The Star Post 02-08-2023

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Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Polar Plunge dives in Feb. 18 at Middle Spunk Lake

Melrose researc Hiltner happy t ‘A Team’ has firs Gymnasts scori

Avon welcomes Special Olympics Minnesota winter fundraiser

BY TIM HENNAGIR | STAFF WRITER

The planning emails are flying regarding logistics for a fun-filled winter fundraiser coming to Avon.

Middle Spunk Lake is the new host site for the Saturday, Feb. 18, Special Olympics Stearns County Polar Plunge.

Deputy Chad Meemken is Region 7 coordinator for Law Enforcement Torch Run events and Stearns County Sheriff’s Office Special Olympics liaison. Plungers will start jumping at noon that Saturday.

400 Block update

“There will be no parking along County Road 54 in front of Fisher’s Club,” he said.

Parking will not be allowed along the shoulder. Two parking off-site lots will be used.

“Primarily, we’d like people to park in the Avon Community Church Parking lot. The hope is any overflow will be at Blattner Company,” Meemken said.

Organizers will run a shuttle starting at 10 a.m. from those two parking lots. The shuttle will run until about 5 p.m. even though the event won’t go that long, he said.

Shady’s Hometown Tavern in Albany is the shuttle service sponsor, Meemken said.

Fisher’s Club, at 425 Stratford St. W., is located next to the Stearns County Polar Plunge check-in location that will be used by participating individuals and teams.

The Stearns County Polar Plunge has raised more than $1.1 million in its 15-year history. Last year, 158 plungers raised more than $40,000 in fundraising.

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 BY CAROL MOORMAN

Meemken is optimistic organizers will top this year’s $45,000 goal.

“We have about 50 more plungers registered this year, which is a good sign,” he said. “We’re doing very well but need more. A lot of people bring cash donations in on their own.”

Meemken said he’s been working with four Avon businesses regarding a Saturday “Warm Up In Avon” business promotional effort that’s associated with this year’s Polar Plunge: Gathering Grounds Coffee Shop, PJ’s on the Lake, Fisher’s Club and Spunky’s Bar.

“Local business is being 110% supportive of what we are trying to do,” he said,

God’s hand weaves through Ennekings’ lives

Story of love and blessings

TBY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER

om and Laurel Enneking share a late-in-life love, accented by Laurel’s sister Anita “Nita” Schneider who adds sparkle to their 43-year marriage.

The Ennekings married in 1979, when both were in their mid-40s, after years in the religious life. Today, they are living the life they know they were meant to live.

“It’s God’s blessing, for sure,” Laurel, 88, said Feb. 2 at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany, where she, Tom, 90, and Nita, 80, live. “God has given us wonderful years together.”

Mild-mannered Tom credits his wife for their life of love and blessings.

“She’s heaven on earth,” he said, holding Laurel’s hand tightly.

Laurel softly adds, “Ditto.”

Intertwined in their lives is Nita whose inspiring story is depicted in “Anita, Our Angel of Delight,” a book in the final stages of being penned by Laurel.

Laurel and Nita were raised on a farm in rural Breckenridge, one of Joe and Catherine Schneider’s 17 children. Laurel explains Nita developed challenges, due to oxygen-lacking issues, soon after she was born. They had a “marvelous family life,” even though it was during war time.

“My mother was saintly with a sense of humor,” Laurel said. “She taught us to be self-sufficient and caring.”

Laurel attended St. Benedicts High School in St. Joseph, run by the Sisters of St. Benedict. With nine daughters in the family, her dad thought one would go

Sippin’ on

Melrose Senior Center luncheon brings people together

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

Six crockpots filled with homemade soups lined a Melrose Senior Center counter at the Melrose City Center Jan. 11. On the other end were plates filled with a variety of breads and a pan of brownies.

It was the monthly community soup and bread luncheon, started three years ago and held the second Wednesday of the month from September through May, said Liz Pohlmann, one of the original Senior Center Board members who were instrumental in starting the event. It was gaining momentum and then the coronavirus pandemic hit and was cancelled, but now it is up and running again with an average number of diners in the mid-40s.

into the religious life.

“I promised my dad I would be a nun,” said Laurel who was given the name Sister Bibianna.

As a Benedictine sister, she taught at schools, including in St. Joseph, Long Prairie and Sauk Centre and was principal in Wadena.

Then she was diagnosed with cancer and left the Order of St. Benedict. It was while she was in St. Paul, applying for a teaching position, that she met Tom Enneking, who, by this time had left the Order of the Holy Cross (Crosier vocation) and worked at 3M in the Twin Cities.

Tom was raised on a farm north of Melrose with his eight siblings, the children of Henry and Rose Enneking. He liked milking cows and working with draft horses

3

Freeport

Before the 11:30 a.m. serving time, people visited, as more diners trickled in until 1 p.m.

“We missed you last month,” Eileen Maus, board member pouring coffee, said to Mary Wenning as she went through the line with her sister, Alice Schaefer.

The Wednesday luncheon is for anyone of any age with a freewill offering accepted but not needed, said Ivanna Meyer, board member, stirring “Mini-Meatballs” soup she made, while fellow member Karen Mueller, who was overseeing the January lunch, prepared plates of breads.

“It’s a means of bringing people together,” Meyer said. Senior Center Board members and other members donate soups and breads, for which there is a small stipend, Meyer said.

“Anyone can bring soup and bread,” she said.

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

The city of Freeport is expecting to receive the final blessing soon from the United States Department of Agriculture on Welle’s Country Acres Plat 4.

“USDA has to review it before we bid,” City Engineer Dave Blommel told the council during their Jan. 31 meeting at city hall.

Once Blommel receives the OK, the city will seek bids on the city improvement parts of the project, including road work and utilities, which the council authorized him to do during a previous

Soup page 3 Freeport page 4

meeting.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Tom and Laurel Enneking visit about married life Feb. 2 in Laurel’s room at Mother of Mercy nursing home in Albany. The two have been blessed with 43 years of marriage and are grateful Laurel’s sister Nita Schneider has played a big part in their lives.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Ivanna Meyer ladles up a bowl of the Mini-Meatball soup she made for the Jan. 11 community soup and bread luncheon at the Melrose Senior Center in the basement of the Melrose City Center in Melrose. It was one of six soups served.

Farm ing her way Farm ing her way

BY DANA ADAMS UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION EDUCATOR-LIVESTOCK

A long time ago in a land far, far away I worked on a dairy farm. I was hired as a herdsman, a position which involved being a milker, assisting with calf care and the infamous “other jobs as assigned.” Our farm milked two times a day, operating in a 48-stall rotary parlor, milking approximately 1,000 dairy cows. After several months

I realized my shoulders, back and knees were aching more often than they used to. After visiting a physical therapist, I was diagnosed with repetitive motion injury in my left shoulder. My story in not unique among dairy farmers. Repetitive motion injuries are common and preventable musculoskeletal injuries (bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves). In largeherd operations in western United States, over three-quarters of dairy workers reported these injuries over a one-year period.

There are several strategies to reduce incidence of these injuries on dairy operations.

Injuries can be related to repetitive motion, high muscle force and awkward posture. They can also be tied to fatigue from long shifts, unusual hours or extreme conditions (cold, heat, slippery surfaces). Dairy operations are all very different, but some strategies have been used to reduce or prevent these injuries. When planning shifts and workflow, consider assigning a variety of different types of tasks to help prevent fatigue, which may result in over exertion with poor form. Another step that operations can take is to provide or encourage the use of proper footwear with enough cushioning. Lastly, place commonly used items within 17 inches of the worker and at or below shoulder height of workers. Placement at this level minimizes times they have to reach far away from their body or overhead.

There are several ways these recommendations can be used. One of my favorite things to see in a milking parlor is anti-slip flooring instead of bare concrete floors. Replacement with these anti-fatigue and anti-slip mats helps to ensure full shock absorption benefits for milkers on duty. Another tool that can be used to reduce incidences of repetitive motion injuries are dip cups or sprays with an arm to disinfect teats, so workers do not have to reach. Lastly, consider a support arm for automatic takeoffs to reduce the lifting load when attaching clusters.

There are several ways dairy managers can reduce the incidence of repetitive motion injuries among staff, whether they are simple behavior modifications or moderate cost installations.

Residents of Stearns, Benton, Morrison and Sherburne counties can direct questions to adam1744@umn.edu or 320-2003135.

BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE |

Nicole Mehr, a single mother of four children, will always remember July 12, 2021, as the day she bought her own dairy farm.

“I didn’t think it truly would be possible,” Mehr said. “But I always had the dream of having my own farm.”

Mehr did not think she would be able to purchase a farm of her own due to the large capital investment.

“I have always worked on a dairy farm,” Mehr said. “Now, I finally have my own.”

Today, Mehr, along with her children, Calvin, Krista, Ike and Mariah, milks 44 cows in a stanchion barn on her dairy farm near Freeport. The herd is housed in a freestall barn.

Mehr does the milking herself, getting up at 3 a.m. to start chores and milk the cows so she can be back in the house to get the children ready for school.

On nights and weekends, when the children are home, Calvin helps with taking care of the youngstock, Krista feeds milk to the calves, feeds the chicken, rabbits and horses and gives grain to the cows.

