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Newsleader Sartell
Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 Volume 17, Issue 47 Est. 1995
Town Crier Winter Extravaganza in St. Stephen
Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit City Hall from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. There will be sleigh rides in the parking lot, and crafts, cookies and cocoa inside. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy or free-will donation in lieu of admission.
Candle-lighting ceremony to be held
Parents, siblings and grandparents of children who have died are invited to attend a candlelighting ceremony from 6:30-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 at Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 4th Ave. N., Sauk Rapids, Minn. Loved ones may bring a single framed photo of their child for display if they wish. Candle lighting will begin at 7 p.m. traveling through each time zone illuminating the globe in a 24-hour wave of light. For more information, call the Living Waters church office at (320) 255-1135.
The St. Cloud Area Fun Singers to preform
The St. Cloud Area Fun Singers will offer a delightful afternoon of holiday music and humorous anecdotes at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13 in the Celebration Lutheran Church Gathering Place. Everyone is invited to attend and bring a friend. Refreshments will be served. The event is sponsored by the Sartell Senior Connection. Call 320-253-4036 for more information.
Wrappers needed for humane society
Wanted: people who like to wrap gifts and want to volunteer their talents. The Tri-County Humane Society needs gift wrappers to wrap presents for shoppers at Crossroads Center in St. Cloud. A giftwrapping booth will be open during Crossroads business hours in the mall by the Target store from Friday, Dec. 7 to Monday, Dec. 24. The gift wrapping is one of the humane society’s annual fundraising activities. For more information or to volunteer, call Kim at the humanesociety shelter at 252-0896.
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Group sells ‘bricks,’ raises money for Uganda trip by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
Fifteen people, most of them members of Celebration Lutheran Church, have gone into a fundraising mode, hoping to raise enough for a two-week trip to Uganda to build a school. Although the trip won’t take place until next August, time is of the essence as organizers have to raise funds in advance to ensure the trip can even happen. The group is even selling “bricks” for the schoolhouse – the “bricks” in the form of plastic cards that go for $20 each. The schoolhouse project will cost $20,000. If all goes well, workers in Uganda will prepare the foundation, and the tour group will then do the rest of the building, brick by brick. In addition to the building fund, the trip planners Bricks • page 6
contributed photo
Aaron Brossoit, Maggie Brossoit’s son, hauls yet another barrow full of cement during a building project in Gulu, Uganda.
Visiting poet inspires a bloom of words by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
Creativity in the form of words bloomed brightly at Sartell High School recently when an award-winning poet shared time with the students during workshops. During a special reading in the school theater, students shared the poems they wrote. The visiting writer was Dr. Patrick Hicks, an associate
professor of English and journalism at Augustana College. His visit to Sartell was made possible by a grant from the Sartell-St. Stephen Education Foundation, said language arts teacher Jean Wenshau. About 325 students had the chance to participate in Hicks’ poetry workshops. Prizes were presented to the top poets, who included Aleysha Vos, first place, who won $75; Bridget Maas, second
place, who won $50; and Kathy Overby, third place, who won $25. All three also were given a $15 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble and an autographed copy of Hicks’ latest book of poetry, “This London.” Honorable mention awards went to Claire Kurvers and Marissa Scherer. Hicks was born and raised in Stillwater, earned a master’s Poet • page 10
contributed photo
The poetry winners at Sartell High School are (left to right) Aleysha Vos, Bridget Maas and Kathy Overby. Honorable mentions went to Claire Kurvers and Marissa Scherer.
Acclaimed author to read from ‘Convert’ at CSB An internationally renowned auther, Deborah Baker, will read from her latest non-fiction book at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5 at the Gorecki Family Theater at the College of St. Benedict. The event is free and open to the public.
Baker’s newest book is entitled “The Convert: A Tale of Exile and Extremism.” It’s the true story of a Jewish woman in New York who decided in the early 1960s to convert to Islam and move to Pakistan. The woman’s story encapsu-
lates the many contradictions of East vs. West, idealism vs. reality, religious extremism vs. secularism, individualism vs. communalism and other seemingly irreconcilable conflicts that continue to bring strife to the world. The book was nomi-
nated last year for the prestigious National Book Award and won the Sister Mariella Gable Prize, awarded by CSB. That prize honors work published by Graywolf Press, which is a
Author • page 3
Fenlasons grace pages of ‘Golf Business Magazine’ by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
Many people who pick up the November issue of “Golf Business Magazine” will be pleasantly surprised to find a large photo of two familiar, friendly faces – Kittie and Linda Fenlason of Sartell. The Fenlasons, who are sisters-in-law, are the owners-
operators of Blackberry Ridge Golf Course in Sartell. They are the subjects of a laudatory magazine article entitled “Owning Up,” which details the successful struggles of the two women to take over operation of the golf course after the untimely deaths of both of their husbands. “Golf Business Magazine” has a worldwide circulation.
The story was written by Kyle Darbyson, a freelance writer from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Darbyson and other magazine staff members visited the Fenlasons several months ago, so the story was not a surprise for Linda and Kitty, although both were pleased and proud of how the story turned out. Kittie said the magazine
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people were incredibly kind and thoughtful during their visit. “It was a very good experience,” she said. “We liked the story very much.” Kittie and Linda were married to the Fenlason brothers, Veryl and Donnie. They raised their families on the 560-acre Fenlason farm, part of which Golf • page 10
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Friday, Nov. 30, 2012
Lions to raise funds, toys for tots Dec. 2 at Blue Line Bar and Grill by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
A Sartell Lions meat raffle and football raffle on Sunday, Dec. 2 will raise funds for Lions’ projects, as well as toys for the “Toys for Tots” program. It will all take place from noon until 3 or 4 p.m. at the Blue Line Bar and Grill during the Vikings-Green Bay game. Those who come to the event
are requested to bring a toy for Toys for Tots. When Lions member Mike DeLuca heard the Toys for Tots program was seeking toys, he decided to combine the raffles with a toy effort. The Toys for Tots program is operated by the Marine Corps Reserve of Central Minnesota, and all toys are given to needy children in central Minnesota. Those who bring toys should, if possible, bring
one worth $10 or more. Those who bring a toy will receive a free drink. Throughout the day, starting at noon, participants can buy a meat-raffle ticket (or multiple tickets) for a dollar each. Fifteen packages of meat will be raffled off. The other raffle is for one of two coolers filled with meat. One is a Minnesota Vikings cooler; the other is a Green
Bay Packers cooler. For $3 per ticket, people can “bet” on which team is going to win the football game. A winner will be drawn from the tickets for the winning team’s cooler, which will contain about $50 worth of meats. Proceeds from the raffles will be used by the Sartell Lions Club for needy families in Sartell or for needs of the school system.
DeLuca said anyone can just drop a toy off at the Blue Line Bar and Grill, even if they cannot stay for the game and the raffles. The Blue Line Bar and Grill is located at 1101 2nd St. in Sartell at the intersection of Pinecone Road and 2nd Street. For more information, call DeLuca at 320-293-1560.
