The Star Post 02-01-2023

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Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Permit data shows Avon set new home value record

Construction report recaps 2022

building project totals

BY TIM HENNAGIR STAFF WRITER

Avon set a record last year with permitted value of new homes, a city report states.

Information in a report from zoning administrator Amy Pease was reviewed during the Jan. 9 rescheduled monthly council meeting.

Twelve new homes accounted for $4.48 million in new value, the highest total since 2005, the first year the city began tracking that data point.

400 Block upd

The total value of all permitted building projects in the city of Avon was $6.86 million, Pease said.

That $6.86 million included new homes, one commercial/industrial permit and 98 other permits.

Avon council page 4

Donation

St. John’s-St. Andrew’s Catholic School fourth grader Morgan Hellickson holds a mixing bowl and her sixth grade older brother, Ethan, holds his chicken, Road Runner, and two dozen eggs Jan. 26 in their rural Padua home. Ethan is donating two dozen farm fresh eggs once a month for one year, and Morgan is offering a once a month dessert for one year on the school’s live auction Feb. 4 at the Greenwald Pub in Greenwald.

Hellickson siblings excited to contribute eggs, desserts to SJ’s-SA’s Feb. 4 auction

As the sun was starting to rise Monday, Commercial Contractors Company workers from Melrose were inside the Lisa’s On Main building working on securing the west wall

PHOTO

Kwik Trip purchases Melrose property

Hopes to open 24-hour business by December

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

Kwik Trip, Inc., has purchased the former U.S. Bank/Melrose State Bank property in Melrose.

Melrose City Planner

Sheila Hellermann informed council members about this during their Jan. 19 meeting at the Melrose City Center. She said plans call for demolition of the current bank building in March or April, with construction of a new facility to start in July and a December completion date and opening.

Kwik Trip is proposing to build a 9,200-squarefoot full-service, 24-hour store, with 10 gas pumps on the east side, and a twolane diesel fuel area on the south side. There is no car wash planned for the Melrose site.

Kwik Trip page 3

EBY CAROL MOORMAN

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

than and Morgan Hellickson are the donation duo.

Ethan, 12, loves raising chickens and eating the by-products – eggs – especially on an English muffin for breakfast and in Grandma Sandy’s potato salad. Morgan, 10, has a passion for baking, and she loves eating refrigerated cookie dough – if her three brothers, Ethan, Aaron and Ryan, don’t beat her to it.

The two siblings and children of Steve and Katie (Lieser) Hellickson of rural Padua are ex-

cited to share their eggs and desserts with winning bidders from the St. John’s-St. Andrew’s Catholic School-Greenwald online auction Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Greenwald Pub in Greenwald. Also on the online and live auction are many other homemade and donated items, including class projects and a $10,000 voucher for drainage tile installation from an area business.

Ethan, a SJ’s-SA’s sixth grader, is donating two dozen farm fresh eggs once a month for one year, and Morgan, a fourth grader, is offering a once a month dessert for one year. The winning bidders will be able to take home the eggs and dessert –valentine cookies and caramel bars – the night of the auction.

“Sometimes we have extra eggs, and I wanted to help out the school,” said Ethan, when asked why he chose to donate to the auction. “I’ve helped make school projects for the auction and last year helped my mom set up the auction after school. This is his first year donating something to the auc-

tion by myself.”

He is in his first year raising chickens. This is also Morgan’s first year donating her own homemade item. Sitting around an auction-donated child’s picnic table at the school Jan. 26, with a box of her homemade, decorated heart-shaped sugar cookies in front of her, Morgan said her mom encouraged her to do so. Morgan was wearing an apron and chef’s hat, one of two sets gifted to her on her birthday by Grandma Sandy Hellickson, who farms in rural Padua with husband David, a dairy farmer, with a sweet tooth. Their other grandparents are Don and Irene Lieser of rural Meire Grove.

Morgan’s baking mentor is Grandma Sandy.

“My grandma is a really good cook,” Morgan said. “I started helping my grandma make stuff at her house two years ago, and now I’m doing it myself.”

Hellickson page 3

CTE conundrum

MAHS trade classes prepare students for careers

BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER

Editor’s note: The Star Post will feature each of the three components of the Feb. 14 $34,805,000 bond referendum in the Jan. 18, 25 and Feb. 1 issues – Restore and Rebuild Our Aging Community Spaces $18,435,000, Provide Safety and ADA Accessibility for All $4,305,000 and Invest in Career and Technical Education Classrooms $8,185,000. Other project pricing includes site improvements $2,175,000 and interest and issuance costs $1,705,000.

Metals students welded Jan. 26 in the Melrose Area High School metals shop/lab built in 1969. While equipment upgrades have been made, some of the equipment is close to 50 years old and the shop is not in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Teacher Mike Swartz estimates between 90-120 different Melrose Area High School students come through at least one of his Career and Technical Education manufacturing and transportation trades classes during one school year.

During the 4.5 years Swartz has been at MAHS, he has taught Introduction to Metals, Metals 1, Metals 2, Metals 3, Metals Independent Studies, Automotive Maintenance, Automotive Maintenance 2, Computer Aided Drafting, Robotics (formally Mechatronics), House Wiring 1, House Wiring 2, Home Improvement, Small Engines 1, Small Engines 2 and Basic Auto Body.

Melrose referendum page 4

PHOTO SUBMITTED

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Zach Coenen cuts pipe in the metals shop Jan. 26 at Melrose Area High School in Melrose, while other students work on welding projects. Welding is one of the many Career and Technical Education trade classes taught at the school.

Mia Beth Arnzen

Clarence A. Blonigen Stanley A. Patyk

Sensational HFS Snowball

Fifth grader Lily Burg finds a homemade, wooden chair is pretty comfortable Jan. 21 during the Holy Family School Snowball in the school gym at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. The chair, donated by George Reber, was on the live auction.

CARMEN EIYNCK

Parents: Greg and Jamie Eiynck

Accomplishment: Senior Albany National Honor Society member

Purple Pride

What do you enjoy most about being part of the National Honor Society? Being given the opportunity to help our community and feeling the sense of reward in doing so.

What has been your favorite event to be part of so far this year? The breast cancer fundraiser, because we successfully sold all of our pink-out shirts, raised more money than expected and supported a great cause.

What other activities are you involved in at school? Captains and Leaders, Letter Club and softball.

Why is it important for you to be involved in school activities? They help me build important life-long skills, such as leadership, teamwork, communication and motivation.

What is something you are proud you accomplished so far during the school year and what is one of your goals in the remainder of the year? I am proud of all of my success in academics and activities, and my goal for the remainder of the school year is to be recognized for my hard work through scholarships.

What is one piece of advice you would give underclassmen to help them excel in academics or athletics? Stay focused, self-driven, and don’t let problems in your life keep you from becoming successful.

What are you thankful for today? The many opportunities that are available to me through school and my parents.

What are three words that describe your personality? Adventurous, kind and ambitious.

are in the sport. I love how competitive the game is, and it is fun being at prac tice together.

What is your most memorable experience in a game? Either making my first 3-pointer on varsity or watching Paige Gruber score a 3-pointer against Sauk Centre last year. It was her first one, and we got really hyped on the bench

What are you looking forward to doing yet this the school year?

Being with my friends in classes and appreciating my senior year before it is gone

How do you try to make a difference at school? By being involved in everything I can and making sure to give everything I am involved in my all

Parents: Dr. Pat and Juliann Heller

Accomplishment: Senior guard on Melrose Area girls basketball team.

What other activities are you involved in at school? Girls swimming, softball, student council, National Honor Society and speech, where I am in storytelling.

What is something you’ve learned in class recently? In trigonometry, we are learning about parabolas, a symmetrical u-shaped cur ve; hyperbolas, a t wo-branched open cur ve; and conics, which are cones

What teacher has impacted your education the most? Last year Mr. (Jonathan) Nietfeld’s Dutchmenomics, a competition in his economic class, was really fun

What is your favorite restaurant and the meal you order?

don’

PHOTOS BY CAROL MOORMAN

Holy Family School fifth graders and twins Nora Dupuy (from left), Brooklyn and Madalyn Austin and Lucy Dupuy display a cookbook of parent-submitted recipes Jan. 21 in the Seven Dolors Catholic Church gathering space in Albany, which was part of the students’ cooking basket donation for the Holy Family School Snowball Auction. The girls were among fifth graders volunteering this evening.

Parents Jon Gaebel (from left), Mike Gondringer, Jared Overman and Myles Vogel toast to the Holy Family School Snowball Jan. 21 in the school gym at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. They were working at the bar, while other parents helped with jobs related to the food.

Hellickson from front

Morgan loves baking cakes, brownies and cookies, and more recently she helped her grandma make donuts. She uses recipes from her two recipe books and from her grandma.

‘I just like the end results and getting to have those sweets around the house,” she said.

Sugar and chocolate chip cookies are her favorite to eat, especially the dough.

At age 10, Morgan has an inkling of what she wants to be when she grows up – a baker.

She is anxious to see who she will be baking for, as her winning bidder. She will question their likes and dislikes because she wants to please the people who are recipients of her baking products. Morgan already knows if Grandpa Don is the winner, she won’t be baking anything with coconut in it.

Ethan is also excited to see who his little ladies will lay their colorful eggs for.

He started raising eggs last year because his mom’s friend had extra chicks.

“I just really enjoyed taking care of the chickens, and they became mine,” he said.

Currently, he has 10 chickens – ISA Brown, Black Copper Maran, Welsummer and Rhode Island Red.

His chickens are so special that the majority of his

Kwik Trip from front

Christmas gifts were chicken related, so he is all set to start hatching chicks.

“I would like to double my flock this summer,” he said.

He names his favorite chickens.

“They are my favorites because I can tell them apart by color, size and their ‘chickenalities’ (personalities),”

Ethan said. “My favorite hens are Jon, Road Runner, Nugget and Drumstick, who likes to sit on my lap.”

He even brought Jon to the St. Francis feast day animal blessing at the school in November.

He has one rooster, named Diez.

“I’ll tell Diez’s story to whoever buys the eggs,” he jokingly said.

He cares for his chickens, cleaning out the coop and providing them with food, water and plenty of attention.

“The chickens eat hen layer feed mixed with groundup corn in the winter, but in the spring, summer, and fall they eat a lot of what they can find – bugs, grass, garden scraps, frogs and plants,”

Ethan said.

