The Star Post 03-22-2023

Berscheid accepts Holdingford mayor position

Council to appoint a resident to fill open councilor seat

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

The Holdingford City Council appointed Eric Berscheid as mayor March 13 during the monthly meeting at Holdingford City Hall in Holdingford.

Berscheid assumed the temporary mayor position Feb. 13 when it was announced Sue Marstein had resigned her position as mayor.

400 Block update

The council approved a resolution approving Berscheid as mayor. He will be sworn in as mayor at the April 10 regular meeting.

He agreed to accept the position, resigning his seat as councilor during a Feb. 27 special meeting. Berscheid was not at the March 13 meeting. Councilors Seth Young, Tim Winter and Jayme Opatz were present, creating a quorum, with Opatz serving as chair.

The March 13 resolution points out there is now a vacancy in a councilor position.

Road tripping

across the USA

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

It was hard to top last year’s inaugural “The Teachers and the Preacher” production during the St. Mary’s Auction 4 Education at the Melrose American Legion in Melrose.

members

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

Berscheid was reelected to a four-year term during the 2022 November election. The council will select and appoint a new councilor to finish his term, from qualifying residents, during their April 10 meeting. Two people have expressed an interest in this position.

Berscheid page 3

This year’s show, March 4, did just that as St. Mary’s Catholic School staff took their captive audience on a road trip across the USA, with the final destination of Hawaii, which was fitting because the event theme was Luau for Learning-Hula for Moola.

Led by sixth grade teacher Sue Pundsack on guitar and harmonica, accompanied by the Rev. Marv Enneking on guitar, they embarked on their first mode of transportation – a bus. Audience participation was encouraged as they were asked what young children

thought was the best song to sing on the bus. “The Wheels on the Bus Go Around and Around” was shouted out, while, when asked what the older children would sing, the words “99 bottles of beer on the wall. You take one down and pass it around, 98 bottles of beer on the wall,” were sung, which had people laughing after Pundsack added “root beer.”

Custodians Matt Grossinger and Duane Rothstein and teacher Zach Thell hit the stage depicting Willie Nelson and the Nelson brothers, reappearing also as Johnny Cash and the Cash boys and John Denver and the Denver boys, each performing fitting songs.

There was a unique state-related geography lesson with questions like, “What did Della-wear,” with the answer, “She wore a brand New Jersey,” and a few Ole and Lena jokes were thrown in for good conversation.

“Holy cow or should I say ‘Holly cow,’” Pundsack asked as teacher Holly Hellermann walked on stage dressed as a Holstein cow before “Back in the Saddle Again” was sung.

Teachers and preacher page 2

Alfred head to state head to state Huskie boys

‘The Teachers and the Preacher’ second-year St. Mary’s Auction 4 Education program a hit

Audience

Jean Hellermann (from left), Denise Rieland and Cindy Hemmesch sing “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” March 4 during the “The Teachers and the Preacher” program at the St. Mary’s Auction 4 Education at the Melrose American Legion in Melrose. Since it was Hellermann’s favorite John Denver song, she was called to the stage and brought two friends with her.

PHOTOS BY CAROL MOORMAN

Duane Rothstein (from left), Zach Thell and Matt Grossinger depict John Denver and the Denver boys March 4 during the “The Teachers and the Preacher” program at the St. Mary’s Auction 4 Education at the Melrose American Legion in Melrose. The three also played Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson singing groups.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Alfred Ritter holds a 90th birthday medal March 14 in his and wife Adeline’s rural Avon home. The 20 or so medals behind him are from 5Ks and a half-marathon he has walked in.

PHOTO BY TOM FENTON Albany High School boys basketball seniors Tysen Gerads (left) and Mason Bierbaum receive the Section 6AA firstplace trophy March 17 at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud. The Huskies are heading to the Minnesota State High School League Boys Basketball State Tournament for the first time since the 2014-15 season.

Flippin’ good Breakfast

New Munich Lions

Teachers and preacher from front

Staff and guests also traveled by saddle horse and then hit the rails with “King of the Road.” Even the St. Mary’s Village People – Jennifer Frank-Heinze, Kathy Wolff, Amanda Hellermann, Joan Kuefler and Holly Hellermann – made an appearance singing “YMCA.” A hair-flying Tina Turner, aka Principal Autumn Nelson, got the crowd going during

“Proud Mary.”

The Sisters of St. Mary’s – Madelyn Klaphake, Dana Finken, Amy Kloth, Ruth Johnson and Bri Worms –made a repeat appearance, performing a traditional Hawaiian dance, complete with grass skirts over their habits, while “Tiny Bubbles” was sung, with bubbles floating through the air.

While much of the hour-

long program had people laughing, there was a touching moment when veterans were asked to stand and honored as everyone joined in singing “God Bless the USA.” St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict graduates lined the legion wall, linking arms and swaying back and forth, as “Piano Man,” was sung, becoming a traditional last song.

The road trip across the USA was complete.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Jennifer Frank-Heinze (from left), Amy Kloth, Joan Kuefler and Ruth Johnson ask the audience United States

questions with unique state-related answers during the March 4 “The Teachers and the Preacher” program at the St. Mary’s Auction 4 Education at the Melrose American Legion in Melrose. The winner received a St. Christopher medal, the patron saint of travelers.

Craig Welle (front) and Rick Lemm flip pancakes during the March 5 New Munich Lions Breakfast at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church basement in New Munich. Welle was in his first year on this task, while Lemm was a seasoned flipper.

Elmer Boecker delivers takeout breakfast orders to the Tree of Life Assisted Living, LLC, before the start of the March 5 New Munich Lions Breakfast at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church basement in New Munich. Boecker and wife Juliana chair the event.

PHOTOS BY CAROL MOORMAN Lion Tom Neal visits with diners, including Diane and Don Kerfeld, as they go through the serving line during the March 5 New Munich Lions Breakfast at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church basement in New Munich. The Lions served more than 775 people.

Ritter walking, gardening, farming, coloring at age 90

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

Alfred Ritter laughs when asked how many pairs of shoes he has gone through during his 25 years of walking.

Chances are, it has been more than a few, according to the 5K and half-marathon medals dangling from an Always Earned Never Given display in his and wife Adeline’s rural Avon home.

Totaling the number of miles walked is impossible, but now that he thinks about it, it’s something that he could have – and should – have done.

“It’s endless,” he said March 14, his 90th birthday, sitting around the kitchen table with Adeline, his wife of 55 years and biggest supporter, and Darlene Gill, one of their seven children, talking about his walking –and long life.

Alfred was born March 14, 1933, on the dairy family farm where his other 10 siblings were also born.

He smiles when hearing that he is an inspiration – in more ways than his walking accomplishments.

“They (Alfred and Adeline) are both inspirations from their work ethic, simple life to walking, gardening, coloring, puzzles and word finds,” Darlene said.

“And I like a good game of 500,” Alfred adds.

He described the yellow peppers in his garden last year.

“It was a beautiful pepper,” he said proudly.

Darlene locates a photo of him with his Stearns County Fair entries, which earned him blue and red ribbons.

He pulls out the adult coloring book he received for Christmas and by the end of January had each page colored.

Adeline has her own prize possession – a framed puzzle of the farm she put together after receiving it as a gift, not an easy task because the pieces were in black and white. Now, she is hooked on puzzles, much like Alfred is hooked on walking.

His walking dates back to growing up on the Ritter farm, a short walking distance from their house.

“We always walked to school, toward Collegeville, about a mile from the farm,” he said.

Alfred was one of Simon and Josephine Ritter’s 11 children. He mentions his other living siblings, Edward, 87, and Alice Schindler, 85.

Alfred started walking in full force in their pastures when he retired – well, semi retired – from farming at age 65.

“I’d see him walking in the fields,” Adeline said. “Today, he makes it around County Road 40 and back. It’s close to four miles before breakfast.”

“And before chores,” he adds.

That’s right, Alfred still helps on the farm.

“I feed heifers, sweep alleys, help with the feed,” he said.

He doesn’t walk outside in the winter because of ice, but he walks inside their house and on a stationary bike.

His relaxed paced walks have taken him to Avon, Albany, Farming, St. Martin and even 15 miles to Cold Spring.

The weather doesn’t deter him.

“I got caught in a thunderstorm and the water was running out of my shoes, but I had to keep going,” he said.

Even though 5Ks were canceled in 2020 during the pandemic, his supportive family drove him to where the 5Ks were scheduled, and they walked the route without the crowds – even going to the north shore to imitate Grandma’s Marathon. That Christmas Darlene made him a custom medal for the 2020 5Ks he finished that weren’t held.

In many of the 5Ks and half-marathons, he is often the oldest participant.

He is already registered for Grandma’s Marathon on Father’s Day; his favorite walk, along with the St.

Martin 5K.

“It’s along the north shore and it’s just nice in Duluth,” he said.

Alfred is usually in an age group all his own at 5Ks and Grandma’s Marathon, which draws close to 2,500 participants. He is thinking this year he might be the oldest participant.

Darlene walks with him during many of these 5Ks and half-marathons, inspired by a father who is almost 40 years older than she is.

To Alfred, it is not about winning a race; it is about finishing. When he was 85 he could walk a 5K in close to 50 minutes, and now it takes him close to one hour.

While walking, he likes checking out the countryside whether around the farm or in Duluth. There is another plus.

“It’s good for the bones and everything else,” he said. “I always feel the best when I’m almost done walking.”

His motto in life is “keep moving,” Darlene said, and chances are, that is what has kept him as healthy as he is. Following arthroscopic knee surgery in 2007, his doctor told him walking was the best thing to do.

“If I would have sat around at 65, just watching TV, I maybe wouldn’t be here today,” he said.

