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Newsleader Sauk Rapids-Rice
Friday, March 4, 2016 Volume 2, Issue 9 Est. 2015
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Several hundred attend ‘drawdown’ meeting by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
office. There are about 500 residents who live along the river from Rice to Sartell, and there are about 400 who live along Little Rock Lake, Altena said. Altena presented the plan at the meeting in Rice. It would, he said, involve lowering the lake and river levels by three feet for a six-week period. That method, known as a “drawdown,” would be accomplished by opening the hydroelectric dam at Sartell. Some people at the meeting questioned how such a plan would benefit residents who live along the river. One woman said she is concerned her property values would be affected if the river off of her shore turned into weeds. Others, including some lakeside residents, said lowering the lake and river levels would Drawdown • page 3
A presentation on Pope Francis’ Encyclical on climate change will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. Sunday, March 13 at the gathering place at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 219 Second St. N., Sartell. Dr. Derek Larson, professor of history and environmental studies at the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University along with Troy Knight, associate professor at CSB/SJU and a climate scientist, will help attendees dig deeper into a complex subject and offer scientific insights into how climate change is affecting Minnesota. The presentation is free. For more information email stfrancissjcc@gmail.com or call 320-252-1363.
Several hundred residents listened Feb. 29 to a plan that might improve the quality of Little Rock Lake Altena near Rice and a stretch of the Mississippi River from the lake’s outlet to the dam near Sartell. Most of the people who attended the two-hour evening meeting at Old Village Hall in Rice are residents who live around Little Rock Lake or along the river. They had all been invited to the meeting by Eric Altena, area fisheries manager for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Little Falls
Food Share Month matches donations
SRR graduation rate 93 percent for 2015
Explore Pope’s encyclical at SFX Gathering Place
March is Food Share Month in Minnesota where donations are matched during the month. During this time of significant economic distress, many area families are using local food shelves more than ever before. Consider leveraging the match by running a food drive within your work place, church or service club and donate to your local food shelf. For more information on this and other United Way volunteer opportunities, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on March 4 Criers.
Angel Faces retreat seeks burn victims
A free retreat for adolescent girls struggling with burn/trauma injuries will be held June 20-26 in Wolfeboro, NH. Application deadline is March 15. From house fires to science experiments, car accidents and even abuse, the pain never stops for girls with severe burns or disfiguring trauma. Angel Faces, the California-based nonprofit that organizes and runs these retreats for girls ages 1218, teaches girls how to improve their self-image and increase self-confidence while embracing their trauma and related disfigurement. Angel Faces’ mission is to provide healing retreats and ongoing support for these girls to help them achieve their optimum potential and develop meaningful relationships for themselves, their families and their communities. For more information, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on March 4 Criers.
For additional criers, visit www.thenewsleaders.com and click on Criers.
by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
The graduation rate in the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District in 2015 was 93.0 percent, part of a trend of ever-increasing positive graduation numbers. The SRR rate is well above the statewide average last year of 81.9 percent. There were 254 students who graduated from Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in 2015 – 136 females, 118 males. The graduation rate for females was 94.5 percent and for males was 91.5 percent. The drop-out rate was only 1.5 percent.
That good local news extends statewide with more Minnesota students graduating than ever before. With 54,200 graduates in 2015, the rate statewide last year was 81.9 percent. The rates for students of color have also continued to rise. During the past five years, the rate in Minnesota has grown by 6.4 percentage points, up from 75.5 percent in 2010. Minnesota Commissioner of Education Brenda Cassellius also praised graduation rates, statewide. “Reaching our goal of a statewide graduation rate of 90 percent does not happen in one
photo by Dennis Dalman
An audience listens to Eric Altena of the Department of Natural Resources discuss a proposal for a lake-and-river drawdown at a meeting Feb. 29 in downtown Rice. Several hundred people attended the meeting.
year,” Cassellius said. “It’s important to look at trends over time, and since 2010 we have seen the number of students graduating high school increase steadily every year.” With more students of color graduating across the board, Minnesota is seeing unprecedented gap closure between white students and students of color. Since 2010, Minnesota has closed the graduation gap by 12 percentage points. The following are rates for students of color: American Indian students: 61.9 percent, up 7.7 percent since 2010.
Asian/Pacific Islander students: 82.7 percent, up 12.7 percent since 2010. Black students: 62 percent, up 17.8 percent since 2010. Hispanic students: 65.6 percent, up 17.8 percent since 2010. English learners saw a slight decrease in graduation rates statewide, but they too are up 14.3 percentage points since 2010. During the past five years, Minnesota has placed heavy emphasis on improving graduation rates. It did so through a number of innovative programs, some geared to at-risk students using intervention strategies.
Minnesota caucuses choose Rubio, Sanders by Logan Gruber operations@thenewsleaders.com
Rubio
Sanders
Super Tuesday has come and gone, and Minnesota’s caucuses made possible Sen. Marco Rubio’s first primary win and one of four Super Tuesday wins for Sen. Bernie Sanders in their bids for the presidency. Rubio pulled a strong 36.29 percent of the vote as of early Wednesday morning, edging out fellow Republican contenders Sen. Ted Cruz, who had 29.07 percent; and Donald Trump with 21.37 percent. Dr. Ben Carson received 7.33 percent of the vote in Minnesota, while John Kasich received 5.76 percent. A total of 111,253 voters participated in the Republican caucus, as of results early Wednesday.
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Sanders brought in 63.2 percent of the vote statewide, with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton taking 36.05 percent. Martin O’Malley received .08 percent of the vote and Rocque “Rocky” De La Fuente earned .03 percent. A total of 108,658 voters participated in the Democratic caucus as of results early Wednesday. Local results for primary elections are difficult to gauge, but at the county level 530 Republican voters and nearly 600 Democrats caucused in Benton County. In Senate District 13, which includes portions of Sauk Rapids, all of Sartell, St. Stephen, St. Joseph and some other western Stearns County towns, Republicans reported 2,222 voters, while Democrats reported 2,014 voters.
