Sauk Centre Herald 04-13-2023

Donovan’s decade

Kirckofs reflect on son’s 10-year health journey

Melrose Stages

Inc. presents ‘Sister Act the Musical’ this week

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

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

“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.”

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

Driving for

she won’t be 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 themselves 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.

Musical page 4

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN Curtis Jackson, played by Quint Swedenburg (left), and TJ, played by Tom Satterlee, sing “When I Find My Baby” 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.

with humor Katie

BY BEN SONNEK | STAFF WRITER

Ten years ago, Donovan Kirckof was a Sauk Centre newborn with a heart defect and chromosome duplication whose healthcare journey had only just begun. Now, the son of Jay and Mara Kirckof still has challenges to overcome, but he is healthy enough for normal childhood activities, and his family and everyone love his positivity and friendliness.

“As hard as so many of the times were, I know we wouldn’t change any of it,” Mara said. “We wouldn’t be the family we are if we didn’t have him.”

Jay and Mara married in 2008, and their family started with two daughters – Amari, now 14, and Kaimiah, now 12. Mara became pregnant with Donovan in 2012, and he was a textbook pregnancy until New Year’s Eve. Then, at 36 weeks, Mara began bleeding unexpectedly and was taken to CentraCare-Sauk Centre Hospital. An hour and a half into an induced labor, Mara began losing a lot of blood, and so the doctors ordered a cesarean section.

Having had two normal births, a C-section was the last thing Mara was expecting. She remembers being scared of it happening, especially when a large needle needed to be inserted into her spine for a numbing spinal block.

“When I was getting that done, they kept brushing my nerves with the needle in my back, and so I felt like I was being electrocuted,” she said. “Then, it took me a long time to go numb. You can feel movement and pressure but not pain, so I was scared I wasn’t going to be numb and they would just start.”

Donovan aspirated blood and fluid during delivery and needed help breathing, and it was then the doctors discovered a problem with his heart. Mara got to hold her child for 45 minutes before a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit team from CentraCare-St. Cloud Hospital took Donovan to St. Cloud.

Donovan page 2

PHOTO SUBMITTED Senior Simon Marthaler (left) and junior Jacob Ruegemer (right) present the T-shirts and sweatshirts sold as a fundraiser for Katie Reitsma April 4 at Sauk Centre High School. Reitsma suffered a severe injury in the storm on May 12, 2022, and her recovery journey is ongoing. Tractor Day page 2

PHOTO BY BEN SONNE K

The Rev. Greg Paffel washes parishioners’ feet during the Holy Thursday Mass April 6 at St. Paul’s Church in Sauk Centre. The Mass was the first of the church’s services for the Holy Week Triduum.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Jay (from left), Donovan and Mara Kirckof share a moment April 8 at their home in St. Michael. Donovan was born in Sauk Centre with pulmonary stenosis and a rare type of chromosome duplication.

‘As I have done for you’

Doug Fuchs

Sauk Centre man arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit murder

BY BEN SONNEK STAFF WRITER

A Sauk Centre man has been arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, according to the Todd County Sheriff’s Office.

In late March, the sheriff’s office was alerted about a person allegedly trying to hire someone to murder a Todd County resident. The sheriff’s office immediately

Musical from front

“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 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. “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 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 –

launched an investigation in conjunction with the West Central Minnesota Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. An undercover BCA agent arranged to meet with the suspect, later identified as Robert Charles Thomas, Sr., 38, of Sauk Centre. During the meeting, Thomas came to an agreement with the agent to commit murder, making an

initial payment and agreeing to pay more money once the murder was committed. The target is an acquaintance of Thomas. Thomas was arrested April 11 by the sheriff’s office after he admitted to engaging in a murder-for-hire scheme. He was booked into Todd County Jail on the same day. A formal complaint is pending with the Todd County Attorney’s Office, and no

new.

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, Sarah 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, Kaylee Bueckers as Sister Mary Sandra and Michelle, Herman Lensing as Monsignor O’Hara and Andrew McChesney as Benni, bar patron and 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.

Sunday, April 16th, 2023

The Holdingford Area

Knights of Columbus

St. Isidore Council 9307 is sponsoring a

CHICKEN & HAM DINNER

at the Pelican Lake Ballroom 1 mile west of St. Anna serving from 3:30 to 7 pm

$12 for Adults and $7 for Children 12 and younger

Take-out orders available. Proceeds are used to support the charitable activities of the Council.

PHS15-1B-JO

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Deloris Van Cartier, aka Sister Mary Clarence, portrayed by Pam Rue (left) directs the resurrected convent choir – Mayanne Dewald (front, from left), Anna Neu, Emily Krogstad and Jackie Spoden-Bolz; (middle, from left) Kaylee Bueckers, Sarah Coltvet, Alisha Vornbrock and Kim Schneider; and (back, from left) Karen Heinen, Jennie Schmidtke, Amber Roerick and Arlene Pieper – singing “Raise Your Voices” April 6 during a “Sister Act the Musical” practice at the Marit Elliott Performing Arts Center in Melrose. The musical opens April 13 and runs through April 16. old and

Robert Charles Thomas, Sr.

other information is available at this time due to the active nature of the investigation.

