Faith after the fire
Excellence across all aspects
Hokanson, Christians named Sauk Centre’s Triple ‘A’ Award nominees
BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
Sauk Centre High School students
Hailey Hokanson and Owen Christians are accustomed to try new things.
Hokanson is the definition of a student leader, participating in school activities not only as a multi-sport athlete, but as the student body’s representative at Sauk Centre School Board meetings and as an actor for the school’s One-Act plays and musicals. Christians, a four-sport athlete gaining competitive experiences in hockey, football, track and field and trapshooting, is a bonafide trier, having dabbled in 12 different instruments for Sauk Centre’s band and jazz band.
Participation and academic success mean a great deal to these Streeters, and it is why they were selected as Sauk Centre’s 2022-23 nominees for the Minnesota State High School League’s Academics, Arts and Athletics (Triple ‘A’) Award, recognizing seniors displaying excellence in all facets of their schooling life.
“It’s an amazing opportunity,” Hokanson said. “It’s honestly something I’ve been kind of aiming towards since I was younger. I’ve always wanted to apply for this award. Just being able to win it means so much for me, and just living this community too.”
This incredibly-challenging goal for Hokanson became a reality through sheer work ethic. After finishing as Section 6A’s eighth singles seed during the 2021 girls tennis season, she devoted herself to improving, attending offseason camps, listening to tennis podcasts and watching film of professional players to learn about the mental side of the game. These tactics paid dividends, as Hokanson rode
UMC marks 50th anniversary of old church burning down
BY BEN SONNEK | STAFF WRITERIn a few months, the United Methodist Church in Sauk Centre will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of their current church’s completion; this month, though, also marks the 50th anniversary of the fire that destroyed their original church that was over a century old. While the loss of the original 1865 worship space was a hardship for the congregation, the outpouring of community support after the disaster is still apparent today.
“The physical church building is very important to congre-
UMC page 3
an excellent campaign as Sauk Centre’s top singles performer all the way to the section semifinals, one game away from state.
“My mom (girls tennis assistant coach Chris Hokanson, herself a former tennis player) kept feeding it into my brain, ‘Would you want to play it after high school?’” she said. “Having that motivation and deciding to keep pushing myself and how good I could get with it helped me have a good season.”
Christians knows a thing or two about improvement as well. Most recently, the driven upperclassman was one of many senior leaders for the Sauk Centre Streeters football team, who clinched a spot at the state tournament for the first time since 1983. Christians, a running back and linebacker, understood that while physical fitness and technique went a lot of way, what separated this Streeters bunch was its cohesion.
Replica or new?
City seeks input on park fountain replacement
BY BEN SONNEK | STAFF WRITER
During their Jan. 4 regular meeting at Sauk Centre City Hall, city administrator Vicki Willer reported to the Sauk Centre City Council that the park board had launched a survey to assess the community’s opinion on how the Sinclair Lewis Park fountain should be replaced.
The survey, available through the City of Sauk Centre’s Facebook page, states the city’s intention to install a new fountain and asks one question: “What type of fountain would you like to see in Sinclair Lewis Park?” The answers include:
– A painted fiberglass replica of the original boy-girl fountain statue;
City council page 4
More space for residents
CentraCare-Sauk Centre Care Center addition almost finished
BY BEN SONNEK | STAFF WRITER
CentraCare-Sauk Centre continues to grow as its Care Center addition nears completion. While its initially planned fall 2022 opening has been pushed back due to shipping delays and other logistical issues, it should not be long before the first residents can move in so the existing Care Center can be renovated.
“We’re waiting on a transfer switch for our generator,” said Melissa Andres, project manager. “We need the backup generator in order to move the residents into the Care Center because we can’t move them in without emergency power. We’re hopeful to have it shipped this month and potentially move the residents in the near future.”
Looking at the plans and timelines, CentraCare determined they were going to decrease their resident capacity in 2022 by decreasing their census as residents discharge, capping their census at 33 residents; that way, when the addition is ready, they will be able to move everybody over so the construction team can have access to the entire existing building. This change will allow the Care Center to complete their expansion and remodeling project in two stages instead of three.
Elouise Lorraine Herdering
Luke and Ashley Herdering, of Albany, are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Elouise Lorraine Herdering, at 5 p.m., Dec. 15, 2022, at CentraCareMelrose Hospital in Melrose.
She weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 20 inches long.
Grandparents are Steve and Pam Herdering, of Oak Township; and Mike and Laura Nathe, of Millwood Township.
Great-grandparents are Alvin and Carol Herdering, of Millwood Township; Leo and the late Grace Eveslage,
Sofie Rae Bayer
Danny and Danielle Bayer, of Sauk Centre, are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Sofie Rae Bayer, at 5:08 a.m., Jan. 7, 2023, at CentraCare-Hospital in Sauk Centre.
She weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 20 inches long.
Welcoming her home were big sisters Ellie, 6 and Gretta, 3, and big brother Gus, 1 and 1/2.
Grandparents are Ken and Mary Sowada, of Holdingford and Mark and Connie Bayer,
Care Center from front
“We’re being careful with how many we admit to make sure we have the right number of people when we move,” said Anne Major, Care Center administrator. “We’re not going to be displacing any residents.”
Elouise Lorraine Herdering
of Oak Township; Irene and the late Jim Nathe, of Grove Township; and Doreen and the late Dan Schwieters, of Spring Hill Township.
While an official date has not been set, Major and Andres believe the Care Center expansion could be taking in residents during or before April this year. “It’s hard for us to put a date on it because our ship date for the transfer switch has been delayed so many times,” Andres said.
In the meantime, the new wing has completed its department of health inspection; their state fire inspection was Jan. 10, and as of writing, the results have not yet been received. Through contact with the state for the inspections, CentraCare has heard they are not alone in terms of project delays due to shipping and materials issues.
fie
Bayer
&HEATING
Aside from the schedule, not much about the addition has changed from the original plan and layout. When finished, the extension will have 33 new resident spaces – two double rooms, each with a shared bathroom, and 29 single-resident rooms. Major expects the double rooms to be a good option for residents with family members or close friends who would like to stay near each other. Each room in the addition also has a shower, an element the Care Center has not previously incorporated.
Other new features of the addition include the large, multipurpose chapel space and smaller meditation room, both of which are next to the Care Center’s main entrance and are therefore also accessible to the hospital side. The chapel’s altar has a closet where it can be stored for different events.
Unlike the existing Care Center space, the resident rooms’ doors are set back from the main hall, decreasing clutter and making the hall easier to navigate. The bathroom closets connect to nurse-server cabinets in the hall, which allow nurse-servers to stock them with needed toiletries without having to enter the room. At the east end of the hall is the library, its corner windows looking out at the CentraCare-Sauk Centre sign on the side of the building. Midway down the hall is a large kitchen and sitting area with a fireplace, serving as another of the wing’s several gathering
The large kitchen (above) and sitting area (right) are placed midway down the length of the new CentraCare-Sauk Centre Care Center addition. These are a couple of the new gathering areas created by the addition, which also has 33 new resident spaces.
areas. “There are so many more places for residents to go with their family members, small groups or large groups than we had in our old facilities,” Major said.
Every resident room will also have a TV as standard, and they will all be connected through Care TV; the program allows livestreaming from the chapel, and a movie can also be played on a channel for a shared viewing experience. Another channel will be dedicated to relaxation and meditation.
The current Care Center space had a salon, but a new, larger salon has been added to a renovated space connected to the expansion. A spa room is also included in the addition.
From what Major and Andres have seen, Care Center staff and residents are eager to begin using the new addition. Staff have had the chance to look through the space and give feedback; residents have not been able to go in for safety reasons, but after the fi inspection, they can schedule a tour with family members if desired. Beyond that, the Care Center plans to hold an open house for the community.
“On this campus specifically, we definitely needed the additional square footage for our residents as well as our staff,” Major said. “There’s just not enough office space on campus as it is.”
The CentraCare-Sauk Centre Care Center’s new spa room (above) and meditation room near the chapel (left) provide residents with options for relaxation and rejuvenation. After staff and residents review the Care Center addition later this month, CentraCare-Sauk Centre will be holding an open house so the community can see the new facilities; then, around or before Easter, Care Center residents will be moved into the addition so the older section can be renovated.
Str eeter Streeter
Lindsay BaileyParents: Mike and Emily Bailey
Accomplishment: Senior for the Prairie Centre girls’ hockey team
What do you enjoy most about being on the girls’ hockey team? It’s a fun environment and I get to be with all of my friends. The team is a lot of fun and it allows me to
What has been the highlight of your girls’ hockey career? Getting back into the sport after not playing for a few years.
What other activities are you involved in at school? Tennis, softball, student council and speech.
Why do you feel it’s important to be involved in school activities? They allow you to see more new things and get to meet new people.
What is your favorite Streeter tradition? Before every game, doing a group prayer.
How do you try to make a difference at school? I try to involve more people in groups that aren’t normally in them.
What teacher has impacted your education the most? Mrs. Swanson, because she was able to keep me more motivated during distance learning.
What is something you’ve learned in class recently? In economics, your single action will affect everyone else around you, even if you don’t notice it.
What is one item on your bucket list? Going parasailing.
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Sauk Centre Serves nominees announced
SCACC expands categories to include wider business varieties
BY BEN SONNEK STAFF WRITERThe Sauk Centre Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards dinner is coming up on Monday, Jan. 16; the theme this year is “Channel your Flannel,” and the Chamber’s celebration includes changing up their award categories a little to include a wider range of community-enriching businesses.
“New this year is Small Business of the Year, where we have an opportunity to recognize those that are solo entrepreneurs or employ fewer than 10 people,” said Stacie Mi-
AAA from front
“It didn’t really feel like I was a senior compared to everybody else,” Christians said. “It just kind of felt like we were all the same age, going through the same exact goal. Making the team feel like a family was a big part of it.”
Hokanson has experienced similar sentiments of team bonding as a Sauk Centre softball player, serving as a designated hitter and infielder through her junior season. The Streeters have finished in the top half of Section 6AA in back-to-back years, in part due to an ability to play together as a unit, and in the upcoming spring season, look for similar results with Hokanson stepping in as starting pitcher.
“What I love about softball is we’re all such individual players, but when we come together to cheer each other on and actually work together on the team, it all just turns out so amazing,” Hokanson said.
While positive moments and building relationships are frequent in the duo’s activity participation, it is far from easy,
chels, SCACC president. “By creating a small business and business of the year, it gives us the ability to recognize all businesses and not just those that fit a niche category.”
