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Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Number 48 • Volume 134
Communication vital to dairy farmers’ lifestyle
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
NAMI provides support, services for mental health issues
pg. 6
BY HERMAN LENSING STAFF WRITER
The need to communicate and listen. That was at the heart of a Thankful for Family Farmers Growing Our Future presentation by counselor Ted Matthews, from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Nov. 10, during a National Alliance on Mental Illness presentation at the Melrose American Legion in Melrose. COMMUNITY COVERAGE 127 YEARS NAMI-St. Cloud Area organized the event, which was sponsored by Stearns County PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN Farm Bureau, Minnesota Eleanor Marthaler (front, from left) watches as Dave Jonas and Mary Hopfer dish up her Thanksgiving meal Nov. 23 at Harvest Church in Freeport. The Dairy Initiative and MinneMarthaler family, which includes Jeremy (back, from left), Jessica and Natalie, are from Sauk Centre. sota Farmers Union Matthews provided information about dealing with stress on dairy farms. He said there have been many changes in the last 50 years, some which add to the stress levels of farming. “Everything in farming is an educated guess,” he said. “It doesn’t mean it will work out. What is the only reason a person would be a dairy a Thanksgiving meal. That includes their their daughter. The funeral of Steinemann’s farmer? It’s was because that’sto rise Monday, More than 25 volunteer As the sun starting Commercial daughter, Julie Steinemann, of Greenwald, husband Jim was held in August at Harvest you and what you are.” Contractors Company workers from MelroseHarvest were in- Church and her son, Logan, who are church members. Church. during The swing of feelings side theby Lisa’s building working on securing In fact, Dave dished up homemade dressClose to 150 people were served the tracaused hopeOn andMain expecthe west wall. PHOTO BYThanksgiving CAROL MOORMANmeal ing he and Judy made. ditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, dresstations versus the reality of “We’ve been married almost 50 years,” ing, mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, getting the work done and Judy said, with Dave adding, “We’ve been cranberries and rolls, along with a variety of BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER crops in, changing prices and making food almost 40 years” for weddings, pies. Church member Paula Peltz said the two the need to meet payment hog roasts and over events. homemade pies she made were still warm, schedules are not always Along with giving of their time, with proof that they were made earlier that mornolunteers Dave and Judy Jonas, understood by non-farming more than 25 other volunteers, the dressing ing. of rural Sauk Centre, worked communities. alongside Harvest Church congre- was their donation to the second annual event. Thanksgiving page 3 The Jonases were volunteering thanks to gation members in Freeport Nov. 23 serving Dairy farmers page 3
400 Block update
Giving back while
giving thanks V
Sitting with
Santa
y n a b l A director’s debut Kleppe, Rysavy, Wilwerding delighted to work with ‘Spamalot’ cast, crew BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER
PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN
Ivy Kluempke (front, right) smiles but Varian Kluempke is not quite as happy about sitting on Santa’s lap at Coborn’s in Melrose during the Nov. 24 Melrose Holiday Kickoff in Melrose. After visiting with Santa, children could color and decorate a cookie.
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Amy Wilwerding is used to being on stage, bringing a character to life. For the Albany Area Schools’ production of “Spamalot,” she is in front of the stage directing the cast of more than 45 students in grades 6-12. It is her first time directing a production. “As a director, it’s a completely different set of skills than being on stage,” she said. “I’m in charge of every-
thing, and that has been, at times, overwhelming, but it definitely feels good when you solve the problem of the day, and there is always at least one.” Vocal director Kara Rysavy is also new to Albany productions but she has had many opportunities to work as an actor and musical director. “I was most recently on stage as the narrator for G Theatre’s Production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,’ and I directed music for several shows for the schools I have previously taught in,” Rysavy said.
PUBLIC NOTICES Meire Grove Cooperative Notice of Special Meeting.............. pg. 11 City of Melrose Public Hearing ............................................. pg. 11 City of Albany Public Hearing ............................................... pg. 11 Summons............................................................................. pg. 10 West Central Education District Minutes (2) ......................... pg. 10 West Central Eduacation District Annual Budget .................. pg. 10 Albany Area Schools Annual Budget .................................... pg. 10 Albany Area Schools Agenda, Nov. 29 .................................. pg. 10 City of Avon Ord. No. 233, 235 and 236 ................................ pg. 10 Assumed Name Amendment - Projoy Bookkeeping ............. pg. 11
Debut page 5
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Artistic director Amy Wilwerding (second from left) and vocal director Kara Rysavy (right) work with students on a scene from “Spamalot” Nov. 22 in the Blattner Energy Arts Theatre at Albany Area Schools in Albany. Wilwerding and Rysavy are in their first year of directing at the Albany school. Not pictured was John Kleppe, technical director since 2018 and pit band director since 2017.
BIRTHS page 3 Evan John Goebel Jameson Ray Passeau
OBITUARY page 9 Michael W. Rieland
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NEWS
Page 2 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 | THE STAR POST
Kicking off the holidays
Chamber
in Melrose
Spotlight
Genevieve (from left) and Becky Kapsner, Sydney Zink, Johann and Esther Kapsner, Voni Degeest and Marit Elliott sing a Christmas song Nov. 24 while people browse through the craft and vendor sale at the Melrose City Center in Melrose during the Melrose Holiday Kickoff. After stopping at the Melrose library and singing with Jesse Kuechle, they went caroling at area businesses.
Pastor Alvin Helms
About the Organization Organization Name: Avon Community Church How long have you been established? The church, which is a member of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference (CCCC), was planted in 1987. What services do you offer? We offer an Evangelical service on Sundays at 10:30 am. In addition, we offer Sunday school, Christian education, youth group, adult classes and VBS, along with weddings and funerals. We are also a host site for MOPS and Red Cross blood drives. Tell us about upcoming events at the church. We are excited to be hosting our first Living Nativity on December 22 from 6:00-8:00 pm. All are welcome to join us to view the nativity, including live animals, and stay for refreshments! About the Individual Your Name and Title: Alvin Helms, Lead Pastor. Years in Position: I have been at ACC for 4 years, with 30 total years of experience What is your favorite part of your job? It is truly a privilege that people let me into their lives at the happiest and saddest times in their life. What made you interested in the field you are currently working in? I am a third generation pastor, growing up in and around the church who felt called to this work. What has been your biggest professional accomplishment? My biggest accomplishment has been the leaders that I have mentored over the years, stretching them to reach their full potential. Chamber Support What value does the chamber bring or provide to your business? I strongly believe in partnerships and the importance of small business. Living in a small community, churches like ours who have a strong love for their city can really help people in practical ways. This city, including the churches, businesses, organizations and community members, really care about each other.
PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN
PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN
Chris Ellering walks with the Nativity-themed St. Mary’s Catholic Church float in the parade during the Nov. 24 Melrose Holiday Kickoff in Melrose. “His work unwraps the magic of Christmas” were the words on the side of the float.
PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING
Abigail Hoeschen pets a horse in front of Freeport State Bank after a ride on a horse drawn wagon Nov. 24 during the Melrose Christmas Kickoff in Melrose. There were also Stearns Electric Polar Express rides and Harvest Church winter run rides and tractor trolley rides. PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN
Snowmen outfitted individuals Karl Klaphake (from left), Janel Moening, Danny Dickhaus and Eileen Middendorf walk down main street during the Nov. 24 parade as part of the Melrose Holiday Kickoff in Melrose. The song “Frosty the Snowman” played as the float made its way down the parade route, which started at Park View Care Center and ended on East Main Street.