People Kassidy Bartels, daugther of Kathy and Aaron Bartels of Sartell, recently received a $4,000 university scholarship from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. Bartels intends to major in veterinary science. Three Sartell students are studying abroad during the fall semester 2012 through the Office for Education Abroad at the College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, and St. John’s University, Collegeville. Alexander Baxa, son of Diana and Donald Baxa, is studying in the Japan program. Baxa is a junior biochemistry major at SJU. Allison Ley, daughter of Linda and Ray Ley, is studying in the Chile program. Ley is a junior social science major at CSB. Nikki Orth, daughter of Holly Orth, is studying in the GrecoRoman program. Orth is a junior biology major at CSB. The Japan program is hosted by Bunkyo Gakuin University, a col-
If any readers have tips concerning crimes, they should call the Sartell Police Department at 251-8186 or Tri-County 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. Nov. 14 8:56 a.m. Hit and run. Riverside Avenue. A male was pulling his boat and was hit from behind. When he pulled into a local parking lot, the other vehicle drove away. Officers made contact with the other driver, who admitted to hitting the boat. 12:10 p.m. Suspicious person. Amber Avenue. A complaint was made regarding a male attempting
laborative partner of CSB and SJU for more than 20 years. Located in central Tokyo with a subway station at its front entrance, BGU is ideally situated for an urban study-abroad program. Courses are taught in English and include studies in culture, history, arts, politics, economics and Japanese language. The courses include day-program excursions to important Tokyo sites and extensive excursions that enhance the student’s learning experience, including trips to Kyoto, Hiroshima, Karuizawa and Nagano. Students stay in the International Student Dormitory adjacent to the Bunkyo campus. Jeffrey Kamakahi, associate professor of sociology at CSB and SJU, is the director of the program for fall 2012. The Chile program is hosted by Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, a private university located in Viña del Mar, a city of 350,000 residents. The campus is situated in central Chile, 70 miles west of Santiago, the country’s capital. Students are
to climb to a second-story balcony. The male stated he was locked out of his girlfriend’s apartment. He was not listed as a resident and was asked to leave the premises until his girlfriend arrived back. Nov. 15 3 a.m. Loud music. Willow Lane. While on patrol, officers heard loud music coming from a residence. They made contact with the homeowner who agreed to turn down the music. 7:59 p.m. Property found. 5th Street N. A bike was found and taken to the Sartell Police Department. Nov. 16 8:36 a.m. Motor assist. Hwy. 10. A report was made of someone possibly sleeping in a car off the highway. It was found the person
encouraged to advance their Spanish language skills and integrate into the rich and diverse culture through service learning opportunities and by living with Chilean host families. Marietta Franulic, adjunct instructor of Hispanic studies at CSB and SJU, is the director of the program for fall 2012. The Greco-Roman program gives students the opportunity to explore classical subjects of history, religion, art history and literature while living in modern-day Athens and Rome. While students are exposed to Greek and Italian language, courses are taught in English, both in the classroom and on historical and archaeological sites or in museums. The focus is based on a structured curriculum, always leaving room for the exploration of unique opportunities presented by the intellectual and cultural resources of Greece and Italy. Patricia Kent, instructor of music at CSB and SJU, is the director of the program for fall 2012.
Blotter
was having car problems and was finally able to start the vehicle. Officers followed the vehicle back into town to ensure the driver made it safely. 9:46 p.m. Traffic stop. Grizzly Lane. While on patrol, an officer witnessed a vehicle fail to yield for oncoming traffic. The driver was unable to provide proof of insurance, had a revoked license and failed to update his current address. He parked his vehicle, was issued a citation for violations and released. Nov. 17 7:34 a.m. Vandalism. Oak Pond Drive. Sometime during the overnight, a vehicle drove over the curb and struck a mailbox. 3:13 p.m. Theft. Walmart. A female was witnessed attempting to leave the store with unpaid
Boy Scout Troop 211 of Sartell recently completed a campout. There is nothing unusual about that. What was different about this endeavor compared to others is the boys took their moms. “We figured our moms had never been camping with us and they would want to see what our campouts look like,” said Dean Amundson, a participant on the campout. “Some of the moms on the campout had never camped before and this was a chance for them to see what we do so often.” Mom Stephanie Kadlec organized the campout. A total of 11 boys and seven moms spent the night at Charles Lindberg State Park in Little Falls. They enjoyed geocaching, hiking and playing games. The temperature was a little cold for comfort, especially at night for some of the moms. Sunday morning the party awoke to snow. It continued to snow lightly throughout the day, which concluded with a service project of raking leaves for the park.
merchandise. She admitted to the theft. She was issued a citation and released. Nov. 18 10:08 p.m. Theft. Walmart. A female was seen attempting to leave the store with unpaid merchandise. She admitted to the theft. She was issued a citation and released. Nov. 19 9:25 a.m. Theft. Heritage Drive. A report was made sometime during the weekend copper wire, along with other tools, were taken from a construction site. 11:31 a.m. Found property. 4th Avenue S. A girl’s hat and gloves were found and are being held at the Sartell Police Department. 1:35 p.m. Traffic stop. Riverside Avenue. A vehicle was seen
traveling 55 mph in a posted 40mph zone. The driver was unaware of his speed. He was issued a citation and released.
Nov. 20 8:40 a.m. Lost property. 17th Street N. A report was made of four lost keys. Please call the Sartell Police Department if found. 3:47 p.m. Lost animal. 23rd Avenue N. A report was made of a lost cat. It has long hair and is gray/black, very thin, cream collar with grommet holes. Please call the Sartell Police Department if found. 7:22 p.m. Theft. Walmart. A male was witnessed attempting to leave the store with unpaid merchandise. After being questioned, the male admitted to the theft. He was issued a citation and released.
Published each Friday by Von Meyer Publishing Inc. Publisher/Owner Janelle Von Pinnon Editor Dennis Dalman
Newstands Country Store and Pharmacy Holiday on Riverside Drive Holiday on 7th Street N House of Pizza JM Speedstop
Little Dukes on Pinecone Sartell City Hall Sartell-St. Stephen School District Offices Walgreens
Design/Layout Tara Wiese
Contributing Writers TaLeiza Calloway Cori Hilsgen Amber Roerick Advertising Sales Assistant Kathryn Bjorke
Administrative/Layout Assistant Christian Gilman Delivery Glen Lauer
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Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, Nov. 30, 2012
Author from front page collaborative partner with CSB. Baker will be an artist-inresidence at CSB from Dec. 3-6, visiting classes and spending time with students. Baker was raised in Charlottesville, Va.; Puerto Rico and New England. She attended both the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and the University of Cambridge. Baker’s first biography was published in 1982 while she was still a college student. She worked as a book editor and publisher for a number of years, and then moved to Kolkata, India. With her husband, acclaimed Indiaborn writer Amitav Ghosh, Baker divides her time between living in the United States and in Calcutta and Goa, India. While living in Calcutta, Baker wrote “In Extremis: The Life of Laura Riding,” which was a nominee for the Pulitzer Prize for biography in 1994. That book details the life of Riding, who was a poet, essay-
ist and close friend to some of the literary giants of the 20th Century. From 2008-09, Baker was a fellow scholar at the Dorothy and Lewis C. Cullman Center for Writers and Scholars at The New York Public Library. There, she researched and wrote “The Convert.” Baker is also the author of the widely acclaimed non-fiction book, The Blue Hand: The Beats in India,” which is an exploration of the travels of American poet Allen Ginsberg and other poets and artists in India in the early 1960s. Those cultural connections influenced a widening of cross-cultural influences throughout the world. Baker’s reading at CSB is part of the Warner Reading Series of the Manitou Fund, a long-standing supporter of CSB and the Literary Arts Institute in particular. The Manitou Fund has sponsored readings and presentations at CSB for more than two decades and established the Sister Mariella Series, which is formed by each of the individual award winners of the Sister Mariella Gable Award.