They heat the chicken coop in the winter.

“We keep a lamp on which helps the hens to keep laying eggs,” he said.

Ethan loves sharing his eggs with his grandparents, a

They propose a right-hand entrance-only when coming off Interstate-94, approximately half way between the off ramp and the Kraft Drive intersection. Other traffic will enter and leave off of Kraft Drive in approximately the same area as the current bank drive-thru area.

Also during the meeting, Hellermann updated the council on the Riverside Flats development, on the former

neighbor and other family, but “best of all is eating them,” he said.

“Yum, yum, yum, they are so tasty,” he said.

This year he decided to donate eggs to the auction, “to help out the school,” citing examples set by his parents. His mother is an alumnus of the school.

Kraft-West lot. Riverside Development Group, LLC, is proposing to construct a three-story 29-unit multi-family complex with commercial space on the main level and underground parking.

“It is anticipated that construction will begin in March or April,” Hellermann said. “We are anticipating plans and specifications and permit applications from the developer.”

She said there was a Jan. 9 Planning and Zoning Commission special meeting regarding the capital improvement plans for Railroad West and the GC Real Estate Partners’ proposed project for a

“I’ve helped make school projects for the auction, and last year my mom set up the auction after school,” he said. Chances are, it will be a “good egg” who purchases Ethan’s eggs, and Morgan’s valentine cookies will be sprinkled with love.

72-unit multi-family housing development on the west side of Melrose.

During the Jan. 19 meeting, the council approved a resolution calling for a March 9 public hearing on the establishment of Municipal Development District No. 13, the creation of Workforce Housing Tax Increment Financing District No. 13-1, consideration to provide tax abatement and the adoption of TIF plan and abatement resolution related to the development of the GC Real Estate housing project.

The GC Real Estate proposed apartments would not have income restrictions, and rent would be at market rates.

What’s

Sunday, Feb. 5, 1:30 p.m. – 500 cards. Pondview Estate, 334 Golfview Dr., Albany. For information call 320-845-2419.

Monday, Feb. 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Mental Health Support Group. CentraCare-Albany Clinic, 30 Railroad Ave., Albany. For information call the clinic at 320-845-2157.

Monday, Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m. – Avon City Council Meeting. Avon City Hall, 140 Stratford St. E, Avon.

Monday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m. – Farming Community Center long-term rental meeting. 23801 County Road 42, Richmond. Participation and ideas are welcome.

Tuesday, Feb. 7, noon – Helping Hands Outreach Senior Dining Meal. Holdingford City Hall, 420 Main St., Holdingford. Programs are open to the public. Call 320-746-9960 for more information.

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m. – Schanhaar-Otte Post 7050 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m. – AA Meetings. Back to Basic, at Tutti Frutti Marketplace, 38914 County Road 186, Sauk Centre. For more information, call 218-240- 1076. Big Book, Melrose City Center, 225 First St., NE, Melrose. For more information, call 320-241-3909.

Upcoming: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m. – Melrose American Legion Post 101 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.

Birth ANNOUNCEMENT

Mia Beth Arnzen

Nate and Emily Arnzen, of Freeport, are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Mia Beth Arnzen, at 12:32 p.m., Jan. 26, 2023, at CentraCare-Melrose Hospital in Melrose. She weighed 8 pounds, 10 ounces and measured 21 inches long.

Big sister Natalie, 2, and big brother Jackson, 1, welcomed her home.

Grandparents are Mike and Beth Arnzen, of St. Rosa; and Tom and Barb Hellermann, of Melrose.

Great-grandparents are Betty Atkinson, of

Our Promise

In a perfect world, hunger would be history and hope would be commonplace. We believe a perfect world is possible.

In 2020, Subaru and its retailers made a donation to Feeding America to provide 50 million meals to help feed people in need during the COVID-19 crisis,* making meals available at 199 local food banks across the country. *$1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks.

What is the Subaru Love Promise™

Subaru and our retailers believe in making the world a better place and the Subaru Love Promise is our vision of respecting all people. This is our commitment to show love and respect to our customers and to work to make a positive impact in the world.

Hours:

Mia Beth Arnzen Freeport; Simon and Mary Hellermann, of Sauk Centre; Arlene Arnzen, of St. Rosa; and Don and Joan Payne, of Burtrum.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Morgan Hellickson displays homemade valentine cookies Jan. 26 at St. John’s-St. Andrew’s Catholic School in Greenwald. She is wearing an apron and chef’s hat her grandma, Sandy Hellickson, gifted to her on her birthday.

Stanley A. Patyk

Stanley A. “Stan” Patyk, 93, of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, Jan. 24, 2023, at Fairway Pines Assisted Living in Sauk Centre.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 27 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with the Rev. Mark Botzet officiating.

Inurnment was in Calvary Cemetery with military honors by the Sauk Centre United Veterans Honor Guard.

Stanley Albert Patyk was born April 23, 1929, in Little Falls, to Adam and Mary (Yendraszak) Patyk and was one of 11 children.

Stanley graduated from Little Falls High School in 1947.

He enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in December 1950 and served active duty from Jan. 14, 1951, through Sept. 22, 1952, as staff sergeant, ordnance, in Camp Rucker, Alabama.

Stanley married Phyllis

Anna Jendro Sept. 17, 1960, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flensburg, and they moved to Sauk Centre in October 1960 where they made their home. At the age of 18, Stanley worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a lineman on a construction crew. He was promoted to cable splicer and then to Cambridge as an installer-repairman. He came to Sauk Centre as a central office technician in summer 1959. Stan worked in Sauk Centre until his retirement in 1990. He walked to work almost every day for his entire career in Sauk Centre and was known for carrying his U.S. Post Office mailbox lunchbox with him.

He volunteered as a member of the Sauk Centre Fire Department from Feb. 4, 1965, through Feb. 4, 1986, and served as second assistant chief training officer. Stan also was a volunteer ambulance driver for 10 years.

Stanley was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church where he served as an usher. He was an avid bowler and served

St. Cloud man leads law enforcement on foot chase in

Albany

Stanley A. Patyk

in various positions in local leagues as well as president of the Sauk Centre Bowling Association. Stanley loved to fish year-round, often sharing his catch with others.

He and Phyllis enjoyed metal detecting as a hobby, and Stan took great pleasure in helping people find lost items. He was always industrious and took great pride in his vegetable garden, maintaining his home and helping Phyllis with her flower garden. He enjoyed birdwatching, crosswords and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his five children, Brenda (Debbie Mollison) Patyk of Dayton, Nevada, Amy (Douglas) Azinger of Prior Lake, Guy (Gu Zheng) Patyk of Prior Lake, Chris Ann (Jeffrey) Schneider of Commack, New York, and Jennifer Patyk of St. Paul; five grandchildren, Therese and Lucy (Amy) Azinger, Brandon and Stephanie (Chris Ann) Schneider, and Anthony (Guy) Patyk; and sister, Joanne (William) Wadsworth of Brookings, Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Patyk, June 23, 2007; infant daughter Marie Annette Patyk May 26, 1962; parents; and brothers and sisters.

Stanley will be remembered for his bright smile and sense of humor, his kindness and generosity and his philosophical outlook on life.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

In lieu of flowers, memorial are preferred for charities P-5-1B

“Our Country is in Mourning, A Soldier Died Today.”

Clarence A. Blonigen

Clarence A. Blonigen, 84, of St. Martin, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, Jan. 27, 2023, at his home in St. Martin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in St. Martin with the Rev. Edward Vebelun, O.S.B., officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation was 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 31, and will be from 9:45-10:45 a.m., Feb. 1, at the St. Martin Parish Center in St. Martin.

Clarence Alfred Blonigen was born April 19, 1938, in St. Martin Township, Stearns County, to Mathias and Veronica (Mayers) Blonigen. He was united in marriage to Annella Hoffman May 30, 1961, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pierz. Clarence farmed all of his life northwest of St. Martin. He enjoyed the new technologies of farming, machinery and milking as all these advancements improved the farm. Clarence especially loved spending time in his John Deere tractors, working the land.

He was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin, St. Joseph’s Society, St. Martin Lions, 4th Degree Queen of Peace Assembly Knights of Columbus in Sauk Centre, American Legion Post 101 in Melrose, Catholic United of St. Martin and was an AMPI board member.

Clarence enjoyed bowling, playing softball, fishing, playing cards and supporting his family in the Tel-Stars 4-H Club. He enjoyed spending Sunday afternoons visiting with family, playing Sequence and 500 with his children and grandchildren. His greatest joy was spending time with his Schnickel Fritzes.

Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years,

Charged with simple robbery, fleeing officer

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

A 23-year-old St. Cloud man was arrested and brought to the Stearns County Jail following an alleged attempted robbery and foot chase that started around 9 p.m., Jan. 23, at Holiday Station in Albany. The chase, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, ended around 12:30 a.m., Jan. 24, when the shoe-less suspect was found near Centra Sota Cooperative and taken to the St. Cloud Hospital for possible treatment of hypothermia.

According to a Jan. 25 complaint filed in Stearns County court, Abdiaziz Osman Mohamed was charged with attempted simple robbery, a felony with a maximum sentence of five years and a $10,000 fine, and fleeing an officer in a motor vehi-

cle, a felony with a maximum sentence of three years and a $5,000 fine. His next court appearance is Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Albany Police Chief Ozzie Carbajal said an Albany officer responded to a call around 9 p.m., Jan. 23, when a Holiday Station clerk reported an individual, known to police as Ahmen Osman Mohamed, and later identified as Abdiaziz Osman Mohamed, was outside the store. Albany police were searching for Mohamed to serve him a trespass order. “He had been in and out of the store about a week and causing issues prior to being served the trespass order from our officer,” Carbajal said. “And while my officer was there, other information came to light.”

The complaint said as the Albany officer served the paperwork to Mohamed, the store manager approached the officer saying a juvenile in the store had told the manager Mohamed threatened her and demanded money.

Melrose referendum from front

That automotive shop is currently in a building disconnected from the school building.

School Superintendent Greg Winter, on Jan. 25, said when the school was opened in 1969, there was no auto tech lab.

“Around the mid-‘70s a garage was converted into an auto tech lab,” he said.