Area Chamber of Commerce
P48-1B-TV
Lakes, Loons & Living
PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING
Kira Fuechtmann (from left), Ruby Fuechtmann and Rikki Schulzetenberg smile with the Grinch watching the Nov. 24 parade during the Melrose Holidays Kickoff in Melrose. The Grinch greeted spectators during the parade.
Santa making the rounds Dec. 1 Santa will be at Sacred Heart School, 303 Second Ave. NE, Freeport, from 4-7 p.m., where youth can have their photos taken and receive a goodie bag. There BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER will be crafts, coloring, cookie decorating and food nizations have once again Santa Claus and his and refreshments in the decorated buildings with helpers will be making the gym with hayrides around a Christmas theme on the rounds, vising with chiltown. Pioneer Club grounds. dren, Friday, Dec. 1, with Santa will travel north The village’s drivescheduled appearances in to Holdingford listening Albany, Avon, Freeport and through light display hours to children’s wishes from are from 5-10 p.m., Fridays, 4:30-7 p.m. at the HoldHoldingford. You can meet Santa and Saturdays and Sundays, ingford American Legion, Dec. 2-Jan. 1, and from Mrs. Claus and have your 560 Main St., Holdingford. 5-10 p.m., Monday, Dec. photo taken from 4:30-7 There will be a tree lighting 25, and Monday, Jan. 1. p.m., at Santa’s Pioneer at the Wobegon Trailhead Celebrate the Magic of garden, caroling with the Village at the Stearns CounChristmas in Avon during ty Pioneer Club grounds, Pedals to Petals Garden a 6 p.m. tree lighting at the Club at 6 p.m. and sleigh 21565 360th St., Albany. Lake Wobegon Trailhead, There will be train rides, rides outside the American holiday caroling, marshmal- 108 Second St. NE, Avon. Legion from 5-7 p.m. The low roasting, and hot choc- Children can visit with Holdingford Historical olate to sip while admiring Santa and Mrs. Claus and Museum will be open from the light displays at Santa’s receive a goodie bag. There 5-8 p.m. will be tractor wagon rides, Pioneer Village. cookies and hot chocolate. Businesses and orga-
Santa’s Pioneer Village in Albany open weekends
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NEWS
THE STAR POST | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 | Page 3
Albany School Board approves updated transportation RFP
including a non-compete clause for rehiring the district’s current transportation department employees. The approval came during a year when driver BY HANS LAMMEMAN STAFF WRITER demand led to the district using the transportation The Albany School company 4.0 School Board took its next step in Services to transport some relieving driver shortage-re- students to and from school. lated transportation issues Okerlund said the by approving a request approved RFP was schedfor proposals concerning uled to be sent to potential contracting out services candidates Nov. 9. to third-party transporta“We will specifically tion companies at a Nov. 8 send it (the RFP) out to all meeting in the district office of the transportation carriers board room in Albany. in our area,” Okerlund said. Superintendent Travis “We are also going to post Okerlund said the approved it on the two major trade RFP contained updates, organizations’ websites.”
Contracted services, alternative options to be considered
Okerlund said administrators would examine and present the proposals at the board’s November work session. “We will get those bids back the Monday before the next work session, which is Nov. 29,” Okerlund said. “We’ll have them all for you, but I think we will vet through them so we can tell you guys which one, two or maybe three we recommend.” In response to concerns from board vice chair Scott Hanson about the district’s drivers being aware of potential changes, Okerlund said he would ensure current employees are
Jameson Ray Passeau
Jeremy Passeau and Cheyenne Bollin, of Melrose, are happy to announce the birth of their son, Jameson informed of the process. Ray Passeau, at 7:07 p.m., Okerlund said he had Nov. 20, 2023, at CentraCareworked with the district’s Melrose Hospital in Melrose. director of technology to He weighed 7 pounds, consider possibilities if 15 ounces and measured 20.5 the board decides against contracting out the transpor- inches long. Big sister Analaya is at home. tation services. Grandparents are Christina “Craig (Waldvogel) Jameson Ray Passeau Passeau and Mike Passeau. and I have been working Great-grandparents are Bonnie on what happens if we Passeau and Wayne Passeau. Bowes, John Bowes, Diana
don’t contract and what that would mean,” Okerlund said. “Also, I have some alternatives that we could address transportation in a much costlier fashion but could manage it through our own organization or at least theoretically so.”
Thanksgiving from front
Before the 11 a.m. serving time, volunteers Randy Arnhalt, Chuck Donaldson, Becky Lauer, the Jonases and Mary Hopfer filled takeout containers along with pie pieces sliced by Marty Olson, which Andy Rademacher delivered to employees working at some businesses, including CentraCare-Melrose Hospital. Pastor Allen Wieling was grateful to all the volunteers, diners and donors. “Everything was donated. I just had to buy a couple containers of milk,” he said. Wieling was on a separate mission around noon. He went to pick up a woman from Albany who had called earlier in the week, inquiring about the meal, telling him she did not have a ride to Freeport,
Birth A N N O U N C E M E N T S
Evan John Goebel
Aaron and Janel Goebel, of Melrose, are happy to announce the birth of their son, Evan John Goebel, at 11:21 p.m., Nov. 9, 2023, at CentraCare-Melrose Hospital in Melrose. He weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Big sister Emily, 2, welcomed him home. Grandparents are Lyle and Linda Hoffarth, of Avon; John Goebel, of Sauk Centre; and Marian Goebel, of Melrose. Great-grandparents are Romaine Hoffarth, of St.
Evan John Goebel Joseph; and Delores Schmitz, of Cold Spring.
60TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Alfred and Rita Feldewerd Alfred and Rita Feldewerd are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married Nov. 19, 1963, at St. Martin Catholic PHOTO BY CAROL MOORMAN Church in St. Judy Jonas (from left), Julie Steinemann and Dave Jonas display the homemade dressing the Martin. Jonases made for the Thanksgiving meal Nov. 23 at Harvest Church in Freeport. Steinemann is A private the daughter of the Jonases and a member of the church. celebration will so Wieling offered to pick That is what the day ly, so friendly,” Judy Jonas be at a later date.
her up and bring her home. For that, the woman was thankful, he said.
was all about — giving back while giving thanks. “Everyone is so friend-
said.
Alfred and Rita Feldewerd
What’s H A P P E N I N G
Dairy farmers
Friday, Dec. 1, 4:30-7:30 p.m. — Burger Night. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.
from front
Sunday, Dec. 3, 3 p.m. — Grey Eagle Community Chorus Advent concert. Grey Eagle United Methodist Church, 30422 County Road 2, Grey Eagle. Sunday, Dec. 3, 1-4 p.m. — Music by Lady and the Cowboy. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose. Monday, Dec. 4, 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. PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING
Monday, Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m. — Avon City Council Meeting. Avon City Hall, 140 Stratford St. E, Avon.
