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Zimpel named 2016 Teacher of the Year Town Crier Friday, Dec. 16, 2016 Volume 2, Issue 49 Est. 2015
Middle School hosts robotics competition
Sartell Middle School will host a VEX Robotics Competition on Saturday, Dec. 17. More than 35 teams from across Central Minnesota will compete. The community is invited to watch the event. The qualification rounds begin at 9:30 a.m. and run throughout the day. The elimination rounds begin at 3:30 p.m. with the closing and awards ceremony starting at 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on Dec. 16 Criers.
You can now share your love for reading
Country Manor residents have requested to have a volunteer come in one time per week (for approximately one hour) to read out loud to a small group of residents. Volunteers will choose books they would like to read with approval from the Therapeutic Recreation Department. Day of the week and time of the day is flexible based on the following: volunteers’ schedules, activities calendar and meal time for the residents. For more information, visit thenewsleaders. com and click on Dec. 16 Criers.
You can now become a mentor
Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for Bigs. A Big is a trusted friend with a long-term consistent commitment to provide guidance and support to a child. Bigs meet with their Little three to four times a month. They offer both community-based and school/site-based mentoring programs. For more information, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on Dec. 16 Criers.
by Frank Lee operations@thenewsleaders.com
Cory Zimpel didn’t expect to be named this year’s “Teacher of the Year” by the Sauk Ra p i d s - R i c e Zimpel School District, but he said he was honored nevertheless by the recognition from his peers. The industrial-technology teacher at the high school had never won the award, but he had unsuccessfully interviewed for the honor last year when he was nominated by his colleagues. “You never feel bad losing to people in our district because I
think all of our teachers work so hard,” Zimpel said of his loss last year to an “awesome” kindergarten teacher in the district. The 38-year-old husband to Jill and father of two – Erica, 13, and Abigail, 9 – lives in Sauk Rapids and has been teaching in the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District for 18 years. “Sauk Rapids is a great place to teach, and I don’t see myself being anywhere else,” Zimpel said. “And being in the industrial-tech area just allows the students to have a lot of freedom to be creative. And being able to watch them be successful is super rewarding.” The ISD 47 District serves all or parts of Sauk Rapids and Rice, with three elementary schools, one middle school, Zimpel • page 2
A paper cut-out of Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Industrial-Technology Teacher Cory Zimpel adorns the wall of his yearbook classroom.
Firefighter pensions further clarified by Dave DeMars news@thenewsleaders.com
The Newsleader reported in its Nov. 18 issue on the approval of firefighter-pension increases by the Sauk Rapids City Council at the Nov. 14 council meeting. Questions raised by readers prompted us to research the issue more deeply so it might be better explained for citizens of Sauk Rapids.
City Finance Director Jack Kahlhamer provided some explanation as to why the increase is really a justified increase. In his e-mailed memo, Kahlhamer wrote, “It takes a lot of commitment, sacrifice and effort to make it that many years (to become vested and qualify for the pension at all). These firefighters must respond to calls during daytime hours, working hours, night-time hours, holi-
days that often get disrupted, weekends (and more) during any kind of weather: snow, below zero, extreme heat and humidity.” The fire department in Sauk Rapids is a volunteer force which means it’s made up of members who live in the community. Kahlhamer went on to say that firefighters are on call day or night, that they train extensively, do fundraising in
the community for other charities, and do it all for $13.61 per hour. In order to become vested and qualify for the pension, the volunteer firefighter must have worked for 10 years, and at that point they are only 50 percent vested, Kahlhamer explained. In order to become fully vested, a firefighter would have to work 20 years. Based on the amounts Pensions • page 3
Budget to increase 4.3 percent; new building permits up, too by Dave DeMars news@thenewsleaders.com
CROSS Center looking for holiday donations
CROSS Center is looking for holiday donations of diapers, new toys, personal-care products, hair products and sponsors for family holiday gifts. The CROSS Center is in need of volunteers too. Most positions require lifting and a lot of standing, but the time commitment is up to you. Everyone is welcome to help. For more information, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on Dec. 16 Criers. photo by Dave DeMars
For additional criers, visit www.thenewsleaders.com and click on Criers.
photo by Frank Lee
City Finance Director Jack Kahlhamer leads the Sauk Rapids City Council through the key features of the budget and levy items for the upcoming 2017 budget year.
The Sauk Rapids city budget for 2017 will be 4.3 percent higher than this year’s budget because of a need for increased staffing, including the hiring of two more police officers. The city’s estimated tax-levy increase will be a 3.9-percent increase. The Sauk Rapids City Council held two public hearings at its final council meeting for the year on Dec. 12. The first hearing was to discuss the city’s proposed budget and property tax levy for 2017, and the second was to discuss proposed changes in the fee schedule.
