Sauk Rapids Herald - September 23, 2023

Cross-country page 22

Storm pride

Stella Schumann

holler Sept. 15 at Rice Elementary School in Rice. Pep fests and an RES tailgate party at lunchtime took place before the Storm football team’s 27-20 victory over Monticello.

Green and gold came out in droves Sept. 15 as the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District celebrated homecoming week Sept. 11-15. The middle and high schools hosted pep fests Friday before the annual homecoming football game, and the Rice Elementary School Parent Teacher Association put on a tailgate party for students inside the school cafeteria during lunch. Members of the PTA handed out football, trinkets and treats as well as decorated the cafeteria, encouraging Storm pride and school spirit.

Storm pride page 11

Personal

for

No child left behind

Community backs Messers’ goal of wheelchair van

BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER

Alicia Messer describes her daughter, Addison, as “spicy.” She said Addison is lled with fortitude that has and will see the 6-year-old through the hurdles of life.

“She’s super determined,” said Alicia of her youngest child. “We sometimes refer to her as a Sour Patch kid. Her determination has been for her bene t; she will let you know what she wants and how to do it.

Messer page 4

Emerald ash borer found in Mille Lacs, Benton counties

Emergency quarantine on wood movement put in place

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has con rmed the presence of emerald ash borer in Mille Lacs and Benton counties for the rst time. There are now 44 counties in the state, including Mille Lacs and Benton, with EAB.

Tree care professionals in both counties noticed trees with signs of an EAB infestation and made reports

to the MDA. The Mille Lacs County infestation was discovered in Milaca along a set of powerlines. The Benton County infestation was found in a neighborhood in St. Cloud.

EAB was rst discovered in Minnesota in 2009. The insect larvae kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the

trunk. The trees show several signs of infestation. Woodpeckers like to feed on EAB larvae, and woodpecker holes may indicate the presence of emerald ash borer. Also, EAB tunneling can cause the bark to split open, revealing characteristic S-shaped galleries underneath.

Because this is the rst time EAB has been identi ed in Mille Lacs and

Benton County, the MDA is enacting an emergency quarantine which limits the movement of rewood and ash material out of the area. The quarantine area for Mille Lacs County will be the southern portion of the county south of County Road 11, from Benton to the Isanti County border. All of Benton County will be under the EAB quarantine.

Emerald ash borer page 5

PHOTO SUBMITTED

(from left), Karly Skroch, Myla Ackerman, Scarlett Swanson and Brynn Ackerman raise poms and

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

care assistant Katlyn Miller and Addison Messer smile during a benefit to raise funds

Addison’s family Sept. 17 at The Waters Church in Sartell. Agape Warriors Ministry hosted a spaghetti meal, silent auction and more with a goal of raising $60,000 for a fullsize van with wheelchair lift to better accommodate growing Addison.

Judith A. Whalen

But, she’s also very funny and sweet. She’s just never known not to be that way, and it’s hard to discipline it when that’s what’s kept her alive.”

Yet, despite the child’s requests to tag along when Alicia or her husband, Adam, drive to the store, Addison is often left behind. The family’s current vehicles cannot quickly accommodate a growing Addison, her wheelchair and corresponding medical equipment, so short trips typically mean Addison stays home.

Community members turned out in full support of the Messer family’s need for a wheelchair compatible van Sept. 17 as Agape Warriors Ministry hosted a spaghetti meal, silent auction and more at The Waters Church in Sartell. The event raised about a third of the Sauk Rapids family’s $60,000 goal toward a full-size van with wheelchair lift.

“It is super cool,” said Alicia of seeing the support for her family which includes Addison’s older siblings, Aubrey and Aar-

on. “It’s so many people from so many different facets of our life in one space.”

Following birth, Addison was diagnosed with a rare condition called Vitamin K deciency embryopathy. When Alicia was pregnant with Addison, Alicia suffered from severe nausea and vomiting that resulted in life-threatening nutrient and weight loss.

“Her condition is from my body not having the appropriate nutrients for her,” Alicia said.

Within the rst months of life, Addison underwent multiple surgeries to open her airway and allow spinal uid to ow freely between her brain and spine. The Messers have traveled frequently to Gillette’s Children’s Hospital and Children’s Minnesota in the Twin Cities metro area as well as outstate for care.

Addison learned to walk in a halo neck brace that held her head and spine in place while they healed from surgeries. Although long distances have always required a wheelchair, the Pleasantview Elementary School kindergartner has lost mobility in her legs over

time, allowing her to only stand for up to three minutes at a time.

According to Alicia, the Messers’ insurance will cover the cost of an electric wheelchair for Addison, but the family must rst purchase a transit vehicle. The family saved about $4,000 before Sunday’s bene t and continues to raise funds through a GoFundMe webpage.

“The wheelchair we are looking at for her has the ability to stand up,” Alicia said. “It has a brace for her legs and will put her in an upright position, so she can play the games here at church or when she goes to baseball, she can stand up and hit the ball.”

A new vehicle — along with the motorized chair — will enhance Addison’s quality of life as she continues to grow. The family of ve will be able to travel easily, comfortably and safely together, Alicia said, and the new van will

allow for a personal care assistant or even other children to join.

“Right now, we have just a standard minivan, and her wheelchair ts perfectly behind the back seat — because

we need all the seats for our family,” Alicia said.

… If I have to go to the store, I’ll nd a PCA or I’ll have someone else watch her because it’s so challenging to get her there. So, by having a ve-

hicle that we can get her in easily without hurting ourselves, we will be able to do a lot more of those things you just do and don’t give a lot of thought to.”

Staff

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Tom Fenton Reporter .....................................................tom.f@star-pub.com

Annual Subscription Rates: Free in Sauk Rapids and Rice P.O. boxes, city routes and rural routes. Benton, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne and Stearns counties - $53 per year. Elsewhere in Minnesota - $60 Outside Minnesota - $63 per year. $5 per month for snowbirds.

Official newspaper of Benton County, the cities of Sauk Rapids and Rice and Independent School District 47

The deadline for most news and advertisements in the Sauk Rapids Herald is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Exceptions are obituaries which have a deadline of 10 a.m. Thursday.

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Letters to the editor are welcomed. Letters must be signed with first and last name and include address and phone number. Letters should be 350 words or less. The political letters to the editor policy can be found online under “Contact Us.”

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PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

Community members surround silent auction tables Sept. 17 at The Waters Church in Sartell. Nearly a third of the $60,000 goal was raised for the Adam and Alicia Messer family to put toward a van with wheelchair lift.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Messers — Addison (from left), Alicia, Adam, Aaron and Aubrey — sit on a refurbished pontoon that was a part of Addison’s Make-A-Wish Foundation experience. Addison was diagnosed with a rare disease after birth, and the Sauk Rapids’ family is raising funds for a wheelchair compatible van.

Emerald ash borer from front

The MDA issues quarantines for all areas known to have EAB to reduce the risk of further spreading the tree-killing insect.

Emerald ash borer virtual informational meeting

Thursday, Sept. 28 10 – 11 a.m. Register at www.mda.state.mn.us/eab

perts from the MDA will give a brief presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.

OBITUARY

Judith A. Whalen

Mass of Christian

A virtual informational meeting for residents and tree care professionals in Mille Lacs and Benton County will be from 10-11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 28. Ex-

D&B Auto

from page 2

Repair businesses like D&B Auto Body are trying reverse that mentality, but need their customers’ help. Customers are affected because they will be charged the difference above and beyond their deductible. The markup is being billed to the customer because the rising cost of materials is surpassing the amount “allowed” by the insurance companies.

Nikki offered several suggestions regarding

important steps customers can take after an accident occurs.

“Find a shop you can trust. I recommend going with your gut,” she said.

The public will also have an opportunity to provide input on the proposal to add Mille Lacs County’s and Benton County’s emergency quarantine to the state’s For a very long time, their take has been you don’t get to make markup on your paint and materials. That’s been accepted for a long time.”

“When you report a claim, the insurance company will provide a list of top body shops. You are told you can go to one of them or go to a shop of your choosing. The “listed” insurance companies get a report card from the insurer. What consumers don’t realize is about 10% of an insurance report card pertains to customer service. The other 90% is based on how much money you save the insurance company.”

If the body repair shop is more focused on getting a grade rather than customer satisfaction and safety, then the

COMMUNITY STARS

Benton County marriage applications

FOLEY — The following couples have submitted marriage applications in Benton County.

— Dillen Wayne Matvick, of Hillman, and Kayla Rose Belanger, of Foley.

— Mitchell Todd Brown and Kacy Lynn Ineson, both of Foley.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION CORNER

Cribbage Club Fridays

This monthly gathering is designed for individuals aged 55 years and above who love playing cribbage and want to meet like-minded enthusiasts. Bring your cribbage board and cards to partake in a morning of friendly competition and camaraderie. Light refreshments provided. Registration is free, but register in advance for each monthly class you are able to attend. Meeting Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 8.

Friday, Oct. 6, 9-11 a.m. — Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.

Legos and doughnuts with Dad

Join for a memorable Lego brick building experience with Dad, Grandpa, Uncle or others. Build a Lego kit together and take the nished creation home. Indulge in delicious doughnuts and refreshing beverages during the event. It is an opportunity for quality bonding time and creative fun.