He figures living a healthy – and active – life has gotten him to 90.

“My mother said hard work doesn’t kill you but all the other stuff does: drinking, smoking,” Alfred said.

And what does he think about when he is walking, especially this time of the year?

“My garden,” he said laughing.

“I always tell him to cut back,” Adeline said.

While he likes eating the produce he grows, he also enjoys giving it away.

He also likes doodling, which often turns into drawings. Each year for his birthday his sister sends him a homemade card, and he challenges himself to draw what is on the front of the card and send it back to his sister for her birthday in June.

“I started drawing, just like I started walking, just by doing it,” he said.

Alfred laughs again when asked if he can believe he is still walking.

“When people find out his age, and he finishes in front of them, they want pictures because he’s such an inspiration,” Darlene said.

Alfred is inspired by other race participants.

“I watch people who are handicapped and they finish the race, and I always think if they can do it, I can do it,” he said.

Family and friends looked up to him during a week-long celebration of his 90th birthday that started March 12 and ended March 19 with a family get-together including their children and spouses, 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

As Alfred looks outside March 14 where piles of snow fill their yard, he admits he is getting antsy to walk outside. With shoes he received for Christmas, he is set for another year of walking.

“Keep it up and don’t quit,” is advice Alfred has for others.

“I need to listen to my father’s advice,” Darlene said.

Every day is a good day for Ritter when he can farm, garden, color – and walk.

Friday, March 24, 4:30-8:30 p.m. – Farming Lions 18th Annual Fish Fry. Trappers Pub & Grub, 27011 County Road 23, Albany.

Sunday, March 26, 11 a.m-1 p.m. – Spaghetti Dinner. St. Michael’s Church basement, 102 St. Michael Ave. N. Spring Hill. Sponsored by St. Michael’s Parish Catholic United Financial.

Sunday, March 26, 5:30 p.m. – Bingo. St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 755 E. Kraft Dr. SE, Melrose. Cash and meat prizes. Proceeds go to the St. Mary’s Mission Society of Melrose.

Monday, March 27, 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 28, 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 29, 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 320241-3909.

Thursday, March 30, 7 p.m. – Stearns Electric Association Annual Meeting. Marit Elliott Performing Arts Center, 546 Fifth Ave. NE, Melrose.

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.

Berscheid from front

At the special meeting, the council approved Season Lowe as part-time manager of the Holdingford Municipal Liquor Store. She had resigned from the full-time position earlier that month. Lowe did not attend the March 13 meeting. She did submit a report on ongoing projects and work being done at the business. At her recommendation, Jared Hillesheim has been hired as lead bartender and Tyler Bryan as a new bartender.

In other council news:

– Representatives from Holding and Krain townships asked the council about the status of the fire department contract between the township and cities. The contract has been developed, but they had concerns about the length of the contract and the formula for determining fees. They requested a councilor or councilors attend a township meeting to discuss these concerns.

The council agreed those issues should be addressed. It took no action on the request, but said the contract would be reviewed.

The department reported having 33 calls this year, with 26 medical calls. Most of the calls, 20, have been in Holdingford, with seven in Holding Township, four in Brockway Township and two in Krain Township.

– Maintenance specialist Steve Horvath said monitoring of nickel in the sewer system at the city’s treatment plant is ongoing. It is still a mystery how it came into the system. Levels have been well below normal since it was discovered.

He did report having to remove a lot of snow from downtown to the ballfield. To help reduce overtime, much of the removal has been done at night. There have been some delays in snow removal as repairs had to be made to equipment.

Horvath asked, and received, permission to look for a new truck for the city. He said the current one-half ton pickup is 21-years-old, and is not always able to pull some of the new equipment for the city. It has over 100,000 miles on it.

– Horvath recommended creating a part-time/ seasonal position to help with lawn mowing and cleaning of restrooms on city property.

– City clerk Nicky Lahr updated the council on the progress of obtaining a lease for a copy/fax machine, new accounting software and out-sourcing payroll. She is looking at ways to rebrand the city and improve its website. She would like to come up with a new logo/symbol for the city. She requested, and received, permission to work overtime, to complete the paperwork for the upcoming audit.

– Approved being part of a hazard mitigation planning process with Stearns County.

Loreen 763-238-0616. PS4-tfnB

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Alfred and Adeline Ritter display the birthday cake for Alfred’s 90th birthday March 12 during a party at daughter Darlene and husband Allan Gill’s St. Joseph home. Around his neck, he wears a medal Darlene had made for a father who inspires her daily.

Ritter siblings – Edward, Alfred and Alice Schindler – gather March 12 at Darlene and Allan Gill’s St. Joseph home to celebrate Alfred’s 90th birthday. They were raised in a family of 11 siblings.

Albany School Board calls for demolition bids

Abatement of hazardous materials nearly complete on former medical facility

BY MIKE KOSIK | STAFF WRITER

The Albany School Board directed bids be obtained for demolition of the interior of the former Albany Hospital and Clinic in preparation for converting it to an Early Learning Center.

The board took that action at its March 8 meeting at Albany Public Schools in Albany after Chris Rear, project director from ICS, gave an update on the project.

Rear said the plan is to gut the interior of the building and prepare it for construction. Abatement of hazardous materials is nearing completion and once that is finished, demolition can begin.

The district will call for construction bids in June with contracts awarded in July and construction to begin in the fall.

Rear discussed the overall budget of the project, which is limited to the $16.9 million approved in a bond referendum last August. More exact costs will come once bids are received.

In other board news:

– The board, by consensus, directed the administration to develop a multi-year plan to achieve a balanced budget.

The current 2022-23 budget is showing an $805,000 deficit, with money from the fund balance used to cover expenses beyond revenues.

The board directed the administration to develop a multi-year plan to move from deficit spending to a break even or surplus budget for the 2024-25 budget. This could be a combination of reducing expenses and/or increasing revenues over the next two years.

One possible revenue increase might come from the Minnesota Legislature.

Board member Dean Dirkes said the state legislature is hinting that more funds will be available to school districts, so that might be used to boost the fund balance.

The state legislature sets budgets for two years. Over the past decade the legislature has provided increases to the school funding formula of between 0-3%. This year there is talk it might be 5%, Superintendent Travis Okerlund later said.

Board member Ozzie Carbajal pointed out the increase is for the general fund only, which is about half of the district’s total budget. So essentially a 5% increase to the formula would result in an increase in total funds of about 2.5%.

Okerlund updated the board on bills currently proposed in the state legislature that could significantly impact school districts throughout the state. One is requiring school districts to pay a minimum wage of $25 per hour. Another is for school districts to cover the entire cost of health insurance, including some out of pocket expenses for employees. If those bills would pass it would saddle Albany Area Schools with potentially millions of dollars of unfunded expenses. He urged school board members to contact local legislators.

– Approved a Spanish class trip for this summer to Costa Rica. Kit Pennie, high school world language teacher, said 16 students would be going on the 10-day trip.

“A great opportunity for students,” Matt Kreuzer, board member, said when the board approved the trip.

The students pay for the whole cost of the trip.

– Increased the pay for substitute teachers.

School districts are having a harder time getting substitute teachers and one way is to raise their pay. Okerlund said that the pay raise would put Albany in the middle of the pack of similar size school districts.

– Approved the purchase of one bus and one van for next year’s budget. However, getting vehicles has been challenging and lead times can be anywhere from six to 18 months.

Albany Lions, Jaycees provide double blessing for Camp Lebanon

Debra A. Gieske

Debra A. “Debbie” Gieske, 53, of Melrose, passed away surrounded by her family and nursing home family March 17, 2023, at CentraCare Care Center in Melrose.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 23, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with the Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. The Mass will be live streamed and can be viewed on the YouTube channel Church of St. Mary Melrose. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, at Patton-Schad Funeral

Delores “Dee” Bloch

Delores “Dee” Bloch, 71, died peacefully March 13, 2023, at her home in Woodruff, Wisconsin, and formerly of St. Louis Park.

Dee was born Jan. 16, 1952, to Henry and Christine (Douvier) Bloch and grew up on a farm near Albany. She attended St. Francis High School in Little Falls and pursued a nursing career. Dee worked as an licensed practical nurse and registered nurse for more than 40 years at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, reading, crocheting and gardening.

In 2018, Dee moved to her retirement home in Woodruff near a lake and wooded area where she enjoyed nature and wildlife. She was an avid volunteer for Meals On

Debra A. “Debbie” Gieske

Home in Melrose and 1010:45 a.m., March 23, at the church. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m., March 22.

Debra Ann Gieske

was born Nov. 1, 1969, in

Melrose, to Valentine and Louise (Tiemann) Gieske. She graduated from Melrose High School in 1988. She lived and helped on the family farm north of Melrose for many years. She moved to Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose where she was a resident for the last 16 years. She became family to those that work there and will be greatly missed. Debbie enjoyed playing cards, watching the Twins in person and on TV, driving around and shopping. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Catholic United Financial.

with family members and close friends, taking many photos of places she visited, especially of flowers and sunsets.

Delores “Dee” Bloch

Wheels and for Seasons of Life Hospice House. She was a generous donor to many charities, especially those for children and animals. Family and friends were very important to her, always remembering them in daily prayer and with personal notes on birthdays and special occasions. Dee loved to travel

Dee is survived by her sisters, Loretta Bloch, OSF, of Little Falls, Bea Britz of Little Falls, Julie Fernandez of Traverse City, Michigan, Janie (Manny) Philip of Woodruff, and Eileen (Jim) Dwyer of Brainerd; her brothers, Don (Bea) Bloch of Avon, and Tex (Carol) Bloch of Albany; sister-in-law Donna Bloch of Albany; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Cordy Bloch, OSF, Hildegard (Alphonse) Wiechmann, Dorothy (Paul) Boecker and Leona (John) Magner; her brothers Sylvester (Yvette) Bloch, Lawrence (Dorothy) Bloch, Gilbert Bloch, twins

on Wheels. For more than 20 years, Fran co-chaired the Quilting Group.