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City Finance Director Jack Kahlhamer guided the council through the key points of the budget and levy information. Kahlhamer noted the budget will be increased by 4.3 percent. “With the growth of the city, it really shouldn’t change the taxes much – maybe $3 to $5 on a $650,000 home,” Kahlhamer said. “The overall tax rate has gone down mostly due to the county. It went down 2-percentage points from 67 to 65, and the school went down a little bit.” The final total budget estimates for 2017 is $5,437,200. In the Enterprise Fund Budget • page 4
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
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People Two Sauk Rapids students recently graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, this past fall. They are the following: Kelsey McMahon (mass communications) and Michael Wiechmann (K-12 licensure). Emily Gustafson, Sauk Rapids, was the grand-prize winner of the United Way LIVE UNITED essay contest. Gustafson will receive the grand prize award of a $200 Visa gift card for her essay on how she lives united: “Living united is when everyone works together. They don’t judge others by race, money, or looks. They include others, and they don’t care what other people think of them. They don’t listen to rumors about people, they only see what they are like by their personal experiences. They believe and speak the truth. They will do the right thing no matter what the consequence is. Treat everyone as a whole because everyone has differences. If everyone lived united, it would make a big difference in our community, country and WORLD!!!” Gustafson is a student at Mississippi Heights Elementary School. Evan Trompeter, Rice, was one of the 14 runners-up of the United Way LIVE UNITED essay contest. Trompeter will receive the runner-up award of a $75 Visa gift card for his essay on how
he lives united: “Hi, my name is Evan. And I live united by recycling my cans, jars, wrapping paper, and boxes. A second way is I collected food for the food shelf at my birthday party instead of presents. Another way was bringing food to the sharing tree at my school. Another way I live united is by doing chores around the house like doing dishes. Another way I live united was instead of asking for presents for my birthday, I asked for food for the food shelf. This is how I live united.” Trompeter is a student at Rice Elementary School. Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran Church, Rice, commissioned six members as Stephen Ministers. The newly-commissioned Stephen Ministers are Jay Saldana, Jan Johnson, Colleen Woods, Sheri Douvier, Debbie Manske and Todd Manske. The Stephen Ministers participated in 50 hours of training where they acquired specific Christian caregiving skills in confidentiality, listening, feelings, grief and crisis theory which will aid them in ministering to people with situations such as loss, divorce, grief, loneliness, illness and spiritual crisis. Stephen Ministers will continue to hone their ministry skills by participating in twice-amonth continued education and supervision.
Shadow is a neutered, 4-year-old lab mix that enjoys the outdoors as much as the indoors. Make sure you wipe his paws when he comes back inside because he’s not afraid to get dirty! Shadow loves to play with tennis balls and squeaky toys. He has done well with other dogs, cats and kids in the past. Shadow loves to give kisses as he is very sweet and shows his affection. He is treat motivated and will be your true shadow! “Helping one animal won’t change the world … but it will change the world for that one animal!” Dogs - 7 Rabbit - 1
Cats - 24
Kittens - 26
Zimpel from front page a high school and one additional school building housing the district’s Early Childhood and Adult Basic Education programs. “Some of our students are coming in now with higher needs than they’ve ever had before, whether it be family situations or mental-health issues or a variety of different things,” Zimpel said. “Teaching is definitely a more difficult career than when I started, that’s for sure.” The Sauk Rapids resident and volunteer firefighter graduated from St. Cloud State University with an industrial technology degree and an emphasis in communication before obtaining a master’s degree re-
If you have a tip concerning a crime, call the Sauk Rapids Police Department at 320-251-9451 or Tri-County Crime Stoppers at 320255-1301 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. Nov. 4 6:33 a.m. Traffic stop. Hwy. 10/Golden Spike Road. While on routine patrol, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Police activated their radar, which clocked the driver going 75 mph in a posted 65-mph zone. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was given a verbal warning. 12:34 p.m. Animal complaint. Benton Drive N. Employees at a
Tri-County Humane Society
lated to education from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. “Industrial tech is a pretty wide area,” Zimpel said. “It covers everything from carpentry, cabinetry, machining, metal, metal fabrication, welding, and we do computer-aided drafting, electronics. We have a great robotics curriculum that started; we do pre-engineering stuff.” Zimpel was born in Mora in Kanabec County and grew up in McGrath in Aitkin County. He said he had a couple of great teachers in high school who inspired him to become a teacher. “Most teachers are pretty humble; they don’t need the extra stuff, and if they do, they’re like ‘Oh, my gosh! I can’t believe it!’” he said of being named “Teacher of the Year.” He will go on to compete at the state level against other
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local gas station stated there were two dogs in their parking lot. Both dogs had tags. They were returned to their owner who stated they must have escaped through the fencing they are currently installing. Nov. 5 3:06 a.m. Suspicious activity. N. Benton Drive. Police observed a male standing in front of a gas station that had recently been robbed. The man was wearing a dark hoodie and had his hands in his pockets. He stated he was just standing around. Police asked him to find a place to stay for the night and move along. The area was cleared. 6:03 p.m. Traffic stop. Eighth Street N./Benton Drive. While on routine patrol, officers observed a
Friday, Dec. 16, 2016 districts’ “Teacher of the Year” winners. Zimpel said he concentrates on the digital arts in his classes that he teaches, such as photography, graphic design and yearbook but admitted it can be challenging with the rapidly-changing and ever-evolving technology. “The biggest thing for me is just making kids feel welcome in the classroom – being able to relate to them and making sure they are comfortable in the situation because if they are then the education process can actually happen,” Zimpel said. “These kids come in with so many different issues and if you can’t break down those barriers, you’ll never get through to them with the learning. And education still needs to be fun because if you can’t make it fun for them, they just don’t hold onto it.”
vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Officers initiated a traffic stop, and the driver was given a verbal warning. Nov. 6 1:49 p.m. Public service. Eighth Avenue N. Upon request, an officer stopped by a child’s birthday party to answer questions the group had. The officer answered all inquiries, and handed out pencils and stickers. 5:34 p.m. Burning complaint. Fifth Avenue N. Officers responded to a burning complaint. Upon arrival, there were no individuals or signs of a fire in the surrounding area. Police checked alleyways and yards for a twoblock radius but could not find anything. The area was cleared, and no further action was taken.
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Newsleader staff members have the responsibility to report news fairly and accurately and are accountable to the public. Readers who feel we’ve fallen short of these standards are urged to call the Newsleader office at 320-363-7741. If matters cannot be resolved locally, readers are encouraged to take complaints to the Minnesota News Council, an independent agency designed to improve relationships between the public and the media and resolve conflicts. The council office may be reached at 612-341-9357.
