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Council warms What a difference Town Crier to solar-garden plan a day can make! Friday, April 17, 2015 Volume 20, Issue 16 Est. 1995

Free meal served for all on April 18

First United Methodist Church will serve a free community fellowship meal from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at their church, located at 1107 Pinecone Road S., Sartell. FUMC has been serving a free third Saturday meal since 1990, but this will be the first meal served at their Sartell location, and it’s a one-time trial, to find out who might be served in the Sartell area. FUMC’s third Saturday meals are usually served at First Presbyterian Church in St. Cloud.

Trafficking program held to protect the vulnerable

Ever wonder what sex trafficking is and how often it happens here? Find out the facts and learn how to protect young people from this terrible crime from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 18 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 219 2nd St. N., Sartell. Joy Friedman, of Breaking Free, a program based in St. Paul which rescues more than 400 girls a year from trafficking, will present, along with Tim Broda, a Sartell police officer, who will follow up with the impact on the local community. The program is free and all are invited to attend. Call 320-252-1363 for more information.

Maple Syrup Festival ticket winner announced

The winner of the family fourpack of tickets to St. John’s Outdoor University’s Maple Syrup Festival on April 11 was Lynn Larson of Sartell. Larson said she and her family have always been interested in going, and are excited to have won the tickets.

by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com

Sartell might soon become home to a solar garden. At its April 13 meeting, Sartell City Council members expressed a keen interest in the concept, which was presented by two officials of SolarStone, a solar-energy company from Minneapolis. What’s proposed is a “solar garden” to be constructed on two parcels of land, altogether totaling about 40 acres. One of the tracts is a former city lagoon, the other is a former landfill. Both are considered land not suitable for development, said Sartell City Planner/Developer Anita Rasmussen. The presenters at the council meeting were Gordy Simanton, vice president of

by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com

A proposal for a facilitator for the City of Sartell was nixed by the Sartell City Council on a 3-2 vote at its April 13 meeting. For several years, council member Amy Braig-Lindstrom has sometimes been critical of the way the council does business, saying the council’s special meetings could be more transparent and suggesting council members would make better progress, being on the same page so to speak, if a mediator could be an objective, outside assistant in the planning process.

Honor your 2015 graduate with a congratulatory advertisement in the Sartell Graduation Special Section saluting all grads to be published May 29 as a second section to the Sartell Newsleader for only $50! Deadline: Tuesday, May 19 by noon. Send a greeting and photo digitally with contact information to advertising@thenewsleaders.com. Advanced payment is required.

For additional criers, visit www.thenewsleaders.com and click on Criers. contributed photo

Harbor Freight Tools

photos by Carolyn Bertsch

The snow surprised many residents of Sartell the morning of April 10, but it soon melted with the sunshine and mild weather. The photos before (above) and after (below) are of the Watab River in Watab Park, Sartell, one taken at 9 a.m. and the other at 7 p.m.

Proposal for city facilitator nixed by council

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business development for SolarStone; and Joe DeVito, co-founder and CEO of that company. A “solar garden” is an assembly of solar panels that generate electricity from the sun’s energy. SolarStone installs the panels, and the electricity generated is fed, in this case, to Xcel Energy’s power lines. A solar garden is dependent upon energy subscribers who sign up for a 25-year period. Those who do receive an energy credit on their Xcel Energy bills, an energy savings of up to 10 percent. Subscribers can include businesses, homeowners or the city itself. SolarStone would lease the land for the panels from the city. Subscribers/customers could live in the county where Solar • page 7

Dogs enjoy drinks of water at one of the many dog parks in Minneapolis.

Braig-Lindstrom was especially concerned about “special meetings” that often took place just before regularly scheduled council meetings. Such meetings, she noted, often took place in a small conference room at city hall, often with little or no notice that the public was welcome to attend and, unlike regular council meetings, the special meetings were not videotaped for Sartell residents. She also said in some cases the agenda about what was to be discussed at special meetings was not, in fact, what was discussed. One meeting, she noted, was supposed to

be about the topic of the city’s financial-management plan but instead turned into a long discussion about improvements to Pinecone Road. At the April 13 council meeting, some members took issue with Braig-Lindstrom’s viewpoint. Informal special meetings, they said, can be conducive to relaxed discussions without the pressure of members being videotaped. Braig-Lindstrom said a facilitator, besides nurturing public transparency, would help the council when considering budgetary issues, would assist in setting goals, would identify challenges and would help

council members stay on a track toward progress. In the council’s agenda packet for the April 13 meeting were two proposals, solicited by city staff, from facilitator companies that offered services along the lines of what BraigLindstrom was proposing. Council member David Peterson said he agreed the council should try a facilitator, noting one proposal would cost only a bit more than $2,000 and that if it helped, it would be money well spent. The other council members, however, obviously did not agree and voted against the proposal.

by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com

for the five-foot-high chain-link fence, $3,800 for the gravel path leading from the parking lot and $500 for the sign. About $10,000 of the funding will come from money the council allocated for the park several years ago; $16,000 will come from revenue raised by the city’s slight increase in the cost of a dog license (enacted three years ago); $3,000 will come from the parks-and-trails fund; $2,500 from a donation made by the Sartell Area Chamber of

Commerce; and about $6,000 from money raised by DogPAC, a group of Sartell residents who has been advocating dog-park development for the past three or four years. Council member Steve Hennes commended the members of DogPAC for their hard work and fundraising. He noted he and his wife travel throughout the nation quite often and that they have noticed the ever-growing popularity of dog parks. Such Dog park • page 3

Fido likely to give bark of approval to park plan Happy Fido will likely give the bark of approval to a decision by the Sartell City Council to go ahead with developments of a dog park in Pinecone Central Park. At its April 13 meeting, the council unanimously voted to approve a dog-park fence, a walking path and a rules sign for the dog park. The projects will cost $37,550 – about $33,000

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Anniversary

Blotter If any readers have tips concerning crimes, they should call the Sartell Police Department at 320-2518186 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. April 1 11:40 a.m. Burn. 1st Avenue N. A complaint was made regarding a resident burning leaves. An officer spoke with the homeowner, who agreed to put the fire out. 4:00 p.m. Suspicious vehicle. 7th Avenue S. A report was made regarding a vehicle that was continuously backing up in the roadway. An officer located the vehicle and found a juvenile male was practicing parallel parking with his mother. April 2 6:19 p.m. Person assist. 2nd Avenue NE. A report was made regarding an adult male who had fallen and his wife needed assistance lifting him to his chair. Officers assisted the male to a chair and he stated he needed no further assistance. 6:25 p.m. Domestic. Tradewind Avenue. A report was made regarding a juvenile female and an adult female arguing. Officers arrived and were able to diffuse the situation. The juvenile female stated she would be calm for the evening and needed no further assistance. April 3 12:55 a.m. Fight. Evergreen Drive. A report was made regarding a physical fight between multiple males. Officers arrived and were able to locate several people running through an open field. No party or the business wanted to pursue charges. All were released. 11 p.m. Suspicious activity. Cougar Court. A report was made regarding an unknown amount of people walking through a wooded area with flashlights. Officers checked the area and were unable to locate anyone outside. April 4 1:35 a.m. Loud music. Hi-Vue Drive. Multiple complaints were made regarding music coming from a residence. Officers spoke to the owners multiple times and issued citations after the residents refused to turn down the music. 1:30 p.m. Suspicious person. Amber Avenue S. A complaint was made regarding an unknown male attempting to enter an apartment. Officers spoke to management and

informed them of the complaint. They were unable to locate anyone walking through the building. April 5 1:10 a.m. Suspicious vehicle. 12th Street N. While on patrol, an officer located a vehicle in the park. Two males were located and they stated they were gathering wood for a fire. Officers contacted their parents and the males left the park for the evening. 4:28 p.m. Hazard. Pinecone Road. While on patrol, an officer located a crosswalk sign that had fallen apart. The officer removed the sign from the roadway. April 6 12:29 a.m. Attempted entry. Whippoorwill Way. A report was made regarding an attempted entry on a residence. The owner was unsure when the screen had been cut away. 5:42 p.m. Person assist. Twin Rivers Court. A report was made regarding a confused male sitting outside a business and asking for transportation. An officer spoke with the male and transported

him to the Salvation Army for the evening. April 7 12:15 p.m. Suspicious person. Riverside Avenue. A report was made regarding an unknown male jumping into traffic and attempting to stop cars. Officers checked the area and were unable to locate anyone. April 12 8:01 p.m. Structure fire. CR 3 in St. Wendel Township. A homeowner reported a fire in the attached garage of a residence. Sheriff’s deputies, as well as firefighters from St. Stephen, St. Joseph and Avon responded to the garage which was engulfed in flames. The firefighters cleared the residence around 11 p.m. April 13 6:35 a.m. Structure fire. CR 3 in St. Wendel Township. Deputies and firefighters responded again to the residence from the April 12 fire, to reports of the home itself being on fire.

