Reaching EVERYbody!
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid St. Joseph Newsleader St. Joseph, MN 56374 Permit No. 21 ECRWSS Postal Customer
Newsleader Sauk Rapids-Rice
Postal Patron
Green predominates Town Crier at annual Rice Heritage Day
Friday, March 25, 2016 Volume 2, Issue 12 Est. 2015
Sartell Youth Hockey begins 100-gun raffle
by Dennis Dalman editor@jetup.net
The Sartell Youth Hockey Association is hosting its third annual gun raffle, with the drawing being held at 6 p.m. Sunday, April 24 at the Blueline Sports Bar & Grill. Door prizes and silent auction start at 5 p.m. Purchase tickets online or at Blueline Sports Bar & Grill and Bernick’s Arena, both in Sartell. There are 100 guns, with 20 tickets sold per firearm. Visit sartellhockey.org for a list of guns, rules/regulations and to reserve tickets. Winning tickets are good for the awarded gun or gift card for comparable value at Scheel’s in Waite Park.
When in Rice, do as the Irish do: dress in bright shamrock green, drink green beer and kick your heels up like a bunch of leprechauns. Well, that tends to be true for the Heritage Day celebration and parade. There’s no rule that says you have to act or look Irish, but most of the Germans, Poles and Slovenians who gather for the celebration go with the flow. What the heck. Why not? “I’m full-blooded German, but I’m going to be Irish today,” said Janet Schlicting of Sauk Rapids, enjoying a beer in O’Brien’s Pub and
Sauk Rapids searches for Citizen of the Year
photo by Dennis Dalman
Do you know someone from Sauk Rapids who provides outstanding service to the Sauk Rapids community? Nominate them for the 2016 Sauk Rapids “Citizen of the Year.” Any individual who has positively impacted Sauk Rapids either individually, through business, or through civic and community organizations can be nominated for this recognition. Nominations are due April 11 by email to rolson@ci.sauk-rapids. mn.us or by mail to the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave. N, Sauk Rapids. View the brochure and nomination form at www.stcloudareachambercom.
Library seeks bookstore help
St. Cloud Friends of the Library seeks volunteers to assist in staffing the bookstore located in the St. Cloud Library, sorting donated books and other materials, stocking the shelves in the bookstore and determining appropriate prices for sales of the ordinary donated books as well as vintage books. For more information on this and other United Way volunteer opportunities, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on March 25 Criers.
Grill in Rice. The Ackerman family of Rice felt the same way, as they waited curbside for the Heritage Day Parade to appear. Parents Nate and Erica wore green as did Wyatt, Zander and Alayna, but the twins in a double stroller, Myla and Brynn, were wearing bright neon-purple winter coats with hoods. “Look, there’s two purple leprechauns,” someone said, pointing at the twins. Mother Erica chuckled. “It’s close enough to St. Pat’s Day so it’s a good time to wear green,” she said. “Except for the twins with their purple coats.” Green • page 4
Irish to the gills, Keith O’Brien wears a plaid kilt for the Heritage Day celebration in Rice. He greets Rice resident Scott Heilig, a member of the Rice Area Lions Club. O’Brien and his wife, Kristi, started Heritage Day and its parade many years ago. As owners of O’Brien’s Pub and Grill, they offer Irish stew, green beer, music, fun and prizes into the wee hours.
Rice council hears energy-savings plan (Editor’s note: This story is based on an interview with Kris Holmen that was conducted with the Newsleader the day after he appeared before the Rice City Council. The post-council interview was necessary because the city council does not use microphones, thus much of the council members’ conversation with Holmen could not be heard by the audience or this reporter.)
by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
Energy savings for the City of Rice would be a “win-win situation,” according to an option presented by Holmen Kris Holmen at the March 21 Rice City Council meeting.
For additional criers, visit www. thenewsleaders.com and click on Criers.
any or all of its facilities. After the audit, Sundance proposes energy-saving solutions, which can be anything from LED light bulbs to insulation, from solar panels to wind energy. Installations and any other energy-saving changes are made, at no cost to the city, by Sundance along with its alliance investment partner, Phoenix-based Energy Surety Partners. ESP, the investor in the energy-saving Energy • page 7
Fundraiser features fun cookie creations by Frank Lee operations@thenewsleaders.com
March is Food Share Month
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.
Holmen, a resident of Rice, is a business-development specialist for Sundance Energy Solutions and is also an electrical contractor with his own company, Cedar Pine Electric. Holmen presented a “shared-savings program” to the council. Such a program works like this: First, the city agrees to have the Hastings-based Sundance Energy Solutions do a free audit of energy used by the city in
photo by Frank Lee
Girl Scout Alexandra Berger of Sauk Rapids (left) selects among the hors d’oeuvres and desserts made from Girl Scout cookies with her friend Heidi Beck, a Girl Scout from Sartell, (standing next to her) while Beck’s mom Julie Schmidt (back) and Jenna Berger (right) wait at the 10th annual “Dreams to Reality” fundraiser on March 17 at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.
