Sauk Rapids Herald - May 5 edition

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Saturday, May 5, 2018

11 2nd Ave. N., Unit 103, Sauk Rapids, Benton County, MN 56379

Vol. 164, No. 4

Referendum vote to take place May 8

Tee time A year and a half ago, Peterson wanted to retire, so Dahl bought back Oak Hill. Now, he owns the course with his two sons, Josh and Nick.

The course is known for its men and women leagues.

“We have a phenomenal mens league with 200 players, and they play every Thursday,” Dahl said.

“We also have three ladies leagues, totaling about 150 ladies. We have a lot of great leagues going on around here.”

One of the course’s biggest projects is starting a year-round restaurant. Dahl hopes to have that

SAUK RAPIDS — Residents of the Independent School District No. 47 will take to the polls May 8 for approval of a building bond.

The $93.1 million referendum asks voters one question: should the school board be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds for construction of a new elementary to replace the current Pleasantview Elementary, a new elementary school on district-owned property, secured entrances at all existing district buildings, outdoor fields and athletic facilities at the high school and the expansion of early childhood learning spaces at Hillside Early Childhood Center and Rice Elementary.

Approval of the ballot question would cause a property tax increase beginning with taxes payable in 2019, continuing for 20 years. According to Benton County, the average household value within the district is $158,355. For that value, the

Oak Hill page 2

Referendum page 3

PHOTO BY ANNA SALDANA

Jim Dahl overlooks the golf course at Oak Hill Golf Club April 26. With the extended winter, Oak Hill opened for their first day of the season April 27.

Oak Hill opens for season, expecting changes

BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER

RICE – The swing of a club and the click of it connecting with the ball on the tee.

“That’s what we live for,” said Jim Dahl, owner of Oak Hill Golf Club. “To most that come play golf at our course it’s a calming sound.”

As of April 27, the golf course is open for the season, a season Dahl has been anticipating.

“With the extended winter and finally getting to open, we are excited,” Dahl said. “We have some changes to the course in the works

that I think people are really going to enjoy. This course is long overdue for some changes and updates.”

Dahl and partner Roger Peterson built the golf course in 1990 with the front nine holes, nestled in the woodlands a quarter mile off of Highway 10.

“At that time, I felt St. Cloud needed another golf course,” Dahl said. “I wanted to build a golf course along a major highway because of all the traffic and the potential to bring in a lot of people. And this piece of land is perfect for a golf course. It’s rolling and full of beautiful oaks and pines.”

Upon first acquiring the land, the clubhouse was located further down the hill, to the east of the current clubhouse.

“This used to be a gun range and that’s where they had the building,” Dahl said. “After seven years, we decided to build the back nine, and we built the current clubhouse.”

Dahl and Peterson managed the golf course together until Dahl sold his stock 10 years ago.

“I wanted to get away from Oak Hill to establish Eagle’s Landing out

by Fort Ripley,” Dahl said. “I built that course in 2000 and had other projects I wanted to do.”

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

Changes made to promote ambassador program Females 16-20 years old eligible to participate

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS — After declining numbers of participants in the past, the Sauk Rapids Community Ambassador Program has altered its requirements. This year, candidates ages 16-20 years old, who live within the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, will be accepted. Prior to the change only high school juniors or seniors were eligible to wear the crown.

“We decided that this opportunity should be open to a wider range of women,” said Marie Hess, co-director and events coordinator of the Sauk Rapids Community Ambassador Program. “We want more people who might not have had time or the interest in high school to be able to still run and have the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Young women who would like the chance to represent the Sauk Rapids community should save the date May 21. That evening at 6 p.m. interested parties and their parents are welcome to attend an informational meeting at the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Attendees will learn about the year’s upcoming activities

Ambassadors page 2

Walking queen among us

PHOTO BY ANNA SALDANA

Linda Lemke (right) teaches Nordic walking to LuAnne Chandler (from left), Sharon Lahr, Mary Leddy and Briana Chandler May 3 in St. Cloud. Lemke holds weekly walks Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. at Lake George in St. Cloud.

Lemke shares Nordic exercise passion with all

BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

Brooklyn Harren is crowned at the Sauk Rapids Community Ambassador Pageant June 22, 2017. Harren has represented the community over the past year.

PUBLIC NOTICES

SAUK RAPIDS – Linda Lemke is known as the Nordic walking queen, taking the normal exercise of walking to the next level.

Nordic walking is fitness walking with poles, which uses a cross country skiing technique but helps with much more than a regular walk would.

“I love Nordic walking because it’s gentle, easy to do and it’s not a tremendous workout,” Lemke said.

“It increases strength training by using 30 percent more muscles than a regular walk.”

Since she was first introduced to Nordic walking in 2005, Lemke has made it an active part of her life.

“The company I was working for decided to start selling the poles for Nordic walking,” Lemke said.

“They wanted someone to promote and teach Nordic walking, so I volunteered. Little did I know how much that would come to impact my life. Now I hardly ever walk without my poles. Most mornings, I walk three to four miles with them.”

Lemke is passionate about Nordic walking and sharing it with others through classes and individual instruction. She started teaching in the Twin Cities metro area and has expanded to central Minnesota.

• IDS No. 47 Notice of Optical Scan Voting System - pg. 3 • Benton County Board of Commissioners Notice of Public Hearing - pg. 3 • ISD No. 47 Regular Semi-Monthly Board Meeting April 16, 2018 - pg. 3 • ISD No. 47 Work Study Minutes - pg. 5 • City of Sauk Rapids Notice of Filing - pg. 5 • ISD No. 47 Notice of Locations Where Ballots Will Be Counted - pg. 5 • Benton County Board of Adjustment Notice of Public Hearings - pg. 4B

“I love teaching people how to do it,” Lemke said. “I always tell people I’m going to teach them to walk like royalty. I often get people who tell me, after they try Nordic walking for the first time at one of my classes, that they can already tell a difference in their posture or how they are walking.”

Those instant results are one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching classes on Nordic walking and Lemke said if people see instant results, they tend to want more and stick with it longer.

Lemke said getting into Nordic walking is easy. It only takes about 10 minutes for her to get someone new going with the poles, but if someone wants to invest in a pair of poles, it will take anywhere between

Lemke page 2

• Certificate of Assumed Name - Envision Photography - pg. 4B • Benton County Cemetery Association Annual Meeting - pg. 4B • Benton County Regular Meeting Minutes, April 17, 2018 - pg. 4B • Notice of Mortgage Foreclosure - Johnson - pg. 5B • Benton County Highway Dept. 2018 Gravel Crushing Project - pg. 5B

NEWS

PAGE 2 | SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

In memory________________ Irene, It’s now 16 years since God took you home.

My wife of 53 years, mother of five girls and two boys, a very special mother.

Also three hours later, God took my brother, Lloyd.

R-18-1F

WHAT’S HAPPENING Sunday, May 6, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services — Branches Band. Band members Andy Braun and Rachel Braun travel the country playing hymns and original scripture-based songs to edify worship. A music program especially for children will also take place at 9:15 a.m. Petra Lutheran Church, 1049 First Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.

Monday, May 7, 1-7 p.m. — American Red Cross Blood Donations. It’s Lora K’s birthday so give a gift in her honor by scheduling an appointment at 320-393-2701. Walk-ins welcome. Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran Church, 1950 125th Street N.W., Rice.

Monday, May 7, 4:30-7:30 p.m. — Taste of St. Cloud annual Franciscan Community Volunteer fundraiser.

Enjoy an array of cuisine from local restaurants, music and a silent auction. Best Western Plus-Kelly Inn, 100 Fourth Ave. S., St. Cloud. Purchase tickets online at http://fcvonline.org or by contacting Pat Flicker at 320-229-0307.

Monday, May 7, 6-7:30 p.m. — Family Game Night.