“The best part is I get to make the decisions,” Mehr said. “And, I am able to spoil my cows and know that they are mine.”

Mehr did not grow up on a dairy farm but did grow up on a hobby farm with animals. Her love of animals only grew when she started working on a neighboring dairy farm.

“It is hard work, but I knew what I was getting myself into,” Mehr said. “I have worked on dairy farms since I was 16.”

Mehr first heard about her current farm site in December 2020. The location was foreclosed on, so Mehr submitted a sealed bid and waited.

“I couldn’t sleep,” Mehr said. “I would lie awake at night wondering and thinking about this place.”

Mehr did not hear from the bank until April 2021. The answer was exactly what she was hoping for.

With the farm secured, Mehr immediately started cleaning up the farm site and going through what was useable and what would need to be replaced.

“The stalls were broken; the barn was a mess,” Mehr said. “One thing after another, something would break.”

To begin her herd, Mehr purchased 20

cows from a farmer who was selling his herd. The man had already sold his good cows to another dairy. All Mehr could afford were his cull cows.

“They were three titters, old and weren’t perfect, but he told me if I want them, I can have them,” Mehr said. “They were, however, used to being pasture cows, so they had good feet and legs.”

The house on the farm needed maintenance before Mehr and her children could move in. They had been living in a house in town that was about a mile from the farm.

“We had 21 cows due to calve in September, and I said we need to be on the farm for that,” Mehr said. They reached their goal and moved into their new home in September 2021.

As the calves grew, so did the farm.

“Once the cows started calving, we found the old calf huts and popped the dents out of those and put calves in them,” Mehr said. “When the calves got bigger, we fixed up the calf barn.”

The freestall barn is big enough that Mehr can partition off a section for the dry cows and a section as a maternity pen.

“My cows have very good feet and legs and good fertility,” Mehr said. “I actually have too many heifer calves right now.”

Mehr owns 50 acres and purchases the majority of her feed.

“We may not have a lot, but until I get more land, I really don’t need anymore,” Mehr said. “You take what you got and make it work.”

Because Mehr is just starting out, and without an inventory of equipment, most chores are done manually.

“We don’t have a TMR (mixer),” Mehr said. “I put the silage down, and Krista puts grain on top. Then, after milking, I feed hay to the cows.”

Mehr said her biggest challenge is finding balance between growing and improving the farm and spending time with her children.

“I would like to have enough land to grow my own forages, but that’s it,” Mehr said. “I have my kids to take care of too.”

Mehr’s main pursuit is to raise her children on the farm because of the valuable skills the lifestyle can impart on them, such as a work ethic and responsibility.

“First and foremost, I am a mother,” Mehr said. “But, I am also a farmer.”

STAFF WRITER

Nicole Mehr stands in her milkhouse Jan. 3 near Freeport. Mehr purchased her own dairy farm last year and is a single mom raising four children.

PHOTOS BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE

Nicole Mehr stands in the freestall barn with her children – Mariah (front); Krista (middle, from left), Ike and Calvin – Jan. 3 near Freeport. Mehr milks 44 cows and farms 50 acres.

Mehr manages dairy farm while raising a family

A menu board near the start of the serving line indicated which soups were being served – “Mini-Meatball,” “Bacon Cheeseburger,” “Butternut Bisque,” “Salmon Chowder,” “Chicken Noodle” and “Beef Vegetable and Mushrooms.”

Meyer said each month there is a different variety of soups and breads served.

The board tries to incorporate an event or activity following the meal.

“Today we have people from the school board and the superintendent to talk about the referendum. A few months ago someone talked about coin collecting and identification,” Meyer said. “Next month we will have a class on sketching.”

People were encouraged to sign up for the sketching activity, offered by Melrose

Area Arts Council members. Pohlmann, MAAC member, said the idea is to offer community participation classes for people to “use their artistic muscles.”

“With different mediums,” added Mary Monroe, who brought her “Bacon Cheeseburger” soup to share with others.

They are calling it “Art

Ennekings from front

Tom shares the story of how his dad reminded him if he wanted to imitate Roy Rogers not to get careless, and his dad told him not to ride the horses when he came back from the field. He rode a horse anyway and fell off.

“Typical teenager, don’t do what Dad says,” he said, a smile forming on his face.

His dad wanted him to take over the farm, but he chose to become a Crosier brother.

Tom was a Crosier brother for 20 years, and Laurel spent 38 years teaching, 28 as a Benedictine sister. She explained in order for them to receive dispensation (exemption) from their religious orders they each needed to write a letter to the proper authority in Rome, explaining, among other things, why they chose to leave their order.

Laurel fondly recalls that first meeting with Tom, March 17, 1979.

“It was love at first sight,” she said.

Tom told her he had been offered a position at a new 3M plant in Nebraska.

“I said I’d go anywhere with anybody I loved,” Laurel said. “I was so brassy.”

One month later, they were engaged.

“He came on my birthday, April 29, and said this is silly driving back and forth. Why don’t we get married,” Laurel said.

During their short courtship, Tom took Laurel to visit Nita in a group home in the Twin Cities.

“So, Nita got to know Tom well, and she loved him, and I knew he would help take care of her some day,” Laurel said adding, “How precious he is.”

On Aug. 3, 1979, Tom and Laurel were married at St. Alphonse Church in Brooklyn Center, where Laurel was teaching.

“We didn’t have any money so some of the sisters from St. Ben’s and my second graders sang for our wedding,” Laurel said.

One week before the wedding she injured her Achilles tendon so she was in a cast. Her wedding dress covered up the cast. Laurel and Tom danced their first dance as husband and wife to the song “Amanda.” She recalls the men lining for the dollar dance with her, as she sat on a chair and they knelt in

in the Afternoon” and have purchased sketchpads, pencils and other materials for the class.

“We’re starting with a fruit bowl, and will have people here who know how to do that,” Pohlmann said.

Monroe said the goal is to hold “Art in the Afternoon” at different locations.

“This isn’t just a one time

front of her.

“Tom said it looked like they were going to confession,” Laurel said laughing. Their “wonderful” life began.

In the mid-1980s, Catherine and Nita joined the Ennekings in Nebraska. By 1995 they all moved back to Minnesota, where the Ennekings found a home in Avon. From the get-go, they became active at the Church of St. Benedict in Avon, especially on cemetery projects.

Nita became a resident at Mother of Mercy Memory Lane in Albany. In 2018, Tom had back surgery, plus Laurel had dealt with cancer, had diabetes and was legally blind, which prompted a move to the assisted living facility at the MOM campus, which meant they were closer to Nita. They are grateful to “wonderful friends,” who helped them move.

“God gifts us in so many different ways,” Laurel said.

Laurel admits it was difficult when the decision was made to move Tom into MOM nursing home, as he dealt with other medical issues, but the silver living was by this time Nita was also at the nursing home.

“She was so sweet and sensitive to my loss, and said she was going to take care Tom, and I thanked her,” Laurel said.

Laurel joined them at the nursing home in 2019, and eventually they were all on the same floor, in different

Home

thing,” she said. “We would like to meet at the nursing home, at apartments.” The idea behind these events is to promote interaction with community members.

“We welcome anyone and everyone,” Pohlmann said.

rooms near each other.

Wanting to share Nita’s story with family, Laurel started writing about her sister who she considered her birthday gift because Nita was born on April 23, which also was their parents’ wedding anniversary.

“It started just being about Nita, but I realized I couldn’t do that without including Tom and me,” she said. “It’s our autobiography.” Even though she can’t see well, Laurel wrote page after page of details in cursive, and someone else typed it. She is excited for the book to be printed and distributed to their families.

These days, Nita keeps busy with her projects at the nursing home and watching her favorite show “The Price is Right.”

Laurel loves spending time with Tom.

“After supper they bring me to Tom’s room, and we watch ‘The Virginian’ and ‘Gunsmoke,’ and we visit in between,” Laurel said.

On this sunny February morning Laurel sings, “I’m the happiest girl in the whole U.S.A.,” words she still sings to Tom.

Their dream-like life has been marvelous.

“What makes our family special is we have strong faith and strong family ties and that kept with us –Tom, me and Nita,” Laurel said. “It’s been God’s hand weaving through our whole lives.”

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6 p.m. – Albany School Board Meeting. District office, 30 Forest Ave., Albany.

Sunday, Feb. 12, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. – American Legion Post 482 Smorgasbord Breakfast. Seven Dolors Church parish hall, 151 Second St. S., Albany.

Sunday, Feb. 12, 1:30 p.m. – 500 cards. Pondview Estate, 334 Golfview Dr., Albany. For information call 320-845-2419.

Monday, Feb. 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Mental Health Support Group. CentraCare-Albany Clinic, 30 Railroad Ave., Albany. For information call the clinic at 320-8452157.

Monday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m. Holdingford City Council Meeting. Holdingford City Hall, 420 Main St., Holdingford.

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 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. 14, 12:30-6:30 p.m. – American Red Cross Blood Drive. Freeport Community Center, 307 Seventh St. SE, Freeport. Schedule your appointment online at redcross.org or call Janet Butkowski at 320836-2837 or 320-282-2904.