Survivors include her brothers, Randy (Lynn) Gieske of Sauk Centre, Ron (Kristi) Gieske of Sauk Centre, and Bob (Cheri) Gieske of Melrose; 11 nieces and nephews; and eight great-nieces and greatnephews.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Valentine and Louise Gieske; infant brother Billy Gieske; sister Judy Gieske; and brother Donnie Gieske.

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

P-12-1B

Richard and Ralph and LeRoy Bloch; and her brothers-inlaw, Bill Fernandez and Larry Britz.

A gathering of family and friends will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 13, followed by a Memorial Mass at 11 a.m., at Sacred Heart Chapel of the Franciscan Sisters in Little Falls. Masks may be required.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are preferred to a charity of your choice or the World Wildlife Fund, American Cancer Society and Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls.

Online condolences may be shared at www. nimsgernfuneral.com.

Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.

P-12-1B

Frances “Fran” (Mareck) Blommel, 98, lifelong resident of Albany, passed away peacefully March 12, 2023, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, surrounded by her loving family.

A Mass of Christian Burial was March 18 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. Interment was at Seven Dolors Parish Cemetery.

Fran was born June 1, 1924, in Albany, the daughter of John and Eleonora (Stueve) Stangler. She was raised and educated in Albany. During WWII, Fran assisted with the war efforts by making parts for planes at Cargill in St. Cloud. On June 26, 1945, she was united in marriage to Stephen Mareck. The couple was blessed with six children before he passed away Oct. 5, 1958. On Nov. 30, 1968, Fran married Joe Blommel.

In addition to raising her family and working on the farm, Fran was employed by

Dr. John O. Welle

Dr. John O. Welle, DDS, 89, of Paynesville, passed away peacefully March 16, 2023, at his home in Paynesville.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 23, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. The Rev. Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Burial will take place in the St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery in Melrose. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services March 23 at the church with a Knights of Columbus rosary prayed at 9:30 a.m. at the church.

Camp

UPSALA – Camp Lebanon was doubly blessed recently when the Albany Lions Club and the Albany Jaycee teamed up to equally split the $6,255 cost of a new SawStop industrial cabinet saw. The 10-inch, 5-horsepower table saw features a 52-inch fence and state-of-theart safety features.

Located on the north side of Cedar Lake, five miles west of Upsala, Camp Lebanon is a Bible camp offering year-round programs for youth, families and adults, as well as rental opportunities for churches, Christian organizations and family groups.

The 76-year-old ministry has served over 500 households in the Albany Area School District in recent years.

John was born in Melrose, April 15, 1933, to Ambrose and Ursula (O’Keefe) Welle. He was united in marriage to JoAnn (Petermeier) Welle at St. Boniface (now St. Mary’s) Catholic Church, in Melrose, in 1956. John attended the University of St. Thomas as an

Stearns Industries for a year before she dedicated 20 years to the Albany Area Senior High School. She retired in 1990.

Fran’s faith was very important to her. She was a member of the St. Francis Cabrini Mission Group for more than 50 years. She also volunteered her time with the Christian Mothers, St. Ann’s, American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, Mother of Mercy Nursing Home Auxiliary and Meals

Fran used her talent to create many quilts and embroidery items. Many family members were gifted and blessed to have a quilt made by her. She also liked to paint ceramics and read. She and Joe spent many nights bowling and playing cards. Fran was known for her apple pies and homemade jellies.

Nothing was more important to Fran than her faith and her family. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially when travel was involved. She was grateful for her time spent on trips across the USA and Europe, specifically her pilgrimage to Italy.

She will be missed by her children, Dennis (Marcy) Mareck and David (Darlene) Mareck, both of Albany, Kathy (Ralph) Schmitz, of Sauk Rapids, Sharon (Ron) Spanier, of St. Augusta, and Steve (Theresea) Mareck, of St. Cloud; daughter-in-law

Kathy Mareck, of Chanhassen; 21 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren; three (and a half) great-greatgrandchildren; and sisters-inlaw Alice and Judy Stangler. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Stephen Mareck (1958) and Joe Blommel (2020); son Marvin; grandchildren Michael and Ann; and siblings Magdalene, Edmund, Lorraine, Jerome, Ambrose, John, Rosemary, Sylvester, Al and Elmer. Fran’s family is so grateful for the wonderful care provided by Dr. Libby Brever and also the staff at Mother of Mercy Assisted Living. Fran’s family would appreciate memorials being sent to Poor Clares Monastery (https://poorclares.stcdio.org), Mother of Mercy in Albany or Holy Family Catholic School in Albany. Nelson-Doran Funeral Home, www.nelson-doran. com, 218-829-4755.

Dr. John O. Welle

undergraduate and ultimately graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1958. Together, John and JoAnn started raising a family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and eventually moved to Bloomington, where John began practicing general dentistry and orthodontics. In 1970, John and JoAnn moved to Paynesville, where he ran a successful, solo dental practice for nearly 50 years and retired from dentistry/orthodontics in 2007.

Pondview Estates, 334 Golfview Drive, Albany 320-845-4070 – March 22-29

John loved spending time with family and friends and making memories. He was often the life of the party and a real character. Some of John and JoAnn’s greatest family memories were created at their lake cabin on Big Birch Lake, north of Melrose. John spent as much time as he could with family and friends sailing on Big Birch Lake. He was also an avid snow skier and often traveled to Colorado on ski trips with family and friends.

One of John’s other passions was youth hockey. He and JoAnn were instrumental in the formation and development of Paynesville Youth Hockey, starting in 1972. He spent numerous years as president of the association and assisting with coaching of his son’s various hockey teams. John and JoAnn developed many lifelong friendships during their years of service to Paynesville Youth Hockey.

John was also involved in the St. Louis Catholic Church

in Paynesville for many years. His Catholic faith was a very important part of his life. John sang in the church choir for many years and taught catechism to children from the Catholic church on Wednesday nights. John was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

John is survived by his wife, JoAnn (Petermeier) Welle; and by his children, Lisa (Michael) Case, Mark Welle, Christopher (Grace) Welle, Gregory (Lynn) Welle and Thomas (Kelly) Welle; sister Joan (Welle) Dougherty of Long Prairie; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Ambrose and Ursula (O’Keefe) Welle. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catholic Charities. The website is www. support.crs.org. Donations to be made in memory of John O. Welle.

Wednesday: Special of the day.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs, noodles, green beans, oatmeal raisin cookie and garlic bread.

Friday: White fish, rice pilaf, broccoli, mandarin oranges and bread.

Monday: Goulash, peas, pineapple tidbits and bread.

Tuesday: Pork roast baked potato, applesauce, broccoli and bread.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, potatoes, garden salad, fruit cocktail and dinner roll.

Frances “Fran” (Mareck) Blommel

Frances “Fran” (Mareck) Blommel

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Lebanon Executive Director Bill Abeler (from left) and staff Scott Shoemaker, Craig Knudtson, Dwayne Pundsack and Vern Frericks display the new SawStop industrial cabinet saw March 8 at the camp’s shop in rural Upsala. The Albany Lions Club and Albany Jaycees teamed up to purchase the item.

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

No blurring of my Lenten priorities

“Eating fish really isn’t a penance,” a gentleman told me Thursday in my office.

I had to agree.

On Fridays during Lent, there are fish fries coming out of our ears – or at least into our mouths. It seems to be more of a treat, than a penance. Well, maybe the treat is all the trimmings that go along with the fish. I’m not saying that is a bad thing. It’s always great when people patronize businesses.

But sometimes our priorities get a little blurred.

From the Heart

by Carol Moorman

For example, years ago someone told me they traveled through Greenwald on a Friday night during Lent on their way to Stations of the Cross in Spring Hill. Vehicles lined Greenwald streets, an indication to him that people filled the two food establishments, possibly enjoying a meal of fish. He arrived at the church in Spring Hill and there were just a handful of vehicles outside for Stations.

“What does that tell you,” he asked me.

The significance of Catholics abstaining from eating meat on Fridays during Lent, and eating fish, is related to the idea that Friday is the day Jesus died on the cross, according to the internet.

Growing up, Mom made meat-less meals every Friday, not just during Lent. There were plenty of options – grilled cheese and tuna sandwiches, tomato soup, tuna hotdish, rice. But with a family where fishing was a regular occurrence, our freezer always held enough fish for at least one meal and usually more.

I have memories of eating fish sticks and rice or the

popular tomato soup for our noon meal at St. Mary’s Catholic Church basement in Melrose during Fridays in Lent.

To this day, I will often have fish on Fridays, year-around. Old habits are hard to break.

This year St. Patrick’s Day fell on a Friday, and some Catholic dioceses granted a special dispensation allowing parishioners to eat meat, since corned beef, beef stew and other meats are staples. On one hand I can understand this, but on another, it amazes me how church rules can be changed just like that. We seem to be living in a society where following rules are going by the wayside.

Dad died March 21, 2006, and his funeral was held on a Friday during Lent. As a family we sat around the long table at St. Mary’s parish house talking with the Rev. Vince Lieser, who was going to celebrate Dad’s funeral Mass, and Mom was concerned about what would be served during the meal following the Mass. Even though that was 17 years ago, I remember what Fr. Vince said like it was yesterday. “Tuna hotdish would work just fine,” he said. And it did. We even heard comments that the hotdish was really good, which didn’t surprise me because it was made by long-time cook Mary Ann Primus.

