St. Joseph V24 I10

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Reaching Everybody!

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Newsleader St. Joseph

Friday, March 8, 2013 Volume 24, Issue 10 Est. 1989

Town Crier

Summer Rec ball registration

The St. Joseph Summer Rec evening ball program will be having registration on Saturday, March 9 from 1–4 p.m. at the St. Joseph Fire Hall. This program offers T-ball, pitch ball, softball and baseball for ages 5–14. If you cannot make it for registration or have any questions, please call Sharon at 320-293-3278 or Jen at 320-291-8393.

Nominations sought for Child Care Provider

Members of the community are encouraged to nominate their provider for this well-deserved recognition. Licensed providers within Stearns and Benton counties who have had at least three years experience are eligible. Letters should describe how a caregiver exhibits special competency, demonstrates professional skills or has made a positive impact on the lives of young children. Each county’s recipient of this award will be honored at the annual Provider Appreciation Banquet Friday, May 8 in the St. Cloud area. Letters can be emailed to Provider of the Year Committee at sbccaofmn@gmail.com. Letters must be received by April 1 in order for a provider to be considered for the 2013 Provider of the Year. For more information, visit www.sbccaofmn.com.

St. Joseph baseball goes back to its roots By Mark Lauer news@thenewsleaders.com

There may be huge piles of snow on the ground yet, and we will quite possibly see plenty more before the winter season is finally over. But as anyone who follows baseball knows, down in Florida and Arizona the boys of summer are back. However, the Minnesota Twins are not the only local baseball team itching to get back on the diamond. The St. Joseph amateur baseball team will soon return also, stretching throwing arms, loosening their batting strokes and giving fans in this town one more reason to look forward to spring and the beginning of the 2013 amateur baseball season. To get the season underway, before any practices or actual games are scheduled, the team will hold its annual fish fry and silent auction fund-raising event on Friday, March 8 from 5- 8 p.m. at the El Paso Sports Bar and Grill. The 2013 schedule has not

contributed photo

This photo was taken outside the Town Ball Tavern at Target Field in Minneapolis. The photo shows the 1925 St. Joseph Saints baseball team. been released yet (that won’t happen until sometime later this month) and the team’s roster is far from being finalized. But St. Joseph manager

Pat Schneider does expect to have most of his 2012 team back this year. The Saints finished 10-5 last season, good for second place in their divi-

sion of the Lakewood League. “We’ll be a running team,” said Schneider. “Our team speed has improved quite a Baseball • page 4

Willie Jett ready for new superintendent post by TaLeiza Calloway news@thenewsleaders.com

“Listen.” That is the first order of busiAgStar now accepting ness for Willie Jett when he takes senior scholarship apps his post as the new superintenThe AgStar Fund for Rural dent of St. Cloud area schools. America, the corporate giving “One of my first priorities is program of AgStar Financial Serlistening and building relationvices, is now accepting appliships, Jett said. “It’s about teachcations for its high school senior scholarship program, which ing and learning. It’s about the awards up to 20 students with $1,000 scholarships. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and live in AgStar’s local service area. Applicants are selected based on academic achievement, leadership characteristics and community involvement. Four winners will be chosen from each of AgStar’s five regions. Applications must be postmarked by April 1 to be considered. For more information, visit www.thenewsleaders. com and click on Criers.

Postal Patron

staff and the students. I want to be in the schools. I want to be visible. I like to be in the action.” The St. Cloud School Board unanimously voted Feb. 27 to invite Jett to become the next superintendent. Jett will replace Superintendent Bruce Watkins, who will retire June 30. Jett is an assistant high school superintendent for St. Paul Public Schools. He is excited about his

new role in St. Cloud. “I’m humbled by the opportunity,” Jett said. “St. Cloud is a wonderful place. I’m just excited to be an educational leader in that environment.” From his short stay during the community meetings and interview last week, he says he could see St. Cloud is a great place to raise a family and a hub of student support.

“It’s city with small-town feel,” he said. “It’s a college area, and there’s always something to do whether it’s the arts or athletics. I think it’s a great atmosphere to raise young people.” The leadership of “We” Jett’s approach to leadership is a collaborative one. The 48-yearold is quick to tell you that educational leadership is always Jett • page 8

Girl wins national photo contest by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com

Lydia Anderson’s parents had to play hush-hush around her for weeks and keep their lips zipped to make sure they wouldn’t spill the beans. What they knew -- but Lydia didn’t -- is that she had won first place in the national “Image Maker Photo Contest” sponsored by the local Boys

Daylight Savings begins Daylight Savings Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 10. Residents should turn clocks ahead one hour.

contributed photo

This photo won Lydia Anderson the top prize in a national photo contest sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club.