Swartz said CTE is a very broad spectrum. Winter estimated there are close to 38 class offerings.

“The State of Minnesota breaks CTE into six categories,” Swartz said Jan. 25. “Melrose has licensed teachers in sub-categories of manufacturing, transportation, construction, agriculture, food and natural resources and family and consumer sciences.”

As part of the proposed $34,805,000 bond referendum, which school district residents will vote on before or on Feb. 14, an auto lab would be built onto the current school building. A paint booth would provide a finishing room for auto body, wood and art projects.

“Accessibility and efficiency, I would say, are the main factors,” Swartz said. “Currently, our auto shop is located a few 100 feet, from door to door, from the main school building and is also shared as a van storage facility. Currently there are steps leading into the metals and woods labs, leaving the only handicap accessible access from outside the building.”

Clarence A. Blonigen

Annella Blonigen, of St. Martin; children Joyce (Mark) Nordby of Bloomington, Kevin Blonigen of St. Martin, Jeanne Blonigen of St. Cloud, Judy (Randy) Loecken of Freeport, Karla (Matt)

Zierden of Albany, Kristie (Bob) Harren of Freeport, and Jason (Kristie Le) Blonigen of Albany; 19 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; sister Tillie (Bernard)

Bussmann of Melrose; sistersin-law Darlene Blonigen of St. Martin, Penny Blonigen of Wilmington, Massachusetts, and Annette Blonigen of St. Martin; and in-laws Bobby and Theresa Hoffman of Pierz and Lorraine Hoffman of Buckman.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; infant son William; great-grandchildren

Charlie and Finnian Lingl; brothers and sisters Bernadine Arnzen-Jacobson, Dolores Pundsack, Raymond Blonigen, Silverius Blonigen and Leander Blonigen; and numerous extended family members.

The family would like to send a special thank you Ecumen Hospice-Litchfield for their special care and support.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.

P-5-1B

The CTE component of the proposed referendum is estimated to cost $8,185,000, with $3,505,000 for an ad-

Police spoke to the victim who said she was filling her car at a pump when a man approached her car, asking her if she had money, the complaint stated. The victim declined to give the male money, and he allegedly threatened to harm her and said he would take her car if he was not given money. The victim locked the car and went inside the store.

Abdiaziz Osman Mohamed

Police approached Mohamed’s car, asking him to step outside, and an officer reached into the car to prevent him from manipulating the window controls, and Mohamed drove away, the complaint said. Police pursued Mohamed as he fled south on Eighth Street under Interstate-94 to Centra Sota Cooperative, south of Highway 10. Mohamed’s vehicle hit a snowbank, and he got out and fled the scene on foot, Carbajal said, while police removed

ditional new shop (also called industrial technical) space, $3,785,000 for renovation and Americans With Disabilities Act access to industrial tech classes and $805,000 for storm shelter code requirements. Winter said currently the high school lacks space for a growing industrial tech skill curriculum, creating limited opportunities for students.

“If approved, our CTE classrooms will be remodeled to better support hands-on learning and prepare students for life after high school, including the ability to step into a wide range of highwage, high-skill, high-demand careers in our community,” Winter said.

A proposed new auto tech lab would be built onto the south side of the current metals and woods shops.

“It would include two lifts and a paint booth along with other auxiliary spaces to work on things and also an attached classroom space,” Winter said. There would also be a small engines lab located in this space.

The $3.8 million industrial tech classroom renovation and ADA access would include gutting and renovating current CTE areas. Electrical and ventilation would be upgraded, Winter said.

The state required reinforced structured storm shelter would be in the new auto tech lab.

As far as the ADA aspect, Winter said, “One of the biggest things is that a hallway would be added between the metals and woods shops, and the new auto shop would be ADA accessible for students with multiple mobility issues.”

Winter said money has been budgeted in the referendum for new equipment. The school district, over the last 53 years, has also made a “significant investment in new equipment,” while utilizing grant

Avon council from front

City information is updated with every building permit that is issued. Quarterly updates are also done.

“We had a large number of reroof permits due to early summer storms,” Pease stated in an email.

There was a large number of roofs with hail damage, she said, adding a possible contributing factor for the increased value of new homes in the city involved an overall increase in the cost of building materials.

Regarding quarterly trends, Pease said in the second and third quarter, a high number of reroofing permits were issued.

THANK YOU

Thank you

We would like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks after the passing of Jane Klein.

We would like to thank Fr. Marv Enneking, Deacon Ernie and Larry Sass and the Resurrection Choir for the beautiful Mass. Thanks also to the funeral group for the delicious meal, Austins Floral for the beautiful flowers and Linda Holm and Mark Thompson and Patton Schad staff for their assistance.

Thank you to family and friends, especially Brenda Primus, Carol Moorman, Barb Nathe, Rhonda Carlin, Joelle Moening and Jeff and Mary Lou Hemmesch, and anyone else who made things a little easier. Also thanks for the beautiful flowers, gifts, cards, prayers and memorials we received. She is now at peace.

Sincerely, John and Linda Klein and family Lois and Dave and Ben Goossens

Michael and Kay Klein

Daniel Klein P-5-1P

a passenger from the vehicle, who was later released. A search perimeter was set up. Stearns County sheriff deputies and Sauk Centre police each brought in one drone, a county K-9 was used, and officers used thermal image cameras. A deputy, following footsteps, located Mohamed laying face down with his hands up, and he was taken into custody and placed into a squad car until the Melrose ambulance arrived to transfer him to the St. Cloud Hospital for possible hypothermia and frostbite.

Carbajal said around 12:30 a.m., Jan. 24, Mohamed was released from the hospital and booked into the jail. Mohamed later told police he did not intend to flee until the officer reached into his car, the complaint said. Avon and Melrose police also assisted at the scene.

funding for equipment purchases.

“When you look at classroom spaces like the metals and woods shops, it’s different from a history class,” he said. “In those shops, you need welding equipment, saws, sanders, metal fabricating equipment, laser cutters.”

The school district works with local businesses to keep abreast of industry changes.

“That way our students are getting those experiences to help them go directly into the workforce or post- secondary, so they are ahead of most students,” Winter said.

The proposed CTE changes would lead to state-of-the-art shop areas, he said.

MAHS has four licensed CTE teachers and one that is an out of field permission teacher, along with other full-time and part-time CTE teachers, said Swartz, one of the licensed teachers.

With proposed upgrades and additions, staff would need to be added, Winter said.

“Part of this project is also for staff retention. Updated facilities is a motivation for someone to stay,” he said, adding CTE teachers are among the hardest to find.

Swartz said the purpose of CTE classes is to prepare students to enter the workforce in a skilled trade or attend a technical school.

“I have been tracking my students for the last three to four years to see what they have gone on to,” he said. “We have had tremendous student placement in the skilled trades over the past several years.”

On Jan. 26, in the metals lab, Swartz prepared more students for possible careers in the trades.

Normally, new construction permits start coming in the end of first quarter.

“The fourth quarter is normally slow for new construction permits being issued,” she stated, adding Avon Estates reports most of the new construction permit activity. Miscellaneous permits are city wide.

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

Albany Apartment for Rent - 2 bedroom/1 bath. $650/mo, $100 deposit. No Dogs! Call for availability, Loreen 763-2380616.

PS-4-tfnB

The views expressed by our columnists are the opinions and thoughts of the author and do not reflect the opinions and views of newspaper staff and ownership.

Getting out –just for a bit Not so super

From 1970 to 1977, the Minnesota Vikings played in four Super Bowls, four in eight years, and they lost every one. Worse yet, they never led in any of them. On Jan. 12, 1975, they played in Super Bowl IX against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Vikings were led by quarterback Fran Tarkenton, running back Chuck Foreman and a defense fittingly called the Purple People Eaters because of their tenacity and their ability to swallow up opposing quarterbacks. Our biggest playoff advantage, though, may have been playing at the old Metropolitan Stadium where the wind and the cold would sweep across the field right into the bench area of the adversaries.

Pittsburgh was led that year by quarterback Terry Bradshaw, running back Franco Harris and a top ranked defense called the Steel Curtain. The biggest star of that team was Mean Joe Greene. Although few if any from other teams liked him, including me, he would become loved years later in a Coca Cola commercial where he tossed his used jersey to a young fan saying, “Here kid, catch.”

The Super Bowl was played earlier in those years, not just the date but also the time of day. Kick off was usually around 3 p.m., compared to the after 5 p.m. start time now. That made it easier for us growing up to watch the games. Sunday mornings, after chores, we went to church and once we returned home and ate lunch, it was customary to head out with our toboggans to the hills along the river. By game time, we would all be packed in front of the television ready to cheer on our Vikings. We didn’t have Vikings’ jerseys then, like we do now. Either they weren’t as popular or we simply couldn’t afford them. That night the cows would have to wait to be milked until the game was over.

We went through this four times in my preteen and teenage years and came out disappointed each time.

Last year the Super Bowl was played on Feb. 13. I was aboard an enormous cruise ship on my first ever sea voyage. My wife, Barb, a bunch of family members and a few thousand other people were somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean swaying to the waves off the coast of Grand Turk Island. The upper deck of the ship had an open air area where the pool was. It also had a stage area for entertaining with a big screen. This is where the Super Bowl pregame party was held, along with the game. A few of us had settled into seats along the ship rail. We secured our buckets of beer, took pictures of the sun setting and the moon rising, and no one cared who won the game.

It was cold Sunday. Zero degrees with a feels-like air temp of 10 below. But the sun was shining in a blue sky and the wind was calm, so I layered up and headed out for a short walk. And I wasn’t alone. I passed a neighbor on the street. We agreed it was cold, but still, we needed to get out just for a bit.

Zierden

Soon after the game started, midway through the first quarter, a light rain began to fall, which is common around those parts. Once the rain got heavier, more and more people scattered from their poolside seats and headed to shelter in the numerous bars, including many from our contingency. My brother, Mike, and I found seats under an umbrella. After a while, Mike left to watch the game in his room. I stayed to watch the game and finish the beer with, by now, only a handful of people. It wasn’t until the game was nearly over that Barb found out from Mike that I was still out there and came to find me. I believe her exact words were, “What are you doing out here all by yourself?”

I looked around, and in the pool bar under a tent were maybe a couple dozen other people, but mostly I was alone. I blame that on the Vikings and their trips to the big game and how, for many years, nothing was more important than watching them play.

