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Newsleader St. Joseph
Friday, Oct. 31, 2014 Volume 25, Issue 43 Est. 1989
Town Crier
Restless Souls Cemetery and Walk-through Haunt
All ages are welcome to this local haunted house from dusk9 p.m. on Halloween, Friday, Oct. 31 at 905 Dale St. E., St. Joseph. 320271-0035. The haunt does get a bit scarier after nightfall, so be sure to bring the little ones closer to dusk.
Daylight saving time ends
Daylight saving time, which started in March, ends Sunday, Nov. 2 at 2 a.m. Residents should turn clocks back one hour to reflect the ending of daylight saving time.
Snow season parking begins
City residents are reminded snow season parking starts Saturday, Nov. 1. No parking is allowed on any city street between 2-7 a.m, lasting until April 1.
CSB athletes trick-or-treat for food shelf Nov. 2, 9
College of St. Benedict Blazer athletes will be food shelf trick-ortreating on Sunday, Nov. 2 and 9. Students will collect non-perishable food items around early to late afternoon. Any help with donations will be greatly appreciated.
My Life On The Farm event to be held Nov. 12
The Stearns History Museum’s Breakfast Club hosts My Life on the Farm at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12 at Stearns History Museum, 235 S. 33rd Ave., St. Cloud. Minnesota author Ann Aubitz will share this story based on her mother’s life growing up in Benton and Morrison counties during the Great Depression. For more information, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on Oct. 31 Criers.
‘Share the Spirit’ seeks donors
Catholic Charities “Share the Spirit” program matches families who are experiencing hardship with groups of people who want to adopt such a family for Christmas. All families to be adopted are nominated by area social workers from area human-service organizations. Those who would like to volunteer to adopt a family, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on Oct. 31 Criers.
‘We Are Thankful’ set Nov. 22
Kids Fighting Hunger hosts the second annual “We Are Thankful” community-wide food-packaging event on Saturday, Nov. 22 at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. For more information, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on Oct. 31 Criers.
INSERTS:
Jeff Howe for State Representative
Michael Conway for Dist. 742 School Board
Postal Patron
Local man charged in wife’s attempted murder by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
A 65-yearold St. Joseph man was charged in court Oct. 28 for wounding and attemptVogt ing to kill his estranged wife during a high-speed chase and shooting rampage Oct. 25. Gary Dennis Vogt appeared before Judge Davick-Halfen in Stearns County District Court, where he was charged with two felonies: attempted premeditated murder in the first degree and attempted murder in the first degree while committing a felony. Both counts carry a prison sentence of a
maximum of 20 years. Vogt remains in jail. His bail was set by the judge at $2 million for unconditional release and $1 million for conditional release. The estranged wife, 63, is referred to in court documents only as “S.K.V.” She suffered gunshot wounds to her head and back in the incident. The injuries, treated at the St. Cloud Hospital, were not lifethreatening. The incident occurred about 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 during a chase involving the woman driving one vehicle and her estranged husband pursuing her and shooting at her from his pickup. According to a Stearns County Sheriff’s Department report, the chase-and-shootVogt • page 5
Pumpkins, ghosts and goblins galore
photo by Cori Hilsgen
A yard at a residence on the corner of 3rd Avenue SE. and Able Street E. included these decorations.
Voters may compare candidates, other election info on website by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
St. Joseph residents will have a chance to choose a mayor, two council members and three school-board members in the upcoming Nov. 4 election. Voters will also have a chance to mark yes or no to a request for extension of the half-cent sales tax. City of St. Joseph voters may access an
official sample ballot from the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State with a list of candidates and the referendum question by visiting thenewsleaders.com. The ballots for voters in St. Joseph Township will closely resemble the ballots for St. Joseph city voters, except there will be no candidates for mayor or city council, and there will not be the referendum question about the regional half-cent sales tax. If readers would like to compare can-
didates before going to the polls Nov. 4, check out “St. Joseph Election 2014” on the Newsleaders’ website. There, readers will find questionnaire responses from local candidates, as well as political endorsement letters to editor, editorial opinion pieces and related stories. Go to thenewsleaders.com. Then scroll down to “St. Joseph Election 2014” next to the red-white-and-blue campaign-button.
