Star Post 10-25-2023 by Star Publications

Albany cross country page 7

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Number 43 • Volume 134

Navigating the driver shortage

PHOTOS BY CAROL MOORMAN

Theresa Kortan holds and displays rosaries she made Oct. 13 in her Melrose home. On the counter is a photo of her son, Dean; his wife, Becki; and their children, DeAnna and Jesse. (Below) Theresa Kortan holds a cross on a rosary in memory of her ATKINSON TO TALK husband Mike who passed ABOUT SPACE away June 2. They both have MISSIONS BOOK AT a strong connection to the MELROSE LIBRARYBlessed Virgin Mary, dating back to when Mike made a pg. 6 trip to Medjugorje.

Melrose researching policing options ... pg. 3 Hiltner happy to carry on legacy ... pg. 7 ‘A Team’ has first baby boy in 2017 ... pg. 16 Gymnasts scoring with the best ... pg. 10

Albany relies on transportation company, substitute bus drivers BY HANS LAMMEMAN STAFF WRITER

In response to ongoing staffing challenges concerning bus drivers, Albany Area Public Schools turned to a third-party transportation services company and private citizens that have stepped up as substitutes to maintain smooth operation. During an Oct. 11 Albany School Board meeting in the district office board room, superintendent Travis Okerlund discussed the district using St. Peter-based company 4.0 School Services to manage a route. Okerlund said a 4.0 driver began running route 17 Oct. 9 after the lack of a consistent driver for the route and an already busy schedule for the transportation department. “We were filling it with subs every day; As the was starting to rise Monday, Commercial that wassun problematic,” Contractors workers from Melrose were inOkerland saidCompany in his side the Lisa’s On Main superintendent’s report. building working on securing the west “We had wall. 55 field trips PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER and sports runs events in the month of September — 44 sports and 11 field osaries can be found around trips.” Theresa Kortan’s Melrose home. The district is Most have been made by Theworking with 4.0 School resa, who is following in her mother Marilyn Services to bring on Uphus’ rosary-making footsteps. additional drivers to fill The cross on a rosary dangling from up to three more daily Theresa’s lampshade is special because it is in routes, Okerlund said. memory of her husband Mike who passed away

COMMUNITY COVERAGE 127 YEARS

400 Block update

Rosary ritual

Melrose woman’s faith JuneA2.closeness to the Blessed Virgin Mary was cemented, Theresa said, when Mike made 1997 trip to Medjugorje, the site of an Our led her back to her son aLady of Medjugorje Catholic pilgrimage, with

a series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary to six local children. Three of these visionaries still receive daily apparitions and the other three only on special occasions. “Mary works in so many ways,” Theresa said Oct. 13, during a month dedicated to the rosary. That includes reuniting Theresa with her son, Dean, who she placed for adoption 52 years ago. “My faith really started again when my son

came into our lives,” she said. “God works in strange ways. He knows when we need what we need. Dean could have come into my life before this but there was a reason why he came into my life when he did. I feel a strong part was to bring me back to my faith again.” About 10 years ago Theresa received a call from Catholic Charities saying her son was searching for her, and he had written her a letter. “The minute I read that letter I knew he had a strong faith, and I wrote him a letter back,” she said.

Rosary ritual page 3

Drivers page 3

Potato Perfect ﬁt pancake

Boeckermanns purchase Lucky Dog Lodge

BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER

feast

Nathan and Brandee Boeckermann and daughters Lilly, Hallie, Mylee and Kyleigh love animals. It might be the family springer spaniels they have enjoyed for the last 18 years; kittens running around the yard; Hallie’s pet turtle; their family dog, Lexi; and horses, which are Lilly’s favorite hobby. They also raise chickens for Pilgrim’s Pride. So, their July purchase of Lucky Dog Lodge Pet Boarding & Grooming in Albany has been a perfect fit for them. Brandee was familiar with the PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN business because she The Boeckermann family — Kyleigh (front); (middle, from left) Hallie, Lilly and Mylee; did the bookkeeping for (back, from left) Nathan and Brandee holding dog Lexi — gather Oct. 10 inside a room at the previous owners. When Lucky Dog Lodge Boarding & Grooming in Albany. They took over ownership July 25. she found out the owners the new owners. Brandee Boeckermanns bookkeeping, and Nathan were interested in selling, oversees the day-to-day performs the maintenance she and Nathan discussed page 3 work. it, and July 25 they became activity and does the

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Geri Primus delivers freshly made potato pancakes to the serving line at the start of the Oct. 15 Potato Pancake and Sausage Supper at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church basement in Meire Grove. The traditional meal was served from 3-7 p.m. More photos on page 2.

Feast page 2

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PUBLIC NOTICES

OBITUARIES page 4

Melrose Public School Notice of Special Election .........pg. 6 Holdingford School Notice of General Election ............pg. 6 Albany Area Schools Agenda, Oct. 25 ..........................pg. 7 Albany Area Schools Reg. Board Meeting, Oct. 11 .......pg. 7 City of Albany Planning Commission Public Hearing ...pg. 7 City of Albany Public Hearing Water Usage Assessmentpg. 7 Stearns County Board of Adjustment Public Hearing ...pg. 7 Holding Township Notice.............................................pg. 7

Elmer E. Gangl Nancy K. Jeske Aurelia J. Kohorst Arthur P. Roehrl

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NEWS

Page 2 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023 | THE STAR POST

Potato pancake

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PHOTOS BY CAROL MOORMAN

Kathy Loegering (left), of Browerville, visits with Rita Meyer, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church parishioner, as she goes through the serving line during the Potato Pancake and Sausage Supper Oct. 15 at the church basement in Meire Grove. They served close to 1,000 people.

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Doug Meyer (from left) and Mike Wehlage grind up potatoes for the Potato Pancake and Sausage Supper Oct. 15 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church basement in Meire Grove. Beforehand, parishioners peeled 700 pounds of potatoes for the pancake batter and boiled 200 pounds of potatoes for the potato salad.

Matthew Zenzen (left) and Isaac Zenzen light candles in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church basement in Meire Grove before the 3 p.m. start of the Potato Pancake and Sausage Supper Oct. 15. Parishioners of all ages volunteered during the event.

Client Appreciation Open House Saturday, OCT. 28th REFRESHMENTS, DRAWINGS & TOURS

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Wayne Klaphake (clockwise, from front) and John Primus keep the griddles full of potato pancake batter, which are made by Marvin Schneider, Matt Silbernick, Ken Schneider and Don Schneider during the Potato Pancake and Sausage Supper Oct. 15 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church basement in Meire Grove. It was Klaphake’s first year on potato pancake batter duty. (Right) Linda Schneider mixes a bowl of homemade potato salad served during the Oct. 15 Potato Pancake and Sausage Supper at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church basement in Meire Grove. Also on the menu was applesauce, cinnamon bread and dessert.