Ted Matthews talks about the steps and levels leading to anger explosions Nov. 10 during a National Alliance on Mental Illness presentation at the Melrose American Legion in Melrose. He Tuesday, Dec. 5, 1:30 p.m. — Albany Senior Center stressed the need to communicate. Meeting. Albany Area Community-Senior Centre,
services come right after harvest time. There is a change in what he is being asked to help with. “When I started the difference in the divorce rate between off the farm and on the farm was huge,” he said. “It’s not a matter of who is right or wrong, but how we change from one society to another.” The stresses have impacted how farms are transferred, how dynamics work after a marriage brings another person into the farm family and raising children. Some of that is caused by problems in communicating. “Communication on farms is probably tenfold more important than it was in the past, and we have 10 times as much to talk about than we did in the past,” Matthews said. “Now, we have all kinds of things going on on the farm, huge amounts of money. Discussing those things becomes incredibly volatile.” They are often issues not everyone wants to discuss, but they need to be resolved. The frustrations caused by those challenges can lead to angry exchanges, according to Matthews. Setting a time to talk about the issues helps. That is the way to calm down the anger. “Men and women don’t necessarily think alike on a lot of things, but that doesn’t mean it’s a waste of time to talk,” he said. “It’s a
matter of respect and taking care of that respect and how you do it.” Matthews touched on the need to realize when dealing with teenagers, they are not dealing with adults. He challenged attendees to remember they were not always the people they are now. If the challenges and frustrations become too much for some, it can lead to suicide, Matthews said. He offered statistics on suicide, such as more women than men attempt suicide, but more men are successful. In part, it is because men usually use guns and women use drugs. He has noticed depression played a role in attempts — along with a lack of communication. “The number one message is we don’t know what to do if we are afraid somebody is suicidal, and if we don’t know what to do, we do nothing. So, it’s important every person knows someone or something they can advocate for,” he said. “And if you aren’t sure, you can call a clergyman. Heck, you can call the sheriff. But do something. You never know what that will result in. Doing something as opposed to doing nothing may save a life.” He said in urban areas they have many resources. “In rural areas we need to rely on veterinarians, farm managers, the exten-
sion office, farm mediators, clergy, social workers,” he said. “We all play a part in the mental health aspect in our communities. We are the resources, and we need to work together.” Matthews stressing the need to communicate, listen and talk resonated with people attending the 1.5 hour presentation. “He touched on a lot of good points you’ve got to think about,” said Allen Gamradt, a retired farmer now living in Melrose. Kali Christensen, a retired social worker and now a United Methodist pastor in four Todd County communities, will utilize what she learned. “When we offer support there is always another side,” she said. “We have to be open-minded and available.” Dana Adams, from the Minnesota Extension Office, offered her take-aways. “We learned more about health and how to engage as they transition to the incredible stress of farming,” she said. NAMI-St. Cloud Area provides support, education and advocacy, according to president, Nick Johnston. “You can never have enough mental health services,” he said. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for someone to speak with.
741 Lake Ave., Albany. Tuesday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m. — Schanhaar-Otte Post 7050 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose. Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. — Albany City Council Meeting. Albany City Hall, 400 Railroad Ave., Albany. Wednesday, Dec. 6, 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, Dec. 7, 7 p.m. — Bingo. Holdingford American Legion, 560 Main St., Holdingford. Upcoming: Tuesday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. — Melrose American Legion Post 101 and Auxiliary meetings. Melrose American Legion clubroom, 265 County Road 173, Melrose.
Join Us in Worship ALBANY
FREEPORT
OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
HARVEST CHURCH
320-845-2405
320-836-2997
oursaviorslutheranalbany.org
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MELROSE
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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
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“I’ve had many conversations trying to explain what farming is like,” he said. “It’s important we understand who we are working with. I have several friends who are farmers, and I call them all the time (and ask) how things are going, what prices are and what that means.” Matthews said the role of women is the biggest change in farming in the last 50 years. It used to be that the husband did the work outside. Some of that was because of labor demand to work the fields, some of it was because of technology. Some was tradition. “When you talk about equipment changes, it means women can farm now,” he said. “In the past, women were not physically able to do the work. In the future, women will be taking over the farms because they can, if they want to.” He agreed with the maxim that two heads are better than one. “In the past, our grandparents didn’t communicate those things because it wasn’t an issue for them,” Matthews said. “Now, with women doing the books, working off of the farm and oftentimes working at the farm, communication involves both parties.” He said often with women who work off of the farm, they come home from their job and the focus is always on the farm. “But what about their job, what about their stress at their job?” Matthews said. “If you only focus on the farm, that creates all kinds of problems.” Matthews, who was notified Nov. 16 that he is the recipient of the 2023 Minnesota Rural Health Lifetime Achievement Award, has seen the results of the added stress in his 30 years of working with farmers. He is not amazed to find most requests for his
If you would like parishioners to see your church here, please contact Robin at 320-351-7837 or robin.b@star-pubs.com
Page 4 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 | THE STAR POST
NEWS
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.
Melrose fire department to receive new Jaws of Life Paid for with portion of state public safety funds BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER
The Melrose Fire Department will be receiving new Jaws of Life and airbags, both rescue tools. The Melrose City Council, during their Nov. 16 meeting at Melrose City Center in Melrose, approved using a portion of the city’s state public safety funds for this equipment. The 2023 omnibus tax bill included $210 million in one-time public safety aid distributed to cities across Minnesota Dec. 26. According to the Estimated Public Safety Aid for Cities and Eligible Towns document, from the MN Senate Committee, Melrose is estimated to receive about $158,233 in public safety aid at the end of December, and the plan is to split the funds evenly between the city’s three public safety departments — police, fire and ambulance — finance director Ryan Meyer said in a follow-up email Nov. 21. Fire chief Tom Budde, during the Nov, 16 meeting, suggested to the council the purchase of the Jaws of Life — cutter, spreader and ram — now as he anticipates lengthy lead times. The cutter costs $13,780, the spreader $15,080 and the ram $10,665. Other cities in the fire service area will be assisting in paying for this equipment with their anticipated public safety funds, Budde said Nov. 22. There is a need for the upgraded equipment. “The current set we have, with the equipment vehicles are made out of, it’s getting tougher to cut through,” Budde said. Council members also approved purchasing air bags, at a cost of $4,800, as suggested by Budde. He cited the example of fire rescue members using airbags following a tractor rollover. Touching on a vehicle-related topic, Budde said the department’s ladder truck is scheduled to be replaced in 2028, and while they have funds in the set-aside fund, there is not enough. He said they will be asking local businesses, organizations and the city for financial support for this new truck. “With two new apartment complexes, we don’t have the tools in our toolbox to get to the top. That’s what the new ladder truck will do,” he said. “We love to see the growth, but with growth comes bigger equipment.” On another vehicle note, police chief Craig Maus said after almost 26 months of delays on ordered squad cars, there is “light at the end of the tunnel.” He told council members the 2023 squad car on order will be built in 2024 and a scheduled 2024 replacement vehicle will also be built later in 2024. “So we should get two cars next year,” he said. In other council news: — During a budget workshop before the Nov. 16 council meeting, Ryan Meyer, financial director, presented a review of the proposed 2024 budget, levy and 2024-2028 capital projects plan. Some revisions include a reduction of the proposed general tax levy from $1,550,000 to $1,400,000; projects associated with the city’s American Rescue Plan Act funds were moved from 2023 to 2024, when road construction on Railroad Avenue is scheduled to begin; the Daylight Court sidewalk project and associated grant revenues were moved from 2023 to 2024, when construction is scheduled to begin; health insurance projections were updated to quoted amounts; wage calculations were updated for upcoming retirements and subsequent hiring of replacements; and there were several miscellaneous updates based on updated projections. The council will approve the final budget, levy and capital projects plan during the Dec. 14 truth-in-taxation meeting at the city center. — Reappointed Budde as fire chief 2024-2026. — Approved an increase in the ambulance department 2024 run time wage scale from $17.50 to $22.28 an hour, with an increase also in stand-by wages for the ambulance and fire departments. Also approved a 2024 wage scale for a paramedic/transport nurse from $59.25 to $75. — Approved support for a petition, initiated by a local individual, requesting Stearns County consider a Lake Wobegon Trail extension starting south of the Interstate 94 and Highway 4 junction, just west of Melrose, and travel south along Highway 4 to the Dairyland Trail, crossing Highway 55 and continuing along Kandiyohi County Road 6 to the intersection of the Glacial Lakes Trail. The plan has been presented to the Stearns County Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee with a request to be placed on their 10-20 year master plan. Other cities asked to support the petition include Albany, Avon, Brooten, Cold Spring, Collegeville, Elrosa, Freeport, Greenwald, Holdingford, Lake Henry, Meire Grove, Melrose, New Munich, Paynesville, Richmond, Rockville, Roscoe, St. Cloud, St. Joseph, Spring Hill and Waite Park.
