Reaching Everybody!
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid St. Joseph Newsleader St. Joseph, MN 56374 Permit No. 21 ECRWSS Postal Customer
Newsleader Sartell
Postal Patron
‘Mrs. Minnesota’ vows to help fight diabetes
Friday, April 4, 2014 Volume 19, Issue 14 Est. 1995
Town Crier Community Showcase set April 5 at Kennedy
The second annual Community Showcase, sponsored by the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at Kennedy Community School, 1300 Jade Road, St. Joseph. The free event includes entertainment, food, children’s games and prizes. Come support your local businesses.
Sportsmen host breakfast April 6
The St. Stephen Sportsmen Club hosts a breakfast from 8:3011:30 a.m. Sunday, April 6 at St. Stephen Church Parish Hall on CR 2, St. Stephen. A free-will offering is suggested.
Eggstravaganza is April 11 at Winter Farmers’ Market
It’s an “Eggstravaganza” at the St. Joseph Winter Farmers’ Market from 3-6 p.m. Friday, April 11 in the fellowship hall of Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 C.R. 2 N., St. Joseph. Activities will include free egg decorating for children, live music by guitarist Nick Koopmeiners, and food samples and recipes. CSB/SJU Jackson Fellows will present a photo project on Food Justice. There will be goods available from area growers including eggs, artisan bread, baked goods, lefse, meats, preserved goods, produce from storage, sunflower oil, maple syrup, pottery, popcorn and more.
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
Attorney Kimberly Stommes was elated when she was crowned Mrs. Minnesota at last month’s pageant because it will give her a chance to advance her platform, dubbed “Stop the Shots,” to help educate people about diabetes. Stommes, St. Cloud, is a 2006 graduate of Sartell High School. Her family moved to Sartell from St. Joseph when she was a seventh-grader. In January 2014, she was crowned as Mrs. St. Cloud. Then she went on to win the Mrs. Minnesota title at a March 8 pageant at St. Cloud State University. First runner-up was Amy Nelson, Mrs. Sherburne County, and second runnerup was Larissa Oliphant, Mrs. Hennepin County. Stommes will compete with 50 other women from the nation’s 50 states for the title of Mrs. International July 22-27 in Jacksonville, Fla. “It was surreal,” Stommes said of her big win at SCSU. “Such a surreal contributed photo feeling to hear my name announced Kimberly Stommes registers delight as she is crowned with my family, friends and my young Mrs. Minnesota during a pageant at St. Cloud State daughter there.” University. She will go on to compete for the title of The pageant was a rigorous, someMrs. International in July in Jacksonville. Fla. times nerve-wracking process, she said.
Police officer succumbs to tragic death by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
A Sartell police officer died March 27 after complications from surgery at the St. Cloud Hospital. Jeff Schmitz, 44, leaves behind his wife, Stacy Landborg-Schmitz, and 4-year-old son Andrew. He died Marketplace to be held with his family at his side. Schmitz was hired Sept. 24, 2012 April 5 at Celebration by the Sartell Police Department. Drops of Power Spring Market“Joe was an outstanding officer place with more than 30 vendors will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at Celebration Lutheran Church, 1500 Pinecone Road N., Sartell. Proceeds from the event will go toward a well to be built in Uganda.
for the Sartell Police Department,” said Sartell Police Chief Jim Hughes in a statement to the media. “He was tall in stature with a big heart and a smile just as big. Even though Joe was only with Sartell for under two years, he stepped right in as a seasoned, experienced officer. He will be missed by the people he was sworn to protect and by the members of the department.” Schmitz, who hailed from Paynesville, had worked for 19
years for the Paynesville Police Department and part-time for the Cold Spring/Richmond Police Department. A funeral for Schmitz was held March 31 at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Schmitz, the son of Clarence and Martha (Thielen) Schmitz ,was born in Paynesville Aug. 7, 1969 and grew up in Roscoe. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force Schmitz • page 8
Schmitz
School board chooses two new principals by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
Hot off the press
If you’d like to receive the Newsleader hot off the press, send us your email address and we’ll notify you with a link when our website is updated, which is typically by noon a day in advance of the print edition. Send your email to news@thenewsleaders.com and you should start receiving your reminder at that address within a week. Notify us otherwise.
She had to do five-minute personal interviews with each of the five judges. Then there were the on-stage questions when she was asked questions “out of the blue.” When Stommes told the judges her platform is the subject of diabetes, she was then asked how she could help lower the chances of someone getting diabetes by making changes in the workplace. Stommes suggested several pro-active things to do: taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further from the building and walking, going for a brisk walk on lunch breaks. Diabetes is a subject dear to Stommes because her stepfather, Scott Reinert, was diagnosed with that disease (Type 2) several years ago. Stommes and her mother, Lori, in solidarity with Scott, learned as much as they could about diabetes and made healthy lifestyle changes themselves based on what they learned, including dietary changes and exercise regimens. Stommes lost 46 pounds in the process. The Reinerts still live in Sartell. They own Showcase Properties, a real-estate business. “I’m glad to say my (step)father is doing fine now,” she said. “He has his diabetes under control. He’s lost Stommes • page 5
photo by Paul Groessel, courtesy of Sun Newspapers
Kristopher Lynk greets students on the first day of school 2012 in Eden Prairie, where he is the current principal. Lynk was For additional criers, visit www.therecently hired as the new principal for Oak Ridge Elementary newsleaders.com and click on Criers. School starting fall of 2014.