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OBITUARIES/ NEWS

Page 4 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023 | THE STAR POST

Aurelia J. Kohorst

Elmer E. Gangl

Survivors include his daughter, Joyce (Doug) Kaiser of Long Prairie; grandchildren Kelsey Kaiser, Taylor (Amber) Kaiser and Austin (Jessie) Kaiser; great-granddaughter Charlie; sisters Marti (Roger) Doetkott of Melrose, Ida Finken of Melrose and Luella (Jim) Noren of St. Paul; and many relatives and friends. Elmer was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Valeria Gangl; parents; son William Gangl; special friend Loretta Pfeifer; brothers and sisters Sally, Dan, Don, Melvin, Issy, Hannah, Herman, Angie, Fron, Loretta and Al. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Grey Eagle. P-43-1B

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

Arthur P. Roehrl Arthur P. Roehrl, 98, of Melrose, went to the Lord in his sleep Oct. 19, 2023, at CentraCare-Melrose Hospital in Melrose. A Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 24 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. Arthur Peter Roehrl was born Nov. 29, 1924, to Ludwig and Bertha (Miller) Roehrl in St. Martin. He graduated from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration, major in accounting. He served in the U.S. Army from March 1943 to January 1946, primarily in 62nd Armored Infantry Battalion, 14th Armored Division in USA and ETO. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Arthur married Margaret M. Jolie May 23, 1964. Margaret passed May 8, 1976. He married Patricia A. Kelly April 15, 1978. Arthur worked for the FBI as a special agent from June 6, 1949, to June 6, 1979. He served as a special agent and supervisory special agent at offices in Buffalo, New York; Omaha, Nebraska; New York, New York; Richmond, Virginia; and Alexandria, Virginia. He was supervisor in Alexandria, Virginia,

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany for Aurelia J. Kohorst, age 88, of Albany, who passed away Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 at her home. The Rev. Christopher Derda, nephew of Aurelia, will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Seven Dolors Parish Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. until the time of the service Thursday at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. Aurelia was born on Nov. 30, 1934, in South Bend, Indiana, to Joseph and Selma (Karmolinski) Derda. She attended St. Stanislaus Catholic School and then graduated from South Bend Catholic High School. She met the love of her life, Elmer J. Kohorst, on a blind date setup by their friends at the University of Notre Dame. They were united in marriage Sept. 8, 1956, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in South Bend. In 1957, Elmer was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers and they traveled the country following the Dodger organization through 1959. In 1960, they moved to Albany and

Aurelia J. Kohorst

have lived there ever since. Aurelia worked as the school secretary for many years at Holy Family Catholic School in Albany. She was a member of the Albany American Legion Auxiliary Post 482 and Seven Dolors Catholic Church where she sang in the church choir and enjoyed volunteering, and the Seven Dolors Christian Mothers. Aurelia was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved to spend time with her family. She especially enjoyed the time spent with her children and grandchildren, making certain to

sation terms with Winkels. Schneider retired from Albany city employment earlier this year after 35-plus years of local government service. Kasner, councilor Keith HeitzBY TIM HENNAGIR man, police chief Ozzie Carbajal, STAFF WRITER city attorney Susan Dege, and Schneider served on the city’s Albany City Council members interview committee. Schneider released these city have moved forward with a new administrator applicant names city administrator hiring recomto The Star Post after a Sept. 20 mendation. council meeting: Jackie Bauer, City leaders acted on two Renee Eckerly, Angela Jacobson, agenda items Oct. 18 at Albany Erica Mattice, Rebecca Sai, Jon City Hall regarding the hiring of Arthur P. Roehrl Stueve, Jessica Ruprecht and Gary Winkels. Winkels. They unanimously approved the last 10 years. He supervised white Schneider said Mattice withmaking a conditional job offer collar crime cases and subsequently drew due to her finding another did contract investigative work to Winkels for city administrathroughout the United States for tor-clerk-treasurer and authorized position. She did not interview. Sai, Stueve, Bauer, Eckerly, the Agency For International the start of salary negotiations. Winkels, the current fire chief Jacobson, Winkels and Ruprecht Development and MSM, Inc., from interviewed. and public works assistant, will 1980 to 1990. “The committee did a great Survivors include his siblings, step down from both of those job,” Kasner said during the counMelvin Roehrl, Bertilla “Tillie” positions. Bueckers, Lavina Adamski, Lila He will become city adminis- cil’s Oct. 18 meeting. “Its recomWessel, Elmer “EJ” (Sherry) Roehrl, trator-clerk-treasurer next January, mendation was talked about for Marlin Roehrl, Louis Roehrl and according to a schedule presented probably an hour-and-a-half after John (Charlotte) Roehrl; and many by Mayor Tom Kasner. the last interviews were completed nieces and nephews. on Oct. 11. There was a lot of talk The city will start a search to Arthur was preceded in death by fill Winkel’s public works position and deliberation.” his parents, first wife Margaret and next month. During its Nov. 1 meeting, the siblings Armella Bueckers and Viola Interim city administrator Tom council is scheduled to consider Humbert. Schneider will negotiate compen- final compensation terms for the In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.

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

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Albany council accepts new administrator hiring recommendation Winkels, city enter compensation negotiation process

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attend their sporting events and activities, no matter the distance. She was an avid reader and also enjoyed listening, singing with her beautiful voice and dancing with Elmer to music. She is survived by her children, Kevin (Mary Scepaniak) of Albany, Joseph (Stacy Adams) of Cedar Park, Texas, Therese (Paul Ghyzel) of Centreville, Virginia, and Gary (Janet Burns) of San Antonio, Texas; grandchildren, Nolan, Justin, Bradley, Jillian, Ryan, John, Elizabeth, Stephanie; seven greatgrandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 64 years, Elmer; and three brothers and two sisters. Donations can be sent to Seven Dolors Catholic Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. A special thank you to the staff of the CentraCare Melrose Hospital, Dr. Pat Heller and Centra Care Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Aurelia.

city administrator-clerk-treasurer position, the hiring schedule states. Albany city leaders are also scheduled to authorize Schneider to post a job notice for a public works assistant to replace Winkels and prepare related hiring information. Schneider said previously Winkels is scheduled to submit a letter of resignation from the city, but will continue as public works assistant until the position is filled. The application deadline for the public works assistant position will be Nov. 23. Schneider said fire department members will determine the selection of a fire chief. During the end of November, city staff will review and score public works assistant applications and consider candidates to interview the first week in December. At the Dec. 6 or Dec. 20 council meeting, the hiring committee would make a recommendation for a conditional job offer. The hiring committee has authorized Schneider to negotiate compensation terms for the new public works assistant. If accepted, the selected candidate would give his/her employer two-weeks’ notice.

