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Kylie works her magic to lift aunt’s spirits
Friday, Dec. 23, 2016 Volume 2, Issue 50 Est. 2015
Town Crier
by Darren Diekmann news@thenewsleaders.com
Resource Training to host hands-on kids day
More than 650 fifth- and sixth-grade students from area schools will have the opportunity to experience college and hands-on learning at the 2017 Science Rocks! event. This event takes place from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3 at St. Cloud State University’s Wick Science Building, Brown Hall and the ISELF building. The conference is coordinated by Resource Training & Solutions. This conference is designed to introduce fifth- and sixth-grade students to a variety of science and nature topics through presentations and handson learning. All the sessions are taught by professionals in their fields including engineers, naturalists, nurses and mathematicians. For more information, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on Dec. 23 Criers.
Red Cross encourages those able to donate
As freezing temperatures and harsh weather grip much of the nation, the American Red Cross urges eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets to help meet the constant need for blood this winter. Millions of people are expected to take to the roads, rail and air to celebrate the season, which can cause fewer donors to be available and lead to a decline in blood and platelet donations. In addition, severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses can temporarily prevent some from giving. Donors with all blood types are needed now to help patients. As a special thank you for taking the time to donate, those who come out to give Dec. 22 through Jan. 8 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. For more information, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on Dec. 23 Criers.
Anna Marie’s seeks gifts for teen boys
Anna Marie’s Alliance is looking for gifts to give to teen boys. Suggested items include gift cards, ear buds, hand-held electronic games, socks, movies and more. For more information, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on Dec. 23 Criers.
Around the Cloud
Want to know what’s happening in other communities around St. Cloud? Head to our website, www.thenewsleaders.com. We cover news, people and events from the Sauk Rapids-Rice, Sartell-St. Stephen and St. Joseph areas. For additional criers, visit www.thenewsleaders.com and click on Criers.
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April Myers, this year’s Sauk Rapids “Citizen of the Year,” bursts out laughing with her 6-year-old niece Kylie over a very interactive book.
Most people would be intimidated singing for the first time to a crowd of more than 200 people. But when 6-yearold Kylie sang “You Are My Sunshine,” she had no fear. Because she was not singing to the crowd, she was singing to her much-loved Aunt April and saw only her. She knew the people gathered were there to only help her sick aunt and that her singing made Aunt April happy. The event was a benefit held this past July for April Myers who has been struggling with cancer for a yearand-a-half. Kylie’s song was
one of the highlights of the event, not only for April but for all who heard. “I was so touched, and my heart was so warmed and Kylie did such a fantastic job,” said April Myers, during a recent interview. “She got up in front of all these people and just belted it out.” Ruthie Myers-Schleif, Kylie’s mother, said there were many at the benefit who were also overwhelmed by her daughter’s performance. “We all just turned into puddles [of tears],” she said. April was also inspired. “And I thought that if she can do that, then I can get through this cancer,” Myers Magic • page 4
Mayor Gunderson’s good run comes to an end by Dave DeMars news@thenewsleaders.com
In 10 years, Sauk Rapids Mayor Brad Gunderson has spent a lot of time at meetings of one sort or another. It’s Gunderson caused him to miss some basketball games,
some family outings and maybe some other things he would have liked to have had time for, but that wasn’t his calling. It was a need to serve, to try and make a difference in his city for his family and for others. That is what drove him. Gunderson spent six years on the council and four in the mayor’s chair. It hasn’t always been easy or fun, but he said he’s proud of what he has had a hand in accomplishing in Sauk Rapids.
When he talks of what’s been done, or what yet needs to be done, he just naturally uses the first person plural form: “We.” “I’m most proud of the Sauk Rapids downtown,” he said. “I love the way we were able to revitalize that and rebuild it.” He said he’s proud of the bridge, but he came on the council at the end of the construction and so he feels he had little to do with it. He is also proud of the Sauk Rapids Government Center.
“We were able to build that with no tax dollars,” he said proudly. “The Summit Avenue extension was a pretty good battle with the DNR and getting that done. That took four mayors to get that done, and it finally happened under my watch.” He explained there was always a road through that area complete with infrastructure, but the city just couldn’t get the tar down on it even though the city Gunderson • page 2
Shop-with-a-Cop program spreads holiday cheer by Mollie Rushmeyer news@thenewsleaders.com
A swarm of police officers inside a department store might typically be cause for concern, but from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 20 the Sartell Police Department hosted the Shop-with-a-Cop program at the Sartell Walmart to ensure kids with extra needs were able to enjoy the giftgiving of the holiday season. Thanks to a grant the Sartell Police Department acquired through Walmart department stores and a donation made by Bernick’s beverage company in Waite Park, each participating child received a $50 Walmart gift card and was paired with a Sartell or Sauk Rapids police officer to shop for the items they wanted. Children could buy gifts for themselves, their families and even purchase food and necessities. Children are chosen for the program
by their teachers or school-resource officers if they needed a little extra help during the holiday season. For many, the Shop-with-a-Cop program enables them to pick out Christmas presents they wouldn’t normally get to. Each of the 14 officers present, volunteered their time. To the police departments and the businesses involved, it’s all about making a difference in the children’s lives and bringing Christmas cheer – evident by the smiles on both the officers’ and children’s faces up and down the aisles during the event. The Shop-with-a-Cop program was started in 2010, and 25-year veteran Walmart staff Rose Seanger said she has been involved since the beginning on the store side of things. “It’s heartwarming,” Seanger said of the experience watching the kids shop. “There’s a lot of thinking of others Shop • page 4
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photo by Mollie Rushmeyer
Officer Tim Sigler of the Sauk Rapids Police Department shops with Haylee Backen, 9, to help her spend the money she received through the Shop-with-a-Cop event.
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Gunderson from front page had permits for the last 15 years. There were environmental concerns, and there were neighborhood concerns with the changes that would come about. He said he understood the concerns, but it really was a matter of safety. “We really needed to open that up for the safety of getting back to the school and that neighborhood,” he said. “Fire trucks and police officers – our police department was very happy when that finally opened up. Instead of having to run down to Sixth Avenue, then over and then back up to the school, now they have a straight shot. It really saves time.” With kids having access to guns, and drugs and the way society seems to malfunction sometimes, Gunderson said that response time was always a matter of high priority.