Sartell’s two elementary schools will have new principals for the 2014-15 school year. Last week, the Sartell-St. Nelson Stephen School Board selected Kristopher Lynk of Eden Prairie and Sara Nelson of Sartell to become the new principals. Lynk, is the current princi-
www.thenewsleaders.com
pal for Eden Lake Elementary School in Eden Prairie. He was chosen to replace Randy Husman at Oak Ridge Elementary School. Nelson, the principal at Madison Elementary School in St. Cloud, was selected as principal of Pine Meadow Elementary School to replace Greg Johnson. Those are the latest of three major new hires by the Sartell-St. Stephen School District. In April, the board hired Jeff Schwiebert to become the new superintendent to replace Joe Principals • page 8
Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
2
People
Welch raises funds for Special Olympics Mark Welch of Sartell is part of a team that plunged into icecold lake water recently, raising $1,655 in pledges for Special Olympics Minnesota. The team’s fundraising goal year was $1,500. Welch is the boyfriend of MaryBeth Munden of St. Joseph, who has raised money for many years for the Special Olympics. Munden, Welch and their two other team members took the “Polar Bear Plunge” at a lake in Eden Prairie. The event was one of 16 held throughout Minnesota as part of the annual “Law Enforcement for Special Olympics
Minnesota.” Munden is the dispatcher for the St. Joseph Police Department. The two other team members were Welch’s younger sister, Grace, and Grace’s boyfriend, Blake. Their team’s name was “Mary, Mark and the Rest of the Family.” It’s not too late to donate money to Special Olympics Minnesota. Checks can be made out to “Special Olympics Minnesota” in care of MaryBeth Munden, P.O. Box 546, St. Joseph, MN 56374. To donate online, go to www. plungemn.org/plunger/marybethmunden.
Grime Stoppers
A full-service cleaning company. We do windows.
Let us dust for prints at the scene of your grime
St. Francis Xavier students raise $10,440 St. Francis Xavier students made their mark on the fifth annual Catholic Schools Raffle by raising $10,440 in just six weeks, every penny of which will go to the school’s coffers. The raffle is a fundraiser sponsored by Catholic United Financial. Along with an additional 84 other Catholic schools in Minnesota, South Da-
kota and North Dakota, the raffle put more than $1 million into educators’ hands. One student at St. Francis Xavier has won an HD Kindle Fire tablet and the topselling classroom receives a pizza party. The three schools that sold the most tickets per student will also receive a $3,500 grant in addition to their raffle earnings.
320-260-9153
Breakfast
Sunday, April 6 Adults: $7 Children (ages 6-12): $3 Under 6: Free
NOW HIRING ** Direct Support Staff ** A nationwide provider with over 30 years experience serving people with disabilities is hiring quality, dedicated caregivers to empower and assist individuals in realizing their own potential! Possible hours are: every other weekend and asleep overnights located in St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids and Foley. Experience is preferred but not required. Minimum requirements: 18+, valid driver’s license and good driving record and high school diploma/GED. Excellent pay and benefits, 401k & PTO! Responsibilities: provide direct care, medical administration, transportation to activities, light housekeeping and cooking. Apply online to Requisition #13-0373 at: www.dungarvin.com
Love What You Do! EEO/AA
March 19 5:33 p.m. 5th Street N. Intoxicated female. A report was made regarding an intoxicated female attempting to pick her child up from school. Officers arrived and found the father had arrived to pick up the child. Officer spoke with the father and provided information for support and assistance. 6:49 p.m. Pinecone Road. Welfare check. A report was made regarding an adult male walking in the lane of traffic. Officers were unable to locate the male. March 20 1:39 p.m. 7th Avenue S. Welfare check. A report was made regarding no movement coming from a residence. Officers were able to contact the homeowner and found they were on vacation and will be returning that evening. March 21 10:37 p.m. CR 1. Traffic stop. After checking a vehicle’s registration, it was found the driver had a suspended license. The driver stated he was aware of his license statement and was not able to provide proof of insurance. He was issued a citation for both violations and released to a valid driver. March 22 3:07 p.m. Walmart. Theft. An adult male was witnessed attempting to leave the store with unpaid merchandise. The male admitted to the theft. He was placed under arrest and transported to Stearns County Jail without incident.
