Reaching EVERYbody!
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid St. Joseph Newsleader St. Joseph, MN 56374 Permit No. 21 ECRWSS Postal Customer
Newsleader St. Joseph
Postal Patron
Bennies give back through volunteering Town Crier Friday, April 8, 2016
Saying goodbye to El Paso
Volume 27, Issue 14 Est. 1989
Mattress fundraiser set April 9 at SRR Middle School
Sauk Rapids-Rice High School band and choir will host its second annual mattress fundraiser from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, April 9 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School to raise funds for band equipment, instruments and student fees. This one-of-a-kind fundraiser allows parents and community members to support music and athletic programs by purchasing new, name-brand mattresses, with each purchase benefiting the program. CFS offers delivery, free lay-away and many of the same beds available at stores. Beds also include factory warranties, all at retail sale prices or below. Faculty, staff and civil servants may obtain a referral coupon available from any member of the band.
Training set April 16 for horseback riding
Volunteer training for Project ASTRIDE will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 16 at the Rock Creek Coffeehouse in Sauk Rapids. The volunteer organization provides therapeutic horseback activities to individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. Contact Marti at martiastride@yahoo.org or visit www.astride.org for more information.
Red Cross asks for blood donations
The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to donate blood this spring to ensure a sufficient supply for patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals across the country. Donated blood is perishable and must constantly be replenished to keep up with hospital patient need. Red blood cells are the blood component most frequently transfused by hospitals and must be used within 42 days of donation. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O, A negative and B negative. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, up to six times a year, and double red cells may be donated every 112 days, up to three times per year. To make an appointment to give blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
For additional criers, visit www.thenewsleaders.com and click on Criers.
by Frank Lee operations@thenewsleaders.com
Students from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph made history by volunteering to help out the city of St. Joseph with a day of community service. The College of St. Benedict Senate Community Committee planned the inaugural “Bennie Day of Service,” which took place April 3 and included 128 young women, dubbed “Bennies.” “We’re trying to give back to the community that’s given so much to us,” said Committee Vice President Bethany Purkapile, a senior majoring in political science and psychology. Bennies volunteered at the Church of St. Joseph, for ex-
ample, during the day of service by asking for donations during a phone-a-thon – just one of the sites where the women volunteered. “It’s the first time that St. Ben’s Senate has put on any large volunteer project or program, where all Bennies could participate if they wanted to,” said Purkapile, who hails from Portland, Ore. The St. Ben’s Senate “is the voice of the students of the College of St. Benedict,” according to the CSB/St. John’s University’s website. “We also worked with the Knights of Columbus to hand out breakfast,” she said of the other places the women volunteered. “And they cleaned up the playground at All Saints Academy.” Bennies • page 4
Bonding options considered for new government center by Frank Lee operations@thenewsleaders.com
A groundbreaking ceremony for a new government center in St. Joseph was held March 31 just as the city is close to finalizing the sale of its city-hall building that was at one time a bank. The government center will be located to the west of Colts Academy, which was sold by the St. Cloud School District to the City of St. Joseph in September for more than $2
million. “There are two approaches to financing this type of project,” said Monte Eastvold, vice president of Northland Securities Inc., who spoke at the April 4 St. Joseph City Council meeting. State statute allows general-obligation capital-improvement-plan bond funding for certain capital improvements of city buildings. Another bonding option is public-project-++revenue bonds. Options • page 3
photos by Cady Sehnert
The El Paso Sports Bar & Grill as it stood before demolition.
Above: Lange Trenching Inc., based out of Avon, demolishes the remainder of the El Paso Sports Bar & Grill on April 4. A Kwik Trip gas station will replace the former bar and eatery. “For a small town, this is really a big deal,” said Eric Poissant, a city maintenance worker who was observing the demolition. The date of construction for Kwik Trip is still pending. After 70 years of business, El Paso Sports Bar & Grill is no more. The building was demolished April 4 to make way for a Kwik Trip gas station.
Syrup-making demos a sweet success by Frank Lee operations@thenewsleaders.com
photo by Frank Lee
Tom Carlson and his wife, Shelly, cook maple syrup made from sap collected from trees at Wildwood County Park next to Kraemer Lake in St. Joseph during an open house April 2.
The Carlsons know how to make the best of a sticky situation. Tom Carlson and his wife, Shelly, along with daughter Addie and son Ben make maple syrup at Wildwood County Park next to Kraemer Lake in St. Joseph. “My wife Shelly grew up on this farm,” Tom Carlson said during an open house April 2. “It was in their family since the
www.thenewsleaders.com
‘50s, and they’ve been making syrup here since the late ‘70s.” Visitors learned how maple sap from trees at the county park is collected, processed, packaged and sold during the three-hour open house with tours and presentations by the Carlsons. “We only make maple syrup during March and April,” Tom said. “But this year, we started in February because it was warmer. There is a finite amount of days the sap will Demos • page 3
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
2
Friday, April 8, 2016
People
contributed photos
Top left: Birdhouse night took place at the St. Joseph Legion on March 21. Wood for the houses was cut in advance by retired carpenters and St. Joseph Rod & Gun Club members Ron Rennie, Peter Giroux, Mike Westerhoff, Neil Loso and Marvin Bierschbach. Supplies were donated by Ace Hardware in St. Joseph and Manion’s in St. Cloud. Wood was donated by the St. Joseph Rod & Gun Club. 25 wood-duck houses, 100 bluebird houses and 80 wren houses were built during the course of the evening. Top right: A member of the St. Joseph Rod & Gun Club helps a young man assemble a birdhouse at the March 21 event.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY AUTO BODY REPAIR Auto Body 2000
(behind Coborn’s in the Industrial Park)
St. Joseph • 320-363-1116
BEAUTY Mary Kay Cosmetics Joyce Barnes St. Joseph • 320-251-8989 CHIROPRACTOR Dr. Jerry Wetterling College Ave. • 320-363-4573 jlwchiro.com CHURCHES Gateway Church - New Location! Saturday 6 p.m. • Sunday 10 a.m. Northland Plaza Bldg. • 708 Elm St. E. 320-282-2262 • gatewaystjoseph.org Resurrection Lutheran, ELCA
Sunday Worship 8:30 & 11 a.m. WoW! (Worship on Wednesday) 6:30 p.m.
ELECTRICAL HI-TEC Electric • St. Joseph Residential • Commercial Remodeling • General Services 320-363-8808 • 320-980-0514 EYECARE Russell Eyecare & Associates 15 E. Minnesota St., Ste. 107 St. Joseph • 320-433-4326 MASSAGE Justina Massage Young Living #1122141 Minnesota St. • 320-492-6035 PUBLISHING Von Meyer Publishing 32 1st Ave. NW St. Joseph • 320-363-7741 REAL ESTATE Wendy Loso Century 21 First Realty Inc. 320-980-5920
610 N. CR 2, St. Joseph 320-363-4232 www.rlcstjoe.com RESIDENTIAL BUILDING Klein Builders Inc. St. Joseph Catholic Church 320-356-7233 Masses: Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m. www.kleinbuildersmn.com Saturday 5 p.m. Sunday 8 & 10 a.m.
