Sauk Centre Herald 01-26-2023

Plans progress for Authors Addition

New 44-acre residential area platted for 85 lots

BY BEN SONNEK STAFF WRITER

The city’s new residential land now has a name – Authors Addition – and platting for the property is underway.

During their Jan. 18 regular meeting at Sauk Centre City Hall, the Sauk Centre City Council approved the preliminary and final plat of Authors Addition; the land is 44 acres on the west side of Sauk Lake between Hickman Drive and Fairy Lake Road, purchased in 2022 from John Meyer. The city has it platted for 85 residential lots, the larger ones being in the southeast area, and the preliminary plat proposes four phases for development while the final plat will create lots for only the first phase. All other phases will remain as outlot for future development.

The preliminary design also includes the design for utilities, ensuring the lots can be serviced by municipal utilities including stormwater. The design will be reviewed at the city’s Feb. 1 meeting to approve bidding preparation.

from a flood Reborn

First Lutheran Church renovations underway

BY BEN SONNEK | STAFF WRITER

Just as the great flood in the Bible was God’s opportunity to renew creation, so too is First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre using the water damage from the 2021 storms to reshape their worship and community spaces.

“We could just put it back the way it was and keep doing what we used to do, but (the congregation) wanted something different,” said Rev. Michael Carlson, pastor of First Lutheran Church. “They saw

it as an opportunity to do more intentional ministry for the community, and there’s a lot of excitement around it.”

First Lutheran Church’s sanctuary was built in the 1950s, a block south from their original church. The education wing was added in 1969; more work was done in the 1980s, but the next major phase was the 2004 addition of their Christian Life Center, office complex and extended entryway.

Moving into the 2020s,

McAlister family moves to Sauk Centre from Hawaii

First Lutheran Church had no further renovations planned, but then 2021 brought two major storms on July 28 and Aug. 28. Both of those storms landed tree limbs on the flat roof of the church’s 1969 addition,

plugging its drain. The water levels then got so high that they spilled into an exhaust fan.

“The first storm in July hit at night,” Carlson said, “We were here earlier in the evening because we had a wed-

ding rehearsal, and about 7 o’clock the next morning, our wedding coordinator called, frantic, saying, ‘We’ve got waterfalls in the church.’

First Lutheran page 3

Minnesota ,

BY BEN SONNEK | STAFF WRITER

Having started in Texas and later moved to Hawaii, it is almost certain that nobody would have guessed the McAlisters next residence: Sauk Centre. However, the family – with the grandmother, Brenda; the parents, Melissa and Lance; and 5-year-old Matthew – have been enjoying Minnesota’s infamous winters so far, and the rural environment has made it an active yet peaceful place to live.

“There’s a lot up here that reminds me of the east Texas I grew up in,” Lance said. “I love the wide-open country.”

Both Melissa and Lance were born and raised in Texas, meeting in the east Texas town of Tyler in 2007 at a church singles event; Melissa was a travel nurse at the time, and Lance was working for Walmart. They married in 2008 – honeymooning in Hawaii – and Lance was promoted to store manager in Roswell, New Mexico, so they moved there for almost three years before returning to Texas.

Three years after that, an experimental market supply chain manager position opened up in Hawaii. Lance was chosen out of a pool of

about 100 other applicants, and he and Melissa packed their belongings into shipping containers, flew over to Oahu and lived with of six suitcases and an air mattress for about five weeks. Being enjoyers of water and water-related activities, the McAlisters loved living in Hawaii.

“I lived by a lake in Texas before Hawaii,” Melissa said. “We love snorkeling, and the weather’s always great. The first year, we lived where it rained a little too much because we were really close to the mountains on the windward side, so we moved closer to the beach where it didn’t rain quite as much, and it was perfect.”

For the next six and a half years, Melissa continued nursing at area schools, and Lance commuted for his work with Walmart. His day would often begin with a half-hour drive over the Oahu mountains, as all the Walmart stores he managed were on the west, or leeward, side.

Hawaii page 3

PHOTO BY BEN SONNEK

Rev. Michael Carlson stands in the middle of the Christian Life Center, the new wall behind him, Jan. 11 at First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre. The church’s renovations will reorient the sanctuary to create a more intimate but still sizable worship area. GRAPHIC SUBMITTED (Inset) A computer-generated image shows how First Lutheran Church’s sanctuary will look after renovations. The Christian Life center will have a glass wall so it can serve as overflow seating for the sanctuary.

PHOTO BY BEN SONNEK

The McAlisters – Melissa, Lance and 5-year-old Matthew – go sledding in their backyard Jan. 23 in Sauk Centre. Having previously lived in Texas and Hawaii, this is the family’s first snowy winter.

First Lutheran from front

Luckily, all the wedding stuff was not over where the damage was, but it took out both floors of the education wing.”

Water affected all surfaces: walls, ceiling tile and flooring. The library and its books were fine, fortunately, but four classrooms were damaged in the basement, and there was some water damage by the stairwell. On the main level, a bathroom and a nursery space were also harmed.

A roofing company inspected the 1969 addition roof in October 2021 and found it to be in good condition in spite of the flooding. Crews removed the troublesome vent, and so the 2022 storms passed through without much effect to the building.

It was during the church’s dealings with their insurance company that people started talking about whether or not the damage represented an opportunity for change.

“We came out of COVID talking about how we do church in a different way; how do we use our facility not just for ourselves but as a community asset?” Carlson said. “All of those discussions led to what became this idea of a total remodel.”

The biggest change to the church is the restructuring of the sanctuary. It started as a traditional space – sometimes called a shotgun style sanctuary – and during the 2004 additions, they knocked out the space’s west wall and expanded it into overflow seating. Now, the sanctuary will be turned so it faces east instead of north and will have semicircular seating; the upper balcony will be walled off for storage space.

“It’s going to create a more intimate feel, we think, than having this long back row that our current sanctuary has,” Carlson said. “It’s also going to allow us to bring in some technology; we’ve had some people ask us for quite some time now if there’s any way we can put some screens in our

sanctuary. The way our sanctuary is currently, it’s pretty hard to do because the size of the TVs you’d have to have would be very distracting, so this turn will allow us to make it all look pretty seamless.”

Interlocking seats will replace the pews, some of which have already found use outside the church.

“Some of our back-row members love their back-row pews so much, they took them home,” Carlson said. “For the rest of our pews, we looked for some churches to see if they wanted them … and then somebody reached out to the threshing show over in Albany, and they were overly excited about it, so our pews will be out there this summer.”

The Christian Life center will also have a glass wall instead of a solid wall, so it can serve as overflow seating for the sanctuary.

“If we ever do the (Sinclair Lewis) Writers Conference again here, the new way we’ll have our sanctuary will allow us to have a presentation in (the sanctuary) instead of in the Christian Life Center,” Carlson

Hawaii from front

“A couple of days a week, I would normally head to the airport, go through the TSA, board a plane and hopscotch over to the neighboring islands,” Lance said. “An average flight is about 45 minutes; it takes longer to go through security. I spent the day on the island and flew back in the night, and I got to see a lot of really nice scenery coming and going, for sure.”

Matthew was born in Hawaii in 2017, and he loved the island life as well.

It was a bit of a culture shock for the McAlisters to live in Hawaii after Texas, where everything is bigger.

“Everything is very compressed and small (in Hawaii) – parking spaces, road widths, houses,” Lance said. “Yards are super small; most vehicles are smaller, especially on (Oahu). It’s the price of paradise.”

Prices were also higher on the islands, from groceries to real estate.

“Where we lived, just to get a house that you’d still have to do work on would start at about $1.14 million, and it would probably be 1,800 square feet,” Melissa said.

On the other hand, people are more likely to spend time outdoors in Hawaii than in Texas, so a lot of indoor space was not a major need anyway.

“People walk everywhere,” Melissa said. “It’s not materialistic; there, you don’t invest a lot of things inside your home because you’re spending more time outside your home. That’s why a lot of houses don’t even have air conditioning. We did beach camping with our son quite a bit.”

Then, Lance heard about another Walmart position opening in the Central Minnesota area.

“Something just told me I should say yes,” Lance said. “I called (Melissa) and said, ‘Hey, what do you think?’ and we checked it out.”

Melissa had been to the Minnesota area before as a teenager in a Bible study church camp.

“I remember it had been beautiful on the lake, so I told

said.

The Christian Life Center used to only have a small coffee bar, but the new design adds a kitchenette, allowing people to bring roasters and crock pots to share meals. A nursing room and family bathroom have been added, and while the existing nursery has been reduced in size, there will be more nursery space available as a whole.

“We are putting our nursery in three different locations within the church,” Carlson said. “By our office, the gathering space and the welcome space, there’s a little area set up for children there, and families have really enjoyed that, so we thought, let’s just keep doing it this way.”

The library will be given additional space by removing a wall, making it a better area for meetings and smaller gatherings.

In the basement, all the flooring will be brand new, and many of the spaces will be opened up as they move away from smaller classrooms. The fellowship hall will remain a multi-age area, and the education area is being converted

into their next-generation zone, all geared toward preschool through high school children.

“Everything – the decorations that’ll be down here, the furniture that’s being put in – is all intentional to create a very welcoming and inviting space for young people,” Carlson said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the response of our families to this space that’s dedicated to them.”

The damage and renovation did uncover some issues the church would have otherwise missed; for instance, asbestos was discovered when the basement ceiling and floor tiles were damaged, so they had to do asbestos abatements – a $50,000 undertaking. They ended up doing another, smaller abatement when more asbestos tiles were uncovered outside the fellowship hall, and it will have to be done again outside the sanctuary.

The project has an estimated total price of $1.15 million, but there is hope that, as lumber and other construction prices decline, there might be some cost savings as the sanctuary gets redone. All of it is being funded by church members, and so far, just under $400,000 has been pledged with about $100,000 in hand.