Drive Carefully! School is in Session
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Expires: December 13, 2012
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Our View
Do some homework before adopting a pet What is cuter than the face of a little kid who is presented a puppy or kitten as a Christmas present? That cuteness, however, can turn sour fairly quickly if the child and the child’s family are not prepared to take good care of that puppy or kitten. Parents should think twice about giving any kind of animal as a Christmas gift. In fact, every potential pet owner should do some homework before adopting a pet. Please don’t misinterpret this advice as a message from Scrooge. Adoption of animals is a wonderful thing, year-round. But people should remember, before adopting, animals are not stuffed toys that can be tossed into a toy box when not wanted. Here are the factors people should consider before adopting a pet: 1. Do you have the patience to train a dog to go potty outside? It can take quite a bit of work and effort to properly potty-train a dog. It might even require some advice from pet experts. Also pet-owners must be prepared for occasional potty “accidents” inside the house and not yell at or punish the dog when that happens. 2. Cat owners are lucky because cats, unlike dogs, need not be potty-trained. They take to their kitty-litter boxes by instinct. However, the drawback is kitty-litter boxes must be kept clean, and litter must be replenished now and then. The good thing is it takes less than a minute to clean a kitty box if done every day or every other day. 3. Another potential drawback about cats is they like to hone their front claws, and they can scratch to pieces carpets and upholstery. Scratching posts are helpful, but in some cases they don’t solve the problem entirely. Cats can be surgically de-clawed, but pet experts do not recommend it. At most places, that procedure costs in excess of $100. 4. Keep in mind that pets, of course, must be fed. In recent years, the cost of pet food, like everything else, has increased. Can you afford to feed your pets? Call the humane society and get some idea of how much a pet will consume and about how much it will cost to feed that pet. Then do your math and see if you can work it into the budget. 5. A rabies vaccination is vital. A few other shots are also important. Before getting a pet, find out which shots are recommended and how much they will cost. 6. Last but not least, pets should be spayed or neutered. Not only will they be happier house pets, but you can be assured they won’t get pregnant “accidentally.” Getting a cat or dog “fixed” can also cost in excess of $100. There is a mobile spayneuter service called SNAP, geared toward low-income people. However, by far the best way to get a pet is to adopt one from the Tri-County Humane Society in St. Cloud. All of its dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and equipped with identity chips before being adopted out. 7. Never adopt dogs from “puppy mills.” Do not help perpetuate such cruelty. For more information about how to adopt a pet and what it requires, call the TCHS at 252-0896. Local pet stores also have good information about the needs of pets.
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.
Friday, Nov. 30, 2012
Opinion In nixing Romney, voters rejected radicalism If, as some insist, President Obama was born in Kenya, then surely Mitt Romney was born on another planet. Will his spacey delusions never end? On election night, he delivered a gracious concession speech. Since then he has been using his outer-planetary imagination to explain why he lost. Among them are these two: Obama played a kind of Santa, promising “gifts” to that shiftless 47 percent of Americans who are takers, not makers; New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, like a new Judas, betrayed the Republican Party by chumming up to Obama after the hurricane. Will somebody please give Romney a reality pill? The reason he lost is simple: A majority of Americans didn’t like what he stood for, or perhaps rather – didn’t stand for. The following are just four reasons why most voters gave him thumbsdown. 1. His rich-brat elitist attitudes were alien to most. He kept making smug, condescending statements, many of them implying that poverty is some kind of personal failing. Especially defamatory was his lament to billionaire donors about the 47 percent of Americans he disdains. 2. Romney was a human chameleon. He so desperately wanted to be president, he would say and do anything to
Dennis Dalman Editor get the job, as if the presidency was some kind of fraternity to be attained through a superficial popularity contest. Romney did an about-face on almost all of his previous positions by trying to please the Republican Party’s new “base,” which was made rigid by evangelicals and the intransigent Tea Party folks, Obama-haters one and all. 3. When extremists made offensive statements about women and minorities, Romney didn’t express outrage. Instead, like a mouse, he squeaked out wimpy statements, trying so hard to agree and disagree at the same time with troglodytes who were talking about women as if they hadn’t left the Cave Age. When I watched the Republican Convention, Romney came across as a nice guy. It wasn’t long before I changed my mind. He’s not even a very nice guy, if you ask me – not after he so blithely dismissed half of Americans as leeches. 4. Romney and Ryan had no plan, except the one they promised they’d surprise us with once we elected them. They seem to think this country is one
big “business.” It can be fixed with enough streamlining, downsizing and – not to forget – more big tax cuts for the already rich. Romney promised to be the “fixer,” but he came across as more “fiddler” than “fixer,” fiddling with one fickle opinion after another in his dizzying attempts to please any and all voters. I will be accused once again of being nasty. So be it. Blast away. But let’s remember how vicious the ultra-rightwingers were (still are) in words and deeds to Democrats, to the president, to the media and to anybody else who doesn’t kow-tow to their party line. I have a right and a duty to defend against the vitriolic lunacy constantly spewed by right-wing extremists, including toxic radio “personalities” like Rush Limbaugh. They dish it out, I’ll toss it back. For years, I’ve told good, rational Republican acquaintances they’d better stop courting the looney-tune extreme right or they’ll lose elections. And that is exactly what Romney did. He catered all too often to extremists, fearmongers and demagogues. In rejecting Romney, a healthy majority of Americans also rejected right-wing radicalism. Romney took an electoral beating, and he deserved it. He has nobody to blame but himself.
Ode to the turkey sandwich Several years ago while still living in Seattle, my wife and I decided not to prepare our traditional Thanksgiving feast. Every year of our marriage we had cooked a huge meal for Thanksgiving with a turkey and all the trimmings. We decided since the kids had left home that this year we would travel down to the Oregon coast and get a motel room right on the beach and just relax and cool it. Our plan was to pick out a great restaurant and have our Thanksgiving meal there. No cooking and no clean up. That is exactly what we did. The traffic was terrible but finally we arrived no worse for wear. The room was beautiful. It even had a fireplace along with a supply of firewood. Since we were right on the beach, all you could hear was the Pacific Ocean crashing on the shore and an occasional sea gull. It couldn’t have been nicer. On Thanksgiving Day we found a great restaurant and ordered the traditional feast. It was very tasty and we enjoyed the meal a lot. Since we were at the shore, we ate a lot of seafood during the next couple of days and all in all it was a marvelous trip. On Sunday evening we returned home. Again the traffic was ridiculous.
Ron Scarbro Guest Writer But we were refreshed from our minivacation and actually looked forward to getting back home. We got home, but something just didn’t seem quite right. There seemed to be something missing. What was missing was the smell of Thanksgiving. One of the world’s great smells is that of a turkey and stuffing baking in the oven. I soon discovered another item which was missing. That was left over turkey for sandwiches. Now some would say anyone can go to the store and buy some deli turkey and make a sandwich. Well, it’s just not the same thing. There’s something about a sandwich made from the leftover carcass that cannot be created by a deli slicer. I have a friend named Jerry who is a master turkey sandwich maker. It would be truer to call him a master turkey sandwich builder. This is what he does. He takes a slice of bread and slathers it up with salad dressing.