Freshman representative, CSB senior face off in 13A race by Logan Gruber operations@thenewsleaders.com
A first-term Republican hopes to defeat a senior at the College of St. Benedict endorsed by the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party in the House District 13A race this Nov. 4. Jeff Howe – the incumbent – of Rockville, is seeking his second term, while Emily Jensen of St. Joseph is running for public office for the first time. At a public forum on Oct. 23, hosted by the League of Women Voters, Howe and Jensen faced questions directed at them from residents of 13A, which includes the cities of St. Joseph, Avon, Cold Spring, Eden Valley, Kimball, Paynesville, Richmond, Rockville and Roscoe. About 30 residents of 13A attended the LWV forum. Each candidate was given two minutes to answer each question, and the order the questions were answered rotated between the two of them. A variety of questions were asked of the two candidates. Ashley Bukoski, St. Joseph, asked the candidates their thoughts on refugees coming to Minnesota. Howe expressed the refugees unfairly
Howe Jensen burden school districts, and that while the federal government pays to bring refugees into states, there is no support for them once they are here. During her speaking time, Jensen said she thought refugees are great, and school funding to help them should be increased. “We should expand ESL and intercultural programs...I’d like to see 13A be a shining star in Minnesota,” Jensen commented. Derek Larson, St. Joseph, asked how the candidates would improve renewable energy during their term. Howe spoke about reforming our ener-
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gy system by moving to smaller electrical grids with nuclear power plants. After his time was up, Jensen said she was apprehensive about nuclear energy being a ‘magic’ solution. She said we need to look at other means, because the cheapest solution isn’t always the best. Jim Gray, St. Joseph, asked how the candidates would stay in touch with district 13A’s citizens. Howe said legislators send out email updates and try to write letters to the editor to local papers. He also mentioned that, in his case, he and two other legislators share one legislative assistant, which makes it hard to respond to everyone who contacts his office. Jensen stated legislators can’t put all of the responsibility of contact on the people and said legislators need to go to meetings and school. The St. Benedict senior said, “We’ve gotta meet kids before they’re confused as adults,” which drew laughter from the crowd. Dr. Jim Read, a professor of political science at CSB/St. John’s University and an Avon resident, asked the candidates 13A • page 4
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
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DIRECT CARE STAFF We are hiring two part-time (28 and 22 hrs/wk) care positions for two adult foster homes in Cold Spring (afternoon/overnight hours available). Get Catholic Charities’ full benefit package with these positions (including 30 days of paid time off first year – pro-rated hours). These homes provide care for clients with developmental disabilities helping our residents to maintain and increase their independence while providing a safe and supportive environment. Apply online at: www.ccstcloud.org Contact: Michelle at 320-685-7899 (Bethany Home) 13 8th Ave. S. • Cold Spring mblokzyl@ccstcloud.org
News Tips?
Call the Newsleader at 363-7741
Blotter
Friday, Oct. 31, 2014
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.
was stopped. He reported he had dumped additive in his fuel tank and was trying to mix it in.
The 22-year-old driver admitted he wasn’t paying attention, and was issued a citation.
Oct. 9 8:19 p.m. Noise complaint. Morningside Loop. Police discovered a band playing on the campus of the College of St. Benedict, with no permit on file. The band was told to stop playing.
Oct. 3 2:07 a.m. Vandalism to vehicle. Minnesota Street W. A 21-year-old female said she saw a college-age person dumping a flower pot on her car. Police found the vehicle parked with potting soil on top, with no damage to the car.
Oct. 10 2:56 a.m. Driving complaint. CR 75/College Avenue S. Police received a report of two vehicles racing down CR 75. The complaint stated a driver was not letting other vehicles pass on I-94 and continued to slam the brakes in front of other vehicles while driving through St. Joseph. After being stopped, the 55-year-old Albany man said he was just trying to avoid an accident with another driver. The man was calmed down and released.
Oct. 17 7:54 p.m. Loud party. Cedar Street E. Police received a call of a loud party with people vomiting and urinating outside. Officers observed a large group of people scatter upon their arrival, then made contact with the renters to advise them of the complaint. Officers reported the noise was at a reasonable level when they arrived with no music playing. 10:30 p.m. Public urination. 1st Avenue NE. Police received a call of a loud party, and observed people enter and leave the residence for a time. One 21-year-old male came out of the residence and urinated on the side of the building. The male admitted to it and was issued a citation.