St. Joseph • 320-363-7505 www.churchstjoseph.org DENTISTRY Drs. Styles, Cotton & Milbert 1514 E. Minnesota St. St. Joseph • 320-363-7729 Laser Dentistry 26 2nd Ave. NW St. Joseph • 320-363-4468
TECHNOLOGY Computer Repair Unlimited 24 W. Birch St. St. Joseph • 320-492-2814 www.computerrepairunlimited.com TRUCKING Brenny Transportation, Inc. Global Transportation Service St. Joseph • 320-363-6999 www.brennytransportation.com
Call the St. Joseph Newsleader at 320-363-7741
if you would like your business included. Check out the online Business Directory at thenewsleaders.com which hyperlinks to each business’ website.
Logan Mehr of St. Joseph was recently named to the fall dean’s list at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Students who have achieved a minimum grade-point average of 3.6 qualify for this honor. Two St. Joseph students were among 1,778 students grades 7-12 If you have a tip concerning a crime, call the St. Joseph Police Department at 320-363-8250 or Tri-County Crime Stoppers at 320255-1301 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 crime.
from 43 schools in the state who recently competed in the 49th annual statewide math contest held March 31 at St. Cloud State University. They are Emily Anderson, a seventh-grader, and Zachary Schiltz, an eighth-grader, who each ranked in the top 10 percent of their grade. Both are from Ken-
nedy Community School. Students from across Central Minnesota who participate in the contest are in the top 15 percent in their grade level. From the group of the top students in each school district, the contest then recognizes those performing in the top 20, 10 and 5 percent of those competing at each grade level.
in class. Police checked with the family who stated they had flu-like symptoms.
March 17 3:25 p.m. Gas no-pay. College Avenue N. Officers were dispatched to a local gas station after a customer had driven off without paying for the fuel. A surveillance video was reviewed, but the license plate on the vehicle could not be clearly seen. There was no further way to identify the individual, so no action was able to be taken.
Blotter
March 15 8:27 a.m. Medical. College Avenue N. Police assisted a female who was experiencing severe stomach pains. Authorities stood by until Gold Cross arrived. 3:36 p.m. Welfare check. Cedar Street E. A local school called authorities to see why children from a particular residence were not
March 16 2 a.m. Traffic stop. CR 75/ CR 133. While on routine patrol, police observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver was pulled over and informed she was traveling 20 mph over the posted speed limit. She was issued a citation and released. 4:23 p.m. Warrant. CR 75. Authorities observed a vehicle parked behind a local business. Records indicated the driver of the vehicle had a misdemeanor warrant for revoked plates. She was promptly arrested and transported to jail for further processing.
The dates regarding a Wine, Kibbles and Bids event were incorrect in the April 1 story headlined as “Remy to star at
humane-society fundraiser.” The correct information is this: The event will take place Friday, April 22 at the Gorecki Center on the
Correction
March 18 10:11 p.m. Alarm. CR 75 W. Police responded to an alarm at a local business. Upon arrival, an employee was on the scene. She stated she had contacted the keyholder, who was en route. No further action was needed.
campus of the College of St. Benedict. The deadline to purchase tickets for the dinner-and-auction is Tuesday, April 19.
Have any Achievements? Grad. from HS/College, Military Honors, Awards Submit to news@thenewsleaders.com For contact purposes only, please include first/last name and phone.
Published each Friday by Von Meyer Publishing Inc.
Coborn’s
Holiday Kay’s Kitchen
Production Manager Tara Wiese
Editor: Dennis Dalman
Contributing Writer Cori Hilsgen
Assignment Editor: Frank Lee
Newsstands Casey’s General Store
Publisher/Owner Janelle Von Pinnon
Local Blend St. Joseph Meat Market St. Joseph Newsleader Office SuperAmerica
www.thenewsleaders.com
Admin. Assistants Cady Sehnert Rachel Givens Delivery Bruce Probach
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 320-363-7741. 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.
P.O. Box 324 • 32 1st Ave. N.W. • St. Joseph, Minn. 56374 Phone: (320) 363-7741 • Fax: (320) 363-4195 • E-mail: news@thenewsleaders.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ST. JOSEPH NEWSLEADER, P.O. Box 324, St. Joseph, MN 56374.
Friday, April 8, 2016
Options from front page “You have issued in the past for your public works facility some years ago where the (Economic Development Authority) actually issues the bond and owns the facility, and they lease the facility to the city, which makes payment to the EDA,” Eastvold said of public-project-revenue bonds. “Theoretically, the city could walk away from that public works facility or the (proposed) government center and have a government center
Demos from front page flow and you can catch it and make syrup.” The Wildwood Ranch maple syrup operation wasn’t the only maple syrup-related event that day; St. John’s University’s Maple Syrup Festival took place in nearby Collegeville. “Maple flavor is a distinct flavor,” Tom said. “Artificial maple flavors are used in everything because they try to mimic that.” It takes about 40 gallons of tree sap to make a gallon of maple syrup, and pure maple syrup is only made in certain parts of North America, according to the Minnesota Maple Syrup Producers’ Association. “You can make a really light, delicate flavor that has maybe not much maple flavor,” Tom said. “And you can really make a dark, robust syrup that has a lot of maple flavor in it.” Maple syrup is made in the spring when the temperature gets below freezing at night and above freezing during the day, according to the Minnesota Maple Syrup Producers’ Association. “Besides a lot of work and a lot of dedication to what you are doing, you have to know what you are doing,” Tom said. “And for really good quality maple syrup, you have to get the sap at the right time and don’t let it sit around and ferment. You have to cook it right away.” He said there are about 1,100 trees hooked to a vacuum line at the Wildwood Ranch maple syrup operation in St. Joseph to extract sap and about 400 trees with buckets attached to collect the sap. “It’s not easy,” Shelly said as she cooked the syrup and poured it into molds to harden as candy. “But it’s a labor of love, really, and it’s getting harder to do as we’re getting older. But part of it is just the family tradition of doing it, and I love showing people what it’s
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com (built) somewhere else,” he said. “But there is a higher interest rate on that type of financing versus a general-obligation bond issue.” The proposed 18,000square-foot building that will provide more space for the police department and city administration may someday be connected to Colts Academy, which is slated to be converted into a community center. “Typically, the EDA bond issue – the non-G.O. bond issue – is about half of a percent higher rate versus a G.O. bond issue,” Eastvold told the council. The estimated cost to build
the new government center, which will include a public community room, is about $4.8 million, and it could open as early as February. Meanwhile, St. Joseph city officials started planning the completion of the annexation of a section of St. Joseph Township during an April 4 work session. The 1,800-acre section would broaden St. Joseph’s city limits from Interstate 94 to the Sauk River and will allow for the city to provide services to township residents like plowing and firefighting, but the earliest the land would be officially annexed would be in January.
