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Special Forces taught Hovda best life lessons
Friday, Nov. 11, 2016 Volume 2, Issue 44 Est. 2015
Town Crier
Music ‘Match Up’ winner announced
by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
Resource Training seeks donations for tree
Vietnam veteran Jim Hovda’s house on the edge of Little Rock Lake near Rice is chock-full of mementoes from his years in the Army and his 23 years as a Minneapolis police officer. Hovda, though he is in his 70s, is an energetic, feisty man not the least bit shy of giving his opinions in sometimes-salty phrases. “I never say I was in public service,” he said, scoffing. “That sounds too much like a politician. I always say, instead, that I was giving service to my country.” During an interview with the Sauk Rapids/Rice Newsleader in his home, Hovda shared hundreds of photos of his military years – two fat albums
The winner of the family entertainment package from the Newsleaders’ Halloween music ‘match up’ contest was chosen randomly from among all correct entries received before 5 p.m. Nov. 2. The winner from the Sauk Rapids-Rice community is Cathy Sauer. We hope all of you had as much fun playing as we did creating the contest.
During this season of giving, help Resource Training & Solutions give the gift of warmth by donating to its mitten tree. Please drop off new mittens, gloves, hats, scarves and earmuffs for children and adults to their office by noon Friday, Dec. 2. Items will be distributed to a local charity. Thank you for your generosity and enjoy this season of giving.
‘Dinner with Santa’ seeks local volunteers
With the help of many donations from local companies and generous volunteers dressed in holiday costume, “Dinner with Santa” will be held on Monday, Dec. 19 at the Holiday Inn & Suites Hotel. Tables will be set for approximately 600 residents and helpers from 25 central Minnesota senior community locations. Each resident will be provided a holiday dinner complete with chicken, potatoes, dessert and beverages. Entertainment will include groups of choral singers, hand-bell players and musical accompaniments. A photo with one of the many Santas will be taken and provided for each attendee. Gifts will be wrapped and distributed to each guest, and phone calls to family members will be provided as well. Volunteer Santas-in-costume are still needed. For more information, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on Nov. 11 Criers.
MNsure open enrollment now underway
Now is the time to get covered! If you, or someone you know, needs health insurance, now’s the time to sign up. Don’t leave money on the table. The MNsure marketplace can save you money. It’s the only place to qualify for financial help such as tax credits that can help cover the costs of rising premiums. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 31. Sign up by Dec. 15 for coverage that starts Jan. 1. For more information, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on Nov. 11 Criers.
See back page for a Salute to Veterans!
photo by Dennis Dalman
Vietnam veteran Jim Hovda recalls his service to country.
filled with pictures – pictures of Hovda parachuting, an artists’ drawing of military Medal of Honor winners, a big poster of officer Hovda’s police badge, a photo of Hovda in Vietnam standing next to famed actress/ comedian/singer Martha Ray, a little wad of foreign money, a practice grenade. Hovda loved his life as a military man and, later, as a police officer. Both jobs, especially the Army, were filled with life lessons, he noted. “I learned how to treat people,” he said, “and I learned how never to treat anybody.” Hovda is proudest of his service in the U.S. Army Special Forces, a highly elite branch that began just about the time Hovda had a chance to join it. At the time, he was a raHovda • page 3
Sauk Rapids woman dies in accident with motorist by Frank Lee operations@thenewsleaders.com
A Sauk Rapids woman died in a two-car accident on the evening of Nov. 4 in Stearns County. Sheena Grimstad, 33, was
northbound in a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu on Hwy. 15 at “a high rate of speed” at about 7 p.m. when she veered off the road and struck a light pole at CR 1, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
Christina Hasselbring, 40, a St. Joseph resident, was stopped for a red light on CR 1 in a 2015 GMC Sierra pickup when the Sierra was struck by Grimstad. Hasselbring’s physical condition was unavailable as of the dead-
line time of this newspaper. Helping at the scene of the accident were officials from the Sauk Rapids, Sartell and St. Cloud police departments and the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office.
Ten-year-old shares the gift of Thanksgiving by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com
Ten-year-old Mykayla Bluhm-Slater has a very generous and giving spirit, and she appreciates and is thankful for what she has. That is perhaps why the
Pleasantview Elementary fifthgrader has decided to help share the holiday of Thanksgiving with others. She is hoping to collect enough “Turkey Stamps” and donations to provide an entire Thanksgiving meal for three or four families who are strug-
gling to find the means to do it themselves. “Turkey Stamps” are given to shoppers of Coborn’s stores based on how much they spend at the stores. A completed “Turkey Stamp” card entitles the bearer to one Thanksgiving turkey. This is not the first time
Bluhm-Slater has wanted to help other families enjoy the holiday. When she was 8 years old, she realized she wanted to help other people who might not have the funds to provide their own dinners and was able to raise enough Turkey Stamps to Gift • back page
Trump triumphs; so do Hunstiger, Rogholt (Editor’s note: This brief story was written shortly before the Newsleader deadline of 5 a.m. Wednesday, an earlier than usual deadline necessitated by the Veterans Day holiday. For more detailed election reports and vote totals, see the online Newsleader and the Nov. 18 newspapers.) by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com It was a Trump triumph Nov. 8, Election Day, when the New York City real-estate tycoon was elected president of the United States, defeating contender Hillary Clinton.
The vote totals became official shortly after 2 a.m. Nov. 9, and shortly after Clinton called him to concede the race and to offer her congratulations. In his victory speech, Trump called for unity and pledged he would be a president “for all Americans.” In other races pertaining to the Newsleader coverage areas, the following candidates were elected: Sauk Rapids Mayor: Kurt Hunstiger. Sauk Rapids City Council: Steve Heinen, Nick Sauer (both incumbents). Sauk Rapids-Rice School
Board: Mark Hauck, Tracy Morse, Jan Solarz (all incumbents) and Ryan Butkowski. Rice Mayor: Dale Rogholt. Rice City Council: Christopher Scheel, Bryan Anderson (both incumbents). Minnesota House District 13B: Tim O’Driscoll (R-Sartell, incumbent). Minnesota House District 12A: Jeff Howe (R-Rockville, incumbent). Minnesota Senate District District 13: Michelle Fischbach (R-Paynesville, incumbent). Stearns County Commissioner District 2: Challenger Joe Perske.
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St. Joseph Mayor: Rick Schultz (incumbent). St. Joseph City Council: Troy Goracke, Bob Loso (incumbent). Sartell City Council: Mike Chisum, Ryan Fitzthum. Sartell-St. Stephen School Board: Lesa Kramer, Jason Nies, Pam Raden (all incumbents). St. Cloud School Board: Al Dahlgren (incumbent), Shannon Haws, Jeff Pollreis, Monica Segura-Schwartz. St. Cloud School District bond questions: Yes to a new high school, no to renovations at Apollo High School.