Sponsored by the Benton County Substance Use Prevention Coalition. Games provided or bring your own. Light snacks will be served. Rice Elementary Cafeteria, 200 Third Ave. N.E., Rice. Free but RSVP to jwillman@co.benton.mn.us or 320-362-4716.

Tuesday, May 8, 3:30-5:30 p.m. — Fare for all Express.

Resurrection Lutheran Church, 610 County Road 2, St. Joseph. For more information visit http://fareforall.org or call 800-582-4291.

Wednesday, May 9, 7:30-8:45 p.m. — Elder Care and Vulnerable Adult Protection Discussion. Great River Regional Library, Mississippi Room 106, 1300 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud.

Thursday, May 10, 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.

Heinen announces plans to run for county commissioner

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS — Sauk Rapids City Council member Steve Heinen will be running for county office.

Although the official filing period is from May 22 to June 5, Heinen has announced his candidacy for Benton County Commissioner District 3. He will vie for commissioner Jim McMahon’s seat on the Nov. 6 general election ballot, unless three or more people file for the office in which a primary will take place.

District 3 Commissioner represents Benton County’s Precincts 3 and 4, the city of Sauk Rapids and the Benton County’s portion of the city of Sartell. Commissioners serve four-year terms and the newlyelected official will serve through 2023.

“I’m looking for a new

BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – The Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board continued their discussion on open enrollment April 30 during their regular scheduled meeting.

At the board’s April 16 meeting, they voted unanimously to reduce open enrollment by setting grade

Ambassadors

Thursday, May 10, 6 p.m. — Royalton FFA Alumni’s third annual silent auction. Hosted in conjunction with the annual Royalton FFA Chapter Banquet. All funds raised are used to defray costs for members attending Greenhand and Leadership camps. Royalton High School, 120 S. Hawthorn Street, Royalton.

and be able to ask current Sauk Rapids Ambassador Brooklyn Harren about her experience.

“During the informational night, girls will be free to ask questions, learn about the title of an ambassador and be able to meet the people behind the scenes of the crown,” Hess said. “The experience of an ambassador has so many parts — traveling to different communities, volunteering around the community, a summer full of parades,

Pulse on people

Benton County marriage applications Matthew Nicholas Karpen and Angela May Kotsmith, both of Foley.

Bernhardt receives doctorate from WSU PULLMAN, Wash. — Elizabeth Bernhardt, daughter of Bonnita Bernhardt and Thomas Bernhardt of Sauk Rapids, has received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in physics at Washington State University.

Schimniches inducted to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society WILLMAR — Carol Schimnich and Emily Schimnich, both of Sauk Rapids, joined more than 100 Ridgewater College students who became new members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society this spring.

PTK is a national honor society for two-year colleges.

Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 and must have completed a minimum of 12 credits.

Local students named to dean’s list ASHLAND, Wis. — Sauk Rapids residents Nicole Gass and Stephanie Wright have been named to the dean’s list at Northland College for the 2017-18 winter term.

To qualify for the list, full-time students must have a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Wurdelman honored with Kirby Leadership Institute Certificate.

DULUTH — The University of Minnesota-Duluth Office of Student Life and Kirby Student Center honored 74 students at the annual Student Leadership Awards Celebration.

Michaela Wurdelman, a senior psychology major, from Sauk Rapids, received the Kirby Leadership Institute Certificate.

“These UMD Bulldogs, like Michaela Wurdelman, are among the best and brightest in the student body,” said Jessica Gile Eaton, Kirby Student Center communication manager.

“They go above and beyond. We are grateful to these students for going the extra mile to make UMD and the Duluth community a better place.”

recruitment of businesses. He plans to also concentrate on road infrastructure.

“I do know there is only so much of the pot (of money) to go around for all five districts, but everyone should have a share in it to get all their roads redone,” Heinen said. “That’s what I have been doing with the city ever since I was elected, trying to get our roads in better position than what they are or have been.”

If Heinen is elected to District 3 office, the city of Sauk Rapids will have two options to fill the remaining two years of Heinen’s current council position. The city may appoint a person to fill the role or a special election may take place. If Heinen is not elected to the county board, he will continue as a Sauk Rapids City Council Member.

School board examines enrollment

Thursday, May 10, 4-5 p.m. — Independent Living for People with Disabilities Public Forum. Independent Lifestyles, 215 N. Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids.

Saturday, May 12, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Day of Learning at the KISS [Keep it Satisfyingly Simple] Farm. Soap making, seed and garden planting, succession planting, planting for pollinators, beekeeping, goat cheese making, maple syruping, native plants, chickens, goats and more. 39599 83rd Street, Hillman. Register through Benton County Extension 4-H at 320-968-5077. Small fee.

challenge,” Heinen said. “I’ve was elected to the Sauk Rapids been involved City Council with the city for in 2012 and 14 years, and has served his I’ve actually community as a worked really member of many close with the subcommittees county with the throughout his Second Streetterms, as well as Up the Hill eight years prior project. I knew as a member then, that at some of the Sauk point in time, I Rapids Planning was going to run Commission. for county office.

In addition to I do live in the his duties as third district … a member of Steve Heinen so the timing was council, Heinen right for me to is a member of run for the third district and to the Sauk Rapids Sportsmen’s see what I could do.”

Club and has been a firearms Heinen has lived in Sauk instructor for more than 20 Rapids his entire life. His wife years and is a current coach Mary and he have been married of the Sauk Rapids-Rice trap for more than 30 years, and the team. couple has two adult children Heinen said he would like – Andy and Nicole. Heinen, the county to continue its focus owner of Heinen Drywall, Inc., on economic development and

from front

Lemke from front $100-$200.

“If you buy poles, you want ones that have replaceable parts and have removable rubber tips,” Lemke said. “It’s easier to fix the poles if they are broken.

And the removable tips allow you to navigate on any surface – hard, snowy, gravel, you name it.”

Lemke typically has extra poles available for purchase at her classes to make the buying process easier and less confusing.

Oak Hill from front

level maximums and further reduce open enrolled students to equal the amount of district residents enrolling their students elsewhere.

In the most recent discussion, the board and interim superintendent Bruce Watkins walked through the proposed policy. A large portion of the discussion surrounds legalities of how to screen open enrollment applicants.

“We aren’t allowed to screen someone for their previous academic standing, previous disciplinary actions, disabilities or English proficiency,” Watkins said.

The board’s discussion served as the first reading of the policy and the board is required to do at least two readings. Prior to the next meeting, Watkins wants some clarification on wording in

the policy from the district’s attorney.

The board is scheduled to have the second reading on the policy at their next meeting May 14.

In other school board news: - Approved the contract with Karl Nohner as the new Sauk Rapids-Rice High School principal, effective July 1.

coronations and much more.”

Attending the formal meeting is the first step to becoming a candidate vying for one of three 2018-19 titles. Ambassador hopefuls must also find a sponsor and complete a series of sessions from May until June as they prepare for the possibility of their reign. The sessions include a photo shoot, various speakers, mock interviews and helping with the Sauk Rapids princess program. Applications will be available at the meeting May 21 as well as at https:// www.saukrapidsriverdays. com.

The Sauk Rapids Community Ambassador Pageant will take place June 21 at 7 p.m. in the Sauk RapidsRice Performing Arts Center and will kick off the three-day Rapids River Days community celebration. Candidates will be judged by a panel on interviewing skills, evening gown, poise and presentation and a resume and essay portion.

“I am so excited for the girls who are wanting to run this year,” Hess said. “We are hoping to grow the program every year and make each year better.”

Sauk Rapids Community

Ambassadors represent the city of Sauk Rapids as good-will ambassadors throughout their reign by attending parades and community events.

In addition to tiaras, sashes and duties as an ambassador, each of the titleholders will receive a portion of scholarship money donated by the Sauk Rapids Lions Club and the Sauk Rapids Community Ambassador Organization at the end of their reign. One ambassador will also have the opportunity to advance to the Minneapolis Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes competition.

