St. Joseph V25 I42

Reaching Everybody!

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Newsleader St. Joseph

Friday, Oct. 24, 2014 Volume 25, Issue 42 Est. 1989

Town Crier Joe Town Table serves meals for everyone

Community organizations band together to host Joe Town Table from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 26 at the American Legion, 101 W. Minnesota St., St. Joseph. This free meal serves as an opportunity for socialization among neighbors and friends.

Volunteers serve up a warm meal for area residents to enjoy.

St. Cloud State presents Choral Connections

St. Cloud State University Concert Choir and St. Cloud area high school choral ensembles present Choral Connections at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 in Ritsche Auditorium at SCSU. The annual concert will include performances from the area high schools of Sartell, Apollo, Cathedral, St. John’s Prep, Sauk Rapids-Rice, St. Cloud Tech, by the St. Cloud State Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, and the Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota’s Women’s Chorale. Tickets will be available at the door. A portion of the ticket proceeds go toward scholarships for music students at SCSU.

Central Minnesota Catholic Worker hosts open house

An open house will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 at the Church of St. Joseph’s Heritage Hall. All are invited to learn more about being a Catholic Worker. A Catholic Worker is a community dedicated to living out the gospel’s call to serve and love our brothers and sisters. The three pillars that comprise the Catholic Worker are prayer, clarification of thought (social action) and hospitality. It seeks to create a community where people feel welcome and yet challenges all of us to live our lives ‘worthy of the call’ of Christ. It’s ecumenical in focus; other faith traditions are invited to join. For more information, contact Molly at centralmncw@gmail.com, or head to centralmncw.org.

Postal Patron

Public invited to chapel’s 100th anniversary

by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com

The Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict invite the public to a Festival of Thanksgiving and Praise at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 in the Sacred Heart Chapel, St. Benedict’s Monastery, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the chapel.

The event will include narration, song and images. A reception will follow.

Prayer and Eucharist have been a part of the Sisters’ Benedictine traditions since their arrival in St. Joseph in 1863.

Their first chapel was part of a log cabin. Because they outgrew that chapel, the Sisters voted in 1910 to build a new chapel. They wanted the new one to be both beautiful and to serve their needs in both the present and the future.

Prioress Mother Cecilia Kapsner and procurator S. Chapel • page 6

contributed photo

The Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict invite the public to a Festival of Thanksgiving and Praise at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Sacred Heart Chapel.

Catholic Worker open house set for Oct. 27

by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com

Central Minnesota Catholic Worker will host an open house from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 in the Church of St. Joseph Catholic Church Heritage Hall.

Attendees will have a chance to learn about what issues the Catholic Worker has been focusing on and what future issues it hopes to address.

“As we gathered a month ago, we started talking about next steps for the Catholic Worker,” said Molly Weyrens, a member. “We want to bring more people into the work we are doing and help them understand more about the Catholic Worker concept and what our particular Catholic Worker is up to.”

Weyrens said the Oct. 27 meeting will be a bit of “Catho-

at the American Legion in St. Joseph. Future Joe Town Table meals are from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 23 and Dec. 21. The Catholic Worker has an ecumenical focus and invites other faiths to join its effort.

For more information about Central Minnesota Catholic Worker or to volunteer to help with the Joe Town Table meal, email centralmncw@gmail. com.

Old flag is installed at new location

by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com

For additional criers, visit www.thenewsleaders.com and click on Criers.

INSERTS:

Mark Bromenschenkel for Stearns County Sheriff

Diane Grundhoefer

for Stearns County Recorder

Tim O’Driscoll

for State Representative

lic Worker 101” as well as a place for people to look at other issues such as human trafficking, issues of Islam in our area, immigration, poverty in St. Joseph and more.

The Catholic Worker has helped various other St. Joseph organizations and residents with planning and organizing the “Joe Town Table” community meal. That meal is held the fourth Sunday of each month

photo by Cori Hilsgen

Liam Pierson, 2, enjoys playing in the gym during Family Trick or Treat at PineCone Marketplace Fun Night.

The early-childhood center at Colts Academy was bustling with activity Oct. 14, as the program hosted its annual Family Fun Night.

This year’s event was especially important because the program moved to the Colts Academy building after a June 14 fire destroyed its former location at the Roosevelt School in St. Cloud.

That school had been a part of the district since 1920.

To show the program has survived and moved on, the evening included a significant flag-hanging ceremony by Major John Donovan. A flag he originally donated

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to Roosevelt, which had been hanging on its school wall, was recovered from the part of the building which survived the fire.

The flag was cleaned and restored after being damaged by smoke and water.

The flag flew over American soldiers in Bosnia. Donovan, who served in Bosnia, had donated the flag to Roosevelt in 2004 because his sister worked at the school.

Early-childhood services director Alicia Jepsen led the Pledge of Allegiance as Donovan positioned the flag on a gym wall visible to children and staff. St. Cloud, Waite Park and Sartell fire departments, which helped fight the fire, were present at the cerFlag • page 12

St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

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.

Sept. 14 6:24 a.m. Welfare check. College Avenue S. Police received a report of a male sleeping in the hallway of an apartment hallway, outside of a residence. A strong odor of alcohol was present on the man’s breath, and he blew a .157.

The man was transported to his home.

6:20 p.m. Burglary. 19th Avenue NE. The renter of a storage shed found the lock missing from her door, and items had been rifled through. Nothing was missing or damaged other than the lock. The mini-storage owner looked for additional damage, and thought someone had also gone through another unit. Both sheds were secured.

Sept. 15 10:19 a.m. Traffic stop. College Avenue S. A vehicle was observed by police speeding away from the stop sign at Minnesota Street and College Avenue. The officer observed the driver traveling at a speed of 44 mph in a 30-mph zone, and looking down at her phone.

After being stopped, the driver admitted to texting her sister. The driver was issued a citation for texting while driving, and given a verbal warning for speeding and not having a driver’s license in her possession.

Sept. 19 4:55 p.m. Disorderly conduct.

Minnesota Street W. A 21-year-old female reported being assaulted at a local bar. After reviewing a video and speaking with the suspect – a 22-year-old female – the suspect admitted to the actions. A citation was issued.

6:44 p.m. Drug possession. Min-

Blotter

nesota Street W. While checking a residence for a suspect in another matter, police detected the odor of marijuana. The resident admitted to smoking marijuana and provided police with a baggie containing a small amount of the substance.

The 22-year-old male was cited for possession.

Sept. 20 12:13 a.m. Minor consumption.

College Avenue S. An officer was flagged down by CSB Security.

They had an intoxicated 18-yearold male who was verbally uncooperative, and had provided them with a fake ID. A strong odor of alcohol was coming from the man.

He was issued a citation for minor consumption and possession of a fraudulent driver’s license, and released to a sober friend.

10:53 p.m. Open container.

Minnesota Street W/2nd Avenue NW. A patrol officer observed a 22-year-old male standing on the sidewalk drinking a can of beer.

The officer stopped the man, collected the open can and a sample, and issued a citation.

10:58 p.m. Minor consumption.

2nd Avenue NW. Police observed a 20-year-old male walking north with a backpack on. As the officer approached the male, he walked away at an angle. The officer stopped him to check for alcohol in the backpack, which the man denied. Multiple containers in the backpack did not contain alcohol.

However, a Gatorade bottle in a side pouch had an odor of alcohol coming from it, and the man admitted it contained ‘captain,’ meaning Captain Morgan Rum. The male had a blood-alcohol content of .108, and was issued a citation for minor consumption.

Holiday Craft and

Sept. 26 4:43 p.m. Property damage.

Minnesota Street E. Police received a call that mailboxes had been damaged, two of which had been removed completely from their post. Police met with an individual who stated he accidentally hit the mailboxes while attempting to park their vehicle on the south side of the street. His mirror was damaged on the passenger side. Insurance and contact information was exchanged between the driver and renters.

9:47 p.m. Officer request. 4th Avenue N. A resident called and asked for an officer to come, as their back door was open upon returning home. Police searched the home and found no sign of tampering.

Sept. 21 9 p.m. Gas leak. Elm Street E. A minivan was observed leaking gas. The driver was advised by the manager of a local business, but was not concerned and left. The fire department placed absorbent material down, and the registered owner of the van was billed for the work.

Sept. 27 10:58 p.m. Open container. College Avenue N. Police observed a male walking in front of the police department holding a can. Upon approach the 21-year-old male attempted to hide the can at his side.

