressing.
The Owatonnian
News Around The Town
Page 2
Fall/Winter 2004
ROXY...TONNA...STATE Many of you may remember these names as those of movie theaters
that were once operating in Owatonna. The old State Theater (built in 1935) and centrally located
on Cedar Street in downtown Owatonna is currently a vacant building that the city is hoping will be
enticing for some developer to purchase and renovate into something fitting of this structure. The
current theater has been located in the Cedar Mall on the south end of town since the mid-80’s, and
its days are numbered as well. Later this Fall, Owatonna will be the home of a new 10-screen all
stadium seating movie theater that is currently being built along the west edge of town off Bridge Street and along
Interstate 35.
SPORTS NEWS A couple of years ago we wrote how Owatonna dedicated a new soccer complex with nine soccer
fields adjacent to the Lincoln School property. While nine fields may not be necessary for awhile, it will be interesting
to see how long it takes before Owatonna starts to build a field dedicated to their newest sport – Lacrosse. Students
at OHS participated in organized matches against other schools for the first time this past spring and the future looks
promising for this sport. And speaking of the Soccer Complex - this past fall OHS participated in a special dedication
as the lights were installed on the main fields to allow for games to be played into the evenings for our local teams. FYI
- The OHS Girls Soccer team won the Big Nine conference title this fall with a record of 12-1. Check the Big 9 website
www.big9.org to follow all of your favorite OHS teams.
CENTRAL PARK BANDSTAND On your next trip back to Owatonna, one site you
must take in is the new bandstand in Central Park. Created as the Legacy Project
during our town’s 150th celebration this majestic structure is as beautiful as it is
functional. Countless numbers of groups have already benefited from the stage
which opens from within this building. The park is filled with activity once again-–not
unlike it undoubtedly was in the early years of our town when it was the central point
of so many events…and to see it at night, with its lights luminating the trees in the
park--it truly is a masterpiece.
The Owatonnian
Fall/Winter 2004
OHS Alumni Association
Board
Chairman
Mark Sebring, ‘79 - sebring@chartermi.net
Vice Chairman
Kory Kath, ‘96/Staff - kkath@owatonna.k12.mn.us
Board Members
Sheri Allen, Staff - sallen@owatonna.k12.mn.us
Roberta Eiseman, ‘79/Staff reiseman@owatonna.k12.mn.us
Jim Herzog, Retired - jherzog15@charter.net
Darryl Hill, Retired - hilld@clear.lakes.com
Julie (Peterson) Rohrig ‘78 - mnrohrig@charter.net
Ruth Thomas, Staff - rthomas@owatonna.k12.mn.us
Ginny (Steele) Thompson, ‘55 - gthomps@hickorytech.net
Sandi Tobin, Staff - stobin@owatonna.k12.mn.us
Newsletter Editors
Matt Kottke, ‘77 - indian2@charter.net
Ginny (Steele) Thompson, ‘55 - gthomps@hickorytech.net
Ruth Thomas, Staff - rthomas@owatonna.k12.mn.us
507.444.8885
alumniassociation@owatonna.k12.mn.us
or via any board member
Have you sent in your new or
renewed 12 month or lifetime
membership ?
Web Sites
Big 9 Website - www.big9.org
City of Owatonna
www.ci.owatonna.mn.us
Minnesota State High School League
www.mshsl.org
OHS Alumni Association
www.owatonnaalumni.com
OHS Athletic Hall of Fame
www.ohshalloffame.com
OHS Baseball
www.geocities.com/owatonnabaseball
OHS Class of 1958 - www.ohs58.org
OHS Football - www.owatonnafootball.com
OHS Hockey - www.owatonnahockey.com
Owatonna School District #761
www.owatonna.k12.mn.us
Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce &
Tourism - www.owatonna.org
Owatonna People’s Press
www.owatonna.com
St. Mary’s School
www.st.marys-owatonna.org
Steele County Free Fair - www.scff.org
Steele County Historical Society
www.steelecohistoricalsociety.org
West Hills Orphanage Museum
www.orphanagemuseum.com
Special thanks to Mike Jensen ‘85, and
Tri-M Graphics for assistance in printing
The Owatonnian.
Page 7
Comments From Our Alumni
The newsletter improves with each
printing – I’m ready to sign up! Thanks
for your hard work (Sandy Shankland
Miller ’77)
The newsletter reminds me that OHS
grads are like the leaves on a giant oak
tree – different yet connected to a common root. (Sandy Carlton Buchan ’61)
Relatively speaking, I’m a “recent” grad
and I’m amazed at the rich heritage of
OHS! Keep it up! (Heather Heinsch
Flies ’91)
Dick and I always feel so close to Owatonna when we receive the Owatonnian.
Thanks for all the work you do – and all
the memories. (Marian Luthe Grunz
’51, and Richard Grunz ’50)
Enjoyed our tour of OHS during our
50th class reunion. Things have really
changed! Only room I recognized was
good old 147. Many wonderful memories. (Robert Barnard ‘ 54)
And from the faculty…What a privilege
to teach at OHS for 32 wonderful years.
The best students in the U.S.A. (Roger
Tenney, retired teacher 1960-1992).
Have You Missed an Issue of The Owatonnian?
OWATONNA’s 150th CELEBRATION A HUGE SUCCESS It was over three years
in the planning stages, but it was worth every minute to those that took time to partake in the 100-plus days of celebrating Owatonna’s 150th Birthday. From the Minnesota Orchestra to the Skyfest AirShow, and all of the events in
between - the Sesquicentennial celebration will be fondly remembered as a special moment in Owatonna’s history.
Countless numbers of volunteers participated in this celebration--many of which were former alumni like yourselves.
