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Newsleader Sartell
Friday, Feb. 15, 2013 Volume 18, Issue 7 Est. 1995
Town Crier Community Showcase planned for Feb. 23
Bring your family and friends to the 8th annual Sartell Area Chamber’s Community Showcase from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Sartell Middle School, 627 Third Ave. N. This free, familyfocused event includes booths from many area businesses/ organizations, kids’ activities, games, inflatables, open swimming and door prizes. Entertainment will be provided between 10 a.m. and noon. The LeSauk Lions will sell food at the event too. For more information, visit www. thenewsleaders.com and click on Criers.
Home Stretch set Feb. 23 for first-time homebuyers
Home Stretch, a first-time homebuyer workshop that takes participants through the entire home-buying process will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 at the office of Central Minnesota Housing Partnership. Homebuyer education is also offered as an online course. Framework is a new online tool to prepare you for successful homeownership. Framework will provide you with the facts you need to become a knowledgeable buyer. Many lenders have approved Framework to meet homebuyer education requirements. For more information, visit www.thenewsleaders.com and click on Criers.
‘Green Forum’ set for Feb. 26 at library
All people who work with the area’s young people are invited to a “Green Forum” starting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Great River Regional Library, St. Cloud. The conference, entitled “2013 Green Forum: Engaging Our Youth” teaches organizations how to reach out to youth and engage them in sustainability efforts. The event is sponsored by the St. Cloud Area Sustainability Committee. A free breakfast will be served. To learn more or to register, go to www.sustainablestcloud.com.
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Sartell approves purchase for Sauk River parkland by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
The City of Sartell, at long last, has finally reached an agreement to purchase 44 acres of land that will likely become Sartell’s Sauk River Regional Park. The city council approved the agreement unanimously at its Feb. 11 meeting. The cost of the land parcel will be about $948,000. That amount includes $908,000 for 40 acres of what is known as the “Dehler Property,” and $40,000 for the nearly five acres of the “Ernie Wollak” property. The land is located in south Sartell along the Sauk River and south of Stearns County Road 120. It abuts Whitney Park in St. Cloud. But it’s not quite the time to celebrate. First, the Minnesota Legislature must agree to extend $500,000 in bonding money for the park, a grant that expired at the end of December 2012. The bonding funds were granted to Sartell in 2008 but had to be used by the end of last year. Now that a purchase agreement has been reached,
Sartell will request the legislature for an extension of the bond money.
In addition, the city will use $500,000, a Legacy Grant from the state, to help pay for the
park. That grant requires a 10 percent amount to be kicked in Parkland • page 3
‘Sabres dance way to state contest’
contributed photo
The award-winning Sartell Sabre Dance Team will once again compete for the state championship this weekend at Target Center in the Twin Cities. The team will be one of four other teams competing at the event in both the high kick and jazz categories. The other teams are St. Cloud Cathedral, Cold Spring Rocori and St. Cloud Tech. The 34 members of the dance team are led by head coach Kelly McCarney.
Pinecone Park Association aims for $150,000 by April 1 by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
Come spring, when the shout of “Play ball!” rings in the air at Pinecone Central Park, they won’t be kidding. A total of 18 teams will play in a tournament on brand-new turf when the park hosts a grand opening during Sartell SummerFest, June 8-9. In the meantime, the Sartell
Pinecone Central Park Association, is trying to raise $150,000 by April 1 to complete Phase I in time for the grand opening. The funding would pay for finishing the baseball fourplex site (concrete and other surface materials, $85,000); baseball scoreboards, $25,000; bleachers, $10,000; picnic tables, $5,000; portable pitching mounds, $5,000; and maintenance equipment such
as lawnmowers and field-grooming equipment, $20,000). All donations to the Pinecone Central Park Association are taxdeductible. Donations can be made in two ways: 1. Electronically, via the Pinecone Central Park website at www.pineconeparksartell.com. 2. Through the mail to: Pinecone Central Park Association;
2705 Winnebago Road; Sartell, MN 56377. All donors will be recognized on the website unless they prefer to remain anonymous. Those who contributed more than $1,000 will be recognized on a “Donor Wall” at the park. In addition, there are options for securing naming rights at the fields. All naming rights are good for at least 20 years. Park • page 8
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
in her middle-school and highschool years. And she has not forgotten that pain. As a candidate for “Miss Minnesota International,” Olinger’s platform topic is “Bullying.” At the pageant, which will take place March 15 in St. Cloud (exact time and location to be announced), Olinger will give a speech about the crucial need for societal forces to get together to prevent bullying of children. She will be competing against young women from throughout Minnesota, each representing her own city. “I wasn’t bullied as badly as other girls,” she said, “but I want all girls to know they can survive bullying and become
beautiful inside and outside. They can build their self-esteem even if they have been bullied physically, mentally or emotionally. I want to be a voice for those girls.” Olinger moved to Sartell from Westchester, because her boyfriend, who had completed his medical residency in New York, found a job in Sartell. Dr. Ken Anderson is an oral-facial surgeon at Central Lakes clinic in Sartell. Olinger is employed as a medical biller for Array Services in Sartell. As a relative newcomer to Sartell, Olinger has been busy learning about her new city and its people. She plans to become Olinger • page 3
Once bullied herself, Olinger to focus on issue of bullying
contributed photo
A relative newcomer to Sartell, Alanna Olinger, who hails from Westchester, N.Y., is a candidate for Miss Minnesota International.