Serving from 8:30 a.m. to noon
Heritage Hall at the Church of St. Joseph 12 W. Minnesota St. • St. Joseph
Blotter
If any readers have tips concerning crimes, they should call the Sartell Police Department at 320-2518186 or Tri-County Crime Stoppers at 320-255-1301 or access its tip site at www.tricountycrimestoppers. org. Crime Stoppers offers rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for crimes.
Ann Hardman
Menu: Swany pancakes, caramel rolls, sausage and eggs
Friday, April 4, 2014
contributed photo
The Sartell Middle School sixth-grade Math Masters team participated in the regional Math Masters of Minnesota Challenge March 6 at Sauk Rapids Middle School. The team finished first place out of a field of 22 teams. Team members (left to right) are the following: Luc Westling, Elaine Lo, Carly Larson (coach), Jacob Wieland and Janagan Ramanathan.
Sartell KB team set for state meet The Sartell Knowledge Bowl will compete for statewide honors April 10-11 at Cragun’s Resort near Brainerd. The five-member team placed second March 20 during the regional meet at Celebration Lutheran Church in Sartell. Coached by teacher Luke Walker, the varsity team is comprised of Sam Chappel, Adam Dullinger, Curt Koopmeiners, Gopi Ramanathan and Quinn Skoog. Buffalo placed first at the regional meet, with 122.5 points. Sartell was second with 115 points. Those two will be in
the larger-schools division at the state meet. In the smallerschool category at the regional meet, St. John’s Prep was first with 107 points and Albany second with 106 points. Buffalo, with 107.5 points, will also go to the meet because it had the next overall high score among the 18 teams that competed. The rigorous Knowledge Bowl competition at Celebration involved a written round of 60 questions and five oral rounds of 45 questions. For a photo of the team visit www.thenewsleaders.com and click on Sartell.
March 23 12:16 a.m. Hwy. 15. DWI. A vehicle was witnessed traveling 100 mph in a posted 60-mph zone. An odor of alcoholic beverages was detected and the driver was unable to pass field sobriety testing. The driver was placed under arrest and transported to Stearns County Jail without incident. 11:10 a.m. Pinecone Road. Traffic stop. A vehicle was witnessed traveling 62 mph in a posted 45-mph zone. The driver stated she was not aware of the speed limit. She was issued a citation and released. March 24 2:35 p.m. Walmart. Theft. An adult female was witnessed attempting to leave the store with unpaid merchandise. It was found the female had active warrants. She was placed under arrest and transported to Stearns County Jail without incident. 6:50 p.m. 10th Avenue N. Welfare check. A request was made to check on an elderly male who was not answering his door. It was found the male was intoxicated and not able to care for himself. He was transported to the hospital for an evaluation without incident.
Published each Friday by Von Meyer Publishing Inc.
Newstands Country Store and Pharmacy Holiday on Riverside Drive Holiday on 7th Street N House of Pizza JM Speedstop
Little Dukes on Pinecone Sartell City Hall Sartell-St. Stephen School District Offices Walgreens
www.thenewsleaders.com
Publisher/Owner Janelle Von Pinnon
Contributing Writer Cori Hilsgen
Editor Dennis Dalman
Design/Layout Tara Wiese
Advertising Sales Assistant Kathryn Bjorke Delivery Glen Lauer
P.O. Box 324 • 32 1st Ave. N.W. • St. Joseph, Minn. 56374 Phone (320) 363-7741 • Fax (320) 363-4195 • E-mail address: news@thenewsleaders.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ST. JOSEPH NEWSLEADER, P.O. Box 324, St. Joseph, MN 56374.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Question-answer forum to explore sports injuries by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
Seventy percent of Minnesota’s young people play some kind of sports, and 20 percent of those kids will be injured while playing sports and require medical care. That rather alarming statistic is partly what sparked Patty Candella of Sartell to organize a Sartell Says panel discussion with three local doctors, all of them highly knowledgable about sports injuries. The free question-and-answer forum will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, April 7 at the Sartell High School Theater. Audience members will be encouraged to ask questions and
News Tips?
raise concerns. Candella, the producer for the Sartell Says series of debates, will moderate the forum. Last month’s Sartell Says debate, the second in the series, explored the topic of sports injuries and the question of whether or not football should continue as a school sport. Because of that debate, Candella realized what a widespread interest there is in the topic, along with so many concerns of parents, school officials and medical experts. That is why she decided to organize the upcoming forum, a partnering project with the school district. “This (forum) is a way for parents to connect with medi-
Call the Newsleader at 363-7741 SAINT JOHN’S PREP Summer Program Day and Residential Camps • ACT Prep Course • Art and Nature • Chinese • German • Leadership • Science
sjprep.net/about/camps
Find us on
Now hiring!