The “Dreams to Reality” fundraiser for the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes and Pines was billed as “an evening filled with fun, food and friends.” The March 17 benefit dinner at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud was expected to raise $36,000 through ticket sales and a silent auction. “In Sartell, St. Joseph and Sauk Rapids, we have a real strong Girl Scouting program,” said Tauna Quimby, director of communications and marketing for the local Council of Girl
www.thenewsleaders.com
Scouts. Hors d’oeuvres and desserts made with Girl Scout cookies were served at the event, and beverages based on the cookies were also available for the adult volunteers, business people and community members in attendance. For example, peanut butter sandwich smoked ham rolls and lemonade crab salad on toast points were available for snacking, with a cranberry citrus crisp chicken Florentine for dinner, followed by Girl Scout cookie mousse. Jenna Berger, president and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy Cookie • back page
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
2
People
Dan Wolgamott, a Sauk Rapids-Rice football coach, was unanimously endorsed March 19 at the local DFL-endorsing convention in St. Cloud as the St. John’s University alum makes a bid as a State Senate candidate for Senate District 14. Wolgamott has raised more than $28,000 for his campaign at last report, and more than two dozen volunteers, including past elected officials from the area, were on hand in St. Cloud to answer questions and introduce Wolgamott to convention-goers. Wolgamott will now face Republican Jerry Relph in the November election, for the open State Senate seat which is being vacated by Sen. John Pederson. Brady Lain of Sauk Rapids was recently named to the fall dean’s list at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. Students who earn a minimum 3.5 grade-point average qualify for this honor. Tom Schaefer, an American Family Insurance agent based in Sauk Rapids, recently earned the “American Star Excellence in Customer Experience” award. The Thomas Schaefer Agency is now part of a select group of American Family Insurance agencies that has demonstrated the ability to “consistently deliver outstanding customer experiences.” The Sauk Rapids-Rice School District was honored on March 15 by Skyward, a kindergarten through 12th-grade school administrative software provider, at its 14th annual Skyward International Conference in St. Pete Beach, Fla. The award recognizes K-12 districts and individual administrators using Skyward to “make a difference in education and inspire new technology initiatives.” The Sauk Rapids-Rice School District was among six school districts that were honored. The three-day interactive event provided attendees with access to the latest news in product development from the leading K-12 software provider, as well as one-on-one interaction with district peers, industry experts and Skyward executives. Attendees also learned more about transitioning from manual to digital processes, increasing
transparency among staff to encourage teamwork, and facilitating goal-setting and decisionmaking through the effective use of data.
Jason Miller of Sauk Rapids was awarded the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest nonprofit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. Those who receive the designation have completed advanced professional training and demonstrated outstanding professional achievement in residential real estate. Only 37,000 realtors nationwide have earned the credential. Miller is a realtor with Premier Real Estate Services, and a member of the St. Cloud Area Association of Realtors. He is also a member of the Professional Standards Committee for the Minnesota Association of Realtors and serves on the Board of Directors for the St. Cloud Area Chapter of the March of Dimes. Eight Stearns County organizations were recently awarded grants by the Central Minnesota Arts Board in Foley. They are the following: St. Cloud Municipal Band, $4,307; St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, $10,000; Minnesota Center Chorale, $5,106; Minnesota Dance Ensemble, $1,762; Youth Chorale of Central MN, $10,000; Great Northern Theatre Company, $10,000; Chamber Music Society of St. Cloud, $10,000; and Visual Arts Minnesota, $2,701. The Community Arts Support Grant program provides funds to nonprofit arts organizations whose members hail from Stearns, Sherburne, Benton or Wright counties based on “efficient management and programming of high artistic quality while enhancing arts opportunities within the communities they serve.” The Central Minnesota Arts Board supports collaborative and innovative arts opportunities through partnerships and financial investments as one of 11 Regional Arts Councils designated by the Minnesota State Arts Board. For more information, visit www.centralmnartsboard.org or call 320-968-4290 or toll free at 1-866-345-7140.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Rice praised for finances by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
The City of Rice received a gold star on its chart for its handling of finances in 2015. A summary of the city’s annual financial audit was presented at the March 21 city council meeting by John Archer 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. March 6 10:40 a.m. Medical. Second Avenue S. Police were dispatched to assist a woman having a seizure. Upon arrival, authorities assisted Gold Cross Ambulance. The female was transported to the St. Cloud Hospital for further treatment. 2:31 p.m. Theft. Second Avenue N. A complainant called police after realizing his garage door opener was missing from his vehicle. It appeared there was no forced entry or any suspects. March 7 9:28 a.m. Suspicious activity. Second Street N. Authorities were advised to check the aforementioned address for an individual who was wearing a hoodie and displaying strange behavior. The area was checked, but nothing was found. March 8 7:30 p.m. Welfare check. 10 Half Street N. Police were dispatched after a complainant stated he believed his 2-year-old son was in the care of an intoxicated woman. Upon arrival, authorities met with the woman who did not appear to have been drinking whatsoever. Officers had no concerns. The complainant was informed of the situation. No further action was taken.
of Schlenner Wenner & Co., an accounting firm in St. Cloud. In 2015, Rice had a budget of $810,000, slightly below revenues of $775,000, Archer noted. However, the city still managed to have an end-of-year cash balance of $65,000, which Archer termed as “good.” He said he found no diffi-
culties when examining city finances. Some areas of concern from two years ago have been corrected satisfactorily, he noted. “The audit went very well,” Archer told the council, adding the cooperation from city staff was excellent. “It went great; it was a smooth process.”
March 9 5:47 p.m. Theft. Martini Drive. Authorities responded to a local residence for a theft complaint. Upon arrival, police spoke with the complainant who stated some of his personal and company papers had been taken out of his room from a hiding space underneath his mattress. He did not wish to name any suspects but simply wanted the matter documented. 10:17 p.m. Public assist. Second Street N. Police were dispatched to mediate a civil disagreement between two individuals regarding possession of a certain vehicle. The complainant, who had been in jail for the past few months, stated his vehicle had been stolen from him by another acquaintance. The individual was contacted and stated the vehicle was given to him by a friend. He was advised of the situation and returned the title of the car to the complainant. No further action was taken.
left immediately.