Oct. 4 10:24 p.m. Minor consumption. Old Hwy. 52/CR 75. An officer was checking the area for people shooting off fireworks, when an 18-year-old female saw the officer and attempted to walk away, stumbling. She admitted to drinking and being under 21. The woman blew a .153 and a citation was issued. Oct. 5 12:54 a.m. Minor consumption. Old Hwy. 52/Birch Street W. A 20-year-old male was observed walking with an open can of Coors Light. The man blew a .191, and was issued a citation for minor consumption, along with a verbal warning for the open container. Oct. 8 9:38 a.m. Driving complaint. Baker Street E./9th Avenue SE. There was a report of a red corvette racing up and down the road. The driver, a 44-year-old male,
Oct. 13 4:53 p.m. Traffic accident. CR 75/1st Avenue NW. Two vehicles were involved. Car #1 had one person inside, while car #2 had two people. Car #1 admitted fault, as car #2 had the right of way. Both vehicles were towed. The passenger in car #2 complained of neck pain. Oct. 15 4:30 a.m. Criminal damage to property. CR 75 W. Two masked men attempted to enter a business, but were scared away by the audible alarm. Nothing was missing. 10:28 p.m. Traffic stop. 2nd Avenue NW/Ash Street W. A vehicle was observed driving through the intersection without stoping.
Culinary Services The Department of Culinary Services at the College of Saint Benedict is seeking energetic and dedicated individuals to fill multiple positions. Catering Lead Banquet Server Culinary Services Associate (Temporary) Station Chef (Temporary) Station Chef II For more information and to apply online, visit http://employment.csbsju.edu. Women, individuals of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The College of Saint Benedict is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Oct. 18 11:20 p.m. Minor consumption/ False ID. Minnesota Street W. A local bar called police after being shown a false ID. Police took the fake driver’s license. The 19-yearold female blew a .028, and was issued a minor consumption and a false ID citation. Oct. 19 12:05 a.m. Obstructing legal process/disorderly conduct/fleeing police on foot/minor consumption. Minnesota Street W. Police were inside a local bar when a 20-yearold male walked in, and attempted to leave upon seeing the officer. The odor of alcohol was detected on the man. The male became disorderly and attempted to flee. He was transported to jail.
ARLINGTON PLACE ASSISTED LIVING in St. Joseph POSITIONS AVAILABLE
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St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, Oct. 31, 2014
Humane Society has happy, adoptive weekend by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
Oct. 17-19, there were 95 very happy critters and even more happy people at the TriCounty Humane Society in East St. Cloud. In that three-day period, the Society adopted out 92 animals, including 65 kittens, 19 adult cats and seven dogs. “It was a crazy weekend,” said Emma Smith-Miller of Howard Lake, a humane society employee. “It was so busy here! There were lots of parents, lots of kids, and they were all so
happy about getting their new pets. We were so busy, but it was all worth it.” Smith-Miller said the adoptive “parents” heard about the kitten sale ($50 per kitten) via the humane-society website, through media and by word-ofmouth. But, as all humane-society employees and volunteers know, no sooner is there a big, successful adoption effort than the shelter starts filling up all over again – with new pets, mainly cats and kittens. Nevertheless, everyone, including humane society person-
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Making the cut
photo by Logan Gruber
What used to be Danzl’s Barbershop has been sold and is now operated as 2nd Avenue Cuts by St. Joseph resident Serina Stockoski. Friends and family helped her prepare the new store for customers. Stockoski rents from the new owner of the building. Stockoski opened the new shop Oct. 7. Its operating hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays.
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nel, were elated by the adoption weekend. Animals adopted out are all spayed or neutered, have had their shots and are implanted with a chip. They are also pre-checked to be sure they are healthy and ready for a new family. Anyone wanting to adopt an animal should call the Tri-County Humane Society at 320252-0896 or visit its website at www.tricountyhumanesociety. org.
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Nov. 7 & 21 Dec. 5 & 19 Jan. 16 Feb. 20 March 20 April 17
Fridays 3-6 p.m.