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
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Sauk Rapids man arrested for rape
People
by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
A Sauk Rapids man is accused of raping, kicking and punching a woman in St. Cloud. Dustin David Bartkowicz, 34, was arrested and jailed Feb. 24 and remains in jail under a $300,000 bail amount. According to the complaint, the alleged assailant and the contributed photo
Pictured (from left to right) are winners Sadie Roden, Abbie Harms and Pam Bennett. Ridgeview Place, Sauk Rapids, recently announced its first Employee Excellence Award Winners. The Employee Excellence Program is a new way to recognize the excellent staff members at Ridgeview Place. The awards focus on recognizing outstanding performance in three specific categories: customer satisfaction, quality caregiver and teamwork. An Excellence Award will be given to an employee for each category two times per year for a total of six employees recognized each year. All nominations are accepted from employees, customers and other non-employees. A $250 cash award will be awarded to each Excellence Award category winner each term. This term’s Employee Excellence Award Winners are
Sadie Roden for quality caregiver, Abbie Harms for teamwork and Pam Bennett for service excellence. Roden was complimented for her longevity of service and commitment to her job. This dedicated worker shows concern for everyone under her care. Harms’ coworker described her as one who is always offering to help and takes the time to thank them for their teamwork. She is always smiling and good at what she does. Bennett is one of the best, said her nominee. She is cheerful and friendly and willing to respond graciously to any request. We are grateful for the excellent employees at Ridgeview Place and our tenants are blessed to be in their care.
Kim Eisenschenk, Sauk Rapids-Rice business manager, and the staff and the Board of Education recently received the 2016 Minnesota School Finance Award for the fifth consecutive year. The recognition is awarded annually
by the Minnesota Department of Education, Division of School Finance, to recognize schools for their successful fiscal management and for meeting statutory deadlines for submission of audited fiscal financial data and reporting criteria.
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Grad. from HS/College, Military Honors, Awards Submit to news@thenewsleaders.com For contact purposes only, please include first/last name and phone.
Take a look at this pair of pop pups. Fudgepop is a 10-year-old, neutered Shepherd mix, and Lollipop is a 10-year-old, spayed Border Collie mix. They’ve both done fine being around other dogs but shouldn’t go to a home with cats. Fudgepop and Lollipop are housetrained and enjoy any kind of treat. Both are still quite active and energetic and love to chase a tennis ball or go for walks. There is special pricing if they’re adopted together, which we’re hoping happens. “Helping one animal won’t change the world … but it will change the world for that one animal!” Dogs - 12 Kittens - 8 Goldfish - 5
Puppies - 3 Rabbit - 1 Slider turtle - 1
Cats - 12 Guinea pigs - 4
Friday, March 4, 2016
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. Feb. 14 1:14 p.m. Animal complaint. Fourth Street S. An officer was dispatched after receiving a complaint of a dog running loose in a parking lot area. Upon arrival, the animal could not be found, but it will be watched for. 7:01 p.m. Medical. Sixth Avenue N. Police responded to a medical-alert alarm. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the male who stated he had pressed the button by accident and did not require any assistance. Feb. 15 9:30 a.m. Theft. River Avenue N. Officers responded to a report of theft at a local residence. The complainant stated someone had broken into his garage and stolen some ice- fishing merchandise. No suspects have been determined at this time.
woman were living temporarily in a tent in St. Cloud. When the woman announced she intended to break off Bartkowicz their relationship, Bartkowicz allegedly kicked and punched her repeatedly before raping
Blotter
Feb. 16 2:39 a.m. Fire. Second Avenue N. Police responded to a large unattended fire in the backyard of the aforementioned address. Upon arrival, no one appeared to be near the fire, but it was apparent larger items such as garbage and furniture were being burned. The Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. No one was at the residence. 11:12 a.m. Missing property. Fourth Avenue N. Police were dispatched for a possible theft. Upon arrival, authorities spoke with the complainant who stated five gemstones were missing from her necklace. The gems were not recovered. It was unknown how they went missing, but the prongs were bent. Feb. 18 1:25 p.m. Suspicious activity. Summit Avenue N./11th Street N. While on routine patrol, police observed a vehicle driving very slowly behind them. Authorities made their way into a cul-da-sac so they would be able to run plates. Officers made contact with the driver who stated he was simply leaving his home in Sauk Rapids. He complained of being contacted by police because of his race. Police told the
and choking her. She was later treated at the St. Cloud Hospital for injuries, including bruises and a broken rib. Bartkowitz faces two counts of first-degree sexual assault, physical assault and making terroristic threats. A previous no-contact order was issued, and he will be charged, in addition, with violating that order.
driver his driving behavior was suspicious and there had been a number of burglaries and breakins throughout the area. They were simply being cautious. 10:28 a.m. Medical. Eighth Avenue S. Officers responded to an intoxicated female experiencing chest pains. Upon arrival, Gold Cross was already on the scene; the female was transported to the hospital. Feb. 19 7:58 a.m. Theft. First Street S. Police were dispatched to a local business after stating they had a shoplifter in their vicinity. Upon arrival, an employee stated he/she had seen the suspect taking items from store shelves and putting them into his coat. He was confronted, given a trespass notice, photographed and cited for theft. Feb. 20 6:05 p.m. Suspicious activity. First Street S. While on patrol, officers observed a vehicle parked in the southeast corner of a park. Police asked the occupants of the vehicle what they were doing. They responded their vehicle had overheated, and they were letting it cool down. No further action was taken.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY AUTO BODY REPAIR Auto Body 2000
Tri-County Humane Society 735 8th St. NE • PO Box 701 St. Cloud, MN 56302
252-0896
www.tricountyhumanesociety.org
Hours: Monday-Thursday Noon-6 p.m., Friday Noon-8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday Noon-5 p.m.
(behind Coborn’s in the Industrial Park)
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Call the Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader at 320-363-7741 if you would like to be in the Business Directory. Published each Friday by Von Meyer Publishing Inc. Publisher/Owner Janelle Von Pinnon Editor: Dennis Dalman Admin. Assistant Cady Sehnert
Newsstands Coborn’s Community Education Office Copper Lantern
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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, March 4, 2016
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
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Catholic Charities provides daily meal to many submitted by Jacquie Willis, RSVP special projects coordinator
In 2015, the Catholic Charities’ Senior Dining and Meals on Wheels programs served 2,198 seniors in central Minnesota. Whitney Senior Center, which hosts the two Catholic Charities’ programs for the St. Cloud area, served nutritious meals to more than 1,150 older adults in 2015. St. Joseph resident Jack Schuh eats at the Catholic Charities’ Senior Dining site
at Whitney Senior Center five days each week. Schuh has been enjoying a meal daily at Whitney Senior Center since the passing of his wife in 2000. “The [senior dining] program is a lifesaver for people who have lost their spouse(s),” Schuh said. “There’s always someone to visit with; I don’t like to eat alone.” Schuh said he often eats with the same group of people each day and has built many friendships through the dining site at Whitney
contributed photo
RSVP volunteer and Catholic Charities’ Senior Dining visitor Jack Schuh receives his warm meal Feb. 24 at the Whitney Senior Center dining site.