Saturday, Oct 7, 9-10:15am — Sauk RapidsRice Middle School, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids.

To register or for more information on programs and costs, contact Sauk Rapids-Rice Community Education at www.isd47.org/ce or 320-258-1577.

formal quarantine. The MDA is taking comments on the proposed formal quarantine now through Oct. 30, and recommends adopting the quarantine Nov. 1. The proposed quarantine language can be found at www.mda.state.mn.us/ eab.

customer could be shortserved, Nikki said.

Brandon said that technology is another thing to factor in. A windshield replacement can require recalibration for the adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection to work as the manufacturer intended.

This also means that an original manufacturer glass (not aftermarket) should be used to ensure proper calibration.

Other things like lane centering, lane lock, blind spot detection, and automatic braking or collision avoidance can all be affected by the repair process. If you have these systems and you are not seeing calibration on your estimate, ask why.

When cars arrive for a repair at D&B Auto Body, a vehicle blueprint is completed opposed to an estimate.

The car is disassembled checking all necessary related areas for damage, researching with the manufacturer how to properly repair that damage, determining if there are calibrations that need to be done and then this information is reported back to the customer and

Comments can be made during the virtual meeting or by contacting: Kimberly Thielen Cremers

Minnesota Department of Agriculture, 625 Robert St. N., St. Paul, MN 55155, or kimberly. tcremers@state.mn.us

insurer.

It’s important to have the body shop you are using explain the entire repair process, Brandon said. If there’s a problem, question why the estimate that’s provided by the insurance company is so different.

“If customers fully understand the repair process and the need for the items on the blueprint/ estimate, they are better equipped to challenge the insurance company and avoid additional out-of-pocket costs while maintaining their vehicle’s value and integrity,” Nikki said.

Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids for Judy Whalen, age 78, who passed away Sept. 16, 2023, at Epiphany Assisted Living in Coon Rapids. The Rev. Ralph Zimmerman will of ciate and burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls at a later date. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the church in Sauk Rapids.

Judy was born Nov. 23, 1944, in Virginia, to Joseph and Ursula (Mervich) Altobelli. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Virginia and Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis. Judy married Joseph Whalen Jan. 22, 1972, in Minneapolis. They lived in several places before moving to Sauk Rapids in 1996. Judy worked as a secretary for Kodak, First United Methodist Church in Duluth, and Lyons Sheet Metal. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she was a member of the choir. Judy was also a charter member of the Riverside Lions Club. She was the best cook ever and loved being in the kitchen. She enjoyed baking, board

Judith A. Whalen

games, Scrabble, music, and camping. Judy was a wonderful, sel ess wife, mother, grandmother and sister.

Survivors include her husband, Joseph of Sauk Rapids; daughters and son, Kimberly Whalen (Dan Haugen) of Lakeville, Sara (Brett) Zimowicz of St. Paul, David (Lynn) Whalen of Duluth, and Beth Berry of Brainerd; grandchildren, Nora, Declan, Bridget and Brynn; siblings, Patti (Tom) Kallio of New Brighton, James (Bonnie) Altobelli of Virginia, and John (Cindy) Altobelli of Tower. Judy was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Joe.

In lieu of owers, memorials are preferred to Alzheimer’s Association or National Aphasia Association.

Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www. williamsdingmann.comR-38-1B

SAUK RAPIDS

DISCOVERY CHURCH

HARVEST FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 400 2nd Ave. N (320) 529-8838 HarvestMN.com HarvestenEspanol.com

If you would like parishioners to see your church here, please contact Robin at 320-351-7837

Savings seeds for next year

One of the advantages of saving seeds is the ability to grow the same plant next year. Saving seeds eliminates the need for purchasing new seeds. There is little cost involved with collecting and savings seeds. Seeds should be allowed to dry thoroughly and then kept in closed jars, plastic bags or other containers and stored in a cool and dry location. The s ilica-gel desiccant packages packed with many products may be reused to help keep seeds dry while in storage.

First, determine if possible whether the seeds are from heirloom or pure-bred plants or from hybrids. Heirloom plants will germinate and grow the same as the parent plants. The seeds from hybrid plants may not germinate or may not appear to be identical to the parent plants. Also eliminate seeds from the fruits or blooms that are a different color, undersized or misshaped. Plants from the same family grown close to each other may have cross-bred. Those seeds may not germinate or may produce surprises. An online check can reveal which plants are from the same botanical families.

Beans, peas, tomatoes and lettuce are easy plants to start saving seeds from. These plants are self-pollinating, so crossbreeding is less of a danger. Pollinators may move pollen from plants located a long distance from each other, so surprises may still occur. Vegetables that are selected for seed production should not be harvested, but instead allowed to dry on their stalks or vines. Break open the pods of peas and beans to collect the seeds. Lettuce seeds appear on ower stalks that have been allowed to grow. Their seeds look like dandelion seeds. Seeds will need to be separated from the attached tufts which allow them to travel on the wind.

Seeds from owers are formed from the blooms once they have faded. An online check will show what the seeds of each ower will look like, because there may be major differences. For example, ageratum or straw ower, has blooms that fade and become miniature straw-like seeds. Marigolds have their seeds deep in the matured bloom. The petals and ower bases must be removed to reveal the inch-long seeds that are dark brown on one end and much lighter on the other. Tomato seeds are harvested from ripe fruit. Those seeds and those of some other vegetables are covered with a gelatinous pulp which should be removed. Squeeze the seeds into a jar of water and let them sit for a few days. The water should be removed and replaced a couple of times during this process. Viable seeds will sink to the bottom and those that oat discarded. They may need to be strained to separate them from any remaining pulp.

If you are not sure which part of the bloom is the seed, harvest the entire bloom and dry it in a paper bag. The blooms will dry and become a mixture of seeds and other material. If the mixture is planted the following year, the seeds will germinate, and the dry material will disintegrate.

The Seed Savers Exchange website, axg. b87.myftpupload.com/learn/seed-saving, and the University of Minnesota website, extension.umn. edu/planting-and-growing-guides/saving-vegetable-seeds, as well as many reference books contain detailed instructions.

Linda G Tenneson is a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener and Tree Care Advisor.

Dear Rollie

Sometimes, letting someone know how they’ve impacted your life can be the encouragement they need to keep going. It may just keep you going too.

I wish I could pen a letter to my friend, Rollie Doroff, who was the owner of the Sauk Rapids Herald for 44 years. Seventeen years before Rollie became owner, he began working there. After 61 years, he was ready to retire the newspaper business when I slipped into the Herald’s wood and glass doors, past the arched, goldened, block letters in 2012.

It was an enchanted place, run by an extraordinary man. I asked him 100 questions. Training for photo journalism, I had just been published for the rst time. Though I was an amateur, Rollie, in his 80s, was kind enough to show me respect as if I were professional. My experience was very little, but the short time Rollie granted me, gave me life lessons I will carry forever and pass on to my children.

Who suggested I begin writing and have my writings published anyway? It was Rollie. I didn’t take his advice seriously, and I didn’t know how little time I had left with him. He moved on to heaven in 2015. I would have asked him a hundred more questions that he would have gladly snickered the reply, “Slow down, what’s with all the questions?” And then, he would have proceeded to give me the simplest and most concise answers. After he passed, I learned he advocated for me to the new owners to hire me on.

Dear Rollie, I am so thankful for the gift of writing. I am lled with gratitude for how it has trained me to think critically about thankfulness, relationships, contentment and faith. It’s a unique practice of vulnerability by making thoughts open to the public, and cringing at beginning writings where I experimented nding style and structure. For that, I express my gratitude to the current owners of this newspaper. I remember moments of nding courage, hesitating writing the truth about not just hearing the word of God but doing what it says, and then sub-

mitting articles despite the risk of being shut down.

Writing for the paper that you ran for decades, Rollie, has been an honor. I pray God encourages readers through an unknown nobody, imperfectly expressing how imperfectly she lives life by faith. All we can do is be faithful in the little things that God has entrusted to us, and that starts at home. Let us love and nurture those right in front of us. Let us learn as much as we can how to be faithful and learn from criticism. And when we make mistakes, experientially, we also learn from them.

NYGAARD

Do you feel all alone? The Holy Spirit is a gift from God, who will teach and remind God’s children everything Jesus said, which is to come to him to nd rest. This is why we can be con dent in drawing near to God, because he calls us to himself and through his word, he shows us that we are not alone. No matter what we feel or anyone else says or feels, God’s word endures forever, and he calls us to himself and he equips us for his work, teaching us how to love. God is merciful and patient with us and presently with us wherever we go. Write down his word to write in on your heart.

Words are important. In so many ways writing helps us. It helps us express creativity, organize and take captive our thoughts, create plans of action, learn from critiques, for one glorious purpose: Glorifying God and making Jesus beautiful. It doesn’t take a scholar or a tenured professor to proclaim the good news of Jesus.

Remembering my humble beginnings and the friend God sent to give the gift of writing has put a little wind in my weakened sails to keep going. Wherever you are at, God sees you and he cares. His heart is touched with your grief, and he knows you are pressed. When you have been tried, he is bringing forth gold. Writing helps get through the pressures of life, and God can be the person you write a letter to every day.

