Star Post 11-01-2023

Daylight Saving Time Nov. 5

Wednesday, November 1, Wednesday 1 2023

New drug awareness program starting at Melrose Public Schools

Number 44 • Volume 134

ATKINSON TO TALK ABOUT SPACE MISSIONS BOOK AT MELROSE LIBRARY

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

pg. 6

RSO to teach age appropriate material

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

Melrose Area Public Lefse rollers Cheri Salzer (front, from left), Sue Koplin and Sonya Koplin McNamara; (back, from left) lefse stick ladies Marilyn Schools fifth graders will Stoneouse, Kathy Schulzetenberg, Dee Nelson and Deb Solarz make lefse around 9 a.m. Oct. 28 in Our Savior’s Lutheran be introduced to a new Church kitchen in Albany. It was a two-day process that started Oct. 27 when they boiled and riced 40 pounds of potatoes. drug awareness program this month.

Stearns County Deputy Paul Breth, school resource officer, provided an overview COMMUNITY COVERAGE 127 YEARS of the Law Enforcement Against Drug program Oct. 23 during a monthly school board meeting in Melrose, which received unanimous implementation approval.

“LEAD is similar The room erupted in laughter when some- with lutefisk. It’s the same cultural thing.” to, but different from, one suggested they were the “3 Ls” — the Koplin said lefse cannot be made like a DARE,” Breth said. “It’s Lutheran lefse ladies — with another person cake can be whipped up. It takes time. a fully-scripted lesson quickly adding a fourth L for the laughing The lefse making process started the day that uses age appropriate Lutheran lefse ladies. before when they boiled and riced 40 pounds material for teaching It was a guessing game when asked how of potatoes, which was combined with ingrechildren to make good BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER many years they have made lefse, a traditional dients including whipping cream this year, choices.”

Norwegian fl atbread, sold during their annual rolled up in balls and refrigerated until the The program, as craft sale. next morning when the lefse was made.

Laughter was common early morning explained by Breth, “We’ve made lefse for a long time,” said Oct. 28 in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church is composed of three Sue Koplin, who organizes the women’s group kitchen in Albany.

Seven ladies were making As the sun was starting to rise Monday, Commercial five-week units. The activity.

“It’s an ethnic thing for our commulefse for the Nov. 4 craft sale in the church’s Contractors Company workers from Melrose were infirst unit covers setting Lefse page 3 nity. …

Most people recognize it. Lefse goes dining room. side the Lisa’s On Main building working on securing goals, making decisions, the west wall. managing emotions and PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN bonding. The second session deals with safe drug use, including medications, peer pressure and the effects

BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER Holdingford City Hall, 420 Main St., Holding- lived in the school district? 3. Why would of alcohol, nicotine and you like to serve on the Holdingford School ford. They can also vote early by absentee in marijuana.

Board? 4. What do you see as the biggest person from 7:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m., Monday-FriHoldingford School District 738 is hold“That is a 10-week ing a general election to fill four school board day, through Nov. 6, at the Holdingford school challenge the Holdingford School District is course specifically on facing and how would you solve it? 5. What district office, 900 Fifth St., Holdingford. seats. Candidates include Evelyn Martini, the drug side of it,” do you think is a real plus for the district?

Enter through door 3.

Nicole Burg, Robert E. Knettel, Jr., and Lori Breth said. “There is The Star Post sent each candidate the Opatz. an additional five-week following questions: 1. Your name, famiSchool district residents can vote in percourse for violence.”

Candidates page 3 ly, where you live. 2. How long have you son from 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7, at

400 Block update

LaUgHiNg lUtHeRaN

lefse ladies

Albany Our Savior’s women’s church group carries on tradition

Meet your Holdingford School Board candidates

Program page 2

Honoring

all veterans

Dedication for New Munich Veterans Memorial Nov. 11

BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN

A New Munich Area Veterans Memorial at the community park in New Munich honors all men and women — living and deceased — who served in the armed forces of the United States to preserve our freedom.

Names of five New Munich veterans killed in action — Leo Olmscheid and Frank Wolbeck in World War I, Joseph Benolken in World War II, Elmer Sand in the Korean War and Wilfred Poepping in the Vietnam War — are listed on one of three granite tablets.

“Duty. Honor. Courage. All gave some. Some gave all,” is etched on another tablet, with military seals showcased on a third tablet.

Lining the sides of the memorial are individual pavers with names of 90 living and deceased veterans, their service branch and dates of service. One row has the names of three generations of veterans in one family. Another 30 pavers have been ordered, thanks to individuals who have purchased pavers.

Prisoner of War, American and state of Minnesota flags tower over the memorial, which is lit at night.

Steve Worms (left) and Tom Neal gather Oct. 25 near the New Munich Area Veterans Memorial at the community park in New Munich. The public is invited to a dedication at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11.

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PUBLIC NOTICES Melrose Public School Notice of Special Election .................... pg. 7 City of Melrose Public Notice .................................................. pg. 7 Holding Township Notice........................................................ pg. 7 Avon Township Public Hearing ............................................... pg. 7 Albany Area School Board Work Session, Oct. 25 .................... pg. 7 West Central Education District Board Meeting, July 17 ......... pg. 7 City of Melrose Public Hearing................................................ pg. 7 Melrose Area Schools Notice of Ballot Counting Location ....... pg. 7 Albany Fire Department Application Notice ........................... pg. 7 Probate Notice - Dirkes ........................................................... pg. 7

Veterans page 2

BIRTHS page 3 Lewis George Norgren

OBITUARIES page 4 Rosemary J. Bauer Robert J. Breth Donna R. Kociemba

$1.50

NEWS

THE STAR POST | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023 | Page 3

Birth A N N O U N C E M E N T

Candidates from front

Lewis George Norgren

1. I am married to my husband, Travis, and we have three children.

We live outside of St. Wendel.

2. I have lived in the Holdingford School district my entire life and graduated from Holdingford High School in 2003. My children currently attend Holdingford.

3. I’d like to serve on the school board because I’d like to make sure all students, not just my own, have a chance to succeed in their academic careers and have a positive outlook on school and their future.

4. I recently started working at Holdingford Public Schools and have seen first-hand staffing shortages.

Another challenge I feel all schools have are standardized testing. Not all students test well. Many schools are shifting to alternative methods like project-based assessments. In addition to assessment changes, schools are promoting soft skills to prepare students for job market needs and classes to give students more handson and real-world experiences to be prepared for when they are done with their school careers.

5. I love that Holdingford is a smaller school district where the teachers, principal and others can get to know everyone on a more personal level.

Robert E. Knettel, Jr.

1. I live south of Holdingford with my wife, Sarah, and children Casey, Briella, Trevor, Kiersten and Lia. 2. I’ve lived in the district for 30 years, am a 1999 graduate from Holdingford, ventured out for a bit, but later returned because of the school district for our children.

3. My current term has been my first. Every encounter a person has, there is something to be learned. My time on the board has opened doors for professional growth, understand-

ing how a district and local governments function, and I truly uncovered an appreciation for the people that work at our school that I never would have seen otherwise. I feel our current board is diverse in personal background and occupation, and I think if we add longevity as one of the qualities of our board members, it will only make it stronger to support our administrators and make sound decisions for our community. Our children and their education should be invested in and protected. I feel it is important to have a voice in the room when decisions are being made, as well as having a voice in the community to help explain decisions made and how they came to be.

4. Unfortunately, I think the backlash of a very stressful two years is something we are working through and will continue to work through for years to come, and that is not unique to Holdingford. Students who were unable to attend structured education, especially pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, have some ground to make up, as do a lot of other students in other grades. I am confident educators in our building always meet students where they are at and grow from there. I cannot wave a magic wand and erase the past, but we can make decisions and implement and enforce policies that allow for the best outcomes for our staff and students.

5. The smaller school setting is probably our biggest asset. I know there are some drawbacks as far as athletics offered, and things of that nature, but if you look at the school as an educational institution, which it is, smaller class sizes and having an actual relationship with students offers the best chance at success.

Community support is also strong, and I feel that is something that is unique to a smaller setting.

Lori Opatz

Evelyn Martini

1. My husband is Eric, and we have two children, Cameron and Mercedes.

2. Always have lived within the school district.

3. I would like the opportunity to serve another term. I enjoy being a part of the board and the duties it includes.

4. A challenge we are facing is the lack of substitutes and paraprofessionals.

5. Small class sizes and dedicated staff. We also have wonderful and supportive families and a tight knit community.

Lori Opatz

1. I am married to Josh Opatz, a Holdingford graduate, and we have two children. Dierks is a senior and Cali is a sophomore, both at Holdingford High School. We live in Brockway Township.

2. We have resided in the Holdingford School District since 2008.

3. I was elected and served on the Holdingford School Board for the past four years. I have learned about processes, policies, protocol, etc. I believe having this knowledge has made me well-informed to continue to be an impactful school board member. I would like to continue to serve this community.

4. A challenge this school district faces is addressing the mental health issues many children/families are struggling with. We need to continue to find resources and funding to assist children/families, while being accountable and transparent to the community and taxpayers.

5. A plus for this school district is how administration and staff work together for the well-being of students and their education.

