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New Look. Same Local Coverage since 1854. Vol. 163, No. 20
Thursday, August 24, 2017
11 2nd Ave. N., Unit 103, Sauk Rapids, Benton County, MN 56379
Wags on Wheels provides a Park receives dif-fur-ent opop-paw paw--tunity accessible for area dog grooming trail BY VICKI IKEOGU CONTRIBUTING WRITER
BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
RICE — The green space to the east of the Rice ball Àelds is one step closer to being ADA compliant after the Rice City Council approved a bid for a trail between the parking lot and the Àeld Aug. 21. Saldana Excavating and Aggregates, Inc. will be installing the 10-foot by 228foot recycled concrete trail. The pathway will meet all Americans with Disability Act accessibility standards. The compacted trail is just one of the upgrades the city of Rice has added over the past year in order to improve their parks and trails. Other amenities have included soccer nets, trash cans, benches and a water fountain. A preliminary comprehensive parks and trails plan was unveiled earlier this month at an open house Aug. 9 and a full report of the plan is expected to be provided by engineering Àrm Bolton & Menk by the end of this month. The plan — which identiÀes regional, city and downtown improvements — is a guiding document designed with the feedback of a steering committee that encompassed city of Rice Parks Board members, the Sauk RapidsRice School District, Benton County Highway Department and Public Health employees, township representatives and others. It will prioritize short-term and long-term goals of the city, as well as disclose information from the community survey that was administered in 2016. “This is a guiding document. It’s not something that is set in stone,” said Jonathan Nelsen, PLA, ASLA of Bolton & Menk during the open house. “Once it’s approved, it’s not like things can’t change, so if priorities shift over time or other opportunities come up that you want to pursue that’s something that can happen too.” The proposed city-wide improvements would include regional trail connections, loop trails throughout three areas of the city and the development of parks in the Fox Meadows and Walnut Ridge neighborhoods. The Àrst priority in the downtown area would include a safe pedestrian crossing at the railroad tracks, followed by an increased number of sidewalks. Regional improvements are also being proposed. According to council member Brian Skroch, the document was needed in order to secure supplemental funding for improvements. The city hopes to apply for grants and work collaboratively with other entities to improve the parks and trails system. In other council news: • Accepted a donation of $300 from Bollig, Inc. to offset the costs of the Rice Police Department for the coverage of Rice Family Fun Day. • Accepted the resignation of Eldon Schiller from the Rice Fire Department.
SAUK RAPIDS – Raylene Johnson describes herself as that crazy dog lady. Growing up in northern Minnesota, Johnson, 25, has always had a close relationship with man’s best friend. “I had my dog Ebony,” Johnson said. “She was my little sister. And then Sage, he was the best dog ever. He was awesome.” It is something Johnson said she learned early on from her parents. “My mom is a big dog lover,” she said. “And my dad, when he was younger, would always have his dog sit in the front seat of his car, even if he was with friends.” Even though Johnson has a love for pups of all shapes and sizes, she chose instead to pursue a career in cosmetology. But the idea of working with animals remained in the back of her mind. “I realized that one day I wanted to have kids,” Johnson said. “Salon work is amazing, but I wanted to have a job where I could do my own thing.” If that involved dogs, it was a perk. A few years ago, Johnson found out a family friend from Hibbing had started a mobile dog grooming business. The idea was simple. Instead of bringing a dog into groomer, the groomer would come to the dog. A full service treatment, similar to what would be found at a brick-andmortar storefront, would be provided within the comforts of an enclosed trailer parked in the driveway. It was a concept Johnson felt was needed in central Minnesota. “I always wanted to kind of dabble in dog grooming,” she said. “So last summer I learned how to groom and in the fall, I started my business.” Wags on Wheels was born. In her off-time from the salon, Johnson would spend time teaching herself how to groom dogs. She also spent many hours shadowing and working under the direction of various groomers around the area and in the Twin Cities. During the early days of Wags on Wheels, Johnson transformed her garage – and eventually kitchen – into a salon for dogs. But it was always her vision to take her grooming business on the road. In February, Johnson and her husband purchased a $15,000 trailer. With an additional $5,000 to $10,000
worth of upgrades – including air conditioning, a tub, a table and more grooming supplies – Wags on Wheels was truly on wheels. “It’s really starting to take off,” Johnson said. “Before I was working at the salon about three days a week and doing this on the side. Now, I
work one day at the salon and the rest with this.” Wags on Wheels provides dogs, of all sizes, a full grooming service. Johnson said each dog undergoes a cut, a bath and is dried. She also clips nails, checks ears for abnormalities and addresses impacted anal glands.
“The only thing I don’t do is teeth,” she said. Grooming for a small to medium size dog can take anywhere from an hour to 90 minutes; a large dog’s grooming session can be between 90 minutes and two hours. “It also depends on the demeanor of the dog,” Johnson said. A majority of Johnson’s business is within a 20-mile radius of her Sauk Rapids home. Yet, she has gone as far as Little Falls to provide services – charging a mileage fee for those outside the 20-mile distance. On average, Johnson can groom between four to six dogs a day, depending on where she travels. She said Wags on Wheels is about convenience, for both the dogs and their humans. “A lot of older people can’t drive but they have pets, which is awesome for them,” Johnson said. “And it’s great for in-home daycare providers who have pets and don’t have the ability to leave during the day. And then on the dog’s side, there’s a lot of dogs
Johnson: page 3
PHOTOS BY VICKI IKEOGU
(Above) Raylene Johnson stands outside of her mobile grooming trailer. Johnson, the owner of Wags on Wheels, has been traveling around the area grooming dogs inside her custom trailer since February. (Right) Wags on Wheels owner Raylene Johnson receives puppy kisses from her grooming client, Little Bear, inside her grooming trailer.
A evening on patrol BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – The Sauk Rapids Police Department is always ready, waiting to help at any hour in emergency situations. They assist the public with issues such as trafÀc control and regulation or property damage complaints to circumstances more serious in nature such as medical emergencies and rescuing victims of domestic assault. Sergeant Jeremy Welsh is one ofÀcer on the force who works to serve those in the community he grew up in. “I very much followed in my dad’s footsteps,” Welsh said. “Between the two of us, we’ve patrolled the streets of Sauk Rapids for 45 years straight.” Each day when Welsh comes to work, he doesn’t know what to expect. “Every day is a different set of PHOTO BY ANNA SALDANA
Sauk Rapids Police Sergeant Jeremy Welsh talks with resident Merle Gales Aug. 11 during his patrol route.
calls, different people to help and different scenarios I have to work out,” Welsh said. “But I enjoy the variety most days. It has a lot more meaning when it’s the community you grow up in.” Friday, Aug. 11 was no different for Welsh. The Sauk Rapids Herald caught up with Welsh for Àve hours, learning the realities of his job and what can go through an ofÀcer’s mind during a call. 5:14 p.m. We were heading north on Benton Drive when a driving complaint came in near the intersection of Benton Drive and Second Street North. A quick U-turn, and we were patrolling the area, circling around city blocks. “We are looking for a vehicle with damage to the front and back. It was reported swerving in the lane of trafÀc,” Welsh said. “It is most likely a drunk driver just based off of the complaint.” Several minutes of patrolling the area resulted in no luck Ànding the vehicle.