The man stated the can was a beer and was open. He was issued a citation for his open container.

Part-time Optician

STEEL SALES & RECYCLING

Previous experience preferred but will train.

Fill out application and drop off resume at:

Bake Sale

Russell Eyecare & Associates

Saturday, Nov. 8 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

15 E. Minnesota St., Ste. 107 • St. Joseph

Great Hall • St. John’s University

Or email: info@russelleyecare.com

People

Sept. 22 10:26 p.m. Medical. 1st Avenue NE. A minor female dislocated her knee, and was lying on the ground in a little pain when an officer arrived. Gold Cross rescue transported the patient to the St. Cloud Hospital.

Sept. 24 9:37 p.m. Suspicious person.

Elm Street E. An employee at a local business stated a female who looked to be in her mid-20s with a strong Russian accent was pulling on the doors of area businesses. The suspect came into the employees business and said she was trying to sell bracelets to raise money for family back home. The employee was suspicious because it was so late in the evening. The suspect was gone by the time police arrived, but the employee said the female was driving a blue minivan with out-ofstate plates.

MIDWAY IRON & METAL INC.

Family Owned & Operated 648 NE Lincoln Ave., St. Cloud SCRAP: 320-252-4002 • NEW STEEL: 320-258-3003 800-246-4002 • www.midwayiron.com

Friday, Oct. 24, 2014

contributed photo

The All Saints Academy blue team played the gold team in football on Sept. 30. Fans such as fifth-grade teacher Tess Koltes said it didn’t matter who won the game, because no matter what, All Saints won the game. Pictured are players (left to right) Ryan Stoltz, Eli Ebel and Jimmy Young.

contributed image

Graduate student Stephen Danielson, St. Joseph, along with his team, won the best poster design prize for “D.A.R.T.”, “Designing Architecture for Resilience through Time.”

Stephen Danielson, St. Joseph, was part of a team of five graduate students in Iowa who won the best poster design prize related to renewable energy, climate change or environmental policy or planning for their poster, titled “D.A.R.T.: Designing Architecture for Resilience through Time,” at the Meeting the Renewable Energy Challenge Student Energy Expo at the University of Iowa, Iowa City on Oct. 15. The poster, designed in panels reminiscent of a comic book or graphic

novel, the team’s poster depicts ‘D.A.R.T.’ as the hero of multipurpose design, climatic-responsive systems, on-site power generation, community relationship-building and passive design pitted against the villains of weather, solar radiation and economy. Danielson is a graduate student in architecture at Iowa State University, and, along with his team, will contribute to the publication of essays from the Sustainability and Green Architecture class.

Holiday in St. Joseph was recently named winner in the Convenience Division in a competition of 15 stores by Coborn’s Inc., which evaluated all of its 120 retail locations to determine one location per division as the Location of the Year.

The store is managed by Brian St. Onge. These locations were evalu-

ated and scored based on three areas of criteria, consistent across divisions for 2013, including employee engagement, financial goals and the overall health of the location. Each of the winning locations received recognition at the company’s annual ESOP celebration, along with a plaque and cash prize.

Published each Friday by Von Meyer Publishing Inc.

Newstands BP Gas Station Casey’s General Store Holiday Gas Station Coborn’s

Kay’s Kitchen The Local Blend St. Joseph Meat Market St. Joseph Newsleader Office

www.thenewsleaders.com

Publisher/Owner Janelle Von Pinnon

Operations Manager Logan Gruber

Production Manager Tara Wiese

Editor Dennis Dalman

Contributing Writer Cori Hilsgen

Delivery Glen Lauer Greg Hartung

P.O. Box 324 • 32 1st Ave. N.W. • St. Joseph, Minn. 56374 Phone (320) 363-7741 • Fax (320) 363-4195 • E-mail address: news@thenewsleaders.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ST. JOSEPH NEWSLEADER, P.O. Box 324, St. Joseph, MN 56374.

Friday, Oct. 24, 2014

St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

3

Two candidates compete in mayoral race Two St. Joseph residents are squaring off in this year’s mayoral race, which will come to a head on Tuesday, Nov. 4. They are the following: incumbent Rick Schultz, and Bob Loso.

Look for additional election race information on our website, thenewsleaders.com.

Bob Loso

Family: I am 62 years young and have been happily married for 36 years to my wife Noreen. Together we raised three sons: Pete, Nick, Nate.

Biographical background: I have been a lifelong resident of St. Joseph, raised my family in this community, and, for much of my life, had the opportunity to participate in many civic organizations, enjoying years of past and present community involvement. I’ve been elected to five four-year terms as a city council member, been a member of the city fire board for 20 years, and served as a member of city organizations such as the planning commission, park board and the Area Planning and City Recreation associations. I have been a past leader in the local Cub and Boy Scout organizations, coached youth soccer, been a member of the Parochial Athletic Association, Jaycees and have volunteered on numerous community projects throughout the years.

Why are you qualified to

serve as mayor?

Serving five terms as a city council member and having the opportunity to be a member of so many community organizations has provided me with a vast amount of experience and insight into working with many different people, on a variety of different projects. For the last three decades, I have gained hands-on knowledge, practical skills and experience in city management and community development. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t, and I’ve gained the wisdom to separate the needs from the wants.

Please explain why having a mayor of the city is important?

A mayor plays a pivotal part on the council, listening to all the issues, compiling them and ultimately putting the process to a vote. It’s important at times for the mayor to speak as a single collective voice, serving in the best interests of the city and its residents. The mayor is tasked in part to identify realistic goals for the city of St. Joseph and to facilitate meaningful discussion about practical and obtainable objectives for public projects.

A mayor aims to anticipate the future needs of the city and its residents, and seeks to foster productive and meaningful discussions, keep discussions on track and facilitate the decisionmaking process in a timely manner.

There has been much disagreement about the council’s one-time plan to build a new city hall that would include a community room. How can the

council proceed without any more confusion about that issue? Why were there so many misunderstandings that led to that controversy?

Separate the issues. It’s apparent combining the immediate need of a larger city and police facility with a community center, which fulfills the desires and needs of the community into one project proposal, had its shortcomings – ultimately with the project not being implemented. I think it would be beneficial to first look at the real-time need for a larger city and police administrative facility, and revisit development ideas for a community center that would fulfill the expectations of community members and incorporate the wishes of the community.

How would you rate the relationships between the city, its residents and the two local colleges and college students?

How could those relationships be strengthened?

I believe the relationships have improved immensely since the past, and today the relationship is as strong as ever. The city of St. Joseph is fortunate to have two institutions of higher learning at our doorsteps and the ability to tap into the immense resources they provide to our community. Open communication has always been encouraged, and various channels exist for university and city leaders to cooperate, consult, advise and discuss community projects pertinent to both stakeholders.

Relationships are strengthened when individuals, groups and

organizations socialize, recreate, educate and enjoy the amazing things everyone brings to this community. I encourage local residents to take advantage of the cultural, academic, athletic and spiritual offerings of our local institutions and encourage a greater spread of information about when, where and how these resources can be enjoyed. I also encourage city and academic leaders to explore the development of opportunities for young minds to gain real-world experience within city organizations, local businesses and other local entities through internships, workshops and community activism. There is no shortage of great ideas and opportunities for ways to strengthen our community relationship, improve our local community and benefit from the resources of each other.

Which services, if any, would you trim or eliminate entirely if a severe budget crises should happen?

At the most basic level the city of St. Joseph provides city residents with street, public safety, sewer and water services, as well as maintenance of community parks and facilities. With the implementation of these services, the city is managed in a manner that provides an adequate monetary reserve to weather fiscally challenging times. Every budget situation requires a unique approach, and at the root is either a revenue issue or expenditure issue. In the event of a severe budget crises situation a possible course of action, providing the situation warrants it, would

be to freeze capital-improvement projects, address needs for future city projects, manage existing personnel hours such as overtime and address the needs and benefits of third-party advisor services the city utilizes. Ultimately, I would look at the specific situation and work toward the best possible solution addressing both the financial realities while continuing to provide the services city residents are accustomed to.

