The Star Post 06-28-2023

Cities ponder impact of state marijuana legalization Albany, Avon, Melrose will address regulation during July meetings

BY TIM HENNAGIR AND CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITERS

Albany, Avon and Melrose are preparing city responses to Minnesota’s recently approved marijuana legalization.

After Gov. Tim Walz signed the 300-plus page bill into law May 30, local government sprang into action.

400 Block upda

The House and Senate gave final approval to the bill just days before the 2023 legislative session ended.

It will no longer be a crime for Minnesotans to have up to 2 pounds of marijuana in their homes and transport 2 ounces while in public.

The new law also creates a regulatory framework for licensing.

Local governments cannot prevent businesses that would cultivate, manufacture and sell marijuana at retail dispensaries, but city government can determine their location and prohibit them near schools.

Little Miss Melrose royalty named

Melrose researching po Hiltner happy to carry o ‘A Team’ has first baby b Gymnasts scoring with t pg

PHOTOS BY CAROL MOORMAN

As the sun was starting to rise Monday, Commercial Contractors Company workers from Melrose were inside the Lisa’s On Main building working on securing the west wall

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

A new Minnesota

Office of Cannabis Management will license cannabis and hemp business in 2025.

Marijuana legalization page 4

Abigail Welle shows excitement when she is crowned Little Miss Melrose princess by Alyssa Hoeschen, a former Miss Melrose princess, while candidate Wrenn Poepping (front, left) and (back, right) 2022 Little Miss Melrose Queen Willow Gregory reacts June 24 during the coronation at the Melrose American Legion in Melrose. Welle is the daughter of Craig and Jean Welle.

Crown

and sash time

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

Abigail “Abby” Welle raised both arms in celebration June 24 and said “thank you,” as she was crowned 2023 Little Miss Melrose princess on the Melrose American Legion stage in Melrose. A few minutes later Katelyn Roelike joined her as a princess followed by the naming of Daniella Pyka as Little Miss Melrose queen. They were crowned by Alyssa Hoeschen, a former Miss Melrose, and given their sashes and flowers by 2022 Little Miss Melrose royalty, queen Willow Gregory and princesses Lexi Worms and Nora Depute.

Wrenn Poepping was named Miss Photogenic.

The eight candidates included Lucy Hemmesch, 6, daughter of Dave and Cindy Hemmesch; Abigail Welle, 6, daughter of Craig and Jean Welle; Wrenn Poepping, 6, daughter of Gabby Poepping; Scarlett Bennett, 6, daughter of Corbin and Morena Bennett; Daniella Pyka, 6, daughter of Dave and Tonia Pyka; Addison Orbeck, 6, daughter of Doug and Kayla Orbeck; Katelyn Roelike, 8, daughter of Russ and Kayla Roelike; and McKenzie Bussman, 7, daughter of Chad Bussman.

They were each escorted onto the stage by a parent or parents and one grandma, as announced by emcee Jessica Housman.

“Great job for your eight contestants,” Housman said. “You nailed it.”

Each girl was presented with a partic-

Quilt of many memories

ipation trophy and their professional photo by Integrity Photography & Design as they stood side-by-side on the stage.

The three judges – Lindsey Trimbo and Kathi Sauerer, both involved with the Miss Sauk Rapids pageant, and Michelle Rust, a former Miss Sauk Centre in 1981 – sat off to the side, watching the hour-long program. The girls were judged beforehand and during the contest on presentation and evening gown.

In front of a Legion filled with family, friends and community members, candidates answered what their favorite place was within the community and why. Earlier in the day they presented a photo of themselves in their favorite place.

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Lawmakers pass tax exemption for Albany schools

Schreifels has treasured keepsake of African experience Kreuzer, Demuth instigate $60,000 property tax relief

BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER

Karen Schreifels has fond memories of Tanzania in east Africa. Now she has a quilt, filled with African memories, she can wrap herself in.

That quilt of many memories, hanging on a rope between two trees in Chuck and Monika Kraker’s Melrose yard, blew in the wind June 15 as Schreifels and her friend, Sister Chrispina Lekule, a member of the Missionary Congregation of the Evangelizing Sisters of Mary, from Tanzania, east Africa, explained how this quilt, made from material from Africa, came to be. Also listening, and asking questions, was Schreifels’ sister, Marlene “Molly” Schneider, and Pat Luetmer, friend and quilt collaborator.

“I liked all the material because you (Lekule) and I were together (in Zanzibar-Tanzania) when we bought all of it, and that’s a memory for me,” said Schreifels, a 1976 Melrose High School graduate who lives in Crystal.

Quilt page 3

BY HANS LAMMEMAN STAFF WRITER

Recent legislation spared the Albany school district more than $60,000 in property taxes courtesy of a collaborative effort between Board Chair Matt Kreuzer and State Rep. Lisa Demuth.

The district closed on an unoccupied former Albany Hospital building at a purchase price of $400,000 Sept. 13, 2022, with funding from a bond referendum approved by voters last August. Kreuzer said the district submitted necessary paperwork for property tax exempt status with Stearns County immediately after finalizing the deal.

Albany school page 3

COMMUNITY COVERAGE 127 YEARS

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

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Little Miss Melrose Princess Katelyn Roelike (from left), Little Miss Melrose Queen Daniella Pyka and Little Miss Melrose Princess Abigail Welle gather following their June 24 coronation at the Melrose American Legion in Melrose. They were among eight candidates from around the Melrose Area School District.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Sister Chrispina Lekule (from left), Karen Schreifels and Monika Kraker gather in front of a quilt June 15 at Kraker’s Melrose home. Schreifels purchased some of the block material when she was on a trip to Tanzania, Africa; others are from dresses she received as gifts while in Tanzania.

Little Miss Melrose page

2023

Emma Janet Arceneau Westin Albert Yarke Mary Ann Mitchell

Holdingford swaps fitness room, media center

BY HANS LAMMEMAN STAFF WRITER

The Holdingford School Board opted to swap locations of the Lowe Media Center and fitness room at Holdingford High School during a June 21 board meeting at Holdingford Public Schools.

Superintendent Chris Swenson and staff recommended the board make the switch, stating the media center no longer needs as much space for a computer lab now that each student has a device.

“I think it needs to happen,” said Rob Knettel, board member. “I think the space is way larger than they need for a library, and I hope the weight room looks really nice when it’s done.”

Swenson said the change would come with “quiet hour” policies before and after school to limit noise disturbances.

Quilt from front

Schreifels has been to Africa a few times. The first trip in 1999 stemmed from her volunteer work in Nicaragua, when another volunteer said her sister, who was a Franciscan Sister in Little Falls, knew there were two nuns from Little Falls going to Tanzania.

“I drove to Little Falls and knocked on the door.

I said, ‘I’m Karen Schreifels, and heard you have two nuns going to Africa. Do they want someone to join them?’ We had lunch and they said, ‘Karen, we have to interview you,’” Schreifels said.

The interview went well, and they said to her, “We will see you in November, if you want to come.”

In 1999, Schreifels helped with teaching at a school on the islands of Zanzibar in Tanzania, at a village called Cheju, where she first met Lekule. Schreifels’ initial plan was to volunteer in the school for six months, but her stay was shortened when she had to return home following the passing of her nephew. In late 2019, Schreifels took another trip to Tanzania where she met Lekule, with whom she had worked, along with the Franciscan nuns during her first trip in 1999. This time she had the chance to visit Lekule’s family at a village under Mount Kilimanjaro, where Lekule grew up.

During a shopping trip at an African market, Schreifels couldn’t resist purchasing the colorful batik material to have a quilt made.

“It’s beautiful work, all hand done,” Schreifels said.

To make room in her suitcase on the return trip home, she gave her clothes to

Albany school from front

The application was denied for coming after the July 1 deadline for submitting tax exempt paperwork.

“I thought the law was rather silly because the school district doesn’t have full discretion on when they can purchase a property,” said Kreuzer, an 11-year Albany School Board member. “We had to pass a bonding bill before we could purchase it. So, their arbitrary deadline of getting this form in made the law kind of silly because the school district should never have to pay taxes.”

With a 2023 tax assessed value of $1,475,700, the district was set to pay almost $60,500 in taxes ($14,571 for 2022 prorated taxes and $45,896 for 2023 property taxes) on the future early childhood learning center for kindergarten and preschool education.

“I tried to grab the bulls by the horn, not fully realizing what I was getting into

With a motion from Pat Meier, the board voted to carpet the media center, remove the rubber flooring and make other adjustments for the transition to be completed by August.

Holdingford Public

School Business Manager

Garrity Gerber said the decision did not impact the number of books available for students. Swenson said the media center weeds out certain books annually due to several variables, including

poor condition, but books are replenished annually with a budget specifically for that purpose.

“When we did the space layout, we had the same number of chairs and amount of tables that we do in our current library,” Gerber said. “The shelving that we currently have will be moved over, with the idea that in the future we will add additional shelving. We won’t be losing books or shelf space.”

Chairperson Ed Feia and Elementary Principal Jim Stang concurred with Knettel, saying the decision was a better use of both spaces. Additionally, Swenson explained new legislation required onboarding a licensed media and tech specialist. The board approved the posting for the position with hopes to fill the role by the fall.

went on a four-day safari, and slept in big house-like tent in the Serengeti National Park, a protected area in Tanzania, famous for its large lion population and other wild animals, including elephants, zebras and wildebeests. They had 24-hour night protection from game rangers, who are trained on the wild animals and wear green so the animals recognize them, Lekule said.

One night Lekule heard an elephant walking and a lion roaring, and she looked outside and saw an elephant. She called out to Karen, who was wearing what she said were “ear blockers.”

“It was a big experience. We had lots of fun,” Lekule said.

Schreifels shared the story of her special quilt, which Lekule was excited to see. Initially, she thought Schreifels was buying the material to give as gifts to friends.

