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BENTON AG Plus
Vol. 163, No. 39
New Look. Same Local Coverage since 1854. 11 2nd Ave. N., Unit 103, Sauk Rapids, Benton County, MN 56379
Saturday, January 6, 2018
Schroeder lives with life-changing defibrillator BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
RICE — When Levi Schroeder, 37, began his new year in 2017, he considered himself a healthy individual. As an avid cyclist, he had biked an average of 1,000 miles each summer for the last 14 years. He also spent time hiking state parks and lifting at the gym; he prided himself in healthy eating. “I lifted six days a week and still lift six days a week when I don’t have my kids,” Schroeder said. “I was power lifting. … Deadlifting 485 pounds was my record. I was a total gym rat.” But Schroeder – who lives in Rice with his children, Owen, 6, and Alivia, 3 — was about to learn he was mistaken. His whole life was about to change. Despite his healthy living, the city of St. Cloud employee suffered a heart attack on Feb. 19, 2017. The day before the lifechanging event, Schroeder spent the evening at his brother’s home in Barnesville. Having a stressful weekend with ill children, Schroeder did not see his body’s signs. “I woke up in the morning, and I had a tightness in my chest,” Schroeder said. “I had a craving for coffee, caffeine for something. It was just a weird feeling, but I didn’t think anything of it. Schroeder drove from Barnesville to his parent’s home in Sauk Centre. When he arrived, he told them he was not feeling well and needed to take a nap. “I went downstairs and the second I laid down my chest was in pain,” Schroeder said. “I have been through CPR and Àrst aid, so I know all the signs of heart attacks. But like I said I was 36, lifting weights every day. For the most part I was in shape. So I was kind of in denial. “My chest … I’m sweating, I’m confused. I’m pacing. It’s straight out of a (training) video,” Schroeder said. “That is what you see on those videos, but it shouldn’t happen to me.”
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Rice resident Levi Schroeder, 37, sits with his children – Owen, 6, and Alivia, 3. Schroeder experienced a heart attack in February 2017 and now has a deÀbrillator implanted in his chest.
Alerting his parents, his dad drove him to the Melrose hospital. Schroeder tried walking through the emergency room doors while his father parked the car. As Schroeder reached the entrance he collapsed in a wheel chair. “Within minutes they had me hooked up and said you’re having a heart attack, you have 100 percent
blockage,” Schroeder said. Schroeder’s heart beats were reduced to about 35 beats per minute. He was airlifted to St. Cloud Hospital and underwent surgery to relieve his heart and put a stint in place. “The amount of relief I had coming out of that, the way I felt the 20 minutes before I got there –
the this is it, my kids aren’t going to have a dad – to go from that, to coming out of there and being in no pain what-so-ever and realizing I’m going to live. It was just the most amazing feeling coming out of the surgical center,” Schroeder said. But the road was not over. An artery wall had ruptured
in Schroeder’s heart, leading to a blood clot, blockage and then the heart attack. Schroeder spent Àvee days iin th the hospital hos ital and three and a half months rehabilitating before more bad news. The incident had stretched his heart chamber; Schroeder’s heart lost its efÀciency. He would need a deÀbrillator. “I can’t … still the thought of my kids not seeing me, I can’t talk about it without choking up,” Schroeder said. “When I
Schroeder page 2
Al’s Westside changes hands
Watab residents call for special meeting on fire Janski, Athman sold service business Jan. 2 BY MITCH COTTEW STAFF WRITER
RICE — Watab Township met for their monthly meeting Jan. 2. The agenda covered key topics for the township and much discussion on the ongoing debate about how to handle the Àre services. Steve Wollak came forward with a petition calling for a special town meeting, citing Minnesota statutes 365.15, 365.21 and 365.52. Wollak said the petition declares that the interests of the township requires a special town meeting to be held because electors at the town meeting may direct the town board whether to establish the town Àre protection service. “Therefore, we hereby call a special town meeting to be held as soon as practical to consider and determine the following questions and for the following purpose,”
Watab page 2
PUBLIC NOTICES – page 6 • • • •
Mortgage Foreclosure - Bjerke Mortgage Foreclosure - Sulier Benton County - RFP Sauk Rapids Notice of Public Hearing - January 22 • Mayhew Lake Township Notice • City of Rice Notice of Public Hearing - January 22
BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER
ST. CLOUD – Al’s Westside Service, located at 301 22nd Avenue North in St. Cloud, has been a wellknown gas station and auto repair shop for over 80 years. There has been a station in the current location since the 1930s, with the current shop being built in 1952. In 1961, Al Court took the station over and named it Al’s Westside Service. Jerry Janski and Chuck Athman came into the picture in 1970 and took over the business Àve years later. Owners Janski, of Rice, and Athman, of Waite Park, have taken pride in ownership of the business for 43 years. For the partners, Al’s Westside is all they have known and has become their area of expertise. Now, their lives are changing. Janski and Athman sold the business to Maha, LLC Jan. 2. Janski stated the business will look and stay the same as Maha takes over the full-service gas station and auto repair shop. The company is now owned by Qamar Shahid and Nayyer Igbal, who operate several area businesses including Gopher Gas, Ninth Avenue Xpress and New York Gyro. “I started working here when I was 20,” Janski said. “Chuck and I took over the business when I was
Westside, Janski has had the pleasure of getting to know many customers, some of whom are repeats. “The customers are really why I’ve kept doing this,” Janski said. “They are what has made it enjoyable to come to work every day.” Many of those customers have become great friends to Janski and Athman. “I’ve gained a lot of friends out of this business,” Janski said. “They have come to trust me and Chuck and what we are doing with their vehicles. It’s all a matter of trust and, because they trust us, they keep coming back to see us for their auto needs.” Over time, Janski said the greatest change is in the cars. “The building hasn’t changed really at all in my time here and neither have the customers,” Janski said. “It’s really the cars that have changed the most. There’s a lot of technology in the vehicles now compared to when I started here. There’s also less to do on cars, but when something has to get Àxed, it’s more expensive. I’ve had to adapt to the new technologies in vehicles and learn how to Àx things. Most of the modern technology takes time and concentration to Àx.” More than the cars, it’s the people that Janski will miss most. “I will miss the people and the relationships that I’ve formed over PHOTO BY ANNA SALDANA Chuck Athman (left) and Jerry Janski sold Al’s Westside Service to Maha the years,” Janski said. “So many people have become friends. I will LLC Jan. 2. The two have owned the shop together since 1975. cherish those friendships and hope 25, and it’s been that way ever Those 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. days got to keep some of those friendships going.” since. It was time for me to slow real long.” Janski feels Al’s Westside has down and not work all of these long Janski’s last day in the shop was hours. Every day I start at 6:30 and Jan. 5. Al’s Westside page 2 somedays I’m done at 5, others at 8. During the time owning Al’s
PAGE 4 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2018 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
OPINION
New Year’s resolutions