Blotter
March 10 Suspicious activity. River Avenue S. While on patrol, police observed a vehicle that was at a park after hours. The driver was approached and stated she did not know the park had closed. She
March 11 1 p.m. Medical. Third Avenue S. Authorities assisted a man who had fallen and was unable to get back up. Upon arrival, police and Gold Cross Ambulance assisted the male. He was transported to the St. Cloud Hospital for further treatment. 6:30 p.m. Driving complaint. First Street S. Police responded to a driving complaint at a local park. A description of the vehicle was provided but unable to be located. March 12 8:12 p.m. Fireworks. Benton Drive N. An anonymous complainant called police after a report of gunshots fired. Upon arrival, it was determined the noise was fireworks being set off. Officers checked the area but could not locate anyone. No further action was taken. 10:20 p.m. Suspicious activity. Summit Avenue S. Officers received a report of an individual running through the backyard of the aforementioned address. Police checked the area and were unable to locate anyone. Extra patrol was requested and granted.
Clarifications
An editorial in the March 11 Newsleader paid tribute to the recently deceased Bill Clemens, businessman and philanthropist who lived in E. St. Cloud. The editorial suggested a monument should be constructed in honor of Clemens and his late wife, Virginia, who both started the Virginia Clemens Gardens across the street from where they lived on Kilian Boulevard. The Newsleader has learned happily that a monument to them has, in fact, been constructed several years ago.
In an article entitled "Sauk Rapids VFW Post to host troop care packages fundraiser" in the March 18 edition of the Newsleader, the story about Becky Carlson should have read that the wife and mother retired from her work with special needs children in the St. Cloud school district and that Paulette Carlson would only be appearing at the troops care packages fundraiser on March 19 and not performing.
Drive Carefully! School is in Session
Published each Friday by Von Meyer Publishing Inc. Production Manager Tara Wiese
Admin. Assistant Cady Sehnert
Editor: Dennis Dalman
Contributing Writer Cori Hilsgen
Delivery Bruce Probach
Assignment Editor: Frank Lee
Newsstands Coborn’s Community Education Office Copper Lantern
Publisher/Owner Janelle Von Pinnon
Hardee’s Pine Country Bank Hardware Hank - SR St. Joseph Newsleader Office Old Creamery Cafe
www.thenewsleaders.com
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.
P.O. Box 324 • 32 1st Ave. N.W. • St. Joseph, Minn. 56374 Phone: (320) 363-7741 • Fax: (320) 363-4195 • E-mail: news@thenewsleaders.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ST. JOSEPH NEWSLEADER, P.O. Box 324, St. Joseph, MN 56374.
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, March 25, 2016
3
photos by Frank Lee
At left: Robert Scheibmeir of Great Steps Orthotic & Prosthetic Solutions in Sartell dropped off a donation March 18 at the “Pack the Porches” food drive collection site. Middle and right: Catholic Charities’ annual “Pack the Porches” event took place for the first time in Sartell at HealthPartners’ Central Minnesota Clinic.
Pack the Porches food drive beats last year’s record by Frank Lee operations@thenewsleaders.com
The Catholic Charities’ annual “Pack the Porches” food drive took place this month for the first time in Sartell at HealthPartners’ Central Minnesota Clinic. More than 14,000 pounds of food were collected and $10,000 was raised by donations dropped off at the clinic and Pioneer Place on Fifth Theatre in St. Cloud and St. Cloud Hyundai. “HealthPartners has been a strong supporter of Catholic Charities for many, many years, and it was just another opportunity to add another location and make it a little more convenient for people in Sartell,” said Beth
Cummings, Catholic Charities communications manager. Staff at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud used social media, created posters, did mailings, sent e-mails and issued press releases to publicize the new Sartell location. Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf serves the communities of Sauk Rapids, Sartell, St. Cloud, St. Augusta and Waite Park. “We’ve got a very big supply of food already donated here,” Cummings said as she stood in the health-care-provider’s parking lot along with other volunteers on the morning of March 18. HealthPartners’ Central Minnesota Clinic in Sartell matched
Athena Award nominations due April 30 Nominations are being sought for the ATHENA Award by the Women’s Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation. The mission of the Athena Award is to recognize and honor central Minnesota women who have achieved excellence in
their careers and who inspire others. Nominations are due April 30 to the Central Minnesota Community Foundation. The award is sponsored by HealthPartners. For more information, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on March 25 Criers.
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT ...
donations up to $500, Cummings said. “We are thrilled with the results,” said Steve Bresnahan, executive director of Catholic Charities. “We smashed last year’s record of 3,500 pounds of food. “In addition, with the buying power offered to us by Second Harvest Food Bank and other partners, we will be able to purchase between $40,000 and $90,000 worth of groceries with the money collected today.” Minnesota FoodShare has coordinated the March Campaign, the annual grassroots food and fund drive that provides more than half the food distributed by 300 food shelves throughout the state.
The more food and donations collected at local events like “Pack the Porches,” the more incentive funds Catholic Charities receive, resulting in more food for hungry families. “It’s a wonderful time of year to give because all the donations are matched through Minnesota FoodShare, and what’s important about doing it this time of year is school will be getting out before you know it, so some kids won’t have access to food at school,” Cummings said. In addition to the food and funds collected, Coborn’s will be delivering on its pledge to match donations with 10,000 pounds of food. Robert Scheibmeir of Great Steps Orthotic & Prosthetic Solu-
tions in Sartell dropped off a donation at the “Pack the Porches” site outside HealthPartners’ Central Minnesota Clinic. “We’re definitely involved in our church, but it’s just a good cause … feeding the people who need it,” Scheibmeir said. While “Pack the Porches” is over, March, which is Minnesota FoodShare month, continues through April 1. Donations to Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf can be made online at www.ccstcloud.org or by dropping off food or funds at Catholic Charities Emergency Services, 157 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud. For more information, call the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud at 320-650-1550.
