The Star Post 08-02-2023

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Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023

Inspired

by the past

ymnasts scoring with the best pg 10

Ritter

relishes 45-year bus driving ride

ATKINSON TO TALK

COMMUNITY COVERAGE 127 YEARS

400 Block update

Holdingford mural depicts city’s story

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

Jeff Burg, of Holdingford, has been asked many times about the name of his community.

“Even some people who live here don’t know how it got its name,” he said July 19 while watching Zack Jones paint an imaginary scene from Holdingford’s past on the Holdingford Area Museum wall. “I explain that, and they say it is really neat.”

As the sun was starting to Contractors Company work side the Lisa’s On Main building working on securing the west wall

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

The mural outside the Holdingford Area Museum was completed by July 22 when a meet and greet was held for Zack Jones, the artist who painted it. The mural depicts the city’s story.

Retired Albany school staff Heritage Day grand marshal

BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER

Eileen Ritter rode the bus to school when she attended Albany Area Schools, graduating in 1963. Fourteen years later, she started driving bus for the Albany School District, retiring in December 2022, after 45 years.

Her husband, LeRoy, who started driving bus the same time she did, continues, while farming south of Avon, where Eileen enjoys hobbies, like quilting and vegetable and flower gardening.

The 12-foot by 30-foot mural painted on the south museum wall shows part of the answer. A poster on the wall explains that the town is located at a ford of the South

Two Rivers. In 1868, Randolph Holding purchased land at the ford and the area became known as Holding’s Ford. Over time, the spelling changed to Holdingford.

Burg, who owns the Holdingford Mill, has a copy of Paul Detlefsen’s “Big Moment,” a horse-drawn

wagon crossing a stream, at a mill. Something about the picture reminded Burg of Randolph Holding and inspired the idea of a mural of the river being forded.

“About a year ago I was thinking how can we teach that (story of the town’s name) so it doesn’t get for-

gotten,” said Burg, a history buff. “I thought what a perfect way, show fording by the river. I presented it to the historical board, and they jumped on it wholeheartedly.”

Mural page 3

Melrose City Center voting site for schools’ special election

District residents have until Aug. 15 to file for open seat

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

There will be one voting site when Melrose Area Public Schools District 740 residents vote Nov. 7 in a special election to fill a vacancy on the board – the Melrose City Center, 225 First St., NE, Melrose.

The board approved the November election on July 24 during a monthly meeting at the school in Melrose. The vacancy was created when board member Becky Klassen resigned at the end of June because she moved out of the district and is no longer eligible to serve as board member. Klassen’s term was to expire Jan. 5, 2025. The person elected to the seat will serve until that time.

People can file to fill the position

Passing the presidential

fair reins

After 23 years, Frericks steps back, Schmitz elected

BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER

The Stearns County Fair Board presidential reins have been passed from Vern Frericks and Tom Schmitz.

After 23 years as president, Frericks, of Melrose, handed the managerial tasks over to Schmitz, of Albany, for this year’s fair, July 26-30, and future fairs.

“I feel so good about Tom taking over,” said 73-yearold Frericks, who figured it was time for “this 1949 model” to retire from that title. “If Tom needs help, I will gladly help him, but I just can’t do what I used to do.”

That doesn’t mean the fair duo have given up their traditional fair tasks.

Fair page 3

of tomorrow.

from Aug. 1 to 15 at the school district office in Melrose. Individuals must be 21 at the time they assume the office and a resident of the school district at least 30 days before Nov. 7.

The election to fill the vacancy is the only school district question on the ballot.

School board page 6

“I enjoyed seeing the children every day,” she said on July 26 of her bus driving days. “At the end, I had some of their grandchildren.”

The Saturday, Aug. 5, Heritage Day Parade grand marshal for the Purple Pride theme is all retired Albany school district staff. The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce chooses the grand marshal related to the theme. Any retired staff members who would like to ride on the grand marshal float are encouraged to be at the school parking lot by 6:30 p.m.

“Something to do, and I suppose maybe extra income,” was Eileen’s answer when asked why she started driving bus in January 1977.

Growing up on a farm, Eileen drove trucks and tractors.

“But never anything as big as a bus,” she said.

Eileen said her aunt, Mary Rausch, was the first female bus driver in the Albany School District.

Like today, back then, the school district owned the fleet of buses.

“When I started we had no radios (for communication) in the bus, and in the winter we got a 5-gallon bucket of sand and a scoop shovel. When we got stuck the procedure was you sent two reliable children to the closest place, and I had to stay with the bus,” she said. “I never had to do that, though.”

Oftentimes, a neighbor or someone would drive by and help get the bus going again.

Eileen has photos of the estimated six buses she drove over the years.

“I had a few new buses in my lifetime,” she said.

For the first 20 years, the buses were stick shifts, “before we got automatics,” she said.

The addition of radios were a plus, and after the pandemic buses had cameras installed.

“You have to keep your eyes on the road, and every once in a while glance at the kids through the (overhead) mirror,” Eileen said, when asked how a driver controls a big bus.

Every four years bus drivers take a written test, and every two years they receive a physical.

She has driven through fog, thunderstorms, snow and ice. Ice-covered roads were the most challenging, she said.

Ritter page 3

BIRTHS page 3

OBITUARIES page 4

PHOTOS BY HERMAN LENSING Zack Jones adds color to the mural July 19 on the Holdingford Area Museum wall in Holdingford. The drawing was projected from an image of the painting. The tablet behind him contains an image of the mural.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN Eileen Ritter, July 28 at the bus garage, stands inside bus 12, the last 77-passenger bus she drove for the Albany Area School District in Albany. After 45 years of driving school bus, she retired in December 2022.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN New Stearns County Fair President Tom Schmitz (left) and outgoing President Vern Frericks gather July 29 inside a building at the fairgrounds in Sauk Centre. After 23 years, Frericks stepped back this year as president.

Board

Berling Edward H. Bussmann Veronica Janssen Benedict “Jim” Mergen Linda M. Paavola Donna Suchy Dorine C. Sunderman Herman H. Wielenberg

Morgan Rose Olson

WANT MORE PHOTOS? Scan me

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING

Donnay asks

Moscho, of the Adley

4-H

about

he brought

the Stearns County Fair in Sauk Centre. Rocketry was just one of the projects he was involved in.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN Wyatt Skwira is ready to show his market ducks July 27 in the arena at the Stearns County Fair in Sauk Centre. He is a member of the Spunk Creek Critters 4-H Club from the Holdingford and Opole areas.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING Kali Ahrens, of Melrose, holds her waving daughter, Kathryn Sogge, during a carousel ride July 26 at the Stearns County Fair in Sauk Centre. Midway rides were provided by Crescent City Amusements.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING Caraline Braun finds Colton Thull’s reaction to riding the Sizzler amusing July 26 at the Stearns County Fair in Sauk Centre. The Sizzler was one of many rides on the Midway.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING Joe Brix, of Albany, milks a makeshift cow at the Adventures in Agriculture exhibit July 27 at the Stearns County Fair in Sauk Centre. The exhibit allowed visitors to try their hand at different areas of agriculture and provided information on producing agriculture products.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING Hailey Varner, of Albany, looks at the fish she hooked July 27 at the Stearns County Fair in Sauk Centre. She caught the fish in the Sauk Centre Conservation Club pool.

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

(Right) Donny Brang performs on the Heritage Stage July 27 before the Senior Citizen Recognition Program at the Stearns County Fair in Sauk Centre. Brang was among the musicians who entertained people during the five-day fair.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING Izabella Terhaar, of the Albany Southsiders 4-H Club, does her best to direct a pig to a new location July 26 at the Stearns County Fair. She was moving the animal to a washing area.

Mural from front

Burg and others contacted artists on the concept, and Jones, of Malvern, Iowa, stood out. He was familiar with Holdingford.

He has converted a former Presbyterian church into Art Church, a residence, studio and Airbnb. Ten years earlier Jones met Holdingford resident Greg Konsor when Konsor visited Art Church.

“Greg saw it, and a couple of years later I came here to paint a mural at Art in Motion,” Jones said.

When Burg visited Art Church, there was no doubt Jones should paint the mural. A discussion with Jones solidified his idea.

“When we saw the inside of the church, we knew we had the right guy. We felt it took somebody with vision to express what we were thinking,” Burg said. “Zack insisted on tying in local things.”

The painting shows a man and young boy in a horse-drawn wagon crossing the ford. Cattle, the Holdingford Mill and other elements from century-old photos appear in the painting.

“Even in that old black and white photo (of the mill) there are people standing in the door,” Jones said. “I try to add those details and give it a little more personality.”

Jones’ vision of what the painting should reflect captured what the historical board wanted.

“One of the things the museum wanted was a proj-

Zack Jones July 19 paints a mural depicting the crossing of South Two Rivers on

Morgan Rose Olson AJ and Ashley Olson, of Freeport, are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Morgan Rose Olson, at 3:36 a.m., July 23, 2023, at CentraCare-Melrose Hospital in Melrose.

She weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and measured 21.5 inches long.