Things left undone
You probably wouldn’t know it, but Gunderson is a dreamer, a planner, a builder. He likes to see improvements, and he likes to finish projects – especially building projects. The Up-the-Hill Project is a pet concern of Gunderson. It’s nearly finished now, but he said
he would have liked to have been around to see the completion. “I would have liked to have gotten the third leg of the project done, especially getting Stearns Drive straightened out, right up there where the old J.P.’s was located,” he said. There’s a stoplight on that intersection now, but in Gunderson’s mind it should have been another roundabout. He said there’s a plan in somebody’s drawer that has Stearns Drive connecting with First Street South near Bob Cross Field. “That would have been something I would like to have gotten done – then that whole project would have been done,” he said. Another building project is the construction of an amphitheater for musical interludes during the summer. It would really enhance the park he said. “And maybe another community building down in the park,” he said. “One that has like glass walls that open up onto the river so we could use the river more.” His speech becomes more rapid as he waxes about a building near the old bridge access and how it could overlook the river and what it could look like. He takes a breath and slows himself down just a bit. “Hopefully, that is still in effect and that will go somewhere someday,” he said.
People The Central Minnesota Arts Board awarded the Sauk Rapids-Rice Hillside Adult Education the amount of $3,500 to allow artist Laura Ruprecht to have her own on-site studio at Hillside from January-May. Ruprecht will work weekly with adults earning art or elective credit toward a high school diploma while creating a body of work for an exhibition in May. The Storm’n Sabres varsity hockey team beat Rocori-River
Lakes 2-1 in their Dec. 15 matchup. The Storm’n Sabres found themselves down 1-0 just 31 seconds into the first period but were able to tie the score when Alexa Paulson tipped in a Megan Cook shot for a power-play goal midway through the period. On their 45th shot of the night, with just 27 seconds remaining in overtime, Cook found the back of the net off a feed from Bria Ferns for the game winner. Madi DeMarais stopped 16 of 17 shots for the win.
What about the future?
At his last council meeting, Gunderson was gracious, thanking his fellow council members and all of the people who worked in the Government Center and those who worked throughout the city. And he offered assurances to his wife. “I’d also like to thank my wife for putting up with this ride – and uhh – I won’t do it again,” he said. That was a week or so ago, and he has had time to ponder in what he might do next. “You know I’ve learned – ‘never say never,’” he said. “Right now I am confident in the council that is going to be seated the first of January. They are all fine guys and gals and I think they will do a great job.” Half seriously he says he might just become the sixth member of the council – the guy who sits in the back and watches and makes comments about what is happening even if he doesn’t know what he is talking about. “That might be me in maybe 20 years,” he said with a chuckle. For the immediate future, he said he is just going to sit back and kind of catch up on things. He has no plans to seek the open council seat, but allowed if asked to sit on a commission like planning or HRA, he would consider it. “I haven’t ruled out running
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. Nov. 7 5:07 p.m. Suspicious vehicle. Osauka Road N.E. Officers responded to a driving complaint in the high school parking lot. Upon
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Sauk Rapids Mayor Brad Gunderson with “Citizen of the Year” April Myers as he gets ready to present her with her award at one of his last functions as the outgoing mayor. for governor,” he quipped and then broke into a laugh. “I ran for county commissioner once and that might be a possibility in two years, but I’m not making any plans. Really, I just plan to sit and see where life takes me and my wife.” He would like to do a little traveling even if it’s just to Minneapolis to see his three kids. He feels a little guilty about times he missed while they were growing up. “I missed concerts and musicals and things like that when they were growing up,” he said. “I plan on reconnecting with family and making sure that it’s all good.”
Why do it at all?
Why did Gunderson get involved in politics? Really it was pretty simple. “I like helping people,” he
Blotter
arrival, the subject nor vehicle could be located. 10:29 p.m. Suspicious person. 18th Street N. Police observed a male and female wearing dark clothing who were walking on Highway 15. Officers approached the couple who stated they were walking to Walmart. In the interest of public safety, authorities offered them a ride and dropped them off at their desired destination. Nov. 8 4:03 a.m. Alarm Second Street N. Officers were dispatched to an alarm that had been set off at a local business. Upon arrival, police met with an employee who stated she had set it off accidentally. The alarm was shut off, and the area was cleared. 1:40 p.m. Traffic stop. Sixth Street N.E. While on routine patrol, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Police conducted a traffic stop. The driver understood why he had been pulled over and was given a verbal warn-
said. “I like taking a difficult situation and turning it so it’s easy and comfortable and works for everybody.” He said he doesn’t like all the arguing and contentiousness that seems to pervade much of the political scene today. He’s not afraid to speak out and tell people what he thinks, but in the end he said he’s a pragmatist who simply wants to make things better. He encourages anyone who wants to to try to take on the task. He said you just have to work with other council people and you don’t always get what you want. It’s important to learn to compromise, he added. “At the end of the day you just have to come away from the table with no hard feelings,” he said. “You have to be able to work together.”
ing. 7:37 p.m. Traffic stop. Benton Drive N./Eighth Street N. Authorities observed a vehicle driving without a proper headlight. Police initiated a traffic stop. Upon speaking with the driver, she stated she had recently hit a deer and was working on getting her vehicle fixed. The driver was given a verbal warning and cleared. Nov. 9 10:14 a.m. Medical. Fourth Avenue N. Police responded to an elderly woman who had fallen and was unable to get up. Gold Cross Ambulance paramedics arrived and assisted with helping the woman off the floor. She stated she did not need any further medical assistance. 10:43 p.m. Traffic stop. Police initiated a traffic stop after observing a vehicle whose license-plate lights were not working. The driver stated he was aware of this and was planning on getting it fixed. The man was verbally warned for the violation.