Material in a purple block is from a dress made for Schreifels when she worked at the school in Tanzania.

“They had a tailor shop, measured me and made the dress right there,” Schreifels said.

Monday, July 3, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Mental Health Support Group. CentraCare-Albany Clinic, 30 Railroad Ave., Albany. For information call the clinic at 320-8452157.

Monday, July 3, 6:30 p.m. – Avon City Council Meeting. Avon City Hall, 140 Stratford St. E, Avon.

Wednesday, July 5, 6:30 p.m. – Albany City Council Meeting. Albany City Hall, 400 Railroad Ave., Albany.

Wednesday, July 5, 7 p.m. – AA Meetings. Back to Basic, at Tutti Frutti Marketplace, 38914 County Road 186, Sauk Centre. For more information, call 218-2401076. Big Book, Melrose City Center, 225 First St., NE, Melrose. For more information, call 320-241-3909.

Upcoming: Tuesday, July 11, 1:30 p.m. – Albany

Senior Citizens Meeting. Albany Area Community-Senior Center, 741 Lake Ave, Albany. This date replaces the July 4 monthly meeting, due to the holiday.

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

Tuesday, Aug. 1, 7 p.m. – Schanhaar-Otte Post 7050 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose

Join Us in Worship

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

the Sisters who would in turn donate them to needy women.

“I didn’t need the clothes, but I really needed the material,” Schreifels said.

Fast forward to 2023, and Lekule is in Minnesota during a one-year sabbatical from teaching at St. Augustine University of Tanzania, where she is a professor. It is a return trip for Lekule, who attended St. Cloud State University from 2006-2010, and she is reconnecting with friends, like Schreifels.

Lekule’s trip was a push for Schreifels, an admitted procrastinator, to get the quilt done. Schreifels enlisted the help of Monika Kraker, a long-arm quilter, in April.

initially because it was quite an uphill battle,” Kreuzer said.

Kreuzer said County Assessor Jake Piddle told him Stearns County was protected by statute and the July 1 deadline for submitting the tax exemption paperwork was not negotiable. Disappointed with the speed of communication with the county officials and the outcome of their interactions, he turned to Demuth for assistance.

“If there is a law that doesn’t make sense, the only way to fix that is to talk to your legislator and see if they’d be compelled to draft the bill to change the law,” Kreuzer said. “So, I connected with Lisa and had a few Zoom meetings with her.”

Demuth, a former Rocori School Board member, said she empathized with Kreuzer and began working on a bill to resolve the tax liability.

“I talked with my research staff, and they did a little bit of checking,” Demuth said. “We ended up having a bill drafted (April 13), which ended up being House File 3216. What that would do is provide the property tax exemption for the school district

“She is a lovely person and did a wonderful job,” Schreifels said. “It became a project, not just with me and Monika but it involved my two sisters (Molly Schneider and Judy “Mutz” Schreifels).”

Schreifels’ goal was to get the quilt done so Lekule could see it.

“It has come full circle, from 2000 when I first met Sister in Africa, she came here to go to school and returned home to teach and now is back again,” Schreifels said.

There was plenty of laughter June 15 in Melrose as memories of their time in Africa were shared, including when Schreifels and Lekule

for the property taxes that would be payable in 2023.”

Although Kreuzer said he thought the district was out of luck at one point, Demuth said Sen. Jeff Howe carried the bill in the Senate, which was included in the final tax bill. She said the decision to relieve the Albany School District of the property tax liability was popular across the aisle.

“As a legislator (and) policy maker, we have a bill drafted, and then we advocate for that to be included,” Demuth said. “It made sense; everybody saw that it wasn’t someone just looking for something extra. They saw that it was literally a timing glitch because of when the election was and when the deadline was.”

Demuth said the district’s tax complication was uncom-

A green quilt block evoked a memory of a second dress.

“It was a gift from the bishop of the Catholic diocese of Zanzibar (the Rev. Augustine Shao) given to me,” Schreifels said.

A burgundy block is material from a shawl she received as a gift from The Missionary Congregation of the Evangelizing Sisters of Mary, the religious order Lekule belongs to.

For Schreifels, the quilt is a treasured keepsake of her African experience.

“The quilt means so much to me,” she said. “It’s a story in itself.”

mon; she said her colleagues had not previously heard of it happening. She said she was humbled she could serve the school district and grateful for the outcome.

“Every dollar makes a big impact; budgets are tight (as) expenses continue to go up,” Kreuzer said. “It’s over $60,000, which is roughly equivalent to a new teacher’s salary and benefits. So, it was just incredibly exciting to win this battle. It makes a meaningful impact on kids and that’s why I sit at the board and why we all try to do the best we can.”

Kreuzer said he learned a lot from the experience of working with Demuth and was fortunate with the outcome. He hoped it set a precedent for future districts that face a similar tax liability.

320-253-7030

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Crossroads Center St. Cloud, MN 56301

A first name was misspelled in the Henry’s Heroes Walk article in the June 21 The Star Post. The Tschida twins born premature were Blake and Brandt. The Star Post apologizes for the error.

PHOTO BY HANS LAMMEMAN Board member Rob Knettel (from left), clerk Pat Meier and elementary principal Jim Stang review proposed policy changes June 21 at a school board meeting at Holdingford Public Schools in Holdingford. Meier motioned to approve adding a media center and tech specialist.

PHOTO SU B MITTED

Material for many of the blocks in Karen Schreifels’ quilt were purchased at a market in Tanzania. Some were from dresses and a shawl gifted to her or made for her also in Tanzania.

Mary Ann Mitchell

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, July

1, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany for Mary Ann Mitchell, 88, who passed away June 20, 2023, at home on her beloved farm in Albany, surrounded by family, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Burial will follow at Seven Dolors Cemetery. The family will greet friends starting at 9 a.m. at Seven Dolors’ gathering space, before the funeral.

Born in St. Cloud Nov.

12, 1934, to Leonard and Eleanor Sauer, Mary grew up in a loving and lively home as the third oldest in a family of eight siblings. She would tell wonderful stories of the adventures she had growing up in St. Cloud where she attended Cathedral High School and St. Cloud School of Nursing to become a registered nurse.

Mary met Emmett “Pete” Mitchell in Minneapolis in 1956. She took a leap of faith after a short courtship to join him on a new adventure in West Covina, California, where they wed and built a life together. Mary and Pete had seven children in California and created a household on Greenberry Drive that served as a second home for their extended family, children’s friends, neighbors and many animals. She was a calm and patient presence in the middle of it all. Mary continued to work full time as a nurse while raising her kids. Her ability to mother her own children and others, provide amazing nursing care and always find time for vacuuming was astounding.

Although her life in California was fulfilling, Mary continued to hold the hope of returning to her beloved Minnesota. Taking another leap of faith, Mary and Pete purchased a hobby farm in Albany after Pete’s retirement.

Mary and Pete loved their farm where they gardened, raised animals, hosted family and learned about farming through much trial and error.

In Albany, Mary returned to her true passion: nursing. She worked as a nurse at the Albany Hospital for decades, retiring from nursing at age 63 but continuing to work in the nursing float pool until age 75. She loved her work at Albany Hospital where she gave the doctors a hard time, bantered about politics and provided exceptional care to her patients.

Mary was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany and lived her life by the teachings of Christ: love,

Patriotism pride

Freeport, Melrose students earn awards for American Legion Auxiliary essays

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

Mary Ann Mitchell

generosity, simplicity, selfsacrifice and acceptance. After Mary’s great love, Pete, died of cancer, Mary rebuilt her life in the wake of her sorrow, continuing to work, travel with her family, support her kids’ and grandkids’ activities, grow beautiful flowers, tend to her farm and, most importantly, serve as grandmother extraordinaire to her many grandchildren. She was always there with an ice cream sandwich, a little ditty (What was that song she always hummed?), a comment about their hair and a no-nonsense and accurate suggestion that they would be “just fine.” Mary’s nurturing was reciprocated in her later years when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and her family and friends rallied around her to provide her with the love and care she showed so many others.

Left to honor and remember her love are Mary’s children, Peter Mitchell, Cathy (John Greer) Mitchell, David (Barbara) Mitchell, Jane (Mark) Spohn, Laura (Steve) Stumvoll, Paula (Jamie) van der Hagen and Luke (Lisa) Mitchell; 20 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings John (Margie) Sauer, David (Joyce) Sauer, Kay (Ronald) Brown, Owen (Beverly) Sauer and Rita (Richard) Tester; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Emmett “Pete” Mitchell; her parents Leonard and Eleanor; siblings Jerry, Patricia and Charles; granddaughter Mary; and daughters-in-law Charleen and Melissa.

The Mitchell family would like to extend its gratitude to our sister, Cathy, for being a dedicated caregiver for Mom throughout her illness, to Pat Luethmers for her special care of our mother and to Albany Clinic and CentraCare Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mary’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements were made by Miller-Carlin Funeral Homes in Albany.

P-26-1B

In loving memory of Florentine Hens

To our beautiful Mother, Florentine, who, on May 26, 2022, decided it was time to reunite with our dad, Richard. It has been one year since you decided to leave behind Dale, Diane, Robert and Karen. It’s hard putting it into words how much we miss you. You are also missed by daughter-in-law Joyce, son-in-law Ronald and Kevin, a friend of the family, and also grandchildren, great-grandchildren and

The Fourth of July is Tuesday; a time when patriotism shines.

For Linnea Ingold, whose son is an active duty Army Colonel and daughter-in-law is an Air Force veteran, patriotism is important, and she supports the military any way she can.

As a retired teacher, it is important to her that children learn the significance of military service and patriotism. For the past few years, she has chaired the Americanism essay contest, sponsored by the Melrose American Legion Auxiliary 101.

