The Star Post 04-06-2023

Van Beck’s theatrical light shines bright

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREAT THEATRE

Spencer Van Beck sings “Chip on my Shoulder” March 28 at the GREAT Theatre rehearsal hall in Waite Park, practicing for “Legally Blonde the Musical,” which opens April 7 and runs through April 23 at The Paramount Center for the Arts in St. Cloud. Van Beck, 23, has been in Melrose productions since he was 11, and he is excited for the opportunity to be on the Paramount stage portraying a part he played on the Melrose stage in 2018.

Living his dream as lead in Paramount production

Loving life

BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER

Spencer Van Beck will be living out a dream

Friday, April 7.

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

On opening night of GREAT Theatre Company’s “Legally Blonde the Musical,” he will portray lead Emmett Forrest, a smart and sensitive law student who takes Elle Woods under his wings, on The Paramount Center for the Arts stage in St. Cloud. The character is charming, quirky, loveable and friendly, words that fit Van Beck’s personality perfect.

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t m o s p h e r e atmosphere

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Lorraine Curto places a dyed egg on the table March 30 at the Melrose American Legion in Melrose. VFW Post 7050 members boiled 50 dozen eggs early that morning and auxiliary members dyed them, and more eggs will be dyed this week for the VFW Auxiliary 7050 Easter Egg and Bake Sale April 8 at the American Legion.

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Laurie Quistorff has touched the lives of many people during 42 years in her nursing career, as an aide, followed by a LPN, RN and in homecare. She has a special fondness for helping the elderly.

“Listening to their stories,” is her answer March 29 sitting next to daughter Nicole Burgardt in Laurie’s Sauk Lake cabin north of Sauk Centre, recalling years spent working at care facilities in Albany, Sauk Centre, Melrose and St. Cloud.

“Homecare and geriatrics’ were her bread and butter,” Nicole said.

Today, Laurie’s role has been reversed, and she is the one being

cared for. Nicole is her mom’s caregiver, after brain cancer side effects have left her unable to care for herself. Laurie and husband Wayne, who passed away in 1998 from can-

Laurie Quistorff (front, center) is surrounded by former Pine Villa Nursing Home co-workers Mary Tschida (front,

life in retirement.

cer, raised Randy and Nicole, who is married to Brent, and Laurie has two grandchildren, Brayden and Lincoln.

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Education best tool for combating youth vaping, drug use

During March 22 Albany schools presentation, adults encouraged to know the facts

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

Education is the best tool for combating vaping and drug use among youth.

That was the primary message during a March 22 Albany Police Department and Albany Area Public Schools presentation attended by close to 35 students, parents and community members at the school in Albany. Information was presented by Allison Dudek, from Stearns County Human Ser-

a presentation at the school in Albany. The vaping products and drugs on the table were confiscated from students and displayed by Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force members. vices; and Dan Greenwald and Joel Schmidt, from the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force.

Vaping, smoking of e-cigarettes and drug use is appearing at area schools. Dudek gave a quick overview of the 20-year-old history of vaping, which has users using battery operated vaping devices to heat up a special liquid into an aerosol that users inhale. The products are marketed with youth in mind, she said.

“The products now use nicotine salts, which come from the tobacco leaf,” Dudek said. “Those salts deliver an addictive dose of nicotine to the user’s brain faster without the harsh experience they have from inhaling the cigarette smoke.”

Education page 4

Humor a constant during Quistorff ’s quest to defeat brain cancer

left) and Diane Hellermann; and (back, from left) Rosie Wiechmann, Kathy Lemm, Geri Boecker and Nancy Kemper March 30 at True North Marketplace in Melrose. They reminisced about old times and caught up with

PHOTOS BY CAROL MOORMAN Nicole Burgardt (left) gathers with her mother, Laurie Quistorff March 29 at Laurie’s cabin north of Sauk Centre. They talked about life since Quistorff was diagnosed with brain cancer three years ago and are thankful she is cancer free.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING

Allison Dudek (from left), Stearns County Human Services; Mary Kalla, Albany Area Middle School social worker; and Sgt. Matt Gannon, Stearns County resource officer at Albany Area Public Schools, discuss vaping and drug use March 22 during

320-253-7030

Crossroads Center St. Cloud, MN 56301

A fine fit

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

Ticket-taker Laing enjoys conversing with Freeport Lions breakfast diners

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“I’m not as old as some,” Fritz Laing said March 12 as he collects tickets during the Freeport Lions Breakfast at Sacred Heart Catholic Church basement in Freeport.

It was just after 8:30 a.m. and people started arriving for the annual event, snow and ice covered roads not a deterrent for the 615 people who enjoyed the meal of sausage, pancakes, scrambled eggs, potatoes and coffee cake.

Laing talks about when he first joined the Lions, which he estimates was close to 45 years ago. “I was at the store with my brother and only one in a business could join, so he joined. Later two could join, and I joined,” he said.

Laing used to be on sausage duty for the breakfast, and when he quit that job, he took on ticket-taking duty, which is a fine fit for him. It allows Laing to visit with people as they drop their tickets into what was once a large ketchup container.

The kitchen was filled with fellow Lions, each with their tasks to do, including Ronnie Bertram who has been in charge of the sausage for years. On a clipboard he marks down pertinent information like the roasters of sausage in the upper oven and in the lower oven. Meanwhile, Gary Meyer, who mixed pancake batter for years, is helping relatively new mixer Dan Beste with this task.

In the dining room the traffic picks up as Laing

continues collecting tickets. He even has a little fun with diners,

like Alcuin and Dolores Notch, who pose for a photo with one another before going through the line.

It is all in a morning’s work for Laing, a long-time Freeport resident – and Lions member.

GRACIE BOGARD

Parents: Jay and Julie Bogard.

Accomplishment: Senior on the Albany Area High School economics challenge team that won the regional competition and qualified for state. I was the third highest individual.

Purple Pride

What do you enjoy most about being on the economics challenge team? It’s fun to test your knowledge of economics after taking the class.

What was your reaction when you found out your team qualified for state? I was happy we could carry on the tradition of Albany performing well at the economics challenge.

How did you prepare for the economics challenge contest? We went through sample test questions of micro, macro and international economics.

What other activities are you involved in at school? National Honor Society, knowledge bowl and mock trial.

Why is it important for you to be involved in school activities? It allows you to meet and spend time with more

people who make the high school experience fun.

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? Knowledge bowl made it to the regional competition, which was fun. I hope to finish out high school strong.