“Some people have a hard partnership with Independent time knowing Lifestyles on what to buy when North Benton they are looking Drive. for poles online,” “I do a lot Lemke said. of work with “Having them who have “The health people available at these special needs, classes makes too,” Lemke said. benefits it a lot easier “They tend to see of Nordic for people to overwhelming continue Nordic walking are results.” walking.”

In addition incredible.” to Lemke hosts teaching, weekly walks in Lemke enjoys - Linda Cold Spring and Nordic walking Lemke at Lake George for her own in St. Cloud. She benefit. also teaches a “The health number of classes in Sauk benefits of Nordic walking Rapids, particularly in a are incredible,” Lemke said.

“There are so many things it can do for a person’s health.

I plan to continue doing it as long as I can, partially because of the health benefits but mostly because I love doing it.”

Lemke hopes to continue making a difference in other people’s lives.

“I will never not encourage someone to try it,” Lemke said. “I invite anyone who wants to give it a try to come to one of the walks or to one of my classes. I really hope they will see Nordic walking as worthwhile, and I hope they find lifelong benefits from it, too.”

burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads and pastas among other things. I want it to be more than that. I want it to be more of a fine dining restaurant as well as a sports-bar feel.”

Dahl’s plan is to open up the space on the upper level to accommodate as much seating as possible. The pro shop will then be moved to the lower level.

“I think it will be a good addition for the area,” Dahl said. “It will employ a lot of

Dahl said. “I feel a lot of people like the location, being right off Highway 10, and they like their experiences at Eagle’s Landing. Once we make some updates and get the course how I’d like it, Oak Hill is going to have a very similar feel to Eagle’s, and I think people are going to like that.”

people and it will keep things busy around here when people can’t play golf.”

Dahl is also working on adding a driving range to the course but feels that will take some time to implement due to the restaurant project.

Overall, Dahl’s biggest goal is for everyone to have a good experience at Oak Hill, and he hopes his upcoming additions will make it even better.”

“It’s such a pretty area,”

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going in August.

“I like what other golf courses have done, and I’m very excited for this,” Dahl said. “Not only will it have visitors here year-round, but it will add another eating establishment to the area.

Right now, it’s a one-person kitchen with your basics like

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PAGE 4 | SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Letters to the Editor Why I am voting yes

Bryce Johnson, Vote Yes ISD No. 47 Committee Chair The citizens, who reside within the Independent School District No. 47 boundaries, have an important decision to make May 8. It is not a small decision nor a quick one, but we are asked to vote. I will be voting yes.

Our elementary school system is the foundation for our children’s education. Pleasantview, with the pod-style layout, classrooms without doors and temporary dividers between rooms is no longer an adequate learning space. Rebuilding is a must in this referendum.

The fourth elementary being proposed will go on property already owned by the district. We are not asked to build this school so we can fill it full the day it opens. We are asked to build it because we need to alleviate space concerns today and allow for adequate space to accommodate our growing Sauk Rapids population. The time to expand is now.

Secure entrances in all buildings must happen. It is unfortunate to realize the need to think defense in protecting our kids while at school, but the reality is it is the first step in protecting them from outside harm. Our early childhood is ranked top-25 in the state. We will be expanding the program space at both the Rice and Hillside facilities. Imagine the possibilities if the program is provided with enough space to accommodate all of our resident students. The sooner we are able to give our young learners access to district programs the greater their potential.

Finally, it is time to bring the athletic facilities to the high school campus. Football, lacrosse, tennis and track are examples of programs that have to travel to participate in their sport. Too many parents of student athletes have told stories of their child getting in an accident while leaving school grounds to go to practice or games. We need to limit this risk as much as possible and keep as many sports on campus as we can.

Ask the district any questions you may have and be informed.

Be sure to vote May 8. According to a district survey conducted last fall, 52 percent of respondents did not vote because they forgot, got too busy or thought it would pass. Please vote yes May 8. The kids of ISD No. 47 need their communities’ support to provide them with the absolute best learning environments we can offer. They will pay you back in ways you could never imagine.

Invest in our future Megan Johnson, Sauk Rapids Kudos to the staff at Pleasantview. They work with what they have.

The office is not in view of any door, they have a video intercom to get buzzed in. The school was built in the 1960s when security was not first on anybody’s mind, the office staff is working with what they have. Imagine how effective it would be if the school was designed with safety in mind.

Each pod has one cubby area with open classrooms connected. The classrooms do not have doors. I do not know how each teacher is able to keep the attention of 24 students with how much activity goes on, but they do. Teachers plan their lessons around the other classrooms with the noise levels. Imagine how much more learning could happen if the classrooms were set up to be standard classrooms.

Teachers line up students for bathroom breaks before lunch.

The kids line up in two lines, one for boys and one for girls.

They head to the one set of bathrooms for the entire school.

Imagine how much quicker this process could be if there were more than one multi-stall bathroom for the school.

Kindergarten eats lunch at 10:30 a.m. That is too early.

There is not room to have multiple grades in the cafeteria at a time. It is congested with the kindergarten classes; I cannot imagine what it would be like with older. Imagine having the room to have all of your students eat lunch over three lunch periods, not six.

I do not want to imagine. I want my children taught in a school that is equipped to teach in this century. I want a district where students want to attend because we have the best teachers, classes, safe environments and because we welcome anyone who wants to come to our schools, regardless of where they call home. I want to be the school where every teacher wants to teach, because of what our community does for our students, for our district and because we support Independent School District No. 47. I want high school athletes to not have to drive across town to get to practice or a game. I want the best for our children even with the increase in taxes, because I was always taught to invest in our future.

That is why I am voting yes May 8. Because our children are our future.

Letter to district residents

Jeff Hille, Sauk Rapids Hello residents of Independent School District No. 47.

I am a lifelong resident of Sauk Rapids, alumni of Sauk Rapids-Rice School District and educator at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. Working with our youth in various coaching and mentorship roles is what I do. I am proud to have been born and raised in our community and look forward to seeing it continue evolve and prosper.

Convincing friends and family into buying a home and raising their young families in Sauk Rapids-Rice is a regular occurrence for me. Through many of these conversations, I have learned about some of the priorities that young families have when considering moving to and participating in our community.

As they pertain to schools, these priorities often include a desire for clean, reasonably-sized elementary schools and high-quality after-school activities and facilities.

The Sauk Rapids-Rice School District provided me with a great education and experience in extracurricular activities as a youngster. I look forward to building on that tradition by voting yes in the May 8 election. I trust that passing this referendum will improve our community’s ability to be competitive academically and in the activities that support student learning.

I support our upcoming referendum because I trust it will have a tremendously positive impact on student and community development. Schools should be the hub of the community.

These are the spaces the residents gather for student and community events. I would encourage you to support investing in a hub we can be proud of if you have the financial means to do so.

PS. Let us treat each other well regardless of our perspective on the issue.

OPINION

Who is keeping track?

Regardless if you are for or against the The proposed new elementary school will upcoming Sauk Rapids-Rice School District have a capacity for 752 students. The district’s referendum, you should be able to agree on the goal is to operate three elementary schools in fact that our district currently has a space problem.

Sauk Rapids with between 600-800 students each Our elementary schools exceed their capacities by as well as continue education in Rice, which has a a total of 245 students. capacity of 348 students.

The school board is taking steps toward At the low end of the spectrum, if proactively managing the middle and high schools Pleasantview, Mississippi Heights and the new capacities with a resolution passed April 16. But BY NATASHA BARBER school have 100 kids per grade and Rice 58, we despite some of what has been said, that may or can expect 358 children per grade. That number may not mean the district will begin to reduce times four (for the four grade levels at the high open enrollment. school) is 1,432 students. If we have a 133-kid per grade level The Sauk Rapids-Rice middle school allows for 1,281 average in the three SR schools and 58 in Rice that number students in grades six, seven and eight. I wanted to see how rises to 457 per grade, exceeding high school capacity by 313 close we were to reaching those capacity limits, so I did the kids. math, and the numbers do not lie.