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

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6 p.m. – Holdingford School Board Meeting. Holdingford Jr./Sr. High School library and media center, 900 Fifth St., Holdingford.

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m. – Albany City Council Meeting. Albany City Hall, 400 Railroad Ave., Albany.

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 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.

Thursday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m. – Melrose City Council Meeting. Melrose City Center, 225 First St., NE, Melrose.

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

Birth ANNOUNCEMENT

Jaxon Jason Pirttila

Breanna Rivera and Corey Pirttila, of New Munich, are happy to announce the birth of their son, Jaxon Jason Pirttila, at 7:48 a.m., Jan. 23, 2023, at CentraCare-Melrose Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and measured 20 inches long.

Big brother Peyton, 8, and big sister, Kaia, 6, welcomed him home.

Grandparents are Jason and Shelly Hedeen, of Avon; and Shelly Pirttila, of Albany.

Clay Duane Anderson Nolan and Holly Anderson, of Albany, are happy to announce the birth of their son, Clay Duane Anderson, at 11:50 a.m., Feb. 3, 2023, at CentraCare-Melrose Hospital. He weighed 8 pounds and measured 22 inches long.

Big brother Liam, 3, welcomed him home.

Grandparents are Steve and Lisa Anderson, of Albany; and Duane and Joan Schmitt, of St. Martin. Clay Duane Anderson

CONNOR KARKI

Purple Pride

What do you enjoy most about being part of the wrestling team? The fun and lighthearted environment my teammates create. Everyone feels included and wants each other to perform to the best of their abilities.

What is your favorite move to do on the mat? Double leg takedowns.

What other activities are you involved in at school? Marching, pit and pep bands; ASK Peer Tutoring; National Honor Society; Captains and Leaders; letter club; and Quan Li K’an self defense.

Why is it important for you to be involved in school activities? It gets you used to working with others and participating in the community, two abilities you will need later in your life.

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’m proud of winning the Triple “A” Award for Albany Area High School. I hope to maintain my grade point average through my senior year.

What is one piece of advice you would give underclassmen to help them excel in academics or athletics? Make sure you take classes that challenge you as an individual. The only way you will grow as a person is by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and learning new things.

What are you thankful for today? My family and a warm home for the winter.

What are three words that describe your personality? Determined, hard working and thoughtful.

Jaxon Jason Pirttila

Great-grandparents are Bill and Joe Hedeen, of St. Anna.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN Lee Uphoff (left) and Ann Schwieters visit while eating bowls of homemade soup during the Jan. 11 community soup and bread luncheon at the Melrose Senior Center in the basement of the Melrose City Center in Melrose. Schwieters said it is a good way to get to know people, which is what Uphoff and she were doing.

Parents: Riwaj and Kim Karki.

Accomplishment: Senior who wrestles at 160 pounds for the Albany wrestling team.

Organizers want to raise awareness for Special Olympics and help those businesses.

“One big thing this year is that I’ve convinced Stearns County Sheriff Steve Soyka to take the plunge,” Meemken said. “He used to be our master of ceremonies.”

The event requires a lot of people from a logistics standpoint Meemken said, adding Stearns County Polar Plunge organizers started meeting right after a November Avon City Council meeting and did another planning meeting in January.

“There’s been a lot of communication via email. That’s how we’ve been doing most of it. There are not many days that go by where we aren’t exchanging emails,” he said. Meemken said the plunge will take place regardless of weather or ice conditions.

“We’ve done this event in below-zero temperatures,” he said. “It’s cold, but we’ll still do it. The event will still take place at the specified spot near the Fisher’s Club.”

If ice conditions prevent people from plunging out on the lake, organizers will cut into the ice from the shore and plungers would run in and run out from there, he added.

Spunky’s owner Deb Heying is pumped for the event. The bar has a team plunging.

“As soon as people get done plunging, I hope they stick around town,” Heying said.

Businesses are coordinating promotions, she added. Spunky’s will have live music from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and a rock-and-roll band from 8 p.m. to midnight.

The four business mentioned by Meemken had a planning meeting at Spunky’s two weeks ago, Heying said.

“I have a big banner in front of the bar, and had banners done for all four of those businesses that are participating,” she said. “Each business is doing a piece to attract customers to their respective business.”

Heying’s daughter, Tiffany, was a Special Olympics event participant for many years.

“She participated in softball and bowling,” she said. “Tiffany got to meet former Gov. Jesse Ventura through a Special Olympics function. When I hear the words ‘Polar Plunge’ for Special Olympics, I say ‘Keep it going.’ They need a lot of support.”

Stearns County Polar Plunge updates and pledge totals for participating individuals and businesses can be found at www.plungemn.org/events/stearns-county.

THANK YOU

Thank you

There are no words to fully express our heartfelt thanks for the support you have extended our family after the passing of our mother, daughter and sister, Danielle Sagissor.

The love you have shown has given us great comfort and is truly appreciated.

Traeton, Preston and Maiya Keaveny

James and Monica Sagissor

Mary Sagissor and John “Sparky” Schmidt

Chas Atkinson and Marty Patrick

Steven and Tina Lundquist

Jana and Dustin Peyton P-6-1P

Jerome “Jerry” Lewis Schulte

Jerome Lewis Schulte (Jerry) passed away peacefully Dec. 24, 2022, in Scottsdale, Arizona, of complications related to pneumonia.

He was born June 13, 1934, in New Munich, the son of Alphonse and Irmalinda (Rademacher) Schulte. He grew up in the small farming communities of New Munich and Meire Grove helping with his parents’ grain elevator and general store.

He attended Melrose High School where he was an outstanding athlete, lettering in baseball, basketball and football. In addition, he was class president his first and fourth years at Melrose High. Somehow he also found time to be in the band and chorus. In his high school annual it was noted that, “He takes the lead in life.”

After graduating Melrose High School with honors in 1952, he went to the big city of St. Paul, where he completed his pre-medicine at the College of St. Thomas. Subsequently, he attended St. Louis University in St. Louis,

James “Jim” E. Prodinsky

Jerome “Jerry” Lewis SchuJames “Jim” E. Prodinsky, 75, of Melrose, passed away unexpectedly Feb. 1, 2023, at CentraCare Hospital in Melrose.

Visitation will be 1-3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, at Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose followed by graveside prayers at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Sauk Centre.

Jim was born May 4, 1947, in Seattle, Washington, to James Prodinsky and Dorothy

Jerome “Jerry” Lewis Schulte Missouri, and was conferred his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1959, specializing in psychiatry. Immediately after graduation, he was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army Medical Corp at both Tripler Army Hospital in Hawaii and Fort Fitzsimmons in Denver, Colorado, attaining the rank of major. Then began a 50-year multidimensional career in three states in clinical and administrative psychiatry in community, military, education, state and federal mental health programs. Jerry’s expertise was in adolescence, juvenile, adult correctional and forensic court work during the span of

his professional life. He was published in a multitude of professional journals and the author of two books.

Never one to sit still, after his decades of work and retirement as a psychiatrist, he enthusiastically embarked on a second career as a customer service agent with Southwest Airlines out of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport beginning in 2001. He finally retired from Southwest in 2015 at the age of 81, reputedly the oldest customer service agent in Southwest Airlines history.

Finally, Jerry took great pleasure being a board member for over 30 years for the San Felipe Humanitarian Alliance. Established in 1971, The San Felipe Humanitarian Alliance has been dedicated to advocacy and hands on assistance to children and their families across the world.

Throughout his life he was always quite active and delighted in playing tennis and golf in later years and, while never spoken, took

pleasure in beating his sons in tennis. Jerry always took great joy in life and was always proud of his six children, five grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

Jerry is survived by “the love of my life” Andrea (DePaolo) and all six children: Gretchen (Matt) Buckley, Gregory (Deborah) Schulte, Michael (Joanna Karger) Schulte, Sarah (Gregg) Vandermark, Jeremy Benjamin (Blevins) Schulte, and Amanda (Tim) McNulty. He is also survived by his two sisters, Janice Meyer and Carol (Joe) Lutz, as well as his brother Jack Schulte.

If you would like to honor Jerry, please consider making a donation to the St. Louis University School of Medicine Dean’s Education and Research Fund. The link is giving.slu.edu/schulte. In lieu of a formal memorial service, the family will be celebrating Jerry in a private remembrance.

P-5-1P

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

Grey Eagle where Jim attended school. After high school, Jim started at Jennie O Turkey Store where he continued to work for many years. On Feb. 20, 1971, he was united in marriage to Carol M. Walz at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Together, they raised a family of five boys in Sauk Centre and Melrose.

James “Jim” E. Prodinsky (Berscheid). When he was a child, his family moved back to Dorothy’s hometown of

Jim was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and following the Minnesota Twins and Vikings.

Survivors include his sons, Brian Prodinsky of Sauk

Centre, Joe (Amy) Prodinsky of Sartell, Jason (Emily) Prodinsky of St. Cloud, Mike Prodinsky of Melrose, and Kevin Prodinsky of Rochester; sisters Jane (Dale) Ilgen and Carol Bhagroo; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Prodinsky and Dorothy Jacobs; wife Carol Prodinsky; and brother Martin “Marty” Prodinsky. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose. P-5-1B

Three departments respond to Farming Township house fire

BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER

Albany, Avon and St. Martin fire departments responded to a house fire late afternoon Feb. 3 in Farming Township, that severely damaged the three-story structure.