Investigating child exploitation crimes

The internet has come into our lives to simplify things, such as research, keeping in touch with people or looking for a recipe. It also gives us access to things, which can be less pleasant or even illegal.

Our police department recently investigated a child exploitation crime, and it occurred to me when I was giving Carol the weekly report on it, that not many people are as familiar with these types of crimes as people in law enforcement might be.

Our case came through a national database, Internet Crimes Against Children, which was designed to be a central location to report images and videos of children in inappropriate or sexual situations. The system requires all major internet companies, like Google, to report such images and videos. They have algorithms or systems in place to scan or find these images and videos when they are uploaded and downloaded to the internet. It is not perfect but does a pretty good job.

Once the image or video is identified, it is looked at to determine if it is a child or an adult and then, depending on the image or video, whether an investigation is needed. If an investigation is needed, an ICAC analyst starts gathering where the image or video came from – often an internet provider address – which is very much like your regular home address. It is assigned to a location and can be traced back to a physical location, like your home, workplace or business. The analyst then uses court paperwork, subpoenas or search warrants to gather more detailed information, email addresses, activity on that IP address and who is all associated with that physical address, family, current and previous owners and so much more.

Once all of this is gathered, it is sent to either the state agency where the IP address is from –ours is the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension – or directly to the law enforcement department who covers the area where the IP address originated. Sometimes there is one image or video downloaded and sometimes there are numerous images or videos downloaded to an IP address, which is all learned during the investigation. These images and videos can come from an actual search for them, from chat rooms or through online games with a chat or video component.

We, as the local law enforcement, then need to identify and interview the person who downloaded the image or video. Sometimes the image or video is on the device originally used to download the image, and sometimes it is stored in the cloud, also known as “no man’s land,” and needs to be tracked down further.

Thankfully, these investigations have been limited, but with the usage of the internet and the ease of access to pornography or inappropriate material on the internet, we might be doing more of these as time goes on.

Studies show that young people in these images or videos are rarely willing participants and are being exploited, controlled or trafficked by someone they trusted and, at times, family members.

January was National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness for these very situations.

Going to Avon by sleigh

By the 1920s, motor vehicles and trains were common transportation modes.

Still, there were times when nature’s ability thwarted the use of vehicles along some routes. Usually that ability manifested itself in the winter. That was the case in January of 1923, when some people knew they had to get to Avon. The problem was the impassibility of some roads. But Avon was calling – and they figured out how to get there. They used sleds – and not the snowmobile variety. The sled was literally powered by horsepower.

Sleds, also called sleighs, have been a common means of transport throughout much of the world. Their manufacture and use were almost mandatory in areas with a lot of snow, and there were a lot of varieties. Information from various websites highlight three common styles used throughout snow-covered areas of the United States.

Before the 1800s the piano box sleigh (or sled) was seen. They were box shaped and mounted on skids or runners. Some were wagon boxes that had been transferred to runners. They could haul a lot of cargo – goods and people – but were not a choice for quick travel.

The lighter weight and faster Portland sleighs and Albany cutter models appeared in the early 1800s. The Portland sleigh originated in Portland, Maine. Less boxy looking than a piano box sleigh, it still had flat body panels and thinner skids. What most riders really liked was the dashboard that protected the riders from the snow kicked up as the horses pulled it. The sleigh was lightweight, making it easier to pull over the snow, and it could seat two to four people or at most six. With its light weight, and better designed runners, it traveled along snow faster than the piano box sled.

STAFF

For speed and looks, the Albany cutter sleigh was the preferred choice. It was a custom built sleigh for two people. They were first manufactured in the 1820s in Albany, New York. These were considered the cool sleighs of their era. Custom built, painted and upholstered, they were out of the price range for most people. The model did gain an international reputation for quality and speed, and in Russia were considered among the best sleds made.

Despite its expense, the Albany cutter is the image most have when thinking of taking sleigh rides or listening to “Jingle Bells.” That is because it is a favored sled for romantic rides in winter wonderland rom-coms, Victorian era winter scenes and is usually the sled usually depicted in the image with Santa Claus.

No matter what type was used, almost every article stressed the need to dress warm. Most illustrations show people bundled up and blanketed during the ride.

Use of sleighs lasted well into the mid-20th century in some areas, but their use was dwindling. When people used one to get to the 1923 Avon event, it was front page news in the Jan. 25, 1923, Holdingford Advertiser. Just what type of sled was not recorded, but two sleigh loads of people made the trip. What was recorded in the article was what was going on that they just had to get to.

“A number of young people made up a sleigh ride party and their destination was Avon, where they took in a dance,” the article read. “We learn they had a merry time.”

It is possible it was one of the last sleigh rides to an Avon dance.

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This past Friday was cold too, with warmer temperatures but a whippy wind that bit. Still, Ryan and I took to the woods with our snowshoes. We didn’t make it out long, but it was good to get out just for a bit.

This time of year can feel long and dark here in the northland. It’s easy to get stuck inside, but especially this year, it’s tempting to get outside too. Mother Nature has been showing off this winter, with trees frosted and glistening and piles of fresh snow all around.

And, it seems everywhere I go, I run into people embracing winter with a new pair of snowshoes. Like pickleball’s hold on summer recreation around here, snowshoeing has become the go-to winter activity.

The most impressive place to take your snowshoes is the state parks along Minnesota’s North Shore, but there’s tremendous beauty and peace right in our backyards too. Our favorite trail close to home is as simple as the woods behind my dad’s farm. The hills offer vistas of farmland and lakes, silos and the curved domes of barns, along with a good workout. We cut trails and count deer.

Another good hike is in the Kraemer Lake-Wildwood County Park near St. Joseph. The trail cuts through wooded acreage and lake frontage, and it’s quiet. No sounds of traffic, no dishwashers to unload or laundry to fold. I recommend stopping at the Bad Habit Brewery in St. Joseph after your hike. I usually don’t like beer, but the relaxed atmosphere and local crowd make this place a favorite destination, especially after a good hike.

Another great trail nearby is Two Rivers Lake County Park. This park is about four miles north of Albany and is adjacent to Two Rivers Lake. The trail is short, which works well for a quick breath of fresh air after work before the sun sets. It’s very quiet too, especially during the week. You’ll probably have the place to yourself.

A coworker recently recommended Bend in the River Regional Park near Rice. This park’s trails run along the Mississippi River with high banks and scenic views of the river bend. I haven’t been here yet, but these trails may be our excuse to get outside a bit next weekend.

Some exercise, some fresh air and some scenic views is the antidote for a long Minnesota winter. And the exertion of snowshoeing will keep you warm.

So, as my neighbor and I agreed this past Sunday, we need to get outside, even if just for a bit.

PAID LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Addressing newspaper referendum article concerns

By Roger Gysberg, Melrose

I’d like to address a couple of things I read in The Star Post Jan. 25 articles – “School district residents voice referendum concerns” and “Accessibility attributes” – concerning the upcoming Melrose school referendum.

First, there is grant money available for ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliance, according to information I heard presented by the school superintendent at recent community meetings, so why are we using people with disabilities to pass this referendum? ADA issues should have been addressed a long time ago.

Second, I believe we will continue to have a pool should the referendum fail to pass, and we will lose no education provided by the pool. It’s a shame we can’t fix broken tiles in our pool.

According to information I heard at community meetings, we have about $240,000 to use for such things from $550,000 that comes from a long-term facility maintenance fund.

Finally, I feel like this is a bad time to run a referendum of this size, considering the price of fuel and groceries, as well as the fact that Gov. Walz just rolled out his budget plan, which includes a large amount for education. P5p

Our children deserve better

By Dave Sand

In response to Alyssa Rosenberger’s letter to the editor in the Jan. 25 The Star Post, I also think our children deserve a decent, ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliant and safe facility. Where we disagree is that I do not think we need to build a new CTE (Career and Technical Education) area or pool to address these issues.

The school has over $4 million in the bank, over $3.2 that is available to spend at the school’s discretion. I also believe there are funds available from the state to assist with the ADA issues.

The fact that our school has not dealt with the handicap issues in our school is frankly despicable. Then to use the ADA issue to sell the voters on this very expensive referendum is equally as despicable, in my opinion.

Our school board should be able to address the wants (pool) and needs (CTE and ADA issues) of the school with existing funds and proper budgeting.

What about budgeting for school building upgrades? Another area school district did just that and was able to build new tennis courts and a bus shed last year, using existing funds instead of going to the taxpayers. If they can do it, why can’t we?

I have done my research, and I am voting no to the referendum, but yes to our children deserving better from our elected officials and superintendent.

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Official Legal Newspaper for the cities of Albany, Avon, Freeport, Melrose and Holdingford; Independent School Districts 745, 738 and 740; surrounding townships.

Deadlines

The deadline for most news in The Star Post is 5 p.m. Friday. Exceptions are obituaries and reports of weekend events, which have a deadline of 10 a.m. Monday. The deadline for advertisements in The Star Post is 5 p.m. Friday, and in the Shopper and Classy Canary it is noon Wednesday.

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Corrections/Clarifications

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ISSN: Print: 2834-5916 Online: 2834-5924

Ink on My Hands by Kevin

The Farmers Daughter By Sonya Hoffarth

A Peek at the Past by Herman Lensing

Chatting with the Chief by Craig Maus, Melrose Police Chief

Melrose school referendum receives positive review by state department

At least 51% approval needed for passage

BY HERMAN LENSING | STAFF WRITER

Melrose Area School District’s proposed building bond referendum has received a positive review from the Minnesota Department of Education, which means the referendum will need at least 51% of the school district voters approving it for it to pass. Had it received a negative review, it would have taken at least a 61% approval to pass.

Melrose School Board members were informed about this during their hourlong Jan. 23 monthly meeting at Melrose Area Public Schools in Melrose. MDE gave its approval Dec. 22, 2022, which was after the Dec. 19, 2022, monthly meet-

Uncooperative behavior lands

Melrose man in jail

ing.

News of the positive review was shared at recent community referendum meetings.

MDE’s assessment can be found on the district’s website as part of the board’s Jan. 23 agenda and has been printed in The Star Post.