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Friday, Nov. 11, 2016
Catholic Charities welcomes new executive director by Frank Lee operations@thenewsleaders.com
The corporate board of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud recently appointed Stephen Pareja, a Sartell resident and St. John’s University graduate, as the organization’s new executive director, effective Nov. 28. Pareja will replace Steven Bresnahan, who is retiring from leading central Minnesota’s largest non-profit human-
service organization after more than two decades. “ We ’ re thrilled to have someone of Stephen Pareja’s Pareja caliber leading such an important part of our faith community,” said Bishop Donald Kettler during an Oct. 28 press conference at Catholic Charities in St. Cloud.
The organization, which serves 16 counties across the heart of Minnesota, conducted a nationwide search to fill the position but found Pareja in Stearns County. “My Catholic faith has always been an important part of my life, and Catholic Charities is an organization I respect very much,” said Pareja, who served as director of Clinical Services at CentraCare Health, Monticello. He has more than 30 years
of experience in serving others, mostly in the health-care industry. Pareja graduated from Indiana University with degrees in radiologic technology and business. He has a master’s degree in health-care administration from Ohio University and is a Catholic deacon with a master’s in theology from St. John’s University. “I’m excited to be able to combine my faith life and work life while serving those in need in our community,” said Pareja,
who is also a deacon at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell. Catholic Charities is a nonprofit organization that advances the charitable and social mission of the Diocese of St. Cloud and “builds communities, promotes family life, and enhances human dignity by providing quality services to meet the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families of all faiths and beliefs.”
Cliff Borgerding, a Lake Wobegon Trails Association board member and past president. “The signs will be up there forever – at least that’s the plan, anyways.” The signs were attached to each mile marker on Oct. 7 from the St. Joseph trailhead at mile marker 82 through Avon to the Schwinghammer Lake Bridge at mile marker 94 east of Albany. “If you are going from St. (Joseph) out to mile marker 94, you will see all the traits listed that way,” Borgerding said of the new signs featuring white lettering on a blue background. “And if you turn around and go
back to St. (Joseph), you’re going to see them repeated on the back side.”
chased the metal, the material, that was needed for the signs.” Lake Wobegon has come to represent small-town America, and the values and personalities that help make America great, said Borgerding, who lives in Avon, which is one of the cities located along the 10-foot wide, bituminous-surfaced hike-andbike pathway. “Garrison Keillor’s ‘The News from Lake Wobegon’ stories reminded us every week for over 40 years what life in America is about,” Borgerding said. “Here’s a great real-life example of those values and the people (who) go with that experience. “It’s about the efforts of two
people who use the trail regularly who had an idea and followed through on it and created a lasting memory they hope will make people pause and think about how they live their lives,” Bergerding added. A community memorial service was held Sept. 25 for Wetterling at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, and countless numbers of people attended the public service and joined the Wetterling family for “an ecumenical prayer service of remembrance, hope and healing.” “Jerry and Patty (Wetterling) had sent me a note saying they had been out several times on Trail • page 5
Lake Wobegon Trail honors Wetterling’s memory by Frank Lee operations@thenewsleaders.com
Jacob Wetterling’s remains were recovered earlier this year after his killer confessed to the crime almost three decades after the 11-year-old boy was abducted at gunpoint from St. Joseph. The Lake Wobegon Trails Association is making sure his memory is kept alive by honoring the boy with new signs along the 46-mile-long trail urging trail users to practice the traits Jacob valued. “They have the 11 traits the Wetterling family has put out there as Jacob’s values,” said
Food-packaging event to be held Nov. 20 Kids Fighting Hunger is excited to announce its fourth annual “We Are Thankful” community-wide food-packaging event on Sunday Nov. 20, at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. This event is designed to give 600+ families, adults and children in our community a chance to help provide some much-needed food to families in Central Minnesota and in Sierra Leone. Three of the following shifts are available to volunteers: 9-11 a.m, 11 a.m-1 p.m and 1-3 p.m. Donations are needed to pay for ingredients. Recommended donation is $20/ per adult, $15/per student, $10/per child. For more information, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on Nov. 11 Criers.
People The Sauk Rapids-Rice School District joined area school districts and Resource Training & Solutions to salute the Region’s exemplary staff on Sep. 28 and Oct. 26. These events were opportunities to recognize the accomplishments of and to celebrate some of Sauk Rapids-Rice’s finest, most dedicated staff. The educational recognition events were held in St. Cloud, and included nearly 400 attendees. All guests enjoyed
a reception, dinner and keynote speaker, while the honorees were recognized with a plaque and certificate. There is no better staff than that in the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District. Congratulations to this year’s honorees: Kathy Adamek, Michele Anderson, Crystal Davidson, Megan Foley, Dorothy Kuechle, Julie Litzinger, Bonnie Raduns, Lisa Wahlin, Nan Weston and Cory Zimpel.
Commemorating Jacob
The signs were the brainchild of Lisa and Dewey Klaphake of Avon, one of the small towns along the Lake Wobegon Trail, which opened on Sept. 30, 1998. The married couple called Borgerding in late September of this year with their idea to commemorate Jacob Wetterling. “They were willing to take on the project, including funding it and putting up the signs themselves,” Borgerding recalled. “The Klaphakes actually pur-
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. Sept. 27 12:50 p.m. Medical. 11 Street N. Police were dispatched to a women with a bloody nose that would not stop. While en route, Gold Cross paramedics told authorities they were not needed. No further action was taken. Sept. 28 Suspicious vehicle. Osauka Road N.E. Officers observed a vehicle parked on the shoulder of the roadway. The car was unoccupied and parked legally, so no action was taken. 8:48 p.m. Drive-off. Benton Drive S. Police responded to a
Blotter
claim of an individual who had driven off without paying for his gasoline. Authorities ran several combinations of the license plate number provided but were unable to determine a match. No further action has been taken at this time. Sept. 29 9:59 a.m. Medical. 13th Street N. Authorities responded to a female who had fallen and was experiencing pain. Upon arrival, Gold Cross ambulance had arrived. The area was cleared. 10:21 p.m. Verbal warning. Second Street S./Benton Drive S. Police observed a vehicle traveling in the dark with no headlights. A traffic stop with initiated. The driver stated she had just gotten a new car and did not know how to use the new features. She was issued a warning. Sept. 30 8:36 p.m. Medical. Fourth Avenue N. Police responded to a male who was experiencing congestive
heart failure. Authorities assisted Gold Cross paramedics. The patient was transported to St. Cloud Hospital for further medical attention. 10:14 p.m. Suspicious person. Second Avenue S. Officers responded to a phone call from complainant who stated a suspicious person had come to her door. Upon arrival, police spoke with the woman who stated that someone had knocked on her door. The individual was a male, wearing a black ski mask. The complainant requested extra patrol as there had been some recent suspicious activity happening in the area. Oct. 1 1:52 a.m. Suspicious vehicle. Golden Spike Road N.E. While on routine patrol, officers observed two vehicles parked at a close gas station. Officers made contact with the vehicles who stated they had recently left the Golden Spike races and stopped to visit with each other. Everything appeared fine. The area was cleared.