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Friday, Dec. 23, 2016
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Rice council approves budget, levy by Dave DeMars news@thenewsleaders.com
The Rice City Council at its Dec. 19 meeting approved small increases in the 2017 budget and levy as revenues for the coming year remained flat. The council approved the 2017 final budget and levy, which was discussed in a business meeting held prior to the regular council meeting. The amount of the 2017 tax levy is $424,410. City revenue for the year is $1,140,698, and expenditures were set at $1,114,601. The levy for 2017 represents a 5-percent increase over the proposed 2016 levy of $404,200. City revenue for 2016 was $1,134,518. Revenue for 2017 increased $6,180 or about half of one percent. Expenditures in 2017 are up $29,589 compared to 2016 when total expenditures were $1,085,012. This represents a 2.72-percent increase. (All figures for 2016 were taken from minutes of the
The direct deposit issue was discussed again with the presentation of a new resolution, which proposed to amend and restate a previous resolution passed in 2014. In the text of the resolution, employees who do not receive regular monthly or bi-monthly employment payments from the city get to choose whether to receive their payments by check or direct deposit rather than be required to be paid only through direct deposit. Council member Paula Kampa questioned whether the wording “bi-monthly” was correct. Council member Alan Voigt conceded the resolution should have read “bi-weekly, not bi-monthly” and suggested simply making the change at the table and reissuing the corrected version. More discussion
led to questions as to whether an amount might not also be stated in the resolution. Kampa questioned whether a person working in the recreation department one day a week would be required to take direct deposit, especially if the check was for a small amount. Treasurer Sheri Johnson said a maximum dollar amount could be used to determine if payments should be by hand-written check or direct deposit. Kampa added she is willing to sign something that would protect those who have misgivings about using direct deposit. “But if we are going to have this, let’s make it correct,” Kampa said. “And that would be to have something for underthe-age-of-18 workers. Get that corrected to state bi-weekly. Maybe we can put something in there to state if their check is less than $500, they wouldn’t need to. So then we are covering every base then.” Voigt was hesitant and said
recent interview with the Annandale Advocate newspaper. “I think he (Thone) has proved Christmas miracles do exist, especially for that neighborhood, because after Christmas the visual reminder of what was once there (will be) gone, and that is very important for the healing process,” Annandale Mayor Dwight Gunnarson told the newspaper. “So we’re very grateful, very thankful.” Patty Wetterling is also pleased about the demolition and told Thone it was a gift of healing during the holiday season. Thone had called her personally to tell her of the plans. Heinrich was arrested months ago and held in jail on charges of possessing child pornography. After much legal wrangling and multiple interviews, he confessed to being the abductor and killer of Wetterling and told law enforcement in early September where the boy’s body was buried – near a grove of trees on a farm near Paynesville. Within days, the boy’s body was found and positively identified. Under a legal agreement approved by Wetterling’s family, Heinrich, originally from the Paynesville area, would not be charged with abduction or murder as long as he confessed and revealed where the body could be found. Recently, Heinrich was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the child pornography-possession charges. After Heinrich’s arrest, the small, one-story, white house on the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Spruce Drive, suddenly vacant, was eventually foreclosed on by the company that had
the mortgage, JPMorgan Chase of New York City. The City of Annandale tried three times, without success to buy the foreclosed house, including twice with online auctions. The city, too, wanted to get rid of the house. On Dec. 3, Thone was watching TV news with his wife, Michele, in their Woodbury home. When he heard about the city’s problem in trying to acquire the house in Annandale, he decided immediately that he would buy it, so it could be destroyed. Friends, business colleagues and others expressed their strong approval and helped financially. Thone then bought the house for about $60,000. Thone said he was determined to buy the house because he and his wife recall vividly how the Jacob Wetterling disappearance terrified so many parents, including the Thones, whose children were young, like Jacob, at that time back in 1989. The four Thone children – three sons, one daughter – are now well into adulthood. The Thones consider their decision to buy and raze the house a Christmas gift to their children and to anyone else whose lives were affected sadly by the Wetterling case and its horrifying outcome. Thone was happy about how many people and organizations were so supportive of his plans. They include DSM Excavating and Red Pine Industries (both donating time and services); and Gov. Mark Dayton and the Minnesota Department of Commerce (both expediting the process with JPMorgan Chase so the sale-and-demolition could be completed before Christmas).
Dec. 7, 2015 Truth and Taxation and regular meeting minutes of the Rice City Council.)
Direct deposit
photo by Dave DeMars
The Rice Fire Department has felt the need for a newer and more up-to-date fire-rescue truck. To help with the purchase, the Rice Firefighters Association took matters into their own hands and presented a Christmas present to the city council in the form of a $20,000 check to be used in the purchase of a new rescue vehicle. Rice Firefighters Association members are the following (from left to right): Brian Kostreba, Pete Kraft, David Thene, President Steve Janski, Mike Kampa, Caleb Voigt, Jerry Gobel and Mayor Dale Rogholt. he needed some assurance that if the resolution presented were to be voted down, that it would be brought back with the changes mentioned by Kampa. Kampa assured him that that would be the case. When
Rogholt called the question, the council unanimously voted the resolution down. Expectations are that a clean resolution will be presented in 2017. In other agenda items, Council • page 7
House demolition welcomed as ‘Christmas gift’ by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com
Sometimes, something unspeakably awful can be transformed into a Christmas gift, and that is what’s happening this week in Annandale. The gift takes the form of the eradication of a visual reminder. That reminder is the house at 55 Myrtle Ave. S. – the small house where a killer, Danny Heinrich, lived for eight years. Heinrich is the confessed abductor and murderer of 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling of St. Joseph, whose disappearance one evening in 1989 baffled and disturbed so many people far and wide for 27 years. Heinrich’s house, that nagging reminder, is expected to be demolished Dec. 23, just two days before Christmas, thanks to Tim Thone, president of Thone Development, a real-estate company in Woodbury, near St. Paul. To so many people, the demolition will be yet another form of closure to the heartbreaking Wetterling case. Thone, colleagues and well-wishers raised money to buy the house just so it could be demolished, eradicated from memory. His decision is seen as a “Christmas gift” to many, including the neighbors who lived near that house for years without realizing its resident was the man who murdered Wetterling. They were shocked and horrified when they learned Wetterling’s killer was living right in their midst, and they are happy now that the house will be razed. The mayor of Annandale expressed that happiness in a
After buying the house, Thone gave it to the city with only one condition – that his own name and the name of the “predator” (Heinrich) cannot be mentioned on the house’s lot during the demolition process. Thone said he does not want
attention focused upon himself. What he does want, he said, is for people to make donations to the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center. To do so, Google Jacob Wetterling Resource Center. On the top bar, click on “How to Help,” then click on “Make a Donation.”