Happy New Year to our wonderful school district and community. Rather than the lengthy and sometimes unrealistic larger lists I have generated many times, I tried to focus on a few worthy resolutions this year. Absent from my list were my standard resolutions to eat better, exercise more and lose weight. Although there is nothing wrong with any those resolutions, over the years they have become somewhat redundant and, unfortunately, easier and easier to ignore. The challenge for me was to Ànd resolutions that were not only realistic, but that also had the potential to make an impact or contribution to my family, workplace or community. I was looking for something of more signiÀcance than reducing my sugar intake or increasing the number of push-ups I was doing. Here are some of the resolutions I came up with. Be the most reasonable person in the room. If we interact with others at all — within our families or on the job — we are bound to encounter differences of opinion. Sometimes the discussions and the decisions can evoke strong emotions and reactions. We have all been in the presence of someone who becomes less than rational or severely overreacts in a group setting. My goal for this year is to stop, think and respond in the most reasonable manner I possibly can. I would like to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. I would like to be the most reasonable person in the room. Measure myself by my actions during the hard times, not the good times. We all enjoy celebrating successes, and we should. There is Áaw, however, in thinking that how we handle success is the only measure of our character. It is easy to be gracious and conÀdent when things are going well. The real measure of a person is how they handle the hard times. The year will hold good and bad times for all of us. I want my character to be
by BRUCE WATKINS Interim Superintendent
deÀned by how well I handle the bad times. Don’t fear the truth; seek the truth. This resolution will be a challenging one. We can all get comfortable with what we believe or what we want to believe, regardless of the facts. My goal is to recognize that functioning with the truth, whether or not I like the truth, is better than functioning from ignorance. The facts can help us set a constructive and realistic course for our future. This means I have to stay open to listening, learning and seeking the truth even if it makes me uncomfortable. Put a time limit on my pouts. The year will likely bring some highs and lows to the ebb and Áow of our lives. As much as I love living through the highs, I hate the lows especially when they pile up or come at me faster or more frequently than I am prepared for. I intend to put a time limit on my pouting when the lows occur. I truly believe that pouting makes people miss out on the other good things happening around them. I will acknowledge the lows, but put a time limit on my pouting so I do not miss out on any of the highs or the rest of the good things life has to offer. The new year is unfolding right before our very eyes. May the year bring you much success and happiness and the character and resilience to deal gracefully with the unexpected. Please join me in supporting the youth of our community and their educational endeavors. Their success inÁuences our community for many new years to come. Happy New Year!
WHAT’S HAPPENING Saturday, Jan. 6, 2-4:45 p.m. — Acoustic Jam. Enjoy bluegrass and Americana music. Great River Regional Library, 1300 W St. Germain Street, St. Cloud. Tuesday, Jan. 9, noon to 1 p.m. — Central Minnesota Legal Service Clinic. Free legal advice to assist unrepresented clients in civil legal issues. Pre-registration required. To register or for more information call Jessica Mastellar at (320) 257-4873. Great River Regional Library, 1300 W St. Germain Street, St. Cloud. Wednesday, Jan. 10, noon to 4 p.m. — 55+ Driving Improvement refresher course. Zion Lutheran Church, Central Ave. S, Milaca. For more information or to register visit http://www.mnsafetycenter.org or call (888) 234-1294. Thursday, Jan. 11, 6:30 p.m. — Jesus Cares Bible Class for those with special needs. This class is free of charge and open to all faiths. Petra Lutheran Church, 1049 First Ave. N, Sauk Rapids. For more information contact Pastor Prell at (320) 252-0120, pastor@petralutheran.com or Judy Vosen (320) 293-4545, judycr58@yahoo.com. Thursday, Jan. 11, 6:30-7:45 p.m. — St. Cloud Teen Anime Club. Anime, manga, food and more. For ages 13 to 18. Mississippi Room at Great River Regional Library, 1300 W St. Germain Street, St. Cloud. Friday, Jan. 12, 3-4 p.m. — Tae Guk Kwon Do. ILICIL, Independent Lifestyles, 215 North Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids. Call Scott Ridlon at (320) 267-7717 for more information. Wear loose clothing and bring a water bottle. All abilities welcome. Friday, Jan. 12, 4-5 p.m. — Adapted Martial Arts. ILICIL, Independent Lifestyles, 215 North Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids. Call Scott Ridlon at (320) 267-7717 for more information. Wear loose clothing and bring a water bottle. All abilities welcome. Saturday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m. to noon — Preschool fair. Visit with various preschools to Ànd the right school for your child and you. Great River Regional Library, 1300 W St. Germain Street, St. Cloud. Saturday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — 55+ Driving Improvement refresher course. Miller Auto PlazaCommunity Room, 2930 Second Street S, St. Cloud. For more information or to register visit http://www. mnsafetycenter.org or call (888) 234-1294.
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
No resolution
As the calendar page switched and I turned decide against Ànishing the competition and 35 (for those who are new to this column my sometimes out of spite and stubbornness give up birthday happens to be New Year’s Day), I did before even starting. Money has not motivated not contemplate a resolution or make big plans for me. And to be honest, I have yet to discover what 2018. does. On the Áip side, when I have chosen to But even by making the decision to disregard lose weight by silently setting a Áexible goal and the yearly responsibility of making goals and keeping it to myself, I have ended up successful priorities for the upcoming year, perhaps, in fact, I and 10 pounds lighter. Fluidity seems to be the BY NATASHA BARBER answer to successful endeavors in my life. was. In a sense, I resolved that my day-to-day John Lennon is quoted, “Life is what happens actions and interactions are essentially good to you while you are busy making other plans” enough. I did not add stress or expectation; rather I decided to in his song “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy).” As simple and keep on keepin’ on and roll with the punches of what each day reasonable as the thought has been all my life, I have grown to may bring. accept the wisdom while my journey continues to switch the It is not that I think resolutions and goals are a waste of pitch. time. In all of life’s facets – be it work or play – I think it is While I juggle roles of mom, editor, girlfriend, daughter, important to have a target point and to reÁect and assess our aunt, employee, friend and Àsherperson, I realized I have accomplishments from time to time. But, I have also learned a lot going on and perhaps need to cut myself some slack that setting hard and fast goals is something I’m seldom able occasionally. Sometimes setting the bar too high can mean a to adhere to. total miss or dismissal of a goal altogether. Having a general For instance, as I entered into my 30s and began realizing direction to guide you from point A to point B may make the my metabolism was slowing down, I took up the task of trip less daunting. losing a bit of weight. Entering into a friendly contest for So rather than a list of resolutions, I set none. Well … accountability backÀres. I more often than not drop the ball, maybe one: I resolve to be adaptable and do the best I can.