Resurrection Lutheran Church
Fellowship Hall • 610 N. Co. Rd. 2, St. Joseph EOE
www.stjosephfarmersmarket.com
RTELL’S
Nov. 8 & 22 Dec. 13 & 20 Jan. 10 Feb. 14 March 14 April 11 Saturdays May 2 SA
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sartell City Hall
125 Pinecone Road N.
www.marketmonday.org www.
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Friday, Oct. 31, 2014 photos by Logan Gruber
Far left: Emily Jensen, DFL candidate for Minnesota House District 13A and a College of St. Benedict senior, speaks with area residents after the forum. Left: Republican candidate for Minnesota House District 13A, Jeff Howe, answers a question from the audience.
WANTED TO BUY Single-family home in St. Joseph area. Young family with two growing boys are looking to move from their apartment to a home. If you know of someone wanting to sell their home for under $100,000 please text Jennifer at 320-237-8602 or call Joe at 320-237-8603.
13A
from front page about the college job market, and what they would do to improve it. Howe admitted the business climate has changed. “I don’t think we’ve concentrated enough on preparing our students for the job market,” he said. Jensen suggested identifying students’ skills and implementing more job training or incentivizing apprenticeships. She also supports refinancing student loans. Cliff Johnson, Wakefield Township, asked the two what should be done regarding bullying in schools. Jensen said she feels things are moving in the right direction. Her Republican challenger, however, did not support the recent ‘bullying bill’ or the Safe and Supportive Schools Act that passed last spring. Howe said the bill contained $20 million for a ‘bullying center,’ whereas, in his opinion, that money could be going into our schools.
Eunice Antony, OSB, St. Joseph, asked the candidates their thoughts on sex trafficking in Minnesota. Howe said those who are trafficked need to be made aware they can come to the police, and that, possibly, a task force needs to be funded to crack down on trafficking. He also said rural areas need help on this issue. Jensen said she wrote a lot about sex trafficking in her career and that it’s not easy to find the traffickers. She said both domestic and international trafficking takes place in Minnesota and that one of the issues that needs to be addressed to help stop trafficking is income. An Avon woman asked about MNsure and whether the candidates felt the program was working or not. Jensen said that while 95 percent of Minnesotans are now insured, a lot of people did get dropped from their insurance. She said government needs to help those people find a good insurance plan inside the MNsure system. Howe pointed out before MNsure, Minnesota had the
fourth lowest cost of insurance and the highest quality of insurance in the nation. “I think it was right to have our own exchange, but...we created something that has no legislative oversight,” he said. “I truly think all of you are the experts,” Jensen said in her closing statement, “...and I think that’s what having a representative government means.” In his closing statement, Howe said that he as a freshman legislator, of the more than 30 bills he chief authored, four were signed into law. After the forum, as people milled about and spoke with the candidates, Howe told the Newsleader he was a bit tired going into the forum, as he had another event earlier that night and had been working more lately but still felt the forum went well. He would, however, like to see the time limit for answering questions extended to three minutes rather than two. Jensen said she has a good team to work with and that she’s finally “feeling good about politics again.”
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Friday, Oct. 31, 2014
Vogt
from front page ing was reported by several motorist eyewitnesses who saw a car being pursued from CR 2 and then on CR 4 from St. Wendel Township (the Fisher Hill area) to west St. Cloud. The chase and the sounds of gunfire were reported via several 911 calls. Witnesses said the pursuing pickup had repeatedly rammed the other car while they were both in motion. After entering west St. Cloud, the pursuer once more rammed the woman’s vehicle at which time the woman stopped the car. The male driver then fired more shots toward the woman’s car, then drove off. He was stopped and apprehended by a Stearns County sheriff’s deputy shortly afterward near the Sauk River bridge. In the meantime, witnesses stopped to help the woman before more law enforcement and the Gold Cross ambulance arrived. The woman was then taken to the hospital by ambulance. The hus-
band was also taken to the hospital in an ambulance with law-enforcement escort. A handgun was found in the man’s vehicle, the sheriff’s report noted. Numerous witnesses have been interviewed by law enforcement. Anyone else who may have witnessed the incident is requested to call the sheriff’s department at 320251-4240. Assisting at the culmination of the incident were – besides the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department – the police departments of St. Joseph, Sartell, St. Cloud and Waite Park. In an order of detention released on the afternoon of Oct. 28, it stated S.K.V. had recently left her husband and a harassment restraining order had been issued Oct. 22 to the man prohibiting him from having any contact with his estranged wife. According to the order of detention, Vogt had told law enforcement after his arrest he had “snapped” and he “couldn’t take it anymore.” Vogt’s next court appearance is set for 2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3.