Rick Schultz

Family: Married 33 years, (Tammy); three children (Angela, Jessica, Briana); three grandchildren Biographical background: I was born in Alexandria, raised in Osakis; graduated from St. Cloud State University with a bachelor’s degree in education and also graduated from St. Cloud Technical College with an associate’s degree in computer operations. I’m a 30-year resident of St Joseph. I’ve spent 34 years as an information technology professional and am currently employed with Landis Gyr (subsidiary of Toshiba), global industry leader in metering solutions for electricity, gas, heat/ cold and water for energy measurement solutions for utilities. I currently serve as the chairman of the St. Cloud Area Planning Organization; a board member Mayoral • page 5

St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

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Our View

Opinion ACA needs tweaking, but it’s working

Thirteen months after its disastrous Please vote ‘yes’ roll-out, the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) – surprise – is working. to tax extension How dosurprise, we know it’s working? Well,

The extension of the regional half-cent sales tax will, hopefully, be approved by voters in all of our six area cities.

Thanks to that half-cent tax, facilities and improvements major and minor have been made possible in the past decade. They include the regional public library in St. Cloud and airport improvements.

In St. Joseph, there have been park improvements and infrastructure enhancements made possible with sales-tax revenue. If the tax extension passes in St. Joseph, up to $10 million of the revenue would be spent for transportation improvements – streets, roads, infrastructure and possibly a form of mass transit. Up to $8 million can be spent on community facilities such as a community center, senior center, historical center and/or a branch library. Up to $4 million could be spent on regional trails, parks and open space. That includes bathroom facilities, water amenities, the expansion of shelters and the development of Sauk River Park.

Yes, opponents claim that 20 years is a mighty long extension of a special tax, to the point it could become a perma-tax. However, that fact must be balanced by the advantages of the revenue generated by the tax – making possible amenities and improvements that residents want but that cities, hard-strapped for money, are reluctant to make. And in some cases, such as repairs on major, regional roads, local governments would have to tax citizens anyway to make such crucial repairs.

And we should remember these amenities aren’t “frills” either. What could be more city-essential than a fine park? Or an aquatics center? Or a historical-society museum? Or a community center? Not to mention hiking-biking trail connections and extensions.

All of those projects are under consideration in one or more of our six cities for expenditures if the tax is extended from 2018 through 2038. It’s those kinds of facilities that give any city life-enhancing qualities – a combination of social, recreational and cultural enhancements. Such amenities also tend to attract new businesses, new workers, new families. One of the very first things businesses seek when relocating is the dynamism of a city, including amenities that enhance quality of life. Those considerations include quality of schools, along with social, recreational and cultural opportunities, and let’s not forget good roads. Polls also show residents are increasingly placing a strong emphasis on the need for hikingbiking trails and a variety of parks and green space.

As many proponents of the tax have pointed out, if a city votes down the half-cent sales tax, that city will get none of the revenue generated by the other cities, and yet the residents of that city will still have to pay the half-cent tax when shopping in the other cities. So, in essence, voting against the tax extension is akin to cutting off one’s nose to spite the face.

For those not familiar with how the sales tax works, here’s a brief explanation: once revenue is collected, the first $900,000 of it goes to a few major projects in the area that can be enjoyed by any and all residents. Those jointly funded projects this time around will include the interconnection of a regional trail system, a regional community aquatics center and regional airport enhancements. Any money above and beyond that annual $900,000 is given to the cities based on a formula that includes population. That will amount to many millions of dollars during the course of the 20 years of the tax.

While nobody loves taxes, this half-cent tax is the least onerous tax imaginable, especially considering the quality-of-life projects it will continue to make possible. So, please vote “yes” for the half-cent salestax question on the Nov. 4 ballot.

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.

Friday, Oct. 24, 2014

for one thing, it’s not starring as the evil bogeyman in saturation ads this election season. If it were not working, you can bet your last sweet buck opponents would be shouting it from the rooftops – in political attack ads. Less than six months ago, ObamaCare was supposed to be the Great Big Dud that would sweep Republicans to landslide victories come this November.

Obama-haters, especially the shills on the Fox News Channel, gleefully gloated about how ObamaCare was in its “death spiral.” Vultures gathered, hovering, ready to swoop down and pick clean the carcass.

Most pundits are still banking on Republicans taking a majority in the U.S. Senate, but their wins – at least according to current polls – are likely to be squeaky-tight margins, not landslides.

ObamaCare was not the catastrophe so many right-wing politicians insisted it would be.

How else do we know the ACA is working? Take your pick from the following: • The best reason is there are about 10 million Americans who now have health insurance for the first time in their lives. More will join when the next sign-up period starts Nov. 15.

People can shop for less-expensive premiums, which should force companies to become more truly competitive with – adjustments over time – lower medical costs and lower premiums.

• The number of insurers participating through the marketplace exchanges is increasing, overall.

• Obstructionist states, fiercely resistant to anything to do with ObamaCare, are realizing they were fools not to ac-

Dennis Dalman Editor cept federal Medicaid expansion funding. They are beginning to understand other states that allowed the Medicaid expansion and created their own market exchanges in tandem with the ACA, have shown the largest decreases in their rates of uninsured people. Minnesota’s rate declined by 40 percent – an all-time record. Kentucky and Arkansas are also notable success stories, as are California, Colorado, Oregon and New Mexico.

• The nationwide uninsured rate is now 13.4 percent, the lowest since 2008, according to a Gallup survey. That’s because of 10 million more people covered by private health insurance, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

• Yes, in the year since its inception, some insurance premiums will increase in 2015, but others have gone up by only a percentage point or two, or have actually declined – quite a switch from the constant double-digit increases in the years before the ACA. Yes, PreferredOne dropped out of the Minnesota market exchange recently, but thanks to the forces of marketplace competition initiated by the ACA, it will return, or others will gladly take its place.

• Government subsidies, especially in the case of some premium increases, will help the “working poor” pay their premiums.

• People cannot be denied insurance due to pre-existing conditions.

• Women cannot be discriminated

against with higher costs because they are women.

• Children can stay on their parents’ health insurance until they are 26.

• ObamaCare introduced strict guidelines against junk insurance policies that may cost less but offer almost nothing of value.

• The ACA encourages preventive care, nipping problems in the bud, before they become acute and vastly more expensive.

• Reforms initiated by the ACA have helped lower the federal deficit and have even driven down the long-term costs of Medicare, according to a Washington Post analysis of a report by the non-partisan U.S. Congressional Budget Office last August.

Who can argue with those successes?

To be sure, there have been, there are and there will be ongoing problems with ObamaCare. Premium subsidies could escalate too rapidly, some exchanges still need tweaking for efficiency and for security assurances, some people might stop paying their premiums and drop out. There have always been problems with any major changes in society, including the Social Security and Medicare programs when they were started, and such programs will always require ongoing, never-ending adjustments. As will the ACA. Cynics, however, insist on throwing out the baby with bathwater.

Those who dislike ObamaCare probably will never change their minds; they’ll keep carping about it, trying to nitpick it to death. Those of us who like it, who welcome it as long overdue, are betting it’s not only here to stay, in one good form or another, but it’s already begun to transform America into a kinder, gentler, healthier nation.

President Obama deserves a thank you and an apology.

Letters to the Editor:

Reader urges others to vote Sanner for Sheriff Bruce Bechtold, St. Joseph I have had the privilege of serving the citizens of Stearns County as a deputy sheriff for the past 28 years, the last 12 as the Chief Deputy Sheriff. I have worked alongside Sheriff John Sanner

and the rest of the administrative team on a number of projects and cases. The operation of the Sheriff’s Office is a major undertaking with over 200 employees, a multi-million dollar budget and a large jail operation. It takes experience and leadership skills to keep this 24 hour

a day agency running smoothly.

Sheriff John Sanner is the candidate that has the necessary skills to continue to lead the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office. Your vote for Sheriff Sanner on Nov. 4 will ensure that he and I will continue to serve you for the next 4 years.

Reader corrects voter assumption in Stearns County attorney race Carolyn Garven, St. Cloud This letter is an endorsement for Janelle Kendall to be re-elected as Stearns County Attorney. Along with this endorsement, I would like to clear up an assumption in the minds of some voters who may be assuming Janelle’s

opponent is a member of her own staff.

It’s an understandable assumption, but it is untrue. He does not work as an attorney for the County. He is employed by the City of St. Cloud. The two offices are very distinct.

I believe Janelle has demonstrated the management skills necessary to

continue the high level of effectiveness we have learned to expect from such an office. Crime-reducing programs which she has initiated now are being praised widely, even to the national level. She is readily available to the people of Stearns County, and deserves to be re-elected.