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Friday, Nov. 11, 2016
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Kwik Trip draws big crowds in Central Minnesota by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
Kwik Trip stores seem to be proliferating in the greater St. Cloud area, with a recent one opening in Sauk Rapids and an even newer one that started business just last week on Division Street in St. Cloud. In just the past few months, seven Kwik Trips opened in the area, including in St. Joseph, Sauk Rapids, St. Cloud and Waite Park. “This is a fantastic loca-
Hovda from front page dio-communications soldier serving in South Korea. One day he saw a poster about a branch called “Special Forces.” He checked into it. He took a series of rigorous, exhausting tests and was accepted. Then he was sent to jump school at Fort Benning, Ga., then later to Fort Bragg, N.C. There were times of intense training that pushed Special Forces members to the very edge of mental and physical exhaustion. Many of the training sessions were in extremes of hot and cold, sometimes in swamps with alligators and other creepy-crawlies. Hovda recalled one particularly miserable time in the boonies when it kept raining on a cold night. He and his fellow soldiers had to try to stay dry using just a couple of ponchos – no tents. Somehow, Hovda managed. “It was cold; it was miserable,” he said. “But those kinds of things we had to just suck up and learn to do them.” One day, Hovda found himself complaining about the conditions to a soldier with a rank of E-9, and Hovda thought the guy was just a fellow grunt like
tion,” said store leader Cameron Stowe, of the Sauk Rapids Kwik Trip. “The response from customers has been phenomenal. We’ve heard such great comments from them.” The Sauk Rapids Kwik Trip, which opened about three weeks ago, is located at 149209 18th St. S. near the Living Waters Church near Sartell, just off Hwy. 15. During the first weeks of opening, the business was inundated with customers eager to see what the store had to offer, to the point some customers had
trouble finding a parking spot. The Sauk Rapids store, which employs 38 full- and part-time workers, is one of 499 Kwik Trips, a fourth-generation business based in LaCrosse, Wis. Kwik Trips are like mini-grocery stores and gas stations, and they offer all kinds of to-go foods, such as sandwiches hot and cold, pizzas, a huge variety of pastries, coffee, dairy products and a range of breads, groceries and fresh fruits. The stores are open 24
hours a day, seven days a week. Stowe, who lives in St. Cloud, was familiar with Kwik Trips when growing up in Sparta, Wis. At that time, however, he had no clue he would someday be a Kwik Trip store leader in Sauk Rapids. He said he’s happy destiny led him to his current position because he’s very proud to be a Kwik Trip employee. “The company is like family,” he said. “Kwik Trip has great health insurance for employees, and it’s all about the
workers. Forty percent of profits are shared with workers. It’s just an amazing culture, a family culture. Its motto is ‘To make a difference in someone’s life every day,’ and that is what Kwik Trip does.” Stowe is also proud of Kwik Trip products. The frozen pizza and the many, many packages of pastries are made every day in the Kwik Trip headquarters in LaCross and shipped to all stores within 24 hours to ensure freshness. “All of them are made from scratch,” Stowe said.
himself. He soon learned in no uncertain terms that Special Forces members do no complain – ever, no matter what. “It was a good lesson to learn,” he recalled. “The teamwork and leadership in Special Forces were outstanding – great soldiers, tough as nails. A lot of them went on to become Medal of Honor recipients.” Hovda served a six-month tour of duty in Vietnam in 1963 at a time before that war escalated to major status, not long after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Hovda vividly remembers JFK’s murder, not long before he left for Vietnam. On a Saturday, a day when things were kind of laid-back on the base, there was suddenly a command for troops to line up in formation. Everybody wondered, “What the heck’s up?” What was up is that there was an urgent order to send a detachment of Special Forces to participate in the funeral for JFK, a request made by his widow Jacquelyn Kennedy. Within a matter of three hours, about two dozen soldiers were measured and fitted with brand-new uniforms and flown off to Washington, D.C. “They were ready to go and out that door by 18 hundred hours (the military’s way of saying 6 p.m.),” Hovda said.
“It was just amazing how quick they sent them off.” Hovda said he wouldn’t trade his military experiences or his police officer job for anything. Once back from Vietnam, in 1964, Hovda returned to his book-binding job at the Minneapolis Public Library. Born in Minneapolis, he attended a vocational high school, studying printing, and landed the job in the library bindery but later he and a good friend decided to join the Army in 1960 on the “buddy system.” Hovda came to dislike the bindery job after all the experiences and life lessons he’d learned in the Army, so he applied for a job with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department. The first sergeant he worked with was a disagreeable, ornery sort; Hovda disliked him intensely. The second sergeant he worked with was a great guy who owned a cabin on Little Rock Lake near Rice, a serendipitous fact since Hovda would later make his home at the same lake. The third sergeant was a “tough son-ofa-gun who had been part of the D-Day invasion of northern France. “He was young and fit,” Hovda recalled. “A tough guy.” After awhile, his job as a deputy began to get a little dull,
more paperwork and traffic work than catching bad guys. “That’s what God made me for,” Hovda said. “He made me to fight crooks. I liked fighting crooks, chasing crooks and catching crooks. And that’s what I did when I joined the Minneapolis Police Department. I loved it on Day 1 and loved it on my last day. I was on the police force for 23 years.” Hovda likes to say there are two kinds of people – taxpayers and non-taxpayers. “The non-taxpayers are lowlife, if you ask me,” he said. As an avid member of the American Legion of Rice, Hovda
and his wife Jan, an auxiliary member, are proud to take part in Veterans Day ceremonies and in many other ways of helping veterans with their needs. Hovda’s pride and fondness for the military have strengthened with age. “It (military years) was one huge education,” he said. “Lessons about leadership, about life and death, about crises and survival and about taking care of everything. There were lots of life lessons to learn. I met the most amazing people in the Special Forces. Many are now gone – dead. They are special people ... very, very special people.”
Suspect sought in pizza store robbery An investigation of a robbery of Papa John’s Pizza in Sauk Rapids on Oct. 25 is still underway. Sauk Rapids police responded to an emergency call at 10:13 a.m. about a robbery at the Papa John’s pizzeria at 25 N. Benton Drive. A black
male wearing a ski mask entered the store and demanded any available money. The suspect then left the store with an undisclosed amount of money. No one was injured in the incident. Law enforcement officers from Benton County, the Min-
nesota State Patrol and Sartell assisted in a search of the area for the suspect, who could not be found. People with any information about the robbery should call the Sauk Rapids Police Department at 320-251-9451.
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DAV helps veterans of all ages and their families receive the benefits they earned. Lend support or get free help at DAV.org.