“Sometimes, when you do renovations like this, you go to an outside firm to help fundraise,” Carlson said. “We chose to just do it from within, and the congregation has been phenomenal in their response. Almost on a weekly basis, we get another intent sheet that comes in for us.”

Like most recent construction projects, First Lutheran Church has had delays. They are currently waiting for some metal door frames – the delivery of which has been pushed back about a month – and until then, they cannot finish the area’s sheetrock installation.

As the renovation continues, Carlson is looking forward to the excitement that the completed project will bring, especially the next-generation zone and the design of the new sanctuary.

“We have created a facility we think can be a benefit to the community for groups to use, come in and have meetings and events,” Carlson said.

The Friends of the Library meeting: January 28, 2023 at 4 p.m. in the basement of the library. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend.

Pins and Needles Quilters Monthly Meeting : Second Tuesday of the Month, 7 - 9 p.m. at the Sauk Centre Senior Center, 321 4th St. N. Our goal is to promote the art of quilt making at all skill levels by discussion, lessons, and show and tell of your projects at our meetings. We welcome new members.

Catholic in Recovery: Saturdays at 1 p.m. Catholic sacramental recovery fellowship for those seeking freedom from addictions, compulsions and unhealthy attachments. Family and Friends Support Group: Saturdays at 1 p.m. for family members and others impacted by the spiritual disease of addiction. Both groups located at the Centre for Christ.

Little Sauk Legion Auxiliary Unit 417 Meeting: Second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Little Sauk Legion. New members welcome!

Mental Health Support Group: Fridays from 2-4 p.m. at the Palmer House. We welcome anyone who suffers with mental health issues. Any questions, please contact Richard at 320-2604233.

Sauk Centre History Museum and Research Center: Museum hours are Sunday and Monday - closed, Tuesday 1-5 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday 1-5 p.m., Friday noon to 4 p.m. Located in the Sinclair Lewis Library building at 430 Main Street. Any questions, please call 320-351-8777.

Mental Health Crisis Line: 320-253-5555 or 800-635-8008.

Crisis Response Team for Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright counties.

AA Meetings: Thursdays, 11 a.m. at United Church of Christ in Sauk Centre. For more information, call 320-429-1620. AA and AlAnon 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays in Sauk Centre at United Church of Christ. Back to Basic Meeting, Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Tutti Fruitti in Sauk Centre. For more information, call 218-240-1076. Wednesdays Big Book Meeting at 7 p.m., Civic Center, Melrose. For more information, call 320-241-3909.

NA Meetings : Mondays, 7 p.m. at River of Life Church, Sauk Centre and Fridays at 11 a.m. at Eagle’s Healing Nest Chapel, Sauk Centre.

Alzheimer’s Support Group: The support group for people caring for someone with memory loss holds monthly meetings every fourth Thursday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m. at Alternative Senior Care, 418 10th St. S, Sauk Centre. For more information, call 320-352-3350.

Join Us in Worship

BELGRADE

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES CATHOLIC CHURCH 541 Martin Ave. | PO Box 69 320-254-8218 parishesontheprairie.org/parishes

ELROSA

(Lance), ‘If you ever move me away from Hawaii, you’ve got to move me near a lake so I can be near the water,’” Melissa said.

Upon flying back to the mainland, the McAlisters stayed at a Dallas vacation rental for half of a year before moving to Sauk Centre in April, Brenda moving there with them. Lance’s main office is in Alexandria, but the family chose to live in Sauk Centre because they wanted a house that was not a split-level, for Brenda’s sake.

Brenda previously lived in Texas for 77 years, watching the land go from cotton fields to developments, so she likes being back in a rural area where the farm scenery is just out the window instead of in a picture. She also liked going to the Stearns County Fair in Sauk Centre.

“I enjoyed seeing these exhibitions,” Brenda said. “It’s more like the fairs that I remember as a very young person.”

This year has been the first time the McAlisters have experienced a snowy winter. They did get to see some snow in Hawaii as it occasionally falls on the Big Island’s highest peaks, and Texas also got a dusting every so often, but neither state has had it remain for long. In Sauk Centre, though, the family use their backyard as a sledding hill, and the snowman at the bottom has lasted longer than any other in their history.

“We make the most of it,” Melissa said. “We like to snow ski at least once a week. We have our son in hockey; he’s loving it. We just went snowshoeing and ice fishing already, so we’ve been doing all these first things, and we’re enjoying it. I hear people say it can be long, and we might change our tune after a while, but we loved having our white Christmas and Thanksgiving, and it’s been fun.”

This Christmas has also been more laid-back than the ones spent in Hawaii.

“Out there, there’s always something going on,” Lance said. “Now, to get to wind down in your house with the fireplace, we just haven’t been

accustomed to it. I haven’t done a puzzle with my mother in years, and we’ve got a puzzle started.”

The snow does not really concern the McAlisters much, but shoveling the walk is starting to lose its novelty, and they have been through a few storms that have hampered driving conditions. However, in his travels for business, Lance has seen worse conditions in northern Minnesota, especially with the wind; the family has also seen the more beautiful side of the cold, including phenomena such as diamond dust and sun dogs.

Winter driving has taken some getting used to.

“In Texas, when they have this weather, it’s very rare and they’re not prepared for it, so you stay home,” Melissa said.

“If you go out, you’re going to get in a wreck or pass a lot of wrecks.”

While enjoying winter, the McAlisters are also looking forward to when spring and summer finally arrive. Water activities such as waterskiing, tubing, swimming and fishing are on their to-do list.

“I haven’t really gotten to truly experience fishing yet, but I hear it’s an angler’s paradise up here,” Lance said. “I’m looking forward to catching my first walleye.”

Naturally, one of their favorite parts about Minnesota so

far has been the people. “We loved Texas and Hawaii, but the people are really pleasant here,” Melissa said. “Scary things go on these days in the big cities; I feel safer raising my son here.”

BROOTEN

ST. DONATUS CATHOLIC CHURCH 301 Eastern Ave. 320-254-8218 parishesontheprairie.org/parishes

STS. PETER AND PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH 302 State St. 320-254-8218 parishesontheprairie.org/parishes

WEST UNION ST. ALEXIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH 11 Oak St. S 320-352-2563 parishesontheprairie.org/parishes

SAUK CENTRE

FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 124 4th St. N 320-352-5356 faithbc.org

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH 304 Elm St. S 320-352-3623 flcsauk.com

FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 620 5th St. S 320-352-2030

OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS CATHOLIC CHURCH Ash St. and 7th St. 320-352-2196 parishesontheprairie.org/parishes

ST. PAUL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH 304 Sinclair Lewis Ave. 320-352-2196 parishesontheprairie.org/parishes

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 504 Elm St. S 320-352-2827 saukcentreumc.org

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH 316 Maple St. 320-352-3447 www.facebook.com/ zionlutheransaukcentre H41-R B

If you would like parishioners to see your church here, please contact Robin at 320-351-7837

$95

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Ceiling tiles are fallen and broken on the water-damaged carpet July 28, 2021, at First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre. The majority of the damage happened in the church’s 1969 education wing.

PHOTO BY BEN SONNEK

The McAlister family – (from left) Matthew, Melissa, Brenda and Lance – gather inside their home Jan. 23 in Sauk Centre. Brenda lived in Texas for 77 years before joining her family in Sauk Centre.

Vacation PSA, Quade edition

For those of you who don’t know, my maiden name is Quade. My parents are Mark and Jana Quade of Sauk Centre.

Why is this important to know? Well, this week’s column idea is courtesy of lessons learned on my parents’ recent vacation to Cancun, Mexico. Don’t worry, they gave me permission to share their educational experiences with you.

While in Cancun, my parents took a Delta Taxi excursion. They had taken taxi’s before and never had any issues, but this time proved to be different. Their taxi got a flat tire, and they were stranded on the side of the road – in an ant filled ditch – for a few hours before catching a couple of buses to finally make their way back to their resort several hours later.

Kayla’s Korner by Kayla Hunstiger

Upon arrival to their resort, my father noticed his wallet was no longer in his back pocket. His pocket had Velcro, so it seemed strange that it was missing. After franticly searching for what seemed like an eternity, he came to the realization that he’d been pickpocketed. He quickly took mental note of all he had in his wallet: two credit cards, a debit card, driver’s license, a couple hundred dollars in cash and his social security card.

After a quick exchange about the contents of my father’s lost wallet my mother tried to call their bank; however, she could not get her call to go out. So, she contacted me and we worked through what needed to be done ASAP and what could essentially wait until they got home. Once the logistics were settled, I had to ask, “Why would you have your social security card in your wallet?” Dad’s response was, “I always have. Why wouldn’t I?”

Remembering all of the “easy” tasks my parents have taught me – eating with silverware, toileting, etc. – I tried to speak calmly, “Because it says right on your card not to carry it in your wallet.” Realizing that it was a common

practice for my father brought both of us to think that others may also be commonly carrying their card with them.

Please leave your social security card at home unless you are going to a place you will need it; then, carry it just for that day. Then safely tuck it back into a bank box, your safe or a safe place of your choosing. Thank God for local banking, helpful friends and family and for identity theft protection companies. Life certainly would’ve been more stressful without them.

I know my parents have a few tips they’d like to pass along to the Sauk Centre Herald subscribers and their families:

• Line up your travel accommodations with your resort to ensure you’re as safe as you can be.

• Place your wallet in your front pocket or at least somewhere with a zipper or button that makes it harder to access.

• Only bring what you absolutely need when going on vacation, or even when you’re going shopping or are on a local outing.

• Let someone you are not traveling with, and someone you are, know your plans, timelines, etc.

• Make sure you have a trustworthy person who doesn’t vacation with you on your accounts so that, if you need to have changes made, they can be made. Also, make sure you have photocopies of your driver’s license, passport and card numbers in a safe place at home. This will help if your accounts need to be closed out.