And, believe it or not, the celebrating isn’t quite over as 2005 will mark the 150th celebration of Steele County. For
those of you who are interested in looking back in Owatonna and Steele County’s past, we encourage you to visit
the remarkable collection of photographs and data located on the Steele County Historical Society’s website at www.
steelecohistoricalsociety.org
It might be because you have moved, or have a separate winter address. Please make sure that we have your most
current address and we’ll do what we can to ensure that the alumni newsletter makes it to your doorstep. If you feel
you have missed an issue, please contact the Alumni Association. We have a limited supply of back issues so it’s
“first come, first served.”
THE HOMESTEAD A community-built hospice residence, opened November 1. The hospice program is run by
Owatonna Hospital and will serve Steele County and surrounding communities. The 8-bed hospice residence, built on
a century farm, is located by the new Owatonna Clinic north of Owatonna on 26th Street. This is the seventh hospice
residence in Minnesota.
Name
50 YEAR FLOODS This past October, President Bush declared Steele County and
other parts of southern Minnesota a major disaster area because of the severe flooding in the region during September. Nearly 13 inches of rain fell on parts of Steele
County over a 48-hour period which damaged homes, and sent rivers and streams
over their banks. This was the second such occurrence that Owatonna endured this
year as we were hit with a similar 10-plus inch rainfall earlier in the summer. A considerable amount of damage was done to parks and trails along the Straight River and
Maple Creek--Owatonna even had to sandbag around the Power Plant to protect that
facility.
City:
State:
Phone:
Email:
Bandstand With Open Stage
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE OHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
OHS Alumni Association 333 East School Street Owatonna, MN 55060
email: alumniassociation@owatonna.k12.mn.us
Maiden name:
OHS class of:
Address
ZIP:
Comments:
Warsinski Chalet
with water lapping at the door
UBER GLOVE COMPANY How many of you can remember wearing a nice warm pair of Owatonna-made Uber
mittens on a cold winter day? Seeing that they have been in business for 150 years, 100 of which have been in
Owatonna, we’re guessing that the answer for many of you is “yes.” Lanny Uber ‘75 represents the sixth generation
of Ubers who have owned this business and says that despite increased overseas competition, the family business is
still marching along. Previously, Lanny’s parents Harley ‘45 and Jeanne Joesting Uber ‘48 ran the family business.”At
the turn of the century there were 5,000 tanneries like ours in the country,” remarked Lanny, “now there are fewer than
100 left.” To learn what Uber Glove is up to today, check out their website at www.uberglove.com.
Make checks payable to OHS Alumni Association
____ I would like to become a new or renewed member of the OHS Alumni Association. Enclosed is my check for
$10, the annual membership fee (12 months from date of remittance).
____ I would like to be a lifetime member of the OHS Alumni Association. Enclosed is my check for $100.00, the
lifetime membership fee.
____ I would like to make an additional donation to the OHS Alumni Association to aid in future growth in the amount
of $ ________.
The Owatonnian
Page 6
Fall/Winter 2004
PAPARAZZI TURNS TABLES ON MAGNET STAFF
HAVING FUN RAISING FUNDS
nce considered the paparazzi of their time, the Magnet staff from the
’73-74 school year were caught on film at their 30 year reunion this past
summer. The 1974 photo shows staff members – back row, left to right,
Jim Henke, Vicky Voigt and Monty Mickelson. Front row includes, Margie McDermott, Sue Goodnature, Joanne Johnson and Sue Von Ruden. Not pictured
were Harland Hiemstra and Doug Brase.
The 30
y e a r
reunion
photo
shows (l to r), Margie (McDermott) Harkins, Sue Goodnature, Sue (Von Ruden)
Grady, Vicky (Voigt) Neidlinger, Monty
Mickelson, and Joanne Johnson.
his past summer three groups held
individual fundraisers to help raise
money for programs at OHS. In the 1st
annual Stride for Scholarship, sponsored
by the Owatonna Rotary Club, over $2,000
in scholarship money was raised for the
Rotary sponsored STRIVE Program at OHS. Last year, Rotary
and OHS joined together in a
partnership to challenge, motivate and reward students for
academic improvement. Held
during our county fair, 132 runners from 28 different communities participated in a 4 mile run through
Owatonna that began at the
High School and concluded at
the Steele County Fairgrounds.
Included amongst the winners
were, in the Men’s 50-59 age
group, OHS Alumni Al DeLaitsch, ’72 and in the Women’s 30-39 age
group, Michelle Ingvaldson, ’87.
O
60’s BANDS REUNITE AT FAIR
A
n unprecedented event took place this past summer on the Saturday
evening of the fair. Three bands that toured southern Minnesota and
northern Iowa during the mid-60s reunited for an evening of musical magic
and performed before a packed audience that included people from near
and far. If you were familiar with the “Emperors, the “Us Band” and the
“Night Crawlers” - you can imagine what a special night this was. Traveling back to Owatonna from as far away as Florida, Arizona, Colorado, and
Ohio, those members that returned to perform that evening included:
Night Crawlers in 1966
Jines, Redeker, Reigel, Gillespie, Headington
Emperors - Greg Northrup
‘69, Tom Grunwald ‘68, Randy
Schmidt ‘68, Ken Wagner ‘68,
and Tim Lindsay, New Ulm.
Gen Fallingstad, Owatonna
High School music teacher
gave the Emperors their first
gig in the fall of 1963 (before
the Beatles) when she asked
them to play for her music
class.
The Us Band - Greg Hammel
‘70, Sid Gasner, MHS, Barry
Gillespie ‘66, Mike Colvin ‘66,
Tom Krause ‘67, Dan Utpadel
‘67 and Monte Kristo ‘67.
Night Crawlers - Gillespie,
Marc Reigel ‘63, Mark Headington, Bill Redeker ‘67, and Mike
Jines ‘66. It was an exciting
Crawlers today: Jines, Gillespie, David Reigel,
and nostalgic time for fans and
Headington, M. Reigel
musicians alike, and proved to
be one of the most successful events in the history of Fair Square Park
entertainment. Those interested in purchasing a DVD or VHS recording of
the event can contact Barry Gillespie at barry@erahome.com.
