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Newsleader St. Joseph
Friday, April 11, 2014 Volume 25, Issue 15 Est. 1989
Town Crier
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Petition calls for referendum on government center by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
A petition is circulating in St. Joseph calling for a citywide referendum on whether or not to Ken Ramler will demonstrate build a St. Joseph Government how to grow your own sweet potatoes at the Sartell Farmers’ Market Center, as planned by the city from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, council. April 12 at Sartell City Hall, 125 As of April 8, there were Pine Cone Road N. The 2014 Min- 377 signatures of city residents nesota Grown catalogs are in and on the petition, with a goal of free. Anita Rasmussen, planning director for the City of Sartell, will be obtaining up to 700 signatures, available to answer your questions according to Irene Reber, who is and provide you an opportunity to one of the petition coordinators. weigh in on the future growth plans Opponents of the governin Sartell. And, as usual, there will ment-center project want a refbe free food samples. erendum on the Nov. 20 ballot. Here is what the petition St. Stephen Legion states: holds steak fry “As a resident of the City of The St. Stephen Legion Steak Fry will be held from 4:30-8 p.m. Satur- St. Joseph, Minn., I support a day, April 12 at the Rusty Nail, St. referendum to be held regardStephen. There will be door prizes, ing construction of a new city a raffle and music. building and that it be put on the Nov. 20, 2014 ballot. Also let St. Stephen sets centennial planning meeting it be noted any and all spendA City of St. Stephen centen- ing on this building project be nial planning meeting will be held halted until after the results of
Lots going on April 12 at Sartell Farmers’ Market
at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 13 at City Hall. If unable to attend but interested in helping, please contact Cindy at 320-529-8498 or Cris at 320-253-7946.
Dollars for Scholars apps now online
The St. Joseph Fire Department will host a CPR training class free to residents of St. Joseph and St. Joseph and St. Wendel townships from 6-9:30 p.m. April 22 and 24 at the fire hall. Only one day is required. Space is limited to 30. To register, call the city at 320-363-7201.
Congratulations to our Globetrotter ticket winners
They are St. Joseph winner Eric Schwegel and online winner Becky Frank, St. Cloud.
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View of the proposed center from the northeast. the referendum be known.” “We don’t need all that fancy-looking stuff,” Reber said, referring to plans for a new government center. “There are people here who have lived here 50 or 60 years or more, she said, noting she herself is 85. “There’s a lot of widows and widowers living here who can’t afford these
raised taxes. Even many people who are younger can’t afford more taxes.” It’s not just increased taxes Reber is concerned about. She said she and many other residents do not see the need for a new government center. “Fix the one we have,” Reber said. “Why tear it down? The city spends money and spends
services to residents. About 33 booths were set up to share information. Many, such as the Coborn’s booth, offered treats and other items to visitors. Coborn’s offered apples and cake. Others gave away balloons, candy, writing pads and more. Maya Beumer, 4-year-old daughter of Cherie and Todd
Beumer, enjoyed bouncing in the Party Time Inflatables Bounce House. “It’s nice. We’ve never been here before,” Cherie said. “We are having a good time.” Judy Netter attended with her daughter, Terra Nothangel, and grandchildren Cailin, 10, Avery, 7, and Landon, 3. She enjoyed the Styles, Cotton and
more money, then there’s nothing left for us.”
Background These are the bare-boned facts about the plans for a St. Joseph Government Center, as planned by the city council. The estimated $4.5-million center would be constructed on the current city-hall site, afCenter • page 3
Second community showcase draws a crowd by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com
Almost 500 people attended the second annual St. Joseph 2014 Scholarship applications are Community Showcase April available online at: http://StJosephArea.dollarsforscholars.org. Click 5 at the Kennedy Community on: Students and Parents tab. Click School gym. on: Click to Login. Click on: “click The event is a chance for here” above Student Login to regisarea businesses to connect and ter. If you need assistance call 320introduce themselves and their 363-7721.
Fire department hosts CPR training class
photo courtesy of HMA Architects Ltd.