I’m talking about the product you buy that looks like mayonnaise with bits of pickle in it. Then Jerry adds leftover stuffing, heaps of turkey, slices of cranberry sauce, you know the kind that comes in a can, then he slathers the other slice of bread with the salad dressing and closes up his masterpiece and he does all this with the relish of an artist. He then eats it and watching him deconstruct his creation is not a pretty sight. Fortunately Jerry has a big mouth and can navigate the task rather easily. My idea of a turkey sandwich is a lot easier. I just mayonnaise up a couple slices of bread, any kind, and add mostly dark turkey meat. That’s it. That’s all I need. To me this is one of the great treats available to us mortals. During the years, I have witnessed many variations of this most hallowed of sandwiches, but they all seem to please their creators. Turkey sandwiches, you see, are as individual as their makers. By not being home and preparing this meal, we missed out on some of the best parts of it and I haven’t even mentioned the pecan pie. That is why we have never even considered going away from home on Thanksgiving again. Some things, like turkey sandwiches, are just too good to miss.
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Friday, Nov. 30, 2012
School district clarifies school-closings policy by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
The weather last winter was so nearly “balmy,” the idea of school closings never occurred to anyone. But this season, who knows? Nasty winter weather could return with a vengeance. That is why an updated weatherrelated “School Closings” policy was recently announced by Sartell-St. Stephen Superintendent Joe Hill. The main objective in weather-related closings, Hill said, is always to protect students’ safety. Although parents are the ultimate deciders on whether or not to send children to school during harsh weather, the school district – when necessary – will close all schools and extracurricular activities
in cases where the weather is extremely severe or unsafe for any reasons, such as blinding near-zero visibility in snowstorms. Many factors go into a decision on whether to close schools, Hill noted. “Minnesota weather,” he said, “is sometimes difficult to predict. It’s essential citizens anticipate and prepare for school closings, delayed openings and early dismissals.” Local public and parochial schools follow a coordinated plan that depends heavily on forecasts and advice from St. Cloud State University meteorologists and professors who localize weather analyses. In addition, the National Weather Service’s advisories are taken into consideration, especially when it announces winter
watches and warnings. Hill noted there are many factors besides snow or cold that can go into a decision to close schools. They include, usually, extremely heavy snowfall and cold, as well as strong winds, fog and other poor-visibility factors. At times, schools dismiss students early because of such dangerous factors, or they can announce delayed openings. Hill said weather-related school decisions are always based on a coordinated plan among the three public-school systems in the area: Sartell-St. Stephen, Sauk Rapids-Rice and St. Cloud. Parochial schools also participate in the decisions. Once a decision to close, to delay opening or to disClosings • page 7
Citizens sought to serve on county committees Stearns County is looking to fill various board and committee vacancies that serve a variety of county departments. All committee positions can be applied for online. The county has openings on numerous boards, such as the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Dairy Advisory Committee, Great River Regional Library Board, Public Health Task Force, Park Commission, Stearns County HRA, Social Services Task Force, Extension Committee and Board of Adjustment for example. Serving on one of these committees is a great opportunity for citizens to give their input on issues of importance
to them and to the county. Residents can apply for the positions through the county’s online application system. Stearns County put the application process entirely online, in hopes of reaching more people through a website that has 50,000 different people visiting it each month and in an effort to save money on recruitment advertising. This method should also be easier for candidates who can enter their application information online, submit it through the website, and simply update and re-submit the application year after year if they wish to re-apply. Application deadline is Dec.
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Culinary Lead The Department of Culinary Services at the College of Saint Benedict, invites applications for the position of Lead. This position is 75% time, benefit eligible. The Lead is responsible for supervision of the daily operation and maintenance of the Gorecki Dining Center front of house operation, including the dish room. This position will assist the station and dish room staff; directs student staff and works with all staff to assure the attractive and safe service of food to our dining guests. In addition, directs operation, maintenance, sanitation, and cleaning of dish room; checks that the dish machine is filled, sustains proper temperature and is cleaned. Checks that all dishes, pans, silverware, glasses etc. are properly cleaned and returned to their areas; shuts down and cleans dish machine and dish room. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: High school diploma required. 9-12 months related experience or training preferred. Food Safety Certification is preferred. ABILITIES/SKILLS: Good verbal and interpersonal customer service skills; ability to meet the physical demands of the position; ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs., tolerate temperature and humidity fluctuations and loud noise levels; ability to stand for long periods of time and operate dish machine; problem solving and leadership abilities; able to work varied hours and days as needed. APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications are accepted online at https://employment. csbsju.edu. You will be asked to complete an application form. A cover letter and resume is optional. Women, individuals of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. College of Saint Benedict is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
6
Bricks from front page must also raise at least $3,000 each for their airfare and living expenses. Uganda is a country in central Africa that has been torn apart by conflicts, an AIDS epidemic and the brutal dictatorship of former tyrant Idi Amin. Because of the years of turmoil, disease and bloodshed, there are many orphans in the country. Maggie Brossoit of Sartell, a retired language-arts teacher, has been to Uganda four times for similar construction projects. She has come to love that country and its people. She even “adopted” a Ugandan boy by helping finance his education and helping him find a secure home. The boy’s name is Patrick Oodong. He was 17 when Brossoit met him, and his tragic story is not at all atypical of the horrors that happened in Uganda. One day years ago, rebel soldiers stormed into Oodong’s village. They forced him to kill all the members of his family. Then, along with other children, the rebels abducted the boy and coerced
him into becoming a soldier. After two years, he managed to escape and walked for weeks through the country to his village where he discovered all of his relatives were gone. They had either fled or been killed. Thanks to the Watoto Child Care Ministries, Oodong found a secure home where seven other orphans lived in the city of Gulu. He also went to a vocational school where he learned cement work. He is doing just fine now, Brossoit noted. “His story is terrible but also amazing,” she said. “The Ugandan children are the happiest and the most grateful children I have ever seen.” Uganda, she said, is a very beautiful, lush-green country. “It’s actually a very safe country,” Brossoit said. “The people in Watoto (organization) take very, very good care of us when we are there in the city of Gulu.” Brossoit first went to Uganda in 2005 with a group from Pelican Rapids. She went again in 2007, along with her son, Aaron. In 2009, at Aaron’s urging, they returned and then, in 2010, Brossoit and Kim Holweger, also a member of Celebration Lutheran Church, organized a small group of people from Cel-
Friday, Nov. 30, 2012
contributed photos
During her 2011 trip to Uganda, Maggie Brossoit puts in place a brick for a building to house children. ebration and some from Pelican Rapids for another trip. When people have asked if she plans to organize another trip, Brossoit has always said, “OK, one more trip.” And she keeps saying that. Brossoit and her late husband, Mark – a language-arts teacher at Sartell Middle School – always enjoyed traveling and making cross-cultural connections. Both served in Libya in the Peace Corps in 1968-69. Mark died of cancer eight years ago. When asked why she helps people in Africa when there is plenty of needs here in the United States, Brossoit has a quick answer. “One can do both,” she says. This year, if enough funds can be raised, the group will include Celebration members Brossoit, Barb Churchill, Joyce Townsend, Karen Fuglie, Kathleen Engel, Nancy Curtis, Ben and Linda Theisen, Bob Ringstrom, Kelsi Holien and 12-year-old daughter Ainsley and the LaFleur family – parents Mike and Chris and sons Ezra and Ethan. Townsend and Fuglie have both been on previous Uganda missions. Many people in Sartell are aware of the Watoto organization. Twice in recent years,
After two weeks of steady work, the new building in Gulu is almost ready. This photo was taken during a 2007 mission trip. the Watoto Children’s Choir performed to great acclaim at Celebration Lutheran Church. There are at least two fundraisers scheduled. One is a concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27 at Celebration. The other is a breakfast and silent auction from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, March 10 at Rollie’s Bar and Grill. east of St. Cloud on Hwy. 23. In the meantime,
group members will be selling “bricks.” Anyone who would like to donate can send checks to Celebration Lutheran Church, 1500 Pinecone Road N. 56377, Sartell, MN 56377. Be sure to write “Watoto” or “Uganda” on the check’s memo line. For more information, call Brossoit at 253-1044. Silen auctiont items too !