The SCACC board of directors also felt the prior categories excluded insurance agents, investment companies, salons, educators and more.
“By removing titles for specific types of entities, it really comes down to being a business in Sauk Centre, their commitment to our community, their ability to show growth and a chance to recognize those that are often giving back their time, talent and resources,” Mi-
as the road to this award-winning point was marred with huge decisions. Hokanson, realizing she was involved in three sports along with her fine arts and student leadership roles, took a step back and left basketball, instead opting into a student manager position. Christians, meanwhile, took a daring try at pole vaulting, an event reintroduced to Sauk Centre track and field. Helping him to attempt this is a principle engrained through his lifelong experiences with hockey: sports are a great setting for life lessons.
“Like every coach in high school will say, whatever sport you play, you can learn life skills, like thinking quick and making quick and good decisions and being smart,” he said.
Being smart is a transferrable lesson to academics, as both Sauk Centre students have maintained excellent grades and stay up to task on their assignments despite their busy schedules. It stems from a competitiveness and desire to do their best in any given situation.
“I think being able to manage, when to study and how to study has come a lot with being in pressure situations through
City council from front
– A bronze replica of the original boy-girl fountain statue;
– Something new and different.
There is also an option that allows survey takers to write in another idea. The survey has a two-week runtime, starting Jan. 4.
Based on cost estimates from early 2022, a bronze replica of the original fountain statue would cost about $4,500, while painted fiberglass would be about $2,800. The city already has applications submitted for outside financial support if these or any other options are selected.
The two existing options for replicas of the original boy-girl fountain statue each have their advantages and drawbacks. A bronze statue would develop a patina over
chels said. The SCACC’s awards and candidates are as follows:
New Business of the Year:
– Ahren’s Finishing
– Babbit’s Wine Bar
– BeeYou
– Courage to Claws
– Feathered Acres Learning Farm & Inn
– Highland Quilting
– Multiple Creations
– Purple Parlor
– Sorenson Treatsicles
Small Business of the Year:
– Artistic Image Hair & Nail Salon
– Beste & Associates
– Martin’s Jewelry Box – Sauk Centre Tire
– Learning Tree
Business of the Year:
– Alternative Senior Care
– Dan Welle’s Chevrolet
Buick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
– Dairyland Supply
– Bayer Interior Woods
– Country Cat
Employee of the Year:
– Billy Moritz – Minneso-
ta National Bank
– Jan Minette – Compass Insurance
– Karlene Polipnick –Sauk Centre Fleet Supply & American Legion Post 67
– Carrie Goebel – First State Bank
Junior Achiever of the Year:
– Linus Dunn
– Jay Neubert
– Zach Klimek Citizen of the Year:
– Nikki Moritz
– Sheena Sunderman – Scott Kowski
Three Tips to Triple ‘A’ Success
Hokanson:
1. Be in the moment. I’ve learned I shouldn’t be looking ahead to speech season if I’m in musical.
2. Journal. Going through each of my days and knowing how each day was reflected has helped me to calm down and take things one at a time.
3. Get a healthy amount of sleep and food. It keeps you awake at school, ready to go for everything. IT’s better to energetic and ready than tired and wishing you were anywhere else.
Christians:
1. Get assignments done as soon as you can. You’ve got to self-discipline yourself to get stuff done.
2. Give your all. I have always been one of the players to give my complete all to benefit the team and myself. I give it everything I’ve got.
3. Help everybody. I try to hang out with friends and make sure they get schoolwork done so they can be on teams. It helps benefit the team.
athletics and arts,” Hokanson said. “I’m so used to competing that I just take studying and test-taking almost like a competition against myself.”
Both Hokanson and Christians hope to translate their academic acclaim into a college degree, with sports continuing to play a factor in their future. Hokanson plans on attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to pursue a career in business communication or journalism, while Christian plans on majoring in
time due to the chlorine in the water, and residue from the water would accumulate on a painted fiberglass statue, which would then need to be regularly cleaned and repainted.
If the city is able to come to a consensus soon, the fountain could be replaced as early as this year; however, that is dependent on cost developments and shipping times. The original Sinclair Lewis Park fountain statue, dating back to the early 1900s, was restored in 2021 and subsequently moved into Sauk Centre City Hall after renovations revealed the statue’s metal to be too thin to survive outdoors for much longer.
In other council news:
– Approved the execution of closing documents
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Sunday, Jan. 8 00:25 hrs – Parking violation on 200 block of 7th St S 00:34 hrs – Parking violation on 200 block of Elm St S 00:41 hrs – Parking violation on 600 block of 2nd St S 00:46 hrs – Parking violation on 600 block of 2nd St S
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allowing the Sauk Centre Public Utilities Commission to purchase the Depot Feeds property, located next to their existing facility. The SCPUC cannot own property according to city code, and the city is therefore the property’s fee owner.
– Approved the 2023 council member appointments to various boards and commissions. The positions are the same as 2022 with several exceptions: Sauk Centre Mayor Warren Stone will serve on the airport commission, replacing councilmember Shalon Wilber, and Wilber will take councilmember Joe Fuechtmann’s position on the policy/planning committee while Fuechtmann will take Wilber’s position on the operations committee.
– Appointed Nicholas Gerten to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Gerten does not live within city limits, but city code allows for such appointments if there is a lack of interest or potential appointee availability; additionally, the HRA does not spend city taxpayer money.
– Approved the appointment of Ryan Bjorstrom to the public works maintenance position.
– Approved Cannabinoid licenses for the following Sauk Centre entities: Crazy J’s, Sauk Centre Tobacco
exercise science, regardless of what college he ends up attending. After all, while the versatile, work-driven Streeters earn MSHSL awards in the present, something they valuable as much as anything is ensuring they are on the right path to the future.
“Whenever I do an assignment or anything, I always think of how it can benefit me in the future,” Christians said. “So, I always try to do my best.”
LLC and Titanium, Inc.
– Established bonding procedures pertaining to IRS bonding regulations. The city is currently planning to develop the Meyer property acquired last year, and if they fund the project through bond issuance, their declaration to comply with IRS regulations can help them reimburse for costs up to bond issuance.
– Approved the grade adjustment of the city’s account and payroll specialist from Grade 9 to Grade 10, a 4% pay difference. This adjustment was budgeted for in 2022 but was not implemented and has been carried forward into this year.
– For the last few years, the city has put on hold their ordinance requiring the licensing of residential properties, as well as their search for a hired contractor. Two people have recently expressed interest in being hired, and so the city’s personnel committee intends to meet with them to discuss expectations and bring forward a recommendation at a future council meeting.
– Accepted the following contributions: $106.10 from the Men’s Card Playing Group and $2,000 from Sauk Centre Seniors for the Sauk Centre Senior Center; $80,000 from the Fire Relief Association, $1,000 from Dale Emmel, $500 from Community Connections of Sauk Centre and $210 from Minnesota National Bank for the Sauk Centre Fire Department; $500 from CCSC, $5 from West Union Combined Charities, $100 from Linda Borgman and $500 from Headway Marking/ Dan Welle Southtown for the Sauk Centre Ambulance Service; $500 from CCSC for the Sauk Centre Police Department; $50,000 from Felling Trailers for the Economic and Development Authority’s housing development; and a kiosk valued at $600 from Jarod Drobny for the park department.
The next city council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Sauk Centre City Hall.
In my opinion, some of life’s best moments are made when learning life lessons.
Let me paint you a picture. My husband, our two kids and myself were out ice fishing this past Sunday. Our youngest frolicked through the snow in his tennis shoes, pajama pants and a spring jacket. Why? That is a great question. This was after he had been told several times to put on his snow gear. Shaking my head, I thought to myself, “He’ll figure it out.”
Now, let me say, he was never in any harm. My husband and I would not have let him do this if there was a chance he would have gotten frostbitten or hurt in any way. However, we do believe in a certain amount of self-teaching. I guess it was the way we were raised, and we turned out alright, I think.
Our youngest looked like a new pup experiencing snow for the first time, which was both fun and comical to watch. However, his play-time was short-lived due to the temperatures being in the low 20’s. Thank God for the sun – it was his saving grace.
After 20 minutes or so, he was chilled to his core and ready to head home for some warm clothes and hot chocolate. This was unfortunate because no one else was ready to leave, making for one sad little boy. Like any good parent, we made him “suffer” for a little while in hopes that he
would learn a valuable lesson. Only time will tell us if this worked.
In circumstances like this, I laughed at how ridiculous the situation appeared. Why would he not just take our word as good? Had we led him astray before, giving him reason to not believe us?
Kayla’s Korner by Kayla HunstigerThen, when I looked at his age and where he is developmentally, it became clearer. He is showing more independence and starting to think for himself. Where life permits, we should allow him to figure things out for himself.
In middle childhood, ages 6-8, there are so many emotional and social changes that occur. As parents, it is so important to allow them proper space to learn for themselves in a safe and controlled environment. It is but a short season of life where kids have that safety net available to such an extent. It sure would be nice to have that safety net as an adult. I guess we do to a certain degree with our spouse or a really good friend; however, nothing compares to the safety net parents provide for their children.
Taking a step back from our children and letting them make mistakes is hard. At least it is for me, and I know I’m not alone, if we are all being honest. Do not forget mistakes are an important part of growth and development for them as much as it is for us as parents.
Old Man Winter
I love Christmas and the New Year but hate when it’s over.
That’s because we are forced to stare down three-plus months of Old Man Winter’s grumpiness.
Every year around this time, the snow seems to come more often, the air seems colder and the roads seem more treacherous.
The older I get, the harder winters are to deal with, and the more I understand why there are so many snowbirds around these parts.
It makes me ask the question: Who in their right mind decides to stay in this frozen tundra in the first place?
You would think Minnesota’s first settlers likely arrived in the spring or summer when the land was green and bountiful. But then I have to wonder why, after experiencing their first winter, they would hold a meeting and say – “Yeah, let’s live here.”
Hello Sauk Centre, Sounds like a movie from years ago, Good Morning, Vietnam [Film].
I have been on the City council for 16 years and mayor for 8 of them.
This column is an attempt to let people reach out to me and get answers to how city government is run and how policies, ordinances and city code are implemented.
This article will hopefully aid the city in being more transparent to the public by answering questions.
One common question that I ask myself is, why people fail to apply for city boards?