LIFE BY FAITH BY MERCY

GREEN AND GROWING IN BENTON COUNTY BY LINDA G. TENNESON

Living with black bears

One of the best parts of living in Greater Minnesota is taking in the natural world all around us and the fascinating wild creatures that call our part of the state home. Eagles, deer, turkeys, waterfowl and a host of other animals add to the charm of living in the areas distant from the state’s tallest buildings.

That charm can quickly turn to nuisance when the fascinating wild creatures come into con ict with people. As a recently returning resident to the central Minnesota area, black bears are adapting rapidly to living here around people and, in some cases, outwearing their welcome. Today, I’d like to explore how people can better coexist with black bears.

Encountering a black bear can evoke many emotions, including for some, fear. However, black bears are typically not a threat to people or pets.

Adam Stennett is the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Of cer assigned to the Sauk Rapids station. Stennett has been a conservation of cer for over nine years in Minnesota and Wisconsin. According to Stennett, “Black bear interactions with people or pets are extremely rare. Bears are naturally cautious and do their best to avoid contact with humans. I lived in bear country for many years, and I never worried about my pet or family being outside, even after we had a bear stroll past our house on our back patio.”

The Minnesota DNR website has a full page of advice for handling bear encounters in a variety of different circumstances at www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/bears/encounters.html. Generally, during bear encounters, people should ensure the bear knows of your presence and give the bear both space and an avenue of escape. In almost all cases, a bear will escape from the presence of people.

Most frequently, bears become a nuisance as they search for food. Homes and businesses have many sources of food that can appeal to bears.

“Bears are opportunistic feeders and they eat many different things,” Stennett said. “Bird feeders are common. Trash left outside in cans may attract a bear to the area. Grills and smokers would attract a bear as well.”

With a small amount of effort, bears can be convinced our homes are not their best option for food. According to Stennett, although bears do occasionally get into food sources around our homes, they much prefer their natural food sources.

Just as prevention is important for warding off

crime, so too prevention is the key to avoiding con ict with bears. Central Minnesota is part of the black bear’s traditional range, and it is likely we will continue to see bear numbers grow here over time.

In addition to a webpage devoted to bear encounters, the Minnesota DNR has a webpage devoted to information about living with bears. The webpage may be found by visiting www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/bears/index.html.

Stennett has the following advice for those looking to avoid bear con icts.

“We can remove the easy food sources especially when bears are most active,” he said. “In spring and early summer, bears become very active and in search of food. Many times, natural food sources aren’t available until mid-summer or like this dry summer, may be delayed which pushes bears into our neighborhoods where they can nd those easy food sources we leave out.”

For those who already have a bear making unwanted visits, Stennett has the following advice. “If a bear is getting into feeders, trash, etc., the rst thing to do would be to remove the food sources,” he said. “Next if you see the bear, from a safe distance, use an air horn, a whistle or other loud tool in an attempt to scare the bear away. Bears avoid people and if you make your yard an uncomfortable place to be, it will likely move on. If the issue continues, you can contact your local DNR wildlife manager or conservation of cer and discuss options.”

The presence of bears in natural habitat here is another one of things that makes our area a great place to live. With a small amount of preparedness, people can ensure their encounters with bears are positive.

Stennett echoed this sentiment.

“Bears are a really awesome animal,” Stennett said. “It’s great they’re around. Remember, we are in bear country, and we should expect to see them from time to time. If you see a bear, feel lucky and appreciate the natural resources we have in Benton County and hopefully it’s an enjoyable experience.”

For more crime prevention information and safety information visit the Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce website at www.co.benton.mn.us/211/crime-prevention. You can also like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter at @BentonMNSheriff for regular updates and crime prevention messages.

If not them, who?

Observing someone doing something good is refreshing and rewarding. Good news makes people feel good, and good news about our children, grandchildren, friends, students and school community lls us with pride

BY SUPERINTENDENT BRADLEY D. BERGSTROM

SRR student-athletes recently received positive press and social media attention for doing a little extra before heading to the locker room. The SRR football team made the decision to clean up the visitor stands following an away game. What is most gratifying about the attention is that this call to service is not new or surprising. Sauk Rapids-Rice students have been demonstrating their character for quite some time.

The communities of Sauk Rapids and Rice have worked together to provide positive opportunities and interactions for students, allowing them to grow and learn in a safe and healthy environment. Remaining focused on positive and desired behaviors allows our students to be recognized in authentic ways. This is a win for the community and for the students.

Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools students often come to the district as preschoolers and continue their academic careers through high school graduation. Throughout their educational journey they are supported academically, socially and emotionally. While achieving mastery of core skills (reading, math, writing) are certainly key, a student’s school career is much more than that.

When the district began the journey of a portrait of a graduate in fall 2019, input was gathered from students, staff, area businesses and community members. What resulted was a shared vision that articulates the community’s dreams and aspirations for Sauk

Rapids-Rice students. The shared vision focuses on students learning, understanding and demonstrating six key attributes the community believes will provide the foundation to become well-rounded students, thoughtful adults and conscientious, perceptive community members.

The district is committed to teaching, guiding and mentoring the whole student from preschool through graduation, while inspiring collaboration, communication, diverse thinking, empathy, exibility and responsibility in all learners. Fostering the development of these attributes in age-appropriate ways, preschool through high school and beyond, speaks to the tenacity of our staff and the character of our students.

Each building and grade or department continues to work on what these attributes look like at all levels, and intentionally provide students opportunities to develop and demonstrate them throughout their educational journey and beyond.

Amazing things are happening at Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools. Our students demonstrate appreciation for the opportunities they are provided, pride in the school community and district facilities, and respect for district staff, fellow students and the broader community. They work diligently to master academic, social and emotional skills, gain perspective and apply the culmination to real life.

Let’s continue to support SRR students, work collaboratively and take advantage of every opportunity to do good things for and with our students, schools and greater community.

I am proud they are our future.

Christie from page 8

She is now equipped with the versatility to pursue roles managing a nursing staff, perhaps to teach and can sit for certi cation by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership as well as the National League for Nursing.

The other DNP track is for those who want to become a family nurse practitioner. Ten of the remaining 11 students who started their DNP with Christie are pursuing their FNP. They, along with another Leadership DNP, will graduate in the spring 2024.

While other DNP students are from around the region and did not necessarily get their undergraduate degree from CSB or St. John’s University, Christie knew the timing was right to get her doctorate when she saw the rst yer announcing the launch of the program in 2021.

“I felt that when I left St. Ben’s with my BSN (Bachelor of Science degree in nursing), I was well-prepared to enter into the eld of nursing,” Christie said. “I had great experiences and a quality education without having to worry about whether I was keeping up with my peers as new nurses … I thought there would be nothing better than to go back to what was tried and true for me. I had a great experience, and I was not disappointed.”

Christie has dabbled in some leadership duties at St. Cloud Hospital but said she kept waiting for something to come along, some sort of training that would make her feel more quali ed to do so.

“Since I have a growth mindset and am interested in learning

new things, I thought I would be more marketable with a leadership doctorate,” she said. “I knew the DNP program was going to guarantee clinical placement when I enrolled, but I don’t think I could’ve had a better experience.”

Clinical rotations with the best in the eld

Christie was matched with Joy Plamann, DNP, RN, who is president of St. Cloud Hospital and executive vice president and chief operating of cer of CentraCare, and Bobbie Bertram, DNP, CNP, who is CentraCare’s director of advanced practice providers.

“Joy and Bobbie de nitely opened my view to systems and how they function,” Christie said. “They got me to think beyond just that departmental view that it’s easy to get stuck in. I remember Joy asked me, ‘What’s your end game, Denise?’ and I said, ‘I don’t want a bus to come by that I want to ride and not have the ticket to get on.’ I wanted the credentials so that, if I

saw something that was going to be my passion, I would be ready.”

Christie also had a clinical rotation with Carol Daniel, DNP, at the St. Mary’s-University of Minnesota School of Anesthesia. Christie is a member of the school’s staff, coordinating its student registered nurse anesthetist experiences at St. Cloud Hospital.

“What’s unique about Denise as our rst graduate is that she’s already integrated in the community,” Peterson said. “She’s very respected within CentraCare.

Joy Plamann and Bobbie Bertram have seen the potential in her for bigger things, and she’s going to be ready for those opportunities because of her schooling. She’s going to be out there now representing our program, having gained her DNP from the College of St. Benedict while serving in prestigious positions. It’s a great way to start.”

Christie’s DNP graduate paper, published in July, was titled “Drug Diversion Education for the Anesthesia Provider

Plus One.” She chose the topic in part because she has known three peers during her career who lost their lives too soon to drug diversion.

“It’s a problem in anesthesia because of the stressful work environment, access to drugs and the knowledge of how to use them,” Christie said. “My project was not just educating the providers but having them bring someone — a plus-one, a spouse, signi cant other, whoever it was — with to the training. That provides an extra layer of protection because a lot of people can hold things together at work, but you can’t do it 24/7. Someone somewhere is going to notice something.”

Gratitude for her support network

Christie, who was born at St. Cloud Hospital and graduated from Sartell High School, met her husband, Jeremy, as an undergraduate. They

moved to Rochester so she could work at the Methodist Campus of the Mayo Clinic Hospital. In 2006, they migrated home and started a family. With Jeremy, who teaches seventh-grade science in the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, she has three children — Lauren, 14, Jackson, 12, and Teddy, 10.