Let’s be honest

Do you ever have that strong pull in your mind that tells you it’s time to visit, message or phone a family member or friend? I have been halfheartedly listening to that feeling for a solid five years and 11 months, but who’s counting?

Me, only me. Insert some mom-guilt here.

For those of you who don’t know me or my family, this was about the time our youngest child was just three months old. I was struggling with postpartum depression while trying to navigate recovery from my second cesarean, life with a two-and-a-half-year-old and a newborn, full-time work, wanting to keep a clean-ish home and maintaining strong, healthy relationships with my spouse, family and friends. These were just a few of the never-ending list of things rolling through my head at any – and every – given moment of the day.

Throughout most of my adult life, even before I met my spouse or had children, I had ebbed and flowed through several different mental states. Some of the times were great, while others have been moments of survival. I have called on many family members, friends and medical professionals during those times; however, I have consistently avoided a major component that can certainly help keep the ebbs and flows to more of a lazy river with a few rapids instead of a full-on roller coaster.

Now, you may read that and think, “Wow, she’s crazy,” or “Oh, so obvious.” However, I would guess that many of

you may read that statement and think … “Huh, that sounds familiar.”

When time or funds get low, what’s one of the first places we pull our money and time from? Mine is consistently from my own selfcare, whether it be a morning coffee ritual, time to work out or quiet time for myself before or after the rest of my family wakes or goes to sleep.

Why do we do that? Do our families ask us to? I don’t know about you, but I can say wholeheartedly that mine does not. I convince myself a million or two “one more things” are needed before my own wants and needs.

We are worthy of dedicated time for ourselves.

Some days it may be only five minutes, while other days it may be five hours. To borrow the words of Author Emily Ley, I am going to work on more “grace, not perfection.” I invite you to join me. I would love to hear the areas in your lives where you struggle and those where you excel. So, if you see me, please say hi and visit for a minute or two. Honestly, whatever you have and are willing to share.

Life is beautiful. We are all beautiful. Let’s share our struggles and our triumphs. We all feel alone in certain moments of life, but please know that you are not alone. You are never alone.

It’s Eastertime, generally celebrated by our country as a period of renewal, rebirth and – in the Christian tradition –resurrection. The weather itself supports these themes, even during years like this one when we seem to be skipping directly from winter to summer. As people, we reflect on the season with a similar refreshing of our formerly snow-enshrouded lives, going into the sunshine to clean, plant, build, play and more.

That said, not all forms of renewal are as welcome as Easter and springtime. A recent story from the Associated Press, for instance, hit me so hard I had to take a minute to just sit at my desk, numb and bewildered, as I reevaluated my entire perception of reality. So, let’s not beat around the bush. Take a deep breath with me, and we shall confront the truth together:

It’s likely the Tyrannosaurus rex had lips.

Even AP News seemed reluctant to get to the point. Its headline for the story was, “Has T. rex lost its bite? Menacing snarl may be wrong.” It wasn’t until the second paragraph that they told us plainly, “The teeth on T. rex and other big theropods were likely covered by scaly lips, concludes a study published Thursday in the journal ‘Science.’ The dinosaur’s teeth didn’t stick out when its mouth was closed, and even in a wideopen bite, you might just see the tips, the scientists found.”

There’s modern-day precedent for this assertion, too. The classic serrated smile of the Cretaceous colossus was initially formulated because it was believed those teeth were too big to fit inside the dinosaur’s mouth. However, if you scaled up today’s monitor lizard skull to the same size as a T. rex – or, in a less nightmarish simulation, scaled down the T. rex to monitor lizard size – the lizard would have larger teeth, and their lips hold those teeth just fine. The condition of the fossilized T. rex teeth also seems to indicate they were protected on some level, not showing the weathering seen on exposed-tooth creatures like the crocodile.

The experts have tried to soften the blow for us. “We’re not talking kissy lips,” said University of Maryland paleontologist Thomas Holtz. It’s a noble effort, but the damage is done. This is likely the most degrading update to the dinosaur image since we found out some of them probably had feathers. Heck, between the feathers and lips, it’s only a matter of time before the “Tyrannosaurus regina” is appropriated by the cheap fashion industry, and nobody’s ready for that.

WAY BACK WHEN

100 years ago • April 12, 1923

State recommends spring road limitations

The Minnesota Highway Department released a new bulletin, advising state residents to limit their use of gravel and dirt roads this spring. Heavy hauling is prohibited by roads softened by spring thaws and soaked by rain; prosecutions will be brought if necessary, and a court decision has been obtained in this state that recovery may be made in the event of undue damage to public roads. Provided the limitations are observed, the move could save thousands of dollars in road work. Bus and truck lines have already been suspended in many parts of the state.

50 years ago • April 12, 1973

Board makes personal sacrifices for county fair

In order to keep the Stearns County Fair afloat, members of the Stearns County Fair Board averaged 440 hours last year on fixing the fair’s problems and traveled 1,500 miles without compensation. Structures originally built in the early 1900s, including the Conservation Building, need repairs. Vandalism in the poultry house will require extra work, presumably by the board members, and security has been costing more every year because there are more troublemakers but fewer volunteer lawmen. SCFB President Paul Wuertz, a retired farmer, has built display shelves and stalls, helping the board meet expenses; he also built nearly all of the office building some years ago. The fair board trusts their efforts will tide the fair over to better times.