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‘Where do I vote?’
“Where do I go to vote?” That is a commonly asked question, especially by people who moved into a city recently or by those who have never voted before. There is an easy way to find your polling place.
Go online to the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State at: pollfinder.sos.state. mn.us Then type in either your zip code or your county, click GO. Then in the box that pops up, enter your house number,
then select from a pull-down menu the number or name of the street or road you live on. Hit GO, and your polling place will appear. You can also hit a button there to find a map as to how to get to the polling place.
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Friday, Oct. 31, 2014
Opinion Our View
Perske would serve us well as representative in Washington Joe Perske of Sartell would serve the Sixth Congressional District well if he is elected as our representative Nov. 4. After seven years of Rep. Michele Bachmann, this district is long overdue for someone who will truly represent us, as well as other Minnesotans and the nation, too. Bachmann seemed to crave the limelight rather than the hard work of representing her constituents. She accomplished virtually nothing as a Tea Party obstructionist and spent most of her time shooting her mouth off, making a fool of herself and embarrassing her district. Now it’s time for a welcome change. Candidate Tom Emmer, unfortunately, seems to veer too far to the radical right, as Bachmann did, although he would probably be an improvement over her. Still, Perske has everything Bachmann and other extremists lack. For one thing, he’s a good listener, not a rigid ideologue. He has always considered many viewpoints before making a decision as council member and mayor of Sartell. Secondly, as a long-time teacher and coach, Perske understands through and through how important it is to work as part of a team, pulling together for a common goal. He’s not stubbornly entrenched in some “purist” agenda and, thus, is eager to work toward mutually beneficial compromises, unlike so many congressional do-nothings these days. Perske also possesses in abundance the requisite values that make him a man of integrity. He is a down-to-earth family man, a loving husband and father; he has a strong spiritual faith; he loves his city, his state and his nation; he cares deeply about education because he’s seen first-hand over and over its vital importance in improving lives; he’s a strong believer in the effort to make things better for working people and for ways to expand and strengthen this country’s true backbone – our great middle class; he is passionately committed to improving our health-care system so it’s accessible and affordable for all. Last but not least, Perske is always approachable in the most personable manner, always eager to listen and to learn, and – not to forget – he has a wonderful sense of humor, a vital quality to help reduce the stress of being a representative in Washington, D.C. Minnesota’s Sixth District has always been predominately conservative, and it’s had some good representation from some good conservative representatives in the past. But as right-wing extremism came to the fore, in people like Bachmann, the forces of reasonableness and moderation were squelched. Emmer is not a moderate; Perske is. And that’s why the Sixth District so badly needs a change this time around – a moderate Democrat rather than another radical Republican.
Correction to letter to the editor In an endorsement letter in support of candidate Steve Simon (Oct. 24 Letter to the editor) from Carol Weiler, Sartell, the office Simon and his opponent Dan Severson are running for is Minnesota Secretary of State. The writer inadvertently named an incorrect office.
