The Star Post 04-26-2023

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Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Melrose park project progressing –when winter ends

Current amenities include new campsites, restroom, playground, basketball court

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

Once winter ends and the ground dries out, work is anticipated to begin again on the Sauk River Park renovation project that started last fall with site work for new campground sites.

The Melrose Parks and Recreation Board has been meeting on a regular basis to discuss park upgrades.

400 Block update

Council members, during their April 20 meeting at Melrose City Center in Melrose, approved awarding bids for remodeling the restroom on the south side of the park to include showers and updated fixtures and making it more accessible to St. Rosa Lumber, the low bidder at $299,665.

They approved going out for bids on a new basketball court and ordering hoops and poles.

Frances Breth is all smiles April 12 in front of birthday cards in her Grace Court room in Albany that she received for her 100th birthday March 30. In the back is a Blessed Virgin Mary statue she purchased when she married Mike in 1943. (Right) Breth holds a gift she received from a granddaughter. She has 32 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild with another on the way.

Breth a happy 100-year-old

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER long life.

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

City Planner Sheila Hellermann, during her report, said the original estimated cost for the court was $40,725. The city received a $15,000 grant from the Bernick’s family. She said streets and parks department staff would be doing the site prep work in order to save costs.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

New playground equipment in the area near the new restroom and expanded campground, estimated to cost $50,000, will be ordered, after council members approved this action.

Park page 3

Happy 100th birthday cards line a table in Frances Breth’s Grace Court room at the Mother of Mercy Senior Living campus in Albany, in front of a wall filled with family photos. Overlooking the cards is a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a red rosary wrapped around it.

“I think God is keeping me alive because I have to help people, and I have to pray for my children,” this happy 100-year-old said April 12 relaxing in a recliner wearing a bright orange shirt and pink fingernail polish.

She credits her family and faith for her

Albany prom: An Enchanted Forest

“I love the Blessed Virgin. I bought her when we (husband Mike) were married. She’s 80 years old,” Frances said.

Her long life started March 30, 1923, on a farm southwest of Holdingford, the sixth of eight children born to Simon and Margaret Ebnet, and the lone survivor.

She pauses a few seconds before answering, “Dr. Watson,” when asked the name of the doctor who came to the farm to deliver her.

She loved life on the farm, every morning and night milking four of the eight cows her parents owned, along with sheep and horses.

“When you went to school you hoped you didn’t smell like the barn,” she said.

Klassen takes position as Broken Strength director

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

The Rev. Paul Klassen and wife Becky watched snow fall for what might be the last time from their Melrose kitchen window April 21.

After 12 years of pastoring Birch Hills Community Church in Melrose, they are moving on to a new ministry in the Twin Cities where Paul has taken a position as executive director of Broken Strength, a Christian non-profit.

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Klassen page 3

There was no running water to take a quick shower.

Her dad cooked moonshine in their basement, which was illegal. She recalls driving with her mother and their hired man to the Dakotas to sell the moonshine.

Frances talks about when federal government officials came to their house when she was around 4 years old.

Breth page 3

PHOTOS BY CAROL MOORMAN

PHOTO BY MIKE KOSIK Mason Plumski and Raelynn Hennen strike a prom pose during the grand march April 22 at the Albany Area High School gym in Albany. Enchanted Forest was the theme.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Becky and the Rev. Paul Klassen display a plaque given to Paul for being pastor at Birch Hills Community Church in Melrose following his final Sunday April 23 at the Marit Elliott Performing Arts Center in Melrose. He has led the church

Albany School District agrees to mediation to settle contract

Tentative support personnel contract rejected in January

BY MIKE KOSIK | STAFF WRITER

The Albany Area School District and Albany education support personnel will attempt to come to a final settlement of a new two-year contract through mediation.

The mediation session is set for May 15 at Albany Area Schools.

Superintendent Travis Okerlund went over the progress of negotiations during the school board’s April 12 meeting.

The AESP was well represented at the school board meeting with every seat taken and AESP members standing along the walls in the school board conference room.

Okerlund reviewed the progress of negotiations that began last September and continued through December. There were 32 language issues in addition to salary increases discussed over nine meetings.

Negotiations took place between the district’s negotiating team, which included three school board members, the superintendent and business manager and representatives from the AESP.

A tentative agreement was reached Dec. 14, 2022, which included language changes and a 4.64% salary increase of $166,382 the first year of the contract and a 4.36% increase of $329,849 for the second year.

During a Jan. 25 vote by the AESP, the tentative contract was rejected with about 60% voting no.

There were five items presented to the district negotiations team, but no final settlement resulted.

The district’s negotiating team requested that mediation take place due to an impasse on financial compensation.

The state’s Bureau of Mediation Services was contacted and identified May 15 as the earliest date mediation was available.

Okerlund said mediation is a non-binding first step and it is a “positive situation for everybody involved.”

Board chair Matt Kreuzer thanked everyone who attended the meeting.

No one from AESP spoke during the meeting. Many were wearing T-shirts with “Students Are the Heart of Our Work” printed on the front and “rESPect” on the back.

In his review, Okerlund talked about the current financial condition of the district.

There is a $800,000 deficit this school year and the district will use reserve funds to cover those expenses. However, that will drop the fund balance below the level set by the school board policy, which is 8.33% of the total budget. Currently the reserve is at 7.2%. It is estimated the district will need to reduce expenses or increase revenues by about $500,000 next school year and another $500,000 during the 2024-25 school year, based on current funding.

In other board news: – Law enforcement will provide awareness training to staff on active threat situations.

Staff requested the training to better understand how an active threat may look and sound in district buildings.

Training will be voluntary and involve staff only.

More details will be discussed at a future board work session.

– In response to the death of school nurse Asha Gregory, who was battling cancer, a Tragedy Response Team was contacted to provide support to staff and students.

The response team is composed of mental health professionals from within the school district and across the region.

The team sent 13 professionals to the school April 11 and stayed for part of the next day.

This is provided at no cost to the district. Two of the Albany Area School District social workers are members of the team. Board member Dean Dirkes offered the board’s condolences on the passing of Gregory. Students and staff over the last several months have rallied behind Gregory, who has been the school district nurse for nine years.

Celebrating 30 years

Freeport Community Center gathering place since 1992

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

A bulletin board inside the Freeport Community Center showcases celebrations, events and activities held over the more than 30 years that it has been a gathering place just off of Interstate 94 in Freeport.

“I remember it rained for our first wedding and the parking lot was mud,” said Tim Linn, board treasurer and original manager with wife Debbie.

Bud Heidgerken, long time board member and current president, said at the time it was built, it was one of the largest venues in the area.

“And it still is,” he said. “This place is famous for its weddings.”

Heidgerken said initially the Freeport Lions talked about putting up a recreation center, possibly by Kings Lake.

“We needed something in town,” Heidgerken said. “Jim Hemker came to one of our Lions’ meetings and presented the idea, and we formed a board. This never would have happened without Jim.”

Linn said, at the time, the land was a swamp with what was then a baseball diamond next to it; the field is now a softball diamond.

A fundraising effort was started by the Lions to construct the building.

“There was no state, city taxpayer or county money used. It was all built with donations and still works on donations,” Heidgerken said.

It opened the summer of 1992. The first event was an open house and the first wedding reception was for Mike VanHeel and Bonnie Estes.

One of the first improvements was paving of the park-

11,

events, from weddings to meetings to sports.

ing lot, which Al Beste, a board member and manager at the time, was instrumental with raising funds for.

Heidgerken said this is a unique building because it has a “Pure Charity” designation.

“There is no charge for use of the building for 50 percent of the functions that happen here,” Heidgerken said.

It is utilized for celebrations, like weddings and anniversaries; banquets; meetings; and the height accommodates sporting events like volleyball and basketball. A few weeks ago the Freeport Lions held their annual Easter Egg Hunt at the community center.

“Years ago we’d have functions all weekend, a Friday night wedding, Saturday wedding and a Sunday anniversary,” said Linn, adding as managers, he and Debbie, who at the time were full-time dairy farmers, were the first ones at the community center before an event and the last to leave so they could lock up the building.

“Debbie and Timmy got us off and running, and they got a young lady, by the name of Kathy Atkinson, to cook, and between those three you stepped aside and let them run,” Heidgerken said.

Atkinson was an experienced cook, preparing meals for Erv Schiffler at the New Munich Ballroom before cooking at the community center.

“We’d serve as many as 700 people here,” he said.

“The biggest meal was the dairy princess pageant one year when we had them in here wall to wall.”

Linn said Margie Borgerding and Irene Wielenberg were among the original cooks. Atkinson did all the ordering of food, a task Heidgerken’s wife Ann now does.

The community center was a perfect location for sporting events like youth Central 6 basketball.

“Kids from Freeport, New Munich and St. Rosa had practice Saturday morning and games on Sunday,” said Heidgerken who ran the program. Linn ran the indoor volleyball league, and Heidgerken coordinated the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams.

“Mondays we had full court basketball, and Sunday night there was half court basketball,” Heidgerken said. “We’d have more than 20 teams here.”

The facility is used for church and city functions. The Freeport Firefighters Ham BBQ and Sacred Heart Catholic School Prime and Wine are among the longest standing functions.

“We had over 1,000 people come through here for the toy show,” Heidgerken.

Over the years the 12-member board has approved building upgrades.

Prom from front

“We’re replacing the lights with LEDs, and some of the kitchen equipment is being replaced,” Heidgerken said.

“The ovens have been here 30 years and they were used when we got them,” Linn said.

They just finished putting up new carpeting on the walls.

“Steve Revermann and I put it up originally, and 30 years later I took it down,” Heidgerken said. Grants and donations help pay for upgrades.

“The Lions continue to be our biggest supporters,” Heidgerken said.

Current manager is Sue Rieland, and Carol Job is the head cook.

A 30-year Freeport Community Center celebration will be from 2 to 7 p.m., Sunday, April 30, at 307 Seventh St. SE, Freeport, with music by the Rueben Nathe Band.

Board members are hoping to fill the facility with people who have frequented it over the years. Linn and Heidgerken laugh when asked to estimate how many times the facility has been used over the more than 30 years it has been open.

“There have been a lot of family functions here and a lot of kids have played volleyball and basketball here,”

MN 56307

Dick and Dorothy Middendorf

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Bud Heidgerken (left) and Tim Linn talk about the Freeport Community Center, which is behind them, April

in Freeport. The more than 30-year-old facility serves as a venue for a variety of

Heidgerken said. “Let’s bring them all back.”

Caleb Abraham and Katelyn Hoffarth look up to the balcony during the April 22 Enchanted Forest prom grand march at the Albany Area High School gym in Albany. A dance followed the 7 p.m. grand march.

PHOTOS BY MIKE KOSIK

Mason Bierbaum (left) and Ben Welle, wearing colorful suits, gather April 22 in the Albany Area High School commons area before the Enchanted Forest prom grand march in the high school gym in Albany. Eighty-nine couples and two individuals walked in the grand march.

Klassen from front

“I will be working with a lot of churches, and that is where most of the churches are and the board is,” he said sitting next to Becky in their home.

Answering a call to serve is not new for the Klassens. A dozen years ago they discerned a call to help start a church in Melrose.

