APG Newsletter February 2021 by Adams Publishing Group

ASSOCIATE NEWSLETTER

Linville Falls, Linville Gorge, NC Jeff Rowton

FEBRUARY 2021

CONTENTS

SHARE YOUR AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS! Did you take a photo that you love for an article, a project you are working on, or from your last adventure? Send your image with a description to AskHR@adamspg.com and it may be featured in the next newsletter.

Blue Ridge Parkway Photo by Sarah Mast, The High Road Agency 2

AUGUST 2020 NEWSLETTER

Human Resources

APG East

APG Central

APG West

REFERRAL PROGRAM, 2020 SAFETY RECAP, STATE OF APG

CHRISTMAS CHEER, NBC FEATURE

ASSOCIATE OF THE MONTH, VIRTUAL AWARDS, RESCUE

NY TIMES, CARRIER RESCUE, COMMUNITY NEEDS

PAGE 04

PAGE 06

PAGE 8

PAGE 11

WEST DIVISION

Regions: Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming

CENTRAL DIVISION

Regions: Minnesota, Wisconsin

EAST DIVISION

Regions: Michigan, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida West Division Central Division East Division

HUMAN RESOURCES DO YOU KNOW YOUR

PAID TIME OFF BALANCE? (COVERS VACATION/SICK LEAVE)

2021 BENEFITS INFORMATION

We know how hard you work and recognize the importance of providing you with time for rest and relaxation. View PTO Policies online at:

hr.adamspg.com/handbook

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR 2021 BENEFITS

Adams Publishing Group is committed to a comprehensive employee benefit program that helps our employees stay healthy, feel secure, and maintain a work/life balance. For a new dental card, call MetLife or go to metlife.com/ mybenefits to print your card. The APG Group Number is 22902. Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN will only be sending out cards for those that have moved their plan or added or changed dependents. For your vision benefits, EyeMed will provide your benefits to your provider over the phone. If you need a card, contact Jo Ann Hopson at 423-620-8771 or joann.hopson@adamspg.com. Dependent care and health savings account funds don't frontload onto the debit cards. The money being requested will be deposited into the accounts through payroll deduction twice monthly. Flexible spending accounts and limited flex are front-loaded by January 1. However, if you leave Adams Publishing Group during the year, the account shuts down on your last day and claims can only be submitted for service prior to that date.

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions, please contact your regional Human Resource representative:

TEXT ADAMSPG TO 41411 4

JO ANN HOPSON – Vice President of Human Resources , Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, Minnesota, Wisconsin Joann.hopson@adamspg.com, (423) 620-8771

GWEN DAVIS – Greenville, Rocky Mount, Elizabeth City, North Carolina / Key West FL gdavis@apgenc.com, (252) 366-8139

STEPHANIE LUEBKE – Wisconsin sluebke@gazetteextra.com (608) 755-8360

DEB BROOKS – Washington, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Oregon dbrooks@skagitpublishing.com, (360) 416-2187

TOM CLOUTIER – Maryland, Ohio tcloutier@adamspg.com, (410) 770-4159

LASHAY HERNANDEZ – Wyoming lhernandez@wyomingnews.com, (307) 633-6161

SAFETY

STAYING COVID SAFE IN 2021 WHY PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING?

WEAR A MASK TO PREVENT GETTING & SPREADING COVID-19 DOS

COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay at least 6 feet away from others when possible, even if you—or they—do not have any symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth to help prevent getting and spreading COVID-19.

• Wear a mask in public settings when around people who don’t live in

your household, especially when indoors and when it may be difficult for you to stay six feet apart from people who don’t live with you.

• Wear a mask correctly for maximum protection. • Wear your mask under your scarf, ski mask, or balaclava in cold weather

• Keep a spare mask to replace one that becomes wet from moisture in your breath, snow, or rain.

• Store wet reusable masks in a plastic bag until they can be washed. • People wearing a mask incorrectly DON’TS

• Put the mask around your neck or up on your forehead. • Touch the mask, and, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR MASK Reusable masks should be washed regularly. Always remove masks correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used mask.

WEAR YOUR MASK CORRECTLY • • •

• Include your mask with your regular laundry

• Use regular laundry detergent and

•

the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the mask

•

• Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry

Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before putting on your mask. Put the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin. Fit the mask snugly against the sides of your face, slipping the loops over your ears or tying the strings behind your head. If you have to continually adjust your mask, it doesn’t fit properly, and you might need to find a different mask type or brand. Make sure you can breathe easily.

COLD WEATHER GEAR Wear your scarf, ski mask or balaclava over your mask

Scarves, ski masks and balaclavas are not substitutes for masks

APG EAST

DELIVERING CHRISTMAS CHEER THE PERRY COUNTY TRIBUNE

To say 2020 has been difficult would probably be the understatement of the year, but that has been especially true for the residents and patients in our skilled nursing facilities. Unfortunately the COVID shutdown and restrictions has left many feeling isolated and lonely. So to help spread a little holiday cheer, Brenda Carney of The Perry County Tribune prepared and delivered over 240 Christmas Cards to the four Perry County facilities, which were then distributed to the residents Christmas week. Brenda plans to expand that number in 2021 to include other area facilities.

Brenda Carney of The Perry County Tribune delivered Christmas Cards to Aundrea Hazen, Admissions Director of SKLD New Lexington last week to be handed out to their residents. Aundrea was very appreciative and thanked Brenda for remembering her residents.

Last week Brenda Carney of The Perry County Tribune presented Courtney Riffee, Human Resources Staffing Coordinator of Altercare with Christmas Cards for residents at both their Somerset and Thornville facilities. The cards were distributed just in time for Christmas.

Brenda Carney of The Perry County Tribune and David Weber of National Telemed Solutions took time out of their holiday schedule to remember the residents of Country Lane Gardens in Thornville. The two prepared Christmas cards and presented them to Denise Wingard, Area Community Relations Director to be delivered the week of Christmas.

APG EAST & CENTRAL

VP’S LIVE RESCUE OF A DEER ON FROZEN LAKE GOES VIRAL APG WISCONSIN

The last weekend of October 2020 I woke up at 4 am and heard wolves howling near our field. My husband woke around 5:30am and noticed a figure on the ice on the lake by our home. He continued to watch until daylight. Using binoculars he could see that the a small deer was stranded and unable to stand up on the newly formed (and very slick) ice. We made the assumption that this deer probably ran from wolves onto the lake and is how it ended up in this situation. We often see deceased deer on frozen lakes up here in Northern WI. Once a deer goes down it’s nearly impossible for them to stand up on slick ice, snow cover is needed to give them traction. We knew the ice was thin and that the deer would either die stranded or fall through and drown unless we took action. We geared up and dragged a flat bottom boat to the lake. The ice was only about an inch thick but it was difficult to cross, it's a strong compound but not strong enough to safely hold us if we attempted to walk on it (think about if you’ve ever tried to cut an ice cube

with a knife). We tried pushing the boat with ice picks but they were not strong enough to push us over the ice as it crashed. We ended up using an axe because it allowed us to pull ourselves over the ice before it broke under the boat. It was very tiring! We were wearing cameras in case this rescue turned out to be something worth

documenting. After we rescued the deer we posted it on our social media pages. Within a couple of weeks we were contacted by two TV shows and a viral video organization asking for rights to air our ‘adventure’. The video aired on A&E TV last Friday on a show called ‘Live Rescue’.