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

What are you thankful for today? Nice weather after the snow.

What are three words that describe your personality? Kind, observant and ambitious.

Parents: Tom and Heather Zeimetz.

Accomplishment: Senior in the Holdingford High School concert choir.

What is your favorite part about choir? I like that concert choir involves singing with people from other grades.

What is your favorite song to sing? I am excited to sing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver at our upcoming concert. It’s a classic song everyone knows.

How often do you practice on your own, and what is your routine for doing that? I enjoy listening to music and singing along.

What other activities are you involved in at Holdingford High School? Cross-country. I was a cross-country captain my senior year.

What is your favorite memory from elementary school? When the Huskers football team won state. I got to go to every football game that year and witnessed them win in double overtime.

GreenHow do you try to make a difference at school? I try to be a role model. I want all kids to feel comfortable interacting with me. When I was an underclassman, I always looked up to the older kids on the cross-country team, who always included me. I aim to do the same.

What is something you’ve learned in class recently?

How to make Seven Layer Bars in culinary arts.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know. I have been to 18 rock concerts. That number will be 20 by the time I graduate.

What is your dream job? I think it would be fun to be a videogame designer.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Jim (from left) and Helen Poepping hand their tickets to Fritz Laing during the March 12 Freeport Lions Breakfast at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Laing has been a Lion nearly 45 years.

(Left) Two-year-old Rhett Rademacher enjoys a sausage link March 12 during the Freeport Lions Breakfast at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Rademacher was among the 615 people served during this annual event.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Margie Koopmeiners (clockwise, from left), Arlene Pieper, Nancy Kemper, Shirley Nathe, Sally Hinnenkamp, Marlene Lieser, Lorraine Curto, Kathy Hellermann-Elfering, Ann Schwieters, Rosie Athmann and Vera Ritter display eggs they dyed March 30 at the Melrose American Legion in Melrose. Money raised during the auxiliary’s Easter Egg and Bake Sale supports veterans.

But there is no pity-party for this 69-year-old woman who can’t believe she is as old as she is, but in the same breath is thankful she is alive. On March 30 she is all smiles gathering with fellow workers from Pine Villa Nursing Home at True North Marketplace in Melrose, when they talk about old times working and update each other on their retirement lives.

Three years ago, on Feb. 7, 2020, Laurie was diagnosed with cancer, three weeks before she retired from her RN job at the Veteran’s Administration in St. Cloud.

“Symptoms started in January of 2020 when her skin was tingling and it was like her right side was on fire and looked red,” Nicole said.

At first doctors thought she had temporal arteritis, but an MRI showed she had a tumor on the left side of her brain. Following a Feb. 21, 2020, biopsy at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, she was diagnosed with central nervous system lymphoma.

“They told us if you are gonna get a brain cancer, get this one,” Nicole said. “Lymphomas are very curable, if caught soon enough.”

The tumor was in Laurie’s thalamus, near the center of her brain, which controlled her sensory and motor skills

“She was getting that tingling because her tumor was starting to grow,” Nicole said.

“Hubba, hubba,” is Laurie’s lighthearted response when Nicole mentions the good looking physician who performed the biopsy.

Her mom’s humor continues to be a constant in her quest to defeat brain cancer, which doesn’t surprise people who know her.

The diagnosis didn’t deter Laurie and her group of 18 family and friends from leaving Feb. 29, 2020, on her planned retirement trip

Scans (from right) show how Laurie Quistorff ’s brain tumor grew from the initial scan Feb. 7, 2020, to March 16, 2020, and then shrunk after chemotherapy in the May 14, 2020, scan. Following a Sept. 2, 2020, stem cell transplant, she is considered cancer free.

to Hawaii. She was put on a steroid to possibly slow the growth of the tumor.

During the two-week trip, Laurie’s mobility changed, and she developed a blood clot.

“She went from driving one week, to using a walker, to needing a wheelchair,” Nicole said.

Returning home, Laurie, accompanied by Nicole, traveled to Mayo Clinic where a scan showed the tumor had grown, and she was admitted into the hospital.

“The tumor was growing so fast it cut off the air supply in the ventricles, so on the right side of her body it looked like she had had a stroke,” Nicole said.

But it was no stroke; her tumor was growing rapidly.

Laurie was immediately started on an aggressive four-month MRT chemotherapy regimen of methotrexate, rituxan and temozolomide. After two months of treatment, they received good news.

“When we got back from Hawaii, the tumor has quadrupled in size (from the initial walnut size) and following two months of treatment you could barely see it on the scan,” Nicole said.

Once a month treatments for nine months where canceled when they were told she was a perfect candidate for an autologous stem cell transplant, when stem cells are removed from a

person, filtered, stored and later given back to that same person. Stem cell transplants are used to replace bone marrow cells that have been destroyed by cancer or destroyed by the chemo and/ or radiation used to treat the cancer. An autologous stem cell transplant is most often used to treat blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

“It took a whole week to collect the cells from Mom that she needed, and then they transplanted them back into her,” Nicole said.

The transplant date was Sept 2, 2020, which is considered Laurie’s new birthday, although she celebrates her Feb. 28 birthday also.

“Mom rocked the stem cell treatment,” said Nicole, who has gone from working full-time to part-time as a Collections Specialist II for the American Red Cross to care for her mom.

“We have our moments,” Nicole said smiling as she looked at her mom, also smiling.

During Laurie’s transplant recovery, they stayed at the Gift of Life Transplant House, near Mayo Clinic, and then Laurie lived with Nicole and husband Brent in their Sartell home, where she continues to stay when not at the cabin.

Laurie’s childhood vaccines had to be re-administered, and since this was during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was not allowed

to receive that vaccine.

Today, Laurie is considered cancer-free, with check ups scheduled every six months.

“Without the stem cell transplant there was the potential of the cancer coming back in three years but with the transplant it’s five years to never,” Nicole said.

Laurie experiences after-effects from the cancer, including aphasia – the inability to understand or express speech.

“She struggles with words, sometimes,” Nicole said.

Laurie, who is left-handed, has not regained function on her right side, but she has adapted to it with her positive attitude – and Nicole’s help. She said her mom “is a good patient,” with goals.

“Sometimes our goals need to change,” she said. “Her goal now is to be able to walk to the bathroom, with assistance.”

To help with Laurie’s needs, the Burgardts remodeled their house so it is handicapped accessible, and they did the same at Laurie’s cabin. They are hoping to install a hillside lift at the cabin so she can enjoy a belated retirement, but the lift is expensive.