Growth through mistakes Adventures in skiing
As I sit in a ski chalet, writing this article, I begin to rethink every decision I’ve ever made that has led me to this moment. I try to remember why I chose to do this in the first place and who talked me into being here. Perhaps I should explain from the beginning.
I have always been deathly afraid of skiing. The thought of going downhill at an extremely fast pace with little to no control of where gravity takes you is a daunting thought. Not to mention, I hate snow, I have no sense of balance and
This may be wrong to say, but a lot of residents have an opinion about what is happening in the city but won’t step up to help by putting their name up for placement on a committee or board.
With that said, let’s see how many questions will be coming in for me to answer. Have a question for the mayor of Sauk Centre? Please send your question about Sauk Centre rules or policies and get an answer from the mayor. Send questions to: office@star-pub.com and watch for answers in the Sauk Centre Herald. *We reserve the right to edit questions.
Hok’s View by
Hailey Hokanson
I am scared of heights. Therefore, I’ve always thought of skiing as a recipe for disaster. This reasoning led me to saying “no” when my friends asked if I wanted to go skiing. I immediately declined, much to their dismay, but a simple invitation wasn’t going to convince me to conquer one of my biggest fears. Or so I thought.
When my friends and parents heard about my refusal, they made it their main goal to convince me to go anyway.
Their persuasive skills and expertise in guilt tripping led me to hopping in the car on Saturday morning to embark on a risky journey to Powder Ridge Ski Resort in Kimball. Upon our arrival, a single look at the steep slopes and high hills made my heart skip a beat. My hesitancy heightened as I put on my gear while my other friends excitedly talked about how much fun they were about to have.
We started out on the hill for beginners, otherwise
Life Hacks
ByMissy Traeger
How to use common, everyday items to help with household problems!
If you lose something small like an earring, put a sock over the end of your vacuum hose and vacuum the area. The small item will be sucked up but will not disappear up the hose!
known as the Bunny Hill. Aside from me, two of my friends there had also never skied before; however, their optimistic mindset was the exact opposite of mine. This may be how they immediately picked up on how to ski, whereas I struggled to stay upright every time I moved. After a few runs on the Bunny Hill, the situation felt hopeless. My friend and his parents continued to offer encouragement and tips, but my heart wasn’t in it.
All of this is how I ended up spending the rest of the trip on my friend’s computer while everyone else enjoyed the slopes. This should’ve made the day feel like a complete failure, but I viewed it as a success. Not once in my life did I think I would be strapped to skis with a helmet on, trying to learn how to go down a hill. Yet I did it. I tried doing something I never thought I would do. Even though I absolutely hated it and am still terrified of skiing, I’m able to walk away saying I gave it a shot and came out mostly unscathed.
Throughout the day, I learned that it’s okay to try something and not like it nor be good at it. I’ve also learned that conquering a fear is extremely difficult, but is still possible. While I was hoping to be better than I actually was, it was still a fun experience, especially since my friends had a blast. Would I go again? Absolutely not. Besides, some things are better off only being tried once.
I mean, hockey skates weren’t even invented yet.
According to my research, the first proof of settlers dates back almost 9,000 years. Around the 16th Century, native settlers followed herds of large game to the region, and fur traders from France arrived as early as the 17th century.
While cities were being built on the east coast, as populations there increased, many moved west to discover new territories. During the first half of the 19th century, the country was divided into territories, and Minnesota (although not Minnesota yet) was first part of the Michigan Territory, then the Wisconsin Territory. Some southern parts of the state were part of the Iowa Territory. By 1851, treaties had been signed with Native American tribes, opening much of the state to settlement.
The first American settlement, however, had occurred decades earlier with the construction of Fort Snelling, which would lead to the city of Minneapolis. But it wasn’t until May 11, 1858, that Minnesota was accepted into the union as the 32nd state.
It’s crazy to imagine the amount of progress since those early settlers arrived. This past week, my wife found “Little House on the Prairie” on television, and we watched a couple episodes. We grew up watching the Ingalls when we were kids. Who can forget the treacherous blizzard episode where the kids were trapped on their way home from school? A classic.
We commented on how, even though they had to work so much harder than we do nowadays, life seemed so much simpler back then.
Minnesota will turn 165 this May. In those 164-plus years, we have erected two large metro area cities and an expansive highway system. Our cities and towns are full of churches, schools and hospitals. The homes we now inhabit have garages larger than most homes were even 50 years ago. We are home to precious farmland that helps feed not just the nation but the world. We are lucky to be the home of 10,000 lakes, which back in the day was a means of survival for early settlers and now are a means to recreation.
And yes, the winters can get rough, but who am I to complain when I have the luxury of a warm, heated home; a warm, heated vehicle to travel in; enough clothes to bundle up in; and plenty of food purchased locally in case I feel like hibernating for a week. I even recently got my old snow plow working, so I don’t even have to shovel this winter.
But every once in a while, while walking from the car to the storefront and the wind bites at my face like a grizzly bear, I wonder why so many settlers stayed and didn’t keep moving west where the snow doesn’t fly.
I am sure some did. To the ones who stayed, I say thank you. Minnesota isn’t a bad place to live, after all. Sooner or later, the cold will give way to warmth, the snow will turn to slush and then water and run away into our lakes and rivers. Leaves will reappear on trees, and the ground will be ready for tilling and planting for another season of growth.
It’s those days that remind us why Minnesota is special. The changing of seasons can be a sight to behold and seems to always give us renewed strength and continued resolve.
Life would be pretty drab if the temperature was the same all the time.
Although Florida sounds pretty good right about now.
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Thomas A. Marthaler
Thomas (Tom) Allen Marthaler, age 74 of Plymouth, passed away peacefully at home with his daughters by his side on Jan. 3, 2023. Tom was one of four sons born to Elaine (Knaak) and Vincent Marthaler, on May 18, 1948, in the same house as his mother in Long Prairie.
Tom’s childhood included spending considerable time with family and often included work. Tom’s strong work ethic and desire to help people started at a young age. Painting houses, mowing lawns, working in the pickle fields and selling agates were among some of Tom’s first jobs. And who could forget the bowling alley? Managing the bowling alley in Sauk Centre as just a senior in high school opened the door for Tom’s 44-year career at CenterPoint Energy (formerly Minnesota Natural Gas and Minnegasco). Tom traveled throughout Minnesota maintaining and installing bowling alleys. He learned how to manage finances, provide quality customer service and work long hours.
After graduating from Sauk Centre High School in 1966, Tom enrolled in the
Sylvia Bauer
Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waite Park for Sylvia Bauer, 99, who passed away at Cherrywood Advanced Living South on Thursday, Jan. 5. Visitation was Jan. 9, 2023, at Williams Dingmann Funeral Home in St. Cloud and an hour prior to the mass at church. St. Joseph’s Parish Prayers were at the funeral home. Burial was at St. Joseph’s Parish Cemetery.
Sylvia was born on Feb.
George Patrick Williams, 93, of Sauk Centre passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Sauk Centre Care Center.
George was born on his family’s farm one mile northeast of West Union to John and Margaret (Staus) Williams on March 13, 1929. He attended the Country School District No. 5 and graduated from Osakis High School in 1946. He was in the United States Army from 1951-1954, spending 1953 in Korea.
As a Sergeant First Class, George received the Combat Infantry Badge and Korean Service Ribbon with two bronze service stars. One of his complaints about Korea was that, after the armistice was signed in July of 1953, they had to move out of their barracks and into tents as they were on the wrong side of the 38th parallel.
On Sept. 2, 1957, George was united in marriage to Jeanne (Miller) Williams at St. Alexius Catholic Church
Thomas A. Marthaler
Army Reserve and went to basic training. He came home from basic training working at Kraft Foods, Culligan and as an emergency responder. He then settled into his lifelong career with CenterPoint Energy. Tom worked in nearly every aspect of the companyservice, sales, management and operations. The most fulfilling role was managing the conversion of entire towns from propane to natural gas throughout central Minnesota in the 1970s and 1980s. Tom was well respected and held in high regard by his colleagues. Tom spent his retirement years doing what he loved best: spending time with and helping people. When Tom wasn’t spending time with his four daughters, seven
grandkids and dear friends, he was volunteering at Minnesota Recovery Connection. He served as a coach, mentor and friend to many in various treatment centers and prisons while helping them see that they could live life fully in recovery. In the winter months, Tom enjoyed his time traveling throughout New Mexico and California visiting special friends and family.
Thoughtful, caring, present, compassionate, involved, resilient, loving, and attentive are all words used by Papa Tom’s grandkids to describe who he was to them. Words demonstrating a life well-lived. Papa enjoyed his years with each of the grandkids including hiking, camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), fishing, woodworking in the studio, and attending countless school and sporting activities.
In July 2021, Tom was diagnosed with a rare, incurable blood cancer. While this diagnosis might have slowed him down a bit, it did not change his love for life and
married Anton Bauer at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Lake Henry on Aug. 27, 1947. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Waite Park American Legion Post 428 Auxiliary. She loved baking. Her specialty was homemade bread and chocolate chip cookies. She also enjoyed quilting and sewing, playing cards and praying the rosary.
Sylvia Bauer
21, 1923, to Bernard and Johanna (Gottwald) Jaeger in Lake Henry, Minn. She
Sylvia is survived by her children Kenneth (Jill) Bauer of Waite Park, Karen Gohman of Saint Augusta,
Elevator / Famo Feeds. After he retired from the elevator George continued to sell Northrup King seed corn for Famo Feeds.
George was welcoming to all and loved interacting with the local farmers at the elevator and throughout the community. He was a lifetime member and past trustee of the St. Alexius Catholic Church in West Union.
George served on the Sauk Centre Public School Board for 12 years from 1972-1984.
his innate ability to be exactly the person described by his grandkids.
Tom is survived by his daughters Renee Rohde (Keith), Michele (Tom) Gonyea, Tonya Marthaler and Angie (Greg) Berg; grandchildren Jack, Emma, Gina, Adam, Samantha, Avery and Carson; sisters-in-law Gail, Sandy and Lois; nieces and nephews Barret, Monica, Chuck, Jennifer, Brandee and Martina; and so many special friends.
Tom will reunite in heaven with his parents Vincent and Elaine; brothers Jim, Dale and Jack; and former son-in-law Joel Peterson.