INSERT:

Culligan

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and Girls Club and its Kidstop programs. Her parents, Jason and Gina of St. Joseph, had to keep it a secret so Lydia would be suprised at a special presentation Feb. 28 at the Food Court in Crossroads Center. And surprised she was! She was very pleased and honored to get such an award. Lydia is a fifth-grader at Sartell Middle School. What is unusual and remarkable is that last year Lydia’s brother, Lance, also won first place in the same national photo contest, when he was a second-grader at Pine Photo • page 3


St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

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Friday, March 8, 2013

Church expansion on schedule despite snowy February by TaLeiza Calloway news@thenewsleaders.com

Construction work in Minnesota can’t escape delays from freezing temperatures. Work goes on, and such is the case for the Church of St. Joseph’s “Making Room at Our Table.” The building project that includes the construction of a fellowship hall is slated for completion July 1, despite the recent snowy weather. Ken Braseth, project superintendent for Breitbach Construction Co., said his crew lost a few days in February due to the winter, but the project is still on schedule. They often work through the elements when they can. “In Minnesota you will always catch a bite from the winter,” Braseth said. “The weather

Eight local students have been named to the dean’s list for the 2012 fall semester at the College of St. Benedict. They are: Gabrielle Volkers, daughter of Scott and Lisa Volkers of St. Joseph. Volkers is a junior biology major at CSB. Adelaide Carlson, daughter of Thomas and Michelle Carlson of St. Joseph. Carlson is a first-year environmental studies major at CSB.

is always a factor. It delayed us a little, but we’ll make our July 1 deadline. That’s the most important thing.” This February was the ninth snowiest on record for the St. Cloud area, according to a weather report from St. Cloud State University meteorologist Bob Weisman. The area retained 16.8 inches of snow last month, according to the report. As the weather starts to break up, progress continues with plans to close up the windows of the church structure. Pouring concrete for the floors could start as early as today (March 8th), Braseth said. The project cost is about $1.8 million. There are four areas to the “Making Room at Our Table” building project. They are a gathering space or large entrance into the church,

Jessica Alkire, daughter of Mary and Doug Alkire of Sartell. Alkire is a sophomore English major at CSB. Brandi Bollig, daughter of John Bollig of Sartell. Bollig is a firstyear chemistry major at CSB. Nikki Orth-Awenus, daughter of Holly Orth of Sartell. Orth-Awenus is a junior biology major at CSB. Ariel Reischl, daughter of Alan and Sherri Reischl of Sartell. Reis-

EnviroTech Now Hiring! Office cleaning positions near St. Joseph/Waite Park. Shifts are 4 hours per evening starting at $9 per hour. 2 positions are 2 nights per week on Tue./Fri. 5-9 p.m. and one is 5 nights per week 4-8 p.m. Must be 18 or older. Great 2nd job. More jobs also available in St. Cloud area. Apply online at www.bweclean.com or call 320-251-4385.

a restroom that will be accessible to all, a kitchen and a fellowship hall with the capacity to hold 250 people. The hope is the fellowship hall will be used for weddings or other family events. There are two steps leading to the bathroom now, hence the need for a more easily accessible one, Sandy Scholz, business manager for the church, said previously. Scholz said construction has not interfered with church operations. Access to and from the church has not been limited, but parking has been. She said parishioners have really stepped up to help in this area, including driving golf carts from the parking lot along College Avenue to the door of the church for those who need assistance. All are eager to have the extra space, Scholz said.

photo by TaLeiza Calloway

Breitbach Construction Co. workers Lee Olmschenk (center) and Scott Detloff (left) work on the church expansion project Feb. 27. “It’s going well,” Scholz said of the project. “We’re moving right along.” The design of the new addition was done by Hagemeister

and Mack Architects Inc. of St. Cloud. The general contractor for the project is Breitbach Construction Co. of Elrosa.

chl is a senior nursing major at CSB. Gabrielle Ross, daughter of Chuck and Marilyn Ross of Sartell. Ross is a sophomore nursing major at CSB. Cassandra Spoden, daughter of Brenda and Gary Spoden of Sartell. Spoden is a first-year nursing major at CSB. To be included on the dean’s list, students must have a gradepoint average of at least 3.80 and

have completed 12 credits for which honor points (A, B, C, etc.) are awarded. Students included on the dean’s list cannot have any “unsatisfactory” or “incomplete” grades for that semester.

nesota’s College of Science and Engineering - Twin Cities. Each semester, that school recognizes superior academic performance by emailing students a letter from the dean and making notations on their transcripts. To be on the CSE Dean’s List, a student must complete at least 12 credits of A-F registration, earn a semester grade-point average of at least 3.666 and receive no N grades.