In other board news: – School board members, who attended the Minnesota School Board Association convention, reported on discussions and presentations that may come to the board in the future. These presentations included installing solar panels on roofs, hiring experienced but not licensed per-

sonnel to teach industrial tech classes and a collaboration between teachers.

– Superintendent Greg Winter spoke on the possibility of increased state funding for school districts during the current legislative session. According to the information he received, free universal lunch has a very good chance of coming back to school districts in Minnesota.

– Board member Randy Dufner, reporting on the Academic Arts Athletic awards, said he was impressed with the qualities of the candidates. He encouraged students to be involved in all three areas.

– Received for review the district’s proposed 202223 safe school plan, which is online in the board’s Jan. 23 agenda and on the district website. This will be the last

CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY

County, law enforcement was dispatched for a vehicle theft shortly before 3 a.m., Jan. 18.

review of this plan that has to be reviewed every six months during the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund grant period.

Under the Jan. 4 organizational meeting consent agenda, the following items were approved:

– Board compensation was set at $350 for the chair, $300 for the vice chairperson, $275 each for the clerk and treasurer and $65 per meeting for board members. If a meeting goes longer than five hours, compensation is $125.

– Travel reimbursement would be the federal mileage rates, overnight stays need superintendent approval and meal reimbursement would be $10 for breakfast, $15 for lunch and $20 for supper.

– Monthly board meetings for the 2023-2024 school year were set for the fourth Monday of the month with exceptions due to holiday conflicts in December 2023, when the meeting will be Dec. 18, and the May 2024 meeting will be May 20.

NOTICE OF TESTING OF OPTICAL SCAN VOTING SYSTEM

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 740 (MELROSE AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS) STATE OF MINNESOTA

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that Independent School District No. 740 (Melrose Area Public Schools) shall perform a public accuracy test of the optical scan voting system to be used in the School District’s February 14, 2023 special election. The test shall be conducted at: Melrose Area

Public Schools - High School Library, Melrose Minnesota on February 6, 2023 at 10:00 o’clock a.m. Interested individuals are authorized to attend and observe. If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Oliver at 320-256-5613.

Dated: October 24, 2022 BY ORDER OF THE SCHOOL BOARD /s/ Becky Feldewerd School District Clerk Independent School District No. 740 (Melrose Area Public Schools) State of Minnesota P-4-2B

SPRING HILL – A

Melrose was arrested Jan. 18 in Spring Hill after suspected drunk driving and a refusal to submit to a chemical test. He also fled police as they attempted to stop him.

Luke Jon Olmscheid, 33, is charged with three felony counts – driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to a chemical test as required by search warrant and fleeing police in a motor vehicle. He also faces a misdemeanor charged for carrying a pistol while under the influence of alcohol.

Two felony counts carry a maximum penalty each of seven years imprisonment and a $14,000 fine. Three years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine is the maximum sentence for the third count.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Stearns

A female reported Olmscheid had allegedly assaulted her and stolen her vehicle. She said Olmscheid was intoxicated and had a firearm, and she gave officers a description of the vehicle.

Officers stationed themselves in Spring Hill in an attempt to stop Olmscheid, who they believed would return to his residence. About a half hour later, law enforcement observed the stolen vehicle driving westbound, with its headlights swaying back and forth. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. The vehicle passed another squad car that had its emergency lights activated before pulling in to a residence on the 200 block of Lake Henry Avenue South, Spring Hill.

When authorities made contact with the driver, Ol-

mscheid, he was initially uncooperative in exiting his vehicle. Olmscheid was reported to smell of alcohol, have slurred speech and watery, bloodshot eyes. Officers searched Olmscheid and located a handgun with a round in the chamber in Olmscheid’s waistband. They also found drug paraphernalia and a substance believed to be marijuana.

Olmscheid refused to participate in a field sobriety test, and, thus, officers obtained a search warrant for a blood or urine sample. Olmscheid refused these samples despite being advised that refusal to do so is a crime.

Olmscheid is required to abstain from the use of alcohol, according to the complaint. He has prior convictions of impaired driving incidents, including criminal vehicular operation in 2014, driving while impaired in 2015 and 2018.

Collapsed Albany building demolished

NOTICE OF LOCATION WHERE BALLOTS WILL BE COUNTED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 740 (MELROSE AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS) STATE OF MINNESOTA

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the election judges for Independent School District No. 740 shall count the ballots cast in the School District’s February 14, 2023 special election at the following location:

COMBINED POLLIING PLACE: Melrose City Center 225 First Street NE Melrose, MN 56352

Dated: October 24, 2022 BY ORDER OF THE SCHOOL BOARD /s/ Becky Feldewerd School District Clerk Independent School District No. 740 (Melrose Area Public Schools) State of Minnesota P-5-2B

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 740 (MELROSE AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS)

STATE OF MINNESOTA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election has been called and will be held in and for Independent School District No. 740 (Melrose Area Public Schools), State of Minnesota, on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, for the purpose of voting on the following question:

The combined polling place for this election and the precincts served by the combined polling place will be as follows: COMBINED POLLING PLACE: Melrose City Center 225 First Street NE Melrose, MN 56352

This combined polling place serves all territory in Independent School District No. 740 located in the City of Melrose; Melrose Township, Sauk Centre Township, City of New Munich, Oak Township, Albany Township, St. Martin Township, The City of Meire Grove, The City of Spring Hill, The City of Greenwald, The City of Freeport, Grove Township, Lake Henry Township, Lake George Township, Spring Hill Township, Getty Township, City of St. Rosa, Millwood Township, and Krain Township in Stearns County, Minnesota; Birchdale Township and Grey Eagle Township in Todd County, Minnesota; and Elmdale Township in Morrison County, Minnesota.

Any eligible voter residing in the School District may vote at said election at the combined polling place designated above for the precinct in which he or she resides. The polls for said election will be opened at 7:00 o’clock a.m. and will close at 8:00 o’clock p.m. on the date of said election.

A voter must be registered to vote to be eligible to vote in this election. An unregistered individual may register to vote at the combined polling place on election day.

Dated: October 24, 2022

BY ORDER OF THE SCHOOL BOARD

/s/ Becky Feldewerd School District Clerk Independent School District No. 740 (Melrose Area Public Schools) State of Minnesota P-3-3B

PHOTO BY TIM VOS

Workers demolish a former business building in the 200 block of Railroad Avenue in Albany Jan. 25. Portions of the building had collapsed Jan. 16.

Monday, December 19, 2022

Chair Heller called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. The Pledge of Alleginace was recited. The following members were present: Mr. Heller, Mr. Heidgerken, Mr. Dufner, Mrs. Uphoff, Mrs. Klassen, Mr. Klasen, & Mrs. Feldewerd. Also present were: Mr. Winter, Ms. Noska, Mr. Doetkott, & Mr. Anderson. Ms. Pearson was absent.

Mrs. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mr. Klasen, to approve the agenda. The Motion was unanimously carried.

There was a few Community Members at Open Forum with concerns. No action was taken.

Board reports were given. No action was taken.

Administrative reports were given. No action was taken.

The Board and Mr. Winter discussed Fees for School Payments. No action was taken.

Mr. Heidgerken moved, with a second by Mr. Dufner, to approve the following consent agenda Items:

➢ November 28, 2022 Regular School

Board Minutes

➢Bills & Wire Transfers in the amount of $1,676,542.97

➢ New Hire - Yasmeen Soto (Step 2) - Paraprofessional - Elementary - Full time - Effective -11-28-22

➢ New Hire - Melissa EisenschenkFood Service Asst. - High School - Full time - Effective 12-19-22

➢New Hire -Mady Brinkman (Step150%) - Asst. Boys Swim/DiveCoachPart time - Effective 11-29-22

➢ New Hire - Brian Thorstad - Volunteer Wrestling Coach - High SchoolPart time - Effective 12-1-22

➢New Hire - Carlos Vega SanchezVolunteer Wrestling Coach - High School - Part time- Effective 11-21-22

➢ New Hire - Spencer VanBeck (Step 2 - 50%) - Asst. Boys Swim/Dive Coach - High School - Part time - Effective12-5-22 ➢LOA - Diane Olmscheid - Paraprofessional - Elementary - Full time - Effective 10-28-22

➢LOA - Carolyn Moscho - TeacherElementary - Fulltime - Effective Ap-

prox. 5-14-23

➢LOA - Tammy Wiechman - Teach-

er - High School - Full time - Effective 12-23-22

The Motion was unanimously carried. Mr. Klasen moved, with a second by Mrs. Klassen, to approve the Treasruer’s Report. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mrs. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mr. Dufner, to approve the following donations: ➢12-12-22 - Great River Credit UnionDistrict - Nurses Supplies - $454.00

Upon a roll call vote being taken those voting in favor of: Mr. Heller, Mrs. Klassen, Mr. Dufner, Mrs. Felderwerd, Mr. Heidgerken, Mrs. Uphoff, & Mr. Klasen Those voting against the sameNone

The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Klasen moved, with a second by Mrs. Klassen, to approve the Final 2022 Payable 2023 District Property Tax Levy. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Dufner moved, with a second by Mr. Heidgerken, to approve the Budget Reduction Resolution. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Klasen moved, with a second by Mrs. Uphoff, to approve the Resolution Appointing Election Judges. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Heidgerken moved, with a second by Mr. Dufner, to approve Stearns County to Serve as our Absentee Ballot Board for the February 14, 2023 Special Election. The Motion was unanimously carried. Mrs. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mr. Klasen, to approve Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 7:00 am as our date to Canvass the Special Election.

The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Heidgerken moved, with a second by Mr. Klasen, to approve the MSHSL Foundaiton Grant Resolution.

The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Dufner moved, with a second by Mrs. Klassen, to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 pm. The Motion was unanimously carried. Becky Feldewerd, Clerk P-5-1B

Special School Board Minutes - Melrose Area Public Schools

Monday, January 4, 2023

Mr. Heller called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The following members were present. Mr. Heller, Mrs. Feldewerd, Mrs. Klassen, Mr. Dufner, Mr. Heidgerken, Mrs. Uphoff & Mrs. Poepping. Also present was Mr. Winter.

Mrs. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mr. Heidgerken, to approve the amended agenda. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Heller called for nominations for Chair. He was nominated. He takes the Chair by acclamation.

Mr. Dufner was nominated for Vice Chair. Mrs. Feldewerd was nominated for Clerk. Mr. Heidgerken was nominated for Treasurer. All 3 take their positions by acclamation.