** NOW HIRING Direct Support Staff ** St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids & Clear Lake Areas Part-time Day, Evening, Weekend &/or Asleep Overnight Position Openings E/O weekend is required. We all need somebody to lean on. As a Direct Support Professional at Dungarvin, you’ll play a key role in providing the support and guidance to help people of all abilities thrive in their homes and communities. rs: vin offe Dungar 9/hour • $11.5 raises uled • Sched r ladder • Caree
Qualifications include: • Valid driver’s license • HS Diploma or GED • Acceptable driving record • Computer literacy • Background clearance • Effective communication • 18 years or older skills in English
Apply online at:
www.dungarvincareers.com!
Love What You Do! AA/EOE
Join our team! Von Meyer Publishing seeks a full-time, experienced advertising sales representative for three local, weekly newspapers and one website serving the greater St. Cloud region. A successful candidate will be: a self-starter, highly motivated and excited to be on the bleeding edge of print and digital advertising. Qualifications include: 3-5 years in advertising sales, extensive experience in the greater St. Cloud region and previous experience selling digital advertising. Resumes and cover letters can be addressed to Logan Gruber, operations manager, at operations@thenewsleaders.com. For any questions, call 320-363-7741.
4
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Green from front page Keith O’Brien, who owns O’Brien’s Pub and Grill with wife Kristi began Heritage Day and Parade years ago, and it’s since become an annual tradition, Irish or not. Keith, Irish to the gills, stood curbside chatting with others gathered for the parade. He was wearing a dark green plaid kilt.
Friday, March 25, 2016
“Oh, yes, I’m Irish,” he said. “With a name like O’Brien I better be. But this is a day for everybody in Rice, not just the Irish.” The parade, led by a spanking new Rice fire truck, included a couple dozen units, including a snazzy red sportster driven by two grown leprechauns, kids on snowmobiles carried on a flatbed and other fun vehicles. Later, many went into O’Brien’s where they enjoyed Irish stew, drinks, live music and prizes.
photos by Dennis Dalman
Clockwise from top left: Rice Police Chief Ross Hamann enjoys a streetside chat with Rice resident Scott Heilig March 19 right after the Heritage Parade in Rice; Dolled up in green glory, Lindy Sabraski sports the biggest bead necklace in the whole wide world; Mr. and Mrs. Leprechaun drive a snazzy little red sportster; Although she’s a full-blooded German, Janet Schlichting of Sauk Rapids decided to don the green; Aerial Weiseman (left) and Braelyn Sabraski pretend to drive snowmobiles on a flatbed. The girls are grandchildren of Tom and Linda Sabraski of Rice; People await the parade; When in Rice, do as the Irish do, at least for a day, during the Heritage Day Parade. All heritages are celebrated on that day, but many decide to go with the Irish theme, including Rice residents Nate and Erica Ackerman and family. From left to right are the two purple twin Ackerman leprechauns, Myla and Brynn; and (back row) Erica, Wyatt, Zander, Nate and Alyana.
Food Service Staff Needed! Sartell-St. Stephen Schools Independent School District 748
Numerous substitute food-service positions available following school calendar. Up to 2.5 hours/day. Fast-paced, fun and friendly environment.
Please apply at: www.sartell.k12.mn.us
Friday, March 25, 2016
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
5
contributed photo and photos by Frank Lee
Above: Kay’s Kitchen Chef Dan Kuebelbeck ladles out some soup at the St. Joseph eatery to server Brenda Heaton. Kay’s Kitchen donated three gallons of soup to the March 20 Empty Bowls soup-feed benefit and silent auction at Calvary Community Church in St. Cloud. Above right: Volunteers serve soup and other items donated from places like Jimmy’s Pour House and Manea’s Meats in Sauk Rapids, Kay’s Kitchen in St. Joseph and G’Allen’s Restaurant & Sports Bar in Sartell. At right: The Rev. Carol Jean Smith, pastor of Place of Hope Ministries in St. Cloud, is appreciative of the soup and other items donated.
Empty Bowls raises awareness by Frank Lee operations@thenewsleaders.com
Tanya Finken of Kay’s Kitchen in St. Joseph knows what it’s like to be hungry like most people, but she decided to do something about it. The owner and operator of the eating establishment donated three gallons of freshly made beef barley soup to the Empty Bowls fundraiser on March 20 – something she has done before. “I do a lot of this for different organizations when they call and ask,” she said, “and more than anything, it’s to raise awareness of local hunger and anything you can do to help out is amazing.” Empty Bowls is an annual soup-feed benefit and silent auction featuring unique pot-
tery, wooden bowls and gift cards to businesses and restaurants. “We just did the soup of the day, so whatever’s made fresh that morning is what we sent over,” Finken said of the donation from Kay’s Kitchen in St. Joseph. The five-hour event at Calvary Community Church in St. Cloud included four soup stations with donated soup, bread, beverages and desserts from local restaurants, like Jimmy’s Pourhouse and Manea’s Meats in Sauk Rapids, and G-Allen’s in Sartell. Those at the fundraising event to feed the hungry also could take home a decorated handmade bowl, several of which were made available hourly, and the children enjoyed the face-painting and
three stages of entertainment. “Empty Bowls was put together originally to help people understand that somewhere, every day, someone’s bowl is empty,” said the Rev. Carol Jean Smith, pastor of Place of Hope Ministries in St. Cloud, which has been a part of the bowl-based awareness campaign for about a decade even though Empty Bowls dates back further. Tickets entitled participants to sample as many soups as they would like. “If your basic needs are not met, you can’t function at all,” Smith said. “If you have food, if you have shelter and you feel safe, then you can access your gifts and talents a little more than when you’re putting all your energy into meeting your basic needs.”
BUSINESS DIRECTORY AUTO BODY REPAIR Auto Body 2000
(behind Coborn’s in the Industrial Park)
St. Joseph • 320-363-1116
PUBLISHING Von Meyer Publishing 32 1st Ave. NW St. Joseph • 320-363-7741 www.thenewsleaders.com
TRUCKING Brenny Transportation, Inc. Global Transportation Service St. Joseph • 320-363-6999 www.brennytransportation.com
Call the Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader at 320-363-7741 if you would like to be in the Business Directory.