More than 50 third through sixth graders from the public and parochial schools around the Melrose Area School District entered essays they wrote for the 2023 theme “What Does Patriotism Mean

to You?” First, second and third place winners were chosen and awarded certificates and U.S. flag pins. Winners came from Melrose Area Public Schools in

Marijuana legalization from front

On June 19, Avon city administrator and clerk Jodi Austing-Traut said police chief Corey Nellis recommended the city consider extending the moratorium currently in place. The Legislature has authorized the extension of a moratoria through Jan. 1, 2025.

“Our moratorium is in place and effective until Aug. 15,” she told city leaders June 5 during their monthly meeting. “We will be able to license and zone for cannabis similar to liquor sales and distribution.”

all loved ones.

Dale, Diane, Robert and Karen B-26-1P

On Aug. 18, 2022, Melrose City Council members adopted a moratorium on the sale of hemp derived edibles and beverages, which expires Aug. 18, said Scott Dymoke, Melrose city attorney, June 20.

The Melrose City

Early Publication Deadlines

Council will consider a moratorium extension at its 6 p.m., Thursday, July 20, meeting at the Melrose City Center. Council members, during their June 15 monthly meeting, approved holding a public hearing July 20 to receive public input, as they study the issue. The new moratorium will apply to new businesses looking to produce, distribute and sell plant-form cannabis in Melrose.

Albany Police Chief Ozzie Carbajal addressed marijuana legalization during that council’s June 7 meeting.

“We’ve contacted city attorney Susan Dege,” Carbajal said. “I urge caution with any type of thing you may do right now. As a police officer for 28 years, I can tell you that this is going to be tough to regulate. The combination with alcohol will raise a lot of problems trying to sell within a liquor establishment.”

Albany Mayor Tom Kasner said he believed

Melrose and Sacred Heart Catholic School in Freeport.

“There were so many wonderful essays it was hard for our committee to choose the winners,” Linnea Ingold, chairperson, said. Ingold visited the schools

April 12, handing out certificates and pins.

“I really appreciate how much you have learned about patriotism and how supportive you are for our country, its veterans and the military,” she told them.

police officers are going to see a lot more people misusing marijuana.

Carbajal said from his perspective as a police offi cer, cannabis remains problematic as an introductory youth drug.

“I really think there are going to be a lot more people on the road who are impaired,” he said.

Melrose Police Chief Craig Maus, June 21, said education is an important component of this new cannabis legislation.

“To make sure businesses, like a bar or restaurant, who might have a current smoking area on their property, remind or monitor patrons who might smoke cannabis on the property like a cigarette. The new law follows the Clean Air Act, so if you can’t smoke a cigarette or cigar somewhere right now, you can’t smoke cannabis either,” he said. “Also, people growing it (marijuana), I don’t think will be a big issue, if they stay within the plant limitations.”

Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall, June 21, said her office is working on law enforcement

HELP WANTED

training and guidance, as is every other agency in the state. Albany City Council members will conduct a public hearing July 19 to review a proposed city ordinance that would establish a cannabis moratorium.

“City attorney Susan Dege will discuss this in greater detail with the council,” said Tom Schneider, Albany city administrator, June 21. “State legislation created a very complex law that was passed with a lot of unknowns.”

Schneider said if the Albany council does decide to move forward with a moratorium, city leaders would need to approve an ordinance at its July 19 meeting.

“Other cities and counties may move forward and pass something between now and 2025,” he said. “Those cities may move faster because of pressure from cannabis businesses. I think we need to set a hearing for July 19.” Council members unanimously concurred, approving the July 19 date.

is seeking Paraprofessionals for the 2023-2024 school year. If interested, please send a letter of interest, resume, and 2 letters of reference to:

PHOTOS BY CAROL MOORMAN

2023 Americanism essay contest fourth grade winners Aliva Nietfeld (front, from left), Maci Karnes and Trevor Ley gather with Linnea Ingold, Melrose American Legion Auxiliary 101 essay chairperson, April 12 during an award presentation at Melrose Area Public Schools in Melrose. Karnes earned first place, Nietfeld second place and Ley third place.

2023 Americanism essay contest fifth grade winners Kamden Fiedler (front, from left), Grace Moening and Landon Schmidt gather with Linnea Ingold April 12 during an awards presentation at Sacred Heart School in Freeport. Fiedler earned first place, Moening second place and Schmidt third place.

2023 Americanism essay contest sixth grade winners Rebecca Welle (front, from left), Mallory Neu and Isaiah Job gather with Linnea Ingold April 12 during an awards presentation at Sacred Heart School in Freeport. Neu earned first place, Welle second place and Job third place.

OPINION

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.

Touring a zoo through a child’s eyes

I have a picture ingrained in my mind – my great-niece Claire’s face pushed up against a fence watching a monkey’s antics at Hemker Zoo and Park in rural Freeport. While she was fascinated with the monkeys, she wasn’t so fond of a large tortoise crawling slowly toward her as she backed away. What a fun Saturday I had at the zoo June 17 with Claire and her grandparents, my sister, Audrey, and her husband, Jim.

Plus, a wish of mine came true. Before Easter I ordered baskets from Hemker’s Park and Zoo as gifts for my great-nieces and nephews. Each basket contained a chocolate Easter rabbit, pencils, coupons and a different stuffed animal. Bryson, the first to arrive at my place, decided he wanted the basket with the blue peacock; he called it a pheasant. But the neatest treat was each basket contained a child’s ticket to get into the zoo. In the back of my mind, I was hoping at least one of the children would ask me to go with them. I know I’m a little selfish, but who doesn’t want to experience the zoo through a child’s eyes.

by Carol Moorman

a screened building with parakeets flying – hundreds of them, according to the employee. They landed on our shoulders, arms, around our feet and even in our hair, which frightened Claire. They even hung upside down on a feed stick I was holding. This was not Claire’s favorite place to be.

But she loved looking at the colorful fish in a fish tank in the rhino building where two rhinos could wander around or they could go in a fenced-in outside area. It was like she wanted to jump right into the fish tank as Audrey fed the fish and they jumped out of the water. The gift shop inside this building was filled with stuffed animals, which Claire couldn’t resist holding, even though she had to put them back.

While it wasn’t feeding time for the two giraffes, we were able to watch them interact inside their fencedin area as we took our time touring the zoo on this overcast day with just enough of a breeze to keep us cool.

Alligators, snakes, you name it, Hemker Park and Zoo has it. And the animal sounds were non-stop.

Tennessee woman charged for drug-related incident in Melrose

MELROSE – A Chattanooga, Tennessee, woman was arrested June 18 in Melrose on a drug related charge for allegedly possessing one or more mixtures containing a controlled substance.

Jalene Denise Henegar, 33, is charged with felony fifth-degree possession, not a small amount of marijuana, with a maximum sentence of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. She was also charged with gross misdemeanor DWI-operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, with a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.

tal health evaluation and a cognitive skills program; abstain from alcohol and non-prescribed mood altering substances; comply with random urinalysis testing; provide a DNA sample; sign releases of information; not use or possess firearms; and comply with transfer of firearms.

– Zane Russell Robert Dosch, 31, of Melrose, was sentenced March 23 for first-degree driving while impaired stemming from an offense that took place Dec. 19, 2021. Dosch received a 46-month prison sentence, serving 30 2/3 months in prison and 15 1/3 months on supervised release and five years conditional release. He must pay a $50 fine plus surcharges and provide a DNA sample.

So, when Audrey said they were taking Claire and invited me to go with June 17, I jumped at the chance, thankful for the opportunity.

And I wasn’t disappointed. I knew Hemker Park and Zoo was a fun place from the articles I have written and photos I have taken, the last time being when they got their giraffe. But to walk around the zoo with a child is a whole new experience.

For Claire, it was her first time at a zoo. When she saw the huge playground equipment, she headed right for that immediately, and with a promise she could play on it later, we started walking around the zoo, checking out the wide variety of animals.

Claire clung on to Audrey as we walked inside

The gnomes amazed Claire, but there was no way she wanted her photo taken by one.

I eagerly placed my hand in Claire’s as she came up to me holding her hand out for me to do so as we walked past the reindeer who were eating. Minutes later we stopped so Jim could take a photo of us with the reindeer, and Claire wanted to be held by me – man did that make me feel good.

It’s those simple things in life that make life special.

If you are looking for something fun to do this summer, check out this zoo. It’s right in our backyard, so to say. You won’t be disappointed. I know I wasn’t. Thank you, Claire, for making my wish come true. It was the best time ever.

Fourth of July trivia

Almost everyone can answer what is celebrated on the Fourth of July in the United States.

Not all of us do well with knowledge about that day or event. Here are some interesting items about July Fourth and the Declaration of Independence.

Who drafted the Declaration of Independence? The committee of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston. Adams suggested Jefferson write it saying, “A Virginian ought to appear at the head of this business. Second reason, I am obnoxious, suspected and unpopular. You are very much otherwise. Reason third, you can write 10 times better than I can.”

by Herman Lensing

What was the average age of the signers of the Declaration of Independence in 1776? Forty-four, with Benjamin Franklin, at 70, being the oldest and Edwin Rutledge and Thomas Lynch, the youngest at 26.

What occupation had the best representation at the Continental Congress? Some had more than one occupation, but there were 24 lawyers, 17 merchants and 14 in agriculture. There were also physicians, surveyors/speculators, scientists, printers, ministers and musicians.

The Declaration of Independence lists reasons for separating from Great Britain, but at least one other reason was removed from Jefferson’s original draft. A 168-word condemnation of slavery was removed as South Carolina and Georgia would not approve that item in the document.

When was the document first published publicly? The July 6, 1776, Pennsylvania Evening Post had that honor.

Who was the first and last person to sign the document? The signing did not start until Aug. 2, 1776, after the document was scrolled on parchment. Tradition says John Hancock was the first to sign it.

