The Irish heritage in the Melrose area can still be found in family names, St. Patrick’s Cemetery and looking at a list of early settlers.
For a time, in the 1970s, that heritage was noted on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, with local Irish celebrations.
Brandon and Heather Cruz and their sons, Kipp (left) and Case, March 9 in their temporary home in rural Avon, are thankful for continued community support following a Feb. 3 fire at their rural Farming home. They are grateful to Albany, Avon and St. Martin firefighters who responded that day.
“The Irish families kind of stuck together for a while,” Barbara O’Brien said March 7 at her home in Melrose. “It was a way to celebrate their culture.”
CAROL MOORMAN
PHOTO
O’Brien was an import to the Melrose-Irish culture. She grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, moving in 1967 to Melrose, 3.5 years after marrying George O’Brien, who passed away in 2011. His parents, George and Sylvia O’Brien, relocated to Melrose in 1938 to run the Melrose Theatre.
Today the door on the entrance to O’Brien’s house still has a shamrock-adorned green top hat with the word “Welcome.”
That is about the extent of her St. Patrick’s Day notations today, but close to 50 years ago, the O’Briens were involved in events that included daylong Irish traditions.
“For three years, from 1976 to 1978, we had a parade on main street,” she said. “There was a police car, a fire truck, Charlie Gebeke drove an old green car, and Bueckers Sanitary had a trash truck with a sign saying ‘Irish Camper.’ The rest of us walked behind.”
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Humbling is the word Heather Cruz uses to explain her feelings after the rural Farming house she and husband, Brandon, and their sons, Kipp, 9, and Case, 6, called home was deemed a total loss following a Feb. 3 fire.
“People have been so willing to help and are praying for us,” she said March 1 sitting next to Brandon at a temporary residence until a new house is constructed.
“In a world of such negativity, it’s an amazing insight into how people really care,” Brandon added.
It might be the bouquet of flowers they were gifted on Valentine’s Day, money raised from valentine’s baskets sold at a local business or a portion of one-day sales at another business. Then there is the family that offered an unoccupied house for them to live in right after the fire, and the many
people who have supported them.
Unconditional support from family, friends, neighbors and the community pulls emotions just as they’ve felt once before. Ten years ago when their day-old daughter, Cardi, passed away from a conditional heart defect, people surrounded them with love, prayers and support much like today.
Thankfully, they were able to save some of Cardi’s treasured items following the fire, including her foot and handprint imprinted in a ceramic heart displayed in their living room.
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Five crowned dairy princesses
Avon Public Works Foreman Chuck Pelkey’s snow removal battle requires a new late winter strategy.
Workers can’t push snow from cul-de-sacs into vacant areas between yards anymore, Pelkey recently told the Avon City Council.
That means building big piles of the white stuff inside the circular street endings.
“We’ll leave room for people to get around them, and call Lange Trenching in to remove the piles in the middle as soon as possible,” Pelkey reported March 6.
He added, “We’ve reached a critical mass, especially if
Many of the families involved had Irish last names – O’Brien, Sullivan, Hughes, Timmins, Graham, O’Donnell and Murphy. There were others with nonIrish names that married into an Irish family. O’Brien’s maiden name was Schisler.
“George always said he had to leave Melrose and go to the East Coast to find a German girl,” O’Brien said.
On St. Patrick’s Day everyone was Irish.
The parade started at the four-way stop with participants traveling down main street three blocks, ending at the Melrose VFW Clubrooms (now Martinez Meat & Grocery, LLC).
As the luck of the Irish would have it, no parade was ever canceled.
“In 1977, it was snowing and raining to beat the band, but we just marched right through it,” O’Brien said. “Of course, as good Irish Catholics we started with a Mass. Fr. (Tim) Baltes said the Mass.”
Following the parade, celebrations continued at the VFW. St. Patrick even made
from front
Memories of Feb. 3 are imprinted in their minds. That morning Heather drove the boys to Holy Family School, while she went to work at Albany City Hall where she is an administrative assistant for the city and police department. Brandon, who is a safety coordinator for Star Energy Services in Alexandria, was working from home. He had left mid-morning to read a book to Case’s kindergarten class for Catholic Schools Week. He returned home, hooked their fish house up to the truck and left the house around 1:30 p.m. for a scheduled family fishing excursion on Kings Lake near Freeport.
Just before 5 p.m., Heather left work to pick up the boys from HFS as the boys stayed after school to attend a school dance. After that, it was planned they would go home and pick up their two dogs and head out the lake, when she received a phone call from Albany Fire Chief Gary Winkels asking her if anyone was home.
“I can remember telling him, ‘No, I’m picking up the boys from the school dance.’ Gary replied back to me in a panicked voice, ‘Heather, your house is on fire,’” Heather said.
She told him their two dogs were in the basement in a kennel, and he asked her what the best way was into the house to retrieve them.
Heather admits a “flood of emotions” hit her as she told their sons they had to go because of an emergency, as she called Brandon. She followed the Albany Fire Department’s ladder truck to their house and stayed in her vehicle at the end of their long driveway while watching firefighters from Albany, Avon and St. Martin arrive on scene, knowing she was living out her worst fear since she was a child – a
an appearance. “George was dressed as St. Patrick,” O’Brien said.
They only had the parade three years, she said.
“For another two years, we had a party at the Billy Goat Inn (now El Portal),” she said. “After that, it kind of fell off.”
The St. Patrick’s Day celebration featured Irish music, a meal, a dance and, of course, green beer.
“We named a Miss Leprechaun,” O’Brien said. “There were three of them. The first was Mae Lippsmeyer. That’s a German name, but she was born a Wood. Then there was Mary (Sullivan) Rieland and Jackie O’Brien, a teacher.”
One year a dance instructor came to Melrose and taught an Irish jig to party-goers. Other years a trained dancer performed the jig and there was an Irish harpist.
Homage was even paid to a long-held tradition in Ireland.
“We had a Blarney Stone,” O’Brien said. “We had cards made up and whoever kissed this stone got a card that said the bearer of this card had kissed a ‘genuine imitation copy of the
house fire. Family soon surrounded her, tending to their boys.
Brandon arrived and, in talking to a Stearns County deputy, learned their two dogs succumbed to smoke inhalation. Lola, their wiener dog, would have been 14 years old, and Renn, a labrador/shepherd mix, whom they recently rescued from the humane society in September.
“The deputy expressed his sympathy, and his words were when they were able to get to the dogs in the kennel in the laundry room, both dogs had been passed for a while,” Heather said.
Brandon said his mind went to “Did I do something or did something happen that I didn’t catch” earlier that day. But he knew they didn’t have their fireplace on, and he did not notice anything unusual before he left the house that was built in 1977. They have lived in the home since 2011 and have made the house a home of their own.
“The fire was deemed accidental, electrical fault in the furnace room,” Brandon said. “The insurance company declared it a total loss.”
They are thankful they were able to save some personal belongings, since all the rooms in the house were touched by heavy smoke,
we start having any type of spring thaw.”
Pelkey mentioned cul-de-sacs on Pelican Lake Court Northeast, Water’s Edge Circle and Suncrest Drive and Sun Circle as primary examples during his city council update.
Once the city fills vacant areas and people’s yards with snow, it’s difficult to remove.
“You can’t take a loader in because of the weight,” Pelkey explained. “You’d be digging up the yards and having more of a problem.”
In early January, city leaders approved an emergency expenditure request to remove excessive snow.
Councilor Aaron Goebel motioned to authorize public works spending up to $5,000 to hire Lange Trenching to move excess snow. Councilor Katie Reiling seconded the emergency funding motion, which was unanimously approved by council.
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Sunday, March 19, 7:30 p.m. – “Illumime Trio.”
Margaret Shelby Auditorium, 903 State St. Rd., Sauk Centre. Part of the Centre Area Concerts Association series.
Monday, March 20, 5-7 p.m. – Over the Hills of Avon Bologna Feed. PJ’s Supper Club, 421 Stratford St W, Avon. All proceeds go to the future Avon Community Center.
Monday, March 20, 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.
Tuesday, March 21, 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.
Wednesday, March 22, 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, April 4, 7 p.m. – Schanhaar-Otte Post 7050 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.
Tuesday, April 11, 7 p.m. – Melrose American Legion Post 101 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.
Thank you
While the Melrose St. Patrick’s Day celebrations only lasted five years, memories remain for O’Brien –who was reminded of some of them by Mary Ellen Geb-
fire and water. They are working with a restoration company to restore those retrieved items. That includes Cardi’s treasured items, their wedding album and Heather’s wedding dress. Brandon talks about the box of personal Christmas ornaments their sons made in either day care or school that they found in a tuck-under storage area.
“It’s about those special homemade items that we hold near and dear to our hearts,” Heather said.
She has not been able to return to the house since the fire. Instead, she looks forward to returning back to the property, where new memories will be made.
“Soon, we can have the house removed and have a clean slate and start building,” Brandon said.
Brandon makes trips there a few times a week to check on and feed the two outdoor cats that they called “good mousers.”
They had no doubt they would rebuild at the same location because they love country living. Heather grew up in rural Albany, the daughter of Kevin and Sue Shay, and Brandon, who was raised in Melrose, the son of Jose Cruz and Randy and Sue Moening, learned to love rural life.
eke – and others with Irish connections, and it is even talked about occasionally.
“It was fun,” she said, “and a good time.” That’s no Irish blarney.
They have a focus on moving forward – prioritizing family first and getting the ball rolling on house plans and designs.
“Less is more,” is a lesson Heather learned.
“Like having 24 spatulas when you only use two,” Brandon said.
They have also learned the importance of documenting items in their home, room by room, and storing the information in a home safe or safety deposit box, which would have been a big help now as they determine their inventory.
