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New Look. Same Local Coverage since 1854. Vol. 163, No. 33
11 2nd Ave. N., Unit 103, Sauk Rapids, Benton County, MN 56379
Reaping the bounty Konz family produces own Thanksgiving meal BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS — The story of the Àrst Thanksgiving tells of how the Native Americans taught
the Pilgrims how to sow corn and fertilize the land. The two parties joined together, hunted animals and prepared a meal to celebrate their successful harvest. Less than 10 miles
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Joni Saldana looks for a recipe with her son, Ben Konz, Nov. 18 in Sauk Rapids.
outside of Sauk Rapids on the Konz family hobby farm, the essence of Thanksgiving is quite similar. Although many families now purchase their feasts of turkey and dressing, green bean casserole and cranberries at the local grocers, the Konzes walk to their freezers. “There has been some pride in our dinner and not a lot of people can say this because not everyone lives on a 20-acre farm,” said Joni Saldana. “We have had Thanksgivings where the pumpkin came from our garden, the green beans came from our garden, the potatoes came from our garden and we raised the turkey ourselves.” Saldana’s son, 16-yearold Ben Konz agrees. “Almost everything comes from our garden except for the cranberries,” he said. Saldana continued. “When we sit down and say that Thanksgiving prayer, we are truly thankful because we worked hard to raise all of that,” she said. “There is a certain pride of knowing we produced this and it came from our land. It truly is our own bounty.” Saldana’s family does not only raise meat and grow produce for the festive meal; they aim to supply their family with food for most of the year.
STOCK PHOTO
Turkey is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving meals. The Konz family raises their own birds on a hobby farm in Sauk Rapids.
Nearly 500 pounds of meat — pork, turkey, rabbit, chicken and duck — Àlls their three freezers this fall alongside frozen garden vegetables like corn, peppers, potatoes, pumpkin and squash. They also can tomatoes, salsa and jam. “Pretty much 90 percent of the protein we eat is raised on our farm,” said Saldana, who works full-time at CentraCare as a receptionist. “The only thing I really buy is lunch meat, but even then I will often make ham salad, chicken salad and turkey salad.” From the outside looking in, one might believe the family raises meat with the sole intent to provide food for their table. In actuality,
City of Rice posts temporary hours BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
RICE — The city of Rice made adjustments to their ofÀce hours at Monday’s city council meeting. The change is due to a vacant city clerk position. The hours will be effective until a new clerk is selected to fulÀll the role for the city. Residents will continue to have access to a staff person from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Sixteen months following her hire, clerk Stephanie Roggenbuck is leaving the city for another opportunity near the Minnesota-North Dakota border. Treasurer Sheri Johnson will assist community members until a new clerk is named. The council selected Àve applicants to interview for the position Nov. 27. Council member Paula Kampa is abstaining from the decision-making process. In other council news: • Approved the
expenditure budget of $1,232,711. The revenue budget of $1,264,490 was approved earlier this year. • The city of Rice accepted a $10,000 donation from the Rice Sportsmen’s Club to be used towards the purchase of a side-by-side vehicle for the Àre department. • Two unpaid utility bills will be turned over to the county. The council approved to have the bills, which total $419.84, assessed. The special assessment shall be paid in the same manner of property taxes. • Approved a change order for the road project adjacent to city hall and the Rice Elementary School. An additional $1,930 was added to the cost for repairs to utilities. • Approved membership to the Benton County Economic Partnership. The city of Rice is contributing 50 cents per resident for a total of $650. • A representative from the post ofÀce asked to have
City of Rice page 3
10th annual Sauk Rapids Holiday Lights and Family Fun Day Saturday, Dec. 2 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Toys for Tots Drive, Sauk Rapids Fire Department. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Kids Bingo Sauk Rapids VFW Post No. 6992. 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Silent Auction, VFW. 1-5 p.m. - Living Nativity, Coborn’s. 2-3:30 p.m. - Santa and Mrs. Claus, VFW. 3 p.m. – Trots for Tots, SRFD. 5 p.m. – Holiday Parade of Lights, Second Ave. 5-8 p.m. – Steak fry and meat raffle, VFW. For more holiday events check out What’s Happening on page 4.
PUBLIC NOTICES
• City of Rice Notice - pg. 8 • City of Sauk Rapids/Minden Joint Planning Board Public Hearing Notice - pg. 8 • City of Sauk Rapids/Minden Joint Planning Board Public Hearing Notice - pg. 8
Saturday, November 25, 2017
they do so as a return on their investment. “We never really had animals on the farm with Mike and I until the kids came along,” Saldana said. “When the kids were old enough to join 4-H is when we purchased. … We need to have (the animals) work for us and provide food for us. We have to look at it that way. It can’t just be a petting zoo.” Saldana said that raising their animals for consumption is not economical. By the time the family invests in the purchasing or raising, feeding and processing fees; they are paying about the same price as people do in the store. Still, it is worth their time. “We feel the product we get is far better than anything
you buy in the store, because you know what that animal was fed and how it was raised,” Saldana said. Konz and his older sister, Angela, began their time in 4-H as Cloverbuds, showing one chicken and one rabbit each. As the children grew, so did the number of animals at the farm. One Áock of laying hens has become a surplus of roosters, Bantams, two dozen goats and 25 rabbits. Animals which were not over-wintered this year included two pigs, a dozen ducks and 10 turkeys. “We have a rule on our farm that we don’t name our food,” Saldana said. “So the animals that are meant for meat and production do not
Konz family page 3
The end of an era Janski Grocery to close at year-end BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER
RICE – Janski Grocery, owned by brothers Steve and Joe Janski, is a bustling place located on the corner of East Main Street and First Avenue Southeast in Rice. Many local residents have made a point to support the grocery store; others have friendships with the owners and stop in to talk. “We have a lot of people come in to visit with us and have a cup of coffee in the mornings,” Joe said. “Some guys stay for 45 minutes just talking with us. Serving our PHOTO BY ANNA SALDANA customers has been the best Steve and Joe Janski stand outside Janski Grocery in Rice Nov. 20. Early that morning, the brothers announced the closing part of being in this business.” But at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31, of the store with signs posted around the aisles. The two have the 65-year-old business will owned the store since 1977.
