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Newsleader Sauk Rapids-Rice
Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 Volume 2, Issue 6 Est. 2015
Town Crier Place of Hope to host Have a Heart Feb. 13
Place of Hope Ministries will host a benefit concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 at Calvary Community Church, 1200 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud. Doors open at 6 p.m. Highlights of this year’s concert are New York soprano Angela Christine Smith, the group Dancing for Jesus which is directed by Jenni West and pastor, songwriter and worship leader Pastor Carol Jean Smith. Tickets are available in advance as well as at the door at Calvary, or by calling 320-251-4825. Proceeds from the event help Place of Hope provide food, shelter and long-term life solutions to those in need in central Minnesota. For more information, visit www. placeofhopeministries.org.
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Sauk Rapids approves funding for CR 3 project by Logan Gruber operations@thenewsleaders.com
Construction on the CR 3 Up the Hill project is expected to start in May after the Sauk Rapids city council approved funding for its portion of the roadway at the Feb. 8 council meeting.
Benton County Public Works Director Chris Byrd and WSB and Associates Vice President of T r a n s p o r - Bray tation Services Ron Bray pre-
sented the project to the council. The project, which would run on CR 3 or Second Street N. from Third Avenue to about halfway between Stearns Drive and Hwy 10, has been in the works for at least two years. “The existing roadway is past its design life,” Byrd said.
“It’s quite deteriorated, and pedestrian access is non-existent.” “The volume of traffic through Second Street N. has only been increasing,” Bray added. Forecasts predict 14,70020,800 vehicles will travel this stretch of roadway daily in CR 3 • page 5
Storm, Bukowski honored by city, SWAT
Car-seat events offer free checks
Make sure your children and grandchildren travel safely in your vehicle. Have car seats checked for correct installation from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, March 16 or April 20 at the Gold Cross Ambulance Garage, 2800 Seventh St. N, St. Cloud. The goal of the car-seat check is to: demonstrate how to install your car seat properly every time; check to make sure you can install the car seat correctly yourself; and provide you with education and knowledge to protect your child. A car-seat check is encouraged for those with children ages 12 and younger, including those in booster seats. All appointments are free. Call 320-320-656-7021 to make an appointment. For more information, visit thenewsleaders. com and click on Feb. 12 Criers.
photos by Logan Gruber
Above left: Members of the Stearns-Benton County SWAT team give a standing ovation alongside Sauk Rapids city staff and council members as police K9 Storm and handler Sauk Rapids Police Sgt. Brent Bukowski are recognized for their 10 years of service and Storm’s retirement at the Feb. 8 city council meeting. Storm has been Bukowski’s partner for all 10 years, on the SWAT team for a number of years as well and officially retired on Jan. 1. Bukowski and his family have adopted Storm as a permanent civilian canine. New Sauk Rapids police K9 Thunder and handler officer Matt Bosma won’t be part of the SWAT team, as the St. Cloud police department has two K9s they will use for SWAT purposes. Bukowski remains part of the SWAT team. Above right: Sauk Rapids Police Chief Perry Beise honors police K9 Storm and handler Sauk Rapids Police Sgt. Brent Bukowski for their 10 years of service and Storm’s retirement at the Feb. 8 city council meeting. Beise spoke highly of both Bukowski and Storm.
SRR’s Mead nominated as state Teacher of Year by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
Carol Mead, a Sauk Rapids-Rice teacher, is a nominee for Minnesota Teacher of the Year after recently being named as Teacher of the Year by the school district. Mead teaches kindergarten
at Mississippi Heights Elementary School. Mead is one of 114 candidates for the state Mead honor. A 25-member panel is now
In a Jan. 15 Newsleader feature about Mead’s being named Teacher of the Year by the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, she had this to say: “I believe you are only as good as the people you surround yourself with, and my colleagues are amazing,” she Mead • page 4
ARM recognizes Lang for lifetime achievement
Free tax-prep sites now open across Minnesota
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and AARP Tax-Aide are two free tax-preparation programs where volunteers help taxpayers prepare their federal and state income and property tax returns in communities throughout Minnesota. To receive free help from a VITA site, you must meet one of these four qualifications: be age 60 or older, have a disability, speak limited or no English and/or have annual income of $54,000 or less. The sites are generally open now through April 15. To find a local site, hours and dates, and a complete list of items to bring when visiting a site, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on Feb. 12 Criers.
trimming that list to finalists, and the 52nd Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be announced May 15 at the Radisson in Bloomington. Mead has taught kindergarten for nine years at Mississippi Heights and currently has 23 kindergartners under her wing.
by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
contributed photo
Jerry Lang (right) smiles with his proud wife and daughter after receiving a prestigious honor from Knife River (formerly Bauerly Brothers), where Lang has worked for many years. With Lang are his wife, Ingrid (middle) and daughter Linnea.
Jerry Lang of Sauk Rapids has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Aggregate and Ready Mix Association of Minnesota. He was given the award at the Renaissance Hotel in Minneapolis during ARM’s annual convention. “I had no idea they were going to make such a big deal out of this award,” Lang said about the ceremony.
