The Star Post 04-12-2023

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Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Albany City Council reviews North Park improvements

400 Block update

MAP COURTESY CITY OF ALBANY

A three-phase master planning approach is being used to suggest future improvements to Albany’s North Park. This preliminary layout has been reviewed by the Albany City Council and Albany Park Board and was developed with input and suggestions from Friends of the North Park, a community group.

Six pickleball courts, dog park, connecting interior trail proposed in first phase of master planning

with humor

Melrose Stages Inc. presents ‘Sister Act the Musical’ this week

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

he calls the “main thug and ringleader,” depicting the seriousness of a thug with humor thrown in.

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

BY TIM HENNAGIR | STAFF WRITER

CAROL MOORMAN

BY

PHOTO

Albany city leaders have reviewed the first phase of suggested improvements for Albany’s largest park.

Council members learned more about North Park preliminary park master plans at their April 5 meeting.

Six pickleball courts, a dog park and connecting pedestrian trail on the northern shore of North Lake were forwarded to the council by the three-member Albany Park Board after its March 29 meeting. A workshop meeting to discuss proposed phased planning improvements was conducted March 20.

Improvements page 4

Melrose PUC recognized for providing exceptional reliable service

One of 16 power utilities earning distinction

BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER

Melrose Public Utilities is one of 16 public power utilities, that are members of Missouri River Energy Services, along with one associate member, that have earned national recognition for achieving exceptional electric reliability in 2022. The recognition comes from the American Public Power Association, a trade group representing more than 2,000 not-for-profit, community-owned electric utilities.

APPA helps electric utilities track power outage and restoration data through its subscription-based eReliability Tracker service. Once per year, APPA’s reliability team compares this data to national statistics tracked by the U.S. Energy Information Administration for all types of electric utilities.

Other local MRES members recognized are in Alexandria, Barnesville, Ortonville, Staples, Detroit Lakes, Hutchinson, Marshall, Moorhead, Sauk Centre, Willmar and Worthington, all in Minnesota; Atlantic and Rock Rapids in Iowa; and Pierre and Watertown in South Dakota, and MRES associate in Olivia.

Quint Swedenburg loves hearing people laugh. There will be plenty of that this week when Melrose Stages, Inc., presents “Sister Act the Musical” April 13-16 at the Marit Elliott Performing Arts Center in Melrose. Swedenburg plays Curtis Jackson, who

“I love to hear people laugh, whether or not there is always something funny,” this experienced Sauk Centre actor said. “Sometimes you can pick people (in the audience) out, like Rox Behnen. She had a memorable laugh.”

Musical page 3

exciting experience

Albany robotics team headed to Houston for international competition

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

April 19 has become a red-letter day for the Albany Area High School robotics team and Coach Isaac Skalsky.

They will celebrate it in Houston, Texas, competing in the 2023 For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology robotics competition.

“We qualified in Grand Forks, North Dakota, March 11. Our next competition will be in April at the FIRST international tournament in Houston,” said Skalsky, who is coaching the team for a second year.

The 14-member team was in the second place alliance in Grand Forks, competing against 53 teams.

They were given about eight weeks to build a robot that could perform prescribed tasks in a FIRST Charged-Up competition arena. Skills and knowledge in machining, engineering, coding and fundraising were

of tomorrow.

their robot March 11 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The students earned a runner up finish and an invitation to the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology international robotics competition April 19 in Houston, Texas. Not

needed.

“There is something for everybody,” Skalsky said. “You pretty much have to

build the robot from scratch. You have to learn how to tell it what to do and control it

from a video game controller.”

pg 6

mnasts scoring with the best pg 10

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Albany Area High School robotics team members – Cole Thesing (front, from left) Cameron Smith, Carter Ricard and Logan Goebel; (middle, from left) coach Isaac Skalsky, Theresa Kalthoff, Chloe Hoppe, Makaela Zierden and Aiden Schroeder; and (back, from left) Greta Shofner, Gavin Thompson, Aidan Brown, Donovan Notch and Ethan Bubna – gather around

pictured Chase Rajkowski.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN Deloris Van Cartier, played by Pam Rue (center), and her dancers, Amber Roerick (left) and Kaylee Bueckers, sing “Fabulous Baby” April 6 during a “Sister Act the Musical” practice at the Marit Elliott Performing Arts Center in Melrose. The scene is set in a Philadelphia nightclub.

Amari Jennifer Bueckers Deluca Dawn Kociemba Amary Elizabeth Ortiz

Carrying on the blue and gold

Woitalla family involved in FFA for generations

BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE STAFF WRITER

Wearing the blue corduroy jacket means more than just being an FFA member to Grace Woitalla. It means she is a second-generation Holdingford FFA Chapter member.

Both of her parents, Keith and Patty Woitalla, and uncle and aunt, Kurt and Kristi Woitalla, wore the iconic blue and gold jacket when they were attending high school in Holdingford.

“We didn’t force (our children) to join, but we encouraged them to try it,” Keith said.

FFA played a role in both couples’ high school careers. They participated in contests and were chapter officers. Brothers Kurt and Keith farm together, milking 125 cows in two conjoined tiestall barns. They raise 750 acres of corn, alfalfa and oats. Grace and her sister, Abby, help daily after school and on weekends.

Patty helps as needed when she is not at her full-time job in St. Could.

“I knew about the organization from my parents talking about it, and … one of my friends encouraged me to join her team,” Grace said. “I did well and got to go to the state convention, and after that, I just fell in love with FFA. It’s the community behind it; everyone is so supportive and passionate.”

Grace serves as the Holdingford FFA Chapter president, participates in the milk quality and products career development event, the employment skills leadership development event and has had three supervised agricultural experiences.

Abby, likewise, heard about the experiences of her

parents and was able to see

first-hand how Grace flourished within the program.

“I saw how far Grace got to go with FFA and how much she and my parents enjoyed it,” Abby said. “I also had a friend encourage me to join the floriculture team she was on.”

Holdingford expanded its agriculture program and added a new teacher for middle school, so now students can participate in FFA while in seventh and eighth grade.

That was not the case when Grace joined the chapter.

“I took an ag class the summer going into my ninth-grade year because I really wanted to be in FFA,” Grace said. “Now, we have a bunch of kids in seventh and eighth grade.”

That includes Abby, an eighth grader at Holdingford Public Schools, who joined the chapter this year.

Patty said Grace was more inclined to give FFA a

try on her own.

“Abby was on the fence, and we encouraged her to get involved in something,” Patty said. “We are glad she chose FFA.”

Patty was a member of the Holdingford FFA Chapter from 1996 until she graduated in 1998. She was the chapter secretary and was on the floriculture team.

“It’s a great way to try new things,” Patty said. “You don’t have to know a thing about a cow, but you don’t know until you try it. You might like it. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”

Patty did not grow up on a farm but embraced FFA. She said she is grateful for the experience.

“For me, it was a place to belong,” Patty said. “Even now, I’m proud to say that I was in (FFA). It really is a community. Keith and I are also involved in our local FFA Alumni chapter.”

Keith was a member of the chapter from 1995-98.

He was a member of the dairy judging team and was chapter president his senior year.

“FFA taught me to set goals and to work toward those goals, to work hard and to keep trying,” Keith said.

Kurt began his FFA journey in 1988 and stayed active through his senior year with being president of the chapter and obtaining his State FFA Degree.

All of the elder Woitallas said there are fewer FFA activities today outside of the contests and fewer members at their alma mater.

“There are fewer farm kids now,” Patty said. “It’s harder to get kids without that agriculture background involved because so many just assume it’s just for farm kids.”

Kurt said they made memories during activities outside of FFA contests.

“We would have open gym nights with movies and pizza and just open gym

time,” Kurt said.

Keith agreed.

“We would have one ice fishing day and one day of fishing in the summer,” he said.