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Friday, Dec. 16, 2016
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
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Cause of man’s death still under investigation
contributed photo
Firefighters practice using the extension bucket both for fighting fires and for rescue operations. For all of their training and being on call 24/7, firefighters might qualify for a lump-sum pension, but only after 10 years.
by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
An investigation is still underway involving the death of a man who was found Dec. 7 in a Benton County ditch Juedes along Hwy. 10. The man was identified later as Seth Taylor Juedes of Andover. He had been reported as missing by his friends the day before, Dec. 6. Investigators are waiting on the results of a toxicology test
before announcing a cause of the 22-year-old’s death. According to a report released by Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck, the St. Cloud Police Department and the Benton County Sheriff’s Department, both were involved in the search for the missing man. A friend had called the St. Cloud Police Department to express concern that Juedes had not been seen or heard of since the night before when he was spending time with friends. Law enforcement officers determined Juedes had last been seen on foot in the parking lot of Sugar Daddy’s, an exotic-dancing establishment in rural Sauk Rapids about six
miles south of Rice on Hwy. 10. On the morning of Dec. 7, a St. Cloud investigator was in the area, seeking clues about Juedes’ whereabouts, when he noticed a body lying in a ditch near the intersection of Hwy. 10 and CR 33, an area that is about a mile south of the Sugar Daddy’s location. The site where the body was found was secured by law enforcement as the investigation continues. The body was then transported to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s office for positive identification and an autopsy. Sheriff Heck said the man’s death does not point to any danger for the general public.
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Pensions from front page reported in the Nov. 18 issue of the Newsleader, a firefighter retiring after 10 years of service would qualify for a $45,000 pension; after 20 years it would be a $90,000 pension. Readers should also understand the auditor for the State of Minnesota routinely monitors and audits the funding of fire departments. According to the auditor’s report, “nearly 84 percent of relief associations in Minnesota are lump-sum plans,” meaning they pay benefits as a one-time lump-sum payment to members upon their retirement. In lump-sum plans, benefits are paid to members based on an annual benefit level in effect at the time of the member’s separation from active service and membership; Sauk Rapids has a lump-sum disbursement plan. According to the 2014 auditor’s report, there were some 18,000 retired and active firefighters in the state of Minnesota. There were only 1,371 benefit disbursements made to members or their beneficiaries, and some of those were disability benefits, and survivor benefits presumably covered partly or completely through insurance. Kahlhamer also explained the pension dollars are not all from the coffers of the city. The primary sources of revenue for relief associations are fire state aid, municipal contributions and investment earnings. Most of the funding comes from a state fund called the Fire State Aid Fund. That money is based on the amount of physical territory the fire department serves. In order to serve on the fire department, a volunteer must reside within the acceptable response time area. Response time means getting from home or the job to the
fire station, getting geared up, on the truck and to the fire or emergency call in a set number of minutes. With regular fulltime firefighters in big cities, the response time is generally about nine minutes. Keep in mind, the sooner firefighters are on scene, the more lives and property that can be saved. The Sauk Rapids Fire Department serves not only the city of Sauk Rapids, but Sauk Rapids Township, Minden Township, the south two-thirds of Watab Township, Haven Township and the west two-thirds of Mayhew Lake Township. All of those townships contribute to the pension fund. The actual contribution of the City of Sauk Rapids amounts to about $12,000 per year. “It is well deserved and the city has had a hard time keeping a full amount of authorized firefighters on staff since I have been here for the last 15 years,” Kahlhamer wrote. He added other cities have difficulty recruiting and keeping firefighters. Sauk Rapids just recently added two firefighters to bring the city roughly to a full contingent of 30 firefighters. Many firefighters fail to qualify for even the 10-year pension because they move out of the acceptable response time area. “The city takes the funding level of the pension very seriously, so neither the city nor the firefighter have to worry their pension will be there when they retire,” Kahlhamer wrote. Presently, according to the 2014 auditor’s report, the pension is 110-percent funded. That may seem excessive, but part of that is the result of excellent management, and some good investment results in the past, according to officials. If any reader is interested in becoming a firefighter, he/ she should contact Sauk Rapids Fire Chief Jason Fleming at jfleming@ci.sauk-rapids. mn.us.
How long do I have before I need to update my address on my driver’s license after moving? Q: How long do I have before I need to update my address on my driver’s license after moving? A: Anytime a person moves in Minnesota to a new address within this state, they need to update their driver’s license within 30 days. If a person
moved to Minnesota from another state, they have 60 days to change their driver’s license and address over to Minnesota. The same also applies to those changing their name on a driver’s license. Note: students who are attending college are generally exempt and can still use their parents’ address.
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 Hwy. 10 W., Detroit Lakes, Minn. 56501-2205. (You can follow him on Twitter @ MSPPIO_NW or reach him at jesse. grabow@state.mn.us).
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Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
photo by Dave DeMars
At the final council meeting of 2016, City Administrator Ross Olson (left) presents outgoing Sauk Rapids Mayor Brad Gunderson with a plaque in recognition of his years of service as mayor and council member.