Pleasantview has a capacity of 695 students, Mississippi The proposed building bond plans to have a construction Heights 891 and Rice 348. If class sizes averaged 115, 148, 58 completed in its entirety by August 2021. In three years’ time, (capacity divided by six grade levels) we could house the high our current second-, third- and fourth-grade students will school with 1,284 kids and continue to be within capacity. be housed in the middle school as sixth, seventh and eighth If the district were to reduce open enrollment to the 1 graders. If enrollment numbers were to remain stagnant from percent mandatory minimum required by the state of Minnesota the beginning of the 2017-18 school year (which is unlikely), now, it is likely that in three years’ time (the same amount of the middle school will be in excess of about 200 seats. At the time to complete construction) all elementary schools could high school, when the students of the class of 2024 toss their be within their capacity limits. By transferring the 233 opencaps in the air, we will have approximately 1,427 students enrolled third, fourth and fifth graders (which were enrolled in the high school (using 371 as the current sixth-grade at the beginning of the school year) onto middle school and enrollment number as recorded by the district in the submitted not replacing them with newly-open-enrolled kindergarten review and comment document). Only 88 students shy of the students, Pleasantview would remain with 691 students and 1,515 capacity.

Mississippi Heights would have 884.

Those numbers are with no changes. They do not take into Managing enrollment without an additional elementary account new open enrollment students nor do they take into school is possible if we are patient or even creative, looking at account resident growth. other options to help us wade the waters for three years. Yet, if The school board has passed unanimously a resolution voters decide to approve more space, I would hope the district to begin creating caps for grade level enrollment. But my follows through with their goal to manage capacities at the question is what was the policy before? How was the district middle and high schools. Because with no one watching, we regulating their numbers prior to the resolution, and does poor will be right back at the polling place sooner than one would planning on their part, now, constitute an emergency on ours? like.

Revelations in God’s word changes the world

There she was, talking and realizing at the Damaris asks these questions as she’s speaking and what life-giving questions they same time what was in front of her all along; are. We can ask ourselves these questions, both God’s design for reconciliation, forgiveness and male and female, while we’re at school, work, freedom. What we were learning about this week a social gathering or when we’re alone, and we was the teaching that spiritual mature women can direct our words and behavior to represent ought not be slanderers. In our Titus study, every Jesus well. Slander is diabolical. Satan knows woman present was having revelations through that and he wants us to misrepresent Jesus more this understated mandate in chapter two: women than anything. That’s what the world thinks is it mentoring women, commending God’s mighty not? That Christians are hypocrites, and so many works from one generation to another. “Older times we are. Ask yourselves these questions, women likewise ... not slanderers ...”

The definition of slander is to say something BY MERCY NYGAARD and you will prevent slander in your life and to others. false about someone, misrepresent them, in Life by Faith There was a lot of convicted feelings after order to hurt their reputation. But did you know you can hurt someone’s reputation even if you are saying hearing this perspective on slander we had never thought something true about someone? We shrug it off as if we are about. Damaris then gives this life-giving statement: Maybe you will admit today that you have slandered, innocent when we pass information about someone that is damaging but say, “What? I’m only saying what is true,” or your life at times has lied. The good news is that the Holy Spirit is so gracious to point these things out to us and “The truth hurts.” We are slanderers when we do that.

Damaris Carbough was a speaker at the Adorned, convicts us so that we may repent. Our heavenly Father is so Revive Our Hearts 2017 conference. What she shared was willing to forgive. Oh, that our hearts would truly desire to ground breaking for desiring to live a godly life. Here’s why. live out the beauty of the gospel together so that in everything The Holy Spirit revealed to her that slander is also when you we may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

We are taught not to be slanderers so that by representing behave in a way that misrepresents the Lord Jesus Christ.

Because we are image bearers of Jesus, anything we do that Jesus well, we will make the Gospel look attractive. This will be attractive for younger women to want to be around older misrepresents Him is slander.

Do I encourage others to do things that I am not doing women and to learn how to love their husbands and their myself? Am I always talking just so that others would like children. Men will be lifted up, encouraged to be who God me? Have I made someone think less of Jesus because of the designed them to be. It was always supposed to be this way. way I’ve treated them or spoken to them or ignored them. Is As women discover this revelation, the world will change no the underlying desire behind everything I say, everything I doubt. And, we’re all at least wanting the world to change. It starts here. do, that you would think more of Jesus?

Letters to the Editor Vote yes Roxanne Wilson, Rice I am discouraged reading the attacks on school board members and administration. They held district-wide listening and planning sessions and invited the community to participate. We all had the opportunity. While you may not agree with every decision; hardworking people have put a proposal before us. The proposal is for new buildings and upgrades focused on creating positive building learning environments at all age levels and in all schools, improved security and safety, outdoor learning and accommodating future SRR residential growth. Our schools impact economic development, the type and rate of housing development, attracting new community members and our future workforce for SRR businesses and longterm care settings.

Interest rates are at an all-time low. Each delay increases costs. Pleasantview needs to be replaced and an additional elementary school built. Since the planning committee spent time evaluating the whole, they learned one large school is not what is best for students and was strongly opposed by the community. One large school requires two gymnasiums, two cafeterias and additional

Let us be better together Kristi Patterson, Sauk Rapids My kids will soon be graduating from Sauk RapidsRice, yet I am committed to a great education and learning environment for the children and families in our district.

We moved to Sauk Rapids several years ago because of the strong school district and the welcoming community. It was a wonderful decision. As a parent I am nearing a point where I could just step away and be done with the school district. However, as a community member, I cannot make that choice.

In my work as a nurse, I see young adults returning to or staying in the Sauk Rapids area because of their

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11 Second Ave. N., Unit 103 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 (320) 251-1971 The Sauk Rapids Herald is published on Saturdays by Star Publications.

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Benton, Stearns or Sherburne Counties - $50 per year Other counties and outside Minnesota - $55 per year $5 per month for snowbirds Mark Klaphake Joyce Frericks Missy Traeger Jeff Weyer Pat Turner Brian Dingmann Amanda Thooft Tara Pitschka Cassidy Zenzen Natasha Barber Kayla Hunstiger

rooms, driving up costs.

In addition, elementary schools with a large population are not effective for the social and emotional development of young children. Children thrive in smaller settings where they feel part of a school family.

A continued delay requires spending on outdated systems or as suggested by a close open enrollment leader “setting up a sting operation of parents to see if the teachers close the doors manually.” While that seems silly, it is an example of the spread of mistrust and arguing at every level of a discussion.

You can vote yes and then vote to have a school board that represents your interests or run yourself. Speak to the new superintendent who is known for listening. Because of open enrollment, there is funding for the operational budget. If there is a no vote, part of funding will go to Band-Aid inadequate infrastructure.

The issues are not black and white. I have learned at the discussions in Rice and Sauk Rapids. Consider stepping away from the villainizing talk and ask yourself what kind of community you want Sauk Rapids-Rice to be. While the drama of all of it can be easy to engage in, have the courage to trust the people you elected have worked hard to bring an idea forward that considers the unique needs of each site. Vote yes May 8

ties to the community and schools. Our community has an opportunity to continue to attract new residents, retain quality teachers and staff and produce exceptional youth.

Attacking each other, criticizing every move made by the school board, teachers and administration does not foster a sense of community.

Open enrollment has been used to help keep tax rates down.

Does it need managing? Yes. It is a complex issue. If you have not already, consider engaging in the process and learn more.

You can help make our schools even better than they already are. We can find a solution together without compromising our integrity or each other’s humanity. Building is not a here and now decision. It builds on our future. Please vote yes May 8.

Letters to the editor page 5

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PAGE 6 | SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

SPORTS

Storm slug way past Warriors strikeouts.

BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER

Batting: Silbernick 1H; Lazer 1H; Patterson 1H; Fuecker 1BB; The Storm baseball Krueger 1BB. Pitching: Donahue team played their way to a 3IP, 7H, 7R, 5ER, 1BB, 1K; Massman 10-5-win April 27 against 1IP, 1H, 1R, 1ER, 1BB, 1K; Lunser 3IP, 6H, 4R, 1BB, 2K. Brainerd.

However, SRR lost their other three games of the week. They fell 4-3 and 12-0 in a May 1 doubleheader against Alexandria and 12-0 in Monticello April 28.

Alexandria 12, SRR 0 The Storm struggled to connect with pitches May 1 in the second game of the doubleheader against Alexandria. Connor Silbernick, Cordell Lazer and Kade Patterson each had one hit. Cole Fuecker and Cullen Krueger had a walk each during an at-bat.

Logan Donahue started things off on the mound for the Storm, pitching three innings and earning one strikeout. Anthony Massman stepped in for an inning, and Reid Lunser finished things off. Lunser earned two

Alexandria 4, SRR 3 SRR fought and kept a close game during the first of two battles against Alexandria. While they let two Alexandria runs through in the second, they answered with one of their own in the top of the third. Alexandria scored their final two runs in the bottom of the fifth. The Storm came back with two of their own in the top of the seventh but fell short of a tie or a win.

Tanner Andvik was a contributor for the team, making one hit and adding two RBIs. Massman also helped the team, slugging out one hit and scoring a run.

Patterson added two hits, Joey Schreiner was able to come across home plate for a run, and Tyler Hemker got one hit

and one RBI. hits, the Storm won 10-5.

Lazer pitched the entirety Massman went 3-3 at the of the game and boasted eight plate, scored two runs and strikeouts. brought in three RBIs. Lunser Batting: Andvik 1H, 2RBI; also scored two runs.

Massman 1R, 1H; Patterson 2H; Brady Posch spent six Schreiner 1H; Hemker 1H, 1RBI. innings on the mound with Pitching: Lazer 6IP, 8H, 4R, 4ER, eight strikeouts, allowing 1BB, 8K. only five hits.

Monticello 12, SRR 0 Batting: Andvik 1R, 1H, 1BB; The Storm fell to Fuecker 1R, 1RBI, 2BB; Posch 1R, Monticello April 28 in 1H, 1RBI, 2BB; Durant 1R, 1H, 2RBI, 1BB; Massman 2R, 3H, 3RBI, 1BB; Sauk Rapids. Andvik Lazer 1R, 2H, 1BB; Schreiner 1R, was the only slugger to 1H; Patterson 1BB; Lunser 2R, 1BB. connect.

Pitching: Posch 6 IP, The Storm 5H, 3R, 3ER, circulated through four 2BB, 8K; pitchers – Hemker, Fuecker 1IP, 1H, 2R, Lazer, Lunser and 2ER, 1BB, 1K. Massman – resulting in a combined four strikeouts.

Batting: Andvik 1H; Patterson 1BB; Massman 1BB. Pitching: Hemker 1.2IP, 6H, 7R, 6ER, 1BB; Lazer 1.1IP, 6H, 4R, 4ER; Lunser 1IP, 1H, 1K; Massman 1IP, 1H, 1R, 1ER, 3BB, 3K.

Brady Posch takes a swing at a pitch April 28 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. The Storm lost 12-0 to Monticello.

Boys track nipped by half-point The Storm boys track and field team missed a firstplace finish by a half-point April 27. The Huskers edged out Sauk Rapids-Rice at the Holdingford invitational. Of eight teams, SRR finished in second with 144.5 points.

The team’s achievements started with the relay teams.

The 4x800m relay, comprised of Landry Seaman, Jared Bentrud, Alex Torvik and Chan Balo, brought in a firstplace finish. The two 4x200m relay teams came in fourth and sixth. The 4x100m relay team of Nathan Waldorf, Christian Rodriguez, Jorden Newbanks

respectively.

Dakota Johnson found his way to a first-place finish in the 200m dash, as well as contributing a sixth-place finish in the 400m dash.

Individual top-eight boys: 4x800 relay: 1. Seaman, Bentrud, Torvik and Balo 8:54.73; 110 hurdles: 7. Spencer Weber 17.32; 100 dash: 4. Waldorf 11.61; 4x200 relay: 4. Marcus Santillana, Rodriguez, Tayton Philavahn and Jorden Newbanks 1:41.44; 6. Kyle Conway, Jack O’Brien, Pierson Schroeder and Cade MiltonBaumgardner 1:53.21; 1600 run: 1. Schlichting 5:00.49 and 5. Bentrud 5:05.12; 4x100 relay: 2. Waldorf, Rodriguez, Jorden Newbanks and Mitchell Peterson 46.40; 6. Bradyn Petrek, O’Brien, Braeden Holt and Schroeder 54.01; 7. Nathan Peterson, Ryan

Moilanen, Cris Villagra and Tristan Welch 55.70; 400 dash: 6. Johnson 58.47 and 7. Milton-Baumgardner; 300 hurdles: 3. Weber 45.81 and 5. Jaden Newbanks 47.70; 800 run: 1. Torvik 2:09.80; 2. Balo 2:09.98; 5. Seaman 2:11.47; 200 dash: 1. Johnson 24.31; 3200 run: 4. Schlichting 10:59.01; 4x400 relay: 2. Waldorf, Torvik, Johnson and Balo 3:38.84; 6. Schroeder, Conway, Rodriguez and Weber 4:03.40; long jump: 3. Waldorf 17 feet 11.50 inches and 5. Jorden Newbanks 17 feet 11 inches; triple jump: 5. Cole Ritten 38 feet 5 inches and 6. Weber 37 feet; high jump: 4. Philavahn 5 feet 8 inches; pole vault: 1. Jaden Newbanks 11 feet and 8. Jorden Newbanks 10 feet; shot put: 6. Ian Hayes 40 feet 10 inches and 8. Raymond Nowacki 37 feet 10 inches; discus throw: 4. Hayes 109 feet 8 inches.

girls track and field

Trio scores big for girls track

BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER

The Storm girls track and field team raced to success at the Holdingford invitational April 27. The girls placed third out of eight teams at the meet.

Julia Severson, Emma Mader and Alexandra O’Brien were key contributors to the team’s triumphs, each placing in the top three in at least one event. Severson took the top spot in the 1600m run with a time of 5:48.68. Mader took third in the same event, as well as taking second in the 3200m

run. O’Brien continues to be a leader in the discus throw, hurling for a second-place finish.

The 4x200m relay team – Jessica Weber, Morgan Westre, Justus Floren and Callie Pakkala – placed second out of 13 teams.

Mikayla Zaske and Floren also contributed top-eight finishes to help the team reach their bronze placing. Zaske took fifth in the 100m hurdles, seventh in the 300m hurdles and fourth in the triple jump.

Floren took third in the high jump in addition to her success

with various relay teams.

Severson’s and Mader’s success on the track follows their successful fall cross country season, where both were top finishers for the Storm. Mader, a senior, will be furthering her running career at Hamline University in both cross country and track.

Individual top-eight girls: 4x800 relay: 4. Ava JuntunenNovak, Maria Kost, Kayleen Martins and Tessa Fernholz 11:39.10; 100 hurdles: 5. Zaske 17.73; 4x200 relay: 2. Weber, Westre, Floren and Pakkala 2:00.32; 1600 run: 1.

Severson 5:48.68, 3. Mader 6:05.84 and 7. Martins 6:23.68; 4x100

relay: 8. Weber, Westre, Floren and Pakkala 58.12; 400 dash: 4.

Bailey Roscoe 1:09.47 and 8. Jalynn Jackson 1:11.01; 300 hurdles: 7.