Holiday bust or triumph?
son at their church the next morning, so they really A beautiful time spent with family this wanted to get home. They were suspicious it was holiday season could have ended very badly, but the battery that had acted up before. The guys God gave us all the more to praise Him. worked on it for over half an hour in the tundra air We hosted my side of the family’s Christmas to no avail. It was Saturday, and the next day was a in our prayed over home. With my sisters’ families holiday so what would be open? My sister prayed and my parents there are 19 of us. One sister came and we said, “Amen.” O’Reilly’s to the rescue. At from the Cities and one came from the north. just 10 minutes before closing, they were able to As you know, it was cold everywhere. With the buy a new battery. dangerously frigid temps, the only time anyone “Praise God that happened in the driveway attempted to go outside was to let the dogs out to and not between Motley and Akeley where there is do their business. BY MERCY NYGAARD no cell phone reception or gas station,” my sister The day and evening were Àlled with catching Life by Faith exclaimed. It would have been dangerous with up on life. Coffee, snacking and birthday cake for their three children along. Now they were off and Jesus. As the evening wound down, everyone started their vehicles in advance to warm up. Goodbyes and headed north, homeward bound. About 45 minutes later, my hugs were had, when my northbound sister’s car stopped phone rang, and it was them. It was 10:30 at night, and their running in our driveway. They were dedicating their youngest car had broken down. My brother-in-law is a builder and my sister stays at home, homeschooling their three boys that each have unique needs. They have been through a lot. They have been through a Ànancial crisis, health crisis and now vehicle crisis in 30 below zero temperatures. Dec. 25 2055 hrs: Officers dispatched for a report of two unwanted people They had just passed the Little Falls exit and as their lights on Sixth Avenue North. Upon arrival, officer learned one was unable to get their vehicle started. Officers assisted. The other person has been living at the dimmed they were able to turn onto the next available exit. Somehow they were able to coast to a Perkins parking lot, address since October. where the car completely stopped working. They were all able to go inside a warm restaurant that was open 24 hours a day. Dec. 26 2133 hrs: Officers received a complaint of doors slamming and Tired and stressed, their boys began asking questions about people being loud in an apartment on the 1200 block of Second Avenue the Bible and my sister patiently guided them to answers. North. Officers attempted to make contact at the door and via phone with no Bad things happen to good people all the time. Sometimes response. Officers cleared after no circumstances presented themselves for it does not seem like there is any good in it but when you live entry into the apartment. life by faith, it helps to see the good through the bad when trials inevitably come. I have no doubt there was an angel pushing Dec. 31 0246 hrs: Officers dispatched to the 100 block of Third Avenue South their vehicle directly into that Perkins restaurant. They ended for an intoxicated male showing signs of hypothermia. Officers transported up meeting another couple that paid for their bill and gave the male to the St. Cloud Hospital. Officers notified male’s roommate. waiter $100 to give to my sister and her family on top of that. They over heard her talking to her boys and said, “You are a Incidents: 13 assists, 9 accidents, 7 welfare checks, 8 alarms, 3 domestics, 2 good mom.” When they called my phone, my husband only had to driving, 4 disturbances, 2 deaths, 3 suicidal persons, 7 suspicious, 14 medical, drive 30 minutes to pick them up and take them back to our 16 traffic stops, 2 animals, 7 civil, 4 property, 4 unwanted, 6 thefts and 14 place. My daughters and I made up all the beds, and we hit our various calls. pillows late that night. The next morning their car was towed back to our house despite a reluctant tow truck driver. He did not want to go out in the weather either that holiday morning. Dec. 29 0836 hrs: Officers learned of a domestic no contact order violation My sister gave him a big hug when he arrived, and he got a tip. that occurred the previous night. Officers verified no contact order from the They were able to pull the car inside and work on it in the court and met suspect at Pines Edge gas station. Male had violated the no warmth. Suspecting it was the alternator, they got to where contact order, was arrested without incident and booked into the Benton they needed and found that it was a wire. A silly frayed and County Jail. lose wire which was Àxed in the home we prayed over. We gave so many thanks and praises to our Lord and provider. I Incidents: 2 assists, 2 parking violations, 3 records checks and 9 various calls. would deÀnitely call it a holiday triumph.
Sauk Rapids Police Department activity
Dave Simpkins Mark Klaphake Joyce Frericks Missy Traeger Jeff Weyer Pat Turner Brian Dingmann Amanda Thooft Tara Pitschka Cassidy Zenzen Natasha Barber Kayla Hunstiger Anna Saldana
Rice Police Department activity
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Deadlines The deadline for most news in the Herald is noon on Wednesday. Exceptions are obituaries which have a deadline of 10 a.m. Thursday. The deadline for advertisements in the Herald is 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Letters Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are welcomed. Letters must be signed with Àrst and last name and include address and phone number. Letters should be short and to the point (400 words or less). We reserve the right to edit lengthy letters. Corrections/ClariÀcations The Herald strives for accuracy. If you would like to report a factual error, please call (320) 251-1971.
PAGE 6 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2018 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Public Notices Notice of Filing for Mayhew Lake Township Notice is hereby given to qualiÀed voters of Mayhew Lake Township, that Àling for Town ofÀce will be open Beginning January 2, 2018 to 5:00 P.M. January 16. AfÀdavits of Candidacy can be Àled with the Township Clerk by appointment Call 320250-5966. OfÀce To be Àlled are: 1 Clerk Two year term, 1 Supervisor 3 year Term. Absentee voting will be available withthe Clerk by appointment from Feb. 11 - March 10 at Noon 320-250-5966. Filing Fee is $2.00 and in not refundable. R-52b-2b
CITY OF RICE COUNTY OF BENTON STATE OF MINNESOTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the City of Rice Planning Commission at 7:00 pm on Monday January 22nd, 2018 at the Rice City Hall, 205 Main Street East, Rice, MN 56367 for the purpose of hearing from the public, considering, and making recommendation to the City Council regarding an conditional use permit for the following property currently zoned General Business (B2): 25 Division Street S, PID 1500066.01. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to comment, testify, or present evidence at the hearing. Dated: January 3, 2018 Julie Fandel City Clerk City of Rice, MN R-1-1B
SPORTS
Happy New Year