“When we were in Arizona, my sister and her husband were doing the same kind of work planting and growing a church in Minnesota,” Becky said. “We felt we were challenged to see whether it was something we could do, too.”

They came to Melrose in 2009 and by Feb. 27, 2011, Birch Hills Community Church opened.

Community service is part of the church’s mission.

“Part of our church DNA, from the beginning, is to be involved,” Becky said. “We need to be a church wherever we go. We don’t want to become just a holy huddle. We don’t need to be heavy on programs. It is more important that we go out.”

The church has or-

Breth from front

“I remember Mom looking out the window, and she said the feds are coming.

My brother was in the basement tending to the moonshine, and she yelled to him to get out. She hooked the screen so the feds couldn’t get in. But they walked right in and knew just where to go because somebody had reported my dad. They were breaking jars, everything.

Mom said, ‘Don’t break my fruit jars,’” Frances said. “They took my dad, and he was in jail at Leavenworth for 11 months, so my mother had to do the farm work, plowing, all that.”

She smiles saying, “I don’t drink, never have, accept maybe a beer when making hay.”

She appreciated growing up on the farm, where money was scarce and work was plentiful.

“It was the best life,” she said. “You had lots of places to run around. I’d climb trees a lot. We had a creek that ran through the farm and I’d hook clamps on my shoes with a strap across and go skating.”

They had an apple and plum orchard.

“We’d wrap the apples in Sears Roebuck catalog papers, and put ‘em in a barrel in the basement where is was cool, and they lasted most of the winter,” she said.

Potatoes dug up from the garden were “dumped in the basement,” Frances said, and “they lasted all winter, into the summer.”

Their house was heated by a woodstove.

ganized the Food for Thought meal program, the Birch Hills Community Youth Center and presents an annual Nativity depiction during the Melrose Holiday Kickoff, along with their weekly Sunday service.

“We want to be a ‘go to’ church rather than a ‘come to’ church,” Paul said.

“Birch Hills Community Church is a ‘go to’ church. We go to people.”

Both Paul and Becky are involved in other aspects of the community. Paul helps support high school activities. Becky serves on the Melrose Area Public School Board.

“We are partners in ministry and partners in life,” Paul said.

They have six children. Brianna, Emily, Daniel and Kimberly graduated from high school; Elise and William are in middle and elementary school; and Kimberly serves in the National Guard. Brianna is married to JT Bartel, and they have a daughter Dorothy, which means the Klassens are firsttime grandparents.

Paul has been the Birch Hills Community Church pastor since its inception. The church currently has about 80 people calling it their home church,

“We had a lot of blankets, wool blankets,” she said. “They sheered the sheep and used the wool to make blankets.”

Frances was around age 16 when they got electricity on the farm.

She attended Holdingford Public School, where bookkeeping was her favorite subject.

“My dad took us to school every day, and if it was snowing, we went by horse and sleigh,” she said.

She was involved in everything in school, including theatre.

When she was in high school she met Mike Breth, son of Leopold and Anna Breth, of St. Francis. Frances was a friend of Mike’s sister, and one day while attending a Christmas program Frances was in, he told his sister he was going to marry Frances someday.

“And I didn’t even know him,” said Frances of this man who was 10 years older than she was.

They started dating in December.

“And by the end of January I had a diamond ring on my finger,” she said. “He wanted to marry me right away and I said, ‘No, we have to wait until after Easter.’”

On May 4, 1943, they married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Holdingford and lived a simple life on a farm south of town.

“My husband built a playhouse for our kids. We didn’t have a TV,” she said. “We didn’t have much money when the kids were young.”

Eventually, they moved to the Twin Cities where Mike worked for the rail-

with a regular attendance of close to 40.

“The membership is the core group,” said Paul. “They have stated a certain commitment.”

Community involvement in building the church was prominent when naming the church.

“That was from a brainstorm session early on,” Paul said. “Birch Hills kind of resonated with everybody.”

Over the years, Sunday services have been held at the auditorium at Melrose Area Public Schools, Melrose City Center and currently at the church’s youth center building.

The April 23 service was Paul’s final service as pastor. There will be a farewell gathering at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, April 30, at True North Marketplace in Melrose.

The Broken Strength ministry sponsors events and provides resources helping men find a path to sexual purity. Part of that is combating pornography.

“It (pornography) is a cancer in our society right now, taking hold of families and individuals. It is a secret sin, and the church

road, and Frances cared for their growing family, which would include David, Kathleen, Jean, Daniel, James, Suzanne, Marilyn, Mary Ann and Elaine. She talks about the death by drowning of David at age 20 when he was serving in the Air Force in Rapid City, South Dakota.

“I cried for two years,” she said of their son who would be 79. “It still hurts me today.”

A smile forms on her face when talking about a treasured photo taken of David with almost 1-yearold Elaine, when the Breths took her to Rapid City.

“David held her and said, ‘This one will never get to know me,’” Frances said. “He died on her first birthday.”

Daughter Jean has also passed away, after suffering a heart attack.

“God wanted them for some reason,” Frances said.

The Breths also lived in St. Francis, St. Cloud, Holdingford and Opole. Mike passed away 14 years ago at age 96, and Frances learned to fend for herself.

“I drove a car until 92, even in St. Cloud,” she said.

At age 92, she moved to Pondview Estates in Albany in 1994, after her children worried about her falling in her home. Two years ago

needs to be on the forefront of helping men and families deal with it in a way that is compassionate and effective,” he said. “I will be kind of pastoring pastors. I will be resourcing and helping churches, helping men be better dads and husbands.”

Becky said Broken Strength helps resource pastors.

“It’s hard to get something like that going. A pastor has so many things to do,” she said. “This helps resource churches to get those support systems in place for pastors.”

Much of the ministry will be done in and near the metro area.

Even as they prepare to take up their new ministry, the Klassens are helping Birch Hills Community Church in their search for an interim pastor and later, a permanent pastor.

“Hopefully, the house will sell in about a month,” Paul said. “We plan to remain here until the end of the school year.”

By June, he will begin his work for Broken Strength.

They are hoping when they leave their Melrose home for the final time, it will not be snowing.

she moved to Grace Court.

She is thankful she remains healthy, other than back issues and a broken leg at age 98, and credits her good health to an active life. She was a lector at churches and continues to be during Mother of Mercy Masses.

“I sang in the choir,” she said. “I used to love to sing every day.”

On her iPad, she brings up photos of her swimming with grandchildren in the ocean about one year ago, admitting she would do that again.

On her 100th birthday family took her out for dinner and supper.

“I can’t believe it’s a whole century,” she said, whispering as she adds, “I don’t feel like I’m 100” and she doesn’t worry about how long she will live.

She looked forward to an April 15 open house celebrating her centenarian milestone, eager to wear her new pink outfit and to visit with friends and family, including her children and their spouses and some of her 32 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild with another one on the way.

“I take it one day at a time and enjoy it while I can,” Frances said. “I’ve lived a good life, a holy life.”

Park from front

Hellermann said the Melrose Lions have committed to pay $10,000 over the next five years toward this project.

“We are extremely thankful to the Lions, who will also be installing the equipment as a service project, and for their support,” Hellermann said.

She said due to supply issues, the equipment is anticipated to arrive in late September or early October.

Tied to the park project, is a new sidewalk that will provide a safe route to the park. Hellermann said the city has been awarded a $351,725 grant for installation of a sidewalk along Fifth Street Northeast, which would connect Daylight Court and Fifth Avenue. The estimate for this project, which was in the city’s 2023 capital budget but now has the grant funding, is $360,000.

Taylor Josephine Housman

Chris and Jessica Housman, of Melrose, are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Taylor Josephine Housman, at 7:38 a.m., April 13, 2023, at CentraCare-Melrose Hospital in Melrose.

She weighed 9 pounds and measured 22 inches long.

Big brother Brantley, 2, welcomed her home.

Grandparents are Jan Werner, of Sauk Centre; James Housman, of Melrose; Keith

Jayce John Schleicher

Justin and Crystal Schleicher, of Freeport, are happy to announce the birth of their son, Jayce John Schleicher, at 11:19 a.m., April 19, 2023, at CentraCareMelrose Hospital in Melrose.

He weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 20.5 inches long.

Big sister Zoey, 2, welcomed him home.

Grandparents are Neal and Karen Klaphake, of Melrose;

THANK YOU

Thank you

I would like to thank my family for the lovely birthday party. Thank you to my friends for their cards, flowers, calls, text messages and singing messages wishing me a happy 90th birthday. God bless. Evie Elfering

Albany Apartment for Rent - 2 bedroom/1 bath. $650/ mo, $100 deposit. No Dogs! Call for availability, Loreen 763238-0616. PS-4-tfnB

What’s HAPPENING

Sunday, April 30, 3-8:30 p.m. – 51st annual Swanycake & Sausage Supper. St. Anthony Parish, 24328 Trobec St., St. Anthony. Sponsored by the Holy Name Society, Christian Mothers and Women and St. Anthony Parish.

Monday, May 1, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Mental Health Support Group. CentraCare-Albany Clinic, 30 Railroad Ave., Albany. For information call the clinic at 320-845-2157.

Monday, May 1, 6:30 p.m. – Avon City Council Meeting. Avon City Hall, 140 Stratford St. E, Avon. Tuesday, May 2, noon – Helping Hands Outreach Senior Dining Meal. Holdingford City Hall, 420 Main St., Holdingford. Programs are open to the public. Call 320-746-9960 for more information.

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

Tuesday, May 2, 7:30 p.m. – Centre Area Concert Association “How Sweet It Is” Concert, a tribute to James Taylor. Margaret Shelby Auditorium, 903 State Street Road, Sauk Centre.

Wednesday, May 3, 6:30 p.m. – Albany City Council Meeting. Albany City Hall, 400 Railroad Ave., Albany.

Ulm.

The competitive grant, which received 81 applications, was awarded through the 2022 state Active Transportation Infrastructure Program from the June 2021 Minnesota omnibus transportation finance and policy bill.

Also during her report, Hellermann said community benches have arrived. Seven citizens purchased benches and designated areas of the city where they would like to see them placed. City staff is working on placement.

In other council news:

– Police Chief Craig Maus, during his report, said the department is working with CentraCare-Melrose to hold a bike rodeo May 24 at Melrose Area Public Schools in Melrose.

– Concurred with the Public Utilities Commission to award the contract for a new camera monitoring system in the Sauk River Park to Arvig.

– Approved awarding low bidder Molitor Excavating, Inc., of Waite Park the 2023 street improvements project at a cost of $861,969.90. There were nine bidders.

The three-project street improvements include Fourth Street Southeast from Second Avenue to Fifth Avenue, Mustang Lane from east of First Avenue to south of Highlands Boulevard and Seventh Street Northeast from Third Avenue to the end of the cul-de-

Wednesday, May 3, 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 9, 7 p.m. – Melrose American Legion Post 101 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.

Taylor Josephine Housman

Jayce John Schleicher

Mammen, of Melrose; and Sandy Mammen, of Orlando, Florida. and Curt and Diane Schleicher, of Freeport.