I’ve tried making tuna hotdish and it’s never as good as MaryAnn’s or Mom’s.

It’s Friday as I write this column, and St. Patrick’s Day, but I won’t sway from my Friday tradition of eating a meatless entree, dispensation or not.

My senses aren’t blurred when it comes to my Lenten priorities.

A devastating disease

In the Seven Dolors Catholic Cemetery in Albany, there are two headstones marking the burial sites of children from two families who died over a century ago.

Albany woman injured in March 18 rollover ALBANY TOWNSHIP – An Albany woman was injured following a rollover crash around 1:35 a.m.,March 18 in Albany Township.

According to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, the driver, Stephanie Lyn Jacobs, 41, reported she lost control of her 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe after hitting a snowdrift while traveling south on County Road 10 near Orchard Road. The vehicle rolled into the ditch. Jacobs sustained minor injuries and was privately transported from the scene. The sheriff’s office, Albany Fire Department and Melrose Ambulance Service responded.

Holdingford man

injured in snowmobile accident

HOLDING TOWNSHIP – A Holdingford man was transported to the hospital following a snowmobile crash around 2 p.m., March 18 in Holding Township.

According to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 caller reported a snowmobile crash east of the County Road 17 and 147th Avenue intersection.

Deputies located a 2011 Ski-Doo Back Country snowmobile in the south ditch of County Road 17. The operator, Clayton Dobmeier, 27, of Holdingford, was lying nearby. Dobmeier had a substantial lower left leg laceration from the metal fence post. Numerous fence posts in the area were partially snow covered with only about eight inches exposed. The fence post came through the bottom of the snowmobile and struck Dobmeier’s leg causing the laceration, the report stated. After being treated on scene, Dobmeier was transported to the hospital by a private party. Holdingford Fire and Rescue and Mayo Ambulance were also dispatched.

Fatal crash March 13 in Holding Township

HOLDING TOWNSHIP – An Avon man died following a two-vehicle crash March 13 in Holding Township.

Stearns County deputies responded to a call around 2:20 p.m., and located two vehicles in a south ditch at the intersection of County Road 52 and 160th Avenue – a 2010 Ford Explorer Sport truck operated by Isaac Schwinghammer, 19, of Avon; and a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Kevin Boundy, 67, of Avon.

Boundy had been traveling south on 160th Avenue at County Road 52, and Schwinghammer was traveling west on County Road 52, approaching the intersection controlled by stop signs for vehicles traveling north and southbound on 160th Avenue. Schwinghammer’s vehicle struck the driver’s side of Boundy’s vehicle, causing both vehicles to crash into the southwest ditch, according to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office.

Boundy was pronounced deceased a short time later. Schwinghammer was not injured and refused medical attention, the report said.

Deputies were assisted by the Minnesota State Patrol, Mayo Ambulance and Holdingford Fire and Rescue. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

News BRIEFS

Stearns County 4-H Project Bowl Teams advance to state

ST. CLOUD – 4-H Project Bowl challenges teams of three to six youth to test their knowledge on a variety of topics including dairy, dog, general livestock, horse, llama/alpaca, poultry, and rabbit. Stearns County 4-H had seven teams that competed at the Regional Project Bowl contests in Sauk Rapids and Hastings in March with first and second place teams advancing to state competition April 15 in Foley.

The Rabbit Senior team of Teagan Kelly, Breezy Pines; Jaden Ebnet, Spunk Creek Critters; Graces Backes, Barn Crew; and Teddy Wiechman, Pelican Peak, received first place. They are coached by Sarah Doroff and McKayla Feia.

A

The children died of diphtheria during the 1881 epidemic that came through the Albany area. The disease attacks the respiratory system and can lead to death. While recorded by pre-Christian Greeks, the disease really started receiving attention in the 1600s when an outbreak occurred in Spain. By the 1800s, it was rare not to hear about an outbreak of it somewhere in the world. It took a while for people to understand their role in transmission of the disease. As travel became easier and faster for people, the disease spread with them. As late as the 1870s, there was resistance to the idea of quarantine to stop its spread, and in 1881 it came to the Albany area.

What the families didn’t know was the world was about to turn the corner when it came to fighting the disease. In 1883, German-Swiss microbiologist Theodor Albrecht Edwin Klebs identified the bacterium that causes diphtheria, which helped lead to an 1890s vaccine developed as a preventative measure, and later treatments were found. Diphtheria epidemics are rarely heard of today.

To some degree, it was seen as a child’s disease because children, more often than adults, were victims of the disease. Depending on how it progressed in a person, death could occur within a week or two.

The late 19th century vaccines came too late for the families in Albany and elsewhere who lost family members to the disease. The Albany Heritage Society centen-

nial book “Albany, The Heart of Minnesota,” authored by Jeanette Blonigen Clancy, records at least five Albany families who lost relatives. One farm family lost six children. Interestingly, the only child to get through the epidemic was their one-year-old child.

That family’s mourning period was prolonged because of the weather. The epidemic struck the family during a snow-filled, cold winter. As a result, the children were unable to be buried immediately. The deceased were kept in one of the farm buildings until the family was able to bury them.

In the spring, as the family, during the funeral, went to the burial site, they were met by another family funeral procession bearing three children, also victims of the epidemic.

Although effective vaccines became readily available in the 1920s, the disease remained a threat in Minnesota into the mid-20th century. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, from 1946 to 1950, there were still an average of 222 cases and 20 deaths per year. Increasing acceptance of vaccines has led to a reduction of cases. Still, as late as 2022 there were cases reported in England and Australia; and even as late as 2018 in the United States.

Overall, there have been few cases in Minnesota since the 1950s. The last reported case, according to the MDH website, was 1990.

At one time, though, the disease was dreaded. Those who need a reminder as to why need only to visit the children’s graves at Seven Dolors Catholic Cemetery.

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

Joyce Frericks .....................Business Manager …………………………………joyce@saukherald.com

Missy Traeger .....................Sales & Marketing Manager ………………………missy@saukherald.com

Natasha Barber ..................Managing Editor …………………………………natasha@saukherald.com

Nancy Powell......................Manager……………………………………………nancy,p@star-pub.com

Tim Vos .................................Marketing …………………………………………tim.v@star-pub.com

Carol Moorman .................Editor/Writer ………………………………………carol.m@star-pub.com

Mike Kosik ...........................Writer ………………………………………………mike.k@star-pub.com

Herman Lensing................Writer ………………………………………………herman.l@star-pub.com

Evan Michealson ...............Writer ………………………………………………evan.m@star-pub.com

Tim Hennagir .....................Writer ………………………………………………tim.h@star-pub.com

Amanda Thooft .................Production Manager/Page Design & Layout ……amanda@saukherald.com

Maddy Peterson ................Graphic Designer/Page Design & Layout …………maddy@star-pub.com

Cheyenne Carlson ............Graphic Designer/ Page Design & Layout ………cheyenne@star-pub.com

Karen Knoblach .................Graphic Designer …………………………………karen.k@star-pub.com

Pat Turner ............................Graphic Designer …………………………………pat@saukherald.com

Annika Gunderson ...........Graphic Designer …………………………………annika@star-pub.com

Kayla Hunstiger .................Special Section Coordinator ………………………kayla@saukherald.com

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

Warren Stone .....................Marketing …………………………………………warren@star-pub.com

The Dairy Junior B team of Elizabeth Lahr, Cold Spring Flyers; and Daphne and Monika Frericks, Adley Creek, received first place. They are coached by Sadie Frericks, Kevin Ratka and Tara Meyer.

The Dairy Junior A team of Loretta Belknap, Ella Lahr and Allison Ratka, Cold Spring Flyers; and Madeline Meyer, Gopher Prairie, received second place. They are coached by Sadie Frericks, Kevin Ratka and Tara Meyer.

The Rabbit Junior team of Gavin Ebnet and Morgan and Trinity Feia, Spunk Creek Critters; and Annika Kelly, Breezy Pines, received second place. They are coached by Sarah Doroff and Ben Wiechman.

The Poultry Junior 1 team of Lynn Arvig and Norah Wiechman, Pelican Peak; Phillip Brix, TelStars; and Candace Berckes, Albany Southsiders, received second place. They are coached by Tom Schmitz and Sarah Wiechman.

The Poultry Junior-Silkies team of Peter and Kathryn Brix, Tel-Stars; and Gracie and Gabby Hanson, Breezy Pines, received seventh place. They are coached by Sarah Wiechman, Naomi Wiechman and Claire Arvig.

The Dairy Senior team of April Klaphake and Haddie Walter, Gopher Prairie; and Isabella Schiffler, Albany Southsiders, received fourth place. They are coached by Sadie Frericks and Kevin Ratka.

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

Peek at the Past by Herman Lensing

Albany Area Schools

Albany, Minnesota 56307

Administration Office

Telephone 320/845-2171 –

FAX 320/201-5878

Work Session

Albany Area Schools –ISD #745

District Board Room 30 Forest Ave

Albany, Minnesota 56307

March 22, 2023, 6:00 PM

AG E ND A

1. Call to Order

2. Roll Call

Holding Township Notice

The Board of Appeal and Equalization of the Town of Holding will meet on Tues., April 4, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. at the Holding Town Hall, 790 4th Street West. Holdingford, MN 56340. 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 dis-

3. Long Term Fiscal Maintenance Presentation - ICS

4. Student Representatives

5. Albany Middle School Presentation

6. Adjournment

Note: Items may be added to the agenda which have an immediate effect on the operation of the school district. An effort will be made to keep additions to a minimum.

