Football page 23
New Look. Same Local Coverage Since 1 8 5 4 . 11 2nd Ave. N., Unit 103, Sauk Rapids, Benton County, MN 56379
Saturday, September 8, 2018
BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
RICE — Residents of Rice will have the opportunity to comment on three ordinances in October. A public hearing has been set for Oct. 15 for changes or additions to the city code regarding chickens, park dedication and weed nuisance. Following approval of amended ordinance 201701, the city would allow chickens in residential, rural residential and agricultural districts within city limits as long as property owners obtain proper permits. Property owners in R1 and R2 zoned areas would be allowed to own up to four female chickens or hens. Roosters are prohibited. Chickens would need to be confined at all times in a rear-yard chicken coop or run of which must be 25 feet from structures on adjacent lots. The coops and runs must be screened with a solid fence or landscaped buffer with a minimum height of 4 feet. Those seeking chicken permits must include one signature of permission from an adjacent property owner. Additional requirements are also described within the ordinance. Section 1520 of the city’s code regarding park
Rice City Council page 3
Sister Mary Jo's
row
Sauk Rapids native goes viral with perfect pitch BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS — As Sister Mary Jo Sobieck stepped up to the pitching mound Aug. 18 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Ill. she had no idea what was about to happen. Yet, she was not worried. After all, her life is in His hands. With her white habit secured and the No. 60 displayed on the back of her Marian Catholic High School jersey, Sobieck – who teaches sophomore theology at the school – took her position. It was Marian Catholic High School night at the ballfield as the school is celebrating its 60th anniversary year. Representing the parochial institution, the Sauk Rapids native bounced the ball off her bicep and threw the ceremonial first pitch. It was perfect – no surprise for Sobieck. “I know how to throw the ball whether it’s a snowball, football,” said Sobieck, who has been teaching at the Chicago Heights, Ill. school for 12 years. “I have
a good arm … I just turned and threw it. The shock came from what ensued. Following the pitch, Sobieck walked through the concourse and to the box where the school’s supporters were seated for the Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago White Sox game. While visiting, a school staff member noticed video of the pitch going viral. Since then, Sobieck has been inundated with interviews by major newspapers, radio and magazines – even a television appearance on Fox and Friends. The flurry of media attention came from both the good form and the fact that Sobieck is no ordinary ballplayer. “The habit is the first thing people see, and the church registers with them,” said Sobieck, who professed her first vows with the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Ill in 1996. “So, they already have a stereotypical understanding of what that is and what a person who is that would do or not do.” Sobieck, daughter of Joe
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Sr. Mary Jo Sobieck points at the catcher before the ceremonial first pitch at the Chicago White Sox game Aug. 18 in Chicago, Ill. Sobieck threw a perfect pitch that has garnered abundant media attention.
and Louise Sobieck, grew up in Sauk Rapids and attended St. Cloud Cathedral High School. The youngest of 10, she said her athletic abilities were nurtured through play. “We were always playing outside,” Sobieck said. “…. We were always playing pick-up games of baseball [at the fairgrounds] or basketball in the driveway. We were always playing around outside, whether it
was an organized sport or kick the can or just running around, being competitive and playing together. For me it came naturally; it was a natural talent for me, and it was a lot of fun.” Sobieck started her competitive athletic career as a fifth grade Sacred Heart Elementary School student, playing team sports against other Catholic
Sobieck page 3
Hall of Fame inductee: Pam Brennan “Athletics changed my life” BY ANNA SALDANA | STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS — Pam Brennan could be found outside playing softball or swimming with her neighbors as a young child. As she grew up, athletics became her favorite pastime. By the time she entered high school, Brennan was a three-sport athlete. She competed at the varsity level in volleyball, basketball and track from the time she entered ninth grade.
Brennan page 4
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Pam Brennan (right) smiles with her sister, Peggy Brennan-Peterson, and her dad, Buck Brennan. Peggy will be introducing Pam as she is inducted into the SRRHS Athletic Hall of Fame Sept. 29.
OBITUARIES • Dorine J. Heinen • Jurene G. Kipka
• Jerome R. Malikowski • Lorraine A. Thene
PUBLIC NOTICES
Council to hear public opinion on three ordinance amendments
Vol. 164, No. 22
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(2)Benton County Hwy. Dept. Ad for Bids - pg. 14 Foreclosure Notice - Schlien - pg. 14 Nonprofit Assumed Name - Choose life - pg. 14 City of Rice Public Hearing - pg. 14 Benton County Minutes Aug. 21, 2018 - pg. 17