Visitation and funeral services were held at Central Lutheran Church in Elk River on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023. A private scattering ceremony for Tom’s ashes will occur at a later date in the BWCA. Memorials to Minnesota Recovery Connection (https:// minnesotarecovery.org/) or Grace Hospice (https:// www.gracecaring.org/) are preferred. H-2-1P
Judy (Doug) Streit of St. Anna and Leon (Shelly) Bauer of Carver; sister, Rosina Welters of Swanville; seven grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband Anton on Oct. 22, 1989, daughter Laurie Koshiol, son James and sonin-law Jerry Gohman. Sylvia’s family would like to thank the Cherrywood Advance Living South and St. Croix Hospice staff for their loving and passionate care given to Sylvia.
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in West Union. In 1959 they bought a farm seven miles west of Sauk Centre where they raised their four children. George enjoyed playing cards, square dancing, golfing with his friends, driving tractor for his son-in-law and attending his grandchildren’s school events.
George also volunteered at the Osakis VFW Post #7902 and enjoyed working the Friday night fish fry. If you are ever at the VFW, you can look for George’s ceiling tile.
After returning from Korea, he worked for the Farmers Elevator in Sauk Centre. George then spent 34 years as the manager of the West Union
Elmer B. Hellermann
Elmer B. “Fud” Hellermann, age 91 of Melrose, passed away suddenly, surrounded by his family on Dec. 24, 2022, at the CentraCare Hospital in Melrose. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Dec. 29 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment was in the parish cemetery.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Anna Hellermann of Melrose; children, Donald (Debbie) Hellermann of Melrose, Dale (Debbie) Hellermann of Melrose, Gary “Fritz” (Jean) Hellermann of Melrose, Denise (Steve) Ri-
Thank you
We would like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks on behalf of the passing of our husband and dad, Elmer Hellermann.
We would like to thank Fr. Marv Enneking, Deacon Ernie Kociemba, Fr. Vince Lieser, Dave Primus and the Resurrection Choir for the beautiful Mass; Helen and Donnie Van Drehle funeral group and the American Legion for the meal; Austin’s Floral for the bouquet arrangements; Linda Holm and Patton Schad Funeral Home staff for their wonderful assistance; and the staff at Park View, Senior Alternative Care, CentraCare Homecare and CentraCare doctors and nurses for their assistance and wonderful care they provided.
He was proud to live in the Melrose community all of his
Thank you
The Family of Cora (Uhlenkamp) Wiener would like to thank the Fairway Pines Assisted Living and Moments Hospice for taking such wonderful care of our mom!
We would also like to thank Father Greg and the servers for the beautiful mass at Our Lady Of Angels Church; the pianist and singers for doing a beautiful job on the music and the Christian Mothers for serving the food!
As the memory of our loved one (Cora) overwhelms
George was also a life member of the Osakis VFW Post #7902 serving as Commander for two terms.
George is preceded in death by his parents John & Margaret Williams; sisters Dorothy Maus and Betty (Imdieke) Botz; niece Stephanie Williams and nephew Chuck Imdieke.
Left to cherish George’s memory are his wife of 65 years, Jeanne; children, Tom (Deb) Williams of Eden Prairie, Joan (Gregg) Goeden of Wadena, Janet Schneeberger (Mike Cooney) of Fergus Falls, Carol
(Jim) Klaphake of Sauk Centre; nine grandchildren, Nick & Jonathan Goeden, Emily Williams, Ben Williams (fiancée Melanie Vong), Jesse (Kristen) Schneeberger, Jordan Schneeberger, Jena (Nick) Adams, Jill Klaphake (fiancé Tate Nelson) & Megan Klaphake; two great grandsons Noah Williams and Theo Adams; sister, Vera Arneson of Burnsville and brother, Bob (Bernie) Williams of Alexandria as well as numerous inlaws and nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Care Center Activities Department of Centra-Care Sauk Centre. George’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Centra Care-Sauk Centre Care Center for all their dedication and care.
Arrangements will be made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Sauk Centre. Please check their website for service details.
eland of Sauk Centre and Diane (Paul) Brickweg of Alexandria; 18 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters Henry “Hank” Hellermann of Vadnais Heights, Dorothy (Alvin) Schneider of Sauk Centre, Simon (Mary) Hellermann of Sauk Centre and Roselyn Lehner of Shakopee; and sisters-in-law Kathy Elfering of Melrose, Rita Hellermann of Sauk Centre and Bernice Hellermann of Melrose.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.
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life. He visited many local businesses on his routine walks or drives. He loved to socialize with so many.
Thank you to family, friends, neighbors and community members for the beautiful flowers, memorials, food, cards, prayers and kind words of sympathy.
We will forever be grateful.
As he would always say, “See you in the movies.”
Sincerely,
Anna “Annie” Hellermann
Donnie and Debbie Hellermann
Dale and Debbie Hellermann
Gary “Fritz” and Jean Hellermann
Denise and Steve Rieland
Diane and Paul Brickweg
PH-2-1B our thoughts, our sadness grows like ripples in a pond. Your words of sympathy bring us hope. They console our broken hearts and quiet the stormy emotions inside our minds. We really can’t thank everyone enough for your support during this difficult time.
Cora was a top notch lady! We love you lots and will miss our dear sweet wife and mother forever!
Thank you, The Julian Wiener Family
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NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
NOTICE IS HERE-
BY GIVEN that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage:
DATE OF MORTGAGE: April 1, 2020
ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE:
$161,616.00
MORTGAGOR(S): Noraida
Martinez Osorio, a single
woman MORTGAGEE: Mortgage
Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for American Mortgage & Equity Consultants, Inc., its successors and assigns
DATE AND PLACE OF RE-
CORDING:
Recorded: April 7, 2020 Stearns County Recorder
Document Number: A1566105
LOAN MODIFICATION:
Dated: February 24, 2022
Recorded: November 29, 2022
Document Number: A1645132
ASSIGNMENTS OF MORT-
GAGE:
And assigned to: PennyMac Loan Services, LLC
Dated: December 6, 2022
Recorded: December 7, 2022
Stearns County Recorder
Document Number: A1645681
Transaction Agent: Mortgage
Electronic Registration Systems, Inc.
Transaction Agent Mortgage Identification Number: 1008671-0000148579-4
Lender/Broker/Mortgage Originator: American Mortgage & Equity Consultants, Inc.
Residential Mortgage Servicer: PennyMac Loan Services, LLC
COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Stearns
Property Address: 124 5th Ave SE, Saint Joseph, MN 56374
Tax Parcel ID Number:
84.53484.0000
LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF
PROPERTY: Lot Four (4), Block Two (2), Eastern Park Addition, Stearns County, Minnesota
AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE
AS OF DATE OF NOTICE:
$135,772.19
THAT all pre-foreclosure requirements have been complied with; that no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; that this is registered property; PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above-described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as fol-
lows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE:
March 02, 2023 at 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: County Sheriff`s office, Law Enforcement Center, 807 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, Minnesota to pay the debt secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorney fees allowed by law, subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns.
If the Mortgage is not reinstated under Minn. Stat. §580.30 or the property is not redeemed under Minn. Stat. §580.23, the Mortgagor must vacate the property on or before 11:59 p.m. on August 30, 2023, or the next business day if August 30, 2023 falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.
Mortgagor(s) released from financial obligation: NONE THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.
DATED: January 6, 2023
MORTGAGEE: PennyMac Loan Services, LLC Wilford, Geske & Cook, P.A. Attorneys for Mortgagee 7616 Currell Boulevard, Suite 200 Woodbury, MN 55125
(651) 209-3300
File Number: 052219-F1 H-2-6B
CITY OF SAUK CENTRE
NOTICE OF BOARD & COMMISSION OPENINGS
Notice is hereby given that the City of Sauk Centre will consider the appointment of nominees for the following Boards & Commissions:
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage:
DATE OF MORTGAGE: March 31, 2020
ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE:
$103,098.00
MORTGAGOR(S): David E
Ziebarth, a single person
MORTGAGEE: Mortgage
Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, its successors and assigns
DATE AND PLACE OF RE-
CORDING:
Recorded: April 10, 2020 Stearns County Recorder
Document Number: A1566432
ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: And assigned to: U.S. Bank
National Association Dated: October 5, 2020
Recorded: October 6, 2020 Stearns County Recorder
Document Number: A1582216
Transaction Agent: Mortgage
Electronic Registration Systems, Inc.
Transaction Agent Mortgage Identification Number: 1000830-1002271352-0
Lender/Broker/Mortgage Orig-
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage:
DATE OF MORTGAGE: November 1, 2019
ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $110,854.00
MORTGAGOR(S): Shirley
Ann Mishow, a single woman
MORTGAGEE: Mortgage
Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Homeowners Financial Group USA, LLC, its successors and assigns
DATE AND PLACE OF RE-
CORDING:
Recorded: November 15, 2019
Stearns County Recorder
Document Number: A1557038 ASSIGNMENTS OF MORT-
GAGE: And assigned to: U.S. Bank National Association
Dated: June 7, 2021
Recorded: June 8, 2021 Stearns County Recorder
Document Number: A1605062
Transaction Agent: Mortgage
Electronic Registration Systems, Inc.
Transaction Agent Mortgage Identification Number: 1003775-1300176874-1 Lender/Broker/Mortgage Orig-
THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION
NOTICE IS HERE-
inator: Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC Residential Mortgage Servicer: U.S. Bank National Association COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Stearns
Property Address: 1751 W Saint Germain St, Saint Cloud, MN 56301 Tax Parcel ID Number: 82.47657.0000 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Lot 5, Block 1, John`s Re-arrangement of Lots 14, 15, 16 and 17, Block 1, Barritts Addition to the City of St. Cloud, Stearns County, Minnesota AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE
AS OF DATE OF NOTICE: $104,934.65 THAT all pre-foreclosure requirements have been complied with; that no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; that this is registered property; PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above-described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE:
February 21, 2023 at 10:00 AM
PLACE OF SALE: County
Sheriff`s office, Law Enforcement Center, 807 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, Minnesota to pay the debt secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorney fees allowed by law, subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns. If the Mortgage is not reinstated under Minn. Stat. §580.30 or the property is not redeemed under Minn. Stat. §580.23, the Mortgagor must vacate the property on or before 11:59 p.m. on August 21, 2023, or the next business day if August 21, 2023 falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. Mortgagor(s) released from financial obligation: NONE THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
inator: Homeowners Financial Group USA, LLC Residential Mortgage Servicer: U.S. Bank National Association COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Stearns Property Address: 235 4th Ave N, Waite Park, MN 56387 Tax Parcel ID Number: 98.60946.0000
LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Lot 28 in Block 6 in the Townsite (now Village) of Waite Park, according to the plat and survey thereof now on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for Stearns County, Minnesota AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE
AS OF DATE OF NOTICE:
$109,617.34
THAT all pre-foreclosure requirements have been complied with; that no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; that this is registered property; PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above-described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows:
DATE AND TIME OF SALE:
NOTICE
Finance, Inc., by Assignment of Mortgage dated December 7, 2022, and recorded December 19, 2022 as Document No. A1646231:
February 09, 2023 at 10:00 AM
PLACE OF SALE: County
Sheriff`s office, Law Enforcement Center, 807 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, Minnesota to pay the debt secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorney fees allowed by law, subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns.