Going to rodeos, state conventions, pizza nights and attending the National FFA Convention were just some of the many memories for the senior Woitallas.

“My biggest highlight was going to the National FFA Convention in Kanas City, Missouri,” Kurt said.

Everyone agreed going to National FFA Convention was an opportunity they are glad to have had. The sea of blue jackets created by tens of thousands of high schoolers passionate about agriculture is a sight most FFA members will never forget.

“We also got to go on tours while there,” Kurt said. “I got to tour the John Deere tractor factory in Moline, Iowa.”

Now, they see the next generation gaining FFA experiences and memories.

Grace competed at the National FFA Convention with her SAE in forage production when she was a sophomore, but that was in 2020 when the convention was held virtually. She did attend the National FFA Convention this past fall in Indianapolis, Indiana. “I received a silver placing at nationals, and to me, that was a pretty big deal considering I was up against (competitors from) states with farmers who raise thousands of acres and I am from small-town central Minnesota,” Grace said.

Once an FFA member wins the state contest in any field, they are not allowed to compete in that area again. The same goes for nationals. Grace switched to diversified crop production and added dairy production as well. She started with agricultural services in 2018 and continues today.

“I like a lot of it, but I like filling out my proficiencies because then I can show off all my hard work over the summer, my knowledge and experience,” Grace said.

“I also really enjoy being an officer, especially president, because then I get to help make the decisions for the chapter and help lead new members into having a successful FFA career.”

At every opportunity, Grace likes telling others about FFA and all the organization has to offer.

“FFA is not just about agriculture,” Grace said. “You should get out and experience it. It’s a great way to try new things.”

Kurt agreed.

“It’s also neat to know that you are a part of a national organization,” he said.

“It’s not just a local thing. There are hundreds of thousands of members across the country.”

Just like countless other FFA members, each of the Woitallas learned about agriculture, leadership and career opportunities through the program. “I have learned a lot with FFA, especially when doing my SAEs and learning about the different career choices,” Grace said.

Being involved with FFA enhanced Grace’s interested in agriculture. This fall, she plans to attend Ridgewater College in Willmar for agribusiness management.

“I’m doing a crop emphasis, and my time on the farm and doing the SAEs helped influence that decision,” Grace said.

Keith and Patty said they love to hear from their daughters about their FFA events.

“I am very proud to see my girls in FFA and doing as well as they are,” Keith said. “It’s fun to see them come home from contests and hear they did well.”

Patty agreed.

“People can be in different sports and that’s great, but FFA is learning how to interview, how to public speak, how to lead a program, how to run governmental processes,” Patty said. “It’s a much more rounding experience for the student that is in it if they choose to be active.”

PHOTOS BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE

The Woitalla family – Grace (front, left) and Abby; (back, from left) Keith, Patty, Kristi and Kurt – gather Feb. 17 at their farm near Holdingford. All of the Woitallas have been members of the Holdingford FFA Chapter.

Grace Woitalla demonstrates the calf roping contest the Holdingford FFA Chapter is sponsoring as part of their National FFA Week activities Feb. 20 at Holdingford High School in Holdingford. Woitalla serves as the chapter’s president.

Grace Woitalla pushes up feed last fall at Woitalla Dairy near Holdingford. The Woitallas milk 125 cows and farm 750 acres.

Fowl amendment being considered to Avon code

Chicken keeping ordinance public hearing April 18

BY TIM HENNAGIR | STAFF WRITER communication.

A new animal ordinance is pecking its way through the Avon code review process.

Planning commission members will meet Tuesday, April 18, and conduct a hearing regarding chicken keeping within city boundaries. A successful 5:30 p.m. hearing and council approval at a later date is required before any ordinance could come home to roost.

Commissioners voted 3-1 March 21 to recommend a change to city code via an Ordinance to Allow the Keeping of Chickens in Residential Areas.

The proposal ruffled council feathers earlier this month. Councilor Katie Reiling requested planning meeting minutes be pulled for discussion April 3.

“I did a little survey around the south end of town,” Reiling said. “A lot of people were saying, ‘Sure we can have chickens,’ but not in my backyard.”

Reiling wondered if a better course of action would be putting the proposed ordinance on the ballot for next year. She said she didn’t want the city to jump into an ordinance without additional

Musical from front

His “fling” is disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, played by Pam Rue, of Melrose.

“Sister Act the Musical” is based on the hit 1992 film of the same name. It revolves around Van Cartier, who witnessed a murder, and she is placed in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be a found: a convent.

Disguised as Sister Mary Clarence, she finds herself at odds with the rigid lifestyle of a nun and Mother Superior, played by Becky Kapsner, of Freeport. Using her unique moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Van Cartier breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the thugs are giving chase, only to find them up against Van Cartier and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

Locating Van Cartier and bringing her home is Curtis’ mission, with help from his thugs Joey, played by Jesse Kuechle, and TJ, played by Tom Satterlee.

“My thugs are the comic relief,” Swedenburg said.

“They’re behind me and chime in with background vocals.”

They have run-ins with Eddie the cop, played by Brandon Wehlage and rookie cop, played by Mike Schaab.

“My favorite part is being handcuffed, basically when the police get me and ‘it’s the end of the road buddy. You are done,’” Swedenburg said.

Meanwhile, Van Cartier, in disguise as Sister Mary Clarence, works her way into the heart of the

PUC from front

“It’s encouraging to see year after year that the data backs up public power’s track record for providing highly reliable service,”

APPA Director of Research and Development Paul Zummo said. “These utilities are the best of the best when it comes to keeping the lights on. And these communities should be proud of their lo-

City administrator and clerk Jodi Austing-Traut said scheduling a public hearing was the correct approach.

“Anytime we do a zoning ordinance, amendment change or addition, or anything like that, we have a public hearing,” Austing-Traut said. “We are hearing from both sides of the issue in the city office.”

Mayor Jeff Manthe said the planning commission did a “pretty diligent job” of considering an ordinance.

“Everybody is thinking about chickens running around like on the farm and roosters crowing,” Manthe said. “This ordinance would limit the number of chickens to four. No roosters would be allowed.”

City staff prepared and presented a draft ordinance for the Avon Planning Commission to consider.

During the planning commission’s March 21 meeting, vice chair Dick Glatzmaier voiced his concern regarding diseases, such as the bird flu.

He voted against recommending the chicken keeping ordinance move forward.

Commissioners also dis-

cussed the issue of chicken manure during their ordinance review. They questioned if this type of waste would be something that could be disposed of at the city compose site.

Chicken manure could not be placed in yard compost piles but would need to be disposed of the same way as cat or dog feces.

Commissioners also discussed accessory structures or parts of a garage being used for chickens. Accessory structures turned into coops would need to go through impervious surface coverage calculations.

Another concern was the city regulating residents having more than the maximum number of four chickens.

Commissioners felt charging $5 per chicken would be appropriate for city residents.

In addition, a property owner would need to renew the chicken application every year the same as a dog license.

Zoning administrator Amy Pease said during the March 21 meeting along with the yearly application fee the city could request pictures of chicken coops or chicken runs to verify compliance.

During discussion of the pulled consent agenda item, Reiling expressed concerns about chicken manure.

“I read our garbage collection contract and West Central Sanitation doesn’t want it in the garbage,” Reiling said. “It’s stated in our contract with them that you will not put your dog or pet waste in.”

Councilor Aaron Goebel said farmers would take the manure because it is good for their crops.

Reiling replied, “So 15 to 20 people in Avon are going to find a farmer?”

Manthe said he has had two or three people call him about the proposed chicken ordinance.

“It’s a divisive issue, no question about it,” he said.

Police chief Corey Nellis brought up a number of points about enforcing a chicken-keeping ordinance.

“Here’s the deal,” Nellis said. “Our ordinances have no teeth to them when it boils down to it. Period. In order to enforce it, we have to pay our city attorney, and it costs us hundreds and hundreds of dollars.”