I ask the voters of Stearns County to

Reader says Sheriff Sanner not deserving of re-election Jennifer Mayers, Kimball Sheriff Sanner is not deserving of re-election. Many seem to forget about Joshua Guimond, who went missing from St. John’s University on Nov. 10, 2002 and still remains missing today.

Sgt. Phil Meemken, who was accused of criminal sexual conduct, was put on paid administrative leave for two years, causing the successful Explorer program

to be completely terminated. The Jeffery Schutz homicide in October 2012 is still awaiting trial. Officer Tommy Decker’s murder case still remains open to this day, leaving no closure for the widow or family. Mandy Matula’s body was found in Mississippi River Park in October 2013 by a hiker. A request, by a deputy, to use the mounted patrol to assist in the search was denied by Sanner. The biggest reason for the renewed inter-

est in the Jacob Wetterling case is the dedicated work of Joy Baker and Jared Scheierl, who also has a 25-year-old unsolved case within Stearns County.

I wonder why Sanner doesn’t want to have an independent review of the department? What does he have to hide?

It’s time he’s held accountable and not re-elected. As a former Stearns County deputy, I fully support Mark Bromenschenkel for Stearns County Sheriff.

terest groups, as we see the Splash Pad Committee is drooling over this tax. It’s shrouded in rhetoric that everyone benefits. The truth is, most of the citizens do not benefit.

Before you vote to pass this tax “For the next 20 Years,” understand this tax not only affects the quart of oil you buy at the local hardware store – it also affects your monthly bills – like cable, phone, gas, propane, electric, cell phone

and even an online purchase that asks for your zip code for delivery – not to mention a major purchase such as an appliance or a car.

So think about it, before you vote to fund the special-interest groups’ pet projects, that should be paid for with user fees and donations, not more taxes.

Reader claims half-cent sales tax benefits few Tom Hell, St. Joseph

The half-cent sales tax for St. Joseph comes up in November. It seems it’s a foregone conclusion the community will pass this bill. From what I understand, the monies generated fund projects that benefit a small group of people. It’s easy to understand those who routinely use the airport, aquatic center or regional trails benefit by the tax. As do other in-

Letters • page 5

St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

Friday, Oct. 24, 2014

Mayoral from page 3 (land use, annexation) for the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities; a member of the Independent School District 742 Core Planning Team; and am an active St. Joseph Lions member.

Why are you qualified to serve as mayor?

Well, I’ve been mayor for the last four years. I think that speaks well. Besides that, I care deeply about this city and I care deeply about the entirety of the city. A mayor needs a vision of what this city can be like, and I honestly believe this city has a great upside and will work for everyone in it, not just a few. I have the energy, responsibility, vision and desire to make this a model community as it grows, without sacrificing its past.

Please explain why having a mayor of the city is important.

The mayor has a number of roles that are both legislative and functional. The mayor’s role, however, extends well beyond officiating at council meetings or other municipal proceedings. Other important roles are providing leadership, promoting

Letters

positive relationships and modeling good governance.

I see myself as the official head of the city: serving as the city’s representative before the Minnesota Legislature, federal agencies and other local governments; greeting important visitors, giving formal and informal talks and taking part in public events; exerting leadership in city affairs. (Because mayors of statutory cities lack significant individual authority, this frequently calls for tact rather than acts of direct control.); establishing and nurturing relationships with our community (residents, businesses, local community groups, peer municipalities, ISD 742, CSB and SJU); executing official documents; having power to make board and commission appointments; presiding officer at council meetings; declaring local emergencies; and election responsibilities.

The mayor establishes and advances city goals. As pseudo spokesman, the mayor generates interest in community projects, like Millstream Arts Festival, St. Joseph Chamber events, a water park/pool/splash pad, the 4th of July Festival and more. The mayor provides leadership by promoting citizen involvement in government, champions long-

term planning, and promotes new programs and initiatives.

The mayor should advocate the importance of long-term planning for a community — particularly when short-term considerations seem an easy solution.

There has been much disagreement about the council’s one-time plan to build a new city hall that would include a community room. How can the council proceed without any more confusion about that issue? Why were there so many misunderstandings that led to that controversy?

First, let’s not get too distracted. The city’s facility committee was tasked with reviewing the city’s facility footprint, to establish recommendations for a community center. After several months, the deviation to a community room inside the city hall was the initial recommendation, with a separate group tasked to come up with a communitycenter recommendation. The community room was meant to be a short-term measure until a community center could be built. The city’s communication methods always come into play, as does resident expectations and the need of better community involvement as projects such as this proceed. While many of

5

the meetings were public with some special community-input sessions held, it never seemed to be enough.

As you read this, you may realize the city is already moving forward to include more resident, business (community stakeholders) involvement.

We’ve hired a neutral facilitator to review the past steps the city went through and with the help of a citizen-centered group, again go through the steps of reviewing the city’s facility footprint, to develop recommendations with future facilities in mind. These recommendations could amount to similar work done by the facility committee, with the city council taking action (or not) when the process is complete.

How would you rate the relationships between the city, its residents and the two local colleges and college students?

How could those relationships be strengthened?

Relationship(s) have ebb and tide. There remains a certain animosity between the weekend student escapades and the affected area residents subject to these exploits. But, the city, especially our police force, works extremely hard to ensure the least amount of disruption occurs. The city does recognize

there is a benefit and revenue from the college and students presence; however, there is a large disparity in property tax revenue from educational/ecclesiastical exemption. I will continue to encourage the growth and development of university/ student relations. I’ve met with Dr. Hinton a couple of times and expect this relationship to grow. City staff will continue to meet with university officials on a regular basis. It’s in everyone’s best interest to cultivate these relationships.

Which city services, if any, would you trim or eliminate entirely if a severe budget crisis should happen?

As in the past, our Capital Investment Program would be subject of budget shortfalls. I would seek suggestions on moving projects to a later date, thus delaying road or other regularly scheduled maintenance budget items or eliminate items altogether. Depending on your definition of extreme, the largest budget item for the city remains salaries. If push came to shove, the city could explore employee reductions, provided necessary and expected services are maintained. I would recommend elimination of convenience services, which may not be mandatory in nature.

from page 4

Letters to the Editor:

Reader urges others to vote Bromenschenkel for Sheriff Joseph G. Lichy, Sartell I urge the voters of Stearns County to vote for Mark Bromenschenkel in the upcoming election on Nov. 4. Mark is the leader that Stearns County needs to lead the Sheriff’s Office into the future.

The current sheriff touted at a forum held Oct. 2 at the Stearns County Service Center West that he is fiscally responsible and has

given the county over $500,000 back each year he has been in office. Even if this were true, that does not mean you are fiscally responsible, that means you pad the budget each year with false figures and the budget needs to be scrutinized better by the county board and county auditor’s office.

The fact of the matter is that last year the sheriff’s office went over budget by $611,795. In reality, he

is not giving any money back.

The fact is the money is not his to begin with, it is the county tax payers. Even with not spending the entire budget, he is still spending over $19,000,000 each year.

And yet he tells his employees he has no money for training or equipment. Please join me on Nov. 4 in making the right choice: Mark Bromenschenkel for Stearns County Sheriff.

Reader believes in Simon for Attorney General Carol Weiler, Sartell The person that holds the office of Attorney General of the State of Minnesota is one of the guardians of the ballot box. That person must be worthy of the trust of the citizens of our state.

Which of the current candidates fits this profile? I would say Steve Simon, Chair of the House Elections Committee, who authored the “No-Excuses” absentee voting

law, which makes it easier for us to participate in our democracy.

His opponent, Dan Severson, is running a campaign based on rumors and outright falsehoods.

He says on his website that “In the 2010 election in Minnesota, less than 5-percent of Minnesota’s active duty military members votes were counted. Current state policy is to count those votes last after all others.” After checking with the elections offices of Stearns and

Benton counties, I have discovered that this is not true. Mr. Severson is employing the weapons of fear and suspicion to manipulate the patriotic feelings of voters to further his own ends. He has made other statements using unverifiable numbers and hearsay to cast doubt on the integrity of our state’s election system.

Please vote for believable Steve Simon. He has worked hard for fair and accessible elections.

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Chapel from front page

photo by Cori Hilsgen

College of St. Benedict students Kaelyn Dabney (left) and Abigail Miller work at the Common Ground Gardens stand Oct. 10 at the St. Joseph Farmers’ Market.

Cooler weather brings smaller crowd to market

by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com

Cooler weather brought a slightly smaller crowd to the St. Joseph Farmers’ Market Oct. 10 on the Resurrection Lutheran Church grounds.