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He received round after round of applause and the highest of praises from his colleagues at the convention. “Jerry Lang has been a well-respected leader in this industry in Minnesota, and a driving force behind the growth and success of ARM and its members,” said Fred Corrigan, executive director of ARM. “Add to all of that his work in service of our country, and his decades of volunteer work in his community, and Jerry is well deserving Lang • back page
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Blotter
If you have a tip concerning a crime, call the Sauk Rapids Police Department at 320-251-9451 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. Jan. 24 10:30 a.m. Motor theft. 13th Avenue S. Police were summoned to the aforementioned address after observing a black SUV in between two trees. A towing company pulled the vehicle out and transported it to their lot. After running the plates, the vehicle came back to an unknown name out of St. Paul. A proof of insurance card was found in the cup holder of the vehicle, which provided the name of the supposed owner. The owner was contacted and informed of the damages to his vehicle. The vehicle was reported as stolen, since the owner had not driven it the previous night.
Jan. 25 12:33 p.m. Property damage. Summit Avenue N. A female complainant called authorities after her car had been damaged while in a parking lot. She had no idea who may have done this or how the damage was incurred. A report was filed. Jan. 26 3:33 a.m. Alarm. Benton Drive N. Police responded to an alarm at a local business. Upon arrival, the building was secured. The keyholder reset the alarm, and the area was cleared. 5:47 a.m. Medical. Fourth Avenue N. Officers assisted a resident who was having difficulty breathing. Police met Gold Cross upon arrival. The resident was fine and no longer needed medical attention. Jan. 27 3:43 a.m. Agency assist. CSAH 120. Sauk Rapids police assisted the Sartell Police De-
partment with a burglary alarm at a local business. Upon arrival, officers approached the building and cleared the area. 3:18 p.m. Gas drive-off. Second Avenue N. Police were dispatched to a local gas station after employees stated a vehicle had driven off without paying for their fuel. Based on a surveillance video, the license plate, make and model of the vehicle were all obtained. The owner of the vehicle was contacted and said she believed she had paid for the fuel. She said she would call the gas station management to discuss the issue. A few days later, police called to follow up, and the gas station stated the woman had paid. Jan. 28 12:03 a.m. Fire. Second Avenue N. Police responded to reports of flames shooting out of the side of a local residence. Upon arrival, police found the homeowner was having a large recreational fire in the backyard. He extinguished part of the fire to make the flames smaller. Jan. 29 Juvenile. Osauka Road N.E. A juvenile male was found to have possession of a 4-inch pocket knife. It was located in his backpack and was reported after other students had seen it. The student in question was suspended. 7:50 a.m. Theft. Second Avenue S. Police were dispatched after a report of a burglary at a local residence. According to the complainant, someone had entered their garage during the night and stolen an ice auger. There was no suspect information that could be provided. No further action has been taken at this time. Jan. 30 4:04 a.m. Suspicious activity. North Benton Drive. Employees at a local gas station called authorities after a vehicle had been parked by their dumpster for some time. Upon arrival, the vehicle was recognized to be that of a male employee who worked at the station.
Have any Achievements? Grad. from HS/College, Military Honors, Awards Submit to news@thenewsleaders.com For contact purposes only, please include first/last name and phone.
Friday, Feb. 12, 2016
New meters make local debut
contributed photo
Credit card/coin parking meters made their debut in St. Cloud this week when they were installed outside of the Stearns County Administration Center. Motorists can now pay for their parking using coins or credit/debit cards. The meters replaced the other 31 coin-only meters in that parking lot. The new meters are a pilot project and will likely be used to replace the old-fashioned meters in the city, meters that are quickly wearing out and for which replacement parts are difficult to find. The cost of parking in a metered spot will remain the same – 50 cents for one hour of time.
People Thomas Joel Inderieden, of Sauk Rapids was recently recognized as the Minnesota Women of Today 2016 Outstanding Person with Developmental Challenges. Since 1994 MNWT has annually presented this award, which honors individuals who have overcome challenges and become productive, contributing members of the community. TJ was nominated for the Outstanding Person with Developmental Challenges Award by the Rice Women of Today. Twenty-two-year-old TJ was born with Down syndrome and was in mainstream education until graduation. In his sixth-grade year, he also started in the Bridges Transition Program, which focuses on establishing a path to successful, independent living. During high school, TJ was a manager for the football and basketball teams, on the golf and swim teams, and served as captain of the swim team as well. He also held a part-time position at the local Burger King. In his senior year, his classmates elected him Homecoming King and he participated in the commencement ceremony. After graduation, TJ returned to the Bridges Program for an additional three years as a coach. His supervisor and teacher Amy Johnson states, “TJ is a very special young man who has never let his disabilities limit him.” TJ was always one of the
friendliest kids in school who didn’t let Down syndrome define him. His mother shared that TJ never considered himself handicapped and gives everything he does 100 percent: she stated, “TJ has a smile that lights up our lives each and every day.” During his many years at Camp Knutson in Cross Lake, TJ was voted “Camper of the Year,” “Best Swimmer,” and “Most Polite Camper.” TJ became such an integral part of Camp Knutson they created a position so he could return as a counselor; a true testament to the effect TJ has on others, it established a role for other future attendees. In addition to having a very active family life of hunting, fishing, camping and four-wheeling, TJ also loves car racing. After serving many years as a pit crew member for Shane Sabraski, he now owns his own race car and has attended NASCAR camp. TJ’s goal is to drive in an actual race, and his racing friends are helping him achieve it. TJ now works at the Talahi Care Home. He not only cleans rooms for the residents, but has a set of residents for whom he is responsible. This position is perfect for TJ as he always wants to take care of everyone, and proves on a daily basis he is a vital and contributing employee. His supervisors stated, “This is a young man that enables the sun to shine when he enters the building, but also has great potential in whatever voca-
tion he should choose – and we do mean WHATEVER he chooses!” The Rice Women of Today, his nominating chapter, said they think “TJ completely embodies all aspects of what this award stands for.... His natural happy and generous nature, along with his huge heart, makes him an absolute joy to be around…. His positive outlook and readiness to always lend a helping hand makes him very deserving of this award.” As one of the judges stated, “I would love to see TJ get involved with the various advocacy groups available. TJ is a remarkable young man who is truly deserving of the 2016 Outstanding Person with Developmental Challenges Award. Mathew Supan, Rice, was recently recognized as Ag Arama royalty at the University of Minnesota-Crookston. He is a junior majoring in animal science. Two Sauk Rapids-Rice High School graduates were recently named to the fall dean’s list at Concordia College, Moorhead. They are the following: Emily Campbell, daughter of Deb and Scott Campbell, Sauk Rapids, a junior; and Hannah Voigt, daughter of Linda and Scott Voigt, Rice, a freshman. Students must earn a minimum 3.7 grade-point average to qualify for this honor.