Newspaper Audit Report
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STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION Frequency of Issue: Weekly No. of issues Per Year: 50 Subscription Price: $99 per year. Mailing Address of Office of Publication: P.O. Box 324 St. Joseph, MN 56374 Mailing Address of Headquarters of General Business Offices of the Publisher: P.O. Box 324 St. Joseph, MN 56374 Full Name and Complete Mailing Address of the Editor: Janelle Von Pinnon P.O. Box 324 St. Joseph, MN 56374 Full Name and Complete Mailing Address of the Managing Editor: Janelle Von Pinnon P.O. Box 324 St. Joseph, MN 56374 Owner Name: Janelle Von Pinnon
Owner Mailing Address: P.O. Box 324 St. Joseph, MN 56374
Known Bondholders, Mortgagees and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or more of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or other Securities: None Audit Period Average Extent and nature of circulation St. Joseph Sartell-St. Stephen Sauk Rapids-Rice 8,414 10,210 Total No of copies (Net press run): 3,691 Total paid or requested circulation: 0 0 0 Free distribution by mail carrier: 3,366 8,174 10,004 Newsstands: 297 213 181 Restock/office copies: 28 27 25 Gross distribution: 3,663 8,387 10,185 Unclaimed/returns: 43 43 42 Net circulation:
3,620
8,344
10,143
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Friday, Dec. 23, 2016
photos by Mollie Rushmeyer
Above: Officer Charlie Swiggum of the Sauk Rapids Police Department participates in Shop-with-a-Cop for the first time. Kara Kranz (left), her daughter Savannah Hamlin, 6, along with Officer Swiggum, pick out Christmas gifts. Right: Rose Seanger, a 25-year employee of Walmart, has been involved in the Shop-with-a-Cop program since its inception. Here she wraps some of the children’s finds, as often they buy not only for themselves but for other family members as well.
Shop from front page in the family,” she said. “It’s a very humbling experience being a part of this.” She recalls one year a
Magic from front page said. “Thinking about it just gives me that little extra push.” Then she turned to Kylie, who was also present at the interview. “That was very special, and I will never forget that Kylie,” she said. With the guidance of her mother, Kylie has made it her job to inspire and encourage her aunt since the beginning of her struggle. “When April got sick I would try to think what can we do to lift her spirits,” she recalled, “and I would say, OK Kylie we are going to put you to work.” Early in April’s illness, during the summer last year, Ruthie would sometimes take her sister-in-law to radiation treatments and would make sure they took Kylie along. “She was a great distraction, with her 5-year-old goofiness,
child only wanted to buy food for his family with the gift card, but everyone pulled together to buy food so he could still use his money for gifts. Seanger, along with other Walmart staff, work on welcoming the families and children, putting out holi-
day treats and refreshments while the children anxiously wait for their turn to shop with one of the officers. The officers then take the families one by one out to the floor and spend time with each child to ensure they get what they want.
for April (and me too) during this scary and uncertain time in her journey,” Ruthie said. It seemed when she was at her lowest, Kylie would always come through for her, April said. “Whether it was a song on Facebook or if she would just stop by and give me that little hug that she does,” April said. “She has been such an uplifting little buddy for me.” A recent short video sent to boost her spirits shows a pile of leaves. Kylie is concealed under it and jumps up, leaves fly everywhere and Kylie is holding a sign that says “We believe” and shouts “We believe, Aunt April! Love you!” and finishes with a joyful “Wooooo whooo!” “We believe,” is Ruthie and Kylie’s motto for April’s journey back to health. Perhaps the greatest testament to Kylie’s dedication to her aunt was evident in her sacrificing most of her presents for her sixth birthday. It was the first time she
was going to invite friends. “I asked Kylie what she thought of her friends bringing a donation to help Aunt April and Uncle Scott rather than receiving gifts,” Ruthie said. “I did promise Kylie we (Mike and myself) would bring a few gifts for her to open at her party. Kylie was completely happy with this arrangement.” Last April 25, April was given the honor of Citizen of the Year for Sauk Rapids for her years of working for the good of the community. She is the housing director for Good Shepherd Community. She has volunteered extensively at area schools for the speech team, band and theater and is an active member of her church, Living Waters Lutheran Church, among other volunteer work. Now with the last year, being on the receiving end of Ruthie and Kylie’s help among many others, April said she is even more determined than before to be involved with her
“This is a fun way to meet with kids instead of some of the hard ways we might (meet) otherwise,” said officer Matt Gray of the Sartell Police Department. Sharing the sentiment, officer Swiggum from the Sauk Rapids Police Department
contributed photo
Sauk Rapids “Citizen of the Year” April Myers’ 6-year-old niece Kylie belts out “You Are My Sunshine” in honor of her beloved aunt. community. “This whole experience is about giving back, and now I want to give back even more . . .” she said. “I am just so
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said of his first experience with the program on Dec. 20: “This is pretty fun. It’s nice to get out and do something fun like this.” Also reflecting that when they get called out somewhere it isn’t usually for a good reason, so this was a nice change.
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humbled but obviously proud. I just want to keep on giving back to people in need. I really enjoy that.”