People Two Sartell residents along with three others were recently named to the board of directors for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud. They are: Gary Bechtold and Todd Zaun. Catholic Charities is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the Diocese of St. Cloud, a 16-county area across the heart of Central Minnesota. “I am most impressed by the passion of the Catholic Charities staff and volunteers and their willingness to serve others in need,” said Bechtold, who owns and operates American Door Works in Waite Park. Zaun is chairman of Eden Valley State Bank. As a new Catholic Charities board member, Zaun has already met many people who are going through Duncan Watson, of Sartell, has been accepted to and has chosen to attend the University of Minnesota, Morris beginning fall 2015. Watson, a 2015 graduate of Sartell High School, is the recipient of an Achievement Scholarship, renewable up to four years. Achievement Scholars are selected based on the student’s academic accomplishments at the time of application. All first-year students who submit an application to Morris are automatically

Friday, April 17, 2015

Bechtold

Zaun

difficult times in our community. “I hope to contribute my time and resources to the good work that Catholic Charities does for as long as I am able,” Zaun said. “I’d like to reach out to others in the business community to help them understand the vital role Catholic Charities plays in strengthening our community.” To read the article in its entirety, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on April 17 People. considered for an Achievement Scholarship package. Callie Frank, a senior theater arts major from Sartell, Minn. is a member of the theater program for the 2014-15 academic year at Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall. The theater program produces three plays and/or musicals a year. One production is performed during the fall semester and two productions are done in the spring.

Weises in 2015

Rollie, Janette Weis celebrate 70 years

Rollie and Janette Weis of Sartell will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on April 22, 2015 with a private dinner. Rollie married his high school sweetheart Janette Almer on April 22, 1945 in Church of Peace in St. Cloud. Rollie, a naval combat veteran of WWII, served on the destroyer USS Hopewell 681, has nine battle stars and was part of the battle of the Philippine Islands and several other South Sea campaigns. Rollie became a printer at Security Printing after the war. Later in his career he taught printing at the St. Cloud Reformatory before retiring. Janette taught music and third and fourth grades in Kimball before they were married and grade school in Sartell after they were married. Later she went to work in the Sartell Post Office with Rollie’s parents Phil and Hazel Weis before retiring after 37 years. The couple has two daughters, Sue Primus and Sandi Weis-Freier and her husband Jan Freier, three grandchildren Missy (Mark) Widseth, Sean (Megan) Primus, and Mikah (Jessica) Primus. They are also

Bethel-Billig

Weises in 1945 blessed with six great-grandchildren: Dylan, Kyle, Marin, Kyra, Alli and Nick. Rollie and Janette have belonged to several organizations throughout the years. Rollie was a past commander of the American Legion in Sartell, past president of the Eagles Aerie 622 and past president of Church of Peace council. Janette was past president of Eagles Auxillary, past president of Sartell PTA and a church choir director for 25 years. During their retirement Janette has enjoyed painting classes with a group of old friends and Rollie became a master art framer. They also have enjoyed many other activities in their retirement. The couple has lived a full and rich life. They have done a lot of traveling in their 70 years together. They have been to Europe several times and have taken several cruises (their secret passion).

Engagement

Tim and Kim Billig of Sartell, announce the engagement of their son, Tyler, to Carrie Bethel, daughter of Mark and Julie Bethel of Park Rapids, Minn. Billig is a 2004 graduate of Sartell High School. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2009. He is currently employed as an audit team leader with the State of Minnesota, St. Paul. Bethel is a 2006 graduate of Park Rapids High School. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2010. She is currently employed as a copy editor with E and M Consulting,

Chaska. A June 6, 2015 wedding is planned at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Sartell. The reception will be held at Blackberry Ridge Golf Course, Sartell. The couple resides in New Hope,

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Friday, April 17, 2015

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City to sell riverfront lot by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com

On a vote of 3-2, the Sartell City Council decided at its April 13 meeting to sell a parcel of land just south of Rotary Park along Riverside Avenue. About 10 years ago, the council bought that lot from a private party and then moved the old house which was on it. The city paid $195,000 for it. The council will now put it up for sale at its current market value, about $93,000. Council member David Peterson strongly opposed selling the property. Sartell, he said, is a river city, and its residents have long been in favor of recreational options for riverfront property. Peterson asked: Why sell the riverfront lot, especially for half of what the city paid for it? Council member Amy Braig-Lindstrom agreed with Peterson. The money from the sale and resultant taxes from private ownership could be used to extend amenities at Rotary Park, several council members

noted. Council member Steve Hennes said he would like to see property behind the Family Dollar and O’Reilly Auto Parts businesses, adjacent to Rotary Park, be developed by the city as an extension of the north side of Rotary, all the way to the bridge. Sartell Mayor Sarah Jane Nicoll also said she favors that idea. “We’re losing money by letting that lot sit there empty,” Hennes said. Some money generated from the sales and taxes could also be used to improve the parking lot at Rotary, which had also been brought up by council members at other meetings. Council member Pat Lynch said the property as it is now has limited value. He agreed the selling price is not ideal compared to what the city paid for the lot, but he added the city has no control over the current market value of that land. “We should get it back on the tax roles,” Lynch said.

Need for paved parking lot discussed by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com

A paved parking lot is badly needed for the land east of the Bernick’s Arena, according to a consensus from the Sartell City Council at its April 13 meeting. Before the meeting, at the public-forum session, Sartell resident Robert Shultz, a member of the Sartell Youth Hockey Association, said the parking problem at the arena was a “major deficiency,” with only 90 parking spaces there now. As many as 2,000 people, many of them out-of-towners, attend events at the arena, he noted. Later at the meeting, the council discussed the agenda issue, agreeing a paved parking lot is a big need. Council members and Sartell City Engineer Mike Neilson discussed the possibility of advertising for bids to do the parking lot along with advertising for bids for Phase I of Pinecone Road alterations (see related story). Neilson said a stormwater study would have to be done before bids could be advertised. That could take a

month or more. Perhaps, he suggested, the project might be added to bid solicitations with another phase of Pinecone Road work. Or the parking-lot project could be bid separately. Sartell City Administrator Mary Degiovanni said there is no city money budgeted for a parking-lot project but the council could decide to bond for such a project, then the bond could be repaid with future sales-tax revenue. Such a parking lot would probably cost in the range between $400,000 and $500,000, Neilson estimated. Council member Pat Lynch agreed there is a need for a parking lot but added the city should put that aside for now and focus on building a community center first. Currently, there is a large grassy field to the east of the arena, and cars have been parking on that during events at the center or on the open space along Pinecone Road. One plan for a paved lot there calls for 300 parking spaces. The council agreed to revisit the parking-lot issue in the future.

News Tips?

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Heart center offers nicotine program Quit tobacco through the Outpatient Nicotine Dependence Program at St. Cloud Hospital with a session running from 5:15-6:15 p.m. on Tuesdays, April 21 and 28, May 5, 12 and 19 at the CentraCare Heart and Vascular Center, 1406 6th Ave. N, St. Cloud. The program offers personalized treatment, a support group, medication therapy, relapse prevention and

a self-help plan. Cigarette smoking is the number-one cause of preventable disease and death worldwide. Smoking-related diseases claim more than 393,000 American lives each year. People who use tobacco are at a higher risk for stroke and heart attack. If you are interested in individual counseling or registering for the group sessions, call 320-251-2700, ext. 57448.

Dog park from front page parks are not only good for dogs but for people, too, who socialize with one another when they bring their pooches to the parks. City Administrator Mary Degiovanni noted there were about 1,000 dog licenses sold in the city last year.