Happy New Year and welcome to 2018. I diving. hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and rang in The Storm also sent their jazz dance team to the New Year on a happy note. These past couple state, which was an incredible accomplishment. weeks have been a little slower on the high school Winter sports are looking promising again sports scene as the student athletes enjoyed the this season. The wrestlers are continuing their holidays with their families and friends. strong streak with many returners, the dance team But, being in a family of sports enthusiasts moved up to AAA classiÀcation and continues to and marrying into a family of the same repertoire, place high and seven of the swim and dive state sports have been a big part of the conversation for participants are returning to the pool this year BY ANNA SALDANA me throughout the Christmas season. and making strong waves toward state. I recall having the football game on while Last spring, Jaden Newbanks represented spending time with my future in-laws. There was discussion SRR at the state track and Àeld meet in pole vaulting. He on the Vikings-Packers matchup, as well as on the Cleveland placed 10th in the state and earned a personal best height of Browns and their 0-16 season. 13 feet. Amidst the professional football talk, my Àancé and I This past fall, the Storm athletes made noise. Sam Ringger have talked about the Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm sports scene, competed in the state cross country meet, where he placed too. Both hockey teams competed over the winter break. 30th with a time of 16:12. To focus in on SRR, I’m reÁecting back on the year While Ringger was the only one to compete at the state our athletes have had. Last winter, we sent three wrestlers, level for fall sports, the football and volleyball teams made an nine swimmers and one of our dance teams to state. Hunter impact. The football team had a 6-4 season overall, their best Benton County Rajkowski, Tony Bemboom and Jared Spohn represented the season in nearly 10 years. The volleyball team had a record Request for Proposals Storm at the state wrestling meet, with Spohn and Rajkowski of 23-6, a school best, and went 11-1 in the Central Lakes Benton County is issuing placing in the top eight. Conference match-ups, breaking a previous school record of a Request for Proposals from The nine swimmers/divers – Tommy Stiegel, Kayden 10 wins. experienced consulting Àrms NOTICE OF PUBLIC Daniels, Jack Grabinski, Elijah Grabinski, Ben Claassen, Knowing how great of success SRR had on the athletic that are interested in assisting HEARING Ryan Kawlewski, Ethan Baker, Dylan Maanum and Josh scene in 2017, I am looking forward to what 2018 will bring the Benton County Department NOTICE is hereby given Deering – competed across eight different events at state. The for Storm athletes. In order to Ànd out who will be advancing, of Development with updating the County’s long-term Com- that the City Council of the most notable Ànish was Jack Grabinski, who placed sixth in I will have to pay attention. I will see you on the sidelines. prehensive Land Use Plan and City of Sauk Rapids will meet boys hockey current Development Code. in the Council Chambers at the Sauk Rapids Government CenThe scope of this project is to produce a Comprehensive Plan ter, 250 Summit Avenue North, to direct the future growth and Sauk Rapids, Minnesota 56379 development of the county and at 6:00PM or as soon thereafter, update the Development Code. on January 22, 2018, to conduct BY ANNA SALDANA throughout the week. attempted 30 shots at the net, to Ànd the net in their Dec. The process shall include pub- a public hearing for Sauk RapSTAFF WRITER The boys take on Willmar SRR was not able to put in 28 game against Monticello. lic participation, consensus ids Softball Inc. This application is to conJan. 9, Fergus Falls Jan. 11 more than one goal. Barber put in the Storm’s lone building and conÁict resolusider a request for an On-Sale The Sauk Rapids-Rice and Crosby-Ironton Jan. 13 to SRR sat four minutes on goal 8:28 into the third. Brady tion around key issues. The process will involve a broad 3.2 Beer License for Sauk Rap- boys hockey team had a rough continue their season. two infractions. Pesta assisted him on the power range of stakeholders, citizens, ids Softball Inc., located at 40 week in two matches. The team play. Pine City 4, SRR 1 Jason Sjogren and Garrett businesses, developers, prop- 10th Avenue South (Bob Cross fell 4-1 to Monticello Dec. 28 SRR attempted 18 shots Dodge found the net Meisinger split time in the net. erty owners and others. All Park) for the months of April and 4-1 to Pine City Jan. 2. 10:30 into the second period Sjogren made 40 saves and and sat 10 minutes on Àve through October of 2018. responses must be delivered to Morgan Barber and Jan. 2 in the game against Meisinger made four. penalty infractions. Any person wishing to exand received by 4:00 p.m. on Daymin Dodge put away Meisinger made 35 saves Pine City, with assistance from Monticello 4, SRR 1 press an opinion on the matter Monday, February 12, 2018. A the two goals for the Storm for the Storm. Ben Sikes. Despite having The Storm struggled full copy of this RFP is avail- is invited to do so in writing or orally at the time of the public able the Benton County Departgirls hockey ment of Development ofÀce, on hearing. Inquiries should be directed to Dana Furman, Deputy the County’s website (www. co.benton.mn.us) or by contact- Clerk at 258-5303 during noring the Department of Develop- mal working hours or to: Sauk Rapids ment Director at: 531 Dewey Government Center BY ANNA SALDANA Street, Foley, MN 56329, (320) Jan. 12 to continue their Asper put in the last SSRR of the Dec. 28 game, scoring 250 Summit Ave N STAFF WRITER 968-5069, rachman@co.benseason. goal of the game less than six the Àrst goal with the help of Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 ton.mn.us West Fargo 5, SSRR 4 minutes from game-end, with Carlie Hansen. SSRR found R-1-1B January 3, 2018 R-1-2B The Storm’n Sabres girls The Storm’n Sabres had help from Paulson and Riley their second and last goal hockey team fought through a slow start to their Dec. 29 Trobec. of the game 7:31 into the NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE games against two Fargo, game. Brooke Walters scored SSRR attempted 33 third period on a power play. THE RIGHT TO of sale contained in said N.D. teams Dec. 28 and Dec. the team’s Àrst goal 9:14 into shots and sat for one penalty Mallory Heder scored that VERIFICATION OF THE mortgage, the above described 29 as they hosted the four- the second period. The other infraction. one with help from Walters DEBT AND IDENTITY property will be sold by the team tournament. three goals came in the third. Madison DeMarias was and Lauren Wensel. OF THE ORIGINAL Sheriff of said county as The girls faced off against SSRR attempted 28 Alexa Paulson put in the in goal for the Storm’n Sabres CREDITOR WITHIN THE follows: Fargo North-South Dec. 28, Àrst goal 1:52 into the third and made 26 saves. shots and sat for one penalty TIME PROVIDED BY LAW DATE AND TIME OF losing 5-2, and against West with help from Maggie Kulus. infraction. Fargo North-South 5, IS NOT AFFECTED BY SALE: February 15, 2018 at Fargo Dec. 29, losing 5-4. Chloe Stockinger tended Walters added her second goal SSRR 2 THIS ACTION. 10:00 AM The team takes on Fergus 5:15 in, assisted by Anna Orth Walters started things for SSRR and made 29 saves. NOTICE IS HEREBY PLACE OF SALE: GIVEN, that default has Benton County Sheriff’s OfÀce, Falls Jan. 9 and Moorhead and Grace McCabe. Libby off 9:36 into the Àrst period occurred in conditions of the 581 Highway 23 Northeast following described mortgage: Foley, MN wrestling DATE OF MORTGAGE: to pay the debt then secured by March 23, 2009 said Mortgage, and taxes, if any, M O RT G A G O R : on said premises, and the costs Scott E. Bjerke, a single person. and disbursements, including MORTGAGEE: Mortgage attorneys’ fees allowed by law BY ANNA SALDANA The team competes Jan. by forfeit. 126: Jared Spohn won match. SRR won Àve of their Electronic Registration subject to redemption within STAFF WRITER 6 in the Cannon Falls invite by 13-0 major decision. 