2,500 reasons to go fishing

each fish more than three hours from a hatchery in Lanesboro. “They are very catchable,” Altena said. “They circle around a Nancy K. Jeske smaller lake like this many times Nancy K. Jeske, 77, of Melrose, over during the winter time and passed away Oct. 21, 2023, at respond well to artificial lures and BY HANS LAMMEMAN LeSueur Medical Center in LeSueur, STAFF WRITER bait. They are very catchable fish, surrounded by her family, after a and for that reason, people get short, but courageous, battle with interested in catching them.” An exciting opportunity for cancer. He said the fish vary in age, area anglers is swimming beneath A celebration of life will be at but most are likely one year of 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 26, at St. the surface of Big Watab Lake, age. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Melrose about 3 miles south of Avon. with the Rev. David Mommens DNR staff stocked lakes In an annual initiative to drive officiating. Private burial will be at up fishing license and trout stamp across the state last week, with a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery in sales, the Minnesota Department Big Watab Lake being selected in Nancy K. Jeske Melrose. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. large part because of its proximity of Natural Resources Fish and Wednesday, Oct. 25, and 10-11 a.m. First and foremost were her Wildlife Division oversaw an efto urban areas. Oct. 26, at the church in Melrose. grandchildren, though. She traveled fort to stock Big Watab Lake with “It’s just to provide an adNancy Kaye Friesen was born in near and far for band concerts, 2,500 rainbow trout Oct. 17, acditional recreation opportunity St. James Aug. 6, 1946, to Edna and baseball, softball, basketball, cording to Joe Stewig, DNR area and give people a chance to catch Jacob Friesen. She graduated from football, soccer and everything in fisheries manager for Sherburne, some trout in a place that they Comfrey High School in 1964 and between. She treasured her time with would normally not be able to,” Stearns and Wright counties. Mankato State University in 1968. them, and they treasured their time Altena said. The DNR stocked Big Watab She married Ron Jeske July 20, 1968. with her. Anglers looking to catch rainLake with 7,500 rainbow trout They moved around for the first few We know she was welcomed bow trout before the 2023 open and 2,000 brown trout in spring, years of their marriage and then by her parents, her husband Ron, water season end have until Oct. moved to Melrose when they built who passed away in 2014, and the DNR staff said. 31. Ice fishing season opens Jan. During a similar effort at Melrose Fertilizer. Nancy worked countless animals she has loved over Mayhew Lake in Benton County, 13 through March 31. The harvest with Ron for 32 years at the fertilizer the years. limit is five combined fish, with plant. But her real joy was her family. She will be missed by her DNR Area Fisheries Manager only three greater than 16 inches Her three girls were the center of her daughters and sons-in-law, Alyssa Eric Altena said the initiative long. life, and she spent countless hours on (Joe) Rosenberger, Amber (Fred) spurs increased fishing pressure Anglers looking to bring the bleachers, in the stands and sewing Middendorf and Adrea (Tim) Mauseth heading into winter at lakes across and creating lots of things for them. and her five grandchildren, Maddie, the state. The DNR pays about 54 trout with them must obtain a Her children and grandchildren knew Jacob, Isaac, Gavin and Wyatt. She cents to purchase and transport trout stamp to accompany their they were the most important part of is also survived by her brother, Gene her life. Friesen and his children, Jeremy and Nancy also loved a nice drive, Lindsay; and brother-in-law Doug coffee with her friends, altering Jeske and his children, John and Bob. 215 East Main Street • Melrose, MN 56352 • 320-256-3623 just about anything, a little daily Her kitty, Sylvia, will also miss her Full Service Automotive chocolate, and a fun family day at dearly. We Carry Efco the state fair. Later in her life she Memorials are preferred to We Service found her place in the theater as the Melrose Stages Theatre, St. Paul’s • Chain Saws All Brands of costumer. Those people were her Lutheran Church or the charity of Chainsaws • Trimmers second family. She loved Marit and your choice. • Mowers les her gang, the cast and the crew. She Arrangements were made with Chain Saning & Sharpe really loved the kids. She spent many Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation • Pole Saws nights watching rehearsals, even Services of Melrose. Call Today! P-43-1B when she didn’t need to be there. PH1-tfnB-MT

DNR stocks Big Watab Lake with rainbow trout

traditional angler license unless they are less than 18 years old, greater than 65 years, have a valid 24-hour or 72-hour permit or are otherwise exempt. “(Anglers) need a fishing license and a trout stamp if they want to keep them,” Altena said. “If they just want to go fish some crappie out here, that’s not a problem. If they happen to catch a trout, that’s fine, but if they want to keep it, they have to have a trout stamp in their possession.” Altena said the DNR stock the rainbow trout in Big Watab Lake and other bodies of water each year, knowing the species cannot survive through the summer. They do not hope to introduce a population of trout for breeding and long-term survival. Rather, the initiative hopes to give local anglers a unique fishing opportunity. The DNR does not expect the stocked rainbow trout to significantly impact existing walleye populations. “They are basically different predators,” Altena said. “They (rainbow trout) will feed on a lot of silk plankton and invertebrates, where the walleye are eating primarily on perch and minnows.” Albany Apartment

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Elmer E. Gangl Elmer E. Gangl, 96, of Melrose, passed away Oct. 21, 2023, at CentraCare-Sauk Centre Hospital in Sauk Centre. A private graveside service will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Grey Eagle with military honors by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard. A celebration of life will be 2-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at the Sauk Centre American Legion. Elmer Ervin Gangl was born July 5, 1927, in Millwood Township, Stearns County, to Michael and Hilda (Eiynck) Gangl. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II and was honorably discharged in July 1947. He was united in marriage to Valeria Herzog Sept. 1, 1955, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in St. Rosa. Elmer owned and operated Elmer’s Bar in St. Rosa. After retirement, Elmer and Valeria moved to Big Birch Lake. Valeria passed away in 1995 and later, Elmer found friendship with Loretta Pfeifer. They resided on Lake Sylvia together for 16 years until Loretta passed away. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grey Eagle and the Schanhaar-Otte VFW Post 7050. Elmer enjoyed fishing and spearing, traveling, deer hunting and spending time with his family and friends.

OPINION

THE STAR POST | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023 | Page 5

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.