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OPINION
Thankful for the helping hand of hospice
A few years ago I wrote an article about a she would have one next time. The next week group of people who ensures no one dies alone. came and Mom followed through with her Two weeks ago I interviewed Hannah promise and found she loved those baths. Harren, a CentraCare Hospice and Home Care Pat invited me to go with Mom while she nurse, who shared with me that she has been received a whirlpool bath one time, and I realwith hundreds of people as they took their last ized why Mom liked them. It felt so good on breath. her weathered body and sensitive skin. Mom “For me, it’s as if every death is your never turned down a whirlpool bath again, first one,” she said. “These moments are that that I know if. special, that unique, because everybody is The hospice chaplain visited Mom reguFrom the Heart different.” larly and prayed with her — and me if I was by Carol Moorman She talked about the honor of journeying there. Even a hospice volunteer, who was with patients. once the president of CentraCare, accompa“Even though a person is dying, there is new life,” nied Darlene during one of her visits with Mom. He asked she said. “Their body is no longer living, but their spirit is Mom questions about the family photos she had on a shelf alive.” and seemed genuinely interested in her life. For Harren, there is something powerful about walkThat’s the way it was with all of the hospice staff who ing with patients and their families through the whole tended to Mom’s needs. They lent a helping — and caring end-of-life journey. — hand, while providing comfort. Our family was one of those families. The comfort November is National Hospice and Palliative Care she, fellow hospice nurse Darlene Schoenberg, hospice Month, a time to especially say thank you to these aide Pat Scherping and other team members lent to Mom wonderful people who become like a part of a person’s and our family will never be forgotten by me. extended family during a challenging, and often short, Mom was more of a private person, but when Hantime in a family’s life. nah, Darlene or Pat visited her, she opened up to them, It’s been six years since Mom died. When I see sharing things she didn’t share with us, but since I was of- Darlene, we always visit, even if it is while she is making ten there I experienced some of those moments. Yes, they homemade pies at the Spring Hill Worn-A-Bit Sale. And were there to do their job, but what Mom and we received when I see Hannah, I always get a hug. In fact, before we was so much more. started the interview, we hugged one another. It might have been something as simple as Darlene “You become an extension of their family,” Hannah learning about Mom’s life as she clipped her toenails, told me during the interview about her experiences with a luxury Mom never experienced before. Mom always families in the hospice program. “I’m called to be in a clipped her own toenails, even when it got challenging, relationship with others, and how grateful am I that my unless my sister, Audrey, a nurse, was home to do it. ‘work’ has the ability to bring such meaningful relationIt might have been Hannah’s gentle touch and soft ships to my life, without even expecting it.” voice while she was taking Mom’s vitals. I, for one, am grateful Darlene, Hannah, Pat and other The first time Pat came into Mom’s room and said hospice team members were there for Mom and for us. I she was there to give Mom a whirlpool bath, Mom turned will never forget their kindness, and I’m thankful for the her down, Pat told me, with a promise from Mom that helping hand of hospice.
Paris Green was brilliant but toxic A May 31, 1923, front page advertisement toxicity was quickly seized by a different occuin the Holdingford Advertiser was noticeable. pation. By the 1860s, it had found its way into There, among ads for oats to be purchased the agricultural community. From the late 1860s for 45 cents a bushel or dresses and aprons for until the early 20th century, it was a preferred $1 to $2.90 each, was a local implement store substance for controlling Colorado potato beeadvertising Paris Green. tles. Others used it for controlling tobacco pests. That was surprising as Paris Green was The upshot of it was by the late 1880s through the name of a vibrant green paint. It was also the mid-20 century, it was the preferred chemiknown as emerald green and was used by cal insecticide in the world. In the 1940s, it was at the Past used to control malaria mosquitoes in parts of some of the best known artists of the 19th cen- AbyPeek Herman Lensing tury, such as Claude Monet and Paul Gaugin. Italy. It was featured prominently in the shadowed That didn’t explain how a German-invented area of George Seurat’s “A Sunday Afternoon at the Ispaint became named after the capital of France. For that, land of La Grande Jatte.” the sewer rat can be blamed. It seemed odd that an implement dealer would be In the 1800s, France’s capital city, Paris, had a probselling a brilliant green paint, particularly one best known lem with rats in its sewers. The compound worked well in for artistic highlighting rather than building paints. Findreducing that population. Since it was sold initially as a ing out what led to that product being advertised in the green paint, the powdered poison picked up the name ParHoldingford paper was a journey through palaces, sewers is Green. The name stuck, resulting in it being advertised and various countries. It also indicated Paris Green had that way worldwide. another function other than paint. Which is why it was on a front page ad in the HoldIn the cans of Paris Green being sold was not paint, ingford Advertiser. but the powder that could be used to mix the paint. The compound was invented in 1814 in Schwienfurt, Germany, to produce an emerald green paint that didn’t darken quickly. The product contained copper and arsenic, and, depending on how coarsely ground or how it was mixed, TO THE EDITOR the paint produced shades of yellow green, lime green or emerald green. Holiday events reinforce community pride In its emerald green form, it became a popular color George and Ruth Traeger, Melrose for a time in Europe. Rooms were painted with it, maWe are so proud of Melrose and the surrounding terial for formal dresses was dyed with it and artificial area. The community events this past week have shown flowers looked greener because of it. how Melrose volunteers and others can work together to There was, though, another side of the coin. There make Melrose look and be great. was a danger with the color, because some of its compoFrom the bingo, venders, firepits, horse trailer and nents — particularly the arsenic — were toxic. Investigaother rides, living Nativity scene, beautiful light parade tions in Europe showed it could be dangerous when used and winter fireworks, there was something for everyone. in wallpaper or paints in rooms. The large winter crowds loved it all, and it makes us The cans of the compound carried a skull and crossproud to live in our community. bones warning label, along with the word “poison.” That Thank you to everyone who participated.