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Our View

Video of murder points to need for scrutiny of police Seeing is believing. There can be no doubt whatsoever that a North Charleston, S.C. policeman, Michael Slager, murdered a man named Walter Scott by firing eight pistol rounds at him, at least one of which was fatal. The disgusting, outrageous, vicious act of murder was recorded for all to see by a pedestrian using his cell phone. At first, when Slager returned to the police station, he said he was in fear of his life when Scott tussled with him after he, Slager, allegedly used his taser on the “suspect,” who had been stopped apparently for having a busted taillight. At some point, Walter ran from the cop, and who can blame him? Who wouldn’t run after being tased? That was not the first time, we later learned, that Slager used his taser sadistically, for no pressing reason. After he mortally wounded Scott, Slager planted evidence (some object, most likely the taser) next to his body. Another police officer who arrived at the scene was apparently unmoved by the death and did not even remark later about how Slager had dropped the taser next to the victim, who was either dying or already dead. Oh yes, we’ve heard this same old story all too many times: Cop stops suspect, suspect becomes argumentative and violent, cop fears for his life, cop shoots suspect, wounding or killing him or her. Sometimes, in fact, that’s exactly what happens. Police work, after all, is fraught with unexpected dangers at every turn. However, this cell-phone video is a stark reminder that rogue cops do kill with impunity; they too often get away with it. The video raises a sinister, troubling question mark: How many other times have such cold-blooded murders happened that went unrecorded? And how many times when it was a cop’s word against a brutalized victim’s word was the cop automatically believed? Is it any wonder young black males and even older ones (Scott was 58) live in fear of any contact with police? Who can deny racist and rogue cops exist in too many police departments throughout this nation? This hideous video should be a wake-up call, coast to coast. Police departments everywhere and the cities they serve absolutely must scrutinize themselves to get rid of these systemic attitudes that foster racism, rogue behavior, blatant lies and cover-ups. Now, that said, we must keep reminding ourselves the overwhelming majority of police are outstanding public servants who risk their lives every day and night to protect those they serve. They are extremely hard-working, dedicated, kind and caring, and we should honor their courage and commitment for the so many thankless tasks they do on our behalf, for the sake of public safety, our safety. However, that video is doubly disturbing precisely for those reasons – that reckless rogue cops can bring suspicion and disgrace to their profession, especially in largely black cities where their out-of-control behavior poisons trust and fosters hatreds. It’s time all police departments and cities do a complete audit of their practices and policies, with the help of independent, outside scrutiny. It’s also time all police officers must be equipped with body cameras. It’s so sad, so regrettable, it has come down to this lack of trust. Bad apples really can spoil the whole barrel. But seeing is believing.

Opinion Death penalty? Consider Tsarnaev, Hinton In stark contrast, a guilty man and an innocent man are quintessential examples of the polarities in the never-ending debate for and against the death penalty. Both men made headline news in the first week of early April. Their names are Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and Anthony Ray Hinton. Tsarnaev and his older brother, Tamerlan, are the two homicidal sadists who exploded two bombs at the Boston Marathon two years ago, killing three and injuring more than 250, at least 15 of whom had to undergo amputations. The dead included an 8-year-old boy. A police officer was also gunned down in an ambush later by the Tsarnaevs during their despicable spree. After carjacking an SUV, the brothers had another shoot-out with police, during which Dzhokhar, in a case of boomerang justice, floored the SUV, running over and killing his own brother. On April 6, a jury convicted Tsarnaev and will soon decide his sentence: death or life in prison. If anybody deserves the death penalty, it’s him. At the risk of sounding vengeful, I myself wouldn’t much care if he was locked in a cell with a ticking pressure-cooker bomb, not knowing if or when it would explode. Tsarnaev’s guilt was never in doubt. However, his mother thinks her darling son is innocent. On a Russian website, she posted this delusional nonsense: “He’s in the hands of a predator (the United States) preparing to tear him to pieces like meat.” Hasn’t that fool of a mother even once considered the victims “torn to pieces like meat” by her precious sons at the marathon finish line? Then, to compound her stupidity,

Dennis Dalman Editor she went on to say this: “I would prefer not to live in America now. Why did I even go there? Why? I thought America is going to, like, protect us, our kids, it’s going to be safe.” We’d like you to know, Mrs. Tsarnaev, we are extremely happy you are living back in Russia because the people in this country, including its children, are much safer without the likes of you or your sons living here. Dzhokhar’s defense team is trying to portray him as a hapless victim of his older brother’s influence. Nice try. He did his evil deeds, and he must pay the price. And now to a happier story. On April 3, Anthony Ray Hinton, 58, was released from an Alabama prison where he spent 30 years on death row. He is just one of many deathrow inmates, mostly black, who were exonerated either through DNA analysis or re-examination of evidence, testimony or careless (and some cases purposeful) miscarriages of justice. Since 1973, there have been 152 wrongfully convicted inmates released from death rows in the United States. Hinton was convicted of shooting to death two fast-food restaurant managers in Birmingham, Ala. in 1985. Later – much too much later – it was learned the gun used in those crimes did not belong to Hinton. His so-called defense lawyer hired a oneeyed civil engineer with almost no ballistics training to examine the gun

and bullets. That “expert” admitted later he had trouble operating the microscope. Other evidence, uncovered later, revealed Hinton was nowhere near the scenes of the crimes, that he was, in fact, at his warehouse job. The cheap-and-shoddy ballistics work was revealed by the Equal Justice Initiative, which was instrumental in exonerating Hinton and which proved his conviction resulted from his being poor, from his not being able to afford even a decent – much less adequate – defense. Hinton’s heartbreaking comments on what he had to endure should be required reading, especially by gungho supporters of the death penalty. What saved him from losing his mind, he said, is faith in God and a sense of humor. “I was in that cell by myself,” he said. “No one else but me. (Now) I’ve got to get used to noise and the sounds of everything because it’s fairly quiet on death row. Every man is in his own world.” He went on to say: “These crooked D.A.s and police officers and racist people had lied on me and convicted me of a horrible crime for something I didn’t do. They stole my 30s, they stole my 40s, they stole my 50s. I could not afford to give them my soul. I had to hold onto that...” Anthony Ray Hinton is yet another reason why the death penalty should be abolished. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is another reason, some say, why the death penalty should be retained. I myself opt for abolishment, just to ensure no more innocent people are put to death. Furthermore, at least in the case of Tsarnaev, killing him would just make him yet another martyr for deluded extremists, including his own mother.

Why should we vaccinate children? Submitted on behalf of CentraCare Clinic’s pediatric providers April 18-25 is National Infant Immunizations Week. This gives us another great reason to highlight the importance of immunizations. Simply put, vaccines save lives. The best thing parents can do for their children’s health is to learn the facts about vaccines so they can make the best choices. Thanks to our nation’s successful vaccination program, parents today have not witnessed the devastating effects of many diseases. Polio, for example, paralyzed millions of children worldwide before the vaccine was created.

Diseases such as hepatitis, pertussis and measles can still infect children who are not protected. Each year, the media publishes stories of disease outbreaks in under-vaccinated communities across the United States. Since 2010, we have been experiencing large outbreaks of pertussis across the country. In 2012, there were 48,277 cases of pertussis and 20 deaths; in 2013, there were more than 24,000 confirmed cases of pertussis in the United States; in 2014 there were 28,660 reported cases, and the outbreaks continue in 2015. Currently, there are a record number of measles cases in the United States. In 2014, 644 cases of measles were reported to the CDC and like pertussis, measles

outbreaks are continuing to affect the United States in 2015. The majority of measles cases reported in 2014 were in people who were unvaccinated or who had an unknown vaccination status. Past claims made regarding the safety of some childhood vaccines have been investigated by top researchers from around the world who concluded vaccines do not cause autism or any other chronic disorders. Immunization is one of the best ways parents can protect their children against serious diseases. We encourage parents to talk to their child’s doctor about any concerns they might have and ensure their infant is up-todate on immunizations.

Reader praises Sartell regional park Barb Nelson, Sartell

The ideas expressed in the letters to the editor and of the guest columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of the Newsleaders.

Friday, April 17, 2015

Recently, my husband and I walked in the Sauk River Regional Park across from the Sartell Walmart. It is large, has many paths and opportunities to explore not only the woods but the Sauk River, too. There

is an access to the Whitney Park area, and a quaint bridge leading to that park. I did some checking, and this park has many acres and I understand Sartell has more, similar land that will also be developed in the future. How great our Sartell community leaders had the foresight

to make such a fine area available to the public. I can’t wait to take our grandchildren to the new Sauk River Regional Park to explore it with us. There are clear signs to help one locate this park on the road to Walmart that has the roundabouts on it. Check it out.