Letters to the editor accepted

25 years ago •April 14, 1998

Coborn’s, discount store to open in Sauk Centre

The development of southern Sauk Centre took a big step forward Monday when Home Quality Foods broke ground for its new grocery store, Coborn’s. Breitbach Construction of Elrosa is building the 33,000-square-foot supermarket and off-sale liquor complex near the Arrowsmith Addition, just east of McDonalds, and it is expected to open in the fall; the store will closely model the new Coborn’s in Foley, only without the petroleum service. Coborn’s announced they are also working with Duckwall-ALCO on the opening of an adjacent 22,000-square-foot retail discount chain store, offering clothing and other departmental services.

10 years ago • April 11, 2013

Community concerned about student retention, staff cuts

During the Monday night special Sauk Centre School Board meeting, the two dominating themes were getting a better handle on why students open enroll out of the district and deflecting as much of the possible cuts to teaching staff as possible. The school district has a $300,000 deficit, and during its last audit period, Sauk Centre gained 86 pupil units in open enrollment while losing 121; back in 2008, 67 came in while 95 were lost. At the meeting, about 200 people – teachers, students and community members – came together to express their concern, particularly about the cuts to teaching staff, and some proposed alternate plans to turn around the district’s financial situation.

So, where do we go from here? How do we cope with the knowledge that “Jurassic Park” may be a less accurate dinosaur depiction than the “We Don’t Eat Our Classmates” children’s book? I’ve had some time to think about it –mostly while curled up and whimpering softly –and in spite of my initial overwhelming trepidation, I say we let the spirit of Easter inspire us to embrace the Tyrannosauruses’ new look, and not just because they could bite me in half if I object. Nay, let us celebrate our enormous friend’s ability to kiss their loved ones and blow raspberries at the Triceratops. Let us reconsider whether they could drink smoothies and pronounce words with the letter B.

Most importantly, let us take comfort in the fact that their little arms made it almost impossible to put on lipstick.

By Missy Traeger

Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are welcome. Letters must be signed with a first and last name and include an address and phone number. Letters must be under 400 words and be submitted by Monday at 5 p.m.

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ISSN: Print: 2831-980X Online: 2831-9818

reserve the right to edit lengthy letters.

Corrections/Clarifications: The Herald strives for accuracy. If you would like to report a factual error, please call 352-6577.

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Kayla’s Korner by Kayla Hunstiger

Ultra Sonnek by Ben Sonnek

Planning for the worst

Light the Legacy to offer advance healthcare directive classes

BY BEN SONNEK STAFF WRITER

Sunday, April 16, is National Healthcare Decision Day, and many national, state and community organizations are highlighting the importance of advance healthcare decision-making, aiding people’s ease of mind when wondering if their needs will be met in a life-threatening situation. In Sauk Centre, the Light the Legacy organization is offering education on advance healthcare directives though free monthly classes.

“It’s something we do in a lot of different communities, and this is brand new for Sauk Centre,” said Lynn MacKenzie, Light the Legacy executive director. The sessions will be held at First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre from 1-2 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month, with the first one scheduled for April 26. No appointment is necessary, but people are encouraged to arrive at 1 p.m. Online Zoom sessions will also be available during the day and the evening for those who cannot attend in-person.

Janell Hoffman, a Faith Community nurse certified by CentraCare Health-St. Cloud, will be leading the classes.

“Anybody 18 years or older can go get help and should have their healthcare directive,” Hoffman said. “It’s a forward-thinking idea to have your things in order for your life, especially for young people in an emergency situation.”

During a class, attendees will have the chance to overview the advance healthcare directive forms, both the long and short versions, and learn what it takes to complete one and officiate it as a legal document. Witnesses for signatures will be available.

“CentraCare and other healthcare facilities do provide these for their patients when they come in for an annual checkup,” Hoffman said.

Lidvina M. (Finken) Vener

Lidvina Mary (Finken)

Vener, 98 of Sauk Centre, passed away April 8, 2023, at Cerenity Care Center in White Bear Lake.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 15, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m., Saturday, at the church.

Lidvina “Lavina” was born Nov. 5, 1924, to Frances (Stangler) and Frank Finken in Riebnig, Austria, and met Frank in Stearns County after her family immigrated to the U.S. when she was a toddler. Lavina was a member of St. Paul’s Parish from her baptism to her first communion, through confirmation and marriage. She attended St. Paul’s Elementary School.

“They hand them out, have a discussion with you and advise you on filling it out, but that’s as far as it goes because that’s how much time they have in the medical field. This (class) is a supplemental provision in the community for those who are struggling with making these decisions and trying to come to grips with it.”

The advance healthcare directive form also includes guidelines for people to consider when making their decisions, including what does and does not make life worth living.

“Those are hard questions you have to think about,” Hoffman said. “What helps you make the decision for what you want to have done for your medical needs? … My role as a volunteer is to guide people through that process and make sure they complete the paperwork. Then, it’s getting the witnesses’ signatures and getting it back to your healthcare provider and agents – the people who are going to speak for you in case you can’t speak for yourself.”