According to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, an off-duty firefighter reported

seeing smoke come from the Brandon and Heather Cruz residence, south of Albany, and checked the house for occupants along with a Stearns County deputy, finding it unoccupied. The homeowners’ two dogs were found deceased in the basement, the

report said.

Albany Fire Chief Gary Winkels said heavy smoke was seen from a few miles out as firefighters drove to the scene.

“When crews arrived, we made entry into the house and found fire on all three levels –the basement, main floor and attic,” he said.

Firefighters were at the scene close to five hours. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the family. Melrose ambulance and the state fire marshal were also at the scene. The cause of fire is under investigation by the state fire marshal’s office.

COMMUNITY COUNTRY CHURCH Across from school 320-746-0005 communitycountrychurch.org

CHURCH 338 Main St.

Freeport from front

With an anticipated February or March bid opening, awarding of the bids could be approved during the March council meeting, Blommel said.

If you would like parishioners to see your church here, please contact Robin at 320-351-7837 or robin.b@star-pubs.com

Related to this project, the council approved a public hearing during their Feb. 28 meeting to vacate the existing easements in Outlot A Welle’s Country Acres Plat 3. Blommel said paperwork for the 2021 street project has

been completed, and he suggested a final public hearing be scheduled for April. Final assessment rolls will be prepared, with formal adoption expected in February.

“There are not going to be major changes,” Blommel said.

He suggested an open house type of hearing when affected people could ask questions and talk with him one-on-one.

Blommel also told the council the Stearns County five-year road improvement plan includes County Road

157 between Freeport and Albany and County Road 39 in Freeport, both in 2024; and County Road 11 in Freeport south of Interstate 94 in 2027.

In other council news:

– Approved 2023 appointments similar to 2022 with the exception of Code Consulting Professionals, LLC, as the city’s building inspector, which includes rental inspections, currently done by the Freeport Fire Department.

– Approved the 2023 fee schedule, with the lone change a 4% increase in usage-based and flat rate water

service fees, based on a prior analysis recommending the city increase water fees by 4% per year.

– Approved budgeting $50,000-$55,000 to possibly purchase a used public works truck.

– Decertified the Swany White Flour Mills, Ltd., Tax Increment Financing district.

– At the start of the meeting, Clerk-Treasurer Jon Nelson swore in current Mayor Mike Eveslage and councilors Tim Hennen and Sarah Blake, each for another term.

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.

Finicky vehicle situation Squirrels and rats

Sometimes I think life would be much better if we could ride a bike or walk to wherever we need to go. And chances are it wouldn’t hurt our health either.

I found out again that vehicles can be finicky, but why does it usually have to happen during inopportune times, like during cold weather.

Last Tuesday night, after a Freeport City Council meeting, I went to start my vehicle with my remote. Nothing happened. That wasn’t too unusual, as sometimes it would take me two tries for it to start with the remote. But it didn’t work with either of my key fobs, so I thought that was fishy. In fact, nothing worked. I tried opening the doors pressing the right button on the key fob with no results. Of course, panic set it, and it didn’t help that it was colder than the dickens outside.

Thinking it must be my vehicle battery, I went back inside Freeport City Hall, hoping someone could give my battery a jump, and there was Scott Dymoke standing in the lobby. We figured out how to get the key out of my key fob, which after the fact, I remembered someone had recently told me how to do. I’ve had the vehicle seven years and not once have I had to use the actual key, which, I guess, is a good thing. So back outside I went, hoping and praying I could at least open my vehicle door. Sure as heck it opened with the key. Then I placed the fob in the ignition, saying to myself, “Please, dear God, let my car start.” And it did. What a relief.

I went back inside city hall to let Scott now I was good to go –hopefully – and got back in my Jeep and headed home.

Once the vehicle was in the garage, I hit the lock button on the

County

fob, and, sure as heck, it worked, and the next morning the remote worked also.

To ensure I don’t run into this problem again, I had each battery in the fobs replaced. No, I didn’t do it myself. I wanted it done right. Thank you, Scott Ritter at Melrose Main Street Repair.

As long as I’m on a vehicle-related roll, a few weeks ago on a foggy Saturday morning I was driving to Sauk Centre and you can’t imagine how many vehicles I met driving on the other side of the road that did not have their lights on. I wondered if they used to be like me and figured since their light mode was on auto that meant the vehicle lights were on. That’s not always the case. With my vehicle, when the green icon on my dash is on I know my outside lights are on. That means either it’s dark enough outside that the lights automatically come on or I physically moved my light button from auto mode to an actual light mode.

Finally, it never hurts to remind drivers to please use their blinkers when they are turning. Friday morning, as I drove down main street in Melrose, right in front of me a large truck and the car behind it both turned right and neither one had their blinkers on. A commonsense action could prevent accidents.

Walking could solve these problems, although that’s a farfetched solution to travel these days.

It would have been a long, cold walk home last Tuesday night, from Freeport.

researching potential park, jail projects

We’ve had two meetings already in January with the first meeting dedicated to setting up our committee assignments for 2023 and appointing residents to county committees. I will retain all the committee assignments I’ve been on for the past nine years, so it should be meetings as usual for me. The second meeting in January dealt mainly with the opportunity to purchase an approximate 253-acre parcel of land southwest of Cold Spring for the creation of a county park with many amenities that other parks don’t offer. These amenities could include a fishing pier on the Chain of Lakes, boat landing, picnic shelters, restrooms, walking trails and possibly limited fall hunting opportunities. Potential primitive camping might also become part of the park design.

The main reason the county is even considering purchasing the property is the Pheasants Forever organization would contribute $1,952,549, a private donor would contribute $500,000, leaving a balance of $333,451, which would be the amount the county would be requested to contribute toward the purchase price of $2,786,000. This parcel was originally presented to the county board in May 2021, but as a board we were not willing to commit county taxpayer dollars to pay for the full cost of the land and therefore did not pursue it further. Besides the purchase price, there would also be development costs to create a master plan as to what the park would look like. Even with agreeing to participate in this potential purchase in January, the county will have additional costs to develop the park so it could be made available to the public. After it would be completely developed there would be annual maintenance costs associated with upkeep of the park.

The largest benefit to county residents of this park would be the diversity of activities that could happen here versus the majority of the smaller county parks. There is also hope revenue could be generated to offset the annual maintenance cost of the park.

The other issue of importance financially to the county is the

possibility of having to build a new jail/justice center to replace the old jail facility downtown. The consultants presented the county board with two options in 2022. One was to maintain all the jail/justice activity in downtown St. Cloud, and the other option was to move to a green space outside of downtown to allow future expansion and to create a single-story jail facility as they are less costly to run than our current multi-story jail. The projected cost will be more than $300 million if the full project is implemented at either the downtown campus or a green space campus.

There are two options to fund this project. The first would be to levy county taxpayers for the annual payments of the bond which has the potential to be a sizable increase on Stearns County property taxpayers. The other option is to use a local option sales tax of .375% to cover bond payments. This option would work similar to the .25% sales tax the county has used the past five years to help update our county roads. These methods allow a broader base of people to help pay for these projects. For example, a lot of our roads are used by non-county residents to travel to and from different destinations, so they would also be contributing to help pay for the upkeep. The jail is very similar, as more than 40% of the population that gets booked into our county jail are not county residents or do not have addresses in Stearns County. To implement the local option sales tax, the county must get legislative approval from the state. If the legislature gives its approval, the county board needs to bring it to the county taxpayers for approval to implement it. So, the voters will have the final say if the .375% sales tax would be implemented should the legislature approve it. The county board has not decided how far we want to go with this project or how much of the total project should be done versus options that will cost less.

You can reach me at steve.notch@co.stearns.mn.us or 320248-3605 if you have any questions or comments.

Where did the city name Opole come from?

Names of cities in Stearns County often tend to be either those of saints, reflect German immigration of the late 19th century or honor a person or family who helped start the community.

Which is why the name Opole was always intriguing, especially when told it was named after a German city. That seemed odd as it doesn’t sound German, and Opole, Germany, couldn’t be found.

It turns out, in a way, the community was named after a German city, although not as most would have thought it.

Culturally, Opole has always been a Polish city and may well have served as the namesake for the community northeast of Holdingford after all. Polish immigrants settled in the area. However, at the time of the settlement, officially an Opole didn’t even exist. For that matter neither did a Poland.

The country that is now Poland was on the path of almost conquering a nation that wanted to expand its European holdings. Through much of the ninth to 19th centuries, what is now Poland kept emerging from conquests. By the time immigrants came from that land to the United States, Poland had not really existed for over a century. It had been carved up between Russian, German and Austrian empires.

The city of Opole, which was then part of Prussia, was renamed to Oppeln by the Prussians. It appeared as such on maps in the 19th century. Locals more than likely kept calling it Opole.