If any readers have tips concerning crimes, they should call the St. Joseph Police Department at 363-8250 or Tri-County Crime Stoppers at 2551301 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. Feb. 6 5:31 a.m. CR 75. DWI. Officer stopped intoxicated individual who was driving. Individual failed the road tests and the breath tests. Feb. 7 7:02 a.m. Custody dispute. Baker Street E. Couple currently separated. Wife said she was trying to get the children ready for school and that the husband was being difficult. Husband stated he came to get his wife to do taxes and to see his children. Both parties were advised to get the issue handled with the court. Husband left. Feb. 8 10:53 p.m. Noise complaint. Old Hwy. 52. Complaint of kids in the middle of the road making noise. Of-

ficer checked and kids had moved on towards downtown. Feb. 11 8:32 a.m. Personal assist. Baker Street E. Two-year-old daughter locked mother out of the house and was inside alone. Officer was able to get a master key from the apartment manager and get the door open. 12:40 P.M. Verbal dispute. Elena Lane. Both parties agreed to talk problems out tonight and if it became a problem they would call police or one of them would have to leave. Feb. 15 1:23 p.m. Complaint of email scam. 6th Avenue SE. Female reported she had received an email from what appeared to be the FBI. She did not print off the email but wrote down some things that were on it. That sheet will be scanned in with the initialcomplaint report. Officer advised her that this was scam and not to respond. Feb. 17 10:00 a.m. Lost ID. College Avenue N. A Kidstop ID was turned

People

Christian Gaetz of St. Joseph, a freshman majoring in mathematics and physics, was named to the dean’s list with a 4.0 grade-point average at the University of Min-

Blotter

into the police station. Officer made contact with Kidstop and people there requested it be returned to them via U.S. mail. 10:16 a.m. Fraud. Baker Street E. Female reported that someone had opened a bank account in her name, using her social security number and date of birth. The bank is an online legitimate bank, but she said she never opened an account with them. Female said she made contact with the bank and is working on dealing with the credit bureaus to get this matter resolved and protected. She is not out any money at this time. Part of the letter sent by the bank will be scanned. Feb. 18 8:28 p.m. Fire. Island Lake Road, Collegeville Township. Stearns County Sheriff’s Department and Avon and St. Joseph fire departments responded to a residential fire. Homeowner was home and said the fire started in the chimney on the southeast side of the residence. Nobody was injured from the fire. Both fire departments were able to get the fire under control.

Published each Friday by Von Meyer Publishing Inc. Publisher/Owner Janelle Von Pinnon Editor Dennis Dalman

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Contributing Writers TaLeiza Calloway Mark Lauer

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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.


St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

Friday, March 8, 2013

Photo from front page Meadow Elementary School. One day, Lance was stunned to speechlessness when teachers led him into a gymnasium filled with students who burst out clapping and cheering. The students had been tipped off earlier for the sake of the surprise. They cheered again when Lance learned shortly after entering the gymnasium that he’d won first place for his photo of two entwined trees he took during a family trip to Ontario, Canada. Lydia entered her winning photo last year, but because of some confusion about entrants in the national contest, it took a long time for the results to be announced to parents. For her category, Lydia chose essay-photo, which required her to write a short essay on the theme of “My Future Looks Bright” and to submit, along with the essay, a photo that evokes that theme. For her photo, Lydia submitted one she took in the summer of 2011 while sitting in an apple tree at the Willmar home of grandparents Gene and Gloria Hippe. On that summer day, Lydia noticed her shadow was on the ground beneath the apple tree. She arranged herself so that one of her shadow hands on the ground looked as

if it was just about to pick an apple. Then, using one hand, she snapped the photo, showing part of the tree branches and the shadow hand ready to pluck the apple. In her essay, Lydia stated the apple symbolizes her happy future while the shadow evokes the uncertainty of life on her way to her goal. She concluded her essay with confidence -that despite uncertainties she is determined to reach that goal. Besides her enjoyment of photography, Lydia also likes art, soccer and running. A newer hobby is her learning how to hunt with her father. Lydia’s parents and her brother are all proud of her first-place honor. “Oh, my goodness,” said her mother. “She was very creative in how she designed and set up that photo before she took it.”

Medallion Hunt winners announced The St. Joseph Park Board announced the winners of the Joetown Snowtown Medallion Hunt Monday, Feb. 25. They are Carl and Amy Williams of St. Joseph. The Williams family braved the cold and found the medallion that turned out to be frozen to the bottom of the donation box at Memorial Park. The Williams family won a $25 gift certificate to Bello Cucina, a $25 gift certificate to Coborn’s, a $30 gift certificate to Lee’s Ace Hardware in St. Joseph, a $10 gift certificate to On a Lark, two wine baskets and a beer basket.

Meet Butterscotch, a 5-year old spayed Rex Rabbit mix who was surrendered because she and her 2 other bunny friends became too much responsibility for her previous owner. Butterscotch has lived with all ages of children and we are told that she likes being held. Her favorite snacks include apples and parsley. Don’t let yourself start thinking about adopting Butterscotch for Easter. Stick to chocolate bunnies for Easter and the real furry ones for someone ready for a lifetime commitment.