Lefse from front Koplin said they came up with another way to rice the potatoes instead of using a potato ricer, thanks to her late husband, Tom, who suggested using a meat grinder. They did and it worked great.

“As fast as you can feed those potatoes in (the meat grinder), it shoots them out beautifully,” Koplin said.

There were three women rolling out the dough using a special lefse roller — Koplin and her daughter, Sonya Koplin McNamara, who lives out of town but returns every year to help make lefse, as does another PHOTOS BY CAROL MOORMAN sister who was not able to Sonya Koplin McNamara (front) rolls out lefse while (back, from left) Kathy Schulzetenberg make it this year, and Cheri carries lefse to a table for cooling, and Marilyn Stoneouse watches lefse frying on a flat griddle Oct. 28 in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church kitchen in Albany. The ladies made more than 400 Salzer. individual lefse pieces.

“It’s Cheri’s first time rolling,” said Koplin, who was showing Salzer the rolls lefse up with butter lefse rolling technique that and white sugar, Koplin included rolling the dough McNamara quickly said she thin and wrinkle-free. likes to use brown sugar.

A few seconds after “Everything is better Salzer finished rolling out a with butter,” one lady said, piece of lefse, Koplin said, with another adding, “It’s a “You did good. You’re hired plus for the dairy farmers.” for life.”

Other ideas from the It takes a lot of rolling women included rolling up — and arm strength — to lefse with cranberries and roll out more than 400 indiham and cheese. vidual pieces of lefse from Koplin, who did day 40 pounds of potatoes. care for more than 40 years, “We lift weights for said she made lefse for the six weeks before,” Koplin children she cared for. kiddingly said.

“It was a good ethnic Lefse stick ladies thing for the kids,” she said.

Marilyn Stoneouse, Kathy The women’s group is Schulzetenberg, Dee Nelson once again excited to offer and Deb Solarz used their Sue Koplin (right) explains to first time roller Cheri Salzer how lefse during the craft sale. long wooden sticks to to roll out lefse dough Oct. 28 in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Money raised is earmarked kitchen in Albany. Koplin organizes this yearly women’s group for church projects, the carefully transport rolled activity. out lefse from rolling Terebinth Refuge in Waite boards to their individual, Park and the mother of the flat griddles set to a certain “The runners (lefse aged four to a bag by anoth- church secretary who lives temperature. Each lefse stick ladies) get their walk- er lady from the church and on the island of Maui in piece was fried until brown ing steps in today,” Koplin stored for the Nov. 4 craft Hawaii. blisters formed on both said.

The laughing Lutheran sale. sides, flipped back over the Later that afternoon lefse ladies love the camaA few opinions were stick and carried to a long each individual lefse was raderie — and lefse. shared about how to eat table where it was cooled. folded in quarters and pack- lefse. While Koplin said she

T H A N K YO U

Thank you You will never get by with what you did without a great big thank you.

Thank you everyone who came to our birthday party.

Thanks for the cards, gifts and good wishes.

You all made our day special.

Herman and Bernice Ebnet

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What’s H A P P E N I N G Saturday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Women’s Group Craft and Bake Sale. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 840 Lake Ave., Albany.

Monday, Nov. 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m. — Mental Health Support Group. CentraCare-Albany Clinic, 30 Railroad Ave., Albany. For information call the clinic at 320-845-2157.

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

Tuesday, Nov. 7, 1:30 p.m. — Albany Senior Center Meeting. Albany Area Community-Senior Centre, 741 Lake Ave., Albany.

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

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 6 p.m. – Albany School Board Meeting. District office, 30 Forest Ave., Albany.

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m. — AA Meetings. Back to Basic, at Tutti Frutti Marketplace, 38914 County Road 186, Sauk Centre. For more information, call 218-240- 1076.

Big Book, Melrose City Center, 225 First St., NE, Melrose. For more information, call 320-241-3909.

Thursday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m. — Bingo. Holdingford American Legion, 560 Main St., Holdingford.

Upcoming: Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m. – Melrose American Legion Post 101 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.

Tuesday, November 7th OPEN HOUSE AT CENTRAL MN ELITE WRESTLING FROM 5-8pm.

FOOD WILL BE PROVIDED

Free will donations are appreciated

centralmn.elitewrestling@gmail.com

106 Avon Ave S., Avon 56310

eled newly remno!d e th e se e m o C Street Avo facility. Main

Join Us in Worship ALBANY

FREEPORT

OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

HARVEST CHURCH

320-845-2405

320-836-2997

oursaviorslutheranalbany.org

harvestchurchfreeport.org

AVON

MELROSE

AVON COMMUNITY CHURCH

BIRCH HILLS COMMUNITY CHURCH

840 Lake Ave

204 Avon Ave. N

320-356-9001

avoncommunitychurch.org

HOLDINGFORD COMMUNITY COUNTRY CHURCH Across from school

320-746-0005

communitycountrychurch.org

338 Main St. W.

225 1st St. NE, (City Center)

320-429-2440

birchhillscommunitychurch.org

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Nicole “Nikki” Burg

Evelyn Martini

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

FACE RISK HEAD ON NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 17, NORTH RISK PARTNERS IS COLLECTING NEW AND GENTLY USED HATS AND MITTENS. Donations can be brought to 411 Main St. E Melrose, MN 56352.

The hats and mittens will be donated to the Melrose Food Shelf.

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Robert E. Knettel, Jr.

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Nicole “Nikki” Burg

Pete and Allison Norgren are happy to announce the birth of their son, Lewis George Norgren, Oct. 20, 2023, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud.

He was welcomed home by siblings, Chris, Jacob and June.

Lewis weighed 7 pounds, 14.5 ounces and measured 19 inches long.

Grandparents are Bob and Lewis George Norgren Jean McDonald, of Melrose; and the late Chris Norgren and and Patti Norgren, of Sauk Kim McKellar, of Pine City. Centre; and Hilde Winter, of Great-grandparents are Lewis Melrose.

NEWS

Page 4 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023 | THE STAR POST

In support of school programs

OBITUARIES

Rosemary J. Bauer Rosemary J. “Rosie” Bauer, 64, of Albany, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Oct. 25, 2023, at her home in Albany.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 30 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with the Rev. Julius Beckermann, O.S.B., officiating. A private burial will be at Camp Ripley in Little Falls at a later date.

Rosemary Juanita Bauer was born May 4, 1959, in Melrose, to Edmund and Delores (Jacobs) Roerick. She was united in marriage to David Bauer Oct. 31, 1987, in St. Francis. Rosie worked with Lisa Meyer at Salon Progressive for 20 plus years. She enjoyed visiting and taking care of her clients and traveling, but most of all, she loved her husband, children and her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Dave Bauer; children Kalie (Joe) Klaphake, Brittany (Jacob) Scepaniak, Brianna (Kevin) Young and Jonathan (Sara) Bauer; grandchildren Peyton, Jack and Stella Klaphake, William Scepaniak, Theodore, Edmund and Charlie Young, and soon-to-be baby Bauer;

Rosemary J. Bauer

and siblings Kathy (Roger) Roske, Dennis Roerick (special friend Cindy), Diane (Jerry) Zierden, Richard (Pam) Roerick, Marlene Roerick, Carol (Dan) Dobmeier, Kevin Roerick (special friend Annie), Elaine (Larry) Hoeschen and Dan (Sarah) Roerick.

Rosie was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Delores Roerick; infant sister Mary; and father-in-law Melvin Bauer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

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

PHOTOS BY MIKE KOSIK

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Albany Area Education Foundation board member Jim Mader (from left); high school teacher Mike Rien; community sponsor with the Joel Birr Memorial Foundation Liana Birr, Khloey Birr, and Hannah Birr; high school teacher Jacob Eichten; high school teacher Samantha Tate; and AAEF board member Daryn Lecy participate in the Oct. 18 awarding of grants at the Albany Area School District cafeteria in Albany. The foundation funded over $5,000 in grants and combined with partner donors in the community awarded more than $8,100 this fall.

Donna R. Kociemba Donna R. Kociemba, 93, of Melrose, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, Oct. 26, 2023, at CentraCare Care Center in Melrose.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Oct. 30 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with the Rev. Ben Kociemba officiating and the Rev. Marvin Enneking concelebrating.

Interment was in St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Ward Springs.

Donna Rose Achman was born Dec. 28, 1929, in Avon to Albert and Rose (Timmer) Achman. She was united in marriage to Alois Kociemba at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon. Donna with her husband, Al, owned and operated Al’s Red Owl grocery store for 35 years before turning ownership over to her son and daughter-in-law, Ernie and Denise.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose and the Christian Mothers. Donna loved to bake, read, play cards, play board games with the grandchildren, golf with family and spend special time with her family on Little Birch Lake.

Survivors include her children, Bruce (Deborah) Kociemba of Melrose, Gary (Janet) Kociemba of Avon, William Kociemba

Albany foundation, community sponsors donate $8,100 according to a news release. The AAEF has funded an endowment fund, securing the longevity of the Albany students from elefoundation. mentary through high school will The foundation funded over benefit from the latest round of $5,000 in grants and combined Albany Area Education Foundawith partner donors in the comtion donations and community munity awarded more than $8,100 sponsors. this fall.