Family and friends are holding a benefit for Laurie from 4-8 p.m., Sunday, April 23, at the Little Sauk Legion, 16268 County Road 50, Long Prairie. Money raised will help fund accessibility projects, like the hillside lift, and her changing needs. Laurie looks forward to being at the benefit.

She and her family are grateful for the overwhelming support she continues to receive.

Laurie looks forward to spring and enjoying the simple things in life, like pontoon rides, Dairy Queen trips and having fun with family and friends.

“Retire when you can retire, so you can enjoy life,” Nicole said offering words of advice. “Mom worked an extra year so she could continue her homecare.”

Laurie is loving life –cancer free.

Saturday, April 8, 8:30 a.m-1 p.m. – VFW Auxiliary 7050 Easter Egg & Bake Sale. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.

Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m. – Toy Bingo. Shady’s Sunset Bay, 18527 County Road 154, Avon. Proceeds go to Avon Women of Today.

Monday, April 10, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Mental Health Support Group. CentraCare-Albany Clinic, 30 Railroad Ave., Albany. For information call the clinic at 320-845-2157.

Monday, April 10, 7 p.m. – Holdingford City Council Meeting. Holdingford City Hall, 420 Main St., Holdingford.

Tuesday, April 11, noon – Helping Hands Outreach Senior Dining Meal. Holdingford City Hall, 420 Main St., Holdingford. Programs are open to the public. Call 320-746-9960 for more information.

Tuesday, April 11, 7 p.m. – Melrose American Legion Post 101 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.

Wednesday, April 12, 6 p.m. – Albany School Board Meeting. District office, 30 Forest Ave., Albany.

Wednesday, April 12, 7 p.m. – AA Meetings. Back to Basic, at Tutti Frutti Marketplace, 38914 County Road 186, Sauk Centre. For more information, call 218-240- 1076. Big Book, Melrose City Center, 225 First St., NE, Melrose. For more information, call 320-241-3909.

Upcoming: Tuesday, May 2, 7 p.m. – Schanhaar-Otte Post 7050 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.

“Legally Blonde” is a musical Van Beck is familiar with. During his senior year at Melrose Area High School in 2018, he played the same part.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to move on to a bigger stage, so when I heard GREAT Theatre was doing ‘Legally Blonde,’ I stepped out of my comfort zone and auditioned for it,” Van Beck said March 28 during a lunch break from teaching at Melrose Area Public Schools.

Van Beck’s theatre experience dates back to 2012 when, at age 11, he played Friedrich in the Sauk River Players summer production “The Sound of Music.”

He credits former Sacred Heart Catholic Church pastor, the Rev. Roger Klassen, with instilling in him a love of music.

“I was in Sacred Heart Strings with Fr. Roger and loved playing the guitar and singing. When I heard about the ‘The Sound of Music’ auditions in Melrose, I decided to bring my guitar and sing ‘This Little Light of Mine’ for the audition,” he said.

That started his string of 15 productions he has been in with the Sauk River Players, Town and Country Players and Melrose High School shows.

“I have great role models on stage that I look up to and they are like family,” Van Beck said. “Bill Leraas is my musical dad. He played my father (Captain von Trap) in ‘The Sound of Music.’”

Van Beck gets excited when asked to name his favorite characters to portray.

“I was cast as Lumiere in ‘Beauty and the Beast,’

when I was the candlestick. That was a fun character because he was flirtatious and humorous, and I also loved using my French accent during the summer production of ‘Little Mermaid,’ as the Chef Louis.”

Ironically, the all-time favorite musical he was in was “Legally Blonde, the Musical.”

“That was the part I was hoping to get at GREAT Theatre,” he said.

Van Beck admits to being nervous about tryouts, and is grateful for advice from experienced actor Caitlin Mayo, a Melrose teacher, who played the lead of Belle in GREAT Theatre’s “Beauty and the Beast” production.

He was overjoyed, and “blown away,” when he saw his name on the top of the cast list for the GREAT Theatre production, given the part he tried out for – Emmett Forrest.

He is using what he learned during his 12 years of theatrical growth in Melrose productions, taking to heart words of encouragement from Melrose theatre director and mentor Marit Elliott.

“She always brought out the best in me, getting me to try new songs and portray different characters. I’m thankful that she allowed me to play so many roles,” Van Beck said. “She’s great at finding a part

for everybody.”

Elliott, he said, has played a big part in his development as characters and as a person.

“She worked with me in ‘The Sound of Music’ and all through high school, and now I’m on a bigger stage and it’s come full circle,” he said He is looking forward to performing at the Paramount, but will never forget his theatrical roots.

“The Melrose stage will forever be my theatre home and holds a special place in my heart because of the family Marit has created,” he said.

He has found another family with what he calls a talented GREAT Theatre cast. Of course, it helps that he is familiar with the “Legally Blonde, the Musical” script.

“The second I got my script and started running through lines, the songs came right back to me, and I brushed up on the lines,” said this 23-year-old who has a lot of lines and a couple of solo songs.

Van Beck said he loves putting his own twist on characters he portrays and “feeding off of the live audience.” That includes family and friends who will be there to support him on opening night April 7, and throughout the April 23 run.

“My whole family is so supportive, my wife,

Angela; my parents, Noah and Sara; and my siblings,” he said. “They know how much I’ve wanted this amazing opportunity. But I wouldn’t be where I am today without starting on the Melrose stage.”

All the late nights and time away from family will be worth it when Van Beck steps on the stage for the first performance. “I love performing and making people laugh,” he said.

Newly married last summer, a dad-to-be this August, a dream special education teaching job at the high school he graduated from and now living out his theatrical dream, he has many things to be thankful for.

“There is an overwhelming sense of joy, excitement and gratitude for this once in a lifetime opportunity,” Van Beck said. “It’s a great life.”

ALBANY

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FREEPORT HARVEST CHURCH 338 Main St. W. 320-836-2997 harvestchurchfreeport.org

MELROSE

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Van Beck from front

Education from front

Some of the more common brands of vaping products can contain from 15 to 25 times the amount of nicotine than a pack of cigarettes, according to Dudek’s information. In the last decade, there has been an increase in use of non-smoking products with synthetic nicotine.

Nicotine is not the only substance being inhaled when using vaping products, according to Dudek. Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are used as solvent carriers for the flavor and nicotine.