“I’ve been incredibly lucky to be so supported,” Christie said. “In addition to Jeremy, our family stepped in when the kids needed rides, or they were hanging out at the neighbors’ because mom was writing a paper. And I think our graduate nursing department exempli es the Benedictine values you nd at St. Ben’s and St. John’s — speci cally hospitality. The faculty is there for you, they were welcoming and ready to lend an ear or a hand whenever I needed one.

Christie said she has a sense of pride in her accomplishment.

“It was a hard twoyear commitment,” she said. “It wasn’t necessary for me to continue practicing anesthesia. It was a choice. And so, to complete something that helped me grow as a leader and put me in a position to potentially give back, that is rewarding. But I don’t love to have all eyes on me. That’s a little anxiety provoking unless I have something important to say. I’m not about the recognition.”

Like it or not, she will go down in history as the rst DNP graduate at CSB.

“She has the potential to do great things,” said Peterson, who someday would like to recruit Christie as a faculty

colleague — even on a part-time basis. “She was brave enough to be part of that rst cohort. I say that because there are always unexpected things you encounter when you go through this process for the rst time. In that way, a lot of the faculty and students have grown together. Because of that, Denise and the others who will graduate in the spring will always be a very special group. We’ve forged relationships that are very signi cant.”

They go both ways.

“The education they offered me was elite,” Christie said of the nursing faculty. “I went into my clinicals with Joy Plamann, and I was not worried that I didn’t have the knowledge or information to sit in that C-suite with her. And if that was signi cant for me, wait until you see the people I call my classmates, even though they’re nine months behind me. The future of nursing is bright. Those are some amazing women, and I’m honored to have walked alongside them for part of their journey.”

Midway Iron & Metal,

recently was added

information she presented for her doctoral thesis.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COLLEGE OF ST. BENEDICT AND ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY

The Christie family — Lauren, Jeremy, Teddy, Denise and Jackson — are rural Sauk Rapids residents. Denise said the support of her husband, Jeremy, has been crucial to her career and her recent steps to earn her Doctor of Nursing Practice.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COLLEGE OF ST. BENEDICT AND ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY Denise Christie, DNP, works as a certified nurse anesthetist at St. Cloud Hospital, where she

to the advisory board. Here, she poses in scrubs in front of

Overcoming the stigma together

September recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month

BY HANS LAMMEMAN | STAFF WRITER

People in every community across the globe have their own challenges with mental health.

Facing internal battles is part of the human condition, yet the topic is often stigmatized and not spoken about openly.

The Central Minnesota Mental Health Center recently launched a campaign to raise awareness about its crisis service hotline for individuals in Benton, Stearns, Sherburne and Wright counties.

The crisis number, 320-253-5555, is available to anyone seeking help, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

CMMHC wants individuals struggling with mental health to know they are not alone. The project’s tagline clearly depicts its mission: “If life is not OK, it’s OK to call. Any time. Any reason.”

Mental health organizations across the country recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Month.

It is another reminder to check in on family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances who may be struggling.

Just over three years ago, Bill Musel and Vicki Randall received news that their 28-year-old son, Cody, died by suicide while in Alaska.

Cody had struggled with mental health and depression while stationed at Fort Richardson with the U.S. Army in Anchorage for three

years.

Musel said talking about Cody brings a ood of emotions. Having someone to talk to, he said, makes all the difference for individuals going through rough times.

“I can start talking about Cody, and just the littlest thing will just choke me up,” Musel said. “It’s just the emotion that’ll come over you — you have to get a hold of that somehow, and sometimes you don’t. Sometimes it’s OK to cry and for people to see that.”

While the rst year was particularly dif cult for Cody’s loved ones, his parents connected with Melony Butler with at the Eagle’s Healing Nest, a Sauk Centre-based non-pro t organization that provides housing and services for veterans and active service members in need.

Although the couple is from Crow Wing County, they quickly found a support system in Stearns County at the Eagle’s Healing Nest consisting of people from across the country who provided sympathy when needed most.

While still mourning, Vicki and Musel helped organize The Panda Project, an annual event hosted at the Eagle’s Healing Nest’s campus to help raise awareness about veteran suicide. Musel said the fundraiser honored Cody and was named after his favorite animal.

This past July marked the project’s third year,

drawing in more than 300 attendees and raising about $30,000 for their cause.

With the support of friends and family, Musel said he and Vicki turned a heart-wrenching tragedy into a cause that would ultimately raise awareness and tens of thousands of dollars to help prevent others from experiencing the terrible impacts of mental health crises.

“Doing things in the community, helping in the community and doing fundraisers for different things was just like second nature to us,” Musel said. “That’s how it was born, and it was actually very therapeutic.”

The Rev. Vince Lieser, a pastor in central Minnesota since 1967, has comforted families struggling with the loss

of a loved one due to suicide.

Lending an ear, Lieser said, is among the most powerful gestures one can do to a family dealing with such dif culties.

“People have come to me for different concerns and needs in the parishes where I’ve served, especially when I was in Melrose,” he said. “There were a number of suicides. Just listening to people and being with families who have experienced suicide brought me to deal more directly with that reality.”

Lieser said the topics of suicide and mental health could be challenging to discuss because of the pain surrounding the subjects. However, he and Musel said it is essential to confront the matter head-on.

“There’s a lot of stigma attached to suicide,” Lieser said. “There is a lot of dealing with the

question why, and no answers. There can be a lot of shame connected to it. It is a dif cult reality to face.”

Musel said to look for signs that individuals are struggling — isolation or drastic personality changes. If something seems off, he said, ask them about it.

“If you have a reason to think someone is thinking about taking their own life, you don’t beat around the bush,” Musel said. “You come right out and ask that person, have you thought about taking your own life? You ask them point blank.”

Lieser said that mental health was discussed even less in past decades, leaving people to endure internal suffering alone.

Now that people are generally more aware and willing to speak on the subject, communities play a vital role in helping their affected neighbors heal.

“The rst step is not to just end judgment, but to listen and try to understand what’s going on with the other person and what their issues are,” Lieser said.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or contemplating suicide, there are services to help. Call 911 for emergency services, go to the nearest hospital emergency room, or call or text 988 for 24-hour, con dential support for anyone in crisis or emotional distress.

PHOTO BY HANS LAMMEMAN

Delilah (left) and Josh Hiemenz hold paper smiles at Holdridge Park Sept. 14 in Foley. September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

A photo of Cody Randall sits on a table lining the sidewalk at the Eagle’s Healing Nest campus during the 2023 Panda Project July 24 in Sauk Centre. The 2023 event was the third annual Panda Project fundraiser at the Eagle’s Healing Nest.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Billy Sarte (from left), Carla Berline, Vicki Randall and Bill Musel stand with a panda mascot at the Panda Project event Aug. 20, 2022, in Sauk Centre. The 2023 event raised about $30,000 for the Eagle’s Healing Nest, a Sauk Centre-based non-profit organization that provides housing and services for veterans and active service members in need.

Storm pride from front

PHOTO BY TOM FENTON Storm dance team members — Jada Fautsch (from left), Joani Fautsch and Emma Foy — high kick during their routine at the homecoming pep fest Sept. 15 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. The dance team also performed at the middle school earlier in the day.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

(Right) Stephanie Skroch (from left), Nicole Skroch and Abby Wendt host a tailgate lunchtime party as members of the Rice Elementary School Parent Teacher Association Sept. 15 in Rice. The PTA is encouraging school spirit and also hung — with the help of community businesses and organizations — RES flags on Main Street in Rice as the school year kicked off.

PHOTO BY TOM FENTON

Members of the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School homecoming court play a version of musical chairs — without the chairs — during pep fest activities Sept. 15 at SRRHS in Sauk Rapids. The spirit stick was awarded to the senior class at the conclusion of the pep fest.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Tucker Tillemans (from left), Porter Wilaby and Benjamin Skroch grab a group hug Sept. 15 at the Rice Elementary Schoo homecoming tailgate party at the school in Rice. The dress-up theme for Friday was Storm Pride at all three of the district’s elementary schools as well as the middle and high schools.

PHOTO BY TOM FENTON Sophomore percussionists Grace Smith (from left), Rachel Hilton and Amelia McKenzie of the Sauk RapidsRice High School pep band entertain their fellow students and teachers before the homecoming pep fest Sept. 15 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. The band played several songs as students arrived and finished with the school song.

The 2023 Sauk Rapids-Rice cross-country team consists of Faith Bogle (front, from left), Bailee Vossburgh, Luke Loidolt, Evan Trompeter, Amelia Reker, Mason Foss, Alex Ostendorf, Ayla Nygaard and Grace Smith; (second row, from left) Emma Tucker, Annika Beierman, Collin Wiebe, Avery Nathe, Kade Lovell, Brenden Nathe, Malena Bednark and Mae Varilek; (third row, from left) Anika Martinson, Abby Johnson, Autumn Shay, Evan Ostendorf, Elka Sowada, Kenzie WagmanKelley and Hadyn Swenson; (back from left) assistant coach Anders Meier, Connor Van Nevel, head coach Sandie LahrCook, Bigi Bah, assistant coach Kevin Hines.

POLICE ACTIVITY REPORT

Sauk Rapids Police Department Sept. 11-17

Sept. 11 2:01 a.m. — Of cers were dispatched to a report of a male sleeping on a pile of wood in front of a business on the 200 block of 18th Street North. An of cer arrived and spoke with the male, who said he was without a home and looking for a place to stay for a few hours. The of cer transported the man t the Salvation Army.