Police: page 3
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 | PAGE 5
Rice Police activity RiceDepartment Police Department activity
2015 – welfare check 1000 block 10th Ave N 2150 – child 1700 block 2nd Ave N 3 trafÀc stops, 3 assists, 1 pet license, 2 medicals
Monday, Aug. 7 0957 – civil Division St S 1213 – accident Hwy 10/Gateway Dr 3 assists
Wednesday, Aug. 9 0017 – disturbance 200 block 13th St N 0149 – suspicious 3rd Ave S/10th St S 0232 – suspicious 1000 block River Ave N 0247 – child 900 block Benton Dr N 0828 – fraud 1700 block 2nd Ave N 0933 – parking 1239 – theft 1100 block 4th Ave N 1349 – controlled substance 300 block 13th St N 1511 – suspicious 2000 block High Dr 1809 – suicidal person 3rd Ave S 1811 – property 600 block Benton Dr N 2050 – trafÀc hazard 200 block Summit Ave S 2057 – disorderly conduct 3300 block 10th Ave NE 2103 – suspicious Stone Ridge Rd/Boulder Ct 2232 – suspicious 800 block Golden Spike Rd NE 2311 – suspicious 1100 block 4th Ave N 9 trafÀc stops, 2 medicals, 3 assists
Tuesday, Aug. 8 1113 – records check 1 assist, 1 ordinance Wednesday, Aug. 9 0929 – fraud 700 block Co Rd 21 1104 – animal 300 block 3rd Ave NW 1402 – animal 2nd St NE/1st Ave NE 1 permit Friday, Aug. 11 1817 – records check 6 trafÀc stops, 2 assists Saturday, Aug. 12 0057 – vehicle 0142 – property 400 block Main St E 1934 – child 3rd Ave N/Main St W 1954 – animal 600 block 11th Ave SW 1 trafÀc stop, 1 assist
Thursday, Aug. 10 0504 – suspicious 1600 block 18th St NE 0843 – animal 0935 – property 1326 – harassment 300 block 6th Ave N 2135 – gun 300 block Welsh Ct 2212 – welfare check 2nd Ave N/13th St N 9 trafÀc stops, 2 alarms, 2 pet licenses, 2 assists
Sunday, Aug. 13 0003 – records check Sauk Rapids Police Department activity Sauk Rapids Police Department activity
Friday, Aug. 11 0017 – trafÀc hazard 100 block Summit Ave N Monday, Aug. 7 0129 – suspicious Benton Dr S 0632 – unwanted 1100 block 1st Ave N 0349 – suspicious 900 block Benton Dr N 0657 – property 1100 block 1st Ave N 0718 – theft 4th Ave/9th St 0708 – car killed deer 0928 – domestic 3rd Ave S 0742 – harassment 8th Ave N 0953 – theft 1200 block 7th Ave N 0945 – property 1400 block Broadway Ave S 1127 – animal 400 block 10th Ave N 1220 – harassment 1100 block 5th Ave N 1219 – suspicious 700 block River Ave S 1334 – animal 1000 block Benton Dr S 1757 – property 1300 block 13th St Cir 1459 – suspicious 300 block 2nd Ave N 1852 – violation court order 1200 block 15th St NE 1628 – harassment 1200 block 15th St NE 2104 – theft 300 block Division St 1630 – criminal property damage 1400 block Osauka Rd NE 2301 – disturbance 300 block 13th St N 1633 – property 200 block 4th St S 2315 – gun 600 block River Ave S 1701 – test 7 trafÀc stops, 5 alarms, 3 assists, 1 medical 1856 – child 15th St NE/13th Ave NE 1933 – parking Saturday, Aug. 12 2001 – theft 100 block River Ave S 0008 – 911 2004 – theft 1300 block River Ave N 0022 – animal 1500 block 6th Ave N 2138 – repo vehicle 0028 – disturbance 3rd Ave S 2140 – suspicious 1700 block Highview Dr W 0100 – disturbance 700 block 2nd Ave N 2328 – suspicious 700 block 11 ½ St N 0632 – domestic 1900 block Benton Dr N 4 trafÀc stops, 3 medicals, 1 ordinance, 2 assists, 1 pet license 1024 – animal 600 block 7th Ave N 1036 – theft 1000 block Benton Dr N Tuesday, Aug. 8 1232 – escort 0027 – violation court order Mayhew Lake Rd/35th St NE 1344 – dumping 700 block 8th Ave S 0048 – harassment 1100 block 5th Ave N 1349 – theft 1400 block 2nd St N 0415 – disturbance 200 block 13th St N 2024 – 911 0534 – theft 200 block 18th St N 2127 – disturbance 100 block 15th St Ct 0736 – harassment 1100 block 5th Ave N 2154 – suspicious Searle St/2nd Ave S 0829 – accident 18th St N/Eastern Star Circle 2307 – public nuisance 200 block 2nd Ave S 1156 – domestic 1200 block 2nd Ave N 3 trafÀc stops, 2 medicals, 6 assists, 1 alarm 1212 – animal 100 block 17th St Ct 1252 – fraud 1300 block 15th St NE Sunday, Aug. 13 1358 – assault 1200 block 1st Ave N 0101 – parking 1552 – unwanted person 200 block 7th St S 0329 – disturbance 1200 block 10th Ave NE 1632 – parking 0405 – suspicious 900 block 1st St S 1641 – terroristic threats 300 block 13th St N 0459 – suspicious 1000 block 10th Ave NE 1708 – disturbance 1000 block Garden Brook Dr 0852 – harassment 1200 block 15th St NE 1719 – property 1437 – vehicle 1720 – burglary 900 block 3rd Ave S 1653 – burglary 3300 block Orchard Ave NE 1721 – theft 1000 block 3rd St N 1813 – harassment Benton Dr S 1726 – suspicious 10th St S/River Ave S 1843 – theft 300 block 13th St NE 1729 – suspicious 100 block 2nd Ave N 2032 – suspicious 1000 block Water Ave S 1747 – accident 2nd Ave N/15th St Ct 2038 – welfare check 1100 block Strawberry Ct 1813 – suspicious Agate Ct/Fieldstone Dr 2241 – suspicious 1800 block Osauka Rd NE 1833 – animal 900 block 1st St S 2301 - property 1858 – fraud 1400 block 9th Ave N 5 trafÀc stops, 3 assists, 1 medical 1934 – theft 1100 block 29th St NE
Pulse on people
Public Notices
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Benton County Marriage Applications • Mark Boniface Goerger Residential Heating and Karen Teresa Craft, both & Air Conditioning of Foley. • Brandon Allen Rodel Service & Installation and Jasmine Nicole Fetters, both of St Cloud. • Matthew Lee Kelash 320-252-4883 and Autumn Lee Miodus, www.curlysheating.com both of Foley. • Lawrence David Wolff and Jennifer Marie Melby, both of Becker. • Gary James Midas and Sherry Jane Germo, both of Foley. • Gregory Alfred Winkelman and Kristen Kay Samson, both of Foley • Andrew Steven Behrendt and Crystal Ann Snow, Sauk Rapids. • Ronald Andrew Molitor II and Allison Kate Schemel, both of Sauk Rapids.
SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 250 SUMMIT AVE. N. Monday, July 24, 2017 5:00PM MINUTES 5:00 PM Call to order and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Hunstiger called the meeting to order at 5:00pm. All members present. Approve the Agenda Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Heinen to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously. Regular Agenda A. 2018 Budget Workshop General Fund Budget Jack Kahlhamer explained that most of the information provided in the general fund spreadsheets provides two options, with one option being hiring no additional stafÀng and another option including the additional stafÀng as requested by the Police Chief, Building OfÀcial, and Community Development Director. Kahlhamer reviewed the additional stafÀng requests, which are as follows: 1) Police Department is requesting 1 additional full-time position. The Police Chief is proposing instead of hiring an additional police ofÀcer to bring back the Sauk Rapids Police OfÀcer currently assigned to the Violent Offenders Task Force (VOTF). The OfÀcer assigned to the VOTF has requested to return to the City of Sauk Rapids two years earlier than what the Àve year contract required. Chief Beise noted in his summary for the request, that working in a taskforce position is very taxing on a person’s physical and emotional health. 2) The Building Department is requesting an additional fulltime position to help with inspections 3) The Community Development Department is requesting additional stafÀng or assistance for code enforcement. Kahlhamer explained that the Personnel and Finance Committee has requested to look at the option of adding additional stafÀng starting on April 1, 2018. Kahlhamer presented different scenarios of what would happen to the general fund budgets and total levy under the following three scenarios: 1) Adding an additional police ofÀcer and assistant building ofÀcial with starting dates of 4/1/18 2) Adding Assistant Building OfÀcial with starting date of 4/1/18, NO additional police ofÀcer 3) No additional stafÀng The City Council agreed by consensus to have staff look into reviewing possibilities for either an Assistant Building OfÀcial or a combined Assistant Building OfÀcial and Community Development Assistant for code enforcement. The Council tentatively planned for an August 28th budget workshop. Adjournment Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Heinen to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hunstiger adjourned the meeting at 5:42 p.m. R-34-1B
Public Notices
SAUK RAPIDS-RICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 47 REGULAR SEMI-MONTHLY BOARD MEETING Monday, July 17, 2017 A semi-monthly meeting of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order by Chair Hauck Monday, July 17, 2017, at seven o’clock p.m. in the SRRHS Board Room of said district. ROLL CALL Members present included Braun, Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Morse, Rogholt, and Solarz. Others present were Business Manager Eisenschenk, Superintendent Watkins, Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman, and Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services White. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Braun and unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Agenda.” CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Rogholt and unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Consent Agenda.” ACTION ITEMS AUTHORIZATION OF CONSULTING SERVICES A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Rogholt and unanimously carried to authorize Superintendent Watkins and Business Manager Eisenschenk to contract a consulting service during the 2017 – 2018 school year in order to evaluate district and community interests. AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD REFUSE/GARBAGE CONTRACT A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Solarz and unanimously carried to authorize Business Manager Eisenschenk to accept the quote from Republic Services of Sauk Rapids to fulÀll Refuse/Garbage services for the 2017 – 2018 and 2018 – 2019 school years. Bids were received through the quoting process, and were opened on Friday, July 14, 2017. ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #514 A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Butkowski and unanimously carried to adopt MSBA Policy #514 (Bullying Prohibition Policy), which is a “mandatory policy” and replaces current MSBA Policy #514 (Bullying Prohibition Policy). ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #524 A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to adopt MSBA Policy #524 (Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy), which is a “mandatory policy” and replaces current policy MSBA Policy #524 (Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy). PUBLIC INPUT There was no public input at 7:30 p.m. ACTION (continued) REVIEW OF PROPOSED POLICY #530 A motion was made by Butkowski, seconded by Braun and unanimously carried to table and review MSBA Policy #530 (Immunization Requirements). MSBA Policy #530 is a “recommended policy.” Board members will review the MSBA Policy, State and Federal statute, and best practices prior to the policy’s second reading and adoption on August 28, 2017. ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #705 A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Rogholt and unanimously carried to adopt MSBA Policy #705 (Investments), which is a “recommended policy” and replaces current policy #705 (Investments). AUTHORIZATION FOR ADDITIONAL COACHING POSITIONS A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Solarz and unanimously carried to authorize Business Manager Eisenschenk and Activity Director Schroeder to hire two additional junior varsity soccer coaches for the 2017 – 2018 school year. Due to the high numbers of participating athletes, additional coaching staff is necessary to maintain safe, manageable coach/ athlete ratios. ADJOURNMENT With no further business appearing before the Board, a motion was made by Morse, seconded by Solarz and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa J. Braun, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-34-1B FIRST HALF MOBILE HOME TAXES ARE DUE First half mobile home taxes are due and payable on or before August 31, 2017. Envelopes that are postmarked after August 31st will be charged 8% penalty on the amount due. Karri Thorsten Benton County Auditor - Treasurer R-34-1B ORDINANCE NO. 2017-771 CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REGARDING THE KEEPING OF RAPTORS WITHIN MUNICIPAL LIMITS WHEREAS, the City of Sauk Rapids believes that residents with a valid State Falconry License should be able to keep raptors within the City. Now therefore the City Council hereby ordains: Section 1: Section 4.10, Subdivision 22, E, 5, shall be amended by adding the following language: e. Raptors, provided that: 1. They are kept pursuant to a valid state and/or federal Falconry permit and upon issuance of permit from the Sauk Rapids Police Department. The property owner shall provide and maintain with the City documentation that they possess a valid permit issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for keeping a raptor(s). 2. The property owner shall reside upon the property as their primary residence. 3. There shall be no more than two (2) raptors kept upon the property at any one time. 4. The Raptor shall not be Áown within the municipal boundaries of Sauk Rapids at any time. 5. If any outdoor enclosure is used to house the raptor (commonly referred to as a mew), the exterior roof and sidewalls shall be constructed of materials that are the same or similar as the principal structure. 6. The exception shall not apply to eagles or owls. SECTION 2. The City Clerk is directed to incorporate the above ordinance change into the Ordinance. SECTION 3. This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and publication. ADOPTED this 14th day of August, 2017, by the City Council of the City of Sauk Rapids. R-34-1B
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PAGE 6 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Public Notices
