The Star Post 05-31-2023

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

A tale of two valedictorians

A yearbook dedication

to dedicated volunteers

BY HANS LAMMEMAN | STAFF WRITER

Two Holdingford students will receive their diplomas on stage at Holdingford High School this week with the unique titles of co-valedictorians.

Niehauses humbled by St. Mary’s School honor

Principal Autumn Nelson read the 2022-23 dedication.

tag-teamed sharing stories about this Melrose couple, who lives across the street from the school.

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

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

Tanner Tomasek and Grace Woitalla underwent their entire academic careers thus far – preschool through 12th grade – as Huskers at Holdingford Public Schools, graduating with the 59 other 2023 seniors at 7 p.m., Friday, June 2, in the high school gym in Holdingford. While the co-valedictorians participated in separate extracurriculars and had different career aspirations, the two students shared the achievement of flawless 4.0 grade point averages.

BY CAROL MOORMAN

Woitalla followed in her family’s footsteps, excelling in agriculture classes and spending the last five years heavily involved with her school’s FFA organization.

Graduation page 3

“It’s humbling,” Tony Niehaus said as he walked into the St. Mary’s Catholic School gym with wife Carol May 19.

Both were being honored by students and staff with their school yearbook dedication. The Niehauses knew about the dedication beforehand, but what they did not know about was the large contingent of family, friends and neighbors who attended the afternoon presentation.

“Tony and Carol have been a special part of St. Mary’s School for many years, giving their time, talent and treasures to our school family. They have become adoptive grandparents to the kindergarten class over the years with watermelon parties, baking cookies and sewing quilts. Tony and Carol have taken care of our flower garden in front of the school, sold their produce to benefit our school, given the students pumpkins, hosted mini-courses at their house, fed the staff yummy treats and so much more,” Nelson said.

Long-time teachers Sue Pundsack and Jennifer Frank-Heinze

Frank-Heinze, who lived next door to the Niehauses, called them the best neighbors, Tony even mowing her lawn. And her kindergarten students were the recipient of May baskets and learning how to quilt and eat watermelon.

Pundsack applauded Tony for his smile, the twinkle in his eyes and his warm welcome and Carol for sharing her treats. She described the time she brought an outfit to Carol to be ironed.

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Me morial Day Memorial Day

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PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN St. Mary’s Catholic School Principal Autumn Nelson (from left) congratulates Tony and Carol Niehaus on their school yearbook dedication May 19 in the school gym in Melrose. The dedication applauded the Niehauses for giving their time, talent and treasures to their school family.

COMMUNITY COVERAGE 127 YEARS

ATKINSON TO TALK ABOUT SPACE MISSIONS BOOK AT MELROSE LIBRARY pg 6

PHOTO

Grace Woitalla

Tanner Tomasek

PHOTO BY MIKE KOSIK

Albany American Legion Commander Ray Fuchs and Auxiliary President Beatrice Schmidt place a wreath during Memorial Day services May 29 at Veterans Park in Albany. The program included remarks by Albany Mayor Tom Kasner and Albany Police Chief and retired Minnesota National Guard First Sergeant Ozzie Carbajal.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN Joe Wilwerding (from left), Donnie Van Drehle, Bud Moening and Ivan Blenker and fellow firing squad members perform a gun salute during the May 29 Memorial Day service at the Melrose American Legion in Melrose. A roll call of veterans buried at area cemeteries and elsewhere were read during the hour-long service.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING Army Warrant Officer Ed Feia stands at attention during the May 29 Memorial Day service at the Soldiers Shrine in Holdingford, which included Mass by the Rev. Gregory Mastey. Names of deceased area veterans were read during the service.

Tanner Tomasek plans to attend South Dakota State University to pursue

bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. His parents are Paul and Mary Tomasek.

Grace Woitalla plans to double major in agribusiness and precision agriculture at Ridgewater College in Willmar. Her parents are Keith and Patty Woitalla.

Memorial Day from front

Holdingford American Legion Chaplain Ron Scegura and Auxiliary Member Rita Jarnot are surrounded by flag-decorated tombstones and American Legion and VFW members as they lead the Memorial Day service May 29 at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Holdingford. Legion and Auxiliary members visited Holdingford area cemeteries paying tribute to veterans.

Memorial Day

Fox 9 Town Ball Tour

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

“Black Sox Park” • Freeport, MN Come

Fox 9 will be in Freeport all day and broadcasting live from the ballpark at 5 pm with post game continuing on Fox 9 News at 9 pm & 10 pm

Freeport Black Sox play the Avon Lakers at 6:30 pm

Freeport Baseball Association, Inc.

What is your favorite part about track and field? Winning.

What is your most memorable moment while competing? During my junior year, the first time I ran under 23 seconds in the 200-meter dash.

What is your favorite event to compete in? The 4x400 relay because it is super competitive, and as the last event, everyone is cheering everybody on. I also enjoy the small team aspect it has.

What other activities are you involved in at Holdingford High School? I play football, and I am on a leadership committee helping elementary students, and I do student services for elementary teachers.

What is your favorite memory from elementary school? My fourth and fifth grade teacher was a football coach as well, which was pretty cool.

What is something you’ve learned in class recently? One to any power is still one.

Tell us something about yourself most people don’t know. I am a very picky eater.

What is your dream job? I would like to work in computer science, anything related to cyber security or software programming.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LEN S ING

PHOTO BY C AROL MOORMAN Steve Worms and Sarah Wiechman perform a patriotic song during the May 29 Memorial Day service at the Melrose American Legion in Melrose. Melrose High School band members Lydia Prout and Grant Hellermann performed taps.

PHOTO BY MIKE KO S IK Diane Noll reads the names of Albany area veterans killed in combat those who died while serving on active duty and those who have died May 29 during a Memorial Day service at the Veterans Park in Albany. The Rev. Edward Vebelun, from the Harvest of Hope Catholic Churches, gave the invocation, the Rev. Anthony Christoffels, from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Albany gave the benediction and the Albany Area High School band played patriotic music.

Strong-Connected-Diverse

Young artists honored for Melrose motto depictions

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

Strong-Connected-Diverse is the Melrose motto.

Youth put their ideas on how this related to them on paper during a Melrose Area Arts Council contest. The five entries – all winners in the eyes of the MAAC –will be displayed during the Melrose Community Farmers Market in June.

The MAAC held an art contest for young artists in the area, age groups 6 to 11 and 12 to 17, who were asked to draw what one or more of the words from the Melrose motto meant to them. Five children entered; two from the older group and three from the younger group. They each received a cash prize, and the children and their families were invited to a pizza party at JD’s Taphouse in Melrose.

In the older group, Juan Botello’s picture showed strength and connected with the chains and diversity with the colors, and Sydney Beuning’s picture focused on the diverse things that help her feel strong and

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Katie Zimmer (from left), Faith Feldewerd and Ashley Maty Mendoza display their depictions of the Melrose motto – Strong-ConnectedDiverse – March 20 at Melrose Area Public Schools in Melrose. Zimmer’s and Mendoza’s entries each focused on strong and Feldewerd’s was on diverse.

connected. In the younger group, Katie Zimmer, who has many family members in the service, depicted how they are strong even though it is hard especially if they have to go to war. Faith Feldewerd showed how church, family, friends and country are the many diverse things that help her feel strong and connected. Ashley Maty Mendoza focused on how she needs to be strong for her father because he doesn’t speak English.