If someone was a city resident and violated an approved ordinance, the city could assess fines, he said.

“If we assessed a fine, and it could get assessed on their property taxes if the fines are not paid,” Nellis said. “But if they are not a property tax paying person, there is little to zero teeth to our ordinances.”

since 2008. His favorite part was playing Lurch in “Adams Family.”

“I had to be on time with everybody but out of time as Lurch,” he said.

While stage experience is fun, there is one downfall.

“The older I get the tougher it is to memorize things,” he said adding, “It keeps your brain going, the artistic side.”

Swedenburg enjoys the camaraderie with fellow actors – old and new.

Mother Superior,

These Walls,”

sisters at the convent, even Mother Superior.

“Deloris is very sassy. She loves who she is with no apologies made for who she is, and she wants to believe in this big world that she is going to be a star bigger than anybody else and then all of a sudden this happens and it brings her to a place where she’s not used to, where somebody else is in charge,” Rue said. “I find myself wanting this big world and realizing sometimes you are meant to be where you are meant to be, and God decides that for you.”

She said Van Cartier has an epiphany moment.

“She has never really felt like she belonged anywhere, and she feels like she didn’t need anyone else,” Rue said. “At the convent, she realizes it’s OK to accept people in your life to help you.”

Rue said portraying Van Cartier is fun but “super challenging.”

“It’s not music I knew or heard before,” she said.

cal power providers and appreciate the hard work that goes into earning this recognition.”

Electric reliability is measured using four different metrics. The 2022 results for these MRES member utilities were significantly better than those of other types of utilities in the region in every category. Nationwide, the average public power customer has their lights out for less than half the amount of time that customers of other types of

“The music in the musical is different than in the movie, and there are a lot of words to the songs.”

In the last 10 years, Rue has performed in three Melrose shows – “Mamma Mia,” “Mary Poppins” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

“Being a nun is not something I’ve done before,” she said.

But it was something she was encouraged to become, years ago, by her grandpa Robert Goebel as he drove her to Sacred Heart School in Freeport.

“My grandpa, when I was young, said someday you’re gonna be a nun, and I was pretty feisty and said, ‘No, Grandpa, I’m not gonna be a nun,’” Rue recalls. “When I got the part, I said a prayer to my grandpa telling him ‘You were right.’ Now he’s up there watching.”

Swedenburg, an experienced actor on the Melrose stage, is having fun playing the part of a thug. He estimates he has been in close to one dozen productions

utilities do.

“Customers place a high value on reliable electric service, and it’s also a top priority for MRES and every member,” said Tom Heller, MRES president and CEO. “Our members take great pride in receiving this recognition. It is a testament to the hard work of all their line workers and utility staff in each of these communities to ensure that they keep their local community powered.”

Deluca Dawn Kociemba

Calliena and Allen Kociemba, of Freeport, are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Deluca Dawn Kociemba, at 6:25 a.m., April 5, 2023, at CentraCare-Melrose Hospital in Melrose.

She weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces and was 18.25 inches long.

Welcoming her home were big brothers Tatum, 10, and Cayden, 8.

Grandparents are Judy and Don Kociemba, of Avon,

Amari Jennifer Bueckers

Savannah Sprau and Austin Bueckers, of Melrose, are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Amari Jennifer Bueckers, at 8:55 p.m., March 23, 2023, at CentraCare-Melrose Hospital in Melrose.

She weighed 8 pounds and measured 20.5 inches long.

Grandparents are Angela and David Sprau, of Pequot Lakes, and Rodney Bueckers, of Albany. Great-grandparents are Diane and Barney

Amary Elizabeth Ortiz

Sydney and Saulo Ortiz, of Melrose, are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Amary Elizabeth Ortiz, at 4:36 p.m., April 3, 2023, at CentraCare-Melrose Hospital in Melrose.

She weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces and measured 19 inches long.

Grandparents are Jeff and Sue Petermeier, of Melrose, and Armando and Maria Ortiz, of Melrose. Great-grandpa is

60th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Herb and Lori Thull

Herb and Lori Thull, of Melrose, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with an open house 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Melrose American Legion in Melrose.

Other cast members include Jackie Spoden-Bolz as Sister Mary Patrick, Emily Krogstad as Sister Mary Robert, Amber Roerick as Sister Mary Irene and Tina, Kim Schneider as Sister Mary Martin, Sara Coltvet as Sister Mary Lazarus, Karen Heinen as Sister Mary Theresa, Jennie Schmidtke as Sister Mary Bernard, Anna Neu as Sister Mary Jane and a fantasy dancer, Alisha Vornbrock as Sister Mary Rose and a fantasy dancer, Arlene Pieper as Sister Mary Ivy Rose, Brooklynn McChesney as Sister Mary Katherine, Mayanne Dewald as Sister Mary Celeste and a fantasy dancer, Kalee Bueckers as Sister Mary Sandra and Michelle, Herman Lensing as Monsignor O’Hara and Andrew McChesney as Benni, bar patron and the pope.

“Sister Act the Musical” is directed by Marit Elliott and Andrew Engel, with Nancy Jeske on costumes and Bonnie Poepping leading the crew. The band includes Engel, Angela Bitz, Don Neu, Todd Prout, Noah Braun and Tom Pattock.

“We’re like a little family, the whole production team,” Swedenburg said.

In fact, one of the actors is family for Rue – her niece Amber Roerick.

“I’ve always gone to her shows, and she’s gone to mine,” Rue said. “This is our first show together.”

Rue said “All of it,” when asked her favorite part of the production.

“I love singing, even though it’s challenging,” she said. “And I love working with people who are also passionate about theatre.”

The “Sister Act the Musical” cast and crew are ready to present their moving story with music, dancing and lines – and lots of laughter.

There will be a beef roast dinner at noon. The Jerry and Joyce Band will be entertaining from 2-4 p.m.

Herb and Lori (Gerads) Thull were married April 23, 1963, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in St. Francis.

What’s HAPPENING

Sunday, April 16, 11 a.m. – St. John’s Spring Fundraiser St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 20 Highway 4 S., Meire Grove. Lunch starting at 11 a.m., bingo at 12 p.m. Sponsored by St. John’s Catholic United Financial.

Monday, April 17, 5-7 p.m. – Over the Hills of Avon Bologna Feed. PJ’s Supper Club, 421 Stratford St W, Avon. All proceeds go to the future Avon Community Center.

Monday, April 17, 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, April 18, 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, April 19, 6 p.m. – Holdingford School Board Meeting. Holdingford Jr./Sr. High School library and media center, 900 Fifth St., Holdingford.

Wednesday, April 19, 6:30 p.m. – Albany City Council Meeting. Albany City Hall, 400 Railroad Ave., Albany.

Wednesday, April 19, 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.

Tuesday, May 9, 7 p.m. – Melrose American Legion Post 101 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.

Deluca Dawn Kociemba

Amari Jennifer Bueckers

Amary Elizabeth Ortiz

Herb and Lori Thull

and Julie Ostendorf and Del Hoffman, of Big Lake. Bueckers, of Albany.

Cletus Meyer, of Greenwald.

The celebration will be hosted by the Thulls’ nine children.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

played by Becky Kapsner, sings “Here Within

April 6 during a “Sister Act the Musical” practice at the Marit Elliott Performing Arts Center in Melrose. The musical is based on the hit 1992 film of the same name.

Donald P. Hemmesch

Donald Peter “Donny” Hemmesch, 67, passed away peacefully at his home April 1, 2023. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 12, at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Lake Henry. The Rev. Glenn Krystosek will officiate. Burial will take place at St. Margaret’s Parish Cemetery. Visitation was 4-8 p.m. April 11 and after 9 a.m. April 12, both at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church.