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Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, Nov. 30, 2012
7
Closings More than $16,000 raised for TCHS from page 5 miss early, all schools comply with that decision. The decision is announced immediately through all local media, as well as on school-district websites. The three superintendents of the three districts stay in contact and try to announce closings or late starts as soon as feasible, preferably the night before the weather emergency, Hill noted. At the very latest, such decisions will be made before 6 a.m., if at all possible. “Winter weather and emergency situations are not predictable, and they may happen at any time,” Hill said. “The purpose for the weather-related closing plan is to assist parents/guardians and students to be better prepared to deal with emergency situations and reduce their effects.” Part of the preparation would include parents and guardians consulting with daycare facilities ahead of time so special daycare arrangements can be made, especially in cases of late starts or early closings. “Ultimately, the parent/ guardian should make the final decision whether a child should attend school during severe weather.”
by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
The “Give to the Max Day” at the Tri-County Humane Society was a bow-wow-wonderful success, raising $8,496, which is $3,000 more than the event raised last year. Two of the donations were matching grants of $1,000 each, and one donation of $900 was given by some generous
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An important property tax notice will affect the amount of property tax paid in 2013, and may affect eligibility for a property-tax refund. Property owners in Stearns County who need a homestead classification have until Dec. 17 to file the application. Contact the county assessor at 320-6563680 or stop in their office to file a homestead application if one of the following applies: • A property was purchased in the past year and the owner, Roofing • Siding • Gutters • Windows • Metal Roofs HAAG™ Certified Roof Inspectors for hail/wind
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riod in November. Professional photography services were volunteered by Lisa Crayford of Country Gallery Photography and by Sue Dropp of Dropp’s Unique Portrait Designs. The Camera Shop donated the CDs and holiday-card discounts. “We are very thankful for each and every one of you for helping us find homes for the animals in our community who find themselves homeless,”
said Marit Ortega, manager of fund development for TCHS. Another way to help TCHS raise funds, Ortega noted, is to do some Christmas shopping at either the TCHS or at For Pets’ Sake, the new thrift store at 1313 2nd St. S. in Waite Park near Menard’s. The proceeds from sales at that store all go to TCHS. The humane society is located at 735 8th St. NE in east St. Cloud, just off Hwy. 10.
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person who wants to remain anonymous. Another success was the 27th annual “Santa Paws” event, during which pet owners get their photos taken with their pets. They then get a disc of photos, which they can use to create seasonal greeting cards, framed portraits or other uses. This year, the event raised $7,693. There were 210 portrait sessions during a three-day pe-
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Sartell City Hall 125 Pinecone Road N.
or a qualifying relative, occupies the property for homestead purposes on Dec. 1; or • The property owner or a qualifying relative occupies a property for homestead purposes on Dec. 1 and the property was previously classified as non-homestead. A qualifying relative for homestead purposes depends on the type of property. For residential property it can be a parent, step-parent, child, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild,
brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece of the owner. This relationship may be by blood or marriage. For agricultural property, a qualifying relative can be a child, grandchild, sibling or parent of the owner or of the spouse of the owner. The Stearns County assessor must also be contacted by Dec. 17 by the property owner or a qualifying relative of the property owner if the use of the property has changed during the past year.
If the property owner should sell, move or for any reason no longer qualify for the homestead classification, they are required to notify the county assessor within 30 days of the change in homestead status. Failure to notify the county assessor within this 30-day period is punishable by recalculation of tax as non-homestead, in addition to a penalty equal to 100 percent of the homestead benefits.
Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
8
Friday, Nov. 30, 2012
LEGAL NOTICE REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SARTELL-ST. STEPHEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 748 OCT. 15, 2012 DISTRICT CENTER GYMNASIUM The regular school board meeting of Independent School District 748 was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Dan Riordan. Members present: Riordan; Greg Asfeld, clerk; Lesa Kramer, treasurer; Mary McCabe, director; Gary Schnellert, director; Chris Gross, director; and Joseph Hill, superintendent. Members absent: None.
quent contract to Dr. Joseph Hill for a three-year period commencing on July 1, 2013 and ending on June 30, 2016. The superintendent’s current salary of $154,415 per year shall remain at the $154,415 per year salary for each of the three years in the subsequent contract. All benefits, terms and conditions of the subsequent contract shal remain the same as the current contract. The board discussed the motion and other possible options. Yes votes by Riordan, Asfeld, Schnellert and Gross. No votes by McCabe and Kramer. Vote is 4-2. Motion carried.
Riordan opened the meeting following a community forum held prior and made a statement asking for the board and the community to work together to achieve goals and move forward.
Asfeld introduced an agreement reached with representatives of the Local 284 Clerical Unit. A motion was made by Asfeld and seconded by Kramer to approve the contract with the Local 248 Clerical Unit contingent upon notice of their approval of the terms of the agreement. All in favor. Motion carried.
The board decided to delay reports on state testing, site improvement plans and early childhood transition to the next regular meeting. A motion was made by Asfeld and seconded by Schnellert to amend the agenda by moving the superintendent contract to an action item. The board discussed the motion. Vote on amendment to the agenda. Yes votes by Riordan, Asfeld, Schnellert and Gross. No votes by McCabe and Kramer. Vote is 4-2. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Kramer and seconded by McCabe to pass the resolution of the school board supporting Form A application to the Minnesota State High School League Foundation. All in favor. Motion carried.
A motion was made by McCabe and seconded by Kramer to add an item to the agenda to give notice to the superintendent that the board does not intend to offer an extension of his contract. The board discussed the motion. Yes votes by McCabe and Kramer. No votes by Riordan, Asfeld, Schnellert and Gross. Vote is 2-4. Motion failed. The board took a recess at 6:44 p.m. to move chairs up in the gymnasium. The meeting resumed at 6:46 p.m.
A motion was made by McCabe and seconded by Schnellert to have second reading and approve the revised Policy 501 – school board weapons policy. All in favor. Motion carried. A motion was made by Kramer and seconded by Gross to set the canvassing meeting time on Nov. 13, 2012 at 6 p.m. in the District Service Center Board Room. All in favor. Motion carried. A motion was made by McCabe and seconded by Schnellert to schedule the following committee meetings: policy committee on Nov. 8 at 4:15 p.m., finance committee on Nov. 13 at 5 p.m., and operations committee on Nov. 13 following the canvassing meeting at 6 p.m. All in favor. Motion carried. A motion was made by Kramer and seconded by Asfeld to approve the personnel omnibus resolution. New Employees or Changes: Name
Bldg. Position
1.