Birth ANNOUNCEMENT

Arlo Orth

Grant and Jenna Olson, of Stacy, are happy to announce the birth of their son, Arlo, at 10:24 a.m., April 14, 2023, at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming, Minnesota.

He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 19.5 inches long.

Grandparents are David and Linda Orth, of Melrose; and Robert and Traci Olson, of Grand Rapids. Greatgrandparents are Eymard and Lucille Orth, of Melrose; Jack and Barbara Schwartz, of

Eugene, Oregon; and Wava Olson, of Grand Rapids.

Community STARS

Loecken initiated into national honor society

DULUTH – Jonathon Loecken, a native of Freeport, was recently initiated into the University of Minnesota Duluth Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society.

Students graduate from Ridgewater College

HUTCHINSON AND WILLMAR – Ridgewater College spring graduates include Aaron Christen, Paige Cottrell, Lauryn Fuchs, Heather Gerads, Makayla Gertken, Alayna Kolb and Jessica Rosenberger, of Albany; Jonathan Smith, of Avon; Hailey Schliemann and Julia Welle, of Freeport; Ashley Bertram, MaKenzie Herzog, Vanessa Kuhns, Payton Nathe, Luke Poepping and Ashlynn Wensman

Graduation ceremonies were May 11 at the Hutchinson campus and May 12 at the Willmar campus.

What’s HAPPENING

Friday, June 2, 6:30 p.m. – First Friday Novena. The Church of St. Mary, 420 Irving St., Alexandria.

Monday, June 5, 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, June 5, 6:30 p.m. – Avon City Council Meeting. Avon City Hall, 140 Stratford St. E, Avon.

Tuesday, June 6, 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, June 6, 7 p.m. – Schanhaar-Otte Post 7050 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.

Wednesday, June 7, 6:30 p.m. – Albany City Council Meeting. Albany City Hall, 400 Railroad Ave., Albany.

Wednesday, June 7, 7 p.m. – AA Meetings. Back to Basic, at Tutti Frutti Marketplace, 38914 County Road 186, Sauk Centre. For more information, call 218240- 1076. Big Book, Melrose City Center, 225 First St., NE, Melrose. For more information, call 320-2413909.

Tony and Carol Niehaus are

19 yearbook

Niehauses from front

“You ironed it right then and there and, wouldn’t you know it, you were baking an apple pie and you sent that pie back to school with me. It had this beautiful design on top, and I did share it with staff,” Pundsack said. One Christmas season, Pundsack brought a shep-

Graduation from front

“I started (FFA) in eighth grade. Ever since the day I walked into the ag room, I knew I wanted to be president,” Woitalla said. “My dad and uncle were both presidents of the Holdingford FFA chapter, and my mom was a secretary.”

Tomasek was a jack of all trades, participating in several organizations and sports. His list of involvement includes baseball, basketball, football, trapshooting, jazz band, pep band, concert band, Leadership Council, National Honor Society, Business Club, student council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Both students cited hard work and dedication to their studies as the primary secrets to success at Holdingford High School. While Woitalla said her favorite subjects were agriculture and chemistry, Tomasek preferred the

by St.

herd’s costume to Carol to fix the missing buttons. There was Tony in the recliner, “with that twinkle in his eye,” and ice on his knee (after surgery), and Carol finished the costume by the time school was out, and “You gave me a jar of homemade jam and sent the costume back with me in a garment bag,” Pundsack said. She returned the garment bag back to Carol on this day.

problem-solving required in math courses.

“I just did hard work, and it paid off,” Tomasek said. “I wasn’t really striving to be valedictorian.”

Woitalla echoed that sentiment, saying she focused on performing her best in classes and wasn’t even aware of her position at the top of the class until a school staff member alerted her as an upperclassman.

Opting to follow his interest in math, Tomasek selected to begin his undergraduate education about 190 miles west to study electrical engineering at South Dakota State University. He said he visited the campus in Bookings, South Dakota, and quickly settled on it as his home for the next four years.

With a focus on staying close to home, Woitalla chose to pursue a double major in agri-business and precision agriculture at Ridgewater College in Willmar.

“I knew I wanted to stay

When planning Grandparent’s Day one year, Pundsack, who teaches sixth grade and has “been blessed with” many of the Niehauses grandchildren in class, some who were present on this day, went to Tony and Carol for stories about what it was like growing up on a farm.

“Because of your stories we built an outhouse out of cardboard, which involved tipping the outhouse over,”

as close to home as possible while getting the degree I wanted.,” Woitalla said.

“My overall goal is to give back to my local agriculture community because FFA and dairy princess (have) given me so much, and I just want to be able to give back.”

The co-valedictorians said they would miss aspects of their high school experience in Holdingford. Tomasek said he would most miss his classmates, teachers and teammates. Woitalla said she would miss the district’s FFA organization, although she planned to continue involvement with the Holdingford FFA alumni.

“I will miss Holdingford; I’m not going to be there that much because I will be living down (in South Dakota) for a while,” Tomasek said. “But I will always come back, especially if our team goes to state or has games that I want to go to.”

They are happy to share the title of co-valedictorians

Pundsack said. “On Grandparent’s Day you loaned me a cream separator … and a pitchfork … .” She said it was fitting a yearbook was dedicated to these dedicated volunteers.

In fact, after the dedication the Niehauses signed students’ yearbooks. “It’s a well deserved honor,” Pundsack said. “Thank you for all you’ve done for our school and God bless.”

and excited to see what the next chapter of life brings after graduation.

“It’s cool that I get to share it with him (Tomasek) because I feel like ever since we started the race for valedictorian, we were head-tohead,” Woitalla said. “Now that we both get to graduate and be valedictorian, it’s a cool experience.”

Upcoming: Tuesday, June 13, 7 p.m. – Melrose American Legion Post 101 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.

ALBANY

OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH 840 Lake Ave 320-845-2405 oursaviorslutheranalbany.org

AVON AVON COMMUNITY CHURCH 204 Avon Ave. N 320-356-9001 avoncommunitychurch.org

HOLDINGFORD

COMMUNITY COUNTRY CHURCH Across from school 320-746-0005 communitycountrychurch.org

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

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

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

PHOTO SUBMITTED

surrounded

Mary’s Catholic School students and family, friends and neighbors following a May

dedication at the school gym in Melrose. After the dedication, the Niehauses signed students’ yearbooks.

Juan Botello and Sydney Beuning display their depictions of the Melrose motto – Strong-Connected-Diverse – March 20 at Melrose Area Public Schools in Melrose. Botello’s entry showed strength and connected, while Beuning showcased the word diverse.

Katelyn T. Nolting

Katelyn T. Nolting, 31, of Holdingford, passed away in her sleep from unknown causes May 19, 2023, at her home in Holdingford.

A memorial service will be at a later date.

Katelyn Toni Nathe was born Dec. 1, 1991, in Albany, to Jeffrey and Michelle (Cady) Nathe. She graduated from Albany High School in 2010. She was currently furthering her education in forensic psychology through Southern New Hampshire University. She enjoyed coloring, doing jigsaw puzzles and painting bears for her mom.

Survivors include her fiance, Cody Hoffenkamp of Holdingford; parents Jeff and Michelle Nathe of Albany; brother Zachary Nathe (fiancee, Kendra Hoffarth) of Farming; grandparents Ken and Lucy Nathe of Avon and Richard Cady of Donnelly;

Rita M. Hiltner

Rita Marie Hiltner, 99, of Freeport, passed away peacefully with her family at her side May 23, 2023, at home in Freeport.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was May 27 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with the Rev. Daniel Walz officiating. Inurnment was in the parish cemetery.