If the Mortgage is not reinstated under Minn. Stat. §580.30 or the property is not redeemed under Minn. Stat. §580.23, the Mortgagor must vacate the property on or before 11:59 p.m. on August 10, 2023, or the next business day if August 10, 2023 falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.
Mortgagor(s) released from financial obligation: NONE THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN
THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.
DATED: December 22, 2022 MORTGAGEE: U.S. Bank National Association Wilford, Geske & Cook, P.A. Attorneys for Mortgagee 7616 Currell Boulevard, Suite 200 Woodbury, MN 55125 (651) 209-3300
File Number: 052132-F1 H-52-6B
THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION.
THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.
DATED: December 5, 2022
MORTGAGEE: U.S. Bank National Association Wilford, Geske & Cook, P.A. Attorneys for Mortgagee 7616 Currell Boulevard, Suite 200 Woodbury, MN 55125 (651) 209-3300 File Number: 052086-F1 H-49-6B
Interested persons may either submit a nomination letter or pick up a nomination form seeking appointment and return it to the City Administration Office, 320 Oak Street South, Sauk Centre, MN 56378. Nominations will be accepted until position is filled.
s/Vicki Willer City Administrator H-2-2B
CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333
ASSUMED NAME: In & Out Cleaning Services.
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IS: 404 Tenth St S Apt. 7, Sauk Centre, MN 56378.
NAMEHOLDER(S): Jephthah Foaty, 404 Tenth St S Apt. 7, Sauk Centre, MN 56378.
By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.
/s/ Jephthah Foaty 12/13/2022
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BY GIVEN: That default has occurred in the conditions of the mortgage dated October 17, 2016, executed by Jay H. Seguin, an unmarried man, as mortgagor, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., a corporation, MIN 1012742-0000050450-7, as nominee and mortgagee for HomeServices Lending, LLC d/b/a Edina Realty Mortgage, through loan originator Kevin Kildahl, NMLS ID 1236759, recorded in the office of the County Recorder of Stearns County, Minnesota, on October 26, 2016, as Document No. A1480672, which mortgage conveyed and mortgaged the following described property, situated in the County of Stearns and State of Minnesota, which property has a street address of 144 30th Avenue North, St. Cloud, Minnesota 56303, property identification number 82.50381.0000, which mortgage was assigned to Vanderbilt Mortgage and
SHERIFF’S SALE NOTICE
STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF STEARNS
DISTRICT COURT
Lot Twenty-eight (28), Block One (1), Roosevelt Place, according to the plat and survey thereof on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Stearns County, Minnesota
That the original principal amount secured by said mortgage was $92,646.00; that there has been compliance with any condition precedent to acceleration of the debt secured by said mortgage and foreclosure of said mortgage required by said mortgage, any note secured thereby, or any statute; that no action or proceeding to recover the debt remaining secured by said mortgage is pending, or any part thereof; that there is claimed to be due upon said mortgage and is due thereon at the date of this notice, the sum of $88,054.03 in principal and interest.
That as a result of the aforesaid default, and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the said mortgage will be foreclosed by the sale of the above described premises with appurtenances, which said sale will be made
by the Sheriff of Stearns County, Minnesota, at the Sheriff’s office in the Law Enforcement Center, 807 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, Minnesota, on February 14, 2023, at 10:00 o’clock a.m., at public auction to the highest bidder, to pay the amount then due on said mortgage, together with the costs of foreclosure, including attorneys’ fees as allowed by law, in accordance with the provisions of said mortgage. The time allowed by law for redemption by the mortgagor, his personal representatives or assigns, is six (6) months from the date of said sale.
MORTGAGOR(S) RE-
LEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: NONE THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING
scribed as follows:
OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. If the mortgage is not reinstated under Minn. Stat. §580.30 or redeemed under Minn. Stat. §580.23, the mortgagor must vacate the mortgaged property by 11:59 p.m. on August 14, 2023, unless the foreclosure is postponed pursuant to Minn. Stat. §580.07, or the redemption period is reduced to five (5) weeks under Minn. Stat. §582.032. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT BY A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE
DATED: December 28, 2022 Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., FOLEY & MANSFIELD, P.L.L.P. assignee of Mortgagee
By: Sean C. Mansfield Atty. No. 0400374
Attorneys for Mortgagee 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 1200 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 H-52-6B
CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333
ASSUMED NAME: Singularis Ceremonies.
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IS: 122 4th St S, Sauk Centre, MN 56378.
NAMEHOLDER(S): Ashley Allen, 122 4th St. S, Sauk Centre, MN 56378.
By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.
/s/ Ashley Allen 12/29/2022
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SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE: CONTRACT/ FORECLOSURE Court File No: 73-CV-22-4616
NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S
SALE UNDER JUDGMENT AND DECREE
Citizens Community Federal National Association Plaintiff, v. Alpha Real Estate Associates, Inc., Pump and Meter Service, Inc., The Wenner Company, Wenner Gas Company, Inc., XYZ Corporation, ABC Partnership, John Doe and Mary Roe Defendants.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that under and by virtue of, that certain Second Amended Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Order for Judgment and Judgment made and entered in the above-entitled action on October 28, 2022 (“Order”), a certified copy of which has been delivered to me, directing the sale of the Property hereinafter described to satisfy the amount found and adjudged due Plaintiff in the above entitled action from Defendant Alpha Real Estate Associates, Inc., the Sheriff of Stearns County, Minnesota, will sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, 807 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, MN 56303, the Property and real estate, which is legally de-
The South 82 feet of the West 52 feet of Lot 2 and the South 82 feet of Lot 3, all in Block 45, in the Townsite (now Village) of Rockville, together with an easement for right of way purposes along the driveway which extends toward the Southerly end of Lot 1 and the East 8 feet of Lot 2, said driveway being South of the existing cement wall on said premises, Stearns County, Minnesota.
(“Property”). The Plaintiff, to the best of its knowledge, provides the following information regarding the mortgage premises:
1. The physical street address, city and zip code of the Property is 108 Broadway Street East, Rockville, MN 56369.
2. The name of the
mortgage servicer and lender or broker is Citizens Community Federal National Association.
3. The tax parcel identification number of the Property is 76-42240-0050.
4. The name of the mortgage originator is Citizens Community Federal National Association.
Date: 11/29/2022 Stearns County Sheriff By: /s/ Jamie Florek Deputy Attorney for Plaintiff David A. Lutz (0286990) Lutz Law Firm 120 South 6th Street, Suite 1515 Minneapolis, MN 55402 612-424-2110 H-49-6B
Panhandle performance
Just for Kix dancers perform for Tampa Bay football game
BY BEN SONNEK STAFF WRITERDancers with Sauk Centre and Long Prairie Just for Kix programs let their stars shine in the Florida Panhandle last week, performing in the pre-pregame and halftime shows at the ReliaQuest Bowl, held Jan. 2 at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The dancers performed before a crowd of nearly 36,000 as part of 698 performers from second through 12th grade, representing nine states. All dancers learned the choreography from video links that were sent to them in late November, and once they got to Florida, the show was put together,” said Cindy Clough, Just for Kix executive director. “They had 12 hours to work on formations and polish the routines. We also had 765 non-performers and 46 coaches/studio owners on the tour; everyone had a great time and was so easy to work with. It is something they will remember forever as there is nothing quite like this large-scale performance.”
The game featured the Mississippi State Bulldogs versus the Illinois Fighting Illini; Mississippi won the game 19-10.
The football-themed pregame show featured all the performers using black and white poms and spanning the entire field between the goal lines, celebrating the 37th anniversary of the bowl game in Tampa Bay. They remained on the field for the National Anthem and flyover.
At halftime, five high school bands joined the dancers in the middle of the field to provide live music for the show, titled “Make Your Own Kind Of Music” and featuring the songs “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows” and “Make Your Own Kind Of Music,” and the younger dancers performed with older dancers for “My Favorite Things.” The
Just for Kix dancers from Sauk Centre and Long Prairie – (front, from left) Brynlee Ostendorf, Reagan Larsen, Brianna Lux, Kylee Bjostad and Hadley Wheeler; (second row, from left) Kiera Bjork, Mackenzie Brown, Addison Zinter, Amelia Reece,
WAY BACK WHEN
100 years ago • Jan. 11, 1923
Sauk Centre banks show increase in deposits, resources in 1922
Each of Sauk Centre’s three banking institutions reported being in splendid shape at the close of business on Dec. 31, 1922. When the call came for the banks’ condition statements on Dec. 29, the total deposits for the trio was found to be $2,107,808.80, and their combined resources were $2,438,034.79; this represents an increase from this time in 1921, when the three banks’ total deposits were $1,806,092.16, and their combined resources were $2,017,756.40. The banks – First State Bank, Merchants National Bank and First National Bank of Sauk Centre – also all held their annual stockholder meetings over the last couple of weeks, electing their directors and other officials.
50 years ago • Jan. 11, 1973
Robischon appointed as Sauk Centre mayor after Banal resigns
Henry Banal, elected to his first term as Sauk Centre mayor in the spring of 1972, resigned Jan. 5 because his long hours as a veterinarian left him with too little time and energy for his official duties. During a special meeting the same day, the council appointed alderman Bernard J. Robischon to act as mayor until the April election; Robischon is in his second term as alderman and has been in the accounting and tax service business in Sauk Centre for the past 20 years.
25 years ago • Jan. 13, 1998
Fire, likely arson, destroys New Munich Ballroom Firefighters from Melrose and New Munich responded to a Thursday night fire that destroyed the New Munich Ballroom; when the fire departments arrived on the scene, flames had already engulfed the east-end entrance, and Melrose Fire Department chief Rick Klaphake said the roof line was red hot. The blaze was reported by a passing motorist. It was determined the fire started inside the building, and officials believe arson was the cause. This was the second time firemen had been called to the New Munich Ballroom within the last month, although the first fire, which started outside the building, was containable.