Letters to the Editor:
In response to ‘Reader claims half-cent sales tax benefits few’ Jen Warnert, St. Joseph Although there have been multiple articles regarding the half-cent sales tax, public meetings and an article from the mayor explaining it, some people still don’t understand either how it works or what the consequences are of not voting for the extension. For those who do understand, I apologize for any redundancy but last week’s letter to the editor sparked me to reiterate. Per another article ran last week, “Please vote ‘yes’ to tax extension,” up to $10 million of the tax revenue would be spent for transportation improvements, I’m not going to go into detail on those but with that being the largest chunk of money spent I don’t understand how anyone could believe the monies generated only fund projects that benefit ‘a small group of people.’ I believe this to be a biased opinion as the other projects funded are geared towards the entire community and it’s up to the in-
dividual whether they take advantage of them or not. In addition to that, without this revenue the city would have to look elsewhere for street repairs and more, and that may be a higher tax yet if so decided. I’d also urge the community to realize that last week’s article’s comment regarding utilities would only be accurate if your bills were paid to a zip code that participates in the half-cent sales tax. I know my cable and cellular bills aren’t even sent to somewhere in Minnesota let alone the six-city region. In the interest of full disclosure, I’m working with a dedicated group of people to bring a water amenity to the city of St. Joseph so I’m hoping the extension is passed. However, the biggest argument for voting to extend this tax is that right now, St. Joseph receives $1.42 for every dollar spent in the six-city region. If it were not to be extended, and the other cities did, you’d still be taxed it when you purchased anything in the other five cit-
ies. The money you’d spend would go to the other five cities and your hometown wouldn’t see a penny of it. Another piece of this is that during the last 20 years the city has been getting revenue with this tax and those monies aren’t automatically earmarked for things. The public is free to take well-researched ideas to the council that fit the regional criteria to ask for the revenue to fund a project. With the half-cent revenue, the city takes into consideration what it could use the revenue for in order to possibly prevent any tax increases. I see this as positive for everyone and not just a small group of people. So while I do have a horse in this race, I’m supporting it in order to support the community as a whole by believing the extension would bring interesting projects to the city, minimal other tax increases while making great use of money our community members are spending everyday. Please vote ‘yes’ to the extension.
Reader says council needs to be more open, transparent Mike McDonald, St. Joseph It’s time to replace the present council that is NOT open and transparent. Current members preach the importance of sound financial practices and agree salaries/benefits make up a massive portion of the city’s annual budget. They also state they keep citizens thoughtfully informed of their actions. A classic example of them NOT doing so is the Union Labor Agreements passed this year. The city spent many, many months negotiating a two-year (2014-15) agreement with two unions. All of the meetings discussing the contracts were
closed to the public and no minutes of them are available. On July 23, after one of those secret sessions, the council went to an open session and agreed to one of the contracts. The length of the un-televised open session was two minutes and no details of the agreement are in the minutes. The Police Union agreement was accepted by the council a couple months later. That item was on a consent agenda with absolutely no discussion by the council of its content nor as an attachment to the agenda. The city paid $20,607.51 to an outside attorney to represent the city in the negotiations. This was in addition to the $7,671 paid just to be part of the lob-
bying group to qualify to use this firm. Why was an attorney needed? What did the city offer the unions and what were the unions asking for? What was the final resolution? Nobody knows because the current council keeps us in the dark. Just as a matter of interest I compared the actual audited salary and benefit expenditures from three years ago (2012) to what is budgeted for 2015. The salary budget for 2015 is 24.67-percent higher than what was paid in 2012 and the benefit package is 31.87-percent higher than it cost in 2012. It’s impossible to say if those percentages are too high or not because citizens are unaware of what they include.
Resident believes ballot box is the greatest equalizer Jim Graeve, St. Joseph We Americans, as a people, by and large, are a compassionate, concerned, caring people. Whether it’s a hurricane in New Orleans, flooding in Fargo, a tornado in Wadena, the abduction of a child, a cancer victim in the next block – we step forward with our time and our treasure. We Minnesotans add to the above a strong civic ethic. We take our politics seriously, and prove that election after election by having the highest voter turnout in the nation, around 66 percent. That sounds too good – first in the nation – but it means one-third of us shirk our voting rights and privileges. From our early history on, we have been governed by a two-party system. At one time it was a belief a divided government – one party controlling the legislative branch and the other the executive – could govern well as compromise would be necessary. That could work if both political parties wish to GOVERN. Unfortunately, one party, the Re-
publican party, has been hi-jacked by the Tea Party faction. Some 40+ members of the U.S. House of Representatives, Tea Partiers, shut down the government for 17 days in October 2013, nearly collapsing our democracy and costing the economy $28 billion. Well, 1,000 million, was once described to finance the city of Duluth’s services in police, fire, education – all public services forever if invested at 5-percent interest – just one billion. Tea Partiers here sabotaged the Party of Lincoln. Here in Minnesota, in my view, men like Al Quie, Arnie Carlson and Dave Durenburger would not be able to get endorsed by the Republican Party. We need a strong two-party system, but until Republicans reform we are better off electing Democrats for state and national offices. Here in our Sixth Congressional District, Tom Emmer has been strongly endorsed by Tea Party favorite, Rep. Michele Bachmann. I have not seen or heard a word from Emmer’s campaign disavowing the Tea Party views. I believe Republican President Eisen-
hower aptly described the modern Tea Party as such: “Should any political party attempt to abolish social security, unemployment insurance and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again in our political history. There is a tiny splinter group, of course, that believes you can do these things. Their number is negligible and they are stupid.” Bachmann may have made the Sixth District a red district, Jim Graves made it purple in the 2012 race, Joe Perske, with the help of Independents, moderate Republicans, and a strong Democratic turn out will make it a blue district. When Paul Wellstone said, “We all do better, when we all do better,” the rich do better as well as the rest of us 99-percenters. Let us turn out big on Nov. 4 and shoot for an 80-percent voter turnout. Remember the ballot box is the greatest equalizer that offsets unlimited spending by special-interest groups.
