Sauk Centre Herald 11-30-2023 by Star Publications

Community SAUK C ENT RE

CHRISTMAS DINNER If you will be alone for the holidays, your family is not able to be with you, or you would like the company of others for your Christmas meal - please join us!

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25TH AMERICAN LEGION Social Gathering begins at 11:30 am, Meal will be served at 12:00 noon. Please call by Monday, December 18th for dining in, delivery, or take-outs. Contact Cindy 320-309-7592 The Christmas Dinner is funded by the Community!

NUMBER 27 • VOLUME 157

Herald Sauk Centre

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

WWW.STAR-PUB.COM

Sauk Centre School District receives clean audit Report presented at Nov. 20 meeting by BerganKDV BY TIM HENNAGIR AND BEN SONNEK STAFF WRITER

Independent financial auditors have given the Sauk Centre School District a “clean” or unmodified opinion on its 2022-23 annual audit of basic financial statements. A clean audit means the district’s financial statements are prepared using nationally accepted accounting principles and do not contain material misstatements and are fairly presented. Nancy Schulzetenberg, an engagement partner with the St. Cloud office of BerganKDV, presented the audit at a Nov. 20 school board meeting in the Sauk Centre High School Media Center in Sauk Centre. School districts, charter schools, and educational cooperatives are required to have an annual independent financial audit each year. “An unmodified or clean opinion is the best we can offer,” Schulzetenberg said. “We have just one internal control finding, a lack of segregation of accounting duties, which isn’t new for Sauk Centre.” The district’s average daily membership, or students that live within its boundaries increased from 1,110 students to 1,160 students, Schulzetenberg said. Regarding general education aid, Sauk Centre received a 2% increase in 2023 and will receive a 4% increase in 2024, then drop back to an estimated 2% in 2025.

School board page 3

Community

mainstay for 20 years Tom said. “It’s wonderful to be able to

do that. We’ve got the room, Jitters Java Café celebrates milestone letso gopeople for it.” BY JAN LEFEBVRE STAFF WRITER

When Kathy and Tom Oschwald remodeled an old gas station into a café and coffee shop two decades ago on Main Street, they also created a cozy gathering space for area residents. Twenty years after first opening Jitters Java Café, the Oschwalds said it is the community atmosphere of their business that they are most proud of. “People meet here all the time, and I like that,” Kathy said. “It’s especially apparent at Christmas time. You’ll see Christmas presents exchanged — and there are birthday presents exchanged throughout the year. You get to know so many people; some come in every day.”

Tom agreed. “For me, that’s the best part of the business,” he said. “These people are our friends. Some have been coming since the day we opened.” Patrons include college kids home on break and meeting up with old classmates, business people or students working on laptops, groups of friends having lunch, retirees gathering with their daily breakfast or coffee gang, high school kids grabbing a beverage and treat on their way to school and many people picking up their morning caffeine. “We are so fortunate that we have a big enough building so that we don’t have to chase people out who are working on laptops or want to stay awhile,”

With three major roadways crossing Sauk Centre, Jitters also sees new customers daily. “We have a large number of people every day who I don’t know because they are just coming through,” Tom said. “We also have people from towns around here who are just finding us now and asking, ‘How long have you been here?’ We tell them, ‘We’ve been here for 20 years.’” Throughout those years, Jitters has consistently received high ratings from customers for its menu items and coffee, which has filled a specific niche since the business first opened. “We decided from the start that we

PHOTO BY MARK KLAPHAKE

Tom and Kathy Oschwald get ready for morning customers Nov. 27 inside Jitters Java Café. The couple started the Sauk Centre business 20 years ago.

Jitters page 3

Addressing community needs

Depot Feeds demolished

Boost Up committee creates task teams based on survey results BY HANS LAMMEMAN STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY BEN SONNEK

Demolition begins on the former Depot Feeds building Nov. 28 on Main Street in Sauk Centre. The building was demolished for the addition of transmission lines to feed a new Sauk Centre Public Utilities substation, which is planned to be operational in 2026; the excess property is being looked at by the city for future use.