David Reigel, Marc’s son, replaced Bill Redeker ‘67 on drums at the fair for
the Crawlers. Bill is in Iraq for ABC News.
T
Two golf tournaments were also held this
past summer. The Football, Friends &
Alumni Tourney was held in
early July and had 108 participants. This event raised $4,500
which they will be using towards
the purchase of new equipment
for the football teams at OHS.
The winning team consisted of
Scott Tuthill, Tom Freeberg, ‘70 and Steven and David Reinhardt ,‘71.
The Rink Link Open, benefiting OHS
hockey, raised $3,500 which is being put
towards new equipment and ice time rental
for the participants in this program. Coming out on top of this 64 player field was
the team of Craig E. Thompson, ‘73, Larry
Jandro, ’71, and former OHS coaches Bill
Ryden and Dale Timm. These two golf
events are tentatively scheduled for Saturday July 9, and Saturday August 20, respectively. Be sure to check back in our
Spring 2005 newsletter for more details.
•
The Alumni Association has addresses
for 15,026 classmates and are missing
addresses for 2,140.
•
We now have 513 members…263 of
those are Lifetime Members. Please
consider joining today so that we can
keep the Alumni Association going!
The Owatonnian
Fall/Winter 2004
Page 3
2005 Reunion Rumblings
Lifetime Members omitted from list in May
Class of 1932 - Annual reunion
September 11, 2005 - Elks Club
hrough an error in sorting the final publication membership list for the
Spring/Summer 2004 newsletter the following lifetime member names
were omitted. A complete list of all current annual members and all lifetime
members will be published in the Spring/Summer 2005 newsletter.
Class of 1955 - 50th reunion
August 19-20, 2005, Country Club
OHS tour 1 P.M.
Ginny Thompson, 507.451.9595
gthomps@hickorytech.net
Class of 1960 - 45th reunion
July 15 and 16, 2005
Owatonna Grand Hotel
Kathy Spatenka Kyllo, 507.451.6135
RKCKyllo@bevcomm.net
Class of 1965 - 40th reunion
August 20, 2005 - VFW Owatonna
Norma Johnson Seabloom
952.882.8477
ba.secondary@bethanyacademy.org
Class of 1975 - 30th reunion
Elizabeth Okerberg
507.455.9323
Class of 1985 - 20th reunion
August 20, 2005 - Eagles Club
Robbie Evans Aronson
rogerandrobbi@comcast.net
651.994.9689
Class of 1995 - 10th reunion
Seth Muir
seth.muir@badger.k12.wi.us
262.348.0959
Class of 1956 - 50th reunion
August 18-19, 2006, Country Club
Chad Lange 507.446.7703
All 50’s Reunion
July 28-29, 2006 in Owatonna
If you have a reunion planned for 20052007 please send that information NOW
to: Ginny Thompson, 1955 Sunlight Ave.
SE, Owatonna MN 55060, 507.451.9595,
gthomps@hickorytech.net
OHS Museum Memorials
T
he museum’s main source of income
has been memorials received in honor of classmates who have passed away.
We hope you will consider giving memorials to the museum. They can be sent to:
OHS Museum, 333 East School Street,
Owatonna, Minnesota 55060.
T
1935
1939
1940
1940
1942
1942
1943
1944
1944
1944
1945
1946
1947
1947
1947
1948
1948
1948
1949
1949
1949
1950
1950
1953
1953
1953
1953
1954
1955
1955
1955
1955
1956
1956
1956
1956
1957
1958
1958
1958
1960
T
Lois Knutson, retired OHS teacher
Dean Soutor, former OHS principal
Jim Herzog, former OHS principal
Ellen Arms Baldwin
Odell Knutson
Wencl C Walbert
Shirley Rosebrock Luhrsen
Marion (Nick) Nikoley
Richard Darby
George J Kummeth
Marlow Priebe
Jean Schafer Noel
Donna Jean Arndt Kading
Virginia Betlach
Donald A Voll
Margie Chambers Polacek
Dick Vevle
Rita Smersh Erickson
Phyllis Gillespie Kinley
Rita Paulson Kieninger
Allan Meixner
James Herzog
Edward C Ellis
Karla Kaplan Vevle
Marjorie Langer Peterson
Marlene Parker Erickson
Shirley Olson Erickson
Sherman Fjalstad
Dean Von Ruden
Mary Bjoraker Ahrens
David C Jensen
Walter Miller
Jerry Wenger
Rayburn T Chase
Patricia Luhmann Smith
Thomas W DeSchane
Connie Hogate Abbe
Chadwick Lange
Dave Bruels
Karen Gasner Kern
Harold Abraham
Jerome H Boyett
Ken Thurnau
Roger Lipelt
1960
1960
1960
1961
1961
1961
1962
1963
1963
1963
1964
1964
1965
1965
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1969
1970
1972
1975
1976
1976
1977
1977
1978
1978
1979
1979
1979
1979
1980
1982
1984
1984
1985
1986
1987
1987
1991
1992
Rita Wencl Miller
David Lundquist
James Gute
Barbara J Berry Palmier
Karen Jenke Altpeter
Robert M Deviny
Caryle D Baldus Clifford
Curtis P Utpadel
Sandra Jellum Schultz
Mary Helen Hamilton Pelton
Peg Lundquist Johnson
Michael Johnson
Marvin H Erdman
David Armstrong
Stephen Springmeyer
Gerald D Todahl
James D Hursh
John Racek
Susan Page Woodson
Sandra Roettger Racek
Kathleen Quast Carlsen
Kristi Steuernagel Sullivan
Kathy Pearson
David Meline
Susan Hallenberger
Matt & Lisa Kottke
Julie Olson Schreader
Carolyn Kispert Barrett
Jerilyn Dunnum Kjellberg
Mark Sebring
Doug Reitan
Ann Lorman Van Dunk
Debbie Ringhofer Kopp
Doug Kraay
Jill Dombrosky Lange
Brenda Kuhn DeNio
Mark Meixner
Michael Jensen
Michelle Hoffman Simon
Jon McCarthy
Heather Lysne
John Kuhn
Andrea Camilli Nitta
Alumni Association Memorials/Donations
he Alumni Association has received memorials in memory of Brian Borwege ‘57 and Ben Borwege ‘93, given by Faye Frerichs Peterson ‘57; in
memory of Brian Borwege ‘57, given by Jacqueline Roeker Kaplan ‘57; and
in memory of Ken Bey given by Todd and Mary Klemmer Hale ‘59.