Friday, Dec. 23, 2016
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Children’s Home adds specialty unit for autism by Frank Lee operations@thenewsleaders.com
The St. Cloud Children’s Home has added a specialty cottage-only unit – the only one in the state, according to officials – to specifically serve children on the autism spectrum with residential mental-health services. Earlier this year, staff at Catholic Charities St. Cloud Children’s Home noticed a trend. In the previous 18 months, many young people who were not making progress in the program (or weren’t accepted into the program) had something in common: a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. Autism spectrum disorder is a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The closest mental-health residential-treatment program that specializes in mental-health care for kids on the spectrum is in Illinois. Staff saw an opportunity to help kids in Minnesota with a kind of treatment that was desperately needed. “We brought the idea of a specialty unit to those who refer youth to the Children’s Home, and their response was very positive,” said Andrea Hendel, Catholic Charities Director of Residential Services. According to the CDC, “There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that sets them apart from other people, but people with ASD may communicate, interact, behave and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The learning, thinking and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others need less.” “When you put a child on the spectrum in a mental-health-treatment setting with kids who aren’t on the spectrum,” Hendel said, “the result isn’t as consistent as it needs to be.” The new unit has the same daily schedule as the other cottages, but its focus is different. “We have to be a lot more thoughtful about changes and
transitions,” Hendel said. For example, to most children, holding class outdoors is a treat. To kids on the spectrum, it’s a change. When the cottage switched from a summer to fall (school) schedule, the kids were reminded daily that “school starts next week.” Staff used a calendar to visually reinforce the idea there is a change in schedule coming, so the kids would be prepared and respond well. Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder can be difficult, according to the CDC, since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis. About one in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, and ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups, although it is about 4.5 times more common among boys (one in 42) than among girls (one in 189). About one in six children in the United States had a developmental disability in 2006-08, ranging from mild disabilities such as speech and language impairments to serious developmental disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy and autism, according to the CDC. “A significant difference in working in mental-health treatment with families is the autism spectrum is forever,” Hendel said. “It’s going to have an impact on the child’s life and the family’s life.” Catholic Charities St. Cloud Children’s Home has been working with youth for more than 90 years. Today, the residential-treatment facility is for young people ages 9 to 18. The nonprofit organization serves residents statewide and is supported by generous individuals, foundations, faith communities and corporations. “These kids CAN realize their dreams!” Hendel said.
skills. They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention or reacting to things. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person’s life.” Children or adults with ASD might: • not point at objects to show interest (for example, not point at an airplane flying over) • not look at objects when another person points at them • have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all • avoid eye contact and want to be alone • have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings • prefer not to be held or cuddled, or might cuddle only when they want to • appear to be unaware when people talk to them, but respond to other sounds • be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play or relate to them • repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language • have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions • not play “pretend” games (for example, not pretend to “feed” a doll) • repeat actions over and over again • have trouble adapting when a routine changes • have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel or sound • lose skills they once had (for example, stop saying words they were using).
contributed photo
Here is the Children’s Home earlier this year as it underwent construction to add a special unit for children with autism.
Just in the St. ‘Nick’ of time
contributed photo
With only a few days left before Christmas, Max DeMars, son of Dave and Amanda DeMars of Sauk Rapids, looks for the perfect place to hang his ornament on the Christmas tree in the family’s basement.
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According to the CDC, “People with ASD often have problems with social, emotional and communication
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Our View Choose in favor of health as new year approaches There’s some good news as we approach 2017. Minnesota is the fourth-healthiest state in the nation, according to another annual study released by “United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings.” The report examined 34 measures of behaviors, health policies, clinical-care data and other statistics. Hawaii, for the fifth consecutive year, is rated first for health, followed by Massachusetts, Connecticut, Minnesota and Vermont. On a nationwide level, the report is filled with good news/bad news. For example, many more people now have health insurance (with the uninsured rate now at 10.6 percent, the lowest rate in the report’s 27-year history); the smoking rate has declined (17 percent in just the past four years, and since 1990 by 40 percent); also declining was the rate of preventable hospitalizations among Medicare recipients (13 percent in just the past year). On the other hand, obesity has increased among adults; there are more deaths due to cardiovascular disease; and there is an increase in the misuse of legal and illegal drugs. All those preventable factors point to health problems leading to a generally higher rate of deaths at earlier-than-normal ages. As Obamacare remains under frequent attacks, it’s worth noting that it did, despite some problems, hugely help decrease the rate of the uninsured by 35 percent in the past few years. Like the nation at large, Minnesota, despite its high marks, shows a mixed record. It rates very well for a lower rate of children in poverty (about 8 percent) and a small percentage of people lacking health insurance (5.2 percent). On the negative side, there is a high prevalence of excessive drinking (21.1 percent); lower per-capita public-health funding; and an unacceptably high rate of pertussis (whooping cough, which can be fatal in some children). Minnesota gains high marks for its education, and yet its high-school graduation point is a disappointing 81.9 percent, according to the study. All in all, Minnesota seems to be on the right track as a leader in many health-related factors: fewer cardiovascular deaths, fewer violent crimes, less obesity, fewer premature deaths and less air pollution. The states at the bottom of the list are all Southern states: Oklahoma, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and – at the very bottom – Mississippi. To appreciate Minnesota’s high ranking, all one need do is to compare it to Mississippi’s ratings: children in poverty (28 percent); smoking rate (23 percent); obesity (36 percent); and high-school graduation (75 percent). One of Mississippi’s pluses is the relatively low excessive-drinking rate (13 percent). It’s no time to rest on laurels or to gloat. All states, even No. 1-rated Hawaii, could certainly use some improvements. The most optimistic factor in the report is that individual responsibility through wise choices can add up to big statewide and nationwide improvements: better nutrition and more exercise leading to less obesity and better overall health; moderation in the use of alcohol; total abstinence from dangerous drugs; parents ensuring their children are vaccinated; an insistence that students graduate from high school, perhaps making the acquisition of a driver’s license dependent upon successful graduation with acceptable grades. We, Americans, in every state of the nation should all keep these lifestyle choices/changes in mind when pondering our New Year’s resolutions.
The ideas expressed in the letters to the editor and of the guest columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of the Newsleaders. Letters to the editor may be sent to news@thenewsleaders.com or P.O. Box 324, St. Joseph, MN 56374. Deadline is noon Monday. Please include your full name for publication (and address and phone number for verification only.) Letters must be 350 words or less. We reserve the right to edit for space.