Be proud to be a citizen of a great nation

Jay Backer, Senate District 12 Republican chair

Two hundred forty-seven years ago, in 1776, after affixing his signature to the Declaration of Independence, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, explaining the significance of what he and the founding fathers had done.

In his letter, he stated, “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews,

The last to sign was Thomas McKean, of Delaware, who may not have signed until sometime in 1777, a date which is debated. Not all members of Congress were able to sign.

What is the only woman’s name associated with the Declaration? Baltimore printer Mary Katherine Goddard was contracted to print a copy. Her Jan. 18, 1777, version was the first to print the names of those who had signed. Goddard’s name appears as the document’s printer on the bottom of the document.

How long did it take before July Fourth became a federal holiday? In 1870, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, New Year’s Day and Christmas Day were named federal holidays.

Which signer of the Declaration of Independence would sometimes refuse to participate in July Fourth celebrations? Adams felt July 2 should be Independence Day as that was the anniversary of the day the colonies voted to be independent of Great Britain. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the final wording of the document.

Which American city refused to celebrate July Fourth for 81 years? On July 4, 1863, Vicksburg, Mississippi, surrendered to the Union Army. From then until 1945, following World War II, the Fourth of July was not celebrated publicly.

Music and brass bands have a tradition on July Fourth. Who was the only known musician to sign the Declaration of Independence? While Benjamin Franklin was known to have played and composed music, the only signer with musician listed as an occupation was Francis Hopkinson.

Who were the two signers of the Declaration of Independence that died on the Fourth of July? Adams and Jefferson died July 4, 1826. The last signer to pass away was Charles Carroll Nov. 14, 1832.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Stearns County, Melrose police officers were dispatched around 12:36 a.m. to a suspicious person at Casey’s General Store in Melrose. Officers located Henegar, who showed signs of impairment, in a vehicle, where there was a strong odor of marijuana, the complaint said. A search of the vehicle produced what appeared to be marijuana cigarettes inside a Marlboro cigarette box and two pill bottles, one with a white substance in a bag confirmed to be methamphetamine.

Henegar had a prior DWI conviction, for which she was sentenced July 12, 2017, in Hamilton County, Tennessee.

Henegar’s next court appearance is Monday, July 17.

Avon man charged with fleeing an officer

AVON – A 23-year-old Avon man was charged with fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle following a June 16 incident that started near St. Joseph and ended in Avon.

Daniel Lee Oldenberg, II, faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Stearns County, around 6:49 p.m., a St. Joseph police officer observed a motorcycle, registered to Oldenberg, at a stoplight at the intersection of College Avenue and County Road 75 in St. Joseph, and a check showed the registration was expired, but the motorcycle appeared to have a 2024 sticker.

When the stoplight turned green, the motorcycle turned onto County Road 75 without signaling, and after the officer activated his emergency lights, the motorcycle accelerated and continued west, not stopping when the squad car’s siren was activated, the complaint said.

Avon officers located the motorcycle at Oldenberg’s residence, and the St. Joseph officer arrived and recognized the motorcycle and Oldenberg as the person he had observed earlier. As the St. Joseph officer approached Oldenberg, he apologized for running.

Oldenberg was transported to Stearns County jail where, during a statement, he acknowledged he saw the officer at the stoplight. He admitted his top speed while traveling to Avon was 115 mph and that he did not have a reason to run, the complaint said.

Oldenberg’s next court appearance is Wednesday, July 5.

March, April Stearns County felony convictions

– James Robert Miller, 43, of Freeport, was sentenced March 29 for domestic assault stemming from an offense that took place Aug. 21, 2022. Miller received a 24-month prison sentence, serving 16 months in prison and eight months on supervised release. He must pay a $50 fine plus surcharges and provide a DNA sample.

– Nathaniel Spears, Jr., 29, of Albany, was sentenced April 3 for possession of ammunition/firearm by ineligible person stemming from an offense that took place Aug. 4, 2020. Spears, Jr., received a 60-month prison sentence, serving 40 months in prison and 20 months on supervised release. He must pay a $50 fine plus surcharges and provide a DNA sample.

– Christian Nicholas Vega-Ramiro, 27, of Melrose, was sentenced April 7 for threats of a crime of violence stemming from an offense that took place March 4, 2021. Vega-Ramiro received a stayed prison sentence of 15 months and will serve five years’ probation and 65 days in jail. He must complete a substance abuse disorder assessment, domestic abuse programming and a mental health evaluation; abstain from alcohol and non-prescribed mood altering substances; comply with random urinalysis testing; provide a DNA sample, remain law abiding; have no contact with victim(s) and stay at least 500 feet away from victim’s residence; comply with probationary domestic abuse no contact order; not use or possess firearms; comply with transfer of firearms; sign releases of information; not leave Minnesota until probation is transferred; contact probation after sentencing; and pay a $50 fine plus surcharges.

games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.”

One year later, in 1777, the first official Fourth of July celebration was held in Philadelphia. Ever since, Americans have celebrated our country’s independence exactly as predicted by John Adams.

This year, as we celebrate, let us express our thanks that we are a nation of hope, opportunity and peace. Let us never forget the sacrifices so many have made to keep our country free.

Happy Fourth of July. Stand tall and be proud to be a citizen of this great nation. God bless America.

ST. CLOUD – The following people were convicted of felony offenses in the Stearns County courts system during March and April: – Dale Lloyd Hemmesch, 33, of Albany, was sentenced March 14 for felon in possession of a firearm stemming from an offense Aug. 1, 2016, to Feb. 12, 2022. Hemmesch received a stayed prison sentence of 60 months and will serve five years’ probation and 60 days in jail. He is subject to 30 days of alcohol sensitive electronic home monitoring. He must complete a substance abuse disorder assessment, a men-

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– Chad Darrel Repp, 40, of Albany, was sentenced April 17 for third-degree criminal sexual conduct stemming from an offense that took place Jan. 7, 2021, to Jan. 8, 2021. Repp received a stayed prison sentence of 49 months and will serve 10 years’ probation and 14 days in jail. He must complete domestic abuse programming, a chemical use assessment and individual counseling; abstain from alcohol and non-prescribed mood altering substances; comply with random urinalysis testing; register as a predatory offender, have no possession of pornographic materials, attend a sex offender program, submit to polygraph examinations and pay costs, comply with random searches of residence and computer and electronic devices; have no use of internet capable devices without approval and when approved must have internet accountability software installed; provide a DNA sample; remain law abiding; comply with probationary domestic abuse no contact order; sign releases of information; not use or possess firearms; and pay a $50 fine plus surcharges.

– Orlando Aaron Allen, 35, of Avon, was sentenced April 24 for second-degree arson for an offense that took place May 24, 2020, to May 25, 2020. Allen received 17 months in prison, serving 11 1/3 months in prison and 5 2/3 months on supervised release. He must pay a $50 fine plus surcharges and provide a DNA sample.

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HONOR ROLL

To qualify for the A honor roll, students must achieve a GPA of 3.667 or above. To qualify for the B honor roll, students must achieve a GPA between 3.0 and 3.666. The following students have achieved their respective distinctions:

Grade 9: Hannah Arceneau, Taylor Arceneau, Brooke Bauer, Katie Braun, Payton Buerman, Teagan Crumley, Josie Dingmann, Brianna Dotseth, Aubrey Driggins, Noah Ebensteiner, Madison Fischer, Kamren Fischer, Olivia Forster, David Frank, Molly Goebel, Zachary Gruber, Elsi Halvorson, James Hanauska, Christopher Holmstrom, Paige Holthaus, Abigail Holtz, Mylie Jansky, Mya Justin, Audrey Kleman, Abigail Kuhn, Kiley Lange, Claire Lecy, Makara Miller, Jessie Montanez, Lindsey Moonen, Brandon Moritz, Jamie Olmscheid, Samantha Olmscheid, Ashton Olson, Brynn Panek, Madeline Ramler, Taylor Roering, Bree Rood, Carter Rossman, Jessica Ruegemer, Cora Rushmeyer, Kole Salzer, Isabella Schiffler, Lillian Schiffler, Nathan Schneider, Rhianna Springer, Gabriel St Marie, Alyssa Tougas, Lillian Van Heel, Katelyn Vander Weyst, Carter Wesen and Madison Winkels.

Grade 10: Allyson Adrian, Elliot Allen, Ezekial Austin, Abigail Barrow, Maggie Becker, Oliver Berckes, Faith Beuning, Josephine Bierbaum, Natalie Blonigen, Ava Borgerding, Ella Borstad, Cooper Brinkman, Kendra Brinkman, Michaela Buersken, Grace Burg, Elliott Burnett, Devin Classon, Tyler Classon, Keenan Dingmann, Nathan Downes, Ellery Ehresmann, Keegan Eibensteiner, Alexis Eiynck, Mckenzie Eiynck, Paisley Ellingson, Kayla Forster, Claudia Frenchick, Kayden Frericks, Bryce Frericks, Cooper Friederichs, Larissa Gill, Allison Gourde, Allison Hahn, Ava Hines, Nolan Hoeschen, Allison Hoffmann, Bennett Hylla, Brodin Ingle, Emily Janssen, Angel Johnson, Elise Kalla, Hannah Klein, Nathan Kollmann, Griffin Kremers, Grace Kreuzer, Paige Lauer, Riley Lauer, Olivia Lemm, Alexa Manthei, Katelyn Mareck, Ryan Massmann, Gracie Maurstad, Nicholas Merdan, Ethan Meyer, Rayvin Pullins, Addison Reis, Tyler Salzer, Ellyana Sand, Anna Scherping, Anna Schiffler, Emily Schmitz, Victoria Schmitz, Matthew Schmitz, Kendra Schwalbe, Eva Schwenzfeier, Zachary Stradtmann, Kyler

Albany High School fourth quarter honor roll

Stueve, Sonja Theiler, Caleb Thull, William Van Der Hagen, Jack Voller, Hunter Wenderski, Preston Wieber, Allison Wielenberg, Brigit Wuolle, Kate Zenzen and Samantha Zierden.