Bromenschenkel wishes to set record straight Mark Bromenschenkel, Sartell
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.
Replying to false accusations was not how I wanted to run my campaign. However, rumors have a way of getting bigger as they are told, so let me clarify. I was working for my current employer part-time for 2.5 years before leaving Sartell, and I’m still working there full time to this date. I do not believe I am the only person to leave a job for a better opportunity, and that is why I left.
There are false complaints made about police officers everyday. It normally comes down to the person admitting they made the complaint because “he gave me a ticket, or he arrested me, when he could’ve just given me a warning.” As a police supervisor, I’ve handled complaints such as these many times. The incident in question was not even a formal complaint. The people behind these rumors have never contacted me, even though I’ve
always said people can contact me any time. What’s their motivation? An election smear? I believe voters would rather hear candidates talk about what positives they can do as sheriff. I’ve been a trusted public servant for more than 25 years. I’ve always done so with the utmost integrity, placing the citizens I serve first, and will continue to do so. If you trust me with your vote, I will not let you down.
To read additional letters to the editor and additional voting information, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on St. Joseph Election 2014.
Friday, Oct. 31, 2014
St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Community Calendar
Friday, Oct. 31 Blood drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., College of St. Benedict, 37 S. College Ave. 1-800-733-2767. 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. 320-271-0035. The Pit and the Pendulum, film showing, 6 p.m., Miller Center Auditorium, SCSU, 400 6th St. S, St. Cloud. stcloudstate.edu. Fall Family Fun Fest, sponsored by Joy Christian Center and Rock On Trucks, more than 100 games, candy, food, puppet shows and more, 6-9 p.m., River’s Edge Convention Center, 10 4th Ave. S., St. Cloud. 320253-7819. greatjoy.org. Saturday, Nov. 1 Dashain and Tihar Night, Nepali cultural speakers, dances and performances, 5-9 p.m., Ritsche Auditorium, St. Cloud State University, 702 1st Ave S., St. Cloud. Sunday, Nov. 2 Daylight saving time ends, residents should turn clocks back one hour to reflect the ending of daylight saving time at 2 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4 Election Day, most polling places will be open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Blood drive, 1-7 p.m., Atonement Lutheran Church, 1144 29th Ave. N.,
St. Cloud. 1-800-733-2767.
Wednesday, Nov. 5 Blood drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., St. John’s University Great Hall, 2850 Abbey Plaza, Collegeville. 1-800733-2767. Percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani, master class, noon, Ruth Gant Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center, St. Cloud State University, 620 3rd Ave. S., St. Cloud. St. Stephen City Council, 7 p.m., City Hall, 2 6th Ave. SE. 251-0964. St. Joseph Area Historical Society, 7 p.m., Old City Hall, 25 1st Ave NW. stjosephhistoricalmn.org. Percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani, performance, 7:30 p.m., Gallery Vault, 822 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. Thursday, Nov. 6 Coffee and Conversation, a senior discussion group, 9 a.m., Country Manor, 520 1st St. NE, Sartell. Blood drive, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Rasmussen College, 226 Park Ave. S., St. Cloud. 1-800-733-2767. Great River Regional Coin Club, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Miller Auto Marine Sports Plaza, 2930 2nd St. S., St. Cloud. St. Joseph City Council, rescheduled for Monday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m., City Hall, 25 College Ave N. 320363-7201.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Eagles Auxiliary Craft Sale, crafters with handmade items, homemade bread, rolls, cookies and more, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Eagles Club, 730 41st Ave. N., St. Cloud. 320-293-8424. Holiday Bazaar, hosted by St. Paul’s Christian Women, featuring artisans, crafters, bake sale and silent auction, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Paul’s Parish Center, 1125 11th Ave. N., St. Cloud. 320-251-4831. Winter Market, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sartell City Hall, 125 Pinecone Road N. marketmonday.org. International Soup Luncheon and Open House, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Church, 601 7th Ave. S., St. Cloud. 656-1200.