Big brothers Carter, 6, and Tate, 3, welcomed her home. Grandparents are Kevin and Mary Olson, of Little Falls; Rob and Kris Hoppe, of Freeport; and Wayne and Carol Nierenhausen, of Paynesville. Great-grandparents are Laura

Morgan Rose Olson Hoppe, of New Munich; Linus and Marilyn Yurczyk, of St. Joseph; and Ken and Betty Olson, of Upsala.

THANK YOU

“It’s all local money. Some donated supplies and labor. Some donate anonymously,” Burg said. “They can drive by or down main street, and say I helped do that.”

Some stop to look at the mural. More than one person asked about the work being done and what kind of paint is being used.

“That’s been a popular question,” said Jones, who takes time from his painting to answer questions. “It’s acrylic water based paints. We will put two coats of sealer on when it is all done.”

The panel has a spray foam surface, a medium Jones likes painting on. He said it is more durable than wood and provides a unique texture.

Area Museum wall in Holdingford. He started painting the mural July 10 and finished July 21. ect the whole community could get behind,” Burg said. A fund drive raised the $18,000 needed to cover the project. Seeing the mural under construction has generated additional donations – and community pride.

“It adds to the painting, rather than a smooth surface,” Jones said. “This almost gives it another dimension.”

Those on main street during the July 8 Holdingford Daze got the first glimpse of the size and subject of the mural. Jones projected the image onto the surface and began drawing in lines that evening. Since July 10 he has been painting the image, finishing up July 21.

“I do a lot of rendering, a lot of blending in the color palette,” he said. “I put in time and elbow grease into getting a painting with depth and a lot of color.”

Burg noticed something

Information on Randolph Holding

1844: Born in Coral, Illinois.

1861: Settled in Clearwater.

1862-1865: Served with the Eighth Minnesota Regiment during the Civil War.

1866-68: Worked in freight hauling from St. Cloud to the Red River.

1868: Homesteaded land along South Two Rivers.

1870: Helped organize Holding Township plat. Was the first clerk 1870-81.

1872: Was the first postmaster of Holding’s Ford.

1872-1873: Served in the Minnesota Legislature.

1915: Died in Ransom, North Dakota.

Ritter from front

“You slow down, definitely,’’ Eileen said. She won’t forget one icy road incident. School was two hours late, due to the ice, with the understanding roads would be sanded.

“I started driving the bus. I turned onto one road and got to the top of a hill and thought, ‘Oh, no, there’s no sand here.’ There was no place to turn around. At the time, I was driving a stick shift, so I shifted it to the lower gear, going 10 miles per hour. I thought I was OK, but then the back of the bus came around, and I was go-

Fair from front

On July 24, Frericks registered farm machinery displayed by implement businesses, and Schmitz was in his usual spot July 25 – the poultry barn. Frericks also coordinated Day Care Day and Senior Citizen Day.

It is a fair where grandchildren of Frericks and wife Doreen show animals and display 4-H projects, similar to when their children did.

Schmitz is in his seventh year as superintendent of poultry in a new building this year. His and wife Darcy’s sons, Austin and Grant, showed poultry during their 13 years in 4-H. Schmitz also showed poultry in his younger years.

Like many fair board members, Schmitz and Frericks are at the fairgrounds each day of the fair pitching in where needed and beforehand preparing for it. In fact, Schmitz lived in his camper at the fairgrounds all five days.

When Frericks chose to step down from the president position, he nominated Schmitz, who, after talking it over with his wife, said yes and was elected by the board, taking over the position November 2022, with Frericks accepting the vice-president role. Schmitz

ing down the hill backwards. It was coming around again, then it stopped crossways in the road,” she said. “I got a tow truck to pull me up the hill. I was late but on my way again.”

Her bus routes changed over the years, and she also drove some extracurricular routes.

She picked up her first student around 7 a.m. during her hourlong school day morning route, and dropped them off at home after school. At the end of the school day route, she checked her bus to make sure all of the children were off of the bus.

“Most routes were about 1,000 to 1,200 miles a month,” Eileen said.

LeRoy was her substitute driv-

was vice president in 2022.

“I figured I’d been around long enough and had a pretty good feel of what’s going on and had Vern’s support,” Schmitz said July 28.

More than 20 years ago, Frericks took over the presidency from Tony Jennissen, of Sauk Centre, in similar fashion.

“I was a (fair board) director one year, and Tony said, ‘Vern, would you consider taking over the presidency,’” Frericks said.

Frericks said the fair president performs many behind-the-scenes tasks.

“If your superintendent has a question or if something needs to be fixed, they usually come to the president,” Frericks said.

He is grateful for the dedicated fair board and superintendents who made his managerial job easier.

“I have been blessed with a good secretary, treasurer, vice president and superintendents in charge of their areas,” he said.

As president, he was more of a mediator than a dictator.

“That’s very important, and I know Tom has the same values I do,” Frericks said.

Schmitz appreciates the team approach from the fair executive board, directors and superintendents.

“I have great support

about the perspective of the painting.

“You can see a lot of detail closeup, but for you to really get the picture you have to step back,” he said. “When you step back, it gives the picture depth.”

The painting project has received positive comments.

“I never had a reception as warm as that from the people of Holdingford,” Jones said. “People stop by or give a thumbs up. Coming here has been a pleasant surprise.”

It is an example of the community spirit Burg sees in Holdingford.

“Look at the flowerbed and garden. It’s all volunteers,” he said. “It takes a community to keep it going. A few people can ruin something, but a few can make it go.”

Close to 300 people attended a July 22 meet and greet for Jones at the museum in Holdingford.

While the painting recalls Holdingford’s past, Burg hopes it inspires one generation to help the next generation on their journey into the future.

“This is not just a painting,” Burg said. “It’s a story.”

er until they sold their dairy cows in 1991 and he drove his own bus route.

Every school day, before her morning route, Eileen did a pre-trip inspection of her bus, checking the oil, lights and tires.

“I had a pipe in the garage that I used for my 45 years, hitting the back tires, the duals, to make sure they weren’t flat,” she said.

She still has that pipe – a fond reminder of her bus driving days.

Since Eileen enjoyed driving bus, retiring was with a “heavy heart,” she wrote in her Dec. 26, 2022, resignation letter.

“It was a good ride,” she wrote.

from Vern and super support from Jackie (Spoden-Bolz) and Jodi (Deschene). They all have a lot of knowledge,” he said. “The whole group we have is great. They bring a lot of ideas and that’s what makes it all work.”

Admitting he may be partial, Schmitz thinks the Stearns County Fair may be one of the best fairs in central Minnesota.

The fair continues to grow, adding amenities, like wrestling and autocross this year. They moved the Herald stage and beer garden, after the original round beer garden building was torn down. The beer garden was relocated in the former senior citizen building.

“The Sauk Centre Legion has done a fabulous job setting it (beer garden) up,” Frericks said.

The senior citizen building was moved to the Community Connection building.

Schmitz said construction of a new poultry and rabbit barn was challenging, but needed, and the board is grateful to the Stearns County Commissioners who appropriated funds for this project.

“For us to have a new building in place to accommodate entries has worked out nice,” Schmitz said.

This year’s poultry numbers were through the roof, he said.

4-H animal numbers were up in general, Frericks said, and they had close to 100 children registered for Day Care Day.

“It’s important to get the little kids to the fair,” Frericks said. “There’s the concept of getting kids hooked on the fair early in their life, and they will come for the rest of their life,” he said.

It is a concept he learned when attending a Minnesota Fair Convention one January. Stearns County Fair Board members will often bring ideas back to use at their July fair. This year that included barn quilts, submitted by individuals, judged and hung on the outside of fair buildings.

“We had 10 quilts submitted this year,” Frericks said. “That’s phenomenal.”

Phenomenal is a word Frericks could also use for his time as fair board president.

“I feel so good about Tom taking over,” Frericks said.

Schmitz has one year under his belt as fair president.

“This year has been crazy,” he said. “And who knows what next year will bring.”

For sure, he will be at the fairgrounds in 2024 wearing his Stearns County Fair T-shirt and presidential hat.

Thank you

To our family and friends, both near and far, to our surrounding community and those we may not know but who cared so much, you have our heartfelt gratitude for all your support in your presence, your continuous prayers, kind words and your generosity for us with the tragedy and the passing of our beloved Al Schlangen. You’ve helped us with the burdens and sorrow. The incredible outreach of support, both local and around the world is amazing to us.

Thank you to the awesome team at the St. Cloud Hospital ER, the surgeons and the staff in the ICU. We grew to know many of you well.

To our church family at River of Life-Cold Spring especially Pastor Denny Curran, thank you all for the loving comfort and walking with us, praying us through the many weeks and for continued prayers as we grieve. And many thanks to everyone involved for our Celebration of Life Service.

A special thanks to Bernick’s in St. Cloud for donating Al’s favorite drink for all to have his “contractor’s communion” for the Celebration of Life service.

To Wenner Funeral Home, thank you for helping us through our difficult time and lightening the process behind the scenes of losing our loved one.

Thank you all for the memories you shared of Al with us We hope you continue to share them with us and each other and keep the effect of Al’s light shining in your own ways We felt all this tremendous support deeply and will always remember how much you cared. With love, The Al Schlangen Family: Sheila Schlangen, Breann (Wade) Fischer, Alex Schlangen and Kaitlyn Schlangen P-31-1P

What’s

Saturday, Aug. 5, 8-11:30 a.m. – Stearns

Electric Association Member Appreciation event. Freeport Community Center, 307 Seventh St. SE, Freeport.