Drawdown from front page definitely make recreational navigation difficult if not impossible for the six-week period. In his presentation with slide show, Altena acknowledged recreational uses would be affected, which is one of the drawbacks of the process. Other drawbacks could include potential navigational hazards (exposed rocks, for example), possible noxious weed growth in some areas (likely temporary and/or treatable), a temporary unpleasant smell and a temptation by some to use drained areas (illegally) for ATV use, a reduction of hydroelectric capacity at the dam. Nobody at the meeting in Rice voiced outright opposition to the plan, although many asked questions or expressed some skepticism. Some said they are entirely in favor of the drawdown; others said it’s worth a try, at least. One man, a resident of Little Rock Lake, said some kinds of algae blooms in water can kill children or pets. He said he worries about his son’s health and safety. People, he said, should welcome the drawdown plan if it can do something against the algae-growth problem. Another man said, “We should give it (drawdown) a try and see what happens.” Many in the audience applauded that suggestion – the only applause during the twohour meeting.
tic systems caused phosphorous levels to increase drastically in the lake (and streams). That, in turn, caused all kinds of changes in the lake: growth of less-than-desirable weeds, water-clarity issues, growth of harmful algae and adverse effects on fish and other forms of life dependent on the lake water. In 2007-08, there was a massive blue-green algae bloom in Little Rock Lake that killed fish and caused a rotting smell that covered nearby neighborhoods for weeks. The lake is part of a 60,000acre watershed.
Drawdown
According to the plan, a drawdown would benefit both the lake and the river. It would expose shorelines to air and sun, causing them to dry and to compact so beneficial native vegetation would sprout and grow along the edges. That kind of vegetation and its root systems would capture and use up phosphorous and other nutrients to keep them from pouring into the lake and river.
Shoreline erosion would be prevented, water clarity would improve, as would water habitat for fish and waterfowl. The drawdown, in combination with other preventive methods, such as planting of shoreline buffers and limiting or eliminating chemicals that get into waterways, would cause an overall improvement, Altena said. He showed many slides and charts of how such drawdowns have improved other waterways in Minnesota. Altena frankly acknowledged there are no guarantees about how well a drawdown can work, although ones that have been done have resulted in very good to excellent results throughout the state, he pointed out via his slide show.
How is it done?
A drawdown process takes about three years. To accomplish a three-feet drawdown, data would first have to be gathered in the first year concerning all factors of the lake and river. The very earliest that could be done for the proposed one is 2017.
Background
At one time, the area that became Little Rock Lake was a low-lying swampy area. About 100 years ago, a dam by Sartell caused the river level to rise and the low area southeast of Rice filled with water as a reservoir, which became known as Little Rock Lake. Through the years, runoff from agriculture (such as chemicals and animal wastes) and from leaking or inadequate sep-
Weekly Lenten Fish fry serving: • deep fried fish • baked potato • coleslaw • baked beans • dinner rolls • coffee & milk • slice of pizza & beverage $1.50
Fish Fry
March 4, 11 & 18 5-7:30 p.m. Adults: $9 12 & under: $5 • Under 4: free Call 320-393-3560 from 4:30-7 p.m. for take-outs.
Immaculate Conception Church 145 2nd Ave. NE • Rice • 320-393-2725
Senior Center. For Schuh and many area seniors, the dining site provides more than just a nutritious meal, but also the social interaction and connectedness they crave. “The cook is the greatest and the volunteers who help in the kitchen are the best,” Schuh said. There are many volunteers who play a vital role in the production and success of both the Catholic Charities’ Senior Dining and Meals on Wheels programs. The Greater St. Cloud Area Retired and Senior Volunteer Program provides volunteers to 10 of the Catholic Charities’ Senior Dining sites, including the site at the Whit-
ney Senior Center. RSVP also provides volunteer drivers who transport nourishing meals via the Meals on Wheels program to seniors in the community who depend on this one wholesome meal per day. In 2015, RSVP provided 129 volunteers to the Catholic Charities’ senior dining sites throughout central Minnesota and these volunteers served 11,914 hours. If you are interested in volunteering as a Meals on Wheels driver or lending a hand at one of the area’s Senior Dining sites, you can contact RSVP at 320255-7295 to get more information about available positions or visit RSVP online at www. ci.stcloud.mn.us/RSVP.
In the second year, preferably after the July 4 weekend, the water would be drawn down by three feet, via the dam, which would take about three days to do. That would last for six weeks. During the third year, the entire area would again be documented for any changes that resulted and a future drawdown plan could be determined, probably one that would be initiated at 10-year intervals. Audience members had questions and suggestions about the drawdown process. Why not do it later in the summer or early fall when river-lake recreation dwindles? Can’t the water be lowered by building a coffer dam at a lake channel? Altena said it might be possible to do the drawdown later, although ideally it’s best done when the weather is hot and plants can quickly sprout and flourish. A coffer-dam method might be too expensive and problematic, with involvement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but it’s definitely
worth considering if enough answers can be found, Altena acknowledged. He added a coffer-dam solution would help the lake but not the river. Another question concerned shore-land changes at the edge of people’s properties. A DNR official said landowners have leeway to have their shorelines as they want them, such as “sand blankets,” with some guidelines and limitations. The DNR, he said, is always willing to work with landowners to help create shorelines to property owners’ liking.
Future
A Minnesota statute lists three rationales for a drawdown, including an agreement of 75 percent of shoreline residents to allow it to be done. Altena said he wants to be sure all residents have as much information as possible before they are asked for a consensus. Another public information meeting, he said, will be announced, possibly this coming winter.
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Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, March 4, 2016
photos by Cori Hilsgen
At left: Gold Country Seed Dealer Dennis Teske (left) visits with Vic Boeckmann (right) at the Powerhouse Outdoor Equipment booth at the Central Minnesota Farm Show held Feb. 23-25 at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. Teske, who currently resides in Sauk Rapids, previously lived and owned a business in St. Joseph. St. Joseph store manager Michael Boeckmann is behind Teske visiting with another customer. At right: Mother and son Ginny and Cy Pfannenstein, worked at Cy’s booth at the 49th annual show. Pfannenstein played and sold a variety of music at the booth.