VIEW HERE

YES! THAT WAS US. This screen drag from NBC’s national Nightly News broadcast from Jan. 8, 2021, shows a collection of front pages following the breach of the Capitol on Jan. 7. The Daily Times, in Maryville, Tenn., (Middle front) was one of the papers chosen by NBC from Newseum’s front pages directory. City Editor Mike Sisco did the initial photo selection. The page was designed by Abigail Potter, a copy editor at the Teen Design Center in Maryville.

APG CENTRAL

CHAMBER NAMES EDITOR ASSOCIATE OF THE MONTH MORRISON COUNTY RECORD By Sheila Bergren, Staff Writer When Terry Lehrke, now managing editor at the Morrison County Record, started working at the paper, then called the Rich Prairie Shopper, during her junior year at Pierz Healy High School, she never anticipated she’d remain in the newspaper industry more than 40 years later. “It’s just that. I did it and life just worked out that I ended up staying in Pierz instead of leaving,” she said. Another thing Lehrke never expected was to be named January Associate of the Month by the Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. In fact, when Nancy Berg with the Chamber came to the office and notified Lehrke of the recognition, she thought her co-workers were pranking her, she said. However, she realized quickly it was not a joke. Remembering the many features she has written in the past about other community members who were nominated for Associate of the Month, it dawned on her how they must have felt. “When she was reading the nomination to me, I got kind of teary-eyed. I thought, this is how it feels when people describe it. It’s really quite hard to describe. It touched my heart, especially when I could have picked out 10 other people standing there that deserved it more,” she said. The anonymous nomination said, “Terry has worked in the newspaper industry for many decades and continues to deliver unbiased and accurate news to the community, while giving both sides of the story a chance to be heard. Although rarely, whenever she makes a

mistake, she owns up to it and is quick to make it right. She is a great leader, leads by example, shows integrity and is truly someone to look up to. She is a joy to be around, interacts positively with people, both customers and co-workers, in a professional, but fun and caring way. Because she tends to let other people shine, whether it is through writing a story about them or positively teaching and inspiring those she oversees as an editor, many people may not know the enormous hard work, the genuine heart she puts in and the difference she makes in the community each and every day.” “Here at the Record, everything is teamwork. Nothing gets done if we don’t all work together. Many of the people here pour their hearts and souls into this thing. They want to get things right, work hard and they help each other. It doesn’t work unless we all work, from the person placing an ad or sharing their story with us to the person delivering the paper, the final product,” she said. The nomination also said, “Besides being a great leader, Terry is an amazing person whose good deeds are often done in secret without expecting any kind of recognition. Throughout her career at the Morrison County Record and in her personal life, she has gone above and beyond to help those in need. Many times it’s done by simply paying attention to the people around her.” That Lehrke is deserving of the Associate of the Month recognition is a no-brainer to her supervisor, Keith Anderson, director of news at Adams Publishing Group East Central Minnesota (APG/ECM). “Not only because she is such an exceptional Associate herself, but because of

her commitment to the community and all the residents of the area,” he said. Anderson said Lehrke demonstrates her care and appreciation of the area through her reporting and numerous interactions with the public. “She is always thoughtful, kind and makes every attempt to be fair to all people she encounters. In addition, she is just a delightful person with a big heart. There are certainly many people deserving of this award and Terry would be the first to suggest that there are others who are more deserving. And that’s exactly why she is such a good choice,” Anderson said. Looking back at her experience of working as a reporter, Lehrke said she really enjoyed hearing people’s stories. She was also always amazed that people were willing to share. Not only because she was a stranger to them, but also because sometimes the stories weren’t all that comfortable. In 2007, Tom West was hired as general manager/editor of the Record. About a year later, he encouraged Lehrke to apply for the editor position, which she did. ECM Publishers Inc., including the Record, was purchased by Adams Publishing Group in 2016. Lehrke continued to work as an editor and when West retired, she was later promoted to managing editor. She oversees the editorial department of the Record and also edits for the Dairyland Peach in Sauk Centre.

APG CENTRAL

APG OF EAST CENTRAL MINNESOTA ZOOM RECOGNITION EVENT Each year APG of East Central Minnesota conducts a better newspaper contest to highlight remarkable work being done by our journalists at our 28 newspapers. Normally, we gather in person for this event, which gives us a chance to swap stories, share a few laughs, and match names and faces to any new hires in the past year. This year, like so many aspects of our lives, we had to forgo an in-person event and held our recognition afternoon via Zoom. Although less personal, it was a wonderful way for us to share some great examples of individual and team journalism. We also used the Zoom call as an opportunity to share a video that featured all of the

communities where we operate offices. It was a fun way to get a glimpse of places some of our staff have heard of, but perhaps never been able to visit.

COVID has been a dominant force in all our lives for the past year. It certainly played a large role in our coverage of the last 12 months. Next year we look forward to gathering in person again to talk face-to-face, look colleagues in the eye, and appreciate everything we may have taken for granted before the pandemic.

TYPOGRAPH Y AND DESIGN Third place Mille Lacs Mess enger

pers Anoka County

Cardinals, Huskies

power to wins

FRIDAY | November 13,

Second place County News Revie

Anoka County

Blaine students prepare digital variety show Page 13A

INsIdE

For subscri ptio

‘Freedom Fighters’

Upon arrival officers began assisting Invictus Brewing sonnel who wereeMs perCompany employee treating ready to be canned a man later identified as Nov. 3 at the BlaineTanner Johnson gets the Varhol. Varhol “Freedom Fighters” brewery. brew, an India to be having a appeared Special brew honors Kolsch Ale, seizure and went into cardiac Blaine Photo by Paige Kieffer an’s 34 years of City Council Mayor Tom Ryan, inside an ambulance. arrest vice with a special serraises funds be brew that will city staff members started personnel successfullyeMs poured in the speakfor Veterans Memorial taproom through ing several months ago resuscitated Varhol, most of November. about how they could honor Park was transported and he ryan, who served 1987-1997 ryan is retiring By Paige Kieffer to Mercy Hospital. as mayor at the member as a Blaine City Council end of the year Staff Writer and as mayor ever since. while searching ed by former and will be succeed- prior to becoming state rep. Tim Varhol’s pockets ers. Invictus Brewing sand- Council member, a Blaine City for identiCompany fication, a Coon honoring Blaine the Blaine planningryan served on Blaine Mayor Tom is rapids Commission. officer found ry- ager Ben Communications Mantwo OxycoHayle said a done bottles group of containing Continued on page 14A Continued on page 14A