Planning commission fine-tunes

chicken keeping ordinance

Fowl-related code change forwarded to Avon council for review

BY TIM HENNAGIR | STAFF WRITER

Avon Planning Commission members have preened the feathers of a proposed chicken ordinance.

Three people offered comments about the suggested change in code during an April 18 public hearing at Avon City Hall in Avon.

Resident Al Wimmer brought up the idea of the city allowing chickens during public forum at the March 6 council meeting.

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

The proposed ordinance would limit the number of kept chickens to four, at a fee of $5 a piece. No roosters would be allowed. Chicken manure could not be placed in yard compost piles; it would need to be disposed of properly. A permit would be required to keep chickens and to build, place or maintain a chicken coop or run. All chicken coops and runs would have to be premanufactured or a kit designed for chickens and would not be allowed in any part of a home, garage or non-residential buildings. Stand-alone structures and written consent from at least one adjacent property owner would be required.

The slaughter or breeding of chickens would be prohibited.

The permit expiration date has not been determined. Upon violation, a permit could be revoked or suspended by the council.

Planning commission chairperson Jim Read opened the public hearing with a call for citizen comment. Councilor Aaron Goebel suggested Wimmer speak first because he originated the code change request.

“The city should allow chickens,” Wimmer said. “There are a lot of benefits in a city like this. It’s a small community.”

Resident Nicole Hukriede wondered how the city would enforce the ordinance and had reservations about the avian bird flu.

Dick Glatzmaier is the planning commission’s vice chair. He voted against the ordinance March 21.

“It doesn’t seem like this is something a lot of people are interested in,” Glatzmaier said. “If there were multiple people interested, that would be different.”

He asked Wimmer why he wanted chickens.

“I’d like to get eggs,” Wimmer said. “My kids love raising animals. They would go out and take care of them. It teaches children responsibility. I would have something to care for, and it would be a hobby.”

Mayor Jeff Manthe attended the April 18 public hearing. He said it was important to make a distinction between confronting a chicken-keeping neighbor and having a civil conversation if there was a problem.

“How are we going to enforce this,” Manthe asked. “We have limited ways of enforcing any ordinances the city has. One way is how the city structures the permit process that’s put in place.”

Zoning administrator Amy Pease said the city’s permit application for chicken-keeping would be yearly.

Wimmer said he was concerned about issues that could arise with the neighbor approval requirement.

“That’s pretty rough,” he said. “What happens if a new neighbor comes in and there’s a dispute? All of a sudden, the city can take away your chickens?”

Goebel shared that concern during the public hearing. He suggested the city could add a stipulation that a chicken keeping permit holder would have to have a conversation with a new property owner within six months of the new neighbor moving in.

Commissioner Chris Schellinger commented, “We’re a rural community. There are a lot of benefits from keeping chickens that you don’t get from a dog or a cat. The other thing is we are focusing a lot on perceived risks as opposed to focusing on the likely benefits. That’s important to think about.”

Resident Bernie Hukriede was concerned with avian flu and the disposal of waste produced by chickens.

Pease said she checked with public works foreman Chuck Pelkey regarding the droppings issue. When the city compost site is open, residents would be able to drop chicken waste there, she said.

Commissioners made several language changes to the proposed ordinance during the April 18 hearing. Coops or chicken runs would have to be screened from ground level visibility from adjacent properties with a solid fence or landscape buffer. If a permit is revoked, a coop would have be removed in 60 days.

Commissioners also agreed the ordinance would be subject to existing city fencing ordinances.

The commission unanimously voted 4-0 to recommend forwarding the amended chicken ordinance to the city council for review. Commissioner Bryan Becker was not in attendance at the April 18 meeting.

Peter Maile

Rita H. Ritter

Rita H. Ritter, 94, of Freeport, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, April 21, 2023, at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 28, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with the Rev. Daniel Walz officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Thursday, April 27, and 10:30-11:30 a.m. April 28 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Parish prayers will be at 4 p.m. followed by the Christian Women and Young at Heart Club at 6 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Rita Helen Van Heel

Robert W. “Bob” Opatz

Robert W. “Bob” Opatz, 66, of Avon, died peacefully surrounded by his family April 18, 2023, at St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 27, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Anna with the Rev. Edward Vebelun, O.S.B., officiating. Inurnment will follow in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, April 26, and 10-11 a.m., April 27, at the church in St. Anna. Parish prayers will be at 4 p.m. April 26 immediately following with a rosary by the St. Anna’s Christian Mothers.

Robert William Opatz

Eldred W. Athmann

Mass of Christian Burial was April 24, 2023, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, St. Cloud, for Eldred William Athmann, 89, of Sartell, who died April 18 at Edgewood Senior Living in Sartell. The Rev. Thomas Olson officiated, and burial with full military honors was at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.

Eldred was born Dec. 19, 1933, in St. Cloud to Hubert and Katherine (Schoenberg) Athmann. He married Mary Ann Lieser May 20, 1957, at the Church of St. Michael in Spring Hill. Eldred served his country in the United States Army. He was employed more than 40 years at Electrolux/ Franklin Manufacturing in St. Cloud as a plant superintendent until retiring. In retirement, he helped Mary Ann run her home day care, although she may have viewed it more as simply spoiling all the children. He

John H. Schneider

John Henry Schneider, 93, of Albany, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, April 19, 2023, at his home in Albany.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 26, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with the Rev. Edward Vebelun, O.S.B. officiating. Entombment will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. April 26 at the Seven Dolors gathering area in Albany.

John Henry Schneider was born Sept. 30, 1929, in Holdingford to Henry and Vivian (Murphy) Schneider. John graduated from Holdingford High School and furthered his education at St. John’s University and St. Cloud State University. Prior to graduation, he enlisted in the Army, serving his country for three years, attaining the rank of sergeant. He returned to St. Cloud State University and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in

Peter Maile

Peter Maile left us at the age of 80 years old Nov. 21, 2022. He was born Oct. 16, 1942, in Farming Township. He was a lifetime resident of Avon, where he worked the land he was born on. Peter was a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Peter is survived by his wife, Renee (Sauerer), of 56 years; children CindyLou

Merlo (Maile), Douglas (Gina)

Maile and Randy (Jodi) Maile; grandchildren Ashley (Seth)

Konoza, Miranda (Doug)

Moss, Alex Maile (fiancé Megan Hassing), Austin

Maile, Garrett Maile, Ethan

Merlo, Abigail Merlo and Jackson Maile; and greatgrandchildren Harper Konoza and Charles “Charlie” Douglas Moss VI. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Victor

had six children and built a beautiful life.

Maile, Bill Maile, Donna Birr, Joe Maile, Josephine Mendez and Eddie Maile. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Eleanor, and sister Cathy.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 29, at St. Benedict’s Church in Avon. Visitation begins at 10 a.m.

P-17-1P

Rita H. Ritter was born April 18, 1929, in Krain Township, Stearns County, to Anton and Mary (Arnzen) Van Heel. She was united in marriage to Gilbert “Gib” Ritter July 13, 1954, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in St. Francis. Together, Gilbert and Rita

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, the Christian Women and the Young at Heart Club. Rita was an amazing and strong woman. Every summer she would grow a vegetable garden, make the world’s best pickles and go for bike rides on her trike with her grandkids. She also enjoyed reading, playing cards, doing puzzles and was an excellent quilter.

Survivors include her children, Ronald (Elaine) Ritter of Freeport, Judy (Bob) Theisen of St. Francis, Joseph (Brenda) Ritter of Little Falls, Mary Katherine Carlson of Three Rivers, Michigan, Steven Ritter (Tina Rust)

Bob worked at Polar Tank Trailer in Holdingford as an assembler and welder until his retirement April 10, 2022. After retirement, he joined in partnership with his son-inlaw, Bryan, at Custom Camper in Albany. Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially when he took his children and grandchildren along. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, who will be missed by all who knew him.

of Grand Rapids, and Linda (Brian) Gertken of Albany; 17 grandchildren and 22 greatgrandchildren; and sister Bertha Lueken of Cold Spring.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert “Gib” Ritter, June 11, 2002; parents; brothers and sisters Alphonse Van Heel, Rose Douvier, Hilda Forster, Walburga Ebnet, Julietta Van Heel, Edmund Van Heel and Marie Kleve; and son-in-law Phil Carlson.

A special thank you to the staff at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home and Moments Hospice for their many years of care for our mother.

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

P-17-1B

was born April 10, 1957, in St. Cloud, to George and Adella (Kostreba) Opatz. He graduated from Holdingford High School in 1975. On July 21, 1979, he was united in marriage to Sandra Kociemba at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Anna.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Anna, an active member of the Sportsman’s Club in Holdingford and member of the National Rifle Association.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy Opatz of Avon;

grilled. Eldred always had an extremely strong work ethic and forever reminded anyone who would listen “there’s no such thing as can’t.” Likewise, whether you loved or hated whatever you were doing, you never quit something you started.

sons and daughters Jeremy (Crystal) Opatz of Albany, Steven (Joy) Opatz of St. Anna, Kristin (Gary) Klemmer of Holdingford, and Kayla (Bryan) Rassier of Albany; mother Adella Opatz of Rice; five grandchildren John, Alex and Emily Klemmer and Wyatt and William Opatz; brothers and sisters Ambrose (Rosanne) Opatz of Annandale, Cindy (Wayne) Resseman of Avon, Jackie Opatz of Sartell, and Jeff Opatz of Little Falls. Bob was preceded in death by his father, George Opatz and brother, Daniel Opatz. Arrangements were with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services, of Melrose

to help someone in need and was extremely grateful for everything his extended family and friends had done for him and Mary Ann over the years.

Eldred W. Athmann also enjoyed working parttime for St. Joseph Gas and Bait and discussing all the fishing hot spots with patrons. Eldred was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping, hunting and fishing. He had fond memories of pheasant hunting trips with his brothers and nephews in South Dakota every October. He was known for his famous barbeque chicken and the old time circus music that would ring out of the garage while he

He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud, Waite Park American Legion Silver Star Post 428, St. Cloud VFW Granite Post 428 and St. Cloud Eagles Aerie 622.

Faith and family were most important to Eldred, and the love for his grandchildren was immeasurable. He treasured watching them play hockey, taking them fishing, spending the holidays together and most recently sharing a hot chocolate and a long john. Eldred was always first in line

Eldred is survived by his daughter, Jodi (Chad) Gertken of Sartell; his grandchildren, McKenna and Camron Rohe, Cole, Chase and Caedyn Gertken; great-grandchildren; Ryder Hittle, Carson and Holden Gertken; and siblings John Athmann of St. Cloud, Norman (Marlene) Athmann of Paynesville, and Vernon (Donna) Athmann of Sauk Centre. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Mary Ann Nov. 9, 2019; sisters Hortense Walz, Lavera Schramel and Ann Lahr; and three infant brothers Leander, Anthony and Joseph. PH-17-1B

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

also enjoyed bowling and golf, plus the many morning coffee gatherings with friends.

He was an avid chess player, spending many hours on the computer and proud to win his matches.

John was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church, REAM and a 65-year member of Albany American Legion Post 482.