be closing its doors for the last time. “This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” Steve said. “I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights just thinking about it. But I will be turning 65 in February and it just seems like the natural time to close. While it’s a natural time, there is no easy part about this decision.” Signs were hung and the closing announcement was made ofÀcial Nov. 20. “It’s hard to see them go,” said Jim Voigt. “I live a block away from their store, and it was always nice to walk down for whatever I needed and get the best personal service around. They will deÀnitely be missed around here.” While the grocery store will be closed come January, the brothers will reopen their
Janski Grocery page 2
National Adoption Month emphasizes growing need BY VICKI IKEOGU CONTRIBUTING WRITER
WAITE PARK – Thanksgiving is a time many of us enjoy a good meal with family and reÁect on some of the things we may be thankful for throughout the year. But for hundreds of thousands of kids nationwide, Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season are stark reminders of the hardships they face. In the United States, there are more than 110,000 kids in foster care waiting for a permanent place they can call home. In Minnesota, that number is around 750. It is a growing need, but lack of awareness surrounding the issue makes it difÀcult for kids to Ànd permanent homes. November has been declared National Adoption Month. As a social worker licensor, Becca Lent – a
2011 Sauk Rapids-Rice High School graduate – is tasked with Ànding loving families not only to adopt kids from newborn to age 17 but also provide much needed foster care throughout Central Minnesota. “I can tell you right now that we have 33 active foster and adoption families here in Central Minnesota,” Lent said. “These can be individuals who are providing strictly foster care. It can be individuals that have children in their home that they are working towards Ànalization of adoption.” Lent works with Kindred Family Focus: Youth and Family Solutions. The company, with an ofÀce located in Waite Park, is part of Nexus: Youth and Family Solutions which provides services throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. Kindred Family Focus merged with PATH MN in April.
PHOTO BY VICKI IKEOGU
Kindred Family Focus Social Work Licensor Becca Lent sits in her Waite Park ofÀce Nov. 9. Lent works with families throughout central Minnesota to help them become licensed foster and adoptive parents.
Lent is responsible for helping families interested in becoming foster or adoption families with paperwork and making sure the family’s home is prepared for children. “I also make sure they have the appropriate training done in order to meet licensing
requirements,” Lent said. Once that work is done, families work with other staff members to help provide homes for children in need with coordination from the
National Adoption Month page 2
PAGE 2 | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2017 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
District to unveil community survey results
NEWS
Taking the hands-on approach BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Adam Johnson is passionate about education, particularly in the technology trade. Johnson, a 2008 graduate of Sauk Rapids-Rice High
Two advance to district essay competition BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Sauk Rapids VFW Post No. 6992 Post Commander Tom Wainright (left) and Auxiliary Conductress Karen Wolbeck (right) presented awards to essay contest winners – (from left) Allie Engle, Connor Kockler and Jack Schmitz – at the post Nov. 15.
at heart by ideologies, despite the constant division that is shown in the media. Engle, daughter of Tim and Gina Engle, seemed to echo those sentiments. In her essay for the Patriot’s Pen theme “America’s Gift to My Generation,” she wrote that the country’s gift to her generation “is the tools and capabilities to achieve the ‘American Dream.’” Kockler and Engle will
find out whether they will advance to state competition in early December. Sartell Middle School seventh-grader Jack Schmitz, son of James and Angela Schmitz placed second in the post’s Patriot’s Pen competition. Lindsey Moran, of Sauk Rapids, placed third and was not present for the evening.
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SAUK RAPIDS — Two area residents are advancing to district-level VFW essay contests after placing first at the local post. Sauk Rapids-Rice High School senior Connor Kockler and eight grade Sartell Middle School student Allie Engle have been selected to represent Sauk Rapids VFW Post No. 6992 in the next level of competition. Kockler, son of Shawn and Kim Kockler, is participating in the Voice of Democracy audioessay contest; its theme is “American History: Our Hope for the Future.” This is the second consecutive year Kockler has placed in the challenge. He was selected by the district for state competition in 2016. Kockler presented his essay to VFW members Nov. 15 expressing his feelings that the country is still united
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Adam Johnson is the Sauk Rapids-Rice 2017-18 Teacher of the Year.
first week, I kind of hid in the shadows due to all the praise. As a teacher, I don’t do what I do for the praise. I do it to see the students succeed.” Johnson comes from a long line of teachers, from his grandmother and aunt to his brother, Aaron. “I have a very supportive family, which is awesome,” Johnson said. “Many of them have taught before, so they understand what it takes and they make sure I know how much they appreciate education.” In addition to teaching classes, Johnson is the head coach of the Storm robotics team, is the advisor for the SRRHS WeekDay News and is the high jump coach for the Storm track and field team in the spring. “I certainly keep busy, but somehow I still find time to hang out with my two cats, my puppy and my girlfriend,”
T THE FFUOR CLASS B WIT TURE OF H ENDOR OUR COM S M E N TS MUNITE Y
Johnson said. “I really enjoy being able to be active in the community like I am, but to also balance that with a personal life.” He also enjoys woodworking. Up until the start of this school year, he taught woods technology. “I’ve really enjoyed both of my positions here,” Johnson said. “My favorite is the light bulb moment, when kids catch onto the concepts I’m trying to teach and to see the kids working as a team. It’s all very rewarding to watch as a teacher.” What’s more rewarding for Johnson is to earn the award the year after Zimpel. “We are really excited to earn it back-to-back,” Johnson said. “There’s a huge shortage of trade positions in the United States and the classes we teach help us create job awareness. It’s awesome.” Zimpel sees how hard his colleague works. “Adam starts his day at 7 a.m. working with students and the WeekDay News crew and typically ends his day well after 6 p.m. with the Storm robotics team,” Zimpel said. “Not only is Adam a great coworker, but he is also an outstanding educator and coach. He works tirelessly every day making sure that students are getting the quality education and experience they deserve. Teacher of the year doesn’t even begin to describe the teacher and person he is.”