“Helping one animal won’t change the world … but it will change the world for that one animal!” Dogs - 9 Rabbits - 3

Puppies - 3 Rat - 1

Cats - 22

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Tri-County Humane Society 735 8th St. NE • PO Box 701 St. Cloud, MN 56302

252-0896

www.tricountyhumanesociety.org

Hours: Monday-Thursday Noon-6 p.m., Friday Noon-8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday Noon-5 p.m.

contributed photo

St. Joseph Park Board Chairman John Anderson shakes the hand of one of Amy (center) and Carl Williams’ children Feb. 25 at City Hall. The Williams family is the winner of the Joetown Snowtown Medallion Hunt that was held Saturday, Feb. 16.

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Sunday - Breakfast Ham daily 6” with 2 cookies Monday - Spicy or chips & 21 oz. drink TueSday - Turkey WedneSday - Turkey & Ham ThurSday - Ham Friday - Cold Cut Trio SaTurday - Veggie Good only at St. Joseph Subway 217 County Road 75


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Baseball

St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

Friday, March 8, 2013

amateur teams. Class A is reserved for teams from the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. There are only four Class A from front page leagues in Minnesota. Teams in Class B are generbit, and I expect some of our ally from larger outstate towns younger players are going to or teams that have won the help out a lot.” Class C championship. Their Schneider doesn’t expect rosters generally feature a this year’s team to be rememgood number of college playbered for its home-run powerbut will make up for it with ers, many of whom compete quickness and a solid defense. at the Division I or Division “Just watching the young II level. Because of the exguys and how they develop tra college talent, the caliber as ballplayers is going to be a of pitching is what separates Class B from Class C baseball, treat for the fans,” he added. according to Schneider. Reclassification rumors Class C is where the maLast November, Schneider jority of Minnesota baseball learned that the Minnesota teams compete. A Class C Baseball Association state team cannot have any curboard, which oversees amarent college players on its rosteur baseball in Minnesota, ter, unless that player has an wanted St. Joseph reclassified established residence in that (bumped up) from Class C to town or within a 30-mile raClass B. In addition, the Sartell dius of the town. There are no Muskies were also considered current college players on the for reclassification. “They (the MBA state board) St. Joseph roster. Schneider, along with other contributed photo wanted to create a larger Class The new scoreboard being installed at the Schneider Field last year. The scoreboard was largely B,” Schneider said in explain- Class C managers in the Lake- the result of a donation by Sentry Bank President Greg Reinhart, plus other private donations ing the reason for the pro- wood League, knew that their and the efforts of the St. Joseph Park Board. posed move. “There were only teams couldn’t compete in 30 teams in Class B and they Class B. They made plans durwanted 45. There just wasn’t a ing the winter to fight reclas- the board and argued his te- C teams (St. Joseph, Sartell, 70 years ago the Loso family am’s case for staying in Class Clear Lake, Litchfield and Sauk donated land to the city on the sification. lot of parity in Class B.” C. At one point he told the Rapids Jimmy’s Hurricanes) west side and designated that At the January MBA meetThere are three classificastate board that the five Class were ready to break away property to be used for park ing, Schneider went before tions among the state’s 300 from the Lakewood League and recreational use. That and form their own “Class C land is where Memorial Park, so-named in dedication to the St. Joseph Plumbing, only” league. 2013 St. Joseph Joes Baseball Fundraiser The final result is that the soldiers of World War II, can Heating and Irrigation five Class C squads will form be found today. We Specialize in Service & Sales St. Joseph had two teams in the renamed Sauk Valley • Underground Sprinkler Systems League, while the four remain- the powerful Great Soo League Friday, March 8 • 5-8 p.m. • Water Softeners ing Class B Lakewood teams back in the early 1900s, the • Water Heaters El Paso Sports Bar & Grill (Sauk Rapids Cyclones, Cold Joes and the Saints. When • Heating Systems • Central Air Spring Springers, Brainerd the Great Soo League broke Adults - $10 • Children 12 & under $9 Bees and St. Cloud Ultimate up in the mid-1960s, the origNick Froehle, Owner Check out the Silent Auction! Snappers) would have their inal Sauk Valley League was 320-363-7224 (closes at 8 p.m.) (Out of Area) 888-303-7224 own division. The teams from formed, and the Joes became the Sauk Valley League will a charter member. The Joes play each other twice during were very successful during the 2013 season and will have their time in the SVL, making one game against each of the regular appearances in region and state tournaments. Lakewood League teams. The baseball diamond is sitIn addition to playing in a new-look league, this season uated in a large bowl, flanked St. Joseph will also go back to by Old US Highway 52 on using its original nickname. one side and the Park Terrace The team will again be called neighborhood on the other. In the Joes, after being known 2002, the field was renamed as the Saints since 2000. The Schneider Field in recognition team will be wearing new uni- of the many years the Don forms and caps to go along Schneider (Pat’s father) family has spent fostering amateur with the name change. and youth baseball in town. Baseball heritage Amateur baseball has been Many improvements have a part of life in St. Joseph been made to the playing field, in St. Joseph since the early-1900s. St. Jo- the stands and concession area Don’t Miss This Opportunity! seph’s original baseball field in recent years. RoomS avaIlable Looking for a Great Job? Last year a new scoreboard was located in the southeast at arlington Place the best things come COMPETITIVE WAGES & BENEFITS! end of town back then, but was put up behind the outtogether...from convenient design to make your life wonderful...to your peace field fence. The funding for Sauk Centre Location of mind and sense of security. the new scoreboard came as WELDERS: Included in monthly rent: Three years experience and/or Technical College required! a result of a large donation • Suite rental • Paid utilities • Cable Weekend and 2nd shift openings! Mattress Outlet by Greg Reinhart, President TV • Three meals daily plus snacks! of Sentry Bank, which also • Activities program • 24/day Alexandria Location spawned other private donaawake staff • Pull-cord emergency WELDERS: Twin Sets from $99 response system • Mail delivery tions and the efforts of the St. Three years experience and/or Technical College required! Full Pillowtop Sets from $160 • Weekly housekeeping • Weekly 2nd shift openings! Joseph Park Board. Queen Pillowtop Sets from $195 laundry • Daily garbage removal “We have had a long basePreferred Skills: previous manufacturing experience, King Pillowtop Sets from $350 • Daily bedmaking • Scheduling strong math skills and ability to read prints. ball tradition in this town,” transportation for appointments Sofa and Sectional Sets says Schneider, “and we’ve • Weekly bathing assistance • Monthly at Unbeatable Prices! 1131 W. Sinclair Lewis Ave. 1401 36th Ave. W. blood pressure & weight checks been pretty successful and Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Alexandria, MN 56308 played some entertaining If interested call Karen at 320-348-9003 320-352-6525 320-763-6964 baseball for the most part. I (320) 363-1313. hope the fans can support us.” Or apply online at: www.std-iron.com EOE 21 16th Ave. SE • St. Joseph