“Usually those items are regarded as safe by the FDA, when used in foods and cosmetics. When heated in the vape, they can turn into formaldehyde and 100-plus other compounds with toxic properties,” she said.

During the presentation there were samples of vaping devices that had been confiscated at schools. Like traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vaping devices are not to be used by or sold to minors. But with products being easy to hide, and not having the odor associated with cigarette smoking, they are used by students.

“The manufacturers are creating products that look like they should be in a kid’s backpack,” Dudek said. “Many look like highlighters, pens, gums or mints.”

As with any product, there are marketing campaigns to promote their use. Youth are a target of some campaigns.

“Unlike regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes don’t have the same regulations for marketing,” Dudek said. “So the manufacturers target youth.”

Much like cigarette promotions 30 or 40 years ago, celebrities are hired for promotional advertising. Social media is another avenue of promotion.

Studies have shown there is an increase among young teens trying the product.

Sgt. Matt Gannon, Stearns County resource officer at Albany schools, who attended the meeting, confirmed products are being used in schools. Generally, use is among middle school and older students.

“The bathrooms are the hot spots,” he said. “We don’t see a lot of it in elementary schools, but it is popping up in elementary schools from time to time.”

It was noted students are aware they should not be using the products and do their best to not be observed vaping.

“We have seen it on camera,” Gannon said. “At lunch time they go to the bathrooms, and as soon as we leave the cafeteria, they are out of the bathroom.”

Some school districts have installed vape detectors that help catch some students who are vaping.

Use of the vape devices does not result in a criminal charge, according to Gannon. There can be suspensions and detentions.

“If we have repeat offenders, there are county programs we can refer them to,” Gannon said, adding, “usually, they are not just vaping, they are involved in other things as well.”

Greenwald and Schmidt reported on drug use trends they are seeing.

“This stuff leaks down to the schools,” Schmidt said.

Greenwald said there is more than just marijuana being used in schools. They were not specific about which drugs had been found in which schools, but felt it is only a matter of time before more drugs become prevalent in the area.

“We haven’t had fentanyl or heroin issues at the school, but students admit to using Molly, LSD, mushrooms and some kids are dabbling with cocaine,” Greenwald said.

Greenwald and Schmidt’s presentation included information on drugs and paraphernalia found in central Minnesota. They work in Morrison, Stearns, Sherburn and Benton counties.

With proposed state legislation to decriminalize and legalize some marijuana use, they see it being more available. That does not change Greenwald’s view of marijuana as a gateway drug.

“I’ve been doing law enforcement for 30 years and on the task force for better than 15 years. Anyone who says marijuana is not the first thing they (youth) are experimenting with is out of their minds,” Greenwald said.

Marijuana depends on tetrahydrocannabinol to create its effects. Since the 1970s, plants have been developed with increased THC in the plant. With the ability to extract THC from the plant, there are now cereals, candies, jerky, chips and other products containing the product.

The quality of THC in edibles is nothing compared to what marijuana used to be,” Greenwald said. “It’s eating something four to five times stronger than in the 1970s.”

Fentanyl concerns were an important part of their presentation. The drug is highly addictive and affordably made. Some drugs sell for more than $100 a pound, while fentanyl can be purchased for $2 or $3 for an aspirin-size pill.

“Heroin has been replaced by fentanyl,” Greenwald said. “It’s cheaper, more addictive and the (state) statutes have not yet caught up with the drug.”

By that he meant currently there is less of a penalty for selling and possessing fentanyl than heroin, methamphetamines and other illegal drugs. Like other opioids, people can take fentanyl in different ways, but eventually most people inject the drug. As the body builds a tolerance to the drug, people seek to get the high feeling sooner and stronger.

Because production is not controlled by a lab, there is no quality control on how much of the drug is in one pill. This can lead to overdoses. To combat overdoses, law enforcement officers carry Narcan, a registered medication designed to reverse effects of an opioid overdose.

Gannon said he carries Narcan and expects it will become among the tools schools use to combat drug overdoses. He said currently communities, in general, are always playing catch-up when dealing with issues associated with vaping and drugs, and he felt the March 22 presentation was a step in the right direction.

“Nobody in the world seems to have a grip on what we can do, other than educate and get kids to realize what this stuff does to their body,” Gannon said.

To some degree, education appears to be working. A 2022 Minnesota Student survey, which recorded students saying they are becoming dependent on vaping, had good news.

“On a positive note, the 2022 Minnesota Student survey showed a drastic decline in vaping, so we are hopeful,” Dudek said. “There is hope that students are starting to realize vaping is not the best option for them.”

Dudek and Gannon said parents and adults have roles to play in combating the rise of vaping and drug use and encouraged adults to let youth know they are there to help them. Gannon said he has had students approach him asking for help, most wanting their parents involved.

Dudek highlighted the need for parents to get educated on vaping and drugs so they can talk about them with their children.

“As a community member, parent or teacher, you have to be there to let them know you have the facts for them,” she said.

Daniel J. Fuchs

Daniel J. Fuchs, 63, entered into eternal rest March 17, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Daniel was born in Teaneck, New Jersey, April 19, 1959, to Alfred and Joyce (Roche) Fuchs.

Daniel graduated summa cum laude from Chowan College, Murfreesboro, North Carolina, with an associate degree in science and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, with a bachelor’s degree in science.

Stephen D. “Steve” Mayers

Stephen D. “Steve” Mayers, 67, of Melrose, passed away March 28, 2023, at United Hospital in St. Paul.

A memorial service was April 1 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Deacon Ernie Kociemba officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the parish cemetery.

Stephen Douglas Mayers was born June 13, 1955, in Melrose, to Donald and Jeanette (Braun) Mayers. He

Bernice M. “Bernie” Uhlenkamp

Bernice M. “Bernie” Uhlenkamp, 84, of Elrosa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, March 30, 2023, at CentraCare Hospital in Sauk Centre.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 5, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa with the Rev. Mark Botzet officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation was 4-7 p.m., April 4, and will be 10-11 a.m., April 5, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa.

Bernice Marie Kortan was born May 1, 1938, in Melrose, to Frank and Loretta (Vogel) Kortan. She was united in

Valeria J. “Val” Braun

Valeria J. “Val” Braun, 102, of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully, just 10 days before her 103rd birthday, surrounded by her family, March 31, 2023, at Fairway Pines Assisted Living in Sauk Centre.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 5, at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with the Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating and the Rev. Greg Paffel concelebrating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation was 4-7:30 p.m. April 4 and will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 5 at Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre.