132: Zac individual matches. Spohn won by forfeit. 138: Cole Systems, Inc. six (6) months from the date of Olson won by fall at 1:08. The Storm wrestlers and Jan. 11 against Willmar to Ackerman lost by 7-6 decision. 106: 113: Wollak lost by fall at 1:17. DATE AND PLACE OF said sale by the mortgagor(s), traveled to Fergus Falls Jan. continue their season. 145: Bryce Warner won by fall at 120: Jared Spohn won by fall at RECORDING: Recorded their personal representatives SRR 52, Fergus Falls 27 1:35. 152: SRR lost by forfeit. 160: 3:09. 126: Weber lost by fall at March 30, 2009 Benton County or assigns unless reduced to 2 where they competed in The Storm only lost Àve SRR lost by forfeit. 170: Marcus Recorder, Document No. Five (5) weeks under MN Stat. a triangular. The team had of their individual matches Santillana won by forfeit. 182: 1:29. 132: Zac Spohn won by fall at 0:44. 138: Jacob Kruger lost individual success, as they A364721. §580.07. against Fergus Falls, three Brent Nelson won by forfeit. 195: by 8-2 decision. 145: Warner lost ASSIGNMENTS OF TIME AND DATE TO have in their previous matches Andrew Syvertson won by forfeit. by 7-2 decision. 152: SRR lost by MORTGAGE: Assigned VACATE PROPERTY: If the of the season, but ended up of which were forfeits. This, 220: Gage Donovan lost by fall at forfeit. 160: SRR lost by forfeit. along with individual wins to: JPMorgan Chase Bank, real estate is an owner-occupied, splitting their matches as a 1:20. 285: SRR lost by forfeit. Santillana won by fall at by Storm grapplers, led to the Fosston-Bagley 39, SRR 36 170: National Association. Dated single-family dwelling, unless team. 1:28. 182: Nelson lost by fall at SRR defeated Fergus win over the Otters. September 26, 2011 Recorded otherwise provided by law, the The Storm truly fought 4:08. 195: Syvertson lost by 6-0 Peyton Olson won by fall at October 5, 2011, as Document date on or before which the Falls 52-27, but fell to 106: to the end, with the Ànal decision. 220: Donovan won by 1:52. 113: Andrew Wollak won by fall at 2:55. 285: SRR lost by forfeit. No. A384141. mortgagor(s) must vacate the Fosston-Bagley 39-36. fall at 0:52. 120: Jacob Weber won score coming down to the last T R A N S A C T I O N property if the mortgage is not AGENT: Mortgage Electronic reinstated under section 580.30 Registration Systems, Inc. or the property is not redeemed T R A N S A C T I O N under section 580.23 is 11:59 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE AGENT’S MORTGAGE p.m. on August 15, 2018, unless IDENTIFICATION NUMBER that date falls on a weekend or THE RIGHT TO Registration Systems, Inc. commencement of this mortgage that date falls on a weekend or ON MORTGAGE: 1000739- legal holiday, in which case it is VERIFICATION OF THE T R A N S A C T I O N foreclosure proceeding legal holiday, in which case it is 8140657387-4 the next weekday, and unless the DEBT AND IDENTITY AGENT’S MORTGAGE Mortgagee/Assignee of the next weekday, and unless the LENDER OR BROKER redemption period is reduced to OF THE ORIGINAL I D E N T I F I C A T I O N Mortgagee complied with all redemption period is reduced to AND MORTGAGE 5 weeks under MN Stat. Secs. CREDITOR WITHIN THE NUMBER ON MORTGAGE: notice requirements as required 5 weeks under MN Stat. Secs. ORIGINATOR STATED ON 580.07 or 582.032. TIME PROVIDED BY LAW 100024200018245833 by statute; That no action or 580.07 or 582.032. MORTGAGE: Bremer Bank, M O R T G A G O R ( S ) IS NOT AFFECTED BY LENDER OR BROKER proceeding has been instituted MORTGAGOR(S) National Association RELEASED FROM THIS ACTION. AND MORTGAGE at law or otherwise to recover RELEASED FROM R E S I D E N T I A L FINANCIAL OBLIGATION NOTICE IS HEREBY ORIGINATOR STATED ON the debt secured by said FINANCIAL OBLIGATION MORTGAGE SERVICER: ON MORTGAGE:None GIVEN, that default has MORTGAGE: American mortgage, or any part thereof; ON MORTGAGE:None JPMorgan Chase Bank, “THE TIME ALLOWED BY occurred in conditions of the Brokers Conduit PURSUANT to the power “THE TIME ALLOWED BY National Association LAW FOR REDEMPTION following described mortgage: R E S I D E N T I A L of sale contained in said LAW FOR REDEMPTION M O R T G A G E D BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE DATE OF MORTGAGE: July MORTGAGE SERVICER: mortgage, the above described BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE PROPERTY ADDRESS: 321 MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL 17, 2007 Fay Servicing LLC property will be sold by the MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL South Norman Avenue, Foley, R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S MORTGAGOR: Sergio Sulier M O R T G A G E D Sheriff of said county as R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S MN 56329 OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE and Mindy Suzanne Sulier fka PROPERTY ADDRESS: 112 follows: OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE TAX PARCEL I.D. #: REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS Mindy Suzanne Scott, husband 5th Avenue South, Sauk Rapids, DATE AND TIME OF REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS R130071500 and R130071600 IF A JUDICIAL ORDER and wife. MN 56379 SALE: February 27, 2018 at IF A JUDICIAL ORDER LEGAL DESCRIPTION IS ENTERED UNDER MORTGAGEE:M o r t g a g e TAX PARCEL I.D. #: R 10:00 AM IS ENTERED UNDER OF PROPERTY: MINNESOTA STATUTES, Electronic Registration 19.00778.00 PLACE OF SALE: MINNESOTA STATUTES, Lot 2 and Lot 3. Block 1, SECTION 582.032, Systems, Inc. as nominee for LEGAL DESCRIPTION Benton County Sheriff’s OfÀce, SECTION 582.032, The Johnson Triangle, Benton DETERMINING, AMONG American Brokers Conduit. OF PROPERTY: 581 Highway 23 Northeast DETERMINING, AMONG County, Minnesota OTHER THINGS, THAT THE DATE AND PLACE OF Lot 10 except the Foley, MN OTHER THINGS, THAT THE COUNTY IN WHICH MORTGAGED PREMISES RECORDING: Recorded Southeasterly 2.2 feet to pay the debt then secured by MORTGAGED PREMISES PROPERTY IS LOCATED: ARE IMPROVED WITH A August 1, 2007 Benton County thereof, and Lot 9 except the said Mortgage, and taxes, if any, ARE IMPROVED WITH A Benton RESIDENTIAL DWELLING Recorder, Document No. Northwesterly 45 feet thereof, on said premises, and the costs RESIDENTIAL DWELLING ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, A350353. Block 6, Wood, Russell and and disbursements, including OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: ARE NOT PROPERTY ASSIGNMENTS OF Gilman’s Addition to the Town attorneys’ fees allowed by law ARE NOT PROPERTY $155,000.00 USED IN AGRICULTURAL MORTGAGE: Assigned to: (now city) of Sauk Rapids, subject to redemption within USED IN AGRICULTURAL AMOUNT DUE AND PRODUCTION, AND ARE Residential Credit Solutions, according to the plat and survey six (6) months from the date of PRODUCTION, AND ARE CLAIMED TO BE DUE ABANDONED.” Inc. Dated September 12, thereof on Àle and of record said sale by the mortgagor(s), ABANDONED.” AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, Dated: December 13, 2017 2011 Recorded September in the ofÀce of the County their personal representatives Dated: December 27, 2017 INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, JPMorgan Chase Bank, 28, 2011, as Document No. Recorder in and for Benton or assigns unless reduced to Citibank, N.A., as Trustee PAID BY MORTGAGEE: National Association 383990. And thereafter County, Minnesota. Five (5) weeks under MN Stat. Mortgagee/Assignee of $165,220.69 Mortgagee/Assignee of assigned to: Calyon New COUNTY IN WHICH §580.07. Mortgagee That prior to the Mortgagee York Branch as Administrative PROPERTY IS LOCATED: TIME AND DATE TO USSET, WEINGARDEN AND commencement of this mortgage