Budget from front page areas, Kahlhamer said he expects a 2-percent increase in water-usage charges; a 3-percent increase in sewer usage rates; a fifty-cent- permonth increase in storm-water sewer fees; and a 60-centper-month increase in streetlight utility fees. That latter
fee is a 25-percent increase over 2016, rising from $2.40 per month to $3 per month in 2017 for residential customers. “The average utility bill will go up about $20 per year,” Kahlhamer said. Mayor Brad Gunderson called for any public input, but there was none and the hearing was closed. No discussion was forthcoming from members of the coun-
cil either, and the motion to accept the final 2017 tax levy of $3,552,000 passed the council unanimously. Motions adopting the 2017 general-fund budget and another adopting the Enterprise Fund and Special Revenue Funds followed quickly and passed unanimously without comment or discussion. Gunderson then opened the second public hearing to consider proposed changes and increases to the fee schedule. The fee schedule covers such things as charges for fire calls, fees associated with developments such as the Creekside Addition and rental fees for city-owned public buildings. In Appendix I of section 3.81 of the city code, storm-water sewer rates reflect an increase of 50 cents in 2017. Examination of the rate per homeowner per month shows an increase each year since 2015 and projecting forward to 2018. The cost in 2015 was $2.50 per month, $2.75 in 2016. The cost for 2017 will be $3.25 per month with an increase projected in 2018 to $3.75 per month. That amounts to a 50-percent increase in four years. Annual homeowner cost rose from $30 per year in 2015 to $39 per year in 2017 to a projected $45 per year in 2018. During public comment, Jane DeAustin of the Central Minnesota Builders Association, addressed the council. She complimented the council for keeping a lid on fee increases for builders who saw double-digit increases in some past years.
“We encourage the city to carefully consider fees associated with development and building,”DeAustin said. DeAustin went on to say that while the city has kept fees in check, cost of land and materials have been steadily rising making it difficult for builders to navigate the market and continue development. She noted there are increases in the water-and-sewer access charges (WAC and SAC fees), but said the predictability of the fees gave builders a chance to recoup costs through planning. “Builders building in spring will probably already have their building spec’d (specifications drawn up) and costed out,” she said. “We are always working six to nine months ahead and that is why predictability of increases is very important.” DeAustin then gave a brief update on building in the Sauk Rapids area. A total of 274 single-family home permits were issued in the city throughout the month of October. That is 62 more than were issued in 2015 during the same time period, representing a 29-percent increase in building in Sauk Rapids. As the economy has improved, more homes are being built. In 2012, only 115 permits were issued. DeAustin said as long as things are stable with no increases in mortgage rates or other areas, there’s every expectation that 2017 will see the same types of numbers as 2016. After Gunderson closed the public hearing, the council unanimously ap-
Friday, Dec. 16, 2016 proved the fee schedule update and in a separate action approved the publication of the fee schedule. In other business, the council took time to recognize retiring Mayor Brad Gunderson. City Manager Ross Olson presented Gunderson with a plaque in recognition of his years of service to the city of Sauk Rapids. During the Mayor’s Communications portion of the meeting, Gunderson thanked the city residents, staff, fellow council members and city employees. “It’s been 10 years, and we had a great run and we got a lot done,” he said. “I’m very proud of what we have done and accomplished. Thank you. Oh, I’d also like to thank my wife for putting up with this ride – and uhh – I won’t do it again.” Under the consent agenda, the council took the following actions: • Approved Law Enforcement - St. Cloud Area Child Response Initiative. • Approved request to purchase tasers to replace current tasers. • Approved and authorized amusement permit for Circus Pages International Inc. circus. • Approved plumbing contractor licenses for 2016. • Approved sending police officers to Minnesota Juvenile Officers Association Conference. • Approved ordinance amendment to the Liquor Licensing Code to clarify the requirements of licensee in the event of a name change that does not cause a change in ownership. • Approved R.A. Morton’s capital planning proposal for government buildings. • Approved personnel policy updates. • Approved purchase of exterior lighting for liquor store. • Approved purchase of heater for entryway at liquor store. • Approved cable franchise agreement extension. • Approved senior-citizen application for special-assessment deferral • Approved the 2017 SEH (the city engineer) hourly rate schedule. • Approved termination of employment for cause. Other council items of note included the posting of a city-council vacancy. Information can be had by contacting city hall or consulting the city website. Also noted was the log building located in Municipal Park will be under construction and there will be no rental until work is completed.
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, Dec. 16, 2016
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Vietnam vet writes novel, donates proceeds by Frank Lee operations@thenewsleaders.com
Michael P. Maurer lives in Sartell, but for the veteran-turned-writer-and-poet who recently gave a presentation about his wartime experience, it’s almost as if he had never left Vietnam. Perfume River Nights is a novel he struggled nine years to write because of the emotional toll the war took on his mind, body and soul, and because he wanted to do right by his comrades-in-arms, especially those who didn’t get to return home to the United States like he did. “More than a war story, Perfume River Nights is the tale of tragic events and the heroic quest to know ourselves and find our way,” according to Maurer, a decorated Vietnam combat veteran. Recently, Maurer gave a talk about his life and his book to an audience at the Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud. “Three hundred thousand of us were wounded,” he told the jam-packed audience. “That loss rippled through the communities and our families, created scars and grief that persist today.” The compelling presentation he gave at the history museum’s Breakfast Club was his account of his Vietnam experience as both a soldier during the war and as an in-country resident some 30 years later. To put the loss of life into context, Maurer quoted Robert Kennedy during his presentation to the museum’s club members, who sat mesmerized and silent as Maurer talked about the war’s death toll. “Robert Kennedy, when he was running for president in 1968, said something that helps us see the meaning of those figures,” Maurer said. “What he said was this: ‘Our brave young men are dying in the swamps of Southeast Asia. Which of them might have written a poem, which of them might have cured cancer . . . which of them might have taught a child to read? It is our responsibility to let those men live.’” Maurer said almost 17,000 Americans died in the Vietnam War in 1968, and that it was seven more years and 30,000 more American lives lost before the last U.S. soldier was killed in Vietnam. “I know those young men