The recent recipients were The following grants were presented with their grants Oct. awarded: 18 at Avon Elementary School, — Peter Maas, $2,200 reAlbany Elementary School and quested for alternate seating for a Albany Middle/High School. science pod; funded with $1,125 The AAEF was founded in

by AAEF and $1,083.10 commu2017 and distributes funds to ben- nity match from Happy Sleeper efit Albany Area Schools students. (Scott Dirkes).

In addition to its own fund— Michael Rien, $845 raisers, the AAEF partners with requested for 3D carving with a the community securing “private, CNC router; funded with $395 by supplemental funding to support AAEF and $450 by A&K Custom programs, spur innovation and Cabinetry. expand opportunities for students — Jennifer Hiltner, $1,050 reand staff in the areas of academquested for Bird’s Eye View using ics, activities, arts and athletics,” a drone in the media classroom;

BY MIKE KOSIK STAFF WRITER

Donna R. Kociemba

of Clearwater, Ernest (Denise) Kociemba of Grey Eagle, Carrie Godinez of Santa Ana, California, Chrissie Hill of St. Cloud, John (Linda) Kociemba of Grey Eagle and Julie Beste of Crosslake; 25 grandchildren; 36 greatgrandchildren; and two great-greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alois Kociemba; parents Albert and Rose Achman; grandchildren Matthew Hill and Dustin Kociemba; and siblings Vernon Achman, Gilbert Achman, Jerome Achman and Renee Fryman.

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

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funded with $525 by AAEF and $525 by Albany Jaycees.

—Mindy Arnzen, $512 requested for light table and sets for preschoolers; funded by AAEF. — Jake Eichten, $1,000 requested for recreational sports kayaks; funded with $500 by AAEF and $500 by Joel Birr Memorial Foundation.

— Darcy Ramler, $1,200 requested for dramatic play materials for STEM materials and flexible seating options, partial funding of $400 by AAEF. — Leanne Stephens, $577 requested for math stackers; funded with $288.50 by AAEF and $288.50 by district match.

— Aileen Swenson, $445 requested for critical thinking games in math; funded with $222.50 by AAEF and $222.50 by the district, — Samantha Tate, $500 requested for Reading Outside of the Textbook in ADSIS, partial funding of $400 by AAEF. — Jake Gagne, $3,400 requested for flexible seating; partial funding of $700 by AAEF.

Robert J. “Bob” Breth

Robert J. “Bob” Breth

Schanhaar-Otte VFW Post 7050 in Melrose.

Bob is survived by his wife, Cheryl Breth of Melrose; two sons Andy of Melrose and Ryan of Fargo, North Dakota; siblings Betty Kemper of Melrose, Larry (Simone) Breth of Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, Canada, Jerry (Marilyn) Breth of St. Cloud, and Pat (Mary) Breth of Melrose; brother-in-law Jay Smith of Maple Plain; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Ronald, parents-in-law John and Virginia Smith and brothers-in-law Marvin Kemper and Scott Smith.

His family would like to thank all the staff at the Paynesville Care Center for their care and concern for Bob. Also, a big thank you to the hospice services from Moments Hospice.

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

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

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High school teacher Ridell Curtis, Albany Area Education Foundation board member Jim Mader, community sponsor with the Albany Jaycees Dalton Herzog, middle school teacher Jake Gagne, high school teacher Peter Maas, community sponsor with Happy Sleeper Scott Dirkes and AAEF board member Daryn Lecy take part in the Oct. 18 awarding of grants at Albany Area High School in Albany. The AAEF was founded in 2017, partnering with community sponsors to distribute funds to benefit Albany Area Schools students.

CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY Albany, Avon, Freeport fire departments respond to garage/house fire

ALBANY — Albany, Avon and Freeport fire departments responded around 4:42 p.m. Oct. 28 to a fully engulfed detached garage fire in the 600 block of Forest Avenue in Albany. When Albany firefighters arrived on scene five minutes later the fire had spread to the house.

According to Albany Fire Chief Gary Winkels, two people live at the residences. One was not home at the time of the fire and the other was able to exit the house uninjured before firefighters arrived.

Firefighters were at the scene close to 3.5 hours.

Also assisting at the scene were Albany and Avon police departments, Melrose Ambulance Service and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Albany Fire Department and State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Albany man injured in St. Wendel Township crash

ST. WENDEL TOWNSHIP — An Albany man received minor injuries following a two-vehicle crash just after 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at the intersection of County Road 3 and 355th Street in St. Wendel Township.

According to a Stearns County Sheriff’s Office report, a 2007 Chrysler van, driven by Stacey Feltus, 50, of Albany, had been traveling north on County Road 3 and a 2014 Chrysler van, driven by Michael Mergen, 64, of Albany, had been traveling west on 355th Street. Mergen attempted to make a left-hand turn onto County Road 3. It was determined Mergen failed to yield to Feltus causing the crash, the report stated.

Feltus reported no injuries, and Mergen was transported to St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud for treatment of minor injuries. Mergen had two passengers in his vehicle who were uninjured.

Assisting deputies at the scene were St. Stephen Fire and Rescue and Mayo Ambulance.

LOOKING FOR OBITS? • www.pattonschad.com

See our online Obituaries and Guestbook

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Robert J. “Bob” Breth, 74, of Melrose, died Oct. 23, 2023, with his family by his side at the Paynesville Care Center from complications of dementia. He had been a resident there for the last year. A public burial will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Melrose with military honors by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard. A celebration of life will follow at the American Legion in Melrose from 3-5 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 1, with a meal at 5 p.m.

Robert John Breth was born in Melrose, Feb. 2, 1949, to Leo and Eleanor (Schmitz) Breth. Bob graduated from Melrose High School in 1967 and continued his education at Alexandria Technical School with certification in welding. He returned to Melrose and worked until he was drafted in January of 1969. He served in the U.S. Army as a mechanic for helicopters and was part of the 101st Airborne. Bob was honorably discharged Feb. 7, 1973. Upon returning to Melrose, Bob worked for Kraft Foods and later Land-O-Lakes until 2005. He met his future wife, Cheryl Smith, in October 1978. They were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church July 17, 1982.

Bob was a lover of anything with a motor. He loved to tinker with lawnmowers, snowblowers and anything he could. Bob also loved to be outside, no matter the weather.

He was always an animal lover with many pets.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 101 and the

OPINION

THE STAR POST | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 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.

NEWS BRIEFS

Fitting name in a new land

Local projects received CMAB grants

Had Stearns County officials acted a bit sooner, According to Voigt’s reports, they took his name there might well be a Hancock Township southeast and added Saint to it, or they may have simply taken of Holdingford. the name of St. Wendel from their hagiography (study Robert J. Voigt’s book “The People of St. of saints) and oral histories.

Wendel” records that on March 31, 1868, the There was a St. Wendel from a German saint from Stearns County Board of Commissioners created a the 600s. The choice of that name fit in well with local new township from portions of Brockway and St. settlers and their coming to a new land. Wendel, at its Joseph’s townships. root, means to wander.

“The town shall be designated Hancock in There is little verifiable biographical information accordance with the expressed wish of the majority A Peek at the Past on the saint. Most articles point out he may have been

by Herman Lensing of legal votes resident therein … ,” it read.

Scottish (one source said Irish) and may have been a In choosing that name, the residents were member of a royal (or at least ruling) family. honoring Civil War hero Winfield Scott Hancock. It was under He became attracted to a life of prayer and eventually beHancock’s orders that the 1st Minnesota Infantry Regiment, came a hermit. Seeking solitude, he wandered a bit (some say as out-numbered five-to-one, took over 80% casualties when holdpart of a pilgrimage) to Rome, and eventually settled in western ing the Union line long enough for reinforcements to arrive and Germany working as an ascetic herder. stabilize the line at the Battle of Gettysburg.

His reputation as a holy person grew, and when he died his So where is Hancock now? You won’t find it anywhere grave became a pilgrimage site. Eventually, the town he lived near Holdingford. Residents decided on a different name. Voigt near was named Sankt Wendel. Today a basilica marks his reports that the exact reason for choosing a different name is gravesite. His Oct. 22 feast day became a day of devotion in that not known but said, “one conjectures that residents of the newly locale. founded township learned that one week earlier another Hancock To some degree, he was a fitting saint for the area. Like Township had been organized.” many of them, he was an immigrant. His being a patron of peoThat township was created March 24 in Carver County. It, ple of rural areas and a herdsman also made him a solid choice too, was named after the Civil War general. With the decision to for the area. not replicate that name for their township, residents needed to The date of when the Carver County township was created find another name. may be the reason there is a St. Wendel Township. That change As with many place names throughout the area, they looked means the memory of an immigrant and saint from the 600s will for honoring an early settler and chose Wendelin (Wendel or be preserved.

Wendlin) Mertz, an 1856 immigrant to the area.

FOLEY — The Central Minnesota Arts Board, Oct. 12, awarded $224,881 in support of 32 regional arts projects, including four in the local area. Criteria used in evaluating applications include artistic merit and quality, equity and sustainability, demonstrated need and ability to complete the proposal.