Copper is a 10-year-old, neutered Coonhound mix who is looking for a loving home this November, which is adopt-a-senior pet month. You’d never guess that Copper is 10. The only giveaway is the gray around his muzzle. He loves to go for walks, chew on rawhides and attempt to get his whole body on your lap. He’s done well with other dogs in the past but has been a bit rambunctious around kids and cats. Copper is treat motivated, but he’ll think the sweetest treat of all is going home with you!
“Helping one animal won’t change the world … but it will change the world for that one animal!” Dogs - 13 Rabbits - 5
Cats - 31 Kittens - 17 Guinea pigs - 2
Tri-County Humane Society 735 8th St. NE • PO Box 701 St. Cloud, MN 56302
320-252-0896
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.
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Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, Nov. 11, 2016
photos by Dave DeMars
Above: Bird Girls, Wickersham Monkeys, Fish Dancers and Hunches, Chorus of Whos, Chorus of Jungle Creatures and Cadets are all part of the onstage company of Seussical the Musical. A pit orchestra, back stage scene and lighting techs complete the company of 97 people. The major players in the play are (from left to right) Jennifer Nguyen, Bailey Bauer, Alyssa Brennhofer, Aneleise Martinson, Stephanie Wright, Maria Frerich, Hannah Weber, Justin Glen, Bryce Paulson, Matt Murphy, Colton Schultz, Cullen Donahue, Anna Zeleny, Carter Hammerel, Hillarie Markfort, Natalie Westergren, Luke Vannurden and Dominic Kapinos. Right: The Mayor of Whoville, played by Cullen Donahue and Mrs. Mayor, played by Anna Zeleny raise their glasses in a toast in “Seussical the Musical.”
photo by Dave DeMars
Colton Schultz practices one of the many songs he performs in Seussical the Musical prior to taking the stage.
Seussical the Musical offers magic by Dave DeMars news@thenewsleaders.com
Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, the Whos of Whoville, the Grinch . . . All names that are familiar to millions of children and grownups around the world. All of them and more are part of the world of Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss. And now the characters of Dr. Seuss are appearing on stage at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School thanks to the efforts of the drama department and the cast of Seussical the Musical. Opening night is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11. Seussical the Musical is not just a show for children but is entertaining for all ages from children to grandparents and for all who have read the Dr. Seuss stories throughout their lifetime, said the play’s director, Julie Christenson.
The plot
The musical features a variety of musical styles and types, including Latin, pop, swing, gospel, R&B and funk as the Cat in the Hat narrates this fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza based on the works of Dr. Seuss. The Cat in the Hat serves as narrator and guide and takes viewers to the mysterious jungle of Nool. There the audience will meet Horton the elephant, who is bathing when he hears sounds coming from a speck of dust. To his surprise, he discovers a boy named JoJo and the other Whos in the city of Whoville, living in danger of being blown away. JoJo is a Who child sent to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton decides he must protect the speck of dust
on a nearby clover, while at the same time protecting an abandoned egg left to his care by the lazy Mayzie la Bird. To make matters worse, the Sour Kangaroo and the monkeys known as the Wickersham Brothers steal the dust speck and lose it in a field of clover. With the help of his friends, Gertrude McFuzz and Mayzie LaBird, Horton embarks on a quest to find the clover and save Whoville. “I’ll find it!” Horton criers. “I’ll find it or bust! I SHALL find my friends on my small speck of dust!” Having vowed to protect them, Horton finds the task harder than expected since no one can hear the Whos except him, and so everyone in the jungle thinks Horton has gone crazy. He endures many hardships along the way, including a stint in the circus and being put on trial for insanity before Judge Yertle the Turtle. Through his adventures, Horton also learns about the importance of tolerance, friendship and loyalty, not to mention the power of being unique and fighting for one’s beliefs. “A person’s a person, no matter how small,” Horton says.
A taste of rehearsal
Practices are intensifying as the performance date draws near. Cast and crew have been at work on the play since the first week in September with a company that numbers 97 participants, said technical director Jim Christenson. “Things can look a little bit chaotic at times,” he said. At the center of the flurry of activity on stage is director Julie Christenson. She holds the vision of how the show should
be presented to the audience. She translates the vision using the cast, the crew, the music, the lights and the words of Seuss. Magically, the story is told – but it takes a whole lot of work by everyone. Performance dates after the rehearsal include 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12, and Nov. 18 and 19, and matinees at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13 and 20.
“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”
Senior Colton Schultz, who performs the role of Cat in the Hat, was able to steal a few minutes to talk with the Newsleader. It’s a major role for Schultz and one that challenges him despite having played Oz in The Wizard of Oz last year. “It’s my first singing lead,” Schultz said. “The rhythms present the most challenge, but it has gone pretty well and I’ve definitely come a long way.” While this is probably the most difficult role Schultz has done to date, he said it’s also the easiest because of the rhyme. “It’s all rhythm and rhyme, and it’s easier to remember things, and it’s not just pages of monologue like The Wizard of Oz was,” Schultz said. “It’s definitely my favorite role so far.” As Dr. Seuss might say if he had thought to: “Lines will be polished. The rough blocking’s done. Costumes are worn by everyone. The music’s rehearsed. And the lighting is set. They’ll be ready on Friday, On that you can bet.”
Friday, Nov. 11, 2016
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
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Sauk Rapids veterans honored at St. Cloud VA parade
contributed photo
Lisa and Dewey Klaphake of Avon, and Patty Wetterling (center) of St. Joseph and mother of the late Jacob Wetterling, stand next to a new sign they helped fund and can be found along the Lake Wobegon Trail that encourages trail users to practice the traits Jacob valued, such as “Be positive.”
Trail from page 2 the trail and had seen the signs, and they really liked seeing the signs out there,” Borgerding said of Jacob Wetterling’s parents.
Wetterling case
Wetterling was abducted in 1989 in a case that drew national attention. His remains were located on a Paynesville farm after Danny Heinrich, 53, of Annandale, was arrested last summer for possessing child pornography. As part of a plea agreement, he led investigators to the remains. “I haven’t heard any negative comments at all,” Borgerding said about the signs. “We had checked with the (Jacob) Wetterling foundation (for the prevention of the exploitation of children) just to let them know we were doing it.” About the time of the Wetterling’s disappearance, a man in the Paynesville area had molested several boys during a period of years, but it was only recently Heinrich confessed to sexually assaulting and killing Wetterling as he pleaded guilty to child pornography charges on Sept. 6. “While the Minnesota Department of Transportation generally frowns on signage along the trail, we felt this was an exception that could be accommodated,” Borgerding said. Gov. Mark Dayton, who attended the Jacob Wetterling Memorial Service on Sept. 25, stated in an official state procla-
mation that Oct. 22, 2016 was to be “Jacob Wetterling Day” – 27 years to the date after Wetterling was abducted in 1989. “Dewey Klaphake had lived in the neighborhood where the Wetterlings lived when Jacob was taken, and so the couple mentioned to me they were thinking about making this donation (for the signs),” Borgerding said. “They just felt it was something really important to them.” Dayton mentioned in his proclamation how the boy’s abduction profoundly affected the lives of Minnesotans and that Wetterling’s parents dedicated their lives to children’s safety by helping to create the Jacob Wetterling Act of 1994, the start of a state registry to help keep children safe. The governor urged all in Minnesota to commit their lives to fairness, kindness and compassion – all qualities Jacob and his family always held dear.