Letter
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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
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NEWS
Page 8 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 | THE STAR POST
Avon council updated on police equipment
TECH TIP:
submitted its ballistic panels for approval to the National Institute of Justice, the research, development and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. BY TIM HENNAGIR | STAFF WRITER NIJ creates standards for body armor, oversees Avon Police Chief Co- handle. compliance testing to Such units are equipped performance standards and rey Nellis recently reported disturbing news about a key with specialized equipment funds innovative research to not normally issued to piece of law enforcement help safeguard law enforceregular police units, such gear. ment officers. Bullet-stopping panels as body armor and ballistic Nellis said the issue shields. inserted into one of his involves standards. “The company (Shotofficer’s protective vests “Apparently, they subStop Ballistics) that provid- mitted their ballistic panels might not meet standards, ed the ballistic panels for Nellis said. to the NIJ for approval on the vest is under investiga- their standards, using an Nellis reported the tion by the U.S. Department American manufacturer, problem with Officer of Homeland Security and Landon Gudim’s SWAT and once it was approved, the Ohio Bureau of Crimvest during a Nov. 6 city the manufacturing was inal Investigation,” Nellis council meeting at Avon moved to China,” he said. said. City Hall in Avon. Nellis read from a letter According to Nellis, SWAT units are generthat stated law enforcethe Ohio-based company ally trained, equipped and ment agencies immediately deployed to resolve highrisk situations, often those regular police units are not trained or equipped to
City leaders learn about SWAT vest ballistic panels
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A simple shock while getting out of the car can damage the entire contents of the drive.
discontinue use of ballistic plated rated Level 3 or Level 4 provided by ShotStop Ballistics after 2018. Nellis said he planned on contacting DHS via email to find out more information and if there was a possibility of getting a refund. “There is currently no non-destructive method to determine if the ballistic plates represented as being manufactured by ShotStop Ballistics meet the stated NIJ standards,” Nellis said. “I’m guessing the only way to check them is to shoot them. These panels are used all over the country by SWAT operators.” Nellis said he would do additional research regarding the ballistic panels and
report back to the council. “I might be coming back at your next meeting with an equipment replacement request,” he said. During discussion, councilor Aaron Goebel asked how many companies manufactured the ballistic panels similar to the ones used by Avon. “There are a lot,” Nellis said. “This may be more commonly known. We found out about the issue from the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office. They were in the process of ordering panels, and the company said it was not fulfilling orders.” A company website notice stated ShotStop Ballistics was no longer taking orders until further notice.
Cannabis prohibited at Melrose public places
Council based ordinance on county, surrounding cities documents
flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products in a public BY CAROL MOORMAN | STAFF WRITER place or a place of public accommodation unless the Cannabis cannot be at public places in the city premises is an establishused at public places in limits. Their ordinance is ment or an event licensed to Melrose. based on Stearns County’s permit on-site consumption Council members, ordinance and follows ordi- of adult-use cannabis flower during their Nov. 16 month- nances adopted in surround- and adult use cannabis ly meeting, at Melrose ing cities. products. No person shall City Center in Melrose, The Melrose ordinance vaporize or smoke cannabis approved an ordinance pro- reads as follows: “No flower, cannabis products, hibiting the use of cannabis person shall use cannabis artificially derived canna-
binoids or hemp-derived consumer products in any location where the smoke, aerosol or vapor would be inhaled by a minor.” A violation of this ordinance is a petty misdemeanor with a fine payable up to $300. As an alternative to a criminal penalty, any peace officer may charge the offense as a civil violation subject to a voluntary fine (administrative penalty) at a rate set by the city council.
Holdingford School Board down to 6 Binek resigns with 2 years remaining on term BY HANS LAMMEMAN STAFF WRITER
The Holdingford School Board approved the resignation of board member Sarah Binek and declared a vacancy caused by a prolonged absence during the Nov. 16 meeting in Holdingford High School.
Superintendent Chris Swenson said they can appoint somebody until the next election, but an election is eventually necessary to fill the role. Binek’s four-year term began Jan. 1, 2021, with just over two years remaining until its conclusion in December 2025. She was absent from the meeting. “My understanding is we can appoint somebody until the next time to have an election, which would be next November,” Swenson said. “You can have a special election, but the cost
of doing that doesn’t really make sense to me. So, the goal would be for the board to appoint somebody for the 2024 calendar year. Then we would have an election for somebody to fill the second (remaining) year — the fourth year of that term.” Swenson said he had informally communicated with potential candidates who expressed interest. No action was taken on the topic; rather, Swenson informed the board of the process going forward. “We have two years left in the term,” he said.
“We can’t get through the whole thing just by appointing somebody. In the next calendar year, we will have to have an election.” Superintendent assistant Linda Zapzalka said opting to appoint Binek’s successor until the next election, as opposed to a special election, would save the district on election costs. “It won’t cost us as much because there is a general election, so all we have to pay for is that little, tiny part on the bottom of the ballot,” Zapzalka said.
Avon council approves fire protection agreement our new fire department Small number of St. Wendel Township homes are covered in building discussion?”
(320) 243-4235 www.yarmonford.com
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BY TIM HENNAGIR STAFF WRITER
Avon city leaders have renewed a three-year St. Wendel Township rural fire protection agreement. Administrator/clerk Jodi Austing-Traut said the city has contracted with the township for the past several years. “We just cover a handful of properties out there.
The agreement expires Dec. 31, 2023,” she said. Fire chief Joel Richter and Gary Schmitz, Avon Fire Department treasurer, recommended a rate increase during the council’s Nov. 6 monthly meeting at Avon City Hall in Avon. Mayor Jeff Manthe and councilor Aaron Goebel asked Austing-Traut to provide more information about the agreement.
Previously, the township was paying the city $905 annually for fire protection services. That amount will increase to $1,025 in 2024, $1,125 in 2026 and $1,250 in 2026, Austing-Traut said. Goebel then asked, “Even though this service agreement covers just a couple of houses, shouldn’t they (St. Wendel Township officers) have been involved
Purple PRIDE What do you enjoy most about being in the play? Friendships I have made with all of the people I perform with. It’s such a positive and supportive environment to be part of. Tell us about your role this year? I play Dennis Galahad, who is a poor peasant but is eventually recruited by King Arthur to be one of the Knights of the Round Table.
Ben Christman
What has been your favorite play you have ever been involved in? “Newsies” last spring. Everything was so elaborate, and we practiced very hard to perfect everything.
Parents: Andy and Heidi Christman
What other activities are you involved in at school? Spring play; knowledge bowl; math team; concert, pep, jazz and marching bands, concert choir; ASK Peer Tutoring; Viva Voce; Letter Club; Captains and Leaders; National Honor Society; student school board representative and Student Council president.
Accomplishment: Senior playing Dennis Galahad in the upcoming Albany Area Schools musical “Spamalot”
What life lesson has being involved in activities taught you? Amazing time management. Between all of my activities, homework and my personal life, I have to allocate time for every aspect of my life.
Avon city leaders want to issue a maximum of $2.58 million in general obligation bonds for a new fire hall. That amount and a capital improvement plan for the project were approved Sept. 11 by the council.