Friday, April 17, 2015

Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

Despite word of caution, audit gives Sartell an ‘A’ by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com

The City of Sartell earned a solid “A” grade in an audit of its 2014 finances, but the auditing firm cautioned the city about the lack of segregation of its accounting practices. By “segregation,” the audit report means the city should not have various city staff do overlapping duties when it comes to the handling of finances and accounting. That, the report states, could have an adverse effect and hamper the city’s ability to initiate, record, process and report financial data information. There should also be limited access by staff to the general

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financial ledger. The audit found no lawbreaking, but it cautioned that lack of segregated functions can lead to problems. A summary of the audit was presented to the city council at its April 13 meeting by Steve Wischmann of the St. Cloud accounting firm of KDV (Kern, Dewenter, Viere, Ltd.) Without segregated functions, there is an overlap of duties such as cash disbursement, receipting and payroll processes. Such overlaps could lead to inconsistencies, errors, misstatements and/or risks, Wischmann said. He added, however, that 90 percent of the cities his firm audits have some degree of

lack of segregation of accounting functions ranging from mild to serious. In the case of Sartell, he noted, the situation is mild. He acknowledged it would likely be prohibitively costly to hire more staff to ensure complete segregation but that city staff should be aware of the situation and try to improve it. In the case of Sartell, the audit report notes three city staff do overlapping work when it comes to financial and accounting functions – the deputy clerk/treasurer, the utility clerk and the city administrator/finance director. Other than that criticism, however, the report praises the city’s financial health.

“There is good departmental budgeting,” Wischmann told the council. “You are living within your means. You did a very nice job on the budget...A very nice job. I would give you an A.” Wischmann pointed out several highlights of the city’s financial picture for 2014. • City expenses were nicely in line with its income and budget. • There is a very healthy fund balance. • Expenditures were almost identical to 2013. • The general-fund expenditures for 2014 increased from the year before by $153,000, a 3.3-percent increase, and that was due mainly to costs for

road salt and sealcoating. • The biggest piece of the budget pie (45.5 percent) was for public safety (including police and fire). Public works accounted for 27.2 percent, general government 12.1 percent, public-safety inspections 6.1 percent, parks and recreation 4.6 percent, and community and economic development 4.3 percent. • Total revenues for 2014 decreased slightly, by 2.8 percent, from the year before. The tax levy was also down a bit from 2013. Expenditures from the general fund increased by 3.3 percent, but a slight increase in local-government aid helped offset the imbalances.

Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

Friday, April 17, 2015

Contardo using new laser technology by Cori Hilsgen news@thenewsleaders.com

Longtime area dentist Dr. Michael Contardo is using new laser technology in his practice, daring to be the Dr. Contardo first in Minnesota to use this specific laser treatment. In 2011, Contardo became certified in laser dentistry and began using a laser for softtissue work. Last year, he researched and invested more than $85,000 in the Solea laser system which also works on hard tissues. He is now using that new technology. Contardo said this is the first carbon-dioxide laser system cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for use on hard and soft tissues and is effective with both tooth structures and gum tissues. He is so excited and confident about this new technology, he has renamed his practice “Laser Dentistry.” “This all kind of came about because the soft-tissue and hard-tissue laser became available,” Contardo said. “I thought this really made sense, and if it really is true, this is a big deal. So once I researched it and got to the point this would be something I would want to do, then the question came down to how do I want to present this to my patients? Do I want to offer this as sort of a sideline or really kind of cre-

ate what an amazing change in dentistry this is providing? The opportunity is to have patients have this experience and promote it.” The Solea laser tool looks similar to a traditional drill tool and is hand-controlled by Contardo. A computer-monitoring system applies the most effective laser pattern to the area of the mouth he is working on. While working with the laser, Contardo wears high-magnification glasses. Contardo explained the dental laser is made to vaporize tissues. When using the laser, he shines the laser beam on a tooth for a short period of time, using a low-power level that anesthetizes the fibers that go into the nerve system so it creates a very unique analgesia that numbs that tooth up at that point but does not numb the whole side of the face as the use of Novocain would. It is very specific tooth by tooth. Once the tooth is anesthetized, Contardo can turn the power up enough to a point where it will vaporize tooth enamel and he can then prepare a tooth at about the same speed as if he were using a traditional drill. After that, the filling is prepared traditionally. He still uses the drill to shape and polish the filling but not for the primary removal of the decay. Because the laser beam is one-fourth of a millimeter as compared to his smallest drillbit size of one millimeter, he is able to create a smaller cavity preparation for a filling, allow-

ing him to preserve more of the tooth. He is able to prepare teeth for crowns without using any anesthesia. For patients on blood thinners, the laser allows him to have tissue management at relatively bloodless sites. Contardo says benefits of using the laser instead of the drill include that the patient can be pain-free while having a tooth filled and doesn’t need to wait for Novocain to numb the mouth and stay numb after the tooth is filled. When filling teeth, Contardo can preserve more of the tooth because the laser is more precise than the traditional drill. After a tooth is filled, the patient can feel how high the filling is as soon as Contardo does and that helps with post-filling shaping. Because Contardo doesn’t need to charge for anesthesia and saves time by doing more procedures in a shorter amount of time, he has not increased his fees for using the laser technology. Although he is not able to do so yet, he anticipates laser tooth-extraction techniques will be developed in the future. So far, between 200-300 patients have tried the laser technology with Contardo. The laser is less invasive with no vibration, little noise or discomfort and is not as scary for children and adults who might have a fear of going to the dentist. Contardo doesn’t feel there are dangers with using the laser if good safety protocol such

contributed photo

Dr. Michael Contardo and his assistant, Sondra Szfrankski, use new laser technology to work on a patient. Contardo has used the new laser technology on 200-300 patients. as wearing laser-protective eyewear and other procedures are followed. A good technique of holding the laser carefully and making sure you stay in the specific area where you are trying to work is also important. Contardo feels laser is worth the experience. If patients have a cavity or need fillings done and have any hesitation of getting numbed, or if they don’t like the sound of the drill, he said it is definitely worth experiencing the laser method. “I really do think this is going to be the way of dentistry in the next three to five years,” he said. He believes it will take a little bit of a learning curve for dentists to get on board with lasers, because the technology is such that it’s a little bit foreign. Contardo compares it to the time period when dentists first began using higher speed drills in the office. He believes there should be more specific regulations for

News Tips? Mortgage Loan Processor St. Joseph

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using dental lasers and would be interested in helping to develop those. Contardo is certified in five different types of lasers. “It doesn’t take a lot to learn, but it takes a deliberate effort to get out and understand basic laser science and physics and then know the differences between the different types of lasers and tissue interaction,” Contardo said. There are few other dentists currently using Solea laser technology. Those he is aware of include one in Sioux Falls, S.D. and possibly one in Iowa and one in Wisconsin. Contardo said he is surprised he is the first and oneand-only dentist using this in Minnesota. Currently, he is receiving inquiries from throughout the state about the laser system. “I’m excited about sharing this technology,” Contardo said. “I think this is a good thing, and I have had a pheLaser • page 8

Call the Newsleader at 363-7741

Friday, April 17, 2015

Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

earth day contributed graphic

This graphic from SolarStone shows how a solar garden generates electricity for a public utility, which then uses the energy for its customers. Those who subscribe to the solar garden get energy credits that give them breaks on their utility bills. A solar garden is being proposed for Sartell.

Solar from front page the solar-garden is located or in any adjacent county to it. Subscribers would not be liable for any operational or maintenance costs. Those would be borne by SolarStone, DeVito told the council. Tax revenue from the business would go to both the city and the county. The solar-garden concept started in Colorado years ago. It is part of a rapidly expanding use of solar energy coast to coast, which is dramatically increasing because of a declining cost of solar-panel equipment, Simanton noted. Some state legislatures, including Minnesota’s, are starting to pass laws mandating a certain percent of all energy must be alternative, non-fossil-fuel sources. A bill

now in process in the Minnesota Legislature could mandate 40 percent of the state’s energy must be non-fossilfuel sources by 2030. Wind energy is another non-fossil source, generating up to 19 percent of Minnesota’s energy, according to Simanton. At this point, only 1.5 percent of Xcel Energy’s energy is derived from solar power. Solar panels on five acres of land can produce up to 1 megawatt of electricity. Council member Steve Hennes called the solar-garden proposal a “win-win” for everybody, including the city. Other council members also seemed warm to the idea. They agreed to form a subcommittee to enter negotiations with SolarStone for a potential deal. Council members Pat Lynch and Amy Braig-Lindstrom agreed to be council representatives on the committee.