Local projects include: — Avon Hills Folk School, $8,000, to support a two-day Youth Artists and Makers Camp led by COMPAS artists in July 2024 at Avon Hills Folk School in Avon.

— Holdingford American Legion, $4,724, in support of Olde Tyme Music Legacy Program: A monthly program featuring olde tyme music performances, dancing, and history beginning May 2024 through December 2024 at the Holdingford American Legion in Holdingford.

— Melrose Area Arts Council, $3,906, to support 12 unique art camps for children during the Melrose Farmers Market June-September 2024 at the Wobegon Trail in Melrose.

— WACOSA, $6,466, for teaching artist Dan Mondloch to work with WACOSA clients in a variety of art painting methods customized for each client. Paintings chosen by participants will be used to develop two wall murals to be displayed at WACOSA in Sauk Centre.

Organizations, schools, local government, community groups and individuals may apply for up to $8,000 in support of arts-focused events.

Funding for these CMAB grants is provided through an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the state’s general fund and its Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund created by the Minnesota voters.

Sharing a veteran’s story

Volunteers needed for packaging event benefiting food shelves,

I have Dad’s Army duffel bag. I’m not sure during one of their deployments and will never what it is filled with since I never opened it. He forget covering their return home. As they got closer never talked to us about his military days. In fact, we to Sauk Centre, the buses carrying them traveled never knew he was a sergeant in the Army until after through the small towns, where streets were lined he passed away and Mom had to find his discharge with people, many waving flags. And the homecompapers so Linda at the funeral home could order the ing at the Stearns County Fairgrounds was heartplaque that goes in the ground at his cemetery plot. warming. Another homecoming from a different But when fellow soldier Dick Anderson came deployment was at the Sauk Centre Armory and I to Mom and Dad’s house, he brought out his photo captured a young man holding his daughter for the album filled with military photos and they sat around first time.

From the Heart the living room table for hours and shared their Veterans Day is coming up Nov. 11, and it is a

by Carol Moorman experiences. good time to thank a veteran for their service, which Fast forward 20 or 30 years and I wish I would really is something we can do all year around. There have listened closer, or better yet, sat down with Dad to get his will be public Veterans Day services around the area. I am lookstory, much like I did with two veterans I interviewed for the ing forward to covering one at a new veterans memorial in New Veterans Day insert that will come out in the paper before Nov. Munich, which you can read all about on page 1 of this week’s 11. One was a World War II veteran and the other served during paper. The Soldiers Shrine in Holdingford is an amazing tribute the Vietnam War. as is the Veterans Park in Albany and many other small town Each story a veteran shares is different and unique. Some communities, including Grey Eagle. New statutes were put up are more open and others more reserved. Either way, I am grate- at the veterans memorial in Melrose, which adds to an already ful each time I am able to listen to them talk about a time in their fitting tribute. For the Melrose Holiday Kickoff Nov. 24, they life that I’m sure must have been challenging, but yet, they felt it will light up the military tank behind the memorial wall and it was something they needed to do to serve their country. will remain lit through the Christmas season.

This year’s Veterans Day insert also shares a story about a Thank you, veterans, for your commitment to our country Minnesota National Guard soldier, from the Sauk Centre unit, — past, present and future. who served in Iraq. I was working at the Sauk Centre Herald

Takes time to become, maintain being a police officer

“I want to be a police officer when I grow up.”

After graduating, there is a test to become liWe hear this when we talk with young children quite censed as a law enforcement officer by the state of often.

Minnesota. If you pass the test, you are now considWe also receive questions from young people ered eligible to be licensed. who are considering a college or a career after high Now it is time to start applying for jobs. An applischool in law enforcement, including what classes cation is filled out and the department will generally they should take in high school, what colleges have rate the applications based on training and experience good reputations for law enforcement or criminal and set up interviews with candidates. Each candijustice programs and what it takes to get a job. date is scored and usually a panel from the interview In high school, a general education is all that is process narrows down the top candidates. A job offer Chatting with needed to prepare for going to a college for law encan be extended at that time, pending a successful the Chief forcement or criminal justice. Doing well in English background investigation, physical exam with drug

by Craig Maus, and basic math classes helps, since report writing is testing and a psychological evaluation. If all of this is Melrose police chief important and general math skills apply in our job. favorable, the person is hired.

Moving on to colleges can be a bigger choice. In Minnesota, Once the person is hired, they are paired up with field trainwe are required to attend a minimum of a two-year law ening officers or someone who can provide on-the-job training. forcement program or attend a four-year college with a criminal This helps the person hired learn how the things they learned justice degree or something similar before taking a licensing test in school are applied in real situations. These training programs to become an officer. vary in length, but six weeks is a common minimum training Two-year colleges generally will have you complete a phys- period, but it can be longer, depending on the department or perical exam, a physical ability test and take psychological exams son being trained. If everything goes well, the officer clears their before being accepted into a program. Two-year colleges have probationary period with the department and is now a police general classes most students need to take and the remainder of officer. the classes are specific to becoming a law enforcement officer.

Our licensing with the state requires a minimum number of The skills portion of training includes firearms, defensive tactics, credits during a three-year licensing cycle, but with the mandadefensive driving and other hands-on things, which will be used tory training, we exceed that number every licensing cycle. Most in police work. departments send their officers to additional training to either A four-year degree has similar classes with more generals help learn areas of the job better or to help advance that officer or classes to provide other insights in education. Once a person in their career. graduates, they need to attend a program to receive their skills It takes time to become and maintain being a police officer, portion, sometimes at another college for a 10-12 week program. but with a job, which holds such a great responsibility, it should.

Offices at Published by 408 E. Main St. Star Publications Melrose, MN 56352 Copyright 2023 320-351-6579 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave. 561 Railroad Ave. Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Albany, MN 56307 320-352-6577 320-845-2700 www.star-pub.com Periodicals postage pending at Melrose, MN THE STAR POST (USPS 338-300) is published weekly on Wednesdays by The Star Post, 408 E. Main St., Melrose, MN 56352.

Second-class postage paid at Melrose, MN POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE STAR POST, 408 E. Main St., Melrose, MN 56352

ST. CLOUD — Kids Fighting Hunger announces its 11th We Are Thankful community-wide food packaging event with a collection of nonperishable food items Sunday, Nov. 19, at St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center, 10 4th Ave S., in St. Cloud.

Designed to give central Minnesotans the opportunity to help provide food to children, adults and families, 450 volunteers are needed to package more than 90,000 oatmeal and rice meals for 11 area food shelves, including Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf in St. Cloud and food shelves in Albany, Big Lake, Buffalo, Cold Spring, Elk River, Monticello, St. Joseph and Zimmerman.

To donate to the event, send payment by check to Kids Fighting Hunger, PO Box 7550, St. Cloud, MN 56302, and designate We Are Thankful. Donations are also accepted online at kidsfightinghunger.org. For help in sponsoring the event, email Cathy Wogen at cathy.wogen@ gmail.com or call 320-291-6007.

Food-packaging shifts are approximately 75 minutes and begin at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 pm.

To volunteer for the event and to register, visit getconnected.unitedwayhelps.org/event.

For more information about the 2023 We Are Thankful event, visit facebook.com/kidsfightinghunger.

Sales tax approved for funding new jail/justice center

ST. CLOUD — The Stearns County Board of Commissioners voted to allow the use of a sales tax to fund the cost of building a new Stearns County jail/justice center.

Earlier this year, the Minnesota legislature approved the county’s use of a Local Option Sales Tax of three-eighths of 1% to fund the project up to $325,000,000. At their board meeting, commissioners agreed to use the sales tax as an option to pay for the facility, which means the county can now put the question before the voters. In a referendum on next year’s ballot, November 2024, voters can decide if they want the justice center to be funded through a sales tax or if they prefer to pay for construction through property taxes.

Using a sales tax will take the funding burden solely off Stearns County property taxpayers. It is estimated 50% of the revenue generated through a sales tax would come from non-Stearns County residents. This matches the Stearns County jail population, as approximately 50% of inmates are also non-Stearns County residents.

“Either way, Stearns County needs to build a new jail. It’s a question of whether to pay for it through Stearns County property taxes or a sales tax,” said Dr. Michael Williams, Stearns County Administrator. “The county board does not want to fund this regional facility with the property tax because it makes more sense to spread the burden to the region by using the sales tax.”

The county is in the process of obtaining an architectural team and a construction management firm to design a new facility. From there, a decision will be made on the location of the facility, layout of the building, and services and offices to be included. Once those decisions are made, the cost can be determined.