College of St. Benedict freshman Kaelyn Dabney and Abigail Miller were busy working the Common Ground Gardens stand. Dabney is from Longmont, Colo. and is studying business and biology; Miller is from Howard Lake and is studying nursing.

Both students said they only began working with the Gardens this fall. They did not help plant the produce but were able to help harvest it.

“It’s a great change of pace

from studying,” Dabney said.

“It’s so much fun,” Miller said. “It’s slower than normal tonight.”

Arts and craft teacher Lisa Wallin had her stand set up in the middle of the market as usual. Wallin has been doing crafts with market visitors for about 10 years.

Emily Holt, 7, daughter of Kate Holt of St. Cloud, was busy at Wallin’s stand, making a Halloween ornament from netting, buttons and ribbons.

About 16 stands offered visitors choices of potatoes, pumpkins, beets, tomatoes, goat-milk cheese, pork, beef, lotions, soaps, popcorn, honey, flowers, breads, mushrooms, pottery and more.

Priscilla Schmidtbauer traveled to various locations, including Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania and others to view chapels and churches.

The nuns chose George Stauduhar from Rock Island, Ill. as the architect. They made an agreement he would serve as their agent for all transactions with contractors. Butler Brothers of St. Paul was chosen as the contractor, along with many sub-contractors. In September 1911, Butler Brothers estimated costs of the building at $125,000. Construction began in October 1911.

It took much communication, prayer and budgeting on the nuns’ part to build the chapel. When S. Schmidtbauer inquired how they could cut expenses, she was told by Stauduhar in 1912 to eliminate the planned dome. After deliberation, the sisters decided not to eliminate the 135-foot-high dome.

The chapel’s communications director, S. Karen Rose, noted the dome is a landmark in the local area.

“It’s amazing in this small Midwestern town you suddenly see this magnificent structure, that could be a part of a cathedral, rising up towards heaven,” S. Rose said. “I think many people, including myself, find it a moving and inspiring sight.”

According to monastery records of correspondence

Friday, Oct. 24, 2014

etween the architect and S. Schmidtbauer, she sent many reminders, sometimes three times, to Stauduhar to ensure he followed through with meetings and communication with the contractors, after they complained about not hearing from him.

The sisters were concerned about money and financing the chapel.

A winter 2014 publication of the Benedictine Sisters and Friends quotes communication from prioress Kapsner to the nuns: “I wish each mission to offer one Our Father daily in honor of St. Joseph, for the success of the work. Let us all endeavor to cut off every unnecessary expense, trying to contribute as much as possible toward the debt this year . . .

God will bless us if we join our efforts for this beautiful intention, which I am sure, will be dear to His Sacred Heart.”

The publication also states that costs at time of construction were about $200,000.

The Roman-Renaissance architectural-style chapel was dedicated March 25, 1914. Options not initially considered, because of costs, were later added. Stained-glass windows were installed in the 1930s.

Angel windows were installed in the dome and a Holy Spirit window was installed above the alter.

The mortgage on the chapel was paid in 1943 and because it was debt-free, the chapel could then be consecrated.

The Sisters celebrate the anniversary of its consecration every year on Oct. 24 with an evening vigil, lighting 12

dedication candles located on the walls of the chapel. At that time, the interior of the chapel included marble pillars, statues, columns, a communion rail, carved wooden angels and more.

New hanging lights and more stained-glass windows were installed in the 1950s.

The windows were designed by S. Jacquelyn Dubay working with Max Ingrand of Paris.

Vatican II changes in the Catholic Church brought changes in the chapel. In 1962, English instead of Latin was first spoken at liturgies in the chapel. The altar was moved forward so the priest would now face the people, some stained-glass windows were removed and installed at the St. Scholastica Convent in St. Cloud, the communion rail was moved to the adoration chapel, many ornate items were removed and more.

In the 1970s, due to needed roof repairs and placing the altar in a central location, prioress Evin Rademacher initiated a renovation project. She encouraged the Sisters to open their worship space to the College of St. Benedict and the world. The sisters contracted liturgical design consultant, Frank Kacmarcik and Theodore Butler from the architectural firm of Hammel, Green and Abrahamson.

The 1980s renovation, which cost about $4.5 million, included many challenges, and conflicts of opinions about the windows, the shape of the alter platform, design of the organ cabinet and more. However, the end result provided favor-

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Friday, Oct. 24, 2014

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contributed photos

Left: The interior of the Sacred Heart Chapel before the 1980s renovation. Above: This 1913 photo from the St. Benedict’s Monastery archives shows the construction of the Sacred Heart Chapel. Right: The current interior of the Sacred Heart Chapel. able solutions.

Following Vatican II recommendations, the altar was moved to a central location beneath the dome so people could surround it.

The entrance was relocated to the west, where the altar had been, and a Gathering Place, where people could meet and visit, was added. A rally cry of “Go West” was adopted through S. Gen Maiers.

In 1985, the Noack organ, built

by Fritz Noack and still used today, was installed and dedicated.

S. Katherine Howard was prioress during the 1980s when the renovation was completed.

“Sacred Heart Chapel is the center of our lives, the place we all make our monastic profession,” S. Howard said. “It’s the place where we gather daily at Eucharist, bringing with us in spirit all our neighbors here and around the world, intentionally joining ourselves with Christ in his dying and rising through the power of the Holy Spirit so all of us may be

transformed by the unconditional, forgiving, inclusive love of God.” In the 21st century, the chapel has been repainted and a new sound system was installed.

The chapel is attended by the Sisters, students and many people in the area. Mass is celebrated at the chapel at 5 p.m. MondayThursday, 11:30 a.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. A 6 p.m.

Sunday Mass is added during the school year.

S. Rose said the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass during the school year has about 250-300 attendees and about the same number attend the 6 p.m. Sunday Mass. About 700 people can be accommodated in the chapel during events such as the Golden Jubilee and the recent inaugural Mass for the new College of St. Benedict president, Dr. Mary Hinton. Christmas Masses often have about 500 attendees.

The Sisters have celebrated the 100th anniversary of the chapel with several events this year. A

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blessing of the chapel evening prayer service, celebrating its first service, was held March 25. An exhibit “God’s Home Among Us,” telling the 100-year history of the chapel, opened in the Monastery’s Haehn Museum at the Art and Heritage Place.

The exhibit at the Haehn Museum opened in April and continues through December. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. TuesdayFriday and 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

On June 8, the sisters celebrated with a festive Eucharist, during which a hymn about the anniversary, commissioned by prioress S. Michaela Hedican, and written by S. Delores Dufner, was performed.

“May the sight of the dome, as you drive past St. Benedict’s Monastery or as you enter the monastery, be a reminder to you that God’s love surrounds you and that our prayers hold you,” S. Hedican wrote in Benedictine Sisters and Friends.

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Friday, Oct. 24, 2014

Five candidates vie for three school board seats Six candidates will be on the ballot, competing for three school board seats on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Bruce Hentges has withdrawn from the contest, but will remain on the ballot. The candidates who remain are the following: incumbents Peter Hamerlinck, Bruce Mohs and Jerry VonKorff, along with newcomers Michael Conway and Hassan Yussuf. Look for additional election race information on our website, thenewsleaders.com.

Michael Conway

Family: I’m 48 and married with three grown children and four grandchildren.

Biographical background: I’ve lived in the St. Cloud area since 1991. I’m a software trainer for Wolters Kluwer Financial Services, though many remember the former company as Bankers Systems. I have worked at my position for 13.5 years.

I was a coach in the St. Cloud Youth Hockey Association for

more than 10 years as my sons moved through the different levels of play. I was also a parent booster for the Tech “Tigerettes” as my daughter participated during her high school career.

Why are you qualified to serve on the school board?

I’m a former high school and middle school science teacher.

I’ve had three children attend the St. Cloud schools: Talahi, South Junior High and Tech High School. Currently my oldest granddaughter is attending Madison Elementary as a firstgrader.

I believe there needs to be more transparency and accountability to the public from the school board. The passing of the lease levy this year is an example of the lack of both shown by the board. The lease levy, passed without voter approval, raised property taxes across the district. I will not support additional taxes being levied without voter approval. If the projects are clearly defined and the need explained, then I believe the taxpayers will approve the additional spending. The citizens in the St. Cloud and surround-

ing communities have proven this by previous approval of the increases to build Kennedy Community School. That project was a success because the public was involved in open and transparent discussions from the start.