Monday, Aug. 7, 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, Aug. 7, 7 p.m. – Kingery Family concert. Community Country Church, 42457 171st Ave., Holdingford. Ice cream social following.

Tuesday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m. – Melrose American Legion Post 101 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.

Wednesday, Aug. 9, 6 p.m. – Albany School Board Meeting. District office, 30 Forest Ave., Albany.

Wednesday, Aug. 9, 7 p.m. – AA Meetings Back to Basic, at Tutti Frutti Marketplace, 38914 County Road 186, Sauk Centre. For more information, call 218-240- 1076. Big Book, Melrose City Center, 225 First St., NE, Melrose. For more information, call 320-2413909.

Upcoming: Tuesday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. – Schanhaar-Otte Post 7050 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING

the Holdingford

Veronica Janssen

Mass of Christian Burial was July 29, 2023, at St. Catherine’s Oratory in Farming for Veronica Janssen, 86, of Farming, who died peacefully July 26 at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany. Burial was in St. Catherine’s Cemetery.

Veronica was born Sept. 30, 1936, in Roscoe, to Herman and Caroline (Meyer) Koetter. She married Valerian Janssen June 24, 1961, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Roscoe.

Veronica and Valerian farmed east of Farming for many years. She enjoyed square dancing, playing cards, bowling, embroidery, baking and bingo. She was a member of Catholic United Financial and St. Catherine’s Oratory.

Survivors include her children, Linda (Don) Theisen, Duane (Karen Schefers), Mary (Loren) Tritabaugh, Theresa Janssen (Bill Robertson), Ron, Kevin (Michelle Gavlak), Carl

Donna Suchy

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was July 27, 2023, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon for Donna Suchy, 81, of Cold Spring, who passed away, surrounded by family, July 23 at her home. Burial of the urn was in St. Benedict’s Parish Cemetery.

Donna was born at home June 22, 1942, to Raymond and Mary (Klimek) Arndt in Brandon. She graduated from Brandon High School. After graduation, she worked as a nanny, waitress and as a baker. She was united in marriage to Jerome Edward Suchy Sept. 9, 1967, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria. Donna and Jerome owned and operated Suchy’s Service Station in Avon. After they sold the service station, she worked at Mills Fleet Farm in Waite Park in the Automotive Repair Department. She was a member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon, where she was a Eucharistic minister and with the Christian Mothers; and she was an Avon Hills Club member.

Donna was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved to spend time with her family. Donna enjoyed sewing, puzzles, playing cards, fishing and watching her children and grandchildren’s sports and activities. She also enjoyed bowling, traveling, flower gardening, canning, baking and crafts. She will be remembered for her love of family, planning family reunions and socializing.

She is survived by her children, Darrell (Judy) of Fort Myers, Florida, Denise (Cory) Lipinski of Clear Lake, Neal (Kristen) of Potomac Falls, Virginia, Curt (Joy) of Santiago, Debra (Brett) Beuning of San Antonio, Texas, Eric (Kim) of Paynesville, Chad (Alisha) of

Henry Berling

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Henry Berling, 87, of Sauk Centre, will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with the Rev. Mark Botzet officiating. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Sauk Centre United Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Aug. 4 at the church.

Henry was born in Melrose, July 8, 1936, to Joseph and Anna (Holdvogt) Berling. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1954 and worked on the family dairy farm. He served a short time in the National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1960. He married Lyla Roering Aug. 29, 1959, in Melrose, taking over the family farm that same year. He farmed his entire life and had a deep love for working the land and raising his family. He was active in his church and community. He served as a member of the Melrose High School Board for many years, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, MCCL and the National Farmers Organization.

Henry milked cows most of his life but also raised beef cattle, hogs and sheep. He also worked several jobs, including insurance and oil sales. He loved to bowl and golf, play cards and read. While it’s hard to capture Henry in a few words, he will be missed most for his jovial nature, quick smile and mischievous spirit. He had a humble confidence and tirelessly served those less fortunate and without a voice. After retiring from farming, he made his home in Sauk Centre and cherished his

Veronica Janssen (Pam), Alan (Allison), Kathy, Robert (Tanya) and Tim; 16 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and sister Irene Rausch. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Valerian; brothers Ervin, Herbert, Othmar, Roman and John; and sister Luella Seifermann.

Arrangements were with the Wenner Funeral Home in Richmond. P-31-1B

Benedict “Jim” Mergen

Mass of Christian Burial was July 31, 2023, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, in Cold Spring, for Benedict “Jim” Mergen, 90, who died July 27 at Quiet Oaks Hospice House. Jim was born March 3, 1933, in Farming, to John and Gertrude (Holthaus) Mergen, the last of eight children. He was raised in Farming and graduated with the Albany class of 1950 and then from St. Cloud State with a teaching certificate in physical education. He married Darlene Machtmes in 1960, and they had three children, Randy, Dean and Debbie. Jim taught at Ortley, South Dakota, and then went on to work with the Veterans Administration as a recreational therapist in St. Cloud. He moved to New Jersey and then to Austin, Texas, retiring as an analyst for the VA. Jim was a member of the

Dorine C. Sunderman

Dorine C. Sunderman, 89, of Melrose, passed away July 20, 2023, at the CentraCare Care Center in Melrose.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 3, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with the Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. A private inurnment will be in the parish cemetery. The Mass will be live-streamed and can be found on St. Mary’s website. Visitation will be 9:30-11 a.m., Aug. 3, at the church.

Benedict “Jim” Mergen

Knights of Columbus. As a lifelong baseball fan, he played with the Farming Flames in his younger years and was later inducted into the hall of fame. He then played softball in New Jersey, Texas, Minnesota and Arizona, where he pitched his last game at age

85. When too old to play baseball, he helped organize the Farming Flames golf tournament for over 12 years as well as the local dupas golf tournament and Mergen family golf tournament. Jim was a lifetime member of Optimist International, sheriff of the town of San LeAnna, Texas, and served a two-year term as mayor. Upon retirement he returned to Minnesota and would spend time between Cold Spring and Sun City, Arizona. He is remembered lovingly by his wife of 62 years, Darlene; children, Randy, Dean (Betty), Debbie (Bobby) Powell; 6 grandchildren and 6 greatgrandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings. Services were with the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring.

Albany; six grandchildren and fivegreat-grandchildren; sisters Marian Goerdt of Melrose and Joannie Nathe of Anoka; brother Jim Gieske of Melrose; brother-in-law Bernie Sunderman of Isle; and many nieces and nephews.

St. Anna, and Kristi (Jeff) Werner of Rapid City, South Dakota; grandchildren Emily, Jonathon, Megan and Isabella Lipinski, Taylor and Cayden Suchy, Alaynna, Marcus and Chloe Suchy, Kailani, Mason and Alexis Beuning, Carson, Brady, Kiera and Brooklyn Suchy, Nolan, Eli and Hannah Suchy, Weston, Logan and Pearl Werner; step-grandchildren Becky (Mark) Strait, Syndie (Corey) Hite and Beau (Kayla) Dannemiller; step-great-grandchildren Ava, Cole, Declan, Ryleigh Strait and Noah and Ruth Dannemiller; brothers Vernon (Karen) of Waite Park, Gery (Bev) of Little Falls, Dennis (Chris) of Brandon and David (Suzanne) of Wentzville, Missouri; sister-in-law Lucille Arndt; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Jerome; brother Wendell; and nephew Daniel.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff of CentraCare Home Hospice, as well as Donna’s neighbors and friends for all of their loving and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

P-31-1B

Dorine Catherine Sunderman was born April 30, 1934, in Melrose, to Joe and Kate (Althaus) Gieske. On July 6, 1955, she married Victor Sunderman at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. Dorine worked at the Melrose Hospital and was a cook at St. Mary’s School. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and St. Mary’s Christian Mothers.

Edward H. “Eddie”

Bussmann

Edward H. “Eddie” Bussmann, 85, of Melrose, passed away peacefully July 26, 2023, at his home in Melrose.

A Mass of Christian Burial was July 31 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with the Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment was in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

Edward Henry Bussmann was born Sept. 23, 1937 to Bernard and Elizabeth (Wenker) Bussmann. He graduated from Melrose High School and then enlisted into the U.S. Army. After his service in the Army, he worked at Kraft Foods in Melrose while taking over the family farm.

On June 6, 1961, he married Darlene Douvier at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre.

Eddie was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose and the American Legion Post 101. He served as president and on the board of the New Munich Fire Insurance Company. He enjoyed playing cards, doing carpentry work, dancing, going to the casino, hunting,

Herman H. “Hermie” Wielenberg

Herman H. “Hermie” Wielenberg, 83, of St. Anthony, passed away peacefully July 25, 2023, at his home in St. Anthony.

A Mass of Christian Burial was Aug. 1 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in St. Anthony (near Albany) with the Rev. Julius Beckermann, O.S.B., officiating. Interment was in the parish cemetery.

Henry Berling

neighbors and their life there.