OHS Class of 1949 recently closed out their bank account and contributed
its contents to the OHS Alumni Association.
Julie Betlach Aune ‘71, Nancy Betlach Schmitz ‘73, and Mike Betlach ‘74
have made a donation to the OHS Alumni Association scholarship fund in
honor of their mother Norma Betlach, a former rural school teacher.
Memorials may be sent to OHS Alumni Association, 333 East School St.,
Owatonna, MN 55060.
The Owatonnian
Page 4
Fall/Winter 2004
The Owatonnian
Fall/Winter 2004
Page 5
Break a leg...Theater talk
through the years
The Mikado was the first operetta at OHS in many years. The art, drama, music and
home economics departments participated in the production.
Lyle MacRostie, Phil Zaner, Babe Darby, Therese Jalma, Lud Gillespie
Donajean Vosburgh, Bud Darby, Joyce Harris, Leon Granowski
1942 Totem
1983 Musical Pinocchio
Sue O’Brien as the cat, and Kent
Kienholz as the fox, plan another
scheme to trick Pinocchio
Two seniors Ann Postlewaite and Eric Levos wrote
and produced the musical Pinocchio as part of an
independent study project.
Mr. Leonard Bennett directed Best Foot Forward taking place
at Winsocki College at prom time. Pictured are Jack Bengston,
James Springer, Garth Hinderman, Doug Meyer
1983 Totem
1983 Totem
1947 Totem
The dinner theater premiered at
OHS as Taming of the Shrew was
presented on a bi-level stage in
the cafeteria. Mark Olson as Lucent expresses his love for Bianca
played by Joanne Wagner
1982 Musical Study Hall
Written and directed by
Jay Wegman, above
1982 Totem
1979 Totem
The play - Our Miss Brooks was a comedy based
on the radio program of the same name. “I got a
pain” says Dick Grass, as Mary Imbody,
Nancy Wenger, and Winston Folkers look on.
1952 Totem
With bats diving at them as they
rehearsed, the leads Bill Redeker as Rudi and Andrea Garner
as Essie in The Sebastians
concentrated on their lines and
actions. Miss Steppe directed.
Miss Steppe with help from Thespian Troupe 971
presented Little Women.
The sisters were Sonja Hanson, Pat McDonald, Judy
Holman, and Sheila Smith with Pat Keane
as “Marmee.”
Don’t Look Down. Front row: Robyn Whatt, Beth Pribyl,
Stephanie Reller, Emily Pribyl, Jonathan Schack, Katie
Lindgren. Second row: Aaron Johnson, Amanda Kirchner. Third row: Eric Rietz, Bridget McCauley, Anna Pliner.
Fourth row: Julie Yoder, Philip Spindler, James Kytola.
1997 Glyph
In 1990, OHS play,
The Glass Menagerie was held at
West Hills Art Center, a first for OHS.
It was directed by
Mike Tillmann.
1990 Totem
1954 Totem
The play What a Life
centered around Henry
Aldrich of radio fame
in 1941. “The Aldrich
Family” scene was taken
from the play when it
was a Broadway hit.
OHS Thespian Troup No.
971 motto:
“Act well your part, there
all the honor lies.”
Thespians try to live up
to their motto whether
working on lights, constructing sets, whispering cues or stage acting.
1967 Totem
Lotus Blossom, Judy Evans, shows
Fisby, Jim Miller, her domain in the
newly constructed The Teahouse of
the August Moon.
1962 Totem
Nathanial’s Kitchen was
written and acted by student group Tryst in 1997
using grant written by Ron
Marschel.
~ Most performed play (3 times) from 1940-1976 You
Can’t Take It With You.
~ The Wizard of Oz was first play in newly renovated auditorium. The 1981 play production was delayed 3 weeks.
~ Show tune plays Camelot, South Pacific, My Fair Lady,
Oklahoma, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof and Guys and
Dolls continue to be popular OHS productions.
~ In October 1995 the movie A Brief Moment in the Life
of Angus Bethune was filmed at OHS. Some 600-700
OHS students were extras during the six twelve-hour
days of film.
An all school play Simple Simon was an OHS innovation this year. It was presented to elementary and
junior high students and the public.
Monte Mickelson as Simple Simon and Nancy Bishop
as Queen Nancy shake hands to celebrate their
change from tyranny
1972 Totem
The Return to the Forbidden Planet is
set in a space craft. Here Adam Dornfeld and Gregory Thompson watch
while Joel Kopp and Kristin Wilson fall
in love all over again.
1999 Glyph
The 1977 production of South Pacific cast
Mark Kubat as Stewpot. He crosses his
brawny arms to cook up another scheme.
The play was directed by Anne Deem.
1977 Totem
Brendan McInerny shows his
costume from the play Flaming
Idiots. Erik Eitrheim is the new
OHS theater director.
2001 Glyph
Fiddler On the Roof with a cast of 65 and crew
and orchestra over 40 had sold out performances. Tzidal, Stephanie Nelson, pleads
with her father, Tevye (Nick Reller), to let her
marry who she wants.
2003 Glyph
The Owatonnian
Page 6
Fall/Winter 2004
PAPARAZZI TURNS TABLES ON MAGNET STAFF
HAVING FUN RAISING FUNDS
nce considered the paparazzi of their time, the Magnet staff from the
’73-74 school year were caught on film at their 30 year reunion this past
summer. The 1974 photo shows staff members – back row, left to right,
Jim Henke, Vicky Voigt and Monty Mickelson. Front row includes, Margie McDermott, Sue Goodnature, Joanne Johnson and Sue Von Ruden. Not pictured
were Harland Hiemstra and Doug Brase.