Lasting legacy
Lisa Klaphake works for Sentra-Sota Sheet Metal Inc., which is owned by Jeff Bechtold and Jeff Popp. And when she told them about her idea, they agreed to donate the labor for the signs, and one of her co-workers, Mike Witte, cut the signs into the proper shape, Borgerding said. Lisa Klaphake then took the blank signs to North Star Signs & Engraving Inc., which is owned by Craig and Josh Laudenbach. Upon hearing about the project, they offered to do the lettering free of charge. “The weather may have been a little chilly and windy, but it
warmed my heart to see what people can do to touch the lives of their friends, neighbors and complete strangers . . . and what one person can do to make the world a better place for all of us,” Borgerding said the day the signs went up. Borgerding said he was friends with the Wetterling family when he lived in St. Joseph from 1973 to 1988, and he was part of the St. Joseph Jaycees. Borgerding and Lisa Klaphake had worked together many decades ago at Merrill May Printing in St. Cloud. “With each mile and with each sign, we are inspired to incorporate Jacob’s traits into our own life’s journey and to remember the life of a young boy who believed in the good in others,” Borgerding said. The No. 11 was Wetterling’s favorite number and his jersey number. In early September, the Minnesota Twins wore the No. 11 and red jerseys in the boy’s honor after his remains were recovered. The #11forJacob movement is an effort “to remember and honor Jacob Wetterling’s hope for our world,” according to the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center in Minneapolis, and the movement centers around these 11 simple traits he valued: 1. Be fair 2. Be kind 3. Be understanding 4. Be honest 5. Be thankful 6. Be a good sport 7. Be a good friend 8. Be joyful 9. Be generous 10. Be gentle with others 11. Be positive
photo by Frank Lee
Members of the Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992 proudly march Nov. 6 in the 2016 Veterans Day Parade and Social on the campus of the St. Cloud VA Health Care System. Since 1946, Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992 has supported American veterans of all past and present wars.
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6
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
along with our veterans
Time to throw out the Obamacare baby with the bathwater? No, it’s not. I’ve defended Obamacare for six years. However, I also acknowledged, every time I defended it, that it’s not perfect, that it must be seriously tweaked as it evolves. I also wrote and said repeatedly if Obamacare (Affordable Care Act) becomes unaffordable, it will have turned into a misnomer, an unaffordable “Affordable” Care Act, and that it will be time for a major overhaul or a new system to replace it. That time has come – for an overhaul, at least. One reason I’ve always defended Obamacare with such vehemence is that its knee-jerk enemies, like Rep. Ted Cruz, who triggered a government shutdown because of it, constantly spoke of the ACA in apocalyptic terms – train wreck, unmitigated disaster, a death spiral. One Obamahating politician, Dr. Ben Carson, called it “worse than slavery.” Ah, yes, the sky is falling, the end is nigh, and it’s all Obama’s fault. If the ACA is totally scrapped, as those who hate it so wish, some fine day some of those opponents or their loved ones just might desperately need it. Alas, too late; it will be gone. Be careful what you wish for. Obamacare, I’ve often maintained and still do, is better than nothing for these reasons: • About 20 million people are insured who never had insurance before. • It forbids insurance companies denying coverage to those who have pre-existing medical conditions. • It allows people up to the age of 26 to stay on their parents’ insurance policies. • It requires standards of care and preventive services, such as early detection of serious threats like cancer. • It prohibits hiking premiums for women just because they are women. • It has lowered the costs of health care in many sectors, other than the recent spate of premium increases. Who can deny those outcomes are not good things? The bad outcomes, which I’d always worried and written about, are these:
Friday, Nov. 11, 2016
Opinion Our View Keep Obamacare baby, throw out bathwater Thank families, caregivers Veterans Day on Nov. 11 is a time to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our country and our freedoms. But it’s also a good time to remember and to honor all who have served this nation: wounded veterans, those who served but were not wounded, the millions of family members of soldiers and, last but not least, the many caregivers who often go unrecognized and unsung. They, too, are heroes who have made many sacrifices. Soldiers working in a non-combat zone are vital to the overall organization of any branch of military service. They are vital cogs in the wheel because they work to make soldiers in danger zones well-equipped and as safe as possible. They, too, deserve kudos. With an all-volunteer military service, many soldiers (men and women) are serving multiple deployments, often in the most dangerous areas of the world. Unlike many other wars, when young men were drafted, the solders in this day and age tend to be older, with the average age in their mid-30s. As a result, many of those soldiers are married, with children. Husbands and wives, mothers and fathers have to leave families behind, in some cases multiple times, so they can serve their country so far from home. Imagine the anguish and sacrifices those spouses and the children make, having to adjust to a life without that husband or that wife being there for them. Imagine the worries they endure, dreading their loved ones far away might come home wounded – or not at all. Those families deserve our highest gratitude and praise. Thank them and help them every chance you get. And last but never least are the caregivers for returning veterans. We keep hearing about scandals in the Veterans Administration’s hospitals, and some are indeed scandalous, like the long waits for some veterans desperately in need of immediate care. However, in spite of those terrible lapses in care, which must be remedied, there are so many success stories thanks to the hard work of so many excellent caregivers who make their own kinds of sacrifices to care for veterans who have physical wounds and sometimes mental wounds, too. Those success stories, helping veterans recover and re-adjust to civilian life, often go unreported, out of sight, out of mind. To be sure, there is much work to be done, and more time and money must be spent on behalf of all veterans, but we should not forget the heroic doctors, nurses, medical aides, psychologists, counselors and others who dedicate their lives to helping veterans. One such caregiver is Phil Ringstrom of Sartell, a clinical nurse who has worked for years with veterans and helped create programs of great value for them. Another caregiver is LeRoy Kieke of Sauk Rapids, a Vietnam veteran who works tirelessly on behalf of veterans. Yet another is Jim Hovda of Rice, who also served in Vietnam and who frequently speaks up and acts on behalf of veterans everywhere. And then there is Ken Hiemenz, former mayor of St. Joseph, who has long been a champion of veterans and their causes. Those are just some of the people who are caregivers locally. There are many, many of them in our local area. When you meet them, when you see them, be sure to thank them the same way you thank the veterans.
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.