Survivors include his wife, Lyla; sons Jim (Cathy) of New Richmond, Wisconsin, Steve (Brenda) of New Munich, Joe (Ann) of Melrose, and John (Debbe) of Taylors Falls; daughters Mary (Gary) Ramacher of St. Cloud, Julie Berling (Craig Lambrecht) of Melrose, and Karen (Kyle) Fagerland of Plymouth. He leaves behind a legacy of 17 grandchildren and 18 greatgrandchildren, who he all dearly loved.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, son Keith Berling, infant daughter and son Catherine and Gerald, sister Josina Friederichs and brother John Berling.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association or your local Knights of Columbus chapter.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre. PH-31-1B

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

Herman Henry Wielenberg was born Sept. 6, 1939, in Melrose, to Henry and Alvina (Hollermann) Wielenberg. He served his enlistment in the National Guard. On May 23, 1961, he was united in marriage to Irene Gerads at St. Anthony Catholic Church. The couple began farming north of St. Anthony. Hermie retired from farming and began driving truck for Herdering, Inc. Hermie was a member of the St. Anthony Catholic Church where he was an usher for many years.

Dorine enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved her flower garden, bird watching and going on trips, even an occasional trip to the casino.

Survivors include her husband, Vic Sunderman of Melrose; children Gary (Mary) Sunderman of St. Joseph, Mark (Karen) Sunderman of Melrose, and Kay (Phil) Rolfes of

Dorine was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Pete and Chuck Gieske; sisters-in-law Ruth Ann Gieske, Louise Gieske, Delores Bromen, Margie Sunderman, Mary Sunderman, Delores Sunderman and Aurelia Sunderman; and brothers-inlaw, Joe Goerdt, Dick Nathe, Hubert, Harry, and Roman Sunderman and Jerry Bromen.

A special thanks to all the wonderful people who cared for Dorine in the short time she was at the care center.

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

Samuel Bussmann, Ella Bussmann (fiancé Jimmy Dempsey), Payten Bussmann, Michael Bussmann and Ashley Bussmann; five greatgrandchildren, Brayden and Harper Biddle, Emmitt, Trey and Callie Stangler; sisters and brother Doris Peterson of Sauk Centre, Bernard (Tillie) Bussmann of Melrose, and Betty Lou (Vic) Goebel of Freeport; and sisters-in-law Shirley Ostendorf of Osseo and Linda (Jim) Johnson of Lindstrom.

fishing and spending time with his family, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Darlene Bussmann of Melrose; children Mark Bussmann of Melrose, Sandy (Randy) Stangler of Rogers, Scott (Andrea) Bussmann of Melrose, Brian (Kathy) Bussmann of Grey Eagle, and Todd (Stephanie) Bussmann of Grey Eagle; eight grandchildren Amanda (Kyle) Biddle, Drew (Maria) Stangler, Tyler Bussmann (fiancée Bri Ufford),

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Elizabeth Bussmann; son Jeffrey Bussmann in 1973; father- and mother-in-law Herbert and Regina Douvier; sistersand brothers-in-law Anna Mae (Jim) Morrison, Cecilia (Donovan) Hansen, Bernice (Clarence) Theiler, Rita (Jerome) Poepping and Lorraine (Jack) Kraker; and brother-in-law Larry Ostendorf.

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

PH-31-1B

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

Don (Vickie) Wielenberg of Albany, and Duane (Christy) Wielenberg of St. Anthony; daughter-in-law Sandy Wielenberg of St. Anthony; 16 grandchildren and 15 greatgrandchildren; and brothers and sister Alvin (Jackie) Wielenberg of Swanville, Millie (Vern) Gerads of Albany, and Herb (Sharon) Wielenberg of Freeport; and brotherin-law Ray Barthel of Holdingford.

He enjoyed woodworking, playing cards, reading, deer hunting, fishing and was a Twins and Vikings fan.

Herman was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Alvina Wielenberg; son Dan Wielenberg; sister Hilda Barthel; brother and sister-in-law Norb (Peggy) Wielenberg; and father- and motherin-law Nick and Dora Gerads.

A special thank you to the hospice staff for the wonderful care they provided Herman.

Survivors include his wife, Irene Wielenberg of St. Anthony; sons and daughter Rich (Jill) Wielenberg of Osakis, Dave (Joyce) Wielenberg of Albany, Cheri Novella of Eagan, “Our Country is in Mourning, A Veteran Died Today.”

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

Linda M. Paavola

Linda M. Paavola, 77, of Melrose, passed away peacefully Feb. 22, 2023, at CentraCare Care Center in Melrose.

A celebration of life will take place near Grey Eagle Aug. 5. Contact the family for more information.

Linda M. Paavola

Linda Mae Burnett was born April 11, 1945, in Elko, Nevada, to Chester and Lily (Bouge) Burnett. She was united in marriage to Melvin Paavola April 27, 1968, at St John’s Lutheran Church in Santa Barbara, California. Linda loved making memories with family and friends. Leisure time was spent crocheting or giving the dog treats. Linda was an avid bowler. She could be found at Melrose Bowl sharing mini chocolates with friends

or enjoying a cold beer.

Survivors include her husband, Melvin Paavola of Melrose; two sons Andy (Karen) Paavola of Sartell and Steve (Theresa) Paavola of Monticello; five grandchildren; two brother, Milton of California and James (Jim) of Nevada.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Walter and Charles “Chuck.”

A special thank you to Pine Haven Nursing Home team members for all the care and compassion you provided Linda during the last years of her life. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.

Donna Suchy

Dorine C. Sunderman

Edward H. “Eddie” Bussmann

Herman H. “Hermie” Wielenberg

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.

A bit of Kansas City

It was 110 degrees at game time. At least there was a slight breeze. Ryan and I were at the series opener between the Minnesota Twins and the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City. The Royals are the second worst team in baseball this year, so we were banking on leaving Kauffman Stadium with a winning strut while surrounded by defeated Royals fans. We wondered if Royals fans would even show up. Between the heat and their dismal record, we thought the stadium might be rather empty – maybe even housing more Twins fans than Royals.

Alas, in true Minnesota sport team style, a win would not be in our cards. And Royals fans are loyal. Those fans, just like the temperature that night, would not be subdued. It was 98 degrees when Royals Bobby Witt hit the walk-off grand slam at 9:45 p.m.

Sonya Hoffarth

Ryan and I hung our heads as we high-tailed it out of there. We cleared the parking lot while the Royals fans pumped their fists, celebrating their win over the division leader to a fireworks display that lit up the stadium and the sky in our rearview mirror.

We Minnesotans are used to losing, though. Rather than licking our wounds, we smiled about beating the traffic.

Kansas City has more to offer than defeat, though. In an attempt to escape the heat, we toured the J. Rieger & Co. distillery. They offered so much more than a cold drink on a hot day. Jacob Rieger founded the distillery in 1887 and, through mail-order service, quickly became a leading distributor in the country. If you have an old shed on an old back 40, you might find some old Rieger Whiskey bottles in it. In 1919, though, Prohibition closed their doors. The Rieger family turned to banking instead.

About a century later, in 2015, Jacob Reiger’s great-greatgrandson Andy Rieger, a recent college graduate from Texas,

visited a bar in Kansas City. This bar had been part of his great-great-grandfather’s business, featuring Rieger Whiskey on its shelves and the Rieger logo on its brick walls. The logo remains. Andy introduced himself, and his connection to the bar, to the bartender, Ryan Maybee. Maybee did much more than offer a cold drink. He convinced Andy to bring back the distillery.

Over the next few years, Ryan and Andy dreamed up a plan, researching old roots, uncovering the original recipe, slogan and logo and studying the method of production for American whiskey in the 1880s. They decided to go for it, even purchasing the same building the Rieger company had operated out of back in the 1900s.

On the tour, we learned how whiskey is made and enjoyed a cold drink but found the story of a great-great-grandson reviving a family business so much more captivating.

Memorabilia of a bygone age greets visitors to the distillery: stamped bottles from the 1880s, packaging crates, even the original cash register a stranger happened upon and returned to Andy Rieger a few years ago.

We toured the production floor and the barrel rickhouse. We learned how Rieger Whiskey is different from other brands. Most fascinating, though, was a young man partnering with a guy he met one night at a bar and resurrecting a family business. And they seem to have found success. The building, tasting room and lounge are exquisitely renovated and the whiskey is excellent. It can even be purchased right here in central Minnesota.

On our trip we may have watched the Twins lose in temperatures I hope not to experience again soon, but we were equally inspired by a story of a family’s legacy and Kansas City history.

A car for businessmen, doctors

By the early 1920s, automobiles were becoming more common.

Usually sedan-style cars had front and back seats and were marketed to families and groups for travel. Most manufacturers, and even the public, used the term coupe for vehicles that often did not have back seats.

The coupe, derived from the French word couper meaning to cut, was shorter than sedans. The problem with selling a coupe was who to target. Most families wanted something bigger than a coupe, and many people purchased cars with the idea of having them longer than a year or two, especially if they had a family.

In 1923, J.A. Stuntebeck’s Ford Dealership in Avon started promoting to a group that might have seen the value in having a Ford Model T Coupe instead of a sedan. A portion of that market no longer exists.