USSET, WEINGARDEN AND Agent. Dated July 28, 2015 Benton VACATE PROPERTY: If the LIEBO, P.L.L.P. foreclosure proceeding LIEBO, P.L.L.P. Recorded September 16, 2015, ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL real estate is an owner-occupied, Attorneys for Mortgagee/ Mortgagee/Assignee of Attorneys for Mortgagee/ as Document No. A411797. AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: single-family dwelling, unless Assignee of Mortgagee Mortgagee complied with all Assignee of Mortgagee And thereafter assigned to: $32,000.00 otherwise provided by law, the 4500 Park Glen Road #300 notice requirements as required 4500 Park Glen Road #300 Citibank, N.A., as trustee for AMOUNT DUE AND date on or before which the Minneapolis, MN 55416 by statute; That no action or Minneapolis, MN 55416 CMLTI Asset Trust. Dated CLAIMED TO BE DUE mortgagor(s) must vacate the (952) 925-6888 proceeding has been instituted (952) 925-6888 August 11, 2016 Recorded AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, property if the mortgage is not 150 - 17-004501 FC at law or otherwise to recover 30 - 17-008104 FC January 24, 2017, as Document INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, reinstated under section 580.30 THIS IS A COMMUNICATION the debt secured by said THIS IS A No. 420741. PAID BY MORTGAGEE: or the property is not redeemed FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. mortgage, or any part thereof; COMMUNICATION FROM T R A N S A C T I O N $53,894.06 under section 580.23 is 11:59 R-1-B PURSUANT to the power A DEBT COLLECTOR. AGENT: Mortgage Electronic That prior to the p.m. on August 27, 2018, unless
Barber, Dodge score Storm goals
Girls fall to Fargo teams
Grapplers split tournament matches
Public Notices
R-52A-6B
PAGE 8 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2018 | SAUK U RAPIDS DS HERALD H D
SPORTS
PHOTOS BY ANNA SALDANA
Brooke Strand is one of the captains of the Storm dance team. Strand has been a member of the dance team since her freshman year of high school.
A captain experience Strand reÁects on dance career has not been involved in the sport as long as most of her teammates. “I was really into basketball and gymnastics, but in eighth grade, I realized that dance was something I wanted to do,” Strand said. “I tried out for the Àrst time in ninth grade and I made varsity. I was pretty excited to say the least. I do wish I would have been part of the sport sooner, but I’ve also realized how big of a time commitment it is. Honestly, I don’t know if I would have been able to handle the vigor of the sport and the time management prior to high school. Maybe, but I’m not sure.”
BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER
Leading the Saluting great accomplishments in the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School
DYLAN MAANUM
S A U K RAPIDS – Brooke Strand prides herself on leading the Storm dance team to victory, both on the competition Áoor and as individuals. “I’m really honored to be one of the captains,” Strand said. “I was one of the captains for the fall team and my teammates must like what I say because they reelected me for the competition season.” Strand feels the honor is even greater, considering she
Parents: Andrea and Mike Maanum Grade: 12 Sport accomplishment: Captain of the boys swim and dive team. What is your favorite part about swimming? DeÀnitely dropping time and getting to watch my teammates drop time as well. It shows all the hard word is paying off. What is your best meet to date? The sections meet during my sophomore year. I saw time drop I was not expecting, and I was put on the A relay last minute. What other activities are you involved in at school? DECA and Link Crew. What is your favorite high school class to date? World History with Ryan Parsons because he has such a unique style of teaching and talking to his students. What skill do you possess most people do not know about? I am double jointed just about everywhere. What are you most looking forward to in your senior year? The section meet at the end of this season, which will be held at home What is the best advice you have ever received? “If you are going to spend your time doing something, you might as well give it your 100 percent,” Bill Fletcher. What do you like to do in your spare time? Hanging out with my friends and the swim team, along with lifting weights and watching NetÁix. What is your favorite meal, movie, social media and song? Laura Freese’s egg bake; “Baby Driver;” Instagram; “Black Spiderman” by Logic. What are your future plans? Attend College at either University of Minnesota-Duluth or South Dakota State University for business. Leading the Storm is Sponsored by:
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Brooke Strand practices with her teammates Jan. 3 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School.
Strand, now a senior, has enjoyed her dance experience and feels it is worth the long practice hours. “Being a part of the dance team is amazing, honestly,” Strand said. “Sometimes it gets hard as we try to make a name of ourselves, but all of the girls are so positive.” Thus far, last year’s Central Lakes Conference championship is the competition that sticks out most. “We earned second in the conference,” Strand said. “I remember it being just this incredible feeling, particularly since it had never happened to us before.” Strand feels the team bond is what really helps when it comes time for competition. “We really have a strong bond as a team because we spend so much time together,” Strand said. “We have these bus rides that are at least an hour, especially now that we are an AAA team, and there’s no way you can avoid bonding on bus rides like that. Those long rides just make us stronger. We are always helping each other out when we get to competition sites too – helping with eyelashes, zipping up costumes and giving each other pep talks if we need it. That’s just part of the identity of the team.” It is that strong bond that Strand feels makes her the best person and captain she can be. “I think I could text any one of them if I’m going through something and they would be there for me,” Strand said. “It’s incredible to be this close with so many girls. Trust is huge with all of us on the team, but it’s pretty clear that
they trust me. I’m their go-to. Anything I say or any advice I give seems to be taken seriously. They trust what I have to say and they take it to heart.” Strand also feels the coaches play a huge role in the team’s success, as well as her own success as a captain. “We get along with our coaches so well,” Strand said. “They are so great and always encouraging us. As a captain, it’s nice to know that I have their support in helping the team grow and develop, but it also makes it easier to endure the long practices and hard work. It would be that much harder if we had coaches we didn’t get along with.” Strand competes with the kick team, which has placed Àrst and third in two separate meets so far this season. This year’s routine includes a costume change, which has allowed the team to make a name for themselves as a Àrstseason AAA team. “I really love our routine this year,” Strand said. “Yes, a lot of teams do it, but our approach is so unique that I think it makes us stand out. We are a strong force on the competition Áoor. Our goal is ultimately to go to state, and I really think that’s achievable.” Next year after Strand graduates, she plans to attend a college in the southern United States where dance is not available as a sport. “I will greatly miss everything I have experienced with my team,” Strand said. “I am really taking in every moment. This team and the experiences we’ve had are great. I have loved every bit of my dance career.”