Brandon said good things come out of difficult times, including how people care for one another. The community outreach has been massive, Heather said, and it is a huge factor that keeps them going.
“You have to stay positive,” Brandon said. “It’s not in your hands. It’s in God’s hands.”
They are beyond grateful to firefighters who responded that day, many whom they know.
“We have our future to look forward to,” Heather said. “We are counting our blessings.”
Losing Mike, a husband, father and grandfather, has been a hard journey. All the people his life touched has brought such love back to us, his family – the prayers, hugs, gifts, sharing memories. Thanks Roger for the flyover, a wonderful tribute to a friend. Thank you to the wonderful friends for supplying us with food and drink at the funeral home. Thank you to Mark and all the amazing people at Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services. Thank you to Don and Karen for the beautiful music. You made a simple man and his family so happy. Thank you Fr. Marv for coming to our home, sharing your memories of Mike and the beautiful Mass. The Family of Mike Ellering, Joan Ben, Jenn, Gabe and Chloe Tammy, Kyle, Turner, Lauryn and Wyatt Cory, June, Jack, Kaylee, Courtney and Faye Perry and Dannielle
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Thank you
The family of Lee Larkey would like to thank family, neighbors and friends for their support during the time of his passing, the food, condolences, cards, flowers, memorials, Mass offerings and prayers.
Thank you to the rescue squad and ambulance. Thank you to Fr. Mark Stang for his anointing and prayers at the hospital. Thank you to the many KCs and Christian Mothers for the rosary at the visitation and to Terrence Kopp representing the Mary Mother of God mission in Vladivostok, Russia, who Lee supported. We especially thank Fr. Gregory Mastey and the choir for the beautiful Mass. Thank you to the Holdingford VFW for the presentation of the flag and to the Holdingford American Legion for the military honors. We thank the sacristans, Eucharistic ministers, servers, those who prepared the delicious lunch and all who supported us in any way. Your kindness and generosity will not be forgotten. God bless you all.
We want to thank the sheriff, rescue squad and ambulance who helped Lee in previous times of distress; and also Bob Braun for removing snow off the yard. We are grateful.
Sincerely,
Bernadette Larkey
Theresa and Michael Graveen
Joe and Betty Larkey
Scott Rausch
Kathy and LaVerne Freeman
Michael Larkey/Lori Johnson
Daniel and Nancy Larkey
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Annella M. Ringwelski
Annella Mary Ringwelski, 92, of Bowlus, passed away March 5, 2023, at Serenity Village in Avon.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 21, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bowlus. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Monday, March 20, and one hour prior to Mass March 21 at the church.
Annella was born July 16, 1930, in Elmdale, to Joseph and Edith (Schneider) Kopka.
She graduated from Upsala High School in 1949 and then attended St. Mary’s Nursing College in Rochester where she received her licensed practical nurse degree. She worked at St. Mary’s Hospital until moving to Minneapolis where she worked at the University of Minnesota Heart Hospital. There she worked with the doctor who invented the pacemaker. She remained there for 10 years before marrying Leo Kroll in 1960. After Annella was married, she continued working as a nurse in Little Falls until they started a family. In 1967, Leo and Annella moved to the Bowlus farm. After Leo’s passing in 1970, Annella remained on the farm.
In 1973, Annella married Joseph Ringwelski, and they farmed for 44 years until Joe’s passing in 2017.
Annella enjoyed gardening, farming, baking, canning, crocheting afghans, dancing, traveling, being outdoors and spending time with family. She was a woman of strong faith, who was an active member of the Rosary Society, Christian
Joyce Ann Lahr
Joyce Ann Lahr, 81, of Cold Spring, passed away, from complications due to ALS, Feb. 2, 2023, with her family at her side.
Joyce is survived by her four grown children, Audrey Lahr Lenz (Randy, daughter Kayla and grandson Amar’e), Constance Lahr Koopman (Thomas), Jonathan Lahr and Lynette Lahr, along with Joyce’s three grandchildren, Dalton Lahr, DayLynn Lahr and Dash Rose, as well as Joyce’s only surviving sibling Gloria Timmer Beuning of Waite Park..
Joyce was born to John and Marie (Dirkes) Timmer Oct. 21, 1941, in Albany; one of seven children. She grew up in Waterloo, Iowa, where she graduated with honors from the Orange Consolidate High School, attended Upper Iowa University and returned to college at age 48, graduating from St. Cloud Business College in 1992. Joyce met her husband, Clarence Peter Lahr, at a dance. For years after that, they polka danced several times a week. They married Sept. 8, 1964, and started their life together in Cold Spring.
Over the years, Joyce worked as a machinist at Electrolux, helped streamline processes at Columbia Gear and then opened her own business as a day care provider for 11 years. Over those years, she shared her creativity with over a dozen families. She was an avid gardener, a proficient woodworker, and she
Arlene W. Arnzen
Arlene W. Arnzen, 81, of St. Rosa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, March 11, 2023, at her home near St. Rosa.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 15, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa with the Rev. Daniel Walz officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation was 4-7 p.m., March 14, and will be 9:4510:45 a.m., March 15, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa.
Arlene was born June 3, 1941, to Henry and Loretta Middendorf. She was united in marriage to Gerald Arnzen Sept. 2, 1959, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. Together, they raised their family and farmed until they retired in 1996.
Arlene lost the love of her life Oct. 22, 2016.
Arlene was an active member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church where she taught religion for many years, was a member of the Christian Mothers and St. Loretta’s Mission Circle and sang in the church choir. Arlene enjoyed sewing quilt, playing cards, casino trips, cooking and baking. Her cookies will be missed by all of her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
Arlene had a heart of gold. There was nothing better for her than spending time with her family and friends. She was always the first to help anyone in need, bring
Mothers and St. Stanislaus Church choir for many years.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Duane (Rose) Kroll and Joyce (Dave) Matsuoka; stepchildren Pat (Ivan) Baggenstoss, Kathleen Ohotto and Tom (Mary) Ringwelski; sister Hilaria Rader; grandchildren Christopher, Nicholas, Amy (John), Jane (Brian), Casey (Tim), Joe, Dana (Tanner), Sara (Jon), DesiRae (Tim), TJ (Danielle), Matthew and Carlee; stepgrandchildren Erin (Aaron), Ben (Rachael), Meghan, Matt and Molly (Isaac); and many greatgrandchildren.
Annella is preceded in death by her parents, first husband Leo Kroll, second husband Joseph Ringwelski and brothers William and Anthony Kopka. A heartfelt thank you to Serenity Village and Moments Hospice for their tender care of Annella.
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Freeport Fire Chief Andy Grieve shared a heartfelt story during the annual fire service meeting Feb 28 at Freeport City Hall.
During the early morning of Feb. 23, Freeport firefighters provided mutual aid, working alongside Melrose and Sauk Centre firefighters, at a house fire in Meire Grove, during the height of a snowstorm.
“You know how every department says they have the best department? Well, we really do,” he said.
He explained Freeport firefighters were in the basement
where “all the water goes.” Water filled their boots, and they needed to warm up, so they left the basement, but they went right back in after dealing with those issues. He sent a few guys back to the fire hall with depleted air packs. Hours later the rest of the firefighters returned to the fire hall to the smell of food cooking. They guys who left the fire earlier had prepared a breakfast of pizza and chicken nuggets for fellow firefighters.
“Hats off to my guys on the department,” Grieve said. “I’m pretty proud of the guys.”
Earlier, during the 25-minute fire service meeting, the 2023 budget was approved, which called for a 4% increase, going from $195,030 to $207,442. During a financial presentation by Ashley Feldewerd, the city’s consultant from Abdo Financial Solutions, she explained the increase is due
to higher fuel and insurance costs, among other things.
The Freeport Fire Department provides service to the cities of Freeport, St. Rosa and St. Anthony and Oak, Millwood, Krain and Albany townships, who had representatives at the meeting.
The department responded to 76 calls in 2022, down from a high of 108 calls in 2022. Of the 76 calls, 56 were rescues, 15 were fires and five were mutual aid.
Grieve updated the group on the purchase of a new 4-wheel drive rescue van ordered last year, saying delivery has been delayed, with an anticipated arrival date in 2024. He said the department received generous donations for this purchase.
“We have nice support from townships and the towns,” he said. “Thank you, everyone, for that.”
enjoyed sketching and painting on canvas. She was a member of St. Boniface Church from the time she and Clarence moved to Cold Spring. She was a dedicated church and senior center volunteer. She wrote short stories and published her first children’s book – For the Love of Max – based on her beloved beagle, Max.
Joyce ended life just as she lived it – on her terms. She chose to donate her body to the University of Minnesota for study as part of the effort to help others not go through what she did with such a debilitating disease.
She will be greatly missed by all her loving family and friends.
Joyce’s family will be hosting a Celebration of Life open house from 1-3 p.m., Saturday, May 20, at their home, 1007 First St. S., in Cold Spring.
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over a meal or just be there to listen. Her faith in God gave her amazing strength through her many medical issues over the years.
Arlene is survived by her children, John (Lillian) Arnzen, Bonnie (Mark) Stangler, Henry Arnzen, Mike (Beth) Arnzen, Fred (Linda) Arnzen, all of St. Rosa, and Julie (Jerry) Engelmeyer of Merrifield; sisters Mary Ann Butkowski, Viola Meyer, Kathy (Kenny) Thomas and Harriet Froelich; brothers Lornie and David (Jan) Middendorf; 15 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; her parents, Henry and Loretta Middendorf; and brothers Walter, Willie, Connie and Eddie Middendorf.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.
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The Albany Park Board supports development of a North Park master plan.
The advisory group wants further evaluation of a proposed pedestrian trail design.
Albany park board chairman Sonya Hoffarth and board member Ross Voit have recommended the city’s engineering firm clearly identify design alternatives.