Rita Marie Rose was born in Melrose, the daughter and youngest child of Herman Rose and Theresia Henrietta Benolken. Rita was a longtime resident of Freeport.

Rita was a member of the Sacred Heart Parish, the Christian Mothers and the secretary of the local court of the Woman’s Catholic Order of Foresters for more than 60 years. She was also a member of the Young at Heart Club, the Senior Citizens Club, the Melrose VFW Auxiliary and the Albany Legion Auxiliary.

Before and in the early years of her marriage to Edwin, Rita worked at the Freeport State Bank, and she helped there in the summers after her children were born. After her children left home, she worked as a cook at Charlie’s Cafe in Freeport.

Rita enjoyed camping, walking, bowling, ice skating and swimming. She enjoyed getting together with family and friends, playing cards, going for drives in the country and going to the casino. She loved watching the birds and squirrels at the feeders in her yard. Everyone looked forward to getting a pair of the slippers she knitted. Rita and Ed traveled together to Canada, Mexico, Germany, France and Switzerland.

Rita was preceded in death

Albany graduation

Katelyn T. Nolting

godparents Toni Cady of Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Neil Nathe of Albany; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Katelyn was preceded in death by grandmother Patricia Cady and uncle Sean Cady. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose.

P-22-1B

Send-off for Albany seniors

Class of 2023 looks to the future while celebrating a conclusion

BY MIKE KOSIK | STAFF WRITER

Rita M. Hiltner

by her parents; her husband, Edwin Hiltner; her brothers, Frank (Eleanor Spaeth), John (Christine Rau) and Sylvester (Monica Hiltner); her sisters, Hilda, Elizabeth (Schmidt), Amanda (Zirbes) and Helen (Budde, Eichers); and her sonin-law, Leon Koopmeiners.

Rita is survived by her four children, Mary Ayers (Doug Porteous) of Toronto, Ontario, Peter (Hyon So) of Saint Roberts, Missouri, Susan (Richard Shawley) of Avon, Leon (Tammy Stewart) of Alexandria; and her sisterin-law, Genevieve (Overman) Hiltner. Rita loved and was very proud of her seven grandchildren and her 13 great grandchildren, Karolyn and Curtis Marshall and family, Peter Andrew Hiltner and Kim Stueve, Benjamin and Leeann Spartz Hiltner and family, Robin and Jeff Kremer and family, April and Jodi Huls and family, Nikki and Matt Klohr and family and Josh and Ashley Hiltner and family.

Rita was lovingly cared for the last years of her life by her granddaughter, Nikki, with help from the rest of the family.

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

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THANK YOU

Thank you

The family of Arnie Meier wishes to thank those who have offered kindness, support and messages of sympathy and comfort during this difficult time in our lives. We especially wish to thank Father Julius for the beautiful Mass and Father Edward for his prayers and kind words. Also, thank you to the funeral lunch group and Karen Heitzman and choir.

The Arnie Meier family

Thank you

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American Legion Auxiliary 101 of Melrose thanks businesses who donated to our Poppy Card Drive in Melrose, Freeport, New Munich, St. Rosa and Grey Eagle and people who distributed them. Thank you to those who distributed poppies in Melrose and Freeport May 19 and 20 and people for their generous donations.

The veterans thank you.

A special thank you to the Freeport State Bank of Melrose for the use of their facility for our poppies.

Marie Silbernagel, chairperson

Linnea Ingold, co-chairperson

P-22-1P

Reflecting on the past, but looking toward the future, the Albany Area High School Class of 2023 gathered May 26 for one last time to celebrate their graduation. The 118 seniors were presented their diplomas at the Albany High School gym in Albany.

Members of the Albany American Legion began the ceremony with the presentation of the colors.

Four graduating seniors spoke to a full gym – Makaela Zierden on We Are the Future, Sophia Schiffler on Live in the Moment, Connor Karki on The Next Chapter and Mason Bierbaum on The Conclusion. Also speaking was Cory Schlagel, high school math teacher and coach. The concert band and choir performed.

It was a grand send-off for these graduating seniors.

Albany graduate Izaac Hutchinson receives his diploma from Albany Area Schools Board Chairman Matt Kreuzer during a graduation ceremony May 26 at the Albany Area High School gym in Albany. The gym was filled with family and friends of the 118 graduates.

Albany Graduation PHOTOS

Want to view, or even purchase graduation photos? Scan the QR code below with your smartphone camera

Albany faces huge hike in city property insurance

Premium increase could top $46,000 next year

BY TIM

HENNAGIR | STAFF WRITER

Albany’s insurance cost to cover municipal building replacement could go through the roof next year.

Clerk/Administrator Tom Schneider told city leaders May 3 an appraiser with the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust had completed the city’s assessment. Schneider’s report did not contain good news.

every six years by an LMCIT assessor.

LMCIT is a self-insured membership cooperative. Its fundamental purpose is to cover city risks and mitigate hazards. The Trust contracts with HCA Asset Management to provide property appraisals.

“I didn’t think we had to insure our ponds, but evidently, they (LMCIT) feel that if a dike were to break somehow, there would be insurance risk,” Schneider said.

The good news, according to Schneider, was the value for city hall was down 5%.

“Still, there’s going to be a considerable jump in what we pay,” he said.

The insurance premium increase will factor into the city council’s budget discussions for next year along with significant increases in labor costs, Schneider said.

20% of your workforce.”

Harlander’s comment prompted a budget response from Mayor Tom Kasner regarding an earlier meeting discussion about the potential of additional North Park improvements and what the city could afford.

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Schneider said Albany’s insurance premium is likely to increase from $26,788 to $46,936 during 2024. The significant increase is due to higher replacement costs for labor and materials and economic factors.

“We were at $14 million in overall total property value a year ago. Now, we are at nearly $25 million,” Schneider said, adding the city assessment is typically done

City members pay a property premium based on 100% of their property’s replacement cost values.

The Trust also provides specific limits on the amount of coverage for each scheduled city property. Schneider said Albany was hit with a staggering 800% increase in sewer insurance coverage because LMCIT was going to require coverage for the city’s wastewater treatment system holding ponds.

“We are going to have to do some significant increases in wages, not the typical 3% to 6% we’ve done,” he said.

“That’s just the environment that we’re in.”

Councilor John Harlander said the situation might be different if the municipal workforce was larger.

“It would be one thing if we had 100 employees,” Harlander said. “We only have about 10 employees. If you lost two of them, you’ve lost

“We haven’t made any decisions right now that are going to cost us more money than we’ve been spending to maintain that park,” Kasner said. “But there are some things (like a splash pad and soccer fields) that could be expensive. Now we have to come up with an extra $40,000 or more for insurance.”

Schneider said it was going to be “scary” when he presents the city’s initial 2024 preliminary budget.

Kasner anticipated an “amazing” experience when that first budget is reviewed. Harlander replied, “We don’t need a splash pad and soccer fields in North Park. Those things are going to cost a lot of money.”

PHOTOS BY MIKE KOSIK

The Albany Area High School Class of 2023 graduation ceremony comes to a conclusion with the tossing of the caps May 26 at the Albany Area High School gym in Albany. One-hundred eighteen seniors graduated.

Albany seniors Makayla Hoheisel (left) and Olivia Kierzek display creative messages on the top of their caps during the May 26 graduation ceremony at the Albany Area High School gym in Albany. The program included speeches by four seniors, Makaela Zierden, Sophia Schiffler, Connor Karki and Mason Bierbaum and teacher and coach Cory Schlagel.