Under the Prussians there were documented cases of persecution for playing Polish music, speaking the Polish language and other expressions of Polish culture. Polish people left to escape

STAFF

the oppression, and one area they came to was Stearns County.

The 1987 book on Opole’s history by Robert Voigt provides insight into the name and how it came to be in central Minnesota. Voigt called his book “Opoliana 1887-1897: A History of the Community at Opole, Minnesota,” explaining it was about things of Opole. (Sort of like Americana is about things of America.)

His research provides two possible explanations. The first is that when asked where they came from, the immigrants may have used the Polish “Opole” for their area of Poland some may have come from. Eventually, the name became attached to their new community. The second possibility has to do with words and language use. According to his book, pole is Polish for field. Adding O to a word enlarges the scope of the word. It is somewhat like the English suffix er when added to great to make greater or small to make smaller.

When asked where they came from, the immigrants, referring to the lands they lived on, said “Opole,” meaning the big field. Voigt saw that as the less likely of the two possibilities, but it can’t be discounted.

When a post office (since closed) was established in the community in 1890, it was suggested that a short name be used. The community adopted Opole.

As for the Opole in Poland, it is again on maps. Following World War I, Poland was recreated as a republic. Following World War II, the territory around Oppeln was again made part of Poland, and the name Opole again became the city’s name.

Mark Klaphake ...................General Manager …………………………………mark.k@saukherald.com

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Jill Borgerding....................Office Assistant ……………………………………jill.b@star-pub.com

Whenever I see a squirrel and my kids are with me, I say, “There goes another tree rat.”

They, of course, inform me it’s not a rat, but a squirrel. And then, much to their chagrin, I ask them, “Well, what is the difference between a rat and a squirrel?”

The most common answer I get is rats are gross and squirrels are cute. I continually remind them they are both eerily similar in features except for their tail and where they reside. Rats tend to live in sewers. They are bottom dwellers, they stink and they eat human waste. Squirrels meanwhile, live in high places, such as trees, and dine on acorns and seeds. If one would see a rat streak across their backyard, they would run screaming into the house. One sees a squirrel and they are enlightened by its cuteness as it bounces across the lawn and up a nearby tree.

My kids (and wife) tease me all the time when I bring this up. And then lo and behold, I come across a clip from the movie where a character uses this exact analogy to make a point.

What is the point exactly?

Recently, an article surfaced where NBA superstar Stephen Curry opposed an affordable housing complex being built next to his $30 million mansion in California. Curry and his wife opposed the project, according to the article, for the safety and privacy of their kids, which is of their utmost concern. In fact, they cited it as a “major concern.”

Also in the news recently is the flooding of migrants to New York City and other high places in the northern area of the country. These are mainly states that are considered sanctuary cities, who now all of a sudden have become aware of the issues such an influx of migrants can cause to communities.

New York Mayor Eric Adams says the migrants are causing a burden to the city’s budget. “That money is coming from our schools,” he said. “It comes from our public safety, our hospitals, our infrastructure.”

In other words, these migrants are a burden for Mayor Adams and his precious city.

These migrants were shipped by southern border states who cannot keep up with the open border policies that are causing so many undocumented individuals to come into their state. Governors like Adams, and even the Biden Administration themselves, have continually said there is no border crisis. Well, Adams finally got on a plane to go see for himself. Curry, meanwhile, is asking for more landscaping and a higher fence if the low-income housing unit comes to fruition.

If Eric Adams wants open borders, why is he complaining about migrants infiltrating his city? Why does Stephen Curry need to build a higher fence? Both claim to be social justice warriors who demand equality for all. Yet, when that equality comes knocking in their neighborhood they throw their hands in the air and scream “Not in My Backyard” (NIMBA).

NIMBA is an actual term to describe the hypocrisy shown by these social justice squirrels who live in high places and cry victim when those low class rats come to town.

Both examples are a stark similarity in the way we view squirrels and rats. Sure, rats and squirrels are different to some degree. But they are still both rodents. Why are they not treated or viewed the same?

When we can answer that, it may shed some light on the way we view our fellow human beings, as well.

Annual Subscription Rates

Stearns, Todd, Douglas, Pope, & Morrison counties, $53. Elsewhere in Minnesota, $60. Elsewhere in the United States, $63.

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.

Letters Letters to the editor are welcomed. Letters must be signed with first and last name and include address and phone number. Letters are limited 350 words. See political letters to the editor policy for additional guidelines.

Corrections/Clarifications

The Star Post strives for accuracy. If you would like to report a factual error, call 320-845-2700.

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

A Peek at the Past by Herman Lensing

From the Heart by Carol Moorman In Other Words by Bryan Zollman

Commissioner’s Corner by Steve Notch

November 14, 2022 6:30pm; WCED- ALC Classroom

Board Chair Winkels called the meeting to order at 6:30p.m. Board members Utsch and Uphoff were in attendance as well as Superintendents Bullard, Winter, Peschel and Okerlund, Director Fevig, Business Manager Raiter, Coordinator Dierks and Administrator Hoffarth. Board member Hess was absent. Janel Bitzan from BerganKDV was in attendance virtually. 5 WCED staff members were present.

With no additions or changes to the agenda; Utsch moved, Uphoff seconded approval of the agenda; motion carried unopposed.

After a review of Consent Agenda items, Uphoff moved, Utsch seconded approval of the July 11 and August 24, 2022 Board Minutes; bills payable #23995-24082; Personnel Changes: Ann Weaver’s resignation; hiring Meagan Jensen; maternity leaves for Meghan Middendorf and Becca Radermacher, contract with Paynesville Centracare for COTA services; Donations from John Dough’s, State Farm, Rhan’s Oil and Blattner’s Energy; and 3 Non Certified Handbooks. Motion carried unopposed.

Under New Business, Janel Bitzan shared a report on the audit results of which Utsch moved, Uphoff seconded and motion carried to accept the reports unopposed. Next, Director Fevig presented a summary of the WCED EA union contract for 21-22 and 22-23. Uphoff moved and Utsch seconded approval of the contract; motion carried unopposed. Fevig then shared a comparison and proposal to increase the daily sub rate from $125 to $135. Utsch moved, Uphoff seconded to approve the increase, motion carried unopposed. Discussion was held regarding the selection of a January meeting date, however it was decided it will be selected at a later time. Last item in New Business was the first reading of 20 MSBA policies. Action was tabled until a 2nd read in January.

Under Old Business, 12 policies were reviewed for a 2nd reading with Uphoff moving, Utsch seconding the approval of all 12 policies; motion carried unopposed. Reports were shared by Coordinator Dierks, Administrator Hoffarth and Director Fevig who extended appreciation and gratitude to Don Winkels for serving 17 years and Maggie Utsch for serving 4 years on the WCED board.

Winkels adjourned the meeting at 7:12pm.

/s/ Jerald Quarfot 1-30-23

Clerk Date P-6-1B

Minutes Summary for Feb. 1, 2023

School Board Work Session Holdingford Public School

The Holdingford School Board held a School Board Work Session on February 1, 2023. Members present: Sarah Binek, Lori Opatz, Rob Knettel and Pat Meier. Absent: Elissa Ebnet, Evelyn Martini, and Ed Feia. Also attending was Superintendent Chris Swenson, Business Manager Garrity Gerber, Secondary Principal Time Wege, Secondary Science Teacher Brody Anderson and District Adm. Assistant Linda Zapzalka.

The Board toured the 3D Printer Lab, Science Teacher Mr. Anderson demonstrated how the printers work, explained cost benefits, shared student projects, and explained printer prep. Discussion took place on all the possibilities and ways to get more staff members using it.

Mr. Swenson highlighted the revisions MSBA has recommended for Policy 524 Internet Acceptable Use And Safety Policy, Policy 603 Curriculum Development, and Policy 604 Instructional Curriculum.

Board Committee Assignments were discussed and Knettel agreed to join the Personnel Committee with Adm/Teachers. COVID Advisory Committee was eliminated and Infinity Online Governing Board was added with Martini as the Representative. Principal Search, Mr. Swenson reviewed the process with seven applications received, settled on interviewing 4 candidates, interviews will take place on Monday Feb. 6th using two interview groups with a mix of board members, administration, teachers, support staff and parents.

Mr. Swenson reported on Legislative proposals and will continue to track as bills get passed to determine how they will affect our District, administrators are concerned how the free/reduced compensation will be figured out if the move is made to all free lunches and MASA Day At The Capital. Discussion ensued on other legislative proposals including paid leaves, unemployment, and safe/sick days.

Portrait Of A Graduate update 3 schools will be involved: Paynesville, Becker & Holdingford. The plan is to get started after we have a Secondary Principal in place. Called for a Special Closed Meeting to follow the Feb. 1, 2023 Work Session to discuss negotiations.

Following the Work Session the Holdingford School Board held a special closed meeting. Members present: Evelyn Martini, Elissa Ebnet, Sarah Binek, Ed Feia, Lori Opatz, Robert Knettel and Pat Meier. Absent: None. Also attending was Superintendent Chris Swenson and Business Manager Garrity Gerber. Discussion ensued on Negotiations.

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.