Friday, Dec. 23, 2016
Opinion
Dirty politics turn filthy in North Carolina As the new year approaches, keep a close eye on North Carolina. In that state, the Republican super-majority in its general assembly (legislature) is trying its best to make a political eunuch out of newly-elected Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. What’s been happening in that sourly divisive state could well become the new dirty game plan for arrogant political behavior in other states, possibly even Minnesota. In the Nov. 8 election, Democrat Cooper defeated Republican incumbent Gov. Pat McCrory by only about 10,000 votes. That slim win, naturally, soured the Republicans in the assembly. To exact revenge and to flex their power, they filched a playbook page from the U.S. Congressional Republicans who took a toxic vow years ago to frustrate and obstruct two-time winner President Barack Obama every step of the way. Last week, the N.C. Republican-led assembly met in special session to consider hurricane relief for the state. That done, they immediately convened another special session and got down to a hurricane of their own – their lickety-split business of passing a whirlwind of bills to limit the powers of the new governor. These Republican legislators – opportunist hypocrites one and all – churned out these prohibitions that their own outgoing governor has enjoyed to the hilt: • An end to the governor’s control over election boards. From now on, each North Carolina county election board will have two members from each political party (Republican/Democrat) rather than three members as before (with two of the three from the party of the governor who happens to be in power). • The N.C. Board of Elections be restricted from majority control via the governor. • Require the Republican-controlled state Senate to give approval to the governor’s cabinet picks.
Dennis Dalman Editor • End the governor’s power to appoint trustees to the University of North Carolina. • Cut the number of state employees who serve with the governor’s permission. • Grant civil-service protections to managers in state agencies who have honored the priorities of outgoing Gov. McCrory. • Another proposed bill would add all kinds of obfuscation and chicanery to the way state cases are decided, undermining the power of the state’s Supreme Court, which now has a 4-3 tilt toward Democrats after the Nov. 8 election. These flip-flop law changes, cooked up through a shameful combination of spite and jealousy, were meant to do one thing only – hamstring the new Democratic governor. Those devious machinations follow some of the sneakiest, most outrageous efforts at voter suppression since the poll tax and literacy tests of the Jim Crow South, which kept so many blacks from voting. Since 2013, North Carolina right-wing factions have become the biggest scoundrels in the renewal of racist voting tactics. That disgusting rationale, of course, has been used in many states based on the proven hysteric lie of “voting fraud” – millions of dead people and criminals voting! And so, sadly, in North Carolina laws were passed to require voter photo IDs, to eliminate same-day registration, to do away with out-of-precinct voting, to forbid advanced registration by high-school students. More than half of those voting options were used by blacks, students and financially-
strapped people. Blacks in North Carolina tend always to vote for Democrats. That is what sparked those laws, not the phony concern about “voting fraud.” Fortunately, earlier this year, a three-member Court of Appeals panel struck down the N.C. voting restrictions, claiming they were targeted at blacks “with almost surgical precision” and that it’s a “cure” for a “problem that doesn’t exist.” Just one example of the law’s blatant lopsidedness is that it allows (as valid) photo IDs such as drivers’ licenses and passports, typically held mostly by whites: but it does not allow photo IDs issued to people by colleges or stateassistance programs, the kinds of IDs held by many students, blacks and poorer residents. Combine that kind of voter suppression with election sabotage by Russians jerks, and – oops! – “Houston, we have a problem.” The blatant political chicanery in North Carolina is a statewide fire ready to spread into a national conflagration. In the air these days is a growing disregard and disrespect for political civility. If you don’t get your way, then go ahead and bully, throw fits, rant with political incorrectness, cut corners, use smear tactics, lie, disseminate rumors, print slanders, make up “news” stories, pass laws even if they’ll be overturned. If overturned, pass some more. Use majority rule as a weapon to smash opponents; push it to the limits; be the bully on the block. Win, win, win. What’s happening in North Carolina could well be coming to a legislature near you. Politics, as they say, tends to be a dirty business; it’s a lot dirtier these days in North Carolina; it’s downright filthy. Let’s stop it. Now is not the time to roll over and play dead.
Letter to the editor:
Thank you, Paul Spizcka, for kindness to veteran Dennis Koep, Sauk Rapids I want to thank Paul Spizcka at PBS Metalworks of Sauk Rapids for doing a wonderful reconstruct and welding job on the rear axle of my mobility scooter. I am considered 100-percent disabled but still need to cook in the kitchen with my elevating seat scooter.
I had a lot of trouble turning around as the scooter was just too long by only 3 inches to make it turn easily. Paul was able to shorten it up and narrow it up, so that now it is very easy to turn around. Also, by adding a Nomar bumper to cover the rear casters, I will no longer damage the lower cabinet base doors, when I turn around or lightly brush them.
This businessman would accept no payment from my son or me, because, as he stated, he “wanted to do something for a disabled veteran for Veterans Day.” I feel he deserves more than a handshake and a heartfelt thank you. Paul is a hard-working, honest businessman who is a great asset to our area.
Make the most of the holidays
It’s that time of year again. Not that it’s hard to notice. Festive music plays from almost every radio station. Trees and decorations abound. Stores and websites are pushing last-minute sales for the have-to-have gifts. We even had a blitz of snow to top it off. In summary, another holiday season in Minnesota. Every year, it’s always amazing to look around and wonder just how this all got started. How could one possibly live in a state where the record high for that day is still below zero degrees? Yet we still do it. The citizens of this great state bring “Minnesota nice” into everything we do, especially when the weather turns cold. It seems like the holidays were almost invented just to ease the ravages of the icy snow. Families gather around trees and dinner tables to celebrate, children are amazed by constant sights, and the new year is rung in with cheers. Presents are exchanged, and people grow closer together. It’s a common cliche that Christmas is the season of giving, but in my experience, it rings true. Minnesotans are among the top volunteers in the nation, and it’s easy to see why. Thousands turn out to work at food shelves, dinners and shelters. Agencies and student councils collect food, clothing and other items for those in need. We are also generous with our contributions. I remember working as a bell ringer with my student council back in middle school, and all the warm friendly faces that would greet us as we stood out in the cold. I am very proud to live in such a state. We may not have the most favorable climate, but I’ll wager we have some
Connor Kockler Guest Writer of the best people. Growing up all my life in central Minnesota, I’ve seen this first-hand. Getting older, my appreciation for the holidays continues to grow more and more. Working with organizations such as student council and church, I’ve been able to join in on this tradition myself. One of my favorite memories from middle school was our annual food drive. It was always organized as a competition between the grades, and for one week students would aggressively bring in non-perishable items to try to put their class on top. More importantly, this made the amount of food we brought in truly astounding. When it was all done and over, we would load hundreds if not thousands of items into trucks destined for local food shelves. The hustle and bustle of the week, collecting and counting all of the donations, was worth it knowing just how much good they would do. I think we forget that sometimes. People will say “What difference can I make?” The answer is always more than we think. I have had the honor of meeting and hearing about many people who give their time and energy to service. Many volunteer for hundreds of hours with little
recognition or notice. But every one of them makes a huge difference. For all of those volunteers, I give a big thank you. The world would not be the same without your selflessness. The true meaning of the holidays to me is about family, friendship and giving. They make everything worth it. After a cold winter day, coming home to your family, doing something with friends or giving back to those who need it are sure comforts indeed. No matter what holidays people celebrate, this season is one of generosity and togetherness. I wish everyone a great holiday and a happy new year. May your families grow closer, your friendships stronger and your hearts merrier. When the days are so dark, it’s easy to forget that soon they will be getting brighter again. Our words and actions make a difference, it’s never too late to get involved or to do something we’ve been meaning to do. One person or one act of kindness can change the world forever. This season is many things, but it shouldn’t be one of regret or sadness. The end of the year brings new hope and new chances. The next year may be a rough ride, but I know we are ready for it. Our towns, our state, our country and our world can always use more hope and cheer. This change can start with us, and if we do so, marvelous things could be just around the corner. Connor Kockler is a Sauk Rapids-Rice High School student. He enjoys writing, politics and news, among other interests.