David Lumley
SHS
Pep Band, 4.5% BS1, $1,492 Instrumental and Jazz Music Instruction, 5.35% BS1, $1,774
Replacing Gordon Schlichting
2.
Becky Steinberg
SHS
BS1, $746
New position, outside funded
The board continued discussion on the agenda. A motion was made by Gross and seconded by Schnellert to approve the agenda as amended. Yes votes by Riordan, Asfeld, Schnellert and Gross. No votes by McCabe and Kramer. Vote is 4-2. Motion carried.
Business Club Advisor, 2.25%
3.
Karen Butler
SMS
SPED Para, 7 hrs/day
$19.95/hr
Lisa Ludwig vacancy
4.
Joy Landeen-Shea
ORE
SPED Para, 6.25 hrs/day $16.12/hr
New position
5.
Denise Waldvogel
DSC
Para, 15.5 hrs/wk
Landeen-Shea vacancy
A motion was made by Kramer and seconded by Gross to approve consent items a-d as presented below:
6.
Sue Bechtold
SHS
Lead custodian, 8 hrs/ $19.16/hr day
Jesse Paggen vacancy
7.
Jesse Paggen
ORE
Lead custodian, 8 hrs/ $21.03/hr day
Scott Vadnais vacancy
8.
Scott Vadnais
ORE
Custodian, 8 hrs/day
Kantor vacancy
9.
Lori Tchida
DW
Groundskeeper, 8 hrs/day $18.88/hr
Sue Bechtold vacancy
10. Melissa Anderson
DSC
Para, 10.5 hrs/wk
$14.99/hr
Posting/annual bid process
11. Sue Kutz
SHS
Media aide, 4.5 hrs/day
$19.95/hr
Gacke vacancy
12. Cristin Yang
ORE
Student supervisor, 2 hrs/day
R1 S1, $12.50/hr Replacing Melissa Anderson
13. Victoria Doyle
PME Student supervisor, 2 hrs/day
R1 S1, $12.50/hr Terri Johnson vacancy
14. Charles Clausen
SHS
$15.48/hr
15. Tracy Corrow
PME Cashier
R1 S1, $13.49/hr Replacing Victoria Doyle
16. Michelle Gacke
PME Para, 6.25 hrs/day
$19.95/hr
Increase 1.75 hrs/day due to additional need
17. Amy Haglin
PME Para, 6.25 hrs/day
$17.75/hr
Additional need
18. Diane Krorll
PME Para, 6.25 hrs/day
$17.75/hr
Additional need
19. Karl Scharnweber
SHS
SAIL Math LTS
$181.19/day
Covering leave of Rachel Smith
20. Richard Hicks
SHS
Cafeteria employee, 2 R1 S1, $13.49/hr Replacing Jody Bensfeld hrs/day
Deputy Executive Director of the Minnesota School Boards Association Kirk Schneidawind presented an award to Rep. Tim O’Driscoll as one of the Minnesota House of Representatives Outstanding Legislators for 2012. O’Driscoll addressed the board and community and stated he was proud to be a member of the Sartell-St. Stephen community.
a. Minutes of the meeting held on Sept. 17, 2012 b. Checks in the amount of $2,513,328.32 as presented: General 1,317,822.81 Food Service 228,660.45 Transportation 73,236.08 Community Service 29,606.97 Capital Expenditure 145,107.88 Building Fund 718,214.43 Summer Rec Agency 679.70 Check numbers 148784 to 149281.
Receipts in the amount of $5,092,135.49 as presented: General Fund 4,700,483.93 Food Service Fund 152,785.66 Transportation Fund 6,121.97 Community Service Fund 152,036.33 Capital Expenditure Fund 28,572.50 Building Fund 346.66 Debt Service Fund 50,250.44 Summer Rec Agency Fund 1,538.00 Receipts 37681-37797 Wire transfers in the amount of $1,210.35 as presented: General Fund 168.32 Food Service Fund 770.67 Community Service Fund 271.36 Wire transfers 201200014-201200018 c. Approve resignations of Lou Ann Billing, FS Server, effective 09-19-12; Beverly Donabauer, FS Kitchen Asst, effective 09-1812; and Marie Feed, bus driver, effective 09-11-12; and the retirement of Cynthia Helgerson, ORE second-grade teacher, ef fective 12-28-12. d. Accept donation of two bikes from the Central Minnesota Noon Optimist Club for students in need, $3,000 from Education Minnesota Foundation for technology for the early childhood program, and $250 from the Central Minnesota Community Foundation – Gordy and Michelle Meyer Flexible Fund for Sartell Athletics.
All in favor. Motion carried. During School Board Committee reports, McCabe spoke about a policy committee meeting. Asfeld spoke regarding a technology committee meeting, current grievances and a SHS PTA meeting. Gross noted the finance committee members will be invited to review results of the preliminary audit. The board reviewed enrollment numbers from the first week in October. A motion was made by Gross and seconded by Asfeld to offer a subse-
Student supervisor
Compensation
$16.12/hr
$18.88/hr
Change
Rehire
21. Guadalupe Schmidt SHS
Dishwasher, 3 hrs/day R1 S1, $13.49/hr Replacing Bev Donabauer
22. Sam Jarnot
SHS
9th-grade basketball, 8.35%
BS1, $2,769
Replacing Marcus Oistad
23. Marcus Oistad
SHS
Asst. boys basketball, 10.5%
BS5, $3,839
Replacing Scott Hentges
Bldg.
Position
Action
24. Lynn Fitzthum
SMS
Para
Leave of Absence 09-04-12 to 12-3-12
25. Rachel Smith
SHS
SAIL Math
Leave of Absence 10-13-12 to 11-23-12
26. Meghan Brown
PME
3rd-grade teacher
Leave of Absence 12-13-12 to-02-25-13
Leaves of Absence: Name
Expected Duration
All in favor. Motion carried. The board completed official reviews of Policies 503, 512, 513, 515, 518, 520, 521, 522 and 526. The board had first readings of revisions to Policies 514, 516 and 525. The board had second readings of proposed new Policies 507, 508 and 524. The Board also had first reading of proposed new Policy 519. A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:52 p.m. was made by Gross and seconded by Schnellert. All in favor. Motion carried. __________________________________________ Greg Asfeld, Clerk
Friday, Nov. 30, 2012
Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
9
School district earns honors for advanced placement by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
The Sartell-St. Stephen School District has joined a prestigious list of school districts nationwide and in Canada honored for their gains in advanced placement, access and student performance. Sartell-St. Stephen is listed in the third annual Advanced Placement “Honor Roll.” What the honor means is the district simultaneously increases access to advance-placement course work while also increasing the percentage of students earning scores of three or higher on AP exams. Since 2010, Sartell-St. Stephen School District 748 has in-
creased the number of students participating in advancedplacement courses from 32 to 181. The number of students achieving scores of three or more for advanced placement is above 70 percent. More than 90 percent of colleges and universities nationwide offer college credit, advanced placement or both for a score of three or above on AP exams. That can possibly save students thousands of dollars in tuition costs. “This is exciting for our teachers and our students and a credit to their hard work as we continue to increase the rigor expected in AP coursework,” said Sartell High School Principal Brenda Steve. “Our staff have been amazing in
their participation in training and preparing our students for the level of vigor. Our students and families have stepped up to the challenges and high expectations these courses demand. Our community has also been supportive through funding training and staff development. This honor is something we can all be proud of.” The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program enables students to pursue college-level studies, with a chance to earn college credit, advanced placement or both while still in high school. Through AP courses in 34 subjects, each culminating in a rigorous exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid
GNTC to hold auditions for ‘Something’s Afoot’ by Lois Bauer-Rieffer
The Great Northern Theater Company will hold auditions for their dinner-theater production called “Something’s Afoot,” which is a reprisal of the first GNTC dinner-theater production at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, Dec. 4 and 6 in the choir room at Rocori High School. Callbacks will be
Thursday Dec. 13, if necessary. Rehearsals will be Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings and the production will be presented at the Great Blue Heron in a dinner-theater production Feb. 14-17 and 22-24. “Something’s Afoot,” featuring 10 actors, is a campy murder-mystery musical with odd occurrences happening to all the cast members through-
out. Kasi Stein will direct this production again as she did the first time in 2002. There are roles for six men and four women, ranging in ages from late teens to 60+. A cockney accent would be a plus. For more information, visit the GNTC website at www.gntc1. com.