Cuteness overload

That’s a phone call It’s not every day there’s a high speed police Katelyn, had been hit too and the “police are going chase down the main street of Albany, thank goodto come here and ask some questions.” Again, no ness. Somehow, the baby of our family, our senior phone call. Just a text telling me police officers are in high school, found herself in the wrong place at coming to my house. It was time to head for home the wrong time — between the car fleeing and the — and beat the arrival of those police officers. police officer. When I arrived home, Katelyn told me I reKatelyn — whose baby book wasn’t created ally hadn’t needed to cancel my Friday evening until weeks into her senior year, who didn’t have plans and come home. She claimed she was “rea copy of her birth certificate until recently, who ally fine” — until those two officers approached drives the hand-me-down kid car, who expects to our house. Peeking through the front window with be the overlooked child — minimized the extent of color draining from her face, she said, “Good thing her situation. The Farmers Daughter you came home.” Her text to me read, “A car zoomed past me Katelyn’s car sustained more damage than she By Sonya Hoffarth on the shoulder of the road and broke off its mirror noticed, her mirror just hanging on and dents along against my car. A cop zoomed after them. There’s the passenger side. The police officers also told me only small dents on my car. My friends are coming over to- the car that hit her had been traveling upwards of 100 mph night.” while fleeing him down the main street of Albany. My wide, That’s it. No panicked phone call from the side of the road. shocked eyes darted to Katelyn, who defended herself again, “I No phone call once she arrived home and discovered I wasn’t told you it was Zooming.” there either. Just a text that mashed together news about a car In the end, after the police squad sat outside our house a accident and her typical Friday evening plans. few more times over the weekend, we learned how relieved we I called her. “What happened?” I said. She explained again, should be that neither Katelyn nor her friend had been hurt — with about the same words. “So, you were hit? And you left the and Katelyn learned there are times she really needs to bother scene?” I asked. people, even people who seem busy. Next time she’ll call 911 Her defense was, “The police officer zoomed past too.” — and she’ll call me too. A phone call. Not a text. “He was busy. Who was I going to call?” she said. “So, I started The Albany police located the perpetrator and charged her crying and drove home.” with quite a few crimes, the two worst, in my opinion, being She assured me she was fine and the car was too, so I hung reckless driving that endangered two kids driving home from up and called the police station. While on the phone, Katelyn after-school sports practice. Thank goodness both kids are fine sent another text: her friend, who had been driving behind and cars can be fixed.

Changing cuisine habits Salads were not served at meals at one time, over to their wives who made the dressing. but about a half century ago, they started to The business was, initially, pretty much a handbecome common at restaurants and eventually at icraft business, according to the report, from mixing home meals. of the ingredients, to labeling and distribution of the There are records of combinations of vegeproduct. They produced about 75 cases of French tables and meats being served with oils in spices and blue cheese dressings a week. After automation, all through history. Still, at least locally, cabbage, production increased to about 160 cases a week. lettuce and various vegetables were usually seen Distribution was fairly localized. According to as parts of other dishes — sauerkraut, coleslaw or the report, it was distributed by car to every grocery A Peek at the Past store in central Minnesota. Its reputation spread soups — but they were not eaten by themselves. by Herman Lensing According to the “What’s Cooking in America’’ beyond the state’s borders. website, the Caesar salad, invented in 1903, started For the most part, the production remained a an interest in having what is now considered a salad at a meal. family affair, although some outside help was eventually Still, for the most part, people, at least locally, never really hired. Even with the part-time hiring, there were only four thought of eating just greens for a meal or any part of a meal. people making the product. It may have been salad dressings that made eating salads The product was made in a building near Avon. Few buypopular. Adding a sweet, flavor-filled topping to the various ing the product really knew how small the operation was. greens was found to be a real plus and, by the mid-20th cenWhen the business was sold in 1981, the market was tury, salads were staples of dinners, homemade meals and fine changing, and there was more competition for varieties. The dining, and salad dressings were a staple on grocery shelves. new owners found the product was no longer profitable and Avon, for a time, became part of that trend, according to eventually it was discontinued. information from “Nestled between Lakes and Woods,” the Today, salads are used at fundraisers and are offered as a Jeanette Blonigen Clancy 2000 centennial history of Avon, meal at some restaurants. They have evolved and may contain and a June 6, 1976, advertisement in the Stearns-Morrison En- fruits, various vegetables, meats, cheeses, nuts and candies. terprise. The Avon connection with salad dressings began in They have evolved from being just lettuce and cabbage 1965 when the recipe for Tush Salad Dressing was purchased with a flavoring — and, locally, some people in Avon played a by a couple of Avon businessmen. They turned the production role in that evolution.

My whirlwind of clinic appointments for the pain in the right side of my abdomen wasn’t coming at a great time. Our son, Kyle, and his wife, Eunbi, were expected to have their first baby Oct. 2. We were then scheduled Ink on My Hands by Kevin Zierden to fly out to New York, where Kyle is stationed, to be with them Oct. 5 to not only see the baby but to help with newborn care. In South Korea, where Eunbi is from, new mothers generally spend up to a week in the hospital after giving birth. They receive assistance and instruction in all aspects of caring for their new baby. Also, once home from the hospital, newborns are kept mostly isolated from the public, sheltered around the immediate family for up to six months. As a result of that, many first-time parents don’t have a whole lot of experience in caring for a newborn, unless they come from a large family, which is rare there. In this country, mothers usually go home the next day after giving birth and are expected to care for their newborn on their own or with their spouse or other family members. Eve Michelle Zierden was born Oct. 3, the same day I had my appendix removed in a hospital thousands of miles away. It was more the doctor’s recommendation for the surgery than it was mine because I believed it would delay our trip to see the baby. And it did. The day after my surgery, my doctor told me he felt it would be OK for me to fly to New York the next day. His only suggestion was that I get up and move around on the plane as much as was allowed. Once I got home from the hospital, however, I told Barb that I would rather postpone the trip a day or so, if possible. Luckily, the airline allowed us to reschedule our flight for 24 hours later. I was even given a better seat in the aisle with more leg room. And I was already feeling better. If we were anxious about what to expect when we got to Kyle and Eunbi’s, we needed not have been. Kyle, who grew up around a lot of baby cousins and nieces and nephews, seemed to be a master at taking care of Eve. He was changing diapers, mixing formula, even mapping out a schedule for baby nap times. Plus, he was teaching or helping Eunbi get comfortable doing these things. Eve seemed to us to be a baby with the greatest care. Eve is the perfect blend of her parents. We think she has more of a Korean look while her parents think she looks more like her father. We may be biased and everyone we have shown pictures to may be doing the newborn “she’s so cute” thing, but she is adorable. While we were there she would sleep, wake up to have her diaper changed and eat, then stretch a little, yawn a few times, try to look around, then go back to sleep. She was so good Barb and I actually caught up on our sleep while we were there. Kyle admitted he was a little stressed before we got there. They wondered if they were doing everything right. Plus, he wasn’t sure he could handle the demands a newborn brings. We spent five days with them and by the time we left, they were near professionals. Even now, as they send us daily pictures of Eve, we can see how well she is being taken care of and how much we already miss her. They plan on coming home for Christmas before they head to South Korea for a couple years of Army commitment. After that, we know we won’t see them for a while. We will be sure to spend as much time with Eve as we can and hopefully get some grandparent spoiling in. We can’t overload on that.