This past legislative session, the state gave the school boards limited authority to increase operating tax levies without voter approval. This is something many local districts lobbied for at the state legislature. I do NOT support an operating levy increase without getting voter approval.

There is a constant tug-ofwar about school testing. Do they count or don’t they? How much credence should we ascribe to so many tests? Do they truly help improve education or do they cause more stress and misguided focus than they are worth?

If a test shows the school in a positive light, people get to point and say, “see how much better this school is over other schools.” If the test shows the school in a negative light, then the school can receive additional funding to “increase test scores.”

Testing is a necessary tool to measure understanding and mark progress. There are many ways to “test” and one size does not fit all. Classroom teachers use different methods to present the information to the students, and there can be different ways to test comprehension. I’m in favor of many small tests over time; this can catch struggling students before they are lost, as it is easier to make many small corrections rather than fewer and larger changes.

Testing is the only measure we have to compare one program to another. It’s the only tool the state has to standardize evaluation. I believe we need to have a measurement tool, and until we can decide on something different, a test is what we use.

Horrific examples of bullying continue to make local and national news. Have you closely examined the district’s policy about bullying? What would you change, if anything, in that policy?

The district has developed an extensive program to educate and inform about bullying and intimidation. I would not change anything specific in the current policy. I want to remind people to use common sense when applying the policy. I do not believe in “zero” tolerance without question.

Do you think sports are overemphasized or underemphasized in this school district? Do you think the district spends too much – or too little – on sports activities?

Athletics can be an important part of a young person’s school experience. For some students

being part of a sports team or individual athletic endeavor is the thing that keeps them engaged in school. To say the district spends too much or too little is difficult to measure in dollars.

Are there places we should look at trimming budgets? Yes. There may be places we need to invest, and expand opportunities for more students to participate.

What should happen to Tech High School?

I think the existing building is not suitable to continue as a first class high school. The facility needs to be replaced, but the question is where? I believe the current board is moving too fast in deciding the final location where the new building should be built. I believe there are three viable options available: one option is to build a new Tech building using land just north of the current building; the second and third options are sites located in the southern part of the district. I believe the taxpayers and people of the district deserve to have all options discussed in many open forums.

I would like to see the district repurpose the original building, possibly as a place to co-locate the programs that were displaced when Roosevelt was destroyed by fire.

Do you think the theory of evolution should be taught in schools, with or without the theory of creationism?

As a former science teacher this is a question I often received from my high school students. I believe all life evolves, and how that progression occurs over time is something that should be taught as science theory. The theory of creationism is a topic for discussion in a religious studies course. This does not mean I don’t believe in creationism; I do.

Creationism, as a theory, is born out of religious belief as to how life started. Evolution is a way to study how life has changed over time.

Peter Hamerlinck

Family: my wife Amy and I together have five children, three of whom have graduated from Apollo and two who are still attending.

Brief biographical background: I am a graduate of Apollo High School and St. Cloud State University. I’m a sales manager for a technology company. I’m a past president of the Kennedy PTA and an active volunteer with Minnesota Multiple Sclerosis Society, SpareKey, Central Minnesota Youth Soccer, St. Cloud Figure Skating Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Why are you qualified to

serve on the school board?

My dad (with the support of my mom) was involved in public education his entire career, so I grew up with an understanding of the importance of strong public schools. As an adult and parent, I put my beliefs into action by working on our district’s last three levy/ bond referendums and also as Kennedy PTA president. It was those experiences – and the encouragement of many in our community – that led me to run for school board four years ago.

My approach is not to look at any issue with a pre-conceived conclusion. I want to hear from all sides. I review background information from multiple sources. I listen to anyone who wants to share their ideas with me. I make on-site visits as necessary. I ask questions that probe for information and insight. It’s then, based on all information I’ve obtained, that I make decisions I feel are right for our students and our community.

Should I return to the board, I will continue this approach.

I will never claim to know all the answers. But I will do everything possible to find the best solutions and support our students.

There is a constant tug-ofwar about school testing. Do they count or don’t they? How much credence should we ascribe to so many tests? Do they truly help improve education or do they cause more stress and misguided focus than they are worth?

The Assessment and Testing Division of our Teaching and Learning Department makes every effort to ensure the tests our students take are relevant to their progress and goals. We do have the state mandatory MCAs, but they are now part of the Multiple Measurement Rating and do help to make decisions regarding curriculum.

Our district this year is implementing the STAR assessments, which are reading and math tests that focus on the individual student’s progress during the year. They are part of our Multi-Tier System of Support, all with the goal of recognizing and addressing those areas where students need additional support.

Other tests like EXPLORE (8th grade) and PLAN (10th grade) help guide students toward their post-secondary goals.

Along with the ACT, I believe these are valuable tests.

Horrific examples of bullying continue to make local and national news. Have you closely examined the district’s policy about bullying? What would you change, if anything, in that policy?

In following the Minnesota Safe and Supportive Schools Act, our district is currently revising and deploying a very

St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

Friday, Oct. 24, 2014 strong anti-bullying policy. It is focused on education to prevent bullying, support from staff for all children and empowering students how to respond to bullying or harassment.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports is a process we have in place that moves schools to an active approach for defining, teaching and supporting appropriate student behaviors throughout the entire school. This has been and I believe will continue to be a mainstay of our student support system.

Do you think sports are overemphasized or underemphasized in this school district? Do you think the district spends too much – or too little – on sports activities?

I believe we’ve found a nice balance of sports emphasis in our schools. (While this question doesn’t address it, I believe our schools also offer excellent arts and music programs.) I’ve seen first-hand how sports have kept a number of students more focused on their education, a definite positive. With regards to what the district spends on sports, ideally, I’d like families to not have any activity fees. But that is not an economic reality.

What should happen to Tech High School?

Tech High School, as an institution, will continue to be a vibrant center of education for its students. Tech, like Apollo, has and will continue to produce successful students. Now, when looking at Tech High School the building, there are options that are being considered. The first is to take down the entire existing structure and rebuild on that site. I don’t believe this to be a viable option as providing necessary instructional space to 1,400-plus students during that time is virtually impossible. The second option is to remodel the original structure along with building new space onto it. I’m open to that idea but only if it is educationally and economically feasible. The other option is to construct a new building on land further out from the existing site. This may be the most viable option, but I will wait to see all the information before deciding. Regardless of how we move ahead with the Tech building, consideration will be

................

given to Apollo (and all district buildings) as to what changes can be made to make them more educationally functional.

Do you think the theory of evolution should be taught in schools, with or without the theory of creationism?

Evolution as it is taught in our schools is based on the idea of evolution being change over time and why. An example in our middle levels is that of the Peppered Moth. Thus, evolution is based on the explanation of data. Creationism should not be taught in our schools as it is faith-based and it’s not in the state standards.

Bruce Mohs

Brief biographical background: I’m retired from a long, successful and satisfying career in public-school education. During my youth, I was educated in the public schools of District 742.

My higher education includes a bachelor’s degree in secondaryschool education from St. Cloud State College, a master’s degree from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. My professional work experience includes 32 years of science teaching, coaching, advising and administration in an urbanized suburban school district; 10 years of adult-education program supervision for a technical college; a one-year adjunct professorship in English Language Learners at an overseas American university; and 11 years as a public trustee as a member of the board of education. All that has enabled me to build a broad professional background, including classroom teaching, athletic coaching, student advising, building administration, program supervision, higher education and school governance.

Why are you qualified to serve on the school board?

I’m a candidate for re-election because I have a personal and professional commitment to support quality public-school education for the students, parents, educators and citizens of District 742. I’m an educational

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enthusiast and I have a committed professional attitude. I strongly believe education is for the infinite good of our community and our society. No calling is more demanding, more selfless or more central to the welfare and vitality of our democratic republic than education.

Educating students, therefore, is an important public trust of considerable social significance, a human privilege of great value and importance, and a noble and challenging career of deep satisfaction and enjoyment.

There is a constant tug-ofwar about school testing. Do they count or don’t they? How much credence should we ascribe to so many tests? Do they truly help improve education or do they cause more stress and misguided focus than they are worth?

I see instructional testing as both a useful and necessary part of the educational process and purpose. Instructional testing begins with a shared vision for student achievement which must be supported by educational standards (student expectations) for ALL students, which are aligned to their needs and potentials. What’s required are credible testing tools and processes that measure educational outcomes against stated standards. There must also exist an assessment system in which testing tools and processes are used formatively and motivationally to help educators move students further along a growth pathway which helps those students achieve to their potential.