Many people mistakenly think pretty girls do not get bullied. It’s not true. Just ask “Miss Sartell” Alanna Olinger. As a girl growing up in Westchester, N.Y., she was bullied frequently, mainly by other girls in her middle school and some later in high school, who would disparage her because she was so thin. They’d call her names like “Skinny Winnie” – and worse. Olinger tried to hide the pain she felt, but sometimes – when alone – she would burst into tears. Her self-esteem began to plummet
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2 Twenty-three Sartell students were among 1,128 students who recently graduated from St. Cloud State University. They, their majors and honors are as follows: Jeremy Ballmann, bachelor’s in finance; Thomas Bidinger, bachelor’s in English, magna cum laude; Byron Bohlsen, bachelor’s in network modeling and simulation; Michelle Budde, bachelor’s in elective studies; Emily Carroll, bachelor’s in special education; Thomas Gibney, bachelor’s of elective studies; Wendy Goltz, master’s in communication sciences and disorders; Tiffany Hess, bachelor’s in psychology, summa cum laude; Asim Javed, bachelor’s in electrical engineering, cum laude; Christopher Konkel, master’s in public safety executive leadership; Kelsey McIntire, bachelor’s in chemical dependency and bachelor’s in community psychology, summa cum laude; Elizabeth Morgan, bachelor’s in theatre; Genelle Newinski, bachelor’s in early childhood education; Jeremy Nicoski, bachelor’s in nursing, summa cum laude;
Amy Notsch, graduate certificate in developmental disabilities; Allison Olmscheid, bachelor’s in social work, cum laude; Derek Parker, bachelor’s in communication studies interdepartmental; Patrick Ringstad, master’s in business administration; Gregory Roth, master’s in public safety executive leadership; David Schinas, bachelor’s in international relations and bachelor’s in political science, magna cum laude; Stephanie Sparks, bachelor’s in English, cum laude; Laura Weber, bachelor’s in elective studies, biology; and Tyler Zelinski, associate’s in liberal arts and sciences. Two Sartell students were among 797 students who were recently named to the fall semester dean’s list at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. They are the following: Shannon Gerberding, senior, daughter of Mary Ann and Stephen Gerberding, and Lucas Reitz, junior, son of Heidi and Alan Reitz. To achieve this honor, students must earn a minimum grade-point average of 3.5.
In Business
SSEF names new board members Five local residents were recently named to the Sartell-St. Stephen Education Foundation board of directors. They are Trevor Akervik, Kara Gaf- Akervik fy, Wendi Clark, Joe Hellie and Amy Hennen. Akervik started with Marco in 2001 and has held various leadership roles including his most recent role as director of managed services. He was instrumental in the creation and growth of Marco’s nationally recognized managed service program and is now responsible for the creation, implementation and oversight of all managed service offereings for Marco including managed IT, voice, video and print. Since Akervik became director, Marco’s annual managed service revenue has increased 346 percent. Akervik is also on the advisory board for imageSource Magazine and the ITEX National Expo Planning Committee and a member of the Rotary Club in St. Cloud. Gaffy is a mom of two middle school boys and keeps busy as a CPA and auditor of governments and non-profits. When she’s not working, Gaffy enjoys nothern Minnesota hunting and fishing and spending time with family. She also serves as the treasurer of the
Gaffy
Clark
Hellie
Hennen
Senate District 13 political unit. Clark and her family moved to Sartell in 2011. They have two boys at Pine Meadow Elementary; the education opportunities are tremendous, so supporting them is a priority. With a diverse background of recruitment and employment, Clark is working in the staffing industry in St Cloud. Hellie is an administrator at St. Cloud Hospital and active in several community organizations. He and his wife Amy are strong supporters of the Sartell-St. Stephen School District having had one child graduate from the district and another graduating in May. Hennen is a mother of three children in the Sartell-St. Stephen School District. Hennen has been involved in District #748 as a volunteer and a substitute teacher.