Letter T O E D I T O R How did we get into this mess?

By Roger Lahr, Grey Eagle As I look back on the eight years of the Obama administration, America’s position of dominance, respect and credibility in the world began to deteriorate. Our leaders did not learn from Neville Chamberlain’s foreign policies. Appeasement with brutal dictators, terrorists and barbaric theocracies never works. Projecting strength with the ability and will to use it is the only way to deal with ruthless regimes. Contrarily, Obama did his “apology tour,” telling the world how misguided America was. Who can forget the plane load of cash

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delivered in the middle of the night to Iran, followed by the transfer of $1.3 billion in cash as part of Iran nuclear negotiations? Then, there was his “Red Line” in Syria, telling Assad if they used chemical weapons, the United States would use military force. As a result of the use of Sarin gas, over 1,000 people perished and we did nothing. His foreign policies were disgraceful. President Biden also must accept responsibility for America’s fall from grace. The botched Afghanistan withdrawal jeopardized global security and emboldened our adversaries. We left over $7 billion worth of military assets behind. According to several sources, some of

those weapons are now being used by Hamas. When Biden took office, he immediately removed the Trump-imposed sanctions, allowing Iran to vastly increase its oil revenue. His neglect of illegal immigration will surely lead to another domestic disaster. His war on fossil fuel and careless spending has brought higher prices for everything Americans purchase. With the hostilities ongoing in the Middle East, we have no certainties as to how it will all end. I have no confidence in Biden’s leadership or the decision making of his advisers. Weakness permeates from this administration, and our enemies see it.

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PUBLIC NOTICES Unadopted Minutes REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING Albany Area Schools – ISD #745 District Office Board Room October 11, 2023

1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Kreuzer at 6 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present: Kreuzer, Hansen, Sand, Rueter, Sands Late: None Absent: Dirkes, Carbajal 3. Public Forum 4. Agenda – Additions and Deletions 5. Approvals 5.1 Previous Meeting Minutes Motion by Sands, seconded by Sand, to approve the September 13, 2023, Regular Meeting minutes and the September 27, 2023, Work Session minutes as presented. Supported by all present. 5.2 Cash Flow Reports – August 2023 Motion by Sand, seconded by Rueter to approve the August 2023 Cash Flow Reports as presented. Supported by all present. 5.3 Acceptance of Gifts and Donations Member Sand introduced the Resolution Accepting Donations and moved for its adoption. The School Board of Albany Area Schools, ISD 745, gratefully accepts the following donations as identified below:

Donor Albany Band Boosters Stearns Bank John Ludwig Evens Photography Agressive Masonry Kerry, Inc. Avon CAPS Freeport Trucking Freeport State Bank Lumber One - Avon Albany Jaycees Stearns Bank Magnifi Financial Albany Recycling Center

Item $3,175.77 $500.00 $1,000.00 $1,500.00 $500.00 $469.00 $850.00 $500.00 $500.00 $1,100.00 $557.46 $50.00 $50.00

Designated Purpose (If any) Busing BEAT Performing Arts Series BEAT Performing Arts Series Athletics BEAT Performing Arts Series Movie License Football BEAT Performing Arts Series BEAT Performing Arts Series Soccer Warm-ups Staff Back-to-School Breakfast Supermileage Supermileage

Member Hansen seconded the resolution and upon vote being taken thereon, The following voted in favor of: All present And the following voted against: None Absent: Carbajal, Dirkes Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. 6. Consent Agenda Staff Development Coordinator: Lori Young At Will: Matthew Abraham – Director of Building Maintenance AESP: Cassandra Spychala - ALE Food Service Aide Cindy Ryan - AVE ECFE Paraprofessional AESP Payroll Change Request: Adriana Boeckermann - Secondary Food Service Aide, 4 hrs/day to 5 hrs/day Ashley Lange - AVE PreK Paraprofessional, 4 hrs/week to 8 hrs/week AESP SpEd Differential Pay: Robin Garding, Breighana Dirkes, Missy Rohde, Traci Vogel, Baelie Dirkes, Tami Goehring LOA Requests: Five Coaching/Advisors: Amanda Christopherson - Special Olympics Asst Coach Fall season Kara Rysavy - Musical Assistant Kids Company: Sara Eiynck - Kids Company Aide Community Education: BEAT Tech Assistant: Kaylin Fischer, Jessica Ruegemer Course Instructors: Renae Illies, Keith Arens HSP/Fundamentals: Aaron Schwenzfeier, Kylan Gerads BECC Supervisor: Olivia Lemm, Ryan Massmann, Mikayla Moritz, Braeden Justin, Blake Richter, Abigail Kuhn, Anna Neu Resignations: John Klasen - Director of Building Maintenance, effective October 6, 2023 Celeste Ollman - AVE K-5 Paraprofessional, effective October 12, 2023