Valeria Johanna Mader was born April 10, 1920, in Greenwald, to Christ and Agnes (Kramer) Mader. She

Mark H. Meyer

Mark Henry Meyer, 85, of Melrose, died peacefully surrounded by friends and family March 25, 2023.

Mark was born Aug. 13, 1937, in Melrose, the son of John and Eleanor (Uhlenkott) Meyer. He was the second youngest of eight siblings.

Mark attended William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul. He married Barbara (Heckler) in 1959. He practiced law in Cold Spring and then in Melrose, in 1964. He enjoyed playing the saxophone professionally during his college years and singing later in life at parties and ALS fundraisers. Mark loved sailing, golfing, fishing, hunting and music. Throughout

Soon after his graduation, Daniel married the love of his life, Laura. The couple founded an upscale furniture

consignment store, No Place Like Home, in Boulder, Colorado. After selling this business, Daniel and Laura moved to Minnesota, where Daniel graduated from St. Cloud State University with a master’s degree in science. As a part of earning this degree, Daniel participated in the 2002 Triceratops Dig in Marmarth, North Dakota, as one of 35 individuals who attended this first onsite evacuation of its type held on the Grasslands. For the next 20 years, Daniel taught physical science and biology at Melrose Public High School in Melrose.

Daniel enjoyed traveling, carpentry, outdoor walks, time with his family and studying the Bible. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 40 years, Laura Fuchs; daughter Elisha Fuchs; five siblings; multiple in-laws; and countless brothers- and sisters-in-Christ. Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Joyce Fuchs; and two of his brothers, John and Peter Fuchs. A memorial service in Daniel’s honor will be held in central Minnesota in September 2023.

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graduated from Melrose High School in 1974. He worked at

Kraft in Melrose and various other jobs as time went on. Steve enjoyed watching movies, especially westerns, and loved playing bingo. Survivors include his children, Tammy Mayers of Sauk Centre and Clifton Mayers of Sauk Centre; grandchildren James Thomas Mayers and Michael Mayers; brothers and sisters Tom (Tracy) Mayers of Sauk Rapids, Luan (Steve) Weber of Cold Spring, Rick (Jenny) Mayers of Melrose, Brian (Kelly) Mayers of Sartell,

and Linda (Harvey) Keller of Melrose; special friend Lynn Duerr-Karash; and many nieces and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his parents and brother James “Sticky” Mayers Oct. 15, 1983.

The family would like to thank you for your prayers. No thank you cards will be sent. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

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

P14-1B

Family School and was also a hospice volunteer. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa, Christian Women, Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and the Two Cylinder Club. Bernie enjoyed crocheting, watching the Minnesota Twins and her grandchildren’s sporting events, puzzles, coloring and loved socializing with friends and family.

marriage to Ernest “Ernie”

Uhlenkamp June 1, 1957, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Bernie primarily worked as a teacher’s aide at Holy Family School in Sauk Centre. She later became a foster grandmother at Holy

Survivors include her children, Tom (Jolene) Uhlenkamp of Villard, Gerard (Kristina) Uhlenkamp of Brooten and Mark (Sherrie) Uhlenkamp of Melrose; grandchildren Brendan, Nicholas, Kaitlyn, James, Faith (Noah), Zachary (Makala), Daniel (Bella),

Micah (Katlin) and Dante; one great-granddaughter on the way; and brothers and sisters Darlene (John) Dols of Sauk Centre, Jeanette (Joe) Loehr of Melrose, Michael (Theresa) Kortan of Melrose, and Julie Grams of St. Cloud. Bernie was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie Uhlenkamp, Oct. 10, 2015; parents; infant daughter Marie Uhlenkamp; infant son Charles Uhlenkamp; and sister Karen Moening. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

Valeria J. “Val” Braun

was united in marriage to Alfred Braun June 18, 1940, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Greenwald. Val was a loving wife and mother and served as a homemaker most of her life. Her family was her priority, and, until her dying day, she enjoyed many visits from her children and grandchildren. Her listening, non-judgmental spirit, positive

attitude, sense of humor and fantastic memory drew many to love her.

Before marriage, she worked as a telephone operator. After raising her family, she was employed at St. Michael’s Hospital. She was a St. Paul’s Catholic Church member in Sauk Centre, Christian Mothers and the St. Theresa Mission Group and enjoyed volunteering at Holy Family School. Val had a knack for making many crafts and enjoyed crocheting afghans and prayer shawls for others. Raising African violets and other plants was another talent in which she excelled. Her loving touch included her companion dogs, especially her poodle, Piper, and schnauzer, Alex.

Survivors include her children, Robert Braun of Melrose, Sister Janine Braun,

clubs, astronomy groups, and in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Grace Arts Live Theater and Friends of the Library.

OSB, of Sauk Centre, Kathleen (Theodore) Anderson of Kimball, Beth Thieschafer Sieben (Kevin) of Melrose, and John (Patricia) Braun of Lakeville; daughter-in-law Rita Ritter of Sauk Centre; 15 grandchildren; 43 greatgrandchildren; and five greatgreat-grandchildren.

Val was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred, Nov. 14, 1985; parents Christ and Agnes Mader; son Ronald Braun March 5, 1993; brothers Elmer and Stanley Mader; sister Marcella Fuchs; sonin-law Glen Thieschafer; daughters-in-law Mary Braun and Irene Braun; granddaughter Mary Braun; and great-grandson, Logan Braun.

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

PH14-1B

Mark H. Meyer

his 30-year battle with ALS, Mark always kept a positive attitude and never complained. As his ALS progressed, he adapted his lifestyle and found new interests. He got involved in Melrose Area Public Schools organizations, book

Mark loved planning gatherings with family and friends, complete with the menu and music. He quickly made connections with people wherever he went and always had a new book or article to share. Mark was a source of knowledge in so many subjects. He was an inspiration to his family and friends. Our problems seemed small compared to what he had to deal with daily, and yet he was the one solving issues for those around him. He was an enormous part of our lives, and he will leave a large void in our hearts.

Mark is survived by his three daughters, Leah (Don Weirens), Paula (Roy) Vatsveen and Fran; his significant other, Meg Matchinsky; his caregiver, Connie Lozano; and four siblings Donald (Gerry), William (Calista), Jack (JoAnn) and Ann. He was proceeded in death by his parents, John and Eleanor Meyer; his wife, Barbara; his siblings, Mary, Jim and Janet.