Annual farm show draws thousands to River’s Edge by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com
Once again, the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud was filled with thousands of people who visited the 49th annual Central Minnesota Farm Show Feb. 23-25. “It’s the largest, greatest and best farm show in Central Minnesota,” said Ginny Kroll, special events coordinator. New models of machinery were displayed outside and inside the Convention Center. Visitors could also view and participate in the more than 300 booths of exhibits, prize registrations, seminars and more. Many farm show attendees came to learn about new products and services. Early attendees enjoyed free milk, coffee and donuts. Some area businesses who had booths at the farm show included Powerhouse Outdoor Equipment and Cy Pfannenstein Music Service. Vic Boeckmann and his son, Michael Boeckmann, had a larger 20-by-20-foot booth set up to display the Powerhouse Outdoor Equipment this year.
Visitors could view new selections of lawn mowers, chain saws, leaf blowers and more. Michael Boeckmann was eager to show visitors the Exmark Lazer Z E series suspension platform lawn mowers. He also said visitors showed interest in the Stihl equipment which they carry at their business. Powerhouse recently merged with Bartz Mower Service, previously located in Waite Park. Vic Boeckmann said John Witte, who was previously at Waite Park, is now at the St. Joseph location. Vic Boeckmann said they come to the farm show because the exposure they get from the show is tremendous. Former St. Joseph resident and business owner Dennis Teske was visiting the Powerhouse booth. Teske previously owned Teske Farm and Country Feed and Seed in St. Joseph, but currently lives in Sauk Rapids and is a Gold Country Seed Dealer. “I come to the farm show to do a little (networking) with the farmers,” Teske said. “I only live about a mile away and I come to it every year.”
History museum to host ag speaker March 9 Christina Traeger, owner of Rolling Hills Traeger Ranch near Avon, will present Traditional Agriculture at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 9 at the
Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave. S., St. Cloud. The presentation is free. For more information head to www. stearns-museum.org.
Cyril “Cy” Pfannenstein, 63, had his popular musical compact discs set up in a 10-by-10foot booth again this year. His business, “Cy Pfannenstein Music Service,” offers a variety of music choices including country, polka, gospel and more. “Even with the new technology, people still like to take a CD and pop it in their player,” Pfannenstein said. Pfannenstein, a former band member who played the trumpet, concertina and drums in various bands for more than 35 years, was joined by his mother, Ginny Pfannenstein, 83, who was helping again at the booth. Both said they enjoy visiting with and reminiscing with folks who stop to visit their booth. Many visitors know them locally from the St. Joseph Meat Market. Ginny and her husband, Al, previously operated the Meat Market, which her son, Harvey, now owns. Cy is currently in charge of the Meat Market’s sausage department. Besides selling music, Pfannenstein also hosts a Sunday-morning radio show on KASM radio station of Albany. Pfannenstein said he might have to consider a larger booth in the future, because he had heard requests from people for more music by such artists as Johnny Horton, Jimmy Dean and others, which he has played on the radio show. Stearns Electric Association distributed yellow, plastic hard hats to people who stopped to
visit its booth. Other local businesses included Finken Cos., Central Minnesota Credit Union, Sam’s Club, RDO Equipment and more. The Central Minnesota Farm Show is organized and coordinated by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce and is one of the largest in the Upper Midwest states. This year’s show attracted about 3,300 visitors with 368 booths and 195 vendors. Exhibits included tractors, skid loaders, trucks and more. Presentations on “Carrying the Load: Is your equipment fit for the road?, “Biosecurity on the Farm: Keeping a healthy and safe environment,” “Grain and Livestock Market Outlook,” “It All Starts in the Dirt” and “Planning your Legacy” were also offered. Each year a portion of the farm show proceeds is dedicated to central Minnesota high school scholarships. According to their website, high school seniors can apply for the scholarships, which are awarded based on merit and a stated intent to continue their education by studying some area of agriculture. Since the program started in 1982, more than 200 scholarships for a total of $70,000 has been awarded. Special events coordinator Sheri Wegner said eight $500 scholarships will be awarded through the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce as a re-
sult of this year’s show. Wegner will be continuing Kroll’s tradition of organizing the farm show. This is Kroll’s last year that she will be helping with the show. Kroll began working as a secretary for the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce in 1965, and has been helping with the farm show since then. According to the Farm Show brochure, when Kroll started she didn’t know very much about the business or St. Cloud, or even what a chamber of commerce was. She was also scared to talk to people. Kroll overcame her shyness and learned much along the way. Under her guidance, the show moved from the Crossroads Shopping Center to the Convention Center location. Kroll said the event is very important to the Chamber because it’s the largest event they put on, and it’s also important to the area because agriculture is critical to Central Minnesota. “The 2016 farm show was a smashing success with great attendance and even better weather,” Wegner said. “We are looking forward to 2017, the 50th year of the Central Minnesota Farm Show. It will be even bigger and better than this year as the largest Minnesota indoor farm show.” For more information, visit the website, centralmnfarmshow.com.
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Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, March 4, 2016
5
Reward offered in dog-shooting case by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
There is a reward of $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person or people who viciously shot a yellow Labrador retriever six times at close range with a pellet gun. People with information should call the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office at 320-251-4250 or Crimestoppers at 320-255-1301 or 1-800-255-130. News of the cruelty has disgusted people throughout Minnesota and beyond, and offers of help have poured into the TriCounty Humane Society where the dog, dubbed Remington by the staff, is recovering. The dog was shot four times in its face and twice in its rump sometime on the night or early morning of Feb. 21-22. A deputy with the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department surmised the dog was restrained while it was shot and then probably left for dead. On the morning of Feb. 22, a resident in Avon Township found the dog lying under a tree and called the sheriff’s department. Deputy Bruce Bechtold then brought the dog to a veterinarian. At the humane society, Remington underwent surgery for broken jaw bones and was in extreme pain and discomfort because of his injuries. He was given pain medications and a day later he was happy and acting as if he hadn’t been through any trauma at all. Humane-society staff described him as a
sweet dog who loves to interact with people. Because of his badly broken jaw, he is unable to eat any food other than wet dog food, and it may take him up to two months to fully heal. On the afternoon of Feb. 29, Marit Ortega, TCHS fund-development manager, told the Newsleader she and others are more amazed each day what a happy recovery Remington is making. Though he still cannot eat except for the softest foods, he is active and happy with the staff. Ortega said Remington has become a kind of “poster boy” for abused animals locally. She said that, fortunately, TCHS seldom receives animals that have been through such pain and trauma as Remington. That is why the staff and TCHS supporters are so happy about Remington’s rapid recovery – a case of sad story with a happy resolution. The staff has secured a foster home for him when his condition improves. If an owner doesn’t claim him, he might eventually be eligible for adoption. Tri-County Humane Society Director Vicki Davis and her staff are impressed with the outpourings of concern and generosity from people who heard via the media about the act of cruelty against Remington. “We want to thank everyone who has reached out to us this week . . .” Davis wrote on the society’s website. “He (Remington) is doing quite well, thankfully, and has a long road ahead of him to full re-
Drive Carefully! School is in Session Now Hiring!