The Albany Area High School concert choir, including graduating seniors, sings the national anthem following the presentation of the colors by the Albany American Legion May 26 during a graduation ceremony at the high school gym in Albany. The concert band also performed.

The views expressed by our columnists are the opinions and thoughts of the author and do not reflect the opinions and views of newspaper staff and ownership.

Fretting for nothing

I was in panic mode early Wednesday morning. It was 4:30 a.m. and I turned on the television like I usually do, only I wasn’t paying attention to what I was clicking and all of a sudden, I flew right by the Arvig button and accidently clicked on a different button, ending up with a screen I didn’t want. And I didn’t know how to get the button back to where I wanted it to be. I hit a bunch of buttons on the remote, which got me nowhere. I turned the television off, let it sit in the off mode for a minute or so, like I was told by an Arvig technician to do anytime I ran into a problem, and I turned it back on with hopes it would come up to the original screen, but of course, it did not. So, I unplugged a cord in the back of my television, counted until 30 and plugged it back in, but that wasn’t the answer either.

From the Heart

by Carol Moorman

Before I actually unplugged the router, I sat on the couch and paused, thinking I’m making this harder than it really was. I looked at the remote and there was a houselike icon. I pressed that and my problem was solved. I was back to the original screen and was able to access the station I wanted.

All that fretting was for nothing.

It was a prime example of times in our lives when we worry about things and then ask ourselves, why are we worrying? It is minor compared to other major problems in life.

Technology has its place.

Years ago, we got Mom and Dad walkie-talkies as a gift, figuring Dad could use the device to let Mom know he needed her help in the garage when he was working on a woodworking project, instead of yelling for her. I’m not sure he ever used it.

Old habits are hard to break. I’m a prime example. An old-world person, it often takes me time to get used to something knew, especially technology-wise.

And if technology doesn’t work, I tend to panic pretty easy. If my cell phone stops working, for one reason or another, I worry that people won’t be able to get hold of me, especially if there is an emergency. That from a person who swore she would never use a cell phone. I still know

people who swear off cell phones and I applaud them for that. We lived our lives just fine without cell phones years ago and still can today.

There are pros and cons of having a cell phone. If I remember to take the phone with me, I can even answer a call when I’m in the bathroom. When it comes to a con, a person is never not available, even when they are not actually working or on vacation.

Computers can also cause a commotion, especially when they are not working like they should. I use a computer for most every aspect of my job. When I interview someone, I type as they talk, making sure I have eye contact with them throughout the interview, while my fingers do the work, just not in writing mode. It just means I can read what I type, compared to years ago when I wrote down in a reporter’s notebook what people said. My interviewees would try to read what I wrote, which most times they couldn’t, and were amazed with the article I came up with from my chicken scratch, as one person called it.

I used to have pretty good handwriting, before I became a journalist and had to write fast.

Even when I’m doing an interview where I can’t take my computer with, like during an outside interview or when covering an event, I use the video on my cell phone to record what they are saying and then type what was said on my computer when I get back to the office. It worked pretty slick May 19 when I was taking photos of the yearbook dedication at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Melrose and couldn’t take photos and write down what they were saying at the same time.

So, I guess technology is a good thing and at times my crutch. I just have to learn not to panic so quickly when things don’t work the way I want them to. Sooner or later, it will work.

The next time I have a mishap with my television, and I have no doubt I will, I will just have to stop, breath, hit the house icon and remember there are worse problems in life.

Crime & PUBLIC SAFETY

Teenager injured in Avon Township rollover

AVON TOWNSHIP – A St. Joseph teenager was injured following a one-vehicle crash around 11:26 p.m., May 20, in Avon Township.

According to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, deputies located the driver and sole occupant, Nathaniel Wayne Morehouse, 16, in a yard near the 1811 block of Upper Spunk Lake Road. Morehouse was driving a 1993 Ford F150 east on Upper Spunk Lake Road when he entered the south ditch and drove into a grove of trees. The F150 rolled several times and landed on the roof. He crawled out of the truck, the report said, and into the nearby yard. Morehouse was transported by Mayo Clinic Ambulance to the St. Cloud Hospital for his injuries.

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Avon police and fire departments.

Avon police arrest

Alexandria man after drugs found in vehicle

AVON – An Alexandria man was arrested by Avon police May 20 and charged with two drug-related felonies for allegedly possessing more than 100 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to sell it.

Timothy Gerald Brockopp, 55, was charged with two counts of first-degree aggravated controlled substance and two aggravating factors. Each count carries a sentence of not less than four years or more than 40 years imprisonment, a $1,000 fine or both.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Stearns County, around 6 p.m., an Avon police officer stopped a vehicle, registered to Brockopp, after it was observed speeding near the westbound entrance ramp of Interstate 94 in Avon. The officer had been informed by the West Central

Speak up – help save Albany North Park from more destruction

Kenn Burr, Albany Albany residents, are you aware of the mature trees being carelessly removed in North Park? Over two dozen standing trees have had their bark/cambium layer scraped, gouged, cut and damaged, leaving them open for disease and potential loss with the destruction taking place.

The city council has allowed the cutting of trees and clearing of wildlife habitat, where children and adults used to have a natural discovery zone. A mini-forest hidden in the wilds of an overgrown thicket where the coolest fort had been built by either children, teenagers, adults or all. It was a little unknown hideaway to most,

Violent Offender Task Force the defendant was under investigation for the distribution of controlled substance and was believed to be on a return trip from the Twin Cities metro area with a large amount of methamphetamine, the complaint stated.

Brockopp, who was in the passenger seat, became agitated and exited the mini-van. The officer’s canine indicated the presence of narcotics around the vehicle. Behind the driver’s seat was a black plastic tote containing a small black duffel bag. Field testing on the substances in plastic bags indicated the presence of methamphetamine weighing approximately 403.39 grams and 24 grams, according to the complaint.

Brockopp has a first-degree controlled substance conviction in 2017 and a fifth-degree conviction in January 2019, both in Douglas County. His next Stearns County court appearance is set for June 8.

While the curtain closes on the graduating class of 2023, so does one open to an endless sea of opportunity for these 18-year-olds who will venture out in the vastness and uncertainty of modern-day society.

Finishing high school may seem like a relief to the litany of challenges 13 years of education can bring.

But it also poses an array of new challenges as these young men and women gaze into the future trying to see themselves 5, 10, 20 and 30 years down the road.

We all remember our graduation. For me, it was a shining moment because everyone joyously celebrated when my name was called and threw their hats in the air. Much to my chagrin, I later found out the hat throwing was only because I was last in line. Such is life with the last name that starts with a Z.

Being 18 in 1992 is a lot different than being 18 in 2023. We didn’t have cell phones or social media. We actually had to pass notes in class to communicate and if we wanted to get hold of our buddies when they weren’t home, we had to go find them at the nearest mall or Taco Bell. I had one friend who had a pager, so whenever it went off, he had to pull over and use a pay phone. A popular song back then by Travis Tritt was “Here’s a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares.)”

Kids nowadays wouldn’t understand what that means.

Back then, our parents and teachers told us we had life in the palm of our hands, a future so bright we had to wear sunglasses. Remember the song “I Wear My Sunglasses at Night” by Corey Hart? We believed our parents and teachers, and we ventured into society; some of us in a dead sprint, some of us leisurely strolling, some tiptoeing and some just dipping our toes in the waters while keeping the other foot anchored safely at home.