A celebration of life will be planned later this year.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ALS Association of Minnesota or Grace Arts Live Performing Arts Theater in Lake Havasu City.

P14-1P

Daniel J. Fuchs

Stephen D. “Steve” Mayers

Bernice M. “Bernie” Uhlenkamp

sweet cream butter

Part of almost every American meal was butter, at the beginning of the 20th century.

According to Elaine Khosrova’s 2016 book “Butter: A Rich History,” in the 1920s, Americans consumed close to 17 pounds of butter a year. Currently, it is down to about 4.5 pounds, according to Khosrova.

Love Easter rituals, traditions

I love Easter, the religious rituals and the family traditions.

The Easter vigil service, while long, is beautiful, from the readings, to the music, to the ambiance. I’ve been honored, over the years, to do the readings for this Mass that started with the church in complete darkness and filled with light of candles from the Easter candle as the priest made his way down the long aisle of our traditional church, giving the church a glow with the stained glass windows coming to light on this special night.

Or on Easter morning walking into church and seeing Mom’s eyes light up as she looked around the church filled with flowers, mostly white lilies, something I was prepared for because I was a member of the liturgy committee who spent hours on Holy Saturday morning preparing the church for Easter.

But before church on Easter morning I would walk into Mom’s house knowing I would be greeted with the smell of homemade buns and raisin rolls fresh from the oven. While it was tempting to eat a still warm bun or a slice of frosted raisin bread, I knew better because we would soon be on our way to Easter Sunday Mass and there was no eating before church. But after church, I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into these Easter treats

That also included colored Easter eggs that were dyed on Good Friday. In our grownup years, after Good Friday service, my sister Laura, her and husband Mike’s daughter Holly and I dyed eggs at Mom’s house. She usually had them boiled and cooled by the time we arrived, so we could get right to work, dipping the eggs into coffee cups with water, vinegar and dye. We’d adhere stickers onto the dyed eggs from the Paas package of egg dye or before we dipped an egg into the dye we wrote a name on the egg with a crayon. It was nice to get an egg with your name on it.

A few years ago I was surprised when my great-niec-

es, Skylar and Mia, gifted me with an egg with my name on it. One year they also made dough Easter eggs and hung them in the tree in front of my place. I saved the special tree ornaments and hung them in the same tree the next year, but rain softened them so I had to throw them away. This week I will be busy getting ready to host my family for Easter. I finally put most of my décor up. Skylar and Mia, during a visit last week, found my big bag of plastic eggs in a closet and practiced hiding and finding them in preparation for an Easter egg hunt Sunday.

Chances are, this year I won’t be hiding plastic eggs outside. Snow has once again put a damper on that. But I’m sure it won’t’ damped the spirit of these Easter egg hunters. Bryson better arrive early before Skylar and Mia arrive and find all of the hidden eggs. No matter where I hide them, they find them. In a matter of minutes the eggs are found and candy and cash emptied out of the colorful containers. Better that they find them than me finding them months down the road. Good thing they won’t be real eggs.

Years ago, when I would take my nephews to Easter egg hunts in Melrose, real eggs were hidden in the Jaycee Park, often in plain sight. I bet more than one was smashed in the dash.

I’ve covered Easter egg hunts in Greenwald, where the eggs were hidden on Nietfeld’s big yard. The number of children that participated in this event in this small town amazed me. I remember a beautiful sunny Saturday when an Easter egg hunt was held in Sinclair Lewis Park in Sauk Centre. Little girls, dressed in their Easter hats, filled their colorful baskets with colorful eggs, often followed by a parent. I hope you have treasured traditions – and rituals – to make this Easter special.

Keep an eye out for youth, walkers, bikers

Spring is here, maybe? I really hope so. I am sure I am not the only one anxious to put some shorts on and be outside again.

As I mention every year, the kids will be out in full force after this long winter. Be mindful of your speed and always keep an eye out for them. The same goes for our city walkers and bikers. They may be using the street instead of the sidewalk due to the melting snow so give them room.

I will say this again: “Please put your phone down when driving.” It is against the law and very dangerous. Distracted driving

is the cause of many crashes with injuries. The call can wait until you get home or are stopped – not at a stoplight – to safely answer or return the call.

Continue to wear seatbelts. They save lives. Also watch for pedestrians in the crosswalks. You must yield to them.

A special congrats to the Huskie boys basketball team for winning the state championship and the girls for placing second. Our school and communities are very proud of all of you. Have a great spring.

SeniorDINING MENU

Wednesday: Hamburger hotdish, carrots, peaches and roll.

Thursday: barbecue chicken, potatoes, broccoli, apple slices and bread.

Pondview Estates, 334 Golfview Drive, Albany 320-845-4070 – April 5-12

Friday: Closed for Good Friday. | Monday: Roast beef, potatoes, beets, fruit salad and roll.

Tuesday: Honey mustard pork loin, sweet potato, vegetables, orange slices and bread.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, potatoes, peas/carrots, fruit and roll. Menu items subject to change.

Congregate senior dining is open, but call to register. If no answer, leave a detailed message, name and phone number.

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

To keep up with that early 20th century demand, creameries were willing to pay dairy farmers for cream needed to make butter. In the Holdingford area, promotion of making butter was seen as good for the community. A front page editorial in the March 22, 1923, Holdingford Advertiser, suggested that dairy producers and local creameries should really consider being a “sweet cream” only butter maker.

“There is a mighty comfortable feeling about knowing that your entire year’s output will bring a flat rate one cent above New York specials,” proclaimed the editorial.

The editorial went on to explain the price could be obtained by using only sweet cream in making butter.

Sweet cream was cream skimmed from milk, not from the whey left after making cheese. There was also a need to keep the milk and/or cream cool and get it to a creamery quickly. Some of that cream or milk soured after a few days.

It wasn’t that it couldn’t be used to make regular butter. There was an increasing market for sweet cream butter, and manufacturers were willing to pay more for sweet cream.

The editorial encouraged creameries and producers to spend a little more, and then reap the rewards of selling sweet cream. It stressed, though, that it would take some additional work and expense.

“You can afford to pay 10 to 15 cents more per pound for their buttermilk where they deliver sweet cream,” the editorial advised manufacturers. “A little work among patrons showing them the advantages of keeping their cream properly cooled will bear fruit.”

It was suggested they work to have only sweet cream as soon as possible. The editorial acknowledged it would take some time, concluding, “The sooner the determination is made to accept nothing but sweet cream, the sooner satisfactory results will be noticeable.”