10 years ago • Jan. 10, 2013
Sauk Centre philanthropist DuBois passes away Pat DuBois, chairman of First State Bank in Sauk Centre, passed away Jan. 7 at the age of 97. DuBois was born in 1915 and graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1933, going on to serve his community in a variety of ways, including as postmaster, volunteer firefighter and assistant firefighter chief; he was also instrumental in founding the Independent Community Bankers of America and served on the state legislature for three terms in the 1960s. Noted for his work ethic, philanthropy and community service, DuBois was the first to set up a fund at First State Bank to help the people affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Public NOTICES
performance ended with a patriotic finale, set to the song “America.”
For Clough, the most exciting part was the closing performance, which was projected onto a large screen so the dancers could see it as well.
The dancers had no idea what the ‘Big Picture’ looked like until they saw it on screen,” Clough said. “You would think they were watching fireworks the way they oooh’d and aah’d at their own performance. I feel
this year’s show was the best one we have put on to date.”
Outside of the game, families and coaches got to enjoy an afternoon at Clearwater Beach as well as tours of one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks, Universal Studios in Orlando and Busch Gardens, all in the warm Florida climate. They also attended a dinner cruise at the Yacht Starship and celebrated New Year’s Eve with a talent show and dance party at their hotel.
Our crew is so seasoned; they really do a great job,” Clough said. “It is one of the toughest weeks of the year for our staff. We are on the go pretty much 24/7 with about 5 hours of sleep on average. It was heartwarming to have 1,544 people on the tour and literally no complaints. Our clients really thought we had great organization and customer service, which made us very happy.”
Bushard elected as SCPS board chair
BY BEN SONNEK STAFF WRITERThe Sauk Centre Public Schools board held their organizational meeting the evening of Jan. 4, welcoming their three new members: Joe Borgerding, Scott Pearson and Josh Rieland. As one of their first items of business, the board elected Mike Bushard as their chairperson.
“It is a privilege to have the trust of my fellow board members to be elected as board chair,” Bushard said.
Bushard is beginning his seventh year on the SCPS board. He has served on committees including contract negotiation, building and grounds and H/R Employee; last year, he was also the board’s vice chair under chairperson Brad Kirckof.
“Brad ran very efficient meetings,” Bushard said. “They started on time, and he
kept to the agenda. I appreciated that, and my goal is to do the same.”
Bushard’s top priority for this year is to keep the school’s building project moving forward, especially as the bidding process opens next week. The board will soon be reviewing and awarding contracts, with the plan being to start exterior work in early April.
As he assumes the role of board chair, Bushard thanks school staff for their commitment to the building project.
“The past year has been very busy with the building project and hiring a new superintendent,” Bushard said.
“This required many additional meetings for our teaching staff, Admin Team, technology department and director of building and grounds. I can say firsthand, somehow our staff made all those meetings happen. As a community, we need to take time and thank them.”
Bushard also thanked the outgoing building and grounds director, John Messer, for his service to SCPS.
“Over the years, I worked with John Messer as things came up with our building and grounds,” Bushard said. “John kept our building in excellent condition and always ready for our staff and students. I want to thank him for the years he showed his Streeter Pride.”
Other school board appointments are as follows:
– Ann Hess, vice chairperson
– Jon Drevlow, clerk
– John Rasmussen, treasurer – Joe Borgerding, director – Josh Rieland, director – Scott Pearson, director SCPS board members were also appointed as representatives for various entities: Rasmussen to the West Central Education District and Community Education, Drevlow to Central Minnesota Educational Telecommunications System, Hess to SCFSC, Rieland to the Minnesota State High School League and Bushard and Borgerding to Meet and Confer.
COMMUNITY STARS
MSCTC announces fall 2022 academic honors
ALEXANDRIA – Scott Berger, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Alexandria Technical and Community College, is recognizing students for their academic excellence in the fall 2022 semester. The following Sauk Centre students were among those named to the semester’s Dean’s List: Ashley Dold, Gage Graeve, Ellen Kerfeld, Sarah Kolstad and Austin Kowski.
The Dean’s List honors those who have achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credits.
website www. isd743.org located under the Project 743 tab. Any questions, please contact Becki Marthaler at 320-352-2258 extension 4007. Bids will be accepted until 2:00 p.m., January 27, 2023. Bid opening will take place on January 30, 2023.
There will be a Sheriff’s sale on a 2016 Chrysler 200. The sale will take place on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Martini Auto, 34701 115th Ave
Fusion fourth at Border Battle
BY HERMAN LENSING | STAFF WRITERHaving multiple finishes in the top 16 helped the Fusion swim and dive team earn fourth place Jan. 7 at the West Fargo Public School Border Battle Invite at the Hulbert Aquatic Center in West Fargo, North Dakota.
M-SC placed at least two in the top 16 spots in five of the events. That was big in the 12-team invite, as the top 16 individuals and top 12 relay teams earned team points. The Fusion earned 212 points, while Fargo Davies earned 329 points, taking first.
The squad’s 100-yardbackstroke had the best showing among the place winners in the meet. Led by Jacob Robischon’s 2-minute, 9.28-second finish, M-SC earned third, 11th and 15th places. Both Sevrin Anderson and Nolan Fleischhacker missed finishing one spot higher by .3 seconds.
“Three guys in the top 16 was the most we put in any event,” said Nathan Meyer, co-head coach “Jacob Robischon had fifth in the 100 butterfly. He had nice times in both events.”
In the 100 breaststroke, Anderson took fifth and Fleischhacker 12th place as the Fusion solidified their hold on fourth place. Those two, as well as Adam Wilwerding, Robischon, Grant Eveslage and Alex Wilwerding, contributed to successful relay swims.
The 200 medley relay team of Adam Wilwerding, Anderson, Robischon and Eveslage started the day taking fifth place. M-SC made a few changes to their 200 freestyle relay and liked the results. The quartet of Eveslage, Fleischhacker, Isaiah Zink and Robischon earned fourth place. Their time, 1:39.03, was impressive.
“We tried a little different lineup and they had a nice finish,” Meyer said. “It was nice to get the momentum going into the final events.”
Adam Wilwerding provided M-SC with their highlight moment of the meet. He won the 100 backstroke, doing so in a convincing manner. Just missing a record, but making Fusion history, he finished 3.66 seconds ahead of the runner-up.
“He is the first person we (the Fusion) had taking a first at this meet,” Meyer said. “He won by a long shot. When you take a first in this meet, you are in the elite category. He was two-tenths of a second off the school record.”
The 100 backstroke was another good team effort. Alex Wilwerding earned sixth place.
A finish in the 100 freestyle was key in the Fusion taking fourth place. Adam Wilwerding earned seventh, while Eveslage brought in one point with his 16th-place finish. It was the only 16th on the day for the Fusion – but it was a needed point.
“We took fourth by one point,” Meyer said. “Centennial and the West Fargo Packers had 211 and tied for fifth.”
M-SC’s diving corps continued to be a contributing component of the team’s success. Andrue Stalboerger and Spencer Marthaler both earned points for the squad.
“Andrue Stalboerger finished fourth in diving; he is a strong diver,” Meyer said. “Spencer is a firstyear diver, so taking 12th out of 12 teams is very good.”
Eveslage in the 50 freestyle; the 400 freestyle unit of Alex Wilwerding, Anderson, Fleischhacker and Adam Wilwerding; and a 13th by Thatcher Van Beck in the 500 freestyle saw ninth-place performances. Those points all helped earn the fourth place. The competition for other top spots was tight. Grand Forks, North Dakota, 264, was second, Sauk Rapid-Rice, 262, third.
“That is a very good finish,” Meyer said. “We finished ahead of bigger schools and are very happy with how we did over all.”
200MR: 5. Adam Wilwerding, Anderson, Robischon and Eveslage 1:45.39. 200FS: 21. Van Beck 2:08.70. 200IM: 3. Robischon 2:09.28, 11. Anderson 2:23.31 and 15. Fleischhacker 2:25.71. 50FS: 9. Eveslage 24.90. Diving: 4. Stalboerger 330.4 and 12. Marthaler 220.7. 100FLY: 5. Robischon 57.16. 100FS: 7. Adam Wilwerding 51.69 and16. Eveslage 55.73. 500FS: 13. Van Beck 5:47.04. 200FSR: 4. Eveslage, Fleischhacker, Zink and Robischon 1:39.03. 100BK: 1. Adam Wilwerding 53.88 and 6. Alex Wilwerding 1:04.58. 100BR: 5. Anderson 1:08.16
Forfeits affect Sauk Centre wrestling triangular
Defenders go 1-1 at home
BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITERThe Sauk Centre-Melrose Defenders finished 1-1 at a triangular Jan. 10 at Sauk Centre High School in Sauk Centre.
Forfeits played a role in both the 39-36 win over United Clay Becker and in the 6012 loss to West Central Area. SC-M put a full-squad to the mat against UCB and received pins from Tyaus Meyer, 113 pounds, and Teddy Wiechman, 132. Dominic Kerzman opened the match with a 6-4 win. SC-M benefited from four forfeits.
The Defenders fell to West Central Area in the opening round. SC-M forfeited five weight classes. Kerzman, 106, and Noah Christen, 126, picked up pins. Two other matches were close contests. Jose De Los Santos-Morales, 145, and Sjogren, 285, both lost 3-2 matches. Sjogren wrestled into triple overtime.
SC-M, 39, United Clay Becker 36
106: Kerzman won 6-4. 113: Meyer won 0:25. 120: Lanna Walter lost 9-3. 126: Noah Christen lost 9-6. 132: Wiechman won
2:01. 138: Mitchell Christen won by forfeit.145: De Los Santos Morales won by forfeit. 152: Ben Friedrichs lost 1:21. 160: Dan Frericks lost 0:39. 170: Cesar Avalos lost 1:34. 182: Eden Rengel lost
1:03 195: Jon Lara lost 0:45. 220: Isaac Frericks won by forfeit. 285: Sjogren won by forfeit. West Central Area 63, SC-M 12
106: Kerzman won 1:08.
PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING
Mitchell Christen works for an escape against Willmar Jan. 5 in the SCM Triangular at Melrose. He did record an escape, but could not out-point his opponent.