Frugals offers breakfast now and we need people for all shifts. Looking for part-time to shift leaders and the pay is better than the competition! Get an application at the store, online at www.frugalburger.com or email frugals6@drizzle.com We have a lot of fun making great food – why not join us?
Hwy. 15 and River Road,
Sartell
cal expertise in this community,” Candella said. “It’s about hearing from professionals. There is a lot of interest about sports and injuries, along with a lot of confusion. We want to hear about the risks and the rewards of sports.” The forum will feature a panel comprised of Dr. Mark Halstrom of Williams Integracare; Dr. George Morris, medical director at CentraCare Clinic; and Dr. David Smith of Sartell Pediatrics.
3
4
Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, April 4, 2014
Sartell band seeks trombones, other players by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
There may be 76 trombones in the big parade, but in the Sartell Area Community Band there is only one. That is why the band is trying to recruit more talent, including maybe – with a little luck – a few more trombone players. The band could also use a few more flute players and percussionists. Currently, the band is a “bit heavy on saxophones,” said Ann Doyscher-Domres, one of the founding members and a
clarinet player in the band. She is also the program director for Sartell-St. Stephen Community Education. The Sartell Area Community Band is democratic and openended. For example, no auditions are required for someone to join it. It will accept any and all instrument players of any age and any skill level. “The more the merrier,” Doyscher-Domres said. “We are inclusive, and we welcome all talent levels.” People will have a chance to see and hear the band when
it performs at the Pine Groove Arts and Crafts Festival, which will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at Sartell Middle School. The event is a multi-talent show to raise funds for the Sartell Music Association. Anyone interested should just show up at the first rehearsal for the summer of 2014 season. The 90-minute rehearsal will take place at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at Sartell Middle School. Band rehearsals are always held at that time on Sundays at the middle school. Currently, there are about 25
active members of the band, which is now in its eighth season. Its director is David Lummley, who is also the director for the Sartell High School Band. Each spring and summer, the band performs four concerts: Memorial Day, Sartell SummerFest and two concerts in June at Val Smith Park on Sartell’s east side. This season’s schedule is as follows: Memorial Day ceremony in Veterans Park, Sartell: 9 a.m. Monday, May 26. Sartell SummerFest at the Libertyville event in Pinecone
Regional Park: Friday, June 13. Performance time to be determined. Two concerts in Val Smith Park: Monday, June 16, and Monday, June 30. The times of those concerts will be announced later. Those concerts are sponsored by Liberty Savings and Loan, Sartell-St. Stephen Community Education and the City of Sartell. Anyone interested in joining the band or checking it out should call Doyscher-Domres at 320-253-4036.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Stommes from front page enough weight – more than 40 pounds – and he takes medications for the disease. He doesn’t have to take shots.” Due to her awareness of diabetes, Stommes has become a forceful speaker to prevent and – hopefully – someday to find a cure for the disease. She is a member of the Sauk Rapids Lions Club, whose members are strong advocates for diabetes awareness and action programs. As Mrs. Minnesota, Stommes will travel extensively and do dozens of speaking engagements – many on the topic of diabetes – throughout the state. She will
Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com have her own booth at this summer’s Minnesota State Fair. Stommes’ journey to a law degree and the Mrs. Minnesota title was not an easy one. She said she had many difficult times in her life, the most difficult being the death of her little brother. When she was in kindergarten, she lived in Rockwood Estates, a mobile-home park south of Rice. One day, her younger siblings Heather and Jeremy, were playing with matches when a fire started. Three-year-old Jeremy hid himself in Kimberly’s bedroom closet and could not be found as the smoke became thicker. He died in the fire. “Dealing with that was extremely difficult for all of us,” she said. “Extremely difficult.” Kimberly’s family moved
quite often: St. Cloud, Rice, St. Joseph, Sartell. Her six years in Sartell schools were productive ones. She was on the student council, a class officer, played basketball as a sophomore and was a Sabre dancer the first year that award-winning dancing team was formed, in 2002. As a girl, she remembers how much she wanted to be the “Little Mermaid.” But her mother has often reminded her that her fantasy about being a little mermaid quickly morphed into a desire to become a lawyer. That desire stuck with her. She graduated in 2008 with a double major (political science and sociology) from St. Cloud
State University, then she went on to earn a juris doctorate degree in law from St. Thomas School of Law, Twin Cities. She graduated in May 2013. Just last month, Stommes began a new job as a part-time public defender in St. Cloud. Eventually, she intends to open her own law office and practice family law and criminal law. Kimberly has been married to Jeremy Stommes for six years. He is a machine operator for Park Industries in Waite Park. They have a daughter, 5-year-old Ava. People will have a chance to meet Mrs. Minnesota Kimberly Stommes during a diabetes-fundraising breakfast from
5 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3 at American Legion Post 254 in Sauk Rapids. Belgian waffles, sausages and beverages will be served. A portion of the proceeds of all sales will go to the Minnesota Lions Diabetes Foundation. Tickets are available at Showcase Properties in St. Cloud or at the door the morning of the breakfast. Stommes said she is happy her successes allow her to help others, in her work against diabetes and her abilities to inspire others to battle adversities. “You can do what you set your mind to – through hard work and determination, even if you haven’t had the easiest life.”