You Are Invited to Celebrate Easter Sunday, March 27
6 & 8 a.m. Traditional Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service
7-10 a.m. Easter Breakfast (free-will offering) Visitors are Welcome! 2163 Mayhew Lake Road NE Sauk Rapids 320-252-3670 www.trinitysr.org
photo by Dennis Dalman
Rice Police Chief Ross Hamann (left) swears in new police officer Brent Curtis at the March 21 Rice City Council meeting.
Curtis sworn in as Rice police officer by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
terview with the Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader. “It will be a good place to work.” The St. Cloud native graduated in 2015 from the Law Enforcement Training Program at Alexandria Technical College and has worked for 10 years in the field of law enforcement. As the new Rice police officer, Curtis will do part-time work as a patrol officer. The Rice Police Department is now comprised of Chief Hamann, Officer Suzanne DiMaggio-Boom and, as of March 21, Officer Curtis.
Rice has a new police officer – Brent Curtis. Curtis was sworn in by Rice Police Chief Ross Hamann at the March 21 Rice City Council meeting as family members, friends and well-wishers looked on. A resident of St. Joseph, Curtis, 31, had previously lived for nine years in the Rice area. “I know the area well and some of its people,” said Curtis during a March 22 in-
News Tips?
Call the Newsleader at 363-7741
Find your voice today.
Become a freelance writer.
Newsleaders
news@thenewsleaders.com 320-363-7741
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
6
Our View Trump’s bullying of newspapers another example of baseless bluster (Editor’s note: This editorial was distributed by the Newspaper Association of America.) Recently, Donald Trump said, “I’m gonna open our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money.” The specific media outlets he mentioned were The New York Times and The Washington Post. The first thing to understand is that under the landmark Supreme Court case of New York Times vs. Sullivan, it was determined news organizations could be found liable when they deliberately publish false information. The specific standard is “actual malice.” So if Mr. Trump wants to address media organizations that “write purposely negative and horrible, false articles,” then the law is already established as his right to do just that. But we all know Mr. Trump isn’t interested in legalities in this case. He is clearly trying to intimidate news organizations and bully them into providing more positive coverage of him and his candidacy for president. He should pick a different target. Newspapers have dealt with more intimidating figures than Mr. Trump. Newspapers, actually, have a long, long history of responsibly speaking truth in the face of great power. One could think of Watergate or the Oscar-nominated movie Spotlight (about the uncovering of abuse by priests) as some betterknown examples. Throughout history, those in power have complained about newspaper reporting when it didn’t meet their agenda and, far more often than not, the reporting had been found to be right on target. The fact is our society relies upon the newspaper industry to be a consistent, challenging voice to the wealthy and powerful – and newspapers have a long history of carrying out that mandate with care and a deep sense of responsibility. Newspapers have successfully stood up to sitting presidents, vast religious organizations, governors, mayors and immensely powerful corporations, among many others. If Mr. Trump wants to try to bully news organizations into providing information he likes, then he will have to do a whole lot better than making weak, misguided promises about changes to a law that aren’t needed in the first place.
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 25, 2016
Opinion Old St. Cloud library dispensed magic I love to read so much that my childhood nickname was “bookworm,” so I’m pleased libraries, schools and other places promote love of reading for children and adults. Nobody had to push me to read. I took to it like a duck to water. We kids would play outdoors all the time, in all kinds of weather, but in the midst of our games, I sometimes couldn’t wait to get home to put my nose back in a book. Books, to me, were almost as magical as Aladdin’s Lamp; with one touch, astonishing worlds would appear: Tom Sawyer’s sly hi-jinks at the white-washed fence; Alice’s following a white rabbit and then falling down, down into a rabbit’s hole; young Jim Hawkins’ narrow escape from murder during the pursuit of pirates’ buried treasure on Treasure Island. Ah, the pleasures of reading, then and now. Quite a few people I know never read books, not even one. They do read newspapers, they watch TV, they stay informed and connected, so I guess it doesn’t matter. I used to tell them they don’t know what they’re missing, the way I used to try to convince people who claim Bob Dylan can’t sing that not only can he sing in his own expressive way but that, at his best, he’s one of the greatest singers of all time. They will never agree, so why argue? Oh well . . . poor things. Growing up in south St. Cloud, we kids were so fortunate because we could walk or bike to anything and everything. We had three movie theaters (Hays, Eastman and that magnif-
Dennis Dalman Editor icent picture palace The Paramount – still magnificent). We had green parks nearby and down along the river in which to play. And, last but not least, we had the Dale Carnegie-style public library on Fifth Avenue South, just eight blocks north of our house. We’d bring home armloads of books from that happy place that smelled so good of paper, book glue and floor wax. We had a reading contest, and for every book we read, we’d get stickers of the faces of the presidents of the United States to affix onto a master sheet. Then we’d win prizes for reading a certain number of books. The children’s portion of the library was in the basement of that wonderful old building. The librarians were, to our young minds, crabby old-maid ladies – their graying hair up in buns, always putting their index fingers to their lips and trying to make us be quiet with fierce sounds (“Shh, shh, shh”), like hissing snakes. But beneath their rather forbidding exteriors, they (even the one with the wart on her chin) could be kind. Sometimes they actually smiled. That venerable library, long gone, is today in memory as vivid as the days it stood so solid and proud just south of downtown. On a winter day, inside the library, radiators
pushed out waves of warmth into the reading room, which had racks of many newspapers affixed to their long wooden “spines.” In the hushed room, you could “hear” the concentrated quiet of people reading them. On two sides of the reference room, there were creaky wooden stairways leading up to alcove rooms, one of which contained long-playing vinyl records of musicals, plays, folk songs and classical music – the kind of recordings I would not have had access to without that library. On some hot summer days, thunder rumbling, lightning flashing, I remember us (brothers, neighbor pals, me) leaving the library with our books and standing by the two granite pillars at the front door, waiting for the rain to stop so we could walk back home down Fifth Avenue. Later, in high school, I vividly recall thumbing through the wooden-boxed card catalog or the fat green magazine-index book looking for research material for term papers. Those days, so long ago, seem like yesterday. Today’s libraries offer so many services besides books, magazines, newspapers and vinyl records. It’s such a different world, but as they say, the more things change, the more they remain the same. I’m told, for example, that actual books (not e-books) are still the most popular checked-out items in all the 32 branches of this area’s Great River Regional Library system. Every kid in every town should have a public library within walking or biking distance. It’s a shame some don’t.