Milbert Dental and Cedar Street Salon and Spa booths. “I liked the free candy and apples,” Cailin said. “This is the first year we’ve attended,” Netter said. “We’ve enjoyed it a lot.” Marjorie Henkemeyer and Bert Bliss were at the All Saints Academy booth offering inforShowcase • page 4
‘Lots of Socks’ at Kennedy by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com
Students at Kennedy Community School arrived at school March 21 wearing a variety of brightly colored socks. They wore unusual socks to draw attention to themselves so they could spread awareness of World Down Syndrome Day. Speech language pathologist Kirsten Doering and fourthgrade teacher Mary Radunz, along with Radunz’s students, worked together on the effort. Radunz’s students made
posters to hang around the school. The posters featured a photo of fourth-grade student John Paul “JP” Schmit who has Down Syndrome, with other classmates. Doering and the students wrote scripts about the event and shared them on the morning announcements. Radunz showed video clips in her class throughout the day. “Students with Down Syndrome want to feel included,” Doering said. “They want to learn and have friends and be Socks • page 5
contributed photo
Students at Kennedy Community School wore brightly colored footwear to spread awareness of World Down Syndrome Day which is celebrated on March 21 because people with Down Syndrome have an extra chromosome on their 21st pair of chromosomes.
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2 If any readers have tips concerning crimes, they should call the St. Joseph Police Department at 320-363-8250 or Tri-County Crime Stoppers at 320-255-1301 or access its tip site at www.tricountycrimestoppers.org. Crime Stoppers offers rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for crimes.
Blotter
March 17 7:56 p.m. Animal complaint. Elena Lane. Complainant found dog in front yard of their house. Unknown how long it was in the area. Dog was female pup, possible shepherd mix. Had harness on with no tags. Transported and dropped dog off at Becky’s Bed and Biscuit.
March 18 12:04 a.m. Theft. College Avenue S. Complainant reported his cell phone was taken. He says he was in the kitchen in Lottie Hall when he left his iPhone 5s on a table when he went to a friend’s dorm. He says he realized his phone was left behind immediately and when he returned to the kitchen, it was gone. He attempted the “find my phone” app with negative results. He did not have a serial number for the phone and the value is approximately $600. He has no suspects in the theft. March 19 9:24 p.m. Suspicious vehicle. Jade Road. Officer met with driver who was in the back seat with a passenger. Both individuals were fully clothed when officer approached the vehicle. He advised if they were about do what was apparent to the officer, a school parking lot wasn’t the best place for it. They responded they understood and left the scene for home. March 20 11:28 a.m. Assist person. College Avenue S. Female needed help getting her special-needs son inside her apartment. He was having an adverse reaction to medication. She advised she was just returning from St. Cloud Hospital and refused an ambulance. Officer assisted and carried son inside. March 21 8:42 p.m. Assist person. Birch Street W. Complainant’s vehicle was stuck in car wash and the machine had stopped. Complainant was able to get vehicle out shortly after officer’s arrival. Complainant drove to the gas station responsible for the wash to report the problem. March 22 2:12 a.m. Public urination. I94 walk bridge. Report of male who was pumping fuel and urinating by the back of the vehicle. Vehicle left and was heading westbound on CR 75. Officer stopped vehicle and identified the driver by his Missouri driver’s license. He was informed why he was stopped and he stated he understood. He was issued a citation for public urination.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Obituary
Valentine C. Warnert, 76 Daytona Beach, Fla. May 19, 1937 - April 7, 2014
Va l e n t i n e C. Warnert, 76, of Daytona Beach, Fla., died Monday April 7. A funeral service was held Thursday, April 10 at Lohman Funeral Home, Daytona Beach, Fla. Burial was at Daytona Memorial Park. Warnert was born in St. Joseph, Minn. on May 19, 1937 to Elmer and Catherine (Udderman) Warnert. He graduated from Paynesville (Minn.) High School in 1955 lettering in several sports. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1955 and served his country honorably for 20 years. While in service he earned his degree from the U.S. Armed Forces Institute. He also played semi-pro football for the Norfolk Blue Jackets in the mid
1950s. While in service to his country he earned many decorations, including the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm. After his military service he was employed by the New York Supreme Court for 25 years. While in New York he coached Pop Warner Football for more than a decade. Survivors include the following: children, Rex (Maria) Warnert and Noel Warnert, all of Maryland; sisters, Marjorie and Yvette of Minnesota; brother, Maurice of Florida; stepchildren; Scott Vanderwarf, Julia (Goran) Halusa, Vicki Vooris and Jeffery (Amy) Tempel; caregiver, Devina Edwards; his wife, Linda Warnert of Daytona Beach; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Larry and David; sisters Louise and Yvonne. Arrangements were made by Lohman Funeral Home, Daytona Beach. Condolences for the family may be shared at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com.