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – AUGUST 1, 2017 The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on August 1, 2017 in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN with Commissioners Spencer Buerkle, Ed Popp, Jake Bauerly, Warren Peschl and Jim McMahon present. Call to order by Chair Peschl was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Áag. Bauerly/Buerkle unanimous to approve the agenda as written. No one was present to speak under Open Forum. Popp/McMahon unanimous to approve the Consent Agenda: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of July 18, 2017 as written; 2) accept and Àle Committee of the Whole Minutes of July 12, 2017 as written; 3) approve Engagement Letter with CliftonLarsonAllen for audits of the 2017 and 2018 Ànancial statements, and authorize the Chair to sign; 4) authorize signatures on construction contract to Knife River Corporation for tied projects SAP 005-614-006, 005625-001 and CP 005-2017BO—seasonal bituminous overlay project; 5) approve Application for Exempt Permit for Foley Area Ducks Unlimited to hold a rafÁe on September 21, 2017 at Jack & Jim’s Event Center, 11025 Duelm Road NE, Foley; 6) approve Application for Exempt Permit for Veterans Support Brigade to conduct bingo, pull-tabs and rafÁe on September 23, 2017 at Rollies LLC, 940 – 35th Avenue NE, Sauk Rapids; 7) approve Application for Exempt Permit for Benton County Snowmobile Club to conduct a rafÁe on November 25, 2017 at Henry’s Catering & Banquet Center, 6774 Highway 25 NE, Foley; 8) approve Premises Permit Application/ Lease for Lawful Gambling Activity and Resolution 2017-#30 for Minnesota Fishing Museum to conduct lawful gambling activity at Super America Store #5032, 4725 Quail Road NE, Sauk Rapids; and 9) approve Application for Large Exhibition License to hold The Color Vibe 5K Run at Granite City Speedway on August 5, 2017, contingent upon meeting Ànal ordinance requirements. Jackie Traut, Accounting Supervisor, explained that, as part of the county’s continuous improvement movement, a two-day facilitator training was held for all employees designated as “point of contact” for their department. She stated that, on the Àrst day, points of contact learned the basics of continuous improvement and facilitation; on the second day, those newly learned skills were put to work by conducting a kaizen event on capital assets, with an overall goal of improving how Benton County departments identify and report their capital assets. Peggy Koscielniak, a member of the kaizen team, reported that, as a result of this kaizen event, the number of tasks, wait times and handoffs will be signiÀcantly reduced; the resulting action plan includes drafting of a new capital assets policy for Board approval. Other members of the kaizen team reporting to the Board were Kevin Dieger and Cheryl Kantor. Jackie Traut, Chair of the BeneÀts Advisory Committee, explained that the Committee has been exploring the option of becoming self-insured while participating in the MN Public Sector Collaborative; the Collaborative provides the beneÀt of being part of a 900+ life group to negotiate better pricing on administrative and stop loss costs, while still allowing the participants to maintain their own reserves. Traut noted that Benton County was included in the RFPs submitted by the Collaborative in June; the BeneÀts Advisory Committee was very pleased with the results, speciÀcally with the Preferred One option. She stated that the Committee is recommending the County pursue the option of becoming self-insured in 2018, while participating in the Collaborative. Traut noted that review of the disruption reports shows very little to no disruption in providers, pharmaceutical care, etc. for employees/covered individuals in a switch from Health Partners to Preferred One. She stated that if the option of self-insurance continues to be pursued, a Joint Powers Agreement with the Collaborative would need to be brought to the Board, as well as a contract with Preferred One; another requirement would be obtaining the approval of the County’s largest bargaining unit (AFSCME) to pursue this option. Traut noted that employee education regarding self-insurance would be part of the process. Monty Headley, County Administrator, referenced the prepared resolution to make the Recorder function appointive based on Board consensus from the July 28th Committee of the Whole. He recapped the history of the process up to this point, including obtaining special legislation to allow Benton County to appoint a Recorder, afÀrmation of the special legislation by the County Board, and conducting public hearings as required. Headley referenced the Board’s previous consensus to move ahead with the formal appointment step and direct staff to study process improvements that will help determine the best long-term organizational structure. He noted that the function of County Recorder would become appointive 60 days from adoption of the resolution; as directed by the Board, the resolution also states that, at least in the interim, the statutory functions of County Recorder are vested with the County Administrator, who may delegate such functions to qualiÀed staff. Headley noted the Board’s further direction that a continuous improvement event be organized to study real estate document Áow between county departments and to recommend an organizational structure producing the most efÀcient document process; such recommendations to be made by the end of 2017. Motion by Buerkle to adopt Resolution 2017-#31, a Resolution to make the position of County Recorder appointed, and authorize the Chair to sign. Second by Bauerly. Motion carried on a four-to-one vote, Commissioners Peschl, Bauerly, Popp and Buerkle voting aye and Commissioner McMahon voting nay. Chris Byrd, County Engineer, provided an overview of the proposed 2018 Public Works department budget ($9,362,888). He stated that, overall, the department budget is 3% below the 2017 budget, mostly due to changes in the road program. Byrd reviewed the proposed capital outlay budget (i.e. construction projects, large equipment purchases, right-of-way expenses, etc.), as well as proposed 2018 highway construction projects, along with their funding sources—CSAH 22 reclaim/pipe replacement; CSAH 29 road reconstruction; CSAH 29 bridge repair; and CR 58 reclaim. Byrd detailed proposed equipment purchases for 2018, which include a robotic total station, new plow truck, ½ ton crew cab pickup, Áex wing rotary mower and laser level (in most cases, would be replacing vehicles and not increasing the number of vehicles in the Áeet). He noted a proposed reduction in the fuel budget, and the addition of a line item for roadway ditch maintenance (to be funded by an increase in wheelage tax—for the most part, to go toward repairing county roadway ditches to improve roadway drainage). Byrd stated the department goal of clearing both directions of the plow route, including clearing of intersections, in an 8-hour shift (4” snowfall or less). Peschl inquired how maintenance of roadway ditches will be prioritized. Byrd stated the need to develop a systematic program of ditch cleaning. Commissioner Popp stated continued concerns of several individuals with regard to the closure of the bridge on CR 42 over Mayhew Creek due to the condition of the bridge. Byrd stated that he continues to work with MnDOT to attempt to secure an advance construction agreement or some other type of funding (fronting with local funds—to be paid back at a later date) to allow reconstruction of this bridge as soon as possible. McMahon/Popp unanimous to award the construction contract for Project SP 005-070-006/SAP 005-613-015 (CSAH 13 bituminous reclamation, bituminous surfacing, and culvert replacement) to TriCity Paving, Inc. of Little Falls, as lowest responsible bidder, contingent upon MnDOT OfÀce of Civil Rights approval (due to Federal dollars received). Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of the county. Under Commissioner Concerns, Commissioner Bauerly stated that a constituent, who also works for Benton County, is questioning why their bargaining group has not been offered the opportunity to switch from current vacation/sick leave policy to PTO (another bargaining group was offered that opportunity). He noted that providing this opportunity to employees may help in retaining employees. Administrator Headley stated that this opportunity would need to be negotiated—the group would have to ask for it and the County would need to agree to it. Buerkle/McMahon unanimous to set Committees of the Whole: August 22, Aquatic Invasive Species Public Meeting; September 14 & 15, AMC Fall Policy Conference. Bauerly/Popp unanimous to adjourn at 10:07 AM. Warren J. Peschl, Jr., Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-34-1B
girls swim and dive
State swim participants return to water BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER
Five 2016 state participants – Sabel Omvongkot, Anna Lucas, Mikayla Zaske, Mya Reinert and Ella Benoit – are hitting the water for the Sauk Rapids-Rice girls swim and dive team yet again this season. The team is preparing for their Àrst meet Aug. 24 at Foley. “I am so excited for everything,” said coach Stephanie Schlangen. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the team performs and the potential from these girls.” Schlangen is hoping for more representation and better performances at the state meet as well. “With all of our state participants returning, our
VB season opens Aug. 31
team is shaping up well,” Schlangen said. “Many of the girls were training during the off-season, and they are ready and enthusiastic to start the season. They are working really hard.” Lily Benoit and Holland Zeilenga are joining the team this season. Schlangen feels both girls will have an impact in the water. Abigail Tangen and Valeria Flores-Bonilla are also returning to the team as young, speed swimmers. “The team is really great. I’m expecting a lot of success this season,” Schlangen said. “The main things I am trying to teach them is to set goals for themselves, be conÀdent in the water and be uniÀed as a team. Those will all contribute to greater team success.”
PHOTO BY MARK KLAPHAKE
Sauk Rapids-Rice volleyball player Morgan Maselter passes the ball during their scrimmage in Sauk Centre Aug. 18. The Storm open their regular season Aug. 31 at home against Alexandria.