Honestly, the list could go on, but I think the main points have been hit. Wishing all our subscribers happy and safe travels wherever life’s adventures take you. Thanks, mom and dad, for another great life lesson.

On Jan. 17, the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team held their annual “Pride Night,” celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

In recent years, the National Hockey League, like most other professional sports and many other large corporate brands, have made a pitch to let the world know they support inclusion and LGBTQ+ rights.

They do so by hosting pride events, like the one in Philadelphia, which has made headlines because one of the players refused to wear a rainbow-themed jersey during the pre-game skate. Ivan Provorov is a Russian-born player (The NHL has a plethora of Russian and European players), who said wearing such a jersey was against his religious beliefs.

Despite him not participating in the pre-game skate, he was in the lineup and allowed to play in the game. This, of course, triggered a wide array of keyboard warriors who took to social media to ridicule Provorov and label him a bigot and homophobe.

Provorov, to his credit, spoke to reporters after the game and simply said, “I respect everybody, and I respect everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself and my (Russian Orthodox) religion.”

He told reporters that was all he was going to say, and really it is all he should have to say.

The entire scenario is another classic example of selective outrage, which has become such a common trait amongst those who like everyone to hear their opinion, especially on matters that have nothing to do with them but hate to hear other people’s opinions on the same matter.

As a part of my youth service class at school last quarter, I had the option to pick a teacher who I wanted to help out during my first hour class. One of my favorite teachers I’ve ever had would have to be Ms. Stalberger, my fifth grade teacher at Holy Family School. So, right before the quarter started, I wrote her an email asking if I could assist in her classroom. Much to my delight, she responded with an ecstatic approval. This led to getting to spend the last few months working with her amazing students while doing fun activities around the school.

On my first day, Ms. Stalberger and Mrs. Kohorst, the other fifth grade teacher, brought me into the classroom, handed me paper and a pair of scissors and said, “We need you to cut out a bunch of letters that we can hang in the gymnasium.” I immediately wondered what I’d just gotten myself into. I didn’t want to be cutting out letters the entirety of the quarter. I wanted to work with the students and have fun! But since it’s my job to assist them with anything they needed, I cut out the letters. Thankfully, that was the last slightly aggravating task I had to do. The remainder of the months were spent working with the fifth graders on homework, reading comprehension, and games. I continued to get flashes of déjà vu from when I was an elevenyear-old sitting in their chairs.

However, my favorite part of the experience was getting to talk to Ms. Stalberger every day. She has always

been one of my favorite people and continues to inspire me. Her sense of humor and witty comebacks never fail to brighten my day, and I’m sure many of the students she has had throughout the years feel the same way. Her bright, smiling face always made my day better whenever I’d walk into the room at 8:15. Thankfully, she also made sure the fifth graders wouldn’t bully me every day for wearing my Packers hat into the room, especially since the kids in the class were cutthroat Vikings fans out to harass me.

By the end of the quarter, it was extremely difficult to say goodbye to all of the new kids I’d had the pleasure of working with. I’m not entirely sure whether or not the feeling was mutual, considering the day I said goodbye, most of them responded with, “Wait, was this your last day? Weird. Alright, bye Hailey!” Regardless, since my last day, I’ve already gotten to say hello to them at sporting events or walking out of school each day.

Getting to work with younger kids has always been a hobby of mine, and this time around was no different. It makes me proud to know that, after I graduate, the future of Sauk Centre High School will be in capable hands. I’ll never forget the months I spent with them while getting to embrace the nostalgia. An extra-special thank you to Ms. Stalberger and Mrs. Kohorst for this fantastic opportunity. You two will take these kids far.

For example, when Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the playing of the national anthem before an NFL football game, people lost their minds and ridiculed him as an ungrateful, spoiled American-hating traitor. This viewpoint came largely from the right. Meanwhile, those on the left praised Kaepernick for taking a stand by taking a knee, pointing to his constitutional right to protected free speech and right to peacefully protest.

Now, with Provorov, it is those on the left who are ridiculing him and labeling him the same way the right labeled and trashed Kaepernick. Meanwhile, those on the right cite his freedom of religion and freedom of expression to do as he pleases.

Those who have selective outrage for one man and not the other points to the vast differences between right and left thinking and the hypocrisy that encompasses both. It’s the same with the 2020 riots and the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Those on the right believe the 2020 riots that destroyed cities are much worse than Jan. 6. Those on the left believe Jan. 6 was akin to 9/11 and one of the worst days in America’s history.

It’s crazy how so many people see two things that are eerily similar yet have completely different takeaways. Even the Flyers coach, John Tortorella, years ago said he would bench any player who sat during the national anthem. But when Provorov protested “Pride Night,” he was able to play a regular shift. Tortorella has said he has since changed his mind about the anthem ordeal, which may or may not be true given his decision not to bench Provorov.

Maybe it would be better if hockey coaches coached, players played and fans watched. Kaepernick kneeling and Provorov skipping the pre-game skate does not make them bad people, and is not a big deal.

I think it’s an important trait for one’s ability to take a stand. It’s called conviction, and it’s rare.

And it certainly doesn’t affect anyone’s life. It’s no different than an employee skipping a sloppy joe lunch at work because they are a vegetarian.

Personally, I take a more libertarian view. My beliefs and decisions are mine, and yours are yours. I may disagree with you, and you may disagree with me. It doesn’t make me a bad person, and it doesn’t make you one, either. If we canceled everyone we disagreed with, nobody would be married.

Provorov said it best. “I respect everybody and everybody’s choices. My choice is to stay true to myself.”

That’s good advice for all of us.

By Missy Traeger

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Hok’s

In Other Words by Bryan Zollman

Anna Mae Haskamp

Anna Mae Haskamp, age 90 of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at the CentraCare Care Center in Sauk Centre.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Mark Botzet officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Feb. 4 at the church.

Anna Mae was born May 9, 1932, in Sauk Centre to Michael and Rose (Mayers) Essler. She graduated in 1949 from Sauk Centre High School. On May 11, 1954, she was united in marriage to Ervin Haskamp at St. Anthony’s Church in Padua,

Anna Mae Haskamp and were married until Ervin passed away unexpectedly at age 62. Anna Mae worked for St. Michael’s Hospital, Northwestern Bell, Skogmo and DHIA. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, American Legion Auxiliary, Carpetts Line Dancing Group and many card groups. Anna Mae loved traveling

to other countries and her trips to Mission, Texas. Anna Mae enjoyed her kids and grandkids, sharing how to bake, cook and play cards and games, as well as her good sense of humor. The hardest thing is watching somebody you love forget the family she loved. We thank those of you who helped support our mom and her family during this journey. Those who shared in her life include her children, Carol (Rick) Jones, Deborah (Mark) Sutherland and John (Carrie) Haskamp; seven grandchildren, Kristy (Rick) Barhorst, Katie Huesman, Brianna (fiancé, Matt), Beau (Morgan), Jake, Dylan and Kelsey; five great-grandchildren, Hallie, Derrick, twins Sophia and Hunter, and Brock; sistersin-law, Betty Breitbach,

Community Ed corner

Preschool Registration

2022-2023:

Early Childhood and Family Education:

We recognize that parents are a child’s first and most important teachers – and that sometimes parents need support and encouragement for this responsibility! These classes are offered for children who are ages 2-3 years old by Sept. 1, 2022. Classes are a mixed age on Wednesday evenings for parents and children. This class offers a variety of teacher, parent and child-led activities for the first half of the night, followed by a parent-led discussion and child playtime. We also have limited availability of sibling care for families that need it. Each class meet 5:00 –6:30 p.m. in Elementary room #164.

– Spring Session: March

1, 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12

Student Activities/ Classes: We have the following activities and classes. Please view the website for more information or contact us.

– Kids Cooking Classes, grades 2-6: Come for an afternoon of fun making holiday treats to sample at class and take some home to share with your family. Please bring a container to class as you will have items to bring home with you! We will meet in the FACS room, #123 in the 5-8 Building. These classes are for grades 2-6 and will be from 3:10 – 4:50 p.m. The instructor is Mary Schmidt, a retired FACS instructor at LPGE Schools.

– Valentine’s Treats: Feb. 22

– St. Paddy’s Treats: March 29

– Drivers Education

Classroom Training: March 6-17. This class will be done via Zoom and each class begins at 4:30 p.m. 10 sessions.

– Babysitter Training Course: March 24, 8:30 a.m. This 7.5-hour course for 10-15-year-olds follows the American Academy of Pediatrics – Babysitter Lessons and Safety Training (BLAST). Students learn current practices for safety and injury prevention, first aid basics, feeding and caring for infants, how to handle behavior problems, and how to manage their babysitting business. Students receive a reference book, game handouts, a babysitting bag, and a first aid kit.

Adult Activities and Classes:

– Winter Walking: Come in out of the cold and walk in a safe and warm environment. Get your free exercise in the secondary school halls. Before and after when school is in session, 6:15-7:30 a.m. / 3:15-6:00 p.m. Please use the senior high

entrance only. Hall walking is limited to secondary school.

– Morning Lap Swim: Monday – Thursday, 6-7 a.m.

– Water Aerobics: Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m.; Jan. 4 through Feb. 22.

– Adult Indoor

Pickleball: Wednesdays, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.; Sundays, 1-3 p.m.; in the elementary gym and cafeteria.

– CPR Heartsavers: Feb. 23, 6-10 p.m.This course covers CPR for all ages – infant, child and adult – and automatic defibrillator.

– First Aid: Feb. 27, 6-9 p.m. This course consists of learning the signs and symptoms of seizures, strokes and symptoms of diabetics. You will learn how to manage broken bones, poisons, allergic reactions, bleeding and heat- and cold-related emergencies.