Agreement page 9
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What are two goals you would like to accomplish during the school year? I would like to be part of a spectacular musical and an incredible play this spring. I also want to lead amazing projects for Student Council and NHS that will help our school and our community. What is something you have learned in class recently? Right now, my favorite class is college trigonometry. I think it will help me a lot in my future career because I want to be a high school math teacher. Which teacher or coach has been most influential in your life? My band teacher, Mr. Kleppe, has helped push me out of my comfort zone for the entire time I’ve had him as a teacher. He encouraged me to audition for the musical the first time and he has inspired me to improve at my two instruments, the clarinet and the saxophone.
ALBANY, MN
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Tell us something about yourself most people do not know? I can solve a Rubik’s Cube in under 10 seconds.
The Partner you can count on, providing real solutions for today and tomorrow.
For dinner and a movie, what’s on the menu and big screen? Popcorn is always going to be my go-to when I’m watching a movie, and I love both “National Treasure” movies.
SALUTING GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL
PUBLIC NOTICES
Page 10 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 | THE STAR POST ORDINANCE NO. 233 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF AVON OFFICIAL ZONING MAP WHEREAS, SL of Avon LLC is the owner of PID 42.26446.0032 (308 Dolphin Ave SE) and 42.26446.0034 (306 Dolphin Ave SE) which are zoned R-1. WHEREAS, following published and mailed notice as provided by statute, a public hearing has been held by the City of Avon Planning Commission on July 18, 2023 and found that the rezone would be consistent with the comprehensive plan for the City of Avon and adjacent uses; WHEREAS, the City of Avon Planning Commission recommends that above mentioned properties be rezoned to C-2; NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Avon, Stearns County Minnesota does hereby ordain that PID 42.26446.0032 and 42.26446.0034 will hereby be rezoned from R-1 to C-2. Adopted by the City Council of the City of Avon, Stearns County, Minnesota this 7th day of August 2023. P-48-1B
ORDINANCE NO. 235 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF AVON SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE The following is a summary of the City of Avon, Subdivision Ordinance amendment which was adopted on October 2, 2023, by the City Council, of the City of Avon, Stearns County, Minnesota. Summary of Ordinance amendment to the Zoning Ordinance: Chapter 151 Subdivision Regulations, Section 3, Preliminary
SUMMONS NOTICE STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF STEARNS DISTRICT COURT SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Case Type: Other Civil Case No: 73-CV-23-9062 SUMMONS
ORDINANCE NO. 236 A SUMMARY OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF AVON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FUTURE LAND USE MAP WHEREAS, the Avon Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 17, 2023 to recommend approval of the amendments to the future land use map and to discuss and take verbal and written comments from the public, and; WHEREAS, on November 6, 2023, the City Council of the City of Avon has reviewed the recommendations and considerations; WHEREAS, the future land use map is attached; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Avon does hereby adopt ordinance 236, and Ordinance Amending the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map on November 6, 2023. 1. Residential to Industrial 2. 3. 4. Industrial to Commercial 5. Industrial to Commercial 6. Industrial 7. Residential to high density residential 8. Residential to Commercial P-48-1B
West Central Education District Board Meeting Minutes Date: September 11, 2023 6:30 p.m. virtual via Google Meet Board Chair Uphoff called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. Board member Kreuzer; Superintendents Peschel, Bullard, Winter and Okerlund; Director Fevig and Administrator Hoffarth were in attendance. Board members Quarfot and Rasmussen were absent. With 1 change to the agenda involving the order of items presented, Kruezer moved, Peschel seconded approval of the agenda with changes. Motion carried unopposed via roll call. After a review of consent agenda items, Bullard moved, Peschel seconded approval of the July 17, 2023 Board Minutes; Treasurer’s Report and Bills Payable (#24246-24276); reduction of extra days for Ostrander, Hopfer, DeSchepper and Luethmers; Severance pay for Aanstad and Coltvet and FMLA request from Wander; motion carried unopposed via roll call. Old business included a list of policies for 2nd read and board adoption: 102, 418, 419, 506, 514, 515, 516.5, 524, 532, 534, 601, 603, 616, 709, 806. Bullard moved, Kruezer seconded approval of the policies; motion carried unopposed via roll call. New business included 3 policies for first read; action tabled until next meeting. Administrator Hoffarth then shared the updates to the ALC and Beacon Program Handbooks. All changes were due to legislative updates. Kruezer moved, Bullard seconded approving the handbooks. Motion carried unopposed via roll call. Administrators both shared updates regarding the remodel and plans for moving forward without filling the Assistant Director position. Uphoff adjourned the meeting at 6:54pm. /s/ Jerald Quarfot 11-11-2023 Clerk Date P-48-1B
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 November 29, 2023, 6:00 PM AG E ND A 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Student Representatives 4. Minnesota Community Education Association Project Award Presentation 5. World’s Best Workforce 6. Cashless Entry for Athletics and Activities 7. Open Enrollment Review 8. Early Learning Center Community Partners Discussion 9. Boys’ Soccer Discussion 10. Transportation Request for Proposal 11. School Board Policies - Second Read 1. 413 Harassment and Violence 2. 616 School District System Accountability 3. 617 School District Ensurance of Preparatory and High School Standards 4. 618 Assessment of Student Achievement 5. 620 Credit for Learning 6. 621 Literacy and The Read Act 7. 624 Online Instruction 8. 708 Transportation of Nonpublic School Students 9. 709 Student Transportation Safety Policy 10. 806 Crisis Management Policy 11. 431 Classified Substitute Policy 12. 450 Substitute Teacher Policy 12. 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-48-1B
Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., Plaintiff, v. Jay H. Seguin, and all other persons unknown claiming any right, title, estate, interest, or line in the real estate described in the Complaint herein, Defendants. THIS SUMMONS IS DIRECTED TO: Defendants, above named. 1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiff’s Complaint against you is attached to this summons. Do not throw these pa-
Plat: 3.1 Procedure E. The preliminary plat shall be reviewed and acted upon by the City Council after being received from the Planning Commission. Approval of the preliminary plat by the City Council is required before the final plat will be considered by either the Planning Commission or the City Council unless there are no changes to the final plat from the preliminary plat. In this case, the preliminary and final plat review and approval may be consolidated. P-48-1B
pers away. They are official pa- en everything asked for in the pers that affect your rights. You Complaint, you must say so in must respond to this lawsuit your Answer. even though it may not yet be 4. YOU WILL LOSE filed with the Court and there YOUR CASE IF YOU DO may be no court file number on NOT SEND A WRITTEN this summons. RESPONSE TO THE COM2. YOU MUST REPLY PLAINT TO THE PERSON WITHIN 21 DAYS TO PRO- WHO SIGNED THIS SUMTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You MONS. If you do not Answer must give or mail to the per- within 21 days, you will lose son who signed this summons this case. You will not get to a written response called an tell your side of the story, and Answer within 21 days of the the Court may decide against date on which you received you and award the Plaintiff evthis Summons. You must send a erything asked for in the comcopy of your Answer to the per- plaint. If you do not want to son who signed this summons contest the claims stated in the located at: complaint, you do not need to Foley & Mansfield, PLLP, 250 respond. A default judgment Marquette Avenue, Suite 1200, can then be entered against you Minneapolis, MN 55401. for the relief requested in the 3. YOU MUST RE- complaint. SPOND TO EACH CLAIM. 5. LEGAL ASSISThe Answer is your written re- TANCE. You may wish to get sponse to the Plaintiff’s Com- legal help from a lawyer. If you plaint. In your Answer you do not have a lawyer, the Court must state whether you agree or Administrator may have infordisagree with each paragraph of mation about places where you the Complaint. If you believe can get legal assistance. Even if the Plaintiff should not be giv- you cannot get legal help, you