Blotter
10:57 a.m. Ordinance violation. Second Avenue NW. Requested to make contact with renters of residence. Trash can at the street was tipped over with trash falling out. Renter was advised of the ordinance violation and gave her two hours to pick up the trash and bring the garbage can back up to the house. 10:38 p.m. Traffic stop. College Avenue S./Hill Street W. Observed a vehicle traveling south on College Avenue S. Vehicle license plate showed February 2013 registration. Stopped vehicle and identified driver by Minnesota driver’s license. Driver was found to have a Hennepin County warrant for careless driving. Cited driver for expired registration and was arrested for warrant and transported to Stearns County Jail. March 23 2:22 a.m. Intoxicated person. Minnesota Street W. Officer responded to
a report of a female who was passed out in front of Sal’s Bar. Female was up and walking with another male and female when officer arrived. It was reported she fell and might have struck her head. Female stated she was all right and refused medical. She was staying with her sister for the night. 2:15 a.m. Open container. Minnesota Street W. Officer observed a male on the east side of Sal’s Bar drinking from a beer bottle. He then poured out the remainder of the contents of the bottle and walked back toward the front door of Sal’s carrying the beer bottle. As the officer approached, he set the beer bottle on the sidewalk. The officer tapped him on the left shoulder and asked if he had identification. He turned toward the officer and kicked the bottle over. He was informed it was against city ordinance for him to have an open container out in public. He was issued a citation.
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Friday, April 11, 2014
Center from front page
ter the present building is torn down. The 18,000-square-foot structure would include city offices, police offices, a city-council chamber, storage and a community room. It will be paid for by a combination of the half-cent regional sales tax and city taxes. There will be about 30 parking spaces.
Opposition Another St. Joseph resident, Mike McDonald, also strongly opposes construction of a government center. In a widely distributed letter and in an April 8 interview with the St. Joseph Newsleader, McDonald made the following assertions: The inclusion of a “community room” in the proposed government center, McDonald said, is needless because there are already plenty of places for people to meet, such as the St. Joseph Community Fire Hall, the St. Joseph Catholic Church’s new Gathering Place, the year-roundheated Wobegon Trail room and other venues in the city. Current “community-room” spaces, McDonald said, are underused. He accuses the city of using a community-room function as a pretext to justify using halfcent regional sales tax money to help fund the project. That kind of sales tax necessitates a “regional” potential use for any project. Additional reasons McDonald says he opposes the project are as follows: • The building is “landlocked,” and there is no room for expansion for future needs, and so the city contention it
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St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com will be good for 20-30 years is not true. • The planned parking spaces for the government center (about 30) do not meet city standards of 100 for such a project. • Structural flaws in the current city-hall-police-department building (roof leaking, heating problems and more) could be remedied with funds already approved three years ago. According to McDonald and other opponents, the city should spend half-cent sales-tax money on infrastructure projects (streets, water, sewer and more) that would attract business and industry to increase the city’s tax base. It’s foolish, detractors claim, to spend money on a government center that won’t bring in new taxes and that is needed because, as they claim, St. Joseph will not grow so much that more space will be needed for more city staff and city services. A community room, McDonald said to the Newsleader, is not only not needed, it is an excuse, he said, to build a government center that should not be built. He also said the city council and staff must have confused residents’ wishes for
a community “center” with a pelled this current governmentcenter project. community “room.” “The city,” Weyrens said, “is City’s position trying to be long-range finanSt. Joseph City Administracially responsible.” tor Judy Weyrens said she is Weyrens said McDonald and frustrated and upset by the opother opponents have a right to position to a government center. their opinions, but she added In an April 8 interview with some of them do not understand the St. Joseph Newsleader, she the course and methods the city said a community room has has taken, based on residents’ long been a top priority of residents in surveys that were taken wishes. Every current disagreement – so much so the city had confrom opponents, she said, has sidered adding such a room been answered by the city in the onto the current city-hall-policedepartment building. But it soon became apparent such a project would be counterproductive, partly due to the shoddy condition of the current building – leaking and heating problems, to name just two. As for accusations a community room was added to the project just to qualify it for regional sales-tax funds, Weyrens responded, “That’s so false.” It would be far more costly, she said, to do building repairs and then add on a community room to the current building. And, she emphasized, it was the residents’ wish for a community room, in the first place, that pro-
3 past. Public meetings have been held, and most of them were attended by very few people, she added. Weyrens noted current projections estimate average taxes for the government-center project would increase an average of $76 for a six-year period, based on the property taxes payable on a house valued at $150,000. That $76 increase, she explained, is the total for that period, meaning about a $12 increase per year.
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
4
Friday, April 11, 2014
photo by Dennis Dalman
Cathy Studer (right) of St. Joseph accepts a gift apple at the Coborn’s booth at the St. Joseph Community Showcase April 5 at Kennedy Community School.