all about.” Nothing is added to the sap to make maple syrup, which contains no colors, preservatives or additives; only water is evaporated away, according to the Minnesota Maple Syrup Producers’ Association. “I always tell people one of my favorite things – one of the reasons why it makes it all worthwhile – is when we are cooking, boiling, evaporating and you go outside and get a downdraft of smoke and the sweet steam, when you get that smell, I wish I could bottle it,” she said. Shelly said her family had sold the property to Stearns County in 2007, and there was an agreement the Carlsons would continue with their maple syrup operation, Wildwood Ranch. “In exchange, we would provide tours and educate the public and maintain the equipment,” Shelly said. Tom said there was more than 18,000 gallons of sap this year at Wildwood County Park next to Kraemer Lake – a record for them – and they’ve made 440 gallons of syrup this year. “We had 25 batches this year,” he said. “Some are lighter, some are darker, depending upon the weather out-
side and how the sap is boiling … but the amount of sugar in each batch is the same.” Addie Carlson is a College of St. Benedict senior majoring in environmental studies and music. The 21-year-old sits on the board of the St. Joseph Farmers’ Market, where the syrup is sold. Jane Fark of St. Cloud was at the open house where Addie Carlson explained the syrupmaking process in the sugar shack, which makes between 200 to 400 gallons annually. “I came last year, so I kept my ears open for it this year because I like the setting and the syrup flavor was delicious,” Fark said. According to the Minnesota Maple Syrup Producers’ Association, Minnesota is only one of 19 states in the nation where maple syrup is made. “You really respect the work that goes into making it,” Fark said. “And you can see why they charge what they do for syrup because it’s really special.” Group tours of the Wildwood Ranch maple syrup operation at Wildwood County Park in St. Joseph are available by appointment by calling 320248-7784 or by emailing carlsonwildwoodranch@msn.com.
Special Properties Wanted!
We Have Customers Looking for Special Property: • 4-bedroom home, less than 10 years old, within 5 miles of St. John’s. Can be lake property. • 2+ bedroom home with acreage, in or near Collegeville Township. • Collegeville Township acreage, any size. If you have property that fits these descriptions and is NOT already listed, please call Jon Petters, Broker, Collegeville Companies.
15 E. Minnesota St., #104, St. Joseph, MN 56374 320.363.7656 Jon@Collegeville.biz
3
photo by Frank Lee
A new government center for the city of St. Joseph that is expected to open in February will be built west of Colts Academy and cost about $4.8 million, to be financed by either general -obligation capital-improvement-plan bond funding or public-project-revenue bonds.
Cedar Street Salon & Spa any
$20 off Color Must present coupon. One coupon per customer per visit. Expires: April 30, 2016
320-363-0200
Business Hours: Monday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. • Saturday 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
235 E. Cedar St. • St. Joseph • www.cedarstreetsalonandspa.com
CITY OF ST. STEPHEN SITE INSPECTOR Using the City’s Ordinances, check residential request to build. Initial and follow-up visits are completed on each site. Stipend is $25 per site. Need not be a city resident to apply. Send letter of application to City Clerk at: St. Stephen City Hall, 2 Sixth Ave. SE, St. Stephen, MN 56375 Email: crisdrais@midconetwork.com Phone: 320-251-0964
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
4
Friday, April 8, 2016
contributed photos
Top left: Bennies pose for a photo after pulling up bricks and laying them on pavers at Millstream Park April 3 as part of the inaugural “Bennie Day of Service.” Top right: Students from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph volunteered to help the city by participating in a variety of community-service projects April 3 as part of the inaugural “Bennie Day of Service.”
NOW HIRING ROOM ATTENDANTS!
Full-time and part-time dayshift positions available in the Housekeeping Department cleaning hotel guest rooms. Weekend and holiday availability is required. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! $9.50/hour, plus a $1/hour productivity premium, PLUS a weekend incentive of $0.50/hour. Benefits: a meal is provided per shift; uniform shirt; holiday pay; hotel discounts; paid personal time off after one year; 401(k)/profit sharing contribution; medical insurance contribution.
To apply: send resume to: admin@histcloud.com (preferred) Or complete application at:
HOLIDAY INN & SUITES 75 S. 37th Ave., St. Cloud, MN 56301
Bennies from front page Other Bennies re-stained the wooden garbage enclosure at city hall to protect it from the elements, and they collected trash along CR 75 and at Millstream Park in St. Joseph. “We also had one group at the senior center (St. Joseph Senior Living Apartments) doing some yardwork,” Purkapile said. “But they also spent some time with the seniors, there, playing games and just kind of hanging out.” The volunteers wore T-shirts that read: “Change the World, One Bennie at a Time!” “It was so inspiring to see 128 young women get up early on a Sunday morning and go out and also be so willing and so happy to par-
ticipate in a community that we really do cherish,” Purkapile said. And because of the large turnout of Bennies who volunteered in the inaugural event, Purkapile said there are talks of making the Day of Service an annual event. “We had so many Bennies sign up and be willing to go out on a Sunday morning and afternoon to provide for their community,” Purkapile said. “But everyone was super willing to work with us to come up with projects.” Margy Hughes learned about the Bennie Day of Service through Facebook. The St. Joseph resident took time to praise the young women at the April 4 city-council meeting. “It’s really a great thing they did,” Hughes said. “I think they deserve a lot of credit.” “Because we are part of the
News Tips?
college, people get the impression we are these crazy party kids and are kind of outside the St. Joseph community, so we really wanted to give back, and we were afraid maybe there weren’t projects available for us to help with,” said Purkapile.
C S B Call the Newsleader at 363-7741 2nd Annual
Transportation Summer Camp
Visit Saint John’s Prep for
Open House
Monday, April 15
Discovery Day Friday, April 18 Students in grades 5-11 are invited to experience Prep! Call 320-363-3339 to RSVP and reserve your space.
www.sjprep.net
June 13-17, 2016 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. St. Cloud Technical & Community College - 1540 Northway Drive
This camp is for kids interested in rc cars & trucks, building, painting, testing & driving. For kids entering grades 6-9 in the fall (12 year age minimum)
Call: 320-290-8946 Email: designedtokeep@reagan.com Space limited to 16. CALL TODAY!