113: SC-M forfeited. 120: Walter lost 4:10. 126: Noah Christen won 2:24. 132: SC-M forfeited. 138: Mitchell Christen lost 12-5. 145: De los Santos Morales lost 3-2. 152: SC-M forfeited. 160: Avalos lost 0:27. 170: SC-M forfeited. 182: Rangel lost 0:55. 195: SC-M forfeited. 220: Isaac Frericks lost 4:25. 285: Sjogren lost 3-2 (OT).
Melrose Triangular
The Sauk Centre-Melrose Defenders wrestling team had some good contests, but dropped their match Jan. 5 at Melrose Area High School in Melrose. In both matches, SC-M had good starts. Kerzman won the 106-pound match. The team had two additional wins, an 11-3 win by De Los Santos Morales, wrestling at 138 and later in the 132 division; and a pin by Sjogren at 285. The Defenders’ other matches did not go as well. SCM fell 65-16 to Morris Area-Hancock/Chokio-Alberta and 51-13 to Willmar. Willmar, with four wrestlers ranked
in Class AAA, is listed in the Lean and Mean ranking by The Guillotine, a state wrestling publication, while MAHACA has four wrestlers ranked among the top 10 in Class AA. That talent showed.
“You look at our schedule and there are quality teams,” said Vaughn Glasener, head coach. “Both of these teams are very solid when their full lineups are there. They place winners out there.”
Noah Christen, 126, Mitchell Christen, 145, and Dan Frericks, 16, all faced state-ranked opponents. Mitchell Christen faced two ranked foes.
While SC-M struggled for wins, they were not completely dominated in the contest against MAHACA. Mitchell Christen kept finding ways to prevent being pinned before falling to state-ranked Davin Rose in the 145 contest. Walter, wrestling at 120 against Willmar, fell behind 13-0 in the second period. She then rallied,
scoring seven points, and was in control of the match when it ended.
Sjogren ended the night a bright spot for SC-M. In the MAHACA match, Sjogren ended on his back early in the first period. He fought off a pin until the final 15 seconds of the first period.
“When big guys get on their back, it is tough,” Glasener said. “He fought for quite a while. He needed few more seconds.”
In the Willmar match, Sjogren dominated from the start quickly, taking his opponent down and rolling him over. The win gave him four wins by pin in five matches since the Christmas break.
“Our top kids are getting good quality matches and young kids are getting a feel of what it is all about,” Glasener said. “We are learning.”
MAHACA 64, SC-M 16 106: Kerzman won 1:01. 113: SC-M forfeited. 120: Walter won by forfeit. 126: Ted Wiechman lost 5:19. 132: Noah Christen lost 3:24. 138:De Los Santos Morales won 11-3. 145:Mitchell Christen lost 9-1 (MD). 152: Ben Friedrichs lost 1:45. 160: Dan Frericks lost 0:30. 172: Cesar Avalos lost 1:37. 182: Eden Rangel lost 2:23. 195: SC-M forfeited. 220: Isaac Frericks lost 2:42. 285: Sjogren lost 1:45. Willmar 51, SC-M 13 106: Kerzman won 7-3. 113: SC-M forfeited. 120: Walter lost 14-7. 126: Noah Christen lost 1:08. 132: De Los Santos Morales won 11-3.
Streeters mash MACA behind electric start
Sauk Centre girls’ basketball bounces back after first conference loss
BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
A game is never over until it is over, but the Sauk Centre Streeters girls’ basketball team felt pretty good about their chances by the time the halfway point of the first quarter arrived versus the Morris Area/ Chokio-Alberta Tigers Jan. 10.
With 8 minutes and 50 seconds remaining before halftime, the Streeters were putting on a clinic, making stifling defensive stops and turning it into offensive opportunities on the other end. Leading 20-2, it felt little was going wrong for the Streeters.
And a few days after dropping their first West Central Conference game of the season, Sauk Centre kept up their aggression, leaving Morris Area High School in Morris with a convincing 63-29 win.
“I thought it was a good bounce win,” said Scott Bergman, head coach. “Morris has one of the top players (in the area) in Maddy Grove, and we did a good job of defending her.”
The Streeters did far more than stopping Grove, holding MACA to five points in the
first 12 minutes of play while simultaneously establishing an offensive groove. Sauk Centre’s guards fed the ball inside successfully to forwards Tory Jennissen, 22 points and 10 rebounds, and Jenna Gapinski-Vogt, 16 points and 11 rebounds.
“To our girls’ credit, they did a nice job offensively of getting in transition and playing inside-out,” Bergman said. “They got the ball in to Tory and Jenna and some girls hit outside shots. It was a number of things, which is always a positive.”
Jennissen in particular had a momentous game. She went 8-for-13 from the field, and when the Tigers rotated to stop the sophomore from scoring, the 6’3” talent drew fouls and converted her free-throw attempts, making 6 of 7 shots from the line.
“I’m very pleased she shot well from the free-throw line,” Bergman said. “That’s something she’s been working at. For her to go strong like she did tonight speaks to continued improvement.”
Points came from all spots for Sauk Centre, who shot 37.5% from the field while only
turning it over seven times. The team’s primary outside option, Cierra Kortan, connected on three 3-pointers, while senior Heidi Lieser also cashed in on three points from long distance.
Emily Peters and Torry Kerfeld each pitched in six points in defensive-minded, two-way nights.
“I think it’s a matter of reps and practice and the comfort level is getting higher and higher with each game and each practice,” Bergman said. “You’re seeing the result of a lot of girls getting some valuable minutes in some big games.”
A 34-point triumph earns rightful jubilation, but the Streeters will need to prepare for their upcoming opponent in the reigning West Central Conference champion and Class AA state entrant Montevideo Thunder Hawks. The anticipated showdown will be held at 7:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at Sauk Centre High School in Sauk Centre.
“You just want to put the last game behind you, whether it was good or bad, and keep moving forward and keep getting better,” Bergman said. “We talked last game (against BOLD) about the big picture, little picture. Each and every day is the little picture, and that’s getting better.”
SC 40 23 63
MACA 13 16 29
Jennissen 22 (10R), Gapinski-Vogt 16 (11R, 3B), Kortan 9 (3R, 4A), Kerfeld 6 (3R, 5A), Peters 6, Lieser 3 (4R) and Maddy Schuster 1 (4R). BOLD 42, Sauk Centre 41
For the second straight year, the Streeters could not find a win in a low-scoring affair at Bird Island-Olivia-Lake Lillian District High School in Olivia, losing in disappointing 42-41 fashion Jan. 6. It was a difficult shooting for the Streeters, who held BOLD to a 27.3% make percentage but only hit 27.8% of their shots themselves. Kortan led the way with 11 points, including a 4-for-4 clip at the free-throw line, while Gapinski-Vogt added to her ever-growing collection of double-doubles with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Jennissen was key defensively for Sauk Centre, swatting away four Warrior shot attempts and grabbing 12 rebounds.
Ultimately, a stronger second half could not overcome a lackluster first half that saw the Streeters fall behind 23-15.
SC 15 26 41 BOLD 23 19 42
Kortan 11, Gapinski-Vogt 10 (11R, 4S), Jennissen 7 (12R, 4B), Lieser 5 (5R), Kerfeld 5 (4R) and Schuster 3 (6A).
Giants-Vikings make for a thrilling playoff opener
Here we go.
After a wild 2022-23 campaign full of entertaining wins in high-pressure situations and a number of brilliant individual performances, the Minnesota Vikings are headed to the postseason, boasting a 13-4 record.
Minnesota is the NFC’s No. 3 seed and will host the New York Giants at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis. The Vikings previously played the Giants Dec. 24, 2022 and won 27-24.
The Vikings have been labeled “frauds,” a product of a negative point differential and a few ugly, ugly performances. Does that mean this year’s squad is a quick out now that the playoffs are underway?
Here are some aspects of the matchup to consider:
-The Vikings have a distinct chess battle advantage in tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Irv Smith Jr. Against a Giants defense that allowed at least 70 yards to the tight end position four separate times this season, Hockenson dom-
BY EVAN MICHEALSON Everything Sports with Evaninated in the team’s previous matchup, pulling down 13 receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns in his best Vikings performance to date. This was a testament to New York’s Achilles heel on defense, and with Irv Smith Jr. returning from injured reserve, Minnesota could rely on looks with multiple tight ends to create difficult man coverage matchups.
-Barkley a big-time difference maker. Minnesota was fairly effective against the run during the regular season, allowing the 13th-least rushing yards in the NFL, but the Giants’ Saquon Barkley, 1,312 rushing yards and all, is
a workhorse who could swing the game. The Vikings have won 13 games despite being 26th in time of possession, but it is hard to see them grabbing a win in the playoffs if Barkley moves the chains with his legs, chews up clock and wears out the boys in purple.
-Give Kirk time. Kirk Cousins has been hit more than any other quarterback in the NFL, and if the Vikings hope to move on, they need to give the 11-year veteran time to make big throws. The four-time Pro Bowler has been incredible in clutch moments this season, executing eight game-winning drives, tied for the most in a single campaign in NFL history. With a slew of weapons at Cousins’ disposal, from NFL receiving leader Justin Jefferson to capable wideouts Adam Thielen and K.J. Osborn, a battered offensive line missing Brian O’Neill and perhaps Garrett Bradbury needs to hold up against Kayvon Thibodeaux and the New York defensive line.
-O’Connell and crew
need to be creative. Quite simply, the Vikings laying eggs in multiple games this season is a reflection of a coaching staff that has led a remarkable turnaround but also has shown some growing pains. However, those performances cannot happen in sudden death, and in order to prevent that, head coach Kevin O’Connell needs to maximize his players in a creative way. Get Jefferson in motion and move him around the field. Bring in Alexander Mattison in short-yardage situations. Blitz linebackers Jordan Hicks and Eric Kendricks and safety Harrison Smith at different times in various looks throughout the game. By making things unpredictable for the Giants, Minnesota can build a lead and force the Giants to pass, which New York does not want to do. This season has been a special one for Minnesota, and if the Vikings can execute in all three phases of the game, they can likely continue after Sunday.
Blue Devils triumphant after time away
Prairie Centre takes down International Falls
The CentreMat wrestling club celebrates their third-place Scrap Meet team trophy Jan. 9 at Sauk Centre Public Schools in Sauk Centre. The pre-K-6 program boasts 90 youth wrestling athletes for the 2022-23 season, a positive sign for the sport of wrestling in the area.