A 10-foot path along the eastern boundary of North Lake abutting Highway 238 would connect North Park to an existing Lake Avenue and First Street sidewalk. Stantec’s evaluation would not exceed $8,000, said city engineer Jeremy Mathiasen.
The park board also recommended scheduling a North Park site visit master park plan workshop and developing a potential schedule for exploratory soil borings. The Albany City Council is scheduled to review both recommendations during its Wednesday, March 15, meeting.
Bryan Schiffler, Albany Chrysler Center dealer and owner, and a group recently identified as Friends of the North Park have proposed the trail would be privately funded by donations or inkind services.
Schiffler and other community members have also suggested new amenities for North Lake Park.
The Albany Park Board met March 8 to discuss a preliminary layout for a proposed trail that would be built on the west side of Highway 238.
That design work showed potential impacts to the east lake shoreline.
“This is a high-level first look,” Mathiasen said. “The next
step is looking at finite details.”
A discussion is needed with the Minnesota Department of Transportation about a possible speed zone change to 30-35 mph near North Park, he said.
The park board agreed work should continue to explore the use of retaining walls, railings, sections of floating or elevated boardwalk in addition to a guardrail.
A North Park master plan would help identify the amenities that are most important to the community.
Mathiasen said the plan would include estimated construction and maintenance costs and a phasing plan.
The process would include the park board, council, the Friends of the North Park and Stantec.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources would be consulted regarding its existing park agreements with the city.
“We did have a meeting with the DNR and Stearns County,” Mathiasen said. “They didn’t say this plan wouldn’t work. It will be challenging and take a lot of work.”
Frank Haynes attended the meeting as a Friends of the North Park representative.
He said the community group has been pro-active about the proposed North Park trail and North Park amenities.
“We really want to keep moving ahead,” Haynes said. “We are very willing to take this on and follow all of the processes if something is approved.”
Schiffler said if the pedestrian trail around Highway 238 becomes a reality, the group wants to make sure it is looking at the big
Earlier this week, Goebel asked Pelkey about that funding and how much was left.
“Do you still have enough of that for snow removal?” Goebel said.
Pelkey replied, “We do for what we currently have to move. We’ve only spent $1,200 to $1,400. I think we are OK. We’ve been loading trucks for Lange’s. That’s saving $110 an hour.”
Pelkey told city leaders his department’s diesel fuel budget has taken a serious hit.
“We’ve had to fill the diesel tank four or five times in the last month-and-a-half because of loader and skid loader use and the work we’ve been doing to push, pile and move snow,” he said. “You can only budget so much. It’s really getting depleted.”
picture and what makes sense.
“A comprehensive plan is more than cleaning up brush by the shoreline,” Schiffler said. “We put a bunch of things on a preliminary planning map to try and stimulate initial conservation. We agree that there were too many ballfields in what was planned. We don’t need them. A soccer field is definitely needed.”
Voit was concerned about the city building unused citizen-suggested park amenities.
“We built a skate park.” Voit said. “It’s just sitting there. We have trees that are 85 to 100 years old in North Park. What town would not love all of this green space?”
Schiffler said his group believes there is “very underutilized” green space in the park.
“If we add a few things, especially with the school coming to the hospital site, younger families will come,” he said. “Our thinking is creating a long-term plan.”
Voit suggested a park tour after the snow melts.
“It’s very hard to envision anything right now because of all of the snow,” he said.
Schiffler didn’t see that need. He replied, “Ninety-five percent of us here have been in that park 100 times.”
Voit said it was important to pinpoint low points and elevations within the park.
Mathiasen agreed with Voit.
“If you start talking about where you are going to build structures, what are the soils underneath the surface? If you can wait until the snow is gone, you can get soil samples done. We need to know what’s down there,” he said.
The Albany Jaycees previously have stated city property taxes would not increase if the trail is built or the park improved because the Jaycees could provide funding for future maintenance, similar to other projects the organization has done in Albany.
Dalton Herzog represented the Albany Jaycees at the March 8 park board meeting. He pressed Hoffarth, Voit and City Clerk/ Administrator Tom Schneider to continue with the park planning process prior to the previously suggested park tour.
“Could you do some other work between now and then, maybe? Not doing anything is a bunch of wasted time,” Herzog said.
“Don’t hold off until the snow melts,” he added.
“We need to know what the community wants,” Hoffarth replied. “We need to know what we have funding to do. It’s difficult to move forward with question marks.”
Schiffler did agree with a previous master planning discussion point made by Voit.
“Ross is right,” Schiffler said. “The last thing we want to do is build something that no one will use. We are just trying to throw out a bunch of ideas, and ask if any of it makes sense. We’d like to hear what the park board likes and doesn’t like.”
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 18, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church 4-8 p.m., Friday, March 17, and starting at 9:30 a.m., March 18, before Mass. Interment will take place at Seven Dolors Parish Cemetery. H-11-1F
I’m part of a digital chat group of mothers of freshmen at Hallie’s university. This group includes mothers from across the country.
This week, one of our members, from a much warmer southern state, asked how we, experienced Minnesotans, handle such a late spring. She said her son managed his first Minnesota winter fine – through about February. But come March and, as she put it, “spring’s late arrival this year,” her son is struggling.
Good thing this group is digital, because I’m afraid my initial reaction wasn’t so helpful. My eyes got wide, my head swayed back and forth, and the “Oh, Honey” that escaped my mouth would not have assuaged her concern over her son.
But really, “Oh, Honey,” here in Minnesota, this is not a late spring. And the comments that collected on the page echoed that message. Here in the north, spring isn’t late until it’s May. We offered helpful advice, though, which reiterated a similar theme: we plow ahead with spring anyway, despite the need to continue pushing snow out of our way. The snowman decor and pine bough wreaths in my home have been replaced with pastel bunny gnomes and a brightly blooming Flaming Katy spring plant.
Spring sports started at Albany High School on Monday. Never mind we’re hitting softballs and fielding grounders in the gym. The track team is running sprints on the indoor track. And with our basketball teams’ success this year, we’re all jockeying for gym space, hanging around school until almost bedtime waiting for our time slot. Which is fine with a late spring. It gives us something to do, I guess.
Despite the piles of snow, I pulled out my seedling tray and package of soil. My kids didn’t love that I used the popcorn bowl to mix the dry soil with water, but they
helped poke little pepper seeds, cabbage seeds and morning glory seeds into the dirt. Heating pads and lamps substitute for spring weather. We know spring is a good six to eight weeks out, but we’re trying to force it anyway. Rather than complain about the heavy snow this time of year, we’re trying to embrace the warmer weather while shoveling – every other day it seems. However, our backs are tired.
Ryan and I have never owned a snow blower, claiming that shoveling keeps us young and fit. It seems, however, we are not quite as young and fit as we used to be – and the snow piles around our driveway are much taller than they used to be. But the temperatures haven’t been below zero – we here in Minnesota might call that spring.
Our snow shovels are nearing their last scoops too. One handle is only precariously attached and the other shovel has lost the blade across the front. Maybe when the shovels give out so will the snow.
Our dogs are doing their part to hurry spring along. They’ve discovered if they bring the snow into the house, it melts. So, they are busy leaping and plowing through snowbanks, filling their long fur with snowballs. And then they bring it into the house, where it indeed melts.
Ryan says it’s just another sign of spring: it’s a bit warmer, so the dogs spend more time outside caking themselves with snow, bringing as much into the house as they can.
They’re certainly doing their part to hurry spring along. Right with my little seedlings, which are indoors; our spring sports practices, which also are indoors; and our spring decor, also indoors.
We might be busy pushing snow out of our way outside, but inside signs of spring abound.
Here’s hoping Mother Nature gets the memo soon.
Magnets and magnetism have intrigued people for centuries.
Stories are told of their use in magic shows, healing and science. A century ago, they were essential to the development and affordability of various products as the 20th century unfolded. They are still used in products today.
Today, it is rare not to purchase some handheld device, small tool or toy that does not have the words “batteries not included.” That was not always the case. Before the prevalence of those small, easily replaceable batteries, telephones, some toys and even motors relied on a magnetic product, specifically magnetos – and people knew their importance. A regular ad in 1923 Holdingford Advertiser issues was for repairing and recharging “all makes of magnetos” at Mike Cipala’s Battery and Electric Shop. Ads noted the business had a new magneto magnetizer.
Those services were needed. A magneto is an electrical generator using magnets to produce alternating current. That electricity was used to power telephones and provided the first really reliable ignition system in automobiles. Magnetos had first been demonstrated in the 1830s and, by the 1900s, they were used in helping to start automotive engines. When people crank dialed a telephone, or cranked the engine of a vehicle, they were using magnetos to generate electricity to help run those items.
By the 1920s, magnetos were part of many modern machines. Occasionally, they quit working. Repairing a
Listen up, kids. Here’s the deal. If you ever want a free meal, call your mother or maybe your father and tell them you are coming over for supper. More than likely they will get right at it with an extra kick in their step to prepare a good, old fashioned, homemade meal complete with mashed potatoes, gravy and some kind of meat. If they don’t immediately jump at the idea, then you have been living at home too long and it’s time to move out.
We know. Cooking for one or two is not easy, nor is it always fun. Often, we skip the balanced meal for something quick and relaxed even though we have more time to prepare it than we ever did when we had the kids at home. The air fryer is a new best friend. Throw in a few chicken nuggets, a half dozen or so veggie tots and, bam, dinner is served.
There is also the frying pan, which gets left on the stove a lot these days. One night, we might throw together an omelet, the next fill it with butter for a grilled cheese sandwich. We have even gone to using the quesadilla fryer for our own mini pizzas. And, where once upon a time, I would never have been caught eating a salad, now I think a bunch of lettuce covered with colorful toppings makes for a pretty good meal.