The 30
y e a r
reunion
photo
shows (l to r), Margie (McDermott) Harkins, Sue Goodnature, Sue (Von Ruden)
Grady, Vicky (Voigt) Neidlinger, Monty
Mickelson, and Joanne Johnson.
his past summer three groups held
individual fundraisers to help raise
money for programs at OHS. In the 1st
annual Stride for Scholarship, sponsored
by the Owatonna Rotary Club, over $2,000
in scholarship money was raised for the
Rotary sponsored STRIVE Program at OHS. Last year, Rotary
and OHS joined together in a
partnership to challenge, motivate and reward students for
academic improvement. Held
during our county fair, 132 runners from 28 different communities participated in a 4 mile run through
Owatonna that began at the
High School and concluded at
the Steele County Fairgrounds.
Included amongst the winners
were, in the Men’s 50-59 age
group, OHS Alumni Al DeLaitsch, ’72 and in the Women’s 30-39 age
group, Michelle Ingvaldson, ’87.
O
60’s BANDS REUNITE AT FAIR
A
n unprecedented event took place this past summer on the Saturday
evening of the fair. Three bands that toured southern Minnesota and
northern Iowa during the mid-60s reunited for an evening of musical magic
and performed before a packed audience that included people from near
and far. If you were familiar with the “Emperors, the “Us Band” and the
“Night Crawlers” - you can imagine what a special night this was. Traveling back to Owatonna from as far away as Florida, Arizona, Colorado, and
Ohio, those members that returned to perform that evening included:
Night Crawlers in 1966
Jines, Redeker, Reigel, Gillespie, Headington
Emperors - Greg Northrup
‘69, Tom Grunwald ‘68, Randy
Schmidt ‘68, Ken Wagner ‘68,
and Tim Lindsay, New Ulm.
Gen Fallingstad, Owatonna
High School music teacher
gave the Emperors their first
gig in the fall of 1963 (before
the Beatles) when she asked
them to play for her music
class.
The Us Band - Greg Hammel
‘70, Sid Gasner, MHS, Barry
Gillespie ‘66, Mike Colvin ‘66,
Tom Krause ‘67, Dan Utpadel
‘67 and Monte Kristo ‘67.
Night Crawlers - Gillespie,
Marc Reigel ‘63, Mark Headington, Bill Redeker ‘67, and Mike
Jines ‘66. It was an exciting
Crawlers today: Jines, Gillespie, David Reigel,
and nostalgic time for fans and
Headington, M. Reigel
musicians alike, and proved to
be one of the most successful events in the history of Fair Square Park
entertainment. Those interested in purchasing a DVD or VHS recording of
the event can contact Barry Gillespie at barry@erahome.com.
David Reigel, Marc’s son, replaced Bill Redeker ‘67 on drums at the fair for
the Crawlers. Bill is in Iraq for ABC News.
T
Two golf tournaments were also held this
past summer. The Football, Friends &
Alumni Tourney was held in
early July and had 108 participants. This event raised $4,500
which they will be using towards
the purchase of new equipment
for the football teams at OHS.
The winning team consisted of
Scott Tuthill, Tom Freeberg, ‘70 and Steven and David Reinhardt ,‘71.
The Rink Link Open, benefiting OHS
hockey, raised $3,500 which is being put
towards new equipment and ice time rental
for the participants in this program. Coming out on top of this 64 player field was
the team of Craig E. Thompson, ‘73, Larry
Jandro, ’71, and former OHS coaches Bill
Ryden and Dale Timm. These two golf
events are tentatively scheduled for Saturday July 9, and Saturday August 20, respectively. Be sure to check back in our
Spring 2005 newsletter for more details.
•
The Alumni Association has addresses
for 15,026 classmates and are missing
addresses for 2,140.
•
We now have 513 members…263 of
those are Lifetime Members. Please
consider joining today so that we can
keep the Alumni Association going!
The Owatonnian
Fall/Winter 2004
Page 3
2005 Reunion Rumblings
Lifetime Members omitted from list in May
Class of 1932 - Annual reunion
September 11, 2005 - Elks Club
hrough an error in sorting the final publication membership list for the
Spring/Summer 2004 newsletter the following lifetime member names
were omitted. A complete list of all current annual members and all lifetime
members will be published in the Spring/Summer 2005 newsletter.
Class of 1955 - 50th reunion
August 19-20, 2005, Country Club
OHS tour 1 P.M.
Ginny Thompson, 507.451.9595
gthomps@hickorytech.net
Class of 1960 - 45th reunion
July 15 and 16, 2005
Owatonna Grand Hotel
Kathy Spatenka Kyllo, 507.451.6135
RKCKyllo@bevcomm.net
Class of 1965 - 40th reunion
August 20, 2005 - VFW Owatonna
Norma Johnson Seabloom
952.882.8477
ba.secondary@bethanyacademy.org
Class of 1975 - 30th reunion
Elizabeth Okerberg
507.455.9323
Class of 1985 - 20th reunion
August 20, 2005 - Eagles Club
Robbie Evans Aronson
rogerandrobbi@comcast.net
651.994.9689
Class of 1995 - 10th reunion
Seth Muir
seth.muir@badger.k12.wi.us
262.348.0959
Class of 1956 - 50th reunion
August 18-19, 2006, Country Club
Chad Lange 507.446.7703
All 50’s Reunion
July 28-29, 2006 in Owatonna
If you have a reunion planned for 20052007 please send that information NOW
to: Ginny Thompson, 1955 Sunlight Ave.
SE, Owatonna MN 55060, 507.451.9595,
gthomps@hickorytech.net
OHS Museum Memorials
T
he museum’s main source of income
has been memorials received in honor of classmates who have passed away.