Staff Mark Klaphake ..................... General Manager .................................mark@saukherald.com Joyce Frericks ....................... Publisher ................................................ joyce@saukherald.com Missy Traeger ....................... Sales Manager/Marketing................missy@saukherald.com Natasha Barber .................... Manager ............................................natasha@saukherald.com Nancy Powell........................ Manager .................................................nancy.p@dairystar.com Tim Vos ................................... Manager .......................................................tim.v@star-pub.com Amanda Thooft ................... Production Mgr. ............................. amanda@saukherald.com Maddy Peterson .................. Graphic Design/Page Layout ............maddy@star-pub.com Karen Knoblach ................... Graphic Design ..................................... karen.k@star-pub.com Cheyenne Middendorf ..... Graphic Design ................................ cheyenne@star-pub.com Annika Gunderson ............. Graphic Design ...................................... annika@star-pub.com Jill Borgerding...................... Office Assistant ............................................jill.b@star-pub.com Carol Moorman ................... Editor ........................................................ carol.m@star-pub.com

Ben Sonnek........................... Reporter ................................................. ben.s@saukherald.com Herman Lensing.................. Reporter ................................... herman@melrosebeacon.com Evan Michealson ................. Reporter .................................................. evan.m@star-pub.com Mike Kosik ............................. Reporter ....................................................mike.k@star-pub.com Tim Hennagir ....................... Reporter .......................................................tim.h@star-pub.com Jaime Ostendorf ................. Marketing ...................................................jaime@star-pub.com Neil Maidl .............................. Marketing ..................................................neil.m@star-pub.com Robin Brunette .................... Inside Sales Representative............. robin@saukherald.com Amy McChesney ................. Bookkeeping .................................amy.m@star-pub.com.com Gretchen Jennissen ........... Bookkeeping ........................................office@saukherald.com Lorie Swedenburg .............. Receptionist/Circulation.....................lorie@saukherald.com Logan Thomas ..................... Sign Design .......................................... logan@saukherald.com Kathy Banke .......................... Bookkeeping Mike Imdieke........................ Bookkeeping

Annual Subscription Rates: Stearns, Todd, Douglas, Pope, & Morrison counties, $53.

Elsewhere in Minnesota, $60. Elsewhere in the United States, $63.

Official Legal Newspaper for the cities of Albany, Avon, Freeport, Melrose and Holdingford; Independent School Districts 745, 738 and 740; and surrounding townships.

The deadline for most news and advertisements in The Star Post is 5 p.m. Friday.

Exceptions are obituaries and reports of weekend events, which have a deadline of 10 a.m. Monday. The deadline for advertisements in the Shopper is noon Wednesday and Classy Canary is noon Thursday.

Letters to the editor are welcomed. Letters must be signed with first and last name and include address and phone number. Letters are limited to 350 words. See political letters to the editor policy for additional guidelines on our website under “policies” Corrections/Clarifications: The Star Post strives for accuracy. If you would like to report a factual error, call 320-845-2700.

Advertising: Star Publications staff have no authority to bind this newspaper and only publication of an advertisement shall constitute final acceptance of the advertiser’s order.

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

NEWS

Page 6 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023 | THE STAR POST

SJ-SA Oktoberfest celebration FOR RENT

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Albany Area Schools is Seeking

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PHOTOS BY CAROL MOORMAN

St. John’s-St. Andrew’s Catholic School first and second graders Connor Roelike, Lukas Kalthoff, Oliver Kasper, Willow Gregory, Taya Zimmer, Hunter Christinsen, Jameson Schoenberg, Clara Kasper, Ryan Hellickson, Andrew Gilk, Lucas Kelzer and Grace Meyer act out “Schnitzelbank” during their Oct. 17 Oktoberfest program at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church basement in Meire Grove. The evening included food, live music and the student program.

Interested persons must have a valid Minnesota driver’s license and a good driving record. We offer competitive pay, well maintained vehicles and all the necessary training to drive a school bus.

Interested persons should contact: Aubrey O’Malley at 320-845-5068 For additional information or to complete an application, please see our website at

www.district745.org

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Job Openings at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Schools ELEMENTARY • Jaguar Kid Connection Coordinator/Teacher • Long Term Sub – 1st Grade (Starting in February) • Elementary Paraprofessionals (Questions – Contact Josie Dingmann, jdingmann@bbejaguars.org)

HIGH SCHOOL • High School Paraprofessionals (Questions – Contact Laura Spanier, lspanier@bbejaguars.org)

COACHING • E-Sports Coach (Questions – Contact Chris Anderson, canderson@bbejaguars.org)

St. John’s-St. Andrew’s Catholic School kindergarteners Korbin Gadacz (from left), Eli Kasper, Delia Roelike, Nash Gregory and Jaeger Judes sing “My Hat It Has Three Corners” during the Oct. 17 Oktoberfest at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Eli Kasper (front) and Ryan Hellickson sing basement in Meire Grove.

“Polka Celebration” with fellow St. John’s-St Each class sang one Andrew’s Catholic School students during song. the Oct. 17 Oktoberfest program at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church basement in Meire Grove. The 40-minute program started and ended with this traditional song.

To apply please send a cover letter, resume, transcript and references to Sarah Hagen PO Box 39 Brooten, MN 56316 or shagen@ bbejaguars.org

(Below) Carter Kelzer eats a hot dog during the Oct. 17 St. John’s-St. Andrew’s Catholic School Oktoberfest at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church basement in Meire Grove. He is an alumni of the elementary school in Greenwald.

Application deadline is October 31st or until filled.

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The Rev Marv Enneking (front, from left), Donny Brang, Marc Hinnenkamp and Merle Felling; (back, from left) Dave Nathe and Rueben Nathe provide musical entertainment during the Oct. 17 St. John’s-St. Andrew’s Catholic School Oktoberfest at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church basement in Meire Grove. They performed a variety of old time music to fit the evening’s theme.

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Zierden receives NDSU scholarship

FARGO, N.D. — Cailyn Zierden, daughter of Dannielle and Brock Zierden, of Albany, received the NDSU Provost Award at North Dakota State University. The award recognizes students who have a 3.65-3.799 high school GPA or have scored a 25-28 on the ACT and have a 3.5 or higher high school GPA. Zierden entered NDSU in the fall and is majoring in criminal justice.

WE’RE HIRING! Material Handler/Warehouse

Albany, Holdingford educators honored

ST. CLOUD — Resource Training & Solutions honored 146 educators from Central Minnesota at the 2023 Leadership in Educational Excellence Award Banquet Oct. 25 at the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud Albany and Holdingford educators honored included Albany School District: Kathy Conrad, Cassie Gertken, Stephanie Stang and Paula Van der Hagen; and Holdingford School District: Hannah Carlson, Lynn Nelson, April Theis and Tara Wolford.

Fill the Truck for the Melrose Food Shelf

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For more information about our company, access Dexter’s web site at www.dexteraxle.com.

Parishioners Allan Niehoff (from left), Chris Ellering, food shelf volunteer Candy Freeman, Lisa and Bernie Brixius and Rita Meyer, Oct. 9 at the Melrose Area Food Shelf in Melrose, display nonperishable food collected during a One in Faith cluster Fill the Truck food campaign Oct. 7-8 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose, St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Greenwald, St. John the Baptist Church in Meire Grove and St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Spring Hill. Faith formation students accepted donations from parishioners, which were placed in a truck outside each of the churches. Not pictured is Mark Schoenberg.

PUBLIC NOTICES

THE STAR POST | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023 | Page 7

West Central Education District Board Meeting Minutes Date: July 17, 2023 6:30pm virtual via Google Meet Board Chair Uphoff called the meeting to order at 6:30p.m.

Board members Rasmussen and Kreuzer; Superintendents Peschel, Bullard, and Okerlund; Director Fevig, Administrator Hoffarth and Business Manager Raiter were in attendance. Board member Quarfot and Superintendent Winter were absent.

With no changes to the agenda, Rasmussen moved, Bullard seconded approval of the agenda, Motion carried unopposed via roll call.

After a review of consent agenda items, Kreuzer moved, Rasmussen seconded approval of the May 8, 2023 Board Minutes; Treasurer’s Report and Bills Payable (#24215-24245); Resignation from Lori Dierks; release of August Sarracco; hiring of Lauren Borgerding and Alicia Buecker-Beacon Behavioral Aides; Nicholas Gerritsen, ALC Teacher; Barb Fischer, Melrose Sped Evaluator; Ariel Ostrander- Sauk Centre IQ Evaluator; motion carried unopposed via roll call.

New business included a list of policies for first read which was then tabled until next meeting; and the designation of Laurie Fevig as the Individual Official w Authority (IOwA) for West Central Education District. Bullard moved, Rasmussen seconded approval of the designation; motion carried unopposed via roll call.

Under reports, the admin team shared updates regarding summer remodeling, struggles with filling open positions and plans for fall trainings.

Uphoff adjourned the meeting at 6:50pm /s/ Jerald Quarfot 9/27/2023 Clerk Date P-44-1B

CITY OF MELROSE COUNTY OF STEARNS STATE OF MINNESOTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a hearing will be held before the Melrose City Council on Monday, November 16, 2023, in the City Center located at 225 First Street NE, Melrose, MN 56352 at 6:00 p.m. to consider enactment of Ordinance 1116-2023, an Ordinance related to Adult-Use Cannabis in Public Places.

The proposed ordinance prohibits public use of cannabis in public places. Public places do not include private residences, private property if authorized by the owner, or premises licensed for on-site consumption.

You may submit written testimony by 4:30 p.m. Thursday, November 9, 2023, by emailing planning@cityofmelrose.com Dated this 25th day of October 2023.