Mrs. Feldewerd moved, with a second by Mr. Heidgerken, to approve the current salaries for board members for 2023:

➢ Chair-$350.00

➢ Vice-Chair-$300.00

➢ Clerk-$275.00

➢ Treasurer-$275.00

➢ $65.00/meeting

➢ $125.00 for meetings over 5 hours

The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mrs. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mrs. Klassen, to approve the board meeting dates for the 2023-24 school year:

➢ July 24, 2023

➢ August 28. 2023

➢ September 25, 2023

➢ October 23, 2023

➢ November 27, 2023

➢ December 18, 2023 (The 4th week falls over Winter Break)

➢ January 3, 2024 (Organizational Meeting)

➢ January 22, 2024

➢ February 26, 2023

➢ March 25, 2024

➢ April 22, 2024

➢ May 20, 2024 (The 4th weeks falls on Memorial Day)

➢ June 24, 2024

The meetings will be held at 6:30 pm. It is noted that acceptance of these dates will also allow for a postponed meeting due to weather will occur the following day. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mrs. Feldewerd moved with a second by Mr. Heidgerken, to approve the following committee assignments for 2023.

Committee Assignments 2023 Board Rep(s)

Budget/Finance - 2 Becky F.,, Mark, Randy

Holdingford School Board Briefs

The Holdingford School Board held their organizational meeting on January 18, 2023. Members present Evelyn Martini, Elissa Ebnet, Sarah Binek, Ed Feia, Lori Opatz, Rob Knettel, and Pat Meier. Member absent: None. Also attending was: Superintendent Chris Swenson, Elementary Principal Jim Stang, Secondary Interim Principal Tim Wege, Business Manager Garrity Gerber, Student Representative Morgan Pellett, Adm. Assistant Linda Zapzalka and Mike Kosik from Star Publications.

Acting Chair Feia called the meeting to order, the pledge was recited, the amended agenda was approved and election of officers took place. Ed Feia was named Chairperson, Lori Opatz was named Vice-Chairperson, Patrick Meier was named Clerk and Evelyn Martini was named Treasurer.

The 2023 school board meeting calendar was set. Meetings will begin at 6:00 PM, unless otherwise noted or publicized. Meetings will be held in the High School Meeting Room. Meet and Confer meetings are at 3:15 PM, in the High School Meeting Room and Work Sessions are at 6:00 PM in the High School Meeting Room.

The board salaries were revised as follows: $60 for regular, special and committee meetings; $85 for out of district meetings, and $85 for meetings that exceed 6 hours in length; Chair $300/ year, Clerk $100/year, Treasurer $100/year, the mileage reimbursement rate was set at the federal reimbursement rate while using your own vehicle on school business, meal reimbursement rates were set to follow the State of MN Commissioners’ Plan while on school business and the Star Post was retained as the official newspaper.

The Board retained Stearns Bank Holdingford, MN Trust,

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO

ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 333

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

(2) The address of the principal place of business is: 1219 Glasgow Rd, St. Cloud, MN 56303.

(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: Ashley Kammermeier, 1219 Glasgow Rd., St. Cloud, MN 56303.

(5) This certificate is an amendment of Certificate of As-

(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/ Ashley Kammermeier 12/85/2022 P-5-2P

NOTICE OF CHANGE IN POLLING PLACE LOCATION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 740 (MELROSE AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS) STATE OF MINNESOTA

Dear Voter: If you live in one of the precincts listed below, you will vote at the combined polling place listed below for School District elections in Independent School District No 740: PRECINCT SCHOOL DISTRICT COMBINED POLLING PLACE

Stearns County: City of Melrose Melrose Township Melrose City Center Sauk Centre Township 225 First Street NE City of New Munich Melrose, MN 56352 Oak Township Albany Township St. Martin Township City of Meire Grove City of Spring Hill

City of Greenwald City of Freeport Grove Township Lake Henry Township

CMETS - 3 Becky F., alt. Lee

Community Ed Advisory - 4 Pat, Mark

Crisis/Safety - 4 Pat, Becky F.

DAAC - 4 Mark, Randy

Discipline Advisory - 4 Becky F.,Becky K.

DistrictAdvisory: Curriculum, WBWF, Integration & Federal Programs - 3 Lee, Becky

Lake George Township Spring Hill Township

Getty Township City of St. Rosa Millwood Township Krain Township

Morrison County: Elmdale Townshhip

Todd County: Birchdale Township Grey Eagle Township

Please note that this Notice applies only to School District elections not held on the day of a statewide election. Municipal or state elections may be held at a different location. If you wish further information regarding the School District polling location, contact the School District or your County Auditor.

/s/ Becky Feldewerd Clerk of the School Board Independent School District No. 740 (Melrose Area Public Schools) P-3-3B

nancial & PMA. Freeport State Bank will be the depository of a school district

Certificate of Deposit. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mrs. Feldewerd moved, with a second by Mrs. Uphoff, to approve the Star Post as our official publication for 2021. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mrs. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mr. Heidgerken, to approve the district travel, accommodation & meal allowance:

➢ Mileage - Federal Mileage Reimbursement Rate

➢Workshops or training sessions that need accommodations in reference to hotel stays will only be reimbursed if the workshop or training sessions that exceed 60 miles one way from the school district. Any acceptance to this guideline would need prior approval from the Superintendent.

➢ Breakfast-$10.00

➢ Lunch$15.00

➢ Supper-$20.00

The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Dufner moved, with a second by Mr. Heidgeken, to approve MSDLAF+

- Minnesota Liquid Asset Fund be designated as an official depository of state funds due to the district. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mrs. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mrs. Klassen, to approve the use of facsimile signatures on all district checks. The board also directs the current facsimile signatures to be used until the new signatures can be obtained, if necessary. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mrs. Klassen moved, with a second by Mr. Heidgerken, to approve the Superintendent of Schools, or his designee, to make short term investments of school district funds and to perform the duties of the clerk and treasurer. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mrs. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mrs. Poepping, to approve the agents of the board to lease, purchase, and contract for goods and services within the general budget categories. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Heidgerken moved, with a second by Mrs. Klassen, to approve to pay claims/bills before the regularly scheduled board meeting. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mark, Melissa

of Assignment - 3 Randy, Becky F.

- 3 Becky F., Mark, Melissa

- 3 Becky F., Mark, Lee

- 2 Pat, Lee, Randy

- 1 Pat, Lee, Randy

- 3 Becky F., Mark

The Motion was unanimously carried. Mr. Heidgerken moved, with a second by Mrs. Feldewerd, to approve the designation of official depositories for the district funds as follows: Magnifi Fi-

and Minnesota School District Liquid Assets Fund (MSDLAF), and that the Superintendent/Business Manager are authorized to make deposits in official depositories, approved to allow the use of facsimile board signatures affixed by computer on payroll and disbursement checks, named district administrative assistant as clerk’s designee for routine school duties and handling election duties, authorized the superintendent to sign/renew contracts and service agreements in amounts up to $20,000, authorized the business manager as treasurer’s designee for routine duties including investments and electronic transfers, approved providing meals, coffee, and light refreshments to visitors, authorized the board chair and superintendent to be exclusive contacts with district counsel and to use one firm. Jovanovich, Dege, Athmann, PA of St. Cloud with Liz Halet as our Legal Counsel, approved participation in Title Programs I, II, and IV. The superintendent is the LEA representative for the programs. The elementary principal is authorized as the contact person. Discussion took place on board committee assignments. Final approval will be at the February meeting. That concluded the organizational meeting items.

The meeting continued with approval of the consent agenda. Items in consent agenda included: approval of the minutes from Dec. 21st School Board Meeting and Jan. 4th Work Session; approval of the schedule of bills in the amount of $305,695.32--. Computer checks approved #53398 through #53536 and #30505 through #30537 in the amount of $12,083.95; approval of the electronic transfer for Dec. 2022, $2,008,541.09; acknowledgement of the Treasurer’s Report balance per books $6,132,600.39; approval of Policy 535 Service Animals including form; approval of lane change for Ashley Koester from MS20 to MS30; hire Dan Talberg for 7th Grade BBB Coach at category 8 step 10; approval of wage increase for Student Workers to $10.59 to meet minimum wage requirements; and accept the donation from Cherry Berry for $250 worth of gift certificates to the high school PBIS Team. The Board recognized & thanked Cherry Berry for their generosity!

Reports:

Superintendent Swenson thanked all the Board members for attending the MSBA convention. He reported the District has been without a school therapist because of availability and he is working to acquire a potential therapist. Mr. Swenson summarized Governor Walz’s World Class Schools budget proposal. He explained he will follow the legislative talks closely and update the Board as decisions are made at the Capital.

Student Representative Morgan Pellett reported school lunches are a lot better, Winter Dance had a good turn out, TV’s that were funded through the PBIS grant are up in the cafeteria to stream events and promote a positive culture.

Interim Principal Wege reported on the registration process and new course proposals, Floral and Landscape Design, Advanced Electrical Applications and a CNA course. He announced Mr. Roberts has received an invite for the Holdingford FFA Equine Team to attend a Youth Horse Judging Workshop at Black Hawk College in Galva, IL the Board was in support of the group attending the workshop.

Principal Stang thanked all of the Long Term Subs for helping to teach classes and keep kids learning when teachers are on leaves. He thanked the Board for hiring a full time sub to cover daily absences and expressed his appreciation to all the Para’s in advance of Para Appreciation Week. Mr. Stang reported Elearning Days have gone well thanks to the staff and families. He also informed the Board of the amazing upcoming PTA events: I Love

Mrs. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mrs. Poepping, to approve Rupp, Anderson, Squires & Waldspurger, PA for our legal counsel for 2023. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Heidgerken moved, with a second by Mrs. Poepping, to approve authorizing the Superintendent of Schools and designees to make electronic funds transfers of District 740 funds. The Motion was unanimously carried.

The Discussion of possible action on proceeding with Extra-Curricular events on days closed due to inclement weather or school emergency closure was tabled. No acton taken.

Mrs. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mrs. Klassen, to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 pm. The Motion was unanimously carried. Becky Feldewerd, Clerk P-5-1B

To Read in February and Kernel Creations in March. Lastly Mr. Stang talked about upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences. Ebnet reported BSED is conducting a facility assessment and business as usual.