A 1923 Albany Enterprise ad stated at $530 (about $9,460 today) it was “the lowest price ever made on a Ford Coupe” and the model offered “greater value than ever before.”

The ad was clearly targeting a specific group of people, one which clearly looked at value when considering which action to take.

The manufacturing firm and the ad reminded its target group “Ford prices have never been so low, and Ford quality has never been so high.”

The car they were promoting had improvement in tire mounting and room for a spare tire. Something that was really attractive to Minnesota customers was the vehicle had a

heater.

All those elements did not make up for the fact that the vehicle did not have as much space as a sedan. Hence, the decision by Ford to have its dealers, such as J.A. Stuntebeck, promote the car to a specific group.

According to the ad, the targeted group had already found the vehicle and really liked it. It was also a group which could afford the price, and they were going fast.

“So great is the demand, that a shortage is certain,” the ad said. “List your order now. Cover it with a small down payment. The balance on convenient terms.”

Henry Ford went down in history for his ability to manufacture an affordable vehicle, creating “everyone’s car.” The 1923 coupe, though, really spoke to one group of people.

“Professional and businessmen demanding continuous car service at low cost, and with comfort and convenience, are turning to the Ford coupe in greater numbers than ever,” the ad stated.

There were 313,000 Ford coupes made that year. According to the Auto Museum online website, one group of professionals really liked them, and to some degree, became associated with them.

“Although Ford never produced a coupe with the designation ‘doctor’s coupe,’ these Model Ts were occasionally referred to as coupes for the doctor who would make house calls,” according to the ad.

As time went on, the Model T Ford Coupe, and doctors making house calls, became stories from the past.

PAID letter to editor

Let’s move forward together on refuse issues

Jeff Bertram, West Central Sanitation, Willmar

We were a bit surprised to read the article in the July 26

The Star Post reporting on the discussion at the last Albany council meeting. Please allow us to respond.

Generally, people don’t like change. Communication is always the most important ingredient when it comes to any change. If residents don’t communicate issues with us immediately and directly, we can’t correct issues. We can’t answer questions or resolve issues we are not aware of.

We all know social media is not going to solve anything.

There are a small percentage of people everywhere that will create a whirlwind on social media and never once factually try to solve an issue directly with someone. We can’t solve issues we are not directly made aware of. In a Community of close to 3,000 residents, there are a few residents that are probably not happy with anything. A few residents have various issues that are not related to our service. Some residents are not current with their billing and want us to continue servicing them. They try to confuse that fact with complaining about services. Right now, there are 45 residents who have not paid a dime for the entire six months we have been servicing the city of Albany. That’s a whole other issue. Again, if it’s a legitimate issue and brought to our attention, the issue will be resolved immediately.

We are aware of some of the initial issues with cart deliveries, which we resolved. The new approach to every other week recycling has caused some confusion on which week those services occur. Change and confusion played into that issue. We didn’t miss a resident’s service, it was the wrong week for the service. We sent service calendars and letters with all the information residents needed to know before our services began. Again, it goes both ways. We need to educate the

STAFF

public and residents need to become aware of the information we share. We are aware of the issue of tipped over carts after our service, and we are addressing that. We are addressing the speed of our trucks servicing the community. Loose refuse falling out of refuse carts is always a concern for any refuse company. Companies all service carts the same way and if refuse isn’t bagged, there is a greater chance of refuse not going into the hopper. We did go down streets multiple times as we were routing the stops for the long term. Our time of service may be different than the previous vendors, but should stay about the same time we have now routed residents. We have shared with residents to have the carts available for service by 6 a.m., and they need to be placed so we can service them. We need to go down streets several times because the automatic arm is on one side of the truck and carts are on both sides of the street. The carts need to be placed so we can get to them. We need everyone’s cooperation and we need to work together.

There was some information discussed that is totally not accurate. We did not take any other company’s carts and we did not crush them in an old garbage truck. That must have been your previous vendor. We never told anyone if they blatantly damage their/our cart the fee would be $165. Our fee is $65 and only if someone blatantly damages it. We continue to service every city contract we ever received. We never have had to get attorneys involved to address issues and we never will.

We value our relationship with the city of Albany and have made it a priority to resolve any issues and communicate the reality that is out there. We are a local, family owned company engaged with the community in many ways. We live in the same area code and know many of the people we serve, personally.

Let’s move forward, together. SP31B

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 …………………………………maddy@star-pub.com

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

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

Jaime Ostendorf ...............Marketing …………………………………………jaime@star-pub.com

Robin Brunette

Carol Blonigen Thull passed away on July 7, at age 72. She was married to Roman for 51 years and was a mother to five children, a grandmother, a sister and a friend to many. All who knew her say she will be remembered for her infectious laugh. I will fondly remember that laugh also, but what I will cherish most are the good times we had with her and her family.

Carol and Romie were good friends with our mom and dad, even before they married. I recall at their wedding during lunch the glasses were not getting clinked often enough for Romie and Carol to kiss, so Romie started to clink his own glass. And who wouldn’t? Although they lived in Eagan after getting married, they came up a few times each year, either just to visit or to help celebrate some special occasions. I don’t recall any summer going by that we didn’t see them come around. We grew up together with their kids and as we aged, they were invited to our high school graduations and weddings, and we were invited to theirs. They are great kids, each one of them, but the thing I remember most of our visits was being with Carol.

At her funeral, we reminisced with the kids about the good times we all had together, and one of them explained their mother’s great affection for us. He used an analogy of a totem pole where the Zierden kids were at the top of his mother’s favorites, and they were slightly below that. That may have been an exaggeration, but I do know she cared for us. If Mom needed help because her kids were getting to be too much work, Carol would be there.

A person could never be sad around Carol. I remember another time when I was a young boy about to go into surgery for a hernia Carol was over the day before, and she assured me everything was going to be OK, and I shouldn’t be afraid. She found humor in anything and when she laughed that contagious laugh, you caught it and had to smile or laugh with her. We tried to remember some of the things we laughed so hard at through the years, but we couldn’t. I think that is because something didn’t have to be hilarious to get Carol to laugh. She just loved to do it, so she would laugh at just about anything and it became funny.

We continued to visit Romie and Carol after Dad passed away, and even after Mom left us, we made a few trips up there. Their house was always open to us to visit and spend the night. Oftentimes, that meant they lost all their privacy as we were spread out throughout the house in any spare room or on the living room floor. That says something that even after Mom and Dad were gone, we were still welcome. And, of course, Carol never lost that positive attitude. We went up there for their 50th wedding anniversary in the fall of 2021, and we brought back many more memories. Those times are hard to forget.

Carol’s health deteriorated the past few years and somehow we matched that with our going to see her less often. I regret we haven’tseen her since their anniversary. Good kids would have gone to visit. She would have done that for us. I am sure even though she was the one with the health issues, we all would have felt better after the visit. Her laugh would have once more infected us.

Now, she’s laughing in heaven with those we miss.

With August starting, many of us focus on school again. Some students will be starting pre-season activities for fall activities, school shopping is either underway or planned, and we need to start thinking about a new school year.

We need to remind ourselves of the changes in traffic patterns and movements around town with a new school year starting again. School buses will be starting and stopping in neighborhoods and other streets, kids will be biking and walking, and extra vehicles will be dropping students off at the schools in our city. School bus safety is always a big concern. If you see flashing yellow lights on a bus, begin slowing down or prepare to stop. If the red lights are flashing and the stop sign is out on the bus, you must stop until the sign is retracted and the lights stop flashing before being able to continue driving.

Bus drivers in our school district do a good job of getting information for us to follow up on any violations of a school bus stop arm. One bus company has even installed cameras on their buses to help with these violations through a state grant.

Driver’s could be fined up to $1,000 for a violation, but we have seen fines closer to $300 in our cases.

We want every school year to be safe and enjoyable for everyone, and we ask everyone to pay closer attention, in the coming weeks, to extra traffic and people moving around the city.

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The Farmers Daughter By

Ink on My Hands by Kevin Zierden

Chatting with the Chief by Craig Maus, Melrose police chief

School board from front

In other board news:

– The establishment of a sidewalk connecting Daylight Court and Fifth Avenue will be on school district property. The board approved a memorandum of understanding between the school district and the city on the sidewalk project.

“The city will install it. It will be a concrete sidewalk, which is nice,” Superintendent Greg Winter said. “They (the city) will remove the trees. We are responsible to remove the fence along the baseball field and to keep it (the sidewalk) clear in the winter. They (the city) are responsible to maintain it. If it has to be crack-filled in the future, they will do that.”

– Winter, during his report, gave updates on summer work projects at the school and future projects, including a possible reconfiguration of a bathroom to meet American with Disabilities Act requirements.

“Once we receive that information there will be a meeting with the facility committee to look at possible next steps,” he said. “It could be pretty extensive, in the $40,000 to $50,000 range.”

Another area that needs to be looked at is the condition of pillars at the building’s south entrance. The pillars are steel beams covered to look like stone pillars. The beams are still solid, but the covering material resembles papier-mâché.

“It’s not much better than that,” Winter said. “We are looking at what we can do to fix that.”

– Approved hiring Cassidy Hendricks and Katlyn Rademacher as elementary teachers and accepted the resignation of school nurse Jackie Hellermann.