Administrative Assistant The Newsleaders is seeking a part-time administrative assistant for three local, weekly newspapers serving the greater St. Cloud region. A successful candidate will: answer phones, direct calls and interact with clients; be creative in Wordpress, Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite (InDesign) and on social media; track and monitor news stories; and prepare legal and other documents for review by manager. Candidate must work well in a deadline-driven setting. Qualifications include: office and customer service experience. Newspaper experience a plus. Resumes and cover letters can be addressed to Logan Gruber, operations manager, at operations@ thenewsleaders.com. 32 1st Ave. N.W. • St. Joseph
320-363-7741 www.thenewsleaders.com
covery . . . As disturbing as it is knowing someone likely did this intentionally and has yet to be caught, there are clearly far more good people out there doing their best to take the sting out of Remington’s story.” Davis said the society has received enough donations to cover Remington’s medical bill, and one day a woman dropped off enough wet canned food to last Remington a good long time. Remington’s plight, Davis added, is yet another reminder of how many abandoned or abused animals are helped at the humane society. Donations from people are always welcome because the need to help animals is never-ending. “We have several animals in our care right now and more coming around the corner,” Davis said. “Even though they may not reach celebrity status like Remington has, they each have their own story and could use your help if you are so inclined. If you’d like to help, we’d welcome your assistance. You could touch the life of another Remington in the future who may not be featured in the media. Designate your donation to our emergency medical fund and take comfort in knowing you’ll be helping an animal who needs more than the basic care at the Tri-County Humane Society.” Donations can be dropped off at the humane society at 735 Eighth St. NE in St. Cloud or checks can be sent to Tri-County Humane Society, P.O. Box 701, St. Cloud, Minn. 56302.
photo courtesy Tri-County Humane Society
Terrible pellet wounds are visible on the face of Remington. His assailant shot him six times with a pellet gun, four times up close in the face while the dog was likely restrained. Remington has been recovering at the Tri-County Humane Society where he underwent surgery.
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6
Our View Humane society shines in caring for brutalized dog What kind of despicable excuse for a human being would shoot a sweet, lovable yellow Labrador retriever six times at close range while restrained and then leave the suffering dog for dead? That is the hideous crime that happened in Avon Township almost two weeks ago. (See related story in today’s paper.) The good news is the reactions of outrage, concern and generosity that have surfaced when the sad story was disseminated by the media throughout the state. For every sick, twisted individual who does such a vicious deed to a helpless dog or other animal, there are thousands of people who cherish animals and who go out of their way to help them. Some studies have shown that people’s regard, respect and love for animals has increased dramatically in recent years. That is likely due to such widely published shocking cruelty cases, like the brutality against Remington, so-dubbed by the staff at the Tri-County Humane Society where he was treated for his traumatic injuries and where he is slowly recovering. Another reason for an increased awareness of the needs of animals in jeopardy is because of the incredible educational outreach programs of the humane society. We are so fortunate to have the Tri-County Humane Society in East St. Cloud. Even more fortunate are the thousands of animals (dogs, cats and other pets) that are given a new lease on life thanks to the passionate dedication of all who work and volunteer at that humane society/animal shelter. In just the last two or three years, the adoption rate has increased dramatically at the society, with up to 90 percent and more of the animals housed there finding homes. That, again, is due to the extraordinary efforts of the staff to do outreach education programs throughout the three-county area, as well as frequent adoption drives at pet centers and elsewhere. The TCHS is a not-for-profit, independent organization that receives no government funding. It’s supported primarily via shelter income, donations, fundraising events and the good deeds of so many friends and well-wishers. Only about 15 percent of the animals at the shelter are “strays.” The rest are surrendered by people who can no longer keep their animal(s) for one reason or another. The TCHS staff and volunteers work very hard to ensure all animals at the shelter are treated with compassion to keep them free of hunger, thirst, discomfort, pain, diseases and loneliness. In the 41 years since it was founded, the TCHS has done wonders to help animals and to find them new homes. The best way to help brutally abused animals like Remington is to give a generous donation to the TCHS. The donations are certain to provide comfort and a new lease on life for animals that are just as in dire need of help and kindness as Remington. To donate online, go to tricountyhumanesociety.org. Or send a check to TCHS at P.O. Box 701, St. Cloud, Minn. 56302. The TCHS is also always grateful to receive donated items such as kitty litter, pet food, office supplies and so forth. To find those needs, visit its website.