MacKenzie has had personal experience with the importance of having a healthcare directive in place. When her first husband, Bruce MacKenzie, was 39, he found out he had stage 4 lung cancer which had spread to his liver, lung, bone and brain. He underwent radiation to his back and brain, followed by 10 months of chemotherapy. For his last 32 days, he was in Fairview University Hospital in the Twin Cities.

‘He was on a ventilator. I had to make some very difficult decisions on his behalf,” MacKenzie said. “It was a Faith Community nurse who, in our early 30s, talked about this healthcare directive. We had a will – we had two young kids – but we didn’t have a healthcare directive, and when you’re faced with that diagnosis of cancer and the end stages, the last thing you want to be doing is worrying about a healthcare directive.”

MacKenzie has met and

talked with many spouses who were in a situation similar to hers, some of whom feel they were responsible for their partner’s death because of the decisions they had to make.

“I don’t feel that way, because I knew when enough was enough and we’d had those conversations,” MacKenzie said. “It was sad and terrible, but (it is better) with planning in advance when you’re thinking clearly and not in the ER or ICU or in crisis.”

In MacKenzie’s experience, advance healthcare directives also proved useful during the coronavirus pandemic when people could not even get into the hospital to be with their loved ones.

April 16 was selected as National Healthcare Decision Day because it is the day after Tax Day.

“Ben Franklin said – many, many years ago – that the only things certain in life are taxes and death,” MacKenzie said.

Statistically, about a third of people who get their healthcare directive form actually complete it. One of the risks of not having a healthcare directive is ending up with someone who would not make the best decisions.

“In most hospitals, they would have a hierarchy who they would go to,” MacKenzie

they enjoyed 27 more years together.

said. “If you haven’t appointed somebody to speak on your behalf, they would go to a parent, an adult child, a sibling, and maybe you don’t have good relationships with those people.” Alternatively, someone could end up being hospitalized or resuscitated against their will or be given treatments they would rather not have.

“Maybe somebody says, ‘I want CPR and everything,’” Hoffman said. “That’s what’s important as well. That part gets stressed, because maybe their loved one doesn’t know they want to pull out all the stops and do whatever you can to save their life. … That’s another good reason to be informed and have it pre-planned.”

Hoffman and MacKenzie know it is not easy to make an advance healthcare directive, but it is something that could take stress off of a person’s mind later in life.

“People are so relieved after they do it,” MacKenzie said. “We’ve been doing it for over 20 years. … We’re really trying to meet individuals where they are, out in the community versus in the healthcare system. When they’re younger, they’re healthy, they’re thinking clearly, and people are so appreciative of having that resource available.”

(Finken) Vener

Lidvina M.

When she married Donald J. Vener of Sauk Centre/ Ward Springs, they moved to Moorhead, where they lived for more than 20 years, raising their family of three children. They were active at St. Joseph’s Parish and the community. Throughout her life, she was a member of the Christian Mothers. Lavina and Don returned to Sauk Centre upon retirement, where

Lavina was devoted to her family and friends, always ready to help and support and put her know-how to work for others. She was curious and interested in learning new skills. She and a few friends were often enrolled in classes to learn crafts such as candle making, cake decorating, upholstery, quilting and sewing. She loved children, and they loved her. She frequently put her creative skills to work for children in her care, and they appreciated her genius. She could conjure an entire makeup artist’s palette out of kitchen foodstuffs and delight children with painting their faces on rainy afternoons.

Lavina especially enjoyed nature and the outdoors. Her children remember her fondly for the delight she took in

everyday small but remarkable things such as the growth habits of trees and the beauty of sunrises. She looked at these things with wonder and awe.

Lidvina leaves behind three children, Diane Vener, Larry Vener and Beverly (Vener) Atwood and husband, Tom Atwood; and her grandson, Zachary Atwood and his fiancé, Susan Anderson.

She will be greatly missed by family members and friends. They will cherish the many wonderful memories they shared with her. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre. H-15-1B

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Lynn MacKenzie (left) and Janell Hoffman stop outside of

First Lutheran Church after advance care planning facilitator training March 8 in Sauk Centre. Light the Legacy is offering advance healthcare directive classes the fourth Wednesday of every month.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that default has occurred in the conditions of that certain mortgage, dated the 26th day of November, 2021, executed by Paul G. Kleven, as mortgagor, to Vermillion State Bank, as mortgagee, filed for record in the office of the County Recorder in and for the County of Stearns, and State of Minnesota, on the 28th day of December 2021, at 12:16 o’clock p.m., and recorded as Document No. A1622762

That no action or proceeding has been instituted at law to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; that there has been compliance with all notice provisions and conditions precedent as required by law; and that the mortgagee or assignee has elected to declare the entire sum secured by the note and mortgage to be immediately due and payable as provided in the note and mortgage;

That the original or maximum principal amount secured by the mortgage was Forty-five Thousand and No/100 DOLLARS ($45,000.00);

That there is due and

Date: March 21, 2023

YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT:

1. Default has occurred in the conditions of the Mortgage dated September 24, 2019, executed by Richard E. Holm and Suzanne M. Holm, husband and wife, as Mortgagors, to Liberty Bank Minnesota, as Mortgagee, and filed for record October 18, 2019, as Document No. A1555060, in the Office of the County Recorder of Stearns County, Minnesota. The land described in the Mortgage is not registered land.