P-15-1F

Robotics from front

This year’s challenge was to have a robot collect inflated cubes (made of a material similar to beach balls) and plastic traffic cones. It then has to bring the items to another area of the arena and place them on shelves or in slots, at different heights and dimensions.”

There are limits to the size of the robot.

“There are restrictions on going over a certain height or reaching more than a certain distance outside the robot perimeter,” Skalsky said. “They have many different conditions they have to meet.”

Teams that exceed the stated dimensions are penalized. Albany’s robot is 50 inches high, on a 30-inch by 30-inch square base, and weighs close to 120 pounds. It is within the required parameters. The moving and lifting functions are done with motors. To get it moving, more than just a knowledge of metals and control are needed.

“The robots are not cheap to build. We have 14 motors on our robot this year. Each motor is $40 apiece and each needs a motor controller that is $90. Just in our 14 motors we are pushing $1,500 to $2,000,” Skalsky said.

There are many roles on a robotics team.

“I have kids whose main focus on the team is marketing and financial management,” Skalsky said. “They are learning those skills.”

Albany debuted its robot March 1-4 during a competition at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center in Duluth. The outing was less than spectacular, but a great learning experience that prepared them for success in Grand Forks, according to Skalsky.

“We had some problems and worked them out,” he said. “You can keep making changes to the robot through the whole season. We will be continuing to make changes and learn all the way to Houston.”

In the competition there are two teams, or alliances, competing to score the most points in the arena. There are three schools, chosen randomly, in each alliance. They can assist each other and work to hinder the other teams, within the rules governing interfering. Properly arranging the cubes and cones, speed of completion and skill in maneuvering all earn points for a team and/or alliance.

The team demonstrated its robot during the March 18 Lake Wobegon Community Expo in Albany. It gave people a chance to see the robot the students built and will be using in Houston.

Skalsky said while lessons are learned during the robotic season, it is also about the bonds built.

“This year a bunch of freshmen joined the team,” he said. “Watching my seniors teach the freshmen was a really cool experience. Not only am I excited for what awaits us in Houston, but for the future of the Albany robotics program.”

Donovan Notch, who enjoyed the hands-on aspect of the program, echoed Skalsky’s bond-building sentiments.

“The older students make you feel welcome,” he said.

Makaela Zierden said it has been a fun year of exciting, new experiences, with presentations in front of company boards, competing at two competitions and making it to the world tournament.

“Along with new experiences, we have gained many new skills, including, but not limited to, welding, course construction, machine shop, coding and problem-solving,” she said. “We are so grateful for all the community members that helped us gain these new skills through their support. We truly could not have a team without our amazing sponsors.”

Cameron Smith summed up his experience in a few words.

“Robotics is really unique and exciting,” he said.

NOVENA

NOVENA TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY(never known to fail) OH MOST BEAUTIFUL flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are here, my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, queen of heaven and earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in the necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times) Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands. (3 times) Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted. Many grateful thanks. Thank you St. Jude.

D.C.H.

Herbert S. Gerads

Herbert S. “Herbie” Gerads, 84, of St. Francis, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, April 3, 2023, at Upsala Senior Living in Upsala.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 12, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in St. Francis with the Rev. David Grundman officiating. A family inurnment will be in the parish cemetery at a later date. Military honors will be provided by the Albany American Legion. Visitation was 4-7 p.m. April 11 and will be 10-11 a.m. April 12 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic

Mildred H. Nienaber

Mildred H. “Millie” Nienaber, 84, of Freeport, passed away peacefully April 5, 2023, at CentraCare Care Center in Melrose.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, April 13, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with the Rev. Daniel Walz officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, April 12, at Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and 10:30-11:30 a.m., April 13, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Parish prayers will be at 4 p.m. followed by the Christian Women and Catholic United Financial 101 at 6 p.m., April 12, at the funeral home.

Mildred Helen Heinen was born Feb. 5, 1939, in St. Anthony, to Martin and Anna (Eiynck) Heinen. As a young

Claudia Rae Mewes

Funeral service for Claudia Rae Mewes, 82, will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 15, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Albany. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Friday, April 14, at Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes in Albany and one hour prior to the service April 15 at the church. A small service will also be held at Christ the King Church in Moorhead at 6 p.m. Sunday, April 16.

Claudia passed away at Lilac Homes in Dilworth March 31, 2023. She was born Oct. 18, 1940, in Bemidji, to Ole and Helena (Mikkelson) Paulson. She graduated from Bemidji High School in 1958 and continued her education at Bemidji State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business education in 1962. In her early years of teaching, she taught in Clarissa, Greenfield, Iowa, and Thief River Falls. She

Improvements from front

The council rescinded a March 15 motion to use park dedication fees collected from local organizations and developer fees to complete construction of the pickleball court east of the existing skateboard ramps in North Park.

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

in 1965, serving most of his duty in Germany. Herbie farmed and later started his own business installing drain tile for farmers. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in St. Francis. Herbie enjoyed riding snowmobile and motorcycle and loved playing pool in the pool league in St. Anthony.

Thull of Melrose, Jake (Judy) Gerads of Freeport, Dolores Linn of St. Cloud, Bertha Herdering of Upsala, and Gilbert (Carol) Gerads of Freeport.

320-356-9001 avoncommunitychurch.org

HOLDINGFORD

COMMUNITY COUNTRY CHURCH

Across from school 320-746-0005 communitycountrychurch.org

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Church in St. Francis. Herbert Steven Gerads was born July 4, 1938, in Freeport, to Charles and Loretta (Harren) Gerads. He entered the U.S. Army in 1963 and was honorably discharged

Survivors include his brothers and sisters, Magdalen “Toots” Schwanke of St. Cloud, Frank (Doreen) Gerads of Freeport, Loretta (Herbert)

Herbert was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Martha Gerads, Sister Marie Gerads, O.S.B., and Elizabeth Bechtold; and brothers Martin, Jerome, Joseph, Bernard, John and Norbert Gerads. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose.

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

baker, especially when it came to her apple pies.

Mildred H. Nienaber

woman, Millie worked at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud. She was united in marriage to Richard Nienaber April 19, 1961, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in St. Anthony. The couple settled on a farm near Freeport where Millie was a farm wife and homemaker. Millie always said her favorite way to show love to her family was to cook for them, and she was an excellent cook and

Millie began working at Melrose Area Schools as a cook and baker in 1987 and retired in 2017. One of Millie’s accomplishments, that she was proud of, was earning her GED in 2007, one week prior to her oldest grandchild’s graduation. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, Christian Women and Catholic United Financial. She was an active member of her faith community serving in many roles. Millie enjoyed cooking and baking, gardening, walking and biking on the trail, reading, embroidering and volunteering for Meals on Wheels.

Survivors include her husband, Richard Nienaber of Melrose; children Kathleen Nienaber-Gapinski (Rick) of Cold Spring, Daniel (Cindy)

mother to her three daughters. Her daughters have come to appreciate this sacrifice more and more as they have become mothers themselves. Claudia was actively involved in her community. She served the community by doing one of the hardest jobs in education: substitute teaching. She was a substitute for teachers at Albany Area Schools and surrounding school districts for many years and became a highly sought-after sub.

Nienaber of Albany, Michael (Susan) Nienaber of Osakis, and Charles (Sheri) Nienaber of Freeport; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren with two on the way; brothers and sisters Delores (Bob) Weyer of Sauk Rapids, David (Margaret) Heinen of Sartell, Rosemary Nienaber of Burtrum, Vernon (Karen) Heinen of Albany, and Gerald (Ione) Heinen of Albany. Millie was preceded in death by her parents; son Clifford Nienaber; and brothers and sisters Anna, Norbert, Dorothy, Margaret and Arnold.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart School in Freeport.

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

celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary June 4, 2017, before Earl passed away July 9, 2017.

City leaders and park board members have agreed any improvements built in North Park will be paid for by Schiffler and members of his community group.