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Robert Kennedy spoke of. I’m one of them,” Maurer told the audience, an older group of people, most of whom certainly lived through those tumultuous years and times of the Vietnam War. Maurer served in Vietnam as an infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division in the late 1960s. So many years later, in 2003, the University of Minnesota graduate moved to Vietnam before settling in Sartell. “Perfume River Nights is a story about those young men – how they experienced combat and are changed by it,” Maurer said. “It is the culmination of my 50-year effort to save those guys . . . guys who long ago were dead. . . . I’m still trying to save them.” America’s involvement in Vietnam escalated throughout the 1960s. Maurer and his fellow comrades faced difficult combat conditions. Emotions were pulled in various directions, from compassion, fear and aggression, according to Stearns History Museum officials. “Perfume River Nights is for the men who died beside me,” Maurer said. “This book is for the 60,000 who died before their dreams or potential were realized. This book is for the friends and family who continue to mourn. “We fought in that river, in and around it, and its tributaries. We drank its water. We bathed in it. We killed in it. And we died in it. The river holds our stories.” According to Stearns History Museum officials: “As a decorated veteran himself, (Maurer) knows firsthand what soldiers went through in Vietnam. His words, both spoken and those penned in poetry, offer hope, healing and understanding.” “As an 18-year-old, it was my responsibility to decide when to shoot and when not to shoot,” Maurer said. “I had to make split-second decisions whether to shoot or not to shoot – there was no one beside me – decisions that would determine who would live and who would die.” President Richard Nixon informed the world in a televised address March 29, 1973, that the last American troops had left Vietnam. “I have laid on the ground and in holes with dead men and dying men. I’ve had men beg me to save them, and I’ve had men beg me to kill them,”
Maurer said in his presentation, which included admissions of being grief-stricken and confessions of survivor’s guilt. “And I’ve killed men. . . . I’ve killed men . . . and it took me a long time before I could admit that to myself, much less stand in front of anybody and admit that to them, but I’m telling you this morning because it’s part of who I am.” According to a Public Broadcasting System account of the Vietnam War: “As the deaths mounted and Americans continued to leave for Southeast Asia, protests erupted on college campuses and in major cities at first, but by 1968 every corner of the country seemed to have felt the war’s impact.” Maurer is still sickened by how many people died. “Nearly 17,000 of us were killed in 1968 in Vietnam, nearly 90,000 of us were wounded. On average in 1968, 2,000 of us were being killed or wounded every week – every week,” Maurer shouted full-throttle. “How did we endure that? How did we allow that to happen?” Proceeds from the novel’s sales benefit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. That memorial (aka “The Wall”) is “a symbol of America’s honor and recognition” of those “who served and sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War,” according to the VVMF. Inscribed on the black granite walls of the memorial in Washington, D.C., which was dedicated on Nov. 13, 1982, are the names of more than 58,000 men and women “who gave their lives or remain missing.” “It was important to me to write honestly, no matter how painful it would be,” Maurer said. “And there were many days during the 13 years of writing the novel that I sat at the computer and cried. How does a soldier survive doing the things that infantrymen have to do and hold onto some sense of self-good?” Maurer asked the audience rhetorically. “I wanted to write about love, hate, loyalty and friendship – the things that pulled us together and the things that tore us apart.” For more information about Sartell resident and Vietnam veteran Michael P. Maurer, or his Perfume River Nights, visit www.michaelpmaurer.com.
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Access online application at www.stcloudhra.com 101 Riverside Drive SE • St. Cloud
photo by Frank Lee
Michael P. Maurer, a Sartell resident, gives a presentation Oct. 12 entitled “Vietnam and Its Aftermath” at the Stearns History Museum’s Breakfast Club. The presentation is an account of his Vietnam experience as both a soldier during the war and as an in-country resident some 30 years later.
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6
Our View Hurray for bipartisan agreements to investigate Russian hacking Bipartisanship has never been more important, more crucial, than it is right now, and thank goodness the U.S. Congress – at least in this matter – is getting its act together. This “matter” is the evidence from our intelligencegathering agencies, most especially the Central Intelligence Agency, that the Russians were like busy termites, hacking into American computers and trying to interfere with the American electoral system, at Hillary Clinton’s expense. For months, that was an accusation that communications from the Democratic National Committee and other Clinton sources were hacked and disseminated. But now the accusations have been at least partially validated by findings from the CIA. No, this latest revelation does not mean Clinton “really” won the election, although she did if you count the popular vote – by nearly 3 million votes. However, all independent election observers agree Donald Trump won the election fair and square on the basis of electoral votes. What has sparked lots of conspiracy theories, however, are Trump’s favorable comments about Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump’s business connections in that country, and ties between some of his advisors and potential cabinet members who have also had favorable business dealings with Russia. One must ask, where does business end and government begin? Trump has scoffed at the CIA revelations about Russian interference, calling them “ridiculous.” His knee-jerk rejection of the nation’s premier intelligencegathering agency does not speak well for him. It’s a serious stumble that may prove to be a major impediment in his ability to lead the free world. But never mind conspiracy theories; never mind Trump’s rejections. That will all work itself out in time. Right now, what’s important is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Monday that two Senate committees will investigate the CIA evidence about Russian hacking. The Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee will both conduct hearings. Democrats and Republicans – most notably an outraged Republican Sen. John McCain – have expressed strong support for such hearings. What is vital is the committees discover exactly how the hacking was done, and if possible the specific individuals or groups who were behind it, what they were aiming to accomplish and (most importantly) how to prevent it from happening again. And those questions and answers are not just crucial for our voting system and our faith in it, but it’s also crucial to learn the Russians’ dirty tricks, so our national security system can be made safe from foreign hackers – Russian and otherwise. Relations with the Soviet Union used to be based on which country had the most nuclear bombs. Now the one-upsmanship rivalry seems to be based on the dirty, shadowy methods of cyber crimes. That kind of subversion and misinformation can be just as dangerous, potentially, as bombs themselves, causing suspicion, fear and hatred that could escalate into uglier outcomes. It will take a lot of work and technological knowhow to make our country’s voting process and national security safe from hackers, snoops and efforts at votersuppression. The only way that work can begin and succeed is with the strongest bipartisan efforts, and let us rejoice the U.S. Congress is united on that new front. Most of all, let’s hope the Senate investigations do not descend into partisan blame games and bickering sessions.