True love is not a noun; it’s a verb I was having a conversation with my grandson the other day and he told me he had just written an essay for a creative-writing class on the meaning of love. I thought it would be interesting to see what an 18-year-old thinks about love. In our discussion, I discovered he had written a very well thought-out essay on the word “love.” He offered a scholarly, intelligent definition of the word. It became clear to me his definition was only of the word, though, and had very little to do with the emotion, the feeling we call “love.” As I examined the situation, I was convinced his understanding was that of a youngster who had never experienced true love. That conversation caused me to think about it. I remember when I was 18. I fell in love a lot. A lot of my friends did also. I managed to survive my teenage years without too much drama on the girlfriend front, joined the Army, did a tour of duty in Germany and returned home to start my life. Soon after returning home to Tennessee, I moved to California. It seemed to me a good idea. There was to be more opportunity there. In early 1962, I met Linda. She was beautiful, smart, classy and all the things I had looked for in a lady. I, on the other hand, was a rough-andtumble hillbilly with no discernible talent and limited potential. Why she ever
Ron Scarbro Guest Writer looked at me twice is still a mystery. But we fell in love. We dated for several months and then I was transferred across the state 500 miles from her. We decided to get married. We knew we were in love and that was all that was important. I was 22 and she was 21. We thought we knew all we needed to know to be married. Obviously, it wasn’t easy. We were so young and so inexperienced. We had to learn the hard way. But the love we had for each other carried us through. That love was what I would call “young love.” It was real to us. But it would be tested. That testing came in the form of children, bills, money problems, career decisions and business failures. Had we not had that love, we surely would have failed as a couple. But we survived the tests. We went through a period of what I would call “mature love.” It was a reliance on each other. It was a dependence on each other. It was a knowledge by each of us that the other was there, regardless. Well, the kids grew up, the money
troubles began to solve themselves, and we got older. We began to prepare for our retirement. Our love for each other never waned. It only grew. When retirement came, we found ourselves in each other’s company every day, every night, all of the time. What kind of love would we need to live out our lives in each other’s exclusive company? I think I will call it “true love.” Love brought us together. Love kept us together when situations and events tried to pull us apart. Love allowed us to get to where we are. I am convinced true love is a love that grows in stages. I am reminded of the candle. When first lit, the flame is small with little warmth but as it burns and the candle shows its wrinkles, the flame grows larger and brighter. More warmth comes from the flame. And then, at its end, just before it goes out, the flame is brightest. I’ve discovered love is not a noun. It’s a verb. In December, Linda and I will celebrate our 54th anniversary. There is no one with whom I would rather spend my last days. That is what I call “true love.” 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, March 25, 2016
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Community Calendar
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 25 Benton County Historical Society, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320253-9614. mnbentonhistory.org. Fish fry, bake sale and meat raffle, sponsored by the St. Joseph Lions Club, 5-8 p.m., Sal’s Bar and Grill, 109 W. Minnesota St., St. Joseph.
Saturday, March 26 Easter Party, sponsored by St. Joseph Jaycees, 9 a.m., All Saints Academy, 32 W. Minnesota St., St. Joseph. stjosephjayceesmn@yahoo.com. Junior golf registration, 10 a.m.2 p.m., Pine Ridge Golf Course, 801 Pinecone Road, Sartell, 320-259-0551. Monday, March 28 Registration deadline for Living Well with Chronic Conditions, 3-5:30 p.m. Mondays, starting April 4, St. Anthony Church (school basement, east entrance), 2405 First St. N., St. Cloud. 320-255-7245. Benton County Historical Society, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320253-9614. mnbentonhistory.org. Using Mindfulness to Work Through Grief and Loss wellness workshop, 2:30-4 p.m., Church of St. Joseph, 12 W. Minnesota St. Sauk Rapids City Council, 6 p.m., council chambers, Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave. N. 320-258-5300. ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us. Tuesday, March 29 ICAN Prevent Diabetes, 3:154:15 p.m., Sacred Heart Church, 2875 10th Ave. N.E., Sauk Rapids. 320650-3082. Wednesday, March 30 Stopping Rape, a Women’s Center
lecture series, noon, Atwood Memorial Center, St. Cloud State University, 720 Fourth Ave. S. Family-to-family, 6:30-9 p.m., Unity Spiritual Center, 931 Fifth Ave. N., Sartell. 320-290-7713. 320-2492560. Thursday, March 31 Health and Fitness Fair, 8 a.m.noon, Whitney Senior Center, 1527 Northway Drive, St. Cloud. 320-2557245. Friday, April 1 Registration deadline for Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, 4-6:30 p.m. Thursdays starting April 7,and 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 14, Whitney Senior Center, 1527 Northway Drive, St. Cloud. 320-2557245. Benton County Historical Society, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320253-9614. mnbentonhistory.org. Saturday, April 2 Community Showcase, sponsored by the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Kennedy Community School, 1300 Jade Road, St. Joseph. Maple Syrup Festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., St. John’s Outdoor University, Collegeville. 320-363-3163. csbsju. edu/outdooru. Maple Syrup Open House, 1-4 p.m., Kraemer Lake (Wildwood County Park), 29709 Kipper Road, St. Joseph. 320-248-7784. carlsonwildwoodranch@msn.com.