We hope you will consider giving memorials to the museum. They can be sent to:
OHS Museum, 333 East School Street,
Owatonna, Minnesota 55060.
T
1935
1939
1940
1940
1942
1942
1943
1944
1944
1944
1945
1946
1947
1947
1947
1948
1948
1948
1949
1949
1949
1950
1950
1953
1953
1953
1953
1954
1955
1955
1955
1955
1956
1956
1956
1956
1957
1958
1958
1958
1960
T
Lois Knutson, retired OHS teacher
Dean Soutor, former OHS principal
Jim Herzog, former OHS principal
Ellen Arms Baldwin
Odell Knutson
Wencl C Walbert
Shirley Rosebrock Luhrsen
Marion (Nick) Nikoley
Richard Darby
George J Kummeth
Marlow Priebe
Jean Schafer Noel
Donna Jean Arndt Kading
Virginia Betlach
Donald A Voll
Margie Chambers Polacek
Dick Vevle
Rita Smersh Erickson
Phyllis Gillespie Kinley
Rita Paulson Kieninger
Allan Meixner
James Herzog
Edward C Ellis
Karla Kaplan Vevle
Marjorie Langer Peterson
Marlene Parker Erickson
Shirley Olson Erickson
Sherman Fjalstad
Dean Von Ruden
Mary Bjoraker Ahrens
David C Jensen
Walter Miller
Jerry Wenger
Rayburn T Chase
Patricia Luhmann Smith
Thomas W DeSchane
Connie Hogate Abbe
Chadwick Lange
Dave Bruels
Karen Gasner Kern
Harold Abraham
Jerome H Boyett
Ken Thurnau
Roger Lipelt
1960
1960
1960
1961
1961
1961
1962
1963
1963
1963
1964
1964
1965
1965
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1969
1970
1972
1975
1976
1976
1977
1977
1978
1978
1979
1979
1979
1979
1980
1982
1984
1984
1985
1986
1987
1987
1991
1992
Rita Wencl Miller
David Lundquist
James Gute
Barbara J Berry Palmier
Karen Jenke Altpeter
Robert M Deviny
Caryle D Baldus Clifford
Curtis P Utpadel
Sandra Jellum Schultz
Mary Helen Hamilton Pelton
Peg Lundquist Johnson
Michael Johnson
Marvin H Erdman
David Armstrong
Stephen Springmeyer
Gerald D Todahl
James D Hursh
John Racek
Susan Page Woodson
Sandra Roettger Racek
Kathleen Quast Carlsen
Kristi Steuernagel Sullivan
Kathy Pearson
David Meline
Susan Hallenberger
Matt & Lisa Kottke
Julie Olson Schreader
Carolyn Kispert Barrett
Jerilyn Dunnum Kjellberg
Mark Sebring
Doug Reitan
Ann Lorman Van Dunk
Debbie Ringhofer Kopp
Doug Kraay
Jill Dombrosky Lange
Brenda Kuhn DeNio
Mark Meixner
Michael Jensen
Michelle Hoffman Simon
Jon McCarthy
Heather Lysne
John Kuhn
Andrea Camilli Nitta
Alumni Association Memorials/Donations
he Alumni Association has received memorials in memory of Brian Borwege ‘57 and Ben Borwege ‘93, given by Faye Frerichs Peterson ‘57; in
memory of Brian Borwege ‘57, given by Jacqueline Roeker Kaplan ‘57; and
in memory of Ken Bey given by Todd and Mary Klemmer Hale ‘59.
OHS Class of 1949 recently closed out their bank account and contributed
its contents to the OHS Alumni Association.
Julie Betlach Aune ‘71, Nancy Betlach Schmitz ‘73, and Mike Betlach ‘74
have made a donation to the OHS Alumni Association scholarship fund in
honor of their mother Norma Betlach, a former rural school teacher.
Memorials may be sent to OHS Alumni Association, 333 East School St.,
Owatonna, MN 55060.
The Owatonnian
News Around The Town
Page 2
Fall/Winter 2004
ROXY...TONNA...STATE Many of you may remember these names as those of movie theaters
that were once operating in Owatonna. The old State Theater (built in 1935) and centrally located
on Cedar Street in downtown Owatonna is currently a vacant building that the city is hoping will be
enticing for some developer to purchase and renovate into something fitting of this structure. The
current theater has been located in the Cedar Mall on the south end of town since the mid-80’s, and
its days are numbered as well. Later this Fall, Owatonna will be the home of a new 10-screen all
stadium seating movie theater that is currently being built along the west edge of town off Bridge Street and along
Interstate 35.
SPORTS NEWS A couple of years ago we wrote how Owatonna dedicated a new soccer complex with nine soccer
fields adjacent to the Lincoln School property. While nine fields may not be necessary for awhile, it will be interesting
to see how long it takes before Owatonna starts to build a field dedicated to their newest sport – Lacrosse. Students
at OHS participated in organized matches against other schools for the first time this past spring and the future looks
promising for this sport. And speaking of the Soccer Complex - this past fall OHS participated in a special dedication
as the lights were installed on the main fields to allow for games to be played into the evenings for our local teams. FYI
- The OHS Girls Soccer team won the Big Nine conference title this fall with a record of 12-1. Check the Big 9 website
www.big9.org to follow all of your favorite OHS teams.
CENTRAL PARK BANDSTAND On your next trip back to Owatonna, one site you
must take in is the new bandstand in Central Park. Created as the Legacy Project
during our town’s 150th celebration this majestic structure is as beautiful as it is
functional. Countless numbers of groups have already benefited from the stage
which opens from within this building. The park is filled with activity once again-–not
unlike it undoubtedly was in the early years of our town when it was the central point
of so many events…and to see it at night, with its lights luminating the trees in the
park--it truly is a masterpiece.