City of Melrose /s/ Patricia Haase, City Clerk P-44-1B

PROBATE NOTICE STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF STEARNS DISTRICT COURT SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Case Type: Probate Court File No: 73-PR-23-8310

Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having, claims against said estate are required to present the same to said personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred.

Dated: October 21, 2023 /s/ Laura Moehrle Judge /s/ George Lock Court Administrator Attorney for Petitioner: Willenbring, Dahl, Wocken & Zimmermann, PLLC Madelyn M. Tillemans (0504205) Daniel T. Zimmermann (141835) 318 Main Street; P.O. Box 417 Cold Spring, MN 56320 Telephone: (320) 685-3678

ORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In Re: Estate of Dennis F. Dirkes,

Decedent.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: It is Ordered and Notice is given that on the 1st day

of December, 2023, at 8:45 a.m., a hearing will be held in the above-named Court at St. Cloud, Minnesota for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of the above-named decedent, dated November 10, 2003, and for the appointment of David J. Dirkes, whose mailing address is 110 Highview Drive, Albany, MN 56307, as personal representative of the estate of the above-named decedent in unsupervised administration, and that any objections thereto must be filed with the Court. That, if proper, and no objections are filed, a personal representative will be appointed to administer the estate, to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, and sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the estate.

Get your ad noticed call to advertise here!

320-352-6577

Holding Township Notice The start time of the regular monthly meeting of the Town Board of Holding Township has been changed to 7:00 P.M. for the months of November, December, January, February, March & April & for the remaining months the meetings will resume at the regular start time of 8:00 P.M. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at the Holding Town Hall located at 940 4th Street West, Holdingford, MN. Julianne Ebnet, Clerk P-43-2B

NOTICE ALBANY FIRE DEPARTMENT APPLICATIONS WANTED FOR FIRE FIGHTER The Albany Fire Department, Inc. is accepting applications for the position of Fire Fighter in the said Department.

P-44-2B Application forms and further information may be obtained at Albany City Hall, at 400 Railroad Avenue. The deadline for submitting applications is 3:00 PM on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.

Tom Schneider Interim City Administrator Published in the Star Post on November 1, 2023.

P-44-1B

PUBLIC NOTICE The Melrose City Council, at their first meeting in January of 2024, will give consideration to making appointments to the following positions for the various offices whose terms are expiring: 1. Planning and Zoning Commission – 4-year term Term expiring: Three members to be appointed.

2. Melrose Housing and Redevelopment Authority 5-year term Term Expiring: One member to be appointed.

Any individual that wishes to be considered for possible appointment to the offices listed above should submit their application to City Clerk Patricia Haase, 225 1st Street NE, Melrose, Minnesota, 56352 by no later than Friday, November 17, 2023. The applications are available at the Melrose City Center.

Dated this 18th day of October 2023 at the City of Melrose, Minnesota.

PATRICIA HAASE CITY CLERK P-42/44-2B

P-42-3B

NOTICE OF LOCATION WHERE BALLOTS WILL BE COUNTED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 740 (MELROSE AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS) STATE OF MINNESOTA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the election judges for Independent School District No. 740 shall count the ballots cast in the School District’s November 7, 2023 special election at the following location: COMBINED POLLING PLACE: Melrose City Center 225 First Street NE Melrose, MN 56352 Dated: July 24, 2023

BY ORDER OF THE SCHOOL BOARD /s/ Becky Feldewerd School District Clerk Independent School District No. 740 (Melrose Area Public Schools) State of Minnesota P-44-1B

Unadopted Minutes REGULAR SCHOOL WORK SESSION Albany Area Schools – ISD #745 District Office Board Room October 25, 2023 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Kreuzer at 6 p.m.

2. Roll Call Present: Kreuzer, Hansen, Sands, Rueter, Carbajal, Sand Late: Absent: Dirkes 3. Student Representatives Student School Board Representatives discussed updates on their areas of focus. Representatives mentioned working with the Food Service Director to learn more about the lunch program.

They also described some exploratory work in learning more about the suicide prevention and mental health supports that were beginning to be implemented by the last Student School Board Representatives last year.

4. Open Enrollment Review Across the school district, Albany Area Schools sees a net gain of about 132 students this year when comparing those who choose to open enroll out of our district and those who choose to open enroll into our district. Administration was asked to produce a similar Open Enrollment breakdown looking back the past several years so that Board members could see trends over time.

5. Transportation Request for Proposal Review The board reviewed the proposed Request for Proposal that will come back to the Board at the November 8th meeting. The Board asked for a few changes to the request before it is considered for Board approval.

6. School Board Policy Review 6.1 431 Classified Substitute Policy Reviewed language that would tie substitute classified staff pay to increases in our AESP negotiated agreements. This would help ensure that substitute pay grows with negotiated raises for our regular employees in the same group.

6.2 450 Substitute Teacher PolicyReviewed a language suggestion that would clarify some confusion about the work hours for substitute teachers. A suggestion was brought forward to delete this policy since it’s not MSBA policy and should/could be managed through administrative procedure.

7. School Board Policies - Second Read 7.1. 514 Bullying Prohibition Policy 7.2. 516.5 Overdose Medication 7.3. 524 Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy 7.4. 532 Use of Peace Officers and Crisis Teams 7.5. 534 School Meals Policy 7.6. 601 School District Curriculum and Instruction Goal 7.7. 602 Organization of School Calendar and School Day 7.8. 603 Curriculum Development 7.9. 604 Instructional Curriculum 7.10. 613 Graduation Requirements 8. Superintendent Report Updates were provided on the AFT negotiation progress. The next negotiation date is set for December 11th. There were also updates regarding the ELC development that were shared at the Project Oversight Committee meeting.

9. Adjournment Agenda completed at 7:00 p.m.

Amy Sand, Clerk P-44-1B

TOWNSHIP OF AVON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING & SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SUPERVISORS Notice is hereby given that the Avon Township Planning Commission, County of Stearns, Minnesota, will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM, in the Avon Township Hall (16881 Queens Road, Avon, MN), to conduct a Public Hearing to consider an application for a variance submitted by John Blattner, 32277 Nob Hill Drive, Avon MN 56310.

This application requests a variance from Section 9.9.9.A(3) of Avon Township Ordinance No. 5, to permit at his residence (PID 03.01250.0014), construction of a new residence in which an attached garage would be 9 feet closer to the center-of-the-road of Nob Hill Drive than is currently permitted by ordinance.

Notice is also given that the Avon Township Board of Supervisors, Stearns County, will hold a Special Meeting on November 13, 2023 in the Avon Township Hall, immediately following the Planning Commission meeting, at about 7:15 PM, to consider the variance application submitted by John Blattner, 32277 Nob Hill Drive, Avon, MN, and any other business allowed by law.

All interested persons are invited to the Special Meetings and Public Hearing, at which time you may appear if you so desire, either in person or by agent, in opposition to, or in support of, the proposed variance. The hearing of this request is not limited to those receiving copies of this notice, and if you know of any neighbor or affected property owner, who for any reason has not received a copy, it would be appreciated if you would inform him/her of this public hearing. If you cannot attend this meeting, you may direct comments to the Avon Township Clerk. The public is invited to attend. Avon Township meetings are handicap-accessible.

Stephen Saupe, Clerk 16881 Queens Road, Avon, MN 56310 clerk@avontownship.org Published in the Star-Post Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

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Page 8 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023 | THE STAR POST

Ending with energy Melrose football scores twice against Montevideo

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

The sixth-seeded Melrose Area Dutchmen football team (09) pulled out all the stops in their final game of the year against third-seeded Montevideo Oct. 14 at Montevideo High School in Montevideo.

Melrose fell 40-16 in the Section 6AAA playoff game.

From the start, it kept up a go-for-broke style of play. Even after Montevideo took a 22-0 halftime lead, the Dutchmen kept showing different looks.

The team scored two second-half touchdowns, both set up by plays leading to wide-open looks.

The Dutchmen’s third-quarter touchdown ended a fumble fest and penalty-plagued series of frustrating downs. The Dutchmen, with runs by Hudson Bitz, 11 carries for 38 yards, and Jackson Mayers, 12-32, moved inside the Thunder Hawks’ 20-yard-line before the drive stalled and they turned the ball over.

Ryan Gysberg ended that Thunder Hawks possession with his first fumble recovery after Montevideo got inside the Melrose 40-yard-line. Melrose then moved inside the Montevideo 5-yard line, only to lose the ball on a fumble.

One play later, Gysberg again recovered a fumble, giving Melrose the ball on the Montevideo 2-yard line. Bitz, following blocks by Brady Goihl and Ethan Gerads, carried the ball into the end zone for the score from there.

Melrose’s second touchdown, coming late in the game, utilized passing plays. Following the kickoff after Montevideo had taken a 40-8 lead, the Dutchmen started a drive on their own 45-yard line.

On three consecutive plays, Bitz passed to Austin Eggert for a 15yard gain, hit Max Wehlage for 17 yards and passed to Isaac Rosenberger for a 23-yard touchdown.

There were other positives for the team. Brayden Dobmeier intercepted a pass near the end of the half. Twice in the first half, Melrose’s defense stopped Montevideo drives, forcing punts. Logan Schad had nice punts, one for 30 yards, and Sam Wehlage logged 72 yards on kickoff returns.