Darrin (Maritza) Salzmann of Minneapolis; great-grandson Colt Solie of Avon; step-greatgranddaughter Vera Salzmann of Minneapolis; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters Betty (Arthur) Viehauser, Corrine (Arnold) Soltis and Donna Schneider.

business education. John and Rita (Krebs) Schneider were married June 18, 1960, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church. John taught at Albany Area High School for 32 years. John attended many Albany High School sporting events throughout the years. He also liked watching the Minnesota Lynx, Timberwolves, Vikings and Twins.

During his younger years, John and Rita made several trips to California and Arizona. Throughout the summer, many weekends were spent at their cabin. John

John is survived by his loving wife, Rita of 62 years; sons John (Jeanne) Schneider of Albany, and Tom (Judy) Schneider of Albany; grandchildren Kristin Schneider (fiancé, Dirk Maloney) of Avon, Ashley Schneider of Scottsdale, Arizona, David Schneider of Oakdale; step-grandson

A heartfelt thank you to the Moments Hospice team for their loving and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.

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

P-17-1B

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

Robert W. “Bob” Opatz

John H. Schneider

Diana T. Yorek

Diana T. Yorek, 67, of Albany, passed away unexpectedly April 22, 2023 at CentraCare Hospital in Melrose. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 26, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Albany. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. April 26 at the church.

Sharing stories helps with cancer decisions

Last year I didn’t know what prostate cancer was. I knew of one person who had it. He was either in the process of undergoing his radiation treatments or had just completed them. Older than I am, he was confident he would beat this cancer, and he would live a long and healthy life. He felt if you are going to get any cancer, this is the one to get. It is usually slow moving and non-aggressive, and as a nurse would tell me a few years later, more men die with prostate cancer than from it.

According to the latest American Cancer Society statistics, prostate cancer will affect one in 19 men by the age of 60. By the time a man reaches 70, he has nearly a one in 10 chance of developing it. And for men at the age of 80, those chances increase to one in seven. Still, for octogenarians oftentimes other health issues require more attention than the potential prostate cancer diagnosis. Screening for prostate cancer should start at the age of 50 for men with an average risk since early detection is key to a successful treatment. Decide with your doctor if a PSA – prostate-specific antigen – blood test is right for you.

I was putting off having a PSA blood test taken at any doctor’s physical. I felt healthy and really hadn’t heard much about prostate cancer to worry about it. My dad died at 56 from a heart attack, so we concentrated more on that. Also, perhaps because of him dying so young there was no known history of prostate cancer in my family. Once I turned 60, though, and my doctor and I started to look into it, a PSA test seemed reasonable.

The blood test I took revealed a high PSA level. From there I was put on six weeks of medication to try and bring the levels down. The levels did drop, too little and still

higher than the doctor liked. I was then referred to an urologist who suggested a biopsy be done on my prostate to look for signs of cancer. Cancer was found in some of the samples extracted and possible treatment options were offered. I would have another six weeks to decide.

This is where the research began. Someone I knew happened to know somebody who had prostate cancer treatment. A part-time co-worker, an older gentleman, went through this two years ago. A friend’s brother and father both went through it. A neighbor’s brother-in-law beat it. Pretty soon I knew of a lot of men who had treatment for prostate cancer, and they were willing to talk about it, to share with me their experiences. They were a wonderful support group and valuable in guiding my decision.

Not one of the men I talked to had questioned their decision to treat their cancer. Whether they had surgery to remove the entire prostate, radiation treatments to kill the cancer cells or hormonal therapy to stop the cancer’s growth, all were in agreement that fighting their cancer was the way to go. One of the men I talked to had lost his father to prostate cancer, so he and the rest agreed that attacking the cancer when they did prolonged their life and meant they were much more likely to die by other means than from this type of cancer.

Life always changes for someone after a cancer diagnosis. It changes again after treatment. And usually it changes for us when we know of or hear about someone with cancer, especially if we believe we can help. I am grateful for everyone who helped me through this process, and I hope this allows me to be a help to someone else down the road.

Crime & PUBLIC SAFETY

Man violates court order

AVON TOWNSHIP – A man was arrested after violating a court order April 15 in Avon Township.

Authorities jailed Dustin Lee Nagel, 33, on two felony charges of violating a domestic abuse no contact order within 10 years of the first of two or more convictions. Nagel faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine for each count.

Stearns County Jail reported Nagel is from Big Lake, although the criminal complaint filed in district court does not list a home address.

According to the complaint, an Avon Police Officer initiated a traffic stop as a vehicle pulled into a residence on 185th Avenue in Avon Township. Nagel was the passenger in the vehicle.

A court order prohibits Nagel from being within 500 feet of the residence.

According to the complaint, Nagel told police he was unsure of when the order expired. The order is set to expire May 6.

Nagel was convicted of gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor domestic assault in May 2021.

Albany resident co-owner of shed that collapsed after a fire

LE SAUK TOWNSHIP – An Albany resident was the co-owner of a pole shed in Le Sauk Township that collapsed after a fire April 19.

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call around 11:15 p.m. reporting a building fire. The owners were Wilfred Weyer, 79, of Sartell, and Michael Weyer, 64, of Albany.

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, Sartell Police Department, and Sartell Fire Department responded to the scene. Upon arrival, the shed was completely engulfed in flames and had collapsed. The fire was extinguished by the fire department, and the cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

Two injured in Melrose Township motorcycle crash MELROSE TOWNSHIP – Two people were injured during a motorcycle crash April 18 in Melrose Township, about two miles north of Melrose.

It started over a year ago. Rory, our beloved little four-year old teddy bear – a cross between a bichon frise and a shih tzu – developed cancer.

The farmer in me knows the responsibility we have to the animals we choose to keep.

The heart in me knew we would pursue any chance to save this dog. We’ve had many dogs over the years, and some are just dogs, lovable and loyal, of course, but others earn comments like, “he’s a really good dog,” and Rory certainly ranked top among the file of good dogs. This little guy was everyone’s favorite.

After multiple surgeries, even a leg amputation in an attempt to remove the cancer, we lost him. I know this is life on the farm, and move on we must. We still had a dog underfoot, Lily, and settled on being a one-dog kind of family.

Our daughter, Katelyn, had other ideas, though.

Katelyn insisted dogs are pack animals, and especially after spending a lifetime with a companion, Katelyn worried Lily would not like being an only-dog. Katelyn went to work, researching, persuading and even creating a slideshow presentation listing puppies available in the area and emphasizing reasons we needed a new puppy. She contacted breeders and arranged meetings.

I’m embarrassed to admit how quickly we caved, but who can say no to a new puppy? We welcomed a second teddy bear pup, Ollie.

Lily loved her affectionate and playful new friend, and Ollie fit right in. And then our vet suggested we wait to neuter our new little guy until he turned a year old. A few sources suggested neutering before a year could increase

chances of cancer down the road. We were extremely susceptible to this argument, having just lost Rory to a tough battle of cancer, so we decided we must wait.

And I’m sure you can guess how this story goes. Despite our attempts to keep Lily and Ollie separate, despite the diapers, pants and gates, we failed.

Our daughters were elated. Ryan and I are pretty excited too, actually. Who doesn’t love an adorable litter of pups? And they are adorable little critters. Their eyes are just open, their pink noses are turning dark, they are just starting to walk, and they are the snuggliest little things. Our new favorite pastime is watching the Twins with a pup snuggled on our lap.

Our five little puppies are just starting to get playful, even making little puppy grunts and yips at each other as they learn how to play. Lily, her first litter of pups, acts like a veteran mom and even Ollie is an involved dad, crawling into their bed to nap with them.

I’m liking playing the part of farmer again. It’s been a long time since I’ve been at home on the farm. I hung a chicken coop light for extra warmth. Katelyn and I weigh the little guys every day, recording their gains and watching the runty littlest guy closely. He’s still a runt, but he’s thriving.

We joke that we love them all so much we are certainly keeping them all. Well, Katelyn might not be joking, but keeping five pups is not an option. So, this farmer will have to sell her little herd. If you are in the market for a fur ball of affection and fun, stop by. Or check out our website by searching Google for teddy bear puppies in Albany.

According to a Stearns County Sheriff’s Office report, around 11:07 p.m., Jose Luis De Deos Camacho, Jr., 21, of Minneapolis, was driving a 2009 Yamaha R6 sports bike south on County Road 13 approaching 400th Street. Christofer Munoz De Jesus, 24, of Paynesville, was a passenger on the motorcycle. The motorcycle went off the road prior to 400th Street, hitting a road approach and launching the motorcycle airborne about 25 yards, and it continued in the ditch for another 25 yards before coming to a rest after rolling multiple times. At some point, the occupants were thrown from or fell off of the motorcycle.

De Jesus and Camacho, Jr., were given medical attention by Melrose Fire and Rescue prior to being transported to CenraCare-Melrose Hospital and CentraCare-Sauk Centre Hospital by Melrose ambulance. Camacho, Jr., was later airlifted to CentraCare-St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud.

The crash remains under investigation. Camacho, Jr., and De Jesus were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

The Minnesota State Patrol assisted at the scene. Avon

residents injured in early morning rollover

LYNDEN TOWNSHIP – Two Avon residents were injured during a rollover April 17 on Interstate 94 in Lynden Township, Stearns County.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, around 1:37 a.m., Stephen Henry Wright, 70, was driving a pickup westbound on an ice and snow covered I-94 when it left the road and rolled. Wright and his passenger, Mary Margaret Wright, 68, were transported by Mayo Ambulance to CentraCare-St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Clearwater Fire and the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene.

The farmer’s daughter, her accidental farmyard Albany Early Learning Center design development phase almost complete

Albany Area Schools is committed to sharing continuous updates about the new Early Learning Center with our community. Since our last update in January, the design phase process continues to move forward. Here is a quick look at what has occurred.

The schematic design phase is now complete, and the project is close to completing the design development phase. To ensure the project continues on budget, a project estimate was completed at the end of the schematic design phase. In addition, design development drawings and estimates were presented to the Project Oversight Committee April 18.

User group meetings with various departments are now complete. This feedback is critical as we move toward finalizing the building’s overall layout. More information about the various areas and programs involved and those that were involved can be found at OurHuskiesOurFuture.org/next-steps.

Our architectural and engineering team is continuing its review of the existing building and completing site verifications.

Abatement work has been completed and the bid for interior demolition will be awarded next month.

An informational community meeting about

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the new Early Learning Center was held March 8. Thank you to those who attended.

We will be inviting residents to attend a groundbreaking event sometime this summer to celebrate the new Early Learning Center offi cially moving into the construction phase of the project. As a reminder, please visit OurHuskiesOurFuture.org/next-steps for everything you need to know about this project.

As always, if you have questions or feedback, I would be happy to hear from you. I can be reached by email at tokerlund@district745. org or by phone at 320-845-5050.

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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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Letters Letters to the editor are welcomed. Letters must be signed with first and last name and include address and phone number. Letters are limited 350 words. See political letters to the editor policy for additional guidelines.