The Owatonnian
Fall/Winter 2004
OHS Alumni Association
Board
Chairman
Mark Sebring, ‘79 - sebring@chartermi.net
Vice Chairman
Kory Kath, ‘96/Staff - kkath@owatonna.k12.mn.us
Board Members
Sheri Allen, Staff - sallen@owatonna.k12.mn.us
Roberta Eiseman, ‘79/Staff reiseman@owatonna.k12.mn.us
Jim Herzog, Retired - jherzog15@charter.net
Darryl Hill, Retired - hilld@clear.lakes.com
Julie (Peterson) Rohrig ‘78 - mnrohrig@charter.net
Ruth Thomas, Staff - rthomas@owatonna.k12.mn.us
Ginny (Steele) Thompson, ‘55 - gthomps@hickorytech.net
Sandi Tobin, Staff - stobin@owatonna.k12.mn.us
Newsletter Editors
Matt Kottke, ‘77 - indian2@charter.net
Ginny (Steele) Thompson, ‘55 - gthomps@hickorytech.net
Ruth Thomas, Staff - rthomas@owatonna.k12.mn.us
507.444.8885
alumniassociation@owatonna.k12.mn.us
or via any board member
Have you sent in your new or
renewed 12 month or lifetime
membership ?
Web Sites
Big 9 Website - www.big9.org
City of Owatonna
www.ci.owatonna.mn.us
Minnesota State High School League
www.mshsl.org
OHS Alumni Association
www.owatonnaalumni.com
OHS Athletic Hall of Fame
www.ohshalloffame.com
OHS Baseball
www.geocities.com/owatonnabaseball
OHS Class of 1958 - www.ohs58.org
OHS Football - www.owatonnafootball.com
OHS Hockey - www.owatonnahockey.com
Owatonna School District #761
www.owatonna.k12.mn.us
Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce &
Tourism - www.owatonna.org
Owatonna People’s Press
www.owatonna.com
St. Mary’s School
www.st.marys-owatonna.org
Steele County Free Fair - www.scff.org
Steele County Historical Society
www.steelecohistoricalsociety.org
West Hills Orphanage Museum
www.orphanagemuseum.com
Special thanks to Mike Jensen ‘85, and
Tri-M Graphics for assistance in printing
The Owatonnian.
Page 7
Comments From Our Alumni
The newsletter improves with each
printing – I’m ready to sign up! Thanks
for your hard work (Sandy Shankland
Miller ’77)
The newsletter reminds me that OHS
grads are like the leaves on a giant oak
tree – different yet connected to a common root. (Sandy Carlton Buchan ’61)
Relatively speaking, I’m a “recent” grad
and I’m amazed at the rich heritage of
OHS! Keep it up! (Heather Heinsch
Flies ’91)
Dick and I always feel so close to Owatonna when we receive the Owatonnian.
Thanks for all the work you do – and all
the memories. (Marian Luthe Grunz
’51, and Richard Grunz ’50)
Enjoyed our tour of OHS during our
50th class reunion. Things have really
changed! Only room I recognized was
good old 147. Many wonderful memories. (Robert Barnard ‘ 54)
And from the faculty…What a privilege
to teach at OHS for 32 wonderful years.
The best students in the U.S.A. (Roger
Tenney, retired teacher 1960-1992).
Have You Missed an Issue of The Owatonnian?
OWATONNA’s 150th CELEBRATION A HUGE SUCCESS It was over three years
in the planning stages, but it was worth every minute to those that took time to partake in the 100-plus days of celebrating Owatonna’s 150th Birthday. From the Minnesota Orchestra to the Skyfest AirShow, and all of the events in
between - the Sesquicentennial celebration will be fondly remembered as a special moment in Owatonna’s history.
Countless numbers of volunteers participated in this celebration--many of which were former alumni like yourselves.
And, believe it or not, the celebrating isn’t quite over as 2005 will mark the 150th celebration of Steele County. For
those of you who are interested in looking back in Owatonna and Steele County’s past, we encourage you to visit
the remarkable collection of photographs and data located on the Steele County Historical Society’s website at www.
steelecohistoricalsociety.org
It might be because you have moved, or have a separate winter address. Please make sure that we have your most
current address and we’ll do what we can to ensure that the alumni newsletter makes it to your doorstep. If you feel
you have missed an issue, please contact the Alumni Association. We have a limited supply of back issues so it’s
“first come, first served.”
THE HOMESTEAD A community-built hospice residence, opened November 1. The hospice program is run by
Owatonna Hospital and will serve Steele County and surrounding communities. The 8-bed hospice residence, built on
a century farm, is located by the new Owatonna Clinic north of Owatonna on 26th Street. This is the seventh hospice
residence in Minnesota.
Name
50 YEAR FLOODS This past October, President Bush declared Steele County and
other parts of southern Minnesota a major disaster area because of the severe flooding in the region during September. Nearly 13 inches of rain fell on parts of Steele
County over a 48-hour period which damaged homes, and sent rivers and streams
over their banks. This was the second such occurrence that Owatonna endured this
year as we were hit with a similar 10-plus inch rainfall earlier in the summer. A considerable amount of damage was done to parks and trails along the Straight River and
Maple Creek--Owatonna even had to sandbag around the Power Plant to protect that
facility.
City:
State:
Phone:
Email:
Bandstand With Open Stage
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE OHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
OHS Alumni Association 333 East School Street Owatonna, MN 55060
email: alumniassociation@owatonna.k12.mn.us
Maiden name:
OHS class of:
Address
ZIP:
Comments:
Warsinski Chalet
with water lapping at the door
UBER GLOVE COMPANY How many of you can remember wearing a nice warm pair of Owatonna-made Uber
mittens on a cold winter day? Seeing that they have been in business for 150 years, 100 of which have been in
Owatonna, we’re guessing that the answer for many of you is “yes.” Lanny Uber ‘75 represents the sixth generation
of Ubers who have owned this business and says that despite increased overseas competition, the family business is
still marching along. Previously, Lanny’s parents Harley ‘45 and Jeanne Joesting Uber ‘48 ran the family business.”At
the turn of the century there were 5,000 tanneries like ours in the country,” remarked Lanny, “now there are fewer than
100 left.” To learn what Uber Glove is up to today, check out their website at www.uberglove.com.