Looking back, I realize how much fun those early adult years were. The freedoms of staying out late and sleeping in. No homework, no after school practice, nobody telling us what to do or where to be. Of course, this lasted for just a short while, until the responsibilities of college and/or work came calling.

These next several years for these graduates will largely dictate the rest of their life. We cannot underestimate the importance of this time for them. They will likely choose a career and many will choose a lifelong partner.

Most importantly, these graduates have what we all had at the age of 18: Hope and opportunity. They have a blank canvas and buckets full of paint to do with it whatever they choose. In a way, we are all artists in how we shape and form our futures. We add to the canvas every day, and the longer and more we add, the smaller the canvas gets. One day the canvas will be so full and we will be so tired, we will no longer add to it. But people will celebrate that work of art and remember all those little brush strokes made along the way.

Another song from the 1980s reminds me of graduation. Skid Row was a popular heavy metal band who performed “18 and Life.” The song was about a young rebel who commits a crime and has to serve the rest of his life in prison. “18 and life, you got it. … 18 and life to go.”

It’s important these young adults understand the choices made in these next few years could determine the course of their life.

My advice to this group of 18-year-olds is that Skid Row’s lead singer Sebastian Bach is right – “You got 18 and life to go.”

Make the most of it.

And don’t forget to call your mom. She cares. You don’t even need a quarter to do so.

Letters TO THE EDITOR

where discovery and creativity once flourished. Now, it’s totally destroyed. Another thicket area near the ballpark, once disguised as a swamp, is now completely cleared, destroying another natural habitat for wildlife.

Please help stop this group from doing further damage. Help preserve our quiet space. Contact city council members now: Adam Rushmeyer, Keith Heitzman, John Harlander, Al Amdahl and Tom Kazner or park board members Ross Voit, Sonya Hoffarth and Grant Johnson.

If allowed to continue with the multiple phase plan, Albany will lose a very precious commodity– its serene green space. It will be replaced with concrete and gravel to accommodate BMX bike tracks, soccer/lacrosse, tee-ball fields, ice rink, splash pad (wasting millions of gallons of treated water, a natural resource we should be preserving);

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neil Maidl ............................Marketing …………………………………………neil.m@star-pub.com

six pickleball courts, another ice-skating rink, warming house, and the list goes on.

To get your complete copy of a proposed map/diagram, contact Tom Schneider at city hall.

Plans would remove one of two tennis courts, adding numerous pickleball courts adjacent. Keep existing tennis courts intact, as both are used. Start with two pickleball courts and see if the fad catches on, verses six courts. Give each sport separation. Keep pickleball courts where the city has already spent $28,000 in prep work, closer to Highway238.

Help stop the destruction/devastation of one of the best places to visit, take a stroll or relax in one of the largest green spaces many families have come to enjoy.

Call the city council now. Stop the insanity.

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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

The deadline for most news in The Star Post is 5 p.m. Friday. Exceptions are obituaries and reports of weekend events, which have a deadline of 10 a.m. Monday. The deadline for advertisements in The Star Post is 5 p.m. Friday, and in the Shopper and Classy Canary it is noon Wednesday.

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

In Other Words by Bryan Zollman

Survived,

overcame, grew up

Melrose graduates encouraged to shape a better future

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

Reflections on the unique high school careers of the Class of 2023 were observed May 26 during the Melrose Area High School graduation ceremony at the Melrose Area Elementary School gym in Melrose.

“It has been a rough four years,” Superintendent Greg Winter said. “There were a lot of challenges. Hopefully, the lessons learned in the last for years will serve you well.”

One senior speaker reminded classmates they made it through these challenges, including those due to the pandemic.

“We survived, overcame and grew up in the process,” said Ellie Heller, one of three grand distinction students to speak.

Fellow speaker Madison Baysinger compared their high school years to building a house. Their educational foundation had been laid, walls built and roofs (their lives) were being added.

“We came to rely on each other,” she said, comparing how supporting each other was similar to how walls of a house support each other.

Helping each other and being with classmates was what the final senior speaker, Philip Job, touched on. He saw the class as ready to leave school.

“We are growing into leaders. We are ready to make the world a better place,” Job said. “We are being sent on a mission to shape a better future.”

Adam Rushmeyer, faculty spokesperson, said their last time together as a class should be celebrated.

“The last few days together are leading to a whole bunch of firsts, and you are ready for some really big firsts,” Rushmeyer said.

School Board Chairperson Pat Heller reminded the 107 graduates of the need to stay connected to their roots. He spoke not only as board chair but as the parent of a graduate, like two other board members.

“Stay in touch, call your parents often,” Heller said. “And say hi to close friends.”

Melrose Area High School graduate

Will Sjogren receives his diploma from School Board Member Becky Feldewerd May 26 during a graduation ceremony at the elementary school gym in Melrose. Sjogren was the first in his class of 107 to receive a diploma.

Melrose School Board receives good news on project Researching renovation of high school entrance

BY HERMAN LENSING

Melrose Area Public Schools budget for the Community Services Building renovation project on May 22 during a regular meeting in the media center in Melrose.

The board, at its April 24 meeting, budgeted $216,000, which was the bid from Breitbach Construction Co., for the project to accommodate the West Central Education District’s Beacon program.

“They (the bids) came in so much less than we anticipated,” said Erin Noska, business man-

WRITER

| STAFF

ager. “This will look good for our budget the rest of the year.”

Because of the decrease, the school district and WCED made a change in how to handle the billing. The billing will come to the district for payment. It will then be submitted to the WCED for reimbursement.

The Beacon program is a special education program for students in grades one through eight. In previous years, it was housed in Sauk Centre.

A possible renovation project of the high school entrance area was reported by board member

Becky Feldewerd, a member of the Health and Safety Committee. She said there may be a need to redesign the entrance to make it easier for those monitoring the door.

Superintendent Greg Winter had other good news regarding the budget. The board approved $4,993.25 for renewal of membership in the Minnesota State High School League, down from the $5,964 paid for membership last year.

“During the high point of the pandemic that cost shot up quite a bit because the MSHSL (Minnesota State High School League) lost revenue from the lack of state tournaments. This number is more in line with that of the pre-pandemic amounts,” Winter said.

In other board news:

–Approved policies covering participation at board meetings, criminal or civil action against the

school district, reporting child neglect or abuse and overdose medication it had reviewed at previous meetings. The policies were developed following Minnesota School Board Association guidelines.

–The policy dealing with staff development and mentoring was amended to have the team determined by the site. The Minnesota School Board Association had recommended having the board appoint the team.

“This is going back to the way it was,” Winter said when recommending the approval.

–Approved notices of assignment for the community education and activities assistant, curriculum development/federal programs coordinator, Dutchmen Explorer’s Club and interventionists positions; and approved a new teacher’s Training Option Plan.

PHOTOS BY HERMAN LENSING

Celebration confetti floats down on graduates May 26 during a graduation ceremony at the Melrose Area Elementary School gym in Melrose. One-hundredseven graduates were honored with many participating in a parade around Melrose following the ceremony.

Audrey Peifer gives a thumbs-up from a vehicle May 26 during a parade of graduates around Melrose following the graduation ceremony at Melrose Area Elementary School in Melrose. The parade, which is voted on by seniors, has been held since the first year of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

Graduates Esai Gutierrez (left) and Jesse Ambriz enter the Melrose Area Elementary School gym in Melrose May 26 at the start of the graduation ceremony. Gutierrez ’s stole signified he was an honor student.

Budding business high schoolers

Albany, Melrose, Sauk Centre students  showcase WSCEO businesses

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

Budding business high schoolers, showcasing potential professions, circled a room May 17 at the Melrose City Center in Melrose, eager to share product ideas during a trade show.