6
Our View Legislators on right track about minimum-wage issue
There is an interesting debate in the Minnesota Legislature about whether to approve an “inflator” for the minimum wage. An inflator means the minimum wage would go up automatically, commensurate with the inflation rate. It would be similar to the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security checks, although that’s been diminished in the last year or two. Some in the state legislature, mostly House members, want to let voters decide, through a referendum, if there should be an inflator, and then it would become law under the Minnesota Constitution. That way, it would be more difficult for future legislators to repeal. Other legislators oppose that approach, saying the constitution is a means to put in place a structure for how government should work, not to protect rights. Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk (DFL-Virginia), who is one of the main proponents of the inflator concept, disagrees: “The constitution is intended to protect the rights of the minority,” he said. “These low-wage workers are the minority of Minnesotans. This gives them some protection their wages would keep up with inflation. It meets my test that this is important enough it belongs in the constitution.” Both sides make some good arguments, but what’s important is legislators seem to be serious, one way or another, about raising the minimum wage and economic justice for those people who work hard and yet remain beneath the poverty level. That issue – economic justice – has been on the back burner for far too long. Minnesota’s minimum wage is a pathetic $6.15 an hour. It hasn’t been raised since 2005. Meantime, inflation has gobbled up the “real” value of that paltry wage ever since it was passed nine years ago. There is a current proposal in the legislature to raise it to $9.50 by 2016. Of course, inflation will eat into that amount, too, and by 2016 that $9.50 will have diminished in value. Polls indicate consistently as many as 80 percent of Americans, including Minnesotans, favor raising the minimum wage. We keep hearing dire warnings of job loss, but in the past, every time the wage was raised, the effects on jobs were negligible, and people and businesses made adjustments. In fact, quite the contrary, a minimum-wage raise might be just the thing to help stimulate a still sluggish economy. When people earn more money, they spend it locally. People who make low wages, in fact, tend to spend their money on the kinds of local goods and services that can boost local economies – thus job gains. It’s obvious the obstructionists in the U.S. Congress are not going to allow a minimum-wage increase, just the way they’ve prevented through spite and neglect other vital forms of legislation in recent years. That is why states have begun to enact legislation, including minimum-wage bills, on their own. They’re having to do the job the do-nothing national congress doesn’t do. And that is why Minnesota, like other enlightened states, should act immediately to raise the minimum wage one way or another, either through legislation or by popular vote.
Fairness and ethics
Newsleader staff members have the responsibility to report news fairly and accurately and are accountable to the public. Readers who feel we’ve fallen short of these standards are urged to call the Newsleader office at 363-7741. If matters cannot be resolved locally, readers are encouraged to take complaints to the Minnesota News Council, an independent agency designed to improve relationships between the public and the media and resolve conflicts. The council office may be reached at 612-341-9357.
Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Opinion
Friday, April 4, 2014
Locavores find droolworthy non-Franken foods Hey, just chillax! OK, so I’m one of the illiterati; just call me a noob. If I were a screenager, I’d be textspeaking twittering, and I’d turn into a blooming infomaniac just like all you young ‘uns do these days. Right now, I’m going to shut down this computer and head off to the farmers’ market. It’s a great place for locavores to hang out. The produce is droolworthy, and they don’t sell any Frankenfoods there. Most readers, especially those over 30, will need a translation of those two paragraphs. Here it is: Hey, just chill out and relax (chillax). OK, so I’m not educated in the ways of the computer (illiterati); just call me a computer novice (noob). If I were young, with an aptitude for the computer (screenager), I’d be texting, twittering and I’d develop a compulsive need to accumulate information (infomaniac) via my mobile phone or computer just like all the young ‘uns do these days. The farmers’ market is a great place to hang out if you’re a person whose diet consists only or mainly of locally grown foods (locavore). The produce is extremely attractive and desirable (droolworthy), and they don’t sell any genetically modified foods there (Frankenfoods). Those are all examples of new words that were just added to the dictionary, along with many others. Most of those words, not surprisingly, were coined by young people – especially young computer-savvy kids. The world of computers, after all, is a Brave New World, so unlike the days of my youth when jetage innovations like a four-slice toaster, a touch-tone button phone and snazzy fins on the butt end of a car were positively amazing – the cat’s meow.