Amy Sand,

Clerk P-12-1B

cuss 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.

Julianne Ebnet, Clerk. P-12-2B

Albany Area Schools is Seeking Building Maintenance/ Custodial Staff

Interested persons should contact: John Klasen at 320-845-5079 or jklasen@district745.org

For additional information or to complete an application please see our website at www.district745.org

Search and rescue drill at former Melrose bank

Albany City Council sets priorities for North Park improvements

Pickleball court, soil borings pushed

Albany city leaders continue to take a cautious stance regarding proposed North Park trail and park improvements.

Council members have dedicated additional funding for pickleball court development and want preliminary soil borings completed first.

The city will use $39,140 in Whispering Oaks park dedication fees and other donations to complete the pickleball court at its currently approved location in North Park. The council is reviewing $3,000 to $4,000 to get trail and park borings.

The proposed spring soil work would be supervised by the city’s engineering firm.

Earlier this month, Albany Park Board chairman Sonya Hoffarth and board member Ross Voit made two recommendations for council review.

The advisory board recommended the city support further evaluation of

a proposed 10-foot pedestrian trail along the eastern boundary of North Lake abutting Highway 238 and North Park master planning. The trail evaluation by city engineer Jeremy Mathiasen’s firm Stantec would not have exceeded $8,000.

The park board also recommended scheduling a North Park site visit and master park plan workshop.

Councilor Alan Amdahl is the city’s park board liaison. He attended the March 8 Albany Park Board meeting and provided a brief recap of recommendations during the March 15 city council meeting.

“It was a lively meeting last week,” Amdahl said. “There are a lot of hoops and hurdles and questions.”

Bryan Schiffler, Albany Chrysler Center dealer and owner, and a group identified as Friends of the North Park have proposed the trail and park amenities be privately funded by donations or in-kind services.

Schiffler and community members have suggested a new hockey rink in North Park.

Placement of that improvement concerned councilor John Harlander, who has been working on the pickleball court.

“I’m OK with trying to figure out the trail around the lake,” Harlander said. “But I think we should figure out what that’s going to cost the city in terms of future maintenance before we even go into the park.”

Harlander said he didn’t know how the city would be able to fund the improvements suggested by Schiffler and his group without raising taxes.

“We’ve been through this discussion,” Mayor Tom Kasner said. “Decisions have to be made by the park board, then the council. That’s not going to be easy.”

Clerk and administrator Tom Schneider said one of the outcomes from the March 8 Albany Park Board

meeting was consensus re-

garding a planning workshop.

“We don’t have people banging on our door asking for a specific park improvement,” he said. “We don’t want to build something that nobody is going to use.”

Earlier this week, Schneider, Kasner, Hoffarth, Schiffler, Mathiasen and public works supervisor Joe Mergen were scheduled to meet regarding park master planning. That March 20 meeting was not open to the public, Schneider told The Star Post. Harlander was concerned how a hockey rink would affect the pickleball court.

“If you put in a hockey rink, you’ll have to take down the pickleball court netting,” he said. “The lake has the best skating surface. It doesn’t make sense to build something that we already have.”

Kasner addressed the need for professional design services and completion of soil borings in the park.

“There is nobody on the Friends of the North Park committee that’s a designer,” Kasner said. “That’s why our city engineer is helping us with this. There’s a lot of ground in the park we aren’t going to be able to develop because it’s a wetland.”

Harlander continued to address pickleball court development during discussion.

In 2005, the city approved the Whispering Oaks at Two River subdivision.

Paul Eisenschenk with Unique Properties LLC, the project developer, paid a dedication fee rather than setting aside land for a park in the development.

“I’ll make a motion to take the Whispering Oaks money ($39,140) and put it toward the pickleball court,” Harlander said.

His motion was seconded by Amdahl.

Schneider asked Kasner for clarification regarding the motion and use of donated park funds from the Albany Jaycees and Albany Lions.

“Would we have the authority to use those funds?”

Schneider asked.

Kasner replied, “I would say yes. There’s enough there to finish the pickleball court. You are authorizing to finish the pickleball.”

Councilor Keith Heitzman asked if use of the Whispering Oaks’ money would be enough to finish the court.

Kasner said additional funding was needed. Harlander’s motion passed 4-1; Heitzman cast the opposing vote.

Kasner also asked Mathiasen about possible construction techniques for the proposed North Lake trail.

“One of the things we’re going to have to show is the willingness to do the project,” Mathiasen said. “If that’s there, then we have to scale back and show how we can build it. This project would have to include some sort of soil retainage or wall.”

He added, “We need to minimize the impact. If we just put the trail in 4 feet off the edge of the road, and match it down to the lake, you’d fill about an acre of the lake.”

Harlander asked if the Albany Park Board’s recommendation to spend $8,000 for pedestrian trail design alternatives included the cost of soil borings.

Mathiasen replied, “No, that total would be putting together cost estimates. For $3,000 to $4,000, you could do trail and park soil borings and see what’s there.”

Harlander said if the city was going to spend money, it should do soil borings first.

Mathaisen said he would bring a soil boring proposal to the April 5 council meeting.

Schneider said if the proposed pedestrian trail plans along the eastern shoreline of North Lake abutting Highway 238 are eventually approved by the council, the city will publicly bid the project and award it to the low bidder.

That bidder will be required to submit references for city review, Schneider said.

PHOTOS BY CAROL MOORMAN

Freeport and Melrose firefighters listen to Melrose Fire Chief Tom Budde (center) describing the search and rescue drill they are about to undertake March 6 inside a smokefilled former Melrose bank building in Melrose. The building was used as training before it was demolished, making room for Kwik Trip.

(Above) Melrose firefighters Craig Maus (left) and Joe Finken remove a dummy from inside the former Melrose bank building in Melrose during a March 6 search and rescue drill for Melrose and Freeport fire departments. Teams of firefighters entered the smoke filled structure in search of dummies, as a training session.

(Left) Freeport firefighters Ryan Meyer (left) and Matthew Beste prepare to enter the former Melrose bank building in Melrose during a March 6 search and rescue drill for Melrose and Freeport fire department members. The departments provide mutual aid to one another, when needed, during actual emergency situations.

NOTICE OF HEARING ON ASSESSMENTS

City of Albany, Minnesota

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Albany, Stearns County, Minnesota (the “City”), will meet at the City Hall, 400 Railroad Ave, Albany, Minnesota on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. to consider objections to the proposed assessments for the construction of the Improvement referred to below, previously ordered by the City Council.

The general nature of the project includes reconstruction of sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, sanitary services, water services, and roadways (the “Improvement”). The area proposed to be assessed consists of every lot, piece of parcel of land abutting and benefited by the improvement. The total amount to be assessed is $725,294. The proposed assessment roll is on file with the Administrator/Clerk-treasurer and open to public inspection.

Written or oral objections by any property owner will be considered at the hearing. No appeal may be taken as to the amount of any assessment adopted by the City Council unless a written objection signed by the affected property owner is filed with the Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer prior to the assessment hearing or presented to the presiding officer at the hearing. All objections to the assessments not received at the assessment hearing in the manner prescribed by Minnesota Statutes, Section 429.061 are waived, unless the failure to object to the assessment hearing is due to a reasonable cause.

Any owner of property to be assessed may appeal the assessment to the district court of Stearns County pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 429.081, by serving notice of the appeal upon the Mayor or Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer of the City within 30 days after the adoption of the assessment and filing such notice with the district court within 10 days after service upon the Mayor or Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer.

Under the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Sections 435.193 through 435. 195, the City may, at its discretion, defer the payment of assessments for any homestead property owned by a person 65 years of age or older or retired by virtue of a permanent and total disability for whom it would be a hardship to make the payments. The City has not established a deferment procedure pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Sections 435.193 through 435.195. The notice of this hearing mailed to property owners contains additional information.

Tom Schneider, City Administrator/Clerk City of Albany, Minnesota P-12-1B

DOCUMENT

00 11 13

FOR BIDS

ADVERTISEMENT

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. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Kreuzer at 6 p.m.

2. Roll Call Present: Kreuzer, Carbajal, Sand, Dirkes Late: Absent: Sands, Hansen, Rueter

3. Public Forum

4. Agenda – Additions and Deletions

4.1 Add 8.8 Bus and Van Purchase Approval

4.2 Add 8.9 Early Learning Center Update

4.3 Add 8.10 Resolution to Issue Bid for Early Learning Center

Demolition

5. Approvals

5.1 Previous Meeting Minutes

Motion by Carbajal, seconded by Dirkes, to approve the February 8, 2023, Regular Meeting minutes and the February 22, 2023, Work Session minutes. Supported by all present.

5.2 Cash Flow Reports – January 2023

Motion by Carbajal, seconded by Sand, to approve the January 2023 Cash Flow Reports as presented. Supported by all present.

5.3 Acceptance of Gifts and Donations

Member Carbajal introduced the Resolution Accepting Donations and moved for its adoption.

The School Board of Albany Area Schools, ISD 745, gratefully accepts the following donations as identified below:

Donor Item Designated Purpose (if any)

Rotochopper $250.00 Robotics donation

Mcdowall Co $1,000.00 Scholarship

Avon Lions $2,000.00 Robotics Donation

Albany Lions $2,000.00 Theater shelves

Huskies Boosters Club $1,000.00 Ken Klemmer Scholarship

Avon Lions $1,000.00 Community Ed -

Summer Recreation

Magnifi Financial $300.00 Community Ed - Summer Recreation

Michael Wensel Memorial $1,000.00 Scholarship

Tyler Hamerlik $5,000.00 Scholarship

Tyler Hamerlik $1,000.00 Preschool/EC Program

Member Dirkes seconded the resolution and upon vote being taken thereon, The following voted in favor of: All

And the following voted against: None

Absent: Sands, Hansen, Rueter

Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.