Hot shooting carries Storm past Zimmerman BY MARK KLAPHAKE STAFF WRITER
The end of the 2017 portion of the schedule came far too soon for the Storm boys basketball team. SRR capped off the year in great fashion picking up a 72-50 dominating win over Zimmerman Dec. 28 during their holiday tournament. The Storm seized control of the game from the onset. They held a 17-point, 36-19 advantage at halftime, and kept adding to it in the second half. “We took control of that game right away and really never looked back,” said head coach Derek Peterson. “It was an all-around good game for us. It was a good way for us to end the year.” Shot selection and efÀciency were on display from the Storm boys. They hit 28-47 (60 percent) of their shots in the game.
“We were taking really high percentage shots,” Peterson said. “We played well against Zimmerman that’s for darn sure.” Senior Deng Deang was especially hot. He sank 11 of 13 shots and scored 27 points in under 17 minutes of time on the court. “He is a special player. He shot the ball about as good as I’ve ever seen him shoot it. He couldn’t miss,” Peterson said. “I was proud of him. He played extremely well.” Braden Tretter, Cody Landwehr and Anthony Massman were also in double Àgures. The win was the third straight for the Storm, who improve to 5-3 on the year. “To be 5-3 right now is a testament to the team and how well they played and in my opinion we are getting better,” Peterson said.
“We took control of that game right away and really never looked back.” - SRR Head Coach Derek Peterson
SRR starts 2018 with a hectic schedule. They have three games in Àve days. They host St. Cloud Apollo Jan. 5, travel to Albany Jan. 6 and then head to Rocori Jan. 9. St. Cloud Apollo recently beat Delano, who is ranked in state; Albany is 6-3 and Rocori has a historically good basketball program. “They (Albany) gave about as much effort I’ve seen a team give this year,” Peterson said. “They are gogo-go, so we better be ready. Rocori has a great basketball program and is well coached.
They have one guy [Sam Olson] that can really shoot. All three of these teams are going to be equally as tough so we’re going to have to be ready for all of them. If we play well, we can win all three games. Our kids are going to be ready and they are excited to be back in the games.”
SR scoring: Braden Tretter 12 (4 rebounds), Deang 27, Cade Milton-Baumgartner (4 rebounds), Kobe Lee 3, Noah Jungwirth 2, Cody Landwehr 11 (6 rebounds), Anthony Massman 10, Adrian Ziebarth 3, Josh Schloe 4.
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Johnson brings farming to life with board game Childhood experiences shape popular family pastime BY JENNIFER COYNE STAFF WRITER
CUSHING – In an era of tablets and smartphones, Ev Johnson has created a niche market for the traditional board game. And in doing so, she has connected everyday consumers with the wholesome lifestyle of dairy farmers. InÁuenced by Johnson’s childhood and her brother, Keith’s, career as a third-generation dairy farmer, the siblings developed the Life on the Farm board game. With a roll of dice and a move along the cow path, animals are purchased and sold, bills are paid, and hopefully, as the path comes back to the barn, a milk check is received. “This has been my part-time job forever,” said Johnson, who is a mail carrier for the Cushing area. In the 30 years since the game’s inception, it has transformed in to a household name in the toy industry and the backbone of Johnson’s company, We R Fun Games, Inc. PHOTO BY JENNIFER COYNE Every year, Johnson sells nearly Ev Johnson, of Cushing, is the owner of We R Fun Games, Inc., where she has helped develop popular board 30,000 copies across the nation online games, such as Star Race, Life on the Farm and Preschool Life on the Farm. Johnson Àrst created Life on the and in mom-and-pop shops and retail Farm after her upbringing on a dairy farm near Pierz.
It is one of those subjects no one likes to discuss, let alone believe it could happen, but agroterrorism is a very real threat to our country’s food BY ROGER STROM supply. The Business of Farming For the Àrst time in more than a decade, a senate committee on agriculture, hosted by Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) held a hearing last month on the threat of an agroterrorism attack. During those discussions, it became apparent that planning for such an attack is a low priority on the list of potential threats to our country. Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, now the co-chair of the Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Bio-defense, told the committee that the Department of Homeland Security requested no budget, zero dollars, for agro-defense research and development for Àscal year 2018. He said there is a new $1.25 billion research center, the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, being built at Kansas State University but no money has been allocated to fund the research once the building is complete. He said a big part of the problem is the lack of leadership and a central agency with the goal of addressing agro-defense and it is going
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FFA American Degree Recipients Kenzie Barth, 19
Sophomore at University of MinnesotaTwin Cities, studying plant science and agricultural communications and marketing. FFA chapter: Upsala How many years have you been involved in FFA? Since seventh grade, for eight years. What does it mean to receive your American Degree? It means so much to me that I am able to Ànish my FFA career by earning my American Degree. I feel like the American Degree is recognition for all of the time, energy and passion that I have devoted throughout my time in the organization. I have been blessed with great ofÀcer teams, a supportive community and an advisor who has always pushed me to be better and to be a positive inÁuence on my chapter. When I walked across the stage, I felt like I was making my community, school and chapter proud because they were the ones supporting me and pushing me. Describe your Supervised Agriculture Experience. A few highlights were working in Dairy Queen, a farmhand on two dairies near Upsala, a receptionist at a large animal vet service, an agricultural education teaching assistant with my agriculture teacher and a laboratory technician in a plant pathology lab at the University of Minnesota. How did you develop your project over the years? The project I developed the most was my agricultural education SAE. I started as a teaching assistant with my agriculture teacher and made copies, cleaned the shop or set up labs for future classes. As I got more experience, I gained more responsibilities. Soon, I was working with students one-on-one, helping my agriculture teacher create lesson plans, and even teaching classes under her supervision. I learned about teaching and creating a curriculum for students, and I worked hard to incorporate that into my own teaching abilities. What was the most difÀcult part about the SAE? Learning how to teach. I struggled with patience. The students forced me to grow and helped me to Àgure out how I could better serve them. Teaching challenged me to understand the information I was presenting, be able to present that information in a clear and cohesive way and to be able to address speciÀc questions by students. I learned about myself
from teaching others, and that is one of the most challenging and best lessons I have taken away from my agricultural education SAE. What have you enjoyed most about being a member of FFA? I have been able to develop my speaking and communication skills, both skills that I use frequently in class and in my professional career. I have also met some of the best people through FFA, and I cannot imagine life without them. Those people will be my lifelong friends. FFA has given me the opportunity to develop other young leaders and to help them to be the best version of themselves. What advice do you have for other youth involved in FFA? Explore different CDEs and ofÀcer positions, and Ànd things you like and a few that you love. Stay passionate about those things. Get your friends and peers involved with you so you can grow together because there are so many opportunities to grow in FFA; you just have to look for them.