Dennis Dalman Editor It’s hard to adjust to this youth lingo. But, parents, don’t despair. Always remember that for generations, teenagers have been driving their parents nuts with their goofy kid-speak. T’was ever thus. My parents turned gray-andwrinkled almost overnight when we long-haired kids started sprinkling our know-it-all conversations with words like squaresville, dullsville, hip, cool, groovy, far out and bread (for money). My poor parents – they were convinced aliens had landed and taken over. Another bit of advice for parents: Be proud of your children because they are natural-born wordsmiths who are enriching our language, keeping it from calcifying. Some of these new words, even though they’ve been hallowed by inclusion in the dictionary, will likely become obsolete. They’ll teeter and fall over into the ditch of dead words. Some new ones, however, will be around for a long time, and still others will morph into slightly altered forms with newer meanings. And that’s as it should be; that’s exactly how language works. Language – living language – is never set in stone but rather constantly evolving, becoming new and then newer – unlike, say, Latin, a dead language. English, especially, is a vigorously changing language. French, on the other hand, is slow to change, partly because there is a French Language Academy that acts
as a draconian gatekeeper, barring those jarring, rude words – foreign invaders – from polluting the purity and exactitude of French. The gatekeepers, however, sometimes suffer defeat as words like “le drugstore” and “le weekend” manage to barge through the barriers. British English has always been our prim and proper cousin, rather like an old-maid aunt. American English, on the other hand, is a sprawling, raucous, rough-and-tumble language that makes a lot of commotion. It’s like an energetic acrobat that springs and somersaults this way and that, picking up new words wherever it goes. And that’s the glory of American English – that acrobatic suppleness that makes for such rousing, vivid, descriptive speech and writing. American English was, once upon a time, British English before it was reworked among the new realities of a New World, soaking up influences from thousands of sources as the country expanded West: immigrant lingo, oceansailing terms, frontier-farming words, riverboat bluster, stagecoach talk, railroad words, gambling terms, goldmining camp vulgarities, Southwestern Spanish-Mexican words, Creole terms from Louisiana and last but not least Native American expressions (one of which is “Minnesota”). In the latter half of the 20th Century, thousands of words entered the language via industry, technology, transportation, space exploration and – most recently – a vast number have come from computer technology. American English is a boisterous, energetic, colorful language that reflects where this great nation has been, where it is now and where it is heading. We should be very proud of it – our nation and our language.
Letters to editor
Reader says personal experience with Obamacare a disaster Irene Ertl, Sartell I am appalled that you would write an article like you wrote in the Friday March 21, 2014 Newsleader, After March 31, it’ll get better. My daughter just had her 4-year-old daughter (my granddaughter) in the doctors’ office with a case of strep throat. She had to wait for four hours to be seen by a doctor. Her husband was at home with their 2-year-old child wondering where she was all that time. I’m finding the same to be true. I filed a grievance through my insurance company last week because of the care and charges that my clinic is leveling. I went in to the clinic for a follow-up
because of diabetes. I’m on Medicare. I was told there was no co-pay because this is a follow-up. In my statement from the insurance company (Minnesota Blue Cross Blue Shield), I’m being charged a co-pay rate for seeing a specialist. I saw a lady with RN behind her name. She handed me a blood-glucose monitor. She tried to explain how to use this device to me while a nurse stuck her head in the door twice asking her how much longer because she had several other patients waiting. I tried to use it after reading through the instructions in the book several times. I went to my son’s house and he set the time for me and showed me how to use it. She is asking my insurance company for a specialist fee of several
hundred dollars. What I’m seeing going on with my own family is a disaster! I have had several people tell me they have been denied health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care). They don’t know what they are supposed do. I have been told and I’ve heard it stated on TV that people are signing up for health-care coverage but they are not paying the premium because they don’t have the money to do so. More businesses are closing their doors and more people are losing their jobs every day. Wake up America! I think you owe Ron Scarbro an apology.
Reader says Scarbro disrespected presidents – past and present Sharon Fitzgerald, Sartell (Ron) Scarbro has the right to express an opinion on any subject he chooses to (After March 31, what then? published March 21). However calling President Obama “that turkey” is really offensive. He may hate the man, but should have respect for the office – that was an insult
to all presidents past and future. Scarbro, who is just another Rush Limbaugh wannabe, would be the first person to complain about today’s young people, saying they have no respect for their parents, teachers, police or other adult authority figures, but where do they learn that from? Scarbro and his cohorts have done nothing but spew hatred toward President Obama since he
was elected. They especially hate it that the Affordable Care Act was passed. Yes, Mr. Scarbro, this legislation was passed by the Congress and and only then was signed by President Obama. He did not alone proclaim this was a new law so perhaps the right-wing conservatives should stop calling it Obamacare and learn the real name of the law. Affordable Care Act!