The ideas expressed in the letters to the editor and of the guest columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of the Newsleaders. Letters to the editor may be sent to news@thenewsleaders.com or P.O. Box 324, St. Joseph, MN 56374. Deadline is noon Monday. Please include your full name for publication (and address and phone number for verification only.) Letters must be 350 words or less. We reserve the right to edit for space.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Opinion Meet Sister Diane – for the third time One day in August 1967, E.A. Brandt must have wondered if she needed glasses – badly – or if she’d instantly lost her short-term memory. Now a Sartell resident, Brandt lived in Olivia at that time. Her faux pas during registration day at St. Aloysius Catholic School still has the awful power to make her blush at the memory. Recently, Brandt sent me a letter about that day in response to a column I wrote about “dumb” things people do, those embarrassing times when they’re not wearing their thinking caps. Well, no doubt about it, Brandt must have misplaced her thinking cap that day. The following is a paraphrased and condensed account of what Brandt wrote: She had gone to the Catholic school to register her two children, Julie and Frank. She was told a nun named Sister Felice would be doing the registrations. In an upstairs room, she saw a nun in the traditional nun’s black habit, her back turned to the blackboard where she was decorating with colorful paper cut-outs of autumn leaves. Brandt approached the desk. She turned around and observed my approach without expression. I gave her my best bright smile, which was not returned. “Are you Sister Felice?” “No, I’m Sister Diane,” she said, unsmiling. Brandt explained she was there for registration. Sr. Diane offered no conversation other than Sister Felice would be in the school shortly. Sister Diane was still cool, unsmiling. Brandt’s attempts at conversation fizzled. Brandt left the room, feeling
Dennis Dalman Editor uncomfortable, squirming, thinking that had not gone well. Not at all. Brandt stepped into a nearby room and chatted with a neighbor, who was a lay teacher at the school. She then stepped into the hall and saw down the hallway a nun sitting at a desk in the eighth-grade room. That would be Sr. Felice, Brandt was thinking. She walked into the room, up to the desk. “Are you Sister Felice?” “No, I’m Sister Diane.” I was highly embarrassed and tried to cover it with a flash-flood of conversation. I think I said something about not being able to tell one Sister from another, that they all looked alike to me, or something equally horrifying. I babbled. I asked her where she had come from, and she said St. Catherine’s College. I grabbed at that lifesaver, saying that I, too, was a SCC graduate! No comment. No welcome light of recognition. Just more silence from Sister Diane. Humiliated, Brandt walked out of the room and then went to have another chat with the lay teacher, who convinced her to return to the classroom she’d just visited. Brandt, still feeling mortified, walked back to the eighth-grade room. She saw a smiling Sister who did, thankfully, answer to the name Sr. Felice. Vastly relieved, buoyed up by a pleasant, friendly conversation, Brandt’s next task was to find the nun who taught music.
With my blunders behind me, I headed down to the first floor in search of the music nun. There was a bustle of activity with several new Sisters in black habits moving about, setting up registration tables in the wide hallway. As I came down the steps, one Sister was sitting at the foot of the stairs, preparing to register students. She watched me as I came down the stairs. I smiled as I approached her table. “Are you the music nun?” “No, I’m Sister Diane.” Another wave of burning embarrassment. Brandt finally found the music nun, registered quickly, then dashed out of the school as if fleeing for her life. On the way home, at the grocery store, she met a friend and neighbor, Ann. In her burning humiliation, she had to tell somebody what had happened. “Oh, Ann,” I blurted. “Have you ever embarrassed yourself so monumentally that you wanted to drop through a hole in the ground and never be seen again?” Ann raised her eyebrows, smiled and answered without hesitation: “Every day.” Back home, Brandt’s daughter Julie wanted to know every last detail of how the registration went. Julie, aghast, listened and after several shocked expressions of disbelief, said with finality, “I’m never going back to that school again!” That September Julie did return to school. It wasn’t the end of the world, after all, but for many days scorched by hot humiliation, E.A. Brandt thought the end was surely nigh.
Letter to the editor
Northstar advocates ask for more support Molly Weyrens, St. Cloud, St. Francis Xavier Amy Leither, Cold Spring, Peace Lutheran Church
Northstar Campaign GRIP/ISAIAH leaders have engaged key local and state elected leaders through a variety of actions this past year in an effort to have the Northstar rail extended to St. Cloud as a part of the (likely) $6- to 7-billiondollar transportation bill likely to pass this session. The St. Cloud Times recently ran a poll, and of 534 respondents, 446 said an extension was worth the investment while 19 preferred adding lanes to I-94. This poll reflects the experience of our campaign. Overwhelmingly, there is a change in the minds of Greater Minnesotans, people are excited about public transportation, people want to give up the hassle of
driving. We have also experienced swift movement from Rep. Jim Knoblach, St. Cloud, (chair of Ways and Means Committee) and his whole-hearted attention. Gov. Dayton has announced support. Knoblach has been researching the cost. Since BNSF laid a second set of rail between Big Lake and Becker, costs have decreased. Current link buses need replacing within four years. This cost is roughly the same as the necessary upgrades to the rail. We already lease tracks from BNSF for current operations. We want to extend those services. St. Cloud to the Metro area is the most-traveled corridor in the state. Adding lanes to I-94 can cost from $3.4-$12.4 million per mile, in the metro area averaging more than $50 million/mile. Road travel assumes
access to a car or ability to drive. This isn’t the case for many. On Tuesday, March 8, the legislative session begins. Sen. Tom Bakk (DFL) and Speaker of the House Rep. Kurt Daudt (R) agree top priority is transportation. On Thursday, March 10, GRIP/ ISAIAH leaders will meet elected leaders at the Capitol, delivering thousands of petitions and letters from supporting organizations and businesses. If you would like to add your voice to our campaign, email GRIP organizer Anne Buckvold at abuckvold@isaiahmn.org and share a couple lines about why you want Northstar extended. Be sure to include your name and city and/or sign our online petition for session updates. Click on: www.tinyurl.com/ finishnorthstar.
The Newsleaders P.O. Box 324 St. Joseph, MN 56374
Email: news@thenewsleaders.com
Please include your full name for publication (and address and phone number for verification only).
Friday, March 4, 2016
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Ask a Trooper What is the law about disability parking tags hanging from rear-view mirrors? Q: What is the law about a disability parking certificate/tag that hangs from your rear-view mirror? The instruction sheet that’s mailed out by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety states, “Driving with the hang tag on your mirror could result in a ticket for obstructed view.” When attempting to look out the windshield with the tag on the rearview mirror, I was amazed at how much visual space is obscured. I believe it’s a real safety concern when people drive with the tag on the rearview mirror. A: You are correct, state statute 169.71 prohibits any objects suspended between the driver and the windshield, other than: sun visors, rearview mirrors, global positioning systems or naviga-
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, March 4 Benton County Historical Society, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320253-9614. mnbentonhistory.org. St. Joseph Area Historical Society open, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Old City Hall, 25 First Ave. NW. stjosephhistoricalmn.org. Fish Fry, 4:30-7:30 p.m., St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 14241 Fruit Farm Road, St. Joseph. 320363-2569. Fish Fry, 5-7:30 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church, 145 Second Ave. AU 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) 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) New 20’ EX Speed Loader, 14K Electric Tilt, $4,599; Fuel Trailers; New 6’x12’ V-Nose Ramp Door Cargo, $2,750; 2012 JD 3032E Compact Tractor, 128 Hours, with 2014 Loader, Bucket & Forks. 515972-4554. www.FortDodgeTrailerWorld. com (MCN) ADOPTION ADOPTION:.California couple promises baby secure future. Gandparents and cousins, education, travel, singing, dancing. Expenses paid. Call Nissa/Justin 1(424) 209-5842 or attorney 1(424)9016671 (MCN) ANNOUNCEMENTS FREE HUNT!! ENTER NOW TO WIN! Hunt Some Of The Biggest Deer In The Country! 30% OFF PACKAGES WHILE THEY LAST! $4900. 330-763-3301 www. BestDeerHuntOHIO.com (MCN) WANT TO BUY CASH PAID for antique Harley Davidson, Indian or other American made motorcycles or related parts from 1900-1970. Any condition. Midwest collector will pick up anywhere. Phone 309-645-4623 (MCN) EMPLOYMENT/HELP WANTED Family owned business looking for CDL
tion systems when mounted or located near the bottom-most portion of the windshield; and electronic toll-collection devices. This law does not apply to law-enforcement vehicles and other authorized emergency vehicles. Having an object either attached to the windshield or hanging from the rear-view mirror, that obstructs the driver’s view, can result in a dangerous situation. The driver might not be able to see another vehicle, animal, pedestrian or bicyclist because of an object blocking their view. For those with a disability parking tag, keep your tag in a secured location when driving, and only put the tag up when you need to park. When you
N.E., Rice. 320-393-2725.