People
Two Sartell students were recently named to the fall semester health sciences dean’s list at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis. They are as follows: Julie Wick and Matthew Peckskamp. Both are pursuing their master’s degrees as physician assistants. Natalie Hughes, Sartell, was recently named to the fall semes-
Friday, Feb. 15, 2013
ter dean’s list at the University of Wisconsin, Little Falls. She is majoring in pre-medicine.
grade-point average or higher and be enrolled in at least 12 class credits to qualify.
Charles Schmitz, Sartell, was among 3,101 students to be named to the fall semester dean’s list at North Dakota State University, Fargo. Schmitz is majoring in university studies. A student must earn a 3.50
Kasey Lindberg, a senior at Sartell High School, has been admitted to Concordia University, St. Paul for the fall 2013 semester. Lindberg was awarded the University scholarship.
Area student among finalists for Innovation Challenge A Sartell student is a member of a team selected as a finalist for Innovation Challenge ’13, a competition for student innovators at North Dakota State University, Fargo. The team, “Thava’s Group 2,” is comprised of Paul Fenlason of Sartell; Casey Johnson, Fargo; and Kirty Wadhawan, New Delhi, India. All team members are graduate students in cereal science. The project developed a cornbased coacervate, a tiny spherical droplet to encase drugs and increase their effective delivery. The coacervate is a mixture of biopolymers that can be used to improve release of the drugs into the blood stream. Out of a field of 43 entries, 22 teams were selected as Innova-
tion Challenge ’13 finalists by an independent panel of judges. Four of the teams, including Thava’s Group 2, are in the corn-based innovations category sponsored by the North Dakota Corn Growers Association. Seven teams are in the intangible goods category. Eleven teams are in the tangible goods category. “Innovation plays a vital role in advancing and diversifying our economy,” said Brenda Wyland, interim executive director of the NDSU Research and Technology Park. “The ability to compete globally depends on it and the best and brightest at NDSU are developing innovations that will do just that.” The competition encourages students to be innovative thinkers
and enhances student awareness for innovation as a precursor to entrepreneurship. The finalists advance to the next round of competition that includes a formal presentation and poster presentation during Innovation Week ’13, which is scheduled for Feb. 25-28 at NDSU. Winners will be named on Feb. 28. The winning entry in each category will receive a $5,000 prize. One of the three category winners will also receive a $5,000 Best in Show prize, a total of $10,000 for the overall winner. In addition, people attending Innovation Challenge ’13 events will vote for an innovation to receive a $1,000 People’s Choice Award.
If any readers have tips concerning crimes, they should call the Sartell Police Department at 251-8186 or TriCounty Crime Stoppers at 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.
was issued a citation and released. 11:12 a.m. Traffic stop. 2nd Street S. A vehicle was witnessed traveling 53 mph in a posted 40-mph zone. The driver was aware of his speed. He was issued a citation and released. 11:23 a.m. Traffic stop. Heritage Drive. An officer witnessed a vehicle with the driver known to have a revoked license. The driver apologized stating he knew he was still revoked. A citation was issued for driving after revocation and no proof of insurance.
car. 8:03 p.m. Verbal. A complaint was made regarding two adults outside arguing. Officers arrived and both parties admitted to the argument and that nothing was physical. They had only gone outside as to not argue in front of their children.
Jan. 30 12:38 a.m. Found property. 3rd Avenue N. A fleece hat was found next to gas pumps. It’s being held at the Sartell Police Department. 9:58 a.m. Traffic stop. Highway 15. After checking a vehicle’s registration, the officer found the registered owner had a suspended license. The driver stated he was not aware of the status. He was issued a citation and someone came to drive his vehicle. 1:45 p.m. Theft. 1st Avenue N. A complaint was made regarding movies that had been rented and never returned. After numerous contact attempts an officer was finally able to speak with the individual who stated he was unable to return them. Updated contact information was given and a citation was issued. Jan. 31 8:38 a.m. Traffic stop. Riverside Avenue. A vehicle was witnessed traveling 44 mph in a posted 30-mph zone. The driver was unaware of her speed. She was issued a citation and released. 9:07 a.m. Traffic stop. Riverside Avenue. A vehicle was witnessed traveling 44 mph in a posted 30-mph zone. The driver was aware of his speed. He
Blotter
Feb. 1 11:12 a.m. Traffic stop. Riverside Avenue S. A vehicle was witnessed traveling 45 mph in a posted 30-mph zone. The driver was aware of her speed. She was issued a citation and released. 1:09 p.m. Traffic stop. Highway 15. While on patrol, an officer checked a vehicle’s registration and found the registered owner had a revoked license. The driver stated he was unaware of his status. The vehicle was parked and he was issued a citation and released. Feb. 2 1:01 p.m. Traffic stop. Pinecone Road S. A vehicle was witnessed traveling 57 mph in a posted 40-mph zone. The driver was unaware of his speed. He was issued a citation and released. Feb. 3 4:26 p.m. Vehicle vandalism. 2nd Street N. A complaint was made regarding a broken window on a vehicle. The window was broken earlier in the day and no items were taken from the
Feb. 4 1:17 p.m. Warrant arrest. 2½ Street N. A report was made regarding a female applying for assistance that currently had an arrest warrant. Officers were able to locate her and take her into custody without incident. 9:53 p.m. Suspicious person. Mockingbird Loop. A complaint was made regarding a suspicious male peeking into the windows of a home. The male was gone before officers arrived. 10:33 p.m. Suspicious person. Birch Circle. A complaint was made regarding a suspicious male peeking into the window of a home. The male was gone before officers arrived.