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.
Opinion
Friday, Dec. 16, 2016
Is Trump softening on climate change? Oh, to be a mouse in the corner when President-elect Donald Trump had a conversation with former Vice President Al Gore in Trump Tower. Dare we hope Gore has begun to convince skeptic Trump that humancaused climate change is a reality? There was a tantalizing ray of optimism when Gore emerged from the meeting and said this: “I had a lengthy and very productive session with the president-elect. It was a sincere search for areas of common ground. I had a meeting beforehand with Ivanka Trump. The bulk of the time was with the president-elect, Donald Trump. I found it an extremely interesting conversation, and to be continued.” Apparently, Ivanka Trump is a true believer in human-caused climate change. Will she change her father’s attitude? Will Gore help her change his mind? For the sake of this planet, let us hope so. Remember, during the campaign, Trump claimed human-caused climate change was a “hoax” perpetrated by the Chinese, those villains who populate all too many of Trump’s doomster fantasies. That was only one of his extremist pronouncements then. This is now. Now, he has backed away from some of his threats and campaign promises, such as “Lock her up!” and repealing Obamacare lock, stock and barrel. He’s even cottoned up to President Obama, whom he once considered an illegitimate president because he wasn’t even born in America but who is now suddenly a “really nice guy” after a meeting with him in the White House. As Trump’s victory landed him smack dab in the swamp that is Wash-
Dennis Dalman Editor ington, D.C. – the swamp he wants to drain – he is suddenly singing a different frog-croak tune, along with his entourage of billionaires and generals all so eager to help the working people. Perhaps the best way Trump can help the little people – and everybody else on this fragile planet – is to endorse and fight for the worldwide efforts against climate change that Obama and others have worked so hard to negotiate into being. These days, it’s hard to know just which Trump will be inaugurated as president Jan. 20. Will it be Trump the science-denier? Or will it be Trump the champion of climate health? Will Gore, climate scientists and daughter Ivanka convince him he should adhere to the Paris climate accord? It’s so hard to know because Trump is infamous for his flickering attitudes, flip-flops, inconsistencies, twittering insults, petulant moods and sudden reversals. There are 195 good reasons why we should hope Trump sees the light. The agreement reached in Paris, which Trump said he would cancel, is vital to preserve the earth for future generations. The accord, negotiated by 195 countries, was adopted in 2015. The goal, underlined with widespread consensus, aims to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions dramatically by 2020. What’s remarkable is the accord is not some wishy-washy dream pact; it’s shored up
by all kinds of technological advances, mutual aids, financial grants, transparencies – especially strong among the three countries that now produce the largest greenhouse-gas emissions: China, the United States and India. They (the enlightened ones in those countries) understand all too well how earth will become nothing but a revolving cemetery unless we do something about human-caused climate change – now. The meeting between Trump and Gore brought a glimmer of hope to those of us who believe unless greenhouse-gas emissions are drastically reduced, this planet is doomed to poisonous ruination. Was Trump just playing with Gore, the way a cat plays with a mouse? Or is he really listening sincerely to opposition voices and wisely considering divergent opinions from the likes of Gore, Romney and Obama? Could it be Trump is learning the hard way about the night-and-day differences between bloated campaign bluster and the tough, complicated decisions required of the leader of the free world? Well, at the very least, Gore, himself, a Nobel Prize-winner for his efforts to slow and reverse climate change, seems to think Trump is showing a keen interest in the subject. When Gore announced, after his meeting in Trump Tower, that their conversation was “extremely interesting” and that it will be “continued,” that is truly a cause for hope, if not celebration. If soon-to-be President Trump, cultivating a new open-mindedness, can harness his iconoclastic attitudes to scientific, rational methods, he just might move mountains. After all, it’s never too late to learn. Are you listening, Mr. Trump?
Do pennies still make ‘cents?’
With government spending and deficits at record highs, some have called for a return to balanced budgets. Of course, the main way to achieve this would either be through raising taxes or cutting spending, neither of which is a popular option. Others have proposed eliminating corruption and waste in government spending. This approach might bring to light a long-running part of America’s currency system – the penny. So what does the penny have to do with government waste? For starters, the penny’s value isn’t what it used to be. Despite many popular culture adages such as “getting your penny’s worth” or “putting in my two-cents worth,” the penny’s market value has dropped considerably during the past few decades. I have talked with my grandparents about how the prices of many everyday items were much lower in the 1950s and 1960s. You could get a hamburger for 25 cents and a gallon of gasoline for about the same amount. The average home cost less than a brand-new car does today. Those numbers can be deceiving, however. The main reason for everything being worth more is an economic process called inflation. Over time, goods and services in an economy gradually move up in price. Wages eventually catch up, and the cycle continues. During long periods of time, that translates to what seems like extreme price differences. For example, the median home price in 1950 was $7,354. In 2014, that number was $188,900. This doesn’t mean people are making less money, as average family income in the same time period grew from $3,300 to $51,017. Inflation just translates to indi-
Connor Kockler Guest Writer vidual units of money being worth less on their own over time. That is especially apparent on small denominations like the penny. A dollar doesn’t go as far as it used to, but there are still plenty of items just one dollar can buy in 2016. If we wanted a challenge, I would try to find if there is anything that can be had for the price of one cent. That drop in value doesn’t only affect purchasing power, it affects the very production of the pennies themselves. The U.S. Mint has been producing pennies since 1793. To the present day, the penny’s value has been going down, but the materials used to produce one don’t always follow that trend. The penny was originally 100-percent copper. This value has shrunk considerably throughout the centuries. In 2016, that value is only two-anda-half percent. Even with the modern penny using 97.5-percent zinc in its composition, the cost for the U.S. Mint to produce one penny in 2014 was oneand-two-thirds cents. The raw materials in pennies are now worth more than they are in circulation. The federal government took a $55-million loss to produce pennies in 2013. That is money the government is sending straight down the drain. So is it worth it? Most prices across a spectrum of goods and services end
in “99 cents,” such as 19.99 and so on. If there were no penny, those prices would have to be changed, perhaps rounded up to the nearest zero. Although one extra cent per purchase might not seem like much, it would add up dramatically over time. On the other hand, credit cards and other electronic payment methods have proliferated in recent years, meaning we could keep the prices the same if desired. But not everyone carries credit cards, and many still prefer to use cash. How would a penniless world work in those situations? For help, we can look to our northern neighbor, Canada. In 2012, the Royal Canadian Mint stopped producing pennies because of the loss being taken in producing them. Pennies are still legal tender in Canada, but any that are collected are sent to the Canadian Mint for scrapping to take them out of circulation. Purchases made in cash are rounded to the nearest five cents. Though eliminating the penny would be good for both efficiency and reducing wasteful spending, it’s part of the American tradition. I have many memories of collecting pennies, and doling out and receiving them as change. It would be quite a shock to get down only to the nearest nickel when determining prices. Abraham Lincoln, one of our greatest presidents, graces the obverse side of the penny. While I have a great deal of respect for pennies, this problem may be a simple measure of economics. If we’re losing money on them, they’re not making a whole lot of “cents.” Connor Kockler is a Sauk Rapids-Rice High School student. He enjoys writing, politics and news, among other interests.