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

superintendent By Travis Okerlund

The Farmers Daughter By Sonya Hoffarth

Ink on My Hands by Kevin Zierden

Dustin Lee Nagel

NOTICE OF AND ORDER FOR HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In Re: Estate of PATRICK JOSEPH KROLL, a/k/a PATRICK J. KROLL and a/k/a PAT KROLL, Decedent. It is Ordered and Notice is given that on May 19, 2023, at 8:45 a.m., a hearing will be held in this Court at 725 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, Minnesota, on a petition for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Decedent’s Will dated December 13, 1991, and for the appointment of Mary

1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Kreuzer at 6:00

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

3. Public Forum

4. Agenda – Additions and Deletions

5. Approvals

5.1 Previous Meeting Minutes

Wurzberger, of 1210 Liberty Court, Sartell MN 56377; Alois J. Vouk, of 5251 400th Street, Rice MN 56367; and Marian B. Fischer, of 301 5 1/2 Street NE, St. Stephen, MN 56375, to act together as personal representative of the Decedent’s estate in a supervised administration.

Any objections to the petition must be raised at the hearing or filed with the Court prior to the hearing. If the petition is proper and no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appoint-

ed with the full power to administer the Decedent’s estate, including the power to collect all assets; pay all legal debts, claims, taxes, and expenses; sell real and personal property; and to do all necessary acts for the Decedent’s estate.

Notice is further given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3801, all creditors having claims against the Decedent’s estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court within four (4) months after the date of

Community Education:

this notice or the claims will be barred. BY THE COURT

Dated: 04/10/2023

/s/ Mary B. Mahler Judge of District Court

Mark F. Uphus, Attorney MN# 141136

310 Main St. E - PO Box 158

Melrose, MN 56352

Telephone: 320/256-7491

Facsimile: 320/256-7612

e-mail: manager@uphuslaw. com P-16-2B

The Melrose Township Board of Supervisors will conduct the annual Township Road Tour on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Departure time will be at 8:30 a.m. from the Town Hall. Any changes in date or time will be posted on the bulletin board at the Town Hall.

Cecilia Tylutki Clerk PH-16-2B

HSP Fundamentals- Makaela Zierden, Aaron Schwenzfeier, Nolan Anderson CPR - Renae Illies

Resignations:

Loni Price - AVE Paraprofessional, effective March 23, 2023

Jeff Thelen - Head Building Maintenance, effective March 24, 2023

Lisa Stangler - Concessions Coordinator, effective March 20, 2023

Nicole Snoberger - ALE Fifth Grade Teacher, effective June 30, 2023

Aaron Ahrndt - ALE Phy Ed Teacher, effective June 30, 2023

Kathy Schmitt - ALE Food Service Aide, effective March 10, 2023

Beth Willenbring - AVE Paraprofessional, effective April 7, 2023

Amy Schneider - AMS/AHS Ag/Tech Ed Teacher, effective June 30, 2023

Stacey Zierden - AVE Fifth Grade Teacher, effective June 30, 2023

The following checks were issued in paying claims: Wire transfers and checks 104613 - 104841

Expenditures:

01 General Fund $1,355,865.81

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

5.2 Cash Flow Reports – February 2023

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

5.3 Acceptance of Gifts and Donations

Member Carbajal introduced the Resolution Accepting Donations and moved for its adoption. The School Board of Albany Area Schools, ISD 745, identified below: gratefully accepts the following donations as Donor

Purpose (if any)

Damon and Karen Harrison

Josh and Ashley Overman

Huskie Boosters Club

Youth Basketball Association

Rooms for

02 Food Services $104,575.83

04 Community Services $53,194.19

06 Building Construction $316,027.50

Motion by Carbajal, seconded by Reuter to approve the April 2023 Consent Agenda. Supported by all present.

7. Reports

7.1 Purple Pride Superintendent Okerlund updated the Board on Purple Pride items.

8. Business

8.1 Enrollment Report

8.2 Early Learning Center Update - ICS

This has been tabled until the April Work Session.

8.3 Award Demolition Bid Package

This has been tabled until the May Regular Meeting.

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

8.5 School Board Policies - First Read

6. Consent Agenda Principal: Amy McGuire - Albany Elementary Principal AFT:

Katelyn Hartwig - ALE Full-time Substitute Teacher

AESP:

Troy Jansky - School Bus Driver

Mary Evens - AMS/AHS LTS Food Service Aide

AESP Payroll Change Request:

Kathy Schmitt – ALE Custodian, 4 hrs/day to 8 hrs/day

AESP Transfer:

Matthew Abraham - ALE Lead Building Custodian to AMS/AHS Head Building Maintenance

Emily Rademacher – AMS/AHS Food Service Aide to ALE Food Service Aide

At Will:

Lynn Borwege - Food Service Support

Coaching/Advisors:

Cooper Hansen - JH Baseball Coach Ryan Messer - JH Baseball Coach

• Began in September

• Met 9 times between September and and December

• 32 language items discusses

• 29 by AESP, 13 agreed to

• 3 by the district, all withdrawn

• Tentative agreement reached on 12.14.23

• Financial compensation

• 4.64% or $166,382 increase in Year 1

• 4.36% or $329,849 increase in Year 2

• Significant language items also included

• AESP held a vote on 1.25.23 and the tentatively agreed upon contract was voted down

• AESP sent a response to the board negotiations team on 2.27.23

• Five items were provided to the AAS negotiations team

• Two items that were outside of contract negotiations were addressed

• The remaining three items involved additional cost or were completely new language

• Request from AAS to AESP to collaboratively move to mediation on 3.3.23 due to an impasse on financial compensation

• A response from AESP was received on 3.20.23, but the communication left it unclear about a mutual progression to mediation

• Concerned about the lag in progress from a tentative agreement in December the district negotiations team petitioned for Mediation and notified AESP 3.27.23

• AESP provided their available dates on 4.4.23

• The Bureau of Mediation Services will act as a non-biased third party during mediation on May 15th

• The goal is to attend mediation and work with a certified mediator to have a more productive and effective negotiation session that we hope will lead to a tentative agreement that can go for vote soon after.

9. Committee Reports

9.1 BEAT Steering Committee Meeting

10. Superintendent Report

• Superintendent Okerlund talked about the Student Board Representative selection process for the Albany School District.

• Officer Gannon mentioned that more people asked what it would look like with an active threat situation at the school because of the recent school shootings.

• The school district is saddened with the passing of Asha Gregory, the District’s School Nurse who had been a positive and great staff member of the District for nine years. Our condolences go out to Asha’s family and friends.

11. Adjournment

Agenda completed at 6:31 pm, a motion to adjourn was made by Member Carbajal, seconded by Member Reuter. Supported by all Present Dean Dirkes, Acting Clerk P-17-1B

SUMMONS

Daniel J. Hagen and Jeffrey S. Hagen, as Trustees of the Saraphine & Myra Jean Hagen Loving Trust dated November 14, 1990 Plaintiffs, vs. The unknown heirs of Anthony A. Then, unknown heirs of Rose A. Then, unknown heirs of Hubert O. Orton, unknown heirs of Alma C. Kolb, unknown heirs of Leon F. Kolb, unknown heirs of Matthew E. Omann, unknown heirs of Marie M. Omann, unknown heirs of Alphonse T. Proell, unknown heirs of Florence Proell, unknown heirs of Thomas J. Hagen, Suzanne Zorichak, Luann R. Westrich, Kimberly Joy Rahn, Shirley Ann Hagen, Dani J. Westra, Duan P. Westra, Shawn Kroll, Stacy Kroll, all heirs, spouses, grantees, legatees, devisees, executors, administrators, beneficiaries, trustees, creditors, successors,

and assigns of each and all of the defendants named above, and all other persons unknown claiming any right, title, estate, interest or lien in the real estate described in the complaint herein. Defendants. To the above named Defendants:

1. You are being sued. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Complaint is attached to this Summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that start a lawsuit and affect your legal rights, even if nothing has been filed with the court and even if there is no court file number on this Summons.

2. You must BOTH reply, in writing, AND get a copy of your reply to the person/business who is suing you within 21 days to protect your rights

Your reply is called an Answer

Getting your reply to the Plaintiff is called service. You must serve a copy of your Answer or Answer and Counterclaim (Answer) within 21 days from the date you received the Summons and Complaint

ANSWER: You can find the Answer form and instructions on the MN Judicial Branch website at www.mncourts.gov/

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VACATION OF ALLEY SEGMENT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Holdingford City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at Holdingford City Hall, 420 Main Street, Holdingford, MN 56340, to consider vacating the unimproved segment of alley dedicated in the plat of Ward’s Addition, Stearns County, Minnesota and located south of Washington Street, west of Lot 4, Block 8, Ward’s Addition, and north of Lot 5, Block 8, Ward’s Addition. The segment of alley proposed to be vacated is located between Stearns County PIDs 58.33548.0000 (220 Washington Street) and 58.33768.0000 (230 Washington Street). Persons wishing to comment on this item may do so during the public hearing. If you wish to offer comments relative to the public hearing and cannot be present, we ask you to submit comments in writing by 12:00 p.m. Monday, May 8, 2023. Those comments can be submitted to: City of Holdingford, 420 Main Street, Holdingford, MN 56340.

Nicky Lahr, City Clerk-Treasurer P-17-2B

Notice of Public Hearing Stearns

County, Board of Adjustment

Notice is hereby given that the Stearns County Board of Adjustment, in and for the County of Stearns, will conduct the following public hearings to consider variance applications:

1. A request from Travis Ritter & Jennifer Rahn, Holdingford, MN from Section 6.9.6 B (3) of the Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance #439 to expand an existing feedlot to 11.65 animal units on 3.40 acres in A-40 zoning. A prior variance granted allows 4.95 animal units. Said Ordinance allows 2 animal units on parcels of at least 3 acres but less than 5 acres. Affected Property: 3.40 Acres E4SE4NW4 Less S 33’ & Less N 838.20’, Section 08, T126N, R30W, Holding Township. Property Address: 42521 County Road 9, Holdingford, MN

2. An After the Fact request from James and Elizabeth Illies, Melrose, MN from Section 10.2.11 A. (1) (a) of Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance #439, to leave as constructed, a deck/pergola less than 200 feet landward of the Ordinary High-Water Level of Isabelle Lake, classified Natural Environment. Said Ordinance requires structures be setback a minimum 200 feet landward of the Ordinary High-Water Level of lakes classified Natural Environment. Affected property: The South 600 feet of the East 794 feet of the NE ¼ of the NW ¼ and the South 600 feet of the West 306 feet of the NW ¼ of the NE ¼, Section 08, T125N, R33W, Grove Township. Property address: 36078 368th Street, Melrose, MN

3. A request from James and Sarah Rabideau, Rogers, MN from Section 9.9.9 A. (1) of Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance #439, to construct a new residential dwelling on an existing foundation less than 10 feet from a side property line in an R-1 zoning district. Said Ordinance requires structures be placed a minimum 10 feet from a side property line in an R-1 zoning district. Affected property: Lot 7, Block 2, Highland Terrace, Section 28, T125N, R30W, Avon Township. Property address: 33728 Highland Terrace, Avon, MN

When and where is the meeting?

Date and Time: Thursday, May 11, 2023 - 6:00 p.m.

Location: Stearns County Service Center, Room 1104 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, you are invited to do so by attending said hearing in person or by joining virtually. To participate virtually, please contact David Nett as at David.Nett@stearnscountymn.gov or call 320-656-3613 by Noon on the Wednesday preceding the meeting date.