Showcase from front page
mation about the school, church services and more. Kelsey Milbert and Tina Hemmesch talked about dentures, partials and more at the Styles, Cotton and Milbert Dental booth. They offered dental floss, toothpaste and more to visitors. Randy Schmitz from Scenic
Specialties discussed the new Rolling Ridge Wedding and Event Center. The big red barn, which is more than 115 years old, should be able to accommodate about 500 people. Kennedy eighth-grader Ruby Geng and her cousin Runqi Hu were enjoying treats from Kay’s Kitchen. Kay’s Kitchen owner Tanya Finken and her daughter, Alexis, 8, were busy serving up their ninth pan of caramel rolls. Finken worked at Kay’s nine years before owning it. She said she has the “best” customers. Finken is on the planning committee for the showcase event. She said they hope to get more businesses involved and to add more booths, including non-profits. Arlington Place Assisted Living housing manager Karen Hennessy had a photo album of residents enjoying various activities on display at her booth. Now that the weather is getting nicer, she said more activity outings will be planned. St. Joseph resident Mary Bozzo stopped at Cory Ehlert’s Edina Reality booth. Ehlert and his daughter, Cayley, 9, were enjoying visiting with the crowd. “I love it,” Bozzo said. “I
picked up a lot of business cards.” “It’s been a great way to reach out to the St. Joe community,” Ehlert said. Angela Ramsey stopped at Jeff and Stacie Engholm’s Local Blend booth. The Engholms will have owned their business for six years this April 22. “I didn’t know there were so many places here in town,” Ramsey said. Jeff Enholm said he was curious to see if the event would be as successful as last year. He enjoys the networking with other businesses. “I had a chat with the mayor,” Engholm said. “It’s good to catch up with everyone.” Joe Bechtold and Mat Killam talked about the Lion’s Club at their booth. “It is a good turnout,” Killam said. “It spurs conversation. We want people to join and know where contributions go.” Kayla Meyer and Joe Bye from Sentry Bank said they thought the event went well. “We had a great crowd,” Meyer said. “Maybe more people than last year. The first hour was really busy.” She thought the jumping inflatables were a big hit with the children. This is Bye’s second year of helping plan the event. He thought the attendance, participation and volunteer help were great. “It went very well,” Bye said. St. Joseph Chamber Administrative Assistant Becka Broste said she thought the event had a successful turnout. “The St. Joseph Community Showcase is an opportunity to meet local business owners and their representatives, learn about products and services in the area and support your community,” Broste said. “It’s a free, family friendly fun time.”
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Friday, April 11, 2014
5
Student Spotlight: Schmit says other students are really nice by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com
John Paul “JP” Schmit says students at his school are friendly. “Kids at my school are really nice,” Schmit said. “They are good friends to me.” Schmit is in fourth grade at Kennedy Community School. He is the 10-year-old son of Jo and Rick Schmit. He has two brothers, Tony, 23, and Mike, 21, and one sister, Maria, 17. Fun Facts about Schmit: Favorite subject: Music because he loves to sing and dance. Activities he’s involved with: “I play lots of sports,” Schmit said. “Soon I will start Miracle League Baseball for the spring season.” Favorite leisure activities:
Shooting baskets, tossing bean bags, bowling, watching Netflix and listening to music with his sister, Maria. Favorite movie: Camp Rock because the music is great. Favorite music: Rap music His favorite rap song is Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore. Favorite restaurant: Kay’s Kitchen or McDonald’s. “Kay’s Kitchen for Jean and Palmer and McDonald’s for the French fries,” Schmit said. (Jean is the manager at Kay’s Kitchen, who gives JP hugs and special treatment when he visits. Palmer is his sister Maria’s friend, who is a waitress at Kay’s.) Favorite food: French fries Favorite thing he likes to help other people do: Toss bean bags. If you won $1 million and
were asked to donate all of it to a deserving cause, where would you donate it? “My mom,” Schmit said. Favorite quote: “Hey dude,” Schmit said. What is your favorite technology device? My iPad “I like to use my iPad at school,” he said. “It helps me with my reading and math. I like to use it with my friends.”
Socks
from front page involved in school just like all students do. Mary Radunz, classroom teacher, and Laurel Schoborg, special-education teacher, work hard and do an incredible job fostering that type of inclusive feeling into the school learning environment.”
The thing he likes best about St. Joseph: “I like Laurel (Schoborg) and Mrs. Radunz at Kennedy and my friends,” Schmit said. contributed photo
“JP” Schmit and his Kennedy Community School classmates recently celebrated World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 by wearing unusual socks to increase awareness. Several fourth-grade students commented about the day. “It’s fun to celebrate with kids with Down Syndrome because they’re fun,” Solina Jasso said. “I think it’s very cool, and it’s a great way to show people no matter who you are, you can do anything,” Allison Moon said. “It was really fun and I’m glad I got to celebrate it with
JP,” Willow Thompson said. For the past nine years, World Down Syndrome Day has been celebrated March 21 each year because people with Down Syndrome have an extra chromosome on their 21st pair of chromosomes.