THE STAR POST | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023 | Page 7

Bestman Dennis - Secondary Building Maintenance/Assistant, effective October 20, 2023 Samantha Tate - Special Olympics Coach Fall season, effective September 11, 2023 Terminations: Two Job Description: Grounds & Outdoor Facilities Coordinator The following checks were issued in paying claims: Wire transfers and checks 105885-106127 Expenditures: 01 General Fund $1,285,874.89 02 Food Services $104,134.15 04 Community Services $53,137.72 06 Building Construction $68,279.68 Motion by Rueter, seconded by Sands to approve the October 2023 Consent Agenda as presented. Supported by all present. 7. Reports 7.1 Purple Pride 8. Business 8.1 Enrollment Report 8.2 Fundraiser Approvals Motion by Hansen, seconded by Sand, to approve the 2023-2024 fundraiser requests as presented. Supported by all present. 8.3 Memorandum of Understanding Regarding E-Learning Days 2023-2024 Motion by Sand, seconded by Hansen to approve the MOU as presented. Supported by all present. 8.4 Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Robotics Assistant Coach 2023-2024 Motion by Sand, seconded by Hansen to approve the MOU as presented. Supported by all present. 8.5 Resolution for Safe Routes to School Boost Grant Motion by Sand, seconded by Sands to approve the Resolution as presented. Supported by all present. 8.6 Administrative Procedure 8.7 School Board Policies - Third Read 8.7.1 102 Equal Educational Opportunity 8.7.2 418 Drug-Free Workplace/Drug-Free School 8.7.3 419 Tobacco-Free Environment; Possession and Use of Tobacco, Tobacco-Related Devices, and Electronic Delivery Devices; Vaping Awareness and Prevention Instruction 8.7.4 424 License Status 8.7.5 425 Staff Development and Mentoring 8.7.6 506 Student Discipline 8.7.7 507 Corporal Punishment and Prone Restraint 8.7.8 509 Enrollment of Nonresident Students 8.7.9 513 Student Promotion, Retention, and Program Design 8.7.10 912 Academic & Athletic Wall of Honor Motion by Hansen, seconded by Sands to approve the third read school board policies. 8.8 School Board Policies - First Read 8.8.1. 514 Bullying Prohibition Policy 8.8.2. 516.5 Overdose Medication 8.8.3. 524 Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy 8.8.4. 532 Use of Peace Officers and Crisis Teams 8.8.5. 534 School Meals Policy 8.8.6. 601 School District Curriculum and Instruction Goals 8.8.7. 602 Organization of School Calendar and School Day 8.8.8. 603 Curriculum Development 8.8.9. 604 Instructional Curriculum 8.8.10. 613 Graduation Requirements 8.9 AFT Negotiations Strategy 8.9.1 Close the Meeting Motion by Hansen, seconded by Sands to close the meeting. 8.9.2 Reopen the Meeting Motion by Hansen, seconded by Rueter to reopen the meeting. 9. Committee Reports 9.1 Staff Development Meeting 9.2 Schools for Equity in Education General Meeting 9.3 World’s Best Workforce Meeting 10. Superintendent Report Superintendent Okerlund shared an update on the work to contract out at least one bus route with an outside contractor. It was explained that there is a short-term arrangement in place, but there is an ultimate goal to contract 3-4 routes out. Currently the district is only focusing on contracting out routes that the district has not been able to fill. There was also a review of the Ground Breaking ceremony and a thank you to the Community Education department that did a lot of work in arranging for speakers, the band and inviting guests. 11. Adjournment Agenda completed at 8:00 p.m, a motion to adjourn was made by Member Hansen, seconded by Member Sand. Supported by all present. Amy Sand, Clerk P-43-1B

Holding Township Notice the meetings will resume at the NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The start time of the regular start time of 8:00 P.M. ON PROPOSED ASSESSMENT FOR regular monthly meeting of Meetings are held on the UNPAID WATER USAGE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Albany City Council the Town Board of Holding first Tuesday of the month at will hold a public hearing at 6:30 PM or as soon as thereafter on Township has been changed the Holding Town Hall located Wednesday, November 15, 2023, in the Council Room at 400 to 7:00 P.M. for the months of at 940 4th Street West, HoldRailroad Avenue, Albany, MN to consider and possibly adopt the November, December, Janu- ingford, MN. Julianne Ebnet, Clerk proposed assessment for unpaid water usage incurred in relation ary, February, March & April P-43-2B to Ordinance 30. Adoption by the City Council of the proposed & for the remaining months assessment may occur at the hearing. The proposed assessment is as follows which includes administration fees: Property: Amount: 1101 Forest Avenue $273.04 Written or oral objections will be considered at the public NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING hearing. CITY OF ALBANY Such assessment is proposed to be payable in one (1) installPLANNING COMMISSION ment. You may pay the entire assessment on such property to There will be a Planning Commission meeting in and for the the City of Albany on or before November 15, 2023. If not paid by this date, the amount will be certified to the Stearns County City of Albany, Stearns County, Minnesota, at 6:30 o’clock in the Auditor-Treasurer for collection in 2024. You may at any time evening on Monday, November 13, 2023, in the Council room at thereafter pay to the Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer the entire 400 Railroad Avenue for the said City for the following: 1. The public hearing will be held on a request by Barkers Holdamount of the assessment. An owner may appeal an assessment to District Court pur- ings, LLC, 151 7th Street, Albany, MN, for the following: a. Amend Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map from comsuant to Minnesota Statutes Sections 429.081 by serving notice of the appeal upon the City Administrator of the City within 30 mercial to residential designation. b. Rezone property at 151 7Street from C1-Core Commercial days after the adoption of the assessment and filing such notice with the District Court within ten days after service upon the City (Section 80.19) to R1-Low Density Residential (Section 80.05) for the purpose of remodeling an existing commercial building to Administrator. No such appeal as to the amount of an assessment as to a a two-family dwelling or duplex. c. Conditional Use Permit (CUP), Section 80.15, Subd. 3 (a), specific parcel of land may be made unless the owner has either filed a signed written objection to the assessment with the City to allow a two-family dwelling in an R1-Low Density ResidenAdministrator prior to hearing or has presented the written objec- tial District. Anyone wishing to comment will be heard at the public heartion to the presiding officer at the hearing. Tom Schneider ing and written comments may be forwarded to the city adminisInterim City Administrator tration office before the time of the public hearing. Tom Schneider Published in the Star Post this 25th day of October 2023. Interim City Administrator P-43-1B Published in the Star Post, on the 25th day of October 2023. P-43-1B

Notice of Public Hearing Stearns County, Board of Adjustment Notice is hereby given that the Stearns County Board of Adjustment, in and for the County of Stearns, will conduct the following public hearings to consider variance applications: A request from Thomas and Tara Ostendorf, Albany, MN from Section 6.9.5 D, of Stearns County Land Use and Zoning Ordinance #439, to reactivate an open lot located within 100 ft of a ditch. Said ordinance requires a 100 ft feedlot setback to a ditch for “registered after” feedlots. The property is 20.23 acres in the NE ¼ of Section 21, T126N, R31W of Krain Township (126/31). Property Address: 40688 227th Ave, Albany, MN. When and where is the meeting? Date and Time: Thursday, November 9, 2023 - 6:00 p.m. Location: Stearns County Service Center, Room 1104 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park, MN 56387 How do I participate? Public Testimony: If you would like to provide public testimony, you may do so by appearing at the above hearing, you are invited to do so by attending said hearing in person or by joining virtually. To participate virtually, please contact Alicia Gohmann or Jamie Lucas at Alicia.Gohmann@stearnscountymn.gov or or call 320-656-3613 by Noon on the Wednesday preceding the meeting date.