Former Anoka chief

By Jonathan Young Managing

Blaine hunter dead in Becker found County Page 15A

PUBLIC NOTICE: East Bethel public hearingwill hold a Nov. 23. The at 7 p.m., is to consider purpose a septic variance at 20824. See this and other Public Notices on pages 1-6B

dies at 100

Dale McKusick,

Editor Hoagland as a described ways fair,” revering hard worksaid. er who was stern Former Anoka revering said but fair. police He was HoagChief Dave land was “one well-respected of the peoin died at Nov. 5 Hoagland the community and “had ple I’ve always at age 100. a good way with people.” the most ever respected Born in Brook park, began working since I first Hoagland was “My dad never for him.” had any war II veteran a world real police training,” During who be- usick McKHoagland’s came one of Anoka said. “He learned birthday celebration evthis ty’s first uniformedCoun- erything on the streets. ... summer, revering told sher- Obviously iff’s deputies and the he was a good story of when Hoagland served 24 learner. years on the Anoka hired him. Having … I think it was police just grown Department, 16 of them with because he was fair up in a small town, reveras chief. people.” ing said he was with small-town familiar Former Anoka The city honored politics police and his Chief 100th birthday July 9, pre- was Andy revering, who there asked Hoagland if senting him with hired by Hoagland, was anyone in a Key to echoed Anoka he couldn’t the City, and the sentiment. arrest. declaring it Dave Hoagland “There’s nobody “I found him Former Anoka Day. to be a town in tough, no-nonsense Hoagland’s you can’t arrestthis those gathered police Chief Dave Hoagland stepson, plinarian, discito as 9 waves to outside Haven honor him on his 100th birthday but he was alfor Heroes in Anoka. July Continued on page 14A File photo by Jonathan Young

Phone: 763.421.4444

www.abcnewspapers.com

”

Newspaper Award Winners 2020

3M Open to be held

Page 22

| VOL. 58, NO. 10

races are on the

Blaine / Spring Lake Park / Columbia Heights / Fridley

Best News Photo

Page 2

ONLINE AT ABCNEWSPAPERS.COM

6 • May 17, 2020 • www.mcrecord.com

Viewpoint

• Morrison County

Our salute to the

An open letter to the high school graduates of 2020

PUBLIC NOTICES

First place Anoka County UnionHerald “Punchy writin g, strong photo graphy, vibrant design, impact headlines very thorough and coverage make s this a compelling pack age.”

Record • Section

Asian flu experience

colors view of COVID-19

As state starts to open, what businesses need to know

the stay-at-home order to expire? 1. It’s about time, 2. I don’t feel he we need to ease back into life. went far enough Cast your we need ALL businesses vote online open. 3. I’m worried it’s www.mcrecord.com at too early and the under death toll will rise. the Viewpoint 4. We shouldn’t tab have had it in the first place, are smart enough to decide for themselves.people Last week’s poll

results How did you/will you celebrate Mother’s 42.3% I called my Day? mom. 30.8% With my children at home. 19.2% I visited my mother at a distance. 7.7% I sent flowers.

Record MORRISON COUNTY

216 S.E. 1st Street, Little Falls, MN 56345 • (320) 632-2345 www.mcrecord.com • email: mcr@mcrecord.com

Published every Sunday and delivered Over 20,000 Circulation Morrison County by APG Media Legal newspaper and parts of surrounding counties. of East Central Minnesota in the State of in districts, city governments, APG Media of East Minnesota and Central MN ........Publisher official publication and for all school JUDY ESPINO ...................Business county government in Morrison CARMEN MEYER ................General County. Manager KATHLEEN Manager TERRY TENA WENSMAN SHAMP ........Distribution LEHRKE ................... ....................Sales Managing Editor Manager Manager FAYE SANTALA ..............Production The Record welcomes letters. The Morrison Manager E-mail letters are County Record invites preferred to mcr@mcrecord.com. readers to contribute Letters containing letters to the editor. Letters should be libelous material, no more than 200 or those number. Deadline words and Thank for letters is Wednesday intended as advertising will be Yous should be no refused. All letters at 5 p.m. Letter writers more than 75 words must include • Published by APG in are limited to one Media of East Central letter every 5 weeks. a signature, address and a daytime length. • FAX NUMBER: 320-632-2348 telephone Minnesota • Circulation audited by Certified • Copyright © Morrison Audit of Circulations County Record 2020 (CAC)

Page 6

can be found

Page 7

Pages 6-9

on pages 12

Sports Pages 10

see page 2

Around The Area Classifieds Business Pages 11 Pages 13 Page 14

12A | Anoka County UnionHerald www.abcnewspapers.com Friday, May 1, 2020

Zack to the Pack | 763-421-4444

Friday, May 1, 2020

By Patrick Slack Staff Writer

The colors will be similar. The setting? That will be pretty new. After concluding a prolific, All-American the offensive line January, Spring at North Dakota State career along transition from Lake Park graduate Zack University in green and gold the green and yellow of the Johnson will Bison to the of the Green signing as a rookie Bay free agent April Packers in the NFL, 25. “It was exciting, that’s what came down to a couple teams. it was,” Johnson said. “It to the positioning In the end it what they have and what’s the best fit for came down me, knowing a huge part.” in the O-line and opportunity. That was The signing was the next step childhood dream for Johnson, and the realization of a tional championship who teams at North played for four naDakota State. “When I was younger, I always the NFL,” Johnson said. “In school,dreamed of playing in what you want when they asked you that said playingto be when you grow up, I was NFL football or NHL hockey. that kid “I’ve been working my butt and get myself ready. I’m excitedoff to get where I’m at and show everybody to what I’m capableget out on the field Spring Lake Park some dudes.” graduate Zack of. I’m ready to Johnson blocks hit kota State’s FCS championship Read the full story ary. Johnson, who win over James during North Daonline at abcnewspapers.com. Madison this Januearned All-American senior season, honors for signed as a rookie Packers April 25. free agent with the Bison in his the Green Bay Photo by Tim

Opener and the coronavirus

By Ray Gildow Outdoors Columnist

Sanger/NDSU Athletics

Spring activities officially canceled

In response to Executive 20-41 issued Order by Minnesota Walz, the Minnesota Gov. Tim State High School League, under direction Board of Directors, of the League’s has canceled spring activities all and athletics. The decision of the league is aligned with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and tion, the Minnesota PrevenDepartment Health. of

“As a parent I understand theof a high school senior, this pandemic,” tremendous impact of Bonnie Spohn said board president ley-Watkins. “AsSchmaltz of Eden Vala speech coach, members that team I enth grade won’thave coached since sevculminating with see their final season, state tournament,the opportunity at the including my ter. Knowing these costs, I’m daughthe sacrifices competitors andproud of throughout the coaches state are making.” “This difficult decision was had hoped we one we would League Executive not need to make,” tens said. “Our Director Erich Maroffer so much activities and athletics to so many students their school communities, and and all who work to provide these we thank opportunities for students. “ amazing