6. Consent Agenda

AFT:

Kara Rysavy - AHS/AMS Choir Teacher

AESP:

Peter Rausch - Custodian/Building Maintenance Assistant

James McDougle - Custodian/Building Maintenance Assistant

Consuelo Esparza - Custodian/Building Maintenance Assistant

Aya Groseclose - ALE LTS Paraprofessional Substitute

Baelyn Dirkes - ALE Kids Company Site Leader

Meghan Shannon - ALE Kids Company AM Site Leader

Rachel Rausch - ALE Kids Company PM Site Leader

Celeste Ollman - Kids Company Assistant

Rineke van de Ree - Kids Company Assistant

Olivia Lemm - Kids Company Aide

Addison Reis - Kids Company Aide

AESP Payroll Change Request:

Cari Gottwald - Custodian/Building Assistant, 8 hrs/day to 6 hrs/

day

Miranda Beutz - Kids Company, Lane V Step 4 to Lane X Step 8

SpEd Differential:

DOCUMENT 00 11 13

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

2023 Street Improvements

Melrose, Minnesota

SEH No. MELRO 170668

Notice is hereby given that Online Bids will be received by the Administrator until 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 13, 2023, via QuestCDN for the furnishing of all labor and material for the construction of 2023 Street Improvements.

The bid opening will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud:

2023 Street Improvements Bid Opening Thursday, April 13, 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_Y2E5NTNmYjQtYmM4MC00YzJkLWJhMjEtYzgzNzA4Y2QzNmE1%40thread.v2/0?context= %7b%22Tid%22%3a%22642f4553-88f1-43dc-9a29-90842cd19d4c%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2248472820- a408-4d5cb262-d033b1c6fa20%22%7d

Meeting ID: 237 038 235 565 Passcode: dZpcLW

Or call in (audio only)

+1 872-242-7640,,487852162# United States, Chicago Phone Conference ID: 487 852 162# Any person monitoring the meeting remotely may be responsible for any documented costs. Message and data rates may apply.

Major quantities for the Work include:

1,200 TONType SP 9.5 Wearing Course Mixture (3,C)

1,550 TONType SP 12.5 Wearing Course Mixture (3,C)

590 LIN FT12-Inch PVC Pipe Sewer (SDR 35

389 LIN FT15-Inch PVC Pipe Sewer (SDR 35)

54.15 LIN FTConstruction Sanitary Manhole

200 LIN FT8-Inch Water Main Ductile Iron CL 52

The Bidding Documents may be seen at the Issuing Office of SEH located at 2351 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 300, Sartell, MN 56377, 320.229.4300.

The Bidding Documents may be viewed for no cost at http://

+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 but-

Gina Becker, Baelyn Dirkes, Christina Fleege, Janice Hennek, Rineke van de Ree, Beth Willenbring

LOA:

Two

Coaching/Advisors:

Dana Crumley - Head Girls’ Swim Coach

Taylor Gerads - JV Softball Coach

Dana Cartier - Head Girls’ Gymnastics Coach

Brian Bierbaum - Spring Weight Room Supervisor

Kaitlyn Czeck - MS Track Coach

Community Education:

HSP/Fundamentals - Nolan Anderson, Aaron Schwenzfeier, Makaela Zierden

Quan Li K’an Instructor - David Torbert, Adam Patterson

BECC Supervisor - Connor Karki, Elizabeth Richter, Amy Rausch

Ski Trip Chaperone - Kendra Plautz

Youth Basketball - Makaela Zierden

BEAT Tech Assistant - Mya Justin Middle School Play - Paula Van Der Hagen, Mya Justin

The following checks were issued in paying claims: Wire transfers and checks 104420 – 104612.

Expenditures:

01 General Fund$969, 299.31

02 Food Services $93,237.15

04 Community Services $57,419.95

06 Building Construction $78,111.65

Motion by Carbajal, seconded by Sand to approve the March 2023 Consent Agenda. Supported by all present.

7. Reports

7.1 Purple Pride

7.2 Spanish Trip Presentation Kit Pennie will be leading a Spanish trip to Costa Rica this summer. The trip is being planned through EF Educational Tours. The group consists of 16 students and two supervisors who are staff members. Everyone going on the trip will be covered by EF Tours insurance. Motion by Carbajal and seconded by Kreuzer to approve the trip. Supported by all present.

8. Business

8.1 Enrollment Report

8.2 2022-23 Budget Revision Approval

Sue Clemen, Director of Business Services, presented revisions to the 2022-23 budget. The board was informed that an additional $280,000 was required to be moved from the unrestricted fund balance to the restricted fund balance due to an increase in severance liabilities. Motion by Carbajal, seconded by Sand to approve the 2022-23 budget revisions. Supported by all present.

8.3 Achievement and Integration Program Approval

Laura Roelike, Director of Teaching and Learning, presented the Achievement and Integration Plan for July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026. Albany Area Schools is involved with a collaboration between Melrose and 5 other districts. The goals of this collaborative are racial & economic integration, to reduce achievement disparities, and provide the students in our districts with equitable access to diverse teachers. Motion by Carbajal, seconded by Dirkes, to approve the Achievement and Integration Plan as presented. Supported by all present.

8.4 Resolution Relating to the Termination and Non-Renewal of the Teaching Contract of a Probationary Teacher Member Carbajal introduced the resolution and moved its adoption. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Member Dirkes and upon vote being taken thereon,the following voted in favor thereof: Kreuzer, Carbajal, Dirkes, Sand and the following voted against the same: None whereupon said resolution was declared passed and adopted

8.5 Resolution for Approval to Change Credit Card Account The district’s current credit card account is with Magnifi Financial. The new account will have an increased limit of $25,000 and will offer cash back rewards.

Member Carbajal introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption. The motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution

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 8422655 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 16, 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.

Publish:

Quest CDN: March 22, 2023

The Star Post: March 22 and 29, 2023 City of Melrose website: March 22, 2023

Colleen Winter Administrator Melrose, Minnesota

P-12-2B

ton 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.

Publish:

Quest CDN:March 15, 2023

The Star Post:March 15 and 22, 2023

Roger

Supervisor

Avelsgard Electrical

Melrose Public Utilities Commission

P-11-2B

was duly seconded by Member Sand and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: All present and the following voted against the same: None whereupon said resolution was declared passed and adopted.

8.6 Substitute Teacher Pay In order to remain competitive in the local substitute market, substitute teacher pay will be increased to $10.00 more per hour. Motion by Carbajal and seconded by Dirkes to approve the substitute teacher pay increase. Supported by all present.

8.7 Board Direction for Administration in Developing 2023-24 Budget Priorities

Build a budget of 2-3 years to improve the funds.

8.8 Bus and Van Purchase Approval

Nationally there is a shortage of qualified school vans available for purchase. The same is true for buses, especially gas buses. Albany Area Schools have access to two vehicles for next year that are currently in production and as of yet have not been claimed. The administration requested entering into a purchase agreement now for both vehicles for the 2023-2024 school year with the funds to come from next year’s budget. Motion by Carbajal, seconded by Dirkes to approve the purchase of two vehicles. Supported by all present.

8.9 Early Learning Center Update

Chris Read from ICS presented.

The design has been updated with current plans. User group meetings are complete.

Schematic design (1st phase) is done, estimates the budget is approximately 11% above projections, which is considered typically for projects of this nature at this phase of the process.

POC approval to move to the 2nd phase-DD phase.

POC approved interior demo bid package to be released 3/7/23. Demo LL & elect, walls & ceilings, floors, casework, doors/ hardware-can salvage some items to reuse.

8.10 Resolution to Issue Bid for Early Learning Center Demolition

Chris Rear (Project Oversight Committee Member) introduced the following resolution and Member Carbajal moved for its adoption. The motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Member Dirkes and vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: All present And the following voted against the same: None

Whereupon said resolution was declared passed and adopted.

9. Committee Reports

9.1 SEE General Membership Meeting

10. Superintendent Report

Praise to Cassie Novak for being a huge asset to our ELC project on top of her duties as Community Education and Communications Director. Also, a thank you to Cassie’s team at Community Education that help fill in where Cassie can’t. Legislature update: Superintendent Okerlund urged school board members to reach out to the legislative committees about the bills being addressed. Many bills provided highly valuable support for teachers and staff, however most had considerable cost with little information on how they would be funded longterm. There is concern that unfunded mandates may result in a negative financial impact on many school districts, including Albany Area Schools. There were also three bills that were receiving consideration that aimed to support schools like Albany Area Schools that are funded in the bottom 15% of all districts and miss out on considerable funding in other areas. There is strong support for measures that ensure schools are funded equitably and at a minimum level.

11. Adjournment Agenda completed at 7:25 p.m., a motion to adjourn was made by Carbajal, seconded by Sand. Supported by all present.

CITY OF HOLDINGFORD NOTICE

The City of Holdingford City Council has adopted Ordinance No. 104, titled “An Ordinance Annexing Certain Land from the Township of Holding.” The ordinance, pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 414.033, subd. 2(3), initiates the annexation to the city of Stearns County PIN 13.07886.0019, which is contiguous to the city and consists of approximately

City of Avon Important Information Regarding Property Assessments

This may affect your 2024 property taxes.

The Board of Appeal and Equalization for the City of Avon will meet on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 6:00 pm at Avon 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

P-12-1B

4.43 acres. The ordinance provides that the annexation will take effect upon final approval by the Chief Administrative Law Judge, and thereafter the land will be identified as R1 – Church on the city’s official zoning map. A map and legal description of the property is contained in the full ordinance, which can be viewed at City Hall during regular office hours.