Published each Friday by Von Meyer Publishing Inc. Publisher/Owner Janelle Von Pinnon Editor: Dennis Dalman Admin. Assistant Cady Sehnert
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Newsleader staff members have the responsibility to report news fairly and accurately and are accountable to the public. Readers who feel we’ve fallen short of these standards are urged to call the Newsleader office at 320-363-7741. If matters cannot be resolved locally, readers are encouraged to take complaints to the Minnesota News Council, an independent agency designed to improve relationships between the public and the media and resolve conflicts. The council office may be reached at 612-341-9357.
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Friday, Feb. 12, 2016
photo by Logan Gruber
The ACT on Alzheimer’s group recently installed a bookshelf at city hall’s front desk in the Sauk Rapids Government Center to serve as a lending library for books which have information on Alzheimer’s and dementia. Pictured are City Administrator Ross Olson and Melinda Fast, a coordinator for ACT on Alzheimer’s and community life coordinator for Ridgeview Place Assisted Living in Sauk Rapids.
ACT on Alzheimer’s donates books for dimentia education by Logan Gruber operations@thenewsleaders.com
The ACT on Alzheimer's group recently installed a bookshelf at city hall's front desk in the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave. N. The bookshelf serves as a lending library for books which have information on Alzheimer's and dementia. The books are available for anyone to take. Readers can keep the book, or if they no longer need it, it can be returned to the shelf or to the Good Shepherd Care Center, 115 Fourth Ave. N., where it will be passed on. "This is just another great resource for caregivers and family members of those with Alzheimer's or dementia to have access to," said Melinda Fast,
a coordinator for ACT on Alzheimer’s and community life coordinator for Ridgeview Place Assisted Living, 1009 10th Ave. N.E., Sauk Rapids. Fast, along with Barb Rebischke, vice-president of outreach at Good Shepherd Senior Living, spearheaded the bookshelf project. "A lot of people still like to sit and read a book instead of Googling," Fast said. "And many of these books are used in gerontology classes when studying the affects of aging so they have a lot of great information." If anyone has a book with Alzheimer's or dementia information they are also welcome to donate books at either Good Shepherd, city hall or Ridgeview Place Assisted Living.
James Kramer III Recognized as a Top Financial Advisor by LPL Financial James Kramer III, an independent financial advisor affiliated with LPL Financial at Kramer Financial in Saint Cloud, MN, announced today that he was recognized as a top financial advisor and named to the LPL Chairman’s Club. This premier honor is awarded to less than 6% of the firm’s approximately 14,000 advisors nationwide. “Chairman’s Club advisors exemplify leadership in the financial industry and in their communities,” said Andy Kalbaugh, managing director and divisional president, LPL Business Consulting and Relationship Management. “We congratulate James on this distinct achievement, which represents not only an elite level of success, but a commitment to superior service and to helping clients prosper and pursue their financial goals.” James Kramer III is affiliated with LPL and provides access to independent financial planning services, investment advice and asset management services to clients in the central Minnesota Community.
James Kramer III, MBA, CFP®
1260 32nd Avenue North St. Cloud, MN 56303 (320) 253.8256 kramerfinancial.org
Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC.
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Friday, Feb. 12, 2016
Bluhm recognized for service to city photo by Logan Gruber
Dave Bluhm (right) accepts recognition for 15 years of dedicated service to the city of Sauk Rapids’ Public Works/Utilities Department at the Feb. 8 city-council meeting. At left is Public Works Director Pete Eckhoff with city administrator Ross Olson looking on in the background.