Sept. 15, 11:56 a.m. — A student at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School reported abdominal pain after participating in the hot gummy bear online challenge. Mayo Clinic Ambulance and the school resource of cer responded to the nurses’ of ce to assist. The student’s condition improved, and the child’s guardian was contacted to bring the child home.

Sept. 17, 4:09 a.m. — Law enforcement assisted Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce deputies that were on scene of a rollover crash near the intersection of Highway 10 and Little Rock Road Northeast in Watab Township. The vehicle was unoccupied. The Sauk Rapids police of cer was requested to look north and south of the crash for a pedestrian who may be walking alongside the roadway; the of cer was unable to locate anyone.

Incidents: Medical calls 23, traf c stops 21, assists 16, agency assists 9, welfare checks 9, police proactive visits 8, suspicious activity reports 8, extra patrols 7, miscellaneous calls 11, total zero deaths 7, administrative calls 6, alarms 6, disturbances 6, driving calls 6, parking calls 6, child calls 5, fraud complaints 4, traf c accidents 4, animal calls 3, human services reports 3, lift assists 3, ordinance calls 3, thefts 3, 911 calls 2, civil complaints 2, disorderly conduct reports 2, drunk reports 2, harassment calls 2, permits 2, property calls 2 and unwanted calls 2.

Rice Police Department Sept. 4-10

Sept. 10, 3:40 p.m. — An of cer observed a male driver move a closed barricade that was in place due to a large event near East Main Street in Rice. The male tried driving past the of cer before the of cer pulled in front of the pickup and trailer. The of cer explained the safety concerns with moving and driving around a barricade when pedestrians were attending the event as well as issued an administrative citation for prohibited parking.

Incidents: Traf c stops 12, miscellaneous calls 9, parking calls 6, agency assists 3, assists 2 and suspicious activity reports 2.

Benton County hires firm for government center construction

Approves $830,545 agreement with Little Falls-based Contegrity

BY TIM HENNAGIR | STAFF WRITER

Benton County has hired a construction manager to oversee its government center project.

Commissioners approved an $830,545 agreement with Little-Falls-based Contegrity Group Inc. Sept. 19.

The agreement was approved 4-0. Commissioner Jared Gapinski was not in attendance because he was in Washington, D.C., with Chris Byrd, county engineer.

County administrator Montgomery Headley said ve rms responded to Benton County’s request for proposal.

Those rms were W. Gohman Construction Co. of St. Joseph, Donlar Construction of Waite Park, Bradbury Stamm Construction of St. Cloud, McGough Construction Co. Inc. of St. Cloud and Contegrity.

W. Gohman, Bradbury Stamm and Contegrity were interviewed by commissioners Aug. 28 during a committee of the whole meeting in the Benton County Board meeting room in Foley, Headley said.

Payment for the construction manager agree-

New formulation of COVID-19 vaccines approved ST. PAUL — On Sept. 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced approval and authorization of updated COVID-19 vaccines formulated to more closely target the COVID-19 variants circulating nationally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued formal vaccine recommendations.

ment will come from the county capital improvement fund balance.

“I contacted counties who have used Contegrity’s services in the past, and all of them reported excellent relationships,” Headley said during the board’s Sept. 19 meeting. “It was very reassuring to get positive project references from other counties.”

Senior assistant county attorney Michelle Meyer reviewed the agreement with Contegrity and recommended approval, Headley said.

“One of the most important things we need right now is an estimation regarding the cost of our project,” he said. “That’s in relation to a capital improvement project public hearing we anticipate in November.”

Benton County’s agreement with Contegrity contains the following project details:

St. Cloud-based GLT Architects will design a 58,000-square-foot , two-story government building south of the current government center at 531 Dewey Street in Foley. The total project budget for the new building is $25 million.

Construction costs are estimated at $20 million. Contegrity will be paid $22,000 for its pre-construction services, a construction management fee of 1.95% of the construction cost ($473,000) and $335,545 in site expenses, which will consist primarily of a site superintendent and other personnel working the site.

NEWS BRIEFS

These new vaccines are approved by the FDA for all people 6 months of age or older.

— People 5 years of age and older regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.

— People 6 months through 4 years of age who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received).

— Unvaccinated people 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated authorized P zer COVID-19 vaccine or two doses of the updated authorized Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

These are the rst COVID-19 vaccines to be commercialized,

which means that there may be costs associated with receiving them. People should speak with health insurers about coverage before scheduling an appointment in order to avoid a surprise bill. For those without health insurance, consider reaching out to the Minnesota Department of Health for free or low-cost vaccine options.

In addition to staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, MDH recommends people test for COVID-19 when they have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or ve full days after a known exposure to someone with COVID-19.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive, stay home and isolate from others as much as possible to avoid spreading the virus on to others around you. For information on COVID-19 testing visit www.health.state.mn.us/ diseases/coronavirus/ testsites/index.html.

Metro Bus announces study, survey opportunities

ST. CLOUD — In recent years, Metro Bus has seen a change in how people use their transit services. With the development of new travel patterns, as well as growth in St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Sartell and Waite Park, Metro Bus intends to evaluate its services to create an updated Long Range Transit Plan and ensure people are getting the most out of their transit experience. To accomplish this mission, Metro Bus partnered with Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates to conduct the Metro Bus Forward study.

Metro Bus Forward will examine the service area, changes over the past few years and current Metro Bus services to determine how transit and other mobility services can best help people get to the places they want to go. Metro Bus plans to implement changes in summer 2024.

A public survey is available to anyone who would like to give feedback on Metro Bus service. Visit ridemetrobus. com/forward for more information and to take the public survey.

BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 5, 2023

The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on September 5, 2023, in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN. Call to order by Chair Scott Johnson was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the ag. A roll call showed Commissioners Beth Schlangen, Steve Heinen, Scott Johnson, Jared Gapinski and Ed Popp present.

Motion by Heinen and seconded by Popp to approve the Agenda as written. Motion carried unanimously.

There was no one present to speak under Open Forum.

Popp requested to pull Consent Agenda Item # 6 for further discussion and Schlangen requested to pull Consent Agenda Item # 1 to make a correction. Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Popp to approve Consent Agenda items 2 –5: 2) approve the Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes of August 7, 2023 and authorize the Chair to sign; 3) approve the Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes of August 14, 2023 and authorize the Chair to sign; 4) approve a Memorandum of Agreement with AFSCME Council 65 to implement a reclassi cation of the Human Services Collections Of cer position and authorize the Chair to sign; 5) approve the 2023 SCORE Grant applications round III. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Schlangen requested to make a change on Consent Agenda item #1 on page 3, second paragraph from the bottom of the August 15, 2023 Meeting Minutes, to change the word Windseth to Widseth. Motion by Schlangen and seconded by Johnson to approve the amended Regular Board Meeting Minutes of August 15, 2023 (Consent Agenda Item # 1) and authorize the Chair to sign. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Popp requested clari cation on Consent Agenda Item # 6 regarding the $10.00 fee that is charged per unit and if that fee was set by the State or the County. Land Services Director Roxanne Achman con rmed that the $10.00 fee is charged per unit and the fee was set by the County and has been for many years. Motion by Popp and seconded by Johnson to approve Consent Agenda item # 6 to approve the Board Certi cation to the County Auditor/Treasurer for tax year 2024 Benton County Solid Waste Fee Assessment. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, Property Management Director Jeff Dingmann requested the County Board to consider an agreement with Great River Greening for stump removal and prairie restoration at Bend in the River Park. Our forestry expert Bob

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

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that default has occurred in conditions of the following described mortgage:

DATE OF MORTGAGE: January 5, 2002

MORTGAGOR: Jeffrey Ralph Millner, a single person.

MORTGAGEE: Homeland Mortgage, LLC.

DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded January 18, 2002 Benton County Recorder, Document No. 282046.

ASSIGNMENTS OF

MORTGAGE: Assigned to: First Federal Savings Bank. Dated January 10, 2002

Recorded January 18, 2002, as Document No. 282047. And thereafter assigned to: Washington Mutual Bank, FA. Dated January 10, 2002

Recorded January 18, 2002, as Document No. 282048. And thereafter assigned to: Wells Fargo Bank, NA. Dated April 7, 2007

Recorded April 17, 2007, as Document No.

A347525. And thereafter assigned to: Specialized Loan Servicing LLC. Dated January 25, 2019 Recorded January 25, 2019, as Document No. 433959. And thereafter assigned to: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as trustee for the bene t of the Freddie Mac Seasoned Loans

Structured Transaction Trust, Series 2019-3. Dated March 3, 2020 Recorded March 5, 2020, as Document No. 441612.

TRANSACTION

AGENT: NONE

TRANSACTION

AGENT’S MORTGAGE

IDENTIFICATION

NUMBER ON MORTGAGE:

Perleberg connected us with a St. Paul based non-pro t that assists communities with forestry projects and natural area restoration. Great River Greening has proposed contributing up to $106,000 in its grant funds to remove the stumps, clear the brush and restore the native prairie to areas at Bend in the River where all the trees were removed this past spring. Great River Greening will prepare an RFP and assist the County in securing the services of a company that would perform this work. The County’s contribution will be a 10% match, funding to come from the proceeds derived from the lumber removal project. Great River Greening plans to complete the project this fall, into Winter 2024. Motion by Heinen and seconded by Popp to approve the agreement with Great River Greening for stump removal and prairie restoration at Bend in the River Park. Motion carried unanimously.