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Our View Break out the champagne, folks; time to celebrate ACA success
Break out the champagne, folks! Time to celebrate. Far from being the “train wreck” detractors dubbed it, the Affordable Care Act is well on track, rushing headlong into a happier future when all Americans will have affordable access to health care – just as all other civilized countries do. As of April 1, 7.1 million people have enrolled in private insurance plans via the ACA, a fact that stunned both advocates and detractors. In Minnesota, 169,251 people enrolled. Those numbers may go higher because an extension was granted for those who had trouble enrolling. What’s truly amazing is almost all of the enrollees must have signed up because they genuinely want health coverage and not because of the rather paltry penalty – only $95. That penalty, however, will increase substantially in the coming years. Granted, there will be more glitches and plenty of fine-tuning down the track and around the bend to improve ObamaCare. Adjustments always accompany big historical changes, and the Affordable Care Act – not to forget – is the biggest health-care change since Medicare in the mid-1960s. Despite any glitches, signs of optimism abound. A major source of optimism is the power of good ol’ wordof-mouth. As so many previously uninsured Americans buy into health coverage, they are certain to experience the benefits of health care, including free preventive checkups that can help nip problems in the bud. Prevention is one of the foundations of the ACA. Those people are sure to share their good news with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers. The good news – and good health – will convince others to enroll. Success stories have already begun to circulate widely. TV cook Rachael Ray, for example, tearfully told Vice President Joe Biden how elated she was that ObamaCare is a lifesaver for her brother, who’d experienced a lifethreatening illness. He would not have been able to find insurance without the ACA, which forbids companies from rejecting applicants due to pre-existing conditions. Hopefully, we can expect to see TV ads based on those success stories to counter the inaccurate fear-and-smear ads funded by billionaires. Some of the possible problems ahead include not enough young and healthy people signing up for plans, the danger of rising monthly premiums (always a danger with insurance rates) and getting help for people who have been dumped because their previous insurance plans were substandard, according to ACA requirements. Those problems are all fixable. Many ObamaCare detractors had egg on their faces the morning of April 1; many were eating crow for breakfast. But, alas, their whining continues. Minnesota Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston), for instance, whined that lawmakers promised there would be 270,000 Minnesotans signed up. Tsk, tsk, tsk. There is a saying among a nomadic tribe in North Africa. When they’re ready to pack up and move their encampment to another place, they often say about their restive canines: “The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.” Of ObamaCare this could be said: “The train-wreckers whine, but the train moves on.” Let’s celebrate!
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.
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, April 11, 2014
Opinion Why read ‘moldy’ old Sinclair Lewis? Why should anyone in this new century want to read anything by Sinclair Lewis? “Isn’t he that moldy old author from Sauk Centre who wrote a bunch of stuff about a small Minnesota town in the 1920s?” That’s a typical response when Lewis’s name comes up. It’s unfortunate, but it’s to be expected from people who won’t read anything older than a month and who consider even the immortal writers – Shakespeare, Austen, Tolstoy, Flaubert, Joyce, Proust, to name just six – “moldy.” So why should anyone today read Lewis? Here’s why: His novels still have much to tell us about America and its institutions – warts and all. Though Lewis was not a master prose stylist like his contemporaries, Hemingway and Fitzgerald, he more than made up for that in the sheer drive, vigor and commotion of his storytelling skills. Lewis’s novels are still relevant because they deal with issues with which we are still grappling: stultifying provincialism, capitalism and materialism, commercialism and boosterism, the struggle for women’s rights, religious hypocrisy, the forces of political chicanery, the danger of demagogues, medical ethics, the tug-of-war between married men and women, metro vs. small-town values, and the corrupting lures of money and greed. Well, why should we read about those themes in Lewis? Wouldn’t it be better to read current takes on those subjects? No, not necessarily. As most novice readers of Lewis quickly discover, he had an uncanny knack for making those