Emma Kopet earns SF Athena Award

early lakes for the opener this I am writing just because year the the end of April. this article near was not as great winter pressure COVID-19 cases The number of That might just as most years. are increasing in Minnesota bode well for good opening a walleye bite. states. I am not and neighboring Emma Kopet That is not lic health rules sure what the pubFrancis Athena is the St. and regulations Award reother walleye to suggest that the going to be heading cipient for are the 2019-20 into the openbe as good, hot spots will not ing of fishing school year. but those lakes season in early usually being are but for sure it May, Kopet has been will who know theirfished by anglers as usual. None not be business a dominant force throughout of us have ever lakes year in andway around those dealt with an high year out. school in soccer issue of this magnitude. So, assuming ketball, earning and basfish the opener, we will be able to sity letters, two seven varWill bait shops what are the conference or three best we interact with be open? Can awards and serving techniques for two other members season walleyes? early as capof our family tain three times. say the number I would have to annual fishing or friends for our Most important would be a jig one best choice will it all be putopening rituals, or and a minnow sports achievements: school a minnow imitator; or we do not have on hold? Today, Ray Gildow leading scorer for number two would with a walleye soccer both questions, but answers for these opening junior and senior on now be a Lindy Rig with a minday in 2019. Many perhaps by or nightcrawler; end of April quescareer goals (varsityyear, 32 and number or early May, the tions still remain heading we can and cannot what soccer) into this three would be jigging with and 423 career a swim bait that looks do should be year’s scheduled fishing opener. clearer. like a shiner or (varsity basketball).rebounds fatPhoto submitted head minnow. These I am just going the very best choices are three of Personal sports to assume that state. we will be able ritual: in my arsenal The two “I only wore of early season KDs for basbut with many to fish the opener, of the fishing lakes that got much proven fishing and have ketball because cautions that pressure this to be very effective need to be followed. will winter were Mille past the favorite player he was my Emma Kopet over years. growing up.” earned the St. interesting fishing It will be an of the Woods. Lacs and Lake Francis Athena New regulations opener, School/community So, let’s hope many of the that we have activ- 2019-20 schoolAward for the prime walleye since were developed for Mille ities: “Sang in a this past winter year. lakes because of the Lacs chance to go fishing during choir school’s honors and our Photo by Athena this ble ice conditions.had such horri- while Lake of fishing pressure, year’s opener, but if Awards madrigal ademic the Woods has we choir. Also a member Many anglers changes simply gave up and an Academic no let’s remember that the mostcan’t, in regulations of our Excellence school’s 4H Youth imas of this portant issue for Leech, Winnie, on area lakes like writing. award for a 4.0. Red Lake Youth program.” Teaching maintaining good all of us is still many smaller Plans after high health I think area lakes acrossand school: Scholastic achievements: attend the University the and Leechthat Red Lake, Winnie ing safe! I hope to see youand beon the water! could be really of National Honors Minnesota Twin good Society, get a Cities to six-time All-Conference Bachelor Ac- Dental Hygieneof Science in degree.

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Voting challenges caused by COVID-19

Aug. 11, while Local National Election Day is Tuesday, governments Nov. 3. And local deal with safety governments while in Lake, Columbus, Forest Scandia, issues ahead of Wyoming and Linwood Township already primary have started their preparations John Wagner to fill the guidelines Sports Editor they will receive from the state, Government there still is around the stateofficials certainty. an air of unhave been facing a “I would anticipate daunting we task: making preparations might receive for safe voting leading right up changes during to ElecCOVID-19 pandemic the tion Day, ” Scandia City the primary election for Administrator Ken on Aug. 11 and the milleri said. “This Camwill be election on Nov. general the first election during situation that has 3. It’s a a pandemic, so we are city government caused learning independent study new things all to think outside officials the time classes at the Northern Clay as we prepare for in how precincts the box these elections.” neapolis in the Center in Min2000s. Later, she main open yet can reHannah Davis Linwood moved back to safe for Township Duluth and conin-person voting. News Editor Clerk Pam Olson tinued by renting agreed, “We were brainstorm- adding: “I there. Being with a studio space “I like that the don’t think we clay is raw and other artists ing for ideas can predict what natural,” said to to exLeeann Murdock. that studio helped reignite in the safety of the ensure pect. It’s “Sometimes it’ll her passion. such a once-in-aelection,” said Elizabeth and if it gets in get on my face, “You learn so Mursko, lifetime experience.” my mouth, I don’t Columbus City many things worry about it. from watching Keeping voters ” other people,” istrator and CityAdminMurdock said. Like many children The option they Clerk. safe do, Murdock spent her It’s taken years came up of learning exwith is to use The most obvious ing with mud. childhood play- periences to the city’s develop and Now changes to in-person public works hone she has made playing as an adult, her craft, but building, ing she said that which is where with mud a had are simple steps votshe’s full-time job as voting is nesotans to learn to let Minthe typically held, but go of perfec- Experimenting with already Love of Clay pottery.owner of The tionist tendencies. is one of Murdock’s different textures of getting out instead miliar with: The are fafavorite parts “What’s driven “I used to have precepts of pottery. of me to create Duluth cars and walking their of sanitizing hands a teacher in things and have inside quently freand she’ ven’t built something pottery that I can to cast sell and share, she’d poke her d come over, ... something or made instead their votes, they “social and maintaining I finger in it and distancing” will in a will ly my desire to think it’s most- she’d be like, ‘Quit it,’ and I’ point where I while, I get to drive through be able to be seen in build things, and polling d be because clay was, like, I get like, ‘Oooh, my the city’s a is take a day and to 12,000-square-foot around the area. places which you can a medium with dish is ruined,’” perfectly square make facildo that,” she said. because I’m craving something, ity. she recalled. “We want to offer Inspired by her While it’s still that strucan grandmother’s that a struggle to let ture, that building environment that “We are projecting artistic spirit piece, ensures go sometimes, as a child, she she said she’s brain wants. My brain that my between 300 to 500 for the safety of our and embraced the her siblings would voters,” voters Wyoming wants to [for work and figure imperfections create with makes the primary], City Adminthe things they that out angles and each creation found can have as many and we istrator Robb sizes and shapes,” unique. “We would go in nature. “I don’t want Linwood as sev- said. Murdock to said. en and make things A new cars in the building “We will maintain dig up that look where we found creative venture one time, at like ” Mursko said. high sanitation standards, clay, and we’d the deposits of Target. That’s they came from In addition not my goal. But make pots with and we are making “The building them and dry don’t want someone I Murdock is to her own pottery, was built sure them in the sun to organize now for to see a flaw and use them. either.” create their own. helping others it; vehicles to drive into maintain things to best That’s when it it has the air exchangsocial really started all In 2009, Murdock “I was for me; [it’s] ing standards.” distancers and all the and her and-sip inspired by the paintthe husband ability to use something elements classes where we need. We As for the use of that is so and since moved to Wyoming, get organic and people think we masks, together and she no longer to all city officials can process voters paint the same had ac- picture make something said voters pretty currently and have wine quickly.” cess to a the are encouraged, functional out and do “It’s an intimate but not required, Voting quickly s h a r e d dockgirls night out thing,” Murof it,” Murdock to wear thing to studio, said. issue for Murskois one masks. said. be putting the she couldn’t “I wondered why you do that with pottery.” other area election and cup “We will have bought a Murdock said cloth She offi- face your mouth. The to cials, but a bigger wheel and what began offering classes, or coverings for it’s all about curve kiln she calls clay guaranteeing the issue is public when they the labs, that albuilding someand the shape of to low people safety of in, to handcraft both voters and ” Linwood said. come that lip create her own thing their the “They from can be very important.” tion officials who elec- will be encouraged own pot- new pottery. It’s given Murdock scratch with her oversee wear a the balloting. tery. Then she perspective on pottery, and them, but they to – LeeAnn Murdock, hands. have says she hears potter “The social distancing not been mandated in 2017, guests frequently how “I’m very are surprised state at this time. by the and sanitation mechanicalthe cou- creations when ly-brained, so ” I’ve always liked turn out better their apply to city rules that Olson said her ple built a to build things. pole barn on their than buildings discusWith clay, that’s sions property to use they thought they would. will apply to the what you’re doing as her own personal election in with election judges “It sort of as preparations for studio. It’s a creating a structureall the time is space, she says, whole pottery demystifies the rauf,well,” said Karin De- August the craft,” she said. assistant clerk vote focused mug with a handle,” or a pot or a place to let her that’s become her “The glazes as for much brain do the work and things that Forest Lake. “We it was made to Though making she said. I ofwill fol- sponse on COVID-19 refer do a lot of color do. low as they did on the backseat during pottery took a “The feeling texture, so I alwayschanging over set all of the standards mechanics her high school by the state.” talk about it of completing years, she rediscovered the studio, ... justwhen you’re in like the magic that time being of the glaze. You The Office of Minneso- the voting process. her love of pottery in put in all the college and espe- at the wheel or building pieces ta Secretary of “We talked about texture, and cially dug into satisfying a part is glaze does State Steve the Simon the it while taking the magic.” of me. I have is tasked with layout of each of our prereal need to create, a cincts overseeing the and if I hatwo up- mum to get the maxicoming elections. Potter see page distance between News Opinion History 3 ry Day is set for PrimaPages 1-3 Page Puzzles Announcements Tuesday, 4 Page 5 Election Community