Earth Day is a time to celebrate gains we have made and create new visions to accelerate environmental progress. It’s a time to unite around new actions.

Earth Day and every day is a time to act to protect our planet.

SAINT JOHN’S PREP Summer Program Day and Residential Camps • Adult Iconography Workshop • Art and Nature • Chinese • German • Leadership • Science

sjprep.net/about/camps

Used/Recycled Auto Parts

WASTE & RECYCLING SERVICES

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK WITH RECYCLING HAPPY EARTH DAY! PROUD TO BE A RECYCLING COLLECTOR

320-252-9608

Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

LEGAL NOTICES

The following official summary of the ordinance referred to has been approved by the City Council of Sartell as clearly informing the public of the intent and effect of the ordinance: SUMMARY ORDINANCE NO. 15-04 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RESTATING TOBACCOUSE ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SARTELL The City Code of Ordinances sets forth provisions for tobacco and electronic delivery devices in the City and such provisions have been amended and restated including Purpose; Definitions; Licenses and Fees; Prohibited and SelfService Sales; Responsibility; Compliance Checks; Illegal Acts; Violations and Penalties and other provisions. The entire ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular office hours at the office of the City Clerk at the Sartell City Hall or on the City website at

................

www.sartellmn.com. Adopted by the City Council of Sartell on this 13th day of April, 2015. /s/ Sarah Jane Nicoll Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Mary Degiovanni City Administrator SEAL

PINECONE ROAD (2ND STREET TO S. OF 7TH STREET)

The City of Sartell will solicit bids for the Pinecone Road (2nd Street to S. of 7th Street) project at the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 125 Pinecone Road, Sartell, Minn., until 11 a.m. CST, Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at which time all bids will be publicly opened in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, and all bids read aloud. Please see the City of Sartell website at www.sartellmn.com for bid information. Publish: April 17, 2015

Publish: April 17, 2015

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320-253-0400 • 1-800-872-8445 • www.utopiatours.com DAY TRIPS

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from page 6 nomenal response of people inquiring from a long way away. It’s really fun because it’s the opportunity to help people experience this.” Contardo, 62, said he has had real joy in practicing his dentistry and has found it to be a great career. He looks forward to practicing for the next 10 years, but would like to bring someone new on board in the next five years. Contardo is looking for someone that would be a good fit for his patients. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and Contardo, a 15-years-plus survivor of stage IV oral cancer, which had metastasized into his neck, encourages regular cancer screenings.

Contardo graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1978, was in group practice from 1978-1988 and opened his clinic in St. Joseph in 1989. He has been married to Marilynn Olsen for 36 years. They have two sons, two daughters and six grandchildren. Contardo employs three fulltime staff, including his receptionist/business manager Darlene Rosten; assistant Sondra Szfrankski; and hygienist Hatie Fleming. All have worked for him between five and 25 years. “My staff is great,” Contardo said. “I have a wonderful staff and have no good reason not to keep practicing. I’m thankful and grateful for being able to do this.” Laser Dentistry is located at 26 2nd Ave. N.W. in St. Joseph. For more information, call 320363-4468 or visit the website at laserdentistrymn.com.

Bids to be advertised for Pinecone work by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com

Major alterations to Pinecone Road are expected to begin in June and be completed sometime in October, which is about a month later than once expected. The later ending date, however, will likely save the city about $150,000 on the project costs, according to Sartell City Engineer Mike Neilson. Stretching the project’s time frame will result in lower bid results by companies during a busy construction season, allowing them more flexibility in their scheduling. At the April 13 city-council meeting, members authorized Neilson to proceed with bids for Phase I of the project. The project will include construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Pinecone Road and 2nd Street S., a right turn

lane into the Bernick’s Arena area, a concrete portion of road for Pinecone starting just south of 2nd Street and ending 500 feet south of 7th Street N., bike-hike trail resurfacing, decorative street lighting and perhaps a right-turn lane coming out of the Pine Meadow Elementary School parking lot. Neilson, however, said school officials are not certain they want that right-turn lane at this point. He will meet with them again to determine that. Council member Amy BraigLindstrom said that, although the plan was well presented, she is against the project at this time because it’s so expensive. Neilson acknowledged it is expensive, but he added any Pinecone improvements would be even more expensive down the road unless something is done now. The project is estimated to cost about $2.9 million.

City, school officials hold meetings

Sartell Lot SartellMiddle MiddleSchool School Parking Parking Lot Saturday, a.m. - 12- Noon Noon Saturday,April April24 25• 8• 8 a.m. Pickup/Trailer or Equivalent $95/ea. Office/Business Furniture $20/ea. Air Conditioners & Home Appliances $20/ea. Couches/Stuffed Chairs $20/ea. Mattresses/Box Springs $20/ea. Commercial Appliances $20/ea. Fluorescent Bulbs $3/ea. Car Batteries $3/ea. Tires $10-$15/ea. Computers/TVs/Electronics 30¢/lb. Tube-type TVs & Monitors 65¢/lb.

Laser

Friday, April 17, 2015

by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com

IF YOU NEED ITEMS

IFPICKED YOU NEED ITEMS UP, CALL PICKED UP, CALL JACK JAVIER AT 320-290-2173 PRIOR TO SATURDAY OR JACK AT 320-250-6697 ATTO 250-6697 PRIOR SATURDAY $7 fee fee for $10 for single singleitem item picked up and $20 feefee forfor pickup/trailer $30 pickup/ load picked trailer loadup

NO PAINTS, SOLVENTS, OILS OR CHEMICALS! NO GAS-OPERATED REFRIGERATORS!

Sartell city staff and the school district have been meeting to compare notes about current and possible future amenities. Sartell Mayor Sarah Jane Nicoll and council member Amy Braig-Lindstrom have been meeting with school officials to discuss all sorts of facilities so the city and school district don’t duplicate one an-

other when a Sartell community center is built. They are also discussing shared needs between the city and the school district. Once they get a clear idea of needs and future plans, the city will be able to determine more precisely exactly what kinds of amenities a community center would contain. The school district, in turn, would also have a better grasp of its own needsplanning.

Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

Friday, April 17, 2015

District seeks input from families The Sartell-St. Stephen School District will conduct its annual Community Survey to gain input and insights from district families about the school district. The survey will be available online between Wednesday, April 22, and Wednesday, April 29 via a link on the district website. If anyone would like to request a paper copy, contact Amy Trombley at 320-656-3779 or stop in at

the District Service Center. “The goal of this survey is to provide the community an opportunity to have input and provide feedback to the school district,” said Jeff Schwiebert, superintendent of the Sartell-St. Stephen School District. “We will send a link out to all families via our Skylert system and make it available to the entire community via our website. We want to ensure we hear from

all district stakeholders.” Once the survey is closed, results will be shared with the school board, district leadership and district staff. The responses are analyzed and used as a component of a continuous improvement process. The results will be available to all residents on the school district’s website, www.sartell.k12.mn.us.

Boys and Girls Club seeks program volunteer Join the staff and kids at Southside, Roosevelt or Eastside Boys and Girls Club unit as a program volunteer. You can make a difference in a child's life in as little as one hour a week. Set your own schedule with the volunteer coordinator to make your experience valuable. They have opportunities for you to get involved

in the areas of education and career development; character and leadership development; the arts; health and life skills; and sports, fitness and recreation. Play board games with the kids, read one-to-one with a child or help with homework, participate in gym activities, share your love of arts and crafts or shoot pool with the teens. It's

Dogs - 7 Rats - 2

Cats - 21

Kittens - 1

Ask a Trooper

What size fire extinguisher is required in a 10-passenger van? Q: Hello, my question was referred to you by the State Fire Marshal’s office. I have a customer who has a fireextinguisher question. It is a school that just purchased a 10-passenger van and they are wondering what size fire extinguisher is required.

mounted in a bracket, located in the driver’s compartment and be readily accessible to the driver and passengers. A pressure indicator is required and must be easily read without removing the extinguisher from its mounted position.

A: This is what we would refer to as a “type III vehicle.” A “type III” is restricted to passenger vehicles and buses having a maximum manufacturer’s rated seating capacity of 10 or fewer people, including the driver, and a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less. The requirement for type III vehicles would be a minimum of one 10BC-rated drychemical fire extinguisher. The extinguisher must be

A portion of state statutes was used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 W., Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. You can follow him on Twitter @ MSPPIO_NW or reach him at jesse.grabow@state.mn.us.