Dennis Dalman Editor themes come to life through his settings and characters. It’s interesting and lots of fun to see those topics treated in that faraway country of the 1920s and 1930s; it’s like rediscovering our current selves, with a renewed focus, in a foreign land. One of the secrets of Lewis’s greatness is he knew in his mind and soul such themes are timeless, always working themselves out, one way or another, in different times, by different people in different places, endlessly. Shakespeare, of course, understood that, too, as did all the greatest of writers, which is why their works remain classics – worth reading in any age. Last but not least, a good reason to read Lewis is he can be laugh-out-loud hilarious. Eagle-eyed for every kind of foible and foolishness, he wrote with a caustic pen that could puncture any and all pretensions. The results are often wickedly funny. Here are thumbnail comments about Lewis’s best books: Main Street: A woman marries a doctor and moves to his small hometown, Gopher Prairie (a fictional Sauk Centre). Bored and discontent with the vulgarities and small-mindedness of the “village,” she starts a single-minded campaign to bring high-brow culture and enlightenment to the townspeople. Elmer Gantry: The lead character, a
preacher, is a rip-roaring, athletic, alcoholic, narcissistic, womanizing, cynical, hypocritical hellion – yet he is strangely charming, as many characters discover, to their regret. Babbit: A gung-ho but personally unhappy businessman tries to put his life together. This novel is a masterpiece of hollow-headed, noisy, commercialcrazed boosterism, and its prose zings and hollers like a loud circus of insipid ad slogans. A great book! Arrowsmith: A research bacteriologist wrestles with his conscience as he helps fight a plague on a Caribbean island. Ethical (and marital) dilemmas abound in this unfairly neglected, brilliant novel. It Can’t Happen Here: A frightening novel about a senator who promises the moon and stars while crooning a mantra of patriotism and family values. Gullible voters elect him president and soon find themselves in a totalitarian-militaristic nightmare. Kingsblood Royal: After doing genealogy research, a middle-class white man discovers to his horror he has AfroAmerican blood in his veins. The social calamities that follow are, at the same time, pathetic and grotesquely comical. Another unfairly neglected book, far ahead of its time. Dodsworth: An American couple decides to take a European tour with dispiriting results. One of the best novels about a marriage unraveling. Also, a superb movie, widely considered among the top 100 of all time. The astute critic H.L. Mencken described Lewis as “ . . . this red-haired tornado from the Minnesota wilds.” So true. Please, readers, give Lewis a try.
From the Bench
Divorces require utmost in time, attention I have dealt with divorce as a former family law attorney and now as a judge. It can be a painful and complex process. Emotionally, people need to rely on family, friends and clergy to navigate through the process. Legally, people should consult with experienced family law attorneys to understand the complex issues in divorces. However, it’s not uncommon for people to proceed with a divorce without attorneys. Minnesota is a “no fault” state, meaning the person filing for divorce does not have to allege fault. However, the party must assert there has been an “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage relationship.” In legal terms, a marriage is a civil contract. In essence, a party cannot “fight” the divorce, just the terms of the divorce. Consequently, any “dissolution of marriage” (divorce) requires the parties decide how financial issues will be wrapped up, and, more importantly, how issues involving the children of the marriage will be handled. Issues involving children include legal custody, physical custody, parenting time, child support, medical and dental insurance, and tax exemptions. The courts require attendance at parenting-education classes, some of which are available online. The judge must determine what is in the best interests of the child(ren) based on 13 statutory factors. If joint cus-
From the Bench
Ann Carrott tody is sought, the judge must have sufficient information to determine the parents can cooperate in raising the child(ren). Financial issues include business interests, real estate, inheritances, pensions, taxes, bank accounts, personal property and debts. A frequent misconception is any property titled in one party’s name (not held jointly) is that person’s property. However, any property either party owns or any debt owed during the marriage is presumed to be marital and must be identified and divided fairly and equitably. The parties may need to obtain business valuations, real-estate appraisals and personal-property appraisals for unique items or collections. In addition, the parties must consider issues such as health-insurance coverage for the parties and maintenance (formerly “alimony”). The judges encourage parties to resolve divorce issues without a trial. It is better to reach an agreement you can at least live with than to let