West Central Education District Board Meeting Minutes Date: May 8, 2023 6:30pm virtual via Google Meet Board Chair Uphoff called the meeting to order at 6:31p.m. Board members Rasmussen, Kreuzer and Quarfot; Superintendents Winter, Bullard, and Okerlund; Director Fevig, Coordinator Dierks, Administrator Hoffarth and Business Manager Raiter were in attendance. 1 WCED staff member was also present. Superintendent Peschel was absent. With no changes to the agenda, Rasmussen moved, Kreuzer seconded approval of the agenda, Motion carried unopposed via roll call. After a review of consent agenda items, Quarfot moved, Rasmussen seconded approval of the March 13, 2023 Board Minutes; Treasurer’s Report and Bills Payable (#24153-24214); Resignation from Meagan Jensen; hiring of Alysa Hatlestad and change of position for Tara McLellan; motion carried unopposed via roll call. Several items were covered under New Business, starting with administrative contract extension language as negotiations for admin contracts won’t occur prior to the contract end date and the contracts don’t include extension language. Rasmussen moved, Quarfot seconded extending Director Fevig and Administrator Hoffarth’s contracts as written until negotiated and updated with proper language. Motion carried unopposed via roll call. Coordinator Dierk’s contract is written as a 1 yr at-will contract with the same salary and no stipend which has been mutually agreed upon. Quarfot moved, Rasmussen seconded accepting the 1 yr contract; motion carried unopposed via roll call. Expenses for the Beacon Remodel were reviewed and a motion was made by Quarfot and seconded by Rasmussen to use up to $300,000 from the fund balance paid as a reimbursement to
must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case. 6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute. FOLEY & MANSFIELD, PLLP Dated: November 22, 2023 By: s/ Thomas J. Lallier Thomas J. Lallier (#163041) tlallier@foleymansfield.com Sean C. Mansfield (#0400374) scmansfield@foleymansfield. com 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 1200 Minneapolis, MN 55401 Telephone: (612) 338-8788 ATTORNEYS FOR PLANTIFF P-47-3B
Melrose School District; motion carried unopposed via roll call. The ALC/Beacon Programs calendar and schedule was presented with 173 student days and a shift to 8-2:30 for both programs due to being located together next year. Rasmussen moved, Quarfot seconded approving the calendar and time change; motion carried unopposed via roll call. Revised and proposed budget numbers were presented as follows: 23 Revised Revenues: $5,051,050.00; 23 Revised Expenditures: $5,051,050.00. 24 Proposed Revenues: $5,024,374.00; 24 Proposed Expenditures: $5,074,374.00. Quarfot moved, Rasmussen seconded accepting budget numbers as presented. Motion carried unopposed via roll call. Due to the Beacon move, WCED has entered into a contract with Resource Training and Solutions for nursing services at $77/ hr up to 10 hrs/month. Kruezer moved and Quarfot seconded the contract; motion carried unopposed via roll call. Director Fevig shared details with the board regarding Board Certified Behavior Analyst- BCBA positions. Due to the mental health and behavior needs in the member districts, Fevig recommended hiring a full time BCBA through WCED. Quarfot moved, Rasmussen seconded the hiring; motion carried unopposed via roll call. Lastly, Director Fevig shared the shifting of duties among the office staff in response to an upcoming retirement. This shifting results in the proposal to hire a Business Manager for WCED. Quarfot moved, Rasmussen seconded the approval of a Business Manager position at WCED; motion carried unopposed via roll call. Under reports, the admin team shared updates regarding programs, work being done in the member districts along with upcoming trainings and initiatives. Uphoff adjourned the meeting at 7:33pm. /s/ Jerald Quarfot 7-18-2023 Clerk Date P-48-1B
SPORTS
THE STAR POST | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 | Page 11
Albany winter sports previews HUSKIES BOYS BASKETBALL Head coach and number of years coached: Cory Schlagel, entering 11th year at Albany. Assistant coaches: Jacob Boone, entering 17th year; and Grant Johnson, entering 13th year. Key returners: Andrew Olson, senior guard; Jack Rieland, senior guard; Ben Meyer, senior guard/forward; Hunter Hamann, senior forward; Caleb Abraham, senior forward/guard; Devon Schaefer, senior center; Tyler Hoffarth, senior guard; Zeke Austin, junior guard; Sam Hondl, junior guard/forward; and Elliott Burnett, junior guard. Strengths of the team: Continuity in our offensive and defensive philosophies will allow us to continue to add wrinkles to utilize our athleticism and multi-skilled roster. With guys returning from last year, we have big-game experience we can rely on getting through adversity and meeting challenges on a daily basis. What challenges will your team face this season? Not getting complacent. We had a tremendous season last year, but we now need to build things back up to a high competitive level again and see where it takes us. The basketball season is an absolute grind for the entire program. Can we embrace that again and continue to get better and learn each day?
Which players do you expect to take on a larger role this year? Aside from Andrew, Zeke, Sam and Elliott returning with a lot of varsity experience, we have many guys who played on an undefeated junior varsity team last year. Those guys are all expected to come up and help us at the varsity level in whatever way they can with their skill sets. Ben Meyer, Jack and Tyler had very good years last year on the perimeter at the JV level and provide us with scoring punches from the arc and off the dribble. Hunter, Caleb and Devon need to, in some combination, provide production at the five spot and do a lot of dirty work in rebounding, screening and getting back to the basket touches in the paint. Ethan Meyer was not able to play basketball last season due to a knee injury, and he is back to provide us with great athleticism and toughness on both ends of the floor.
What life lessons do you want your athletes to learn? Discipline and the ability to overcome adversity to accomplish goals.
HUSKIES GIRLS BASKETBALL
Public N O T I C E S
Notice of Public Hearing Proposed Property Taxes City of Albany The Albany City Council will hold a public hearing at 6:30 PM or as soon as thereafter on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at the Albany City Hall, 400 Railroad Avenue, Albany, MN 56307 to consider approving the 2024 budget and the amount of property taxes it is proposing to collect to pay for the costs of services the City will provide in 2024.
Head coach and number of years coached: Aaron Boyum, 11th season. Assistant coaches: Todd Kuhn, JV team; Corey Nellis, ninth-grade team. Key returners: We have a number of key players back from our Minnesota Class AA state runner-up team from last season. We will return seniors Kylan Gerads and Alyssa Sand. Both of them were named to the Minnesota Class AA All-State Team last season. We also return senior Tatum Findley, who was a member of the Minnesota Class AA State Tournament All-Tournament Team along with Alyssa and Kylan. All three girls were named to the Granite Ridge All-Conference Team a year ago as well. We bring back two seniors in Granite Ridge All-Conference Honorable Mention player Savanna Pelzer and Callie Holthaus that ran the point guard position well for us last year. The final senior we bring back is Lauren Nett. Lauren was injured last season, and we are looking forward to seeing her back again this year on the wing. Natalie Blonigen and Eva Schwenzfeier are two juniors that provided great varsity minutes as sophomores last year and are looking to build on that success this year. Beyond that, we are excited about 14 other juniors and sophomores we will have playing at the junior varsity level to start the season as we analyze how their qualities and talents as basketball players can help our team. Strengths to the team: I like the experience that we bring back from last year. This team probably brings back the most experience from the previous season of any team I have coached in my 11 years at Albany. We have good athletes that can run the floor and are dynamic in what they can do on both ends of the floor.