P-6-1B

Senior students receive significant honor

Area schools nominate upperclassmen for Triple ‘A’ Award

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

Every year, member schools of the Minnesota State High School League recognize a pair of its highest-achieving student-athletes at both the junior and senior level for the ExCEL Award and Triple ‘A’ Award, respectively.

The Triple ‘A’ Award nominees for Albany, Melrose and Holdingford all have found success in the classroom while participating in at least one athletic program and one fine arts activity.

Along with being nominated, Ellie Heller, of Melrose Area High School, is also a state finalist for the award, having been announced as the Region 5AA award winner.

MAKAELA ZIERDEN, ALBANY AREA HIGH SCHOOL

Parents: Matt and Karla Zierden.

What sports(s) and fine art(s) do you participate in? Volleyball, band and art.

What drives you to be so active in school? Being involved allows me to experience new things. Fewer things are holding you back from trying new things you are interested in.

How have you succeeded in balancing academics with activities? Time management and prioritization have allowed me to remain uber-active while maintaining high academic standards.

Who has been influential in helping you receive this award? My parents have always encouraged me to participate in many things. My fine arts teachers have fostered a love for music and art in me that has made everything I do so much more enjoyable.

CONNOR KARKI, ALBANY AREA HIGH SCHOOL

Parents: Riwaj and Kimberly Karki.

What sports(s) and fine art(s) do you participate in? Wrestling, golf, concert band, marching band, pep band and pit band.

What drives you to be so active in school? I strive to be as involved as possible in high school so I don’t feel like I missed out later in life. Plus, I enjoy participating in all of my activities.

How have you succeeded in balancing academics with activities? Keeping a schedule for what needs to be done has helped me stay on track with my homework and activities. I plan my school weeks in advance and make sure to get my work done on time.

Who has been influential in helping you receive this award? My biggest supporters throughout my life will always be my family, and I’m glad for all the encouragement they have given me. My teachers at Albany High School have also pushed me to succeed and be the best student I can be.

PUBLIC NOTICES

3. 2023-2024 School District Calendar

4. Weather Days Make-Up Plans

5. Minnesota State High School League Foundation Form B2

ELLIE HELLER, MELROSE AREA HIGH SCHOOL

Parents: Pat and Juliann Heller.

What sports(s) and fine art(s) do you participate in? Girls swimming, girls basketball, softball, speech, student council and National Honor Society, and I used to be involved in band and knowledge bowl.

What drives you to be so active in school? I am active primarily because of my friends. Having some of your closest friends at each practice, meeting and game makes the entire experience so much more fun and rewarding.

How have you succeeded in balancing academics with activities? There are times when balancing work gets tough and there is the occasional late night, but having a good schedule and knowing when you have to just get work done helps a lot.

Who has been influential in helping you receive this award? My parents, of course, have been a huge positive influence in my life, but obviously, my teachers, amazing coaches, friends and siblings have also helped me out too many times to count.

GRANT HELLERMANN, MELROSE AREA HIGH SCHOOL

Parents: Randy and Cheryl Hellermann.

What sports(s) and fine art(s) do you participate in?

Fall musical, knowledge bowl, baseball in 10th grade and the concert, jazz and pep bands.

What drives you to be so active in school? My friends, teachers and coaches all drive me to be active in school and explore the many different activities Melrose has to offer.

How have you succeeded in balancing academics with activities? I manage my time wisely and ask for help when I need to.

Who has been influential in helping you receive this award? My parents, Mr. Leraas (my knowledge bowl coach), my teachers and my friends have all been very influential in helping me receive this award.

MEKENNA BARTKOWICZ, HOLDINGFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Parents: Kris and Robyn Bartkowicz.

What sports(s) and fine art(s) do you participate in? Swimming, softball and choir.

What drives you to be so active in school? You’re only in high school once, so I try to make the most of it. A lot of these skills and experiences can also help me out in the future.

How have you succeeded in balancing academics with activities? Academics and grades have always been important to me, so I prioritize making time for my school work.

Who has been influential in helping you receive this award? My parents are my biggest supporters. They have always been there for me no matter what. My teachers and coaches have also helped guide me along the way.

TANNER TOMASEK, HOLDINGFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Parents: Paul and Mary Tomasek.

CITY OF ALBANY AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE NO. 31

MUNICIPAL SEWER SYSTEM

The City Council for the City of Albany, HEREBY ORDAINS that Ordinance 31 MUNICIPAL SEWER SYSTEM shall be amended as follows:

1. That Section 31.09 Subd. 2 shall be amended to read as follows: “Subd. 2: Trunk Sewer Charge. A per acre trunk sewer charge, as authorized by Minnesota Statute Section 444.075, Subd. 3, shall be established and modified by resolution of the Council for the City of Albany. The amount of the charge shall be based upon costs incurred by the City for the construction, reconstruction, repair, enlargement, and improvement of the municipal sewer system infrastructure. The Trunk Sewer Charge shall be based on a Developable Acreage of the Plat or Subdivision. The Developable acreage shall be calculated as the total acreage, less delineated wetlands and dedicated public right of way. (See Appendix A for the current trunk sewer charge.)

This Ordinance Amendment shall be effective upon publication.

This Ordinance was approved by the majority of the City Council of Albany on this 1st day of February, 2023.

Tom Kasner, Mayor Tom Schneider, Clerk/Administrator

( S E A L )

This amendment was published in the Star Post February 8, 2023. P-6-1B

What sports(s) and fine art(s) do you participate in? In fine arts, I play trumpet for pep, jazz and concert band. In sports, I participate in football, basketball, baseball and trapshooting. I was selected as team captain for the football and basketball teams. This spring, I am looking forward to my final seasons of playing high school baseball and trapshooting before closing out my senior year at Holdingford.

What drives you to be so active in school? I strive to make the most out of my high school experience by being involved with as many clubs, arts and athletics as I possibly can, hoping to make a difference.

How have you succeeded in balancing academics with activities? It is hard to balance everything when you’re involved in so many things. The tip I have for students like me is to have a strong, positive and focused mindset. When life gets overwhelming and you feel great strain, that is when you have to stay positive and remind yourself that all difficult times end. Don’t let one bad day or week affect how you view life.

Who has been influential in helping you receive this award? The most influential person in my life is my mother. She has always been there to help me when I am struggling and pushes me to accomplish my goals when I don’t have the motivation to.

Huskies dig deep in win over Perham

Boys hoops shines at Winter Lakes Classic

BY MIKE KOSIK STAFF WRITER

Following a one-point home victory over Mora the night before, the Albany boys basketball faced Perham, among the top-rated teams in the state, and came away with a 61-48 win Feb. 4 at the Winter Lakes Classic at Alexandria High School in Alexandria.

“Playing less than 24 hours after the Mora win put us in a situation to dig deep for energy, and that we did,” said Cory Schlagel, head coach.

As of the beginning of this week, the QRF rankings had Albany at No. 3 and Perham No. 6 for boys Class AA teams. Mora is No. 14.

The Huskies finished last week 16-1 overall and 8-0 in the conference.

Albany

61, Perham 48

The Huskies held a 2322 edge at halftime against Perham.

“The guys executed our defensive gameplan very well to take away what

Perham does best,” Schlagel said. “While their leading scorer did end up getting 30, he had to work for it pretty hard and at the same time, we held down the rest of their main scorers below their averages.”

Defense always plays a big part in Albany’s gameplan, and it did so again in limiting of a longtime productive Class AA program.

“Defense matters in our philosophy, and the guys continue to take pride on that end of the floor,” Schlagel said. “I’m very proud of our effort to hold Mora to 45 and turn around and hold Perham to 48 the next day.”

Tysen Gerads led Albany scoring with 19 points, followed by Ethan Borgerding with 14 and Zeke Austin with 11. ALB 23 38-61 PER 22 26-48

Albany: Gerads 19 points (7R), Borgerding 14, Austin 11 (7A), Tanner Reis 9, Sam Hondl 5 (5R, 5A) and Andrew Olson

3. Albany 46, Mora 45

Albany’s defense preserved a 46-45 win as a

BORDER B A T T L E BATTLE

SAUKCENTRE Streeters VS 66

The District’s goal is to provide Melrose Area Public Schools residents with the information to make an informed decision. Below are responses to questions that you may have. If you have questions that are not answered within this publication, please contact Superintendent, Greg Winter at 320-256-5160 x5 with your specific questions.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE FEBRUARY 14TH REFERENDUM?

On Tuesday, February 14th, residents will vote on one ballot question authorizing $34.8 million to address critical building needs at the high school.

• To provide safety and ADA accessibility for all

• To restore and rebuild our aging community facilities

• To invest in technical education classrooms, so that EVERY Dutchmen graduates career or college ready

WHO BENEFITS FROM THE PASSAGE OF THIS BOND REFERENDUM?

It’s all about providing the best for our students – quality education and facilities. Our students, parents and our communities benefit from improved buildings due the passage of the bond. Strengthening our schools strengthens our communities because schools directly affect a community’s vitality and home values. No one receives a financial bonus.

HOW DO I VOTE?