a judge who knows very little about your family decide these major issues. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, either informally or through court-ordered mediation, a judge (not a jury) will decide the issues after evidence is presented in a trial. The Minnesota Courts website (www.mncourts.gov) has a Self-Help Center with forms for completion by parties without attorneys. However, the forms are detailed (as the site notes, there is “a lot of paperwork” in a divorce) and require the parties to consider all the issues mentioned above just as they would if attorneys were involved. The Self-Help Center site clearly states you should not use the forms “for cases involving a large number of assets, property or debts.” The site has videos such as “How to Start a Divorce in Minnesota” and “Representing Yourself in Court” to assist you. Some counties have people to assist you at the courthouse, but they cannot give you legal advice about your particular case. Neither can the judge assigned to your case. If you are contemplating a divorce or know someone going through one, understand divorces are complex, difficult legal proceedings and require time and attention to resolve. The Honorable Ann L. Carrott is a district court judge chambered in Douglas County, Minn.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Community Calendar
Friday, April 11 Discovery Day, students in grades 5-11 are invited to tour, St. John’s Preparatory School, Collegeville. 320-363-3315. Blood drive, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., American Red Cross, 1301 W. St.. Germain St., St. Cloud. 1-800-7332767. St. Joseph Farmers’ Market, 3-6 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 CR 2 N., St. Joseph. Multicultural College Fair, 5-7 p.m., Social Room, St. Boniface Church, 501 Main St., Cold Spring. Speak individually with representatives of 10 colleges who speak Spanish and English with materials available in Somali. 320685-3949, Fish Fry, 4-8 p.m., eat in at All Saints school cafeteria, parish Heritage Hall, American LegionSt. Joseph and The Middy, or take out at Heritage Hall, St. Joseph. Fish Fry, 5-8 p.m., Stride Academy fundraiser, El Paso Sports Bar & Grill, 200 2nd Ave. NW, St. Joseph. Saturday, April 12 Sartell Farmers’ Winter Market, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sartell City Hall, 125 Pinecone Road N. Fun Fest Charity Carnival, sponsored by high school student council, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Sartell High School, 748 7th St. N., Sartell. All proceeds go to Children’s Lighthouse of Minnesota. Llama Llama Storytime, 10:30-11:30 a.m., children ages 3 to 6, Al Ringsmuth Public Library, 253 5th Ave. N., Waite Park. Registration required. 320-253-9359. Sunday, April 13 Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge Choir, 10:30 a.m., Grace Baptist Fellowship Church, 1197 Pine Cone Road, Sartell. 320252-5548. Monday, April 14 Blood drive, noon-6 p.m., American Red Cross, 1301 W. St..
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St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com LEGAL NOTICE
Germain St., St. Cloud. 1-800-7332767. Tuesday, April 15 Blood drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., American Red Cross, 1301 W. St.. Germain St., St. Cloud. 1-800-7332767. Sartell Chamber of Commerce, 11:45 a.m., City Hall. 320253-2171. “Home Buying 101,” part of a financial fitness workshop series, 6-7 p.m., Room 208, Great River Regional Libraray, 12th Avenue and St. Germain St. W., St. Cloud. Holistic Moms Network, 7-8:30 p.m., Good Earth Co-op, St. Cloud. 320-252-2489. “Are you poisoning your family?” get toxic products out of your home, 7 p.m., Riverside Plaza, 101 7th St. N., corner unit 4, Sartell. 320-217-2700. Wednesday, April 16 Car Seat Clinic, 3-6 p.m, certified technicians check the safety and fit of your car seat in your car, Gold Cross Ambulance garage, 2800 7th St. N., St. Cloud. Free service. 320-656-7021. Thursday, April 17 Coffee and Conversation, a senior discussion group, 9 a.m., Country Manor, Sartell. Blood drive, noon-6 p.m., American Red Cross, 1301 W. St.. Germain St., St. Cloud. 1-800-7332767. St. Joseph City Council, 7 p.m., City Hall. 320-363-7201. Friday, April 18 Fish Fry, 5-8 p.m., St. Joseph Lions fundraiser, El Paso Sports Bar and Grill, 200 2nd Ave. NW, St. Joseph.
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CITY OF ST. JOSEPH PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED ASSESSMENT – PARK TERRACE IMPROVEMENTS
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given that the council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2014, at the St. Joseph City Hall, 25 College Ave. N. to consider, and possibly adopt, the proposed assessment for the 2014 Park Terrace improvement which affects the following areas: along the north side of Minnesota Street (CSAH 2) between a point 400 feet west of 4th Avenue NW and 3rd Avenue NW, along 4th Avenue NW between Minnesota Street W (CSAH 2) and Birch Street W, along 5th Avenue NW between 4th Avenue NW, and a point 200 feet north of Birch Street W, along Ash Street W between 5th Avenue NW and 2nd Avenue NW, and along Old Highway 52 between Birch Street W and a point 200 feet NW of Birch Street W. Adoption by the council of the proposed assessment may occur at the hearing. The area listed above is proposed to be assessed. The proposed assessment is proposed to be payable in equal annual installments extending over a period of 15 years, the first of the installments to be payable on or before the first Monday in January 2015, and will bear interest at the rate of 5.5 percent per annum from the date of the adoption of the assessment resolution. To the first installment shall be added interest on the entire assessment from the date of the assessment resolution until Dec. 31, 2014. To each subsequent installment when due shall be added interest for one year on all unpaid installments.