Zaske 53.94; 3200m run: 2. Mader 12:54.15; 4x400 relay: 7. Zaske, Jackson, Fernholz and Ezigbo Ugochukwu 4:44.97; long jump: 6. Westre 13 feet 11 inches and 8.

Floren 13 feet 8.75 inches; triple jump: 4. Zaske 30 feet 1 inch and 5. Weber 29 feet 8 inches; high jump: 3. Floren 4 feet 6 inches, 7.

Mara Pesta-Carlson 4 feet 6 inches and 7. Roscoe 4 feet 6 inches; shot put: 8. Abigail Niesen 31 feet 1 inch; discus throw: 2. O’Brien 99 feet 6.6 inches. 6. Niesen 85 feet 10 inches.

clay target

Early improvement sets tone for trap

BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER

The Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm clay target team started their competition season on a high note as they recorded their first week scores.

The team is sitting in second place out of eight teams in the class 5A conference 3 with 5,866.5 points, behind Duluth East. In class 5A, they are third of 27 teams, behind Duluth East and CambridgeIsanti.

“The early success is a

confidence booster for the whole team, coaches and athletes,” said head coach Paul Fiereck. “We have a lot of potential if we start early in the season setting the pace for the other teams. This also brings the challenge of how we keep heading in the right direction, focusing on the fundamentals and making small adjustments to each individual athlete to improve their shot.”

Justin Scheeler and Josh St. Onge were the two stars for the Storm, each pulling in a 25-straight accomplishment.

Both are also in the top 25 for the conference.

“They do an excellent job of clearing their head of what is going on, and for the 20 minutes they are on the range, they focus on the targets,” Fiereck said.

Four other male participants – Nick Kosloske, Tyler St. Onge, Tyson Mushatt and Trace Wagner – also made the conference top 25. Ellie LeBlanc and Emily Schreindl represent the Storm in the top 25 conference females.

“I am super excited for the

athletes that have achieved a top 25 ranking and am looking forward to additional athletes getting on this list,” Fiereck said.

Fiereck said seeing improvement over last week’s reserve scores show potential for the season.

“This is a great start to our season,” Fiereck said.

“Typically, we will see scores increase as the season progresses. I’m excited about the direction we are heading as a team and to see what these athletes can accomplish.”

boys lacrosse

Dummer, Swenson lead scoring

BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER

Trevor Dummer and Noah Swenson have put the Storm’n Sabres boys lacrosse team on the board this week in two lost games.

The team played Rocori April 27, losing 11-4, and then against Rogers April 30, losing 16-4.

“The guys are finally starting to find their stride playing together,” said head coach Nick Kirick. “I’d like to see us continuing to improve as the season goes on.”

Rogers 16, SSRR 4 Swenson was the lead scorer for the Storm’n Sabres against Rogers April 30, putting in two goals. Dummer and JD Bates combined to

Nick Richert has been working hard to gain some points for the Storm’n Eagles tennis team.

The team faced Brainerd April 26, Alexandria April 27, St. Cloud Tech April 30 and Willmar May 1. All four matchups resulted in 7-0 losses for the Storm’n Eagles.

Willmar 7, Storm’n Eagles 0 Richert found a 1-6 set during both sets against his Willmar opponent May 1. Kody Duffy, an extra for the Storm’n Eagles, was a valuable asset as he fought his first set 6-7.

Singles: 1. Richert 1-6, 1-6; 2. Jacob Watchler 0-6, 0-6; 3. AJ Stang 0-6, 0-6; 4. Blake Keller 0-6, 0-6; and extra Duffy 6-7, 0-6. Doubles: 1.

Gage Donovan-Ben Mehr 0-6, 1-6; 2. Zack Stang-Brady Leeb 0-6, 0-6; and 3. Madison Tran-Duke DeCastro 0-6, 0-6.

St. Cloud Tech 7, Storm’n Eagles 0 Richert and Watchler were both able to score a couple points during individual matchups against their Tech opponents April 30. AJ Stang in No. 4 singles and Keller and Tran in No. 3 doubles were also each able to score a point in their sets.

Singles: 1. Richert 2-6, 3-6; 2. Donovan 1-6, 2-6; 3. Zack Stang 0-6, 2-6; 4. Keller 1-6, 2-6; and extra: Duffy 0-6, 0-6. Doubles: 1. Watchler-AJ Stang 2-6, 0-6; 2.Tran-Leeb 0-6, 0-6; and 3. DeMars-Duke Van-Heuveth 0-6, 0-6.

boys track and field

and Mitchell Peterson came in second, while the other two teams running in the event came in sixth and seventh.

The team then duplicated their success in the 4x400 relay, with teams placing in second and sixth.

In the individual events, Jerad Schlichting continues to surmount his speed and strength as he placed first in the 1600m and fourth in the 3200m.

Waldorf made an impact as well, taking fourth in the 100m dash and third in the long jump.

One of the team’s strongest events is the 800m dash. Torvik, Balo and Seaman placed first, second and fourth,

BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER

Alexandria 7, Storm’n Eagles 0 The Storm’n Eagles were able to score plenty of points in sets against Alexandria April 27, but they did not add up to team points for the overall match score.

“It was a harder fought match than what the score showed,” said head coach Jamie Hatlestad. “They really deserved to have more points than what they got. They fought through long matches.”

Richert’s match was the most competitive and his scores show that.

PHOTOS BY ANNA SALDANA

BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER

Cardinals volley past Storm’n Eagles

Singles: 1. Richert 0-6, 2-6; 2. Donovan 0-6, 0-6; 3. Watchler 2-6, 0-6; 4. AJ Stang 1-6, 0-6; and extra Duffy 0-6, 0-6. Doubles: 1. Zack StangLeeb 0-6, 0-6; 2. Jon DeMars and DeCastro 0-6, 0-6; and 3. Keller and Tran 1-6, 0-6.

SRR 10, Brainerd 5 SRR found success as they traveled north to Brainerd April 27. With nine

Reid Lunser catches a ball thrown in from the outfield to tag out a Monticello runner at second base April 28. The Storm lost 12-0.

boys tennis

throw in the other two goals for the team. Connor Schaad was in goal.

“It was a tough loss, but I think we did really well winning our face-offs,” Kirick said. “That helped us have some ball control throughout the game.”

Rocori 11, SSRR 4 Dummer earned himself a hat trick during the April

27 game against Rocori, starting the season off with expectation.

“Trevor did really well,” Kirick said. “He hustled to all of the ground balls, made hard cuts and dodges to help him get his hands free and get open to get those goals.”

Schaad was in goal for the Storm’n Sabres.

Brainerd 7, Storm’n Eagles 0 The Storm’n Eagles had a tough time getting points past the Brainerd Warriors April 26, but Richert was able to put down two points across his two sets and Donovan added one.

Singles: 1. Richert 1-6, 1-6; 2. Donovan 1-6, 0-6; 3. Watchler 0-6, 0-6; 4. AJ Stang 0-6, 0-6; and extra: Duffy 0-6, 0-6. Doubles: 1. Mehr-Zack Stang 0-6, 0-6; 2. Tran-Keller 0-6, 0-6; 3. Van-Heuveth-DeMars 0-6, 0-6.

2018 Minnesota Vikings draft recap The 2018 NFL draft is in the books, and Vikings fans now have a fairly good idea of what this team is going to look like come fall. The Vikings, who were one game away from the Super Bowl last season, have shown they are definitely in win now mode. That was made loud and clear in free agency, when they signed quarterback Kirk

by ANDY THAYER Cousins to a contract with the largest Sports Columnist amount of guaranteed money in NFL history and added another big name in defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson. The Vikings continued with this theme in the draft, focusing on adding players that should be able to make significant contributions early and hopefully help push this already-loaded roster over the top.

