By Chris Fischer A familiar face has been missing from the grounds of Redfield School. Loren Stellner retired after being a crossing guard for 27 years. Though his retirement started only last Nov. …
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Safety First: Crossing Guard Retires
Posted
By Chris Fischer
A familiar face has been missing from the grounds of Redfield School. Loren Stellner retired after being a crossing guard for 27 years. Though his retirement started only last Nov. (and was made official at a city council meeting in Dec.), Stellner said “I miss the job. I miss the kids.” He stated that he had plans to visit.
Stellner’s first crossing guard gig was back when he attended Henry Neill Elementary in Aberdeen. (There is now a fast food restaurant where the school stood.) He began the gig as a Redfield School crossing guard when his daughter attended the school. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and child. Stellner grew up in Aberdeen. He explained that he and his wife Jane used to work at the State School. In fact, that was why they’d moved to Redfield. He said that he had done some substituting for the school crossing guards when Spud Taylor asked if he’d consider doing it part-time.
Stellner did not regret his decision to take the part-time gig. “I really enjoyed it. It’s a nice part-time job.” The position could be difficult to fill, as well as to find substitutes for. “It’s hard to find people.” he said. Two crossing guards worked in two shifts – from 7:20 to 8:20 and again from 3-3:45 on schooldays. Stellner said that on cold days guards could sit in their vehicles until kids approached. He said that most of the elementary students who walked in had older siblings to walk with them. He saw a few high schoolers and some middle schoolers as well.
Being a crossing guard could be a little dangerous. Stellner said that he’d had some close calls over the 27 years. Crossing 7th Ave. or Hwy 281 going North could be particularly treacherous. Stellner’s main concern was keeping the kids safe on their way to school. He explained “I’d go out at least 2/3 of the way before waving to the kids to cross.” He held up a tall – but not heavy – stop sign. Stellner recalled asking Sheriff Appel for a new stop sign with flashing lights. She got him one. The crossing guard outfits were flashy as well. He said “It was an orange vest with little blinking lights. It had fluorescent stripes in green, yellow, and orange.”
In between his crossing guard shifts, Stellner liked to do things such as ride his bicycle. Some times, he would ride his bicycle to work. Trying to carry his stop sign while riding could be challenging. The wind could catch it at times.
Stellner said that he might be around in the fall, but could no longer do the crossing guard work all school year. “I didn’t want to retire.” he said. His body helped to make the decision for him. He explained that over the last couple of years, things had been getting a little worse every year. “I know that it was a heavy-hearted decision.” Sheriff Jenna Appel said. She added that Stellner enjoyed the work, and that he was reliable. “You never had to worry about him doing his job.” she said.
The other crossing guard, Jerry Stahl, is still working at the school. Substitute Madge Clausen took over Stellner’s position.
Crossing guards are part of the Department of Public Safety. Their work is seen as important to the school and to the community. Stellner still has a watchful eye. However, he is positive about safety amidst the drop-off and pick-up traffic. He said “I think we’ve got everyone trained now.”