Recent meetings involv-

met the love of her life, Earl, (also a business education teacher) during those early years of teaching. She married Earl Mewes June 4, 1966, in Bemidji. Following their marriage, they lived in Big Lake, for two years, and in the fall of 1968, they moved to Albany, where Earl taught business education. During this time in their marriage, Claudia made the difficult decision to become a full-time housewife to her husband and full-time

ing all three groups have produced a preliminary park layout map that shows three phases of various park improvements in North Park.

Councilor Alan Amdahl is the city’s park board liaison. He attended the March 29 Albany Park Board meeting and provided a brief recap of recommendations during the April 5 city council meeting.

“We had a good informational meeting. It went a couple of hours,” Amdahl reported. “There are a couple of items and recommendations that the park board would like the city council to act on.”

A six-court pickleball facility is proposed east of the tennis courts and north of the main driveway entrance from Highway 238 to the park. The estimated size of the six-plex would be 120

THANK YOU

Thank you

MELROSE BIRCH HILLS COMMUNITY CHURCH 225 1st St. NE, (City Center) 320-429-2440 birchhillscommunitychurch.org

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

P3-TFN-RB

The family of Donny Voller would like to thank family, friends and neighbors for their support, condolences, cards, memorials, flowers and prayers at the time of Donny’s passing. We especially want to thank Fr. Mastey, the choir and organist for the beautiful Mass and music. Thank you to the server, Bob; Eucharistic ministers, Don and Susan; those who prepared and served the delicious lunch; and all who supported us in any way. A special thanks to Miller-Carlin, Getty Street Assisted Living and staff at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Your kindness will never be forgotten.

God bless you all. The Voller families

P-15-1B

Claudia also served in her church where she taught Sunday school, coordinated activities for numerous serving committees and sang in the choir. She also served the community as a Girl Scout leader for several years, including taking a group of girls camping in the woods, a great sacrifice, considering Claudia’s life-long fear of snakes. Claudia and Earl spent many happy years in retirement in Albany. They

feet by 142 feet. A dog park is proposed north of the second driveway access from Highway 238 into North Park. This type of park was noted as a need in a 2019 city survey. Dog park dimensions would be 50-feet by 200 feet. Park board members also recommend construction of a pedestrian trail along the northern shoreline of North Lake. The trail would connect with an existing trail south of School District 745’s new Early Childhood Learning Center and end at the main driveway entrance to North Park located off of Highway 238.

Other proposed Phase 1 improvements include a fishing and observation pier and a kayak/paddleboat launch.

Wetland improvements could create a pond with an internal fountain.

Continued clearing of brush and any damaged trees were also marked as Phase 1 in a preliminary layout.

Mayor Tom Kasner made a point regarding trees during the council’s discussion.

“We are walking on two sides,” he said. “The second Public Works Supervisor Joe Mergen starts a chainsaw in that park, people talk to him. We are trying to keep a balance between the people who want to build and the people who may not.”

Councilor John Har-

Claudia is survived by her daughters, Carmen Rae Mewes of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Gwendolyn Faye (Douglas) Sullivan of Smithfield, North Carolina, and Joan Marie (Vernon) Berg of Moorhead; eight grandchildren; sister Judith (Richard) Bluth of Morris; and a sister-in-law Hazel Merle, Almena, Wisconsin. Claudia was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Earl; and sisters Geraldine Rohde, Joan Myer and Bernadette Schultz. Memorials preferred to Hemker Park and Zoo in Freeport or to your charity of choice. Arrangements were made by Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes in Albany. P-15-1B

lander suggested the council reduce the number of pickleball courts to four from the six proposed by the park board. He also wanted soil testing.

“Let’s do four courts and see how they get used,” he said. “If we need more courts let’s go back to where we already spent $28,000 east of the skateboard ramps. That’s what I would like to see.”

Harlander made a motion for four pickleball courts with new concrete and new fencing and completion of soil testing to be constructed in the current location where the tennis courts are located. His motion died for lack of a second.

Councilor Adam Rushmeyer suggested holding action on the proposed Phase 1 improvements until after a park walk-through could be completed this spring.

“I would feel a lot more comfortable with that,” he said. “The pickleball courts are a tough call, I have reservations about the fountain feature in the wetland, but the other stuff would be nice.”

Harlander offered a second motion that the tennis courts and fencing be removed and a six-court pickleball facility be constructed at this site. Amdahl seconded and the motion passed.

Improvements page 5

Herbert S. Gerads

Claudia Rae Mewes

Filling time waiting for spring

As we wait for spring’s arrival, which is looking hopeful this week, we’re filling our time with spring-like activities: Twins baseball. The snow is finally melting and the temperatures are climbing out of the freezer. We’ve been outside enjoying the warmer weather, but have also been on our couch watching baseball – with mixed feelings about the new rules governing the pace of play.

After the three-game sweep of the Royals, my confidence soared. I was certain this season would be ours. We would never lose a game again. The Twins did leave some guys on base, but they tallied a good number of strikeouts and a few fun wins. My students reminded me Kansas City really doesn’t offer great competition, though, and maybe I ought to temper my hopefulness. Nonetheless, I was still excited about the wins and having evening plans to look forward to: watching another game.

As we watched these first three games, and celebrated a few wins, we adapted to the pitch clock and pace of the game. No time to scroll Twitter, make dinner and take a walk between every pitch. We’d miss the play. The games lasted just over two hours, which left us feeling like our evening entertainment ran out a bit too quickly, especially when the snowbanks still reached the windows. I wouldn’t have minded another hour of baseball.

The Twins hopped on a plane to Miami for the second leg of their road trip while we were still closing schools and hunkering down here in Minnesota. We were grateful for the summer sounds and sights of baseball on the TV,

and we felt a bit like the Bomba Squad would be back on the field this year. The Twins handed the Marlins a quick 11-1 defeat in their first game. The wins slowed, though, after their 4-0 start. While waiting for storms to pass around here, we fans had to wait a few days for another win – and we felt stuck at home with forecasts of icy roads and wind. While many were celebrating baseball’s new quicker game, I was sad as the ninth inning ended, and not just because we lost. Again, my evening plans ended before the evening did.

On Friday afternoon Sonny Gray, Twins starter for the home opener, racked up the strikeouts going deep into the game. And an extra-inning walk-off win was exciting. The tenth added some time to the game but not enough. As this afternoon game ended, I looked out the window and wondered what to do next. I looked for the tulips that usually poke through first, but they were still under feet of snow. However, the forecast included 50s. There was hope – for both the Twins and for spring.

We watched another win on Saturday, and then a loss on Sunday. But after both games, which ended with the sun still high in the sky, we headed outside for a walk. The water was running along the streets and patches of grass had grown. We even regretted wearing our coats – and they were only spring coats.

As spring finally arrives, maybe these shorter games will be perfect, especially if the Twins keep up their winning ways and the snow keeps melting.

A change in a county road route

Stearns County 13 may not have the same ring, or historical romance, as Minnesota 13, but like the famous moonshine, it came into its own a century ago.

Starting just north of Melrose, a person can travel on the route from the Birch Lake area to Belgrade. Along the way are signs of dairy, beef and crop farming; small and large farm operations; communities with their histories and amenities; a variety of churches with different architecture; schools; ball diamonds and other elements that make up the area’s culture.

What is interesting is that 100 years ago, the route of the road was not really settled. Actually, that wasn’t usual. History, and this area is no different, is full of stories about how people worked to insure a road (or railroad) would come to and through their communities. The flip side is how some people worked to make sure a road or railway did not go through a certain community – to make sure that community did not benefit.

The advantages were fairly obvious. Being on a well-maintained road gave communities better access to goods and trade beyond their borders.

From the Melrose Beacon archives of 1923, Stearns County 13 was meant to connect the communities of Grove, Lake George and Crow River townships. Just how it would do so was debated.