Gee provides pitching boost for Twins
On June 22, when the Twins signed pitcher on Tuesday), it’s tough to read-and-react to a legit Dillon Gee to a minor league free agent deal, most four-pitch mix from a guy who hides the ball well. Twins fans (myself included) didn’t think much of Gee is another solid signing by a front ofÀce it. The seven-year veteran out of Texas-Arlington that has shown a proclivity for doing so. I have had an unremarkable track record despite pitching been so impressed with Derek Falvey and Thad most of his career in the National League. He was Levine. Two of the Twins’ four best starting released by the pitching-starved Texas Rangers pitchers right now (Gee and Bartolo Colón) earlier this summer after just four lackluster weren’t on the team’s roster when they left Fort outings. Most importantly, Gee had never shown Myers this spring. The Twins would be nowhere by ANDY THAYER much of an ability to miss bats, which is what the near playoff contention if they hadn’t been able Sports Columnist Twins’ rotation has desperately needed since the to identify and sign them off the scrap heap. Are George W. Bush administration. Colón and Gee ever going to be front-of-theDespite his uninspiring track record, Gee has been rotation pitchers again at this point in their careers? DeÀnitely consistently providing quality innings for a Twins team that not. However, they can throw quality innings and give their suddenly Ànds itself back in the thick of the playoff hunt. On team opportunities to win ballgames, which is something that Tuesday, Gee pitched the second half of a double-header in Kyle Gibson, Nick Turley, Tim Melville, Dietrich Enns, Phil Chicago and threw six innings of two-hit ball in a crucial win Hughes, Trevor May, Hector Santiago and Adalberto Mejia for his team. Gee still doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but he currently cannot do. has enough deception and command to make him a better option The Twins Ànd themselves in a meaty part of the schedule than someone like Kyle Gibson moving forward. where they can hopefully assert themselves as a legitimate Gee has a deceptive delivery that makes him particularly postseason contender. Their next 21 games are against tough on right-handed hitters. Thus far in 2017, right-handed Áoundering teams like the White Sox, Blue Jays, Royals, Rays batters are hitting a paltry .217 against Gee with a woeful .382 and Padres. A team with legitimate playoff hopes should be slugging percentage. Lefties have fared considerably better able to get fat against a schedule like that. Hopefully Gee can (.294/.510, respectively), but fortunately for Gee, the majority continue to give the Twins solid innings while Hector Santiago of professional hitters are right-handed. He delivers all four and Adalberto Mejia are on the mend. If Gee continues to assert of his pitches (4-seam fastball/sinker/slider/change-up) out of himself, hopefully Paul Molitor has the wherewithal to continue the same arm slot, and it looks to me like hitters have a tough to ride the hot hand when the others return from the disabled time recognizing his pitches. He has just enough stink on his list. The Twins are currently half of a game behind the Angels fastball to keep people from sitting on his off-speed stuff. Even for the Ànal American League wild card spot. It’s going to be though hitters might occasionally guess correctly (see: Nicky fun to watch this young team try to make a Ànal push for the Delmonico’s Àfth-inning bomb on a Àrst-pitch hanging slider postseason.
girls soccer
Girls soccer returns strong core of players BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER
team is solid, she has two main goals for her team this season – to teach and strengthen a new The Sauk Rapids-Rice girls defense and to stay mentally soccer team is returning Àve tough through the whole game strong players to their roster this season. Chloe Stockinger, Tessa Fernholz, Caitlin Scheiner, Sydney Plemel and Emma BY ANNA SALDANA Plemel all made a strong impact STAFF WRITER for the Storm last season. The team also has many young Training for the cross newcomers, something that country season includes coach Kris Fremo believes will running many miles, helping be good addition for the team. to gain strength and endurance. “I’m excited to bring the Off-season running is team together. We have a good exactly what Sauk Rapids-Rice core group of returning girls and we have some younger cross country coach Marie girls coming to the team too,” Zeilenga feels will be the key Fremo said. “I’m really looking to this season’s success. “I am very impressed with forward to see how the younger girls have improved and how our kids,” Zeilenga said. “Most they mesh with the other girls.” of them put in a good amount Fremo said the team’s of miles over the summer. Two kids actually put in more than conÀdence has increased. “Their comfort level with 400 miles, which is great. The the ball will help with their miles these kids have ran will ball-handling and footwork,” really help as they compete in Fremo said. “We really have these Àrst couple meets.” the potential to be an offensive Strong leadership and threat on the Àeld because that’s motivation will also be a key one area we are already strong factor for the team. in.” “Our captains — Sam While Fremo feels the Ringger, Emma Mader,
and develop the conÀdence to hold a lead. “The more these girls learn, the more they love the game,” Fremo said. “I just love
watching kids fall in love with the game I love so much.” The girls start their season Aug. 24 at home against St. Cloud Cathedral.
cross country
Off-season running contributes to success
Morgan
Freese
and
Julia
Public Notices BENTON COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 460 WHEREAS, the Benton County Department of Development instituted proceedings to amend the Benton County Ordinance 185; and, WHEREAS, on July 25, 2017 and July 27, 2017 , Notice of Public Hearing and intent to amend Benton County Ordinance was published in the ofÀcial newspapers of the county; and, WHEREAS, on August 10, 2017, the Benton County Planning Commission held a public hearing; and, WHEREAS, on August 15, 2017 the Benton County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and approved the proposed ordinance amendment; and, NOW PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY VESTED BY MINNESOTA STATUTES SECTION 394.25, THE BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ORDAINS: 7S5.62 Agriculture Use Standards A. General cultivation farming, grazing, nurseries, horticulture, truck farming, sod farming, and wild crop harvesting are permitted uses if steep slopes and shore and bluff impact zones are maintained in perennial vegetation or operated under an approved conservation plan that include alternative riparian water quality practices consistent with the Àeld ofÀce technical guides of the local Soil and Water Conservation District or the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and as approved by the local soil and water conservation district. The shore impact zone for parcels with permitted agricultural land uses is am area with a 50-foot average width and a 30-foot minimum width, as measured from the ordinary high water level if identiÀed, or the top or crown of bank or normal water level as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.48, subd. 3(c), whichever is applicable. Approved and adopted by the Benton County Board of Commissioners this 15th day of August in the year of 2017. This ordinance shall be effective upon publication. Warren Peschl, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-34-1B
Severson — are great leaders on the team who have had their own success as runners. They are really using that to help motivate others,” Zeilenga said. “I think they will help in preparing for meets, too. These four have a mental toughness about them and that sets an example for the rest of the team. All of our runners need to be mentally tough and focus in on being a strong, healthy runner during every race. That example starts with our great
captains.” During the Àrst couple days of practice, Zeilenga has already established goals for her athletes and the team as a whole. “I really want them to be a more competitive and encouraging team,” Zeilenga said. “I also want them to get a lot of fulÀllment from the sport and give their best at each practice and meet.” The team begins their season Aug. 28 in St. Cloud.
boys soccer
A strong attack BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER Despite graduating 17 seniors last spring – including eight of their 11 starters – the Sauk Rapids-Rice boys soccer team is pulling the pieces together as they prepare to start their season. “It’s been a little tough because that’s a lot of experience that we lost,” said coach Chris Rothstein. “But we’ve been having practices all summer and we have some chemistry on the team. Now we are just working to better that and get everyone ready for the Àrst game.” Lars Claypool, Mek Kobluk and Granite Moliga are the team’s top returners, but the team’s overall attack is tough. “We’ve been trying new drills and strategies in practice
and I think our attack just keeps getting stronger,” Rothstein said. “I really feel we will be scoring a lot more goals this season and our attack will become pretty dangerous.” Throughout the season, Rothstein will be focusing on improving the team’s record, drive and determination, as well as growing the younger kids on the team for future seasons. “They all work really hard, so I think if we push them and they push themselves to be the best they can be, we will be a pretty solid team,” Rothstein said. “Motivation and pushing themselves is the key to the success I know many of them want.” The team travels to Mound Westonka Aug. 26 to kick off their season.