One problem that developed was cooling. Before the advent of modern refrigeration, water or ice had to be used. This was one reason more milk was usually produced in the winter.

Then, too, farms needed storage facilities to store the milk and cream before it went to a creamery. A gallon of whole milk contained close to one cup of cream. Some hit upon the idea of separating the cream from milk and then cooling it. That meant using less space for the cream.

Machines for separating milk from cream were marketed in the 1880s after Gustaf de Laval displayed how to use centrifugal force to separate milk from cream. The milk was put into a spinning bowl, which sent the milk to the outer wall of the bowl and the cream to the inside. They were drained through different spouts.

Initially, the machines were hand cranked. A 1924 Holdingford Advertiser advertisement for one brand advertised it as being so easy to turn “It will surprise you.” Later, machines had electric motors.

Eventually being able to advertise that a creamery made sweet cream butter became a real selling point. Through the mid-20th century and even today, many butter boxes have the label sweet cream butter.

LETTER TO EDITOR

Same issue, same response

Amy Primus, Melrose

Thank you

Pete Heidgerken for writing your letter to the editor.

I sent an email to the athletic director, high school principal and superintendent Feb. 1, 2022, at 7:46 p.m., about this same issue. Same for me, nothing was done. I also asked for the students to be moved to the side section.

Unlike you, though, we have not returned to a game. I don’t want to look at the backs of students.

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

A Peek at the Past by Herman Lensing

From the Heart by Carol Moorman

Chatting with the Chief by Ozzie Carbajal, Albany Police Chief

Melrose swimmer to attend SMSU

Jumpers lead Lady Dutchmen track team

Melrose boys take 11th

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

The Melrose Area Lady Dutchmen girls track and field team and the Dutchmen

boys track and field team took fourth and 11th, respectively, at the Bemidji Lions 2023 Invitational March 28 at Bemidji State University in Bemidji.

Led by its long and triple jump corps, the Lady Dutchmen claimed fourth place out of the 18 teams competing.

Four of the top 10 triple jumps and two of the top 10 long jumps were achieved by Lady Dutchmen. Isabelle Jaenicke finished first in both events.

That same speed helped her to a third-place finish in the 200- and 400-meter dashes.

Josie Eveslage, sixth; Alea

YOUR LOCAL INSURANCE TEAM

Kaydence Bertram (front, right) signs her letter of intent to attend Southwest Minnesota State University Nov. 9 at Melrose Area Public Schools in Melrose. Supporting her during the signing ceremony is

BY HERMAN LENSING | STAFF WRITER

Melrose Area High School senior Kaydence Bertram will be attending Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall and participating in the swim and dive program.

Bertram is looking to major in physical education. Swimming with the Lady Dutchmen in 2022, she swam with the fourth-place 200-yard medley relay and the eighth-place 200 freestyle relay in the Minnesota State High School League Class A Girls Swimming and Diving Meet. She also has competed on the Lady Dutchmen basketball and softball programs.

“I really liked their program when I took their tour,” she said after signing her letter of intent Nov. 9. “I liked their campus and the coach really stood out and the people who went there in the past liked it.”

Bertram’s skills and abilities have helped the Lady Dutchmen be one of the top swim and dive programs in central Minnesota, a mark of success she looks to continue as a Mustang.

“She is strong in relays, a good sprinter and in the butterfly,” said Nathan Meyer, Melrose girls swim and dive head coach. “They are getting someone who will work hard and is a good competitor.”

Albany BOWLING

Ella Harren

Dynamite Dutchmen

What do you like most about being in FFA? The people I meet, the activities I can participate in and the opportunities it holds for us.

What is your most memorable experience with the FFA? The World Dairy Expo we attended in Madison, Wisconsin, the beginning of the school year. Just seeing everything, not just the shows, but having the opportunity to talk to people from different states and different countries. There were also activities we could do while there.

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

What is something you’ve learned in class recently? Not to put water on an oil fire. We watched a video of that.

CAMERON SMITH

Parents: Dave and Dawn Smith.

Accomplishment: Senior on the Albany Area High School robotics team that took second place at the regional competition and is advancing to the world championships in Houston, Texas, April 19-22.

What do you enjoy most about being on the robotics team? The creativity and unique challenges robotics provides while utilizing technology.

Tell us about the robot your team built for the competition. Our robot this year uses a swer ve drive system with a motorized arm to retrieve and place game pieces in specific locations

What other activities are you involved in at school? Golf team member.

Why is it important for you to be involved in school activities? To learn leadership and teamwork skills as well as independence

What do you still hope to do in school before the school year ends? To continue to further my education and to learn more.

How do you try to make a difference at school? By being positive and welcoming to people in the hallways and in the classrooms.

What teacher has impacted your education the most? Mr. (Stefan) Rink, my German teacher, pushes me to do my best and challenges me with many different things. Not just in German class but in other subjects. He is very encouraging.

What is your favorite restaurant and the meal you order? The Olive Garden and their chicken fettuccine alfredo.

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? I am proud of maintaining a high academic standing while pouring my time into the clubs I’m involved with My last goal for this year is to maintain a high grade point average

What is one piece of advice you would give underclassmen to help them excel in academics or athletics?

What

Berscheit, eighth; and Janessa Hoeschen, 10th, were among the top 10 triple jumpers, and Berscheit earned eighth in the long jump. Natalee Hoffner took fifth place in the high jump.

Outside of the jumping events, the field unit had a third-place showing from Natalie Enright in the shot put.

On the track, Melrose had additional top-10 finishes.

Alyssa Stordahl took sixth in the 400, Maria Hinnenkamp was sixth in the 800 and fifth in the 1,600 races, and Alyssa Stordahl, Georgia Anderson, Esther Kapsner and Melissa Ambriz logged an eighthplace finish in the 4x200 relay.

The boys had two top-10 finishers in the triple jump. Kendall Jaenicke earned ninth place and right behind him was Teague Dusha. Kendall Jaenicke took 10th in the long jump as well.

The Dutchmen’s top track finishes came through relay teams. Freddy Raya Garcia, Enoc Morelos, David Raya Ambriz and Brady Kuhlmann were fourth in the 4x200 relay. Austin Kelzer, Anthony Montanez Martinez, Malachi Piche and Sawyer Frieler were fifthplace finishers in the 4x800 competition.