Originally, the route was planned to run south of Melrose, as it does now, and keep running south joining up with what is now Overton Road, near the then township

Improvements from page 4

Amdahl then motioned, with Harlander seconding, to accept the Phase 1 park board recommendations. That motion passed unanimously.

The council then addressed the need for soil borings related to Highway 238 pedestrian trail development and the phased improvements for North Park.

Kasner pressed Schiffler and the Friends of the North Park group to further discuss their trail plan.

“We don’t know what your parameters are,” Kasner said. Schiffler said his group’s design would include driving sheet piling along the eastern side of the lake.

“We would put the deadmen off of the top. The sheet piling would go down about five to seven feet. There would be three feet of piling exposed,” Schiffler said.

A deadman is one of the simplest ground anchors in terms of equipment needed. Typically, it’s a horizontal beam, such as a steel girder or concrete block placed crosswise to the load and buried in a hole in the ground.

STAFF

hall, until it crossed the Soo Line Railroad, now the Dairyland Trail, east of Greenwald. The route would then turn west, onto what is now 322nd Street, running toward Greenwald and to Elrosa and eventually Belgrade. Then at their March 20, 1923, Stearns County commissioner’s board meeting, the route was changed. Instead of joining what is now Overton Road, the route was turned west until it met with Highway 4 in Meire Grove. It then turned south to Greenwald, and from there went west to Elrosa where it joined Highway 71. The change had some attractive features. By joining Highway 4, it avoided lowlands near the town hall, and by joining Highway 71, it connected with a road with an established railroad crossing.

The plan was not enthusiastically received by everyone, particularly in Grove Township. In short order, a petition was drawn up asking the board to reconsider the change.

“The chief objection of the petitioners is that the change lengthens the route and takes from the township a piece of road that is in good shape and turns over to them a piece of road which is not in very good shape,” according to the April 6 Beacon.

The petition apparently did not change the county commissioners’ minds. When a person drives the route today, it turns south to Meire Grove, onto Highway 4, turns west in Greenwald and then south again in Elrosa. Apparently, it has done so for 100 years.

Schiffler said his group’s first calculation was just doing fill all around the lake.

“We think the impact of that would not be approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources,” he said. “By putting sheet piling in, we can show them we are going from sixth-tenths of an acre to three-tenths of an acre of lake impact.”

Harlander said he was going to hold City Engineer Jeremy Mathiasen and his firm Stantec accountable regarding that particular design.

He told Schiffler, “You tell us the footage that they need to pound pilings down. We are going to have inspections to make sure everything is done accordingly.”

Mathiasen estimated it would cost about $4,490 to get four soil borings along the lake and additional borings done in the park.

Harlander suggested Stantec figure out the impact of the sheet piling proposed by Schiffler and an application be submitted to DNR before the city did any soil borings. Other council members concurred, and a review of soil boring bids was canceled.

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community STARS

Dirkes, Peterson to serve on Stearns Electric Association board

MELROSE – Despite the freezing rain, over 180 members attended the March 30 Stearns Electric Association 86th annual meeting at the Marit Elliott Performing Arts Center in Melrose.

Scott Dirkes, of Osakis, will serve District 7 residents in the townships of Turtle Creek, Little Elk, Leslie, Reynolds, Long Prairie, Bruce, Gordon, Little Sauk, Round Prairie, Burnhamville, West Union and Grey Eagle in Todd County. In District 8, incumbent Eric Peterson, of Grey Eagle, will serve residents in the townships of Kandota and Birchdale in Todd County, Westport in Pope County and Ashley and Melrose in Stearns County. Peterson was elected board president, Randy Rothstein vice president and Michael Cramer secretary/treasurer.

Area college students advance to international conference

ST. CLOUD – Four St. Cloud Technical & Community College students, including two from the area, are advancing to the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference April 22-25 in Orlando, Florida, after participating in the state competition in March. At the state competition, Annalisa Gieser, Holdingford High School, placed second in Fashion Merchandising, and Kenneth Horn, Melrose High School, placed third in Professional Sales.

Crime & PUBLIC SAFETY

North Dakota woman charged with arson in Krain Township house fire KRAIN TOWNSHIP – A

44-year-old North Dakota woman is charged with first-degree arson related to an April 6 house fire in Krain Township, according to a Stearns County Court complaint.

Jamie Lynn Morin, of Wahpeton, was taken into custody for questioning and later arrested and booked into Stearns County jail, where she remained as of April 8. She faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both. Her next court hearing is 10 a.m., Thursday, April 27.

The complaint stated a Stearns County deputy was dispatched at 2:12 p.m, to a house fire in the 43900 block of 248th Avenue where he found the structure engulfed in flames.

The deputy talked with Morin, who had walked away from the scene and returned, and she said she “flipped out,” and started the house on fire using a torch and that no one was inside, the complaint said. After starting a pile of clothes on fire, Morin said she proceeded into other rooms and ignited items with the same torch. A state fire marshal’s investigation showed her story matched the evidence. When asked why she started the fire, she made comments about being kidnapped, the complaint said.

The Upsala Fire Department responded and was aided by Freeport and Holdingford fire departments, fighting the fire from the outside.

While fire departments were extinguishing the fire, the owner, Brian Blommel, 52, of Freeport, identified in a Stearns County Sheriff’s Office report, arrived home after being told about the fire. During an investigation, Blommel said Morin had been living in the house close to one month. Morin was at the residence when he left at 7:30 a.m.

The structure was considered a total loss.

The incident is being investigated by the sheriff’s office and the Minnesota State Fire Marshalls Office.

Holdingford man injured in accident in Watab Township

WATAB TOWNSHIP – A Holdingford man was involved in a two-vehicle accident around 4 p.m., April 4, in Benton County.

According to the State Patrol, a Chevy Silverado, driven by Jason James Sand, 42, of Holdingford, was westbound on U.S. Highway 10, and a Chevy Bolt, driven by Devey Lea Dahlheimer, 61, of St. Cloud, was westbound on Little Rock Road when they collided at the intersection. The roadway was wet at the time.

Dahlheimer was transported to CentraCare Hospital by Mayo ambulance with non-life threatening injuries. Sand, also with non-life threatening injuries, was not transported to a medical facility, the report said.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office and Sauk Rapids and Rice fire departments assisted at the scene.

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

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Corrections/Clarifications

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

The Farmers Daughter By Sonya Hoffarth

A Peek at the Past by Herman Lensing

Jamie Lynn Morin

Huskies pile up 27 runs to open softball season

BY MIKE KOSIK STAFF WRITER

The Albany Huskies softball team opened its season with a 27-run, 19hit performance against Osakis under the athletic dome at St. John’s University in Collegeville.

Sophia Schiffler and Allie Thelen were both perfect at the plate, going 4-for-4 in the 27-6 non-conference win April 6.

Holdingford girls track and field

The Huskies scored five runs in the first and two in the second before piling up 10 in the fourth and fifth innings to end the game.

The Silverstreaks scored four in the fourth and two in the fifth.

Shelby Horning pitched three innings of one-hit ball for Albany, giving up one walk and striking out four in earning the win.

Thelen, Schiffler, Callie Holthaus and Audrey Rieland were the Hus-

Head coach and how many athletes in the program: Tracy Huls, head girls track and field coach and cross-country coach for two years. We have a solid 50 girls 7-12 making up our roster.

Who will be key returners for your team’s track events? Eighth graderCarly Mitchell, freshman Rilee Breth, senior Abby Streit, eighth grader Maggie Gross, eighth grader Kylie Konsor, senior Chesney Phillipp, freshman Loretta Mrosla and junior Maddy Mitchell.

Who will be key returners for your team’s field events? Rilee Breth, Chesney Phillipp, sophomore Addy Pilarski, junior Makenna Hohbein, freshman Emma Kobernusz, Maggie Gross, Carly Mitchell and junior Kirstyn Sand.