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, April 8, 2016
5
Community Showcase a hit with businesses, organizations by Frank Lee operations@thenewsleaders.com
Representatives from St. Joseph-area businesses and organizations introduced themselves and fielded questions from those attending a recent event at Kennedy Community School. The Community Showcase was intended to showcase small businesses based in St. Joseph, with proceeds from the sponsorships benefiting the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce. “I believe there is a lot of energy building in the St. Joseph community,” said Kim Poganski, volunteer chamber president. “And there are more businesses that are interested – and have started to occupy space – in the St. Joseph community.” There are about 100 chamber members. There were 35 vendors inside the St. Joseph school’s gym, sharing information and handing out prizes and promotional items at the three-hour event April 2. “I think with the college in town, there are a lot of vendors and companies that also are looking for students to purchase their items,” Poganski said. “And there is a lot of business manufacturing in the industrial park in the
St. Joseph community.” According to Poganski, there were 10 additional vendors at this year’s showcase – the fourth time the free event has been held – and an estimated 300 people attended the event this year. “It’s an opportunity to bring local businesses or organizations together in one area, so community members can come and visit, and learn more about the businesses or organizations in their area in a short amount of time and have some treats along the way,” Poganski said. Kirsten Freeman is the director of business development at Finken, which is based in St. Joseph and located at 628 19th Ave. NE. She said Finken plans to open a new store in Brooklyn Park. “St. Joe is our headquarters, so this is our home base,” Freeman said. “And our goal is to get people in their homes and in their businesses as healthy as possible by providing them with a pure water product and good heating, cooling equipment.” Freeman handed out candy and yellow construction hardhats bearing the Finken name at the event, which also included inflatables to entertain children. “There’s been a lot of concerns with healthy water
lately with all of the scares in Flint, Mich., and its lead problems,” Freeman said. “And the State of Minnesota has been doing a lot of nitrate testing in this area, and the water-treatment solutions that we can provide can correct those.” Rhonda Alvord is a wife and mother of two from St. Joseph who attended the Community Showcase because she thought it would be something fun to do with her children. “And I was interested in a few different things,” Alvord said, “and I was able to talk to those vendors today about mosquitoes, insurance and pizza.” A few examples of the varied St. Joseph businesses and organizations at the school included Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict, Borgert Products and Russell EyeCare & Associates. “Some of them I hadn’t heard of before, so this was the first time I heard of them, but I know we have a lot of good businesses in St. Joe,” Alvord said. She also said, “I think they have a lot of businesses in St. Joe to meet my needs, but they could always get better and have more options. But I think we are going in the right direction.”
photos by Frank Lee
Above: Rhonda Alvord, a wife and mother of two from St. Joseph, talks to a representative of Russell EyeCare & Associates at the Community Showcase April 2 at Kennedy Community School in St. Joseph. The event featured St. Joseph-area businesses and organizations. Below: Kirsten Freeman, director of business development at the St. Joseph-based Finken Cos., hands out candy at the Community Showcase April 2 at Kennedy Community School.
** NOW HIRING Direct Support Staff ** St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids & Clear Lake Areas Part-time Day, Evening, Weekend &/or Asleep Overnight Position Openings E/O weekend is required. We all need somebody to lean on. As a Direct Support Professional at Dungarvin, you’ll play a key role in providing the support and guidance to help people of all abilities thrive in their homes and communities. rs: vin offe Dungar 9/hour • $11.5 raises uled • Sched r ladder re • Ca e
Qualifications include: • Valid driver’s license • 18 years or older • Acceptable driving record • Computer literacy • Background clearance • Effective communication skills in English
Apply online at:
*** Great Opportunity***
www.dungarvincareers.com!
Love What You Do!
COMPETITIVE WAGES & BENEFITS!
AA/EOE
We are a progressive, state-of-the-art steel fabrication shop.
w w w. j l wc h i ro. co m
WELDERS & MACHINE OPERATORS NEEDED!! Openings on 2nd and Weekend Shifts!
St. Joseph Family Chiropractic
Preferred Skills: Previous manufacturing experience, strong math skills and ability to read prints
Get back into the swing of life
Sauk Centre currently has openings for: Mig Welders and Press Brake Operators Experience running CNC Machines, Press Brake Welders: Minimum one-year experience and/or Technical College preferred
Walk-ins Welcome
Please send resume to: 1131 W. Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378
DR. JERRY WETTERLING
Or apply online at: www.std-iron.com EOE
103 N. College Ave St. Joseph
320-352-6525
363-4573
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
6
Our View
Jobs numbers good ... mostly There is good news and bad news – but mostly good news – on the jobs front. Nationwide, 215,000 jobs were added in March, according to the U.S. Labor Department. The unemployment rate ticked up from 4.9 percent to 5 percent, but that was due to more Americans re-entering the labor force and employees who are seeking other kinds of jobs, such as full-time ones. A good share of the 215,000 jobs were in retail, construction and health care. Average hourly wages were also up, by 2.3 percent during the past year. That is good news after the wage stagnation for so many years. In a way, the good news is too much of a good thing. That’s because as the labor market has improved slowly but steadily, more people are rejoining the market, such as retirees looking for a bit of supplemental income, as well as workers once so discouraged they had quit seeking jobs that seemingly did not exist. The Labor Department said brisk consumer spending and the housing recovery helped the surge in job creation. What’s still problematic, however, is so many foreign economies are unstable currently, including China’s. In a globally entwined money system, that means the U.S. economy, too, could become shaky once again. Some of the bad news is the manufacturing industry cut 29,000 jobs. And the worst part of the good news is it’s not so good for African-Americans and Hispanics whose unemployment rates hover at about 9 percent. Still, overall, the job rate bodes well for the time being, and if it steadily improves it should boost job openings for more Americans, including minorities living in economically depressed areas. During President Obama’s tenure, there have been more than 50 consecutive months of job gains. Of total job gains over time, however, Obama comes in fourth of the past six presidencies, with President Bill Clinton’s two terms having the highest job growth. Job increases under Obama, however, are better than job-growth numbers under both Bush presidents combined. And, not to forget, Obama started his presidency just as the nation was teetering on a disastrous financial collapse caused mainly by criminally reckless Wall Street manipulators. So, in light of that, the economic turn-around, slow and herky-jerky as it has been, is very good news, indeed. Let us hope, by the time summer begins, the economy kicks in like gangbusters and more Americans succeed in finding decent-paying jobs that will allow them to move, at long last, into some semblance of a middle-class life. That dream, deferred for so many, has been slipping drastically in the past few decades because of a lopsided economy that favors the 1 percent, as presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is always quick to remind us. Perhaps that trend – rich getting richer, poor getting poorer – is now reversing itself somewhat. Let’s hope so, because the hope and glory of America has always been dependent upon its promise that hard work and decent wages will allow all citizens to improve their lives.