“We are still looking to hire personnel,” Winter said.

– Welcomed Kelly Neu as the community education director.

WE’RE

Raising awareness, not stigma

More than 75 participate in 9th Healing Hearts run/walk

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

John and Marie Silbernagel wore a button with a photo of their son, Bryan, and his puppy, Lily, on their jackets July 15 during the Ninth Annual Healing Hearts Suicide Awareness Run/Walk at Melrose Area Public Schools. Bryan’s sisters, Lisa and LeAnn, were also present; Lisa holding a puppy, which is the same breed as Bryan’s dog. Bryan died by suicide July 12, 2009.

“For some of you, it’s the first time you are here,” John, of rural Melrose, said during a prayer. “We are over 14 years on our journey and we’ve spent it with different groups, different people, and it’s all very important to us.”

D&D

Cleaning Team

• Shampooing • Vacuuming

• Carpets

• Wood Flooring

• Tile • Upholstery • Window Washing • Small Repairs

Dave 320-250-2005 • Darlene 320-493-9939

He thanked Kristen Bussmann, who started this event as her Melrose Girl Scout Gold Award project, and continued each year, thanks to the support of her family.

Money raised supports mental health in the local area.

More than 75 came together to support each other as they remembered those who have been lost to suicide during the 2.5-mile walk around Melrose, and ending back at the school. Posters lined the route with names of people who died by suicide, some showcasing artwork depicting their lives. Many wore Healing Hearts T-shirts, with the back reading, “Suicide Victims are not weak, selfish or cowards. They are fathers, mothers, sons, daughters,

Skylar

husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, cousins and grandchildren who are in pain and are missed and loved every day. Choose your words carefully and please don’t judge what you cannot possibly understand. Raise awareness not stigma.”

For some, like 26-yearold twins Alexa and Skylar

Kraker, granddaughters of Mike and Etta Kraker, of Melrose, it was their first time participating in the event.

“We only have boys, so this was such a treat for us to have girls in the house,” Etta said. Mike and Etta Kraker participate in the Healing

Hearts event in memory of son Cassidy and in support of others who have lost loved ones.

Social Worker/Therapist Roxann Storms was among the walkers. She said it has been one year since the new 988 crisis number was activated.

“It’s been phenomenal the people who have used the line since it started last year,” she said.

Anyone can dial or text the three-digit code 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including people worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

Individuals who weren’t able to walk rode on a trailer pulled by a truck through the run/walk. Like she has for many years, Mary Ann Pflipsen, Kristen’s grandma, who is in her 90s, was aboard.

“Everybody here today feels the same way as we do,” John Silbernagel said. “Let’s keep this going every year.”

Albany council concurs with dog park rule revisions

Young puppies prohibited because of canine health concerns

BY TIM HENNAGIR | STAFF WRITER

Here is a dog owners’ word to the wise when visiting the new canine play and socializing space in Albany’s North Park.

Read the revised regulation signs. They have been posted to protect your fourlegged friends’ health and well-being.

Albany city leaders recently agreed with dog park rule changes suggested by Lake Country Veterinary Service.

Public works supervisor Joe Mergen briefly explained the changes during the council’s July 19 meet-

ing at Albany City Hall in Albany.

The biggest change to the canine regulations prohibits puppies under 4 months of age visiting the park.

Dr. Wendy Womack, a small animal veterinarian, recommended that change in a letter to the council.

“The medical reason behind this is that no puppy can be completely protected against parvovirus until they have had a final DHPP booster at age 16 weeks or greater,” Womack wrote.

She said DHPP is a combination vaccine that prevents canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus.

“The big thing about dog parks is you need to think about them like kids going

to kindergarten or daycare,” Womack said in a separate interview. “Make sure your pet gets those vaccinations.”

Human and dog treats, glass containers, female dogs in heat, aggressive dogs, sick dogs, alcoholic beverages and smoking are prohibited in the city’s new dog park.

City leaders also agreed with Womack’s recommendation to make sure signs have information highlighted via bullet points so dog owners know about the regulations.

Deputy clerk Heather Cruz said Womack made a note that Lake Country Veterinary Service wanted the prohibited information to stand out on the signs.

“People are more reactive to bullet points and short sign verbiage,” she said.

Resident Bruce Winter asked about providing proof of pet vaccination.

“I’m not going to go around carrying a card in

my back pocket every time I take my dog out,” Winter said. “How are you going to provide proof of that? The only way to do that is going back to dog licenses and have a vet verify the vaccinations. It would be a lot easier to have a dog tag, wouldn’t it?”

Albany no longer requires city licenses for dogs but dogs are still required to have current vaccinations.

Albany Police Chief Ozzie Carbajal mentioned other dog-related requirements in the city’s current ordinance.

“Let’s say a dog bites another dog or a dog bites a person,” Carbajal said. “If we are able to identify the dog and who owns it, we ask for information, otherwise the dog is placed in quarantine until it can be verified the dog has been vaccinated.”

Carbajal addressed Winter’s previously mentioned concerns.

“You don’t have to provide proof of vaccination if someone asks you for it in public,” he said.

Winter also addressed the issue of dog waste being left in North Park.

“Now we just have to get people to pick up after their dogs,” he said. “You walk into the park, and there (the waste) is. Most parks have a waste bag dispensary.”

Mayor Tom Kasner agreed city staff should look at adding a dispenser.

Mergen replied, “I’ll dig into it.”

City attorney Susan Dege said Albany dog park users who don’t follow the rules could be trespassed from the park.

“Some of these dog park provisions are related to the ordinance that’s in place,” Dege said.

PHOTOS BY CAROL MOORMAN

John Silbernagel (right) – with (from left) daughter LeAnn Ostendorf, friend Roxann Storms, wife Marie and their daughter, Lisa Silbernagel – starts the Healing Hearts Suicide Awareness Run/Walk with a prayer July 15 at Melrose Area Public Schools in Melrose. He said events like this continue to be a source of support for their family.

Mike (left) and Etta Kraker (right) and twin granddaughters

(second from left) and Alexa Kraker gather before the start of the July 15 Healing Hearts Suicide Awareness Run/ Walk, which started and ended at Melrose Area Public Schools in Melrose. It was the first time the twins participated in the event.

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PUBLIC HEARING

VARIANCE REQUEST

James and Kari Alvord (property owners) have filed an application for a variance from the strict enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Avon. The property at 323 Barracuda Ave NE, Avon (42.26493.0064) is in the shoreland overlay district and is in a residential zone. The request is to allow impervious surface coverage of 37% instead of the 25% zoning ordinance requirement. This would allow for a 530 sq. ft. concrete patio to be installed. A public hearing will be held by the City of Avon Planning Commission on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. All meetings of the City of Avon, 140 Stratford St. E., Avon, are handicapped accessible.

City of Avon

Amy Pease Zoning Administrator P-31-1B

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333

ASSUMED NAME: Pupusa St..

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IS: 510 7TH ST S, WAITE PARK, MN 56387 USA.

NAMEHOLDER(S): Rodrigo Ernesto Milla Vigil, 510 7th St. S, Waite Park, MN 56387 USA and Milla Culinary Ventures LLC, 510 7th St. S, Waite Park, MN 56387 USA.

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

I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath.

/s/ Rodrigo Ernesto Milla Vigil 07/20/2023 P-30-2P

Holding Township Clean-Up Day

September 9, 2023 7:00am—11:00am

Holding Township will hold a Clean-Up Day for residents living outside city limits but within the Township on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at the Holding Town Hall. Items accepted at this event will be:

• White Goods—washers, dryers, microwaves, furnaces, refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, dishwashers, ranges, humidifiers, dehumidifiers & air conditioners - $10.00 each

• Televisions, Computer Monitors & Computers - $25.00 each

• Tires— Car tire - $5.00 each

• Pickup/ implement tire - $5.00 each

• Semi-truck tire - $15.00 each

• Tractor tire - $20.00 each

• Tire size is at the discretion of the Township officers

*If rims are left on the tire, the price is double*

The Township is paying $25 per household to bring down the cost to residents. Example: If you bring five (5) car, pickup, or implement tires, you dispose of them for free.

RESIDENTS MUST ACCOMPANY ITEMS DELIVERED

If you have questions, please call Dave Yurczyk 320-761-2087

**Only residential items will be accepted at this event** . P-31-1B

Regular School Board Meeting - Melrose Area Public Schools

Monday, June 26, 2023

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. Feldewerd, Mrs. Uphoff & Mrs. Klassen. Mrs. Poepping was absent. Also present were: Mr. Winter, Ms. Noska, Mrs. Pearson, Mrs. Anderson & Mr. Doetkott. Mr. Dufner moved, with a second by Mrs. Uphoff, to approve the agenda. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Nothing to report for the Open Forum. Board reports were given. No action was taken. Administrative reports were given. No action was taken. Mr. Heidgerken moved, with a second by Mrs. Klassen, to approve the following consent agenda items:

➢ May 22, 2023 School Board Minutes

➢ June 5, 2023 Special School Board Minutes

➢ June 21, 2023 Special School Board Minutes

➢ Bills & Wires in the amount of

$1,835,655.60

New Hire - Georgia Anderson -

Hire - Hallie Drossel - Tball

Mauer attends Strike Out ALS

BY MIKE KOSIK STAFF WRITER

Joe Mauer, who will be inducted into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame this weekend, was a special guest for an ALS fundraising event July 29 in Avon.