need to drive, take the tag down. This should become as much of a habit as putting your seatbelt on. Those other items people like to hang from the mirror can also cause an obstruction (air fresheners, fuzzy dice and more). Law enforcement can and will conduct traffic stops when seeing an object that is blocking the driver’s view. A citation or warning will be issued to the driver. With more than 400 fatalities on Minnesota roads in 2015, the Department of Public Safety/Minnesota State Patrol is committed to making our roads safer through enforcement and education. A portion of state statutes was used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
O’Driscoll has ideas for surplus by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
State Rep. Tim O’Driscoll (R-Sartell) said he would like the state’s surplus to be used for tax relief for fam- O’Driscoll ilies and seniors, as well as for helping fund roads and bridges. Originally, the budget surplus was forecast to be $1.2 billion for fiscal years 201617. That was recently revised downward to $900 million, likely caused by slower consumer spending, according to the Office of Minnesota Management and Budget. However, O’Driscoll said the revised surplus is still ample enough to provide for tax relief
Community Calendar
Saturday, March 5 Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction, proceeds to benefit the Matt Blonigan family, 3-8 p.m., Sauk Rapids VFW, 901 N. Benton Drive. 320224-2327. Monday, March 7 Regional Farm-to-Institution Networking, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., College of St. Benedict, 37 S. College Ave., St. Joseph. 612-520-1675. Benton County Historical Society, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320253-9614. mnbentonhistory.org. Blood drive, 1-7 p.m., Love of Christ Church, 1971 Pinecone Road, St. Cloud. drivers to haul livestock. Annual income opportunities of 55k – 70k, + sign on bonus. We are willing to work with your home schedule and offer a great Benefit Package for our Full-Time Drivers. Visit www.lynchlivestock.com or call Angie @ 563-776-3051 for more information. EOE (MCN) MAKE $1000 Weekly!! Mailing Brochures From Home. Helping home workers since 2001. No Experience Required. Start Immediately! www.centralmailing. net (VOID IN SD, WI) (MCN) MAKE $1,000 WEEKLY! Paid in advance! Mailing Brochures at Home! Easy pleasant work. Begin Immediately! Age unimportant! www.MyHomeIncomeNow55.com (MCN) HEALTH & MEDICAL CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-389-0695. www.cash4diabeticsupplies.com (MCN) Viagra!! 52 Pills for Only $99.00! Your #1 trusted provider for 10 years. Insured and Guaranteed Delivery. Call today 1-888403-7751 (MCN) VIAGRA 100mg, CIALIS 20mg. 50 tabs $90 includes FREE SHIPPING. 1-888-8360780 or Metromeds.online (MCN) AS SEEN ON TV: Burn fat quickly & effectively with Garcinia Cambogia. Blocks fat. Suppresses your appetite. Safe - 100% natural. Satisfaction Guaranteed! Free bottle with select packages! 844-5876487 (MCN) ACNE SUFFERERS: Clear your acne with all natural Acnezine! Eliminate the root cause of acne fast. No negative side
Rice City Council, 7 p.m., council chambers, Rice City Hall, 205 Main St. E. 320-393-2280. Sauk Rapids Planning Commission, 7 p.m., council chambers, Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave. N. 320-258-5300. ci. sauk-rapids.mn.us. Sauk Rapids Riverside Lions Club, 7 p.m., Jimmy’s Pour House, 22 Second Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. eclubhouse.org/sites/srriverside.
Tuesday, March 8 ICAN Prevent Diabetes, 3:154:15 p.m., Sacred Heart Church, 2875 10th Ave. N.E., Sauk Rapids. 320650-3082. German Buffet Fundraiser, 5-8 p.m., Blue Line Sports Bar and Grill, 1101 Second St. S., Sartell. effects of chemical treatments. Exclusive Trial Offer, Call: 855-402-7215 (MCN) Stop OVERPAYING for your prescriptions! Save up to 93%! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy service to compare prices and get $15.00 off your first prescription and FREE Shipping. 1-800-263-4059. (MCN) Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace at little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-604-2613 (MCN) ATTENTION: VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - $99 FREE Shipping! 100 Percent Guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-800-795-9687 (MCN) MISCELLANEOUS DISH NETWORK - $19 Special, includes FREE Premium Movie Channels (HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz) and Blockbuster at home for 3 months. Free installation and equipment. Call NOW! 1-866-820-4030 (MCN) $14.99 SATELLITE TV. Includes free installation. High speed internet for less than $.50 a day. Low cost guarantee. Ask about our FREE IPAD with Dish Network. Call today 1-855-331-6646 (Not available in NE) (MCN) AT&T U-Verse for just $59.99/mo! BUNDLE & SAVE with AT&T Internet+Phone+TV and get a FREE pre-paid Visa Card! (select plans). HURRY, CALL NOW! 855-841-2927 (MCN) Lower Your TV, Internet & Phone Bill!!! Get Fast Internet from $15/mo - qualifying service. Limited Time Offer. Plus, get a FREE $300 Gift Card. Call 877-916-4108
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, 6-8:30 p.m., CentraCare Health Plaza, 1900 Centracare Circle, St. Cloud. 320-290-2155. Friday, March 11 “Representing the Mississippi River in International Climate Talks,” 8-9:30 a.m., St. Cloud City Council Chambers, 400 Second St. S. Benton County Historical Society, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320253-9614. mnbentonhistory.org. Fish Fry, 5-7:30 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church, 145 Second Ave. N.E., Rice. 320-393-2725. Saturday, March 12 Winter Market, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sartell City Hall, 125 Pinecone Road
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and road/bridge infrastructure. “As you know, roads and bridges remain a priority to me,” O’Driscoll said, “and the surplus allows us to move in the right direction toward more complete funding. Minnesota needs an efficient and wellmaintained road-and-bridge system to ensure public safety and the timely movement of products and materials, which keeps our state economy growing. O’Driscoll said he would like to help ensure tax relief goes especially to senior citizens, recent college graduates, military veterans and small-business owners. “In order to help our economy, we have to allow hardworking Minnesotans to keep more of their paychecks each month,” O’Driscoll stated in his legislative update message to constituents. N. www.marketmonday.org. Spring Craft and Vendor Fair, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 CR 2, St. Joseph. 320363-1056. Central Minnesota Chapter of the Federation of the Blind of Minnesota, 12:30 p.m., American Legion, 17 Second Ave. N., Waite Park. Sunday, March 13 Cash and Card Bingo, 1 p.m., St. Francis Xavier Church, 219 Second St. N., Sartell. Are We Caring for Our Mother? Exploring Pope Francis’ Encyclical, 6:30-8 p.m., St. Francis Xavier Church, 219 Second St. N., Sartell. 320-252-1363.