CRAFT-VENDOR SALES Saturday, April 2 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Bernick’s Pepsi Arena 1109 1st St. S., Sartell Noon-3 p.m. door prize drawings start every half hour
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)
Stay in the Midwest. Great pay and benefits. Matching 401k. Bonuses and tax free money. Experience needed. Call Scott 507-437-9905. Apply on-line http://www. mcfgtl.com (MCN)
ADOPTION *ADOPTION:* Affectionate Devoted Financially Secure Family, Opportunities, Travel, Music awaits 1st baby. Expenses paid 1-800-354-2608 (MCN)
Family owned business looking for CDL 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)
A UNIQUE ADOPTIONS, LET US HELP! Personalized Adoption Plans. Financial Assistance, Housing, Relocation and More. Giving the Gift of Life? You Deserve the Best. 1-888-637-8200. 24HR Hotline. (VOID IN IL) (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 MAKE $1,000 WEEKLY! Paid in advance! Mailing Brochures at Home! Easy pleasant work. Begin Immediately! Age unimportant! www.MyHomeIncomeNow55.com (MCN) OWNER OPERATORS wanted. Paid all miles. No touch freight. Many operating discounts. Family run business for 75 years. Many bonuses and good home time. Direct deposit paid weekly. Call 800-533-0564 ext.205. (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) CLASS A CDL Driver. Good home time.
FARM RELATED Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ To hunt your land. Call for a Free Base Camp Leasing info packet & Quote. 1-866309-1507 www.BaseCampLeasing.com (MCN)
Energy from front page programs, contracts with Sundance to do the audit and the energy-saving changes. What’s in it for Sundance and ESP? Any energy cost savings realized by the city will be split among the city, ESP and Sundance. If there are no cost savings in a given period, the city pays its energy bills, as usual, but the city does not owe any money to Sundance or ESP. The percentages of savings that would be split would depend on the project and on negotiations with the city, Holmen noted. “We call it ‘no-cost analysis,’” Holmen said. “We don’t charge the city for services. If it’s not a good fit for the city, so be it. The city will have no out-of-pocket expenses. It’s a great opportunity to have energy savings, to go green and to help the city.” Energy-saving options, such as solar solutions, have come down dramatically in price in recent years, and the technologies have improved, but sometimes cities are reluctant to make
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. green & Hardwood Plants. FREE catalog. WOODSTOCK NURSERY, N1831 Hwy 95, Nellsville, WI 54456. Toll Free 888-8038733. wallace-woodstock.com (MCN) Trailer sale, 14,000lb 20’ skidloader trailers $3,699.00; 7’X14’ 14,000lb. w/ tarp,Dump trailer $6,499.00; Triple Axle Dump $9,399.00; 6’X12’ V-nose ramp $2,789.00;Trailer Repairs and 100’s of PARTS for all makes. 515-972-4554 www. FortDodgeTrailerWorld.com (MCN) HEALTH & MEDICAL VIAGRA 100mg, CIALIS 20mg. 50 tabs $90 includes FREE SHIPPING. 1-888-8360780 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)
FINANCIAL Are you in BIG trouble with the IRS? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 888-606-6673 (MCN)
Viagra!! 52 Pills for Only $99.00! Your #1 trusted provider for 10 years. Insured and Guaranteed Delivery. Call today 1-888-403-7751 (MCN)
STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS got you down? We can help reduce payments and get finances under control, call: 866871-1626 (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)
WANT TO BUY WANT CASH FOR EXTRA DIABETIC TEST STRIPS? I Pay Top Dollar Since 2005! 1-Day Fast Payment Guaranteed Up To $60 Per Box! FREE Shipping www. CashNowOffer.com or 1-888-210-5233. Get Extra $10 Use Offer Code: CashNOW! (MCN) FOR SALE FRUIT TREES LOW AS $18. Blueberry, Grape, Strawberry, Asparagus, Ever-
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) 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 Ship-
the initial investments to make the structural changes, Holmen noted. This way, Sundance makes the changes for a city at no cost to the city. Another plus of the plan is the structural energy changes to the city would be repaired and/ or maintained by the investment company (ESP) via the contractor (Sundance). The city would have no repair and/or maintenance costs as long as the contract lasts – up to a period of 20 years, and renewable after that. Another option is after the structural energy-saving changes have been made by Sundance, the city can pay for the changes and be on its own. However, the city would then be responsible for any repairs and/or maintenance for those changes. The council members appeared to be interested in Holmen’s proposal. The next step is for the council to get together again with Holmen and work out a plan of which city facilities, if not all of them, they would like to have audited. The next step would be to examine which energy-saving changes would be made and whether there would, in fact, be enough savings to make the project worthwhile to
7 the investors. Holmen noted Sundance Energy Solutions has been working with the cities of Royalton, Belle Plaine and Duluth on cost-saving programs. It works with any non-profits such as schools and counties for the same kind of projects. It also works with forprofit enterprises such as farms and small companies to do energy audits and to help them network to initiate affordable energy-saving changes. It cannot, however, offer them the kind of shared-savings programs available only for non-profits. Just a week ago, there was an open house on the Jim Jorgenson farm in Westbrook in southwest Minnesota that contracted with Sundance to install solar panels that can produce up to 30kW of electricity. To defray the cost, Sundance helped Jorgenson acquire a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and a 30-percent federal energy-savings tax credit. It is estimated Jorgenson will see an energy-savings payback within four years, according to Sundance. For more about energy savings via Sundance, call Kris Holmen at 320-492-0544.
VETERANS FOUGHT FOR OUR WAY OF LIFE. IT’S OUR DUTY TO FIGHT FOR THEIRS.