Janski Grocery from front PHOTO BY ANNA SALDANA
Janski Grocery will close Dec. 31 after 65 years of business in Rice.
greenhouse this spring. “We order the products for our greenhouse now, and the place we order from wanted a firm yes or no on whether we were doing it next spring or not,” Steve said. “I wasn’t ready to cut it off that quick, so I made the decision to keep that part going.” Janski Grocery has been around since 1952, when Steve and Joe’s dad purchased the store from Louis Beniek. Steve took over the store in 1977. Not only is the business historic, but so is the brick and mortar it is located within. The yellow brick building was built in 1898 and has a lot of the original character. “We’ve heard lots of stories over the years about the building before our family had it,” Joe said. “This downstairs part was used for
a bar when the building was first around and the owners rented out the rooms upstairs. After the bar closed down, it became a grocery store.” Inside the brick walls, shoppers can find just about anything they need on short notice – laundry detergent, greeting cards, produce, sugar and so much more. “We’ve done our best to offer a wide variety of products,” Steve said. “We have wanted residents to know that if they are baking cookies and run out of flour or chocolate chips, they can come down here and find it. For many locals, our store is a convenience and they like to support our family-owned business. I can’t tell you how much we’ve appreciated that over the years.” Customers like Voigt have appreciated Janski
Grocery just as much. “They call you by name when you are in there,” Voigt said. “And not only that, but over the years, if I’ve gone in the store for something and then realized I didn’t have any money, they’d write it down and I’d pay it next time.” With a little over a month left of being open, Steve and Joe hope for an easy transition. “I think there will be a big void in the community once we are closed,” Steve said. “It’s hard to see family businesses close, but for us, it’s time. We will miss the community interaction and the customers just as much as they will miss us, if not even more. It will be hard, but our families will still be around the community and we will still see people in the spring for our greenhouse sales.”
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School, is a hands-on learner and was always immersing himself in shop and technology classes. It was his seventh-grade shop class with Jason Daniels that really shifted his ideal career to what it is now. “That’s where it really started, but all of my shop teachers along the way really helped, especially Jason Daniels, Bruce Thrall, Eric LeBlanc and Cory Zimpel,” Johnson said. “I saw they were very passionate about technology education and I knew I wanted to be a part of that.” Johnson has been teaching at SRRHS since 2013 and is now working with some of the people who were once his teachers. “It’s really cool to be able to collaborate with teachers like Cory Zimpel,” Johnson said. “It helps that I was never a troublemaker when I was in school. It makes it easier to work with the teachers.” It is Johnson’s passion and determination for a quality education that has earned him the honor of the Sauk Rapids-Rice Teacher of the Year. “I am very humbled and honored. The district was really proud to announce I was the recipient when they called me,” Johnson said. “There were a whole bunch of teachers nominated and they all deserved it. I know how hard they all work. But for the
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SAUK RAPIDS — The Sauk Rapids-Rice District will host a meeting Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. to review the results of the community survey that was administered earlier this month. The gathering will take place in the Performing Arts Center at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School — 1835 Osauka Road NE, Sauk Rapids. With the help of consulting firm Morris Leatherman Company, the district surveyed residents via telephone on school programming and facility needs. An online survey was also open to resident and nonresident feedback. The SRR school board will review the information as they proceed with a potential referendum in 2018. The public, as well as the district’s facilities task force, are invited to attend the session.
Johnson earns Teacher of the Year
PAGE 4 | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2017 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Stop, listen
Sauk Rapids Police Department activity Nov. 16 0021 hrs: While on routine patrol, officers located an intoxicated male who fell on the curb near Ninth Avenue and Second Street. Officers transported him to Cummings Care Center where staff took care of him. Nov. 16 0720 hrs: Officers spoke with the manager of the Super America at 502 Benton Drive N regarding a vehicle parked in their lot since noon the day before. Manager towed the vehicle and gave information to officers in case vehicle owner were to call. Nov. 16 1302 hrs: Officers dispatched to Kwik Trip for a vehicle sitting at the store for three weeks. Caller thought someone may be in the back seat under some blankets. Officers responded and located no one. Kwik Trip staff was advised and officers cleared. Incidents: 38 traffic stops, 10 assists, 11 medical, 65 parking violations, 16 suspicious, 3 911 calls, 6 thefts, 3 domestics, 11 civil, 6 childs, 2 escorts, 5 property, 5 alarm, 3 criminal damage to property, 4 driving, 3 harassments, 2 disturbances, 3 drunk, 3 assaults, 7 warrants, 2 missing persons, 7 animals, 2 accidents, 2 vehicles, 2 welfare checks and 11 various calls.
Rice Police Department activity Nov. 13 1249 hrs: Officers responded to Main Street with complaints of a suspicious vehicle hanging around dumpsters in the area. Caller thought vehicle might be trying to illegally dump items. Officers took description of the vehicle and checked the area, but the vehicle was not located. Incidents: 4 traffic stops, 2 driving, 2 thefts and 8 various calls.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Sunday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Mark Kruger Fundraiser. Kruger was injured in an accident on Little Rock Lake this past August. Hot dog meal and silent auction. Tickets on sale at door. Those wishing to contribute to the silent auction may contact Kevin Kruger at (320) 3336761. Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, 1835 Osauka Road NE, Sauk Rapids. Monday, Nov. 27, 5-9p.m. — 55+ Driver Improvement Refresher Course. Apollo High School, 1000 44th Ave. N, St. Cloud. For more information or to register visit http://www.mnsafetycenter. org or call (800)234-1294. Thursday, Nov. 30, 4-8 p.m. — Living Nativity presented by Living Waters Lutheran Church. Coborn’s Superstore, 110 First Steet S, Sauk Rapids. Friday, Dec. 1, 6 p.m. — Harvest of Christmas Joy. Table viewing followed by dinner and inspirational program. Harvest Fellowship Church, 400 Second Ave. N, Sauk Rapids. Reserve tickets at http://harvestmn.com. Friday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m. — Holiday Variety Show. “Whenever you’re ready,” with the men’s quartet and “Christmas with the Four Ladies,” plus wine, cheese and chocolate. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N, Sauk Rapids. Tickets available at the door or in advance by calling (320) 2551135. Friday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. — Yuletide in the Americas performed by the Great River Chorale. A concert of festive holiday music from North, Central and South America. St. Mary’s Cathedral, 25 Eighth Ave. S, St. Cloud. Tickets available at the door and in advance at www.greatriverchorale.org. Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Make and Take Holiday Crafts. For ages 3 to 12 years. Great River Regional Foley Public Library, 251 Fourth Ave. N, Foley. Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Toys for Tots Drive. Sauk Rapids Fire Department, 408 N. Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids. Toys will also be collected along the Sauk Rapids Holiday Lights Parade route that evening at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Saved by Strength Fitness Competition. Test
your abilities in challenges such as the farmer’s carry, axle deadlift, log press and tire Áip and sandbag medley. Open to ages 16 years and older. St. Francis Health and Wellness Center, 116 Eighth Ave. SE, Little Falls. For more information or to register contact Jan Burley at (320) 632-0697 or jburley@fslf.org. Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Tenth Annual Parade of Lights and Family Fun Day hosted by the Sauk Rapids Community Ambassador Organization. Trots for Tots run, steak fry and meat rafÁe, living Nativity scene, kids’ bingo, Santa and Mrs. Claus and more. Visit the city’s website http://www. ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us for a schedule of events Saturday, Dec. 2, 1-4 p.m. — Rice Holiday Party hosted by the Rice Women of Today. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, photo opportunities with Santa, snacks and kids crafts. Free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted for the Rice Area Mission Quilters. Old Village Hall, 30 E Main Street, Rice. Saturday, Dec. 2, 5 p.m. — Harding’s Horse’n Around Christmas Parade. All equine lighted parade. Concessions and craft sale available. Harding. Sunday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. — John Denver Sunday. Celebration service will include John Denver music performed by Dennis Warner and friends. Unity Spiritual Center, 931 Fifth Ave. N, Sartell. Sunday, Dec. 3, 3 p.m. — Holiday Variety Show. “Whenever you’re ready,” with the men’s quartet and “Christmas with the Four Ladies,” plus wine, cheese and chocolate. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N, Sauk Rapids. Tickets available at the door or in advance by calling (320) 2551135. Sunday, Dec. 3, 4 p.m. — Yuletide in the Americas performed by the Great River Chorale. A concert of festive holiday music from North, Central and South America. St. Mary’s Cathedral, 25 Eighth Ave. S, St. Cloud. Tickets available at the door and in advance at www.Greatriverchorale.org.