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do better. Develop and stand by your principles and of civil discourse; master the art part of yourself define at least a through an empathy with others; follow the old scout Dear graduating slogan and “be seniors: prepared.” You have been You must tive blow to your dealt a disrup- than we did and will do better because you are school, and the last year of high prepared than better surrounds your uncertainty that good people. we were and you are graduation is compounded by an As the end with an especiallyill-defined future was challenging,of this school year the summer and cloudy view of may be equally the next few years challenging. We come. In the midst fall months to courage you to continue your enof this dilemma, learn“The pandemic ing and training there are several may whether that it important realities change the path is on-the-job, in to that need to be achievement, but said school, in the to you. it military shouldn’t change or on You are valued your own. Purand celebrated your level by sue your goals all of us on your self-expectation.of graduation. Don’t at their highest As abandon in past years, your dreams, level. we The pandemmay not be able to don’t compromise your ic may change demonstrate our the path to goals.” pride and joy for achievemen the person you t have become and but it shouldn’t all you have accomplished. change your But you tion. Don’t level of self-expectaneed to know that abandon your we, your friends dreams, and neighbors, don’t compromise are proud of you. your goals. Membership in The high school the hallmark graduation class of 2020 will be very unique emony is always a time-honored cerIn fifth grade and will be with in 1957-58, rite of passage for students you but also for went to school in the basement I The class of 2020 all of your life. parents, families of will long be reand close friends. a bank. Country schools COVID-19 rate membered as a For the past 18 had been West Words closed the year milestone class years you have dividuals — and for healthy inbefore. With the that marked a major nobody thinks moment of change the focus of your family’s been surge of students about shutting from life. in the culture may not have down of our country. always seemed It families and the Baby both farm by to stop the carnage the economy Be- way, but it cause of the that eration, Boom genon our roads. sacrifices that is two sections Tom West Many minds have you’re movingthe reality and now, ers come with that are working distinction the and two sections of fifth gradon. The ceremony on discovering class that helps Former of 2020 should ers were educated of sixth gradbring always be proud COVID-19. It a vaccine for Editor/ and to your school closure and focus Mine at remote must know that took only a few we are grateful was the bank basement.sites. General months to manufacture you. to if not missing days is compromised Manager In comparisons one for all together. the Asian flu 63 Crises like the current with Graduates, take ever, the Asian years ago. Howa moment to COVID-19 pandemic, much the pandemic say thanks bring out our strengths flu was a mutation has of existing flu and, unfor- grandpa, to mom, dad, grandma, been written about the tunately, our weaknesses. strains. The novel Spanish lation. coronavirus You are give voiceaunts and uncles. Families, flu epidemic of 1918, which In 1957, the world’s our future. Learn killed an estimated to your pop- gether new. is something altofrom the mistakes 20 million people ulation was 2.8 billion, of those of us who It will be many so proud of you.” joy and say, “I’m worldwide, the U.S. months precede you and more It even wouldn’t including 675,000 population was 178 before a vaccine million and able Americans. Less (Continued on is availMinnesota’s population to the public. Page 7A) about the Asian has been written million. The key question Today, the world was 3.3 is: Is a week 1957-58, but I flu epidemic of tion is 7.8 popula- or two in unfortunately re- lation is billion, the U.S. popu- healthy quarantine for otherwise member it firsthand. 331 million and individuals worth Minne- ing our My classroom wreckeconomy for months? included a tele- sota’s population is 5.6 phone so the teacher million. COVID-19 has Five state governors could commany more opmunicate with By CAROL ANDERSON (in Arkansas, Iowa, the main office. portunities to spread than Nebraska, pose a higher did the Dakota Guest Columnist Asian flu 63 years risk for spreading One day the phone rang. and South Dakota) North ago. COVID-19 COVID-19 and After mostly skipped the are still prohibited hanging up, the teacher reported may eventually infect shutdown orders The state is starting more people the from providing than the Asian in other 45 states. in-person services. that there would be no school to open up flu, again, but slowly. Here is some in- These establishments can contin- next day because so many the the same percentage but to reach states doing so far? How are those formation on of the popu- have ue Three chil- lation, dren to provide curbside were out sick with what can be more cases per of them or outdoor flu. open pickup or starting Monday, the Asian million it would have to infect 31 thousand Of about 30 delivery of retail than a majority May 18. people and kill goods. of the states, and The order has 835,000 two don’t, state agencies giving students under but worldwide, What can be open: a plan to the Governor “Is a week or two the bank, only of 21st most as Minnesota ranked by May 20, in which 2.6 milof Monday. All retail stores, next Wednesday, malls and other However, in deaths for how they can seven or eight quarantine for healthy lion businesses that reopen on June Americans sand, of us were there per sell, 1. Minnesota ranked thouindividuals worth would be infectand repair goods rent, maintain that day. • Restaurants 18th highest, while ginning Monday, can be open be- limited to curbsideand bars remain I was excit- wrecking our economy ed and 149,000 braska 37th, Iowa was 25th, NeMay 18 as long North Dakota would die. they: as up and delivery; or outdoor picked because 38th, South to for months?” It’s amazing 43rd. Dakota 41st and Arkansas • Have adopted anywhere on the in-person dining me it was and implementlike business premises that in 1957-58, ed a COVID-19 a snow day. Alas, Preparedness Plan, is still prohibited. In deaths the flu epidemic including social per positive came down with the next day I was not • Gyms and fitness COVID-19 distancing guidefront-page news. the Asian studios are was lines for workers still prohibited It was ranked 13th diagnosis, Minnesota probably the sickest flu. It just something and from opening. most, while Arkansas to be week of Until • Allow no more customers my • Other life. places I was not the 1950s, children endured. ranked 42nd, North than 50% of of public amusethe ment, such as museums, Dakota 44th, ran a fever, and hospitalized. I several establishsuch diseases, suffered Iowa 45th, Nebraska I also recall achzoos, conment’s occupant including 47th and chicken pox, certs, race tracks, ing all over. measles, mumps South Dakota 50th. That means capacity inside However, as at “Restaurants and that residents auctions, bowling near as I can and the dreaded polio. I any time were less bars alleys tell, only my classroom had two to die teammates on from COVID-19 likely remain limited and indoor my high school was shut • In addition, in the to non-shutdown event venues are down. I have contacted school basketball team who states than in Minall industrial and curbside or outdoor still had con- nesota; mates those prohibited who from that era (but none tracted polio earlier in their office-based setlives, facilities were states’ health care were in my but many polio pickup and delivery; from opening. tings that have not overwhelmed class) and no one bank basement dent Franklin victims, like Presi- by COVID-19 Roosevelt, suffered in-person dining patients. previously been the entire school else remembers lifelong In Minnesota, Why can’t these paralysis and closing because allowed to reopen so far, we have anywhere on Today, the world even death. had deaths in businesses be open of the flu. can continue op31 counties. Sevis in full pan- en The Centers for business premisesthe counties (Hennepin, Disease Con- ic mode over COVID-19, erations and are trol estimates is still yet? Ramsey, even Anoka, Based on what that 1.1 million though, except for the also permitted prohibited.” aged and ton and Clay, Dakota, Washingpeople died worldwide, those with to we know Winona) open co-located at this 116,000 including conditions, underlying health have suffered 90% of them. Americans, but point the chances of retail facilities about I have vival sur- Tim Walz keeps Minnesota Gov. following the same are excellent. COVID-19, there yet to verify the severity in restrictions identified dragging A couple are Min- weeks nesota alone. ago, the Department of on reopening the state, his feet By comparison, in Executive up two primary ways you can pick Order 20-56. far COVID-19 the infection: so Health keeping of restaurants, admitted has infected 4 bars and hair • Other types of mil- the Minnesotans that 99.23% of closed lion worldwide, • Touching until June 1. He salons can reopen or engagebusinesses that face and then a contaminated sur- lion Americans, including 1.4 mil- COVID-19 who died needs to touching in commerce nose and killed about had underlying from free the other 80 counties under Executive or mouth. You your eyes, 300,000 people now, not health in a few weeks. worldwide and conditions. With the state’s can prevent 80,000 clude household Order 20-56 in- this from death toll nearing 700, Americans. happening by washing as of Wednesday, In Minnesota, house cleaning, services (such as your hands five of the victimsthat means that with warm, soapy piano tuning and Tom West, now 12,917 had auto detailing), were water diagnosed retired, is the drive-in activities for at least 20 seconds, and with COVID-19 been healthy people. I don’t otherwise former general manager where people by not touching your and be dismissive of this pamean to per. Reach remain in their eyes, nose or mouth 638 had died. him at westwords.mcr@ of those 700 we’ve ve- when you hicles (including A big difference gmail.com. haven’t washed movies, is the popu- lost, but the reality is that comedy) and photography music or hands. your our highway death and vidtoll eography. Please is 10 • Coming into times the consult this guidance for the most with a person who close contact comprehensive has COVID-19. list of industries and allowed activities. There are key factors to this type of transmission: How Though some close you are to What cannot be another person open still a bit muddy of the trails are Lindbergh and how long State Park website • Barbershops, yet: you are in close proximity through this park in spots, a stroll scroll down and hair and nail to another To salons, tattoo to buy a park person. the Editor: pass the eye and lift is sure to please use the self parlors, spas and the massage settings pay vehicle permit or Another issue is Spring is definitely grateful to have heart. I am so vice box at serhow predicable nesses that require and other busi- the setting the park information this wonderful is regarding maintaining it is a beautiful time here and park in our building. Our community. physical contact prolonged close social distancing. to walk at valuable support will allow between people We are consider- Lindbergh State Park. The resource for our It is a this great space to continue marsh and attracts residents vide marigolds, bloodroot, (Continued on to prorich experiences Page 7A) many people trillium and outside many other of with from beautiful our community my Online Poll natural setting. a truly sota wildflowers favorite Minne— JoAnn This is an especially as well. Dahl, Little Falls are in bloom. good time to support our How do you feel park. Go to the about Gov. Walz allowing