Rice man organizes dog-sled race in Little Falls by Frank Lee news@thenewsleaders.com
It was over before it began, but Bob Bzdok of Rice will continue doing what he loves: dog-sled racing. The third Winter Warrior Sled Dog Race that was scheduled to start the weekend of Feb. 12 at Camp Ripley was cancelled due to a lack of snow and fluctuation in temperatures. “We’re animal lovers, so we just like to spend time with them, and dog-sled racing is just a different way to get out and spend time with them and family, too, and from the racing standpoint of it, I just like the competitiveness of it as well,” Bzdok said. Bob Bzdok, his brother Brian and Erin Becker put a lot of time and effort into organizing the three-day event in Little Falls before it was cancelled a week prior to starting. “We’ve already put in a lot of work in this year’s race. Like any event, you can’t start the week before and expect everything to go well,” Bzdok said of the cancellation. “We’ve been out at Camp
Ripley for a couple of weeks for several meetings to map out a trail . . . but also we worked hard in getting the word out with posters, visiting with sponsors and trying to solicit them for donations and support, and lining up volunteers.” The Winter Warrior Sled Dog Race has been a “proud and successful” traditional event for the Minnesota-based North Star Sled Dog Club since it began in 2013. “The dogs are just bred to run, and they love it,” Bzdok said. “The question is not ‘How do I get them to run?’ but ‘How do I get them to stop?’” The 43-year-old sales administrator and the other two main co-organizers of the race – his brother and Becker – belong to the North Star Sled Dog Club, which sanctions the Winter Warrior Sled Dog Race. “Time is always in short supply, so the biggest challenge is finding enough time to get out and work with the dogs enough to get them conditioned and in shape, and basically finding each one’s niche in the team,” Bzdok said. Race events were set to begin Feb. 12 with the sprint
teams, consisting of teams of two, four, six or 10 dogs and which will take to trails of three to 10 miles. “The Winter Warrior Sled Dog Race is a unique dog sled race because it combines the two facets of sled-dog racing, which is distance based and sprint racing,” Bzdok said. On Feb. 13, the mid-distance teams would have started the day with teams of six or 10 dogs, traveling on trails of 25 to 45 miles. “With all races you go to, it’s pretty hard to find anywhere where you can run the entire race on one property like Camp Ripley,” Bzdok said. “You are always crossing public roads and stuff like that where it takes a lot more involvement from local authorities.” Top teams from all around the Midwest and beyond were set to compete for prize money made possible by the support of the many local sponsors. “The purpose of the Winter Warrior Sled Dog Race is to enhance and promote the sport of sled-dog racing through education and making venues like Camp Ripley and other races available to the public just to
Mead from front page said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help and support through the journey. They are an important part
contributed photo
Musher Bob Bzdok of Rice competes in a dog sled racing contest at a Wisconsin event in this 2015 photo and is one of the organizers of this year’s Winter Warrior Sled Dog Race at Camp Ripley that was scheduled to start Feb. 12 in Little Falls but had to be cancelled due to a lack of snow and safety reasons. gain exposure for the sport,” he said. Bzdok said organizers were expecting about a hundred to participate at this year’s Winter Warrior Sled Dog Race and had almost 40 entries by the time the race was cancelled. “The lack of snow was the only thing holding us back,” he said. “The snow we’ve gotten lately has been so fluffy where it doesn’t pack down good to
make a good trail . . . And a lot of the trail is across swamps and through woods and a lot of rough areas where you need a foot of snow to put in a good, safe trail for the dogs and the mushers.” The North Star Sled Dog Club has been organizing sleddog races in Minnesota since the 1960s. The Winter Warrior Sled Dog Race is part of North Star’s competition circuit.
of why I received this award.” Mead never had a second thought about deciding to become a teacher. “I still love it,” she said. “I absolutely love it.” She was nominated as Teacher of the Year by Kathy Kopetka, a third-grade teacher
at Mississippi Heights. Once nominated, she was interviewed by a panel that included other teachers, the principal and union reps. What did she feel when she learned of the honor? “I was excited,” she said. “Excited but humbled.”
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Blue Eyes is a spayed and declawed 17-year-old cat who came to the shelter because her owner moved to a retirement home. Blue Eyes has limited vision but has adjusted quite well. She’s described as an affectionate cat who enjoyed being around people. Blue Eyes likes an occasional taste of canned cat food as a treat. If you could provide Blue Eyes with a nice retirement home, swing by the shelter and meet her today! Her fee would be waived for a senior citizen or veteran. “Helping one animal won’t change the world … but it will change the world for that one animal!” Dogs - 14 Kittens - 4
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Friday, Feb. 12, 2016
CR 3 from front page 2035. As of a 2013 study, this number was 7,600-10,100 vehicles, which means the amount of vehicles will double in the next 20 years. The capacity of the current roadway is 10,000 vehicles. Major problems with the road include the noted congestion, the deteriorated pavement, no pedestrian access as well as limited right-of-way for traffic to turn. Public meetings were held, as well as meetings with affected property owners. Information was also posted on the city and county websites for people to
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peruse. After as much information was gathered as possible, a concept was arrived at. The final concept will see roundabouts placed on Second Street N., at Sixth Avenue N. and Summit Avenue. A traffic signal will be placed at Stearns Drive to better handle truck and business traffic. An additional lane will be added in both directions, with a biking trail on the north side and a sidewalk on the south side. From Third Avenue to Sixth Avenue, a concrete median will be used, while from Sixth Avenue to Summit a landscaped median will be created. From Summit Avenue to Stearns Drive there will be a center leftturn lane to allow better access to businesses.
The current timeline is set as follows, though circumstances may change: • February: Municipal consent/cost agreement • March: Design complete/approval • April: Bid opening • May: Construction start • Late August: Intermediate completion • Mid-November: Substantially complete • October 2016 or May 2017: Bituminous wearing course laid down • April-July 2017: Final touches/landscaping The total cost of the roadway is now projected at $13.24 million, with costs broken down as follows: • Construction cost: $7.94 mil-
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contributed image
The CR 3 project is detailed in this graphic, showing the proposed roadway in yellow, concrete medians in red, landscaping medians in green, biking paths in brown and sidewalks in purple. Roundabouts will be placed at the intersections of Second Street N. with Sixth Avenue N. and Second Street N. with Summit Avenue. A traffic signal will be placed at the intersection with Stearns Drive, where truck and business traffic takes place. lion • Right-of-way purchase: $4.8 million • Building demolition: $500,000 Costs to the city are currently set at $5.95 million, which includes: • Construction cost: $1.15 million • Right-of-way purchase: $4.8 million The city has received about
$658,000 from the federal government to help with rightsof-way purchase, and about $167,000 from a local roadimprovement program to help defray the cost of the project, leaving the city with a cost of $5.13 million. The county is footing the remaining $7.28 million of the cost, but will receive additional grants, bringing its final cost down to $4.87 million.