Registration Information:

– Paper registration directions: Please include your name, address, phone number and the name of the class along with payment. Please contact us if you have

Irene Haskamp and Myrna Essler; brother-in-law, Julian Haskamp; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Anna Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Ervin; parents; in-laws, Henry and Emma; brothers and sisters, Henry, Alois, Felix and Don Essler, Veronica “Fronie” Ripka, Kathryn Gruber-Borgman, Rose Walker, Marie Welters and Yvonne Ahles; grandsonin-law, Nicholas “Nick” Huesman; and many in-laws and friends.

Thank you to the staff at CentraCare Care Center for the excellent care and kindness shown to our mom. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre. H-4-1B

by Brent Lieser SC Community Education Coordinator

questions.

– Online registration directions: Registration is accessed online at our website by selecting the RevTrak Online Store; then, click on the Community Education tile to bring you to our Community Education listings. Contact info

Angie Christian, Activities/Community Ed. Assistant, angie.christians@ isd743.org or (320) 352-2258 Ext. 4006 Brent Lieser, Community Education Director, brent. lieser@isd743.org or (320) 352-2258 Ext. 4005

Follow us on Facebook @saukcentreschools or on Twitter @streetercommed.

Public NOTICES

2023 MINNESOTA CITY SUMMARY BUDGET STATEMENT FOR PUBLICATION

The purpose of this report is to provide summary 2023 budget information concerning the City of Sauk Centre to interested citizens. The budget is published in accordance with Minn. Stat. Sec. 471.6965. This budget is not complete; the complete budget may be examined at the City Hall in Sauk Centre. The City Council approved this budget on December 7, 2022.

The

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, Bar-

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.

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.

(1) List the exact name under which the business is or will be conducted: Neighborhood Realty.

(2) The address of the principal place of business is: 601 Sinclair Lewis Ave, Sauk Centre, MN 56378.

(3) List a Mailing Address if you cannot receive mail at the principal place of business address:___________.

(4) List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, OR if an entity, provide the legal corporate, LLC, or Limited Partnership name and registered office address: Crown Realtors, LLC, 625 Broadway Street, Alexandria, MN 56308.

(5) This certificate is an amendment of Certificate of Assumed Name File Number: 1360447800024 Originally filed on: 12/28/2022

Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE:

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-

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

Mortgagor(s) released from fi nancial 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

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 NOTICE

Finance, Inc., by Assignment of Mortgage dated December 7, 2022, and recorded December 19, 2022 as Document No. A1646231: 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) RELEASED 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

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 PUR-

POSE

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

(6) 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/ Brandon Johnson, Chief Manager 01/05/2023 H-4-2B

CITY OF SAUK CENTRE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS

2023 AUTHORS ADDITION

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Sauk Centre, Minnesota, will meet in the Council Chambers at Sauk Centre City Hall, Sauk Centre, Minnesota, at 6:30 P.M. or soon thereafter on February 1, 2023 to consider the construction of the following improvements: Street, Curb & Gutter, Sidewalk, Storm Sewer, Sanitary Sewer & Municipal Water

The total estimated cost of said improvement is $1,218,242.00. The area proposed to be assessed for such improvements by extending water & sewer on Hendryx Street and Halfaday Drive from Hickman Drive.

The Council proposes to proceed under the authority granted by Chapter 429 M.S.A.

Such persons as desire to be heard with reference to the proposed improvements will be heard at this meeting. Written or oral objections will be considered. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessments will be available at the meeting. By Order of the City Council S/Vicki Willer, City Administrator H-3-2B

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333

ASSUMED

NAME: CS Nelson Properties.

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IS: 124 Lake Street South, Long Prairie, MN 56347.

NAMEHOLDER(S): CSNP Sauk Centre LLC, 124 Lake Street South, Long Prairie, MN 56347.

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/ Franz J. Vancura, Attorney for LLC

12/29/2022

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

lows:

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage:

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.

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

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333

ASSUMED

NAME: Dockendorf Properties.

H-3-2B

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IS: 418 2nd Street South, Waite Park, MN 56387 USA.

NAMEHOLDER(S): John C. Dockendorf, 418 Second Street South, Waite Park, MN 56387 USA.

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/ John C. Dockendorf 01/12/2023 H-3-2B

by the Sheriff of said county as fol-

City of Sauk Centre Notice of Public Hearing

Variance Request

Notice is hereby given that the Sauk Centre Planning Commission acting as the Board of Adjustment will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday February, 14, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter as practical, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, to consider a variance, on behalf of Merle J. & Kathy M. Felling

Property Location: 524 Hickman Drive, Sauk Centre, Minnesota 56378

Parcel number 94.58363.0000

Legal Description: Lots Sixteen (16) and Seventeen (17), Block One (1), James B. Hendryx Addition, according to the plat and survey thereof, now on file and of record in the office of the Stearns County Recorder. Less and except: All that part of Lot 16, Block 1, James B. Hendryx Addition to the City of Sauk Centre lying North of the following described line: To find the point of beginning of the said line, commence at the Northwest corner of said Lot 16; thence SE’ly along the North line of said Lot 16 a distance of 188.70 feet; thence deflect to the South 80° 32’ East 20 feet to a point which is hereafter designated as Point A; thence Northerly 20 feet to the North line of said Lot 16; thence NW’ly along the North line of said Lot 16, 188.70 feet to the Northwest corner thereof; thence southerly along the West line of said Lot 16 a distance of 15 feet, which is the point of beginning of the said line; thence Southeast to and through Point A to the shoreline of Sauk Lake and there terminating.

Also less and except: All that part of Lot 17, Block 1, James B. Hendryx Addition to the City of Sauk Centre lying South of

Mortgagor(s) released from fi nancial 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

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

the following described line: To find the point of beginning, commence at the Southwest corner of said Lot 17; thence SE’ly along the South line 227.90 feet; thence deflect Northerly at a 90° angle 30 feet to a point which is hereafter designated as Point A; thence Southerly 30 feet to the South line of said Lot 17, which is 227.90 feet from the Southwest corner of said Lot 17; thence Northwesterly along the South line of said Lot 17 to the Southwest corner thereof; thence Northeasterly along the West line of said Lot 17 a distance of 20 feet, which is the point of beginning of the said line; thence SE’ly to and through Point A to the shoreline of Sauk Lake and there terminating.

A variance is sought for relief from the dimensional standard of the required 30 foot setback from the front/Right-of-Way property line of a Low and Medium Density Residentially (R1) zoned property. The applicant is seeking a 4 foot and 3 foot variance from the front/ROW (west) property line. If granted, the variance would allow the construction of a single family residential dwelling to be constructed with a setback of 26 feet and 27 feet from the west property line.

Any persons having an interest in this matter will have the opportunity to be heard. Written comments will be accepted until the time of hearing. Materials related to this request can be reviewed within the

NOTICE TO ASHLEY TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS

Notice is hereby given that the February 2023 monthly meeting of the Ashley Township Board of Supervisors has

Great times for Fusion’s juggled lineup

Melrose-Sauk Centre takes down Willmar

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

The Melrose-Sauk Centre Fusion boys swim and dive team posted a 105-71 win over Willmar Jan. 24 at Melrose Area High School in Melrose. The 400-yard freestyle relay race highlighted an element of the team. M-SC swam it as an exhibition, but there was still a race.

“We split our 400 freestyle relays and had awesome relays,” said James Schreiner, co-head coach. “It is fun to do that, let those guys race each other. There is a friendly rivalry.” The two units finished with the top two times. Grant Eveslage, Parker Sorenson, Isaiah Zink and Adam Wilwerding finished at 3 minutes and 43.4 seconds, while a 3:43.79 time came from Thatcher Van Beck, Zander Olmschenk, Alex Wilwerding and Jacob Robischon.

Different matches occurred throughout the night, and in most cases, produced some top times. The coaches sent a challenge to the team.

“Tonight, we had some in different events, some regular events, some in one regular and one different event,” said Nathan Meyer, co-head coach. “We said, ‘Let’s keep getting better.’”

Some had standout times. Robischon, swimming in the 200 freestyle, finished first at 1:51.38; Van Beck, at 2:00.77, was second.

“Jacob’s time was awesome,” Meyer said. “He can swim any event.”

Sevrin Anderson, showing good form in all four strokes, won the 200 individual medley. He later had the best time in the 100 breaststroke.

Adam Wilwerding, normally a 100 freestyle swimmer, won the 50 freestyle sprint and later threatened the Melrose Area pool record in the 100 backstroke.

The quartet of Anderson, Nolan Fleischhacker, Zink and Robischon had its fastest time of the year and diver Andrue Stalboerger had his career best score.

“We moved guys around and it was good to see that,” Schreiner said. “We have a good team with fast swimmers.”

Prior to the meet, the team saluted seniors Adam Wilwerding, Spencer Marthaler and Andrew Berscheit.

200MR: 1. Adam Wilwerding, Nolan Fleischhacker, Anderson, Eveslage 1 minute and 48.47 seconds; 3. Zaron Olmschenk,

Jacob Robischon swims to an eighth place in the 100 butterfly at the Class A State True Team Meet Jan. 21 at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center in Minneapolis. Robischon also tied the Sauk Centre school record in the 200 individual medley.

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that default has occurred in the conditions of the following de-

scribed mortgage:

DATE OF MORTGAGE: No-

vember 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

Originator: Homeowners Financial Group USA, LLC

Residential Mortgage Ser-

vicer: 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

Parker Sorenson pulls himself through the 500 freestyle at the Class A State True Team Meet Jan. 21 at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center in Minneapolis. Sorenson finished third in his heat and 42nd overall.

Zander Olmschenk, Zink, Anthony

Bierschbach 2:01.14. 200FS: 1. Robischon 1:51.38, 2. Van Beck

2:00.77 and 4. Alex Wilwerding

2:06.4. 200IM: 1. Anderson

2:17.62, 2. Fleischhacker 2:23.22 and 4. Eveslage 2:34.01. 50FS: 1.