The Thunder Hawks went up early in the game, striking first with a 35-yard pass play. They then intercepted the ball for a 23yard pick-six.

Melrose routinely switched up its quarterbacks, putting Schad, Mayers and Bitz under center at some point in the game.

They were often pressured as Montevideo kept coming through the line, stopping runs behind the line of scrimmage and harassing the quarterbacks.

The Dutchmen never got a running game going and finished with 95 yards rushing.

Passes by Schad, 5-for-11, and Bitz, 7-for-12, got the ball to Rosenberger, 53 receiving yards.

Goihl participated in nine tackles and Gysberg on seven, with six of Gysberg’s being solo tackles.

MEL MNT

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Hohbein brings heart to red-hot Huskers Senior shatters Holdingford volleyball records

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

As the Holdingford Huskers volleyball team attempted to close out the Osakis Silverstreaks in a fiery, back-and-forth match Sept.

12, the focus suddenly shifted from simply winning the match to a different goal.

Several Huskers players asked head coach Molly Klatt how close senior outside hitter and setter Makenna Hohbein was to shattering the team’s single-match kills record. Klatt was not sure of the exact number, but the Huskers, realizing Hohbein was close to her sister Riley’s record-setting 25 kills, made a determined effort to get her the ball.

In the end, Hohbein had posted a jaw-dropping 34 kills in a five-set win.

It was an act of spirited unselfishness that has defined a continually-improving Huskers squad and a showcase of the impact Hohbein has on the team she has competed on for the past five campaigns.

“They were so supportive of me, and I could not have done that without them,” said Hohbein, a multi-sport athlete at Holdingford. “After it happened, getting swarmed by everyone, including my coaches and the student section, everyone was so happy for me. I didn’t even know what to say; it was just so supportive.”

The feat was the first of several milestones Hohbein has reached in what can only be described as a historic senior season.

She has also reached the top of the leaderboard in Huskers history in kills, digs and aces, eclipsing 773 kills, 1,293 digs and 116 aces for her career.

“She’s a go-getter and doesn’t

PHOTO BY EVAN MICHEALSON

Makenna Hohbein visits the Holdingford High School gym Oct. 27 in Holdingford. Hohbein is the Huskers volleyball team’s all-time leader in kills, digs and aces.

want to just settle,” said Klatt, who is in her second season as head coach of the Huskers. “She’s one athlete that will be hard to replace. I don’t know if one will come by in the next 10 and 20 years that has this much potential and drive.”

Program-altering moments followed immediately by more program-altering moments seem like the only fitting ending to a high school career defined by doing a little bit of everything.

Hohbein first joined the varsity program as an eighth-grade defensive specialist, and after receiving playing time, was moved to libero

for her freshman campaign. Then, as she continued to thrive with more experience, she took on the roles of outside hitter and setter in her sophomore and junior campaigns, respectively.

“I want to be very flexible, and I want to be able to play wherever I can best help my team,” Hohbein said. “Wherever my coach thinks I should play, that’s where I’m going to play.”

Hohbein’s desire to succeed originally came from watching her older sister, Riley, play volleyball, and quickly, she showed a natural fit for the game, joining club volleyball at the age

of 8. While she did take a few years off to venture into AAU basketball, she has maintained a close relationship with the sport, playing club outside of the fall season. Her proactive nature and competitiveness carry over into the season, where she is always trying to improve herself and the Huskers.

“Her volleyball IQ is crazy,” Klatt said. “She brings this perspective to the team of wanting to do different things. She’ll send me videos and ask, ‘Can we do this at practice?’ She’s always wanting to try other things to make us better.”

And as the team applies new ways of self-betterment, positive results have followed. With Hohbein setting records and everyone on the roster stepping up, Holdingford has won nine matches in a row, including eight consecutive victories to close out the regular season.

“In the beginning of the season, we started off a little rocky.

Our chemistry wasn’t there as much as we thought it would be,” Hohbein said. “But I know we have a close bond on and off the court. If we translate that into our gameplay, then we’re able to play well as a team and work cohesively.”

Hohbein contributed 15 more kills in Holdingford’s 3-1 (25-20, 18-25, 25-19, 25-23) Section 6AA first-round road win over Royalton Oct. 26, less than a month after falling to the Royals 3-1 Oct. 5, the last time it lost. The Huskers’ quarterfinals opponent, the No. 1-seeded Albany Huskies, will not be an easy out. However, Holdingford’s jack of all trades aims to keep her final high school alive and make the most out of the activity she holds dear.

“When I’m on the court, nothing else matters,” she said. “I’m just in my own little world, and I forgot about the stress of everyday life, school and everything. I love being around my teammates and love playing the sport.”

Albany aquatics finish 3rd at conference meet

BY MIKE KOSIK | STAFF WRITER

The Albany Area High School girls swimming and diving team finished third at the Granite Ridge Conference Meet Oct. 28 at Becker High School in Becker.

Albany’s best finishes were Lauren Hennen’s second-place mark in the 100-yard backstroke at 1 minute, 7.55 seconds, Teagan Crumley’s third-place finish in the 100 butterfly at 1:09.13 and Mya Justin’s third-place performance in the 100 yard backstroke at 1:11.19 The Huskies accumulated 329 points as a team, behind first-place Foley’s 587 and second-place Milaca’s 539.

Albany results: 200MR: 5. Hennen, Crumley, Sara Eiynck and Trista Hoffarth 2:5.88. 200FS: 4. Mckenzie Eiynck 2:14.8. 200IM: 4. Sara Eiynck 2:35.44. 50FS: 9. Hoffarth 27.3.

100FLY: 3. Crumley 1:09.13. 100FS: 4. Hoffarth 1:01.14.

500FS: 4. Mckenzie Eiynck 6:02.08. 200FSR: 8. Sara Eiynck, Crumley, Rayvin Pullins and Hennen 1:56.05. 100BK: 2. Hennen 1:07.55. 100BR: 4. Crumley 1:18.63. 400FSR: 5. Hennen, Justin, Mckenzie Eiynck and Hoffarth 4:13.21.

Mckenzie Eiynck pushes herself forward in the 500-yard freestyle Oct. 28 at Becker High School in Becker.

Eiynck was the fourthplace finisher in the event at the Granite Ridge Conference Meet.

PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON

Albany’s Lauren Hennen (from left), Foley’s Liz Thorsten and Albany’s Mya Justin stand on the podium with their 100-yard backstroke medals Oct. 28 at Becker High School in Becker. Hennen took second in the race for the Huskies at 1 minute and 7.55 seconds, while Justin ended up third with a time of 1:11.19.

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THE STAR POST | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023 | Page 9

Huskies race to state meet Runners Schwalbe, Lundgren show strength at section competition

Melrose, Holdingford swimmers earn acclaim

BY HERMAN LENSING | STAFF WRITER

BY MIKE KOSIK STAFF WRITER

Albany cross-country athletes Eva Lundgren and Carter Schwalbe raced to strong finishes at the Section 8AA Championships Oct. 26 at Little Falls Country Club in Little Falls and will represent the program at the Class AA Minnesota State High School League Cross-Country State Tournament Saturday, Nov. 4.

Eva Lundgren finished ninth overall in the PHOTOS SUBMITTED girls 5,000-meter race and (Left) Carter Schwalbe wears a cross-country medal following his finish at the Section 8AA Championships Oct. 26 at Little Falls Country Club in Little Falls. Schwalbe will represent Albany Schwalbe 11th in the boys race. For Schwalbe, this will at the Class AA Minnesota State High School League Cross-Country State Tournament Nov. 4 at be his second time at state. Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights. (Right) Eva Lundgren dons the medal she earned for her finish at the Section 8AA Championships Oct. 26 at Little Falls Country Club in Little Falls.

“Eva and Carter both The Albany Huskies runner will compete at the Class AA Minnesota State High School League knew they needed to have Cross-Country State Tournament for the first time. one of their best races in order to advance to state in el, 48th, 18:17.2; Mason such a tough section,” said “I didn’t feel like I 19 minutes, 13.24 seconds Plumski, 51st, 18:21.87; Kathy Conrad, head coach. could’ve pushed myself any and Schwalbe 16:35.71.

“They trained extremely faster,” he said.

As a team, the Huskies Owen Goebel, 60th, 18:42.82; Owen Carlson, hard all season and trustAfter many years at St. boys finished sixth overall ed their training as they Olaf College in Northfield, and the girls seventh among 63rd, 19:06.14; and Brandon Moritz, 70th, 19:23.44. stepped to the starting line. the state meet has shifted to 13 teams. There were 88 The Huskies girls scorThey both stayed in the mo- the Les Bolstad Golf Course runners in the girls race and ment and pushed themselves in Falcon Heights. It is a 91 in the boys. Perham fin- ing after Lundgren came each and every step.” familiar place to many high ished first for the boys team from Tessa Lundgren, 30th, The senior Schwalbe school cross-country runat 31 points and Alexandria 20:12.06; Laina Kalthoff, 43rd, 21:31.03; Bella Schifran his best time ever and ners, as hundreds compete won the girls competition fler, 58th, 22:08.4; Sydney said it feels good to be back there each year at the annual with a score of 40. at state.