Feb. 5 6:15 a.m. Single crash. Frontage Road. A vehicle was traveling when the driver lost control and hit a light pole. The driver was not injured but the vehicle was towed from the location and officers transported the driver home. 2:50 p.m. Suspicious person. 17th Avenue N. A complaint was made regarding fresh footprints and cigarette butts that were found in the snow. The prints lead to a basement window and back to the road.
Published each Friday by Von Meyer Publishing Inc. Publisher/Owner Janelle Von Pinnon Editor Dennis Dalman
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Olinger from front page involved with all aspects of the city and hopes to make many new friends in the process. One of her favorite hobbies is participating in zumba dancing.
Parkland from front page by the city – about $90,000 to $100,000, said Sartell City Administrator Patti Gartland. Gartland said the city’s portion of the park costs will come from parkland dedication fees that have accumulated, ones that were paid mainly by the Epic Center development (Walmart, Sam’s Club). Those funds also include $15,000 for eagle-habitat restoration paid by the developers of Epic Center. The Sauk River parkland contains an eagle habitat, Gart-
Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com Olinger said she doesn’t expect to be nervous during the March 15 Miss Minnesota International Pageant. She has competed before in local pageants in Westchester, as well as in the Miss New York USA Pageant and the Miss Minnesota USA pageant.
She is also not nervous because she is eager to share her insights about bullying, and she is confident people will listen to her and heed her words.
land noted. “It’s been a long time coming,” Gartland said of the parkland purchase. The city had hoped for many years to create a regional park at that scenic wooded site, complete with trails and river recreational ac-
cess. “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Steve Feneis, who donated his services to help negotiate the purchase agreement,” Gartland said. Feneis is a Sartell realtor and broker.
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contributed photo
Sartell Mayor Joe Perske congratulates Allana Olinger after she was named “Miss Sartell.”
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SMS to bring ‘Guys and Dolls’ to life on stage by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
Gamblers, gangsters, cops and a crowd of wise-cracking low-life characters will cavort comically and strut cockily upon the stage when Sartell Middle School performs “Guys and Dolls” Feb. 21-23 in the Sartell High School theater. Directed by Rick Cicharz, “Guys and Dolls” stars Camilo Hernandez and Turner Kuhn as Sky Masterson and Nathan De-
troit, the two male leads. The top female roles, Adelaide and Sarah Brown, are played by Quinne Ingemansen and Katie Kulus. Cicharz has directed many hit plays throughout the years – seven musicals and one play from 1994-2000 at Sartell High School and 13 musicals and 10 plays from 2000 to the present at Sartell Middle School. “I picked the show (‘Guys and Dolls’),” Cicharz said, “because of the fun music and colorful characters.”