The ideas expressed in the letters to the editor and of the guest columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of the Newsleaders. Letters to the editor may be sent to news@thenewsleaders.com or P.O. Box 324, St. Joseph, MN 56374. Deadline is noon Monday. Please include your full name for publication (and address and phone number for verification only.) Letters must be 350 words or less. We reserve the right to edit for space.
Friday, April 8, 2016
Opinion Adios, El Trumpo. Hasta la vista, baby Remember Mitt Romney? He’s that presidential wannabe who suggested “self-deportation” for undocumented Hispanic workers. Gee, what a good idea. It’s one Donald Trump should heed. Even though Trump is not an undocumented worker, self-deportation would be good for him. He won’t be president in the United States; maybe he can be president in Mexico. He might be much happier in Mexico because it’s a country ripe for exploitation and large enough to hold his ego. In time, he could practically own the whole country. He could rename it “Trumpico.” “The Donald” has always said how much he loves Mexico; he really loves Mexico; and he loves Mexicans; some of his best workers are Mexicans. He loves them. He really does. Trump has an excellent brain. His health is excellent (the healthiest man in the world, his doctor said). He’s an excellent tycoon. His beautiful wife and wonderful children are all excellent. His steaks, his wine, his magazines – oh, how excellent! Living in Mexico among the comforts of his high-walled hacienda, Trump will be revered as “His Excellency” by his legions of maids, butlers, chauffeurs and pool cleaners. Business cronies will salute him as El Trumpo or (behind his back) “That Crazy Gringo.” Those hoping for a hand-out will act like toadies and call him “El Presidente.” Just imagine all the fun El Donaldo could have South of the Border. He could
Dennis Dalman Editor take over most or all of the seaside resorts: Adios, Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta. Bienvenidos, Villa Donaldo and Puerto Trumpo. He could build many more resorts, casinos, skyscrapers, relying upon the labor of displaced peasants working for his company for 15 cents an hour – you know, those Mexican workers he loves so much. (Really, he does, honest.) In Mexico, he can fire anybody he wants, to his heart’s content. When Trump’s not wheeling-and-dealing seaside, he could get busy with his other projects, such as constructing jails for women who are to be punished for having had abortions. If he gets a bit bored by getting richer and even richer, he could start building more walls, all the walls he wants. He’d pay for them. There’s only one little problem. Peasant revolts – revolutions – have been known to rock Mexico from time to time. Oh well. Trump’s walls should keep him safe from any riff-raff upstarts. But if things get really hairy, no problemo, hombre. Trump and La Senora and the kids can just pack up and high-tail it to a Caribbean island, the one he’ll buy. There, he can kick back, playing the role of “President for Life,” the
way Papa Doc Duvalier and son Baby Doc played Divine Rulers of Haiti for decades – that is, until those pesky, unpleasant uprisings toppled them. From his island paradise, The Donald will still be able to rule the world. He can jet to New York City now and then to hobnob with all the celebrities and crooks he used to know and love. He’s smart. He really is. That’s why he’s so rich. Anybody as smart as him is bound to be rich, with excellent bank accounts and beautiful wives. Such fame and fortune were fated, meant to be. Pesos galore. Gorgeous women who give birth to children with excellent brains. If Trump’s ego gets too big for Mexico, what the heck, he can start buying one or two Central American countries, maybe a couple more islands, with plenty of room to off-shore his parties. His Excellency, El Presidente del Mundo, will have many fine siestas in his Excellent New World. But it won’t be all fun and games. No siree! Much of the time, Donald “El Comandante” Trump will be busy recruiting Mexican soldiers of fortune, who, with Trumpo, sabre drawn and leading the charge, will attack ISIS in Syria and kick the (stuffing) out of them. Senor Trump, please pack your ego in a jumbo jet and fly away south. We’ll be there at the airport, all waving goodbye and shouting adios for The Donald. Or as The Arnold used to say, “Hasta la vista, baby.”
Letter to the editor
Reader asks council to lobby for reduced speed Steve Niedenfuer, St. Joseph
There is a growing blight on our fair city – the traffic speed on CR 75. Those of you who have been here a long time probably remember when cars glided through at 45 mph, generating very little noise. There were no stoplights at all, just a flashing amber at the intersection of County Roads 2 and 75. Safety: It has become increasingly difficult to cross 75 safely. The city is considering a pedestrian bridge over the highway. Whether on foot, on a bicycle or in a car, crossing or entering CR 75 is becoming risky. Noise: There’s much more traffic than there used to be, but that doesn’t entirely account for the higher level of noise. One thing that does is very few drivers observe the speed limit, so traffic moves a lot faster than it used to – except when it’s slowing down. There are now five stoplights along that stretch of 75, and a great deal of the noise is caused by vehicles braking for or accelerating from those intersections. Economics: How many businesses
have failed along that corridor? Quite a few. The reason is obvious: nobody driving through St. Joseph on 75 wants to slow down, much less stop. The effect on downtown businesses is less obvious but just as negative. I cover three counties in my line of work, and I’ve never seen another set-up like we have here. There are plenty of towns with heavily-used corridors like CR 75; they just don’t let the traffic travel as fast as we do. Luxemburg is an example. Heavily-traveled State Highway 15 runs through the town, but the speed limit, 35 mph, is adhered to almost without exception. That’s because every once in a while there’s a highway patrol or a county deputy with a radar gun checking speed. People learn quickly how fast they can drive without risking a ticket. St. Augusta is another example; so is CR 75 through St. Cloud – long stretches of 35 mph, mostly obeyed. Unfortunately, in St. Joseph, drivers know there’s very little chance of being stopped, even at 60 mph. And the few souls who try to observe the speed limit are likely to be tailgated mercilessly.
Rather than making our town an inviting place for passing motorists to visit, we have made it an obstacle course where speed is imperative and stopping out of the question. A driver entering St. Joseph on CR 75 knows there are five lights to get through, and they don’t spare the gas or brakes in running that gauntlet. As a result, we have a tremendous amount of noise, a real safety issue and a tough business environment. The mayor and members of the city council could do something positive by lobbying the county to reduce the speed limit on CR 75 to 35 mph within the city limits. And they could instruct the police department to enforce it. Another option would be to install roundabouts in place of the stoplights. Other cities have done this to good effect. Roundabouts serve to slow traffic and even its flow. Sartell, a city with more than twice our area and population, has fewer stop lights – but lots of roundabouts. If one or both of these steps were taken, it wouldn’t be long before our city would become safer, quieter, more pedestrian-friendly and better for business.