Written Testimony: You may submit written testimony by emailing Alicia.Gohmann@stearnscountymn.gov or by 3pm on the hearing date. Written testimony may also be mailed to the Stearns County Environmental Services Department, Service Center, 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park, MN 56387. Comments on this public hearing are not limited to those persons receiving copies of this notice. If you know of any interested person, who for any reason has not received a copy of this notice, it would be appreciated if you would inform them of this public hearing. Where can I view the application? Copies of the applications can be viewed approximately one week prior to the meeting at http://stearnscountymn.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx. Action taken on this request will be available shortly after the meeting at the same website location. What if the meeting changes? This meeting is subject to change. Please sign up for automatic updates for this meeting at http://stearnscountymn.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx. Call the Department for assistance. Stearns County Board of Adjustment Barrier Free Status: This meeting will be accessible to the handicapped. Attempts will be made to accommodate any other individual need for special services. Please call (320) 656-3613 early so arrangements can be made. Publish: October 25, 2023 – The Star Post P-43-1B

Albany Area Schools Albany, Minnesota 56307 Administration Office Telephone 320/845-2171 – FAX 320/201-5878 Work Session Albany Area Schools – ISD #745 District Board Room 30 Forest Ave Albany, Minnesota 56307 October 25, 2023, 6:00 PM AG E ND A 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Student Representatives 4. Open Enrollment Review 5. Transportation Request for Proposal Review 6. School Board Policy Review 1. 431 Classified Substitute Policy 2. 450 Substitute Teacher Policy 7. School Board Policies - Second Read 1. 514 Bullying Prohibition Policy 2. 516.5 Overdose Medication 3. 524 Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy 4. 532 Use of Peace Officers and Crisis Teams 5. 534 School Meals Policy 6. 601 School District Curriculum and Instruction Goals 7. 602 Organization of School Calendar and School Day 8. 603 Curriculum Development 9. 604 Instructional Curriculum 10. 613 Graduation Requirements 8. Superintendent Report 9. Adjournment Note: Items may be added to the agenda which have an immediate effect on the operation of the school district. An effort will be made to keep additions to a minimum. Amy Sand, Clerk. P-43-1B

SPORTS

Page 8 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023 | THE STAR POST

A wild Turnovers, penalties football win hurt Dutchmen football Huskies come back from 21-point deficit in fourth quarter BY MIKE KOSIK | STAFF WRITER

Three touchdowns in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter lifted the Albany football team over Montevideo for a dramatic 43-42 win Oct. 18 at Montevideo High School in Montevideo. With the Thunder Hawks leading 42-21 with just over 10 minutes remaining, the Huskies faced what looked like an insurmountable task. “It was wild,” said Mike Ellingson, head coach. “We knew we were going to go down fighting (but) things fell our way and we capitalized on those opportunities.” Two of those opportunities came on that first fourth-quarter touchdown for Albany, when they converted twice on fourth and short yardage to keep the drive alive. It was capped off by a 9-yard run by Adam Dennis into the end zone. Andrew Olson nailed the extra point. It was now 42-28 with 6 minutes and 24 seconds left. The Huskies executed a successful onside kick and got another drive going that ended quickly when Olson threw to Jack Rieland from 25 yards out on the second play of the drive. Olson again added the extra-point kick and with 4:57 to go, the Huskies were down 42-35. Albany attempted another onside kick, but the Thunder Hawks recovered the ball. The Huskies defense then went to work and forced Montevideo into a three-and-out situation. About a minute-and-a-half after the Huskies scored their last touchdown, Dennis broke free for a 53-yard touchdown run to put them within one at 42-41. The decision was made to go for the two extra points, and Drew Lehner came through, giving Albany a 43-42 lead. Now it was up to the Huskies defense to hold, and they did in the last 3:19. The final play of the game for Montevideo was a desperation pass picked off by Zach Birr. Montevideo scored the only touchdown in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead. Albany came back to tie on a Dennis 35-yard run and an extra point by Olson. The Thunder Hawks scored twice to make it 20-7. Albany closed the gap with a 2-yard run into the end zone by Joseph Schmitt and extra point by Olson, making it 20-14 at the half. Albany took a 21-20 lead early in the third quarter on a Dennis 38-yard run and Olson extra point. But the Thunder Hawks dominated for a short time after that, scoring three touchdowns and adding the PATs for a 42-21 lead. The Huskies completed 19 of 27 pass attempts for 222 yards with no interceptions. Olson was 16-for-22 for 162 yards and Boone Roemeling was 3-for-5 for 59 yards. Dennis ran the ball 10 times for 149 yards followed by Schmitt with 87 yards on nine carries. Albany ran for 250 yards total on 27 attempts. Rieland led in pass receptions with six for 71 yards followed by Ethan Meyer with 44 yards in two receptions. It was a big win for the Huskies. It gave them a first-place tie in the White Division of the Mid-Northwest District with Rockford at 6-1. Rockford finished 7-1 overall and Albany 6-2. “That’s a pretty big accomplishment for those kids,” Ellingson said. The game had significant implications for the postseason, as the winner would mostly like get a No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the Section 6AAA playoffs this week. And that is where Albany ended. Instead of playing a quarterfinal game Oct. 24, the Huskies will face the winner of the Montevideo/ Melrose game in Albany Saturday, Oct. 28. “We get a little extra rest and can prepare a little longer,” Ellingson said. “We know what’s coming, and the kids want to extend the season as long as possible.” ALB MNT

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Melrose drops regular-season finale BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

The Melrose Area football team closed its regular season with a 28-6 loss to Minnewaska Area Oct. 18 at Melrose Area High School in Melrose. “When you’re struggling up front, it’s hard to get anything going, whether it’s running or passing,” said Vaughn Glasener, cohead coach. “Waska made some big plays earlier, and I think that got our heads down a little bit.” The Lakers took a quick 7-0 lead in the first two minutes, scoring on PHOTOS BY HERMAN LENSING a 59-yard pass play. The Dutchmen also started well Jackson Mayers tucks the ball tightly as he runs past the Minnewaska Area defense for a first on their first possession, as down Oct. 18 at Melrose Area High School in Melrose. Mayers finished with 25 receiving yards. quarterback Logan Schad connected with Sam Weonds of the half, Breydon hlage for a 16-yard recepDobmeier snagged two tion and Jackson Mayers interceptions to stop Laker for a 25-yard gain, putting possessions. He finished Melrose inside the Lakers’ the game with three picks. 25-yard line. “I was watching the That drive ended on a quarterback, watching his lost fumble, the first of four arm to see which way he turnovers by the Dutchwas throwing the ball,” men. Dobmeier said. “You can’t turn the Those plays helped ball over and expect to win Melrose start the second games,” said Chuck Noll, half strong. After Minneco-head coach. waska Area received the The turnovers, includsecond-half kickoff, the ing three interceptions, Dutchmen stopped the and penalties stopped Lakers and set up their own Melrose’s momentum on touchdown drive. Starting other drives, and the Lakers at their own 22-yard line always controlled the line and using passes to Isaac of scrimmage. Dutchmen Rosenberger, who had two backs rarely had time to set key catches in the drive, up for passes or find holes and Hudson Bitz, the in the line. Dutchmen worked the ball In spite of these chalto their own 43-yard line. lenges, the score was 14-0 Rosenberger again at halftime. That was due came through toward the to timely defense. Isaac end of the drive. Snaring a Frericks and Jose De Los double-deflected pass with Santos Morales pulled one hand, he raced through down Laker ball-carriers, Laker defenders to inside Riley Elfering had a sack, the 5-yard line. Three plays Blaise Welle tackled a later, Schad, 11 of 19, conrunning back for a loss and nected with Hudson Bitz two of the six tackles Ryan Hudson Bitz gets back up after his touchdown catch against for a 4-yard touchdown. Gysberg participated in Minnewaska Area Oct. 18 at Melrose Area High School in Melrose did not sustain resulted in drops behind the Melrose. Bitz scored on a 4-yard pass. this momentum, as the line of scrimmage. Lakers added touchdowns own 26-yard line with un- in the third and fourth quarstopping a Minnewaska Late in the first half, der five minutes left. the Dutchmen had a string Area drive and forcing a ters. The Dutchmen did use In the final 30 secturnover on downs at its of good defensive plays, a few razzle-dazzle plays to gain yards late in the game. Following the game, the seniors on the team — Rosenberger, Max Wehlage, Dobmeier, De Los Santos Morales, Anthony Berscheit, Welle, Ethan Gerads and manager JT Allen — walked across the field for a final time. “I’m proud of the seniors for battling,” Glasener said. The 0-8 Dutchmen opened the Section 6AAA playoffs Oct. 24, facing 5-3 Montevideo. MIN MEL