Grade 11: Caleb Abraham, Sophia Anderson, Hope Aronson, Mitchell Bartell, Madison Becker, Ayla Breitbach, Owen Carlson, Carson Cherne, Benjamin Christman, Drew Cramlet, Gavin Crumley, Sara Eiynck, Tatum Findley, Connor Finkelson, Kaylin Fischer, Elsy Flores Mancia, Olivia Goebel, Aubrey Goebel, Bridget Goebel, Preston Haakonson, Ashley Heinen, Anthony Herkenhoff, Arianna Hoeschen, Katelyn Hoffarth, Trista Hoffarth, Callie Holthaus, Aliya Imdieke, Zachary Kreuzer, Carter Massmann, Benjamin Meyer, Kayla Meyer, Taylor Moritz, Lance Nathan, Lauren Nett, Alivia Overman, Mason Plumski, Madison Ramler, Jack Rieland, Alyssa Sand, Devon Schaefer, Alaina Schmitt, Abigail Schmitz, Carter Schwalbe, Madison Shay, Dominic St Marie, Aleyah Willenbring, Dominick Winkels and Jazmin Worms.

Grade 12: Luke Barrow, Ethan Borgerding, Nyra Brown, Kendall Buerman, Isaac Burg, Darlene Corte, Ashley Doubek, Samantha Duff, Carmen Eiynck, Isaac Evenson, Jonathan Figoni, Riley Garding, Logan Goebel, Raelynn Hennen, Makaya Hernandez, Carson Holthaus, Cecilia Hudock, Trent Imholte, Faith Kalthoff, Connor Karki, Gabriella Kedrowski, Olivia Kierzek, Raeann Kirchner, Spencer Kollmann, Olivia Kompelien, Emily Mclachlan, Alivia Orbeck, Kendra Rausch, Carter Ricard, Tate Richter, Audrey Rieland, Kalie Ritter, Emma Rothstein, Carter Sand, Cameron Smith, Vincent St Marie, Kyle Stich, Emily Teske and Allie Thelen.

B Honor Roll

Grade 9: Mason Arneson, Riley Becker, Naomi Bergmann, Gracie Bishir, Ryan Boatz, Ethan Bubna, Jacob Buttweiler, Janely Chavez Montanez, Carleigh Corte, Olivia Dirkes, Ace Donabauer, Rowan Ellingson, Brady Evenson, Carter Fischer, Nathan Fosse, Jordyn Frieler, Carson Gaebel, Samuel Gill, Alexa Goebel, Henry Gramke, Lainey Hansen, Joshua Hoff, Logan Hoheisel, Kyle Holm, Keira Horning, Kelsey Horning, Isaac Janssen, Braeden Justin, Lynette Kalthoff, Millie Korneck, Maverick Kotschevar, Griffin Lange, Kelsey

Lobitz, Alexa Middendorf, Reed Moulzolf, Donovan Notch, Jack Orbeck, Josilyn Overman, Kaycee Pundsack, Morgan Ramler, Blake Richter, Brady Rueter, Kennedie Salzl, Haley Schiffler, Ava Schmitz, Aiden Schroeder, Greta Shofner, Jaden Sieben, Mataea Sondgeroth, Jaelyn Stangler, Carson Traut, Raymond Van Heel, Brayden Vogel, Kennedy Vogel, Aydree Wegleitner, Oliver Wieber, Makena Willenbring, Henry Wimmer, Miley Winter and Karl Zeimetz.

Grade 10: Zachary Birr, Ashlee Brang, Ashton Buchanan, Cal Burg, Samuel Cameron, Rebekah Domke, Hunter Donabauer, Amelia Ehresmann, Jack Eveslage, Grace Felling, Kassie Ferguson, Megan Fiedler, Isaac French, Jackson Gerads, Jazmin Greenwood, Ean Hansen, Chloe Hennen, Samuel Hondl, James Lehner, Haiden Linn, Morgan Mareck, Rylee Mead, Ella Ohmann, Jaylen Ostendorf, Carter Rodenwald, Boone Roemeling, Parker Rudnicki, Nathan Sand, Gracie Schroeder, Cole Selix, Joseph Severs, Brianna Sininger, Olivia Stich, Nolan Suchy, Owen Sunderman, Kylie Tate, Jade Thompson, Carson Tschida, Caiden Wiens and Taylor Zeman.

Grade 11: Nathan Ainali, Jacob Barker, Caedan Birr, Madison Bushman, Dylan Crosthwaite, Katherine Czajkowski, Kristina Dotseth, Rachel Driggins, Alexis Funk, Kylan Gerads, Madison Groover, Hunter Hamann, Tyler Hoffarth, Shelby Horning, Theo Johnson, Thomas Johnson, John Paul Mead, Paris Mellesmoen, Nora Mergen, Keigan Newman, Andrew Olson, Brooke Osendorf, Savanna Pelzer, Chase Rajkowski, Raelyn Richter, Blake Richter, Joseph Schmitt, Hailey Shay, Charles Sundet, Landon Vogel and Grant Wohletz.

Grade 12: Grace Backes, Kane Bauman, Mason Bierbaum, Gracie Bogard, Lauren Borgerding, Trevor Branglemay, Nicholas Bushman, Tysen Gerads, Tristyn Gienger, Ty Gregor, Hope Hartung, Brooke Hoffarth, Ryan Irving, Theresa Kalthoff, Jake Lauer, Tayte Lecy, Andrea Majchrzak, Veronica Maus, Mya Mcnamar, Cole Panek, Emma Philippi, Andrew Pierskalla, Tanner Reis, Elizabeth Richter, Brayden Roerick, Sophia Schiffler, Lindsey Schwab, Isabella Schwinghammer, Margaret Seiler, Chase Shay, Brice Simpson, Hannah Stellmach, Cole Thesing, Carter Voss, Madison Wambach, Benjamin Welle, Peyton Wiese, Nevaeh Williams, Makaela Zierden and Cailyn Zierden.

Albany Middle School fourth quarter honor roll

Students named to Albany Middle School’s honor roll must achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the quarter.

Grade 6: Landon Arceneau, Riley Arezzo, Sofia Bahena, Julia Bauer, Annie Becker, Audrey Beuning, Layla Blais, Claire Blaskowski, Gavin Blonigen, Alice Brown, Owen Bubna, Ava Budde, Mitchell Burg, Carter Burnett, Lorelei Christman, Danica Christopherson, Nicholas Davey, Isaiah Dirkes, Emmett Dirkes, Mason Dobmeier, Isaac Dudek, Bianca Ehrlichmann, Samantha Eisenschenk, Abigail Eiynck, Emarie Ellingson, Lexi Esterberg, Mason Feldewerd, Brady Fischer, Ayden Fischer, Megan Frank, Audrey Frenchick, Grace Frieler, Aubrey Gaebel, Braeden Geise, Lydia Gertken, Brady Gill, Carter Glenz, Katherine Gramke, Brielle Hadler, Aksel Halvorson, Logan Hanson, Aiden Harlander, Marissa Hartung, Owen Hendrickson, Ella Henkelman, Tate Hennen, Tenley Hennen, Connor Hickman, Katelyn Hoff, Kyrstin Hoffarth, Kadence Holtz, Molly Hommen, Kaylee Imholte, Blair Iverson, Emery Jansky, Kylee Janssen, Lindsey Karki, Megan Keppers, Hannah Klaphake, Lindsey Koenig, Ian Kompelien, Ellie Kugler, Anthony Lauer, Lucas Lauer, Emmett Lehmkuhl, Trevor Lieser, Melissa Malley, Braelyn Marthaler, Kian Martin, Hailey Massmann, Logan Miller, Jake Murphy, Afton Naig, Theo Nett, Chonlatid Opitz, Josie Ostendorf, Ethan Peternell, Evelyn Power, Nathan Pronk, Cale Pundsack, Jakob Ramler, Laura Ramler, Aubrey Ramler, Caleb Ramler, Wayne Reese, Addison Reszel, Charlie Rieland, Bailey Rushmeyer, Cade Rushmeyer, Sofia Salzer, Riley Salzl, Brailee Sand, Hunter Sand, Zachary Sands, Brady Schiffler, Brielle Schlangen, Alexia Schroeder, Brody Shay, Chloe Silbernick, Issac Smith, Trentin Soenneker, Anneka Sorteberg, Thaddeus St Marie, Kendall Stueve, Emie Templin, Aliya Thelen, Kadyn Thull, Braeson Traut, Dylan Vander Weyst, Hunter Vogel, Ethan Walker, Sophia Welle, Emma Wichman, Massey Wieber, Autumn Williams-Thelen, Landon Wolbeck, Megan Zenzen and Carson Zulawski.