God bless America: only when America decides to be blessed “We have now sunk to a depth at which restatement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men.” It has been many, many years since George Orwell uttered that phrase. In the decades hence, we have sunk to even lower depths and at present seem to be sinking fast. After all, his were the days when running in the hallway and chewing gum in class were the most grievous of school-day offenses. Faith, hope and charity. Indeed, a virtuous triumvirate. I am a faith-filled being with a developing sense of charity. However, my three-legged stool keeps throwing me to the ground for lack of hope. We are now mercifully nearing the end of our three-year and 363-day campaign for the office of president of the United States.
Scott Sehnert Guest Writer Thanks to the insatiable ratings lust of cable television, the 2016 race began two days after Mitt Romney phoned President Obama with his not-heartfelt congratulations. At first, it was months of either hand-wringing or euphoria over the just-completed marathon. Then, one by one (by one, by one, by one) the wouldbe new combatants began to position
themselves. Sometimes coyly, for example stating “I am absolutely not running.” Sometimes with the stealth of a yeti walking a bed of nails, for example by resigning from their cable-affiliated television program. One by one they arrived at that heralded moment when they would present themselves to a breathless nation as desiring consideration for the position of leader of the free world. Perhaps you experienced “the same electric thrill I once enjoyed when Santorum, Gilmore, Pataki and O’Malley all came to town on the very same historic day!” (My apologies here to Meredith Wilson and anyone who has ever watched or participated in
Blessed • back page
Friday, April 8, 2016
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Wood Expo set April 16 at Benton County Fairgrounds by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
Masters of woodworking – including local, statewide and national practitioners – will show their creations and do some demonstrations at the 11th annual Wood Expo from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 16 at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Sauk Rapids. Admission is $5, and children Is your event listed? Send your information to: Newsleader Calendar, P.O. Box 324, St. Joseph, MN 56374; fax it to 320-363-4195; or, e-mail it to news@thenewsleaders.com. Friday, April 8 Brat and hotdog sale, sponsored by the St. Joseph Lions, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., St. Joseph Meat Market, 26 First Ave. N.W. Saturday, April 9 Brat and hotdog sale, sponsored by the St. Joseph Lions, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Joseph Meat Market, 26 First Ave. NE. Mattress Fundraiser, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sauk Rapids Middle School, 901 First Street S. Matsuri Festival, 5:30 p.m., Atwood Memorial Center Ballroom, St. Cloud State University, 720 Fourth Ave. S. 320-308-4027. Monday, April 11 Conference on Social Conditions of Minnesota Immigrant Workers, 11 a.m., St. Cloud State University (Atwood Memorial Center), 720 Fourth Ave. S. 320-308-3151. 320308-5367. St. Joseph Fare for All, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 CR 2, St. Joseph. 800-582-4291. fareforall.org. Ladies’ golf league meeting, 6 EMPLOYMENT/HELP WANTED TEAM DRIVER WANTED: Dedicated run from St. Paul, Minnesota to Oakwood, Illinois. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Competitive Wage. CDL required. Call 563-580-6648 (MCN) A U TO M O B I L E S / M O TO R C Y C L E S WANTED MOTORCYCLES: TOP CASH PAID! For Old Motorcycles! 1900-1980. DEAD OR ALIVE! 920-371-0494 (MCN) ADOPTION *ADOPTION:* Happily Married, Successful Executive & Stay-Home-Mom yearn for baby to devote our lives to. Expenses paid 1-800-933-1975 *Susan & Gavin* (MCN) A UNIQUE ADOPTIONS, LET US HELP! Personalized Adoption Plans. Financial Assistance, Housing, Relocation and More. Giving the Gift of Life? You Deserve the Best. 1-888-637-8200. 24HR Hotline. (VOID IN IL) (MCN) FOR SALE TRAILER SALE: 14,000 lb. skidloader trailers 18’ to 28’ $3,699.00; Fuel tank trailers; Scissor lift trailers; 11 choices of DUMP trailers; 6’x12’ V-nose ramp door $2,789.00; 7’x16’ V-nose ramp door $4,093.00; 2012 John Deere 3032E compact tractor & loader; Full line of trailer parts in-stock; 515-9724554 www.FortDodgeTrailerWorld.com for prices & inventory & pictures. (MCN) *SALE* Self Storage Buildings *SALE* No Better Time To Add On To Your Existing Facility. Or To Start Up Your New Facility. All Buildings On Sale Now For Limited Time. Order Now For Early Delivery! ABCO-America Inc. Call 844-636-5335 (M-F 8am-6pm Eastern) (MCN)
under 12 are admitted free. The expo will feature both woodworking professionals and hobbyists. There will be lots of demonstrations, information available, antique woodworking-tool evaluations, soap-carving how-to sessions, spin toys and a quilting show. People who plan to attend are asked to bring a non-perishable food item the Boy Scouts are collecting for area food shelves.
The annual event is sponsored by the Central Minnesota Woodcarvers Association, the Mid-Minnesota Association of Woodworkers and the Central Minnesota Woodworkers’ Association. The following are some of the highlights of the show: • 10-11 a.m.: Gary Mrozek will demonstrate turning on a lathe thin-stemmed goblets with two captive rings. • Noon-1 p.m.: Rollie Johnson
Community Calendar
p.m., Pine Ridge Golf Course, 801 Pinecone Road, Sartell. 320-2590551. St. Joseph Township Board, 8 p.m., St. Joseph Township Hall, 935 College Ave. S.
Tuesday, April 12 55+ Driver-improvement program (four-hour refresher course), 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Life Assembly of God, 2409 Clearwater Road, St. Cloud. Conference on Social Conditions of Minnesota Immigrant Workers, 9:30 a.m., Atwood Memorial Center, St. Cloud State University, 720 Fourth Ave. S. 320-308-3151. 320-308-5367. Sartell Chamber of Commerce, 11:30 a.m., Waters Church, 1227 Pinecone Road. 320-258.6061. info@sartellchamber.com. Sartell Senior Connection hosts international traveler/educator Pat McNeal, 2 p.m., Sartell District Service Center, 212 Third Ave. N. 320253-4036 option 4. ICAN Prevent Diabetes, 3:154:15 p.m., Sacred Heart Church, 2875 10th Ave. N.E., Sauk Rapids. 320650-3082. 55+ Driver-improvement program (eight-hour first-time course), 5-9 p.m. today and April 13, Apollo High School, 1000 44th Ave. N., St. Cloud. 1-888-234-1294. Optional online courses: mnsafetycenter.org. FARM RELATED Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ To hunt your land. Call for a Free Base Camp Leasing info packet & Quote. 1-866-309-1507 www. BaseCampLeasing.com (MCN) EMPLOYMENT/HELP WANTED CLASS A CDL Driver. Good home time. Stay in the Midwest. Great pay and benefits. Matching 401k. Bonuses and tax free money. Experience needed. Call Scott 507437-9905. Apply on-line http://www.mcfgtl. com (MCN)
Medicare Workshop, 6:30-7:30 p.m., St. Cloud Federal Credit Union (lower-level community room), 3030 First St. S., St. Cloud. 320-258-2179. St. Joseph Joint Planning Board, 7 p.m., St. Joseph City Hall, 25 College Ave. N. 320-363-7201. cityofstjoseph.com. Holistic Moms Network, 7-8:30 p.m., Good Earth Co-op, 2010 Veterans Drive, St. Cloud. 320-252-2489. Wednesday, April 13 St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce, 11:30 a.m., St. Joseph Community Fire Hall, 323 Fourth Ave. NE. stjosephchamber.com. Voices of Youth, a Women’s Center lecture series, noon, Atwood Memorial Center, St. Cloud State University, 720 Fourth Ave. S. Family-to-family, 6:30-9 p.m., Unity Spiritual Center, 931 Fifth Ave. N., Sartell. 320-290-7713. 320-2492560. Thursday, April 14 Coffee and Conversation, a senior discussion group, 9 a.m., Country Manor, 520 First St. NE, Sartell. Sartell-Sauk Rapids Moms’ Club, 9-10:30 a.m., Celebration Lutheran Church, 1500 Pinecone Road N., Sartell. St. Joseph Senior Citizens, 1:30 p.m., St. Joseph Community Fire Hall, 323 Fourth Ave. NE.