Kuhlmann had the highest individual Dutchman finish, taking sixth in the 400. No other Dutchman had a top-10 finish on the track in the finals. Andrue Stalboerger earned a 10th-place finish in the preliminaries of the 60 hurdles. In the finals, he finished in 11th place.

Pequot Lakes was the champion of both the girls and boys competitions.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING

her mother, Tiffany Ritter (front, left), her father, Kurt Ritter (back, from left), and head coach Nathan Meyer.

ALL ST R

I R L S B A S K E T B A L L

SANDAlyssa

Parents: Paul & Lisa Sand

2022-23 Stats: 15.5 points per game, 9.8 rebounds per game, 55.5% field-goal percentage, 105 steals, 68 blocks, 62 assists, 73.2% free-throw shooter, 25% 3-point shooter.

Accomplishments: 2020-21 and 2021-22 Granite Ridge All-Conference, 2021-22 and 2022-23 AllState, 2022-23 Minnesota High School League

G | 5’11” | SENIOR G 5’11” SENIOR BBE JAGUARS BBE

Parents: Jess & Tammy Berge

2022-23 Stats: 20.2 points per game, 7 rebounds per game, 47% field-goal percentage, 4 steals per game.

Accomplishments: 1,000-point scorer, All-State 2021-2022 and 2022-23, three-time Central Minnesota All-Conference, 2023 Central Minnesota Conference Player of the Year, Minnesota Girls Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game selection, 2023 Class A All-Tournament Team.

Coach’s Comments: Abby had a great senior season to cap a legendary career at BBE. Abby is a long guard who has a knack for scoring and is an excellent defender. She is a tough matchup for teams as she can score in transition, from the perimeter and the paint. She is a level-headed player who gets the job done night in and night out, defensively and offensively. She often draws the opponent’s best defender and is also put on the other team’s leading scorer. Abby led BBE to their third state tournament in four years, finishing third this season.

6’3”

JUNIOR F 6’3” JUNIOR ALBAN Y HUSKIES ALBANY

Sponsored by:

Class AA Girls Basketball State Tournament

All-Tournament Team, 2022-23 Granite Ridge Conference co-Player of the Year.

Coach’s Comments: Alyssa has amazing length that is effective in the lane and around the rim on both ends of the floor. She is also athletic to be effective away from the rim and in transition. Alyssa has also really increased her strength that has brought her game to another level.

GERADS Kylan

Bob & Shanna Gerads

2022-23 Stats: 15.5 points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game, 42.6% field-goal percentage, 91 steals, 84 assists, 68.5% free-throw shooter, 28.4% 3-point shooter.

Accomplishments: 2020-21 and 2021-22 Granite Ridge All-Conference, 2021-22 and 2022-23 AllState, 2022-23 Minnesota High School League

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

Since elementary school, Abby Berge and fellow Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa seniors Tiyana Schwinghammer, Allison Dingmann, Ella Halvorson and Harley Roering have long talked about wanting to end their high school careers at the state tournament.

With a trip to the Minnesota High School League Class A Girls Basketball State Tournament semifinals, this electrifying core group of upperclassmen did just that, and off the back of an All-State season, Berge has been named the Star Publications All-Area Girls Basketball Team’s Player of the Year by local coaches and media.

“Overall, it’s a very good feeling to be chosen,” Berge said. “It makes the hard work pay off. It’s recognition for all of the work you’ve put into your basketball career.”

A 1,000-point scorer who has been playing at the var-

Sponsored by:

sity level since eighth grade, Berge was already an established playmaker as a senior, but she was not satisfied after BBE failed to make state in 2022. With a final campaign that ended with a 20.2 points-per-game average and 2023 Central Minnesota Conference Player of the Year honors, Berge made an important leap.

“Everyone likes to focus on your strengths, but I, as a player, am always working on how I can get better, not just individually, but for the team,” she said.

The Jaguars ended its 2022-23 season with a 27-5 record, including a 65-54 win over Hayfield in the Class A third-place game March 18 at Concordia University, St. Paul. “I always tell people, ‘I couldn’t do the things I do without the team behind me,’” Berge said.

5’11”

JUNIOR G 5’11” JUNIOR ALBAN Y HUSKIES ALBANY

Sponsored by:

F

HUSKERS

Sponsored by:

Class AA Girls Basketball State Tournament

All-Tournament Team, 2022-23 Granite Ridge Conference co-Player of the Year.

Coach’s Comments: Kylan is explosive. She attacks the rim and runs the floor while anticipating so well on the floor while also being effective from the perimeter. She is strong and able to come away with loose balls and plays the game with incredible energy.

PILARSKI Addy

Jeff & Trina Pilarski

2022-23 Stats: 16.5 points per game, 7.8 rebounds per game, 2.1 blocks per game, with a total of 60 blocks on the season. She was 71.4% from the free-throw line and 54% shooting the ball this season. She is in the top 10 of many categories in our conference and section.

Accomplishments: First Team Central Minnesota All-Conference, 2023 All-Section, scored her 1,000th point this year before playoffs.

Coach’s Comments: Addy is one of our team’s primary scorers and shot blockers. She is a terrifi leader, an outstanding, prolific scorer and a player that teams had to gameplan against every game. Not only did she have an inside game, she also scored from outside, shooting 36.7% from 3-point range on the year. Addy is a player who is loved by all of her teammates and is somebody who could break our school’s all-time scoring record before she graduates. Additionally, she is a good student with a good GPA.

Jason & Michelle Kortan

2022-23 Stats: 17.3 points per game, 3.1 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game, 1.4 steals per game and 86 made threes.

Accomplishments: Two-time West Central AllConference, two-time All-Section 6AA.

G

|

5’8” | SOPH. G 5’8” SOPH. SAUK CENTRE STREET ERS STREETERS

Sponsored by:

Coach’s Comments: Cierra took her game to new heights this year, scoring the ball from all over. A big time 3-point scoring threat but also someone nish at the rim. As our point guard, the ball is in her hands a lot. 1,000-point scorer as a sophomore.

Lee & Patty Vogt

2022-23 Stats: 11.8 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game.

Accomplishments: Two-time West Central AllConference, two-time All-Section 6AA, All-State as a junior, All-State Honorable Mention as a senior, will play in the Minnesota Girls Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game for the state’s top seniors.

Coach’s Comments: Had one of the best years at post last year, but Jenna was hampered by a knee injury this year, missing seven games. Had huge games, including 27 points versus West Central Area and 26 points versus Perham.

Sponsored by:

5’11”

SOPH. F 5’11” SOPH. HOLDINGFORD