The musical comedy will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 and Friday, Feb. 22; and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. Tickets, available at the door, are $5 for adults, $3 for students, and senior citizens are admitted free. Seating will begin one-half hour before each show. There are several dozens of seventh- and eighth-grade actors in “Guys and Dolls,” and some of them perform multiple roles. “Guys and Dolls,” which premiered on Broadway in 1950
starring Robert Alda and Vivian Blaine, enthralled audiences and critics, who scrambled to find superlatives to describe the musical. Many agreed it was the “best and most perfect” musical in American musical history. Critics lavished praise especially on how well its creators “integrated” the songs organically with the story line of the play. An interesting historical footnote is the Cold War 1950s had an impact on “Guys and Dolls.” The original production was
honored with a Pulitzer Prize in 1951. However, a controversy quickly arose because of Wisconsin Sen. Joe McCarthy’s House Un-American Activities Committee, which persecuted those in the entertainment industry who were allegedly communists or communist sympathizers. Caving into political pressure, the trustees of Columbia University, which give out Pulitzer Prizes, revoked its award to the play, which was co-written by one of the alleged communist sympathizers, Abe Burrows, who based the play on stories by the great American humorist Damon Runyon. In the six decades since, the play, which is often revived throughout the world, has continued to win rave reviews and wild applause from audiences. A 1955 movie version was made starring Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons and Vivian Blaine. The well-known showstoppers from “Guys and Dolls” include the songs “Luck Be A Lady,” “Adelaide’s Lament,” “A Bushel and a Peck” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” The following is how the play’s publicity director, Todd Orth of Sartell, describes the play’s basic premise: “Set in New York City, this Broadway classic introduces us to many colorful characters: Sarah Brown, the upright ‘mission doll’ out to reform the evildoers of Times Square; Sky Masterson, the slick high-roller who woos her on a bet and ends up getting more than he gambled for; Adelaide, the nightclub performer whose chronic cold is brought on by the fact she’s been engaged to the same man
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Friday, Feb. 15, 2013
for 14 years; and Nathan Detroit, her devoted fiance, desperate as always to find a spot for his infamous floating craps game. Everything comes together in the end, thanks to the twists and turns of this hilarious, fast-paced musical presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.” The many revivals of the play, mainly in New York and London, have won so many awards, including many Tonys, they would practically fill a warehouse. Although Orth does not have a role in the play, he is happy to serve as publicist, encouraging others to see “Guys and Dolls.” “I like the play,” he said. “I’ve seen the movie, which was kind of slow. In the movie, the songs did not come off as vibrant as they do on the stage. And Marlon Brando (in the movie) wasn’t much of a singer.” Orth, his wife Connie and daughter, Gillian, are all theater fans and have performed in plays. Connie was recently in the play, “Dances with Many Voices,” and
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Gillian, a sixthgrader, was in the school’s production of “The Princess King” in which she played the thief’s mother – a juicy, wicked plum of a role.
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contributed photos
Above left: The “Gambler Guys” pressure Nathan Detroit (Turner Kuhn, center) for the location of his infamous floating craps game. The others in the photo are (front row, sitting) Lee Wood and Tyler Elness; (back row) Sam Neuman, Thomas Magarian, Reece Decker, Kobey Cofer and Aiden Speckhard. Above: Miss Adelaide (Quinne Ingemansen, center) and the “Hot Box Girls” perform “Bushel and a Peck.” From
left to right (front row) are Anna Ellis, Jenna Engelkes, Maia Kurvers and Brooklyn Madden: and (back row) Kate Karpel, Kayla Larsen, Anisha Reid and Katelyn Weide. Above right: The “Havana Guys and Dolls” practice a dance number. From left to right are Megan Thooft, Ben Grant, Camilo Hernandez, Katie Kulus, Daniel Ufearo and Emma Gunderson.
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Friday, Feb. 15, 2013
Opinion Our View
Pinecone Central Park will be regional crown jewel It’s really exciting to see, step by step, Pinecone Central Park coming together. When spring arrives, there will be a citywide – indeed regional – cause for celebration when teams gather to play ball on the new turf. The grand opening of the park will coincide with Sartell SummerFest 2013, which will guarantee a good time will be had by all. It’s not many cities lucky enough as Sartell to be able to purchase a vast track of centrally located land for use as a park. New York City was one with its famously wonderful Central Park. Sartell’s Pinecone Central Park will be just as locally famous as more and more people become aware of what a fine facility it is. Besides the many playing fields (baseball, softball, soccer and more), there will be hiking-biking trails, a beautiful picnic area and room for all kinds of activities ranging from Art in the Park to farmers’ markets, from nature field trips to family reunions. The development of the park was not easy, but thanks to the efforts of the Pinecone Central Park Association, more than $1 million has been raised and volunteer labor and free or reduced-price labor and materials have been a big boost. The park is yet another perfect example of the benefits of a public-private partnership. The city paid for grading the site, for a road, a parking lot and late last year pitched in $700,000 (mainly half-cent sales-tax revenue) for further improvements. The city had agreed several years ago if the Pinecone Central Park Association raised enough private funds, the city would kick in its share for park projects. Some people criticized the city council four years ago when it decided to purchase the land for $3.4 million, but it’s becoming more and more obvious what a wise investment it’s been. There is no rush to develop the park to perfection. In time, all of those amenities will come to be. The park is, in fact, a work in progress – a very exciting work in progress. In time, it will become the crown jewel of the area, something all Sartell residents can be proud of. And, not to forget, it’s bound to attract visitors (and revenue) to the city. Those who deserve our praise and gratitude for Pinecone Central Park include the always supportive Sartell City Council, the hard-working city staff, the forward-looking Sartell residents and last but not least the four men who kickstarted the private fund drive and who formed the Pinecone Central Park Association. Those men are Paul Hanson, Gordy Meyer, Greg Neeser and Mitch Rengel. They put an enormous amount of time and effort into fundraising and planning, as well as seamless work in cooperation with the city. Our hats off to all those who are working so hard for this great park. We look forward to thanking them in person on that wonderful day this spring when Pinecone Central Park hosts its grand opening.