Page 11

Local potter finds her joy in molding dishware

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LeeAnn Murdock, business. Murdock owner of The Love of Clay in Wyoming, also recently began pottery with her has made her hosting classes, passion for molding assistance and Submitted photos or what without having to learn how to she calls “clay labs,” that allow dishware out of clay into a use a wheel. people to create their own

r me?

Index

Opinion - Pages 4-5 Library - Page 6 Public Safety - Pages 11-13 Classiﬁeds - Pages 18-20 Sports - Page 22 Arts - Page 23

SPORTS

Grazing goats

Field tours with goats at Washington County parks Page 9

Playing with mud First place Forest Lake Time s “Each edition subm enterprising lead itted showcased stories. The reporters seem to be able to root out relevant hard news. Times also had variety in hard and hanced the storie soft news and news features. Writing ens covering multi ple communitie s.”

T e be Th beac ac ch at a Lak kes sid ide de Co Common B ai Bl mm a ne mon ne, e, pi ons Pa pict ctturred Jun Park rk in ne 1 17 7, is outt wh ou s now w ope hic ich h ot en. n Fiin othe he r p nd pa ark rks s and and am an open — and op open amen enit en ittie i s ar d whi ae hc ch h aren’ ren’ re n’tt — o on n pag age 16 16..

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Letters to the Editor Enjoy, and support, Lindbergh State Park

Jeff Hage, Monticello Times, 2nd Place

ballot in August.

FUN IN THE SUN

What’s open nea

First place Morrison Coun ty Record “Record’s edito rs present matte rs of consequence to the community and state with in-ho use columns, edito cartoons and rials, guest columns. More often than not, local interest is reflected in the generation of tor. Nicely done. letters-to-the-edi”

without spectators.