St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

Friday, March 8, 2013

5

Can you name locations of melting snowhills? by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com

This past weekend’s sunny skies and warm weather created many puddles for pedestrians to walk around or through. Large snow piles around town began reducing in size. Central Minnesota saw record amounts of snow during the month of February. More than 16 inches of snow was recorded, compared to an average of about 7 inches. The record February snow in photos by Cori Hilsgen the area totaled more than 21 Photo 1 inches in 1971. This year’s Feb- This snow hill is well hidden by shrubs but is still visible. ruary snowfall is listed as one of the top nine years of snow. To help ensure that streets are driveable, snowplow drivers have worked hard to pile snow in parking lots and other areas. With the warm weather, some of those snow piles are melting. Area residents are trying to guess when the hills might be gone and when they can start enjoying the spring weather. Can you guess where each of the snow hills is located?

Bromenschenkel to host coffee meet

Photo 2 This hill is located in a downtown parking lot.

The public is invited to a listening session with Stearns County Commissioner Mark Bromenschenkel from 11 a.m.noon Saturday, March 9 at Liquid Assets coffee shop in Sartell. It is located at 1091 2nd St. S. Bromenschenkel represents people in District 2, which includes Sartell, St. Joseph and Waite Park. He also represents the townships of LeSauk, St. Photo 3 Joseph and St. Wendel. This hill is located near a park. “Coffee with Bromenschenkel” is typically held the first Saturday of every month and alternates among the three cities mentioned above. Those who cannot attend the March 9 meeting con contact Bromenshenkel by phone (320-493-9180) by email at mark.bromenschenkel@ co.strearns.mn.us or at P.O. Box 190, Sartell, MN 56377.

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Photo 4 This hill is located near a school.

Photo 5 This hill is located near a college.

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Friday, March 8, 2013

Opinion

Our View

New laws take effect, so note the changes

City council votes are taken and new rules debut. It happens so often it is easy to lose track of changes in area cities. Several new laws take effect this month in St. Joseph, and it’s important for residents to note what they are and how they will be affected by them. One rule launching this month is the introduction of a street-lighting utility fee. Elected officials voted 3-2 to adopt the fee that will be collected citywide for street lighting. Collection is set to begin this month. The streetlighting utility fee is based on a per-unit system and is not as simple as paying for the light by one’s home, according to city officials. Residents will see an increase of $18 per year, and businesses will see an increase of about $20 per year, St. Joseph City Administrator Judy Weyrens said last month. Street lighting is generally included in the city’s property-tax levy, but in December 2012 officials voted to remove it and institute a street-light utility fee. By pulling the streetlighting expense from the levy, instead of residents and businesses paying taxes to the county for street lighting, they will pay the city directly every two months. The city also adopted laws to help deter underage drinking in the community. They include a requirement for residents to apply for a permit to have kegs at gatherings, a socialhost ordinance and a disruptive=intoxication ordinance. The vote, taken in January, was 4-1 with opposition to the social host ordinance due to potential court costs to uphold it. Specifically, the social-host ordinance is a law that holds people criminally responsible for hosting events or gatherings where people under the age of 21 possess or consume alcohol regardless of whether the event’s host supplied the alcohol. The disruptive-intoxication law states no person, while intoxicated, in a public place shall conduct himself or herself so as to be a danger to themselves or others and or engage in a public disruption. While all change is a transition, awareness of them can help with adjustment. As time passes after council meetings and public hearings, it is easy to forget about what happened a few months ago. Often people can’t make it to council meetings and might not be able to sit down a read a newspaper and watch the rebroadcast of a city meeting. Well, it’s important to take the time to learn about changes that affect you in your community. Meeting minutes are available on the city’s website (www.cityofstjoseph.com), and copies of meeting minutes can be requested at city hall. Stay informed and abreast with the changes.