With their first-round pick, the Vikings added cornerback Mike Hughes from the undefeated University of Central Florida Knights. Hughes is a physical ball-hawk with gamebreaking speed, but he is also undersized (5 feet 10 inches) and comes with some character concerns. Draft pundits seemed to universally like this pick, categorizing Hughes as a prototypical player for Mike Zimmer’s system. Hughes will help the Vikings immediately in the return game and should give the Vikings flexibility if they choose not to extend Trae Waynes’s contract after the season or if Mackensie Alexander or the immortal Terence Newman struggles this year.

After some pick jostling via trade, the Vikings added offensive tackle Brian O’Neill from Pittsburgh at the end of the second round. O’Neill is an athletic player (a converted tight end) that had the best 40 time among tackles at the combine.

He excels in pass protection with his balance and nimble feet but needs to develop strength and size to get better in the run game. He should be a good fit in new offensive coordinator John DeFilippo’s zone blocking scheme, as he possesses the athleticism to get to blocks on the second level. He could start at right tackle in week one if Mike Remmers stays at his more natural left guard position.

In the fourth round, the Vikings added edge rusher Jalyn Holmes from Ohio State, who was a key part of one of the best defensive lines in college football last season. While his stats did not match his athleticism, Holmes has elite size and strength. He should provide depth as a rotation player on the line right away.

In the fifth round, the Vikings added two players that should also see playing time in week one. The first was tight end Tyler Conklin out of Central Michigan, who is a former basketball player with good size and hands. He could create matchup problems in two tight end sets with Kyle Rudolph (‘12 personnel’ formations), where he could split out wide in short yardage situations and abuse smaller defensive backs.

With their second fifth-round pick, the Vikings drafted kicker Daniel Carlson out of Auburn. Carlson is known for his big leg, and he broke the SEC career scoring record last season. Carlson was easily the highest-rated kicker in the draft this year and the first one selected. This pick could signify the end of Kai Forbath’s tenure in Minnesota. Forbath struggled with short kicks last year (including extra points, where he went 34/39), and the Vikings made it clear when they traded up to get Carlson (198/198 on extra points in his time at Auburn) that they wanted to address this weakness this season.

In the sixth round, the Vikings added a large and nasty guard, Colby Gossett out of Appalachian State, to provide offensive line depth. They also picked up defensive end project Ade Aruna out of Tulane. Aruna absolutely crushed the combine, and the Vikings are hopeful that they can refine his raw physical talent into defensive production like they did with Danielle Hunter a few years ago.

Finally, in the seventh round, the Vikings added interior linebacker Devante Downs out of California. Downs is a big and strong player known for his run-stopping ability, and he may have slipped on draft boards due to a knee injury that caused him to miss significant time during his senior year. He could help on special teams right away.

The Vikings clearly targeted players in the draft that they hope will help address their weaknesses and add depth to a team that is already built to contend. While they still have some questions along the offensive line, I think they did a good job of adding players that should help right away. Kirk Cousins, Sheldon Richardson and the return of Dalvin Cook should provide a major boost for the Vikings this year. Will their draft picks be enough to propel an already-strong Vikings team back to the Super Bowl?

SPORTS Maselter has big game against Alex

Morgan Maselter led the Storm softball team with two hits in the first game of the home doubleheader versus Alexandria May 1.

“The first game was a good battle for us,” said head coach Ken Karna. “We came back from 9-1 to make a game of it, but just couldn’t take the lead.”

Staci Meyer had two walks, and Abby Swanson led the Storm with two RBIs. Sam Patton pitched four and one-third innings and had three strikeouts that day.

“We need to reduce the number of errors if we are going to beat a team like Alexandria,” Karna said.

Sauk Rapids-Rice scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth, decreasing the Cardinal’s lead to 7-6. However, the Eagles took action quickly and

scored three runs in the last two innings to win, 10-7.

Alexandria 12, SRR 3 “The second game, we started flat and never recovered,” Karna said.

Meyer and Sydney Plemel each contributed two hits in the second game versus Alex.

Meyer also had one RBI for the team.

In the first inning, Alexandria had six runs to the Storm’s one. After a scoreless second inning,the Cardinals scored three runs in the bottom of the third to make the score 9-1. The game ended at the top of the sixth, with Alexandria defeating the Storm 12-3.

“We made too many mistakes on defense,” Karna said. “We gave them extra outs in multiple innings and it cost us the game.”

SRR 15, Apollo 3 “The girls did a great job on sticking to their hitting plan,” said Karna said after SRR’s 15-3 win over St. Cloud

Parents: Peter and Mary Balo Grade: 12 Sport accomplishment: Senior member of the boys track and field team.

What is your favorite part about track? Running. It is a great way to clear the mind. The meets, too; it is really fun watching teammates do good and pushing myself to a new personal record.

What is your best meet to date? Mega Meet in 2017 when my 4x800m team and I ran an 8:28.59 which placed us third in all-time school history for the 4x800m.

What other activities are you involved in at school? Football.

What is your favorite high school class to date? Woods. I like working with wood and turning a blueprint into something real.

What skill do you possess most people do not know about? I am really good at binge watching Netflix.

Apollo April 26. “We started off slow, but had a few big innings late, and Apollo was not able to stay with us.”

Leading in hits for the Storm was Maselter who was four for four and had three RBIs on the day. Similar efforts came from Brinny Mastey who went three for three and had two RBIs. “Morgan did an excellent job of getting us runs early, and Brinny did a great job batting in the ninth spot and getting us back to the top of our line-up,” Karna said.

Patton was also 100 percent in hits, later pitching for SRR. At the bottom of the first inning, the Storm and Eagles were tied up 3-3. There were no runs in the second inning, but in the third inning, the

Sam Patton fires a pitch to the plate May 1 during the first game of the Storms’ doubleheader against Alexandria in Sauk Rapids.

girls lacrosse

Team remains united despite losses

BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER

The Storm’n Sabres girls lacrosse team knows what teamwork and strength mean, especially after their two games this week.

The team faced St. Michael-Albertville April 27 and lost 14-1. They also competed against Orono April 30, losing 18-1.

“Playing against talented competitors like these two teams really tests the team on their positivity and unity,” said head coach Amanda Dvorak.

“As a team, I think we did

OK with that, but we need to work on the fundamentals, communication and working together as a team. Those will be key aspects to our success.”

Orono 18, SSRR 1 Maggie Kulus put in the lone goal for the Storm’n Sabres April 30. Sarah Schaad was also a key factor in the game.

“She was constantly making big saves in goal for us,” Dvorak said. “She worked on staying positive during the challenge of taking on a team with strong shooters, and she did well with it.”

STMA 14, SSRR 1

A solid defense was the team’s strength April 27. Schaad was in goal for the Storm’n Sabres, making 15 saves for the team. The defense also did well focusing on getting their slides to help double the ball throughout the game.

Ella Steinberg added the goal for SSRR. “Seeing how strong our defense was shows how much we need to work on our offense,” Dvorak said. “We need to work on being more aggressive when the ball is on the ground and win the draws.”

boys golf

Hoops leads Storm golf

BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER

The team competed at Pebble Lake Golf Club in Fergus Falls April 26, placing eighth with 431 points.

Willmar invitational Hoops paved the way for his team April 30 when he scored an 84. However, teammate Chase Christensen was not far behind, scoring 95. Caleb Euteneuer scored 104, Grayson Kobluk scored 112 and Eli Huinker scored 122.

Chase Hoops was one of the lead scorers for the Storm’n Eagles boys golf team last season, and he returned to the golf course April 30 in Willmar.

Similar to his past meets, Hoops led the Storm’n Eagles with a score of 84. During the Willmar meet, which took place at Eagle Creek Golf Course, the Storm’n Eagles Team scores: Alexandria placed eighth with 395 points. 312, Brainerd 313, Sartell 322,

Fergus Falls 325, St. Cloud Tech 350, Rocori 354, Willmar 355, Apollo-SRR 395.

Fergus Falls invitational Christensen and Kobluk led the team April 26 in Fergus Falls, each scoring 98. Huinker scored 115, Andrew Nagel scored 120, Justin Brenny scored 121 and Mason Wiebusch scored 130.