As long as we are serving ourselves. Call us up and invite yourself over for dinner and all this changes. Soon dirty pots and pans are lying all over the place. The bills and craft items that had been taking up space on the dinner table get replaced with dishes, cups and silverware. All the noises are turned off on the phones and television. The kitchen becomes again what it is supposed to be, a kitchen.
When we moved to New Munich more than three years ago already, one of the reasons was to be closer to Barb’s parents. Her dad, Romie, has since passed on, but at the time, they were both getting older and whether we wanted to visit more often or just be around to help out if needed, being closer was better. Now, as Barb’s mother, Bernice, is alone, we try to visit more often, and she is always glad to see us.
The other night I asked Barb to tell her mom we were coming over for supper. She said it made her day. I remember back in our early married days, we would spend the night at the cabin or at the home in town and after church on Sunday morning we would go out for breakfast. Of course, Romie always wanted to pay. I wasn’t always comfortable with that because I didn’t grow up going out to eat for breakfast, nor did I want someone else paying for my meal. As parents ourselves now, all that has changed.
Now I, too, tell our kids to come out to breakfast or lunch with us. Invite yourself over for dinner. One day we may be gone and have nothing left to give them. Besides, it makes our day, as well. Enjoying a meal together and getting to play with the grandkids is worth it to us. And we don’t care if you are uncomfortable with a free meal or if you have realized that we are bribing you with food.
In this whole big world, there is still something for free.
magneto was an art. Even today, various videos show the right way and warn of the wrong way to repair them. The magnet in them would in time lose their polarity and had to be recharged. That is where the magnetizers came into play. They were used to place the polarity back into a magnet making it magnetic again and able to function as a producer of electricity.
Magnetos were affordably made, easily installed and easy to repair.
During World War II, more than 60% of the U.S. Army aircraft used a magneto made by Bendix Magnetos. They still are a popular device for providing energy to airplane engines.
Even today, they have a role in modern life. Many boats, lawn mowers and recreation vehicles still have magnetos.
With the streamlining of modern electrical devices and better designed, longer lasting and safer batteries, the dependence on magnetos and their need to be maintained has slowed. Similar brands and styles to those Cipala worked on are sought by restorers of systems of yesteryear or used as examples of magnetic power or electricity generated by magnets.
Today, similar to over a century ago in Holdingford and in other communities, the magneto serves as a tool that can attract people – and help them be amazed by the power of a magnet.
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Pondview Estates, 334 Golfview Drive, Albany 320-845-4070 – March 15-22
Wednesday: Chicken alfredo, vegetables, mandarin oranges and breadstick.
Thursday: Pork chop, scalloped potatoes, peas/carrots, fruit cocktail and bread.
Friday: Crab cake, baby red potatoes, broccoli/cauliflower, peaches and bread.
Monday: Rib patty, scalloped potatoes, peas, sliced apples and bread.
Tuesday: Cook choice special of the day.
Wednesday: Special of the day.
Menu items are subject to change. Congregate senior dining is open, but call to register. If no answer, leave a detailed message, name and phone number
Newspaper for the cities of Albany, Avon, Freeport, Melrose and Holdingford; Independent School Districts 745, 738 and 740; surrounding townships.
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ISSN: Print: 2834-5916 Online: 2834-5924
To qualify for the A honor roll, students must achieve a grade point average of 3.667 or above. To qualify for the B honor roll, students must achieve a grade point average between 3.0 and 3.666. The following students have achieved their respective distinctions:
Grade 6: Kylie Baker, Gavin J. Berscheit, Sydney R. Beuning, Christian J. Cansino Rendon, Itzel Chisco Guerrero, Fernando Cortes Medina, Ares W. Enright, Luis Gonzalez Torres, Anelie R. Gonzalez, Allyson Hernandez Montanez, Aiylah A. Honkomp, Ethan E. Johnson, Elise M. Klassen, Anna Kohout, Abigail M. Koltes, Alexandria A. LaForge, Bryan Ley, Lydia Malchow, David D. Martinez Martinez, Evan R. Meyer, Melody Morelos, Eleanor V. Piche, Landon G. Ramirez, Beatrice R. Sakry, Daniel J. Sundermann, Jackson J. Toenyan and Emma M. Zamora Nava.
Grade 7: Anthony S. Abonce Aguilar, Autumn R. Austing, Ezekiel J. Beek, Allyson M. Borgerding, Everardo J. Botello, Juan Botello, Landon M. Bueckers, Lesley Chavez Ramirez, Lola S. Dusha, Brecken J. Elfering, Faye Ellering, Mason D. Feldewerd, Sam K. Feldewerd, Annika L. Frieler, Jocelyn Garcia Botello, Brooke M. Goihl, Owen B. Greeley, Aria L. Hammond, Westin R. Hellermann, Abby C. Herkenhoff, Rafael Hernandez Juarez, Jesus Hernandez Vega, Ava H. Hollenkamp, Thor J. Hoppe, Isaiah J. Hutchinson, Luke Johnson, Reece E. Klaphake, Tyler Klaphake, Wyatt J. Klaphake, Emalee Klasen, Giselle Lira Jaurigui, Cooper W. Ludwig, Salvador Martinez Olarte, Anika R. Maus, Jaelyn J. Mayers, Dillan A. Mejia, Nolan Myers, Kelli G. Pundsack, Juana J. Ramirez Juarez, Celia J. Schoenberg, Khloe M. Schwieters, Tyler A. Stoermann, Lee D. Sutton, Edmund Terres, Colton R. Thull, Tanner E. Toenyan, Hermione Torres Munoz, Liberty Tschida, Reese C. Tschida, Tucker T. Utsch, Jenavieve M. Van Beck, Greta E. Von Wahlde, Hannah E. Welle, Elli Zimmer and Sydney M. Zink.
Grade 8: Madison R. Ainali, Chase B. Anderson, Ty M. Anderson, Anika R. Berscheit, Brynn K. Berscheit, Kendall L. Beuning, Avery A. Braegelmann, Eric J. Braun, Madison J. Duevel, Marshall J. Dufner, Freja A. Enright, Ella Erdmann, Josie M. Eveslage, Monika J. Frericks, Elaina D. Frieler, Maggie K. Frieler, Aubrey M. Funk, Isaiah H. Gilk, Elyse A. Hellermann, Zoe E. Hoeschen, Sophia Kasper, Abby R. Klaphake, Ella R. Klaphake, Hailey J. Klaphake, Annabelle A. Lester, Maria G. Martinez Martinez, Mckenna V. Mueller, Nina S. Prout, Nicole Rademacher, Lizbeth Raya Ambriz, Parker J. Revermann, Kyan G. Roering, Molly C. Rue, Levi T. Scherping, Casey R. Schmiesing, Alexis C. Solaja-Beste, Paige A. Stommes, Weston J. Van Havermaet, Chloe A. Viere, Rachel E. Welle, Ava R. Williams, Braden Zimmer and Noah T. Zink.
Grade 9: Melissa A. Ambriz, Jorja J. Canfield, Addison R. Christenson, Terry J. Clinton, Matthew T. Dehmer, Teague R. Dusha, Riley E. Elfering, Benjamin R. Feldewerd, Allison Fiedler, Nolan J. Fleischhacker, Raelyn M. Frieler, Jada K. Gettel, Jenna Greeley, Hailey M. Hammond, Elizabeth A. Hellermann, Gretta M. Hellermann, Mara M. Hollenkamp, Savannah R. Honkomp, Allie A. Hoppe, Logan H. Kelzer, Kaitlyn Klasen, Krista E. Klasen, Maddison K. Kraemer, Isabella R. Kuechle, Ramona M. Lurken-Tvrdik, Noah O. Moening, Tyler L. Nathe, Annie M. Olberding, Gladys M. Olson, James M. Rieland, Brinley C. Ritter, Brooke M. Ruoff, Emily E. Sand, Sophia L. Schmiesing, Egan J. Schmoll, Gabbriella R. Schoenberg, Brynn P. Shaw, Andrue
T. Stalboerger, Eric J. Sundermann, Carson J. Theiler, Stacy A. Timp, Izabel S. Van Beck, Ava M. Wensmann and Bailey R. Wiechmann.
Grade 10: Ian J. Baysinger, Nadia G. Berscheit, Aubrey A. Braegelmann, Caraline A. Braun, Jenna L. Butkowski, Elli J. Dockendorf, Ema Feldewerd, Francisco S. Fernandez Martinez, Dan H. Frericks, Ellie M. Grieve, Malachite G. Grimstad, Shantel R. Gruber, Olivia R. Harren, Grace C. Herdering, Brandon M. Hingeveld, Maria B. Hinnenkamp, Mick P. Hinnenkamp, Gretta Kasper, Danica H. Kerzman, Brooke J. Klaphake, Wyatt Malchow, Addison M. Maus, Camilla R. McCormick, Malachi J. Piche, Lydia R. Prout, Derick J. Rademacher, David Raya Ambriz, Anessa D. Redepenning, Brandon L. Revering, Connor K. Revermann, Camryn L. Roering, Emma A. Rohe, Logan B. Rue, Logan T. Schad, Meadow Schaefer, Jaiden I. Smith, Daniel R. Spanier, Olivia C. Van Beck, Charles F. Wehlage, Samuel Wehlage, Nathan Welle and Timothy R. Wilwerding.