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11 2nd Ave. N., Unit 103 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 (320) 251-1971 The Sauk Rapids Herald is published on Saturdays by Star Publications. Telephone (320) 251-1971. Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., OfÀcial Newspaper of the city of Sauk Rapids and Independent School District No. 47
NEWS/ OPINION
This may be two days late, but it is not too late Germany, but I have never questioned the antics — – not yet. much less inquired into deeper subjects. I’m aware For many extended families, the days between that my mother is a trained cook and continued her education despite even knowing how to drive. But Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day are potentially the most they see each other all year. Weeks Àll up how many times have I asked her what it was like to with holiday shopping, concerts and baking. Family move to St. Cloud away from Brockway Township gatherings turn into long weekends. or how she felt when she hung up her chef hat to be Depending on your approval of over-crowded a stay-at-home mom? get-togethers, you may Ànd yourself head down, BY NATASHA BARBER Stories surround us and if we’re too busy being in the corner, on your phone’s social media sucked in to social media or exhausting out energy apps; or you could be the relative at center stage, entertaining, the stories that may matter most may entertaining guests. Whichever role you typically die with our loved ones. For the person in the corner, put your phone to good use. choose, I challenge you to this: switch roles. Each week I hear the stories of a handful of residents of Take command of the room and start asking questions of the our communities. It has always been what I have loved most seemingly most uninteresting soul. For the one at center-stage, about my journalism career and I doubt it will change in the sit down, stop and listen. StoryCorps has created an app to empower people to record immediate future. In less than an hour’s time, I’m offered a glimpse into another’s personal life. They share with me and oral histories using their app. The interviews are archived at the then sometimes, with their approval, I’m allowed to share those Library of Congress. The effort: the Great Thanksgiving Listen. stories with you. For those that would like to keep the internet out of it — no As I wrapped up our Veterans Day tab and community problem. No one says you need to record the encounter. Pass coverage last week, I realized there are stories that have yet to the story orally; it will still live on. After all, I doubt everyone at be told. Although highly accessible to myself, questions have the Àrst Thanksgiving went home and penned their experience remained unasked and documentation … nada. I can only recall with ink and quill. Take the time to stop, listen and learn this season. You one sentence that my grandfather has ever spoken to me about might be amazed with the stories people have to tell. his time stationed in Japan, following WWII. While sitting alongside the kitchen table next to company as a kid, I’ve heard stories and seen slides of my dad’s escapades in
Community members can help fill vacant, substitute positions
One sign of a healthy economy has always help is in the area of teacher substitutes. One way been low unemployment. We are lucky to live of becoming a teacher substitute is for certiÀed in a state that has a relatively low percent of teachers to contact the human resource department at (320) 258-1808 or visit the district’s website unemployment. At the same time we celebrate at http://www.isd47.org/employment to receive low unemployment, we are aware of some of the instructions on how to sign up for substitute challenges it can present. As the economy and the opportunities. rate of employment improve, the ability to Ànd a Another method of increasing available teacher qualiÀed labor force and substitutes for that labor substitutes is called short call substituting. The force is reduced. Minnesota Department of Education can grant Across Minnesota, school districts are having an increasingly difÀcult time Àlling vacancies by BRUCE WATKINS individuals with a four year college degree a short and Ànding substitutes. Many districts are now Interim Superintendent call substitute status that allows them to substitute teach in Minnesota schools. The instructions for reporting that their open positions are taking much longer to Àll and that substitutes for teachers, paraprofessionals, becoming a short call substitute are also on the district’s website. The SRR District is in critical need of substitute teachers. cooks, van drivers and custodians are very difÀcult to Ànd. Independent School District No. 47 is currently experiencing Each day our buildings have substitute needs that go unÀlled. If you have a four-year college degree in any Àeld and are the same dilemma and could use your help. Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools has vacancies in the willing to provide this service, please consider signing up as following areas athletic coaches, before and after school staff, soon as possible. The process is detailed on our website and custodial, paraprofessional and teaching. The district is also in the application ultimately requires a background check and need of substitutes for the following types of positions cashiers, Àngerprinting at the applicants expense. However, incentives to custodians, health secretaries (building nurses), food service help compensate for these expenses are available after training staff, paraprofessionals, teachers and van drivers. Please visit and employment as a substitute. Please consider offering this service to our district. the district’s website for rates of pay. We need your help. One particular area of focus where our community could
Faith while in a box
It is important as a parent to have the smallest into a tiny cofÀn-like box, listen to background amount of time to yourself. Even 10 minutes to music and just lay there with no way to use a cell refocus, settle your thoughts or simply rest. I found phone to distract yourself from refocusing, settling that time in a tanning bed. your thoughts or simply resting. That’s when I I’m writing this knowing someone will raise started my conversation with God about it, and I their eyebrows at the notion of using one. It is thought about this the entire time I laid getting my something both men and women use to expose tan on. their skin to ultraviolet radiation on purpose for the If tanning is bad for you, why does it feel so ultimate goal of darkening their skin. Radiation? good? Lord, will you protect me from harm in here? After children and years of over hauling our health How can I get this experience without harmful with awareness of toxins and their affects, tanning BY MERCY NYGAARD rays? I could buy a new refrigerator, lay in the box is a big faux pas. it came in and put some music on. But instantly, Life by Faith Small, healthy doses of direct sunlight in the four children (and let’s be real, even my 14-yearmorning, however, are a good thing. But that’s not old) would be Àghting to get in the box with me what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the big plastic bed or drumming on all sides or cutting windows out of it. I could associated with neon