Dennis Dalman Editor • Giant insurance companies and drug companies are often the tails wagging the dog. • Even though federal subsidies cover most of these big premium spikes, the taxpayers get soaked for those increases, and the insurance companies and drug companies know that all too well – smugly so. • The deductibles in some of the insurance plans keep increasing, sometimes by thousands of dollars, making a policy all but useless for some policy holders. Those kinds of deductible outrages, let’s remember, happened often, long before the ACA. The problems with Obamacare do not constitute a “train wreck.” After all, before the system was even conceived (in a Republican think-tank, no less), insurance premiums had been skyrocketing in double digits for many years, so these recent increases, which average 25 percent – some less, some far more – should not necessarily be such shockers. However, I fully admit if not a train wreck, the Obamacare train is slowing down to a problematic chug-a-chug. Let’s fix it, as Hillary Clinton proposes, and let’s not throw out baby as her opponent Donald Trump would like to do. The best way to fix it now is to let it include a “public option,” allowing some people to buy into the current Medicare program. And if the ACA has to be scrapped completely, let’s first figure out how to replace it. Those who have so rabidly hated it from the get-go come up empty-handed, empty-headed when asked what they would put in its place. In some cases, they feebly propose tax credits or tax-free health-savings accounts, as if hardworking but financially-strapped people who have trouble putting food on the table can af-
ford to sock away bundles of money for health care. Another replacement proposal is the goodold free-market solution with the presumption that rigorous competition will lower prices. Free-market forces have never worked well in the labyrinthine health industry. In fact, they are more the problem than the solution. Big Pharm, to use just one example, is an outrage. When the Medicare Part D Drug Act was passed under President George W. Bush, part of the agreement is the government is forbidden to negotiate for lower drug prices with drug companies. As a result, some vital life-sustaining drugs now cost insanely-inflated amounts. A hepatitis-C drug made by the drug company Gilead Sciences used to cost $1 a pill; it’s now $1,000 a pill. It’s a life-saving pill that many war veterans require to stay alive. And that is only one example of health-care forces far beyond the control of people facing life-and-death situations. For many decades, I’ve researched health systems throughout the world. Bernie Sanders is right – a one-payer, universal system is the only way to go. I believe it’s inevitable and the flawed ACA was – and is – a step in its direction. It’s disappointing how many Americans are not aware of the excellence and cost-efficiency of one-payer systems in other nations where every citizen is covered. Trouble is, we have been conditioned for decades by the powers-that-be to think of any health-care systems other than our own as bad – where sick people die while waiting in line for incompetent treatment that never comes. It’s the same kind of nonsense some people believe about Scandinavian countries – where people are so beaten down by socialism they commit suicide. Nonsense. Medicare and the Veterans Administration health system are both in a way “one-payer” systems. I would bet that within 10 years, the United States, at long last, will absolutely have no choice but to adopt a one-payer system – funded with our taxes instead of skyrocketing premiums.
Letter to the editor:
On this day, remember those who fought for our freedoms Betty Freihammer, Sauk Rapids
On this Veterans Day, the members of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #254 of Sauk Rapids would like to express our sincere appreciation to the men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. We invite everyone to pause today to remember those who have fought for our freedom.
Thank you to all who have so bravely protected us. We know you sacrificed much for your country and all of us. And though some of you may no longer wear uniforms, we know you’re always on call to serve and protect the freedom and security of the United States of America. American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for nearly a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans, the military and their families, both here and abroad.
They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $2 billion. As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with ALGirls State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.
Veterans deserve our appreciation The United States is a nation created by the fighting spirit of brave men and women. The American Revolution would not have started, nor would have been successful, if it was not for those who were willing to stand up and fight for their rights. Our country is not free by some international treaty or agreement but from a revolution where we asserted the people should be their own governors. This is why Veterans Day has always been important to me. Veterans Day is, itself, an almost 100-year-old tradition in the United States. The first Veterans Day was known as Armistice Day in reference to the Armistice that ended World War I on the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. It was proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson on Nov. 11, 1919, to honor the veterans of that particular conflict. Later, as years went by, the day became an official holiday in 1938. After World War II, a veteran named Raymond Weeks proposed Armistice Day should be expanded to cover veterans of all American wars, not just World War I. He led celebrations in Birmingham, Ala., on Nov. 11 for all veterans, starting in 1947. President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill into law officially renaming Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954. Weeks received the Presidential Citizenship Medal in 1982, being called the “Father of Veterans Day.” Through these efforts, Veterans Day has come to the point where it is today. Many of my first and current experiences with the holiday observances are through school assemblies. I remember several speakers, including some of our
Connor Kockler Guest Writer teachers, telling us about their experiences in the military. It’s very inspiring and humbling to be in the presence of those who have given so much for this country and that they are willing to share it with us as students. Military members are some of the best our society has to offer. They are willing to sacrifice their time, energy and sometimes their lives to keep this country safe. One of the reasons our country’s military is so strong is the morale and motivation of our troops. All of our soldiers volunteer to join the American military. I send out my great gratitude and thanks to the people who have or are currently serving in our nation’s armed forces. A simple thank-you is not always enough. It is because of you we, the American people, enjoy the freedoms we do. As Americans, it’s easy to forget just how much freedom we have compared to the rest of the world. We have the right to free speech, to practice religion as we choose, to bear arms, to be protected from unwarranted searches, and the list goes on. I could not imagine living without these freedoms. They allow us to live our daily lives without being oppressed by tyranny.
None of this would be possible without the tremendous efforts of our veterans. When America has been attacked, we have had the benefit of outstanding people in uniform to fight back for our freedoms. Many have gone across the world, and some have never come home. Those who do sometimes do not receive the care nor the appreciation they have earned. This is something that needs to be fixed immediately. The Veterans Administration scandal shocked me, and it’s outrageous our nation’s heroes can ever be allowed to die waiting for care. Our veterans gave us their all, we should be giving them our all in return. America is a nation built on the dedication and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. For hundreds of years and through numerous conflicts, the American soldier fights for freedom, liberty and justice for all. We would not be here today without their contributions in the fight and back home as private citizens. Thirty-two of 44 presidents of the United States have had military service of some kind. This started with our first president and commander of the Continental Army, George Washington. Veterans have founded many successful and thriving businesses, and raised the next generations of Americans. Veterans deserve our praise and gratitude this Veterans Day. They have surely earned it. Connor Kockler is a Sauk Rapids-Rice High School student. He enjoys writing, politics and news, among other interests.