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arguments and see many sides of an issue – skills designed to prepare students for college and beyond. In the past decade, participation in the AP Program has more than doubled. In May
2012, 2.1 million students representing more than 18,000 schools throughout the world, public and private, took 2.7 million AP exams.
LEGAL NOTICE SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SARTELL-ST. STEPHEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 748 NOV. 16, 2012 DISTRICT CENTER BOARD ROOM The special school board meeting of Independent School District 748 to canvass election results was called to order at 7 a.m. by Clerk Greg Asfeld. Members present: Asfeld; Lesa Kramer, treasurer; Mary McCabe, director; Gary Schnellert, director; and Joe Hill, superintendent. Members absent: Dan Riordan, chair; and Chris Gross, director. A motion to approve the agenda was made by Kramer and seconded by McCabe. All in favor. Motion carried. A motion was made by McCabe and seconded by Kramer to pass the resolution canvassing returns of votes of school district general election and special election. All in favor. Motion carried. The final ballot results of the School Board election are as follows: General Election Pam Raden Keith Yapp
3,885 1,912
Jason Nies 3,524 Dan Goetz 1,958 Molly Vogt 2,658 Christopher Condon 967 Chris Gross 1,320 Krista Laurich Durrwachter 3,666 Write-In 89 Special Election Gary L. Schnellert Michelle Meyer Write-In
1,526 6,079 22
A motion was made by Kramer and seconded by McCabe to pass the resolution authorizing issuance of certificates of election and directing the school district clerk to perform other election-related duties. All in favor. Motion carried. A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 a.m. was made by Kramer, seconded by Schnellert. All in favor. Motion carried. Greg Asfeld, clerk Publish: Nov. 30, 2012
Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
10
Golf from front page became the Blackberry Ridge Golf Course after a neighbor suggested the land would be perfect for a course. The brothers took awhile to consider that suggestion and then they went with it full-steam ahead. The course opened in 2001, and as the magazine story tells it, the two brothers had to turn in their farmers’ “coveralls for khakis” when they became full-time golf-course operators. Sadly, just three years after the course opened, Donnie Fenlason, the husband of Linda, died after a lingering illness. As if that were not tragic enough, only 11 months later, Veryl (Kittie’s husband) succumbed to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Needless to say, the deaths left Kittie and Linda devastated. They considered selling the golf-course property. Neither woman knew very much about
business, and they were not even that keen about the game of golf. And yet, a kind of true grit gripped the women, and they decided to try to run the business and lead it out of the debts that had accrued. There was no cash flow to speak of. First, the women finished a process their husbands had begun by refinancing the original loan that had begun to cause the business to slip into a financial danger zone. Linda became chief executive officer and Kittie was named chief financial officer. Their struggle to redeem the business and make a go of it continued. One day, their banker suggested they meet with a business consultant, Bruce Miles of St. Cloud. His specialty is strategic planning and organizational effectiveness. Miles first put the women through a “business boot camp.” Then he convened a kind of impromptu board of directors of savvy business people, put Kittie and Linda in a room with them, and the women
peppered them with questions, learning valuable insights and advice from such experts. Then Miles put the women in touch with a food vendor, who taught the women how to make money through food sales. Linda and Kittie eventually gained confidence in leaps and bounds, and then proceeded to make a series of very positive changes at the golf course. Through superb bookkeeping, business analysis, frequent meetings with staff and other measures, the Fenlasons became very adept at accounting for the money coming in and the money going out and how to manage it all scrupulously. The two women took control of the golf course just three years ago. Miles and others are astonished by how well the women have done and how far they have come as successful business owners and managers. The story writer, Kyle Darbyson ends “Owning Up” with these words: “It’s been close to three
Mattress Outlet
Friday, Nov. 30, 2012
photo from Golf Business Magazine
Kittie (left) and Linda Fenlason, holding golf clubs, are shown in a photo that accompanies a story about them, entitled “Owning Up” in the November issue of Golf Business Magazine. The story tells about the struggles the two sisters-in-law endured after the deaths of their husbands, the brothers Donnie and Veryl Fenlason, and how they triumphed as business owners of Blackberry Ridge Golf Course in Sartell that their husbands started. years since Linda and Kittie took over Blackberry Ridge, and the two women couldn’t be happier. ‘Sometimes I can’t believe how far we’ve come,’ says Kittie. “Meanwhile, Linda reflects from her kitchen, just off the course’s par-3 No. 11 hole. ‘I can see the red-roofed barn
that’s been here since the (19)50s. I can smell fresh-cut grass, and I can hear laughter coming from the tee box. It’s a pretty special place to be.’ “Asked what their husbands would say if they were to look down on her and Kittie, Linda doesn’t hesitate. ‘They’d say they were really proud of us.’”
Poet
‘38 Model A Ford by Bridget Maas
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degree in English from Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland and a master’s degree in English from the University of Sussex in England. He is a widely honored poet, novelist and teacher. The following are the three award-winning poems by Sartell student poets:
Campfire by Aleysha Vos
A relaxed auburn flame perches atop its timber, Wrapped under a grid of wire. Even trapped within its cage, Its hot breath reaches out to caress my cheeks.
You crouch over the rusted metal, faded jeans stained with the grease of hard work. Changing, fixing, building, finishing a masterpiece. ‘38 Model A Ford Restoring her beauty. Your father’s now yours. Endless hours spent making the old new, perfect. I’m not perfect. How can I recreate myself? Restore myself? Like you are restoring your ‘38 Model A Ford.
Plastic Surgery by Kathy Overby
“Decide,” said the doctor, “what’ll it be?” Get a beautiful face scientifically Approval is yours with fuller new lips Made with the fat that we’ve drawn from your hips Wrinkles be gone, and anxiety too Ask about terms for a radiant you . . . Well, the ether was sweet and my flesh is now tight But my soul is still empty and black as the night.