purple lights, burning coco-nutty lotion sit in a bath and lock the door. But I could deÀnitely hear the smell and warm feel. screaming, tattling and running up and down the hallway still, Decades ago I was a tanning bed over-user. Ugh. I even and I could still handle my phone while in the tub. I could go made the mistake of going over-board before prom, so I have for a run, but that is the exact opposite of laying, and I’m more photos to remind me of my too frequent visits to the local fake of a layer than a runner. I compared the dentist ofÀce to my and bake vendor. I vowed I would never repeat the mistake experience but with prying the mouth open and having someone again, and it has been years since I have gone. The winter dig in there, that also is the opposite of relaxing. season, though, is when I start getting the temptation to add The tanning bed is unique because you pay for a service color to this paleness, fake or not. I’ve avoided that temptation but you get much more than color to your skin. You get the easily with such a busy schedule, but the reason I Ànally made opportunity to stop everything you are doing, relax if you can the decision to go tanning was on a day when I couldn’t get out and have uninterrupted solitude for as long as the timer lasts. of a funk no matter how many cups of coffee I drank or good I’m torn. Other than walking away from your house and devotionals I read. your phone, laying outside in the sun with music playing and I felt gross and tired and was curious if a small dose of absolutely no bugs, there is nothing that compares to it. I’d radiation would help. I’m pretty healthy and my daily vitamin prefer the latter, but in Minnesota that is difÀcult. I don’t frown D and other supplements weren’t cutting it. at tanning beds anymore or judge anyone that uses them. I don’t The act of getting in the bed brought back old memories, but plan to make frequent trips to the UV ray station. But when I do, this time it felt more glorious. When else can you force yourself I will be thankful for the brief solitude and rest in faith.
Best wishes
A few days ago, I was scrolling through Knowing I will be covering the cross country Facebook and saw a post from our Storm cross team next season and that I will be working with country coach, Marie Zeilenga. Reading through a different coach is, like I said, bittersweet, but I the post was bittersweet. know Marie will enjoy the extra time with her family. In the post, she talked about her 14 years of Marie has a daughter attending the University coaching and how she felt it was enough. She was of Minnesota–Duluth, so I’m sure there will be putting in her resignation. more road trips to the north shore. She also has a Marie and I have had a good relationship since daughter swimming for the Storm, so I will probably I began covering the cross country team in the fall see her at many of the swim meets as she supports of 2015. She’s been one of my favorite coaches to BY ANNA SALDANA her daughter. Marie and I will still see each other work with, mainly for the fact that we’ve gotten around and still have occasional conversations. along so well. That’s the sweet part of this bittersweet. As I have stood on the sidelines of the race I am sure whoever becomes the next cross country head course, we have conversations about cross country, but they always leads into how her family is doing and what is new with coach will be great. However, I know Marie will be missed by my wedding and house plans. She knew about my engagement more people than just myself. She has impacted the lives of so many athletes over her 14-year coaching career, and at each within the Àrst week, too. Our connection was nearly instant. While we’ve worked meet, it was evident as she interacted with the student athletes. Marie, I wish you all the best and a ton more time with your together in a business setting, I’ve called her a friend more than a colleague. She has also been a neighbor to one of my cousins family. Stay in touch and take care. Maybe I’ll see you again soon on the sidelines. for quite some time, so that adds to it all.
Dave Simpkins Mark Klaphake Joyce Frericks Pat Turner Amanda Thooft Tara Pitschka Brian Dingmann Cassidy Zenzen Jennifer Coyne Diane Leukam Natasha Barber Anna Saldana Missy Traeger
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2017 | PAGE 5
COVERING CENTRAL MN PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL & FINANCIAL WELL BEING
Coborn’s Inc. partners to pioneer new method of blood pressure monitoring
Care Cab driver finds joy in helping clients BY VICKI IKEOGU CONTRIBUTING WRITER
SARTELL — It is a brisk Friday morning in November. Bundled up in layers, Sauk Rapids resident Peggy Chevalier makes the short walk inside Edgewood Senior Facility in Sartell. She’s a bit early, but her next client, Peggy Carlson, is already waiting. Carlson, who is in a wheelchair, is needing a ride to her dialysis appointment. After a few moments of friendly chit-chat, Chevalier helps wheel Carlson outside and into the back of her Care Cab van. Chevalier straps Carlson in for the short, four-mile ride into St. Cloud. The drive is Àlled with laughter and conversation mostly about Carlson’s 50-year career in medicine. Chevalier nods, smiles and listens. Once there, Chevalier takes Carlson into the CentraCare building and up the elevator to the dialysis unit. But not before helping Carlson count out Àve quarters to get her dialysis snack: a bag of Cheetos from the ÀrstÁoor vending machine. Hugging Carlson goodbye, Chevalier wishes her well and takes the stairs back to her van where she checks her phone for her next assignment. It was certainly not the job she had thought she would be doing. But after spending years in the photography business and ultimately Ànding herself in need
of a new career, Chevalier said she answered a local company’s call. That company was St. Cloudbased Care Cab. “I took this job because I needed it,” Chevalier, 59, said. “But after a couple of years, I realized I really liked it.” Care Cab is a non-emergency medical transportation service. General Manager Paul Weber said the company’s drivers provide transportation to people primarily from nursing or assisted living facilities to doctors’appointments. These transportation services are typically paid for by the clients’ insurance companies. “Our service is really in demand,” Weber said. “There’s a great need. And, we serve all ages. We’ve helped transport a mother and a newborn home who had to be Áown in to a local hospital due to complications and had no other way of getting home. And we have provided transportation from hospitals to hospice care facilities in the area.” All the Care Cab transport vans can transport individuals in wheelchairs. “The biggest difference between the services we provide and what a traditional taxi service provides is that taxis are what is known as curb-to-curb service,” Weber said. “We provide doorthrough-door service.” With door-through-door service, Care Cab drivers are expected to bring their clients to exactly where they need to go. Whether it is a dialysis unit
PHOTOS BY VICKI IKEOGU
Care Cab driver Peggy Chevalier poses inside her Care Cab van Nov. 16 in Sartell. Chevalier, a Sauk Rapids resident, has been driving for the St. Cloud-based non-emergency medical transportation company for 11 years.