Next, County Engineer Chris Byrd provided a Public Works/Highway Department Annual Report. Each year Byrd completes a report which includes all of Public Works/Highway’s accounting activities. Byrd shared that the report shows our true costs for maintaining and constructing our 450+ miles of county roads. Byrd shared our revenue sources and how they were used. This item was for informational purposes only.

The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:46 AM to conduct a Human Services Board Meeting.

The Regular Board meeting reconvened at 9:47 AM.

Next, Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of Benton County.

There were no additional comments by Commissioners.

Popp/Heinen to set the Committee of the Whole Meetings: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 Construction Manager site visit to Morrison County, 1208 W River Road, Little Falls, MN 56345, 12:00 PM; December 4, 2023 through December 6, 2023 AMC Annual Conference at Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, 1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403, 8:00 AM; Thursday, October 26, 2023 Foley Area CARE Touching Table for Seniors Annual Luncheon at New Life Church, 931 Norman Ave, Foley, MN 56329, 12:00 PM. Motion carried unanimously.

Chair Johnson adjourned the Regular Board Meeting at 9:57 AM.

Scott Johnson, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners

ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

NONE LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR STATED ON MORTGAGE: Homeland Mortgage, LLC

RESIDENTIAL

MORTGAGE SERVICER: Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc.

MORTGAGED PROPERTY ADDRESS: 264 Birch Drive, Foley, MN 56329

TAX PARCEL I.D. #: 13.00648.00

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: LOT TWENTY-ONE (21), BLOCK SIX (6), FOLEY DEVELOPMENT PLAT IN THE CITY OF FOLEY; COUNTY OF BENTON, STATE OF MINNESOTA. COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Benton ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL

AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $115,000.00

AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $92,702.68

That prior to the commencement of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee complied with all notice requirements as required by statute; That no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof;

PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows:

DATE AND TIME OF

SALE: November 16, 2023 at 10:00 AM

PLACE OF

SALE: Benton County

Sheriff’s Of ce, 581 Highway 23 Northeast Foley, MN to pay the debt then secured by said Mortgage, and taxes, if any, on said premises, and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns unless reduced to Five (5) weeks under MN Stat. §580.07.

TIME AND DATE TO

VACATE PROPERTY: If the real estate is an owneroccupied, single-family dwelling, unless otherwise provided by law, the date on or before which the mortgagor(s) must vacate the property if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property is not redeemed under section 580.23 is 11:59 p.m. on May 16, 2024, unless that date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, in which case it is the next weekday, and unless the redemption period is reduced to 5 weeks under MN Stat. Secs. 580.07 or 582.032.

MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: None

“THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S

NOTICE OF ABANDONED PROPERTY

Notice is hereby given that on September 23, 2021, the Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce seized a PJ brand dump type trailer with no VIN present. This trailer is currently being held at the Benton County Sheriff’s Of ce in Foley, MN. Anyone having an ownership interest in this trailer is hereby noti ed that they have 45 days from the date of the publication of this notice to exercise their right to reclaim the trailer as prescribed by law. Failure of an owner to exercise their right to reclaim the trailer within the 45 day time frame shall constitute a waiver of all right, title, and interest in the trailer and consent to the transfer of title to and disposal or sale of the trailer as prescribed by law and a waiver of all right, title, and interest in the contents and consent to sell or dispose of the contents as prescribed by law. Any owner who provides documentation from a government or nonpro t agency or legal aid of ce that the owner is homeless, receives relief based on need, or is eligible for legal aid services, has the unencumbered right to retrieve any and all contents without charge.

R-37-2B

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Benton County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to consider Benton County Ordinance No. 489, Limiting the Use of Regulated Products which includes cannabis ower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products in Public Places on October 3, 2023, at 9:00a.m. in the Benton County Boardroom located at 531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN 56329, for the purpose of taking action on the proposed Use of Regulated Products in Public Places Ordinance. The proposed ordinance includes the public health authority granted to local units of government pursuant to Minn. Stat. 145A.05, subd. 1, and limits the jurisdiction of this ordinance to the unincorporated areas of the County, County leased and owned property, and County parks. A copy of the proposed Use of Regulated Products in Public Places Ordinance can be obtained from the Benton County website (www.co.benton.mn.us) or by calling the Benton County Land Services Director at 320-9685065.

FR-38-1B

R-38-1B

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.”

Dated: September 11, 2023 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as trustee Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee LIEBO, WEINGARDEN, DOBIE & BARBEE, P.L.L.P. Attorneys for Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee 4500 Park Glen Road #300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (952) 925-6888 38 - 23-005114 FC IN THE EVENT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR R-37-6B

NOTICE

Benton County is planning to reconstruct CSAH 7 (165th Ave NE) from MN Trunk Highway 95 to CSAH 4 (65th St NE) located southeast of Foley in 2024. As part of this project, there will be 6 foot shoulders and safety improvements. The County will be hosting a public open house at the Benton County Board Room, located at 531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN 56329 on Wednesday, September 27th from 4:00 to 5:30 pm to present the proposed changes. The meeting will have an open house format to obtain comments and concerns from individual citizens and property owners. A brief presentation will be made at 4:30 pm.

Benton County is partnering with KLJ Engineering on the project design. Individuals who are unable to attend this meeting may express their comments and concerns by contacting Mark Loidolt at Benton County Highway Department, PO Box 247, Foley, MN 56329; by telephone at 320-9685051; or email at highway@co.benton.mn.us.

R-38-1B

Notice of Motion and Af davit for Order

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Top performance, fewer injuries

SRR strength coach introduces training program

BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

It may look funny at times, but that matters none to Brady Roden. The only thing that counts are the results — which several fall sports teams are already experiencing.

That is why the Sauk Rapids-Rice special education teacher, who also specializes in exercise science and training, is a fan of a strength, speed and training program he is implementing with the school’s fall teams. The program is called Re exive Performance Reset, and it involves various breathing and body touching methods designed to help athletes achieve top levels of performance.

The goal of the RPR program is fairly simple.

“Increase performance, decrease chance

of soft-tissue injury and better recovery,” said Roden, a Foley High School graduate and special education teacher at Mississippi Heights Elementary School since 2013.

“But the immediate strength is one of the rst things the athletes see.”

Roden played football at Winona State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in exercise science. He earned his master’s degree in special education at Bemidji State University before landing in the SRR school district.

Roden’s passion for tness never diminished, and he has been working with Storm athletes for several years. It was not until this fall, however, that RPR was introduced to

both athletes and curious coaches.

Count cross-country head coach Sandie Lahr-Cook as a fan.

“I really like the new RPR program as it gets my athletes ready to perform,” said LahrCook, in her third year as Storm head coach.

“The wake-up drills they do target different zones and areas of the body that get the nerves and muscles ready. One thing that has been evident this year is that we’ve had fewer injuries and aches and pains. One of our practice days, we didn’t do the wake-up drills, went right into our main workout and several of my athletes felt very sluggish. It was tough to run, and a

few had side aches.”

Roden rst learned of the program, which was developed by strength coach at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, about 10 years ago while interning at St. Cloud State University. During a paternity leave, Roden took online certi cation courses so he could introduce RPR.

“I just kind of fell in love with the programming part of training, getting to watch athletes get better and then use that to compete,” Roden said. “Seeing all those different things, and how many just different levels there of this training makes it so exciting.”

One of the more

important aspects of the program is how athletes get their bodies prepared for workouts. Much of it has to do with active breathing and activating important muscles through pressure points.

Though it may look a little strange when athletes are activating their glutes by rubbing their head behind their ears, the process, Roden said, works. Core muscles are activated by rubbing the muscles where the ribs meet the sternum.

“ RPR is really cool,” said Chris Rothstein, Storm boys soccer head coach. “Brady showed us how to do it and did an example with a player about how it activates

the muscles. We think it is a great tool to add to our arsenal and to help kids stay t and injury free.”

Once the athletes learn the ner points of RPR, it is something they can do on their own. Captains of the fall programs have embraced the program, which was evidenced by an enthusiastic recent session by the unbeaten football team in the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School weight room.

Roden said he enjoys working with high school students who are in the process of becoming athletes, adding that it is far different than dealing with an established Division I college athlete.

“High school is a very different level because of the challenge,” Roden said. “You have these threesport athletes, and you’re trying to train them to be athletes. But in college, you have an athlete who’s pretty well-established and you have a oneyear plan for them. In high school, you have a kid who plays football, basketball and track, for example, and they’re being pulled lots of different ways. So, the balance of keeping those athletes able to compete yearround is fun for me.”

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Swimming and diving team members Belle Gruber (left) and Kandra Carlson go through wake-up drills under the direction of strength coach Brady Roden during Aug. 28 workout at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Roden introduced the Reflexive Performance Reset training program to fall sports athletes.

Erika Jansen, a swimming and diving team member, goes through a pressure point wakeup drill Aug. 28 under the watchful eye of Sauk Rapids-Rice High School strength coach Brady Roden at the school in Sauk Rapids. The RPR program was introduced to help athletes increase strength and reduce soft-tissue injuries.