Telephone scams common this time of year The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office recently issued a warning of ongoing telephone scams which occur this time of year across the area. The sheriff’s office says scammers may call and try to inform residents they owe back taxes and if they do not comply
the scammer will call law enforcement to arrest the resident. It’s important to remember the IRS does not conduct business in this manner and will not call you without warning, will not demand payment without the opportunity for appeal and will not threaten a law-enforcement
response. If a resident receives a call like this, she/he is encouraged to contact local law enforcement and may also report the scam to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484 or at www. tigta.gov.
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Our View Girl learns the hard way about texting while driving The deadly results that can happen when someone is texting while driving hit home hard this week. Seventeen-year-old Carlee Rose Bollig, 17, Little Falls, pled guilty to two counts of criminal-vehicular homicide stemming from an accident last summer in Becker. Bollig was driving a car that hit another car, killing Charles Maurer, 54, Becker, and his daughter Cassie, 10. Bollig was also charged with using a wireless communications device while driving, as well as driving without a valid license. Bollig was sending and receiving text messages at the time of the awful collision. She was driving a pickup and sped through a red light on Hwy. 10 when her vehicle slammed into the other vehicle, killing the father and daughter. Maurer died the evening of the crash; Cassie died 10 days afterward. Court records stated friends in the car with Bollig repeatedly told her to quit using her cellphone while driving, but she did not listen to their good advice. A search of the vehicle she was driving uncovered synthetic marijuana and a smoking pipe. Bollig will be sentenced March 4 in Sherburne County District Court. She will receive a juvenile sentence, as well as an adult sentence that will be imposed on her if she does not follow precisely the terms of her juvenile sentence. It’s such a shame this girl had to learn the hard way. It’s a shame a deceased father and daughter had to become her “wake-up call.” The awful incident will no doubt haunt and hound Bollig the rest of her life. We can only hope when the judge pronounces her sentence, a big provision in that sentence will be that Bollig must give talks to groups of young people about the horrific dangers of texting while driving. That message, coming from her in a heartfelt way, would be the surest way to get through to young people – and older people, we might add. In fact, it would be a good thing if Bollig would be willing (or ordered) to make a public-service TV commercial about the terrible dangers of texting while driving. We hope Bollig can find some kind of redemption through this tragedy, and the surest way she will redeem herself and her life will be to warn and remind others constantly of the sad outcome of her terribly poor judgment on that night.
The ideas expressed in the letters to the editor and of the guest columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of the Newsleaders. Letters to the editor may be sent to news@ thenewsleaders.com or P.O. Box 324, St. Joseph, MN 56374. Deadline is noon Monday. Please include your full name for publication (and address and phone number for verification only.) Letters must be 350 words or less. We reserve the right to edit for space.
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Friday, Feb. 12, 2016
Opinion We’ve already ate; lunch was purr-fect “Purr-fect!” I don’t know what’s “perfect” about being my age, but that’s what the clinic receptionist said to me when she asked how old I am. “Purr-fect!” she said sweetly. Well, to be sure, perfect is better than dead, but it would have made more sense if she’d said nothing, or maybe, “You’re that old?” or “Gee, sorry to hear that.” Or, “How awful!” These days, it’s not just my age that’s “purr-fect.” It’s my Social Security number, my address, my phone number, my shoe size and just about everything else I tell to a clerk or phone voice when doing any kind of business. “Can I put you on hold for a minute?” “OK,” I say. “Purr-fect!” It doesn’t bother me too much, although I think it’s a stretch to call so many things “purr-fect.” It’s like describing everything as “amazing” or “awesome.” Language is a living cultural tool, always changing. Our supple, vigorous English language is undergoing changes, as we speak, but I wish more of these changes were a bit more “purr-fect.” Some, sad to say, are downright lamentable. I think rapid-sloppy texting and emailing by so many of us have quickly begun to erode our language: misspellings, incorrect punctuation, grammatical sloppiness. Here are just some of them: • A constant over-use of the words “community” and “opportunity.” Some press releases and speeches are riddled with those two words, sometimes five and six times within one small paragraph. Is there anything more snore-
Dennis Dalman Editor inducing than a speech that starts with: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the community for . . . ” What’s wrong with the words “city” or “chance?” I recently came across this bloated sentence: “We should have a community conversation about the opportunity for raising awareness of our educational environment.” I think that writer was trying to state, “Let’s improve our schools.” • People preceding comments or sentences with “Honestly, . . .” or “To be honest, . . .” Usually, honesty or lack of it has nothing to do with what they’re saying or writing. For example: “Honestly, the weather is so cold today” or “To be honest, there’s no coffee left in the machine.” Best leave those words for the church confessional or to admit a bad decision: “Yes, to be honest, father, I did chop down that cherry tree.” • In recent months, I’ve noticed so many people introduce explanations with the word “So.” Ask somebody where they were born. You’ll often hear, “So (slight pause here) I was born in Maple Lake.” Ask for menu choices. “So (slight pause) the special today is prime rib.” • Why are more people saying “tore” for “tour?” At first I assumed this was what’s known as a “regionalism,” the way Southerners, say, pronounce words differently from their Northern cousins. However, the use of “tore” for “tour”
has reached epidemic levels, especially among TV news people. Example: “During their ‘tore’ of Italy, ‘torists’ will be ‘toring’ all the churches in Rome.” A variation of this is people saying “shore” for “sure.” Arrgh! • The slap-crazed mismanagement of the good old English apostrophe continues unabated, worse than ever, with people putting an apostrophe where it doesn’t belong and not putting it where it does belong. Three examples, both incorrect: “The shirt’s are expensive.” “The three dogs food dishes are empty.” When will people learn that apostrophes are not seasonings, like salt and pepper, to be sprinkled at whim, willy-nilly? The incorrect usage of commas is just as bad. • Along with misplaced apostrophes and commas, the gaucherie that really drives me up a wall is the idiotic disregard for irregular past participles. Some say or write: “We have ate.” “He has ran that race before.” “The city has broke ground for a library.” Political news commentator Chris Matthews, who has his own TV show, is notorious for mangling past participles. He is a published author, and I can only hope he has an adept proofreader to catch and correct those ear-grating mistakes. I’m always somewhat reluctant to write about language issues because to do so often brings charges of snobbery or elitism. Nobody’s perfect when it comes to language, not even English majors, but in my opinion everybody who speaks and writes English should care enough about our wonderful language to try to use it well – as accurately as possible. Slack, sloppy usage, after all, leads to slack, sloppy communications.