Make checks payable to OHS Alumni Association
____ I would like to become a new or renewed member of the OHS Alumni Association. Enclosed is my check for
$10, the annual membership fee (12 months from date of remittance).
____ I would like to be a lifetime member of the OHS Alumni Association. Enclosed is my check for $100.00, the
lifetime membership fee.
____ I would like to make an additional donation to the OHS Alumni Association to aid in future growth in the amount
of $ ________.
OHS Alumni Association
333 East School Street
Owatonna, MN 55060
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Owatonna High School Alumni Association Newsletter
The Owatonnian
Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Owatonna, MN
Permit No. 41
Fall/Winter 2004
SCHOLARSHIP
WINNERS
A
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT - Sarah (Doman) Foreman
I
came to Owatonna High School in the fall of 1971 and finally left the hallowed halls in 1995. The one
thing that I most remember about coming here is that I had to teach 11 classes of American Humor
and I had no text. Naturally everyone enrolled in the class because it sounded like such a great deal to sit
around and laugh for a class hour. I worked hard to find material, but wasn’t too successful. The biggest
mistake I made was having Friday as the joke day. I had to screen the jokes before they could be told.
Let me tell you I heard some wild ones. After that first year, I was able to teach Satire and Wit, which was
more my style anyway.
I had varied classes, but my favorite class in the years was Utopia in Literature. I will never forget those
books and the discussions that we had about 1984, Brave New World, Animal Farm, Fahrenheit 451 and others. I wonder
how many students took those classes with me? In addition to teaching, I directed plays at the high school---Linda Sothman
(Storlie) and I worked together on them.
Since my retirement, I have been directing plays at Little Theatre of Owatonna nearly every year, working with the American
Cancer Society, teaching at Riverland Community College, helping raise money for the new hospice house here in Owatonna, becoming active with my church as a lay minister and reader and trustee, and traveling around the world among other
things. Every day my calendar is full of things to do. I love it!
Oh, yes, for those of you who don’t know---I am married to Bill Foreman (the Dad of Pam ’77 and Will ’81). We’ve been
married for 26 years and I have the benefit of having two wonderful step-grandchildren who are the most wonderful children
to have ever lived! I am also a breast cancer survivor for 12 years and then again for 3 years. (It came back.) It has always
been my motto that when cancer came to call on me it got the wrong lady. The doctors have given me a clean bill of health
for all this time. I thank the Lord every day for the busy and productive life that I have.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
Keeping our database up to date is a huge task. Please contact us with any updates and name/address changes for yourself, relatives or friends. Suggestions and reunion information are also appreciated.
507.444.8885 alumniassociation@owatonna.k12.mn.us or via any board member
s was previously reported,
the OHS Alumni Association
began a scholarship program in
2003 for graduating seniors.
We are happy
to announce
our first two recipients of this
award. Jamie
Docken who is
now currently
Jamie Docken
attending Bemidji State University received
$1000,
and
Marci Busho
who is currently enrolled
at South Central
Technical
College
in
Faribault
received the
Marci Busho
$500 scholarship.
As an Alumni Association we are
committed to providing opportunities for deserving seniors to attend post-secondary education.
With your help we can continue
this mission. Please consider
donating funds to the scholarship
committee by way of gifts or memorials. Donations may be sent
to Scholarship Committee, c/o
OHS Alumni Association, 333
East School St., Owatonna, MN
55060.
NEW SUPERINTENDENT NAMED
F
rom Ezra Johnson in 1856 to P.J. Kuntz at the turn of the century, to Leslie
Gustafson in the 40’s and 50’s, C.P. Mickelson in the 60’s, Dave Landswerk in
the 70’s and 80’s and most recently Jim Bauck – Owatonna has had many wonderful leaders who have helped shape our District. The 2004
school year marked another change as Dr. Tom Tapper became the 25th superintendent in Owatonna’s history.
Tapper comes to Owatonna from Marshall, Minnesota,
where he was the superintendent for eight years. Prior to
that he taught junior high math and was an assistant principal. He has been a part of education for thirty years.
Tapper admits that the Owatonna District was quite attractive to him as it has garnered state-wide recognition for its
quality reputation. Tapper states, “There is a very positive
Dr. Tom Tapper
environment in Owatonna. It’s a great place.” He wants
to maintain what we have and build upon the existing to make it better. “It’s my
responsibility to create a school environment where the teachers have the opportunity to be successful, the kids feel good to be at, and the parents are comfortable
in sending their children to.”
SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT
M
any of you may be familiar with the popularity of the bobblehead dolls that
have become such a collector’s item for sports enthusiasts. The Owatonna Boys Hoops Club is hoping to capitalize on this craze and raise money for
the basketball programs here in Owatonna. This organization is selling Huskies
Bobbleheads and to commemorate the ten year anniversary of when the mascot
was changed, they have Indian Bobbleheads.
Sold separately for $15, or $25 for the set, these
items would make a delightful Christmas gift or a
wonderful souvenir for any OHS alumni.
The OHS Mascot Bobbleheads are now available locally at Cash-Wise Foods, Hy-Vee, Court
Sports and More, Fischer Sports, Alexander
Lumber, and the OHS school store. For our out
of town alumni, we ask that you send a check to
the Owatonna Hoops Club, c/o Kevin Raney at
1090 SW Robert Place, Owatonna, MN 55060.
Please include $7.00 for shipping and handling for the set, or
$4.00 if only one is purchased.
WEBSITE
Many of you have been asking for us to create a website and we’re happy to report that this project is currently underway. We intend to have a full report for you in our next newsletter, however for you anxious
ones, you might want to start periodically checking out www.owatonnaalumni.com and see how we’re
progressing.