Reader says thanks for write-up featuring his dad, a WWII vet Dennis Ayer, Stafford, Va. This note is in reference to the article you wrote about my Dad in the May 31, 2013 Sartell Newsleader. In November 2013, Dad passed away. I just wanted to thank you for your story about my Dad; he was my hero and it
wasn’t until after his passing that I found out he was a member of the YMS-183 crew which was written about in the book, The Wooden Dreadnaught. I purchased the book for him a few years before he passed away but he never spoke to me about it. After cleaning out his room at the nursing home they gave
me the book and I sat down to read it and read about all the actions the ship and crew went through during WWII. It was very humbling to read and try to understand what they must have gone through. Again thank you for the writeup you did so we never forget the sacrifices they gave for us all.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
7
Community Calendar
Friday, April 4 Fish Fry, 5-8 p.m., St. Joe Baseball fundraiser, El Paso Sports Bar & Grill, St. Joseph. Luther College Cathedral Choir, 7 p.m., freewill offering at the concert, Celebration Lutheran Church, 1500 Pine Cone Road N., Sartell, Free-Will offering. 320255-0488. Saturday, April 5 St. John’s Maple Syrup Festival, 1-4 p.m., St. John’s Outdoor University, Collegeville. www.csbsju.edu/OutdoorU.htm Messiah in the Passover Banquet, 5 p.m., Seder meal, Park Fellowship Church, 32932 Veterans Drive, Sartell. Free-will offering. 320-281-3201. Monday, April 7 Sartell Lions Club, 7 p.m., upstairs of Blue Line Sports Bar andGrill, 1101 2nd St. S., Sartell. 248-3240. Tuesday April 8 Basic computer and internet help, 11 a.m.-noon, Al Ringsmuth Public Library, 253 5th Ave. N., Waite Park. 320-253-9359. “Your Credit: the Good, the Bad the Ugly,” part of a financial fitness workshop series, 6-7 p.m., Room 208, Great River Regional Library, 12th Avenue and St. Germain St. W., St. Cloud. Wednesday, April 9 St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce, 11:30 a.m., St. Joseph Community Fire Hall. www.stjo-
MISCELLANEOUS
DirecTV - 2 year savings event! Over 140 channels only $29.99 a month. Only DirecTV gives you 2 YEARS of savings and a FREE Genie upgrade! Call 1-800-831-9839 (MFPA)
MISCELLANEOUS
PROBLEMS with the IRS or State Taxes? Settle for a fraction of what you owe! Free face to face consultations with offices in your area. Call 1-888-606-6673 (MFPA)
MISCELLANEOUS All Things Basementy! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing? Finishing? Structural Repair? Humidity and mold control? FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1-866691-8804 (MFPA)
GENERAL HELP WANTED
PAID IN ADVANCE! Make $1,000 A WEEK mailing brochures from home! Genuine opportunity! No experience required. Start immediately! www.localmailers.net (VOID IN SD) (MFPA)
MISCELLANEOUS
Computer Problems? Viruses, spyware, email, printer issues, bad internet connections – FIX IT NOW! Professional, U.S.-based technicians. $25 off service. Call for immediate help. 1-855717-2701 (MFPA)
HEALTH SAFE STEP WALK-IN TUB: Alert for Seniors: bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic jets. Less than 4” Step-In. Wide door. Antislip floors. American made. Installation included. Call 888743-6845 for $750 off. (MFPA)
sephchamber.com. Are you poisoning your family? get toxic products out of your home, 7 p.m., Riverside Plaza, 101 7th St. N., Corner unit 4, Sartell. 320-217-2700 St. Stephen City Council, 7 p.m., City Hall. 251-0964.
Thursday, April 10 Coffee and Conversation, a senior discussion group, 9 a.m., Country Manor, Sartell. 55+ Driver Improvement Program (four-hour refresher course), noon-4 p.m., Salem Lutheran Church, 90 Riverside Drive SE, St. Cloud, 1-888-234-1294. Llama Llama Read-a-Rama Pajama Party, 5:30-7:30 p.m., free fun event for families with young children, Great River Regional Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud, 320-650-2500. Friday, April 11 Discovery Day, students in grades 5-11 are invited to tour. To RSVP call 320-363-3315, option 3. St. John’s Prep. Blood drive, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., American Red Cross, 1301 W. St.. Germain St., St. Cloud. 1-800-7332767. St. Joseph Farmers’ Market, 3-6 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 CR 2 N., St. Joseph. Multicultural College Fair, 5-7 p.m., opportunities to speak individually with representatives of 10 colleges who speak Spanish and English with materials available in Somali. Social Room, St. Boniface Church, 501 Main St., Cold Spring.