PRIMARIES SET

EDITORIAL PAGE AS A WHO Second place LE Monticello Time s

COMMUNITY

July 16, 2020 | Volume #118

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JUNE 19, 2020

• Jan. 21, 2020

GENERAL REP ORTING Third place Anoka County UnionHerald Second place Union-Times

Second place Stillwater Gaze tte

Sun Sailor

First place Blaine / Spring Lake Park / Colum Heights / Fridle bia y Life

2020• Zoom Call

SPORTS REP ORTING Honorable ment ion Sun Sailor

USE OF PHO TOGRAPHY AS A WHOLE Third place Mille Lacs Mess enger Second place Wayzata/Plymou th

Murder charges filed in May fentanyl death in Coon Rapids A 58-year-old Coon rapids man with selling is charged the that killed a man fentanyl last May. John Lee Varhol faces one felony count of third-degree murder. At 2:41 p.m., May 22, Coon rapids police were dispatched to a medical call at the Coon rapids Liquor store at 11239 Foley Blvd., according criminal complaint. to the

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problem ©s2014 c a l l ECM 7 6 3 -Publishers, 7 1 2 - 3 5 4 4Inc.

By Connor Cummiskey Staff Writer

Coon Rapids introduces parking restrictions

Anoka homecoming royalty announced

ns/delivery

schools to go online

By Connor Cummiskey Staff Writer mentary school hybrid model become challenging, has the number of new cases said, citing growing the district previous The Anoka-Hennepin in the ees at 14 days was 86.14. number of puts school school employees District is planning 34. That the current rate At press time of new elementary schools to transition directly impacted and bus drivers es per 10,000 the most recent by COVID-19, students over cas- 14-day case to distance as well as learning. a two week period at rate data from the expected increase state 9.36, according the cases over the to Anokashowed that as of Oct. About a week next several weeks.in district data. 24 County and high school after middle New cases of The district’s rate of 48.7 new had reached a COVID-19 over students made a two-week the switch, the cases a much higher employees have people period among school district and Hennepin per 10,000 number of new the stu- cases. nounced it is making an- dent population have County was As at 34.25. ementary students plans for el- matically. On Oct. jumped dra- had seen of Nov. 7 the district 62 new 31 the to follow suit. had seen The MN safe 19 new student district among employees cases reported leased Learning plan supporting the rein the cases by current ele- the previous 14 days. On Nov. in 14 days. That puts the previous ment of the Minnesota Departtwo-week education recommends 7 new case rate per 10,000 employContinued on page 14A

First place Blaine, Spring Lake Park, Colum Heights, Fridle bia y Life “The photos, design and typog raphy work well toget her to make pages interesting and inviting. This paper derstands their communities and unhard to displa works y the news and information effect ively. New game invented by SLP graduates

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Editorial Contest

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In all, we handed out 74 awards, determined by a group of judges comprised of university professors and outside journalists. They pored over more than 260 entries in multiple categories.

Awards to Newspa

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EAST CENTRAL MINNESOTA By Keith Anderson, Director of News, APG of East Central Minnesota

A MINUTE WITH MARK ADAMS:

BEST SPECIAL SECTION 3rd place Morrison Coun ty Record 2nd place Union-Times 1st Place Aitkin Independen t Age “Clever, candid and pragmatic. This special section celebrates the successes and embraces challenges of the area as they relate to building and strengthening a community.”

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REBRANDING A LOCAL TRADITION

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ANTIGO DAILY JOURNAL

Submit your stories to SUBMITNEWS.ADAMSPG.COM to be featured in the quarterly newsletter.

Kevin Passon, Editor for the Antigo Daily Journal in Antigo, Wisconsin, recently led a task force to drive up the visibility and the community connection of our local Antigo product. Purchased in 2019, the Antigo Daily Journal was a locally-owned and operated unit with high local loyalty. With the acquisition by APG and the passing of the founding owner, changes came to the local community. When a decision was made to change the frequency of delivery to 3 days/ week from the current 5, additional change impacted the local readership. Never more evident than when we advertised for open positions and no response was generated locally, we had to change our focus. Kevin, working with Sid Schwartz, Regional Editor for APG Media of Southern Wisconsin, and Scott Peterson, Regional Editor for the Hometown Group, Watertown and Fort

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Atkinson products in south central Wisconsin, to develop a content plan focused on writing stories about individuals and groups who made an impact on the local economy. The stories are a “peak behind the curtain” for the public to learn more about and connect with the community minded efforts of local individuals. With 60 days in, we have started to receive suggestions from the public on who to write about, a sure sign we are starting to make an impact. And this past week, we received our first resume from a local born and bred individual who wants to come and work for us. Our goal is to package this initiative in a repeatable format and cascade it out to other units in the southern Wisconsin group to help reconnect deeper with our local communities.

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Carla Lucas Crescent-News in Defiance OH Kim Hake-Gleason, Sun Newspapers

APG WEST PANDEMIC HOBBIES HELP FULFILL A COMMUNITY NEED IDAHO PRESS

Truck in line to receive donated materials to build student desks.

Desks stacked in a storage trailer ready for distribution to area students.

Production Director, Roger Stowell, helps cut down plywood sheets.

A few weeks ago, the Idaho Press published a story written by Rachel Spacek about hobbies people have picked up during the pandemic. She sent a note to Idaho Press Associates asking if anybody at the paper had started a new hobby to add some color to her story. Publisher, Matt Davison, shared with Rachel that he had been doing some very basic woodworking. The next day, a teacher at the Caldwell Online Academy emailed the Idaho Press with a request.

HERE IS A PARAGRAPH FROM THAT MESSAGE: “I am a second-grade teacher in Caldwell School District. The families of my students have chosen distance learning for the entire school year. I currently have fifty students. Many of my students face a number of challenges, not the least of which is finding a suitable workspace in their home. Sometimes the kitchen table is sufficient, but when there are several students in the family, all participating in online meetings at the same time, the noise and distractions make learning even more difficult. I have seen students sitting on their parents' beds or their own beds, on the floor, or on the sofa. During a writing lesson, one student said he didn't have a solid place to put his paper, so he put it on a stool.”

STATE OF APG Available to watch now

In our State of the Adams Publishing Group video, APG President and CEO Mark Adams wants you to know that despite the challenges of 2020, the company is in a very strong position and more robust than ever. He also discusses strategies for 2021, the power and importance of community news, his pride in the APG workforce for their diligence and resilience, and how excited he is about the future. Watch the video: adamspg.com/ stateofapg2021

Mrs. Neufeld included a link to a news story about communities pulling together to build desk for kids facing this same challenge while trying to learn at home. The Idaho Press team was immediately inspired to help and went to work developing a plan to resolve this community need, and Publisher, Matt Davison, wrote a column explaining this community need. Within a few days, the Idaho Press had commitments from over 100 readers willing to build over 300 student desks.

Student Desks built by Publisher, Matt Davison, sit in the Idaho Press office.

Desks were distributed to area students on Saturday, January 9th. 11

APG WEST

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Bear River Publishing has been printing the Preston Citizen, Montpelier News Examiner, Tremonton Leader, the Herald Journal and the Idaho State Journal for years, but in the last few months the company has taken on 10 additional papers. The extra papers have pushed Bear River Publishing’s capacity from 40 percent to almost 85 percent, said Pat Nealy, general manager of the plant. The extra papers come from the closure of two presses in the region last year: the Post Register production facility and Salt Lake Tribune production facility.

“This is one of our quickest site launches ever,” he said. “They did a phenomenal job. I can’t speak more highly of Pat (Nealy) and his team. They really did a great job,” he said. The New York Times has an audience of over six million and covers US and international news. A subscription costs more than $1,000 per year depending on the package a customer orders, said Socia. In comparison, The Citizen has an audience of about 1,200 and covers news specific to Franklin County. Subscriptions currently cost $60.