You can vote in-person January 3-February 13, weekdays 7 am3:30 pm at the Melrose District Office via absentee ballot. Arrive through door 7. 546 5th Ave NE, Melrose, MN 56352

Or you can vote on election day, Tuesday, February 14. All residents of Melrose School District will vote at Melrose City Center from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. 225 1st St NE, Melrose, MN 56352

ARE THERE OTHER FUNDING SOURCES AVAILABLE FOR THE PROPOSED BUILDING UPGRADES?

The district’s general education fund pays for operating expenses, including salaries, benefits and supplies. We cannot use operating dollars for building projects. A school district our size does not have the capacity to write grants.

WHY WERE MAIL IN BALLOTS NOT ALLOWED?

County and state rules do not allow mail-in ballots on stand-alone elections. The decision to combine polling places was made due to staffing shortages and financial considerations.

HOW WAS THIS PLAN DEVELOPED?

The School Board created a Community Task Force with over 20 representatives that looked at District topics: Facility Conditions, Enrollment/Projections and Capacity, Educational Needs, Athletics, and Community Use. Over the summer of 2021 (and the course of five meetings), the Task Force identified and prioritized those needs while considering financial concerns as well. The District performed a survey to gain feedback on the scope and the value of the bond, and based on the survey results, the School Board reduced the scope and value to better align with the survey results.

WHY ONLY ONE QUESTION?

The one question ballot was initially developed by the school board last spring after prioritizing the most critical needs of the district. Following the failure of the August 9 referendum by a slim margin, the school board heard at the listening sessions the bond failed primarily out of lack of understanding of these critical needs. It was decided after much consideration of the board to move forward with a one ballot question since the critical needs will not go away.

WHY DO WE NEED TO EXPAND CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) SPACES?

Our high school lacks space for a growing industrial technical skill curriculum — for careers such as welding, wood-working, automotive, agriculture, art and home economics.

• Opportunities within these classrooms are currently limited due to lack of appropriate space. Current shop spaces are not accessible for handicapped students and community members.

• Students are having to leave the secure building to attend automotive classes.

last-second shot by Mora could not be converted in a big Granite Ridge Conference triumph Feb. 3 at Albany Area High School in Albany.

The final score was indicative of the entire game, as the lead switched several times between the two top teams in the conference.

“We have developed quite the rivalry with Mora, in which it seems every game is highly contested,” Schlagel said. “Both teams played very good, physical defense, making it very tough for the other to score.”

Mora led 23-20 at halftime.

The Huskies struggled on the offensive end of the court, but its defense plagued the Mustangs, never allowing them more than a five-point lead, which came in the second half.

“While we didn’t shoot the ball particularly well or put up a lot of points, our defense was very good, forcing 18 turnovers,” Schlagel said.

The Huskies erased the Mustangs’ lead, with Gerads and Austin scoring back-toback field goals. After stops by Albany, Hondl’s field goal

Albany girls basketball closes week with win

at 4 minutes and 4 seconds gave the Huskies a 40-39 edge. Mora went ahead, but Borgerding’s score off an offensive rebound tied the game. Hondl followed with a 2-pointer and Gerads sank a couple of free throws, giving Albany a 46-42 lead with 1:28 left. A 3-pointer by Mora made it a one-point 46-45 game at 1:13 where it stayed until the end.

Hondl led Albany’s scoring with 19 points, with Austin adding 11.

ALB 20 26–46 MOR 23 22–45

Albany: Hondl 19 (5R), Austin 11, Gerads 8 (9R, 3A, 3S), Borgerding 6 (11R) and Olson 2.

Albany 68, Foley 36

The Huskies started the week with a 68-36 win over the host Foley Falcons Jan. 31 in a conference contest at Foley High School in Foley.

The Huskies led 34-18 at halftime.

Gerads, 19 points, and Austin, 10 points, were the two Huskies who scored in double digits.

ALB 34 34–68

FOL 18 18–36

Albany: Gerads 19 (8R), Austin 10 (4S), Hondl 8 (6R), Borgerding 8, Reis 6, Trent Imholte 5, Jack Rieland 4, Carter Voss 3, Elliott Burnett 3 and Olson 2.

Finds hard-fought victories

BY MIKE KOSIK STAFF WRITER

A 57-26 win over Litchfield closed out a successful week for the Albany Huskies girls basketball team. The Huskies took on its nonconference opponents at the Winter Lakes Classic Feb. 4 at Alexandria High School in Alexandria.

“Our defense was sound and active out of both man and zone limiting Litchfield to 11 first-half and 15 second-half points,” said Aaron Boyum, head coach.

“We were tremendous shooting the ball from the perimeter on the day. We had transition looks and moved well without the ball on offense.”

The Huskies shot 64% (9 of 14) from 3-point range while making 12 of 32 2-pointers for 37.5%.

Tatum Findley scored 15 points for the Huskies, followed by Alyssa Sand and Savanna Pelzer with 10 each.

The Huskies improved to 18-1 overall and 8-0 in the Granite Ridge Conference following last week’s games. Its QRF ranking of 128.7 is eighth among Class AA teams.

ALB 25 32–57 LCH 11 15–26

Albany: Findley 15 points (4A, 3S), Sand 10 (11R), Pelzer 10, Kylan Gerads 7 (6R), Samantha VanHeel 5, Sophia Schiffler 3, Evan Schwenzfeier 3, Callie Holthaus 2 and Natalie Blonigen 2.

Albany 52, Foley 38

The Huskies took on the Foley Falcons and won the Granite Ridge Conference matchup 52-38 Feb. 2 at Foley High School in Foley.

“Foley played great defense and made us work for what we got,” Boyum

TRENDING REFERENDUM QUESTIONS

• Metals has a lack of space and is using old equipment. Along with this, the current layout leads to obstructed sight lines for teachers supervising students, creating another safety concern.

• Woodshop has space concerns and lack of storage space, as well as inadequate ventilation causing safety and health concerns. The finishing area where students complete their projects (varnish/stain/ etc.) is a former storage space.

• The goal is to create hands-on learning spaces where students can work collaboratively.

• The district has a track record of students being accepted into industrial tech higher education programs after graduation.

WHY DO THE TENNIS COURTS NEED TO BE REMODELED?

• The pavement and surface of the courts are deteriorating with large cracks. The cracking creates irregular surfaces, and the depressions of the cracks lead to safety concerns.

• The courts do not drain well, and teams have to push water off the courts prior to use.

• Due to the conditions of the courts, at times, our tennis program is not able to play matches on the current courts.

CAN THE EXISTING POOL BE REMODELED?

The option for renovating the pool was not deemed cost effective. The existing pool is 6-lanes and does not have a depth that meets today’s guidelines for diving. The physical conditions include a narrow deck space, and spectator seating is not ADA (handicap) accessible. The pool equipment is outdated, and some replacement parts are no longer available. In addition, the indoor air quality does not meet today’s code standards. The needs identified for the pool area include a standard 8-lane pool with a depth that can accommodate diving. The District explored the cost of renovating the existing pool: to dig the pool deeper, provide mechanical and electrical upgrades, and make the seating ADA accessible. The cost of this renovation was over 55% of the cost of building a new facility; however, it still did not address:

• Spectator seating could only be located at the end of the lanes (where swimmers turn/flip). This reduces visibility for the spectator to see the athlete during swim competitions. The position of additional seating on the south end would also be difficult to see diving from the one diving board.

• Six lanes would remain as there is no cost-effective way to increase it to 8 lanes. This would keep diving to a single board. This would likely mean practice schedules will remain as is, with diving practicing at another time than swimming, instead of the entire team together during practice.

• The narrow deck around the perimeter of the pool would remain as is. Because of these reasons, the School Board believed renovation was not a good use of dollars and would not make the pool facility appropriate for current and future community aquatic and district athletic needs.

WHY DID WE NOT RUN THE REFERENDUM LIKE SAUK CENTRE DID? FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND, THEY USED HOME PLUS ONE ACRE. Our bond referendum would be financed the same as Sauk Centre. Agricultural land is being taxed the same way for our bond referendum as every other school bond referendum in the state. Based on several community information sessions, the most common concern is the tax impact this bond referendum will have on residents. The Ag2School Tax Credit reduces school bond taxes up to 70% for farmers and other ag land owners. That means the State of Minnesota will pay $6.4 million dollars for this proposed school bond project. To calculate your property tax impact visit our district website or contact our financial consultant, Ehlers at 1-800552-1171.

said. “I’m proud of our kids for staying with the plan and maintaining their poise in a game that was as contested as we have had in a while.”

The Huskies gave up 23 offensive rebounds but stayed vigilant, holding the Falcons to only 11 secondchance points.

“I’m really happy with the ability of our team to overcome that and learn from it going forward,” he said.

Findley, 17 points, and Sand, 13 points were the scoring leaders for Albany.

ALB 23 29–52

FOL 18 20–38

Albany: Findley 17 (5R), Sand 13 (10R, 4A, 4S, 6B), Gerads 8 (11R, 4S), Pelzer 6, Holthaus 5, Blonigen 2 and Schwenzfeier 1.

Albany 58, EV-W 34

Albany overcame a strong first half by the Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles for a 58-34 triumph Jan. 31 at Albany Area High School in Albany.

“The Eagles really came out ready to play to start things out,” Boyum said. “We were able to get things going in the second half, and the style of the game turned over to what we like to play best. We’re very happy with the win.”