2. The Mortgage has not been assigned.

3. The original principal amount secured by the Mortgage was $124,000.00.

4. No action or proceeding at law is now pending to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, or any part thereof.

5. The holder of the Mortgage has complied with all conditions precedent to acceleration of the debt secured by the Mortgage and foreclosure of the Mortgage, and all notice and other requirements of

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: January 9, 2006 ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $128,000.00

MORTGAGOR(S): Lavaine D Davids, a single woman

MORTGAGEE: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Suntrust Mortgage, Inc., its successors and assigns DATE AND PLACE OF

claimed to be due on the mortgage, including interest to date hereof, the sum of Fortyfive Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty and 01/100 DOLLARS ($45,760.01); And that pursuant to the power of sale therein contained, said mortgage will be foreclosed and the tract of land lying and being in the County of Stearns, State of Minnesota, described as follows, to-wit:

Lot 11, Block 27, Townsite of Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minnesota The real property’s street address is: 101 Pine St. S., Sauk Centre, MN 56378. The real property’s identification number is: 94.59250.0000.

Transaction agent: N/A.

Transaction agent’s Mortgage identification number: N/A.

Mortgage originator: Vermillion State Bank. will be sold by the sheriff of said county at public auction on the 18th day of May, 2023, at 10:00 o’clock a.m., at Stearns County Law Enforcement Center, 807 Courthouse Square in the City of St. Cloud in said county and state, to pay the debt then secured by said mortgage on said premises and the costs and disbursements allowed by

law, subject to redemption by the mortgagor, his personal representative or assigns within six (6) months from date of sale.

TIME AND DATE TO VACATE PROPERTY: If the real estate is an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling, unless otherwise provided by law, the date on or before which the mortgagor(s) must vacate the property if the mortgage is not reinstated under Section 580.30 or the property is not redeemed under Section 580.23 is 11:59 p.m. on November 18, 2023. THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

applicable statutes.

6. At the date of this Notice the amount due on the Mortgage, and taxes, if any, paid by the holder of the Mortgage is $118,072.32.

7. Pursuant to the power of sale in the Mortgage, the Mortgage will be foreclosed, and the land located in Stearns County, Minnesota, described as follows:

Lot 2, Block 3, Pond View Ridge Four, Stearns County, Minnesota will be sold by the County Sheriff of Stearns County, Minnesota, at public auction on May 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department, located at 807 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, Minnesota.

8. To the best of Mortgagee’s information, the property being foreclosed has a property address of 1511 Dale Street East, St. Joseph, Minnesota 56374, and has tax parcel identification number 84.53790.0114.

9. The time allowed by law

for redemption by Mortgagors or Mortgagors’ personal representatives or assigns is six (6) months after the date of sale.

10. The property must be vacated by 11:59 p.m. on November 12, 2023, provided the Mortgagors have not reinstated the Mortgage under Minnesota Statutes, Section 580.30 or redeemed the property under Minnesota Statutes, Section 580.23. If the foregoing date is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, then the date to vacate is the next business day at 11:59 p.m.

11. THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGORS, THE MORTGAGORS’ PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

PLACE OF SALE: County Sheriff`s office, Law Enforcement Center, 807 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, Minnesota to pay the debt secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorney fees allowed by law, subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns. If the Mortgage is not reinstated under Minn. Stat. §580.30 or the property is not redeemed under Minn. Stat. §580.23, the Mortgagor must vacate the property on or before 11:59 p.m. on November 23, 2023, or the next business day if November 23, 2023 falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. Mortgagor(s) released from financial obligation: NONE THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR

USED IN AGRICULTURAL

PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION Dated this 13th day of March, 2023. VERMILLION STATE BANK, Mortgagee Jennifer G. Lurken GISLASON & HUNTER LLP Attorneys for Vermillion State Bank Eide Bailly Center, Suite 500 111 South 2nd Street Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: 507-387-1115 Fax: 507-387-4413 jlurken@gislason.com H-11-6B

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333

ASSUMED NAME: New Tread.

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IS: 420 Huskie Drive, PO Box 129, Albany, MN 56307 USA.

NAMEHOLDER(S): BB Wheels, LLC, 420 Huskie Drive, PO Box 129, Albany, MN 56307 USA and KimSha, Inc., 420 Huskie Drive, PO Box 129, Albany, MN 56307 USA.

By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.

/s/ Kent R. Gustafson 04/04/2023 H-15-2B

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333

ASSUMED NAME: WheelSetGo.

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IS: 420 Huskie Drive, PO Box 129, Albany, MN 56307 USA.

NAMEHOLDER(S): BB Wheels, LLC, 420 Huskie Drive, PO Box 129, Albany, MN 56307 USA and KimSha, Inc., 420 Huskie Drive, PO Box 129, Albany, MN 56307 USA.

ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

LIBERTY BANK MINNESOTA

/s/ Benjamin B. Bohnsack (#0319399) Rinke Noonan Suite 300 US Bank Plaza 1015 W. St. Germain St. P.O. Box 1497 St. Cloud, MN 56302 (320) 251-6700 (320) 656-3500 fax

Our File No. 22118-0212 Bbohnsack@RinkeNoonan. com

Attorneys for Mortgagee H-12-6B

By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.

/s/ Kent R. Gustafson 04/04/2023

H-15-2B

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333

ASSUMED NAME: Spoondrift Adventures.

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IS: 310 US 71 North, Sauk Centre, MN 56378 USA.

NAMEHOLDER(S): Aspiration Kayaks, LLC, 310 US 71 North, Sauk Centre, MN 56378 USA.

By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.

/s/ Kent R. Gustafson 04/10/2023

H-15-2B

WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.

DATED: March 28, 2023

MORTGAGEE: Nationstar Mortgage LLC Wilford, Geske & Cook, P.A. Attorneys for Mortgagee 7616 Currell Boulevard, Suite 200 Woodbury, MN 55125 (651) 209-3300 File Number: 052268-F1 H14-6B

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333

ASSUMED NAME: Country Acres South.

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IS: 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave, Sauk Centre, MN 56378 USA.

NAMEHOLDER(S): Star Publications, LLC, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave, Sauk Centre, MN 56378 USA.

By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.

/s/ Joyce Frericks 04/10/2023

H-15-2F

Notice of Public Hearing

Stearns County, Planning Commission

Notice is hereby given that the Stearns County Planning Commission, in and for the County of Stearns, will conduct certain public hearings as follows:

To consider a rezoning request submitted by BJ Ostendorf, Sauk Centre MN on behalf of Linda C Ostendorf Revocable Trust, Boyes MT according to Section 4.10 of Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance #439 to rezone approximately 15.5 acres from the Agricultural 80 (A-80) zoning district to the Residential 5 (R-5) zoning district. The property is in part of the SW1/4 of the NW1/4, lying southeasterly of State Highway 28 and Yorkshire Road, in Section 2, Sauk Centre Township (126/34).

When and where is the meeting?

Date and Time: April 27, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

Location: Stearns County Service Center 3301 County Road 138 Waite Park, MN 56387

How do I participate?

Public Testimony: If you would like to provide public testimony, you may do so by appearing at the above hearing, by telephone or other electronic means, please contact Heidi Winskowski at Heidi.Winskowski@co.stearns.mn.us by calling (320) 656-3613.

Written Testimony: You may submit written testimony by emailing Heidi.Winskowski@co.stearns.mn.us by 3 pm on April 25, 2023. Written testimony may also be mailed to the Stearns County Environmental Services Department, Service Center, 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park, MN 56387. Comments on this public hearing are not limited to those

persons receiving copies of this notice. If you know of any interested person, who for any reason has not received a copy of this notice, it would be appreciated if you would inform them of this public hearing.

Where can I view the application?

A copy of the application can be viewed approximately one week prior to the meeting at http://stearnscountymn.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx. Action taken on this request will be available shortly after the meeting at the same website location.

What if the meeting changes?

This meeting is subject to change. Please sign up for automatic updates for this meeting at http://stearnscountymn.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx. Call the Department for assistance.

What is the next step?

The Stearns County Board of Commissioners will consider this request on May 9, 2023 The agenda can be found at: http://stearnscountymn.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx. Interim Use and Conditional Use Permits will be placed on the consent agenda which is heard at the beginning of the agenda. To inquire how to request an item be placed under the regular agenda for discussion, please contact the Department. If the Board of Commissioners do not concur with the Planning Commission, they will hold another public hearing and new notice will be sent.

Stearns County Planning Commission

Barrier Free Status: This meeting will be accessible to the handicapped. Attempts will be made to accommodate any other individual need for special services. Please call (320) 656-3613 early so arrangements can be made.

Publish: April 13, 2023 – Sauk Centre Herald

H-15-1B

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333

ASSUMED NAME: Sign Design.

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IS: 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave, Sauk Centre, MN 56378 USA.

NAMEHOLDER(S): Star Publications, LLC, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave, Sauk Centre, MN 56378 USA.

By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.

/s/ Joyce Frericks 04/10/2023 H-15-2F

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS OF SAUK CENTRE TOWNSHIP

A public hearing is being held by the Sauk Centre Township Planning Commission on Tuesday, May 2 2023 at 8:30pm at Magnifi Financial in Sauk Centre to consider a rezoning request made by Kathy Oschwald, to rezone a 5.7 acre parcel of 34.22611.0000 from an R-1 zoning district to a A-80 zoning district. This property is located at 39198 State Hwy 28, Sauk Centre. All interested parties in opposition to or in support of are invited to attend. H15-1B

ASSUMED NAME: Olde Brick House Irish Pub and Restaurant.

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IS: 137 S. 2nd Ave, Waite Park, MN 56387 USA.

NAMEHOLDER(S): Ringneck Restaurants, Inc., 137 S. 2nd Ave, Waite Park, MN 56387 USA. By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.