Grade 7: Mathias Altendahl, Leah Alvord, Brynn Anderson, Braelyn Ascheman, Kylie Athmann, Ella Becker, Steven Becker, Lilyann Blais, Grace Boatz, Brooke Boecker, Ean Boom, Ella Borgman, Dawson Braegelmann, Liesl Brever, Addison Brickweg, Brooklyn Brix, Aryn Brown, Addie Burg, Aiden Burg, Colton Carlson, Cole Christman, Collin Cramlet, Brynn Dingmann, Camille Dingmann, Carter Dobmeier, Noah Domke, Brody Donabauer, Carlyle Driggins, Nahuli Duran Sanchez, Adley Ebensteiner, Danielle Eggert, Laurynn Eiynck, Nolan Eiynck, Emily

Ellingson, Brayden Engelmeyer, Wade Evenson, Konnor Felling, Lylah Findley, Alessa Forster, Tyson Frericks, Jack Gaebel, Indianna Gaebel, Connor Gannon, Calvin Gerads, Cora Gertken, Collin Goebel, Avery Goebel, Cameron Goerger, Shirley Gottwald, Emily Gourde, Rilyn Hallermann, Ann Hanauska, Grace Hartung, Andrew Heitzman, Hunter Henkelman, Lillianne Hennen, Jacqueline Hiltner, Lucas Himsl, Ashlyn Hinnenkamp, Joslin Ingle, Lucretia Jacques, Thomas Janssen, Khloe Jensen, Morgan Judes, Brooklyn Klaphake, Harmony Klaphake, Karlee Klein, Kiera Kollmann, Kalley Kotzer, Deegan Lange, Alex Lashinski, Brooke Lecy, Tanner Lemm, Kaylin Merdan, Carsen Middendorf, Anya Montag, Liberty Mosman, Reid Mueller, Kessick Murr, Porter Nordmann, Bethany Notch, Samuel Ohmann, Aaden Orbeck, Nora Ostendorf, Armando Palacios-Higuera, Madeline Peterschick, Keira Philippi, Dalyla Price, Bryce Ramler, Degan Rodenwald, Colton Rodenwald, Porter Roiger, Lola Rood, Emmett Rushmeyer, Riley Rushmeyer, Caden Sand, Brooke Scepaniak, Jacob Schaefer, Brooklyn Schiffler, Kai Schmidt, Cortez Schmidt, Lucille Schulte, Reggie Schwenzfeier, Megan Sieben, Charlie Simon, Jordin Smith, Nathan Smith, Wyatt Soenneker, Randy Stang, Abigail Stephens, Corey Stoulil, Mckenzie Streit, Macy Suchy, Ella Sunderman, Luke Terwey, Brynn Terwey, Nevaeh Thompson, Isaac Thull, Nicholas Van Heel, Amelia Vogel, Jordyn Voller, Evan Wegleitner, Layla Wenderski, Landen Willenbring, Gretchen Wimmer, Bennett Wimmer, Madison Wood, Travis Wuolle and Klayton Zeimetz.

Grade 8: Jennifer Acevedo, Mallary Ahl, Judah Allen, Hope Anderson, Breanna Arneson, Jaxson Austin, Candace Berckes, Ian Birr, Hunter Boecker, Collin Breitbach, Averi Breth, Conner Breth, Katelyn Brickweg, Ryan Bromenshenkel, Joy Bubna, Kaiya Bueckers, Brayden Buersken, Amarah Cantillo, Wyatt Crosthwaite, Noah Davey, Sydney Dingmann, Kenna Eibensteiner, Isabel Eiynck, Connor Ettle, Elijah Eveslage, Alexa Feske, Bryce Fischer, Adam French, Cole Frenchick, Tyler Frericks, Gwendalynn Gaebel, Jake Garding, Melanie Gertken, Payton Goebel, Owen Goebel, Garrett Goerger, Grace Grabmeier, Elise Gramke, Oliver Granlee, Cohen Habben, Trinity Hadler, Kaylee Hamann, James Hanauska, Peyton Harlander, Ethan Hartung, Zack Heinen, Kacie Hendrickson, Lauren Hennen, Monty Hickman, Quinn Hoeschen, Dylan Hoffarth, Jacob Holmstrom, Brandon Hommen, Lucas Hondl, Aiden Imdieke, Blake Iverson, Ryan Judes, Laina Kalthoff, Abraham Kalthoff, Ella Klasen, Peyton Klassen, Ivan Kotten, Ava Lehner, Reegan Lemm, Mckenna Lieser, Hudson Linn,

Emma Mareck, Mason Miller, Alexis Miller, Luke Murphy, John Nack, Patrick Newman, Evelyn Notch, Connor Olmscheid, Samuel Orbeck, Stephanie Pelzer, Connor Plumski, Molly Rademacher, Chloe Ramler, Connor Rodenwald, Kaylee Salzl, Ava Sand, Keara Sanquist, Hannah Schiffler, Mica Schmidt, Timothy Schmitt, Bradley Schulte, Albert Schulte, Molly Selix, Evan Shay, Blake Silbernick, Jaylyn Stangler, Tegan Struffert, Kaylen Stueve, Eli Suchy, Cody Terwey, Ava Teske, Eli Thelen, Matthew Willenbring, Benjamin Willenbring, Layne Williams, Elias Winkelman, Chloe Winkels, Trevin Wohletz, Brayden Worden and Brandon Zenzen.

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, July 12, 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 Dawn Blattner and Christina Lehner

dba The Mill, 730 Church Avenue, to rezone the property from Core Commercial (C1) to Highway Commercial (C2) for the purpose of constructing a new building for a coffee shop. 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 28th day of June 2023. P-26-1B

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 James and Sarah Rabideau, Avon, MN from Section 6.2.1P of Stearns County Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Ordinance #422 to place a Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Soil Treatment Area 81.8 feet from the Ordinary High-Water Level of Middle Spunk Lake. Said Ordinance requires a minimum Soil Treatment Area setback of 100 feet landward of the Ordinary High-Water Level of a lake classified as General Development. Affected Property: Lot 7, Block 2 of Highland Terrace. Section 28, T125N, R30W, Avon Township.

Property Address: 33728 Highland Terrace, Avon, MN

2. A request from Terry and Shirley Nystrom, Sauk Rapids, MN from Section 9.9.9A of Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance #439, to place a 12 foot by 20 foot (240 sqft) residential accessory structure 57 feet from the centerline of Two Rivers Road. Said Ordinance requires a minimum structure setback of 63 feet from the centerline of a township road. Affected Property: Lot 7 of Blonigen’s Addition. Section 6, T126N, R30W, Holding Township. Property Address: 19390 Two Rivers Rd, Avon MN

When and where is the meeting?

Date and Time: Thursday, July 13, 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 testimo-

CITY OF AVON PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Avon City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, July 10th, 2023 at 6:30 pm at the Avon City Hall, 140 Stratford Street East, Avon, Minnesota to consider an Ordinance Prohibiting Smoking and the Use of THC or Hemp Infused Products on all Public Property within the City of Avon and to consider an Interim Ordinance Prohibiting the Establishment of New Uses

Holdingford School Board Briefs

The Holdingford School Board held their regular meeting on June 21 2023. Members present Evelyn Martini, Sarah Binek, Ed Feia, Rob Knettel, and Pat Meier. Member absent: Elissa Ebnet and Lori Opatz. 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 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 May17th School Board Meeting; approval of the schedule of bills in the amount of $412,991.10. Computer checks approved #54188 through #54380 and #30626 through #30643 in the amount of $9,263.03; approval of the electronic transfer for May 2023, $1,752,725.64; acknowledgement of the Treasurer’s Report balance per books

$6,411,652.64; called for a Special Closed meeting to follow the July 19, 2023 Regular Board Meeting; hired Michael Lehner for a Summer Cleaner; hired Tara Wolford for Summer Painter; approve lane change for Nathan Anderson from BS to BS10 Step 4 to be effective at the start of the 2023-2024 school year; approve lane change for Lydia Sailor from BS to BS10 Step 5 to be effective at the start of the 20232024 school year; accept the following donations: PTA donated $600 to Com. Ed. for Summer VEX Robotics Camp; $300 to FFA from FFA alumni; $5,000 from Swim team parents, coaches various community members and Melrose Feed to Swim team for Starting Blocks; $7,000 from MN Twins to athletics for BaseBall Field Modifications; $1,250 from John, Tom, Dave, and Henry Blattner. The Board thanked the Donors for their generosity!

Reports:

Superintendent Swenson reported the gym project phase one is complete, he thanked Mr. Tim Wege Interim High School Principal for doing a great job this past school year. The Board also added their gratitude to Mr. Wege.

Elementary Principal Jim Stang thanked the entire staff for a great school year, he talked about the sub shortage and is excited for summer school to begin. Mr. Stang also thanked Ms. Kim Gerads for getting the summer library program up and running.

Secondary Principal Tim Wege reported graduation went well, disciplinary reports are complete, scheduling is complete, and they moved up close to the MCA Math 11 goal.

Kristina Clem reported on Summer School.

Mr. Swenson reported on the BSED meeting where discussion on facilities and year end refunding was discussed.

Business Manager Garrity Gerber reported expenses are trending on track, he is navigating through the new unemployment legislation and end of school year work.

Other agenda items at the June 21, 2023 meeting included:

Business Items:

• Adopted the Resolution Establishing Dates For Filing Affidavits of Candidacy For The Office Of School Board Member. The dates are Aug. 1-15, 2023 with a filing fee of $2 and completed in the District Office.

• Adopted the 2023-2024 Resolution For Membership In The Minnesota State High School League.

• Adopted the Resolution Certifying The Population Estimate For The 2023 Payable 2024 Levy Of Independent School District #738.

• Approved adding a Media Center And Tech Specialist - Full Time (1.0 FTE) Position.

• Mr. Gerber presented the budget summary for FY 23-24. Approve the proposed FY 23-24 budget.

• Adopted the School Board Resolution of ISD 738 Adopting The School District’s Fiscal Year (FY) 25 Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Ten-Year Plan.

• Approved the agreement with Madison National Life for Group Life and Long Term Disability Insurance coverage starting 9/1/2023 for a period of no less than 3 years but no longer than 5 years.

• Approved the bid for property and liability insurance from EMC.

• Approved the project to carpet the existing weight room and replace an exterior door with the intent of transitioning this space to become a new library space (LMC).

• Approved the Sale of 2019 Wacker Neuson SW20 Skid Steer Loader to Bruce Warga for $27,550.00.