Anything scientific must, of course, be a leftist plot There is nothing more stubbornly reactionary than those who deny anything and everything scientific. Facts to these people are nothing but pesky nuisances or – worse – lies disguised as “facts” by the liberal news media. You would think, in this modern age, everyone would agree Planet Earth is not flat. But I’m sure there are still some hold-outs – the flatEarthers – who claim it’s not. Some of these delusionists are also “Birthers” who think Obama was born in a foreign country – or on another flat planet. Oh well, the Earth will keep turning no matter what the hold-outs believe. The following are the three kinds of deniers that either perplex or disgust me:
Evolution deniers
These are the people who deny geologic and human evolution and who think the world was formed in a week or so 6,000 years ago. They take Adam and Eve literally, as they do everything else in the Bible. Some of these deniers have even touted the preposterous notion that dinosaurs existed in the Medieval Era. Their proof? The dragon-like creatures so often depicted in Medieval paintings, such as “St. George Battling the Dragon,” were actually dinosaurs, not dragons. Yes, I have heard several people tell me that throughout the years, and I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but my heart is filled with pity for such gullible people, who are willing be believe anything and everything to cram-fit – Proscrusteanlike – this messy world into their Bible versions. One human-evolution denier, a former
Dennis Dalman Editor acquaintance, used to scowl with derision, saying such things as this: “How could a gnat or a monkey all of a sudden turn into a human being?” My answer, basically, was, “First of all and most importantly, it wasn’t all of a sudden.”
Reproduction deniers
These rampant misogynists, more common than you’d suppose, are those who tortuously twist biological facts to suit their male-centric view of the world. We all remember the politician who claimed women who are raped do not get pregnant because the female body has a way of “shutting down” after such a trauma. Fortunately, that dolt lost the election. Then there was the politician who with a sick sense of humor suggested women hold an aspirin between their knees to avoid getting pregnant, like they did in the “good old days.” These medieval throw-backs, these blockhead hold-outs, use their pretzel logic and their assaults on women to deny access to legal abortion, even in cases of rape and incest; and to try to block women’s access to contraception. They might as well go around spouting women would be “better off barefoot and pregnant,” like in the “good old days.” Some of them are doing their best to
pass laws requiring women to get vaginal ultra-sound probes before an abortion would be allowed. I think we should require these goons to get procto exams in an effort to determine where their brains lie – if they have any at all. Let us hope and pray these misogynists, these Dark-Age inquisitors, continue to lose elections. Sadly, some of these deniers are women like our very own intellectual titan, Michele Bachmann.
Global-warming deniers
These people would rather drown than have to admit global warming is caused by human activities. They love to go about spouting such lamebrain assertions as this: “If the Earth is warming up, then how come it’s so cold today?” The most radical of these people espouse the paranoid-conspiracy theory that goes like this: Liberal leftists want to hamstring America’s productive capacity by putting crimps on the burning of fossil fuels because when the nation is economically crippled, it will be easier for an anti-Christ (like the wily President Obama) to take over and bring us into a One-World Communist-Atheist Government. Yup, sure enough! Oh, and not to forget, if the evil government takes all our guns away, it will be easier for “them” to crush democracy and enslave us all in the One-World State. Ah, yes, folks, the human imagination is a wondrous thing. Sometimes too wondrous for words. Meantime, as the planet continues to turn, may the forces of intelligence continue to evolve.
Letter to editor
Reader says he has gigantic difference of opinion Editor’s note: The letters and emails that I, Dennis Dalman, received were certainly not “imagined,” and they were, in fact, filled with precisely the vicious remarks I quoted or paraphrased in my column. The hate and the barely veiled threats were aimed at me and at anyone else who dares question this deep-seated and rampant gun adoration. Aaron Zulkosky, St. Stephen I am writing in response to Dennis Dalman’s rather one-sided opinion piece published Feb 8 entitled “More guns are not the answer.” I was prepared to read an article about actual facts about why he thinks “more guns are not the answer,” and it was only an intellectually dishonest series of selective submissions of his true or imagined hate mail from “gun worshipers and ultra-right survivalists” (all terms used in the article). Needless
to say, I think a different article from a different writer would have been better selected for meaningful dialog and commentary on this issue. If this is just the “Dalman Opinion Page,” it should be labeled as such. Now I can imagine he might get some heated correspondence from people who hold opposing viewpoints. I, for one, am rather level-headed and I often find Dalman’s opinions insufferable, condescending and with an undeserved sense of smug self-righteousness. What is most insulting is his allegiance to an obvious agenda thinly veiled as some sort of reasonable commentary. Are we so dim-witted we are supposed to think people who disagree with Dalman (none of which signed their names!) are violent right-wing extremists who listen to scary “hate-radio personalities?” I would like him to actually name and point out the “hate” part, but he would never name any
names or list actual facts or figures so he can use illogical passions and scary terms like “assault weapons” and we are supposed to be pliable enough to not need to dig any deeper. I mean come on, to doubt Dalman might make you an “angry gunlover” or “gun hugger.” Having a healthy distrust of government or insisting they legislate in true transparency does not make you an extremist. Wanting the government to stay out of my business from healthcare to cigarettes, from guns to the size of my Big-Gulp does not make me “paranoid” and having a gigantic difference of opinion with Dalman will do nothing to lessen my standing in the Central Minnesota community. Dalman, I do not want to give away any more freedoms I have to and I do not appreciate your intolerant commentary and childish labels on my pastimes and interests that are important to my family and heritage.