Public NOTICES

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage:

DATE OF MORTGAGE: April 27, 2007

ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE:

$66,000.00

MORTGAGOR(S): Patricia A

Lemke, a single person

MORTGAGEE: Mortgage

Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Advisor`s Mortgage, LLC, its successors and assigns

DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING:

Recorded: May 7, 2007 Stearns

County Recorder

Document Number: 1226621

ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE:

And assigned to: CitiMortgage, Inc.

Dated: September 29, 2012

Recorded: October 1, 2012

Stearns County Recorder

Document Number: A1380096

And

at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; that this is registered property; PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above-described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: May 31, 2023 at 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: County Sheriff`s office, Law Enforcement Center, 807 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, Minnesota to pay the debt secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorney fees allowed by law, subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns.

If the Mortgage is not reinstated under Minn. Stat. §580.30 or the property is not redeemed under Minn. Stat. §580.23, the Mortgagor must vacate the property on or before 11:59 p.m. on December 1, 2023, or the next business day if December 1, 2023 falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.

Sauk Centre PUC recognized for providing exceptional reliable service

One of 16 power utilities earning distinction

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

The Sauk Centre Public Utilities Commission 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.

ing this recognition.”

Ave N, Saint Cloud, MN 56303 Tax Parcel ID Number: 82.46261.0000 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Lot 28, Block 7, Cottage Place, an Addition to St. Cloud, Stearns County, MN AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE: $71,213.69

THAT all pre-foreclosure requirements have been complied with; that no action or proceeding has been instituted

Mortgagor(s) released from financial obligation: NONE THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.

DATED: April 8, 2023

MORTGAGEE: Towd Point Mortgage Trust 2019-4, U.S. Bank National Association, as Indenture Trustee Wilford, Geske & Cook, P.A. Attorneys for Mortgagee 7616

MELROSE TOWNSHIP

Important Information Regarding Property Assessments

This may affect your 2024 taxes

The Board of Appeal and Equalization for Melrose Township will meet on 4/20/2023, 2:00-2:30 pm, at the Melrose Township Hall. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor.

If you believe the value or classification of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. If you disagree with the valuation and classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the local board of appeal and equalization. The board will review your assessments and may make corrections as needed. Generally, you must appeal to the local board before appealing to the county board of appeal and equalization.

Cecilia Tylutki, Melrose Township Clerk PH-14-2B

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 Adminis-

tration for all types of electric utilities.

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

“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 local power providers and appreciate the hard work that goes into earn-

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 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.”

SCHD reminds farmers to not plant in right of way

The Stearns County Highway Department wants to remind farmers that planting crops within road right of way is illegal. State law prohibits plowing, tilling and/or planting in the right of way, driving lanes, shoulders, ditches and sight corners at intersections. The SCHD wants to prevent crops from blocking motorists’ vision or creating erosion concerns or other safety issues.

For many Sauk Centre athletes, volleyball is a yearlong pursuit.

This was reflected in the start of Sauk Centre Slam JO volleyball, as Sauk Centre High School played host to a two-day introductory invitational in the form of its annual Slamfest April 1-2.

With grades 6-11 taking part in the action, a wide range of eager-eyed Sauk Centre players hit the court for some exciting competitions and found immediate success.

BY EVAN MICHEALSON Michealson’s Minutes

Two of the town’s age-12 teams, 12’s Red and 12’s Black, were co-champions of the Gold Division, beginning a crazy run of winning from the hosts. The 14’s Red snagged the top spot in the Silver Division, while the 16’s and 17’s snapped up co-champion honors in the 17/18 division.

Additionally, the 12’s White and 13’s each placed in their respective competitions, while the 14’s Black and 15’s each took second.

Overall, Sauk Centre Slam hosted 28 teams on the Slamfest’s first day and 16 the second day.

• Another sport preparing for a busy spring is basketball, as several Sauk Centre athletes are set to take their talents to the court once more.

The Minnesota Comets AAU program, a fertile ground for youth basketball in central Minnesota, features several Sauk Centre student-athletes looking to gain more offseason hoops experience. In boys basketball, fourth graders Henry Hammound and Isaac Zenzen are on the Comets Oistad team, while fifth graders Jack Yarke and Blake Dingmann, Comets Little; fifth grader Karsten Saltmarsh, Comets J. Schumann; sixth grader Carter Borgmann, Comets Trewick; seventh graders Alex Drevlow and Eli Yarke; Comets Dahl; eighth grader Isaac Hokanson, Comets Boyer; freshman Jay McLellan, Comets Saue; freshmen Jacob Drevlow and Matthew Zenzen, Comets Elite Mayer; and soph-

omores Damian Ahrens and Chad Herickhoff, Comets Elite Allen, are also participating.

Additionally, Sauk Centre all-time leading scorer Jay Neubert is a member of the Minnesota Fury 17U Zurn team, 1,000-point scorer Cierra Kortan is on the North Tartan 16U Elite squad and Tory Jennissen will embark on another AAU season with the West Central United program as a key component of the 16U team.

The AAU season kicks off with the MN Comets Shootout April 15-16.

• Even as a freshman, 2022 Sauk Centre High School graduate Abbie Meyer is making an impact for the St. Mary’s University of Minnesota Cardinals women’s track and field.