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Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, March 4, 2016
Dilts named state Caregiver of Year by Logan Gruber operations@thenewsleaders.com
A 45-year veteran of the Good Shepherd Community received the state Caregiver of the Year award earlier this month. Sandy Dilts, a co-coordinator of life enrichment at Good Shepherd, was honored by LeadingAge Minnesota at its conference Feb. 10-12 in St. Paul. “I was flustered,” Dilts said in a Newsleader interview. “It’s such an honor!” State Sen. Tony Lourey and State Rep. Joe Schomacker presented the award to Dilts in front of nearly 4,500 professionals in all aspects of older adult services. The event also allowed attendees to learn about new and innovative programs, share best practices and network with their peers. Dilts has worked all 45 of her years at the Good Shepherd Community. She began as an LPN, working overnights. “I was interviewed by Mrs. Blanch Payne, the director of nursing,” Dilts said. “My first and only interview was while the nursing team was taking a coffee break.” She said she graduated from nursing school on a Thursday, interviewed on the following Monday and started working the next day. “Mrs. Payne had me kneel on the floor at the end of the interview to make sure my skirt
touched the floor,” Dilts remembered. “Things have changed a lot!” She says when she first started with Good Shepherd it was considered an old-folks home, but it is now so much more. “People come here, go through rehab, heal and they can go home,” Dilts said. She does note nursing homes are still the last place some people live, but says people can still live while they are there. Dilts organizes many activities with the other co-coordinator for life enrichment, Lori Hanson. They oversee many projects which improve the lives of residents including senior prom, happy hour and the gridiron-to-grandparent program which engages residents with members of the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School football team in projects. “The residents wanted a happy hour, so now every Thursday at 2:45 p.m. we serve alcohol, hors d’oeuvres and play music,” Dilts said. “Why should they have to stop doing what they love now that they are in a nursing home?” “Sandy breathes life into all the varied positions she has held and brings sincere passion to each and every project,” said Barb Rebischke, vice president of outreach services at Good Shepherd. “She thrives on new ideas, helps to create and develop better caring practices and shares her insights
with everyone on our team.” Food, provided by the dietary department and created by Doris Brisk, the production manager, could be barbequed wings one day, homemade pizza another or fantastic chili on National Chili Day. Five or six bands rotate through the happy hours, a different one every week, and many family members visit during the happy hours, including Dilts. Her two brothers, mother, nieces and more help tend bar and serve for the happy hour. Her brother, John Peckskamp, a Sauk Rapids resident, was an orderly working under his sister at one point. He put himself through college that way and is now a counselor at the St. Cloud Correctional Facility. Her sister, Gail (Peckskamp) Dockendorf, now deceased, was a nurse at Good Shepherd as well. Many other family members of Dilts have also worked at Good Shepherd throughout the years. Dilts said she believes if everyone would introduce a young person to a “golden oldie,” they would treasure the wealth of knowledge they would find. “Sandy’s experience and insights on compassion, trust and respect toward residents and direct-care team members are invaluable,” Rebischke said. “She works tirelessly to ensure residents’ needs are first and foremost.”
Birdhouse building event set by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
Rice area residents will have a chance to build houses for wood ducks and bluebirds starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 12 in a workshop directly south of Trail’s End Taxidermy just west of main street in Rice. The free annual event is spon-
sored by the Rice Area Sportsmen’s Club under the guidance of member Mitch Fiedler. The Rice Cub Scouts will also be on hand to help out. The club has all the pre-cut wood and the tools with which to build the houses. There is enough to build about 50 wood-duck houses and about the same number of bluebird
houses. “Anybody is welcome,” said Jerome Kahl, president of the club. “The ones who build them can keep them, or they can give them away to someone who will put them up.” Club members, Scouts and parents will assist the children in putting together the little houses.
contributed photo
At the LeadingAge expo, Feb. 10-12, Sandy Dilts was presented the Caregiver of the Year award by State Sen. Tony Lourey and State Rep. Joe Schomacker. Pictured (from left to right) are Gayle Kvenvold, president of LeadingAge Minnesota; Dilts, Good Shepherd Community; Libby Lindberg, vice chair of the LeadingAge Minnesota Awards Committee; and Jon Lundberg, chairman of the LeadingAge Minnesota Board.
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We are a progressive, state-of-the-art steel fabrication shop.
WELDERS & MACHINE OPERATORS NEEDED!! Openings on 1st, 2nd and Weekend Shifts! Preferred Skills: Previous manufacturing experience, strong math skills and ability to read prints
Sauk Centre currently has openings for: Mig Welders, Laser and Press Brake Operators Alexandria currently has openings for: Mig Welders. Mig Welders, Laser and Press Brake Operators: Experience running CNC Machines, Press Brake Welders: Minimum one-year Welding Experience and/or Technical College preferred
Please send resume to: 1131 W. Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378
320-352-6525
Or apply online at: www.std-iron.com EOE