2023 Levy $1,320,424
Proposed Levy $1,542,701
16.83%increase
Albany City residents are invited to attend the public hearing of the city council to express their opinions on the budget and on the proposed amount of 2024 property taxes. Tom Schneider Interim City Administrator Published in the Star Post this 22nd and 29th day of November 2023. P-47-2B
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEEETING OF THE MEMBERS OF MEIRE GROVE COOPERATIVE Please take notice that a special meeting of the Members of Meire Grove Cooperative shall be held at the following time, date, and location: Date: December 6, 2023 Time: 7:00 P.M. Location: Meire Grove City Hall, 50 MN Highway 4 South, Meire Grove, MN 56352 Purpose: To authorize the Board of Directors to dispose of substantially all of the property of the Cooperative on terms and conditions determined by the Board. The disposition of the property of the Cooperative will be considered at the meeting. This notice is issued by the order of the Secretary of the above-name corporation. Dated: 11-02-2023 /s/ Joseph Meyer, Secretary P-47-2B
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 What challenges will your team face this season? Our 1. List the exact assumed name under which the business is schedule is brutal. At the same time, we kind of design it that way, especially early. It gives us a chance to see what or will be conducted: ProJoy Bookkeeping. 2. PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS IS: 508 Highlands our strengths and areas of needed growth are early in the Dr., Albany, MN 56307. What type of team-building exercises do you incorpo- season. The idea is that this then puts us in a position to be 3. List a Mailing Address if you cannot receive mail at the rate into the season? Basketball is a really long season in able to maximize our potential by finding ways to enhance principal place of business address: None our strengths while also working to minimize any lagging comparison to the others, so we just naturally spend a lot 4. NAMEHOLDER(S): Alyssa Holmgren, 508 Highlands areas we have. With so many girls having extensive varof time together. We try to model to our players that you Dr., Albany, MN 56307. 5. This certificate is an amendment of Certificate of Assumed need to be a good human being and make good choices by sity experience that will be a challenge for them and our Name File Number 1408545900031. coaching staff to continue to get better individually and treating people with respect. It is fun being around these Originally filed on: 9-27-2023 collectively as the season moves along. guys on the bus, in our own gym and at the opponent’s Under the name: True Balance Bookkeeping. facilities to see how well they represent the community. 6. By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am What players to do you expect to take on a larger signing this document as the person whose signature is required, role this year? I’m excited to learn this for myself as What life lessons do you want your athletes to learn? or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required Play hard, be organized and do so with a “RELENTL36S” we get rolling. We obviously have a great deal of talent who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, approach. I expect the players in our program to come into in our senior class, but I really like what I see from how or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all our juniors and seniors are working to find ways into the each day (practice or game) and get after it to the best of required fields, and that the information in this document is true rotation as well. their ability under the organization we put in place with and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document our offensive and defensive philosophies. That will allow us to attempt to play as best we can for 36 minutes on any What type of team-building exercises do you incorpo- I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. rate into the season? We try to incorporate communigiven night with a relentless attitude. I want our players /s/ Alyssa Holmgren cation into most of the drills we do in practice. We also to understand the process we go through on a daily basis 11/01/2023 try to mix up our groups a good amount. This would be is what sets us up for whatever success we attain during P-48-2B especially true in shooting drills or conditioning stations. a season. I truly believe this type of process also applies
to any type of job that these guys will have in their future lives. Hopefully, they can take away something from the approach in our basketball program to help in their own individual future successes.
HUSKIES WRESTLING Head coach and number of years coached: Ron Reszel, 12 years. Assistant coaches: Gary Rakotz, Colin Fisher and Ben Mergen. Key returners: Owen Carlson, senior; Mason Plumski, senior; Joseph Schmitt, senior.
We have done other team-bonding day trips in the past.
What life lessons do you want your athletes to learn? First, never give up. Keep fighting. Keep battling. Play with grit, determination and a belief that things will be OK. Second is the value of roles on the team. We have several girls that do many different wonderful things for us. Some may garner more attention than others for one reason or another. However, at the end of the day, our team has been successful because we have had a variety of players be successful individually while also understanding the value they bring to our larger team, making us the best possible unit we can be operating together. Roles are a part of life in several ways, and I hope our program allows athletes to learn and embrace the many roles that build a larger quality value for our team.
Strengths to the team: (This is a) young team with potential and quality upperclassmen leadership.
SENIOR DINING MENU
What challenges will your team face this season? Competing against quality opponents in our new Section 6AA. Which players to do you expect to take on a larger role this year? Captains are returning, so roles and expectations are already in place. What type of team-building exercises do you incorporate into the season? We went to the Luther Team Camp this past summer and did lots of team-building activities then.
Pondview Estates, 334 Golfview Drive, Albany 320-845-4070 – Nov. 29-Dec. 6
Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, noodles, mixed vegetables, apple slices and bread. Thursday: Sweet and sour pork, rice, oriental vegetables, mandarin oranges and bread. Friday: Chicken noodle soup, half sandwich and fruit. Monday: Tuna noodle casserole, garden salad, steamed carrots, pudding and bread. Tuesday: Polish sausage, fried onions and peppers, sweet potato and cookie. Wednesday: Meatloaf, whipped potatoes, glazed carrots and bread. Congregate senior dining is open, but call to register. If no answer, leave a detailed message, name and phone number.
Scan ME
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON VACATION OF EASEMENT Notice is hereby given that a hearing will be held before the Melrose City Council on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter, at the Melrose City Center, 225 1st Street NE, Melrose, MN, to consider a request by Stearns Electric Coop Association to vacate an existing utility easement that is no longer needed, legally described as: That part of the Northwest ¼ of Section 2, Township 125 North, Range 33 West situated in Stearns County, Minnesota lying within twenty-five feet on each side of a line beginning at a point on the south right-of-way line of State Trunk Highway 52 at a distance of 965.0 feet Northwesterly of the intersection of said South right-of-way line with the east line of the Northwest ¼ of Section 2, T125N, R33W; thence Southwesterly perpendicular to the South right-of-way line a distance of 290.0 feet; thence Northwesterly a distance of approximately 1150 feet to a point of the centerline of County Trunk Highway No. 73 located 527.17 feet Southeasterly of the intersection of the centerline of County Trunk Highway No. 73 with the centerline of State Trunk Highway No. 52, and there ending, according to the plat and survey on file at the Stearns County Recorder’s Office. A copy of the proposed request is available for review at the Melrose City Center during normal business hours. Comments can be submitted online at planning@cityofmelrose.com. Call 320-256-4278 with any questions. Dated this 15th day of November, 2023. SHEILA HELLERMANN – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR P-47-2B
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