Grade 11: Fermin Abonce Juarez, Jessica Abonce, Connor M. Anderson, Mia M. Anderson, Alexis L. Baumann, Alea M. Berscheit, Anthony Berscheit, Avery K. Birch, Amelia M. Brower, Carla J. Buerger, Jose S. Delgado Menjivar, Breydon W. Dobmeier, Hallie M. Drossel, Kaylee K. Ellering, Austin Engelmeyer, Connor R. Engelmeyer, Bryanne N. Feldewerd, Kendra M. Funk, Gabrielle E. Goebel, Ryan A. Herdering, Alexander Hernandez Juarez, Hannah Hoppe, Isabelle K. Jaenicke, Jonathon J. Job, Benjamin D. Kloth, Jasmine Martinez Botello, Lorena Morales Roblero, Enoc Morelos Montanez, Ria Nelson, Anna R. Neu, Miguel Nicolas Gomez, Autumn J. Oevermann, Jessica Pohlmann, Kayidance R. Pohlmann, Tia Primus, Faith L. Rasmussen, Emma M. Revermann, Isaac J. Rosenberger, Olivia M. Schmiesing, Jackson J. Seanger, Leah Seanger, Alyssa L. Stordahl, Alexa Toenyan, Andrew Traeger, Talli J. Utsch, Eddie A. Wenker and Makayla S. Zirbes.
Grade 12: Kaylee J. Allen, Courtney R. Althaus, Madison S. Baysinger, Kaydence S. Bertram, Gretchen V. Braun, Gabrielle K. Butkowski, Cole T. Chellgren, Lauren A. Dehmer, Natalie P. Enright, Fernando Estrella Becerra, Ethan M. Frieler, Paige M. Gruber, Makenna E. Heidgerken, Eleanor F. Heller, Grant J. Hellermann, Bridgette M. Hingeveld, Janessa K. Hoeschen, Philip D. Job, Austin J. Kelzer, Madisyn K. Kerzman, Jamie A. Klasen, Reagan L. Mueller, Marco Novelo Morales, Devin M. Orbeck, Audrey M. Peifer, Kendra M. Primus, Kari A. Rademacher, Xavier A. Ramirez, Emily A. Rieland, Carter A. Roerick, Kathryn M. Rohe, Tanner H. Sand, Eleanor L. Schwieters, William R. Sjogren, Adeline M. Stalboerger, Abigail S. Welle and Adam H. Wilwerding.
Grade 6: Angel Abonce Juarez, Emeli Ambriz Delgado, Mason R. Bailey, Kaylee M. Bauer, Oriana J. Bennett, Addison H. Borgerding, Evelin Botello Parra, Corbyn C. Bruflat, Liem J. Bublitz, Paiten T. Bushman, Whitney A. Butler, Fatima L. Chavez, Sophia L. Dosch, Isabella M. Escorcia, Yanicsa Y. Felix Munoz, Levani V. Morelos, Ashley Orozco Melena, Emily Ortiz Acosta, Brianna Raya Ambriz, Macy L. Reed, Brooke E. Schwieters, Griffin M. Thieschafer and Tyious L. Wolbeck.
Grade 7: Sebastian Abonce Garcia, Oliver E. Anima, Jacob Boeckers, Landon W. Clear, Fae R. Duevel, Johnathan A. Ettel, Wyatt Feldewerd, Cole D. Fiedler, Gabrielle S. Finken, Elaine A. Herkenhoff, Estefania Hernandez Becerra, Jisell
Hernandez Montanez, Grace A. Hinnenkamp, Emmett Hoffner, Makenzy R. Karnes, Dakota B. Kasten, Carter E. Kelzer, Claire M. Pflipsen, Tyler A. Rakotz, Aubrey A. Ritter, Trinity Robideaux, Mariana Y. Rodriguez Valencia, Aiden Sand, Eve M. Shaw, Keonna R. Shelton, Alex J. Spanier, Henry J. Stalboerger, Landon M. Terres, Nathan J. Toenyan, Noah E. Toenyan and Kendra M. Worms.
Grade 8: Anthony Abonce, Marydiana Barragan Montoya, Madison N. Becker, Brayden K. Blonigen, Katie L. Bueckers, Kevin Diaz Fernandez, Isaac D. Feldewerd, Jackson J. Frieler, Cole I. Funk, Lydia L. Gieske, Avery M. Gilk, Taya
G. Gysberg, Angelica L. Hennen, Dominic J. Hoppe, Morgan
R. Housman, Peyton A. Job, Shaun D. Johnson, Maverick G. Kulzer, Victoria M. LaForge, Lariah R. Lamberson, Carlie
M. Mader, Brooklynn M. McChesney, Mya K. Nathe, Olivia
G. Nathe, Matthew K. Niehoff, Theodore J. Poepping, William S. Redepenning, Lauren A. Reed, Zachary B. Rieland, Katalina G. Rios Rosario, Sulmi M. Salgado Cardenas, Aldo Sanchez Orozco, Estacy Sanchez Rivera, Alaina P. Schleper, Mathew J. Stalboerger, Sullivan A. Stumler, Blake M. Tomford, Jack K. Tschida, Fernanda Vazquez Ruiz, Maximilian D. Welle and Hudson P. Wirtjes.
Grade 9: Georgia R. Anderson, Austin J. Bjostad, Eddie K. Dickhaus, Zachary W. Feldewerd, Ethan H. Fischer, Alaysia Gerads, Jeremiah L. Goebel, Mia R. Harren, Tyler M. Herdering, Addison A. Kemper, Aidan G. Kluempke, Ruby G. Ludwig, Alejandro Martinez Montanez, Pamela Martinez Montanez, Linsey A. Martinez, Jackson S. Mayers, Zachary J. Nelson, Ariana L. Olmscheid, Jada I. Rausch, Kallie J. Schleper, Martin M. Schmitz, Claire Seanger, Ava G. Smith, Dylan J. Stangler, Thatcher N. Van Beck and Madisyn T. Von Wahlde.
Grade 10: Alexis D. Ambriz Becerra, Miguel Ambriz Botello, Olivia A. Bauer, Lauryn Beuning, Turner Beuning, Tyler E. Botello, Wendy Carrillo Juarez, Kai E. Enright, Grant Eveslage, Owen E. Funk, Ryan R. Gysberg, Yasli Jimenez Pesqueda, Dominic W. Kerzman, Katherin L. Lara Carmona, Maricela Lopez Ajtun, Emerson Malchow, Jose A. Marquez-Bierschbach, Elvis R. Menjivar Velasco, Wesley Montanez Tapia, Logan J. Olmscheid, Kendra J. Orozco Martinez, Jack N. Schmiesing, Dominic C. Stommes, Audrey M. Waldvogel, Brooke M. Welle and Alex G. Wilwerding.
Grade 11: Travis K. Ahrens, Natalie Ambriz Botello, Macie M. Bauer, Aurora L. Bjostad, Trevor J. Blonigen, Yohelly N. Botello Rodriguez, Esabel I. Braun, Maria G. Cervantes Cardona, Macy R. Davis, Jose J. De los Santos Morales, Kaleb D. Frieler, Sawyer E. Frieler, Natalee L. Hoffner, Lila
K. Kimmes, Austin T. Kulzer, Tania L. Martinez Montanez, Megan A. Martinez, Ruth Montanez, Estuardo R. Morales Roblero, Daniel J. Mueller, Theresia J. Nathe, Alfonso Novelo Morales, Drew Pundsack, Isabelle T. Quistorff, Katelynn
M. Toenyan, Leslie A. Vargas, Maxwell J. Wehlage, Blaise
N. Welle and Daniel J. Zamora.
Grade 12: Jesse A. Ambriz, Jayden A. Danzl, Jayda L. Davis, Patricia de la Cruz Ajqui, Eduardo A. Diaz, Jack B. Ellering, Jake M. Feldewerd, Rylee A. Feldewerd, Jazmin
E. Finken, Kailey L. Finken, Alex W. Frericks, Ian K. Funk, Kevin Galicia, Elver I. Garcia Morente, Isabella D. Harren, Lathan S. Hinnenkamp, Zoe G. Hinnenkamp, Avery J. Kraemer, Madelyn M. Kuechle, Kaeden O. Malchow, Kayla G. Meyer, Anthony B. Montanez Martinez, Kaylee M. Nathe, Carlos Pacheco Lopez, Paige L. Poepping, Katrina A. Price, Freddy Raya Garcia, Austin W. Reuter, Eli R. Revering, Gor
P. Ruey, Alyssa M. Scherping and Julia M. Toenyan.
To qualify for the A honor roll, students must achieve a grade point average of 3.667 or above. To qualify for the B honor roll, students must achieve a grade point average between 3.0 and 3.666. The following students have achieved their respective distinctions:
Grade 7: Theodore M. Auer, Grant Boeckermann, Jax Buersken, Emily L. Dillenburg, Madelyn M. Engebretson, Caleb F. Frie, Jacob E. Frie, Logan R. Funk, Cassandra E. Gertken, Seth A. Hartung, Max H. Hommerding, Austin B. Huls, Lyla A. Huls, Phoenix M. Ihli, Sam Keul, Alex H. Klemmer, Rylie L. Kotzer, Caleb J. Kurtz, Kira Lancour, Lauren K. Maciej, Melissa Montanez Martinez, Blayden Nierenhausen, Jax K. Patrick, Madelyn E. Philippi, Dawson T. Rudser, Jayda R. Skroch, Cheyenne L. Sobania, Taylor Strandberg, Coleton S. Streit, Quin M. Swanson, Maiya S. Swenson, Joel Theis, Annaliese Volkers, Kiely K. Warga and Chase Winkelman.
Grade 8: Gabriella Applegate, Ella J. Bensen, Paige Binsfeld, Claire J. Christen, Maria B. Christensen, Kendra L. Doll, William Eichten, Madalynn A. Gallus, Paige Gardner, Lily M. Gerads, Maggie M. Gross, Ava D. Hagerty, Neila M. Hartung, Dawson J. Hofer, Kaylee Horsch, John J. Klemmer, Casey J. Knettel, Hailey L. Kotzer, Grant A. Krattenmaker, Carly M. Mitchell, Kaiya N. Myogeto, Elizabeth Odden, Callie Pekarek, Ella R. Pilarski, Eleanor Pogatshnik, Carson M. Reis, Anna M. Revermann, Ava Roske, Sophie C. Schlichting, Brody Ulik, Bennett J. Winkelman and Abigail Woitalla.