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You may at any time prior to certification of the assessment to the county auditor, pay the entire assessment on such property, with interest accrued to the date of payment, to the City of St. Joseph. No interest shall be charged if the entire assessment is paid within 30 days from the adoption of this assessment. You may at any time thereafter, pay to the City of St. Joseph the entire amount of the assessment remaining unpaid, with interest accrued to Dec. 31 of the year in which such payment is made. Such payment must be made before Nov. 15 or interest will be charged through Dec. 31 of the succeeding year. If you decide not to prepay the assessment before the date given above the rate of interest that will apply is 5.5 percent per year. You have the right to partially prepay the assessment with any balance being certified to the County Auditor for collection under the terms described above. The proposed assessment roll is on file for public inspection at the city clerk’s office. The total amount of the proposed assessment is $2,129,342.92. Written or oral objections will be considered at the meeting. No appeal to district court may be taken as to the amount of an assessment unless a written objection signed by the affected property owner is filed with the municipal clerk prior to the assessment hearing or presented to the presiding officer at the hearing. The council may upon such notice consider any objection to the amount of a proposed individual
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assessment at an adjourned meeting upon such further notice to the affected property owners as it deems advisable. Under Minn. Stat. §§ 435.193 to 435.195 and city Ordinance No. 38, the council may, in its discretion, defer the payment of this special assessment for any homestead property owned by a person 65 years of age or older or retired by virtue of a permanent and total disability for whom it would be a hardship to make the payments. When deferment of the special assessment has been granted and is terminated for any reason provided in that law and Ordinance (Resolution), all amounts accumulated plus applicable interest become due. Any assessed property owner meeting the requirements of this law and Ordinance No. 38, may, within 30 days of the confirmation of the assessment, apply to the city clerk for the prescribed form for such deferral of payment of this special assessment on his/her property. An owner may appeal an assessment to district court pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 429.081 by serving notice of the appeal upon the mayor or clerk of the city within 30 days after the adoption of the assessment and filing such notice with the district court within 10 days after service upon the mayor or clerk. Judy Weyrens Administrator Publish: April 11 and 18, 2014
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THE NEWSLEADERS seeks freelance writers and photographers to cover town-specific events/meetings/personalities. Freelancers are paid per story/photo. If interested, please email a resume and a few writing/photo samples to janellev@thenewsleaders.com.
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Spencer is described as a mellow and rather lazy cat. He is neutered, 3 years old with long, soft black hair and a white chest. He came to the shelter because his people were moving and Spencer wouldn’t be able to join them. In his previous home, he was easy going with other cats, dogs and children. Spencer qualifies for the “Name Your Own Price” promotion and would also be free to a senior citizen or someone in the military. “Helping one animal won’t change the world … but it will change the world for that one animal!” Dogs - 14
Puppy - 1
Cats - 35
Rats - 3
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.
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
8
Friday, April 11, 2014
Hammering out a budget Quality Steel fabrication job shop has an opening for:
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320-763-6964
How do I calculate how much my renovation project will cost? Now there’s a question that requires a great deal of thought! Obviously there are many different answers to this question, depending on what type of project you have in mind and the quality of materials you can budget for. Do you want to demolish everything and start from scratch? Replace the plumbing and the electricity? Or simply change the furniture and the appliances to freshen up some rooms and give them a more up-to-date look? Your budget will also depend on whether you plan to hire a professional to do the work or if you do it yourself – sometimes both options are possible. Hiring manpower will increase the cost, but using a pro can prevent months of lost time and space
at home. If you decide to hire someone, ask for recommendations from family, friends and work colleagues. That is the best way to find a trustworthy person who can do quality work at a reasonable price. You can also obtain invaluable advice from specialists in hardware or renovation stores. The quality and quantity of materials chosen will also have a huge impact on the cost of the project. If money is no object, you could renovate everything in one go. If your budget is more modest, you could go more slowly, at your own pace, one room at a time. Be sure to get all the information you need to make an enlightened decision. Write everything down and compare the different options that have been suggested.
Avoid spur of the moment decisions that you could end up regretting later on, and be especially careful about going over budget. The important thing to remember is to take the time to make rational choices, while keeping in mind your tastes and budget. Roofing • Siding • Gutters • Windows • Metal Roofs HAAG™ Certified Roof Inspectors for hail/wind
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SPRING CLEANING Reliable Rolloff can deliver a 10-, 20- or 30-yard dumpster to your home for your clean-up debris or you can bring it to our transfer station at: 8232 Delta Circle in St. Joseph. Call 363-1194 for pricing and directions.