MISCELLANEOUS
DISH TV RESELLER – SAVE! Starting $19.99/month (for 12 months). FREE premium movie channels. FREE equipment, installation and activation. Call, compare local deals! 1-800-314-4584 (MFPA)
MISCELLANEOUS
GET CASH NOW for your annuity or structured settlement. Top dollars paid. Fast, no hassle service! Call: 1-888989-5418 (Mon.-Fri. - 9 a.m.-6 p.m. CT) (MFPA)
FOR SALE
ProFlowers - Send bouquets for any occasion. Birthday, anniversary or just because! Take 20 percent off your order over $29! Go to http://www.Proflowers.com/Buy or call 1-866-983-2204 (MFPA)
MISCELLANEOUS
REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! Get a whole-home Satellite system installed at NO COST and programming starting at $19.99/mo. FREE HD/DVR upgrade to new callers, so call now! 1-855-244-0238 (MFPA)
MISCELLANEOUS GUARANTEED INCOME for your retirement - Avoid market risk and get guaranteed income in retirement! CALL for FREE copy of our SAFE MONEY GUIDE plus annuity quotes from A-rated companies! 1-800-458-8630 (MFPA)
HEALTH
Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail-order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 75% on all your medication needs. Call today. 1-800-406-9568 for $10 off your first prescription and free shipping. (MFPA)
320-685-3949, Fish Fry, 4-8 p.m., eat in at All Saints school cafeteria, parish Heritage Hall, American Legion-St. Joseph and The Middy, or take out at Heritage Hall, St. Joseph. Fish Fry, 5-8 p.m., Stride Academy fundraiser, El Paso Sports Bar & Grill, St. Joseph. Saturday, April 12 Sartell Farmers’ Winter Market, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sartell City Hall, 125 Pinecone Road N. Fun Fest Charity Carnival, sponsored by high school student council, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Sartell High School, 748 7th St. N., Sartell. All proceeds go to Children’s Lighthouse of Minnesota. Llama Llama Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m., children ages 3 to 6, Al Ringsmuth Public Library, 253 5th Avenue N., Waite Park. Registration required. 320-2539359.
Apartments IN SARTELL. Two-bedroom apartment. Spacious. Many newly remodeled! Pets Welcome. Heat paid, fireplace, d/w, balconies. Quiet, residential area. $639-$699. Garage included!
Call 320-281-5101. NOW HIRING! Sheet Metal Installer Experience preferred. St. Cloud area. Great pay and benefits. Call 320-363-7761 or email Bruce@mphmn.com. METRO PLUMBING & HEATING, INC. 545 8th Ave. N.E. St. Joseph
Hollow Park Apartments in St. Joseph, Minn.
Now accepting applications for a two-bedroom apartment.
For applications, please contact: Catholic Charities Housing Services 157 Roosevelt Road: Suite 200 St. Cloud, MN 56302 320-229-4576 This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
LEgal notICE CITY OF SARTELL PUBLIC HEARING CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE TITLE 11, CHAPTER 1-7 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: That the city of Sartell will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m.., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, Monday, April 14, 2014 at the Sartell City Hall, for the purpose of reviewing Title 11, Chapter 1-7, Subdivision Ordinance. A copy of the proposed changes to the ordinance is available for re-
HEALTH
view at the city clerk’s office.
All interested persons are invited to attend to voice their opinion. Written comments will be accepted until the date of the hearing. Mary Degiovanni City Administrator Publish: April 4, 2014
ADVERTISING
Medical Alert for Seniors – 24/7 monitoring. FREE equipment. FREE shipping. Nationwide service. $29.95/ month. Call Medical Guardian today. 1-888-721-6758. (MFPA)
TO INVESTIGATE OTHER ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Call PaperChain at 931922-0484 or e-mail info@ paperchain.com. (MFPA)
HEALTH
TOP DOLLAR PAID for wrecked, damaged, junk, running and non-running cars, trucks, vans and SUVs. Call now! 888-366-3353 Fast pick up! (MFPA)
VIAGRA - Pfizer brand! Lowest price from USA pharmacies. No doctor visit needed! Discreet home delivery. Call 1-866-903-2541. (MFPA)
AUTO
8
Schmitz from front page and served his country until 1991. Then he returned to the Paynesville area. He earned a law-enforcement degree from Alexandria Technical College and began working for the Paynesville Police Department.
Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com During that time, he also studied to earn a taxidermy license and opened Schmitty’s Taxidermy. An account for Schmitz’s family has been established at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union in Sartell. Those who would like to contribute should send a check written out to “Joe Schmitz 7907” and send it to SCFCU, 1716 Pinecone Road S., Sartell MN 56377.
Principals from front page Hill, who resigned in 2013. Johnson has taken a job as superintendent for the Albany School District. In 2013, Husman announced he has other plans and thus would no longer
serve as principal for Oak Ridge Elementary School. So far, there has been a verbal agreement from the two principals chosen by the board. Formal agreements are expected at the April 21 school-board meeting. For more information on Lynk and Nelson visit www. thenewsleaders.com.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Spring Shopping Expo/Craft Show
April 12 • 10 a.m-3 p.m 40+ Vendors Homemade Crafts & MORE! Free admission! Lots of door prizes! See the Easter Bunny! Looking for more vendors, Kim 320-333-2004 Westwood Church 5719 Walnut Drive St. Cloud