Send it to: Fairness and ethics
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 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.
The Newsleaders P.O. Box 324 St. Joseph, MN 56374
or email us at: news@thenewsleaders.com Please include your full name for publication (and address and phone number for verification only).
Friday, Feb. 15, 2013
Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Community Calendar
Friday, Feb. 15 “The Lesson,” a St. Cloud State University Theater Department production intended for a mature audience, 7:30 p.m. today-Saturday, Performing Arts Center, SCSU. www.stcloudstate.edu/theatrefilmdance/theatre/season or 320-308-4636. Saturday, Feb. 16 55+ driver improvement course, four-hour refresher course, 9:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m., Miller Auto Plaza, 2930 2nd St S, St. Cloud. www.mnsafetycenter.org or call 1-(888)-234-1294. “The Lesson,” a St. Cloud State University Theater Department production intended for a mature audience, 7:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center, SCSU. www. stcloudstate.edu/theatrefilmdance/theatre/ season or 320-308-4636. Sunday, Feb. 17 “The Lesson,” a St. Cloud State University Theater Department production intended for a mature audience, 2 p.m., Performing Arts Center, SCSU. www. stcloudstate.edu/theatrefilmdance/theatre/ season or 320-308-4636. Monday, Feb. 18 Blood drive, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Cloud State University, 720 4th Ave. S., St. Cloud. 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org. Blood drive, noon-6 p.m., St. Cloud Blood Donation Center, 1301 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org. St. Joseph Rod and Gun Club meeting, 7 p.m., American Legion in St. Joseph.
1301 W. St. Germain St.. St. Cloud. 1-800RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org. Blood drive, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Cloud State University, 720 4th Ave. S., St. Cloud. 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org. “Starting Seeds Indoors,” a Master Gardener seminar, 1-2 p.m., Great River Regional Library, St. Cloud. 320-2556169.
Wednesday, Feb. 20 Criminal Justice Career and Internship Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Atwood Ballroom, St. Cloud State University. The fair offers students and alumni opportunities to meet with state, federal and private employers including detention centers, residential facilities, sheriff and police departments, prisons and private security agencies, the FBI and others. No registration is required. Blood drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Great Hall, St. John’s University, Great Hall, Collegeville. 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org. Artificial Nutrition and Hydration at the End-of-Life, a Hospice Foundation of America annual teleconference, 1-4:45 p.m., Windfeldt Room, CentraCare Health Plaza, St. Cloud. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. 320-251-2700, ext. 55642. Car-seat checkup, 3-6 p.m., Gold Cross Ambulance Garage, 2800 7th St. N., St. Cloud. 320-229-5139.
LEgal notICES
55+ driver improvement course, four-hour refresher course, 1-5 p.m., Salem Lutheran Church, 90 Riverside Drive SE, St. Cloud. www.mnsafetycenter.org or call 1-(888)-234-1294.
Friday, Feb. 22 Blood drive, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Cloud Blood Donation Center, 1301 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org. St. Joseph Farmers’ Market, 3-6 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 610 North County Road 2, St. Joseph. www.stjosephfarmersmarket. com. Fish fry, 4:30-7:30 p.m., St. John the Baptist Parish, Collegeville. Night of the Stars, sponsored by District 742 Local Education and Activities Foundation, 7 p.m., Paramount Arts Theater, 913 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. 320-259-5463. Saturday, Feb. 23 Gardening Knowledge for Free by Stearns County Master Gardeners, 8:15 a.m.-noon, Whitney Senior Center, St. Cloud. 320-255-6169. Sartell Community Showcase, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sartell Middle School, 627 Third Ave. N., Sartell. A free, family-focused event with a “Cirque du Sartell”(circus) theme includes booths from many area businesses/organizations, kids’ activities, games, inflatables, open swimming and door prizes.Entertainment from various groups will be held at 10 a.m. and noon. The LeSauk Lions will sell food at the event too. Call 320-258-6061, e-mail info@sartellchamber.com or visit www.sartellchamber.com. Night of the Stars, sponsored by District 742 Local Education and Activities Foundation, 2 and 7 p.m., Paramount Arts Theater, 913 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. 320-259-5463.