Audrey Schleper, 20 Junior at the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities. FFA chapter: Upsala How many years have you been involved in FFA? My mother is the agricultural education teacher and FFA adviser where I went to high school, so I was involved in FFA long before I became a member. I joined in seventh grade and was active throughout high school and into college. I served as a chapter ofÀcer for four years, holding several positions including chapter president, and served a year as the Region II FFA treasurer. What does it mean to receive your American Degree? I am very proud of the things I have learned and accomplished as part of my journey to earning my American Degree. I will be taking those skills and experiences with me as I continue my education, career and personal life. Receiving this award was my last ofÀcial act as a chapter member, and I cannot think of a better way to cap off my experience as a member and kick off my experience as an FFA alumna. Also, it just so happened my best friend and I earned our American Degrees
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giants like Tractor Supply Co., Mills Fleet Farm and Menards. “I’m living the dream. I developed an idea, created a product, and now it’s sold in stores across the country,” Johnson said. “It’s kind of fun. Now, people are recognizing [the company]. Life on the Farm has a lot of standing power.” Johnson and her brother grew up on her parents’ dairy farm near Pierz. She also came from an extended family of 60-some cousins who would spend family gatherings playing games while the parents played cards. “The game is set up to reÁect how my brother and I grew up. We created it with real-life experiences,” Johnson said. “Most importantly, Mom and Dad ran the farm as a business. They put money in to the farm and saved to cover unexpected and upcoming expenses. …At the time, it was not a credit-based economy.” The purpose of the game is to have fun, with both children and adults learning about small business and Ànancial management. However, Johnson has learned lessons of her own when developing
BENTON AG | SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2018 | PAGE 3B
from front at the same time, so we were able to go through the process together, which was special. Describe your Supervised Agriculture Experience. From the beginning, I had a horse management SAE, for which I recorded hours training my horses, doing the horse-related chores and milestones. I also had a home improvement SAE, which involved things like mowing the lawn, gardening, Àxing fences and general upkeep of the buildings on the home place. Starting in eighth grade, I recorded the hours I spent volunteering at the Upsala school greenhouse. I would assist in the training of the seventh graders, as well as in selecting the plants we would stock each year and general upkeep. In my senior year, I started working at the gas station as a shortorder cook and cashier. My last SAE was in the summer of 2016, during which I interned as a crop scout at the CentraSota Co-op in Little Falls. How did you develop your project over the years? My SAEs developed as different projects became available to me. I started out with what I was doing around home, and gradually added the other projects as I got older and the opportunities became available. The horse management SAE was the one that changed the most over the years, as the type of training I did with the horses changed, and because I ended up selling one of my horses. What was the most difÀcult part about the SAE? The SAE that presented the most challenge was my horse management SAE. I did get bucked off every once in a while, and fairly often there would be a rough training session. There would seem to be no end to the frustration. However, I think that SAE was also the one I learned the most from – the value of clear communication, of working through frustration and of staying calm when the situation gets tough. I Ànd it amazing how much of what you learn working with horses applies to the rest of your life. What have you enjoyed most about being a member of FFA? How much fun you can have as a member, while still learning things that set you up for success in life. If you are as active in FFA as I was, you spend enough time with your chapter that they become a second family. You laugh with them, work hard with them; all while helping each other grow personally and professionally. I am going to miss hanging out after school in the ag classroom or loading up in a van with my team to compete in a CDE, but I am looking forward to my own career as an ag teacher, so I can provide my students with the opportunities to have some of those same experiences. What advice do you have for other youth involved in FFA? Get out there. Compete in CDEs, attend leadership conferences and run for chapter ofÀces. If that seems scary, start by being active in the chapter – serve on a committee, attend every meeting you can, participate in the chapter fundraiser. You might be unsure of your abilities, but you are never going to Ànd out what you are capable of until you push yourself. FFA gives you all sorts of opportunities; you just have to be brave enough to take advantage of them.
Madeline Drayna, 19
Sophomore at the University of Minnesota-Crookston. FFA chapter: Milaca How many years have you been involved in FFA? I was active in all four years of high school. After I graduated, I worked on Ànishing my American Degree. What does it mean to receive your American Degree? I have always wanted to receive my American Degree. I looked up to the upperclassmen and hoped
I could be as involved and do all they were doing. It means a lot to me. It is cool to look back at how my SAE and FFA experience progressed, and how my hard work paid off. Describe your Supervised Agriculture Experience. My SAE is based on the job I had in high school at Quade’s Performance Horses, a horse-training barn. I learned a lot at this job, so it was a perfect Àt for me to create an SAE out of it. How did you develop your project over the years? When I Àrst started working there, I did chores while my boss, Christine, worked with the horses. I fed and watered, cleaned stalls and paddocks, saddled horses and watched Christine ride. She would always explain to me what she was doing and why and ask me for my opinion of how the horses were doing. Eventually, she started to let me work more and more horses. I had a lot of responsibilities and this allowed me to learn a lot and develop my riding skills, which I focused on in my SAE. A small part of my SAE also included riding and showing my own horses. I brought everything I learned at work back home to my own horses and developed those skills with them as well. What was the most difÀcult part about the SAE? I kept records and Àlled out the application. It was hard at Àrst to Àgure out what type of records I needed to keep so I could Àll out the SAE applications correctly. It taught me how to be on top of things and keep detailed, accurate records. The application was also a bit daunting at Àrst, but with the help of my advisors, it came together easily. What have you enjoyed most about being a member of FFA? Being a part of something that has such a large impact on agriculture. FFA allowed me to Ànd my passion for agriculture and is what led me to pursue a career in agriculture. What advice do you have for other youth involved in FFA? Try new things and be involved. Whether it be doing a new contest, starting an SAE or applying for an ofÀcer position; do it.
Mary Paul, 20 Sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. FFA chapter: Milaca How many years have you been involved in FFA? I have been an active member for Àve years. What does it mean to receive your American Degree? It is something to represent the time, money and energy I put into my SAE. Describe your Supervised Agriculture Experience. My SAE is beef entrepreneurship. My project began in sixth grade when my dad bought me my Àrst heifer calf. When I started my SAE in ninth grade, I had two cows. My herd has grown to 12 head. I manage it with my dad who also has 60 head of beef. My herd is made of mostly old show cows. I started in beef cattle when I wanted to start showing, and I have continued to
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show for the last eight years. How did you develop your project over the years? I started with one Red Angus heifer and I now have 12 head consisting of four different breeds. I have continued to grow and improve my herd through artiÀcial insemination and buying new genetics. Through the years, my herd has become more diverse in breeds and genetics. What was the most difÀcult part about the SAE? Starting. Jumping into the beef industry is not an easy task. It is expensive and a lot of work with sometimes little gain. But with the help of my dad, I was able to accomplish this and work hard to grow and improve my herd. What have you enjoyed most about being a member of FFA? I gained leadership experience. My SAE taught me about the beef industry and how it works. I was able to travel to Louisville and Indianapolis for national conventions and was able to meet many new people. FFA also helped me decide my career path of agricultural education. What advice do you have for other youth involved in FFA? Be involved. Do everything possible. Apply to be an ofÀcer, work on your SAE, Àll out proÀciencies and go on trips.
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