Sound assessment systems incorporate multiple assessments, alignment with local academic standards and coordination with state and national assessment programs. Instructional leaders (teachers) and operational leaders (administrators) must have reasonable and responsible accountabilities for the educational outcomes of students. But a strong accountability process, focused on improved student achievements as measured by comprehensive data collection and analysis, MUST have adequate and equitable resources which are focused and aligned on professional development, communication and planning and program (curriculum) implementation all working toBrochures avail ab at Whitney Senio le r Center!

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gether to support the visions, standards, testing and accountabilities.

Horrific examples of bullying continue to make local and national news. Have you closely examined the district’s policy about bullying? What would you change, if anything, in that policy?

The educational mission of District 742 is to provide “a safe and caring climate and culture in which we prepare, engage, educate, empower and inspire ALL learners in partnership with their surrounding community to be successful in today’s and tomorrow’s society.” As part of the continuing staff development in our district, our educational staff is involved in “A Better Way” training driven by evidence-based social-emotional learning research from PBIS, CASEL, The Civil Rights Project, MDOE, Project ACHIEVE, Minnesota Minority Education Partnership and the U.S. Department of Education.

Do you think sports are overemphasized or underem-

phasized in this school district? Do you think the district spends too much – or too little – on sports activities?

I don’t think sports are either overemphasized or underemphasized in District 742. District 742 must continue to offer “Rigorous, Relevant, Relational and Results”-oriented teaching and learning experiences and opportunities for ALL of our students in the areas of academics, arts, activities and athletics.

And we must be willing to fund and budget these experiences and opportunities in a fiduciary manner which is prudent and imaginative.

What should happen to Tech High School?

As we consider the replacement of two century-old school buildings (Tech, Roosevelt), which have served five generations of students, I believe it’s critical we build the foundation of teaching and learning for the next five generations of students. Replacement buildings for Tech and Roosevelt, and

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Board • page 10

St. John’s Parish Center

Fruit Farm Road • Collegeville

German Buffet and Silent Auction Fundraiser Live ! c i s Friday, Oct. 24 from 4-8 p.m.

Mu German Buffet including: country-style ribs and kraut, St. Joseph Meat Market sausage & hot dogs, German potato salad, corn, dinner roll, pickled beets, dessert, coffee and water.

Pre-Sale Tickets Adults: $9, Children (ages 5-10): $4 Tickets will be sold at the door Adults: $10, Children (ages 5-10): $5

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320-363-0200

Business Hours: Monday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tuesday-Thursday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

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235 E. Cedar St. • St. Joseph • www.cedarstreetsalonandspa.com

St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

10

Board from page 9 repurposed/renovated/remodeled buildings, must house great 21st Century programs, services, curriculums and instruction. As we move forward with potential locations and designs for two 21st Century buildings, we must maintain a focus on the design, purpose and function of programs and services “inside” our buildings so it prepares ALL of our students for achievements, success, careers and civic engagements “outside” our buildings.

Do you think the theory of evolution should be taught in schools, with or without the theory of creationism?

I don’t think boards of education (governance bodies) should micro-manage operational decisions (administrators) and instructional decisions (teachers).

Curriculum content, however, should go through a public process of inclusive decision-making. My professionally informed perspective is the theory of evolution is a scientific postulate.

As such, I believe evolutionary theory should be taught in the context of science. My personally informed perspective is creationism isn’t a scientific postulate. Therefore, I don’t personally favor creationism being taught as a science.

Jerry Von Korff

Fa m i l y : Wife Connie (elementary teacher and reading tutor); three sons, Joshua, Michael and Ben, all Technical High Shool graduates.

Brief biographical back-

ground: St. Cloud resident since 1978 Education: Bachelor’s degree with honors in economics; master’s in teaching with focus on teaching disadvantaged students. Teacher – high school mathematics and social studies, Washington, D.C. and New York. Juris Doctor, Georgetown Law. Practiced law since 1975.

My practice includes advice to local government, personnel, construction and appellate law.

I was involved in PTA, chaired two operating-levy campaigns; tutored and volunteer-taught in the schools.

Why are you qualified to serve on the school board?

I’ve been able to work collaboratively in support of much-needed changes. Together, we eliminated deficit spending, restored our operating reserves to promised targets, reformed our healthinsurance benefits program benefitting taxpayers and employees. Actively supported new Kennedy K-8 school and its new addition.

Our growing financial strength has enabled us to target new money to the classroom for class-size reduction, textbooks and technology. All of this was accomplished while keeping our school property taxes at the lowest level of the big four districts in our area.

Next year, a typical home in St. Cloud will pay school property taxes from $107-$250 per year less than paid by a home with the same value in Sartell, Sauk Rapids or Rocori school districts.

Long before my service on the board, I supported teachers at Tech and Apollo in their efforts to build the most comprehensive range of advanced courses in our area. I was actively involved in the recruitment of Superintendent Watkins and as chair I’ve been

NOW HIRING! Laborer Form Setters for Footings/Walls: Stop by and fill out an application at: 1374 105th St. NW, Rice, MN

strongly supportive of the efforts of Superintendent Jett significantly to improve our efforts to educate struggling students.

There is a constant tugof-war about school testing.

Do they count or don’t they?

How much credence should we ascribe to so many tests?

Do they truly help improve education or do they cause more stress and misguided focus than they are worth?

Minnesota tests students in the spring using the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments.

Non-disabled English-speaking students who have home support tend to do well on these tests. Students with disabilities, non-English speakers and students with little home support tend to do poorly.

Because the tests are given in April, and the results are returned in October, they are useless to guide instruction, and so they serve primarily to announce what percentage of students with learning challenges attend each school. An extraordinary amount of classroom time is thus devoted to testing that has no impact on learning.

Most teachers believe in frequent testing, but they want tests that support teaching and learning. They need test results right away so they can use the results to determine who is ready to move on, who can accelerate their learning and who needs interventions. But when tests are given in April and the results are scored and returned in October, they can’t assist instruction, and they come too late, even to be used to plan instructional improvements for the next year. Testing itself is not the enemy, nor is accountability: only wasteful, meaningless, time-wasting testing is the enemy. That’s what we have today. The current testing strategy has been an abject failure in Minnesota and across the country.

There is mounting evidence when teachers use meaningful testing data to drive instruction and do that as part of

well-constructed curriculum, student achievement can improve markedly. The entire testing regimen needs to be redesigned with both accountability and classroom instruction in mind, so quality tests provide immediate assistance to teachers to provide interventions for students who are not progressing.

Horrific examples of bullying continue to make local and national news. Have you closely examined the district’s policy about bullying?

What would you change, if anything, in that policy?

Policy is not the primary issue in districts that have bullying problems, but rather practical implementation. Every member of the staff must do his/her part to provide a caring environment that encourages students to seek help for bullying concerns. Systemically, schools must assure students make connections with adults and that adults hear their concerns. You can read much more about what we are doing in our school district in the online materials that were considered by the Board at our September meeting. Link to: https://v3.boardbook.org/ Public/PublicItemDownload. aspx?ik=35952090.

Do you think sports are overemphasized or underemphasized in this school district? Do you think the district spends too much – or too little – on sports activities?

I think we get the balance just about right. Activities budgets suffered greatly in our district during the past several decades as a result of financial challenges. If the State continues to provide modest increases in school funding, as it did in the last biennium, we should be able to provide some relief to activities budgets (sports and extracurricular). Our activities budget needs a comprehensive review, and we’ve agreed to launch just such a review.

What should happen to Tech High School?

Friday, Oct. 24, 2014 I’ve posted several detailed discussions on my blog, the latest is here: http://jvonkorff. blogspot.com/2014/09/consensus-required-to-build-newtech.html. I support the collaborative process envisioned by our superintendent, which will seek to bring community representatives together to study alternatives and make a recommendation to the superintendent and board.

Do you think the theory of evolution should be taught in schools, with or without the theory of creationism?

Understanding the scientific basis for evolution is critical to an understanding of modern science, and the evidence for evolution is integral to the teaching of science. Faith represents a means for discovering great and important truths, but it’s the domain of religion.

Public education must respect faith, but it is not our job to teach it.

