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BENTON AG Section B
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Same Local Coverage Since 1854. Saturday, December 21, 2019
11 2nd Ave. N., Unit 103, Sauk Rapids, Benton County, MN 56379
Sinclair resigns as superintendent
Seasonal routine
Position vacant July 1, 2020 ily,’” Sinclair said. “That was eye-opening for me.” Sinclair has worked SAUK RAPIDS – for Little Falls CommuniThe Sauk Rapids-Rice ty Schools, Brainerd PubSchool District will be lic Schools and Sauk Rapgoing through another ids-Rice Public Schools. transition at the close of In each district he has been involved the 2019-20 with projects school year. that required Superintenextensive dent Aaron community inSinclair anteraction and nounced his behind-theresignation at scenes work at the Dec. 16 the expense of school board family time. meeting. Beginning Sinclair will at the Jan. 6, serve through 2020, organiJune 30, 2020. Superintendent zational meet“I absoAaron Sinclair ing, Sinclair lutely love and the school being the superintendent of Sauk board will discuss the disRapids-Rice and being a trict’s next steps including part of this community,” areas of focus in the final Sinclair said. “However, six months of Sinclair’s it has become clear to me position, the transition to that I am not able to be a new superintendent and the father and husband I how best to move the disexpect myself to be and trict forward. Since stepping provide the leadership the Sauk Rapids-Rice School into his role, Sinclair has District requires. My fam- helped address open enily is and always will be rollment, collaborate with the business community my priority.” Sinclair has no future and elected officials, implans or employment, plement security upgrades but said the decision was and pass the Pleasantview sparked by a close friend. Elementary School ref“He said, ‘When you erendum, amongst other wake up in 20 years, you projects. We felt we found the won’t wish you worked more but wish you had right fit with Aaron and more time with your fam- respect his decision,” said Ryan Butkowski, board chair. “It was obviously a very thought-out and wellintended decision for his family. I appreciate your service to the school district.” Amidst the decision is celebration for Sinclair’s family. “There were tears of joy at home which was validating for me,” Sin-
Bemboom busy amid winter holidays as UPS driver
BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER
OBITUARIES...PG. 4 • Linda L. Neu • Diane A. Schloeder • Marilyn J. Schueller
BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER
PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYER
Greg Bemboom stands in front of his UPS Inc. delivery truck Dec. 17 in Sauk Rapids. Bemboom has been delivering packages for UPS in Sauk Rapids for 17 years, but has worked for the company for 28 years.
SAUK RAPIDS – Awaiting a package, you watch the tracking information on your phone for the approximate delivery window. If you live in Sauk Rapids, the man who delivers the merchandise may likely be Greg Bemboom. Bemboom, a Sauk Rapids resident, has worked for UPS Inc. for 28 years and has been driving delivery routes since 1995. “I love getting to know the people on my route,” Bemboom said. “When the Sauk Rapids route opened up for bid 17 years ago, I knew I wanted it. It makes a big difference when people know their driver.” During the holiday season
when parcel shipments increase, Bemboom’s hours in the truck follow suit. From Thanksgiving through late January, Bemboom averages over 50 hours each week. A typical day in July or August has about 120 stops with 220 packages, but Bemboom’s busiest day this holiday season was Dec. 6 when he delivered 550 packages at over 320 stops. “It is a very stressful job this time of year, very hectic,” Bemboom said. “I think I have been here so long though that I am used to it. You learn to take it one stop at a time.” After arriving at work at 7:45 a.m. each day, Bemboom organizes his truck. During the busy season,
Bemboom page 3
Advent, a time to prepare Zimmerman explains the four-week reflection period BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Amid the hustle and bustle of shopping for gifts, baking desserts and family gatherings, Advent encourages reflection. Area churches are ending the third week of Advent. Among them is Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids. “Advent is such a short but special season,” said the Rev.
Advent page 3
PUBLIC NOTICES
School board page 4
Vol. 165, No. 37
PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYER
The Rev. Ralph Zimmerman lights the third candle on the Advent wreath Dec. 18 at Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids. The Advent season began Dec. 1 and will conclude Christmas Eve which then begins the Christmas season.
• Minden Township Notice of Filing - pg. 0 • Sauk Rapids Township Notice of Filing - pg. 0 • Watab Township Notice of Filing - pg. 0 • Mayhew Lake Township Notice of Filing - pg. 0
• Benton County Board of Commissioners Reg. Minutes, Dec. 3, 2019 - pg. 0 • Benton County Summary Budget Statement 2020 - pg. 0 • Assumed Name - 34917222-4