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.

Women’s History Month gets introduction with iconic statue There’s no better way to kick off Women’s History Month than to honor a woman whose single act of courage launched a movement that continues today. A statue of Rosa Parks was unveiled recently in Washington, D.C. She is the first African-American to get a full-length statue in the Capitol’s National Statutory Hall. I have only two words in response to this occurrence: Well deserved. Parks, a civil rights pioneer, is known for her refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery, Ala. This was in 1955 when racial segregation was the law of the land and people of color were required to sit in the back in the bus. Parks, 42 at the time, was arrested but it didn’t stop there. Her arrest launched a yearlong boycott that eventually led to the integration of Montgomery’s buses. In 1956, the Supreme Court banned segregation on public transportation. Decades later, the nation marvels at the fact that our country is led by the first African-American President. Parks was a fearless leader, and the courage she displayed inspired others to fight for

TaLeiza Calloway Reporter equality for all people. The statue depicts Parks sitting on the bus, clutching her purse and looking out the window. The structure is 9 feet tall and is made of bronze. The civil rights heroine is worthy of celebration as are other female trailblazers. While Women’s History Month is a time when the world stops to reflect on the contributions of women and the strides made throughout time, this is something that should be ongoing. This recognition does and should continue to happen. Parks died in 2005 at the age of 92, but her legacy lives on. The unveiling of the statue last week was celebrated by President Barack Obama who spoke during a ceremony, along with a host of congressional leaders and members of Parks’ family. Obama said Parks’ action should inspire us all today, according to a news article in USA

Today. It inspired me. I was proud to see her statue on the cover of the newspaper. I thought it was a great launching pad for the month of March. The Parks statue was unveiled Feb. 27, one day before the end of Black History month and on the same day the Supreme Court heard arguments centered on the Voting Rights Act. Signed in 1965 by President Lyndon Johnson, the law requires several states and counties with a history of racial discrimination to clear election-related changes with the federal government. While the Supreme Court’s four liberal justices appeared willing to back the Voting Rights Act, conservative justices were much more critical of the law during the discussion, according to media reports. No matter when the tribute to Parks was revealed to the world, I thought it was a wonderful reflection of how far we’ve come. It’s easy to be inundated with various reasons to celebrate within one month. Whether it is women’s history, St. Patrick’s Day or other holidays, there is often an occasion to celebrate. This was definitely one of those times.

Voting Rights Act of 1965 must never be nixed Antonin Scalia should do the country a favor and resign from his lifelong job as U.S. Supreme Court justice. Recently, Scalia described the 1965 Voting Rights Act as a “continuation of racial entitlement.” It is possible that the conservative-majority Supreme Court could overturn that historic act, one of the seminal forces for civil rights in this nation. Any court official who would choose the word “entitlement” to describe voting rights has been living in a bubble, far removed from current realities – especially the realities of blatant votersuppression efforts in the last presidential election. This despicable thicket of votersuppression efforts in many states and cities – still ongoing, by the way – takes many devious forms: stopping early-day voting options and Election Day voter registration and the requirement for voters to present various kinds of documentation (including photo IDs) before they can vote. The rationales for those efforts is to squelch “voter fraud,” despite the fact that fraud is virtually nonexistent. Voter-suppression is one reason for the long lines and all-day waits for so many voters last year. Those “waiters” included blacks, the elderly and college students – the very demographic groups inclined to vote for Democrats. Scalia and at least two other conservative high-court justices think there is no need for the Voting Rights Act because, they claim, there has been so much progress toward racial equality and polling-place procedures since 1965.