• Superintendent Swenson reviewed the revisions of each policy and entertained questions. Adopted the revisions required by

ny, 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 Brian Krippner at Brian.Krippner@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 Brian.Krippner@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: June 28, 2023 – Star Post

P-26-1B

or the Expansion of Existing Uses Related to the Retail Sale of Edible Cannabis Products and Lower Potency Hemp Edibles and Prohibiting the Operation of a Cannabis Business in the City of Avon. The City Council will take public comment on this issue from members of the public in attendance. Written comments will also be accepted and may be submitted to the City Clerk on or before July 10th during regular business hours. Jodi Austing-Traut, Avon City Clerk/Administrator.

the state to the following policies as presented. Policy 102 Equal Education Opportunity; Policy 418 Drug-Free Workplace/DrugFree School; Policy 419 Tobacco-Free Environment; Policy 424 License Status; Policy 425 Staff Development; Policy 507 Corporal Punishment and Prone Restraint; Policy 509 Enrollment of Nonresidential Students; Policy 513 Student Promotion, Retention, and Program Design; Policy 514 Bullying Prohibition Policy; Policy 516.5 Overdose Medication (NEW); Policy 524 Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy; Policy 532 Use of Peace Officers and Crisis Teams; Policy 601 School District Curriculum and Instruction Goals; Policy 602 Organization of School Calendar and School Day; Policy 603 Curriculum Development; Policy 604 Instructional Curriculum; Policy 613 Graduation Requirements; Policy 616 School District System Accountability; Policy 617 School District Ensurance of Standards; Policy 618 Assessment of Student Achievement; Policy 620 Credit for Learning; Policy 708 Transportation of Nonpublic School Students; Policy 709 Student Transportation Safety Policy; Policy 806 Crisis Management Policy. Policy 506 Student Discipline and Policy 620 Credit for Learning were removed for further review at the next meeting. Personnel:

• Hired Jennifer Meemken for the Elementary Social Worker position for the 2023-2024 school year.

• Hired Dan Huls for a Bus Driver position.

• Hired Patty Jo Halvorson for a Summer Kids’ Zone Assistant with Para pay and a start date of June 5, 2023.

• Hired Marie Streit for a Summer Kids’ Zone Assistant with Para pay and a start date of June 5, 2023.

• Hired Abby Lambert for a Summer Kids’ Zone Assistant.

• Approved Summer 2023 Com. Ed. Instructors as presented.

• Accepted the resignation from Food Service Employee Doreen Platz effective 5/31/2023 with many thanks for her 26 years of service with the District!

• Accepted the resignation from Food Service Employee Carol Hellmann effective 5/31/2023. with many thanks for her 17 years of service with the District!

• Accept the resignation from Para Amy Lanners effective 5/31/2023b with many thanks for her service with the District!

• Accepted the resignation from Elementary SPED Teacher Kristina Clem contingent on the approval of a proposed contract by the School Board of ROCORI. Mr. Stang spoke highly of Ms. Clem and wished her well in her next chapter. The Board also wished Ms. Clem well and thanked her for her years with the District.

• Hired Anna Christensen, Teresa Hansen and Lori Arceneau for Summer School Paras.

• Accepted retirement resignation from Mary Heitzman with her last day being 5/31/2023. Many thanks for her 22 years of service with the District!

• Ms. Clem presented Ms. Jacob’s credentials and highlighted what she will bring to the Summer School Program. Hired Leah Jacobs for an additional Summer School Teacher.

• Approved the Joint Powers Agreement for the Police Liaison Officer Program between Stearns County and ISD 738 for the 2023-2024 school year in the amount of $25,500.00.

• Mr. Stang recommended Ms. Taylor Gerads for the Elementary SPED position. Hired Taylor Gerads for Elementary SPED Teacher position at BS Step 5. The Board welcomed Ms. Gerads!

A review of the upcoming meeting dates took place. No July Work Session. School Board Meeting July 19, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m. in the HS Meeting Room. School Board Closed Meeting following the July 19, 2023 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.

June 21, 2023

Special Closed Meeting

This special closed meeting of the School Board of Independent School District 738 was called to order in the High School Meeting Room at 7:44 p.m. by Chairperson Feia. Board members present: Evelyn Martini, Sarah Binek, Ed Feia, Robert Knettel and Pat Meier. Absent: Elissa Ebnet and Lori Opatz. Also attending was Superintendent Chris Swenson and Business Manager Garrity Gerber. Discussion ensued on negotiations. P-26-1B

NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF CONTRACT FOR DEED

YOU ARE NOTIFIED:

1. Default has occurred in the Contract for Deed (“Contract”) dated September 1, 2022 and recorded on September 7, 2022, as Document Number A1640157, in the Office of the County Recorder of Stearns County, Minnesota, in which Jerry F. Bierschbach and Mary L. Hollenkamp, as Trustees of the Lorraine Bierschbach Irrevocable Asset Protection Trust, dated June 10, 1999, as Seller, sold to David P. Bierschbach, as Purchaser, the real property in Stearns County, Minnesota, described as follows:

The East Half of Lot 9 and the West 35 feet of Lot 10 in Block 56, Ayers and Clark’s Addition to Melrose, according to the plat thereof now on file and record of the office of the County Recorder in and for Stearns County, Minnesota. Parcel No. 66.36600.0000

Check here if all or part of the described real property is Registered (Torrens)

2. The default is as follows: Failure to make monthly payment of $650.00 due on June 15, 2023.

3. The conditions contained in Minn. Stat. 559.209 have been complied with or are not applicable.

4. THIS NOTICE IS TO INFORM YOU THAT BY THIS NOTICE THE SELLER HAS BEGUN PROCEEDINGS UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 559.21, TO TERMINATE YOUR CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF YOUR PROPERTY FOR THE REASONS SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE. THE CONTRACT WILL TERMINATE 90 DAYS AFTER THE FIRST DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE UNLESS BEFORE THEN:

(a.) THE PERSON AUTHORIZED IN THIS NOTICE TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS RECEIVES FROM YOU:

(1.) THE AMOUNT THIS NOTICE SAYS YOU OWE; PLUS

(2.) THE COSTS OF SERVICE (TO BE SENT TO YOU); PLUS

(3.) $250.00 TO APPLY TO ATTORNEYS’ FEES ACTUALLY EXPENDED OR INCURRED; PLUS

(4.) FOR CONTRACTS EXECUTED ON OR AFTER MAY

1, 1980, ANY ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS BECOMING DUE UNDER THE CONTRACT TO THE SELLER AFTER THIS NOTICE WAS SERVED ON YOU; PLUS

(5.) FOR CONTRACTS, OTHER THAN EARNEST MONEY CONTRACTS, PURCHASE AGREEMENTS, AND EXERCISED OPTIONS, EXECUTED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 1, 1985, $13.00 (WHICH IS TWO PERCENT OF THE AMOUNT IN DEFAULT AT THE TIME OF SERVICE OTHER THAN THE FINAL BALLOON PAYMENT, ANY TAXES, ASSESSMENTS, MORTGAGES, OR PRIOR CONTRACTS THAT ARE ASSUMED BY YOU); OR

(b.) YOU SECURE FROM A COUNTY OR DISTRICT COURT AN ORDER THAT THE TERMINATION OF THE CONTRACT BE SUSPENDED UNTIL YOUR CLAIMS OR DEFENSES ARE FINALLY DISPOSED OF BY TRIAL, HEARING OR SETTLEMENT. YOUR ACTION MUST SPECIFICALLY STATE THOSE FACTS AND GROUNDS THAT DEMONSTRATE YOUR CLAIMS OR DEFENSES.

IF YOU DO NOT DO ONE OR THE OTHER OF THE ABOVE THINGS WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE, YOUR CONTRACT WILL TERMINATE AT THE END OF THE PERIOD AND YOU WILL LOSE ALL THE MONEY YOU HAVE PAID ON THE CONTRACT; YOU WILL LOSE YOUR RIGHT TO POSSESSION OF THE PROPERTY; YOU MAY LOSE YOUR RIGHT TO ASSERT ANY CLAIMS OR DEFENSES THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE; AND YOU WILL BE EVICTED. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS NOTICE, CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY.

5. The name, mailing address, street address or location and telephone number of the Seller or of an attorney authorized by the Seller to accept payments pursuant to this notice is: Dymoke Law Office, PA Scott E. Dymoke, Attorney for Seller 408 Main Street East, Unit 5 PO Box 127 Melrose, MN 56352

Telephone: (320) 256-4205

This person is authorized to receive the payments from you under this notice. Dymoke Law Office, PA Scott E. Dymoke, Attorney for Seller Note: Attach relevant original affidavit(s) and return(s) to this Notice of Termination of Contract for Deed before recording. P-25-3B

NOTICE JOB OPENING CITY OF ALBANY ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK/TREASURER POSITION

The City of Albany is seeking a self-motivated, energetic individual for a full-time position as the City Administrator/Clerk/ Treasurer.

The City Administrator serves as the chief administrative officer of the city and is responsible for the planning, direction, and oversight related to the proper administration and operations of all municipal functions and services. This position is responsible for statutory Clerk-Treasurer duties. Coordinates the day-today oversight and administration of the following departments: Administration, Police, Fire, Street, Park, EDA, Elections, Water & Wastewater. Serves as “Zoning Officer” to administer and enforce the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. Attends and participates in all city council meetings and carries out council directives. Attends other board, commission, and committee meetings as directed to ensure all laws and city ordinances are enforced. Prepares agendas and meeting minutes. Qualified candidates must possess a four-year degree with coursework in public administration, political science, community development, business, finance, or related field, and one to three years of responsible public sector administrative and supervisory experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and administration and management experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities are required for this position. Must possess a valid MN Class “D” Driver’s License. This is a salaried position. Wage range DOQ: $75,000 to $90,000 annually. The deadline for submitting an employment application is 3:00PM on Thursday, July 27, 2023. Applications are available at Albany City Hall, 400 Railroad Avenue or the City’s website at www.ci.albany.mn.us.