Dummo is a 14 year old spayed and declawed cat who came to the shelter because her owner developed an allergy to cats. Dummo’s described as a talker and will let you know when she’s looking for attention. Two of her favorite things are catnip stuffed mice and any sort of seafood flavored treats. Dummo qualifies for the Name Your Own Price promotion and her fee would be waived completely for a senior citizen or veteran.

Dummo is a 14-year-old spayed and declawed cat who came to the shelter because her owner developed an allergy to cats. Dummo’s described as a talker and will let you know when she’s looking for attention. Two of her favorite things are catnip stuffed mice and any sort of seafood-flavored treats. Dummo qualifies for the Name-Your-Own-Price promotion and her fee would be waived completely for a senior citizen or veteran. “Helping one animal won’t change the world … but it will change the world for that one animal!”

as easy as just spending time with kids. The Club units are open Monday-Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. during the school year and noon to 6 p.m. during the summer. For more information on this and other United Way volunteer opportunities, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on April 17 criers.

Tri-County Humane Society 735 8th St. NE • PO Box 701 St. Cloud, MN 56302

252-0896

Count: Cats: 21 Kittens: 1 Dogs: 7 Rats: 2

www.tricountyhumanesociety.org

Hours: Monday-Thursday Noon-6 p.m., Friday Noon-8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday Noon-5 p.m.

AREA SUPPORT GROUPS MONDAY Adult Children of Alcoholics/or Alanon, 4 p.m. Non-smoking, perfume free, Love of Christ Lutheran Church, St. Cloud. 253-7453. (every Monday) Brain Injury, 10:30 a.m., Whitney Sr. Center, St. Cloud. Contact Craig at 685-3680. (2nd and 4th Monday) Circle of Parents, 6-7:30 p.m., YMCA, St. Cloud. Michelle, 203-2056. (every Monday) Emotions Anonymous, 8 p.m., St. Michael’s Church library, 1036 Stearns CR 4, St. Cloud. 203-1862. (every Monday) Enhance Fitness Classes, 10-11 a.m., Benet Place (Great Room), 1975 15th Ave. SE, St. Cloud. (every Monday) La Leche League - Breastfeeding, 6:30 p.m., St. Cloud Public Library. 230-1515 or 2528467. (4th Monday) Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m., University Lutheran Church, St. Cloud. 1-877-767-7676 or www.central.naminnesota.org. (every Monday) Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church, St. Joseph. 271-0225. (every Monday) RTS Bereavement 7-8:30 p.m., St. Cloud Hospital’s Maple Room, St. Cloud, 251-2700, ext. 53528 or 54621 (2nd Monday) St. Cloud Area Parkinson’s Disease 1-2:30 p.m., St. Cloud Library, St. Cloud. 320-529-9000. (3rd Monday) St. Cloud Crohn's and Colitis, 7-8:30 p.m., St. Cloud Hospital's Oak Room, St. Cloud. Michele, 271-0005. (2nd Monday) Separated/Divorced, 7-8:30 p.m., Caritas Family Services, St. Cloud. 529-0427. (every Monday) “The Way Out” Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book meeting. Place of Hope, St. Cloud. 7-9 p.m. (every Monday) Weight Loss, 7 p.m., Liquid Assets Coffee Shop, Sartell. 282-4320. (1st Monday) Weight Loss, 7 p.m., Oakwood Heights Community Room. 1615 7th St. SE, St. Cloud. 282-4320. (Every Monday) Women's Alcoholics Anonymous, 5:30 p.m., St. Cloud Alano Club. 251-9876. (every Monday)

Women's Alcoholics Anonymous, noon, 12-steps & literature meeting. Non-smoking, perfume free. Love of Christ Lutheran Church, St. Cloud. 253-7453. (every Monday) TUESDAY AA Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Salvation Army, 400 S. Hwy. 10, St. Cloud. 252-4552. (every Tuesday) AA Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4310 Co. Rd. 137, St. Cloud. 237-3784. (every Tuesday) AA Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran Church, Rice. 223-0790. Al-Anon, 6 p.m., Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Sartell. Peg 253-3741. (every Tuesday) Cancer Caregivers, 9 a.m., Caribou Coffee outside Crossroads Mall. 229-4907. (1st Tuesday) Families of Children with Special health Care Needs, 7-9 p.m., CentraCare Health Plaza, lower level. 1900 CentraCare Circle. Contact John or Brianna. 230-2068. (3rd Tuesdays) Gluten-Free, 6:30 p.m., St. Cloud Public Library. www.scceliac.org. (1st Tuesdays) Gold Ribbon, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Child/Adolescent Clinic conference room, CentraCare Health Plaza. 229-4923. (2nd Tuesday) Holistic Mom’s Network, Holistic Parenting Group. St. Cloud Public Library, 7 p.m. Contact Annie Preisler. 259-7820. (2nd Tuesday) Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Atonement Lutheran Church, St. Cloud. 1-877-767-7676 or www.central.naminnesota.org. (every Tuesday) Narcotics Anonymous, 8:30 p.m., Alano Club, St. Cloud. 1-877-767-7676 or www.central. naminnesota.org. (every Tuesday) National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for families with a relative with mental illness, 7 p.m., Calvary Community Church, 1200 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud. Mike at 320-259-7101. (2nd & 4th Tuesdays) Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m., Peace United Church, St. Cloud. 888-543-6999. (every Tuesday) TOPS, weigh-in 11:30 a.m., meeting at noon, Atonement Lutheran Church, 1144 29th Ave. N. 253-1680. (every Tuesday) TOPS, weigh-in 5:15 p.m., meeting 6 p.m.,

St. Joseph Parish Center, Waite Park. 203-1161 or 252-3196. (every Tuesday) WEDNESDAY Cancer Patient/Family, 9:30-11 a.m., CentraCare Health Plaza, St. Cloud. 229-4907, ext. 70855. (1st Wednesday) Enhance Fitness Classes, 10-11 a.m., Benet Place (Great Room), 1975 15th Ave. SE, St. Cloud. (every Wednesday) Loss/Grief, 7-8:30 p.m., Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice, St. Cloud. Linda, 6541136 or 877-249-8836. (every Wednesday) Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Great River Regional Library, St. Cloud. 1-877-767-7676 or www.central.naminnesota.org. (every Wednesday) National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for families with a relative with mental illness, 6:30 p.m., Unity Spiritual Center, 931 5th Ave. N., Sartell. Chuck at 320-290-7713. (2nd & 4th Wednesday) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, 5-6:30 p.m., Central Minnesota Mental Health Center, 1321 13th St. N, St. Cloud. (every Wednesday) Overeaters Anonymous, 1:30 p.m., Benet Place South, 1975 15th Ave. SE., St. Cloud. (every Wednesday) SOS (Secular Organization for Sobriety) 6:30 p.m. Unitarian Church, 3226 Main Prairie Rd., St. Cloud. Malcolm 255-1606. (every Wednesday) TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meeting, weigh-in 5-6 p.m., meeting 6:10 p.m., St. Benedict’s Monastery, Rosamond Bldg. Room #222. 363-8231. (every Wednesday) THURSDAY Alcoholics Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., St. Francis Xavier Hall (use northeast door), Sartell. (every Thursday) Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Living Waters Lutheran Church, Sauk Rapids. (every Thursday) Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Shepard of the Pines Lutheran Church, Rice. 223-0790. Alcoholics Anonymous Women’s Big Book Meeting, 6:30 p.m., St. Benedict’s Monestery-Rosamond Bldg. (every Thursday)