trusted provider for 10 years. Insured and Guaranteed Delivery. Call today 1-888-4037751 (MCN) VIAGRA 100mg, CIALIS 20mg. 60 tabs $99 includes FREE SHIPPING. 1-888-8360780 or Metromeds.online (MCN) AS SEEN ON TV: Burn fat quickly & effectively with Garcinia Cambogia. Blocks fat. Suppresses your appetite. Safe - 100% natural. Satisfaction Guaranteed! Free bottle with select packages! 844-587-6487 (MCN)
OWNER OPERATORS wanted. Paid all miles. No touch freight. Many operating discounts. Family run business for 75 years. Many bonuses and good home time. Direct deposit paid weekly. Call 800-533-0564 ext.205. (MCN)
Stop OVERPAYING for your prescriptions! Save up to 93%! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy service to compare prices and get $15.00 off your first prescription and FREE Shipping. 1-800263-4059. (MCN)
MAKE $1000 Weekly!! Mailing Brochures from Home. Helping home workers since 2001. No Experience Required. Start Immediately! www.centralmailing.net (VOID IN SD, WI) (MCN)
Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace at little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-604-2613 (MCN)
MAKE $1,000 WEEKLY! Paid in advance! Mailing Brochures at Home! Easy pleasant work. Begin Immediately! Age unimportant! www.MyHomeIncomeNow55.com (MCN)
ATTENTION: VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - $99 FREE Shipping! 100 Percent Guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-800-795-9687 (MCN)
US Postal Service Now Hiring 1-800-2554134 $21/hr. avg. w/ Federal Benefits included to start. FT/PT. Not affiliated w/ USPS (MCN) HEALTH & MEDICAL CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-389-0695. www.cash4diabeticsupplies.com (MCN) Viagra!! 52 Pills for Only $99.00! Your #1
AUTOMOBILES DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details. 855752-6680 (MCN) DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 1-800-283-0205 (MCN)
will show how to set up a band saw. • 2-3 p.m.: Herb Johnson will demonstrate how to carve antlers. • 3:15-4:15 p.m.: There will be a ceremony surrounding handmade canes that some woodworkers make for Purple Heart veterans. Last year, more than 350 people attended the Wood Expo at which there were 48 vendor booths. St. Cloud Area Mothers of Multiples, 7 p.m., VFW Granite Post 428, 9 18th Ave. N., St. Cloud. St. Joseph Action Group, 7 p.m., American Legion, 101 W. Minnesota St., St. Joseph. 320-363-7666. Friday, April 15 St. Joseph Farmers’ Market, 3-6 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 CR 2, St. Joseph. St. Joseph Area Historical Society open, 4-7 p.m., Old City Hall, 25 First Ave NW. stjosephhistoricalmn. org. Friends, Fun and Food, sponsored by the Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, 6:30-8:30 p.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1111 Cooper Ave. S., St. Cloud. 320251-7272. St. Cloud Singles Club Dance, 8 p.m.-midnight, American Legion, 17 Second Ave. S., Waite Park. 320-3394533. stcloudsingles.net. Saturday, April 16 State Project Bowl, 8:30 a.m., Sauk Rapids Middle School, 901 First St. S. Sunday, April 17 Build-your-own-omlette breakfast, 8 a.m.-noon, Waite Park American Legion, 17 Second Ave. N., Waite Park. 320-251-5498. MISCELLANEOUS $14.99 SATELLITE TV. Includes free installation. High speed internet for less than $.50 a day. Low cost guarantee. Ask about our FREE IPAD with Dish Network. Call today 1-855-331-6646 (Not available in NE) (MCN) DISH NETWORK - $19 Special, includes FREE Premium Movie Channels (HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz) and Blockbuster at home for 3 months. Free installation and equipment. Call NOW! 1-866-8204030 (MCN) Free Pills! Viagra!! Call today to find out how to get your free Pills! Price too low to Mention! Call today 1-877-560-0997 (MCN) SAVE on internet and TV bundles! Order the best exclusive cable and satellite deals in your area! If eligible, get up to $300 in Visa Gift Cards. CALL NOW! 1-800-9250146 (MCN) Life Alert. 24/7. One press of a button sends help FAST! Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even if you can’t reach a phone! FREE Brochure. CALL 800-306-1404 (MCN) DISH TV 190 channels plus Highspeed Internet Only $49.94/mo! Ask about a 3 year price guarantee & get Netflix included for 1 year! Call Today 1-800-390-3140 (MCN) ALL THINGS BASEMENTY! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control. FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1-800640-8195 (MCN) A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact
7 LEGAL NOTICE
CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME STATE OF MINNESOTA Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes, the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies: 1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Crystal Dolphin Jewelry. 2. The stated address of the principal place of business is or will be: 416 12th St. N., Sartell, Minn. 56377 3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above assumed name including any corporations that may be conducting this business: Crystal Dolphin Jewelry, 416 12th St. N., Sartell, Minn. 56377 4. I certify I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify I understand by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Minnesota Statutes section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath. /s/ Bruce E. Miller Dated: April 2, 2016 Filed: April 2, 2016 Publish: April 8 and 15, 2016
CRAFT-VENDOR SALES Saturday, April 16 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. VFW 428 9-18th Ave. N., St. Cloud Bring a donation for Anna Marie’s Alliance and get your name in a drawing. our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-800-4425148 (MCN) Switch to DIRECTV and get a $100 Gift Card. FREE Whole-Home Genie HD/ DVR upgrade. Starting at $19.99/mo. New Customers Only. Don’t settle for cable. Call Now 1-800-203-4378 (MCN) 19.99/mo. for DIRECTV - HD Channels + Genie HD DVR + 3 months FREE HBO, SHOW, MAX & STARZ + FREE NFL Sunday Ticket! Call Now 1-888-552-7314 (MCN) ADT Security protects your home & family from “what if” scenarios. Fire, flood, burglary or carbon monoxide, ADT provides 24/7 security. Don’t wait! Call Now! 1-888-607-9294 (MCN) GET HELP NOW! One Button Senior Medical Alert. Falls, Fires & Emergencies happen. 24/7 Protection. Only $14.99/mo. Call NOW 1-888-840-7541 (MCN) PERSONALS MEET SINGLES RIGHT NOW! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 800357-4970 (MCN) FINANCIAL Are you in BIG trouble with the IRS? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 888-606-6673 (MCN) STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS got you down? We can help reduce payments and get finances under control, call: 866-8711626 (MCN)
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
8