Melroseboys and girls track and field

Head coach and how many athletes in the program: Sandy Enright, fifth year as head coach, 100 athletes this year.

Who will be key returners for your team’s track events? Girls: senior Kayla Meyer, 1600 and 3200; junior Isabelle Jaenicke, 200 and 400; junior Alyssa Stordahl, 400; sophomore Maria Hinnenkamp, 800 and 1600; and freshman Georgia Anderson 200 & 400. Boys: senior Austin Kelzer, 1600 and 3200; sophomore Brady Kuhlmann, 200 and 400; sophomore Damien Ramirez, 200 and 400; and sophomore Logan Ruem 800 and 1600.

Who will be key returners for your team’s field events? Girls: senior Natalie Enright, shot put and discus; junior Isabelle Jaenicke, long jump and triple jump; and junior Natalee Hoffner, high jump. Boys: senior Will

Albany boys and girls track and field

Head coach and how many athletes in the program

7-12: Kathy Conrad, 30th season as head coach; 23 boys

9-12, 32 girls 9-12 and 28 middle-school athletes.

Who will be key returners for your team’s track events? Carter Schwalbe, who competed at the state cross-country meet, is looking to make state in the 1600; senior Brooke Hoffarth, sprints and long jump.

Who will be key returners for your team’s field events? Tayte Lecy, senior thrower; Veronica Maus and

Holdingford boys track and field

Head coach and how many athletes in the program

7-12: Kelly Kobernusz, 17 years, 44 boys out 7-12.

Who will be key returners for your team’s track and field events? We have two returning seniors that I anticipate being great leaders: Wyatt Miller in the throws and Connor Patrick in the sprints. Ryder Petersen and Lucas

Provo are seniors rejoining our program that ran years ago. Ryder is looking to help our sprint groups as well as the throws, Lucas is joining our distance groups and looking to make a big impact. There are plenty of underclassmen that competed well last year and will be doing the same this year.

What is the biggest challenge your team is dealing with during the extended winter? Getting kids competitive meets before we hit the important ones at the end of the season. It’s going to be tough getting the right kids into the right events if they don’t get experience in them.

Your team will be successful if: We have to compete well and stay healthy to be successful.

Conference and section outlook: Last year, our boys won our conference meet and took second as a team in our subsection. If we prepare well and stay healthy, we should be just as competitive as last year. We have very good programs in our conference and subsection, so there is never an easy year.

Schiffler’s Liquor wins bowling battle of the bars

kie RBI leaders with four each. Also credited with RBIs were Alyssa Sand, Lauren Nett, Savanna Pelzer and Sara Eiynck. Schiffler recorded a triple and Rieland and Horning both smacked doubles.

Osakis gave up 11 walks, also adding to the offensive outburst.

Emily McLachlan pitched the final two innings for the Huskies

What is the biggest challenge your team is dealing with during the extended winter? Keeping athletes injury-free.

Your team will be successful if: We have a strong girls team this season across the board. If we can stay healthy, I would like us to place second in the Central Minnesota Conference behind Eden Valley-Watkins/Kimball, who were state champs last year.

Conference and section outlook: I believe we will have strong performances at the section meet from Loretta Mrosla, Chesney Phillipp, Emma Kobernusz, Carly Mitchell, Makenna Hohbein, Addy Pilarski and Abby Streit, Maggie Gross and Maddy Mitchell. I believe in these girls and if they stay healthy and perform as expected, Holdingford will be delighted.

Sjogren, shot put and discus; junior Daniel Mueller, long jump and triple jump; junior Enoc Morelos, long jump and triple jump; and sophomore Kendall Jaenicke, long jump and triple jump.

What is the biggest challenge your team is dealing with during the extended winter? Avoiding shin splints from all of the running on the hard surfaces. We have been doing pool workouts to lessen the strain on the athlete’s legs.

Your team will be successful if:Our athletes this year have a great work ethic, and they will be successful as long as they stay healthy and injury free. Conference and section outlook: Our key returners will represent us well in the conference and section meets. We also have many new athletes that show great promise in helping our team be successful.

Raelynn Hennen, senior hurdlers and pole vaulters. What is the biggest challenge your team is dealing with during the extended winter? Snow. Your team will be successful if: We have lots of team spirit and some newcomers to the sport. Conference and section outlook: We are not looking at earning a certain place at the conference or section meets. We do, however, look forward to season bests at these two meets.

The

winning the seventh annual

4

Albany

Albany,

Albany super fan selected for Saints’ first pitch

BY MIKE KOSIK | STAFF WRITER

Albany Huskies super fan Brett Persson will be throwing out the first pitch at the St. Paul Saints game Tuesday, April 18, at CHS Field in St. Paul.

Special Olympic athletes will be invited onto the field before the game to play catch and hit a few balls, with a portion of each ticket sale being donated to Special Olympics Minnesota.

game and 3.4 deflections per game, with totals of 89 steals and 94 deflections. She had one game with nine steals and one game with 10 steals.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Schiffler’s Liquor team of Julie Gerads (from left), Jerry Gerads, Tim Jopp and Lu Ann Jopp hold their trophy after

Battle of the Bars Tournament March

at

Bowling Center in

with second place going to the Albany American Legion team of Arvin Richter, Denny Gerads, Meryl Didier and Mark Rakotz. Earning third place was the G’Suffa Haus team and Doochies Bad Company Bar took fourth.

ALL ST R B O Y S B A S K E T B A L L

T

2022-23 PLAYER OF THE YEAR

T ysen Tysen

GERADS

Parents: Bob & Shanna Gerads

G | 6’3” | SENIOR G 6’3” SENIOR ALBAN Y HUSKIES ALBANY

2022-23 statistics: 21.6 points per game, 57.3% eld-goal percentage, 41.8% 3-point percentage, 67% free-throw percentage, 5.6 rebounds per game, 2.88 assists per game, 1.88 steals per game.

Accomplishments: Two-time Granite Ridge

All-Conference, Granite Ridge Conference MVP 2022-2023, 2023 Minnesota State High School League Class AA All-Tournament Team, 2023 MBCA Academic All-State Team, 2022-2023 Granite Ridge Academic Team.

Coach’s comments: Tysen has elevated his game every step of his high school career, becoming a dynamic three-level scorer. He is incredibly efficient from the floor and takes advantage of high-percentage shots with his ability to get to the basket and play above the rim. An underrated defender, he uses his first slide step, chest and length to guard multiple positions. Tysen is one of the best players in school history rst state championship in our program’s history.

SENIOR G 6’3” SENIOR BBE JAGUARS BBE

Sponsored by:

PIEPERKaden

Doug & Jamie Pieper

2022-23 statistics: 26 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game, 73 assists, 52 steals, 52% fi goal percentage.

Accomplishments: Section 5A Freshman Player of the Year (2019-20), Section 5A Sophomore Player of the Year (2020-21), four-time Central Minnesota Conference First Team (2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23), two-time Central Minnesota Conference Player of the Year (202122, 2022-23), scored his 2,000th point this season, 2022 Minnesota State High School League Class A All-Tournament Team, Academic AllState, nominated to play in the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game.

Coach’s comments: Kaden had a great senior season. He has a tremendous work ethic which he brings to practice, games, the classroom and the weight room. Kaden is at his best in the open floor, where he can attack the basket and use his athleticism. He has been a joy to coach on the basketball court and is a true role model for younger athletes in our program and school.

NEUBERT Jay

Aaron & Jessica Neubert/

Nate & Ann Hess

2022-23 statistics: 23.2 points per game, 39% 3-point percentage, 5.9 rebounds per game.

Accomplishments: Four-time West Central

All-Conference, 2022 Star Publications All-Area

Player of the Year, three-time All-Section 6AA

Team, 2023 West Central Conference MVP.