Written Testimony: You may submit written testimony by emailing David.Nett@stearnscountymn.gov by 3pm on the hearing date. 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?

Copies of the applications 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. Stearns County Board of Adjustment

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 26, 2023 – Star Post

forms under the “Civil” category. The instructions will explain in detail how to fill out the Answer form.

3. You must respond to each claim. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you think the Plaintiff should not be given everything they asked for in the Complaint, you must say that in your Answer.

4. SERVICE: You may lose your case if you do not send a written response to the Plaintiff. If you do not serve a written Answer within 21 days, you may lose this case by default. You will not get to tell your side of the story. If you choose not to respond, the Plaintiff may be awarded everything they asked for in their Complaint. If you agree with the claims stated in the Complaint, you don’t need to respond. A default judgment can than be entered against you for what the Plaintiff asked for in the Complaint

To protect your rights, you must serve a copy of your Answer on the person who signed this Summons in person or by mail at this address:

John H. Wenker

THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN: That default has occurred in the conditions of the mortgage dated October 17, 2016, executed by Jay H. Seguin, an unmarried man, as mortgagor, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., a corporation, MIN 1012742-0000050450-7, as nominee and mortgagee for HomeServices Lending, LLC

d/b/a Edina Realty Mortgage, through loan originator Kevin Kildahl, NMLS ID 1236759, recorded in the office of the County Recorder of Stearns County, Minnesota, on October 26, 2016, as Document No. A1480672, which mortgage conveyed and mortgaged the following described property, situated in the County of Stearns and State of Minnesota, which property has a street address of 144 30th Avenue North, St. Cloud, Minnesota 56303, property identification number 82.50381.0000, which mortgage was assigned to Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., by Assignment of Mortgage dated December 7, 2022, and recorded December 19, 2022 as Document No. A1646231:

Lot Twenty-eight (28), Block One (1), Roosevelt Place, according to the plat and survey thereof on file and of record

Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A.

1740 W. St. Germain St. St. Cloud, MN 56301

5. Carefully read the Instructions (CIV301) for the Answer for your next steps.

6. Legal Assistance. You may wish to get legal help from an attorney. If you do not have an attorney and would like legal help:

• Visit www.mncourts.gov/ selfhelp and click on the “Legal Advice Clinics” tab to get more information about legal clinics in each Minnesota county.

• Court Administration may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. NOTE: Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still serve a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case

7. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an ADR process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota Rules of Practice. You must still serve your written Answer, even if you expect to use ADR.

8. THIS LAWSUIT MAY AFFECT OR BRING INTO QUESTION TITLE TO REAL PROPERTY located in Stearns County, State of Minnesota, le-

gally described as follows:

That part of Lot 1 of AUDITOR’S SUBDIVISION NO. 2, being in Section 34, Township 125, Range 28, Stearns County, Minnesota, described as fol-

lows:

Commencing at the east quarter corner of said Section 34;

Thence South 89 degrees

48 minutes 29 seconds West, assumed bearing along the eastwest quarter section line of said Section 34, for 726.25 feet;

Thence North 52 degrees

38 minutes 45 seconds West, along the southeasterly prolongation of the centerline of River Vista Lane, f/k/a County Road No. 1, also f/k/a State Aid Road No. 1, for 287.70 feet to

a chiseled “X “ in the curb of County State Aid Highway No.

1 as was surveyed and traveled on September 2nd, 2022, to the point of beginning;

Thence North 34 degrees

55 minutes 28 seconds East

173.49 feet to a one-half inch

diameter iron pipe;

Thence North 20 degrees

46 minutes 05 seconds East

20.89 feet to a one-half inch

diameter iron pipe with plastic cap stamped “DELEO 40341”;

Thence North 00 degrees 25 minutes 36 seconds East

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

in the office of the County Recorder in and for Stearns County, Minnesota

That the original principal amount secured by said mortgage was $92,646.00; that there has been compliance with any condition precedent to acceleration of the debt secured by said mortgage and foreclosure of said mortgage required by said mortgage, any note secured thereby, or any statute; that no action or proceeding to recover the debt remaining secured by said mortgage is pending, or any part thereof; that there is claimed to be due upon said mortgage and is due thereon at the date of this notice, the sum of $88,875.15 in principal and interest.

That as a result of the aforesaid default, and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the said mortgage will be foreclosed by the sale of the above described premises with appurtenances, which said sale will be made by the Sheriff of Stearns County, Minnesota, at the Sheriff’s office in the Law Enforcement Center, 807 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, Minnesota, on April 19, 2023, at 10:00 o’clock a.m., at public auction to the highest bidder, to pay the amount then due on said mortgage, together with the costs of foreclosure, including attorneys’ fees as allowed by law, in accordance with the provisions of said mortgage. The time allowed by law for redemption by the mortgagor, his personal representatives or assigns, is six (6) months from the date of said sale.

Holdingford School Board Briefs

The Holdingford School Board held their regular meeting on April 19 2023. Members present Evelyn Martini, Elissa Ebnet, Sarah Binek, Ed Feia, Lori Opatz, Rob Knettel, and Pat Meier. Member absent: None. Also attending was: Superintendent Chris Swenson, Business Manager Garrity Gerber, Technology Director Lance Feia, Adm. Assistant Linda Zapzalka, and Mike Kosik from Star Publications Absent: Principal Stang and Principal Wege.

Chair Feia called the meeting to order, the pledge was recited, and the amended agenda was approved.

The meeting continued with approval of the consent agenda. Items in consent agenda included: approval of the minutes from March. 15th School Board Meeting and April 5th Work Session; approval of the schedule of bills in the amount of $456,120.61. Computer checks approved #53915 through #54039 and #30574 through #30607 in the amount of $23,145.28; approval of the electronic transfer for March 2023, $2,162,886.05; acknowledgement of the Treasurer’s Report balance per books $5,491,055.15; accepted donations from Holdingford PTA $1,000 and Martini Auto $250 to Com. Ed. for Prairie Fire Community Theater.; and approved lane change for Jessica Mickelson from MS20 Step 13 to MS30 Step 13 effective at the start of Quarter 4, 2022-2023 school year. The Board thanked the Donors for their generosity!

Reports:

Superintendent Swenson reported the advisors and students put on a great show of the Musical Wonderland, an Alice in Wonderland Tale. He congratulated the cast and thanked the advisors. Mr Swenson also wished good luck to the FFA at the state convention, and reported MCA testing is underway. He informed the Board the posting for elementary social worker will be put out, the legislature is working to unify the bills, the administration will monitor until the bills are passed and then determine how the district is affected. Lastly Mr. Swenson reported the pool project is nearing completion and then they will start to fill the pool and the district will be getting two new wrestling mats. The District will purchase one and the Booster Club will purchase the other one.

61.76 feet to a one inch square bolt in a concrete ring;

Thence North 52 degrees 45 minutes 00 seconds West 65.01 feet to a three-quarter inch diameter iron pipe in a concrete ring; Thence South 34 degrees 55 minutes 28 seconds West 242.82 feet to said southeasterly prolongation of the centerline of River Vista Lane, f/k/a County Road No. 1, also f/k/a State Aid Road No. 1, said point being marked by a onehalf inch diameter iron pipe with plastic cap stamped “DELEO 40341”; Thence South 52 degrees 38 minutes 45 seconds East, along said southeasterly prolongation of the centerline of River Vista Lane, f/k/a County Road No. 1, also f/k/a State Aid Road No. 1, for 105.14 feet to the point of beginning. Dated this 28th day of March, 2023.

QUINLIVAN & HUGHES P.A

By________________

John H. Wenker, #232385 Attorney for Plaintiff 1740 W. St. Germain St. P.O. Box 1008 St. Cloud, MN 56302 (320) 251-1414 P-15-3B

By: Sean C. Mansfield

MORTGAGOR(S)

RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: NONE THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.

If the mortgage is not reinstated under Minn. Stat. §580.30 or redeemed under Minn. Stat. §580.23, the mortgagor must vacate the mortgaged property by 11:59 p.m. on October 19, 2023, unless the foreclosure is postponed pursuant to Minn. Stat. §580.07, or the redemption period is reduced to five (5) weeks under Minn. Stat. §582.032.

THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT BY A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., assignee of Mortgagee DATED: March 1, 2023 FOLEY & MANSFIELD, P.L.L.P.

Atty. No. 0400374

Attorneys for Mortgagee 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 1200 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401

NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the mortgage foreclosure sale referred to in the foregoing Notice of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale has been postponed from : April 19, 2023 at 10:00 o’clock a.m. to June 8, 2023 at 10:00 o’clock a.m.

Said sale will be held by the Sheriff of Stearns County at the Law Enforcement Center, 807 Courthouse Square, in the City of St. Cloud, in said County and State. If the mortgage is not reinstated under Minn. Stat. §580.30 or redeemed under Minn. Stat. §580.23, the mortgagor must vacate the mortgaged property by 11:59 p.m. on December 8, 2023, unless the foreclosure is postponed pursuant to Minn. Stat. §580.07, or the redemption period is reduced to five (5) weeks under Minn. Stat. §582.032.

THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT BY A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE

Dated: April 19, 2023. P-16-6B

Inc for $71,150 to rehabilitate the varsity baseball field as presented.

• Tech Director Feia explained the rotation of chromebook purchases by grade level and entertained questions. Approved the purchase of 260 Chromebooks @ $83,197.40 from Vivacity Tech PBC.

• Approved the purchase of 12 teacher Laptops and 3 teacher iPads @ $29,962.40 from Apple Store for Education Institute.

• Tech Director Feia informed the Board that a District Team was brought together to determine the best time to transition to Qmlativ; there are benefits to starting now prior to the sunset of 2.0. The transition will be a ten month process so he would like approval now to get on the schedule. Approved the proposal to transition our student information system from Skyward SMS 2.0 to Skyward Qmlativ at a cost of $3,954.00 and to enter into a three year contract with ISCorp at a cost of $12,000 annually to provide services responsible for all aspects involved in database disaster recovery, loading releases and updates, operating and maintaining host servers, software, and databases.

• Approved the amended Board Committee Assignment for the Personnel Committee with Admin/Teachers – Feia is replacing Knettel.

Personnel:

• Extended Para Kim Haugerud’s day by 15 minutes to accommodate her time at the high school.

• Hired Ashley Solarz for Secondary Para two days a week with a start date of 3/30/2023 through the end of the school year.

• Accepted the resignation from Custodian Laura Doeden.

• Hired Taylor Runge for evening custodian.

• Hired Irene and Gary Kajewski for a shared evening custodian position.

• Hired Hannah Winter for a Kid Zone Assistant 18+position.

• Approved Child Care Leave for the 2023-2024 School Year for Second Grade Teacher Shelby Rosenberger.

• Approve FMLA Leave for Fifth Grade Teacher Lydia Sailor.

• Adopted the Resolution Non Renewing Carrie Jendro a Tier 2 Teacher.

• Adopted the Resolution Non Renewing Michelle Schumer a Tier 2 Teacher.