With a musically inclined family, Peyton Wiese, Albany Area High School senior, found the perfect business to start –Guitar and String Instrument Maintenance and Repair.

Natalee Hoffner, a Melrose Area High School junior, is the owner and baker of Sweet Tooth Cupcakes, Cookies and More, while her classmate, Lily Wiechman, was promoting a healthy food option with Lily’s Protein Bites. Melrose junior Kevin Galicia opened a dog-related business, Kevin’s Dog Walking and Pet Sitting, and classmate Blaise Welle helped customers with lettering projects as the owner of MN Motorsport Graphics.

Sauk Centre High School senior Nate Schirmers and junior Jay Neubert partnered up to start Extreme Pressure, a pressure washing business. Christopher Polipnick, a Sauk Centre junior, opened Polipnick Productions, a video pro-

Chair Heller called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The following members were present: Mr. Heller, Mr. Dufner, Mr. Heidgerken, Mrs. Uphoff, Mrs. Klassen, Mrs. Poepping, & Mrs. Feldewerd. Also present were: Mr. Winter, Ms. Noska, Mr. Doetkott, Mrs. Pearson, & Mr. Anderson. Mr. Dufner moved, with a second by Mr. Heidgerken, to approve the agenda. The Motion was unanimously carried. There were a few community members at Open Forum with concerns. No action was taken. Board reports were given. No action was taken.

Administrative reports were given. No action was taken.

The Board & Mr. Winter held a Second Review of Policy 206 - Public Participation in School Board Meeting. No action was taken.

The Board & Mr. Winter held a Second Review of Policy 211 - Criminal or Civil Action Against School District, School Board Member, Employee, or Student. No action was taken.

The Board & Mr. Winter held a Second Review of Policy 414 - Mandated Reporting of Child Neglect, Physical, or Sexual Abuse. No action was taken. The Board & Mr. Winter held a Second Review of Policy 425 - Staff Development. No action was taken.

The Board & Mr. Winter held a Second Review of Policy 516.5 - Overdose Medication. Changes to the second review were noted. No action was taken. Mr. Heidgerken moved, with a

Students

businesses,

duction business. Classmate, Zach Klimek, “The Squeegee Shark,” was anxious to clean windows as the owner of The Squeegee Shark Window Washing Service. Dominick Terhaar, also a Sauk Centre junior, was ready to help customers with advertising needs as the owner of Terhaar’s Advertisement.

All 10 students are in the Western Stearns Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities program, offered to Albany, Melrose and Sauk Centre high school juniors and seniors.

This is the fourth year for the WSCEO program. Students apply to be in

the year-long school program, coordinator James Schreiner said. It teaches students the skills and value of starting their own business. They learn about operating a business from local business owners invested in the program who serve as mentors. Students visit businesses throughout the school year.

“It’s all about what they’ve learned from speakers and things they’ve heard from business owners,” Schreiner said.

Students came up with their business idea and developed a business plan, after meeting with people who could assist them with

what a plan looked like.

“They met with a bank lender to go through the whole work experience,” Schreiner said.

The trade show was an opportunity for business owners invested in the program, friends and family to check out the students’ new businesses.

Who knows, it may have led to window washing or pressure washing gigs, an advertising or video contract, a dog walking date, a letter making project, a solution to an instrument issue or tasting a sweet or healthy treat.

Regular School Board Minutes - Melrose Area Public Schools

second by Mrs. Uphoff, to approve the following consent agenda items:

March 27, 2023 Regular School

Melrose Area Public Schools ISD #740 will be accepting sealed bids for Milk and for Bread until 3:00 pm on May 31, 2023. All sealed bids should be labeled as “Milk Bid” or “Bread Bid” on the

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF ALBANY PLANNING COMMISSION

There will be a Planning Commission meeting in and for the City of Albany, Stearns County, Minnesota, at 6:30 o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in the Council room at 400 Railroad Avenue for the said City for the following:

1. The public hearing will be held on a request by S.William Property Management, LLC, P.O. Box 406, Albany, MN, for the following:

a. Rezone property at 150 4th Street from C1-Core Commercial (Section 80.19) to R1-Low Density Residential (Section 80.05) for the purpose of remodeling an existing commercial building to a two-family dwelling or duplex.

b. Amend Land Use Map in Comprehensive Plan from commercial to residential designation.

c. Conditional Use Permit (CUP), Section 80.15, Subd. 3 (a), to allow a two-family dwelling in an R1-Low Density Residential District.

Anyone wishing to comment will be heard at the public hearing and written comments may be forwarded to the office of the City Clerk/Administrator before the time of the public hearing.

Tom Schneider Clerk/Adm.

Published in the Star Post, on the 31st day of May 2023. P-22-1B

Albany Public Works to conduct seasonal HYDRANT FLUSHING

Monday June 5th through Friday, June 9th

Beginning ,Monday June 5th through Friday, the 9th of June, the Albany Public Works Department will be performing routine flushing of the City Water System and Fire Hydrants.

This is part of a regularly scheduled maintenance program that removes rust, manganese deposits and sediment from the City’s water lines. When hydrant flushing is being performed in your neighborhood you may experience rusty water and discoloration along with pressure fluctuation.

Below are some precautions you may take:

• When you notice flushing is occurring in your neighborhood, please check your water coming from your faucet before using your washing machine. You may need to run it for a bit until it runs clear.

• If by accident you do wash a load and rusty looking streaks appear on your laundry, don’t use bleach as this will set the stains permanently. A product called “Iron Out” has been shown to be successful in removing iron stains from fabric. If you have any questions, please call Albany’s Public Works Supervisor, Joe Mergen at 320.980.2990.

P-22-1B

Monday, April 24, 2023

The Motion was unanimously carried. Mr. Dufner moved, with a second by Mrs. Klassen, to approve the Treasurer’s Report. The Motion was unanimously carried. Mrs. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mrs. Poepping, to approve the following donations:

➢ 3-28-23 - American Legion Post 417 - Long Prairie - High School - PE Wrestling Unit - $1,000.00

➢ 3-28-23 - Centre Mat Youth Wrestling Club - High School - PE Wrestling Unit - $1,300.00

➢ 3-30-23 - State Farm - Dina Pierskalla - Community Education - Summer Recreation VB Shirts - $600.00

➢ 4-11-23 - United Way - DistrictSchool Supplies - $200.00

➢ 4-13-23 - Magnifi Financial - District - 60 Purple Chairs - $2,160.00

➢ 4-19-23 - Dutchmen Booster Club - High School - Football Jerseys$1,000.00

➢ 4-20-23 - Melrose Lions - High School - Girls Golf - $1,000.00

➢ 4-20-23 - Melrose Lions - High School - Boys Golf - $1,000.00

➢ 4-20-23 - St. Rosa Lions - High School - Girls Golf - $500.00

➢ 4-20-23 - St. Rosa Lions - High School - Boys Golf - $500.00

➢ 4-21-23 - Land O’ Lakes - High School - Prom Food - $200.00

Upon a roll call vote being taken

those voting in favor thereof: Mr. Heller, Mrs. Klassen, Mr. Dufner, Mrs. Feldewerd, Mr. Heidgerken, Mrs. Uphoff, & Mrs. Poepping. Those voting against the same:

None. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Dufner moved, with a sec-

ond by Mr. Heidgerken, to approve Policy 515 - Protection & Privacy of Student Records. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mrs. Klassen moved, with a second by Mrs. Uphoff, to approve Policy 534 - School Meal Policy. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Dufner moved, with a second by Mrs. Uphoff, to approve Policy 722 - Public Data Request. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Heidgerken moved, with a second by Mrs. Poepping, to approve the 2023-24 School Calendar Revision. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mrs. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mr. Dufner, to approve the Bid for Breitbach Construction for the ALC Renovation. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Heidgerken moved, with a second by Mrs. Poepping, to approve closing the meeting at 7:15 pm to Discuss Negotiations. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mrs. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mrs. Klassen to Reopen the Closed Session after a short break. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mrs. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mrs. Poepping, to close the closed session. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Heidgerken moved, with a second by Mrs. Uphoff, to adjourn the meeting at 8:11 pm. The Motion was unanimously carried. Becky Feldewerd, Clerk P-22-1B

Holdingford School Board Briefs

The Holdingford School Board held their regular meeting on May 17, 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, Elementary Principal Jim Stang, Secondary Principal Tim Wege, Adm. Assistant Linda Zapzalka, Summer School Principal Kristina Clem, Student Board Rep Morgan Pellett and Hans Lammeman from Star Publications

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 the consent agenda included: approval of the minutes from the April 19th School Board Meeting and May 3rd Work Session; approval of the schedule of bills in the amount of $446,732.09. Computer checks approved #54040 through #54187 and #30608 through #30625 in the amount of $5,405.16; approval of the electronic transfer for April 2023, $1,591,442.04; acknowledgement of the Treasurer’s Report balance per books $5,814,929.30; called for a closed meeting to follow the June 21st board meeting; approved Policy 506 Student Discipline; Policy 606 Textbooks and Instructional Materials; Policy 613 Graduation Requirements; Policy 806 Crisis Management; accepted the following donations $200 United Way to BackPack fund, $200 Resurrected Artists to Drama, $1000 St Wendel Sportsman Club to Trap, $2000 American Legion to F+Gift of Sight towards vision screening machine, $10,000 Booster Club, $230 FAN club to Art Club. The Board thanked the Donors for their generosity!

Citizen Participation: Hans Lammeman introduced himself as a new reporter for Star Publications Newspaper.

Reports: Superintendent Swenson summarized the Education Omnibus Bill that the Legislature has passed. The Administrators will work through the details to process and determine the effects on our District. Student Board Rep. Morgan Pellett reported on Spring Fling which included a career and college fair, track team successes, fall play, youth track clinic, sixth grade activity fair, and year-

books are out. Mr. Wege added that both the boys and girls track teams will have a send off on Friday to participate in the State True Team Meet.

Secondary Principal Tim Wege reported on the upcoming Choir Concert for grades 8-12, the seniors have six days left and the rest have two weeks, and the Graduation Ceremony is June 2nd at 7:00 PM.

Elementary Principal Jim Stang reported Grandparents Day was a huge success and he thanked everyone that had a part in the successful event. He informed the Board that MCA testing is complete and he thanked all the folks involved in the preparing, testing and rewards. Mr. Stang added that field trips are back and are being enjoyed by all, the Bounce Party and Sixth Grade May Madness are coming up next week.

Mr. Swenson extended kudos to everyone that had a part in Grandparents Day including many of the Board members and a shout out to FFA on their plant/flower sales and exquisite Banquet. Ebnet reported BSED meeting was canceled.

Business Manager Garrity Gerber reported he is working on the FY24 Budget while deciphering how the new legislation will impact it and the MASBO Conference he attended was very informative. Other agenda items at the May 17, 2023 meeting included:

Business Items:

• Mr. Gerber summarized the pool project and explained the funds being used are a combination of funds raised by the swim team $7,500, a Booster Club donation of $8,345, and general fund dollars of $17,000. Approve the contract with Horizon Commercial Pools to purchase and install new Starting Platforms on the pool deck at a total cost of $32,845.00.

• Approved contract with Innovative for Elem SPED classroom furniture and install at a total cost of $32,784.20.

• Approved contract with Innovative to replace and install furniture in three highschool classrooms at a total cost of $42,762.81.

• Mr. Gerber recommended tabling the approval for freezer and cooler general construction until a future meeting.

• Called for a Special Meeting to take place prior to the 6/7/23 Work Session.

• Called for a Special Closed Meeting to take place following the 6/7/23 Work Session to discuss negotiations.

• Acknowledged the intent to negotiate with Custodians and Ed Assistants. Personnel:

• Hired Mackenzie Timm for the Second Grade Teacher position.

• Hired Denise Waletzko for the Fifth Grade LTS Teacher position.

• Re-Authorized Jason Bruns, Activities Director/Dean of Students as a Teacher on Special Assignment for 2023-2024 school year.

• Hired Summer School 2023 Staff as presented by Kristina Clem. Mr. Stang thanked Ms. Clem for her work coordinating Summer School.

• Hired Breanne Skroch for a Kid Zone Assistant 18+position. Accepted the resignation from Elementary Para Kimberly Haugerud.

• Hire Michelle Schumer, a Tier 2 licensed teacher for the Secondary Special Education Teacher position for the 2023-2024 school year.

• Hire Carrie Jendro, a Tier 2 licensed teacher for the Secondary Language Arts Teacher position for the 2023-2024 school year.

• Hired Summer 2023 Grounds Helper & Cleaners as presented. A review of the upcoming meeting dates took place.

Special Board Meeting June 7, 2023 @ 5:30 PM in the HS Meeting Room.

School Board Work Session June 7, 2023 @ 6:00 PM in the HS Meeting Room.

Special Closed Meeting June 7, 2023 to follow Work Session School Board Meeting June 21 2023 @ 6:00 PM in the HS Meeting Room.

Special Closed Meeting June 21 2023 to follow Board Meeting. 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.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Western Stearns CEO students Kevin Galicia (front, from left), Lily Wiechman, Natalee Hoffner, Christopher Polipnick and Blaise Welle; and (back, from left) Peyton Wiese, Nate Schirmers, Jay Neubert, Zach Klimek and Dominick Terhaar gather outside May 17 before the Westerns Stearns Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities trade show at the Melrose City Center in Melrose.

showcased their

for which they developed business and marketing plans.

Lady Dutchmen softball posts 20-hit playoff game

Bertram goes 5-for-5

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

The Melrose Area Lady Dutchmen stayed alive in the Section 6AA softball playoffs with a 14-4 win over Pillager May 23 in the playbacks at River’s Edge Park in Waite Park.

Melrose played Cathedral May 30 in the second round of playbacks.

Melrose 14, Pillager 4

In the win over Pillager, Melrose played well in all aspects. The offense hammered out 20 hits, as every batter had a least one hit.

Kaydence Bertram led the team with a perfect 5-for5 day. She capitalized on those hits scoring three runs with two RBIs.

“I was eager to get the ball out there so I was just timing my pitches really well and swinging the bat hard,” she said.

Bertram’s first-inning single drove in Hannah Hoppe for the game’s first run. She singled in another run in the sixth with her final single.

The biggest hit for Melrose was Paige Gruber’s over-the-fence, tworun home run. She reached first base five times, going 2-for-3 with two walks and a fielder’s choice. Theresia Nathe’s 3-for-5 day led to her scoring twice, including the game-ending run.

Jazmin Finken and Kari Rademacher added two hits each and drove in runs. Allie Hoppe doubled, Shantel Gruber tripled and Hannah Hoppe singled.

Ellie Grieve joined the hit parade with three hits.

playoffs against Pillager May 23 at River’s Edge Park in Waite Park. It was her third triple in three games.