Tom Schneider Clerk/Adm. Published

HOLDINGFORD PUBLIC SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Holdingford Public School

(“District”) requests proposals for group insurance coverage for the health plan year beginning January 1, 2024. Sealed proposals will be accepted in paper form until 2:00 pm central time on Wednesday, July 26th, 2023 at 900 5th Street, Holdingford, MN 56340, Attn: Garrity Gerber. Copies of the complete

request for proposal may be requested from our broker Mahowald Insurance Agency, Kristin Rademacher, k.rademacher@mahowald.net and will be sent electronically at no charge. District reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities. District reserves the right to select the proposal which it determines to be in the best interest of the District. P-26-2B

Meire Grove ends

Huskies bring home hardware

St. Martin runs past Richmond

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

The Meire Grove Grovers handed the New Munich SilverStreaks its first loss in the Stearns County League, winning 7-5 June 25 in Meire Grove.

The Grovers never trailed after scoring four in the second inning for a 4-1 lead. It used singles by Alex and Andrew Welle, Josh Olmscheid, Riley Elfering, Tyler Moscho and Jordan Klaphake. Colton Meyer had a sacrifice fly in the second and homered in the fifth.

Andrew Welle and Josh Olmscheid each had three hits, and Kurt Marthaler singled twice.

Josh Olmscheid earned the win, pitching seven innings.

New Munich kept the pressure on. Will Funk doubled and scored on Caden Sand’s third-inning single.

The SilverStreaks came back with two runs in the fifth inning on singles from Jacob Hinnenkamp and Carter Birr and put runners in scoring position in most innings. In the ninth inning, a walk to Sand and singles by Ty Reller and Ian Funk plated a run and put the tying run on.

Jim Thull started and worked five innings in the loss. Sand pitched three innings in relief.

The SilverStreaks were 7-0 before the game.

St. Martin 8, Richmond 3

The St. Martin Martins strengthened its position on the top of the SCL-South, defeating Richmond 8-3 June 25 in Richmond.

Brady Goebel’s threehit day included a double and a run. Kyle Lieser doubled and homered, and Bryan Schlangen had two hits and three steals.

A trio of Martin pitchers – Carter Thelen, Scott Lieser and Bryan Schlangen – allowed two hits and struck out a combined 14 batters.

Roscoe 4, Farming 2

Showers quenched any chance of a Farming Flames comeback June 25 in Farming.

Farming trailed Roscoe 4-2 with Aaron Eiynck on first base when rain halted play. Despite efforts of the team to get the field into shape, further rains caused the game to be ended.

Farming had taken a 2-0 first-inning lead, as Taylor Fourre’s leadoff single was followed by Tylor Schroeder’s double and singles by Josh Becker and Eiynck. The Flames later had a third-inning single by Adam Winkels and a fifth-inning single by Schroeder.

Adam Nibaur pitched all six innings in the loss.

Freeport 7, Pierz Bulldogs 4

Freeport topped the Pierz Bulldogs 7-4 June 25 in Pierz.

The Black Sox had 11 hits.

Albany trapshooting gets 25 straights at state

BY BRENDA SAND | CONTRIBUTING WINTER

The Albany Huskies trapshooting team participated in the 2023 Trapshooting Championship June 19, a steamy day, with temperatures in the low 90s, but that did not stop Albany’s athletes from bringing home hardware. A handful of shooters shot 25 straight, including twice from Brayden Roerick and another from Andrew Pierskalla, Sam Gill and Caden Sand.

The team also picked up awards. Huskies novice shooters brought home a third-place finish, with a plaque to be displayed at the Albany Sportsmen’s Club. Additionally, Albany’s junior varsity shooters earned a second-place finish, with their plaque also set to be displayed.

Greenwald 4, Meire Grove 2

The Greenwald Cubs kept its playoff hopes alive with a 4-2 win over Meire Grove June 24 in Greenwald.

Gabe Schwieters singled in the sixth, driving in two runs and giving Greenwald a 3-2 lead. Tyler Engelmeyer, who had singled ahead of Schwieters, homered in the eighth for an insurance run.

“It was a fastball,” Tyler Engelmeyer said. “I barreled it up and got it into the wind.”

Tyler Engelmeyer and Tyler Hoffman each had two hits.

Brett Engelmeyer

pitched a complete game, allowing eight hits. Ryan Olmscheid’s two-run homer in the sixth gave Meire Grove a brief 2-1 lead.

“I was mixing it up, using all the pitches,” Brett Engelmeyer said. “I grooved that one and he got all of it.”

Matt Imdieke, who was charged with the loss, did his best for his own cause with two singles.

Roscoe 3, Farming 2 Farming fell 3-2 June 24 in Roscoe.

Tylor Schroeder’s fifth-inning single scored Carson Holthaus for an early 1-0 Farming lead.

The score was tied going into the ninth. Coby Mergen’s lead off ninth-inning walk and an RBI double by Fourre put Farming back on top. Roscoe responded with a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth.

Josh Becker had two of the Flames’ hits and starting pitcher Blake Winkels singled. Adam Winkels came to the mound in the sixth inning and took the loss.

St. Martin 3, Richmond 0

Ben Schroeder’s complete game, 13-strikeout effort was not wasted in a 3-0 St. Martin win over Richmond June 23 in St. Martin.

He let only five Royals reach base. Two walked and one was hit by a pitch. He credited his catcher with limiting Richmond to two hits.

“Zach (Moritz) does a great job of calling games,” Ben Schroeder said. “Every inning we are talking of how we want to attack the next batter.”

Moritz’s two-out, tworun single in the seventh gave the Martins a 2-0 lead. In the eighth, Jaylyn Arceneau doubled in an insurance run.

“For Jaylyn to come through with that big hit was pretty cool,” said Kyle Lieser, who filled in as manager. “The big emphasis in the bottom of the eighth was to get one more run.”

Kyle Lieser doubled twice, and Matthew Schlangen added a double.

Brayden Roerick earned the top JV score with a 95 out of a possible 100, Sand grabbed third-place in the JV high gun competition with a 94 and Owen Carlson was the third-place novice high gun scorer with an 85.

Teams are broken out into three classes: novice, JV and varsity. Twenty-five clays are launched and novice shooters have a season average of 0 to 14.99, JV shooters have a season average of 15.00 to 18.99, and varsity shooters have a season average of 19.00 to 25.

The 2023 Albany High School trap team consisted of 69 student-athletes in grades 7 to 12.

The Huskies, with fundraising and support from the Albany community, had a great season and cannot wait to see what next year has in store.

Huskers hit targets in Alexandria shoot

Jendro wins novice medal

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

Open to all high school trapshooting participants, the 2023 Trapshooting Championship at Alexandria Shooting Park in Alexandria exists as a large-scale spectacle for student-athletes to shine on a big stage.

The Holdingford Huskers, after a second-place finish in Class 7A’s Conference 3, were no exception, with the varsity squad finishing seventh place with a score of 473 June 18.

Devon Engebretson and Evan Lichy were Holdingford’s top performers on the day, hitting 96 out of a possible 100 targets as members of the varsity male competition. They tied for 17th out of 269 participants.

Also finishing in the top 50 in the varsity rankings were Elijah Nienaber and Brady Notsch, who notched 93s to take 49th. This was not the limitation of Holdingford’s depth, however, as Aiden Young snagged 65th at 92 and Bryce Siemers also placed above the 90-target mark at 91, good for 79th.

The Huskers girls also excelled in front of the eyes of many. Korin Kostreba, behind a reverse run of 13, compiled a 92 to land in

the top 10 in the varsity female division. It was a second consecutive positive appearance for Kostreba who scored a 94 to take first place in 2022.

Katie Carlson was Holdingford’s other varsity female athlete, seizing 26th with a 61.

Colton Wharton of Byron was the top 7A boys shooter with 99 made targets and a 97-shot reverse run tiebreaker, while Park High School’s Rebecca Etten won the girls competition outright with a 97.

Holdingford was represented at the junior varsity level by 13 male participants and two female contenders. Peyton Rudolph was the squad’s highest-placing JV boy in 15th place with a score of 89, while Max Knettel, 28th with an 87; Allen Leenerts, 48th with an 85; Justin Anderson, 67th with an 83; and John Klemmer, 93rd with an 81, rounded out the team’s top five.

Huskers girls JV entries Jenna Huls and Ayla Young both eclipsed the top 30 at the statewide shoot, earning 22nd at 78 and 29th at 74, respectively.

Earning a first-place medal for Holdingford was novice male shooter Lukas Jendro, who shot a 91 to outpace opponents from Randolph and Warroad. The most successful girls novice shooter for the Huskers was Bethany Gerads, who compiled a 67 for 16th place.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Brayden Roerick (left) and Andrew Pierskalla participate in the 2023 Trapshooting Championship June 19 at Alexandria Shooting Park in Alexandria. The duo each shot a 25 straight in a successful day for the Huskies.

PHOTOS BY HERMAN LENSING

Meire Grove’s Kurt Marthaler stretches for a catch, putting out Greenwald’s Westin Middendorf June 24 in Greenwald. When Marthaler caught the ball, his foot was on the base.

Matthew Schlangen looks up after sliding past Richmond catcher Carter Thelen to score June 23 in St. Martin. Kyle Lieser (back, left) and Ben Schroeder give no doubt as to their view of the play.

Zach Moritz puts down a bunt against Richmond June 23 in St. Martin. The bunt was successful, moving a runner to third base.

Greenwald’s Tyler Engelmeyer (right) is greeted by teammates Kegan Stueve (from left) Gabe Schwieters and Tyler Hoffman after crossing home plate June 24 in Greenwald. Engelmeyer had just homered.