P-12-1B

CITY OF HOLDINGFORD, MINNESOTA STEARNS COUNTY, MINNESOTA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Holdingford City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 10, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at Holdingford City Hall, 420 Main Street, Holdingford, MN 56340. The purpose of the hearing is to hear from the public, discuss, and thereafter take action on an application for a conditional use permit to use the property located at 541 Main Street (the ”Property”) as a child care center. If you wish to offer comments relative to the public hearing and cannot be present, we ask you to submit those comments by 12:00 p.m. Monday, April 10, 2023. Those comments can be submitted in writing to: City of Holdingford, 420 Main Street, Holdingford, MN 56340. Nicky Lahr, City Clerk-Treasurer P-12-1B

TOWNSHIP OF AVON

NOTICE OF ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDS

Bids will be received by Avon Township, Stearns County, Minnesota, until 8:00 P.M., CDT on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at which time they will be opened and reviewed. Bids should include all labor, materials, and everything required to surface in 2023 the roadways listed below. Note: these roads will already be prepared for resurfacing by milling, grinding, and compacting.

• Two Rivers Road from Co Rd 9 to 190th Avenue (joint Avon & Holding Township project) – approx. 1 mile

• 190th Avenue (Avon Township) – approx. 0.35 mile

• 185th Avenue (Avon Township) – approx. 0.5 mile

• Red Oak Circle (Avon Township) – approx. 0.3 mile

• 400th Street east of County Road 9 (Holding Township) – approx. 1 mile Bids should include fine blading, paving, 2 lifts, 1.5 inches each, 2 foot-wide Class 5 shoulders meeting MN State specifications. Bidders must contact Rich Sanoski at (320) 260-0125 or Rich.

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 Vanderbilt Mortgage and

CITY OF ALBANY, MINNESOTA

Important Information

Regarding Property Assessments

This may affect your 2024 property tax payments

The Board of Appeal and Equalization for the City of Albany will meet at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at the Albany City Hall, 400 Railroad Avenue.

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 proper-

ty is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. If you disagree with the valuation and 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 Stearns County Board of Appeal and Equalization.

Published in the Star Post on March 22, 2023. Tom Schneider Clerk/Adm. P-12-1B

ADVERTISEMENT FOR QUOTES FOR SAUK RIVER PARK RESTROOM

Notice is hereby given that the City of Melrose will accept sealed quotes for improvements to the Sauk River Park restroom until 5:00 PM, on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at which time they will be opened and read aloud.

A copy of the specifications may be picked up at the City Center, 225 1st Street NE, Melrose, MN 56352 or by calling Sheila Hellermann, City Planner, 320-256-4278. Sealed quote envelopes should be marked “Sauk River Park Restroom”. 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.

SHEILA HELLERMANN – CITY PLANNER P-12-1B

Sanoski@avontownship.org to confirm bid specifics prior to bid submission for the Avon Township roads. For more information about 400th Street, contact Dave Yurczyk at 320-761-2087 or Dave@Davescustom.com.

Work should be completed by August 20, 2023. Striping is not to be included. Each road should be separately included in the bid. Avon Township reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive irregularities and informalities therein, and further reserves the right to award the Contract to the best interests of the Avon Township.

Submit all bids, either electronically or hard copy, to the Avon Township Clerk, 16881 Queens Road, Avon MN, 56310; clerk@ avontownship.com; by 8 PM, Wednesday April 26, 2023. Stephen Saupe, Clerk Avon Township, Minnesota

Published in the Star-Post on March 22 and March 29, 2023 P-12-2B

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

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. Mansfield Atty.

No.

0400374

Attorneys for Mortgagee 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 1200 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 P-9-6B

WCED 2023 Remodel

9 West 2nd St. South Melrose, Minnesota 56352

Independent School District #740 will receive single prime sealed bids for WCED 2023 Remodel until 2:00 p.m. local time on April 6, 2023 at the West Central Area Learning Center, 9 West 2nd St. South, Melrose, Minnesota56352, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Bidding documents, including the Proposal Form, Drawings and Specifications, will be on file at the Minnesota Builders Exchange; McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge Plan Center; Reed Construction; iSqFt Plan Room (St. Paul, MN), The Blue Book Building and Construction Network; and from PlanWell at: https://order.e-arc.com/arcEOC/Secures/PWELL_PrivateList aspx?PrjType=pub

This project includes: Interior renovation and associated mechanical and elecitrical systems modifications.

American Reprographics Company, 4730 Park Glen Road, St Louis Park, Minnesota 55416 (952) 697-8800, facsimile (952) 697-8803 will provide complete downloadable sets of the Bidding Documents to prospective bidders and subcontractors. The downloads will be available February 17, 2023. A deposit check in the amount of $25 made out to ARC for each set downloaded via the internet at https://www.e-arc.com/location/st-louis-park/ and clicking on the PlanWell icon, then the Public Plan Room icon, select WCED 2023 Remodel. Make proposals on the bid forms supplied in the Project Manual. No oral, telegraphic or telephonic proposals or modifications will be considered. Submit with each bid, a certified check or acceptable bidder’s bond payable to Independent School District #740 in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid. The successful bidder will be required to furnish satisfactory Labor and Material Payment Bond, and Performance Bond. Bids may not be withdrawn within thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of opening bids, without the consent of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to accept any bid or to reject any or all bids, or parts of such bids, and waive informalities or irregularities in bidding.

The Owner requires Substantial Completion of the project on or before August 18, 2023.

A pre-bid walkthrough has been scheduled for Monday, March 27, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. Please meet at the main building entrance. Board of Education Independent School District #740 END OF SECTION 00 11 13 P-12-2B

West Central Education District

Board Meeting Minutes

Date: January 30, 2023

6:30pm; WCED Conference Room

Board Clerk Uphoff called the meeting to order at 6:31p.m. Board members Rasmussen and Quarfot were in attendance along with Superintendents Winter, Bullard, Peschel and Okerlund; Director Fevig, Coordinator Dierks, and Administrator Hoffarth. 2 WCED staff members were present. Albany board representative was absent.

Under reorganization, Quarfot nominated Uphoff for Board Chair, having no other nominations, Uphoff was appointed Board Chair by acclamation. Quarfot nominated Rasmussen for Vice Chair, having no other nominations, Rasmussen was appointed Vice Chair by acclamation. Rasmussen nominated Quarfot for Clerk, having no other nominations, Quarfot was appointed Clerk by acclamation.

With no changes to the agenda, Quarfot moved, Rasmussen seconded approval of the agenda, Motion carried unopposed. Quarfot moved, Okerlund seconded, to keep the Star Post as official newspaper, motion carried unopposed. MN National Bank was approved as the official bank with a motion by Okerlund second by Quarfot, motion carried unopposed. After hearing the proposed meeting dates for 2023, Rasmussen moved, Quarfot seconded accepting board meeting dates as proposed. Motion carried unopposed.

After a review of consent agenda items, Quarfot moved, Rasmussen seconded approval of the November 14, 2022 Board Minutes; Treasurer’s Report and Bills Payable (#24083-24118); severance payment for Jodie Tharp; Retirement letter for Barb Aanstad; Donations from Stearns Electric for $500 and Dooley’s Petroleum for $100; and 2 MOUs. Motion carried unopposed. Under New Business, Director Fevig brought 1 policy for first reading: 534 School Meal Policy. Policy will have a 2nd reading at the next board meeting.

Under Old Business, Fevig and Hoffarth shared the impact of 20 policies having a 2nd reading. Quarfot moved, Rasmussen seconded adopting all MSBA policies: Numbers: 410, 417, 418, 506, 515, 522, 524, 532, 533, 601, 603, 620, 704, 705, 709, 714 721, 722, 802, 806. Motion carried unopposed. Under reports, Administrator Hoffarth and Coordinator Dierks updated the board on items currently relevant to the WCED programs and district special education teachers. Director Fevig updated the board on the progress of the Beacon remodel, followed by a tour of the building. Uphoff adjourned the meeting at 7:18 pm.

/s/ Jerald Quarfort Clerk P-12-1B

2019 Jeep Wrangler 4x4

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee X Package

Melrose’s Finken signs college volleyball commitment

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

Melrose Area High School senior Jazmin Finken signed a letter of intent to attend Lake Region State College in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota, March 14 in the Melrose Area Elementary gym in Melrose to play college volleyball.

Finken was a member of the Lady Dutchmen program while progressing through middle school and high school in Melrose. Coaching the Lake Region team is Stevan Waddell, who coached at Melrose Area High School through the 2018 season. Finken played in the program when he coached in Melrose.

Boys basketball

from page 10

Holy Family Catholic dealt Albany its only loss of the season – a 76-68 decision Dec. 28, 2022, in the Breakdown Granite City Classic.

Pequot’s defensive style, while tricky, also gave Hondl opportunities to thrive.

“Sam would get the ball in the middle of the zone, and when they give him space like that, he was very good,” Schlagel said. “Once he started making some shots, it gets contagious.

When everyone else sees the ball going in the basket, it makes it a bit easier. We had guys keep firing the basketball.”

Albany defeated Pequot Lakes 74-52 Jan. 9. Although the victory margin was similar, the tone of the game meant Schlagel could not breathe easy until the fi nal minute.

The first half tempo was not to the Huskies’ liking, though they still led 27-18 at halftime despite Tysen Gerads and Ethan Borgerding combining for six points.