ALB 25 33–58

EV-W 18 16–34

Albany: Gerads 24 (13R, 7S, 4A), Sand 16 (12R, 4A, 3S), Findley 11, Schwenzfeier 3, Pelzer 2 (3S) and Blonigen 2

GUN SHOW

ARE LOCAL BUSINESSES INVOLVED?

• Local contractors will have the opportunity to bid on this work.

• The District currently partners with Career & Technology Education businesses and will continue looking for opportunities to partner with more businesses.

• Increasing student opportunities will retain current students in our local communities and work force after they graduate from high school.

• Local businesses and organizations were initially contacted for donations to the bond referendum. However, any donations accepted by the district would only go into effect if the bond would pass. These donations would then be taken off the scope of the cost of the project and lessen the tax impact on property owners.

IS CONSTRUCTION INFLATION ADDRESSED?

Yes, the budgets were created during the time of rapid construction inflation, so we were fortunate to be able to track recent history and include a contingency for when the projects would bid (in 2023). The District has partnered with a construction management company that has reviewed the budgets and believes they align with the scope.

HOW DO WE KNOW THAT THE PROJECT WILL STAY ON BUDGET?

By law, the resolution questions are legally binding and include the phrase “not to exceed.”

WHEN WOULD THE FINAL DESIGN OF THE PROJECT BE COMPLETED?

To date, the District has worked with an architect to understand the scope and priorities set by the Community Task Force. This information is what developed the budget. After a successful vote, the detailed design process will occur by gathering numerous user and community stakeholders’ input. The images provided in informational documents are conceptual and show one potential approach. If the bond would pass, both school and community stakeholders would be involved in the final design of the project.

HOW DO PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED IN THIS SPACE AFFECT THE COMMUNITY?

By creating a standard 8-lane pool with 2 diving boards (currently 6-lanes with 1 diving board), this will allow time that is dedicated to team practice to be reduced and create more availability of the pool to the general public. Converting the existing pool into a multi-purpose fitness space creates another opportunity for the community to use for various lifestyle fitness activities.

USE OF THE GENERAL FUND FOR A LARGE PROJECT?

Both the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and our school auditors highly recommend we have a 3 month reserve in our fund balance. The approximate $3.6 million dollars we have in our fund balance is enough to cover 3 months of expenditures.

HOW LONG WILL THIS PROJECT IMPACT YOUR TAXES?

Every bond project of this magnitude will impact property owners taxes over a 20 year period. This occurred with the 1969 project and the 1994 project. Those two projects were paid off during the 20 year period and are no longer on the tax rolls. This is how all districts fund these types of projects.

DOES THIS TAKE CARE OF ALL THE NEEDS OF THE DISTRICT?

No. In order to be fiscally responsible, this takes care of the highest priority needs identified by the Community Task Force, and adopted by the School Board. Additional needs that may be addressed in the future include:

• Continue to improve site safety, traffic flow, and pavement replacement projects

• Renovations to both the Elementary and Middle School/High School Media Center

• Renovations and/or additions for the growing Early Childhood programs

• Renovations and/or additions for student support services

• Providing an improved functional space for the gymnastics program

• Continue accessibility and energy efficiency upgrades

Milaca’s offense buries boys basketball team

BY MIKE KOSIK STAFF WRITER

The Milaca Wolves were too much for the Holdingford Huskers boys basketball team Feb. 6, as the Wolves won by a score of 87-46 at Milaca High School in Milaca.

Milaca, currently positioned as a top-six seed

in Section 6AA, tallied 51 points in the first half. No additional stats were made available by press time.

HOL 23 23-46

MIL 51 36-87

BBE 75, Holdingford 38

Holdingford fell to Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 75-38 in a Central Minnesota Conference game Feb. 2 at BBE

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High School in Belgrade.

BBE led 41-21 at halftime.

Dawson Hofer, with 12 points, was the top scorer for Holdingford.

HOL 21 17–38

BBE 41 34–75

Holdingford: Hofer 12, Ryder Petersen 9 (4R, 2S), Jeffrey Hall 6 (4R), Connor Breth 6 (4R), Lucas Provo 3, Brandon Hall 1 and Tanner Tomasek 1 (5R).

Osakis 68, Holdingford 44

The Huskers hosted the Silverstreaks from Osakis Jan. 31 and lost 68-44 at Holdingford High School in Holdingford. Osakis was on top 36-21 at halftime.

Jeffrey Hall led the Huskers in scoring with 14 points.

HOL 21 23–44

OSK 36 32–68

Holdingford: Jeffrey Hall 14, Petersen 6 (5R), Chase Lyon 5, Hofer 5 (7R), Tomasek 4, Beau Johnson 2, Lamar Diakite 2, Provo 2, David Heinen 2 and Breth 2 (4R).

Wyatt Miller

MIKE KOSIK STAFF WRITER

The Albany Pawettes jazz and high kick dance teams finished their seasons at the Section 4AA Meet Feb. 4 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapaids.

The high kick team finished ninth of 15 teams with 45 rank points. It earned 448 points of 800 possible points. Teams are judged and earn point on kicks, choreography, dif execution and routine effectiveness.

The jazz team finished 11 of 15 with 49 rank points. Of 800 possible points, Albany earned 449 based on skills, choreography, difficulty, execution and routine effectiveness.

Host Sauk Rapids-Rice captured the jazz title with five rank points, while Rocori won the high kick competition with seven

What is your favorite part about wrestling? Winning a tough match.

What is your favorite move to do on the wrestling mat? The power half.

What other activities are you involved in at Holdingford High School? Football, track and field.

What is your favorite memory from elementary school? Our sixth grade field trip to St. Paul.

How do you try to make a difference at school? I help kids and new lifters in the weight room with their form on certain exercises.

What is something you have learned in class recently? I learned about the process we go through to pass an amendment in government class.

Tell us something about yourself most people don’t know? I raise sheep at home. We own 50 ewes, and we lamb them all out every year and raise the lambs. I also show sheep at the county fair for 4-H.

What is your dream job? To own and operate my own feedlot for sheep and cattle.

What do you like most about being in basketball? The camaraderie. It is a great opportunity to be around friends every day. Although practice might not be great every day, we always have our friends to fall back on.

What is your most memorable experience in a game? Watching Ethan Frieler hit a 3-pointer in a game at the Target Center last year.

What other activities are you involved in at school? Football.

What is something you’ve learned in class recently? Arithmetic sequences in math class.

What are you looking forward to most during the school year? Prom and the fun of spring semester.

How do you try to make a difference at school? Being positive. I try to lead by example. If there is trash in the hallways, I clean it up. Being nice to people always sticks with them.

What teacher has impacted your education the most? Mr. (Ryan) Dusha knows how to connect with students and always gives good examples.

What is your favorite restaurant and the meal you order? The Four Seas Buffet in Sauk Centre. I get a mix of everything, but lo mein might be my favorite.

Parents: Drew and Tina Miller.

Accomplishment: Wrestles at 285 pounds for the Holdingford wrestling team.

Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. The jazz team finished 11th of 15 teams, with host Sauk Rapids-Rice capturing first.

Melr ose-Sauk Centr e Melrose-Sauk Centre Boys swimming and diving

Three elements have marked the Melrose-Sauk Centre Fusion swim and dive team season – speed, depth and improvement.

Speed shows throughout the lineup. Fusion swimmers have already matched or exceeded previous school and team records and set a few pool records. In every event the Fusion can place someone who will challenge and often best opponents. This has led to MSC usually winning dual meets and staying with the

leaders, creating must-win situations in the final events of the day.

The team’s depth has been seen in recent weeks as swimmers have competed in different distance races and events and still are taking top honors.

Improvement is shown weekly as different swimmers consistently exceed their previous best times as they master swimming techniques and train for events. A plus has been the constant improvement of the div-

Dutchmen

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ers. It started with one diver, and now has three drivers who have routinely added points to the team score. MSC has shown it is among the better swim/dive teams in central Minnesota with its showing at true team section and state meets. When the state meet is held, there are sure to be Fusion members in the final events.

PHOTO BY ALEE PHOTOGRAPHY

The 2022-23 Melrose-Sauk Centre Fusion boys swimming and diving team consists of Riley Brown (front, from left), Anthony Bierschbach, Sig Abel, Graham Radjenovich, Corey Ronning, Aiden Felling and Grant Linscheid; (second row, from left) Mathew Stalboerger, Alan de Aquino Diaz, Andrue Stalboerger, Zaron Olmschenk, Hunter Leslie and Sully Stumler; (third row, from left) Sevrin Anderson, Grant Eveslage, Macen Toavs-Etcheverry, Alex Wilwerding, Nolan Fleischhacker, Isaiah Zink, Thatcher Van Beck, Noble Ahrens, Parker Sorenson and assistant coach Mady Brinkman; (fourth row, right) co-head coach James Schreiner; (back, from left) Adam Wilwerding, Andrew Berscheit, Spencer Marthaler, Jacob Robischon, Zander Olmschenk, Devin Crawford-Klinnert, Rayden Weber, assistant coach Spencer Van Beck and co-head coach Nathan Meyer.