Team scores: Brainerd 308, Alexandria 309, Fergus Falls 317, Sartell 330, Rocori 336, St. Cloud Tech 340, Willmar 344, Apollo-SRR 431.

girls golf

Girl golfers making steady improvement

BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER

The Storm’n Eagles girls golf team has only played in three meets, but the team is improving.

The girls started their season April 27 at Blackberry Ridge Golf Course in Sartell, where they took seventh among eight teams with 514 points. They competed at Rich-Spring Golf Club in Cold Spring, placing eighth with 441 points. The team traveled to Madden’s on Gull Lake in Brainerd, where they earned 451 points and placed eighth May 1.

Brainerd invitational The girls had a positive meet with scores continuing to improve all around. Allie Chapman led the team with a score of 108, followed

by Olivia Rauch with 110.

Elizabeth Weitzel scored 112 and Jenna Bukowski scored 121.

Team scores: Sartell 345, Alexandria 353, Brainerd 353, St. Cloud Tech 386, Willmar 389, Rocori 393, Fergus Falls 400, Apollo-SRR 451.

Saluting great accomplishments in the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School

CHAN BALO

Haley Reed goes in for a bunt May 1 in Sauk Rapids. SRR played a doubleheader against the Alexandria falling to the Cardinals 10-7 and 12-3.

PHOTOS BY LAURA HINTZEN

Leading the

Chapman was right behind her with a score of 105. Bukowski scored 117 and Rauch scored 119.

Team scores: Alexandria 349, Sartell 353, Brainerd 354, Willmar 386, Rocori 400, St. Cloud Tech 406, Fergus Falls 408, Apollo-SRR 441.

Sartell invitational The first meet of the year was rough for the girls.

Particularly with the extended winter season, the team had a hard time practicing longrange shots and honing in on their skills. Rauch scored 122, Weitzel 123, Chapman 127 and Abbie Tangen 142.

Rocori invitational The Cold Spring meet was the best in terms of individual scores for the Storm’n Eagles.

Team scores: Alexandria 359, Weitzel scored the best out Brainerd 377, Sartell 390, St. Cloud of the four girls with 100. Tech 406, Rocori 434, Willmar 436, Apollo-SRR 514.

Storm took control having four runs to the scoreless Eagles. In the fourth and fifth, the Storm completed eight more runs.

The Storm had 19 hits on the day versus the Eagles’ four.

Patton pitched four and one-third innings and came away with seven strikeouts.

“We made the plays in the outfield we needed to make and took advantage of our chances on the bases,” Karna said. “It was a total team effort today.”

The team is looking forward to their home tournament May 5 versus St. Cloud Apollo, Marshall School, Duluth, St. Cloud Cathedral, St. Cloud Tech, Thief River Falls and Watertown-Mayer.

“We are very inconsistent at this point, but it’s early,” Karna said. “Unfortunately, with the shortened season, we need to figure things out quicker than normal. We are still trying to figure out what type of team we are.”

What are you most looking forward to in your senior year?

Enjoying my final year with my friends.

What is the best advice you have ever received? To not procrastinate and take initiative.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Play basketball, game or hangout with friends and family.

What is your favorite meal, movie, social media and song?

Chicken alfredo, “Wonder,” Twitter and “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ thang” by Dr. Dre. What are your future plans? Further my education and athletic career at Dakota State University in Madison, S.D. Leading the Storm is Sponsored by:

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YES

We say to Sauk Rapids – Rice Referendum A message from the Vote Yes ISD47 Executive Committee Friends and neighbors in Sauk Rapids, We are proud of our schools in Sauk Rapids and Rice and support continued improvements to school facilities.

Our strong communities in Sauk Rapids and Rice are supported by four important pillars: business, housing, government and schools.

Strong school programs that have physical capacity to accept new residents have grown our local economy in the past. The proposed referendum is a good investment that will support the entire community.

We, the Vote Yes ISD 47 Executive Committee, welcome the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce referendum endorsement. We are voting YES and urge you to join us in voting YES on May 8.

• YES to all referendum projects including adding safe and efficient early childhood and elementary learning spaces for all SRR students • YES to sparking commercial and residential growth that provides opportunities for the whole community • YES to investing in our future workforce A yes-vote will result in an additional $11.42 per month investment for the average homeowner. Commercial property owners would be contributing more.

We recognize that not all taxes are bad, and in fact, some are necessary for the economic vitality of our area.

Doug Boser - Inventure Capital Lee Hansen - Gray Plant Mooty Diane Wojtanowicz – Prairie Farm Company Inc. Dr. Tom Johnson - Infinite Eye Care Matt Buhs - Rock Creek Coffee Donald and Alina Manea - Manea's Meats Keith O'Brien - O'Brien's Pub Carl Newbanks - Sauk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Roy Dodds - Urban Lodge Art Buhs - Art Buhs Construction Connect with other supporters on the Vote Yes ISD47 Facebook page at: (@VoteYesISD47) Doug Boser, Chair, Vote Yes ISD47 Executive Committee Lee Hanson, Vice Chair, Vote Yes ISD47 Executive Committee Paid Advertisement by Sauk Rapids Rice Citizens for a Strong Community, P.O. Box 232 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

R18-1B-TV

BY LAURA HINTZEN STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018 | PAGE 7

SPORTS

PAGE 8 | SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

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The 2018 Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm boys track and field team includes: Jerad Schlicting (front, from left), Danny Fliegle, Mitch Peterson, Jorden Newbanks, Jaden Newbanks, Chan Balo, Shawn Shane and Jordan Baron; (second row, from left) Tayton Philavahn, Tyson Mushatt, Nate Waldorf, Damonte Turner, Ian Hayes, Griffin Doherty, Chris Charging Eagle, Marcus Santillina and Dakota Johnson; (third row, from left) Kaden Theis, Cooper Grau-Firkus, Carter Brutger, Jack Grabinski, Preston Johnson, Braeden Holt, Kyle Conway and Zach Vogel; (fourth row, from left) Chris Barrett, Breden Petrek, Zach Peterson, Gavin Fuchs, Kenny Nolan, Nick Kosloske, Chris Villagra , Carter Shimabukuro-King and Nathan Peterson; (fifth row, from left) Jared Taylor, Christian Rodriguez, Lucas Brewers, Jonathan Alvarez, Jimmie Hua, Cole Ritten, Landry Seaman and Frank White; (back, from left) Tristan Welch, Spencer Weber, Brady Johnson, Cade Milton-Baungardner, Dominic y Jolly-Naylor, Ray Nowacki, Garret Feuling and Talon Cummings.

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The 2018 Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm girls track and field team includes: Mikayla Zaske (front, from left), Tessa Ferholz, Ashley Mattia, Emma Mader, Jessica Weber, Kayleen Martins and Julia Severson; (second row, from left) manager Kaleigh Jorgenson, Alyssa Waytashek, Brooke Nelson, Mara PestaCarlson, Maria Kost, Justus Floren, Jalynn Jackson and manager Ali Kremer; (third row, from left) Morgan Hoffman, Ava Klug, Kjerstin Haeny, Morgan Westre, Sydney Paulson, Ashley Konietzko and Callie Pakkala; (fourth row, from left) Jenalynn Ostendorf, Catherine Kremers, Emma Almanza, Jasmine Mbwille, Maria Roesner, Madison Jennings, Michaela Wolfe and Alexis Partch; (fifth row, from left) head girls coach Loren Finlayson, Isabelle Birk, Bailey Roscoe, Bailey Reiter, Abigail Neisen, Ally O’Brien, Emma Shore, Ava Juntunen-Novak and head boys coach Rod Fuchs; (back, from left) coach Jillian Swan, coach Kevin Hines, coach Aaron Karasch, coach Adam Johnson, coach Ryan Koenigs and coach Nate Snider.

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