Autism Spectrum Disorder, 6 p.m., YMCA, St. Cloud. (4th Thursday) Aspergers Syndrome, 7-9 p.m., St. Cloud Library, 405 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. 2nd Floor Conference Room. 217-5750. (3rd Thursday) Depression, 1 p.m., Whitney Sr. Center Board Room, St. Cloud. 255-7245(every Thursday) Emotions Anonymous, 1 p.m., St. John Cantius Church, 1515 3rd St. N., St. Cloud. 203-1862. (every Thursday) Healing Hearts Pet Loss, 7-8 p.m., Companions Animal Hospital, St. Cloud. 252-6700. (3rd Thursday) Infertility, 6:30-8 p.m., Pastoral Center, 305 7th Ave. N., St. Cloud. Attendees can share stories, support one another in prayer and share resources following Catholic teaching for infertility treatment. Contact Laura 612-616-0712 or hannahshopemn@gmail.com. (2nd Thursday) La Leche League - Breastfeeding, 10:15 a.m., St. Cloud Public Library. 230-1515 or 2528467. (2nd Thursday) Narcotics Anonymous women’s group, 4 p.m., Boys and Girls Club, St. Cloud. 1-877767-7676 or www.central.naminnesota.org. (every Thursday) Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Salem Lutheran Church, St. Cloud. 1-877-767-7676 or www.central.naminnesota.org. (every Thursday) Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m., Peace United Church, St. Cloud. 888-543-6999. (every Thursday) Spouse, 6-7:30 p.m., The Hope Community Support Program, 157 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud. (2nd and 4th Thursday) Stearns County Adoptive Parent, 6:30-8 p.m., Local Blend, St. Joseph. 763-668-5748 or debfjeld@nacac.org. (fourth Thursday) FRIDAY Alcoholics Anonymous & Al-Anon Family, 7:30 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church, St. Joseph. (every Friday) Enhance Fitness Classes, 10-11 a.m., Benet Place (Great Room), 1975 15th Ave. SE,

St. Cloud. (every Friday) Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., St. Cloud. 1-877-767-7676 or www.central.naminnesota. org. (every Friday) Overeaters Anonymous, noon, Peace United Church, St. Cloud. 888-543-6999. (every Friday) Post-polio, 10:30 a.m.-Noon, Moose Lodge, Waite Park. Gale Erdmann, 529-6500. (1st Friday - April-June and Aug.-Dec.) 10:30 a.m.-Noon, Independent Living Center, 215 N. Benton Dr., Sauk Rapids (1st Friday) Reformers Unanimous, 7 p.m., Northland Bible Baptist Church, St. Cloud. 252-5677 ext. 109. (every Friday) SATURDAY Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church, Waite Park. 259-6770. (every Saturday) Alcoholics Anonymous, 8-9 p.m., St. Stephen Alano Club. Randy, 253-3741, evenings. (every Saturday) Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church. 1-877-767-7676 or www. central.naminnesota.org. (every Saturday) Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Discovery Church, Hwy. 10 and Hwy. 23, St. Cloud. 1-877-767-7676 or www.central.naminnesota. org. (every Saturday) TOPS, weigh-in 8:45 a.m., meeting 9 a.m., Assumption Home, 715 1st St. N., Cold Spring. 453-3083. (every Saturday) Trigeminal Neuralgia, 10 a.m.-Noon. CentraCare Health Plaza, St. Cloud. 252-1399 (2nd Saturday every other month.) SUNDAY Divorcee Care and Divorce Care for Kids, 4-5:30 p.m., Harvest Fellowship Church, Community Connection Bldg., 219 2nd St. N., Sauk Rapids. 320-529-8838. www.harvestmn. com (every Sunday) Divorcee Care video seminar/support group for separated and divorced. 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sept.-May. Harvest Fellowship Church, Community Connection Building, 219 2nd St. N., Sauk Rapids. (every Sunday)

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LIST YOUR SUPPORT GROUP, PLEASE CALL 363-7741

Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

Council approves e-cigarette sales in city by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com

The sale and sampling of e-cigarettes will be allowed in Sartell, after all. At the April 13 city-council meeting, members voted 4-1 to allow the vaporized “cigarettes” to be allowed in the city as part of Sartell’s tobacco-use ordinance. Council member Amy Braig-Lindstrom told her fellow council members she had had a “change of heart” and decided to oppose the sale of e-cigarettes, saying the council and city should not vote for it because ecigarettes might encourage some children to move on to regular cigarettes. Braig-Lindstrom said despite opposition to smoking in society, cigar-smoking is still considered OK by many people because cigars are often smoked at public events, such as golf courses, mostly by men who are well-to-do or have social standing. That attitude that some smoking is OK should not be extended to e-cigarettes, especially when the liquid for them comes in various flavors attractive to children, such as watermelon. E-cigarettes, she added, could be a gate-

way method to the use of other forms of tobacco. The inclusion of e-cigarettes in Sartell’s tobaccouse ordinance is very much like the state’s regulations of them. The language of the ordinance was fine-tuned by Sartell Police Chief Jim Hughes, with council advice. Three months ago, the council debated the e-cigarette issue at length, and some people at the public hearing spoke against them, although there were also many vocal defenders of the devices. E-cigarettes emit a vapor from an encapsulated liquid that can satisfy a smoker’s craving for nicotine. They are widely advocated as a way for regular cigarette smokers to wean themselves off the “habit” and stop smoking. Some detractors, however, claim e-cigarettes are also addictive and that second-hand fumes, like cigarette smoke, are not good for people. Businesses that sell e-cigarettes in Sartell have to abide by all the restrictions that have long applied to the sale of any tobacco products, including compliance checks to make sure they are not sold to any minors.

Friday, April 17, 2015

contributed photos

At left: MaryBeth Munden and Rick Welch jump into icy water at the Polar Plunge in Sauk Centre. Above: It was a shock to the flesh and MaryBeth Munden and Rick Welch were all ashiver after their plunge for Special Oympics Minnesota.

Munden, Welch take the plunge again by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com

Some way to spend a birthday! First, plunging into ice-cold water, then getting in a vehicle that won’t start, finally waiting more than an hour for a tow truck to arrive. That’s how Rick Welch of Sartell “celebrated” his 28th birthday, along with his sweetheart, MaryBeth Munden of St. Joseph. But Welch, a good sport, wasn’t complaining, nor was Munden. “Overall, we had a really good day,” she said. On Feb. 9 in Sauk Centre’s Sinclair Lewis Park, Munden and Welch, as they have in years past, took the Polar Plunge together to help raise money for Special Olympics Minnesota. They and the other nearly 200 plungers at the event

raised $39,000 in pledges. The team of MundenWelch raised $2,275 of that amount. This was the sixth consecutive plunge for Munden, a dispatcher for the St. Joseph Police Department who also works part-time at Kay’s Kitchen and the El Paso Bar and Grill in St. Joseph. Welch has plunged three times with Munden. Statewide, $4 million was raised this past winter at the 20 Polar Plunge events throughout Minnesota. Each year, the event is sponsored by law-enforcement agencies with the help of individuals, organizations and businesses. After Welch and Munden took the plunge, they socialized awhile, then got into Welch’s car for the trip back to St. Joseph. They quickly discovered the car’s ignition system would not

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“read” the chip in the car key. Thus, it wouldn’t start. After many phone calls, they decided to hitch a ride back to St. Joseph to pick up Munden’s truck. They drove back to Sauk Centre, called a tow truck and had an hour’s time to kill. So they romped and ran and played on the ice with their dog, Paulie, until the tow truck arrived. Once the car had been towed to St. Joseph’s TireMaxx, it apparently made up its mind to start or else maybe the key got its chip together. Go figure. Munden and Welch just had to laugh. “Oh well, we had to get that car fixed anyway,” Munden said. Welch’s birthday cost him $120 for the tow bill and $830 to fix his car. Compared to that, the icy plunge was downright pleasant.

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Friday, April 17, 2015

Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

Community Calendar

Friday, April 17 Discovery Day, St. John’s Preparatory School, St. John’s University, Collegeville. 320-363-3315 option 3 to RSVP. sjprep.net. Bag of Books Sale, sponsored by St. Cloud Friends of the Library, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mississippi Room, St. Cloud Public Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. 320-6502500. stcloudfriends.org. Journey to Heal Art Show, part of St. Cloud State University’s Sexual Assault Awareness month series, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Atwood Memorial Center, SCSU, 651 1st Ave. S., St. Cloud. St. Joseph Farmers’ Market, 3-6 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church fellowship hall, 610 CR 2. Sock-Hop for 5th-, 6th- and 7th-grade students, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Rockville Parish Center, 113 Broadway St. W, Rockville. St. Cloud Singles Club Dance, 8 p.m.-midnight, American Legion, 17 2nd Ave. S., Waite Park. 320-3394533. stcloudsingles.net.