My positions, and why I will vote Republican As I look at the political situation today and as we face another election season, I ask myself why do I believe what I believe? Why do I more closely relate with Republicans than with Democrats? Why is my thinking so different from the so-called mainstream media? After all, these are highly educated people who should know. If we read the “elite” media or listen to their newscasts it becomes clear they are of one mind and it’s not the way I think. So here are my positions. First and foremost I believe the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of this land. It is not a living document. It should be followed as written. The authors of that document gave us the ability to change it if it becomes necessary. The amendment process is clearly laid out and that should be the only way any change is made. I believe in personal responsibility. One is responsible for one’s own choices and should be held accountable for those choices. I believe in law and order. If one chooses to disobey a law, they should be held responsible for that violation. I believe penal institutions are for penal purposes first and secondly for rehabilitation. I believe if you do not like a particular law, then you should work to change that law, not break it. That’s called anarchy. I believe a strong military is the best deterrent to enemies who would challenge us. I also think anyone who
Ron Scarbro Guest Writer is privileged to live in this great country owes some service to the country through the military or through some other avenue. Personally I would reinstitute the draft. I am OK with foreign aid with some caveats. If you are in an airplane and you lose cabin pressure, you are told to put your mask on first before you assist anyone else. Makes sense, right? You cannot help anyone else if you are incapacitated. Why would we spend billions helping other countries around the world when we need so much here at home? Our senior citizens as well as our veterans should take precedence over any foreign government. We cannot buy friendship so we should quit trying. Let’s take care of ourselves first. I do not believe in government-forced income or wealth redistribution. I should be able to keep for myself what I have legally earned. If others refuse to work they should suffer the consequence of their choice. There needs to be a welfare system for those truly in need because of situations beyond their control but not generations of families on the dole. That’s not need, it’s greed.
I believe the climate of the earth is changing. It has been changing since the beginning of time. Human activity is no more responsible today than it was the last time warming occurred after an icy period. Besides, what is the temperature of the earth supposed to be? The earth has always experienced periods of warming and cooling. Deal with it. I believe “political correctness” is a liberal invention designed to stifle free speech and expression with which they disagree. I believe in equal opportunity but not necessarily equal results. No person or group should be granted favor over another because of race or ethnicity. We should succeed or fail based on our effort and intelligence. I describe my politics as traditional American and I wonder does the other side disagree with these principles? Where does their thinking come from? My thinking is neither Republican nor Democrat. Both Democrat Harry Truman and Republican Ronald Reagan would probably share my opinion. Our country, with its freedom-tested traditions, doesn’t need any “fundamental” change. Scarbro is retired and spends most of his free time with his grandchildren having moved from Sartell to St. Simons Island, Ga. Writing and commenting on the news of the day is a pastime. Visit his weekly blog at ronscarbro.blogspot.com for more commentary.