Mauer signed autographs and posed for photos at Tischler Wood Products, Inc. as part of a fundraiser to fight and find a cure for ALS – amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Tischler Wood owner Bryan Becker and his brother, Mitch, from Northwestern Mutual, organized the event, titled Strike Out ALS. Bryan has been involved in fundraising to find a cure for ALS since his father died from the disease 16 years ago.

The event was previously held in Browerville, where Bryan Becker is from, but he decided this year to have it closer to home in Avon. He was happy with how it turned out.

Bryan Becker said Mauer has been a customer of his for 10 years and was more than willing to come to Avon.

The family-friendly event drew 250 participants and began with a 5K run and walk, followed by lunch and kid-friendly events like bounce houses, a dunk tank and speed pitch.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS usually strikes people between the ages of 40-70, but it can strike anyone at any time. Although there is no cure or treatment yet, advances in scientific research have made significant progress in understanding what causes ALS.

unanimously carried. Mrs. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mr. Dufner, to approve the Treasurer’s Report. The Motion was unanimously carried. Mr. Dufner moved, with a second by Mr. Heidgerken, to approve the following donations: ➢ 5-31-23 - New Munich LionsHigh School - Girls Golf - $500.00

➢ 5-31-23 - Topline Auto BodyHigh School - 1 gal. 2 stage black base coat, & 1 gal. of epoxy sealer and activator - $200.00

➢ 6-2-23 - Anonymous - High School - Dance - uniforms, team meals & Activities - $7,500.00

➢ 6-8-23 - Kyle Hoium - Amer-

ican Family Insurance - High SchoolFFA - Urban Ag Day - $100.00

Those voting in favor thereof: Mr. Heller, Mrs. Klassen, Mr. Dufner, Mrs. Feldewerd, Mr. Heidgerken & Mrs. Uphoff. Mrs. Poepping was absent. Those voting against: None

The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Heidgerken moved, with a second by Mrs. Klassen, to approve the bread quote from Pan-O-Gold. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Dufner moved, with a second by Mrs. Uphoff, to approve the milk quote from Stony Creek. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Heidgerken moved, with a second by Mrs. Uphoff, to approve the Final Revision of the FY23 Budget. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mrs. Klassen moved, with a second by Mrs. Uphoff, to approve the Proposed FY24 Budget. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Heidgerken moved, with a second by Mrs. Uphoff, to approve the Student Handbooks for the 2023-24 school year. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Dufner moved, with a second by Mr. Heidgerken, to approve the LTFM funding. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mrs. Klassen moved, with a second by Mrs. Uphoff, to approve the Renewal of Membership with Schools for Equity in Education (SEE). The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Heidgerken moved, with a second by Mrs. Klassen, to approve the Renewal of our Membership with

the MN School Board Association (MSBA). The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mrs. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mr. Dufner, to approve the Resolution to Certify the Updated District Population Estimate for the Levy. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Dufner moved, with a second by Mr. Heidgerken to approve Kelly Neu’s Community Education Director Contract for the 2023-24 & 2024-25 school years. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Dufner moved, with a second by Mr. Heidgerken, to approve Julie Brinkman’s Technology Support Specialist Contract for the 2023-24 & 2024-25 school years.

Mr. Uphoff moved, with a second by Mrs. Klassen, to approve Evan Reller’s Curriculum Coordinator Contract for the 2023-24 & 2024-25 school years. The Motion was unanimously carried. Mrs. Klassen moved, with a second by Mrs. Feldewerd, to approve Becky Klassen’s Withdrawal from the School Board. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Dufner moved, with a second by Mr. Heidgerken, to approve the Resolution Establishing Filing Dates. The Motion was unanimously carried.

Mr. Dufner moved, with a second by Mrs. Uphoff, to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 pm. The Motion wasunanimously carried.

Unadopted Minutes

SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION

Albany Area Schools – ISD #745

1. Call to Order

District Office Board Room

July 26, 2023

The meeting was called to order by Chair Kreuzer at 6:00 p.m.

2. Roll Call

Present: Kreuzer, Hansen, Sands, Rueter, Dirkes, Carbajal

Late:

Absent: Sand

3. Community Education Presentation

Cassie Novak introduced Marie Reszel as our new Community Education Coordinator. Cassie gave the board an update on Goals for Community Education. Goals listed below:

1.) The BEAT Series: 561 season tickets are sold for 2023-24 Season (Cap of 600). The BEAT will accommodate 800 people. Community Sponsors have been very generous with donations for entertainment with $10,000 in community donations. Summer BEAT Series (Partnership with GRRL and Albany Jaycees) with approximately 600 in attendance/show.

2.) Collaborations: Examples include: Lake Wobegon Community Expo, Great Theatre, Avon Hills Folk School, Beat Series/Summer Series, City of Albany, Albany Township, Oak Township, Avon Lions, ABE Partnerships-Custodial teal and Local Churches, Finding opportunities with community members

3.) Early Childhood: Early Learning Center, COR Advantage Assessment, Funding Opportunities

4.) Communication: The District is working on creating a comprehensive communication plan including tools to ensure content is consistently communicated across the district.

a.) Print Publications: Huskie Howl and Community Ed Brochure

b.) Electronic Communications: Social Media, Website, Marquees, Superintendent Update, Building E-Newsletters

5.) Kids Company-Progress:

a.) Certified Child Care Center: Compliant with all DHS requirements, annual visits, etc. Program has been high quality and allows us to be eligible for DHS Grants to help our Districts Parents and Students.

b.) Kids Co Staff Development: Ongoing training relevant to childcare program/district procedures (PBIS, school safety, etc.).

i.) 216 Summer Contracts

ii.) Average 105 Students/Day (140 on Wednesdays)

iii.) 40 Staff Upcoming areas of focus are Communications, Early Childhood and Program Growth focusing on youth enrichment.

4. Transportation Update With the increased difficulty in finding bus drivers, the District is enforcing the one mile exclusion for all families within the one mile walk zone. A letter will be sent to all families impacted within one week. There will be some exceptions to this exclusion in both Albany and Avon because of safety concerns on major roads and crossings. The exclusion has been looked at by the transportation department and identified students within one mile and a “safe zone” with sidewalks and adequate safety protocol that will be able to walk safely to school. If there are concerns or exceptions needed, please contact Superintendent Okerland. The reduction reduces one bus route and also reduces the duration of the bus routes. Discussion was had about what it would like if the one-mile exclusion is and would result in much longer bus routes. The district is looking to hire three additional drivers to cover the full-time routes and also have substitute drivers and extra-curricular activities drivers. Incentives were also discussed for additional employees to earn their bus license and be able to sub. The finance committee has discussed this and will provide a proposal. Current bus driver pay has been compared with other local districts and it is at or above most districts, although direct comparisons are difficult as

route length, benefits, hourly or daily pay and contract or district run transportation varies widely between districts.

5. Superintendent Report

POC met yesterday with Bryan Schiffler to talk about the possible addition of two bathrooms on the exterior of the Early Learning Center to complement the city park additions which include a dog park and pickleball courts (Phase 1), soccer field, splash pad (Phase 2). The City of Albany is on board with Phase 1 at this time but not Phase 2. Bryan brought up several community suggestions for improvements and has been working with both the city and school to improve the community experience. The Board discussion centered around 1.) the cost of the bathrooms 2.) the city of Albany’s intention to hold off on the splash pad and soccer field initially which delays the need for the bathrooms 3.) Location of water service to run utilities 4.) Maintenance of the bathroom and risk of vandalism 5.) Work that would be done outside of the contract (by local/private contractors) is not an option during the construction process. The district would like to complete the existing project and then work together with the City of Albany and the community leaders to continue the process.

Social Media Comments on Local Bidders: We are required to post in the local newspaper for two weeks, which was done in the Star Post. There was also discussion at several Albany and Avon Chamber meetings and Lions’ Club Meetings to alert local businesses of the call for bids. We also posted into 15 separate Builder Exchanges. State law requires insurance and bonding requirements to meet the state bid laws which may be inhibitive on some smaller contractors bidding on larger projects. The school district needs to accept the low, responsible bid.

6. Adjournment

Agenda completed at 7:20 p.m.

Becky Feldewerd, Clerk P31-1B

PHOTOS BY MIKE KOSIK

Mitch Becker (from left), Minnesota Twins great Joe Mauer and Bryan Becker support the Strike Out ALS event July 29 in Avon. The event drew about 250 people and included a lunch and kidfriendly events.

Minnesota Twins great Joe Mauer signs a cap during the Strike Out ALS event July 29 in Avon. Hosted at Tischler Wood, the day featured a 5K, food and kid-friendly activities.

Lakers win division, head to region playoffs

Avon wins rematch against St. Stephen

BY MIKE KOSIK STAFF WRITER

The Avon Lakers secured the Victory League South/ West championship with a late-inning rally over St. Stephen and head into the Region 8C Tournament this weekend as the division’s top seed.