Blessed The Music Man.) But, alas, despite the bravado of their entrance, nearly all have now slunk from the stage. How we will miss their wellthought-out solutions, insightful direction and creative vision. Or, are we just saddened by the fact that now to watch adults fight like spoiled adolescents it will only be available to us on pay-per-view. There are so many sadly amusing aspects of this whole process. A couple of my personal favorites are as follows. It’s interesting to see how many love to tie their dinghy to the Reagan luxury liner. Yes, they were there fighting shoulder to shoulder with Ron throughout the glorious 80s. I wouldn’t be surprised to find their names included in the roll of credits following the end of Bedtime for Bonzo. Another is the fact they were also all there with Gingrich and the Gang during the glorious 90s when the budget was “balanced.” It’s kind of like the 100,000 that claim they were there the night Wilt Chamberlin scored 100 points in a game. Problem is the arena only held a fraction of that number. Don’t worry folks, the budget was never balanced anyway. That myth is the creation of some of the greatest book-cooking ever undertaken – and all that while the economy was indeed roaring like a freight train. Anyway, what does balancing the budget mean? We didn’t go any further into debt for a year or two. Consider that currently the national debt is placed at around $19 trillion (we won’t mention un-
funded mandates because nobody really knows what that means). Here is a mind-boggling set of numbers: 1,000 seconds equals 16.5 minutes/1 million seconds equals 11.5 days/1 billion seconds equals 31 years/1 trillion seconds equals 31,000 years! You think any of the current crop of candidates or anyone else is ever going to have a chance to solve our little debt problem? Not while we deal with this almost inescapable equation – money plus power plus human nature equal corruption. It’s worldwide. In the meantime, we are going to build a fence, defeat every foe, prevent every massacre, all while giving free health care and free education to all. At the conclusion of his first day in what would become known as the White House, President John Adams sat at his candlelit desk and penned these words as a benediction of a letter to his wife Abigail: “I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and all that shall hereafter inhabit in. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.” As the pot of candidates boils down to the final two, it looks like the second half of Mr. Adams’ wish will go unfulfilled. On the one side we have one of the most disingenuous and dishonest human beings to ever draw a breath and on the other side we have the clown, and a nasty clown at that. Honest and wise? Not this time around. So what about the first half of his wish – pray, heaven and blessings. This country achieved greatness when it had the foundational faith of our Founding Fathers. Oh, there were plenty of faithless, even egregious, folks along for the ride but primarily we were a nation devoted to God. Today the most likely result of
marriage is divorce. What used to be the most likely result of marriage, children, is now conceived mostly outside of the bounds of marriage. Heck, we are not even sure how to define marriage. The entertainment airwaves either handheld or beaming from the wall of your living room are filled with mindless drivel that will never nourish great minds. As a result we rank near the bottom in every worldwide scholastic measurement. Pornography is a plague. Don’t underestimate this catastrophe. It’s eating away at our moral character faster than Miss Pacman eats dots. Our houses of worship fill on Christmas, Easter and for several weeks after large skyscrapers are destroyed by terrorists. Other than that, there are plenty of seats available. The list of what is wrong with the country is lengthy. The idea that one group or another of elected officials can bring the needed healing is preposterous. Yes, we need leaders or there would be worse chaos. So please, vote. Vote your conscience, vote your heart, vote your mind. But in the end, if you would be part of raising the country from the lower depths, elect to work hard, be a peacemaker, be honest, be caring, be patient, be loving, be long-suffering, be friendly, be tolerant, and be sorry and try to improve when you aren’t so. Indeed, look in the mirror and “choose ye this day whom you will serve.” Most running for office or currently serving will often close their comments with “God bless America.” I believe God will bless America when America puts itself in a position to be blessed. In my view, this is restating the obvious.
Educational activities and fun artsand-crafts for all ages will take place April 9 at the St. Cloud Public Library. Great River Regional Library provides library services at 32 public libraries in Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Morrison, Todd and Wright counties. It provides Central Minnesota residents with nearly one million books, CDs and DVDs, 250 public computers, programming and information services. For more information about library programs at the St. Cloud Public
Library or any of its many branch libraries, call 320-650-2500. Information is also available at its website: www.griver.org. The following is a list of the activities: Teen Book Club: The library’s Teen Book Club will meet from 12:301:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Enjoy snacks and conversation, and explore the growing field of young adult literature. For ages 13 to 18. Author Katie Pierson: Katie Pierson, Minnesota author of the young-
adult novel 89 Walls, will give a talk from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Her novel, set in the year the Berlin Wall came down, has been praised for its mix of teen romance, family dynamics and political awareness. Pierson will speak about books and writing. Teen Advisory Board: If you are a teen and would like to make a difference at the St. Cloud Public Library, join the Teen Advisory Board meeting from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Join a group of motivated teens and have your voice heard.
from page 6
Friday, April 8, 2016
SAINT JOHN’S PREP Summer Program Day and Residential Camps
• Leadership • German • Science • Art and Nature www.sjprep.net/camps
Activities, programs offered at library
in St. Joseph ROOMS AVAILABLE At Arlington Place the best things come together...from convenient design to make your life wonderful...to your peace of mind and sense of security.
Central Minnesota’s most affordable healthcare.
Included in monthly rent:
• Suite rental • Paid utilities • Cable TV • Three meals daily plus snacks! • Activities program • 24/day awake staff • Pull-cord emergency response system • Mail delivery • Weekly housekeeping • Weekly laundry • Daily garbage removal • Daily bedmaking • Scheduling transportation for appointments • Weekly bathing assistance • Monthly blood pressure & weight checks
If interested call Karen at (320) 363-1313. 21 16th Ave. SE • St. Joseph
Preferred providers for all insurances. family practice | chiropractic | physical therapy | urgent care www.integracareclinics.com | 320.251.2600