Adam Wilwerding 23.76, 4. Zaron

Olmschenk 26.31, 5. Zander

Olmschenk 26.73. Diving: 1.

Stalboerger 218.3, 4. Spencer

Marthaler 144.75 and 5. Zaron

Olmschenk 138.75. 100FLY: 1.

Robischon 56.91, 3. Zink 1:09.22 and 4. Rayden Weber 1:11.40. 100FS: 1. Eveslage 54.05 and 3. Alex Wilwerding 56.81. 500FS:

1. Van Beck 5:28.85, 3. Sorenson

6:05.11 and 4. Sullivan Stumler

6:14.33. 200FSR: 1. Anderson, Fleischhacker, Zink and Robischon

1:38.08; 3. Zaron Olmschenk, Bierschbach, Alex Wilwerding and Van Beck 1:45.35. 100BK: 1. Adam

Wilwerding 53.76, 2. Hunter Leslie

1:16.41 and 4. Weber 1:21.94.

100BR: Anderson 1:06.39 (EX).

400FSR: Eveslage, Sorenson, Zink and Adam Wilwerding 3:43.40 (EX); Van Beck, Zander Olmschenk, Alex Wilwerding and Robischon 3:43.79 (EX).

Class A State True Team Meet

Melrose-Sauk Centre

finished 11th out of 12 teams at the Class A State True Team Meet Jan. 21 at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center in Minneapolis.

While the Fusion had few dreams of upsetting the top teams at the meet, it did hope for a finish in the top 10. It came close to doing so.

In the true team meet, individuals earn between one and 48 points, depending on their finish. Relay points are doubled. Champion Breck/

Blake finished with 2,168 points, 68.5 more than runnersup St. Thomas Academy. The Fusion earned a score of 1,086, 11 less than 10th-place Alexandria and 24.5 behind ninth-place Grand Rapids.

That ranking came from strong finishes by experienced competitors. The top team finisher was Adam Wilwerding, who set a Fusion record in taking third in the 100 backstroke. Robischon finished eighth in the 100 butterfly and 10th in the 200 individual medley.

“Jacob matched the Sauk Centre school record in the 200 individual medley,” Meyer said. “In the 100FLY, it was exciting for him to finish eighth.”

Diver Stalboerger led a trio of M-SC divers in earning points. He started with lessthan-consistent dives before recovering to take ninth place. Marthaler and Zaron Olmschenk both finished in the top 20 of the 33 divers.

“Andrue had an outstanding day, and not just because he finished ninth,” Schreiner said. “His last three dives were some of the best he threw in the entire meet. Marthaler did a great job. For a kid who just started diving this year, to finish in the top 20 is pretty impressive. Zaron Olmschenk is learning to be more consistent, and I think that’s gonna be a huge help for him in the long run.”

The 200 medley relay unit of Adam Wilwerding, Sevrin Anderson, Robischon and Grant Eveslage earned 10th place in the first event of the day. The 17th-place 200 freestyle relay team of Isaiah Zink, Zander Olmschenk, Nolan Fleischhacker and Anderson dropped times throughout the lineup.

Early in the year, Meyer was not sure the team would be in the state true team meet. Injuries have taken many options out of the lineup and

there are swimmers in their first year of competition.

“Their times improved a lot,” Meyer said. “They have come a long way. It is exciting to see how much they have grown and improved.”

Initially, it was reported an M-SC diver had won the diving championship, but a review showed that was incorrect. Following the correction, M-SC dropped from 10th to 11th place.

200MR: 10. Adam Wilwerding, Anderson, Robischon and Eveslage 1:45.36; 22. Alex Wilwerding, Fleischhacker, Zink and Zaron Olmschenk 1:55.14; 40. Weber, Zander Olmschenk, Samuel Stangler and Bierschbach

2:10.75; 47. Devin CrawfordKlinnert, Stalboerger, Aiden Felling and Marthaler 2:21.31. 200FS: 25. Van Beck, 2:00.51, 43. Parker Sorenson 2:13.94; 45. Leslie 2:18.26 and 47. Stumler

2:21.56. 200IM: 10. Robischon

2:07.15, 25. Anderson 2:20.94, 33. Fleischhacker 2:23.76 and 43. Zander Olmschenk 2:38.82. 50FS: 20. Eveslage 24.57, 23. Zink

34. Stangler 26.58 and 38. Bierschbach 27.07. Diving: 9. Stalboerger 288.40, 20. Marthaler 148.50 and 23. Zaron Olmschenk 93.95. 100FLY: 8. Robischon 56.46, 30. Zink 1:06.22, 39. Weber

1:13.09 and 40. Zaron Olmschenk

1:14.03. 100FS: 13. Adam Wilwerding 57.1, 26. Eveslage 57.12, 29. Alex Wilwerding 57.54 and 46. Felling 1:06.10. 500FS: 17. Van Beck 5:22.38, 42. Sorenson

6:10.80, 44. Stumler 6:24.58 and 45. Leslie 6:25.28. 200FSR: 17. Zink, Zander Olmschenk, Fleischhacker and Anderson

1:42.45; 26. Bierschbach, Stangler, Sorenson and Van Beck 1:46.59; 38. Felling, Marthaler, Stumler and Leslie 1:58.42. 100BK: 3. Adam Wilwerding 53.59, 20. Alex Wilwerding 1:03.00, 43. Weber

1:18.21 and 45. Crawford-Klinnert

1:19.81. 100BR: 17. Anderson

1:07.18, 23. Fleischhacker 1:11.75, 35. Zander Olmschenk 1:15.40 and 45. Bierschbach 1:23.47. 400FSR: 14. Robischon, Alex Wilwerding, Eveslage and Adam Wilwerding

3:34.49; 27. Zaron Olmschenk, Stangler, Sorenson and Van Beck

3:58.20; 42. Leslie, Stumler, Weber and Felling 4:27.08; 46. Marthaler, Sig Abel, Crawford-Klinnert and Graham Radjenovich 5:04.01.

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 9, 2023, or the next business day if August 9, 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.

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 fol-

lows:

DATE AND TIME OF SALE:

February 9, 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

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

NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

The above referenced sale scheduled for February 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM has been postponed to March 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM in the Stearns County Sheriff`s office, Law Enforcement Center, 807 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, Minnesota in said County and State.

DATED: January 24, 2023

ASSIGNEE OF 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-4-1B

PHOTOS BY HERMAN LENSING

Timberwolves are far more flawed than Gobert trade

The results are in: many people, from NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley to basketball’s social media users at large, have deemed the Minnesota Timberwolves’ trade for Rudy Gobert as the worst in the league’s history.

Streeters unleash offensive firepower against Braves

Sauk Centre boys’ basketball improves to 10-2

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

BY EVAN MICHEALSON Everything Sports with Evan

The fundamental belief around the move seems to be that Gobert’s addition, along with sending playmakers like Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley and Patrick Beverley, completely altered the team’s playstyle and ruined the synergy and momentum built up through a wonderful 2021-22 campaign.

It is hard to disagree given Minnesota’s 24-25 start to the season and first-round pick Walker Kessler’s emergence as a younger, cheaper version of Gobert, but in my opinion, despite its lopsidedness, the Gobert trade is far from the main problem for the 2022-23 Timberwolves, who have failed to find a consistent footing.

Take their most recent game, a 119-114 loss to a lowly Houston Rockets team actively in the mix for the worst record in the NBA. Three gigantic negatives stand out immediately looking back at the performance:

Minnesota cannot possess the basketball. Against a Rockets team turning it over more than any other team in the NBA, the Timberwolves decided to try and somehow outdo them, piling up 19 giveaways, which turned into 18 Houston points on the other end. This has been a problem for Minnesota all season, as the Timberwolves are turning it over nearly 16 times a game, third-worst in the NBA.

• The Timberwolves have no concept of defense without fouling. Houston shot 30 free throws off the back of getting into the bonus early. Jaden McDaniels fouled out and Kyle Anderson played only 12 minutes after committing five fouls, with Minnesota as a team committing 22 personal falls, not to mention two technicals. Like its turnover bug, this has been a trend all season; the Timberwolves are third-worst in personal fouls per possession, second-worst in personal fouls per game and dead last in technical falls per game.

• Can this team grab rebounds? While the Gobert trade looks dumb in hindsight, his acquisition was mainly to clean up rebounding, an area of need for the Timberwolves, who blew several leads to Memphis in the playoffs behind a lack of defensive rebounding and an ability to box the Grizzlies out. Even with Gobert averaging over 11 boards per game, Minnesota is critically not showing up on the glass. Against the Rockets, Gobert pulled down a game-high 16 rebounds, while the rest of the Timberwolves grabbed a combined 25; meanwhile, Houston nabbed 12 offensive rebounds and 47 overall. Minnesota, maddeningly enough, is fourth-worst in rebounds per game at 41.

Sure, Gobert has taken a frustratingly-long amount of time to find acclimation, and he’s shown regression as a rebounder and shot-blocker for the Timberwolves so far. But Minnesota currently remains in the heat of the Western Conference playoff race even with that, and if the team can cut down on their team-wide mistakes, the Timberwolves can be competitive with Gobert.

MIDMNSPORTS gives you up-to-date information on all the Melrose and Sauk Centre high school athletics.

Go to MIDMNSPORTS.COM

MIDMNSPORTS has the live stream of the next game, watch your favorite team “live” with Mark Knoblauch on MIDMNSPORTS.

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PH4-1F-MT

After a series of defensive-minded games, the Sauk Centre Streeters boys’ basketball team created an offensive explosion against the Benson Braves Jan. 24.

The team shot 49.2% on 61 shot attempts, with four Streeters reaching double-digit scoring in an entertaining 80-40 win at Benson High School in Benson.