Tuesday, Feb. 19 Dairy Farm Safety Course (Part 2), 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Midtown Square Mall, Room 218, St. Cloud. 320-255-6169. Blood drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Great Hall, St. John’s University, Collegeville OR St. Cloud Blood Donation Center,
Thursday, Feb. 21 55+ driver improvement course, eight-hour first-time, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Life Assembly of God, 2409 Clearwater Road, St. Cloud. www.mnsafetycenter.org or call 1-(888)-234-1294. Coffee and Conversation, a senior discussion group, 9 a.m., Country Manor, Sartell. Blood drive, noon-6 p.m., St. Cloud Blood Donation Center, 1301 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.
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CITY OF SARTELL PUBLIC HEARING CITY ZONING ORDINANCE REPEALING & REPLACING, TITLE 10 +CHAPTER 7, INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: That the city of Sartell will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013 at the Sartell City Hall, for the purpose of repealing and replacing Title 10, Chapter 7, Industrial Districts; of city’s zoning ordinance. A copy of the proposed changes to the ordinance is available for re-
view at the city clerk’s office. All interested persons are invited to attend to voice their opinion. Written comments will be accepted until the date of the hearing. Patti Gartland City Administrator Publish: Feb. 15, 2013
SUMMARY ORDINANCE NO. 13-01 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 8 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES Title 8, Chapters 2 and 3 set forth Clerk any Monday through Friday provisions for plumbing regula- between the hours of 7 a.m. and tions related to City water and 4:30 p.m. sewer service connections and the City of Sartell has updated and Adopted by the City Council of amended such provisions includ- Sartell on this 11th day of Februing allowing Polyethylene pres- ary, 2013. sure pipe and clarifying methods for service connection installation. Joe Perske Mayor The City Council has determined publication of this title and sum- ATTEST: mary ordinance will clearly inform the public of the intention and ef- Patti Gartland fect of the ordinance. The Council City Administrator also directs only the title and this summary be published. A copy of SEAL the entire text of the ordinance is available for inspection by any Publish: Feb. 15, 2013 person at the office of the City
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Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
8
Park
Friday, Feb. 15, 2013
Playing for ‘Sartell’s Got Talent’
from front page
Apply online and call now to schedule your Weld Test!
Don’t Miss This Opportunity!
COMPETITIVE WAGES & BENEFITS!
Steel fabrication job shop has openings for:
WELDERS
2nd & weekend shifts available. Technical College or 1-3 years experience required. Please apply at:
1131 W. Sinclair Lewis Ave. • Sauk Centre, MN 56378
320-352-6525
Or apply online at: www.std-iron.com EOE
So far, the park basics have been completed as of the end of 2012. They include all multi-purpose fields, which will be ready for use in fall 2013, a utility garage, a picnic shelter, irrigation and electrical infrastructure and four youth baseball fields (except for the items to be added if the association can raise the $150,000 amount by April 1). The association’s development team is comprised of Sartell residents Paul Hanson, Gordy Meyer, Greg Neeser and Mitch Rengel. They have worked for several years to raise funds and to help plan, with the assistance of city staff, the lay-out and needs of the new park. The City of Sartell purchased the former Sartell Golf Course property almost five years ago for a cost of $3.2 million with the express purpose of creating a large recreational city park there. The association has agreed to manage the park and to maintain it. Association members hope revenue from tournaments and other fees will bring in enough revenue to manage and maintain the park into the future. So far, the association has raised $1.2 million. Meyer, one of the founding members of the association, said the park is now “in its last mile,” with most of its framework completed. Most of the rest of the ad-
contributed photo
Jacob Weiland performs a violin concerto at “Sartell’s Got Talent,” a variety musical talent show that took place recently at Sartell Middle School. The show, which featured 15 local talent acts and Beach Boys’ music by the guest band, Hi-Fi, was a fundraiser for the Sartell Music Association, which raises money to supplement the many musical programs in the Sartell-St. Stephen School District. ditions, after Phase I is completed, can be done over a period of time as funds become available. “It’s really just choices now,” Meyer said. “The fields are done. The fields have been sodded. The dugouts are in. The picnic-shelter area is done. Now it’s just a matter of the surrounding stuff people might want to add. By choices, I mean will people want class-2
crushed rock or concrete here or there in the park?” In April, those who visit the park will notice a big sign just off the main parking lot. The sign will include progress reports on the park, how to get to its amenities, some advertisements, schedules, events and even live baseball on the bottom part of the 3-feet-by-8-feet digital sign.