Friday, Dec. 23, 2016
Council from page 3 Christmas came early for the Rice City Council when the Rice Firefighters Association presented the council with a $20,000 check to be used for the purchase of a fire-rescue truck. A smiling Mayor Dale Rogholt quickly entertained a motion to accept the check. In other business, the council did the following: • Approved the hiring of Johnathan Supan as a hockey-rink attendant. • Certified the election results of Nov. 8, 2016. • Approved the use of the
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. 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. Caroling and Christmas Eucharist, 9 p.m., St. Benedict’s MonAU 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) ANNOUNCEMENTS MACHINERY CONSIGNMENT SALE, MON., JANUARY 16, 2017 at 9:00 A.M. Consign early by Dec. 30, 2016 for complete advertising. No Small Items, Tires or Pallet Items Accepted After Friday, Jan. 6. Next Machinery Consignment Sale is Mar. 6, 2017. Gilbert’s Sale Yard, LLC, 641-398-2218. 2 Mi. N. of Floyd, IA On Hwy. 218. Tractor House Internet Bidding Available. www.gilbertsaleyard. com (MCN) ADOPTION A childless married couple seeks to adopt. Will be hands-on mom & devoted dad. Financial security. Expenses PAID. Call Holly & Tiger. 1-800-790-5260 (ask for Adam) (MCN) PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Call us first. Living expenses, housing, medical, and continued support afterwards. Choose adoptive family of your choice. Call 24/7. 855-390-6047 (Void in IL & IN) (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,
Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com city hall for a Christmas Eve service by the Rice Community Church for Dec. 24. • Approved an easement for access resolution to correct a previous oversight. The easement gives access to the Deason Properties LLC as part of the street right-of-way of Gateway Drive N. In a second clarifying resolution related to the previous resolution, the city confirmed Gateway Drive N. is a public street maintained by the city for public use. The council also approved a $600 telecommunications grant from Benton Telecommunications Foundation for the purchase of software for a portable radar sign. • Approved a three-month
extension to the Watab Township fire contract. Discussion revealed this seems to be a problem as the township has requested previous extensions. The issue revolves around payment for services and the apparent inability of the township to collect payment. Fire Chief Scott Janski said the township had requested the department consider dropping the medical portion of the contract. That would mean the department would no longer respond to medical emergencies and would provide fire coverage only. “This just gets really frustrating when every time it comes to contracts, it’s always a request for an extension,” said council member Brian Skroch. “It gets
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really frustrating because everyone else seems to be able to sign right now. It seems like we are bending over backward, and they just keep coming back for more extensions and (with) more complaints.” Voigt said he agreed with Skroch’s assessment but wondered what could be done. Services can’t be dropped because ultimately it’s for the protection of the people in that township.
Committee reports
City Clerk Stephanie Fischer apprised the council of the following upcoming items that will need to be reviewed and possible actions taken: annual salary schedule, appointments,
Community Calendar
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Sunday, Dec. 25 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. Monday, Dec. 26 Benton County Historical Society, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320-253-9614. mnbentonhistory.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. 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 956-682-7495 or email info@ j5rvparktexas.com, www.j5rvparktexas.com Tom and Donna Tuttle Managers (MCN) EMPLOYMENT/HELP WANTED HELP WANTED: OTR DRIVERS. Ewy Trucking seeking Owner/Operators & Company Drivers. Valid Class A CDL. Home on weekends if desired. Pulling hopper bottoms across the U.S. Minnesota Based. Call 507-421-3680 (MCN) 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 infor-
Tuesday, Dec. 27 Sauk Rapids Lions Club, 6:30 p.m., VFW, 901 N. Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids. e-clubhouse.org/sites/saukrapidslionsmn.
Wednesday, Dec. 28 Winter party, 1-3 p.m., Independent Lifestyles, 215 N. Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids. Friday, Dec. 30 Benton County Historical Society, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 218 First St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320-253-9614. mnbentonhistory.org. Saturday, Dec. 31 Candlelight Snowshoe and Hike. 5-8 p.m., Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site, 1620 Lindbergh Drive, Little Falls. 320616-5421. mation, call: 1-800-902-9366 (MCN) HEALTH & MEDICAL DIGITAL HEARING AIDS - Now offering a 45-Day Risk Free Offer! FREE BATTERIES for Life! Call to start your free trial! 855-982-0724 (MCN) OXYGEN - Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: 844-852-7448 (MCN) Chronic Pain? Back or joint pain, arthritis? Recent Medicare/health coverage changes may benefit you! Products are little to NO COST, if qualified. FREE Shipping. Accredited Pain Specialists. CALL 1- 800-950-0213 (MCN) Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace at little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-604-2613 (MCN) LIVING WITH KNEE OR BACK PAIN? Medicare recipients may qualify to receive a pain relieving brace at little or no cost. Call now! 844-668-4578 (MCN) Stop OVERPAYING for your prescriptions! SAVE! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy, compare prices and get $25.00 OFF your first prescription! CALL 1-800-263-4059 Promo Code CDC201625 (MCN) MISCELLANEOUS CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-389-0695. www.cash4diabeticsupplies.com (MCN)
Saturday, Jan. 7 Sartell Winter Farmers’ Market, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sartell City Hall, 125 Pinecone Road N, Sartell. www.marketmonday.org.
fee schedule, the Fire Relief Investment Report Card, analysis of property-variance requests, disposition of SCOREgrant compost money and 2017 SCORE-grant applications, and the recording of meetings. Also requiring action are committee appointments, negotiations with the clerk and treasurer for 2017, and review of what to do about the recreation-management position. With regard to that position, Kampa said she wanted to maintain the position and had explored three options but was still seeking more information before recommending a final action. General consensus was that maintaining the program in Rice is important.