Friday, Nov. 11, 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, Nov. 11 Benton County Historical Society, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320253-9614. mnbentonhistory.org. St. Cloud Film Festival, noon,, Pioneer Place, 22 Fifth Ave. S., St. Cloud. Veterans Day Program, 1:30 p.m., St. Cloud VA, Building 8 Auditorium. Saturday, Nov. 12 Holiday Bazaar, sponsored by St. Paul’s Christian Women, 9 a.m.1 p.m., St. Paul’s Parish Center, 1125 11th Ave. N., St. Cloud. 320251-4831. Holiday Boutique, sponsored by Mothers of Preschoolers, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Celebration Lutheran Church, 1500 Pinecone Road, Sartell. Winter Market, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sartell City Hall, 125 Pinecone Road N. marketmonday.org. Holiday Craft Sale, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 CR 2, St. Joseph. lwallin@ gmail.com. Coffee and Coloring, presented by Women of Today, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Local Blend Coffee Shop, 19 W Minnesota St., St. Joseph. St. Cloud Film Festival, noon, Pioneer Place, 22 Fifth Ave. S., St. Cloud. WANTED TO BUY: Basswood and Birchwood by truckload delivered to Dodgeville,WI. Bark intact, harvested in dormancy, delivered FRESH cut. Pre-arranged purchases only. Call Al Ladd at 608-935-2341 ext.333 (MCN) AU T O M O B I L E S / M O T O R C Y C L E S WANTED MOTORCYCLES: TOP CASH PAID! For Old Motorcycles! 1900-1979. DEAD OR ALIVE! 920-371-0494 (MCN) ADOPTION PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Call us first. Living expenses, housing, medical, and continued support afterwards. Choose adoptive family of your choice. Call 24/7. 855-390-6047 (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. 1-800-283-0205 (MCN) DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details. 855-752-6680 (MCN) BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Need $$$? EZ 8-Step method works Fast! Many see results within 7-14 days. Request Free Ebook & Video at 8ezsteps. SubscribeMeNow.com or listen to 24/7 informational message 888-887-7776 (MCN) EMPLOYMENT/HELP WANTED The Algona Upper Des Moines is looking for an energetic, committed writer. Email samples and resume to managing editor Alan Van Ormer at avanormer@ algona.com (MCN) HELP WANTED: OTR DRIVERS. Ewy Trucking seeking Owner/Operators & Company Drivers. Valid Class A CDL. Home on weekends if desired. Pulling
“Minnesota on Canvas,” featuring photographer Randy Asseln, noon-2 p.m., Great River Arts, 122 First St. SE, Little Falls. Central Minnesota Chapter of the Federation of the Blind of Minnesota, 12:30 p.m., American Legion, 17 Second Ave. N., Waite Park. Sunday, Nov. 13 Breakfast, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m., St. Boniface Church, 501 Main St., Cold Spring. Free Thanksgiving Dinner and Worship, 10:30 a.m., 3686 CR 8 SE, St. Cloud. northlandchurch. com. French Film Festival, showing of Bande de Filles, 7:15 p.m., St. John’s University (Art Building 102), 2850 Abbey Plaza, Collegeville. Monday, Nov. 14 Benton County Historical Society, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320253-9614. mnbentonhistory.org. St. Joseph Fare for All, 3:305:30 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 CR 2, St. Joseph. 800582-4291. fareforall.org. 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. Rice City Council, 7 p.m., council chambers, Rice City Hall, 205 Main St. E. 320-393-2280. Sauk Rapids Sportsmen’s
hopper bottoms across the U.S. Minnesota Based. Call 507-421-3680.(MCN) MAKE $1,000 WEEKLY! Paid in advance! Mailing Brochures at Home! Easy pleasant work. Begin Immediately! Age unimportant! www.homemoney77.com (MCN) McFarland Truck Lines drivers were averaging over $.50/mile and are now getting a new bonus for high miles! Drive the newest trucks, be home when needed. WWW.MCFGTL.COM Call now 507-437-9905 (MCN) STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS got you down? We can help reduce payments and get finances under control, call: 866-8711626 (MCN) 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) FOR SALE Trailer Sale! 2017 H&H 82”X20’+4’ 14,000# Equipment trailers: Discount $669 to $692. 12 different sizes of Dump Trailers; 14’ 14,000# is $6,450; 2017 H&H 6’X12’ V-nose Rampdoor cargo $2,750.00; 2017 H&H 7’X16’ V-nose Rampdoor cargo $4,169.00; Trailer Repairs & 100’s of parts; brakes, bearings, wheels, tires jacks, hitches(Gooseneck & bumper), Wheel chocks. 515-972-4554 www.FortDodgeTrailerWorld.com (MCN) HEALTH & MEDICAL 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) LIVING WITH KNEE OR BACK PAIN?
Club, 8 p.m., Molitor’s Quarry Grill and Bar, 425 35th St. N.E., Sauk Rapids.
Tuesday, Nov. 15 Sartell Chamber of Commerce, 11:30 a.m., Waters Church, 1227 Pinecone Road. 320-258.6061. info@sartellchamber.com. Central Minnesota Market, 3-5:30 p.m., VA Hospital, 4801 Veterans Drive, St. Cloud. 320-2512498. 55+ Driving Improvement Program (four-hour refresher course), 5-9 p.m., Sartell-St. Stephen District Service Center, 212 Third Ave. N., Sartell. 1-888-234-1294. Sauk Rapids Lions Club, 6:30 p.m., VFW, 901 N. Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids. e-clubhouse.org/sites/ saukrapidslionsmn. Sauk Rapids Women of Today, 7 p.m., VFW, 901 N. Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids. saukrapidswt@mnwt. org. Holistic Moms Network, 7-8:30 p.m., Good Earth Co-op, 2010 Veterans Drive, St. Cloud. 320-2522489. St. Cloud Area Genealogists meeting, 7 p.m., Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave. S., St. Cloud. Speaker Bob Torborg speaks on family history in photos. stearns-museum.org. The Price of Sand, a documentary film exploring frac sand mining in Minnesota and Wisconsin, 7-8 p.m., Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site, 1620 Lindbergh Drive, Little Falls. 320-616-5421.
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Wednesday, Nov. 16 Rice Chamber of Commerce, noon, Rice City Hall, 205 Main St. E. Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, 7:30 p.m., Pellegrene Auditorium, St. John’s University, Collegeville. csbsju.edu/outdooru. Deadline to register for Stearns County 4-H Recognition Banquet, to be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20 in Albany. z.umn.edu/celebrate4h. Thursday, Nov. 17 Coffee and Conversation, a senior discussion group, 9 a.m., Country Manor, 520 First St. NE, Sartell. Sartell-Sauk Rapids Moms Club, 9-10:30 a.m., Celebration Lutheran Church, 1500 Pinecone Road N., Sartell. Sauk Rapids Chamber Meeting, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave. N. 320-251-2940. 55+ Driving Improvement Program (four-hour refresher course), noon-4 p.m., Salem Lutheran Church, 90 Riverside Drive S.E., St. Cloud. 1-888-234-1294. 55+ Driving Improvement Program (four-hour refresher course), 5-9 p.m., Gilleland Chevrolet, 3019 Division St., St. Cloud. 1-888-2341294. Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, 7:30 p.m., Pellegrene Auditorium, St. John’s University, Collegeville. csbsju.edu/outdooru. Rice Lions Club, 8 p.m., Lions Building, Westside Park, 101 4th St. NW.