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Friday, Nov. 30, 2012
Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
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Ask a Trooper: What are the laws on safe following distances? by Sgt. Jesse Grabow Minnesota State Patrol
Q: I have a question about people riding your bumper and tailing at unsafe distances. Driving back and forth from work every day, and even just cruising through town, I constantly get tailed by drivers. It especially happens out on a county road where the speed limit is 45 mph for a while. Not only is it annoying, but it’s dangerous. What are the laws on safe following distances for vehicles, and what can be done when someone is riding your bumper? A: Excellent topic! I understand your concern and frustration. I believe “following too closely” is one of the most under-reported factors in crashes. The reason I say this is based on my experiences
while traveling and watching traffic in general. Minnesota State Statute (M.S.S.) 169.18 Sub.8a says, “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the conditions of the highway.” There is no requirement on a specific distance, unless towing a trailer. But this is where good common sense should come into play and this is what I say in accordance with the Minnesota Safety Council. Defensive Driving Instructors now teach what we call the 3-Second-Plus Following Distance Rule. Watch the vehicle in front of you. When that vehicle gets past an object such as a sign, pole, bridge or other benchmark then count off three seconds. You should not arrive at that spot sooner
than your count to three. If you do, then you are following too closely! Also, you must add one second for every hazard that exists. Hazards include but are not limited to heavy traffic, rain, snow, fog, driving into the sun. In some cases you might have to allow six, seven seconds (or even more) to be safe because of existing hazards. Learn how to recognize any kind of hazard while you are driving out there, and practice the 3-second (plus) following rule. If everyone were to do this, we would not be having so many crashes, injuries or deaths on our roadways. We get many complaints of trucks following too closely. Contrary to popular belief, crash facts show a much larger number of cars and pickup trucks being involved in fatal rear-end crashes than semi-truck tractors pulling trailers.
Volunteers needed for winter camps Friendship Ventures is looking for outgoing and fun volunteers to fill their Winter Camp Program, which runs Dec. 26-31 at Camp Friendship in Annandale. Volunteers stay for the week, arriving around 1 p.m. Dec. 26 and staying until around 4 p.m. Dec. 31. During this time, food and lodging are provided for free, and training is provided when you arrive. Typical activities at Winter
Camp include: arts and crafts, music, recreation, snowshoeing and skiing, snowmobile rides, snow painting, snowman making, sledding and much more. Volunteers participate in all activities with their cabin group. You can come by yourself, or with a couple of friends or family. Why not spend your holiday break helping others and having fun doing it. Complete your Service Learning Re-
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quirements, gain experience in the human services field, gain a valuable reference or just come out during your winter break to make a difference. Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older and are encouraged to volunteer with friends and family. Contact Samantha Funk, Friendship Ventures program manager, at (952) 852-0113.
Friday, Nov. 30 St. Joseph Farmers’ Market, 3-6 p.m., Resurrection Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 610 North County Road 2, St. JoIf someone is following you seph. www.stjosephfarmersmartoo closely, pull over and let ket.com them by. Tapping your brake lights may not always be a safe Sunday, Dec. 2 option, but in certain cases Holiday shopping expo, with might help temporarily. Not more than 40 vendors, 11 a.m.-3 everyone who follows other vehicles really closely wants to p.m., VFW in St. Cloud, 9 18th pass you. Some drivers have Ave. N. developed the habit of driving Wednesday, Dec. 5 that way all the time. Check St. Stephen City Council, 7 in your mirrors every 3 to 5 seconds so you know what is p.m., City Hall. 251-0964. going on around you. While we cannot control the vehicles Thursday, Dec. 6 around us, we can control our Coffee and Conversation, a own. We need to choose to senior discussion group, 9 a.m., drive safely in all conditions. Country Manor, Sartell. If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws AUTO or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse CASH FOR CARS. All cars/ Grabow – Minnesota State Pa- trucks wanted. Running or trol at 1000 Highway 10 W., not! Top dollar paid. We come to you! Any make/model. Call Detroit Lakes, Minn. 56501- for instant offer. 1-800-8712205. (Or reach him at, jesse. 9134. (MFPA) grabow@state.mn.us)
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Milli is a 5-year-old spayed Pomeranian/Papillion mix. She was surrendered because, while she’s personable with people, she does not get along with other animals very well. She doesn’t like to share any attention with them. This endearing “show-off” has a luxurious red-and-black coat and will dance or sit for treats. If you or someone you know resides in a quiet home, Milli is definitely worth checking out. She would be sure to warm your heart as well as your lap all winter long and for many more winters to come! “Helping one animal won’t change the world … but it will change the world for that one animal!” Dogs - 12 Puppies - 3
Cats - 26 Kittens - 29
Parakeets - 15 Fancy Mice - 8
Tri-County Humane Society 735 8th St. NE • PO Box 701 St. Cloud, MN 56302
252-0896
www.tricountyhumanesociety.org
Hours: Monday-Thursday Noon-6 p.m., Friday Noon-8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday Noon-5 p.m.
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Sartell Newsleader • www.thenewsleaders.com
Friday, Nov. 30, 2012
Winter Farmers’ Market to debut at city hall by Dennis Dalman news@thenewsleaders.com
A change of venue was announced Monday for the debut of the Winter Farmers’ Market in Sartell. It will open inside Sartell City Hall at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. The market will close
that day at 1 p.m. The city hall is located at 125 Pinecone Road. The other three winter market days will also take place at city hall. Those times and dates are from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5; Saturday, Feb. 3; and Sunday, March 3. The Winter Farmers’ Market operator and organizer, Amy Braig-Lindstrom, said she is happy about the new venue, which the city staff suggested. Originally, the city council had approved, upon Braig-Lindstrom’s request, the golf course club house as a temporary site for a winter farmers’ market.
Braig-Lindstrom said the first thing people want to know about a winter market is what kinds of products could be for sale in the dead of winter. She likes to give them a list of products: root vegetables, meats (pork, chicken, beef), eggs, dried herbs, canned goods, fudge and Christmas cookies, sunflower oil, jams and jellies, peanut brittle, lefse, tea, coffee beans and ice-coffee concentrate, popcorn, scones, candies, pottery wood crafts and recycled items. Two years ago, Braig-Lindstrom started a summer-andfall farmers’ market in Sartell,
located next to the Bernick’s Arena. She has a wide-ranging background in farmers’ markets from her years of living in Iowa, the American Southwest and upstate New York. A relative newcomer to Sartell, Braig-Lindstrom, who is an expert potter, was elected to the Sartell City Council in November and will take her seat at the first meeting of the new year, Jan. 14.
contributed photos
The Winter Farmer’s Market will begin on Dec. 8.
Adopt a family with Catholic Charities Adopting a family for the holidays has become a popular alternative to gift exchanges for many friends, families and offices. Catholic Charities’ Share the Spirit program offers groups the opportunity to adopt families who are especially in need. “Our program seeks to assist families who are in most need,” said Kathy Sherrard,
Share the Spirit program coordinator. “Often the families adopted don’t have a table for their family to eat at, or they don’t have beds to sleep on.” The program matches individuals, families or groups wanting to provide gifts and food to families in need. The recipient families are referred by local human-service agencies, and confidentiality is re-
spected for both donors and families. “The sooner you volunteer to adopt a family, the more families we will be able to help,” Sherrard said. Each donor is given information and a holiday wish list for their chosen family. Donors are asked to spend at least $60 on gifts and $10 on a food gift certificate for each
family member. So if a sponsored family has three people, $180 would be spent on gifts and $30 on a food gift certificate for a total of $210. To become a donor or for more information about adopting a family, contact Kathy Sherrard at 320.650.1654 or go to www.ccstcloud.org/ sharethespirit. Catholic Charities is a non-
profit organization that advances the charitable and social mission of the Diocese of St. Cloud. It builds communities, promotes family life and enhances human dignity by providing quality services to meet the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families of all faiths and beliefs.