Storm swimmer Ally Lucas presses dumbbells on an incline bench during a recent Reflexive Performance Reset training session in the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School weight room in Sauk Rapids. The program is being used to increase performance and reduce injury.

Hayden Reinert, a Storm swimming and diving team member, goes through wakeup drill exercises as teammate Avery Ziegler watches during an Aug. 28 training session at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. All SRRHS fall sports teams have been using the Reflexive Performance Reset training program, which was implemented at the start of fall workouts.

Big win, big confidence

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

Wins over Alexandria in volleyball are not to be taken lightly.

The emotional boost it provides, along with playoff seeding ramications, are reasons why Sauk Rapids-Rice celebrated wildly Sept. 19 after a back-and-forth ve-set victory over the Cardinals, who have traditionally been a thorn in the side of the program.

“Winning against them in ve was huge not only for the team, but as a program in general,” said senior setter Katelyn Anderson, who had 24 set assists. “They have always been a good matchup with us, and the competition they bring is big. Pulling out a win helped show off the drive and need to want to win from our side.”

SRR’s last victory over Alexandria was an

Storm take down Alexandria in 5 sets SRR earns draws with Rocori, Willmar

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

With the regular season two-thirds complete, Sauk Rapids-Rice girls soccer coach Tash Neu is searching for ways to get her team in the win column with more frequency.

While not easy, she said the talent is there to get the job done for a team that tied Rocori 1-1 Sept. 19 at Rocori High School in Cold Spring.

“We are still nding our way,” said head coach Tash Neu, whose Storm have a 2-6-2 overall record. “We have a very talented team, but we need to nd a way to really play to the strengths of our formation so kids can feel con dent on the eld for

off-the-charts upset — a Section 8AAA championship in 2021 that sent the program to its rst state tournament since 1988. While the Storms’ 25-21, 17-25, 25-22, 1925, 15-12 win at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School guarantees nothing, it did huge things for morale.

“They are traditionally a strong team with a lot of success in the past,” Storm head coach Gail Bialke said.

“Alexandria is always in the top half of the conference, if not the top team. It was a great feeling beating them. Hats off to the girls who adjusted to their style of hitting and had the drive to win. It was an exciting win.”

A balanced SRR offensive attack played a huge role in the win, which was the third straight for the Storm. Senior Ava Athman had 15 kills, emerging sophomore Wendi Peterson had 11, senior Jordyn Lee had eight and sophomore Stella Lambaere six.

That, Bialke said, helped keep the Cardinals guessing.

“We had six hitters who were on,” Bialke said. “They only had one, so we tried to take

advantage when she was in the back row.”

Delia Gustofson added nine digs while Aubrey Marketon added 12 set assists and ve digs for an SRR team that is gaining con dence.

“We were always making sure we had the upper hand, meaning we perfected what we could to get them out of their system” Anderson said. “We stayed aggressive and by working the defense. We’re performing at a high level and using our volleyball IQ to our advantage. We leaned on each other for support and worked our family culture.”

The Storm hit their way to a 3-0 victory over Big Lake Sept. 18 in Big Lake and also picked up a 3-1 win over Brainerd Sept. 14 at SRRHS. Athman had 15 kills, Anderson 16 set assists and Lambaere 11 digs and three ace serves against the Hornets.

Athman had 14 kills, Peterson 10 and Anderson 14 set assists against the Warriors.

SRR took its 8-4 record to Fergus Falls Sept. 21 and will play Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Apollo High School in St. Cloud. Bi-

Girls soccer

alke said she is holding to hope the team will be at full strength for the last two weeks of the season as Lauren Schloe may return from a broken thumb.

“We are a team who has grown from last year with con dence and skill-set,” Bialke said. “We are not at full strength yet, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do when Lauren comes back.”

SRR 3, Alexandria 2 SRR: Marissa Bomstad 4 digs; Lambaere 6 kills and 8 digs; Katelyn Anderson 24 set assists and 4 digs; Ruby Gustofson 1 kill, 1 block, 1 dig; Delia Gustofson 9 digs; Josie Anderson 1 ace serve, 6 kills, 1 block and 6 digs; Athman 1 ace serve, 15 kills, 2 blocks and 5 digs; Marketon 12 set assists and 5 digs; Lee 8 kills, 1.5 blocks and 4 digs; and Peterson 11 kills and 2 blocks. SRR 3, Big Lake 0 SRR: Bomstad 2 digs; Lambaere 3 ace serves, 3 kills and 11 digs; Katelyn Anderson 16 set assists and 5 digs; Delia Gustofson 5 digs; Josie Anderson 2 ace serves, 3 kills and 8 digs; Athman 15 kills, 1 block and 10 digs; Marketon 1 kill and 5 set assists; Lee 2 ace serves, 3 kills and 2 digs; and Peterson 2 ace serves, 2 kills, 1 block and 3 digs. SRR 3, Brainerd 1 SRR: Bomstad 1.5 blocks and 1 dig; Lambaere 4 ace serves, 6 kills and 9 digs; Katelyn Anderson 1 ace serve, 14 set assists and 7 digs; Ruby Gustofson 1 kill; Delia Gustofson 8 digs; Josie Anderson 3 kills and 4 digs; Athman 14 kills and 8 digs; Marketon 10 set assists and 5 digs; Lee 1 ace serve, 3 kills and 1 dig; and Peterson 10 kills and 1.5 blocks.

Ties pile up

all 80 minutes. I need to coach that better and that is on me. We added a great addition to our staff with Faith Bila. She comes with a lot of soccer knowledge and always offers me good perspective when I need it.”

Gabby Fernholz scored with 6 minutes, 25 seconds remaining in the rst half with Sydney Bauer assisting, but SRR could not nd an offensive rhythm the rest of the way in the tie against the Spartans, who scored six minutes into the second half. Goalkeeper Hailey Bischoff had 13 saves for the Storm.

“Both teams played well,” Neu said. “We had a hard time piecing our offense together.”

The Storm hosted Moorhead Sept. 15 and yielded three second-half goals to the Spuds in a 3-0 loss at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School elds in Sauk Rapids.

SRR endured a 90-minute rain and lightning delay Sept. 14 at Willmar, getting 14 saves

from Bischoff in a 0-0 tie with the Cardinals.

“We have great kids, but they are tired,” Neu said. “So, I’d love to be able to instill some more con dence in them so they can win more games. They deserve it. I think they are hungry to turn things around. It’s a work in progress, but we are ready.”

The Storm hosted Brainerd Sept. 21 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School stadium, then have four regular-season games remaining. SRR hosts Alexandria Tuesday, Sept. 26, and Apollo

Thursday, Sept. 28, — both at the SRRMS stadium — before traveling to Detroit Lakes Saturday, Sept. 30. SRR 1, Rocori 1 SRR (goals-assists): Fernholz 1-0, Bauer 0-1. Goalkeeper: Bischoff 13 saves of 14 shots on goal. Moorhead 3, SRR 0 SRR goalkeeper: Bischoff 8 of 11. SRR 0, Willmar 0 SRR goalkeeper: 14 of 14.

Volleyball

Reveling in victory

Storm earn 3rd straight narrow win

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

Though the end result of the last three Sauk Rapids-Rice girls swimming and diving team’s dual meets have been positive, the route which the Storm took to getting there has been far from stress-free.

For head coach Julia Wallace, tight dual meets have been the reason behind heart-racing moments.

The latest example came as the Storm needed six points going into the nal event Sept. 14

in a nonconference dual against a competitive Sauk Centre team. SRR’s 400-yard freestyle relay teams responded, getting second- and thirdplace nishes to clinch a 93.5-92.5 win over the Streeters at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School pool in Sauk Rapids.

The Storm were coming off a 10-point win against Alexandria and a six-point triumph over Willmar. Those wins seemed almost comfortable compared to this one.

“The girls still continue to blow us away in how they show up, get

behind each other and give it their all,” said a relieved and excited Wallace. “We knew it was going to be a close meet, so we made a few changes to give the girls the best shot at winning. It is almost impossible to win a meet without winning any relays, but once again we made up for it in other events. Sauk Centre had some season best times as well, and they de nitely did not make it easy on us.”

Heading into the nal relay, SRR was clinging to a 87.5-84.5 lead. Though the Streeters earned eight points with the rst-place nish, the Storm claimed second and third for six points to preserve a one-point win.

Ava Erdmann, Rhema Knutson, Kate Walz and Ally Lucas placed second in the last relay with Adalyn Godfrey, Grace Thompson, Sophia Nielsen and Madi Miller taking third.

Wallace said this victory showed a level of mental toughness she had not yet seen.

“Overall, this team continues to surprise us, and we couldn’t be prouder of them these last three meets, but this one especially,” Wallace said. “We saw a side of them that we haven’t seen before, and I am so excited to see what else they will accomplish this season.”

Storm divers Sophia Markfelder, Esme Grabinski and Madalyn Anderson swept the top three spots as the Storm outscored Sauk Centre 13-3 in the event. Markfelder surpassed the 200-point mark with Grabinski and Anderson both earning career-best scores.

Ally Lucas was moved from the 100

backstroke to the 100 freestyle, and the switch worked. The sophomore won the 100 and 200 freestyles.