Albany’s outside shooting found its groove in the second half. Gerads hit three 3-pointers on his way to finishing with 19 points – three days removed from a 27-point performance against Milaca in the Section 6AA championship. Carter Voss also nailed two 3-pointers that came at crucial times. Sophomore Zeke Austin was 3-for-3 on threes and had 13 points. The Patriots’ trapping zone defense caused problems for the Huskies, who finished with 14 turnovers.

When a reporter asked Schlagel if his team would be working on cutting down on turnovers before the state semifinals, he playfully looked at his players, realizing they knew the answer.

“It was a slugfest in terms of them running that 1-2-2 three-quarter court trap, and in terms of trying to go against it, we weren’t as crisp as we should be,”

A sweetheart of a Melrose Bowl tourney

said Schlagel, whose team had a 36-16 rebounding advantage. “We didn’t come to the ball every time, but we were able to get some open looks on them. It was one of those games where we had to keep feeling everything out, but we played defense the entire game.”

Pequot Lakes made only 2 of its first 16 shots. Albany also was chilly from the outside early in a first half that was, at times, stagnant. A 51-32 Albany lead with 7 minutes, 35 seconds remaining was cut to 5345 in less than two minutes and led to a Schlagel timeout. His message apparently rang clear to his team, who scored the next nine points to allow for breathing room.

“Stop taking dumb shots,” Schlagel said he told his team. “We were just hurting ourselves, but we came out with a little run on them to kind of seal it.”

PL 18 35-53

ALB 27 42-69

Albany (FGM-FMA FTM-FTA

PTS): Hondl 10-14, 0-0, 20 (12R, 5A); Gerads 7-17, 2-5, 19 (6A); Austin 4-6, 2-2, 13 (3A); Borgerding 3-4, 1-1, 7 (6R); Voss 2-5, 0-0, 6; and Tanner Reis 0-2, 4-4, 4 (8R).

Minnesota

Hansons three-time winners of Albany Bowling Center sweetheart tourney

ALBANY – Tom and Deb Hanson won the 30th Annual Sweetheart Tournament Feb. 11 at Albany Bowling Center in Albany.

They won the tourney in back-to-back years and are the only couple who have won it three times.

Aubrey Wester and Jason Kirchner, Jr., bowled the high game with a 484 in two games with a handicap.

: 1. Deb

PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON

Albany’s Sam Hondl leaps high to snag a pass March 21 at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. Hondl’s midrange floaters and jumpers helped the sophomore accumulate 20 points and 12 rebounds in his Minnesota State High School League Class AA Boys Basketball State Tournament debut.

Albany’s Andrew Olson (right) stops during a dribble to avoid a Pequot Lakes defender March 21 at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. Olson and the Huskies advanced to the Minnesota State High School League Class AA Boys Basketball State Tournament semifinals against Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton.

Albany’s Carter Voss fires a jumper during the

State High School League Class AA Boys Basketball State Tournament quarterfinals March 21 at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. Voss and the Huskies caught fire from deep as the game progressed, ending in a victory over Pequot Lakes.

Results

and Tom Hanson. 2. Michelle and Nick Schwieters. 3. Jesse and Nate Walker. 4. Aubrey Wester and Jason Kirchner, Jr. 5. Amaya Eischens and Caleb Lau. and 6. Katie and Joe Simon.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Tom and Deb Hanson are the winners of the Feb. 11 30th Annual Sweetheart Tournament at Albany Bowling Center in Albany. They have been tournament champions for three years.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Kris Leukam (from left) holding grandson Kasen Leukam, Mike Leukam, Cheryl Fuechtmann and Gregg Toenyan wear valentine-related shirts Feb. 18 during the annual Sweetheart Tournament, held since 2017, at Melrose Bowl in Melrose. Chrissy and Corey Wallin and Brian Heinen and Lynn Coyle tied for first place, and Eric and Mandy Primus were named the cutest couple from the people who wore sweetheart-related outfits.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING

Jazmin Finken (front, middle) and her family – mother Dana Finken (front, from left) and sister Jenna Finken; (back, from left) father Joe Finken and sister Gabrielle Finken – attend a letter of intent ceremony March 14 at Melrose Area Elementary School in Melrose. Joining the ceremony is Jazmin’s brother Nick on a video call, as the family witnessed Jazmin commit to the Lake Region State College volleyball program.

Girls basketball from page 12

“We knew we had to play really good defense, and that’s something we’ve been doing all year,” Gerads said. “With defense, offense will come.”

Fast pace was a major advantage for Albany, who scored 12 fastbreak points in the first half alone, often a product of swiping the basketball away after applying pressure.

“We pressured the ball well and knew we had to get back on defense,” Findley said. “I think we did well with that.”

These energetic scoring sequences gave Albany the lead, one it never relinquished throughout the game. The Huskies led for 99% of the game, con-

trolling the tempo of the contest while forcing Perham into desperation mode fairly early.

Albany extended its advantage with athletic plays down low, with all but two of its 19 field goals coming from 2-point territory. Gerads and fellow junior forward Sand remained comfortable, combining for 28 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, three blocks and four steals.

“We wanted to try and get it inside, but we knew they were going to double-team or pack in the lines, so we were looking for backdoor cuts, trying to get it into the post just to get other opportunities,” Sand said.

Gigantic plays from several Huskies eventually helped the higher seed move on. Pelzer knocked down a close-range shot in

TATE RICHTER

the final seconds of the first half before earning steals on back-to back second-half

possessions, Holthaus and Schwenzfeier hit the team’s lone 3-pointers and Bloni-

gen came off the bench to record two points, two rebounds and a steal.

Purple Pride

What do you enjoy most about being part of the basketball team? The group of guys that we have. Everyone gets along really well.

What is your favorite thing to do on the court? I love throwing the perfect pass off of a pick and roll.

What other activities are you involved in at school? Baseball and National Honor Society.

Why is it important for you to be involved in school activities? You meet new people and make friends with kids who enjoy the same activities.

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? Making it to state for basketball is a big accomplishment, and now the goal is to win state.

What is one piece of advice you would give underclassmen to help them excel in academics or athletics? Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

What are you thankful for today? Two amazing parents who love and support me no matter what.

What are three words that describe your personality? Easy going, thoughtful and hardworking.

“Basketball is a team sport; it’s not one single person,” Gerads said. “No matter what, everybody contributes to the team, so it’s really important for all of us.”

Albany’s single-digit lead eventually blossomed to a game-high 18 points behind a 19-9 run to begin the second half, and while the Yellowjackets hit several 3-pointers in catch-up mode, it was not enough to deny the Huskies from another Class AA semifinals appearance.

PER 18 20-38

ALB 26 25-5\

Albany: Sand 14 (7R, 4A, 3B), Gerads 14 (5R, 4S), Findley 11, Pelzer 4 (4R), Holthaus 3, Schwenzfeier 3, Blonigen 2 and VanHeel (3R).

What is your favorite part about being on the knowledge bowl team? Meeting new people and growing with them as a team throughout the season.

How do you prepare yourself for competitions? We had practices frequently in the mornings before school, but what really helped me prepare before competitions was my teammates’ positive

personalities in the mornings.

What other activities are you involved in at Holdingford High School? Track and field, band, youth soccer and Business Club president.

What is your favorite memory from elementary school? Playing Skylanders on the Wii with my best friends from elementary school on weekends.

Dynamite Dutchmen

What do you like most about being in band? I get to work with music every day. Just being with the band is fun, and there is not a lot of homework.

What is your most memorable experience with the band? The contest my sophomore year, during COVID-19. The judges came to Melrose. I remember working through my solo. It was interesting seeing how good I was.

What other activities are you involved in at school? Knowledge bowl and track.

What is something you’ve learned in class recently? Learning on my flute solo how to have a clearer embouchure (lipping) to get a better sound.

What are you looking forward to doing during the remaining school year? All of the senior expe-

How do you try to make a difference at school? I try to be as positive as I can and share a laugh with someone, even if they are having a rough day. Sometimes just a laugh can change someone’s view of a bad day into a good day.

What is something you’ve learned in class recently? How to make cheesecake in culinary arts. Tell us something about yourself most people don’t know. I auditioned for “The Voice.”

What is your dream job? Running my own business and starting a charity to give back to children in need.

riences, like attending prom and the band trip/clinic at St. John’s University.

How do you try to make a difference at school? By being as nice as I can be. If I notice somebody looks uncomfortable, I try to help make them comfortable. At lunch, if there is a person looking for a spot, I offer to sit with them.

What teacher has impacted your education the most? My English teachers, Ms. (Taylor) Garthus and Ms. (ShelRae) Vedbraaten, helped me make my writing better.

What is your favorite restaurant and the meal you order? True North Marketplace in Melrose. I like their grilled cheese sandwich, which has a lot of different ingredients.

Parents: Joel and Kim Richter. Accomplishment: Senior guard on the Albany High School boys basketball team that is heading to the Class AA boys basketball state tournament.

Parent: Krista Jarnot.

Accomplishment: Holdingford High School knowledge bowl team member.

Albany’s Callie Holthaus (center, from left), Sophia Schiffler and Kylan Gerads greet each other after the Minnesota State High School League Class AA Girls Basketball State Tournament championship game March 18 at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. Schiffler, a senior, had just completed her high school career, with Albany leaving everything out on the court in a loss to Providence Academy.

PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON

The Albany Huskies bench – Samantha Zierden (from left), Paisley Ellingson, Hannah Wolf, Cameron Bauer, Kayla Forster, Larissa Gill, Ellery Ehresmann, Paige Lauer, Alexis Funk, Sophia Schiffler and Natalie Blonigen – go crazy after Tatum Findley’s game-winning 3-pointer against Goodhue March 17 at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. The Huskies defeated the Wildcats 48-45 in the Minnesota State High School League Class AA Girls Basketball State Tournament semifinals.