Áoor in a medical facility to a speciÀc hospital room, drivers are responsible for making sure their clients are at the place they need to be. “In the St. Cloud area, we do about 200 medical trips every day,” Weber said. The company also has locations in the Twin Cities and an operation in Calumet near Grand Rapids. Company-wide, Weber said, Care Cab provides about 1,200 daily trips. Care Cab also provides clients with transportation for family visits, especially during the holidays. These services are out of pocket expenses for the clients. For Chevalier, driving for Care Cab is no longer a job. It’s a passion. “I’ve actually surprised myself that I’ve been here as long as I have,” Chevalier said. “You get up in the morning and sometimes you don’t want to go to work. Well, I want to go to work.” Throughout her 11 years of service with Care Cab, Chevalier has built relationships with clients. There was Rick who had suffered a stroke and was placed in a group home. He passed away this past summer. “Every time he saw me he would just light up and I would Chevalier enjoys a laugh with Sartell resident Peggy Carlson as she go give him a hug,” Chevalier said. “It was really sad (when he secures Carlson’s wheelchair into the Care Cab van.
passed). Rick was a special guy.” She has spent time transporting a man who at onetime spent time with musician Johnny Cash’s road band. “He said Johnny had taught him how to play guitar,” Chevalier said. “This guy was like 75 years old and ripping it up at the care center with his guitar. That was a few years ago and he has since passed away.” She has also heard countless stories from area veterans. Chevalier said her job is more than just driving clients. It is about getting to know them and listening to them share their stories. “I think the most important thing about being a Care Cab driver is to get people where they are going safely,” she said. “And if you can get them there with a smile on their face and help them feel better, it’s a plus.” From sunny, clear days to near white-out blizzard conditions, Chevalier has helped transport hundreds of people. Knowing what she knows now about her profession, she would do it all over again. “It’s the people (that keep me going),” Chevalier said. “I have an outgoing personality. I’m very good at meeting people. And even though I mostly just listen as people tell their stories, some of them I would consider to be good friends.”
Benton County Public Health receives Breastfeeding Friendly Award BENTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
Benton County Public Health has received a Breastfeeding Friendly Health Department Award from the Minnesota Department of Health for its contributions to the health of mothers and their babies. The designation acknowledges a county health department’s commitment to acting as a model for the community by supporting healthy families and receiving the business beneÀts of supporting nursing mothers. The county was recognized at the gold level. MDH recognizes county health departments, workplaces, maternity centers and child care facilities that have demonstrated their commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding is a foundational way to ensure that babies receive optimal nutrition during the Àrst formative years of life. Studies show that infants who are breastfed have better
health outcomes as they grow. “Our public health team wanted to make sure that we do all we can to support breastfeeding moms and families; becoming a Breastfeeding Friendly Health Department helps our team to do just that,” said Nicole Ruhoff, Benton County Public Health supervisor. “Working through all 10 steps ensured
a comprehensive approach and we are so pleased that we are being recognized at a gold level.” Awards are designated at gold, silver and bronze, which correspond to the number of steps an organization met in a 10-step process. MDH’s Breastfeeding Friendly recognition program
is supported by the state Women, Infants and Children program and the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership. To learn more about the application process for the Breastfeeding Friendly recognition program, visit w w w. h e a l t h . s t a t e . m n . u s / breastfeedingfriendly.
ST. CLOUD — Coborn’s Inc., parent company to Coborn’s, Cash Wise and Marketplace Foods stores in Western Wisconsin, is leading the charge in helping guests manage their blood pressure using advanced PharmaSmart screening kiosks. Earlier this year, the company partnered with PharmaSmart® International Inc., a prominent Rochester, New York manufacturer of health screening kiosks and developer of Health IT and health management solutions. Through the partnership, Coborn’s deployed PharmaSmart’s clinically-validated blood pressure kiosks and cloud-based health IT platform across 36 of its stores with pharmacies. In addition, two kiosks were placed in the company’s two clinic pharmacies in Willmar and New London, as well as its support center ofÀce in St. Cloud. “For us this is more than just deploying new blood pressure machines,” said Jim Cox, pharmacy director for Coborn’s. “With PharmaSmart, we now offer our guests a credible, evidence-based program for blood pressure management, including full integration into our pharmacy software, and a branded patient health portal.” Using this integrated system, a Coborn’s pharmacist is able to see patient blood pressure data in real-time. The system logs systolic pressure, diastolic pressure and pulse data into the pharmacy software system each time a patient uses the PharmaSmart machines. Cards are available to guests free of charge at all pharmacies. The PharmaSmart screening kiosks also produce average blood pressure readings based on the past 30 screenings. Using these values, a pharmacist can quickly identify issues and make recommendations where blood pressure control is not being achieved. Guests who may not have otherwise received input on their numbers can now receive guidance, including recommendations to visit their medical provider, when they visit the pharmacy. “This technology allows us to help our guests take better charge of their health,” Cox said. “PharmaSmart has streamlined the process, making it easier for our staff to better support their patient’s healthcare outcomes.” While Coborn’s is not the Àrst company to install and use PharmaSmart machines, it has pioneered the process of uploading blood pressure results in real-time to patient’s proÀles in the pharmacy system. This information can be accessed by patients through a HIPAA-compliant electronic portal or via a Coborn’s pharmacist. “We evaluated deploying traditional, ‘recreational’ kiosks, but PharmaSmart’s program better supports Coborn’s reputation as a trusted healthcare brand, and bolsters our credibility with physician groups, health plans and our own pharmacists, who want to know that their patient management tools are backed by evidence and FDA approved,” Cox said. “Developing this robust program for the well-being of our guests aligns with our vision to ‘Be Remarkable - inspire happiness, healthy living and simplicity one guest at a time.’”
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Benton County Public Health employees – (from left) Jenny Lezer, Nicole Ruhoff, Deb Deger, Brianne Zulawski, Gina Rajkowski and Cloanne Wegman – accept a Breastfeeding Friendly Health Department Award Nov. 21 at the Benton County board meeting in Foley. The department was recognized by the Minnesota Department of Health at the gold level.