University of Minnesota Also competing for the Dingmann, 64th, 22:30.15; and Grace Grabmeier, 80th, As for his race at secRoy Griak Invitational.

Albany boys were Kee24:16.79. tions, he said he ran really At sections, Eva Lund- gan Eibensteiner, 38th, well. gren finished with a time of 17:56.52; Collin Goeb-

Melrose cross-country concludes season strong Girls team finishes 5th

title.

Tim Wilwerding continued as the Dutchmen boys team’s top runner, coming in at 19:02.3 to take 34th place. Sawyer Frieler, running in his final cross-country meet, finished at 19:22.6 in 47th place.

Malachi Piche, 19:24.4, was 49th. A 19:32.9 finish brought Logan Rue 52nd and 53rd was won with a 19:34 outing from Dominic Kerzman.

The Dutchmen earned 233 points. Bertha-Hewitt scored 48 points to win the event.

“The kids showed a lot of improvement from the beginning of year to where they are at now,” Brever said. “We have a lot to look forward to.”

BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER

The Melrose Area cross-country teams broke camp for the final time this year following the Section 6A Championships Oct. 26 at Long Prairie Country Club in Long Prairie.

Nobody from the program will be advancing to the state meet.

“The girls finished fifth out of the 21 teams, which is an exciting finish for us,” said Scott Brever, head coach. “A couple of the girls were right on the bubble of making state.

Overall, a lot of success to celebrate on the girls’ side.

On the boys’ side, we took ninth out of 21teams. We were seeded in that area.

The boys performed where they should have. We had that pack mentality and we ran like that. The kids had great races.”

Danica Kerzman had her best run of the year in the girls race. She barely missed breaking the 21-minute mark, finishing

Lady Dutchmen carry the conference crown

PHOTOS BY HERMAN LENSING

Danica Kerzman (left) sprints away from Benson’s Amber Rosemeier to take 13th place at the Section 6A Championships Oct. 26 at Long Prairie Country Club in Long Prairie. Kerzman’s 21:01 finish was her fastest race of the fall.

at 21 minutes, .01 seconds to take 13th place. The final state qualifier was eighth place. She was the first Lady Dutchman to cross the finish line.

“She had PR’ed today and passed Maria (Hinnenkamp) for the first time,”

Isaiah Zink (front) leads fellow Dutchmen (back, from left) Dominic Kerzman, and Malachi Piche; (back right) Thor Hoppe as they race in the Section 6A Championships Oct. 26 at Long Prairie Country Club in Long Prairie. The Dutchmen ran as a group throughout the race.

Maria Hinnenkamp keeps up a steady pace at the Section 6A Championships Oct. 26 at Long Prairie Country Club in Long Prairie. Hinnenkamp raced to 16th place.

Melrose and Holdingford results: 200MR: 1. (M) Ruoff, Drossel, Anderson and Kraemer 1:55.3 and 5. (H) Kuklok, Scegura, Tschida and Gross 2:09.94.

200FS: 1. (M) Reed 2:07.09 and 9. (H) Lynn Arvig 2:23.41. 200IM: 1. (M) Drossel 2:14.84 and 6. (H) Kuklok 2:36.69. 50FS: 4. (M) Ruoff 26.93 and 11. (H) Johnson 28.73. Diving: 2. (M) Eveslage 341.6 points and 13. (H) Angelika Diakite 210.3.

100FLY: 2. (M) Kraemer 1:04.54 and 7. (H) Tschida 1:10. 100FS: 2. (M) Reed 57.42 and 9. Johnson 1:03.04. 500FS: 1. (M) Smith 5:48.88 and 7. (H) Gross 6:04.16.

200FSR: 2. (M) Drossel, Berscheit, Reed and Kraemer 1:45.09 and 4. (H) Gross, Breth, Johnson and Tschida 1:51.43. 100BK: 2. (M) Ruoff 1:04.4 and 9. Kuklok 1:12.35. 100BR: 1. (M) Drossel 1:06.93 and 6. Scegura 1:19.92. 400FSR: 2. (M) Reed, Smith, Zirbes and Ruoff 3:53.72 and 4. (H) Gross, Breth, Kuklok and Tschida 4:06.59.

HOLDINGFORD SPORTS

Volleyball starts playoffs on winning note

BY MIKE KOSIK | STAFF WRITER

The Holdingford volleyball team got off to a winning start in the Section 6AA Tournament Oct. 26, defeating the Royalton Royals 3-1 at Royalton High School in Royalton.

After winning the first set 25-20, the Royals came back to win the second 25-18 to tie the match. After that, it was all Holdingford the rest of the way with 25-19 and 25-23 victories.

“It was an exciting game to be a part of,” said Molly Klatt, head coach. “Royalton played their hearts out and had a stellar defense. We came to win tonight and we did just that.”

Makenna Hohbein led the Huskers in kills with 15, Cali Opatz had 24 serves with three aces, Maddy Mitchell logged 69 set assists and Gabby Bruns piled up 15 digs.

“Ava Hagerty had a great night at the net with six blocks,” Klatt said.

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BATTLE MELROSE

Brever said. “Maria ran great too.”

Hinnenkamp’s 21:16.2 brought her 16th place out of 110 runners. Kaitlyn Klasen, 21:56.5, finished at 29th, giving the Lady Dutchmen three runners in the top 30. Zoe Hoeschen concluded her season in 51st place, with her 23:11.4 showing being her best time of the season. Greta Von Wahlde’s 23:46 earned her 69th place.

The Lady Dutchmen finished with 153 points.

The Staple-Motley Cardinals, with four top10 finishes, scored 39 to win the team

The Melrose Area Lady Dutchmen dominated the West Central Conference girls swimming and diving award podium Oct. 27 at Montevideo High School in Montevideo.

Melrose won the five-school meet with 717 points, with the Holdingford Huskers taking fifth with 284 points. Other schools competing were runners-up Sauk Centre, thirdplace Morris/Minnewaska and fourth-place Montevideo.

The Lady Dutchmen had an All-Conference or honorable mention winner in every event. Holdingford’s 200-yard freestyle relay and 400 freestyle relay earned honorable mention.

Melrose produced five first-place finishes and finished with 13 All-Conference medals and nine honorable mention medals.

“The top two finishers are All-Conference and third and fourth place earn honorable mention,” said Nathan Meyer, Melrose head coach. “We had a lot of finishes with four in the top eight. That is how we were able to build our lead.”

Distance freestyle races produced the Lady Dutchmen’s best showings. The 200 freestyle duo of Lauren Reed and Jaiden Smith made that race their own showcases, finishing first and second, respectively. Reed won at 2 minutes, 7.09 seconds, .26 of a second faster than Smith. It was Smith’s best time of the year.

Smith, at 5:48.88, led Melrose to a 1-2 finish in the 500 freestyle. Maggie Frieler’s 5:52.96 was .11 of a second faster than the third-place time. Both Smith and Frieler had their best times of the season.

The 200 individual medley saw medals go to three Lady Dutchmen, as Hallie Drossel, Ava Wensmann and Madisyn Von Wahlde finished 1-3-4 and Maggie Frieler took eighth place. Drossel capped her day winning the 100 breaststroke at 1:06.93, a new meet record.

“She was out to get that record,” Meyer said. “She is the best breaststroker we’ve seen in the conference over the last several years.”

Other conference medals came to Josie Eveslage, diving, and Maddi Kraemer, 100 butterfly. More swims with four in the top eight were the 100 freestyle, where Reed led and Makayla Zirbes, Ella Erdmann and Olivia Nathe swam to a 2-5-7-8 finish; Brooke Ruoff in the 100 backstroke; the 200 medley relay team of Ruoff, Drossel, Georgia Anderson and Kraemer; the 200 freestyle relay grouping of Drossel, Anika Berscheit, Reed and Kraemer; and the 400 freestyle relay squad of Reed, Smith, Zirbes and Ruoff.

All four Lady Dutchmen divers —Eveslage, second; Theresia Nathe, fourth; Ella Dockendorf, fifth; and Bella Kuechle, seventh -- had their best marks of the year.

Melrose placed four more in the top eight in the 100 backstroke and 100 breaststroke “Madison Von Wahlde finished fifth and Ella (Erdmann) and Ella (Klaphake) tied for eighth,” Meyer said. “It was exciting to see what they could do.”

The Huskers 200 freestyle relay team of Maggie Gross, Kylie Breth, Grayce Johnson and Madison Tschida pulled out all the stops in earning their honorable mention medal.

The quartet finished at 1:51.43 for fourth place.

Three members of that quartet — Gross, Breth and Tschida — were joined by Brooklyn Kuklok taking fourth place in the 400 freestyle relay, earning the team a second honorable mention medal. Holdingford’s best individual showing was sixth-place finishes by Kuklok in the 200 individual medley and Afton Scegura in the 100 breaststroke.

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SAUK CENTRE

VS Streeters

4

The Sauk Centre and Melrose Lions are doing a Border Battle between Sauk Centre and Melrose high school sports. Each time one beats the other they will get a point. The winner gets a donation to their school’s booster club or a scholarship from the other club.