Public Notices NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF HVAC CHILLER FOR BENTON COUNTY NOTICE is hereby given that sealed proposals will be received by Benton County Auditor Treasurer, until 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 25th, 2017, for purchase and installation of a HVAC Chiller for the Benton County Sheriff’s OfÀce and Jail in Foley, MN. The requirements outlining the proposal can be viewed on Benton County’s website at www.co.benton.mn.us, on the main page. Proposals will be opened and read publicly at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 25, 2017 in the County Board Room, Government Center, Foley, Minnesota by the Benton County Auditor Treasurer’s OfÀce. The County reserves the right to modify the scope and speciÀcations as circumstances require. The County also reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informality in bidding. R-33-2B
LOCAL NEWS
Concussions from pg. 8
“Personally I think it’s because we knew what to do,” Kelly added. Within an hour Karen was laying down in a dark room. She recognized the symptoms and visited the doctor, who diagnosed her with a second concussion. Karen underwent light therapy for the second concussion, which she thinks
was a great beneÀt to her recovery. All concussions are different, and all patients react differently. This is why the medical community is shifting to a more individualized and patient-tailored treatment plan when approaching head trauma. “Concussions used to be treated all alike, but now they realize there are different paths concussions can take,” Arduser said. “Some people are more symptomatic when it comes to vision, other patients might have more vestibular
balance issues — depending on which of those is going on, the treatment is very different. Before they were all getting the same type of treatment.” Smith thinks the changing approach to treatment will vastly improve recovery for patients. “I think the emerging treatment therapy — that one size doesn’t Àt all — is going to be the biggest change we see going forward,” he said. “Depending on what symptoms you’re showing, it’s going to determine what type
Immunizations, important at back-to-school time BENTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
Back-to-school season is here. You are probably feeling a little sad that summer is over. Some kids are excited and some are nervous. It’s time for parents to gather school supplies and back packs. It’s also the perfect time to make sure your children are up to date on their vaccines. August is National Immunization Awareness month, which was established to highlight the importance of vaccinations. Getting children all of the vaccines recommended by CDC’s immunization schedule is one of the most important things parents can do to ensure a healthy future for their child. It is also important to comply with the Minnesota School Immunization Law. Vaccines protect us against a number of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. The School Immunization Law in Minnesota requires all
students enrolled in grades kindergarten through 12 to show they have received certain immunizations or an exemption. Schools are required to report immunization data to MDH each year. W h e n children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for diseases and can also spread diseases to others in their classrooms and community – including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer or other health conditions. According to the CDC there are nine things to make shots less stressful for parents and their children. Things to make shots less stressful for you and your child 1. Read up. The more you know the better you will feel. 2. Bring their favorite things — toys, blankets, etc. 3. Offer a sweet drink. 4. Be honest. Kids are smart. Explain in simple terms. Don’t scare or threaten shots. 5. Be happy and calm. Children take the lead from their parents. 6. Distract your child. Sing, act silly, keep your child’s attention. 7. Swaddle your baby. It is a great way to calm young
infants. 8. Big kids need support too. Deep breaths, bring their attention to things in the room. 9. Care after the shot counts. Watch for reactions, cool cloth, sponge bath, doctor approved pain reliever, a little extra attention. In Benton County for the year 2016 for children between the ages of 24-35 months, we had a 68.3 percent vaccination rate compared to Minnesota’s 60.l percent. This data helps us to work towards countylevel immunization coverage goals. Healthy People 2020 calls for a 90 percent coverage goal for young children. If you or your child are under the age of 21 and qualify for Medical Assistance, immunizations are available at your medical clinic of choice through Child and Teen Checkups. Call (320) 968-5087 to check your eligibility, enroll in MA, or Ànd a medical provide in your area. We encourage you to get your children vaccinated by calling your medical clinic to schedule an appointment today! For more information on recommended immunizations along with facts and Àgures go to https:// apps.health.state.mn.us/ mndata/immunization_basic .
Public Notices
of rehab program you get. One of the top purveyors of individual treatment plans and concussion awareness in the area is Project BrainSafe, which was started two years ago with funding from the CentraCare Heath Foundation. “Project BrainSafe focuses on educating the community and making sure patients are changing standards of care and getting the whole heath community on the same page so that patients are receiving a standard of health care wherever they go,” said director Katie Lehmann. “What’s great about Project BrainSafe is it’s not just CentraCare, it’s a community-wide initiative that includes healthcare agencies, schools, community members and organizations.” One of the biggest initiatives Project BrainSafe has accomplished was establishing a standard baseline impact test for the community. Prior to this initiative, many organizations provided baseline impact
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 | PAGE 7
testing for patients, so that when a concussion was suspected, a subsequent impact test could show discrepancies and help diagnose brain trauma. Unfortunately, each organization kept their own individual records, which made information access a hassle for patients. “It was really relying on the patient remembering this ID for them to get access to the data, which they often forgot,” Arduser said. “Project BrainSafe came in and made an umbrella for impact testing, so now all of the area physicians can access the same data. All of the doctors have access to those tests and can stack the data for comparison, whereas before you couldn’t really compare the data. We made it easy for people to take the test and easy for physicians to use the test.” With standardized impact testing, local physicians are hoping to diagnose concussions more quickly and accurately — but they still hold hope that a
Public Notices REGULAR MEETING SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL SAUK RAPIDS GOVERNMENT CENTER, 250 Summit Ave N. Monday, July 24, 2017 6:00PM MINUTES 6:00 P.M. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Kurt Hunstiger called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All Members present. 2. Additions or Changes to the Agenda NONE 3. Approve the Agenda Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Heinen to approve the Agenda. Motion carried unanimously. 4. Approve Minutes A. 7-10-17 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to approve the 7-10-17 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously. 5. Receive and File NONE 6. Mayor’s Communication • Swearing in of Sauk Rapids Police OfÀcer, Talitha Kopp- Mayor Hunstiger and Chief Beise presided over the swearing in of Sauk Rapid’s newest Police OfÀcer. Mayor Hunstiger and Chief Beise congratulated Talith Kopp on her new position with the City of Sauk Rapids. 7. Audience Items/Visitors Total Time Limit 2 Minutes for Items NOT on the Agenda NONE 8. Public Hearings NONE 9. Consent Agenda A. Approve and Authorize Amusement Permit for St. Cloud Antique Auto Club’s Antique Car Show B. Approve and Authorize Amusement Permit for
BENTON COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 459 ORDINANCE RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT OF THE MINNESOTA BUFFER LAW WHEREAS, on June 20, 2017, the Benton County Board of Commissioners (County) passed Resolution No. 2017-26 accepting enforcement jurisdiction for the Minnesota Buffer Law; and, WHEREAS, the acceptance of enforcement jurisdiction requires the adoption of an Administrative Penalty Order plan consistent with the plan adopted by BWSR (Minn. Stat. §103F.48, subd. 7(c)); and, WHEREAS, on July 25 and July 27, 2017, Notice of Public Hearing and intent to adopt Benton County Ordinance was published in the ofÀcial newspapers of the county; and, WHEREAS, on August 10, 2017, the Benton County Planning Commission held a public hearing; and, WHEREAS, on August 15, 2017, the Benton County Board of Commissioners conducted a public hearing to consider the adoption of an ordinance relating to enforcement of the Minnesota Buffer Law; and, WHEREAS, the Benton County Board of Commissioners voted to enact the proposed Ordinance; NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNTY BOARD OF BENTON COUNTY ORDAINS that Benton County Ordinance No. 459 read as follows: Section 1. STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION AND POLICY 1.1 Statutory Authorization. 1.2 Policy. Section 2. DEFINTIONS AND GENERAL
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deÀnitive medical test, perhaps a blood test, will be developed down the line. Until then, both physicians and patients can offer a simple piece of advice: take concussion seriously. “It changes every aspect of your life,” Karen said. “You don’t have a social life. I was always very active with my friends and if I went out for more than about an hour that would be a surprise. I couldn’t take it; it was too much stimulus. I couldn’t go to athletic events because of the noise and lights and movements. I couldn’t be at school. So take academics, brain stimulating activities and social and emotional activities and wipe it out. It’s something you have to take very seriously.” For more information on concussions, symptoms and treatment, visit the Project BrainSafe website at www. brainsafe.mn.