“Ally won the 100 in style by not only having a personal best but a fast enough time to get her 20th all-time in school history,” Wallace said. “Ally is so versatile and we appreciate her and how she is always willing to switch events last minute and do what she needs to do to help out her team.”

Wallace also pointed to Erdmann’s win in the

500 freestyle, breaking the six-minute mark, as a meet highlight. Godfrey had three personal-bests, including a 1 minute, 6.82 seconds in the 100 backstroke that placed her 10th all-time in program history.

Olivia Schaap tied for second place in the 100 breaststroke, which Wallace described as very rare.

“There are a lot of small things that if it went the other way, we could’ve lost,” Wallace said. “In this case, trying for second instead of

being third was the difference between winning the meet and tying the meet, which would’ve been insane because I have never seen that happen. I have already had two previous coaches tell me they have never seen a one-point difference in a nal score.”

SRR traveled to Fergus Falls for a dual meet Sept. 21 and will defend their title at the Duluth Denfeld Invitational Saturday, Sept. 23 in Duluth before dueling Rocori Thursday, Sept. 28 in Cold Spring. SRR 93.5, Sauk Centre 92.5 200 MR: 2. Godfrey, Schaap, Haaf and Madi Miller 2:06.14; 4. Kendra Carlson, Mya Miller, Layla Wolvert and Nielsen 2:13.73; and 5. Vivian Jaschke, Hayden Reinert, Daniela Flores-Bonilla and Lily Gregerson 2:18.25. 200 FS: 1. Lucas 2:05.51, 2. Knudson 2:13.05 and 4. Schaap 2:20.57. 50 FS: 3. Erdmann 27.48

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON Storm sophomore Adalyn Godfrey springs from the starting block for the backstroke leg of the 200-yard medley relay Sept. 14 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School pool in Sauk Rapids. Godfrey, Olivia Schaap, Sam Haaf and Madi Miller placed second in the event.

400 FSR: 2. Erdmann, Knudson, Walz and Lucas 3:56.64; 3. Godfrey, Thompson, Nielsen and Madi Miller 4:19.43; and 5. Gregerson, Flores-Bonilla, Carlson and Mya Miller 4:28.41.

Storm senior Madalyn Anderson prepares for entry during the diving competition as her team faced Sauk Centre Sept. 14 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School pool in Sauk Rapids. Anderson placed third in diving, helping a 1-2-3 sweep in the event for SRR.

Storm freshman Olivia Schaap glides through the water during the breaststroke leg of the 200-yard medley relay Sept. 14 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School pool in Sauk Rapids. The Storm will defend their title in the Duluth Denfeld Invitational Saturday, Sept. 23, in Duluth.

Storm sophomore Hayden Reinert takes a breath while swimming the butterfly leg of the 200-yard individual medley Sept. 14 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School pool in Sauk Rapids. Reinert placed fifth in the event as the Storm defeated Sauk Centre 93.5 to 92.5.

CONTEST RULES

1. Anyone can enter except employees of this newspaper.

2. Contest judges are the newspaper staff

3. Winners will be announced in next week’s Sauk Rapids Herald.

4. Entries due at office by 12 p.m. on Wednesday.

Sauk Rapids Herald

2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

5. Prize will be mailed to the winner after their name is announced in this paper.

6. Only one entry per person per week. Two entries per address per week.

7. In case of a tie, a random drawing will be held.

8. Contestants with the most season picks will win a grand prize of $200 cash.

Win comes with tense moments

Storm hold on to defeat Monticello, stay unbeaten

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

What is a homecoming football game without a little drama?

Though the annual celebration that brings together current students and alumni contained a bit more suspense than most had hoped, the end result came with both jubilation and a huge sigh of relief for the Sauk Rapids-Rice football team.

What had the makings of a stress-free victory at halftime turned into nailbiter as the Storm held on for a 27-20 victory over Monticello on a beautiful Sept. 15 evening in front of a massive crowd Sept. 15 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School stadium in Sauk Rapids. The Storm, ranked ninth in the rst Class AAAAA poll of the season, improved to 3-0, though the win came with plenty of tense moments.

“We learned we need to nish,” said Ethan Martin, a SRR senior tight end and defensive lineman whose team led 27-0 at halftime. “We need to bring the energy better in the second half in a game like this. I love being 3-0, and we’re on to the next opponent.”

The Storm will take their unbeaten record into St. Francis Friday, Sept. 22. Those two teams met in Week 6 last season when both teams came into the game with 5-0 records; St. Francis won 28-25.

The Saints are 0-3 this season after losing 2716 Sept. 16 to defending Class AAAAA champion Elk River.

Monticello, which had triumphed over SRR in

the regular-season nale the past two years, has lost two straight games after opening the season with a two-point win at Bemidji. The Magic are without injured Trey Emmerich, an electric quarterback who had a huge season in 2022 as a sophomore.

“We got a little too excited going into halftime,” said Deagan Gondeck, a junior defensive who had eight tackles, including a tackle for loss. “We still had a pretty good second half, but they came out really strong. That’s a tough team. We maybe let up a little bit, but we have to make sure we stay ready and more disciplined because we had another half of football left.”

The Storm got an immediate boost from senior co-captain Shaun Walrath, who missed the rst two games for disciplinary reasons. Walrath, a two-way standout and the team’s leading returning rusher, broke loose for a 74-touchdown on the game’s rst play. Senior Walker Loesch also returned to the lineup after missing two games and

had a big catch on a rsthalf scoring drive.

Walrath added a 1-yard touchdown plunge early in the second quarter, and the Storm converted a trick play when a lateral from quarterback Spencer Ackerman to receiver Hudson Omoke ended with Omoke’s 20-yard strike to Martin. SRR capped its electric rst half with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Ackerman to

junior Jaylen Hanson-Ditthidet, who made a leaping one-handed grab.

Ackerman completed 12 of 17 passes for 155 yards.

“It felt great getting the win, especially with being absent for two weeks,” said Walrath, who rushed 14 times for 110 yards. “To come out again, and showing up for my team and doing what I do felt really good. They’re a

good team, but we probably got a little ahead of ourselves after taking the big lead and let up a little bit. We can’t stop ghting even if we’re up 50-0.”

Monticello scored two third-quarter touchdowns and closed to within 2720 with 3 minutes, 51 seconds remaining on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Koen Schlangen to Haden Katzenberger. The Magic had two more possessions in the nal three minutes, but SRR’s defense stiffened when it mattered, forcing consecutive fourth-down incompletions.

Each team nished with 301 yards offensively. The Storm held Schlangen to 15 of 37 passing for 169 yards while giving up 132 rushing yards. The defense also forced three straight Magic punts to start the game and got fumble recoveries from Walrath and Braydn Kost, who jumped on a botched Magic punt return. Junior defensive back Chris Pepin added a rst-half interception.

“I probably just need to stay aggressive (with play-calling) in the second

half and say we just have to keep scoring,” said Phillip Klaphake, SRR head coach. “They’ve got really good players, too, but we didn’t do a great job of putting it away. At the end, we found a way. We did some really good stuff at the end to hold them off. We just have to stay aggressive to be who we are, but there’s a little bit of anxiety that comes with that.”

MONTICELLO 0 0 14 6-20

SRR 0 20 0 0-27

SRR: Walrath 74 run (Leif Rudnick kick)

SRR: Walrath 1 run (Rudnick kick)

SRR: Martin 20 pass from Omoke (kick blocked)

SRR: Hanson-Ditthidet 18 pass from Ackerman (Rudnick kick)

MON: Brock Holthaus 1 run (Maxwell Chard kick)

MON: Katzenberger 32 pass from Schlangen (Chard kick)

MON: Katzenberger 5 pass from Schlangen (kick failed)

SRR: Rushing: Walrath 14110, Adam Purcell 5-19, Martin

1-5, Mason Sabraski 1-5. Passing: Ackerman 12-17-1 155, Omoke

1-1-0 20. Receiving: Sabraski 2-51, Omoke 5-48, Martin 1-20, Walker Loesch 1-20, Hanson-Ditthidet 1-18. Tackles (solo-assists): Dillon Miller 8-0, Gondeck 7-1, Chris Pepin 5-2, Ben Ellerbusch 5-2, Walrath 4-2 (1 sack, 1 TFL), Braydn Kost 3-4, Martin 2-1, Nolan Robish 2-0, Anden Chapman 2-0, Jonah Thell 2-0, Omoke 1-0, Sabraski 1-0, Loesch 1-0, Ethan Elwood 1-0, Anthony Camara 1-1, Clayton Handeland 1-0 and Mason Sherman 1-0.

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Storm senior running back Shaun Walrath strides through the Monticello defense, helped by a block from junior Mason Anderson (22) on his way to a 74-yard touchdown run on the game’s first play from scrimmage Sept. 15 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School stadium in Sauk Rapids. Walrath added a 1-yard touchdown run in the first half and finished with 110 yards.

Storm senior Walker Loesch gains yards after making a first-half catch Sept. 15 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School stadium in Sauk Rapids. The Storm jumped to a 27-0 halftime lead before holding on for the win over Monticello.

Junior receiver Jaylen Hanson-Ditthidet (5) celebrates with teammate Mason Sabrasksi after making a onehanded, 18-yard touchdown Sept. 15 at the Sauk RapidsRice Middle School stadium in Sauk Rapids. The Storm took their 3-0 record to St. Francis Sept. 22.