Dennis Dalman Editor Yes, thankfully, there has been progress since the dark days of Jim Crow voter suppression in the Deep South with its literacy tests and poll taxes. But to think there is no more need for a Voting Rights Act is a delusion, at best. Judging by the suppression efforts still going strong, we need that Act more than ever. In fact, it should be rewritten so it covers people of all races and so that it bans all states and localities from concocting voter-suppression schemes, period. If that Act is nixed by the Supreme Court, suppression efforts could multiply here, there and everywhere like the fleas that brought the plague. Scalia’s describing the Voting Rights Act as an “entitlement” is a huge insult to all of the good people – mostly blacks – who fought such a long, patient, oftenbloody battle to bring about the right to vote. As a highly-educated man and a long-time jurist, Scalia ought to know better. He should understand that “progress” is often brought about by laws and that repealing those laws can result in backsliding into the old unjust ways. Scalia should also realize that vital battles so hard-fought and won to establish equal rights for all Americans should not have

to be re-fought all over again. And that’s what has been happening in recent years -- reactionary politicians trying to repeal all kinds of long-established progressive accomplishments (Social Security and Medicare are just two other examples), making it necessary for people to spend precious time fighting those same battles again. Meantime, as people fight to retain what was once gained, the nation’s most important problems – and opportunities – go unheeded. Wouldn’t it be good if Scalia could meet with the martyrs of the voting-rights movement? People like James Chaney, a young black man; and his two young white friends from the North, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner. While trying to register blacks and poor-white voters in Mississippi in 1964, those three were intimidated, beaten and shot to death at point-blank range, executionstyle, by thugs belonging to the “White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan,’’ a racist gaggle that included a sheriff and a Baptist preacher. The bodies were found 44 days later, buried in an earthen dam. Their murders and the corrupt justice systems in the South caused a national outrage that led directly to passage of the Voting Rights Act. If those martyrs could talk, they would tell Scalia they didn’t work and die for a temporary Voting Rights Act; they worked and died, along with many others, for a permanent Act that would guarantee all Americans the right to vote once and for all and forever.

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St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

Friday, March 8, 2013

7

St. Joseph business leads in fundraiser honoring officer by TaLeiza Calloway news@thenewsleaders.com

The men and women who work at Casey’s General Store in St. Joseph might not have known Tom Decker personally but know his death has left a community in mourning. The St. Joseph business is one of several locations selling T-shirts and pins in memorial of the Cold Spring police officer who was shot and killed in November. The St. Joseph store is leading in sales of the items whose proceeds will allow members of the

Cold Spring-Richmond Police Department to travel to Washington, D.C. to see Decker’s name inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in May. The Memorial honors federal, state and local law-enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our nation and its people. It features two curving, 304-foot-long blue-gray marble walls. Carved on these walls are the names of more than 19,000 officers who have been killed in the line of duty throughout U.S. history, dating back to the first

known death in 1791, according to www.nleomf.org. Unlike many other memorials in Washington, D.C., the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is an ever-changing one with new names of fallen officers added to the monument each spring, in conjunction with National Police Week. The goal is to raise $10,000. Joan Willenbring, manager of the Casey’s store in Richmond, said fundraising efforts started a few months ago in Richmond to support Decker’s family and friends and the mission grew to other lo-

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cations participating in cities that include St. Joseph, Waite Park, Foley and St. Cloud. All locations are selling the pins and T-shirts. From the selling of cookies with Decker’s badge number on them to the commemorative pins and T-shirts, many have stepped up to make sure Decker is not only remembered but is saluted when his name is put on the wall. Willenbring said the goal is make it so the officers can attend the week-long event that includes the inscription. Any money left over will be used to enhance officer safety and update equipment.

One piece of equipment the department plans to buy is camera equipment for squad cars. Willenbring said if this type of technology had been in the vehicle the night of the shooting, footage could have aided in determining the shooting suspect. Willenbring collects the money raised from the stores in St. Joseph, Waite Park and St. Cloud. She dropped off about 200 pins and they are almost gone. Sales are steady in St. Joseph. “The St. Joseph store is doing an excellent job,” Willenbring Officer • page 8

Community Calendar

Friday, March 8 St. Joseph Farmers’ Market, 3-6 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 610 CR 2 N, St. Joseph. www.stjosephfarmersmarket.com. Fish fry, 4:30-7:30 p.m., St. John the Baptist Parish, Collegeville. Fish fry, sponsored by St. Joseph Joes Baseball Team, 5-8 p.m., El Paso Sports Bar and Grill.

Saturday, March 9 Har-di-Har, an Iowa pop/folk duo, 8-10 p.m., Local Blend in St. Joseph. All ages welcome, free event. Tuesday, March 12 Holistic Moms Network, 7-8:30 p.m., Good Earth Co-op, St. Cloud. 320-252-2489. Wednesday, March 13 St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce, 11:30 a.m., St. Joseph

Community Fire Hall. www.stjosephchamber.com.

Thursday, March 14 LinkedIn Basics, professional development for busy people, noon-1 p.m., Resource Training and Solutions, 4150 2nd St. S., Suite 550, St. Cloud. 320-2553236. St. Joseph Action Group, Thursday, March 14, 7:00 PM, St. Joseph American Legion, If you have any questions, cal Bill Durrwachter 363-7666 Friday, March 15 Blood drive, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., St. John’s Preparatory School, 1857 Watertower Road, Collegeville. 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org. Fish Fry buffet, sponsored by the Sno Joes Snowmobile Club, from 5-8:30 p.m. at the El Paso Club, St. Joseph.