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Living Waters Lutheran Church’s Fall Festival C. Approve and Authorize Resolution for a Temporary 3.2 Beer Liquor License for Living Waters Lutheran Church D. Approve Professional Services Agreement to Facilitate the Conversion From Overhead Power to the New Underground Power on the 2nd Avenue Project E. Approve 2017 Plumbing and Mechanical Contractor Licenses F. Accept Demolition Bids for 1045 10th Avenue North and 1301 River Avenue North G. Approve Offer for a Temporary Easement on the 2nd Avenue South Improvement Project Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Sauer to approve agenda items 9A-9G. Motion carried unanimously. 10. Regular Agenda NONE 11. Other Staff Items A. Reminder:Southside/Lions Park Work Session Immediately Following City Council Meeting Mayor Hunstiger noted that a City Council work session on the Southside/Lions Park improvements will take place immediately following tonight’s City Council meeting. 12. Other Council Items and Communications A. Benton County Fair Reminder Councilperson Sauer reminded everyone that the Benton County Fair starts on August 1st and runs through August 6th. 13. Approve List of Bills and Claims Motion: Moved by Councilperson Heinen and seconded by Councilperson Sauer to approve the List of Bills and Claims. Motion carried unanimously. 14. Adjournment Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hunstiger adjourned the meeting at 6:12 p.m. S-34-1B
PROVISIONS 2.1 DeÀnitions. 2.2 Severability. 2.3 Data sharing/management. Section 3. JURISDICTION 3.1 Jurisdiction. Section 4. BUFFER REQUIREMENTS 4.1 Buffer width. 4.2 Measurement. 4.3 Use of Buffer Area. 4.4 Exemptions. 4.5 Alternative practices. 4.6 Grandfathering. Section 5. COMPLIANCE DETERMINATIONS 5.1 Compliance determinations. 5.2 Investigation and notiÀcation of noncompliance. 5.3 Validation of compliance determination appeal. 5.4 Corrective Action Notice Section 6. ENFORCEMENT 6.1 A landowner who does not comply with the notice of noncompliance issued under Section 5 shall be remedied. 6.2 Administrative Penalty Order. 6.3 Administrative Penalty Order Procedures The ordinance adopted is too lengthy to be published in its’ entirely. The full text of the ordinance is available for public inspection at the Benton County Department of Development. Approved and adopted by the Benton County Board of Commissioners this 15th day of August in the year of 2017. This ordinance shall be effective November 1, 2017. R-34-1B
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PAGE 8 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
COVERING CENTRAL MN PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL & FINANCIAL WELL BEING
Concussions: serious, but treatable The symptoms and treatment of traumatic brain injury BY MICHAEL STRASBURG STAFF WRITER
SARTELL – Headaches, nausea, dizziness, difÀculty focusing — they’re symptoms many of us have experienced from time to time. But taken all together, or in the wake of head trauma, these symptoms should raise a bright red Áag. Nearly one quarter of Americans report having had a concussion, according to an NPR-Truven Health poll. Concussions, the most common type of traumatic brain injury, occur after a blow or jolt to the head causes the brain to shift rapidly within the skull, inÁicting trauma on the organ. Common symptoms include headache, confusion, lack of coordination, memory loss, nausea, ringing in the ears and excessive fatigue. Since there is no medical test to conÀrm a concussion, doctors are reliant on the presence of these symptoms. “The problem with concussions, unlike most things, is there isn’t a test to diagnose it,” said Tracy Arduser, a physical therapist at St. Cloud Hospital. “I cant just take your blood pressure or do a throat swab. It’s based on a constellation of symptoms.” While it’s easy enough for an adult to identify the symptoms of a concussion, it can be more difÀcult for parents to determine when to bring their children into the doctor’s ofÀce. Sartell pediatrician Dr. David Smith offers parents some guidelines for detecting concussions. “Sometimes kids aren’t able to express their symptoms as well … sometimes they have to be elicited a little more,” Smith said. “If they’ve had enough of a head trauma that made you gasp or it looked pretty signiÀcant, and then within the next hour or so they start showing symptoms like headache, vomiting or dizziness – then at the very least they should get into contact with a healthcare professional.” Despite popular perception, local doctors said most concussions they treat are not caused by sport-related incidents. Smith said simple safety precautions can go a long ways in preventing child concussions. “Wearing a helmet when you’re riding a scooter, skateboard, roller-skates or bicycle is one of the easiest things you can do to prevent injuries,” he said. “The kids we see with skull fractures are from simple injuries that absolutely could have been prevented by taking that simple step.” The most common cause of concussions in adults are falls and car accidents. Arduser said the latter helps illustrate that concussions are not solely caused by impacts to the head. “People think you have to hit your head to get a concussion. You don’t,” Arduser said. “All it takes is some sort of trauma that causes your head to move. It can be blunt force to the body that causes your head to move, that’s why you end up with concussions from car accidents — lots of people aren’t hitting their heads, they’re being restrained by their seatbelt and their head motions forward.” That said, sports-related concussions are still an occurrence — though they’re not limited to contact sports. Sartell student Karen Radi suffered a concussion during tennis practice in 2015 during warm-ups. “I hit my head on the crossbar post in the fence, I was trying to hit a ball that was in the corner,” Karen said. “I had kind of a cut and a goose egg for a while on my forehead. It was not very fun.” Karen continued to play for the rest of practice. The fact that she had a headache going into practice masked some of the symptoms of the concussion she’d just experienced. “I didn’t think anything of it. I ended up playing more,” she said.