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2017 | PAGE 7
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PAGE 8 | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2017 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
SPORTS
Saying goodbye to volleyball Anderson retires after 30 years of coaching multiple sports BY JENNIFER COYNE & MARK KLAPHAKE STAFF WRITERS
Come next fall, rather than instructing players on the side of the volleyball court, Dave Anderson hopes to be en route to the west for seasonal hunting – not because he has not enjoyed his time in various coaching capacities, but because he is ready for the next adventure. On Tuesday, Anderson announced his retirement as head coach of the Sauk Rapids-Rice volleyball team; a position he has held since 2014. He Ànishes his career with a record of 220-93. “I’ve thought about it for a while,” Anderson said. “I want to take more hunting trips and those pleasure trips with sun, warmth and sand – all while I still can enjoy things I haven’t been able to enjoy in my coaching roles.” Most recently, Anderson has created a reputable name for the Storm girls, as they have become an ambitious and talented group of athletes over the last three years. “My only wish is that these girls could’ve experienced the atmosphere at state. They had a good chance, but we fell short,” said Anderson, who is a teacher with the school’s ALC program. To many Storm parents, Anderson’s presence on the volleyball court is second nature. However, his coaching playbook dates back to his college days. Like many athletes, Anderson’s interest in sports began with his high school career at Beardsley High School in western Minnesota. Athletics followed Anderson
when he attended Southwest Minnesota State University. “I played college for four years and then coached for one, too,” Anderson said. Over the next couple of years, Anderson developed his teaching and coaching careers – adding football, track, and boys and girls basketball to his growing list of sports. From 1989 until 1993, Anderson served as assistant coach for Terry Culhane, a renowned volleyball coach currently at SMSU, in volleyball and girls basketball at Tracy-Milroy. During the summer of 1990, Anderson traveled to Battle Lake and met with Culhane to learn the ins and outs of volleyball. “He showed me things, like rotations, and hopefully I picked up more things as the years went on,” Anderson said. Then, three years later, Anderson relocated to Sauk Rapids-Rice. “There was an opening here and I knew I wanted it, but I didn’t know anything about volleyball,” said Anderson, who also coached track at Sauk Rapids-Rice. For a year, Anderson coached the 10th grade and junior varsity teams. Then the next season, he accepted a position as the varsity team’s head coach when the previous coach retired. Anderson remained in that role for seven years. “I really gained a love for the intensity of the game,” Anderson said. “… My philosophy has been that if you can take care of the ball in passing and serving, your team is going to be successful. Also, you can have the
Dave Anderson
greatest player, but she won’t be the greatest if you can’t pass the ball. There are a lot of moving parts to making a program successful.” After a four-year hiatus from the coaching realm, Anderson returned as an offensive line football coach in 2005 under the guidance of Bill Magnuson. “I coached under him through 2011, when my oldest son, Owen, Ànished his senior season,” Anderson said. “Then, I took another break and took my other son, Nate, on hunting trips for antelope and mule deer every fall.” But once again, Anderson’s stint away from coaching did not last long. In July 2014, he was asked to step up as the head coach of Storm volleyball. “I was on a Àshing trip in Canada and had asked for a week to think about it,” Anderson said. When Anderson returned for the fall season, parts of the game had changed since he last coached in the ‘90s, but Anderson’s passion for the sport never wavered. “It really progressed since I last coached,” Anderson said. “We added a libero and started rally scoring. The game was changed, to an extent, but it still allowed the girls to serve aggressively.” Over the years, in Anderson’s various coaching roles, he has had the unique
junior hockey
opportunity to work with many talented athletes. “It’s been a lot of fun to build up the relationships and really get to know the kids, and watch them grow and develop in their sport – volleyball, basketball, softball…” Anderson said. Anderson’s most memorable moments are two particular matches against rivals Elk River and Moorhead during his career in the ‘90s. In 1997, the Storm went up against Elk River in the south sub section Ànals. Their opponent was ranked No. 2, and Sauk Rapids-Rice left the Àve-game matchup with a win. The second instance was against Moorhead a year prior. “We lost to Moorhead in game Àve, 16-14, in the section championship,” Anderson said. “That was a great matchup, and I knew whoever won that game had a very good chance at the state championship.” While the highlights of Anderson’s coaching career, on the court or Àeld, are inÀnite, it is the athletes who he will remember most. “We are so fortunate to have great student athletes, who have done well professionally and athletically,” Anderson said. “I’m very happy and proud to have been a part of their lives, watching them grow up and continue to grow into their careers, too.” After 30 years of coaching appointments, Anderson will still be found near the courts during basketball games and involved with high school sports in different capacities. One thing is for certain, however, Anderson is ready to close the playbook and move on to his next adventure with his family and friends nearby.
dance
The Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm dance teams are setting high goals for themselves, goals that are certainly attainable. “I think we can get both teams to state this year,” said coach Jennie Weber. Last year, the jazz team made it to state and the kick team placed fourth, narrowly missing state by one spot. This year, the team is
debuting brand new dances and the team is excited. “We have new themes and (they include things) most teams don’t do,” Weber said. “Our kick team is doing a new dance that requires a costume change right in the middle of the routine. The girls are excited about that. Then our jazz team has a dance with a different feel and a little bit more mature routine.” Weber is watching the team as they learn their dances, helping the girls to maintain a
consistent technique, which she hopes will improve scores for the team throughout the season. “We don’t care quite so much about how we compare to our competitors, although we would like to get better on that side of things,” Weber said. “What we really care about is that our scores go up with each meet and our teams continue to improve.” The teams are moving up a section to 4AAA, as a result of enrollment evaluations.
With captains Hannah Eisenschenk, Brooke Strand and Summer Schmidt leading the way, the team will face top contenders St. Cloud Tech, Anoka and Brainerd. “We are just really excited about the season and the challenge of a new section,” Weber said. The debut their performance Nov. 28 at a conference tournament hosted by St. Cloud Tech.
gymnastics
Competitors from five grades represent Storm gymnastics BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER
The Storm gymnastics team is hitting the gym to prepare for their season and coach Elizabeth Walek is excited about what she has been seeing. “We have a great group of girls ranging from seventh through 12th grade,” Walek said. “I’m looking forward to having some fun with these
girls while watching them put in all of their hard work in practices and meets.” Team captains Ann Starr and Bergen Henkemeyer have done a great job with leading the team thus far. Both are veterans of the team and bring experience for the younger girls. The team is eager to compete in their Àrst meet, but they are focused on practice, putting in their best effort and
achieving goals. “The girls have a love for gymnastics that is really evident,” Walek said. “They want to work hard and become better gymnasts. They want to increase their scores both individually and as a team. Ultimately, they want to be there to support one another and perform at their best as a team.” The girls compete in their Àrst meet of the season Nov.
BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
The NA3HL West Division continues to be anybody’s game. The Granite City Lumberjacks lead with a total of 24 points, but with the Willmar WarHawks and New Ulm Steel trailing by less than four (and having played fewer games thus far) the contest continues to be balanced amongst teams. The Jacks added two wins Nov. 17 and 18 against Alexandria, beating the team 8-2 and 4-2, respectively. New Ulm visits Sports Arena East Saturday to take on Granite City. Puck drops at 7:30 p.m. Granite City 4, Alexandria 2 Granite City outshot Alexandria 35-23, leading to a 4-2 win on home ice Nov. 18. The team rocketed 16 shots toward Blizzard goalie Brady Meyers in the Àrst period alone. The effort put the Lumberjacks up by one at period’s end with an even-strength goal from Ryan Pearson and power play goal from Logan Neu. Alexandria’s Josiah Roen also scored before the buzzer. In the second, Lumberjack captain Braden Altena scored a game-winning goal which was answered by Blizzard’s Nicholas Lindgren. Neu added a second goal in the third. Jacks goalie David Mulligan notched the win
30 in Princeton. “I’m anxious to see what these girls can accomplish,” Walek said. “I’m not setting too many goals this season because I don’t think the girls fully understand what they are capable of. I don’t want goals to limit them, so I just don’t set them. But some all-conference honors and state appearances would be incredible.”
with 21 saves. Meyer blocked 31. Hunter Schwehr, Sean Salz, Jordan Olson, Chase Di Bari, Brandon Bissett and Brady Dahl all earned one assist point. Each team spent 12 minutes in the box on six minor infractions. Granite City 8, Alexandria 2 The faces in net got their workouts Friday night at the Runestone Community Center in Alexandria. Granite City Àred 42 shots at Blizzard goalies Kyle Hayden and Brady Meyers, while Lumberjack Ridge Gerads faced 33, saving 31. After one goal in the Àrst, Granite City stretched their lead early in the second and never looked back. Forwards Seth Towers and Altena found the net twice during the Nov. 17 game, while teammates Bailey Sommers, Owen Sikich, Schwehr and Pearson each scored one. Assists were tallied by Di Bari (2), Schwehr, Pearson, Sommers, Grant Troumbly, Brandon Baker, Kieran Brosnan, Sam Ohmes, Sikich and Altena. Alexandria sat 31 minutes on Àve infractions, including a game misconduct for head contact. Granite City sat four minutes on two. Blizzard goals were scored by Logan Nelson and Brenden Payne (power play).
boys hockey
Returning a strong starting lineup BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER
Dance teams aims for state BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER
Jacks net two wins against Blizzard
The Sauk Rapids-Rice boys hockey team is in the midst of their Àrst practices and the team is looking strong. The varsity lineup includes Àve of last season’s strongest players – Daymin Dodge, Morgan Barber, Drake Raduns-Parsley, Nevin Friesz and Ben Sikes. Dodge and Barber were the leading scorers last year, while Raduns-Parsley, Friesz and Sikes were the top three defensemen. Altogether, 12 varsity players are returning to the ice. “It is great to see the team starting to come together,” said coach Ken Karna. “They have high expectations for themselves and they want to be good hockey players on the ice.” After a 6-21 record last season, Karna has high hopes for the team. “Ultimately, we want to improve our game and competitiveness on the ice, particularly with our power plays,” Karna said. “However, I know the boys, the coaching staff and I all want to improve
in the win category too.” Karna hopes to see the team achieve one of the top four spots in the section, which would give them a home-ice advantage for the Àrst round of playoffs. “I always feel we have a chance at that,” Karna said. “We have a very competitive schedule and the Central Lakes Conference teams all play well, which helps us prepare for sections.” Karna sees the drive of his team and their willingness to learn new strategies, which he thinks will help on the ice. “They deÀnitely want to improve on last year in a lot of different ways,” Karna said. “They want to bring this program to the next level and that’s the kind of determination we need. That will hopefully carry over onto the ice when we start playing games.” The hockey team opens their season Nov. 28 at Legacy Christian Academy in Andover. The top section contenders for the Storm include Monticello, Moose Lake, North Branch and Becker-BigLake.
Public Notices CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS/MINDEN JOINT PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE You are invited to attend a public hearing on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Avenue North, to consider the following matters that require a public hearing. APPLICANT Minden Joint Planning Board PURPOSE To consider an Ordinance amendment that would allow a commercial landscaping business to be located in the Commercial 3 Highway Business District. Please contact Sauk Rapids Community Development Director Todd Schultz at (320) 258-5315 or tschultz@ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us with questions or stop by City Hall to obtain a copy of the application. Any person desiring to comment on these matters is invited to do so in writing or orally at the time of the public hearing. Published in the Sauk Rapids Herald on Saturday, November 25th, 2017. R-48-1B
CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS/MINDEN CITY OF RICE NOTICE JOINT PLANNING BOARD Municipal Audit and Financial Services: PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The City of Rice, Minnesota is requesting proposals to proYou are invited to attend a public hearing on Wednesday, vide City Auditor and related services to the City, Proposals must be received by the City no later than 4:00 p.m. on De- December 6, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Avenue cember 20th, 2017 and should be addressed to: North, to consider the following matters that require a public hearing. City of Rice APPLICANT Attn: Sheri Johnson, City Treasurer Minnesota Solar LLC. 205 Main St E PURPOSE P.O. Box 179 To consider an Interim Use Permit modiÀcation to allow reRice, MN 56367 quired landscaping to be installed in the spring of 2018 instead To request a copy of the RFP please contact Sheri Johnson at of prior to the project going online as currently required. 4011 Golden Spike Road NE, Sauk Rapids, MN treasurer@cityofrice.com or (320)393-2280. Please contact Sauk Rapids Community Development DiEach proposal submitted shall be valid for ninety (90) days. The City is located in Benton County. The population is rector Todd Schultz at (320) 258-5315 or tschultz@ci.sauk-rapapproximately 1,300. The candidate must be experienced in mu- ids.mn.us with questions or stop by City Hall to obtain a copy of nicipal audit and Ànancial services. The candidate will assist the the application. Any person desiring to comment on these matters is invited City in other duties as needed. R-48-2B to do so in writing or orally at the time of the public hearing. Published in the Sauk Rapids Herald on Saturday, November 25th, 2017. R-48-1B
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