DAV helps veterans of all ages and their families receive the benefits they earned. Lend support or get free help at DAV.org.
ping. 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 Free Pills! Viagra!! Call today to find out how to get your free Pills! Price too low to Mention! Call today 1-877-560-0997 (MCN) ALL THINGS BASEMENTY! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control. FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1-800640-8195 (MCN) A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-800-4425148 (MCN) Switch to DIRECTV and get a $100 Gift Card. FREE Whole-Home Genie HD/DVR upgrade. Starting at $19.99/mo. New Customers Only. Don’t settle for cable. Call Now 1-800-203-4378 (MCN) 19.99/mo. for DIRECTV - HD Channels + Genie HD DVR + 3 months FREE HBO, SHOW, MAX & STARZ + FREE NFL Sunday Ticket! Call Now 1-888-552-7314 (MCN) ADT Security protects your home & family from “what if” scenarios. Fire, flood, burglary or carbon monoxide, ADT
provides 24/7 security. Don’t wait! Call Now! 1-888-607-9294 (MCN) GET HELP NOW! One Button Senior Medical Alert. Falls, Fires & Emergencies happen. 24/7 Protection. Only $14.99/ mo. Call NOW 1-888-840-7541 (MCN) Does your auto club offer no hassle service and rewards? Call Auto Club of America (ACA) & Get $200 in ACA Rewards! (New members only) Roadside Assistance & Monthly Rewards. Call 1-800-778-9184 (MCN) Life Alert. 24/7. One press of a button sends help FAST! Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even if you can’t reach a phone! FREE Brochure. CALL 800-306-1404 (MCN) DISH TV 190 channels plus Highspeed Internet Only $49.94/mo! Ask about a 3 year price guarantee & get Netflix included for 1 year! Call Today 1-800-3903140 (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) 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) PERSONALS MEET SINGLES RIGHT NOW! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 800-357-4970 (MCN)
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
8
Cookie from front page
photo by Frank Lee
Jenna Berger, president and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy of Central Minnesota, looks at the silent-auction items along with her daughter Alexandra, a Girl Scout from Sauk Rapids, at the 10th annual “Dreams to Reality” fundraiser on March 17 at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.
Bird-house building a pre-spring ritual in Rice
photo by Dennis Dalman
Gannon Petron, 6, of Rice concentrates as he practices holding an automatic screwdriver before getting down to the business of putting together a wood-duck house. The March 12 annual bird-house building event is sponsored by the Rice Area Sportsmen’s Club, of which Gannon’s dad Jason is a member.
News Tips?
Call the Newsleader at 363-7741
Ajax is a neutered, 1-year-old Boxer mix who came to the Tri-County Humane Society from another animal-sheltering facility. Ajax has done well with other dogs while he’s been at the shelter, but he cannot go to a home with any cats. Ajax likes to play with toys and enjoys all kinds of treats and is quite the smart cookie, both of which will help with further training. He’s a young, active dog who would do great in a home that can provide him with an appropriate outlet for his energy. After he gets to know you, all 58 pounds of him will try to crawl in your lap.
“Helping one animal won’t change the world … but it will change the world for that one animal!” Dogs - 16 Kitten - 1 Pigeon -1
Cats - 14 Rabbits - 4
Puppies - 18 Feret - 1
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.
of Central Minnesota, was at the three-hour event with her daughter Alexandra, who is a second-year Girl Scout. The 37-year-old wife and mother from Sauk Rapids praised the Girl Scouts for arranging opportunities for them to meet other role models, such as at a Minnesota Lynx basketball game. “I do it so I can also sell Girl Scout cookies to people who really like them, and I get to see my friends, and I really like going to Girl Scout camp,” Alexandra said. The Lakes and Pines
Friday, March 25, 2016
council makes possible the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls in kindergarten through 12th grade with the support of adult volunteers. Her friend, Heidi Beck of Sartell, also went to the women’s basketball game and met two of the players from the championship franchise who signed the girls’ lanyards. “I like seeing my friends and I have a lot of fun,” said Beck, before she and her friend joined Harbor Drive Hookup, an acoustic duo performing classic country and contemporary tunes, on stage. The 10th annual fundraiser included silent auction items, such as a Chanhassen dinner-theater
Ask a Trooper
package for Beauty and the Beast, to help support Girl Scouting in Central Minnesota The benefit has raised more than $300,000 since its inception in support of “fun and experiential” Girl Scout leadership programming for the 2,400 members in the area. Girl Scouts’ membership has grown from 18 members when it first started in 1912 in Savannah, Ga., to 2.7 million members in the United States and more than 90 countries, according to the organization’s website. “We are building girls with courage, confidence and character who will make the world a better place,” Quimby said.
Is it illegal to leave your unattended car running with the keys in the ignition? Q: Is it illegal to leave your unattended car running with the keys in the ignition? A: There are some cities that have local ordinances against it, but there is no state statute which prohibits it. Check your local ordinances in reference to this rule. Car prowls and vehicle thefts are crimes of opportunity. There are many vehicle thefts where the vehicle was left unattended; the keys were left inside, doors unlocked, and the engine running. This makes it very easy for auto thieves to take your car. Get into the habit of locking your vehicle each time you are go-
ing to leave it unattended and take the keys with you. Some good rules of thumb are: • Never leave your car running unattended. • Never leave your keys in the vehicle. • Always lock your vehicle. • Look at purchasing a remote car starter as most of them have a built-in security feature while your vehicle is running to prevent the vehicle from being driven. • Don’t leave valuables in plain sight. Place valuable items in the trunk if you can’t take them with you. By following the above
tips, you can reduce your chances of having your vehicle and/or your property inside it stolen. A portion of state statutes was used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 W., Detroit Lakes, Minn. 56501-2205. (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state. mn.us).