Hassan Yussuf

Biographical background: I am married and I am the loving father of three young children. I’ve been a resident of St Cloud for the last 14 years. Went to St. Cloud State University for a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and Minnesota State University, Mankato for a master’s degree in public administration. I own and operate a tax business and I am also the president a very helpful non-profit organization named Somali Elders Council of Central Minnesota.

Why are you qualified to serve on the school board?

With my educational background and my passion for education I can bring real and touchable changes to the persistent problem of achievement gap. As you may know, our district is ranked very low and it has been that way for a long period. It seems we

Friday, Oct. 24, 2014 have lost hope and I believe I can turn that hopelessness to hope by making sure we give our teachers the real freedom to do their jobs the right way and by introducing good and valid metrics which we can use to see whether we are making progress or not.

There is a constant tugof-war about school testing.

Do they count or don’t they?

How much credence should we ascribe to so many tests?

Do they truly help improve education or do they cause more stress and misguided focus than they are worth?

Tests count, but too much of them will spoil the very reasons why we have them.

We must make sure tests are tailored to what they are supposed to test. They must be valid and must not take too much time. If students use many hours to prepare for tests that time could have been wisely used to learn a new thing. In reality, tests are important if administered well and they can be a source of relief for students, but if they are utilized haphazardly, they can lead to stress and degrade the standard of education for our children.

Horrific examples of bullying continue to make local and national news. Have you closely examined the district’s policy about bullying? What would you change, if anything, in that policy?

St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com That is true and it seems the district has continued to have this issue and it looks as if there is no light at the end of the tunnel. We can do better.

First we need to make sure we have a clear policy on bullying and a clear chain of command of who is responsible for the policy. We cannot eliminate bullying by just punishing the perpetrators, retribution justice does not always work. We can do better than that. We need to plant the seeds of love between the victims and the perpetrators and build real communities and friendships between our children. They are the future of our district and nation and they need to learn to be one big family.

Do you think sports are overemphasized or underemphasized in this school district? Do you think the district spends too much – or too little – on sports activities?

Sports are important, but our children go to school for education not for sports. We need to make sure educating is

our top priority and anything else comes second after that.

What should happen to Tech High School?

According to what I know now, I believe the best solution to Tech High School is to keep it at the current location.

I like the current site and coupled with use of nearby district property we can build a highclass school on the same location. All that said, the issue of Tech is very important and it will be sad if we fail to consult the citizens of the district who are our bosses. We need to bring the citizens together and seek the advice and opinions on the future of Tech and we must be bold enough to respect their views and make sure we accommodate them.

Do you think the theory of evolution should be taught in schools, with or without the theory of creationism?

I have no problem with that, if we can make sure all kinds of theories are given a fair chance of being heard.

REAL ESTATE

Quilting Fabric Sale

PLAT BOOKS with 911 addresses, legal descriptions.

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NO REFUNDS. tfn-f

KITS, BOOKS/PATTERNS, YARDAGE, FAT QUARTERS. Saturday, Nov. 1 from 11 a.m.5:30 p.m. & Sunday, Nov. 2 from noon-4 p.m. Eagles Club, 730 41st Ave. N., St. Cloud. 42-1x-p.

Freelancers sought

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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SUBWAY IN ST. JOSEPH is hiring for days, nights and management positions. Apply within. County Road 75.

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Community Calendar

Friday, Oct. 24 Blood drive, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Minnesota Department of Transportation training center, 3725 12th St. N., St. Cloud. 1-800-7332767.

Fish Fry, all-you-can eat, 4-9 p.m., Holy Cross Parish, 10651 CR 8, Kimball (Marty/Pearl Lake).

Shadow of the Vampire, film showing, 6 p.m., Miller Center Auditorium, SCSU, 400 6th St. S, St. Cloud. stcloudstate.edu.

Saturday, Oct. 25 31st Annual All Saints Academy Workathon, staff, students, and parents will volunteer their time to assist the elderly and disabled residents of the St. Joseph, by raking leaves and other jobs.

363-7505, ext. 150.

Sunday, Oct. 26 5th Annual Trunk-or-Treat, safe & fun trick or treating, games, food and prizes, please bring a non-perishable food item or cash donation for the food shelf, noon-3 p.m., Minnesota School of Business, 1201 2nd St. S., Waite Park.

320-257-2000.

Monday, Oct. 27 Central MN Catholic Worker Open House, 7-8:30 p.m., Church of St. Joseph Heritage Hall, 12 West Minnesota St., St. Joseph. centralmncw@gmail.com or centralmncw.org.

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Choral Connections Concert, featuring St. Cloud State University Concert Choir and St. Cloud area high school choral ensembles, 7:30 p.m., Ritsche Auditorium, SCSU, 702 1st Ave S, St. Cloud. maferrell@stcloudstate.edu.

Wednesday, Oct. 29 House of Usher, film showing, 6 p.m., Miller Center Auditorium, SCSU, 400 6th St. S, St. Cloud. stcloudstate.edu.

Thursday, Oct. 30 Coffee and Conversation, a senior discussion group, 9 a.m., Country Manor, 520 1st St. NE, Sartell.

The Ghosts of Edgar Allan Poe, poem recital and story telling, 7 p.m., Learning Resources Center Auditorium, SCSU, 400 6th St. S, St. Cloud. stcloudstate.edu.

Friday, Oct. 31 Blood drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., College of St. Benedict, 37 S. College Ave. 1-800-733-2767.

The Pit and the Pendulum, film showing, 6 p.m., Miller Center Auditorium, SCSU, 400 6th St. S, St. Cloud. stcloudstate.edu.

Restless Souls Cemetery and Walk-through Haunt, all ages welcome, but haunt gets much scarier after night fall, dusk-9 p.m., 905 Dale St. E., St. Joseph.

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St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

Friday, Oct. 24, 2014

photos by Cori Hilsgen

Above: Major John Donovan positions the restored flag on the Colts Academy wall while fire department members and others watch. Above right: Lincoln Heigl, 2, checks out the inside of a U.S. Army Reserve LHS cargo hauler.

Flag from front page emony. Sauk Rapids, Rockville and St. Augusta departments also helped fight the fire and were thanked for their service.

Jepsen and early-childhood outreach director Patti McGreevy expressed appreciation to soldiers, firefighters, first responders and others for all the work they do to protect and serve. They helped several children give large hand-made thank-yous to Donovan and the fire departments.

St. Cloud Fire Chief Bill Mund spoke of being a former student from 1965-69. He said

it was nice to get the flag back and was appreciative of everyone coming out to the event.

More than 155 families registered for the event, which included face-painting, gym play, music, art, science and math activities and more. It also included story time with guests reading in various languages and a Scholastic book fair. Families were able to purchase pizza, apples and milk.

Outside, children and families had a chance to check out U.S. Army Reserve, St. Joseph Police, St. Joseph Fire Department vehicles and a school bus.

St. Joseph Police Chief Joel Klein helped children climb into a patrol car and handed out stickers. He kidded the St. Joseph Fire Department about

running out of stickers at its recent safety fair held the weekend before.

“It’s great to see the support of the community and how interested everyone is in everything,” Klein said. “The kids are loving the police stickers.”

St. Cloud School District Director of Communications Tami DeLand visited with staff and families at the event.

“This is a fabulous event,” DeLand said. “It’s important because we want to make sure new families feel welcome at the new location. This department has incredible staff.”

Early-childhood teachers and staff expressed their appreciation to all the families who attended the event. Many teachers and staff have been

with the district more than 20 or 30 years.

“I love early childhood and obviously the community does too,” Jean Motschke said as she helped at the registration table.

“It’s nice to see families with their children exploring the new community,” Teresa Wieneke said.

“The great turnout we had tonight is awesome,” Deb Johansen said.

Families came from St. Joseph, St. Cloud, Sartell, Sauk Rapids and other locations to attend the event.

St. Cloud residents Peter and Jill Hoffmann attended the event with their children – Austin, , and Adam, . Austin attends the early-childhood program and Jill Hoffmann’s parents, Mark

and Bonnie Gohmann, are longtime St. Joseph residents.

“It’s fun,” Jill Hoffmann said. “They loved all the vehicles outside.”

Nicole Stromberg attended with her son, Liam Pierson, , and her friend Danielle Amundsen and her daughter, Johanna, .

“I like it a lot,” Stromberg said. “There are a lot of things for them to try.”

Brent and Amee Heigl attended with their children, Lincoln and Elijah.

“It’s really good to see how busy it is,” Amee Heigl said.

The St. Cloud School District 742 ECFE program is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.