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, Dec. 16, 2016
7
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, Dec. 16 Benton County Historical Society, 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. St. Cloud Singles Club Dance, 8 p.m.-midnight, American Legion, 17 Second Ave. S., Waite Park. 320-339-4533. stcloudsingles.net. Saturday, Dec. 17 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. Elf!, free movie, 7:30 p.m., Paramount Center for the Arts, 913 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. Foodshelf donation optional. Sunday, Dec. 18 Build-your-own-omelette breakfast, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, 8 a.m.noon, 17 Second Ave. N., Waite Park. 320-251-5498. Monday, Dec. 19 Global Education and Engagement Conference, 8:30 a.m.4:30 p.m., Holiday Inn Conference 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! 1900-1979. DEAD OR ALIVE! 920-371-0494 (MCN) WANTED TO BUY 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) ADOPTION A childless married couple seeks to adopt. Will be hands-on mom & devoted dad. Financial security. Expenses PAID. Call Holly & Tiger. 1-800-7905260 (ask for Adam) (MCN) Birthmothers, Planning an Adoption? Unique Adoptions can help. We have an excellent Adoption program. Choose from open or closed, select adoptive family. Financial Assistance. Ask about 4-day recovery packages. Call 24/7 to speak to an adoption specialist. 1-888637-8200 (Void in IL) (MCN) PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Call us first. Living expenses, housing, medical, and continued support afterwards. Choose adoptive family of your choice. Call 24/7. 855-3906047 (Void in IL & IN) (MCN) FOR SALE Trailer Close-Out SALE! 500 & 990 Gallon FUEL trailers; 12’ 7,000 lb. Scissor lift trailers; 16’ 14,000 lb. Dump trailers; 82”x20’+4’ 14,000# Skidloader trailers; 6x12 v-nose/ramp cargo $2,750.00; 7’x16’ v-nose/ramp $4,199.00. 150 trailers in-stock. www.FortDodgeTrailerWorld.com 515-972-4554 (MCN) VACATION/TRAVEL Tired of the snow? Become a Winter
Center, 75 37th Ave. S., St. Cloud. Benton County Historical Society, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320-253-9614. mnbentonhistory.org. Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, 1-2:30 p.m., Great River Regional Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. 320-529-9000. Tinville Lions Club, 7 p.m., Rollie’s Rednecks and Longnecks Bar, 940 35th Ave. NE, Sauk Rapids. St. Joseph Rod and Gun Club, 7 p.m., American Legion, 101 W Minnesota St., St. Joseph. Tuesday, Dec. 20 St. Cloud Area Genealogists meeting, 7 p.m., Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave. S., St. Cloud. stearns-museum.org. Storytime for toddlers/preschoolers, 10:30-11 a.m., Al Ringsmuth Public Library, 253 Fifth Ave. N., Waite Park. Registration required. 320-253-9359. Wednesday, Dec. 21 Blue Christmas Worship Service, 6:30-7:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1107 Pinecone Road S., Sartell. 320-251-0804. www.fumcsr.org. Thursday, Dec. 22 Coffee and Conversation, a senior discussion group, 9 a.m., Country Manor, 520 First St. NE, Sartell. Benton County Historical Society, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320-253-9614. mnbentonhistory. org. 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) 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) 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 956682-7495 or email info@j5rvparktexas. com, www.j5rvparktexas.com Tom and Donna Tuttle Managers (MCN) EMPLOYMENT/HELP WANTED CLASS-A CDL Regional Driver. Good home time. Great pay and benefits. Matching 401k. Bonus’s and tax free money. No touch freight. Experience needed. Call Scott 507-460-9011. Apply on-line WWW.MCFGTL.COM (MCN) Drive with Uber. You’ll need a Smartphone. It’s fun and easy. For more information, call: 1-800-902-9366 (MCN) MISCELLANEOUS CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST
Sauk Rapids Chamber Meeting, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave. N. 320-251-2940. Friday, Dec. 23 Benton County Historical Society, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320-253-9614. mnbentonhistory.org. Saturday, Dec. 24 Christmas Hope for the Homeless, 4 p.m. worship, 5 p.m. meal, 6 p.m. carols and gift-giving. Place of Hope, 511 Ninth Ave. N., St. Cloud. Christmas Eve Worship, 4:306:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1107 Pinecone Road S., Sartell. 320-251-0804. www. fumcsr.org. Christmas Eve Mass, 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., Church of St. Joseph, 12 W. Minnesota St., St. Joseph. Caroling and Christmas Eucharist, 9 p.m., St. Benedict’s Monastery, 104 Chapel Lane, St. Joseph. Sunday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day Mass, 9:30 a.m., Church of St. Joseph, 12 W. Minnesota St., St. Joseph. Christmas Day Worship, 9:30 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 1107 Pinecone Road S., Sartell. 320-251-0804. www. fumcsr.org. Christmas Day Eucharist, 10:30 a.m., St. Benedict’s Monastery, 104 Chapel Lane, St. Joseph. Christmas Day Meals, noon and 5 p.m., Place of Hope, 511 Ninth Ave. N., St. Cloud.