Grade 9: Simon M. Boeckman, Rilee E. Breth, Gabrielle Bruns, Angelika G. Diakite, Devon G. Engebretson, Makenna L. Fiedler, Makadence K. Gallus, Marcus D. Gerads, Broden R. Gustafson, Kenzie R. Harren, Emily J. Hartung, Elizabeth A. Haskamp, Emily L. Heinen, Jenna R. Huls, Trevor J. Johannes, Emma R. Kobernusz, Caleb R. Krattenmaker, Brooklyn M. Kuklok, Rachel R. Kuklok, Brant B. Kurtz, Mason D. Lichy, Cameron M. Martini, Olivia R. Meyer, Katelyn R. Molus, Loretta L. Mrosla, Alexis Oberg, Cali A. Opatz, Masyn F. Patrick, Wyatt M. Pilarski, Bradley J. Revermann, Afton Scegura, Veronica R. Schefers, Aidah T. Schlueter, Haley Schroden, Madison C. Schroden, Wyatt Skwira, Emma I. Voigt, Samantha M. Volkers, Lexus L. Wilczek and Lexi Woitalla.
Grade 10: Mackenzie Applegate, Nolan V. Boeckermann, Cara L. Brenner, Eli J. Brinkman, Allison G. Feia, Alaynah J. Gronau, Carter J. Gross, Madeline M. Hartung, Noah M. Heitzman, Grayce P. Johnson, Kegan G. Klocker, Jordyn R. Kostreba, Korin J. Kostreba, Tristen Kunstleben, Chloe Lancour, Chase T. Lyon, Marissa L. Nienaber, Wyatt J. Novitzki, Annaliese M. Odden, Mateo Oller Blajot, Madison R. Olson, Emily J. Ottman, Logan D. Pappenfus, Morgan M. Pel-
lett, Gracie J. Philippi, Addison B. Pilarski, Allison R. Pyka, Alexis J. Reis, Grant A. Revermann, Samuel A. Ruprecht, Emmie L. Siltala, Damian Skwira, Brooke A. Soltis, Mckenna R. Streit, Sara Streit, Shailyn N. Welinski, Clara R. Wruck and Kitana J. Yorek.
Grade 11: Connor J. Breth, Paige N. Fiedler, Collin L. Friedrich, Leo J. Fussy, Gracelyn M. Gerads, Breanna R. Gertken, Erin E. Hartung, Makenna K. Hohbein, Dominick B. Hoikka, Kyrsten A. Huls, Kendall J. Isder, Lukas W. Jendro, Kendra R. Johannes, Hannah R. Kuklok, Drew G. Lange, Makayla M. Lenzen, Madison E. Mitchell, Jada K. Mosey, Lorraine C. Mrosla, Aubrie C. Opatz, Dierks M. Opatz, Jenna E. Pallow, Abril I. Parks, Aidan B. Pellett, Jadielyn E. Rudolph, Kirstyn M. Sand, Makenna Sparks, Annie E. Supan and Jaelyn Then.
Grade 12: Abby J. Barthel, Mekenna L. Bartkowicz, Grace M. Brady, Brooklyn I. Bruns, Nicole M. Buchta, Kelsey A. Doll, Tanner N. Eikmeier, Mariah I. Fiedler, Bethany M. Gerads, Marissa R. Hartung, Laina L Hoac, Melayna G. Huls, Elizabeth H. Lampert, Tyler M. Lemke, Connor J. Patrick, Ryder M. Petersen, Evan H. Peterson, Elias M. Philippi, Trista M. Popp, Lucas A. Provo, Ellie R. Sand, Blake M. Scegura, Aubrey Schlueter, Kendyll M. Soltis, Madilyn P. Stodolka, Abby J. Streit, Tanner J. Tomasek, Grace E. Woitalla, Maria Wruck, Madison M. Zehowski and Kyle J. Zeimetz.
Grade 7: Abbagail A. Bartkowicz, Kashton M. Black, Michael T. Breth, Sophie L. Hanson, Cole G. Helback, Tyson Koralewski, Carter Kubat, Allison J. Kuklok, Ryker H. Lange, Matthew Lex, Lydia T. Mrosla, Samuel D. Mrosla, Connor Opatz, Parker Opheim, Nora Pogatchnik, Samantha Popp, Claire M. Sakry, Elizabeth L. Schefers, Rory Skajewski, Brynn H. Thom, Sydney J. Tonn and Jack A. Wentland.
Grade 8: Reece R. Brinkman, Danica R. Brissett, Arayden
A. Chapman, Andrew G. D’incau, Mason M. Feia, Dylan R. Feld, Simon Gottwalt, Trenton J. Hartung, Brian L. Heitzman, Autumn F. Huls, Caden Kizer, Addison J. Klisch, Kylee Konsor, Andrew J. Novitzki, Noah J. Perowitz, Gage A. Raden, Cory R. Schefers, Dylan Strandberg, Austin Terpstra and Kamryn A. Then.
Grade 9: Jaxon J. Bartkowicz, Hayden T. Bechtold, Alissa R. Bengston, Ariel Brill, Katie A. Carlson, Grant Q. Donabauer, Jaden T. Ebnet, Macy L. Eisenschenk, Kyle J. Fiedler, Lindsay A. Ford, Emma K. Gertken, Sara J. Hanson, Trent W. Herges, Nathan A. Jendro, Maximilian G. Knettel, Mavrick T. Novitzki, Alexis A. Pallow, Tyler J. Panek, Dalton M. Posch, Lilian J. Puchalla, Kaylen A. Ronning, Brody R. Schmitz, Madelyn J. Skwira, Grace Stang, Makenna L. Stanoch, Nathan Streit, Eli M. Waddell, Christopher J. Wentland, Parker Westbrock and Jacob S. Worlie.
Grade 10: Chevelle L. Bauer, Kylie R. Breth, Lucas G. Breth, Precious T. Diakite, Kaden J. Eikmeier, Heather P. Feld, Garrett J. Frink, Brandon D. Hall, Aidan N. Heitzman, Alex T. Heitzman, Carter C. Helback, Russell T. Jensen, David C. Johnson, Addison R. Keul, Owen M. Klisch, Lucia L. Kroll, Phillip J. Lampert, Cory Lex, Nicole J. Notsch, Ruby J. Opatz, Benjamin D. Paggen, William J. Pilarski, Kylee M. Skwira, Lauren J. Soltis, Juliana Thran, Paytan R. Winter and Saoirse K. Woods.
Grade 11: Ellegra C. Booth, Ares A. Chapman, Alexis M. Czeck, Jack T. D’incau, Grace P. Doucet, Hunter A. Dubbin, Mya R. Glader, Jeffrey J. Hall, Blaise M. Hartung, David D. Heinen, Madeline Holmberg, Seth M. Johnson, Lindsey M. Klaphake, Braden W. Kuklok, Felicity Leblanc, Allen K. Leenerts, Evan D. Lichy, Meagan V. Lieser, Antanas Martinaitis, Alex M. Peltz, Peyton A. Rudolph, Dustin Schmitz, Nolan C. Streit, Carter C. Wunderlich and Ayla P. Young.
Grade 12: Coby J. Clear, Lamar A. Diakite, Izak K. Harlander, Gavin M. Johnson, Jacob S. Klein, Hailey G. Kubat, Ava J. Kuduk, Matthew L. Lehner, Cody M. Mckenzie, Elijah L. Nienaber, Chesney J. Phillipp, Katie K. Phillipp, Taylor J. Runge, Nicole S. Siltala, Samuel Skroch, Blake A. Welle and Kierston L. Wheat.
Two Albany Area Schools students displayed their art skills during a competition Feb. 11.
Grace Kreuzer and Rebekah Domke participated in Art Wars at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud.
Art Wars is an art competition among high school students from surrounding areas.
Students were given a prompt at the beginning of the hour in a specific media type. They then had an hour and a half to complete an artwork based on the prompt.
Students had access to college studio space, and all materials were provided by the St. Cloud State University art department.
Kreuzer and Domke got to choose two different media types to compete in. Kreuzer chose painting and pottery, and Domke painting and drawing.
The prompts were “lost childhood object” for painting, “book cover: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” for drawing and “functional beauty” for pottery.
“It was amazing to see what students could create in just an hour and a half,” Sarah Mendoza, Albany middle and high school visual arts specialist, who accompanied the Albany students to the competition.
There was an awards ceremony at the end of the day, and if students placed in the top four in their category they moved on to another round of competition at a later date.
Kreuzer placed fourth in the pottery category.
“We hope we can get more students to participate next year,” Mendoza said. “Fun was had by all.”
NOTICE
NOTICE The City of Melrose is seeking proposals from qualified firms to complete an update to the city’s comprehensive plan. The full RFP can be found on the City of Melrose website, https://www. cityofmelrose.com/ or by con-
City of New Munich
Notice of Hearing on Improvement
TO WHOM IT MAY CON-
CERN:
Notice is hereby given that the city council of New Munich will meet in the council chambers of the city hall at 7:00 p.m. on March 21, 2023, to consider the making of Improvement No. 2023-01, an improvement on Main Street between 250 feet north of 7th Avenue and the centerline of CSAH 30, by reconstruction, pursuant to Minn. Stat. §§ 429.011 to 429.111. The area proposed to
tacting Sheila Hellermann, City Planner: shellermann@ cityofmelrose.com. Submittals are due by Monday, March 27, 2023. Contact Sheila Hellermann with questions by email or phone (320) 256-1969 (direct line). P-11-1B
be assessed for such improvement is Main Street between 250 feet north of 7th Avenue and the centerline of CSAH 30. The estimated cost of the improvement is $1,192,000. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the hearing. Such persons as desire to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting.