Business Manager Gerber informed the Board he has submitted a department of energy grant and if it is received it will help pay for energy upgrades. He reported on the challenge with the pay periods, 1099s are out, 1095s are being completed, the OSHA’s Form 300A is submitted and the revenue and expenses are on target.

Other agenda items at the January 18, 2023 meeting included:

Business Items:

• Mr. Gerber summarized the LTFM Plan revisions. The Revised LTFM Plan was approved as presented.

• Mr. Gerber explained that Food Service has needed more freezer and cooler space and this project will address those needs as well as spend down the Food Service fund. Authorization to move forward with the Food Service freezer/cooler expansion was approved.

• The Resolution Of School Board Governing Board Supporting Form B1 Application To Minnesota State High School League Foundation was adopted. Said resolution duly passed and adopted 1/18/2023.

• Approved the District Certified Staff Seniority list for 20222023 as presented.

• Mr. Gerber explained the pool will have to be drained to replace the leaking tank and while that is being done it is a good time to replace the drain covers and do the acid washing. The quote from Horizon Pool in the amount of $87,130.00 which includes replacing the surge tank, drain covers and to acid wash the floor and walls of the pool was approved.

Personnel:

• Hired Katie Novitzki for Food Service Assistant LTS with a start date of 1/3/2023 until the return of Mary Heitzman.

• Approved adding an Elementary SPED Teacher position for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year.

• Accepted the resignation from Catherine Olson Secondary CTE Business Teacher with her last day being 2/10/2023.

• Accepted the resignation from Katie Ficker Secondary Social Worker with her last day being 2/10/2023.

• Hired Melyssa Sakry for the Elementary SPED Teacher position at MS Step 8.

• Approved overload pay for Secondary Counselor Hannah Carlson starting 2/13/2023 and for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year.

• Hired Kimberly Haugerud for an Elementary Para position with a start date of 12/5/2022.

• Hire Breeanna Teigland for an Elementary Para position with a start date of 12/5/2022.

A review of the upcoming meeting dates took place. School Board Work Session February 1, 2023 6:00 PM in the HS Meeting Room Meet & Confer Meeting February 15, 2023 @ 3:15 PM in the HS Board Room School Board Meeting February 15, 2023 @ 6:00 PM in the HS Meeting Room This article is a summary of the minutes. The full text is available for public inspection at the District Office or online at http://www.isd738.org/school-board-meeting-agendasminutes. html.

Lady Dutchmen place with state’s best

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

The Melrose Area Lady Dutchmen gymnastics team finished fourth in the high-quality Class A State True Team Meet Jan. 28 at Worthington High School in Worthington.

The meet featured the top nine highest-scoring teams in the state. Melrose finished with 171.125 points, missing third by four points. First place was a 176.2 by Big Lake, .20 more than runner-up Detroit Lakes.

“We had a rough beam but came back strong,” said Katie Masog, head coach. In the true team format, all five gymnasts’ scores count in the team score. Team rankings are listed, not individuals. Melrose did have good efforts on most of the routines. Maria Hinnenkamp scored a 9.075 on the vault, Courtney Althaus a 9.175 on bars, a 9.375 on beam and a 9.15 on floor. Team scores: 1. Big Lake 176.2,

together, which is fun.”

A different Lady Dutchman won each routine. Gabby Schoenberg, vault; Althaus, bars; Hannah Hoppe, beam; and Josie Eveslage, floor all took firsts. Althaus and Hinnenkamp finished top two in the all-around. One reason for the team’s success is its depth; eight different girls competed for the varsity squad that night. Another is the team has avoided major injuries and is healthy.

Boys basketball earns two wins

BY MIKE KOSIK | STAFF WRITER

The Holdingford Huskers boys basketball team won two of three games last week, defeating St. John’s Prep and Maple Lake and falling to Paynesville.

The Huskers sit at 3-8 overall and 1-5 in Central Minnesota Conference play.

Paynesville 91, Holdingford 50

The Huskers hosted the Paynesville Bulldogs Jan. 26 at Holdingford High School in Holdingford and lost 91-50 in a conference contest.

Jeffrey Hall, with 14 points, and Dawson Hofer, with 11, led the Huskers in scoring.

HOL 26 24-50

PYN 42 49-91

Holdingford: Jeffrey Hall 14 points (4R), Hofer 11, Ryder Petersen 8,

Tanner Tomasek 6, Connor Breth 6, Brandon Hall 3 (5A) and Lucas Provo 2 (5R). Holdingford 72, Maple Lake 43

The Huskers traveled to Maple Lake High School in Maple Lake and returned home with a 72-43 victory over the Irish in a conference game Brandon Hall, 18 points, Jeffrey Hall, 13, and Hofer, 10, were the double-digit scorers for the Huskers.

HOL 35 37-72

ML 21 22-43

Holdingford: Brandon Hall 18, Jeffrey Hall 13, Hofer 10, Nolan Streit 9, Provo 7, Tomasek 4, Beau Johnson 4, Chase Lyon 2, Petersen 2, David Heinen 2 and Breth 1. Holdingford 59, St. John’s Prep 53

The Huskers led at halftime 34-31 Jan. 23 and held on to win 59-53 against St. John’s Prep at St. John’s University in Collegeville.

Petersen led Holdingford with 17 points, with Tomasek scoring 12 and Jeffrey Hall 11.

HOL 34 25-59

SJP 31 22-53 Holdingford: Petersen 17 (6R), Tomasek 12 (11R), Hall 11 (4R), Hofer 9, Streit 3 (5R), Johnson 3, Breth 2, Provo 2 and Brandon Hall (5A).

The Lady Dutchmen took the top three spots in every routine in a 143.675127.45 win over Maple Lake Jan. 24 at the Glen

Thieschafer Gym at Melrose Area Public Schools in Melrose.

“We are getting there, for sure,” Masog said. “We are putting all the little bits

“Knock on wood,” Masog said. “We have aches and pains. Gymnastics is a tough sport, but we are pretty healthy. Hopefully, we can stay that way, train and compete. Hopefully, we can clean it up and stay on our feet and call it a day.”

At the conclusion of the meet, the gymnastics team saluted Althaus, the lone senior on the team.

Huskies wrestlers compete at Pequot Lakes

BY MIKE KOSIK STAFF WRITER

The Albany Huskies wrestling team lost to Brainerd 55-18 Jan. 27 at Pequot Lakes High School in Pequot Lakes. Nathan Kollman, 113 pounds; Owen Carlson, 145; Maverick Kotschevar, 160; and Zach Gruber, 170, picked up wins for the Huskies.

winning

BY HERMAN LENSING | STAFF WRITER

The Holdingford Huskers wrestling team swept its home quadrangular Jan. 27 at Holdingford High School in Holdingford.

It won 64-9 over Spectrum, 55-12 over Walker-Hackensack-Akeley-Nevis and 63-10 over St. Agnes of St. Paul, recording 16 pins in the three matches.

“It makes you think back to those years when we couldn’t fill a lineup, and we walked away with three and five wins,” said Logan Oellien, head coach. “It’s nice to get some wins. It makes it easier.”

The wins came throughout the lineup. William Pilarski, 145 and 152 pounds, was victorious three more times after crossing the 100-win threshold at the Jan. 24 Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City Squad. Jaxon Bartkowicz, 182 and 195, won three matches. Masyn Patrick, 132 and 138, Luke Bieniek, 170 and 182, and Drew Lange, 160, each had two wins.

“We have high expectations and they are willing to meet them,” Oellien said.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING

Masyn Patrick lifts his St. Agnes foe off the ground for a takedown Jan. 27 at Holdingford High School in Holdingford. Patrick turned the takedown into a pin.

PHOTOS BY HERMAN LENSING

Gabby Schoenberg’s vault landing brings cheers from Melrose gymnastics assistant coaches Carrie Schulzetenberg (back, from left), Cassie Schoenberg and Jeremy Berscheit Jan. 24 at the Glen Thieschafer Gym in Melrose. Schoenberg won the vault routine and was second on bars.

Theresia Nathe shows her balance and control during the beam routine Jan. 24 at the Glen Thieschafer Gym in Melrose. Nathe earned second for the Lady Dutchmen on the apparatus.

Dutchmen top

New London-Spicer in basketball

Melrose plays hard through four-game week

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

The Melrose Area Dutchmen boys basketball team established an 11-point lead and never really lost it, defeating New London-Spicer 65-54 Jan. 30 at Melrose Elementary School in Melrose.

“The guys, for a Monday game after playing on Saturday, came out hot and withstood their runs,” said Ryan Dusha, head coach. “I thought the biggest difference was halfway through the second half, when we extended a lead, could put some more bench guys in and were able to grind it out from there.”

The Dutchmen started hot with Gor Ruey, 16 points, hitting the first eight Dutchmen points. There was an exchange of runs for a time, but gradually, the 3-point shooting of Connor Engelmeyer and Connor Anderson made an impact; both had two 3-pointers. Devin Orbeck and Hunter Goihl helped Melrose to a 32-28 halftime lead.

“We just came out firing,” said Goihl, who had seven points. “I don’t think we had a game plan being we played on Saturday. We came out and played like usual. I felt confident and was wide open.”

NLS 28 26-54

MEL 32 33-65

Melrose: Ruey 16 points (6R), Engelmeyer 15 (4R, 3A), Orbeck 9 (6R, 4A), Anderson 8, Goihl 7 (4R), Ian Funk 6 and Fernando Estrella Becerra 4.

Annandale 47, Melrose 46

Melrose fell 47-46 to the Annandale Cardinals in a very balanced game Jan. 28 at Sexton Arena at St. John’s University in Collegeville.

The score was 23-22 at half and both sides scored 24 in the second half. The Dutchmen were led by Anderson and Engelmeyer, who each had 14 points, and a nine-point effort by Ruey. Anderson had four 3-point shots and Engelmeyer contributed two 3-pointers. Five of Orbeck’s seven points came from free throws.

ANN 23 24-47

MEL 22 24-46

Melrose: Engelmeyer 14 (5R), Anderson 14 (4R), Ruey 9 (4R), Orbeck 7 (4R), Estrella Becerra 2 and Funk (3R).