P-17-1B

Ebnet reported on the BSED meeting where their facility assessment project is complete. The committee will now meet with Ehlers to determine priorities, present options and explore funding. The six member districts will be responsible to pay the bill. Mr. Swenson added that there are still many decisions to be made on what direction they will take for the facility upgrade.

Business Manager Gerber reported he is monitoring legislation for changes that will affect the District, looking at scenarios for the 2023-2024 budget, and informed the Board a grant was received for Summer SPED preschool and remaining COVID dollars will be used for air filtration in the shop area.

Other agenda items at the April 19, 2023 meeting included:

Business Items:

• Approved the Revised Revenue and Expenditure Budgets for FY 2022-2023.

• Approved the proposal to enter into contract with H21 Group for $38,800 to demo existing lockers and install new lockers in the main space of the girls locker room.

• Approved the proposal to enter into contract with Schroden’s

• Adopted the Resolution Non Renewing Lauren Lindmeier a Probationary Teacher.

• Adopt the Resolution Non Renewing Melyssa Sakry a Probationary Teacher.

• Approve FMLA Leave for Fourth Grade Teacher Kate Korte.

• Hired Nicole Berscheid for Junior High Track Coach.

• Hired Molly Klatt for 7th Grade Baseball Coach. A review of the upcoming meeting dates took place. School Board Work Session May 3, 2023 @ 6:30 PM in the HS Meeting Room. School Board Meeting May 17, 2023 @ 6:00 PM in the HS Meeting Room. This article is a summary of the minutes. The full text is available for public inspection at the District Office or online at http://www.isd738.org/school-board-meeting-agendasminutes. html.

Dutchmen win doubleheader

BY HER M AN LEN S ING STAFF WRITER

The Melrose Area

Dutchmen opened its 2023 baseball season April 18, winning a doubleheader over West Central Area at Omer Sieben Field in Melrose.

The Dutchmen ran aggressively and took advantage of wild pitches for the 11-1 six-inning win in the first game. In its seven-run third-inning rally, Ian Funk scored on a balk, Breydon Dobmeier crossed home plate on a wild pitch and Westin Middendorf stole home. Melrose finished with six steals.

Devin Orbeck’s first-inning single started the Dutchmen offense. He was stranded on the bases that inning. The game was scoreless until Melrose sent 11 to the plate in the third inning, started by a Funk walk. Conner Anderson’s one-out single moved him to third.

Hunter Goihl drove in Anderson with a double before scoring on Dobmeier’s single. Anthony Berscheit followed with a walk ahead of singles by Middendorf, Max Wehlage and Funk. The Dutchmen took an 8-0 lead at that point.

Orbeck pitched four innings, allowing only three runners on base and seven strikeouts. Ryan Herdering closed the game, striking out three more while allowing a hit and two walks. The run was unearned.

Melrose ended the game early with a three-run sixth inning. Singles by Isaac Rosenberger and Anderson opened the inning. Blaise Welle scored courtesy run-

Devin Orbeck releases a pitch in the first game of a doubleheader against

West Central Area April 18 at Omer Sieben Field in Melrose. Orbeck, the winning pitcher, struck out seven in four innings.

ing two runs in ending the game.

Melrose 5, WCA 1

In none of its rallies

PHOTOS BY HERMAN LENSING

did Melrose have a hit as it took a 5-1 win in the second game. Wehlage, Rosenberger and Goihl all finished 1-for-3, but those hits did not figure into the scoring. The team was again aggressive, using steals and wild pitches to move around the bases.

In the second inning, Goihl walked, and Dobmeier, Middendorf and Orbeck were hit by the pitch, forcing across runs.

The Dutchmen did not score again until the sixth. Berscheit and Middendorf both walked, stole second and eventually scored on wild pitches.

Melrose scored in the seventh even while striking out four times. Anderson reached on a misplayed third strike. A steal and wild pitches brought him home with two outs.

Wehlage started and earned the win, pitching five innings with six strikeouts. Anderson did not give up a hit in earning the save.

SPORTS B

Sign up for Freeport youth

summer baseball, softball FREEPORT – Kindergarten through ninth grade boys and girls who want to participate in summer baseball or softball this summer in Freeport may text or call Bud Heidgerken at 320-260-8982.

Last year, there were 90 girls and 60 boys in the program. Those who played in summer 2022 do not need to register.

Operation Round Up distributes to local organizations

MELROSE – Stearns Electric’s Operation Round Up Program contributed $58,573 to 80 area organizations in March. Through the program, Stearns Electric Association gives its member-consumers the opportunity to give back to the community by rounding up their electric bill to the nearest dollar. The following local organizations received funding in March 2023: Albany Area Community Education, Albany Area Community Senior Center, Albany Food Shelf, Albany post graduation party, American Legion Auxiliary, Avon Food Shelf, Inc., Avon Hills Folk School, Community Connection Sauk Centre, Freeport Family Fishing, Freeport Recreation Community Care Center, Holdingford Area Food Shelf, Holdingford post prom, Melrose Area Food Shelf and Melrose graduation party.

Holy Family School receives technology challenge grant

ALBANY – The team of Aiden Blaske, Jack Schiffler and Nora and Lucy Dupuy, fifth graders at Holy Family School in Albany, was awarded first place and a prize of $1,300 in the Catholic Foundation Great Technology Challenge. The team, under the direction of technology teacher, Donna Huckenpoehler, created and submitted a stop motion video illustrating the Nativity story. Funds will be used in the technology department at Holy Family School.

Sno-Cleats offer ATV training day

SAUK CENTRE –To teach young drivers how to properly operate ATVs, Chris and Janet Kerfeld and the Sauk Centre Sno-Cleats have been offering an ATV Safety Field Day Class.

The next field day will be at 3 p.m. May 7 at the SnoCleats Youth Training Center in Sauk Centre.

The training day teaches students from 11-15 years old, and because the course focuses on safety, they should already know how to drive an ATV by safe practice on their family’s property.

The course begins when the student signs up and is given a packet of homework, a regulation booklet and instructions. From there, they go online to atvcourse.com to complete a 4-hour course. When students complete the course, they will be given a certificate to print which they will have to bring to the training day.

The first hour and a half of the training day is a classroom segment, followed by completion an outdoor obstacle course.

Students must bring their own ATVs.

Anyone interested in the ATV course can contact the Kerfelds at 320-352-7859 or at chris@bluelakeplastics.com.

p.m.

Purchase tickets at Freeport State Bank, The Pioneer Inn, Pooch’s Corner Pub or Hennen Floor Covering

Rueben Nathe BAND playing 2 to 6 p.m. FREEPORT COMMUNITY CENTER 30th ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISER & Open House Sunday, April 30th at the Freeport Community Center Freeport Community Center 307 7th Street SE Freeport, MN 56331 320-836-2526 Roast Beef Dinner

P17-1B-MT

Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa School District is looking for a motivated, hardworking, organized individual to fill the role of District Secretary for the 2023-2024 school year.

We will pay market rates for those individuals who meet our preferred qualifications. The successful candidate will have appropriate technology skills to operate our Student Information System and public relations skills required to work with staff members, students and community members. Knowledge of software programs such as Google Docs and/or Microsoft Office. This position directly supports the Superintendent so office management experience is preferred along with a two-year AA degree in Administrative Assistant areas. Please send a cover letter, resume, transcript and references electronically to ldahl@bbejaguars.org. Applications preferred by Monday May 1, 2023. Questions should be directed to Patrick Walsh, Superintendent at pwalsh@bbejaguars.

Isaac Rosenberger dives for third base against West Central Area April 18 at Omer Sieben Field in Melrose. Rosenberger was caught off base on the play, ending Melrose’s half of the fifth inning in the second game of a doubleheader.

Anthony Berscheit steals second base in the second game of a doubleheader against West Central Area April 18 at Omer Sieben Field in Melrose. The Dutchmen had five steals in the game. Ian Funk put out a basestealer in the second game of a doubleheader against West Central Area April 18 at Omer Sieben Field in Melrose. Melrose took a 5-1 victory in the nightcap.

ner Lucas Feldewerd with a ground out and

Herdering walked. Ethan Frieler reached on an error, allow-

Lady Dutchmen hammer out win in season opener

ri

Melrose piles up runs against Sauk Centre

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

Late-game rallies carried the Melrose Area Lady Dutchmen softball team to a 15-3 win over rival Sauk Centre April 18 at Sauk Centre High School in Sauk Centre.

It was the team’s season opener. Other games scheduled for last week were postponed because of the weather.

Melrose put those runs across the plate with 16 hits, four of them doubles. Hannah Hoppe and Theresia Nathe doubled in the game. Hannah Hoppe totaled three hits. Nathe reached base four times, once on an error, to score three runs, driving in two others and stealing a base. She had two outfield putouts.

Melrose broke the game open by batting around in the fifth and sixth innings. Going into the fifth, the

Lady Dutchmen had built a 3-2 lead. Paige Gruber’s first-inning double scored Kari Rademacher for a 1-0 lead. Sauk Centre rallies in the first and third gave the hosts a 2-1 lead and sparked a Lady Dutchmen response. Nathe and Allie Hoppe opened the Melrose third inning and tied the game with back-to-back doubles. Allie Hoppe, who went to third when Sauk Centre made a play on Nathe, later scored as Jazmin Finken grounded out.

The fifth inning saw the Lady Dutchmen take over.

Hannah Hoppe, Kaydence Bertram, Nathe and Finken and two Sauk Centre errors provided four runs and a 7-2 lead as the team batted through the order.

The sixth inning resulted in 12 Lady Dutchmen coming to the plate, seven of them getting hits. Rademacher, Hannah Hoppe, Bertram, Nathe, Allie Hoppe and Ellie Heller all singled and eventually scored. Hannah Hoppe batted twice that inning, doubling in two with her second hit of the inning. Maddie

Kuechle drove in a run with a walk, Paige Gruber picked up an RBI on an error and Shantel Gruber, courtesy running for Finken, scored a run.

Pitching and defense limited Sauk Centre to six hits.

Ellie Grieve took to the mound and pitched a complete game for the win. Besides the six hits, only four other Streeters reached base.

Two were hit by pitches, one walked and one reached on an error. Grieve struck out four batters. She never faced more than six batters in any inning and usually had Sauk Centre hitting playable balls. The defense responded well, committing only two errors.

The defense showed it would be a factor in the first inning. With two on and two out, Sauk Centre singled to left field. Hannah Hoppe recovered the ball and threw to Finken, the catcher, to put out the runner at the plate.

A potential Sauk Centre fifth-inning run was stopped as Kuechle, the centerfielder, recovered a ball in left-center, and threw to shortstop Rademacher, who

fled a throw to Finken to cut down another runner.

The game ended after six innings because of the 10-run rule. Nathe recorded the final out, chasing down a fly hit to right field.

Melrose 8, Paynesville 5

Two run rallies highlighted the Lady Dutchmen’s 8-5 win over Paynesville April 24 in Paynesville.

Grieve and Heller’s third-inning singles paid off, as Hannah Hoppe hit a oneout triple. Hannah Hoppe scored on Bertram’s RBI single. Bertram had two hits and scored a run.