Publishing th the 2nd & 4 e th f o weeks th mon
It’s time to be a kid Walker in remission after battle with cancer BY ELIZABETH BETHKE STAFF WRITER
Katie Lehmann
Tracy Arduser
Dr. David Smith
Karen’s coach called her parents that evening to make sure she was OK. Radi was already in bed. “The next morning I woke up and everything was moving. Everything was fuzzy, my vision was way off,” she said. “I didn’t get a whole lot of sleep that night either because the headache was pounding.” Karen went to the doctor and learned she suffered a concussion. “It was life changing,” said Kelly Radi, Karen’s mother. “That moment changed her trajectory and our family … we didn’t know what concussions could do.” Karen said the brain trauma affected her both emotionally and physically. “I was always pretty active, I liked running and I couldn’t run for three months. No screens either. We have big screen TV in our basement. I could do 15 or 20 minutes with a big TV as long as I was far away from the screen,” she said. The prohibited screen time, and other symptoms, severely affected her school experience. She was held out of school for three weeks following her injury, largely due of her sensitivity to Áuorescent lights. “It was terrible. I’d be in there for 10 minutes and then instant headache,” Karen said. Even when she returned to school there were signiÀcant obstacles. “My freshman year we all got MacBooks . Everybody got a laptop and that’s what you did everything on. If you had a paper, an assignment, it was all on our laptops. I couldn’t use one, so I’d have to either get stuff printed off or Ànd alternate assignments and that was really difÀcult.” “The school was extremely accommodating,” Kelly said. For months, Karen underwent physical, vision, speech and occupational therapies in order to recover. Having experienced migraines and headaches prior, as well as being female, made Karen more predisposed to suffering a concussion. These factors also tend to prolong recovery. “It’s all about giving your brain time to heal — and that means rest. That means no studying, no reading,” Kelly said. A little over a year later, Karen slipped in the kitchen and hit her head on their kitchen counter, causing another concussion. “For the second one, the effects were much worse but the recovery time was slightly less,” she said.
Concussions: page 7
SARTELL — Courtney and Riley Walker welcomed their baby girl, Madison, into the world on May 5, 2015. As the months went on, Madison grew – learning how to crawl, walk and babble. Riley noticed a lump in his daughter’s abdomen when she was 16 months old. “Madison was a chubby baby and she seemed like nothing was bothering her. We would feel a lump sometimes, and then it would be gone,” Courtney said. The concerned couple brought Madison to the doctor and was told she was Àne – suggesting it was a xiphoid at the end of her sternum. But two months later, Riley insisted on an ultrasound for peace of mind. “The ultrasound showed two masses on her liver,” Courtney said. “They scheduled a CT [computed tomography scan] at Children’s Hospital three days later. The scan showed that it was one mass in the shape of a horse shoe, the size of a softball.” The Walkers, who had no history of cancer, were briefed on what the following months could involve. “Everything became very real when the doctor started telling us we needed to meet with an oncologist and surgeon,” Courtney said. The doctor told Riley and Courtney the cancer, Hepatoblastoma, was 100 percent curable. Madison underwent a Àve-hour surgery two days later. “It was horrible. You try and hope for the best, but you’re never prepared to hear that your child has cancer. We were terriÀed,” Courtney said. “Our entire family was there and when the surgeon came out, he was conÀdent that he had gotten it all in one swipe and it had not spread.” Madison spent the next Àve days in the hospital. “It was challenging to keep a 1.5-year-old still and calm during that time, so the doctors had to medicate her to keep her comfortable,” Riley said. “The doctors told us children are very resilient, which was apparent after we got home. She was bouncing off of furniture and running around like nothing had happened.” The family was looking forward to settling back into their normal routine; until the doctors discussed chemotherapy. “We thought everything was gone, but they wanted us to consider chemo to make sure,” Courtney said. “It was a difÀcult decision, but after talking with a doctor they told us we could decide not to go through chemo and chance the tumor coming back or we could go through with chemo and be sure that it would not return.” Riley agreed. “We were cautious because we did not want to put poison through our daughter’s body, but we chose chemo because it guaranteed life,” he said. On Dec. 5, 2016, Madison received her Àrst chemotherapy treatment. She was given a round of chemotherapy every 21 days for a total of four doses. With each new round, Madison was hospitalized the Àrst three days in order to monitor her kidneys. As each dose of chemotherapy was administered into Madison’s system, her parents witnessed the progressive toll it took on her small body. “We knew she was not feeling well when she put herself to bed – knocking on our door to put her to sleep. It was heart breaking,” Courtney said. Riley added. “The chemo put a pause on her being a kid,” he said. To make matters worse, Madison’s parents had to
PHOTO BY ELIZABETH BETHKE
Courtney and Riley Walker sit with their daughter, Madison, who was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma last November. Madison, 2, is in remission after foregoing surgery and chemotherapy.
“It was horrible. You try and hope for the best, but you’re never prepared to hear that your child has cancer.” - Courtney Walker administer a shot into her leg to help strengthen her immune system. “She needed the shot to keep her strong, but she knew it was coming every day and we had to have three people hold her down,” Courtney said. “She didn’t know why this was happening to her and it was so hard. She would look at you with those eyes, asking ‘why are you doing this to me.’” By the last treatment, Feb. 21, 2017, Madison needed a blood transfusion because her body was too weak to replenish itself. “Each round of chemo made Madison weaker, by the end of her last chemo treatment she was exhausted,” Courtney said. On Feb. 27, the Walkers received the call that their daughter was in remission. “We were relieved and beyond happy to know that Madison did not have to go through any more treatments,” Courtney said. “She could start to heal and get the chance to act like a kid.” Even though Madison was done with chemotherapy, the treatments have affected her development. “The chemo caused hearing loss,” Courtney said. “She is in her prime time for growing. A speech therapist comes out every week to work with Madison; she will have to have help in school. But we are taking it step-by-step – potty training right now.” The journey also took a toll on Courtney and Riley. “At times, this experience put a strain on Riley and my relationship
because of stress and worry, but I couldn’t have done this by myself. I am glad to have him for support,” Courtney said. During the four-month process, the couple struggled Ànancially. Riley had to quit his job to take care of Madison, while Courtney was able to work one or two days a week. They juggled medical and household bills on one income. “On the last day of Madison’s treatment, Riley was offered a welding job,” Courtney said. “It was meant to be.” The Walkers had a beneÀt on Feb. 12 to help with their overwhelming expenses – the Àrst real interaction with people in months, after spending time isolated in their home. “We missed some holidays with family because Madison was prone to sickness,” Courtney said. “It was amazing to see everyone there at the beneÀt – to catch up and have the extra support from family, friends and even strangers.” Riley agreed. “We were blown away at the number of people reaching out to help us Ànancially, with prayers and thoughts,” he said. “If it weren’t for their help, we wouldn’t have been
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Walker family celebrates Madison’s last round of chemotherapy at Children’s Hospital Feb. 21.
able to stay in our home.” Madison, now 27 months old, has a battle scar to tell her story. “The best thing that could have come out of this was Madison is so young, she won’t remember going through this. She just has a scar,” Courtney said. Madison will have another CT scan in September to make sure the tumor has not returned. “We will continue to watch her Alpha-Fetoprotein Blood (AFP) test as a marker if the tumor were to come back,” Courtney said. “When doctors found her tumor, her AFP was 380,000. A normal count is between 1-10. She is now at a 7.” The future looks bright for the growing family. “Every super hero needs a sidekick,” Courtney said. “Madison is going to be a big sister in March.” As for Madison, she is busy running around, playing with toys and getting into trouble, like a kid should. “We want Madison to live life and be a kid,” Riley said. “She kicks butt and is an amazing Àghter. We’re excited to let her live – never taking life for granted because it’s way too short.” The Walkers have advice for families going through similar situations. “Lean on family for support,” Courtney said. “Better days are yet to come.”