Sex trafficking speaker/information session, 9-11 a.m., St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 219 2nd St. N., Sartell. 320-252-1363. Bag of Books Sale, sponsored by St. Cloud Friends of the Library 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Mississippi Room, St. Cloud Public Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. 320-6502500. stcloudfriends.org. 55+ Driver Improvement program (four-hour refresher course), 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Miller Auto Plaza community room, 2930 2nd St. S., St. Cloud. 1-888-234-1294. Optional online courses: mnsafetycenter.org. Creative writing workshop, 10:30-11:45 a.m., St. Cloud Public Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. 320-650-2500. griver.org. Community fellowship meal, 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1107 Pinecone Road S., Sartell. Wander, senior art majors exhibition, 1-3 p.m., Alice R. Rogers Gallery and Target Gallery, St. John’s Art Center, St. John’s University, 2850 Abbey Plaza, Collegeville. 320-3632701. csbsju.edu/fine-arts/visual-arts. Homework help, for grades K-8, 2:30-4:45 p.m., St. Cloud Public Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. 320-650-2500. griver.org.

Saturday, April 18 Death and burial information session, 8-11 a.m., St. Joseph Parish heritage hall, 12 W. Minnesota St., St. Joseph. Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 8 a.m.-noon, 320-255-6140 to get directions.

Sunday, April 19 Build-your-own omelette breakfast, proceeds support programs for veterans, 8 a.m.-noon, American Legion, 17 2nd Ave. S., Waite Park. 320-251-5498. String chamber ensembles concert, 2 p.m., Gorecki Family 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 operations@thenewsleaders.com.

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ater, College of St. Benedict, 37 S. College Ave., St. Joseph. csbsju.edu/ music.

St. John’s University, 2850 Abbey Plaza, Collegeville. csbsju.edu/music.

Monday, April 20 Blood drive, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, 2835 W. St. Germain, St. Cloud. 1-800-733-2767. redcrossblood.org. Jumpstarting Life: Applying Hibernation Strategies to Emergency Rooms and Long-distance Space Travel Lecture, 6:30-8 p.m., New Science Center, St. John’s University, Collegeville. 320-363-3163. csbsju.edu/outdooru. St. Joseph Rod and Gun Club, 7 p.m., American Legion, 101 W Minnesota St., St. Joseph. Woodwind and brass chamber ensembles concert, 8 p.m., Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, St. John’s University, 2850 Abbey Plaza, Collegeville. csbsju.edu/music.

Wednesday, April 22 Blood drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Cloud State University, 720 4th Ave. S., St. Cloud. 1-800-733-2767. redcrossblood.org. St. Cloud Book Club, for adults, 3-4 p.m. & 7-8 p.m., Array Room, St. Cloud Public Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. 320-6502500. griver.org. St. Cloud State University Planetarium public night, shows at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., telescope viewing 8-10 p.m., reservations needed for shows, 324 Robert H. Wick Science Building, SCSU, 720 4th Ave. S., St. Cloud. planetarium@stcloudstate. edu. 320-308-2011. Wind ensemble and symphonic band concert, 7:30 p.m., Escher Auditorium, College of St. Benedict, 37 S. College Ave., St. Joseph. csbsju. edu/music.

Tuesday, April 21 55+ Driver Improvement program (eight-hour first-time course, tonight and April 22), 5-9 p.m., Apollo High School, 1000 44th Ave. N., St. Cloud. 1-888-234-1294. Optional online courses: mnsafetycenter.org. Survival basics class, four-week class, ages 8 and up, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Bremer Room, St. Cloud Public Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. 320-650-2500. griver.org. St. Cloud Area Genealogists meeting, 7 p.m., Stearns History Museum, 235 33rd Ave. S., St. Cloud. stearns-museum.org. Guitar ensemble concert, 8 p.m., Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, experience. E-mail resume to info@willmarfarmcenter.com. 320-235-8123 (MCN) ADOPTION A UNIQUE ADOPTIONS, LET US HELP! Personalized Adoption Plans. Financial Assistance, Housing, Relocation and More. Giving the Gift of Life? You Deserve the Best. 1-888-637-8200. 24HR Hotline. (VOID IN IL) (MCN)

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Room, Atwood Memorial Center, St. Cloud State University, 651 1st Ave. S., St. Cloud. Kaleidoscope, presented by the Minnesota Dance Ensemble, 7:30 p.m., Paramount Theatre, 913 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. paramountarts.org. Spring choral finale: All choirs and Amadeus Chamber Symphony, 8 p.m., Abbey Church, St. John’s University, 2850 Abbey Plaza, Collegeville. csbsju.edu/music. Saturday, April 25 Sartell Lions Spring Clean-up, 8 a.m.-noon, Sartell Middle School parking lot, 212 3rd Ave. N., Sartell. Gardening and Great Eating, 9-11 a.m. HealthPartners Clinic, 2251 Connecticut Ave. S., Sartell. 320-203-2099. hpcmc.com/garden. Coder Dojo, learn coding from mentors, 1-4 p.m., Room 208, St. Cloud Public Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. 320-6502500. griver.org. Spring Concert by Central Minnesota Youth Orchestra, 3 p.m., Ruth Gant Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center, St. Cloud State University, 620 3rd Ave. S., St. Cloud. cmyo.org. Sunday, April 26 Joe Town Table, free community meal, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., American Legion, 101 Minnesota St. W., St. Joseph. All College Choir concert, 7:30 p.m., Great Hall, St. John’s University, 2850 Abbey Plaza, Collegeville. csbsju.edu/music.

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Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com

Friday, April 17, 2015

Ol’ Man River to be feted in songs, images, stories by Dennis Dalman editor@thenewsleaders.com

Audience members will have a chance to “tour” America’s greatest river in songs, images and stories when Steven Marking presents Our Mighty Mississippi for the annual Laughter and Lemonade event in Sartell. The multi-media concert will start at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 in the Gathering Place at St. Francis Xavier Church, 219 2nd St. N. Tickets are $3, payable at the door. Laughter and Lemonade is sponsored by the Sartell-St. Stephen Community Education program and Country Manor Senior Living Campus. Marking created and performs his one-man show, which has garnered widespread raves by audiences far and wide. As the presenter of Our Mighty Mississippi, Marking has been called “Mark Twain with a gorgeous voice, mixed up with a bit of Garrison Keillor (humor) and Ken Burns (history).” The program involves Marking, an acclaimed world-class baritone singer,

performing classic songs, all having to do with the Mighty River, such as Moon River, Ol’ Man River, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, River Chanty, Up a Lazy River and Marking’s own song, Gone Fishin.’ Between songs, Marking tells of the history, legend and lore of the river, with a few humorous stories of his own mishaps that happened on the Mighty Miss. Many of the visuals in the concert are movies and photos taken by Marking himself during his countless visits to and on the great river. The show highlights the visual splendors of the river – its flora and fauna and its long history as a transportation artery for the nation. Marking knows whereof he sings. He was raised in Brice Prairie, Wis., a stone’s throw from the Mississippi River where he loved to explore its backwaters, fishing, swimming, hunting and skating. Later, he earned a master’s degree in vocal performance from the Peabody Conservatory. After studying opera, he performed in classic operas and musical theater, mainly in the New York area.

In recent years, Marking has lived in St. Paul, back to the site of the river he has always loved. He sings with the Minnesota Opera and the Minnesota Chorale and is soloist for Hennepin United Methodist Church. He also entertains, along with his wife, aboard the Queen of the Mississippi, a luxury old-fashioned steamboat that travels from St. Louis, Mo. to St. Paul. Our Mighty Mississippi has been praised by all who have experienced it. The following are just two of the many kudos it has received: “The audience jumped to its feet for a standing ovation after Steven Marking’s show. Being we are a river town, folks could easily relate to the music, stories and photos of this great river and Steven’s beautiful baritone voice and warm presence made it even more captivating.” - Kris Niebler, program director, Coon Rapids. “Having worked on the Mississippi for almost 30 years and paddled its length, Our Mighty Mississippi truly captures the river’s spirit.” - John Sullivan, Wisconsin DNR

contributed photo

Acclaimed baritone singer Steven Marking will perform a musical tribute to the Mighty Mississippi May 12 in Sartell.

Training held for mental health first aid Several one-day mentalhealth first-aid training sessions will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on the following dates: Wednesday and Thursday, April 22 and 23; Thursday, May 7; and Wednesday and Thursday, May 20 and 21. The trainings will be held at the United Way Office, 3001 Clearwater Road, St. Cloud. The sessions are designed to teach the basic first-aid skills needed to help a person who is experiencing a mental-health problem or crisis. Understanding and

recognizing the signs that someone needs help is the first step in getting that person appropriate care and treatment. Each session will focus on the mental health of adults with the exception of the May 20 session which will focus on adolescent mental health. Mental health providers who are trained by the National Alliance on Mental Illness will lead the sessions. For more information or to register, visit thenewsleaders.com and click on April 17 criers.