Melrose 63, Benson 33

Anderson and Ruey paced the Dutchmen in a 63-33 win Jan. 26 at Benson High School in Benson.

Anderson, dropping three 3-pointers, finished with 13 points. He helped out on six other points with his three assists. Ruey had one 3-pointer but went inside for four other field goals and 11 points.

The team spread the ball and scoring around, as it had 14 assists and 25 rebounds. Isaac Rosenberger and Estrella Becerra each had 3-pointers, and Engelmeyer dropped in two 3-pointers. The defense recorded 11 steals and four deflections. Anderson blocked a shot.

MEL 31 32-63

BEN 14 19-33

Melrose: Anderson 13 (3A), Ruey 11 (3R), Engelmeyer 8, Rosenberger 7, Funk 6 (5R), Estrella Becerra 5 (6R), Goihl 4 (6R), Ryan Herdering 4, Orbeck 3 (6R, 4A, 3S) and Samuel Wehlage 2 (3A).

Melrose 58, Cathedral 51

The Dutchmen ended a two-game skid with a 58-51 home win over Cathedral Jan. 24.

Melrose built to a 36-22 halftime lead, then had to rally in the last four minutes to regain the lead. Anderson’s 3-pointer at 2:40 broke a 49-49 tie.

“Anderson’s three to put us up by three was a big moment,” Dusha said. “Then, we got our stops and made our free throws.”

Melrose hit six free throws in the final two minutes to seal the win. The low score reflected the defensive nature of the game.

“We are definitely a defensive team,” Anderson said. “We are fifth in state for the least points given up. We work on defense”

Cathedral tested that defense. With 6-7, 6-5 and 6-4 players in the lineup, it took the ball inside. The Dutchmen contested that game, pulling down 28 rebounds. In addition, it took the ball from Cathedral with seven steals.

That height made it tough to score inside. Anderson and Ruey twice hit 3-point shots and Engelmeyer, Funk and Goihl each added a long-range field goal. Funk was effective from the floor, hitting five field goals for 11 points.

In spite of those efforts, the lead switched a few times. The Dutchmen’s final rally was a tribute to the team staying in the game.

“They guys worked hard at practice,” Dusha said. “Also, we had a big lead, gave it all up and then came back shows a tremendous amount of toughness from our guys.”

CATH 22 29-51

MEL 26 22-58

Melrose: Engelmeyer 17 (4R, 4A), Ruey 12, Funk 11 (6R), Anderson 6 (3R, 3A), Orbeck 5 (3R, 3A, 4S), Goihl 5 (3R) and Rosenberger 2.

with community

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

No matter the school community, there are many student-athletes contributing to a wide range of athletics

and fine arts activities while finding success in their respective classrooms and communities.

Albany Area High School, Melrose Area High School and Holdingford High BEN CHRISTMAN, ALBANY AREA HIGH SCHOOL

Parents: Andrew and Heidi Christman.

What sport(s) and fine art(s) do you participate in? I was involved in cross-country and track and field for many years throughout middle school and high school. I have always been involved in band by playing the clarinet and tenor saxophone, and I also joined choir last year. This year, I decided to be involved in our school’s fall play, “Clue.” I was on the tech team doing sound effects. This spring, I plan on auditioning for the musical “Newsies.”

How are you involved in the community? I’m involved in both student council and National Honor Society, in which I am able to spend a lot of time giving back to our community. I also volunteer at church. I am in my church’s choir, I lector for Masses, and I am the youth representative for our parish’s liturgy committee. Community service is a huge part of my life and it is what I spend a lot of my free time doing.

What challenges have you faced in participating in activities, and how have you overcome them?

Sometimes in my activities, I don’t perform at the level I would like to, and I get a bit discouraged, but it always makes me want to try harder to succeed in the things I love to do.

Who has been influential in helping you receive this award? My grandmother has been a huge supporter of me throughout my life. She was my second-grade teacher and has always shown me the importance of trying my hardest. I also chose her as my confirmation sponsor, because she has always been one of the most influential people in my life.

ANNA NEU, MELROSE AREA HIGH SCHOOL

Parents: Don and Kelly Neu.

What sport(s) and fine art(s) do you participate in? I have participated in the musical and knowledge bowl this year, but in the past, I’ve participated in golf and speech as well, in addition to playing trumpet for pep band and French horn in concert band.

How are you involved in the community, and what do you enjoy helping out in the community? I am involved in the Pelican Peak 4-H Club, am the assistant director of the children’s choir, teach religion for first and third graders, and I participate in National Honor Society and the summer musical. In addition, I like to volunteer throughout the year for various special events with the Melrose Area Women of Today and other community fundraisers. My favorite part about assisting the community, primarily when I work with kids, is watching them grow and discover the world around them as they explore their talents and achieve their potential. It’s exceptionally rewarding for me.

What challenges have you faced participating in activities, and how have you overcome them? Finding the time to devote to each one. With so many activities, classes and homework, I have to divide my time wisely and try to make the best of what I can.

Who has been influential in helping you receive this award? My parents and teachers, who push me to strive for greatness and are always there to support me along the way.

ANDREW TRAEGER, MELROSE AREA HIGH SCHOOL

Parents: Mark and Jen Traeger.

What sport(s) and fine art(s) do you participate in? I’m involved in the fall musical, choir, I emcee for synchronized swimming shows and I am one of the speech captains this year.

School have each selected their nominees for a pair of Minnesota State High School League awards: the ExCEL Award and Triple ‘A’ Award. Albany Area High School and Melrose Area High

School each have two junior representatives for the ExCEL Award, which stands for Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership.

MADISON BECKER, ALBANY AREA HIGH SCHOOL

Parents: Travis and Gina Becker.

What sport(s) and fine art(s) do you participate in? I participate in track and field and dance. I also take piano lessons.

How are you involved in the community, and what do you enjoy helping out in the community? I am part of the National Honor Society, which gives me opportunities to volunteer in the community. Some of the best volunteer experiences I have had include trick-or-treating for the food shelf and ringing the Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell at Teals. My favorite part of volunteering is how good it makes me feel to know I am helping others in my community and that I get to have fun while doing it.

What challenges have you faced participating in activities, and how have you overcome them? I am a very busy person, so sometimes, I find it a bit hard to juggle all of my activities at once. Sometimes, I have to sacrifice sleep or time with my friends in order to get my homework done and be on time for meetings and practices. It can get very stressful at times to be constantly running back and forth. Even though it is difficult, I know the rewards are greater than the costs and it is worth the sacrifice.

Who has been influential in helping you receive this award?  My parents have been most influential in helping me, because they always support me in everything I do. They show up to all of my dance competitions and track meets. They have also taught me a lot of valuable life lessons, including that I need to work hard to achieve my goals. This is why I continue to push myself in every aspect of my life.

How are you involved in the community, and what do you enjoy helping out in the community? One of the ways I stay involved is through the National Honor Society. We do various activities like raising food for the Melrose Area Food Shelf and organizing Christmas gifts for those in need through the giving tree. But, one of my favorite volunteer experiences I did was getting the opportunity to help organize the play in a week theater camp via community education. I think getting kids involved in the arts can help them with so many future skills, like being more self-confident, having better communication skills or eliminating the fear of public speaking.

What challenges have you faced participating in activities, and how have you overcome them? I would say, like any high schooler, you always face the fear of not being accepted by your peers, which was something past me used to struggle with. But, at some point, you realize the most judgmental and hurtful people are the most insecure about themselves. So, who cares if they make fun of you for being you? They’re probably just going to peak in high school anyway.

Who has been influential in helping you receive this award?  I know it’s corny and cheesy to say, but my mom has been one of the biggest role models in my life. She has always shown and taught me to view others with compassion and empathy first instead of their actions and behaviors. Another person that has greatly influenced my view of leadership is my speech coach, Mrs. Curry. She is a beacon of positivity and acceptance. She has always encouraged me to be myself and has helped me grow as a speaker and a person. Without the amazing, incredible support of my friends, family and so many others in my life, I would not be able to be the self-confident and fabulous person I am today.

Girls hoops down Pierz, complete another stellar week

BY MIKE KOSIK STAFF WRITER

The Holdingford Huskers girls basketball team picked up a road win Jan.30, defeating Pierz 56-44 in a nonconference matchup.

The Huskers led 30-17 at the half.

Maddy Mitchell led Holdingford scorers with 11 points, while Felicity Leblanc and Addy Pilarski scored 10 each.

Holdingford outrebounded the Pioneers 33-18.

The win lifts Holding-

ford’s record to 15-3 overall, where it sits on top of the Central Minnesota Conference at 8-0. Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa is second at 7-2.

HOL 30 26-56

PRZ 17 27-44

Holdingford: Mitchell 11 points (4A, 4S), Pilarski 10 (10R), Leblanc 10, Makenna Hohbein 9 (9R), Lauren Soltis 6, Brooke Soltis 4, Ayla Young 4 and Chesney Phillipp 2. Holdingford 68, BBE 64

The Huskers held a fourpoint edge at halftime and held onto it into the second half for a 68-64 Central Minnesota Conference win over Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa, the

second-ranked Class A team according to QRF, Jan. 26 at BBE High School in Belgrade.

Holdingford scored 31 points to BBE’s 27 in the first half with each team scoring 37 in the second.

Mitchell led Holdingford with 17 points, while Pilarski scored 16 and Hohbein 12.

HOL 31 37-68

BBE 27 37-64 Holdingford: Mitchell 17 (5A, 4S), Pilarski 16 (8R), Hohbein 12 (3R, 6A), Trista Popp 7, Leblanc 6 (3R), Lauren Soltis

5, Phillipp 4 and Brooke Soltis 1. Holdingford 51, Royalton 50

The Huskers needed overtime in its 51-50 win over Royalton Jan. 24 at Holdingford High School in Holdingford.

The Huskers led 24-19 at halftime, but the Royals tied it up in the second half, outscoring Holdingford 2823 to tie the game at 47-47.

Hohbein’s 20 points led the Huskers, with Pilarski adding 12.

HOL 24 23 4-51 ROY 19 28 3-50

Holdingford: Hohbein 20 (9R), Pilarski 12 (7R), Mitchell 8 (8R, 6A), Leblanc 5 (6R), Phillipp 4, Popp 2 and Lauren Soltis (4S).

Anna Neu and Andrew Traeger

Ben Christman

Madison Becker