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Friday, Nov. 18 Benton County Historical Society, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320-253-9614. mnbentonhistory. org. St. Joseph Winter Farmers’ Market, 3-6 p.m., 27 W Minnesota St., St. Joseph. www.stjosephfarmersmarket.com. Christmas House, sponsored by Zonta Club, 3-9 p.m., 1701 Casselberry Road, St. Cloud. St. Cloud Singles Club Dance, 8 p.m.-midnight, American Legion, 17 Second Ave. S., Waite Park. 320-339-4533. stcloudsingles.net. Saturday, Nov. 19 Christmas House Zonta Club Fundraiser, 9-4 p.m., 1701 Casselberry Road, St. Cloud. Social and Emotional Safety Workshop, sponsored by the Autism Society of America, 9 a.m.-noon, Calvary Community Church, 1200 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud. www.ausm.org. Sartell Winter Farmers’ Market, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sartell City Hall, 125 Pinecone Road N, Sartell. www.marketmonday.org. Community Meal, 11:30 a.m.12:45 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1107 Pinecone Road S., Sartell. Sunday, Nov. 20 Build-your-own-omelette breakfast, American Legion Auxiliary, 8 a.m.-noon, 17 Second Ave. N., Waite Park. 320-251-5498. ADD Internet for $14.95 a month. CALL 888-958-2046. (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) VACATION/TRAVEL Tired of the snow? Become a Winter Texan where the sun meets the gulf. Over 100 RV resorts and retirement communities for you to choose from. RV sites, fully furnished rentals and more. For more information visit www.rgvparks. org. (MCN) Are you getting TIRED of the COLD WINTERS where you are? Why don’t you get in your RV Camper and come to J-5 in Mission TX. We are located in the Rio Grande Valley. Average winter temps are 70 degrees daytime and 50 nighttime. We are a small park in a country setting but have stores and restaurants near by. We have specials for first time visitors. Call us at 956-682-7495 or email info@ j5rvparktexas.com. www.j5rvparktexas. com Tom and Donna Tuttle Managers (MCN) Tired of cold weather? Escape to Llano Grande Resort in South Texas’ Rio Grande Valley! RV sites, cottages, fully furnished rentals available. Enjoy our golf course, heated swimming pools, full schedule of activities, top-notch entertainment, breathtaking sunsets, and endless fun. Ask about our complimentary 30-day stay. 800-656-2638 www. lanogranderesort.com (MCN) Buying and Selling Gold & Silver, collector coins, diamonds, gold jewelry, silver dollars, pocket watches, antiques, rare currency, any gold or silver items. 200+ gold coins for sale. Will travel to buy! 34 years same retail location. Fairmont, MN, Kuehl’s Coins, 507-2353886 (MCN)
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
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Gift from front page get turkeys, along with enough money to help make full holiday meals for two families. She provided two 18-pound turkeys and enough money for all the dinner trimmings, including potatoes, stuffing, gravy, vegetables, dinner rolls, butter, milk, pumpkin pie and whipped topping. She also purchased table cloths, turkey basters and foil pans, as well as a $25 gift card to Coborn’s for each family to shop for anything else they wanted. A mentor from the Starfish Program, a mentoring program for women, helped the BluhmSlaters choose a family who needed help. They also reached out to their church and were
able to find another family in need. In 2014, Bluhm-Slater’s goal was to raise $75; she succeeded in raising $125. This year, her goal is to try to raise $300. “Mykayla has a heart of gold,” said her mother, Stephanie Bluhm. “She is a genuine kid and she cares a lot about others. She will do the right thing even when others aren’t.” Bluhm-Slater already has one family in mind she would like to help this year and is looking for others. “I like the feeling I get from helping people,” she said. Besides helping at the Thanksgiving holiday, Bluhm-Slater also made Easter baskets for children last year at Anna Marie’s Alliance, which provides help for people dealing with domestic abuse. Some of Bluhm-Slater’s other
interests include baking, cooking, reading, fishing, hanging out with friends, the ministry team at church, watching movies and playing on her iPod. “Mykayla is a bright girl and her laugh is contagious,” Stephanie said. “I am beyond blessed and thankful to be her mom. I could not be more proud of her. She loves her family and loves her puppies.” The puppies aren’t really puppies. They include Queenie, a 7-year-old Shiatsu miniature-and-Pincher mix; Ellie, a 5-year-old chocolate Lab; and Missy, a 2-year-old chihuahua. To donate, or for more information, visit her GoFundMe site at www.gofundme.com/mykaylas-thanksgiving-back-20-2wwd6wd8. Turkey Stamps can be mailed to 115 - 15th St. Court, #207, Sauk Rapids, Minn. 56379.
Friday, Nov. 11, 2016
contributed photo
Stephanie Bluhm (left) and her daughter Mykayla BluhmSlater show the items Mykayla was able to provide for two families in 2014. Mykayla is again trying to collect enough turkey stamps and raise enough donations to provide for three or four families for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
To every woman and man who has ever served America:
WE SALUTE YOU!
WASTE & RECYCLING SERVICES 700 40th Ave NE
NOVEMBER 11, 2016
Sauk Rapids
320-252-9608 WWW.REPUBLICSERVICES.COM
20 years of loyalty to the transportation industry.
I’M GLAD YOU’RE HOME SAFE St. Joseph, MN
www.brennytransportation.com A relaxing atmosphere for your comfort.
Styles, Cotton & Milbert FAMILY DENTISTRY 320-363-7729
1514 E. Minnesota St., P.O. Box 607 • St. Joseph
There are precious few veterans of the two World Wars around these days, and with the passage of time and the precedence of the last decade’s conflicts in the Middle East, we now hear less from or about our Vietnam vets. But you likely know someone, in your family or through friends, who has done a tour of duty in the war on terror. No matter the setting for their service, retiring or returning members of
the military must eventually face the challenge of redefining themselves as civilians — especially those who have been in high-risk combat situations. Whether career soldiers or whether they simply answered a call of conscience to serve our country for a few years, veterans need to know the community appreciates their personal contributions. Let’s make sure we do what we can to help
veterans reintegrate into our town, first of all, by understanding it might be hard for them to see themselves as anything but soldiers. Basic training, espritde-corps, and especially war will do that to a person. Don’t be shy about greeting retirees or returning soldiers with a word of thanks for their service. If your personal and political convictions won’t allow for that, nothing is stopping you
from a simple, “I’m glad you’re home safe.” Issues such as boredom, post-traumatic stress, physical injury and even just feeling out of sync with agegroup peers might complicate an individual veteran’s ability to reintegrate. Keep that in mind, and at work, at college and at home, step up to an opportunity to offer support, understanding and encouragement to a veteran.
We provide Head Start, Early Head Start, child care and family support services for eligible children and families in Benton, Sherburne and Stearns counties in central Minnesota.
Coffee drinks ~ Italian Soda Wine & Beer ~ Appetizers Lunches ~ Ice Cream and Malts Bakery ~ Desserts
350 Hwy 10 S., St. Cloud, MN 320-253-8110 www.reachupinc.org
19 W. Minnesota St. • St. Joseph 320-363-1011
www.thelocalblend.net