The Lakers broke a 1-1 tie in the eighth, squeezing out a couple of runs for a 3-1 win July 28 at Blattner Field in Avon.

With one out in the inning, Cole Wellmann drew a walk and advanced to second on a single by Carter Philippi. Noah Voz came in to run for Wellmann and scored when Peyton Randall singled to right. Philippi advanced to third on Randall’s single and tagged up and scored on Ryan Janzen’s flyout to right, making it 3-1 in favor of the Lakers.

“We just keep grinding,” said Caleb Curry, co-manager. “We keep doing what we need to do to get the win.”

It was the second time in two weeks the Lakers needed to come back to win against St. Stephen. In the final game of the regular season July 14, Avon won 3-2 in the 10th inning to claim the top spot

to go on top, winning 3-1. in the division ahead of the Steves.

“We knew it was going to be a tough contest with St. Stephen,” Curry said. “We were able to execute and get

it done.”

St. Stephen took advantage of two Avon errors to put its run on the board in the second inning. With two outs, Derek Durant reached on an

error and advanced to third on another error. Bo Schmitz singled to score Durant.

Avon got that run back in the third. A ground ball to the infield was mishandled, putting Joe Dolan on base. Reese Gregory came up next and sent a line drive to center field, scoring Dolan.

Both teams came up with defensive gems in the game. A couple of hard-hit balls by Avon that went deep were chased down by the Steves outfielders. With two outs and runners on first and second in the sixth inning, Durant drove the ball down the right-field line. Elliott Burnett fielded the ball and fired it to catcher Carter Holthaus, who tagged out the St. Stephen runner trying to score from second base to end the frame.

The Steves put runners on first and second with no one out in the seventh inning, but Elian Mezquita struck out the side, ending the threat.

Philippi and Randall had two hits each for the Lakers. Janzen, Dolan and Gregory got a hit each.

For St. Stephen, Mat Meyer went 3-for-5, and Schmitz and Cole Fuecker got two hits each.

Matt Pichelmann started on the mound for Avon, going four innings. He struck out three. Mezquita pitched the final five innings, striking out seven and walking two.

From total underdogs to 3rd place

Melrose 15U makes mark at state

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

Entering the district postseason, Melrose’s 15U Babe Ruth team had achieved four wins, far from a lowly total but low enough to situate the program as District 1’s 10th seed.

When the playoffs arrived, Melrose became a brand-new terror, notching four wins in the district tournament alone to qualify for the 15U Minnesota Babe Ruth State Intact Tournament.

The state bracket proved to be the perfect setting for more success, as Melrose roared to an astounding third-place finish in the 16team competition July 27-29.

“Making it to the state tournament alone was remarkable, and having the team pull through and come together with a third-place finish was amazing,” said Reegan Nelson, head coach.

Melrose’s state tournament got off to a rocky start, with the team’s 8-0 loss to Prairie River Baseball Association July 27 in Bemidji. The Dutchmen rallied back July 28 with everything to

the odds through teamwork

prove against Crosby-Ironton in Blackduck, seizing a 15-7 win to finish second in their pool.

“We knew if we brought our energy and focus, we could beat anyone,” Nelson said. “We rebounded back on that and knew we controlled our own destiny.”

Faced with another winor-go-home scenario, Melrose grabbed a convincing 13-5 triumph over Barnesville to kick off bracket action July 29 in Bemidji. This set up a rematch with

balanced

district rival Paynesville, the top-seeded District 1 representative at the tournament. Melrose trailed only 1-0 after five innings before Paynesville strung hits together in the sixth to pull away.

The tough defeat set up Melrose for a shot at third place, which the resilient squad achieved with a 6-4 win in a revenge matchup against PRBA.

Melrose utilized an entire team effort to get to this point, with strong pitching and defense serving as a

Huskies athletic meeting up ahead

ALBANY – The 2023-24 Albany Huskies athletic meeting for parents and athletes will be at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 9, at the Blattner Energy Arts Theatre in Albany. All Huskies athletes in grades 7-12 and parents are encouraged to attend. Following the general meeting for all at 7 p.m. will be individual fall sports meetings for 7-12 girls swim and dive, girls soccer, cross-country, volleyball and football.

Athletic registration is open online on the Albany Area Schools website’s activities page.

Last chance to give input on future of Stearns County parks

ST. CLOUD – Citizens have until Friday, Aug. 4, to let the Stearns County Parks Department know what they want to see in the county’s park, trail, and recreation system over the next 10 to 20 years.

A brief survey asks about awareness and usage of the county’s parks and trails and asks for ideas for future investments. The goal is to develop a master plan with a foundation in Stearns County residents’ needs and desires for parks and recreation services.

The last plan was developed in 1989 and included recommendations for the development of the Lake Wobegon Trail and Quarry Park.

The existing system of parks, trails and open space includes 19 unique park and trail recreation facilities, ranging from boat landings to regional and local trails, to significant regional parks. They include the following:

– Two signature recreation facilities: Quarry Park and Nature Preserve and Lake Wobegon Trail.

Two trails: Beaver Island Trail and Dairyland Trail/ Soo Line Rail Corridor.

– Seven special feature parks: Upper Spunk Lake County Park, Fairhaven Mill Park, Lake Sylvia Wayside, St. Martin Canoe Access, Heims Mill Canoe Access, Miller Landing and Clearwater River Canoe Access.

Eight county parks: Warner Lake County Park, Mississippi River County Park, Oak Township Park, Lake Koronis Regional Park, Kraemer Lake Park, Rockville Park, Spring Hill County Park and Two Rivers Lake Park. Visit surveymonkey.com/r/StearnsParksSpring2023 for a link to the survey.

The plan is expected to be complete later this year.

Region 15C teams, draftees announced

Tournament starts Aug. 4

BY HERMAN LENSING | STAFF WRITER

The Region 15C Amateur Baseball Tournament began July 29 with a single-elimination game between Richmond of the Stearns County League South and Pearl Lake of the Central Valley League South in Lake Henry.

Pearl Lake won 9-7, making them the final team to qualify for the double-elimination phase of the tournament.

Teams attending the tournament are Elrosa, New Munich and Spring Hill, from the SCL North; Lake Henry and St. Martin, from the SCL South; and the Cold Spring Rockies, Kimball and Pearl Lake, from the CVL South.

Each team drafted one player from its league for the tournament. The draftees are only allowed to pitch. Farming’s Adam Nibaur was drafted by Lake Henry; Greenwald’s Brett Engelmeyer and Tyler Engelmeyer were drafted by Elrosa and New Munich, respectively; Meire Grove’s Matt Imdieke was drafted by Spring Hill; Richmond’s Luke Jokela was drafted by St. Martin; and Eden Valley’s Jackson Geislinger, Sam Nistler and Austin Schlangen were drafted by Kimball, Cold Spring and Pearl Lake, respectively.

The schedule for the tournament double-elimination phase is:

Friday, Aug. 4, in St. Martin

strong foundation throughout the postseason. This was helped by three Sauk Centre draftees: Will Hoffman, Leyton Fuchs and Evan Zales. The team’s bats also came alive at the right time for a special run that will forever live in their players’ memories.

“Their run, in itself, is awesome,” Nelson said. “Making it to the state tournament and playing in it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Game 1: 8 p.m. SCL North No. 2 Spring Hill (9-5) vs CVL South No. 2 Cold Spring Rockies (13-10)

Saturday, Aug. 5, in Lake Henry

Game 2: 11 a.m. CVL South No. 1 Kimball (12-8) vs CVL South No. 3 Pearl Lake (12-13)

Game 3: 1:30 p.m. SCL North No. 3 New Munich (123) vs SCL North No. 1 Elrosa (15-3)

Game 4: 4 p.m. SCL South No. 1 St. Martin (13-3) vs SCL South No. 2 Lake Henry (9-7)

Aug. 5 in St. Martin

Game 5: 8 p.m. Winners of games 2 and 3.

Sunday, Aug. 6, in Lake Henry

Game 6: 11 a.m. Winners of games 1 and 4.

Game 7: 1:30 p.m. Losers of games 1 and 4.

Game 8: 4 p.m. Losers of games 2 and 3.

The victors of Games 5 and 6 qualify for the Class C Minnesota Amateur Baseball Tournament.

PHOTO BY MIKE KOSIK

Avon right fielder Carter Philippi chases down a fly ball to record an out in the second inning against St. Stephen July 28 at Blattner Field in Avon. The Lakers broke a 1-1 tie in the eighth

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Melrose 15U Babe Ruth team – Jackson Mayers (front, from left), Max Welle, Isaak Wiechmann, Eddie Terres, Brecken Elfering, Carsyn Worms, Jack Tschida, Ben Thieschafer and Wyatt Klaphake; (back, from left) coach Reegan Nelson, Riley Elfering, Zach Rieland, Max Sakry, Brady Goihl, Marshall Dufner, Carson Theiler, draftees Will Hoffman, Leyton Fuchs and Evan Zales of Sauk Centre and coach Shawn Mayers – earn third-place medals at the 15U Minnesota Babe Ruth State Intact Tournament July 29 in Bemidji. The team was once seeded 10th in District 1 but overcame

and

play throughout the postseason.