Coach’s comments: Jay took a step forward on the defensive end this year and guarded a team’s best perimeter player nightly. Offensively, he was cient, shooting over 50% from the field and just under 40% from three, with most being deep and contested. He had a slow start to the year to his standard but was playing his best basketball of his career on both ends of the floor the back half of the season.

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

Tysen Gerads and the Albany Huskies entered the 202223 season with an intensity and confidence unparalleled.

After losing in the Section 6AA championship the previous winter, Gerads and the team knew they had the potential to go far but needed to put in the necessary work to reach their end goal of hoisting a state trophy.

“Our whole team went to the weight room three days a week in the morning and constantly pushed each other to get better at practice,” Gerads said. “We made sure to improve every day.”

This determined work ethic paid off in the end, as the Huskies won the Minnesota State High School Class AA Boys Basketball State Tournament with a 72-65 win over Minnehaha Academy March 25 at Target Center in Minneapolis.

And after certifying himself as a big-time scorer in clutch

Sponsored by:

E A M FIRSTtime in front of the entire state, Gerads has been voted by local coaches and media as the Star Publications Boys Basketball All-Area Team Player of the Year.

“It’s a big accomplishment and I’m happy and honored,” Gerads said. “It’s been a fun season.”

Gerads tallied 21.6 points per game in ending his senior campaign as the Granite Ridge Conference MVP and a member of the Class AA All-Tournament Team. More importantly, he lived out his dream, as he and his basketball brothers achieved greatness in the Twin Cities, concluding the season with an improbable 32-1 record.

“We just had talent at every position, and we bonded so well off the court and trusted each other on the court,” Gerads said.

G/F

| 6’3”

Sponsored by:

Mathew & Josie Dingmann

2022-23 statistics: 16.9 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game, 49% field-goal percentage, 64% free-throw percentage, 138 assists, 68

Accomplishments: Three-time Central Minnesota Conference First Team (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23), 2022 Minnesota State High School League Class A All-Tournament Team.

G | 5’11” | JUNIOR G 5’11” JUNIOR MELROSE DUTCHMEN

Sponsored by:

Parents: Joe & Kim Engelmeyer 2022-23 statistics: 16.4 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, 2.2 assists per game, 1.4 steals per game, 39% 3-point percentage, 74% freethrow percentage.

Accomplishments: Two-time West Central All-Conference.

Coach’s comments: Connor is a talented allaround player that can score at all three levels. He was the focal point of everyone’s defensive gameplan and someone who had the ball in his hands a lot. He also greatly improved his defense from last year.

Sponsored by:

The Star Publications All Star Boys Basketball Team is decided by participating coaches and local members of the media. Coaches nominate their players and then the coaches and members of the local media vote for a first team, a second team and a player and coach of the year.

405 Lowery Ave • P.O. Box 220 Belgrade, MN 56312 320-254-8246 Hwy. 55 Belgrade, MN 56312 ATM • Lottery Snacks • Gift Cards Pizza Burgers Tacos • Salads Take & Bake Pizzas PROPANE EXCHANGE! Restaurant 320-254-3204 Convenience Store 320-254-3108 www.rahnfuels.com 320-256-3680 3 GREAT JOB JAY! BELGRADE • BROOTEN • ELROSA JAGUARS Independent School District #2364 Stearns, Kandiyohi and Pope Counties Box 339 • Belgrade, MN 56312 • 320-254-8211 • Fax 320-254-3785 We Congratulate the All Star Girls & Boys Basketball Teams on a great season!!! Brooten, MN 56316 PO Box 400Phone: 320-346-2234 www.bvsb.bank MEMBER FDIC Fax: 320-346-2237 MEMBER “Proud Supporter of Academic & Athletic Achievements.” 119 North 8th Avenue West Melrose, MN 56352 320-256-3846 320-845-2801 • 800-392-3426 34650 225th Ave. - Albany, MN 56307 WWW.ALBANYCHRYSLER.COM 321WashburnAvenue Belgrade,MN56312 320-254-8271 WeProudlySupportBBESports! CongratulationsLuke! SAUK CENTRE • LONG PRAIRIE PELICAN RAPIDS www.mn-bank.com Member FDIC Way To Go! TEAM WE’RE PROUD OF YOU! Congratulations Leader by example of a legendary squad

ENGELMEYER Connor

Schlagel, soaring Huskies cap off state-winning season

BY EVAN MICHEALSON

is still trying to soak it all in.

The head coach of the Albany Huskies boys basketball team for a decade, Schlagel has cemented a style of play and system into a program with a strong foundation of success. This culminated in a historic 2022-23 campaign that ended with Albany raising the Minnesota State High School League Class AA Boys

Basketball State Tournament championship trophy for the first time.

Monumental campaigns often come with monumental acclaim, and Schlagel’s situation is no different, as the Class AA Coach of the Year has been voted by local coaches and media as the Star Publications

All-Area Boys Basketball Team’s Coach of the Year.

“Two of my assistant coaches, Jacob Boone and Grant Johnson, have been here the entire time I’ve been here, so they have just as much invested in the program as I do,” Schlagel said. “It’s rewarding for the entire program, not just one person.”

Albany lost in the Section 6AA championship game versus eventual champion Annandale in 2022 but returned to the court with a determination the likes of which had never previously been seen within the program.

“If there’s ever a model

in terms of how a group needs to go about their business, this group would be at the top of the list with their preparation, not only just on the floor, but off the floor as well,” Schlagel said.

The Huskies, in losing just a single game all season, relied on its entire lineup for production and specific roles and purposes. This was a product of a long-standing ladder of player development that begins in youth basketball at the Albany Youth Basketball Association and ends under Schlagel’s watch.

“There are a lot of youth coaches that invest a lot of time to teach those kids skills,” Schlagel said. “It’s not just a one-stop shop for these kids, they’re doing this for a long time.”

With so many years of basketball under their belt, the Huskies also bonded through a shared work ethic and passion for the game, ending with the greatest goal of all.

“Everything just meshed together throughout the entire season to get us to where we ended up,” Schlagel said.

AUSTIN Zeke

HONDL sam BORGERDING Ethan WARRING Matthew DREVLOW Andrew

Parents: Charlie & Kari Warring 2022-23 statistics: 10.8 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game, 110 assists to 44 turnovers.

G | 6’2” | Junior Sauk Centre Streeters

Parents: John & Varina Drevlow 2022-23 statistics: 11.6 points per game, 4 rebounds per game, 33% 3-point percentage.

RUEY Gor

F | 6’8” | Senior Melrose Dutchmen

Parent: Elizabeth Choal 2022-23 statistics: 12 points per game, 2.8 rebounds per game, 1.7 assists per game, .8 blocks per game, 43% 3-point percentage, 70% free-throw percentage.

G | 6’1” | Junior Holdingford Huskers

Parents: Luke & Erin Mosey 2022-23 statistics: 10.9 points per game, 84 rebounds, 44 assists, 46 deflections, 46 steals, 16 blocks, 46% field-goal percentage, 30.6% 3-point percentage.

G | 5’10” | Senior BBE Jaguars

Parents: Darin & Marci Schwinghammer

2022-23 statistics: 9.2 points per game, 2.1 rebounds per game, 20 steals, 34 assists, 72 3-point field goals made, 42% 3-point percentage.

F | 6’2” | Junior Sauk Centre Streeters

Parents: Brian & Steph Riley 2022-23 statistics: 8.8 points per game, 6.1 rebounds per game, 2.8 assists per game.

F

Parents: Paul & Mary Tomasek

2022-23 statistics: 7.5 points per game, 168 rebounds, 52 assists, 25 deflections, 27 steals, 44.3% fieldgoal percentage.

Parents: John & Sarah Shelton 2022-23 statistics: 4.8 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game, 47 assists

| 6’0” | Senior Holdingford Huskers