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Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. Wednesday, 6 p.m. Saturday

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610 N. CR 2 St. Joseph Russell Eyecare & Associates 320-363-4232 www.rlcstjo.org 15 E. Minnesota St., Ste. 107 St. Joseph 320-433-4326 St. Joseph Catholic Church Masses: Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m. Saturday 5 p.m. Sunday 8 and 10 a.m.

320-363-7505 St. Joseph www.churchstjoseph.org

PLUMBING & HEATING Metro Plumbing & Heating 545 8th Ave. NE St. Joseph 320-363-7761


St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

8

Name: Willie Jett Age: 48 Family: Wife Tamara. Two children: son Drake, 11; daughter Jasmine, 9.

Education: Education: Master’s degree from University of Pittsburgh; bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Chicago. Hobbies/Likes: Attending great performances and traveling. Favorite Quote: “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”- Ghandi

Officer from page 7 said. “I’ve had to go there twice already to pick up (donations).” Teresa Kruger-Lahr of St. Joseph is an assistant manager at the Casey’s store in St. Joseph. She said the community has really rallied behind the fundraising efforts. “The support has been amazing,” Kruger-Lahr said. Ryan Nuckolls is also an assistant manager at the Casey’s store in St. Joseph. He said within one week, the store sold 10 T-shirts and about 23 pins. Customers are curious about the navy blue shirts near the cash register.

“They are happy to see (this effort) here,” Nuckolls said. “I think people are more apt to support it in this area because of what happened to Klinefelter.” Brian Klinefelter was a St. Joseph police officer who was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle carrying three liquor store robbery suspects in 1996. Police Officer Tom Decker was shot and killed Nov. 29, 2012 as he and his partner performed a welfare check on a man whose family believed was suicidal. Officers had attempted to make contact with the subject at his apartment but were not successful. They returned to the scene approximately two hours later. As Officer Decker exited his patrol car in an alley behind

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Jett from front page about the student and working together with teachers, parents and the community to benefit them. “It’s a we (approach),” he said. “It’s never about me. It’s always about a student and what’s in the best interest of students and young people, and what are we going to do together to benefit young people.” Jett has a master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh. He spent nine years in the classroom and is in his 12th year as an administrator in Minnesota. He’s worked in urban and suburban schools. What attracted him to St. Cloud is not only its size but its diversity and community involvement in the the apartment, he was ambushed and shot twice with a 20-gauge shotgun. He was fatally wounded despite wearing his vest. He was 31. Decker served with the Cold Spring Police Department for six years. He had previously served with the Isle Police Department and Kimball Police Department for an additional four years. He is survived by his wife and four children. The pins are $5. The T-shirts are available in sizes small through XXXL. The cost is $15 for sizes S-XL and $20 for sizes XXL and XXXL. Willenbring said eventually the shirts will be discounted. The front of the shirt has a shield on it that includes Decker’s badge number. The

betterment of student success. A product of Osseo schools, he grew up in the Brooklyn Park area. He has taught in the Anoka-Hennepin School District, Osseo, Hopkins and Minneapolis area schools. He admits to missing his days in the classroom but enjoys the access he has to more students beyond the classroom as an administrator. “I love the classroom, he said. “I love the one-on-one interaction with students . . . As an administrator I’ve been able to expand my role.” When he became an administrator, itt gave him a chance to interact with all students within a school building. This is something that he’s fortunate to experience in St. Paul. “Our superintendent values her administrators being in buildings,” he said. “So I get a chance to be in buildings two to three

Friday, March 8, 2013 times a week. That’s one of the things I love.” Family values When asked to name one thing someone might be surprised to know about him, his answer is not singular. It’s an ongoing daily task that forces him to self-reflect on his value of family. “On a daily basis I ask myself, ‘How am I as a father and what is my own kids’ view of me?’” He also reflects daily on his partnership with his wife Tamara. They have two children -- son Drake, 11; and daughter Jasmine, 9. When he’s not working or spending time with his family, he enjoys a good performance. “I like to watch people perform,” he said. “It can be a musician, and if they’re good at their craft, I like to watch them perform. If it’s an athletic event, I like to watch them perform.” Jett will start his new job July 1.

photo by TaLeiza Calloway

Ryan Nuckolls, an assistant manager at Casey's General Store in St. Joseph, replaces one of the T-shirts honoring slain Cold Spring/Richmond Police officer Tom Decker. The St. Joseph store is one of several stories selling the shirts and commemorative pins to honor Decker. back of the shirt has a scripture from the Bible book of Matthew. Specifically, the scripture

is Matthew 5: 19: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.”


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