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Riley Elfering (right) drags down a Minnewaska Area ball-carrier Oct. 18 at Melrose Area High School in Melrose. The tackle prevented a Minnewaska Area first down.

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THE STAR POST | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023 | Page 11

Albany defends home pool against Holdingford Huskies, Huskers end dual meet season BY MIKE KOSIK STAFF WRITER

The Albany Huskies girls swimming and diving team defeated the visiting Holdingford Huskers 58-44 to wrap up the regular dual meet season Oct. 23 at Albany Area High School in Albany. Albany finished first in eight events and Holdingford snagged first in four events. Albany and Holdingford results: 200MR: 1. (A) Lauren Hennen, Teagan Crumley, Sara Eiynck and Trista Hoffarth 2 minutes, 5.87 seconds and 2. (H) Brooklyn Kuklok, Afton Scegura, Madison Tschida and Maggie Gross 2:10.84. 200FS: 1. (A) Mckenzie Eiynck 2:17.28 and 3. (H) Lynn Arvig 2:22.79. 200IM: 1. (A) Sara Eiynck 2:32.91 and 2. (H) Kuklok 2:39.15. 50FS: 1. (A) Hoffarth 27.40 and 2. (H) Johnson 29.13. Diving: 1. (H) Angelika Diakite 136.15 points and 2. (A) Kennedy Buchanan 122.9. 100FLY: 1. (A) Crumley 1:10.31 and 3. (H) Tschida 1:12.14. 100FS: 1. (A) Hoffarth 1:01.68 and 2. (H) Rilee Breth 1:04.44. 500FS: 1. (H) Gross (H) 5:59.99 and 2. (A) Mckenzie Eiynck 6:09.65. 200FSR: 1. (H) Tschida, Kylie Breth, Johnson and Gross 1:54.95; 2. (A) Sara Eiynck, Crumley, Rayvin Pullins and Hennen 1:56.23. 100BK: 1. (A) Hennen 1:10.77 and 3. (H)

PHOTOS BY MIKE KOSIK

(Above) Holdingford’s Madison Tschida (top) finishes just fractions of a second ahead of Albany’s Trista Hoffarth in the final leg of the 400yard freestyle relay Oct. 23 at Albany Area High School in Albany. Tschida and Hoffarth appeared in multiple competitive relay events for the area teams.

Albany’s Mckenzie Eiynck begins her leg of the 400-yard freestyle relay while Holdingford’s Grayce Johnson prepares to enter the water Oct. 23 at Albany Area High School in Albany. Holdingford finished first in the event, but Albany won the meet 58-44. (Left) Albany’s Teagan Crumley races in the 100-yard breaststroke in a meet against Holdingford Oct. 23 at Albany Area High School in Albany. Crumley finished first in the event in the Huskies’ victory. Kuklok 1:13.44. 100BR: 1. (A) Crumley 1:18.73 and 2. (H) Scegura 1:21.57. 400FSR: 1. (H) Gross, Kylie Breth, Johnson and Tschida 4:09.66 and 2. (A) Hennen, Mya Justin, Mckenzie Eiynck and Hoffarth 4:10.04.

Litchfield 54, Albany 48 Litchfield edged the Huskies 54-48 Oct. 17 in Albany.

Albany finished first in the 200-yard individual medley and 200 freestyle relay.

Albany results: 200MR: 2. Justin, Crumley, Sara Eiynck and Hennen 2:07.88. 200FS: 2. Mckenzie Eiynck 2:16.29. 200IM: 1. Sara Eiynck 2:34.04. 50FS: 2. Trista Hoffarth 27.21. Diving: 2. Buchanan 125.2. 100FLY: 2. Crumley 1:11.92. 100FS: 2.

Hoffarth 1:00.14. 500FS: 2. Mckenzie Eiynck 6:09.94. 200FSR: 1. Sara Eiynck, Crumley, Mckenzie Eiynck and Hoffarth 1:57.21. 100BK: 2. Hennen 1:08.49. 100BR: 2. Crumley 1:19.25. 400FSR: 2. Hennen, Justin, Mckenzie Eiynck and Hoffarth 4:10.79.

home pool, falling 57-43 to reigning Granite Ridge Conference champion Milaca Oct. 17 at Holdingford High School in HoldingMilaca 57, Holdingford 43 ford. Holdingford results: 200MR: The Huskers could 3. Kuklok, Scegura, Tschida and Gross not eke out a win at their 2:10.07. 200FS: 1. Arvig 2:21.07.

Purple PRIDE What do you enjoy most about being part of the soccer team? I loved that my teammates and coaches were so supportive. This was my first year in soccer and it was really intimidating to join when I didn’t even know how to play. Everyone helped me learn quickly and made me feel like I belonged on the team.

What other activities are you involved in at school? Dance, track, National Honor Society, student council and Captains and Leaders.

Parents: Travis and Gina Becker Accomplishment: Senior on the Albany Area High School girls soccer team

What life lesson has being involved in activities taught you? I am involved in a lot of things and have to learn how to balance my time between sports, school and work. I don’t have time to procrastinate on homework because I might never get