nual
An 8th
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Ladies Night Out
FREE Vendor/Craft Event
Friday, Nov. 7 • 4-8 p.m. Sauk Rapids VFW 901 N. Benton Drive
Pampered Chef, Origami Owl, handmade treats & much more!
BOAT/RV STORAGE
1 MILE SOUTH of St. Joseph. Call 320-230-3377. 43-1x-p.
HELP WANTED
SUBWAY IN ST. JOSEPH is hiring for days, nights and management positions. Apply within. County Road 75. 43-1x-p.
HELP WANTED PART-TIME JANITORIAL POSITION available in the St. Cloud area. Pay rate $14/ hr. Veterans and retirees welcome to apply. Please contact Lesa at 614-589-1198. 43-1x-p.
NOW HIRING! Holiday Craft
Laborer Form Setters for Footings/Walls:
Bake Sale
Stop by and fill out an application at: 1374 105th St. NW, Rice, MN
and
Saturday, Nov. 8 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Great Hall • St. John’s University FOR SALE TRAILER SALE! DUMP TRAILERS 8’16’14,000#; Scissor lift drop down deck trailers; 6’x12’ v-nose, ramp door cargo trailer $2,750.00; Fuel tank trailers (no tank); 22,500# bumper pull equip. trailer; WANTED to buy COMPACT Tractor with loader. 515-972-4554 www.FortDodgeTrailerWorld.com (MCN) ANNOUNCEMENTS MACHINERY CONSIGNMENT SALE, Mon., Nov. 17, 2014 at 9:00 A.M. Consign early by Nov. 3, 2014 for complete advertising. No Small Items, Tires or Pallet Items Accepted After Friday, Nov. 7. Gilbert’s Sale Yard, LLC, 641-398-2218. 2 Mi. N. of Floyd, IA on Hwy. 218. Tractor House Internet Bidding Available. www.gilbertsaleyard.com (MCN) HORSE SALE: Belle Plaine Western Exchange, Belle Plaine, IA. Next Scheduled Sale: Saturday, November 8, 2014. Tack 10:00 a.m., Horses immediately following. Sale 2nd Saturday of every month. Upcoming Sales: December 13, 2014 (Christmas Tack Special) & January 10, 2015. Check our website for details and sale results: www. westernexchange.com; Info/To Consign: 319-444-2320; email: bpwe@netins.net (MCN)
ed. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Any Make/Model. Call For Instant Offer: 1-800-871-9134 (Minnesota Only) (MCN) DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 1-800-2830205 (MCN) BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES NEED ADDITIONAL INCOME? Learn to operate a Mini-Office Outlet. FREE Online Training! Flexible Hours. Great Income Potential. www.project4wellness.com 587289-3835 (VOID in SD) (MCN) EMPLOYMENT/HELP WANTED CDL Drivers needed to haul livestock, home on weekends. Great Benefit Package for Full-Time Drivers! www.lynchlivestock. com or call Angie @ 563-776-3051 for more information. EOE (MCN) Experienced CDL-A TRUCK DRIVERS for the Midwest Region. Driver friendly company with good pay and benefits. Taxfree money and bonuses available. Call 507437-9905 www.mcfgtl.com (MCN)
SUPPORT our Service Members, Veterans and their Families in Their Time of Need. For more information visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org (MCN)
HELP WANTED: OTR DRIVERS. Seeking Owner/Operators & Company Drivers. Valid Class A CDL. Home on weekends if desired. Pulling hopper bottoms. Minnesota and Iowa based company. Call 507-4213680 or 641-220-4202 (MCN)
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St. Joseph Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, Oct. 31, 2014