Scrap Meet soars
to community-driven success
Centre Mat hosts third annual youth wrestling meet
BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITERThe Scrap Meet, a new wrestling tradition in Sauk Centre, consists of a one-day tournament, but is far more than a day’s worth of preparation.
The hosts of the tournament, Centre Mat Wrestling, begin putting together the event months in advance, nailing down vendors, volunteers and other details that make the Scrap Meet complete.
And through the work of many, the third annual Scrap Meet was a distinguished success, as Sauk Centre High School served host to over 340 youth wrestling athletes Dec. 29 in Sauk Centre.
“I think it’s definitely helping from a local perspective to bring awareness back to wrestling in our area,” said Brian Beilke, CentreMat board president and coach. “Wrestling is great, especially for these kids.
It’s great for coordination and developing their mind with their body, and physical movement.”
The tournament ranged in age group from pre-K to sixth grade, with attending athletes matched up into bracket groups determined by age and weight. While the exact number of towns and communities represented at the giant wrestling meet is uncertain, Beilke estimated wrestlers from at least 20-30 different programs signed up from all across the state.
“We had some from as far as Waconia and Zimmerman,” Beilke said “Overall, it was a big success.”
The third edition of the Scrap Meet brought some new ideas to the table. Instead of a wide range of individual wrestlers competing of their own accord, if at least 10 wrestlers from the same team signed up, they could compete to earn points as a team. The top three
teams earned trophies, with Paynesville in first place, Big Lake in second place and the host Sauk Centre-Melrose’s CentreMat in third.
“That’s a big draw, and something we hope to advertise in the future,” Beilke said. “It’s a fun aspect; it gives them the team aspect of an individual wrestling tournament.”
Another important newer tradition nurtured at the Scrap Meet was the presence of girl wrestlers; while girls have been competing previously, it was not until the 2022 Minnesota State High School Girls Wrestling Tournament that girls wrestling became a Minnesota State High School League-sanctioned event. Off the back of this historic addition, Beilke anticipates an ever-higher female wrestling contingent at next year’s Scrap Meet.
“It’s growing, and I think maybe as early as next year, we’ll be able to have a good group show up,” he said.
The Defenders varsity team helped their younger class of athletes in a major way, working tables at the event
while also serving as referees for matches. Parents of wrestlers new and old also pitched in as volunteers, and led by event director and CentreMat board member Ashley Clapp, the overall assortment of helpers made sure the event ran smoothly from its setup starting time of 10 a.m. all the way to the conclusion of the meet at 9:30 p.m.
“The wrestling family in the area is tight-knit and they’re very committed to helping the program succeed, so I think that’s a big driver behind it,” Beilke said. “They just want to be able to give these kids an opportunity, so they can succeed at whatever level they want.”
This furthered opportunity has led to growth within Centre Mat, as 90 kids have joined the club for the 2022-23 season, 25 more than the previous year. And with another Scrap Meet in the books, there is not much for CentreMat to complain about.
“It’s trending in the right direction,” Beilke said.
Hats off Fletcher, Rieland’s three goals propel North Stars to victory
BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
With the offensive firepower this Prairie Centre North Stars boys’ hockey team possesses, the hard-to-achieve feat of a hat trick is becoming more and more of a common theme in the story arc of a promising, exciting squad.
Eli Fletcher and James Rieland both picked up threegoal performances against the Breckenridge-Wahpeton Blades Jan. 10, while sophomore goaltender Carter Holman earned his first career shutout in a well-executed 8-0 victory at Todd County Expo Arena in Long Prairie.
“I don’t think there’s anything more important in sports than confidence, and I think confidence is growing for our group in all three phases,” said Chad Wehrman, head coach. “You’ve got to go out and do the things you’re supposed to do.”
Four first-period goals certainly give a confidence boost, as the North Stars discovered.
The senior Fletcher provided an immediate jolt with two goals in the first 6 minutes and 15 seconds, while Rieland, the only freshman among the top 10 scorers in Section 6A, added two goals before the end of the period.
Wehrman said of Rieland.
“You’ve got to have a goal scorer’s mentality, you’ve got to have that will to want to score goals and do what it takes, and he does. He sees the ice well, he’s relentless on the forecheck and turns pucks over (on defense).”
lent, as 34 total shots resulted in eight goals, the team has reached that mark. Derick Sorenson tallied his second game goal in as many games, while Zac Bick added an even-strength, unassisted score in the third period.
fi es to our forecheck and
positioning,” Wehrman said. “We’re getting shots in the prime areas, and when you have guys who can shoot the puck and go to the net, good things will happen.”
This explosion of efficient scoring helped out Holman, who grabbed all 18 of the shots he faced for a clean game in the net and a milestone moment.
“His positioning has gotten better and he’s worked very hard on it in practice, along with (fellow goaltender) Noah Zinniel,” Wehrman said.
the Prairie Centre skaters in the defensive zone, as the North Stars broke the puck out without committing costly turnovers or creating breakdowns in puck coverage.
“The guys have been working on a few changes to our breakouts and just being attentive in the D-zone in front of the net,” Wehrman said.
Overall, it was a remarkable outing for the North Stars, who improved to 5-5 on the season after starting the campaign 1-4. Prairie Centre will aim for win No. 6 against Becker/Big Lake at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Todd County Expo Arena in Long Prairie.
“The boys are buying into the fact that nothing is given,” Wehrman said. “You have to earn everything you get.”
BW 0 0 0 0
PC 4 3 1 8 First period: 1. Fletcher (Rieland) 3:19. 2. Fletcher (Jesse Williams, Rieland) 6:15. 3. Rieland (Fletcher, Williams) 9:43. 4. Rieland (Williams, Fletcher) 14:30. Second period: 5. Sorenson (Bick, Aiken Lambrecht) 1:09. 6. Rieland (Fletcher) 3:20. 7. Fletcher (Wil-
liams) 10:16. Third period: 8. Bick 3:00. Goalie: Holman 18-18. Prairie Centre 6, Park Rapids 1
There is nothing that can seemingly slow down Fletcher.
The senior forward rode a hot stick against the Park Rapids Panthers Jan. 9, firing home the first four goals of the game in a commanding 6-1 North Stars victory at Todd County Expo Arena in Long Prairie.
Several playmakers found Fletcher at the right time and produced solid offense. Rieland compiled a goal and three assists, while Williams added two apples.
Two of Fletcher’s goals gave Prairie Centre a big 2-0 lead after one period, and after a scoreless second, the North Stars exploded for four goals to put the game away and improve to 4-5.
This brilliant six-goal, 31shot offensive performance supplemented an excellent night in net for Holman, who denied the Panthers time and time again in making 30 saves. His .968 save percentage was a then-season high for the sophomore goaltender.
PR 0 0 1 1
PC 2 0 4 6
BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITERIn practices leading up to their game against the International Falls Broncos Jan. 7, Prairie Centre Blue Devils girls’ hockey head coach, David Wright, joked with the new line combination of Izzy Lee, Kyra Swanson and Allie Lemke that they would score three goals, with Lemke tallying four individually.
As it turns out, that turned out to be a fair prediction.
Lemke recorded back-to-back-to-back scores during a 10-minute span in the second period for her first career hat trick, helping the Blue Devils defeat the Broncos 5-1 at Bronco Arena in International Falls.
“She has got one of the harder shots I’ve seen, and I’m putting boys into that category,” Wright said. “Once she got first goal and the second one, we said, ‘The beast has been unleashed.’”
There were no guarantees of a highlight-reel day for the Blue Devils, who had not played since their 6-1 loss to Windom Dec. 28 at the MBA Storm Holiday Classic and arrived at Bronco Arena following a four-hour bus ride. However, the team stayed attuned to the task at hand and prepared well, taking a short 20-minute break during the trip to stretch their legs, staying hydrated and planning ways to find advantages during the upcoming contest.
“We had them focus on the mental part of the game, just thinking about what they want to do on the ice, what they’re going to do in different situations,” Wright said. “Sitting on a bus for four hours, you have a lot of time to think.”
After lacing their skates up, Prairie Centre initially found gaining traction to be slow. International Falls outshot the visitors 14-6 in the opening period, but the Blue Devils did strike first, with Natasha Ludwig burying her ninth goal of the campaign seven-and-a-half minutes in. Carly Gruenes and Maddie Koltes provided assists.
“Our girls have worked really hard, and we stress the fact that the harder you work, the more things are going to happen for us,” Wright said. “They really prove that.”
Things opened up quickly for the Blue Devils in a high-flying second period. Ludwig stashed another puck into the back of the net 2 minutes and 18 seconds into the middle frame, followed by Lemke’s series of powerful shots that provided an energetic spark. By the time the scoreboard hit zeroes at the end of two, Prairie Centre led 5-0.
“I think these girls are really buying into the team concept that it’s not always about individual stats and them,” Wright said. “They all know they have a role to play and when they don’t come to play, it’s not affecting them; it’s affecting the team. They don’t want to let their team down.”
Kennedy Lemke was once again valiant between the pipes, holding International Falls off the score sheet for the first 47 minutes. While she did not secure the shutout, the junior came up with 43 saves for an astounding .977 save percentage.
“Some of those shots were right in front of the slot, high-percentage opportunities,” Wright said. “She really played well.”
The Blue Devils are now 3-8, with wins in two of their last three games. Prairie Centre will have a chance to build on this recent success against Northern Lakes at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at Todd County Expo Arena in Long Prairie.
PC 1 4 0 5
IF 0 0 1 1
First period: 1. Ludwig (Gruenes, Koltes) 9:36. Second period: 2. Ludwig (Dalelyn Diedrich, Alex Woltman) 2:18. 3. Allie Lemke 5:38. 4.
Sauk Centre Elementary School
Jan. 16 - 20
Monday: No school.
Tuesday: Cheeseburger, vegetable, cold sandwich.
Wednesday: Mini corn dog, vegetable, cold sandwich.
Thursday: Chicken patty, vegetable, cold sandwich.
Friday: No school.
Sauk Centre Secondary School
Monday: No school.
Jan. 16 - 20
Tuesday: Chicken taco, vegetable, cheeseburger.
Wednesday: Country chicken bowl, vegetable, hot ham and cheese.
Thursday: Chili, vegetable ,chicken patty.
Friday: No school.
Holy Family School
Jan. 16 - 20
Monday: No school.
Tuesday: Corn dogs, tri-tater, baked beans, fruit sauce.
Wednesday: Chow mein over rice/noodles, fruit sauce, dessert.
Thursday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit sauce, bread and butter.
Friday: No school.