Friday, Feb. 12, 2016 Is your event listed? Send your information to: Newsleader Calendar, P.O. Box 324, St. Joseph, MN 56374; fax it to 320-363-4195; or, e-mail it to news@thenewsleaders. com. Friday, Feb. 12 Blood drive, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Cloud Hospital, 1406 Sixth Ave. N. Benton County Historical Society, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320-253-9614. mnbentonhistory. org. Nun Banquet, 4:30-7 p.m., Sacred Heart Chapel, 104 Chapel Lane, St. Joseph. 320-363-7100. cbm.osb.org. The Whole Ninth Floor, 6 p.m. dinner and show, the Great Blue Heron, 305 Fifth Ave. S., Cold Spring. 320-241-4682. Saturday, Feb. 13 League of Women Voters, 9:30 a.m., Dunn Brothers Coffee, 900 Cooper Ave. S., St. Cloud. Winter Market, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sartell City Hall, 125 Pinecone Road N. marketmonday.org. Central Minnesota Chapter of the Federation of the Blind of Minnesota, 12:30 p.m., American Legion, 17 Second Ave. N., Waite Park. The Whole Ninth Floor, 6 p.m. dinner and show, the Great Blue Heron, 305 Fifth Ave. S., Cold Spring. 320-241-4682. Winter Dance, 6:30-9 p.m., Heritage Hall, Church of St. Joseph, 12 W. Minnesota St. Have a Heart Benefit ConAU TO M O B I L E S / M OTO RC Y C L E S WANTED MOTORCYCLES: TOP CASH PAID! For Old Motorcycles! 1900-1980. DEAD OR ALIVE! 920-371-0494 (MCN) WANT TO BUY WANTED TO BUY: Basswood by truckload delivered to Dodgeville, WI. Bark intact, harvested in dormancy, delivered FRESH cut. Pre-arranged purchases only. Call Al Ladd at 608-935-2341 ext.333 (MCN) ANNOUNCEMENTS Machinery Consignment Sale, Mon., March 7, 2016 at 9:00 A.M. Consign early by Feb. 19, 2016 for complete advertising. No Small Items, Tires or Pallet Items Accepted After Friday, Feb. 26. Next Machinery Consignment Sale is April 4, 2016. Gilbert’s Sale Yard, LLC, 641-3982218. 2 Mi. N. of Floyd, IA On Hwy. 218. Tractor House Internet Bidding Available. www.gilbertsaleyard.com (MCN) FOR SALE FRUIT TREES LOW AS $18. Blueberry, Grape, Strawberry, Asparagus, Evergreen & Hardwood Plants. FREE catalog. WOODSTOCK NURSERY, N1831 Hwy 95, Nellsville, WI 54456. Toll Free 888-8038733. wallace-woodstock.com (MCN) TRAILER WORLD: Surgery Over-Back to Normal Hours! Trailer SALES, Trailer PARTS, Trailer REPAIRS. 515-972-4554. www.FortDodgeTrailerWorld.com (MCN) AUTOMOBILES DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 1-800283-0205 (MCN) EMPLOYMENT/HELP WANTED CLASS A CDL Drivers Needed For OTR. Kansas Based Company. 2 years Experience Needed. Must Meet DOT Requirements. Call Stan 785-545-5966 (MCN)
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Community Calendar
cert, 7 p.m., Calvary Community Church, 1200 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud. 320-251-4825 or 320-2037881. Sunday, Feb. 14 Breakfast, sponsored by Knights of Columbus, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., St. Boniface Church, 501 Main St., Cold Spring. 320-686-0142. The Whole Ninth Floor, noon matinee and 6 p.m. dinner and show, the Great Blue Heron, 305 Fifth Ave. S., Cold Spring. 320241-4682.
Monday, Feb. 15 Benton County Historical Society, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320-253-9614. mnbentonhistory. org. Blood drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Cloud State University, 720 Fourth Ave. S. Blood drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., St. John’s University (Great Hall), 2850 Abbey Plaza, Collegeville. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, 1-2:30 p.m., St. Cloud Library, 1300 W. St. Germain Street. 320-529-9000. St. Joseph Fare for All, 3:305:30 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 CR 2, St. Joseph. 800582-4291. fareforall.org. Tinville Lions Club, 7 p.m., Rollie’s Rednecks and Longnecks Bar, 940 35th Ave. NE, Sauk Rapids. St. Joseph Rod and Gun Club, 7 p.m., American Legion, 101 W Minnesota St., St. Joseph.
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Tuesday, Feb. 16 Blood drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., St. John’s University (Great Hall), 2850 Abbey Plaza, Collegeville. Blood drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Cloud State University, 720 Fourth Ave. S. ICAN Prevent Diabetes, 3:154:15 p.m., Sacred Heart Church, 2875 10th Ave. N.E., Sauk Rapids. 320-650-3082. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, 6-8:30 p.m., CentraCare Health Plaza, 1900 Centracare Circle, St. Cloud. 320-290-2155. St. Cloud Area Genealogists meeting, 7 p.m., Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave. S., St. Cloud. stearns-museum.org. Salt Lantern: Traces of an American Family by Bill Morgan, 7 p.m., Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave. S., St. Cloud. stearns-museum.org. Wednesday, Feb. 17 Blood drive, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Rice City Hall, 205 Main St. E. In Your Own Words: A Reflective Writing Workshop, 1-2:30 p.m., Heartland Hospice, 1257 Second St. N., Sauk Rapids. Explore the iPad, 2-3 p.m., Ridgeview Place Assisted Living, 1009 Tenth Ave. N.E., Sauk Rapids. 320258-1577. Free car-seat checks, 3-6 p.m., Gold Cross Ambulance Garage, 2800 Seventh St. N., St. Cloud. 320-656-7021. Health, Wealth and a Confident Retirement, 6-7:30 p.m., Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School (Room 105), 901 First St. S. VIAGRA 100mg, CIALIS 20mg. 50 tabs $90 includes FREE SHIPPING. 1-888836-0780 or Metromeds.online (MCN) CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-389-0695. www.cash4diabeticsupplies.com (MCN) AS SEEN ON TV: Burn fat quickly & effectively with Garcinia Cambogia. Blocks fat. Suppresses your appetite. Safe - 100% natural. Satisfaction Guaranteed! Free bottle with select packages! 844-587-6487 (MCN) ACNE SUFFERERS: Clear your acne with all natural Acnezine! Eliminate the root cause of acne fast. No negative side effects of chemical treatments. Exclusive Trial Offer, Call: 855-402-7215 (MCN)
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Thursday, Feb. 18 Coffee and Conversation, a senior discussion group, 9 a.m., Country Manor, 520 First St. NE, Sartell. Selma, a free showing, 5:30 p.m., St. Cloud Hospital (Hoppe Auditorium), 1406 Sixth Ave. N. 320-229-4983. The Whole Ninth Floor, 6 p.m. dinner and show, the Great Blue Heron, 305 Fifth Ave. S., Cold Spring. 320-241-4682. Rice Lions Club, 8 p.m., Lions Building, Westside Park, 101 Fourth St. NW. Friday, Feb. 19 Benton County Historical Society, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320-253-9614. mnbentonhistory. org. Post-Polio Support Group, 10:30-noon, Independent Lifestyles, 215 N. Benton Drive, Sauk
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7 Rapids. 320-529-9000. St. Joseph Farmers’ Market, 3-6 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 CR 2, St. Joseph. The Whole Ninth Floor, 6 p.m. dinner and show, the Great Blue Heron, 305 Fifth Ave. S., Cold Spring. 320-241-4682. St. Cloud Singles Club Dance, 8 p.m.-midnight, American Legion, 17 Second Ave. S., Waite Park. 320339-4533. stcloudsingles.net. Saturday, Feb. 20 Free Gardening Workshop, 8:3011:30 a.m., Whitney Senior Center, 1527 Northway Drive, St. Cloud. 320255-6169. z.umn.edu/gkff. Winter Market, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sartell City Hall, 125 Pinecone Road N. www.marketmonday.org. The Whole Ninth Floor, 6 p.m. dinner and show, the Great Blue Heron, 305 Fifth Ave. S., Cold Spring. 320241-4682.