“Conference road wins are hard to come by, so overall, I’m happy with how we played,” said Kevin Kuefler, head coach.

The first 16 points of the game were evenly split at 8-8, but it did not take long for Sauk Centre to assert control, as the visitors tallied 15 of the next 19 points to grab a cushion. The Braves never cut their deficit within single digits again, as the Streeters entered halftime up 15 off the back of strong perimeter defense and rebounding.

“Benson loves to shoot threes, so our general plan was to try our best to contest the shot and box out, in hopes we could hold them to just one-shot attempt,” Kuefler said. “We wanted to round and run the floor.”

And with more time to possess the ball, the better the Streeters’ shots ended up being. Jay Neubert went 8-for10 from the field for a gamehigh 23 points to go with nine rebounds and five assists, while Ethan Riley totaled 19 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a block.

“Ethan Riley played great,” Kuefler said. “His ability to both handle the ball and shoot from the outside gave them problems.”

The Streeters outdid their first-half showing with a 46-point second half, and the convincing style of victory allowed some of the team’s depth to thrive. Corey McCoy had three points and six boards, Troy Hansen contributed four points and three rebounds and Carter Ziemer pulled down three rebounds off high-effort plays.

“Troy Hansen, Corey McCoy and Carter Ziemer gave us strong minutes off the bench,” Kuefler said. “I felt they all played good defense, which is the No. 1 thing we ask from them.”

Adding some extra excitement to the mix was a 3-pointer in the final minute from senior Hunter Novak, leading to loud cheers from the Streeters bench and fan section.

Sauk Centre will see another tough test in the form of the Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta Tigers at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at Morris Area High School in Morris.

“We will need to embrace the challenge and find a way to be the best version of ourselves and hopefully, that results in a win,” Kuefler said.

SC 34 46 80

BEN 19 21 40 Neubert 23 (9R, 5A), Riley 19 (10R, 5A), Matthew Warring 13 (6R), Andrew Drevlow 12 (3R, 4A), Hansen 4 (3R), McCoy 3 (6R), Damian Ahrens 3 (3R), Novak 3 and Ziemer 0 (3R).  Sauk Centre 49, Melrose 36

In a battle of two teams known for their 3-point shooting, the West Central Conference showdown between the Melrose Dutchmen and Streeters Jan. 20 was decided by digging deep defensively and drawing fouls.

The conference rivals shot over 60 free throws combined and denied the other’s offense from getting comfortable, but behind Warring’s 14-point, nine-rebound, six-assist and five-steal performance, Sauk Centre gutted out a 49-36 win at Sauk Centre High School in Sauk Centre.

The Streeters snagged an 18-8 lead as Melrose immediately got into foul trouble, committing seven fouls in the first nine minutes of the game. Sauk Centre endured a 7-0 Dutchmen scoring run, earning six free throws to end the half up 24-17.

Neubert scored 17 points for the Streeters, who held Melrose offensive threats Connor Engelmeyer and Gor Ruey to a combined 18

points.

MEL 17 19 36

SC 24 25 49 Neubert 17 (4R, 3A), Warring 14 (9R, 6A, 5S), Ahrens 8, Riley 5 (9R), Drevlow 4 and McCoy 1.

West Central Area 56, Sauk Centre 50

A blossoming rivalry bout saw the West Central Area Knights take down the Streeters 56-50 in the second and final regular season matchup Jan. 19 at Sauk Centre High School in Sauk Centre.

The Streeters remained a step behind the Knights for much of the game, trailing

29-25 at halftime and struggling to convert looks from the field. Sauk Centre shot 31.4% on their 2-point tries but did manage to find a boost through their deadly perimeter shooting, knocking down 9 of 21 3-point attempts. Neubert totaled 16 points and eight boards, Drevlow added 10 points and three steals and Ahrens connected on three 3-pointers.

WCA 29 27 56 SC 25 25 50 Neubert 16 (8R), Drevlow 10 (3S), Ahrens 9, Warring 8 (5R, 3A), Riley 4 (4R, 3A), McCoy 2 (5R) and Hansen 1.

Tough-luck third period sinks North Stars

Prairie Centre slides to fifth straight loss

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

Sometimes, not even excellent efforts and great moments are enough.

The Prairie Centre North Stars find themselves snakebitten, with the team dropping their fifth loss in a row in a 3-1 defeat to the Park Rapids Panthers Jan. 24 at Ted O. Johnson Arena in Park Rapids.

“We’re playing at a higher level for large portions of the game,” said Chad Wehrman, head coach. “We just have to keep working on finishing and being consistent all the way through.”

A big component of the North Stars’ game plan was to make themselves difficult to handle for the Panthers, who Prairie Centre defeated in the teams’ first matchup Jan. 9. After possessing the puck for a majority of the first period, Jesse Williams gave the visi-

tors the lead with his second goal in three games right before the intermission.

“We had a tough week last week and we challenged our guys to be more physical and aggressive, and I thought we did that,” Wehrman said.

However, Park Rapids pushed the pace in the final two periods, outshooting Prairie Centre 19-8 across the final 34 minutes. Initially, the North Stars stood strong, but after a huge five-minute major call against Prairie Centre, the Panthers changed the entire landscape of the ice battle, scoring two goals in the final minute of their man advantage.

“We did a great job of blocking shots and deflecting shots (on the penalty kill) and in the end, they had the extra guy out there and the puck came to them,” Wehrman said. An empty-net goal from Park Rapids sealed Prairie Centre’s fate and continued the Mid-State Conference competitors’ losing streak. Even with the disappointing outcome, hope is on the horizon.

“We’ve got a good lead-

ership group,” Wehrman said.

“They know they’re playing their butts off and they’ll keep doing that. We’re going to count on those guys to bring it every night.”

And a highlight from an otherwise-forgettable night?

The North Stars JV squad found a huge 3-1 win, backed by a strong goaltending performance from Noah Zinniel.

“Both of our goalies, Carter Holman and Noah Zinniel, are playing really well right now,” Wehrman said. “I’m proud of those guys.”

The North Stars will take on the Willmar Cardinals at 7:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at Sauk Centre Civic Arena in Sauk Centre.

PC 1 0 0 1

PR 0 0 3 3

First period: 1. Williams (Aiken Lambrecht, Owen Christians) 16:28. Goalie: Holman 1921. Wadena-Deer Creek 8, Prairie Centre 1

After an evenly-matched first period, the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines piled up eight goals in the next two periods in a rousing 8-1 win over the North Stars Jan. 21 at Wadena Hockey Arena in

Wadena.

The Wolverines scored four times in the first five minutes of the second period, and while Eli Fletcher broke up the WDC goal-scoring run with his Section-6A-leading 23th goal, it was not enough to slow down the Wolverines, who found four more goals in the final 10 minutes.

PC 0 1 0 1

WDC 0 4 4 8

Second period: 5. Fletcher (Williams) 5:01. Goalie: Holman 43-51. Detroit Lakes 8, Prairie Centre 1

The North Stars battled hard against a top-10 Class A program, but two goals each from Easton Wahl and Easton Kennedy launched the Detroit Lakes Lakers to an 8-1 victory Jan. 19 at Todd County Expo Arena in Long Prairie. Both of Kennedy’s goals came in the first four minutes, with the Lakers finding three goals in the opening frame. Williams notched the lone goal for Prairie Centre.

DL 3 2 3 8 PC 0

0 1 Second period: 6. Williams (Fletcher, James Rieland) 16:44. Goalie: Holman

PHOTOS BY MARK KLAPHAKE

Sauk Centre’s (from left) Damian Ahrens, Troy Hansen and Andrew Drevlow converge on Melrose’s Conner Engelmeyer as he takes the ball to the basket during the first half of their game Jan. 20 in Sauk Centre. The Streeters won 49-36.

Senior Corey McCoy takes the ball to the basket during the first half of their home game Jan. 19 against West Central Area. WCA won 56-50. Sauk Centre, 10-2, travel to Morris Jan. 26 and BBE Jan. 27.

History-setting wrestler Walter reaches half-century mark

Sauk CentreMelrose athlete sets eyes on state once more

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

After watching her older brother wrestle, a 4-year-old Lanna Walter nurtured a desire to go out and compete on the mat herself.

This drive has translated into an athletic venture unlike any other in Sauk Centre-Melrose Defenders wrestling history, defined by setting historical trends and showing dramatic improvement over the course of her journey as a varsity wrestler.

And in the prime of her whirlwind wrestling career, Walter has achieved a phenomenal accomplishment, winning her 50th career match at the Park Center Pirate Wrestling Classic Jan. 21 at Park Centre Senior High School in Brooklyn Park.

“It means a lot,” Walter said. “It’s been a lot of work, especially being a female wrestler wrestling boys mainly my entire career. So, it means quite a lot to me.”

When Walter jumped headfirst into the sport, she possessed not only a deter-

mined mentality, but physicality. The Sauk Centre resident’s background being raised on a farm gave her a sense of work ethic, and the labor involved provided additional experience with the endurance necessary to compete.

“When I was little, I was definitely stronger than all of the boys,” she said. “Growing up on a farm, I had the natural strength most of the boys didn’t. Winning quite a few matches when I was younger kept me determined and driven to keep wrestling and get better.”

A strong foundation, however, does not necessarily translate to future success, but Walter has stayed consistent as a wrestler through what she calls a “go-get-it” mindset, which began in the sport but quickly branched out into all facets of her life. If she wants something, she has to work for it.

“In the classroom, I can correlate it (wrestling) to the hard work, the go-get-it part of it,” she said. “If I want good grades, I’m going to go get it. If I want to win this match, I’m going to go win it.”