The athletic underclassman was on display at the Good Friday Open in Dubuque, Iowa Apr 7, firing off a 1-minute, 9.1-second race in the 400-meter dash to finish 16th in a mightily-competitive event.

Additionally, Meyer was a key member of a successful Saint Mary’s relay, as she was the second runner in a third-place 4x400 grouping alongside freshmen Caeli McMahon and Megan Frosch and junior Caroline Gearin. The four Cardinals completed the event at 4:28.33, .04 of a second ahead of fourth place.

Saint Mary’s finished sixth out of nine teams at 22 team points, six coming from the aforementioned relay. Meyer and the Cardinals also competed at the Washington U. Distance Carnival and Invitational March 31-April 1. She shined in the mid-distance, taking 21st of 30 competitors with a 2:38.30 time, and was the third racer for a 4x400 relay that landed in ninth place and earned points. At this event, Saint’s Mary took eighth out of nine teams with 21 points.

• Riley Meyer is a sophomore righthanded relief pitcher for the Cobbers of Concordia College in Moorhead.

The Cobbers are off to an 8-12 start to the season, including a three-game winning streak to wrap up its 12-game RussMatt Central Florida Invitational appearance.

Submissions for the Michealson’s Minutes sports bulletin can be sent to Evan Michealson at 763-267-5125 and evan.m@ star-pub.com.

Relying on the rotation

Sauk Centre baseball boasts depth headed into spring season

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

SAUK CENTRE- With the winter waging a seemingly-endless war on spring sports, practices remaining indoors became common practice for Sauk Centre High School and other Minnesota High School League member schools as competitions began to be postponed.

However, underneath this layer of snow and weather-related challenges is an optimistic baseball team in Sauk Centre, one with an exciting roster ready to show its skills whenever the schedule begins.

“The guys are excited to get outside and play ball,” said Bryan Zollman, head coach. “It’s been a long process, being indoors for almost a month, but they are staying positive and understand every team is in the same boat and are excited to get after it and have a good spring.”

Zollman and the Streeters are coming off a memorable season that ended in unfortunate fashion, a firstround section playoff loss to rival Melrose. Despite the tough ending to a winning season, Sauk Centre maintains many of its key contributors from that squad, including three seniors: out-

fielder and pitcher Hunter Danielson, pitcher and utility piece Matthew Warring and jack of all trades Eli Fletcher.

“Matt, Eli and Hunter are our leaders, not just because they are our seniors, but they are our best players,” Zollman said. “They work hard and they are good teammates. We will go as they go. But, they will need a strong supporting cast, and I think we have that in our underclassmen.”

This underclassmen group also features valuable experience, as junior shortstop and pitcher Zac Bick and junior outfielder, catcher and pitcher Keegan Middendorf both stepped up in big-time situations for the ballclub last spring. With many players having acclimated to the varsity level, Sauk Centre is ready for low-scoring and high-scoring games alike.

“We have a lot of guys with varsity experience, which will be an advantage we have,” Danielson said. “We also have a lot of team chemistry and get along with each other.”

Chemistry and cohesion will not only be important in the dugout, as the Street-

ers look to their wide selection of pitchers to build off one another in what will be a shortened season. Sauk Centre’s surplus of throwers on the mound will be a critical asset moving forward.

“We are as good as anyone with our top pitchers, but what will be magnified this spring is what teams are solid with their 4-5-6 guys, the kids who are relied on to pitch later in the week,” Zollman said. “With the pitch count and the likelihood of having several four or five-game weeks, pitching depth will be a huge factor in determining success.”

Improving on a 13-win season will also require more than five or six regular playmakers. Hunter Dickinson and Mason Hokanson provide disciplined hitting to a formidable lineup, while Neal Stadsvold, Logan Frank and Trevor Roelike will be candidates for time at second base.

Joining those five players in a loaded sophomore class is Evan Zales, who moved to Sauk Centre from

Colorado and can play a variety of positions. The team also has a pair of brothers, senior Eric Isenbart and sophomore Ethan Isenbart, with left-handed pitcher and hitter Hunter Broich and junior pitchers and first basemen Cole Roering and Owen Messer also in the mix..

‘It’s important we don’t try to do too much,” Zollman said. “We have a good team. We just need to go out, have fun and do our best. If we do that, we will be successful, because I think our best baseball is as good as anybody’s.”

Even with this confidence, setting a win total or a specific conference or section mark is secondary to simply learning how to play together and doing the little things right. Should they do that, the sky is the limit for the Streeters.

“Some goals we have for this year’s team is just to throw strikes and play well as a team,” Danielson said. “I think we have the team to accomplish those goals.”

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY EVAN MICHEALSON Sauk Centre’s Nina Thieschafer gets airtime during the long jump event April 12 at the St. Cloud State University Fieldhouse in St. Cloud. Thieschafer is

jumper, sprinter and relay participant for a talented Streeters girls track and field squad.

PHOTO BY MARK KLAPHAKE

The Sauk Centre baseball senior class consists of Hunter Danielson (from left), Matthew Warring and Eli Fletcher. The trio are big-time leaders for an overall roster full of promise and athletic ability. Not pictured: Eric Isenbart.