Grieve’s second hit scored a run in the fourth inning. Rademacher, another Lady Dutchman with two hits, also drove in a run that inning. Allie Hoppe’s twohit day included a fifth-inning groundout that scored Bertram.

Nathe opened the seventh with a single and scored on Allie Hoppe’s double. Finken followed with a single, scoring Allie Hoppe.

Grieve earned her second win of the spring, going the distance. She struck out six batters.

Albany softball wins in extra innings

Huskies remain undefeated at 4-0

BY MIKE KOSIK | STAFF WRITER

The Albany Huskies softball team scored two runs in the eighth to break a 2-2 tie against Little Falls, earning its first Granite Ridge Conference win of this season April 18 at Little Falls High School in Little Falls.

Scoring the winning runs were Sara Eiynck and Sophia Schiffler.

Catcher Audrey Rieland led off the eighth with a walk and was replaced on the basepath by Eiynck. Schiffler also drew a walk, putting two runners on base. Lauren Nett’s single drove in Eiynck and an error scored Schiffler.

The Flyers advanced a runner to second with one

out in its half of the eighth, but two infield outs shut the door.

Eiynck scored Albany’s first run in the fourth off a base hit by Emily McLachlan. Eiynck came in to run for Rieland, who got on base with a walk.

Alexis Funk scored Albany’s second run in the seventh to tie the game. Funk came in to run for pitcher McLachlan, who drew a walk. Allie Thelen’s base hit scored Funk.

McLachlan pitched all eight innings for Albany, striking out three and walking none.

Despite getting 10 hits, the Huskie defense limited Little Falls to just two runs, one earned. Both came in the fifth inning.

Nett had two hits, while Savanna Pelzer, Thelen, McLachlan and Callie Holthaus had one hit each.

The win keeps Albany undefeated at 4-0.

Albany track and field completes first outdoor meet

Huskies teams take fifth

BY MIKE KOSIK | STAFF WRITER

The Albany Huskies track and field teams got an outdoor meet in last week before the bad weather hit –again.

The Huskies were one of five teams at a Granite Ridge Conference meet April 18 at Claffy Field at Milaca High School in Milaca, with both the boys and girls squads taking fifth. After that, another round of snow postponed the remainder of the week’s activities.

Carter Schwalbe, in the 3,200-meter run, and Tysen Gerads, long jump, were the

first-place finishers for the boys team.

Sauk Rapids-Rice won the boys competition with 101 points, with Albany taking fifth with a score of 57.

Hailee Stich earned second in the high jump for the girls team’s top placement, with Laina Kalthoff, 200, and Bella Schiffler, 800, each picking up third place.

Foley came away victorious in the girls events with

Melrose boys golf

Head coach and how many players in the program: Pat Schad, first-year head coach. There are 19 in the program with 10 of the kids on the varsity team.

Who is vying for varsity positions this year? Jeremiah Wilwerding, senior; Kaleb Frieler, junior; Logan Schad, sophomore; Mick Hinnenkamp, sophomore; Eddie Dickhaus, freshman; Nolan Kerfeld, freshman; Zach Nelson, freshman; Blake Tomford, eighth grade; Maverick Kulzer, eighth grade; and Hudson Wirtjes, eighth grade, all played in varsity meets last year.

Who will be some of your top golfers, and what do you like about their golf game? Logan Schad is returning as an All-Conference golfer. Kaleb Frieler and Eddie Dickhaus are both back and were top golfers for the varsity team last season. We also have a couple of younger golfers in Blake Tomford and Maverick Kulzer who saw varsity action last year. Even though we have some returning varsity golfers, we are a very young team with lots to learn. It will take time to find the strengths of all of our golfers and try to put them in the best spots for them to succeed. It’ll be nice to get to the course so the guys can get out, practice live and play some holes. This will give us a good idea of who will be competing during our golf meets.

What has been the biggest challenge your team is dealing with during the extended winter? We are in the same boat as all the other spring sports. We can only do so much indoors, so it can get very monotonous. Getting outside will be a blessing. The biggest challenge is yet to come. Once the snow disappears, the courses will need to dry up, and we will need to find time to get all our meets completed.

Your team will be successful if: Like I told the kids, we’re not trying to make them into PGA professionals. If the kids can improve their skills from the first day to the last day of the season, enjoy what they are doing and have a great experience, I will deem the season a success.

Conference and section outlook: West Central, Minnewaska and Morris will be a few of the top teams in our conference, with West Central being the favorite. The section is tough and a few of the favorites are Pequot Lakes, Cathedral and Albany.

Melrose girls golf

Head coach and how many athletes in the program: Katie Meyer, first-year head coach. There are 16 girls in the program.

Who is vying for varsity positions this year? Returning varsity golfers and golfers who are just coming out or were injured last year that are looking strong indoors are Emily Rieland, senior; Alyssa Scherping, senior; Aubrey Braegelmann, sophomore; Camryn Roering, sophomore; Izzie Van Beck, freshman; Annie Olberding, freshman; Maddi Kraemer, freshman; and Avery Braegelmann, eighth grade.

Who will be some of your top golfers, and what do you like about their golf game? Being a first-year coach, I have not been able to really see the girls’ golf games or judge who will be our top golfers. However, based on last year’s round averages, we have strong golfers returning, and I am excited to see all the girls improve to the best of their ability so we can be a competitive team this year.

What is the biggest challenge your team is dealing with during the extended winter? With golf, we are more limited on what type of skill work we can do. We have been focusing on putting, chipping and our form, which can get monotonous at times. The girls have had a great attitude and are working hard on their skills and getting stronger in the weight room.

Your team will be successful if: We can limit strokes on our short game and stay mentally focused during tough shots or after a bad hole.

Conference and section outlook: I am hoping we can finish in the top half of our conference as we did last year. We should be able to have a couple of our golfers advance to the second day for sections.

Albany SPORTS PREVIEWS

Albany boys golf

Head coach and how many players in the program: Kit Pennie, fourth-year head coach. There are 44 boys in grades 7-12.

Who is vying for varsity positions this year? We have five golfers returning from last year’s section team. Like every year, there are several underclassmen and returning junior varsity players competing for spots on the varsity roster.

Who will be some of your top golfers, and what do you like about their golf game? We are returning All-Conference and state qualifier Zac Kreuzer, state qualifier Blake Silbernick and All-Conference player Joe Hoff. What stands out about these players is their love for the game and their willingness to put in the extra time and effort toward improving their skills.

What is the biggest challenge your team is dealing with during the extended winter? Kids not having the opportunity to play holes prior to their season-opening meet. Their first chance to putt on a green and hit from grass will be during competition.

Your team will be successful if: Players play to their strengths and stick to their individual gameplan.

Conference and section outlook: The players and I are looking forward to a competitive season in the Granite Ridge Conference and section this year.

Albany girls golf

Head coach and how many players in the program: Mike Sieben, eighth-year head coach. There are 20 athletes in grades 7-12.

Who is vying for varsity positions this year? We return five of six varsity players from last season – seniors Kaitlyn Lahr and Maggie Seiler and juniors Madi Ramler, Sophia Anderson and Amy Butkowski. We are the defending conference champions and placed second in Section 6AA.

Who will be some of your top golfers, and what do you like about their golf game? All of the girls mentioned above are dedicated players and leaders and capable of having good scoring days, so our team will have good depth.

What is the biggest challenge your team is dealing with during the extended winter? We are fortunate to have the Toptracer facility at the Albany Golf Club. With that said, the team is excited to get on the courses for matches. Your team will be successful if: We will be successful because the team is made up of girls with high character, and they are dedicated to being the best they can be. We also need our junior varsity players to develop over the course of the season and the summer months ahead. Conference and section outlook: We expect to compete well in the conference and section. Pierz, Zimmermann and Cathedral return a number of players in the conference. Pequot Lakes won Section 6AA last season.

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PurplePride

SALUTING GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

What do you enjoy most about being on the track team? Our team’s camaraderie and our common goal to succeed in what we do.

What is your favorite event to compete in? I love running the 100-meter because it is a true test of my top speed.

Tell us about the best meet you have been part of. At our section meet last year, we all managed to keep up a good attitude and perform at our highest level.

LUKE BARROW

What other activities are you involved in at school? National Honor Society, football and the fishing team.

Why is it important for you to be involved in school activities? It really helps me to become closer with the community and to enjoy my years in high school

Green

What is your favorite part about baseball?

The nice weather and having fun with my teammates while playing.

Tell us about your most memorable moment playing baseball. The travel team I was on won the state championship. It was a 12U team that consisted of players from Holdingford and Upsala, called the Hold-Up Bandits.

Parents: Robb and Jenn Clear.

What is something you are proud you accomplished so far during the school year, and what is one of your goals the remainder of the year? I am proud to say our school’s fishing team, that I helped start up, has now reached over 70 members, and I hope to see many more by the end of the year.

What is one piece of advice you would give underclassmen to help them excel in academics or athletics? The thing that has helped me the most is to understand school is just school, and as long as you have tried your best, a letter grade is nothing more than a letter.

What are you thankful for today?  The many memories and laughs Albany has given me over the years. What are three words that describe your personality? Driven, witty and carefree.

What is your favorite thing to do on the baseball field? Getting an extra-base hit.

What other activities are you involved in at Holdingford High School? Cross-country and the leadership council.

What is your favorite memory from elementary school? We went on a field trip to Crow Wing State Park in sixth grade. We got to pick our groups and walk around, and I had a lot of fun.

Dynamite Dutchmen

IN THE

What do you like most about being in baseball?

Practices are more laid-back, and overall it is more fun.

What is your most memorable experience with baseball? As a sophomore, at one point, I was batting lead off. My all time most memorable experience was last year, during the Spring Hill-Lake Henry amateur baseball game, when I struck out my brother, Jordan. He also graduated from Melrose Area High School and played for Lake Henry. I was playing for Spring Hill.

What other activities are you involved in at school?

Football and boys basketball.

What is something you’ve learned in class recently? The difference between nominal and real gross domestic products in economics class. The nominal GDP is the price with inflation. The real GDP uses a base price from 2009, and you can calculate the actual price.

How do you try to make a difference at school? I try to be respectful to everybody, and I also try to be a leader.

What is something you’ve learned in class recently? I have been learning more about large engines in my shop class. We learn things in the classroom and go in the shop to work on things.

Tell us something about yourself most people don’t know. I love spending time at the lake. I like to sit on the beach or in a boat on the lake with friends. I like wakeboarding and swimming.

What is your dream job? A cargo pilot. I am going to Mankato in the fall to earn a degree in aviation to pursue this dream.

What do you still hope to do in school before the school year ends? Win a conference championship in baseball.

How do you try to make a difference at school? By being helpful, especially in sports. If someone is doing something wrong or has an incorrect form, I try to help them out and give tips on how to improve.

What teacher has impacted your education the most? Mr. Ryan Dusha is relatable to a class. In American problems class, he gives an unbiased opinion.

What is your favorite restaurant and the meal you order? McDonald’s. I order 20 nuggets and two large fries.

Accomplishment: Senior starter on the Holdingford High School baseball team.

Parents: Todd and Stacey Barrow. Accomplishment: Sprinter on the Albany Area High School track and field team.

Parents:Shawn and Amy Orbeck.

School baseball team.