Poised and aimed to succeed in everything she does, Walter has demonstrated gigantic growth throughout her time with the Defenders. She won 10 matches as an eighth grader, gaining significant experience,

Bailey has breakout game in win over Broncos

Prairie Centre finds season sweep against International Falls

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

All season long, Prairie Centre Blue Devils girls’ hockey head coach David Wright had been impressed with senior Lindsay Bailey’s playmaking ability and constant motor on the ice in her return to the sport of hockey.

However, despite enormous displays of effort, Bailey had yet to find the back of the net at the varsity level. That is, until Prairie Centre’s home game against the International Falls Broncos Jan. 21.

The ever-determined Bailey made the most of her looks against the Broncos, scoring two goals and adding two assists in a 5-2 Blue Devils victory at Todd County Expo Arena in Long Prairie.

Lanna Walter claps her hands excitedly after winning the 114-pound third-place match at the 2022 Minnesota State High School Girls Wrestling Tournament March 5, 2022 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Walter has continued to build off her state appearance, winning her 50th career match Jan. 21 at the Pirate Wrestling Classic in Brooklyn Park.

and has since thrived. She won the 2021 Big Buck Preseason Nationals’ 14U, 115-pound bracket, defeating opponents from Hettinger, North Dakota and Fargo, North Dakota, and finished on the podium at four invites during the 2021-22 winter season. These results came off the back of vigorous training during the offseason.

“I did a lot of lifting and spent a lot of time in the weight room,” Walter said. “I did some summer camps, too, to increase my footwork on the mat.”

And ultimately, this attention to detail paid dividends when the multi-sport athlete took part in the Section 5-8 Tournament Feb. 19, 2022. The 114-pounder pinned Coon Rapids’ Kewanna Yaffa in the first minute of her quarterfinals match and won a major decision over Cambridge-Isanti’s Phoenix Fure to clinch a spot at the first-ever Minnesota State High School Girls Wrestling Tournament.

While Walter finished third at state, it was not her triumph – a 9-0 major decision win over New Prague’s Destiney Lofton in the third-place match – but rather her defeat, a heartbreaking 10-6 overtime loss to Owatonna’s Rian Grunwald in the first round, that remains a constant memory from her state tournament.

“It’s continuing to push me harder and be a little reminder that’s not what I want this year,” she said.

Motivation has never been

something Walter has needed to search for, but her hopes of climbing to the top of the girls’ wrestling ladder has been noticeable in her junior campaign. She won the Bemidji Blue Ox Girls Tournament Dec. 17, finding two 30-second pins and a win major decision. Her 50th win came in a high-pressure situation, with the technically-sound Walter, the second-ranked 120-pound girls’ wrestler in the state, grinding out a 9-2 decision victory in the championship of the Pirate Wrestling Classic.

“I think it’s well-known around the wrestling room what my goals are this year,” Walter said. “I think all of the guys know, all of my coaches for sure know, that I’m definitely working to go win the section and go do big things at state.”

Wins and losses are not everything to Walter, though. She has often contributed to area youth wrestling tournaments as a referee and volunteer, helping to ensure the game of wrestling continues to grow. As she breezes past 50 wins and sets her eyes on 100 and a state championship, Walter is just excited to see how many wrestlers, boys and girls, can follow in her footsteps.

“It’s crazy seeing how many little kids we have into it now,” she said. “If we can get those kids to stick it out, we’re going to have a crazy program in the future.”

Wrestlers compete in Minnewaska

Defenders continue to gain

BY

EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER he and 132 runner-up Jose De Los Santos Morales had firstround byes and finished with 2-1 records.

Noah Christen wrestled for third place at 126 pounds but settled for fourth. His opening win came by technical fall.

The SC-M boys also had third-place showings from Dominic Kerzman, 106, and Will Sjogren, 285, and a fifth-place day from Isaac Frericks, who had four pins in the 220-pound tournament.

106: Dominic Kerzman lost 3:52. 113: Tyaus Meyer won 1:18. 120: Lanna Walter lost 3:25. 126: Noah Christen won forfeit. 132: Jose De Los Santos Morales won 19-4 (TF).

138: Mitchell Christen lost 5-3.

152: Ben Friedrichs lost :32. 160: Cesar Avalos lost :13. 220: Isaac Frericks won forfeit. 285: Will Sjogren won forfeit. SCM forfeited: 145, 182, 195. Kimball 48, SCM 29

106: Kerzman won 2:49.

113: Meyer lost 1:06. 120: Walter lost 8-0 (MD). 126: Noah Christen lost 3:52. 132: Teddy Wiechman won forfeit. 138: De Los Santos Morales won 23-8 (TF). 145: Mitchell Christen lost 4-2 (OT).152: Friedrichs lost 19-2 (TF). 160: Avalos lost

2:04. 195: Jon Lara lost 1:52.

220: Isaac Frericks lost 3:30.

285: Sjogren won forfeit. SCM forfeited: 170, 182.

Both the Defenders girls and boys participated in tournaments at the Park Centre Pirate Wrestling Classic at Park Center Senior High School in Brooklyn Park.

Boys at Pirate Wrestling Classic Mitchell Christen came home with a silver medal from the 138 division. Both

The Defenders finished fifth out of 18 teams, earning 105.5 points. Hudson, Wisconsin had 214 points to take the championship.

106: Kerzman went 3-1 and finished third. He won by major decision 13-3, won 1:58, lost 4:51 and won 3:02. 120: Teddy Wiechman went 0-2 and did not place. He lost 12-5, received a bye and lost 2:41. 126: Noah Christen went 2-2 and took fourth. He won 15-0 (TF 4:55), won 5-4, lost 7-1 and lost 4-0.

132: De Los Santos Morales went 2-1 and took second. He received a bye, won 12-7, won 12-4 (MD) and lost 9-6. 138: Mitchell Christen went 2-1 and took second. He received a bye, won 4:34, won 9-4 and lost 8-3.

145: Ben Friedrichs went 1-2 and did not place. He lost 4:19, won 3:59 and lost 1-0. 160: Cesar Avalos went 0-2 and did not place. He lost 3:03, received a bye and lost 0:33. 195: Jon Lara went 0-2 and did not place. He lost 10-4, won 11-5 and lost 0:52. 220: Frericks went 4-1 and took fifth. He won 3:02, lost 3:51, won 2:36, won 1:33 and won 1:25. 285: Sjogren went 2-1 and took third. He received a bye, won 2-0, lost 2:45 and won 4:16. Girls at Pirate Wrestling Classic

Walter’s 50th wrestling win came at the Pirate Center Wrestling Classic Jan. 21 at Park Centre Senior High School in Brooklyn Park.

Walter had three wins in the girls’ tournament, taking first in the 120 division. She had first-period pins to advance through the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds. A 9-2 decision brought her the championship.

The girls produced a second champion, as Lili Raya Park had three pins in the 152-165 round robin tournament. Kalli Schirmers wrestled the same opponent twice in the 138-45 division, finishing as the runner-up.

120: Walter went 3-0 and took first. She won 0:30, won 0:51 and won 9-2. 138-145: Schirmers went 0-2 and finished second. She lost 0:50 and lost 1:27. 152-165: Raya Park went

3-0 and took first. She won 1:08, won 0:25 and won 0:26.

United Triangular

SC-M fell 69-8 to Dawson Boyd/LacQui Parle/Montevideo United at a triangular Jan. 19 at Dawson-Boyd High School in Dawson.

It was the only match the Defenders wrestled in the triangular. De Los Santos Morales and Sjogren had the Defender wins.

106: Kerzman lost 1:49. 113: SC-M forfeited. 120: Wiechman lost 17-2 (TF 2:00). 126: SC-M forfeited. 132: Noah Christen lost by major decision 11-1.

138: Mitchell Christen lost 1:24.

145: De Los Santos Morales won 23-7 (TF 0:00). 152: SC-M forfeited. 160: Avalos lost 1:01.

170: SC-M forfeited. 182: SC-M forfeited. 195: SC-M forfeited. 220: Frericks lost 1:49. 285: Sjogren won 2-1.

“I was really happy she was able to finally break through,” Wright said. “I know she really wanted that goal, so we’re glad she got it. Hopefully, those goals and points will keep coming for her.”

Heading into the game, Prairie Centre was already facing an external challenge: exhaustion. The Blue Devils had played a road game in Wahpeton, North Dakota the night before, with their players not arriving back home until 11 p.m. or later. This proved to be an unfounded worry, however, as Prairie Centre showed life and energy from the opening faceoff; even as they trailed after one period, the shots remained even.

“I thought there would maybe be a letdown because they skated so hard (the night before), but they came out and played really hard and well against International Falls,” Wright said.

And when push came to shove, the Blue Devils delivered one of their finest offensive showings of the season. Natasha Ludwig tied the game at 12:18 in the second period before Bailey registered her first varsity goal four minutes later.

“We know if we go out there, work hard and win the little battles to the puck, those are victories for us,” Wright said. “I think these girls are starting to understand it’s not just about the best talent on the ice, it’s working hard. We’re just going out there with the attitude that we’re not going to get outworked.”

After taking a 2-1 lead into the final intermission, Prairie Centre returned to the ice eager to close the contest out strong. Their defensemen, many of whom have backgrounds at the forward position, stole the show. Dalelyn Diedrich got the lamp-lighting frenzy started with 12 minutes remaining, with Carly Gruenes finding a big-time goal of her own. Katelyn Jones narrowly missed the back of the net herself on a breakaway opportunity.

“They’re playing themselves out of playing on the line,” Wright said. “We were winning lots of faceoffs. It allowed our D to get shots from the points and wings to get high-slot shots. It was nice to see those girls get a couple of goals; they work phenomenally hard.”

Another fun aspect of this win is most of their contributors have many, many years left in organized hockey. Jones, Gruenes and Diedrich are eighth graders, while starting forward Arianna Lopez is a seventh grader.

“All of them are underclassmen playing like upperclassmen,” Wright said.

The Blue Devils will face the Princeton Tigers at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at Princeton Ice Arena in Princeton.