Notice to St. Wendel Township
Important Information
Regarding Assessment and Classification of Property
This may affect your 2024 property taxes.
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Appeal and Equalization for St Wendel shall meet on, April 4, 2023, 9:30 - 10:00 am, at the St Wendel Township Hall. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor. If you believe the value or
CITY OF NEW MUNICH
BOX 313
NEW MUNICH MN 56356
NOTICE
classification of your property is incorrect, please contact the county assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. If you disagree with the valuation or classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the local Board of Appeal and Equalization. The board will review your assessments and may make corrections as needed. Generally, you must appeal to the local board before appealing to the county board of appeal and equalization.
Renee Salzer St Wendel Township Clerk P-11-1B
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, The Melrose Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on Monday, March 27, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Melrose City Center, for the purpose of giving consideration to a Zoning Ordinance Amendment proposed to amend the text of the City of Melrose Zoning Ordinance No.1989-1-A, as adopted with amendments, in the Melrose Code of Ordinances in Section 211.06 (1) (1.3) requiring standing seam profiled metal and concealed fasteners on residences when using metal roofing materials.
A copy of the current zoning ordinance is on file with the Planning and Zoning Department, Melrose City Center, 225 1st St NE, Melrose MN 56352 and is available for review during normal business hours.
All interested persons are invited to attend this hearing or submit written testimony prior to the hearing date, either in support of or in opposition to amending this ordinance. Written testimony should be sent to the Planning and Zoning Department, Melrose City Center, 225 1st St NE, Melrose MN 56352. Dated this 8th day of March 2023.
– CITY PLANNERSHEILA HELLERMANN
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
P-11-1B
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, The Melrose Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Melrose City Center for the purpose of giving consideration to the request of the City of Melrose for a Conditional Use Permit on Parcel No. 66.36458.0020.
The Conditional Use Permit would allow improvements to be made to the existing restroom on the south side of the Sauk River Park in accordance with Section 310.04 (1) of Zoning Ordinance No. 1989-1-A as adopted with amendments by the Melrose Code of Ordinances.
The parcel is legally described as That part of the NW1/4 SW1/4 and SW1/4 SW1/4 of Section 35, Township 126, Range 33, Stearns County, Minnesota which lies northerly of the centerline of the Sauk River; and which lies east of Fifth Avenue East; City of Melrose; and which lies east of Clark’s Addition; less and except the following described tract; Beginning at the southeast corner of Lot 7 of Block 58 of said Clark’s Addition; thence southerly; along the southerly extension of the east line of said Lot 7; 96.25 feet; thence westerly; parallel with the south line of said Lot 7; 300.00 feet; to the southwest corner of said Lot 7; thence northerly; along the west line of said Lot 7; 96.25 feet; to the northwest corner of said Lot 7; thence easterly; along the north line of said Lot 7; 300.00 feet; to the point of beginning.
A copy of the proposed request is on file with the Planning and Zoning Department, Melrose City Center, 225 1st St NE, Melrose MN 56352 and is available for review during normal business hours.
All interested persons are invited to attend this hearing or submit written testimony prior to the hearing date, either in support of or in opposition to the request. Written testimony should be sent to the Planning and Zoning Department, Melrose City Center, 225 1st St NE, Melrose MN 56352.
Dated this 10th day of March, 2023 at the City of Melrose, Minnesota.
SHEILA HELLERMANN – CITY PLANNER P-11-1B
CITY OF MELROSE ADVERTISEMENT FOR QUOTES STREET SEALCOAT MAINTENANCE
Clerk
Ann Piotrowski CityPublished in The Star Post on March 8, and March 15, 2023. P-10-2B
Friends of Two Rivers Lake has contracted PLM Lake and Land Management to treat Aquatic Invasive Species in Two Rivers Lake.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has granted the Friends of Two Rivers Lake a permit originally based on a required waiver to obtain signatures of approval from owners of lake shore property. Instead, the Friends of Two Rivers Lake will notify property owners of treatment through alternate form(s). This notice is one form the Friends of Two Rivers Lake is using to notify property owners. Other forms [may] include notification on the association webpage, during semi-annual meetings and in a mailed letter.
With regard to treatment for this year, 2023:
• The proposed timing for treatment: April-May
• The target species for the treatment: Curly Leaf Pondweed
• The method of control or product being used: MN DNR Approved Aquatic Herbicide
• If landowner does NOT want treatment to occur adjacent to the landowner’s property, notify Robert Guggenberger immediately at the following:
Friends of Two Rivers Lake 13705 Fawnview Lane Cold Spring, MN 56320
Phone: 320-241-8799
Email: gugs08@midco.net
THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN: That default has occurred in the conditions of the mortgage dated October 17, 2016, executed by Jay H. Seguin, an unmarried man, as mortgagor, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., a corporation, MIN 1012742-0000050450-7, as nominee and mortgagee for HomeServices Lending, LLC d/b/a Edina Realty Mortgage, through loan originator Kevin Kildahl, NMLS ID 1236759, recorded in the office of the County Recorder of Stearns County, Minnesota, on October 26, 2016, as Document No.
A1480672, which mortgage conveyed and mortgaged the following described property, situated in the County of Stearns and State of Minnesota, which property has a street address of 144 30th Avenue North, St. Cloud, Minnesota 56303, property identification number 82.50381.0000, which mortgage was assigned to
Important Information Regarding Property Assessments
This may affect your 2024 property taxes.
The Board of Appeal and Equalization for NEW MUNICH will meet on APRIL 3, 2023, 6:00 PM, at NEW MUNICH CITY HALL. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor.
If you believe the value or classification of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. If you disagree with the valuation or classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the local Board of Appeal and Equalization. The board will review your assessments and may make corrections as needed. Generally, you must appeal to the local board before appealing to the county board of appeal and equalization.
Ann Piotrowski City ClerkP-11-1B
Notice is hereby given that the City of Melrose will accept sealed quotes for Street Sealcoat Maintenance until 11:00 AM, on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at which time they will be opened and read aloud.
Preliminary quantity estimates for bidding purposes is 42,000 sq. yards.
A copy of the specifications, work detail map and quote form may be picked up at the Melrose City Center, 225 1st St NE or by calling 320256-1959. Sealed quote envelopes shall bear the inscription “Street Sealcoat Maintenance Quote”. A cash deposit, certified check or bid bond for at least five percent (5%) of the total quote amount must accompany the proposal.
No bidder may withdraw their bid for a period of twenty (20) days after the date set for the quote opening thereof. The City reserves the right to reject any or all quotes and waive any irregularity. The City Council intends to award the quote at the April 20, 2023, City Council Meeting.
Patricia Haase, City Clerk P-11-1B
P-10-2B
Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., by Assignment of Mortgage dated December 7, 2022, and recorded December 19, 2022 as Document No.
A1646231:
Lot Twenty-eight (28), Block One (1), Roosevelt Place, according to the plat and survey thereof on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Stearns County, Minnesota
That the original principal amount secured by said mortgage was $92,646.00; that there has been compliance with any condition precedent to acceleration of the debt secured by said mortgage and foreclosure of said mortgage required by said mortgage, any note secured thereby, or any statute; that no action or proceeding to recover the debt remaining secured by said mortgage is pending, or any part thereof; that there is claimed to be due upon said mortgage and is due thereon at the date of this notice, the sum of $88,875.15 in principal and interest.
That as a result of the aforesaid default, and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the said mortgage will be foreclosed by the sale of the above described premises with appurtenances,
which said sale will be made by the Sheriff of Stearns County, Minnesota, at the Sheriff’s office in the Law Enforcement Center, 807 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, Minnesota, on April 19, 2023, at 10:00 o’clock a.m., at public auction to the highest bidder, to pay the amount then due on said mortgage, together with the costs of foreclosure, including attorneys’ fees as allowed by law, in accordance with the provisions of said mortgage. The time allowed by law for redemption by the mortgagor, his personal representatives or assigns, is six (6) months from the date of said sale.
MORTGAGOR(S)
RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: NONE THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A
RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.
If the mortgage is not reinstated under Minn. Stat. §580.30 or redeemed under Minn. Stat. §580.23, the mortgagor must vacate the mortgaged property by 11:59 p.m. on October 19, 2023, unless the foreclosure is postponed pursuant to Minn. Stat. §580.07, or the redemption period is reduced to five (5) weeks under Minn. Stat. §582.032. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT BY A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
DATED: March 1, 2023
Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., assignee of Mortgagee
FOLEY & MANSFIELD, P.L.L.P.
By: Sean C. MansfieldAtty. No. 0400374
Attorneys for Mortgagee
DOCUMENT 00 11 13
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Power Plant Exterior Improvements
Melrose Public Utilities Commission
SEH No. MEPUC 171102
Notice is hereby given that Online Bids will be received by the Public Utilities Commission until 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 6, 2023, via QuestCDN for the furnishing of all labor and material for the construction of Power Plant Exterior Improvements. The bid opening will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud: Power Plant Exterior Improvements Bid Opening Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MGUwOTVkYWMtMDJiMi00MmY1LWE1MTUtYTgyODVjNDY5YWEw%40thread. v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22642f4553-88f1-43dc9a29-90842cd19d4c%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2248472820a408-4d5c-b262-d033b1c6fa20%22%7d
Meeting ID: 244 247 579 98
Passcode: is9uqB
Or call in (audio only) +1 872-242-7640,,144555060# United States, Chicago Phone Conference ID: 144 555 060#
Any person monitoring the meeting remotely may be responsible for any documented costs. Message and data rates may apply.