She earned the win on the mound, scattering four Pillager hits and striking out four. She was helped out by a solid defense as the team

turned two double plays.

“Our coaches told us, ‘Keep the ball in front (of us) and don’t get down on anyone or be upset with each other,’” Bertram said.

“We were just trying our hardest, because we wanted to make it further through the season.”

The win marked the first time in over 20 years the Melrose softball won more than one playoff game. Pequot Lakes 7, Melrose 1

Melrose had two hits in a 7-1 loss to Pequot Lakes May 23 at River’s Edge Park in Waite Park.

Nathe’s fifth-inning triple and an RBI from Grieve provided the Lady Dutchmen’s run. Grieve pitched six innings in the loss. Pequot Lakes had 13 hits in the contest.

The run scored by Nathe was the first given up by Pequot Lakes in four games. It had 14 shutouts and four one-run games during its 19-2 season.

Melrose track team shows strength in Pequot Lakes

Lady Dutchmen snag second

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

Personal and season-best

finishes highlighted Melrose Area’s performance in its fi nal regular season track and field meet May 23 at the Pequot Lakes Twilight Invitational at Pequot Lakes High School in Pequot Lakes.

A few of the Dutchmen boys’ top performances resulted in winning events. That was particularly evident in events requiring sprinting. Kendall Jaenicke, 24.31 seconds, and David Raya Ambriz, 24.37, finished first and second in the 200-meter dash. Those two later ran with Damien Ramirez and Freddy Raya Garcia to win the 4x400 relay. In the longer 4x800, Anthony Martinez, Malachi Piche, Sawyer Frieler and Austin Kelzer finished in 10 minutes and 6 seconds to take second place.

In field events, the Dutchmen dominated the jumping competition, with Daniel Mueller, Kendall Jaenicke and Enoc Morales-Martinez taking second, third and fifth, respectively, in the triple jump. Kendall Jaenicke took third in the long jump and Andrue Stalboerger was second in pole vault.

The Dutchmen finished with 52 points, taking third place. Rock Ridge High School earned 90 for first place.

Melrose’s girls track and field program, meanwhile, earned 67 points, coming in second to Pequot Lakes’ 98.5. Field events were high points for the Lady Dutch-

men, as personal bests resulted in first-place finishes by Natalee Hoffner in the high jump, Isabelle Jaenicke in the long and triple jump and Georgia Anderson and Josie Eveslage in the pole vault. In addition, Natalie Enright took silver in the shot put.

On the track, Isabelle Jaenicke led the sprinting corps, taking first in the 100 and second in the 200. The 4x800 team, comprised of distance runners Bridget Hingeveld, Zoe Hoeschen, Alyssa Stordahl and Maria Hinnenkamp, earned runners-up honors.

Melrose begins section competition Wednesday, May 31 in Rocori, with the section meet concluding Saturday, June 3 in Detroit Lakes.

Melrose girls results: 100: 1.

Softball from page 8

A two-run sixth by the Patriots erased that lead and put Pequot Lakes on top for good. Pelzer, Holthaus and Rieland had two hits each.

Pequot Lakes has allowed more than one run in just two previous games this year. The five runs Albany scored against them ties the Huskies with Dilworth/Glyndon-Felton for the most runs scored against the Patriots in a game. Albany scored more runs against Pequot Lakes than the Patriots’ previous six opponents combined.

Albany 4, Pillager 3

The Huskies reached the section semifinals in walk-off fashion, defeating the Huskies from Pillager 4-3.

Pillager scored two in the third for a 2-0 lead, but Albany tied the game in the fourth. Alyssa Sand reached on a base hit. Two outs later, Nett also singled. Pillager errors proved costly, as both Sand and Nett scored to tie the game.

Albany went ahead 3-2 in the fifth when Pelzer scored on an RBI single from Rieland. That lead held just one inning, as Pillager scored the game-tying run in the top of the seventh.

That set up Albany’s thrilling seventh inning. Holthaus singled, advanced on Sand’s single and scored on Rieland’s game-winning base hit. Pelzer had three hits, with Holthaus, Sand and Rieland collecting two each.

Holthaus pitched the win, striking out five and walking two.

: 10. Stalboerger 21.97 and11. Teddy Wiechman 22.65. 300 hurdles: 11. Wiechman 56.21. 4x100: 3. Isaac Frericks, Dan Frericks, Kai Enright and Ryan Gysberg 49.93; 4. Aaron Abonce Garcia, Stanley Delgado Menjivar, Austin Eggert and Tyler Herdering 51.43; 8. Alex Middendorf, Logan Olmscheid, Angel Sanchez and Francisco Hernandez Martinez

1:04.64. 4x200: 3. Isaac Frericks, Dan

PHOTOS BY HERMAN LENSING

Lady Dutchmen Kari Rademacher (from left) Madi Kuechle and Ellie Heller greet Paige Gruber as she crosses home plate following a home run May 23 at River’s Edge Park in Waite Park. Gruber’s two-run shot led Melrose to a 14-4 win over Pillager in the Section 6AA playoffs.

Melrose Feed Mill

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Baseball

The Melrose Area High School baseball team has shut out opponents working its way through the West Central Conference.

Pitching became synonymous with the team as they always seemed to have someone who could keep opponents in check. The offense showed it had a knack for timely hits and speed and baserunning skills to create runs. That same speed was evident on defense, where the team quickly got to almost every ball for put outs. Players who reached base found they could not stray too far as Dutchmen pitchers and catchers recorded pickoffs. Those talents and skills came together for exciting games and wins.

The 2023 Melrose Area High School baseball team consists of Blaise Welle (front, from left) JT Allen, Miguel Nicolas Gomez, Darin Huston, Max Wehlage and Breydon Dobmeier; (middle, from left) Alexander Hernandez Juarez, Ethan Gerads, Isaac Rosenberger, Anthony Berscheit, Westin Middendorf, Ethan Frieler and Jayden Danzl; (back, from left) assistant coach Ryan Moscho, head coach Kyle Shaughnessy, Devin Orbeck, Hunter Goihl, Ian Funk, Ryan Herdering, Jackson Seanger, Connor Anderson and manager Fernando Estrella Becerra.

Softball

The Melrose Area High School softball team came into the postseason with good defense, pitching and timely hitting. Behind solid pitching, the team earned a reputation for not allowing many runs. The pitchers’ jobs were made easier by a defense, which got to most balls that were hit for flyouts or made good throws for groundouts. Offensively, the team showed it could play base-to-base, and it had the power for extra-base hits. Throughout the lineup, the team had batters who could hit doubles, triples and occasionally over-the-fence home runs. The team displayed poise and a belief in itself offensively, defensively and while pitching. It always felt it was one hit or good defensive play away from winning a game. That belief led to late-game rallies and successful must get this team out finishes.

The 2023 Melrose Area High School softball team consists of Allie Hoppe (front, from left) Theresia Nathe, Kaitlyn Klasen and Bryanne Feldewerd; (middle, from left) Ellie Heller, Jazmin Finken, Kaydence Bertram, Paige Gruber, Madi Kuechle and Kari Rademacher; (back, from left) manager Bella Kuechle, head coach Kristie Ekstrom, assistant coach Jordan Welle, Shantel Gruber, Ellie Grieve, Hannah Hoppe and assistant coaches Emily Welle and Holly Hellermann. Not pictured are Grace Herdering and Naomi Wiechman.

PHOTOS BY ALEE PHOTOGRAPHY