Sunday, Jan 8 Sno-flyers Vintage Run, noon-5 p.m., SnoFlyers Clubhouse, south of Holdingford on C.R. 9.
Snap is a 10-month-old, neutered cat who first arrived at TCHS with minimal human contact. After some patience and coaxing, Snap snapped out of his feral funk and now won’t stop purring. He’s a very energetic cat and has played really well with other cats. Snap likes to scratch on scratching posts, play with Yeowww catnip toys and receive chin scratches. So snap out of it already, and adopt Snap! “Helping one animal won’t change the world … but it will change the world for that one animal!” Dogs - 10 Rabbits - 2 Turtle - 1
Cats - 32 Dove - 1
Kittens - 25 Guinea pigs - 3
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Sauk Rapids-Rice Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, Dec. 23, 2016
Happy Holidays! Wishing you happy holidays and a new year filled with prosperity and success! AFLAC - Deborah A. Krump 1407 33rd St. S., Ste. 109, St. Cloud 320-217-6040 • www.aflac.com
Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday season!
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
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611 19th Ave. N.E., St. Joseph (Behind Coborn’s in the St. Joseph Industrial Park) 320-363-1116 • www.ab2k.com Buon Natale e Felice Anne Nuovo!
BELLO CUCINA
15 E. Minnesota St. #101, St. Joseph • 320-363-4534 www.bellocucina.com Yuletide wishes from all of us at
BRENNY TRANSPORTATION INC.
RIVERSIDE ASSISTED LIVING
812 E. Centre St., Royalton • 320-584-6484 www.riversideroyalton.com Always hoping life treats you kind! Happy holidays! 320-252-2634 • www.stcloudfcu.coop
Wishing you the peace, joy and love of the season.
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC SCHOOL 308 Second St. N., Sartell • 320-259-9940 www.stfrancissartellschool.org Merry Christmas from
SAINT JOHN’S PREP
Serving students in grades 6-12 2280 Water Tower Road • Collegeville 320-363-3315 • www.sjprep.net
8505 Ridgewood Road, St. Joseph • 320-363-6999 www.brennytransportation.com
A toast to you - thanks for your continued patronage.
‘Seasoned’ greetings from all of us at
What’s Christmas without all the trimmings? We won’t be truly ready for the holidays until we say “thanks” to all of you!
COBORN’S
St. Joseph • Sartell • Sauk Rapids www.coborns.com Wishing you the kind of holidays that warm your heart and make you smile.
DRS. STYLES, COTTON, MILBERT & STAFF 1514 E. Minnesota St., St. Joseph • 320-363-7729 www.stjoedds.com
ST. JOSEPH LIQUOR SHOPPE Hwy. 75, St. Joseph • 320-363-8636
ST. JOSEPH MEAT MARKET
26 First Ave. N.W., St. Joseph • 320-363-4913 www.stjosephmeatmarket.com We hope your holidays abound with good cheer and good things!
ST. JOSEPH ROD & GUN CLUB
Wishing you a merry Christmas from all of us at
Betty Harker, president P.O. Box 374, St. Joseph • 320-223-1071 www.stjoerodandgunclub.org
8914 Ridgewood Court, St. Joseph • 320-363-7453 www.gmdrilling.com
Happy holidays from all of us at
GM DRILLING
May your Christmas be filled with the sparkle of Joy, Peace, Love and Laughter from all of us at
HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE
406 Great Oak Drive, Waite Park • 320-258-3055 www.homeinstead.com/503 Holiday greetings to you and yours from all of us at
SCHERER TRUCKING
P.O. Box 178, St. Joseph • 320-363-8846 www.scherertrucking.com Hope your season, and smile, are bright!
SCHNEIDER ORTHODONTICS
325 19th St. S., Ste. 102, Sartell • 320-251-0455 www.schneiderortho.com
LAWSON FAMILY DENTAL
God’s blessings on all, including you.
A warm cup of cheer to you from
104 Chapel Lane, St. Joseph • 320-363-7100 www.sbm.osb.org
19 W. Minnesota St., St. Joseph • 320-363-1011 www.thelocalblend.net
STEARNS COUNTY ABSTRACT & TITLE CO.
2395 Troop Drive #101, Sartell • 320-252-6191 www.lawsonfamilydental.com
THE LOCAL BLEND
The happiest of holidays to you!
PINECONE VISION CENTER
2180 Troop Drive, Sartell • 320-258-3915 www.pineconevisioncenter.com Warm wishes for the holiday season!
QUILL & DISC INC.
SISTERS OF THE ORDER OF SAINT BENEDICT Happy holidays from
21 Court House Square, St. Cloud • 320-251-5920 www.stearnscountyabstract.com
May you share the season with the ones you love.
STERLING PARK SENIOR LIVING
35 First Ave. N., Waite Park • 320-257-4920 www.twdcc.com Happy holidays! Have a wood day!
30844 NE First Ave., St. Joseph • 320-363-7296 www.quilldisc.com
TMT INTEGRITY FLOORING LLC
Happy holidays from all of us at
Wishing you a merry Christmas and a safe new year!
REPUBLIC SERVICES
700 40th Ave. N.E., Sauk Rapids • 320-252-9608 www.republicservices.com
320-363-7926 • www.floorguy.net
TROBEC’S BUS SERVICE INC. – NOW HIRING! 413 County Road 2 S., St. Stephen • 320-251-1202 www.trobecsbus.com