photo by Frank Lee
A man stands outside the Dollar Tree in Sauk Rapids the day after the branch was robbed by an armed gunman the night of Dec. 13.
Dollar Tree store robbed The Dollar Tree store in Sauk Rapids was robbed by an armed gunman the night of Dec. 13, and police are seeking information as to the perpetrator. According to a press release by Sauk Rapids Police Chief Perry Beise, a man entered the store at about 10 p.m. that night, threatened workers with a handgun, was given VETERANS FOUGHT FOR OUR WAY OF LIFE. IT’S OUR DUTY TO FIGHT FOR THEIRS.
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an undisclosed sum of money and then fled from the store. The man was wearing a coldweather face mask. The Dollar Tree store is located at 10 Benton Drive S., just across the parking lot from the Coborn’s store. People with any information about the crime should contact the Sauk Rapids Police Department at 320-258-5341.
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Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, Dec. 16, 2016
It’s a Wonderful Life in Sauk Rapids The Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader needs a Christmas miracle. I was watching It’s a Wonderful Life the other night empathizing with George Bailey at his lowest moment. The ironic thing is when his uncle misplaces the $8,000 envelope of money, that’s the exact amount the Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader needs per month to survive. Just like George’s skeleton crew who makes a valiant effort to keep Bailey’s Building and Loan open during the Great Depression’s run on the banks, the Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader crew (who is also making a valiant effort and puts their heart and soul into bringing you this paper weekly), is made up of a small group of “family members,” many of whom grew up and currently reside in Sauk Rapids and the immediate St. Cloud metro area. There’s graphic designer Tara Wiese, who was born and raised in Sauk Rapids and currently is raising her two daughters in Sauk Rapids. There’s writer Dave DeMars, a former English teacher of more than 30 years, who lives and chose to retire in Sauk Rapids. There’s Editor in Chief Dennis Dalman, who grew up in downtown St. Cloud and who has resided in Rice the past decade. Now before you get the wrong impression, we’re not asking for donations in that amount; we expect to earn it. We are asking you, our loyal readers, to make some connections with the business owners you know (your family, friends and neighbors) to step up to the plate and commit to advertising regularly in our publication. And when this happens, then you our loyal readers, to patronize these businesses, so they survive and thrive also. That’s how advertising is supposed to work; and we are solely supported through advertising.
When taken in a lump sum, $8,000/month sounds like a daunting challenge, however, when bitten off in smaller chunks it is doable. Basically, it amounts to roughly a page-and-a-half of weekly advertising. This can be broken down into the following amounts: • Six or more businesses who commit to taking out a quarter-page ad (roughly $350/ad/week); OR • A dozen businesses who commit to taking out a 12” ad (roughly $210/ad/week); OR • 20 businesses who commit to taking out a 6” ad (roughly $100/ad/week); OR a combination thereof. I’m sharing this information in hopes a few of you “angels” want to earn your wings, like Clarence in It’s a Wonderful Life, by helping us help you (with your advertising needs). If so, please call me – at 320-363-7741 OR 1-800-386-2261 (toll-free) – or shoot me an email – at janellev@thenewsleaders.com – to discuss your advertising plan for 2017. Tis the season of miracles. We at the Newsleaders wish all of you and yours a safe, happy holiday season! We also wish to thank our loyal clients who already repeatedly utilize our advertising services! Cheers to a healthy, prosperous New Year! Sincerely, Janelle Von Pinnon Publisher/CEO The Newsleaders of Sauk Rapids-Rice, Sartell-St. Stephen and St. Joseph
After all, our numbers tell the truth. During an annual independent audit of our circulation, it was verified the Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader is delivered free of charge (through the U.S. Postal Service) to 10,300 households weekly. And of those households, 85 percent, more than 15,750 readers, read the paper weekly, which places us in the top 10 percent nationwide for independent weekly newspaper readership. And speaking of independence, now more than ever, smalltown weekly newspapers need your support to help keep government and school boards accountable to their taxpayers, to cheer on the local athletes and academic achievers, to recognize the good deeds accomplished in our own backyard, to help restore faith during tragedies and misfortune, to keep your community spirit alive. If something doesn’t change soon, we may not be here tomorrow. For some that might not seem like much of a loss, especially to our weekly competitors who are hoping we close our doors so they may go back to being a subscription newspaper as they were prior to our coming to town. But keep in mind, the Newsleader company has been proving for more than 25 years that free-distribution newspapers work. We DO have a place in our society and those businesses who advertise in free-distribution newspapers, receive more exposure than in subscription newspapers.
P.S. Look for the Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader in its digital format by clicking on thenewsleaders.com and then clicking on the Sauk Rapids water-tower icon. Current statistics show more than 100,000 unique visitors/month use our website to access local news and community information. AND your ad is seen free in this way too!