Major components of the Work include: Insulated metal wall panels, aluminum windows, roof flashing, and exterior brick repair. The Bidding Documents may be seen at the Issuing Office of SEH located at 3535 Vadnais Center Drive, St. Paul, MN 551105196, 651.490.2000.
The Bidding Documents may be viewed for no cost at http:// www.sehinc.com by selecting the Project Bid Information link at the bottom of the page and the View Plans option from the menu at the top of the selected project page.
Digital image copies of the Bidding Documents are available at http://www.sehinc.com for a fee of $30. These documents may be downloaded by selecting this project from the “Project Bid Information” link and by entering eBidDocTM Number 8423805 on the SEARCH PROJECTS page. For assistance and free membership registration, contact QuestCDN at 952.233.1632 or info@questcdn.com.
For this project, bids will ONLY be received electronically. Contractors submitting an electronic bid will be charged an additional $42 at the time of bid submission via the online electronic bid service QuestCDN.com. To access the electronic Bid Worksheet, download the project document and click the online bidding button at the top of the advertisement. Prospective bidders must be on the plan holders list through QuestCDN for bids to be accepted. Bids shall be completed according to the Bidding Requirements prepared by SEH dated March 10, 2023.
In addition to digital plans, paper copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from Docunet Corp. located at 2435 Xenium Lane North, Plymouth, MN 55441 (763.475.9600) for a fee of $100.
Bid security in the amount of 5 percent of the Bid must accompany each Bid in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.
A Contractor responding to these Bidding Documents must submit to the City/Owner a signed statement under oath by an owner or officer verifying compliance with each of the minimum criteria in Minnesota Statutes, section 16C.285, subdivision 3.
The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive irregularities and informalities therein and to award the Contract in the best interests of the Owner.
With nine minutes remaining in the Section 6AA girls basketball championship game remaining, the Albany Huskies were fighting for their tournament lives.
The Sauk Centre Streeters, Albany’s greatest postseason rival, was finding the better of the Huskies throughout most of the contest, making key defensive stops and knocking down big-time shots on the other end. Suddenly, hopes of attending the Minnesota State High School League Class AA Girls State Basketball Tournament appeared fleeting.
But as it has done throughout its decorated girls hoops history, the Huskies stepped up when it mattered, ending the game on a 15-0 run to capture its third consecutive section title March 10 at St. John’s University in Collegeville.
“We had to pick it up and
Kylan Gerads puts a shot up in
in Collegeville. The Huskies won 73-47 to advance to the championship game.
know the second half had to be our way, because we didn’t want to lose that game,” said Kylan Gerads, junior forward.
“It’s a great feeling to win.”
In front of a packed, energetic crowd, the longtime juggernauts each showed how it had reached this stage in the first place. The Streeters flexed its outstanding defense, taking away Gerads and fellow AllState forward Alyssa Sand and creating tough shots for Albany in building a 13-7 lead.
The Huskies needed to find production from as many of its playmakers as possible, and that’s when point guard Callie Holthaus slotted in perfectly. Coming off the bench, she gave Albany a necessary shot in the arm, fighting her way to the basket for an and-one, threepoint play. Along with Savanna Pelzer’s ball handling, scoring and distribution, the Huskies were often fueled by the efforts of its point guards.
“They’re gritty kids,” said Aaron Boyum, head coach. “They get after it, they stay down in their stance and they just pressure the ball and they’re very, very pesky. People would be surprised to know they have the two best verticals on the team.”
Sauk Centre 1,000-point sophomore Cierra Kortan and Huskies breakout guard Tatum Findley each drained a 3-pointer as the teams battled to a frenetic first-half finish, with the Streeters leading 23-19. The second-seeded Streeters built to a 28-21 advantage early in the second half, but the Huskies never fell out of the game. Gerads took matters into her own hands, registering a steal, which was followed
immediately by a bucket while being fouled. Albany once again cut it back to a one-point deficit.
“We always say at halftime, ‘It’s 0-0,’ so we came out with a lot of energy,” Sand said. “I think losing at halftime helped us want it more and come out firing.”
Even with these surges, Albany could not initially scrape the lead away from Sauk Centre, who received 3-pointers from Tory Jennissen and Kortan to lead 41-34, leading to an Albany timeout with 9 minutes, 15 seconds remaining in the thriller. For the Huskies, who had grown so much as a team to record a 25-1 regular season and earn the section’s top seed, it was about staying around and understanding what to do in clutch situations.
“They just continued to believe,” Boyum said. “We have girls with a lot of experience that have won a lot of basketball games. They believe in that process, and they believe in themselves.”
Instead of trying to keep up with Sauk Centre’s quick passing and decisive plays inside, Albany slowed the game down and paid attention to the half-court details. Defensively, the Huskies turned to a boxand-one against Kortan, forcing Sauk Centre’s depth to make low-percentage 3-pointers to continue scoring. This proved to be a major game-changing adjustment, as the Streeters missed several important perimeter attempts down the stretch in failing to score for over nine minutes.
“That really helped a lot,” Sand said. “They were getting us in the post but also in the pe-
What do you like most about being in FFA? Everybody is positive.
What is your most memorable experience with the group? This is my first year in FFA. The first big thing I did was shooting trap. It turned out to be really fun.
What other activities are you involved in at school? Soccer and trap shooting.
What is something you’ve learned in class recently? Preparing for our future in life and leadership class.
What are you looking forward to doing yet during the school year? Visiting my college and being
more prepared for college. I am going to Minnesota North College-Vermillion, majoring in wildlife law enforcement.
How do you try to make a difference at school? By being positive. When people are trying to be mean or bullying, just stay positive. Don’t let people get into your head.
What teacher has impacted your education the most? Ms. Megan Siefert, because I am going into wildlife law enforcement. Her classes are involved with the environment. They help me in my career.
What is your favorite restaurant and the meal you order? Tacos at Taco Bell in Sauk Centre.
rimeter, so I think the box-andone was a good play.”
Albany also piled on productive plays. After Albany fi nally took a 42-41 lead, Pelzer sent the Albany crowd into a mad frenzy with a gutsy layup, taking on a large amount of contact for yet another threepoint play. And when Sauk Centre fouled the Huskies to try and stay in the game, Albany slammed the door shut with clutch free throws, sending themselves back to state yet again.
“We trailed for most of the game, but for us to stay the course, I’m incredibly proud of their effort and how they stayed together,” Boyum said.
The Huskies enter state as Class AA’s third seed and will battle the Perham Yellowjackets at 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 15, at Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis. SC 19 22-41 ALB 23 26-49 Albany: Gerads 14 points, Findley 10, Holthaus 9, Sand 8, Savanna Pelzer 5, Eva Schwenzfeier 2 and Natalie Blonigan 1. Albany 73, Pine City 47
The Huskies reached the section finals with a 73-47 win over the number four seed Pine City March 7 at Sexton Arena at St. John’s University in Collegeville.
Pine City nailed a three to open up the game, but the Huskies quickly countered with four baskets to go up 8-3.
The Huskies stretched its lead to 10, but the Dragons closed the gap to within four (20-16).
Albany went on a 11-0 run and were up by 15, at 31-16, with six minutes left in the first half.
The Huskies closed out the first half with a 13-point margin, at 41-28.
Albany increased its lead throughout the second half and led by as much as 29 with two and a half minutes to go.
Boyum noted Pine City is really strong up the middle, “from the top of the key to the high post and down.” So, Albany looked at what defense to counter that.
“They are very long, very athletic, so they are very good at getting second-chance points,” Boyum said. “I think we did a pretty good job of taking that away tonight.”
Sand, with 21 points, Gerads with 20 and Findley with 15 led the Huskies in scoring. Sand was also the rebounding leader with 11 boards, completing a triple-double with an improbable 10 steals.
ALB41 32-73
PC28 19-47 Albany:Sand 21 (11R, 10S, 4A), Gerads 20 (4R, 4A, 4S), Findley 15, Pelzer 7 (6A), VanHeel 5, Sophia Schiffler 3 and Holthaus 2.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the mock trial team? I enjoyed watching our case come together and seeing our hard work pay off during trials.
What did you like about your roles as defense attorney and plaintiff witness? I like cross-examining witnesses and testifying as a witness.
What other activities are you involved in at school? Student council and knowledge bowl.
Why is it important for you to be involved in school activities? I meet new people and try new things.
What is something you are proud you accomplished so far during the school year, and what is one of your goals the remainder of the year? The Albany knowledge bowl team made it to sections. I plan to appreciate the last
few months of my senior year and keep my motivation until graduation.
What is one piece of advice you would give underclassmen to help them excel in academics or athletics? Don’t spread yourself too thin. There are a ton of amazing activities to be involved in, but being too involved will lead to you neglecting an activity or your academics. Try and choose a couple of things you think you could really excel in and stick with those.
What are you thankful for today? Spring and the warm weather in the forecast
What are three words that describe your personality? Friendly, curious and easygoing.
Knowing something about math formulas, languages, scientific explanations, historic events and popular culture has helped the Melrose Area High School knowledge bowl program establish itself as a force in area competitions.
Coached by Bill Leraas, the team never finished lower than fi fth place in its first eight meets this season. It has always competed against more than 25 teams. The team has one first place, three second places, two third places, a fourth place and a fi fth place finish.
Melrose sends three varsity and junior varsity teams to conference meets. At the Kimball meet, it placed first, third and 10th; and at the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted meet it finished first, second and 10th, helping it take the lead in the conference. There is one more conference meet this season, with state competition April 13-14. The future looks good for the program, as this year’s junior varsity team has consistently finished in the top 10 at competitions.
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