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Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
8
Lang from front page of this salute.” Lang began his long career as a ready-mix shop foreman with Bauerly Broathers, east St. Cloud, in 1976. He spent 25 years with that company and remained with it when it was purchased by Knife River in 2001. He was a general manager with Knife River for more than 10 years before being promoted to his current position as vice president of ready-mix operations of Knife River’s North Central Regional Office, Sauk Rapids, in 2014. One of Lang’s accomplishments is developing training programs and teaching them in the company’s certification program. That kind of state-of-theart teaching has brought the Minnesota read-mix industry to the very top echelons of envy and respect nationwide. Among his other achievements: • Served on the ARM Board of Directors and was its president in 2014. • Served as chairman of the ARM Technical Committee for a dozen years and developed the first ARM brochures on curing, sealing, pop-outs and durable concrete. • Served as chairman of ARM’s Project Awards for 15 years, developing the award criteria, judging criteria and application worksheets, in addition to creating a cross section of impartial selection-committee members. • Served as ARM ACI/MNDOT Training and Certification coordinator for 13 years. Lang was successful in helping develop and implement a MNDOT Plant Certification program, which became a model for the nation. Lane had traveled to other states to train them in on Minnesota’s program.
CUSTODIAN/ LAUNDRY ASSISTANT Saint John’s Abbey is accepting applications for a part-time (3 days per week) benefit eligible Custodian/Laundry Assistant position.
Friday, Feb. 12, 2016
Interesting life
As if Lang’s intrepid work for the industry he loves was not enough, he manages to find time for so many other hobbies and pursuits, so much so people who know him wonder if he gets more hours in a day than the average person. Lang served in the Army Reserve for more than 40 years, retiring with the rank of major general, having served tours of duty in Bosnia/Herzegovina in 2003-04 and as part of the NATO Stabilization Force in Iraq in 2009-10 in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has also been a long-time volunteer with many organizations in central Minnesota. Altogether, he did eight deployments in Iraq. During the past 10 years, Lang spent an average of 45 weekends on National Guard duties. “I give full credit to my company and my wife because without them I could not have done my Guard service,” he told the Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader in a recent interview. Lang has also taught vocational courses at Milaca High School. Born and raised in Milaca, Lang grew up on a dairy farm. Highly intelligent and a quick learner, he earned a degree in business administration from St. Cloud State University and later a master’s degree in strategic leadership from the U.S. Army War College. Lang moved to Sauk Rapids in 2007 and lives right behind his work office. He enjoys telling the story about how he met his wife-to-be, a Swedish woman named Ingrid. Her father had long-lost relatives living in the Milaca area. One day, Lang was working at a body shop, which happened to be right across the road from relatives that Ingrid was visiting. He was impressed by the beautiful Swedish blonde and decided
contributed photo
Jerry Lang’s wife, daughter and son-in-law hook up while skydiving recently. From left to right are Erika Kuis, Ingrid Lang and Bas Kuis. to ask her for a dinner date to a Mexican restaurant near Mille Lacs. They got along famously, and when she returned to Sweden a long correspondence began. Ingrid was a journalist from a town in Sweden called Eksjo. She traveled throughout the United States in 1974 and even lived on an Israeli kibbutz for a time. Then she returned to Sweden. It took her 11 months to get a U.S. visa to come to America to be with Lang, and they
both almost gave up because of the long needlessly bureaucratic headaches. But, finally, she was able to come back and became for a time editor of the Mille Lacs County Times. She also worked for a magazine called Independent Power, dedicated to alternate power sources, but that job ended when the magazine relocated to Oklahoma. Ingrid then went to nursing school and became an LPN at the St. Cloud Hospital, working for many years until she retired
last year. She and Jerry have two daughters – Linnea, 36; and Erika, 32. Erika is married to Bas Kuis, a man from South Africa. They live in Milwaukee and have two children – Lucia and Nova. Lang is very proud of his family. “I’ve been so busy for the last 40 years, and I have to give credit to my company and my wife because they allowed me to be gone, including overseas, so many times.”
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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 news@thenewsleaders.com.
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