While most of those papers belong to Adams Publishing, which owns Bear River Publishing, the New York Times does not. That paper, which first ran off the Preston presses on Jan. 1, had been printed in Salt Lake City. “In June we were running 45-50 press runs, but then added 90-95 runs. Now (with The New York Times) we are at 135-140 press runs a week,” said Nealy. The plant has crews operating the presses from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. the following morning, each day of the week.

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“We are eager to hire qualified Associates to help us with this growth spurt,” said Pat Nealy, general manager of Bear River Publishing. “This amount of work ensures Bear River Publishing’s future for a long time,” he said. “That’s good for everyone who works here and good for our community.” According to Todd Socia, senior vice president of the New York Time’s print production services, about 2,000 copies of the New York Times are being printed daily, and about 5,000 on Sundays - primarily for a Salt Lake City and surrounding area audience. The company considered Bear River Publishing when they realized it belonged to Adam’s Publishing, with which they contract to have the New York Times printed out of one of its presses near Minneapolis, said Socia. So far, he has been pleased with the decision.

Pat Nealy inspects the New York Times as it rolls off the press at Bear River Publishing.

APG WEST

NEWSPAPER CARRIER HELPS ELDERLY MAN STUCK IN TUB FOR DAYS HERALD AND NEWS Stephani Bastian couldn’t get in touch with her 81-year-old father, Kenneth Plank, who lived alone in the Elk Apartments on Main Street in Klamath Falls. Although it’s not unusual for him to miss occasional calls from his daughter who now lives in Roseburg, Bastian said she had a feeling that something was wrong. Mike Smith delivers the Herald and News to subscribers, including to Plank, his downstairs neighbor in the Elk Apartments. He, too, felt like something was wrong on Dec. 23 when he delivered Plank’s paper to his door, like he does every publication day. Smith noticed the Navy veteran had several papers stacked up, so he went to get help.

hero, Smith said he feels he doesn’t deserve the accolade. Still, he knows that if that was his loved one, he’d feel the same way Bastian does. “I’m ecstatic that I chose to break the mold and say we need to check on this guy,” Smith said. Smith knew something was wrong when he noticed the two untouched newspapers outside Plank’s door. Smith said Plank was “regular as clockwork” with his routine, which Smith recognized as a habit from the military. As a veteran with medical conditions himself, Smith said he’s been cognizant of his health, and the health of others, during the pandemic.

After alerting the building maintenance manager, the two men discovered Plank had fallen in the bathtub and had been stuck there for several days. Plank couldn’t reach his phone or his emergency alert necklace, and he had become confused and weakened.

She rushed to Klamath Falls the next day. When she learned her dad’s newspaper carrier was the one to alert someone for help for her father, which may have saved his life, Bastian gave Smith a big hug to express her gratitude. They both burst into tears, Smith said. “Be thankful for your newspaper man because he might be the only one who knows something’s wrong,” she said. Although Bastian was quick to call Smith a

Plank has lived in Klamath Falls since 1979, when Bastian began attending Klamath Union High School and Plank took classes at Oregon Institute of Technology for a welding certificate. Plank later worked at Oregon Tech for over 18 years, Bastian said. Bastian’s daughter, Kymberly, now attends Oregon Tech, but hasn’t been in the area because she’s been completing an externship in Tigard. Plank is getting mobility back, and Bastian said the nurses assure her that he’s doing fine. For now, she said that he’s working hard but exhausted after his rehab sessions. Bastian reminds people to check on the senior citizens in your life, especially those who live alone.

After his rescuers got him out of the tub and into a chair, Smith and the building manager called 911. After a short stint at Sky Lakes Medical Center, Plank is now recovering from the fall and the rehab at Marquis Plum Ridge. Bastian received a text the day after Christmas from her father’s best friend, notifying her that her father was in the hospital and that his doctor was trying to reach her. Bastian learned ther her father, still confused, had given the hospital her old phone number.

a bruised hip and shoulder as well as a laceration across his back.

“You never know,” she said.

Smith also lives above Plank and could hear the TV on below him for more than a day, which Smith said was unusual. Plank doesn’t know how long he had been in the bathtub before help arrived. He told the Herald and News he remembers reaching a paper cup from the sink and filling it up from the tub to drink from. He said he wasn’t of sound mind for the entire stretch he spent stuck. Plank said he believes he was hallucinating because he recalls getting up out of the tub and walking around the apartment.

Smith likes to interact with is newspaper clients when he can. He recalled a subscriber on his route who is going through chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Although with COVID-19 he leaves most of the newspapers outside buildings on his routes, for her, he takes the paper inside to her door so that she doesn’t have to climb the stairs. “If you don’t care about what you’re doing, then why do it?” he said. Plank has three more weeks of rehab at Plum Ridge ahead of him. In the meantime, Smith hopes his act of kindness will encourage people to take better care of those around them. “We need to push through all of this and realize we are our brother’s keeper,” Smith said.

Plank is doing rehab three times a day at Marquis Plum Ridge to recover from injuries, which include

HUMAN

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REFERRAL PROGRAM Know someone who would be a perfect ﬁt at APG?

REFER THEM AND YOU CAN EARN CASH

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UPON HIRE

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PLUS

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For any successful referral of friends, family members, or professional acquaintances, you will receive the following payment: • $100 for any person you refer after he or she is hired • $100 for any person you refer after he or she completes 30 days of employment • $100 for any person you refer after he or she completes 60 days of employment • $200 for any person you refer after he or she completes 90 days of employment • $500 for any person you refer after he or she completes 1 year of employment There is NO situation in which an incentive will be paid for any Associate who leaves for any reason prior to being employed for 30 days. To receive a referral incentive, the person making the referral must be an Associate of the company on the day the referred Associate is hired AND the day the referral bonus is due to be paid.

PLUS

$200

PLUS

AFTER 90 DAYS

$500 AFTER 1 YEAR

Please be aware that no Associate is authorized to make an offer of employment to any individual or promise employment of any type. All decisions regarding employment offers will be made solely by management. Only one referral incentive will be issued for each new Associate; it will be paid to the first eligible person to submit the form below to your APG Human Resources representative. Former Associates who may be rehired by the company are NOT considered to be a new referral and therefore will not be eligible for a referral incentive payment.

*THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND TURNED IN PRIOR TO THE APPLICATION BEING COMPLETED BY THE PERSON YOU ARE REFERRING.*

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Please submit forms or questions to your regional HR manager. 15

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IN “GROUNDHOG DAY” WHAT WAS BILLY MURRAY’S CHARACTER’S PROFESSION? All answers should be submitted to AskHR@adamspg.com. The winner will be drawn on Monday, February 20, 2021.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR JANUARY WINNER – PAM CHICKERING WILSON,DAILY JEFFERSON COUNTY UNION, FORT ATKINSON WI The Question Was: In “Little Women,” what did the March girls call their mother? Answer: Marmee *Contents of winner’s prize pack may vary.

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