IF 1 0 1 2

PC 0 2 3 5

Second period: 2. Ludwig (Bailey) 12:18. 3. Bailey (Ludwig) 16:19. Third period: 4. Diedrich 6:15. 5. Gruenes (Bailey, Ludwig) 7:03. 7. Bailey (Gruenes) 12:35. Goalie: Kennedy Lemke 29-31. Breckenridge/Wahpeton 7, Prairie Centre 3

A back-and-forth showdown turned unfavorable quickly for the Blue Devils, who could not keep pace with the Breckenridge/Wahpeton Blades Jan. 19 at Ella Stern & Harry Stern Sports Arena in Wahpeton, North Dakota.

The Blades and Blue Devils traded goals through the first 22 minutes or so, with the score sitting at 2-2. However, the Blades scored five of the final six goals for the win, even as Prairie Centre narrowly missed out on making it 5-4 off a close call in front of the net.

PC 1 1 1 3

BW 2 1 4 7

First period: 2. Ludwig (Bailey) 4:14. Second period: 4. Allie Lemke (Kyra Swanson) 5:04. Third period: 8. Ludwig (Maddie Koltes) 4:44. Goalie: Kennedy Lemke 34-41.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Lanna Walter celebrates her 50th career varsity wrestling win with her parents David Walter and Cathy Walter Jan. 21 at Park Center Senior High School in Brooklyn Park. Walter is a reigning Minnesota State High School Girls Wrestling Tournament qualifier.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

r Streeter

Half time show

CHICKEN FRY!

$9.99

BOYS BASKETBALL

SC defeated Benson 80-40

SC JV defeated Benson 45-33

SC C squad defeated Benson 44-30

SC defeated Melrose 49-36

SC JV defeated Melrose 42-40

SC C squad lost to Melrose 32-26

SC lost to West Central Area 56-50

SC JV lost to West Central Area 58-44

SC C squad defeated West Central Area 41-33

GIRLS BASKETBALL

SC defeated BOLD 47-44

SC JV lost to BOLD 50-44

SC C squad lost to BOLD 43-30

SC defeated Milaca 57-43

SC JV lost to Milaca 32-30

SC C squad lost to Milaca 24-23

SC defeated Melrose 60-28

SC JV 56, Melrose 14

SC C squad defeated Melrose 29-26

BOYS HOCKEY

PC lost to Park Rapids 3-1

PC JV defeated Park Rapids 3-1

PC lost to Wadena-Deer Creek 8-1 PC lost to Detroit Lakes 8-1

PC

lost to Detroit Lakes 4-1

GIRLS HOCKEY

PC defeated International Falls 5-2

PC lost Breckenridge-Wahpeton 7-3

WRESTLING

Sauk Centre-Melrose Defenders lost to Minnewaska

Sauk Centre-Melrose Defenders lost to Kimball

Sauk Centre-Melrose Defenders took fifth out of 18 teams at Pirate Wrestling Classic in Brooklyn Park with 105.5 points

Sauk Centre-Melrose Defenders lost to Dawson Boyd/Lac

Qui Parle/Montevideo United 69-8

BOYS SWIM AND DIVE

Melrose-Sauk Centre Fusion defeated Willmar 105-71

Melrose-Sauk Centre Fusion finished 10th out of 12 teams with 1,119 points at Class A State True Team Meet DANCE

SC finished 20th in jazz and 20th in high kick out of 20 teams at Yellow Medicine East Invite in Granite Falls

10 YEARS AGO

The Sauk Centre girls basketball team picked up highflying victories over a few area rivals, defeating Melrose 73-57 and taking down Belgrade-Brooten Elrosa 69-33.

Macy Weller was an offensive force for the Streeters, compiling 51 total points during the 2-0 week.

Quote of the week

Sauk Centre girls basketball senior Torry Kerfeld on the team’s second-half comeback against BOLD: “We never gave up. We encouraged each other and believed in each other, that all it took was one shot to get momentum to get back into the game.”

(Above)

and

dance to the song The Chain at halftime of the Sauk Centre Girls Basketball game Jan. 24 in Sauk Centre. The dance team competes at the conference meet Jan. 26. (Inset) Addy Bromenshenkel dances to the song The Chain during halftime of the BOLD/Sauk Centre Girls Basketball game Jan. 24 in Sauk Centre. There are 13 girls on the dance team.

A tale of two Victorias

Streeters girls’ basketball defeats BOLD behind second-half rally

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

As the second half of the West Central Conference girls’ basketball showdown between the Bird Island-Olivia-/Lake Lillian District Warriors and the Sauk Centre Streeters progressed, the game appeared to be headed in one clear direction: a second BOLD victory over Sauk Centre in the month of January.

The Streeters were having difficulty establishing any sort of momentum on offense, turning the ball over at a high clip to give the Warriors a leg up. With 15 minutes remaining, BOLD led 29-18, holding senior post Jenna Gapinski-Vogt off the scoreboard while aggressively attacking with 3-pointers and midrange jumpers.

However, behind spirited second-half sequences and a pair of unforgettable performances from their two Victorias, the Streeters clawed their way back into the contest to

grab a 47-44 victory Jan. 24 at Sauk Centre High School in Sauk Centre and keep their conference hopes alive.

“It was a great win,” said Scott Bergman, head coach. “It’s a game maybe we didn’t deserve to win, but we found a way to win it. That’s the sign of a good team: just figuring out different ways to win games.”

Sauk Centre jumped out to a 9-5 lead behind six points from sophomore forward Tory Jennissen, who opened up early offense with pristine positioning and strength against a physical Warriors lineup. Jennissen ended the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds as BOLD was determined to slow down Gapinski-Vogt, who did not get her first point until 5 minutes and 10 seconds left in the game.

“I thought Tory did as good of a job as she’s done all season of sealing a defender off, no question,” Bergman said. “They were focusing their efforts on Cierra (Kortan) and Jenna Gapinski-Vogt, so we needed other girls to do some scoring.”

shot OF THE WEEK

A top-10 ranked Class A contender, BOLD seized control of the game in a hurry, capitalizing on sluggish offense from the Streeters to grab a 24-13 advantage. There were two large-scale stretches of play -- from 5:55 to 3:00 in the first half and the first eight minutes of the second half -where Sauk Centre was held bucket-less.

“We had a hard time taking care of the ball at times, playing our pace and not theirs,” said Torry Kerfeld, senior guard. “We were finding the right passes and driving in the open lanes, but we left a lot of shots out there.”

With the Streeters trailing 31-20 with 10 minutes left, Avery Rieland knocked down a 3-pointer to get the rally started for Sauk Centre, as Kerfeld began to take the game over. The upperclassmen found herself open behind the 3-point line and kept taking advantage, draining three 3-pointers down the stretch to will her team back from the brink of defeat.

“She turned the ball over a fair number of times, but she always just keeps coming back,” Bergman said. “She doesn’t let that impact the next play. We’d get the ball back and she’d hit a shot.”

Kortan converted an andone opportunity to make it 3330 in favor of BOLD as the Streeters kept finding timely points. Gapinski-Vogt knocked down two free throws and Jennissen made a lay-in before Kerfeld’s final three gave Sauk Centre their first lead in a long time, 41-39. Despite the spectacular surge, the Streeters knew the game was far from over. The Warriors quickly went down the court and tied it up at 41 with 3:45 left, but from that point, Sauk Centre completely stifled BOLD in their offensive end, allowing three points the rest of the way.

“We knew we could control the outcome of the game,”

Kerfeld said. “All we had to do is go back to doing what we do best: play tough defense. The old saying goes, ‘A game is won playing defense, not offense.’”

Kerfeld ended a remarkable outing with 18 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, while Jennissen added 16 points and 11 boards. The incredible comeback sent Sauk Centre to 12-3 on the season and 5-2 in the conference, while BOLD dropped to 12-3 overall and 5-1 in West Central play.

Sauk Centre battles Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa, ranked third in the Class A QRF rankings, at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa High School in Belgrade. BOLD 24 20 44 SC 18 29 47

Kerfeld 18 points (10R, 4A), Jennissen 16 (10R), Kortan 6 (4R, 4A), Gapinski-Vogt 4 (8R, 3A), Rieland 3 and Heidi Lieser 0 (6R). Sauk Centre 60, Melrose 28

With little margin for error in the West Central Conference race, the Streeters stepped up in a major way against crosstown rival Melrose Jan. 19, pushing the pace in a 60-28 victory over the Lady Dutchmen at Melrose Area Elementary School in Melrose.

By the time Emily Peters swished in a 3-pointer with 5 minutes and 5 seconds remaining in the first half, the Streeters were leading 25-9.

Kortan tallied 16 points, buoyed by a 4-for-9 showing from 3-point land, and also added five assists and six steals. Gapinski-Vogt compiled 13 points and nine boards.

Strong perimeter defense and physical, aggressive sequences from the Streeters forced Melrose into uncomfortable shots, while Kerfeld brought a spark with six points, nine rebounds and five assists. SC 35 25 60

MEL 12 16 28

Kortan 16 (5A, 6S), Gapinski-Vogt 13 (9R), Kerfeld 6 (9R, 5A), Lieser 6 (6R, 3A), Jennissen 6 (8R), Peters 6 (3A), Rieland 3, Sienna Klaphake 2 and Elizabeth Herickhoff 2.

PHOTO BY MARK KLAPHAKE

Senior guard Tory Kerfeld shoots over two BOLD defenders during their game Jan. 24 in Sauk Centre. Kerfeld had 18 points and 10 rebounds and the Streeters won 47-44.

PHOTO BY EVAN MICHEALSON

Jorja Novak (from left)

Adrianna Klinkhammer

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING

Sophomore Cierra Kortan drives to the basket during the Streeters 60-28 win over Melrose Jan. 19. Kortan scored 16 points for Sauk Centre.