After three months of surveying residents and visitors, Boost Up Sauk Centre leaders combed through responses and narrowed the data into five primary focus areas for the next phase of the community improvement project. During a Nov. 6 meeting at First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre, Sauk Centre Area Community Foundation Director Sara Carlson and Boost Up Sauk Centre steering committee members used the information from more than 770 survey responses to create task teams for the most pressing issues that came up in the data.

Depot Feeds page 2

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PUBLIC NOTICES • Mortgage Foreclosure - 7 • City of Sauk Centre Winter Parking Rules Notice - pg. 7 • Probate Notice - Swezey - pg. 7 $

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Page 2 | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | SAUK CENTRE HERALD

NEWS

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Guests take a horse and wagon ride as part of the Christmas in the Park event Nov. 25 at Sinclair Lewis Park in Sauk Centre. Besides the horse and wagon rides, visitors could chat with Santa and watch the annual tree lighting during the event.

Brayden Trattles eats a s’more Nov. 25 at Sinclair Lewis Park in Sauk Centre. Free hot chocolate and s’mores were available to all who attended the Christmas in the Park event as part of Holiday Kickoff Sauk Centre Ambassador Jorja Novak (from left) poses with Christian Uphus, Elise Uphus, festivities. Reagan Uphus, Sophia Uphus and Sauk Centre Ambassador Emily Bromenshenkel Nov. 25 at Joyful Blooms Flower Co. in Sauk Centre. The Sauk Centre Royalty were on hand to help children decorate cookies as part of Holiday Kickoff events.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT Jameson Ray Passeau

Jeremy Passeau and Cheyenne Bollin, of Melrose, are happy to announce the birth of their son, Jameson Ray Passeau, at 7:07 p.m., Nov. 20, 2023, at CentraCare-Melrose Hospital in Melrose. He weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 20.5 inches long. Big sister Analaya is at home. Jameson Ray Passeau Grandparents are Christina Keegan Christians (left) and his brother, Leo Christians, compete in the Community Legacies Puzzle Contest Nov. 25 at Centre Passeau and Mike Passeau. Great-grandparents are Diana Passeau and Wayne for Christ in Sauk Centre. Participants of the contest worked in Bonnie Bowes, John Bowes, Passeau. teams of two to complete a 300- or 500-piece puzzle.

Depot Feeds from front

(320) 243-4235 www.yarmonford.com

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PHOTO BY BEN SONNEK

Jamie Messer (left) and Logan Gamradt carry boards salvaged from the former Depot Feeds building Nov. 28 on Main Street in Sauk Centre. Some boards were preserved for the Sauk Centre Area Historical Society, while others were claimed by community members.

Owen Messer What do you enjoy most about being part of the CEO program? I enjoy learning about the business world and receiving an opportunity to start my own business.

Parents name: Jerry & Katy Messer Accomplishment: Sauk Centre High School senior and member of the CEO program.

Tell us several things you have learned since being part of the class. Some things I have learned are it takes a lot of hard work to be successful, you have to learn to improvise and connections with other people are extremely important. What other activities are you involved in at school? I am involved in basketball, baseball, captains and leaders and trapshooting. Why do you feel it’s important to be involved in school activities? It is important because it is a great way to connect with others and it helps teach life skills that you wouldn’t learn in school.

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What at is your favorite Streeter tradition? It would probably just be homecoming because who doesn’t like a good homecoming football game.

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How do you try to make a difference at school? I just try to treat everyone with kindness and make sure everyone is involved in things that we do. What SC teacher/coach has made an impact on your life? Mr. Kuefler, because he taught me how to work hard and how to persevere when the going gets tough. What has been your favorite class to date? History with Mr. Schreiner, because even when it’s not the most interesting thing, he knows how to get people to listen and make it interesting. What are three words that describe your personality? Funny, adventurous and laid-back. Dinner and a movie: What’s on the menu and big screen? Definitely a steak dinner and “Ford vs. Ferrari.”

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Saluting great accomplishments in the Sauk Centre High School

NEWS

SAUK CENTRE HERALD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | Page 3

Jitters

What’s H A P P E N I N G

from front

Pins and Needles Quilters Monthly Meeting: Second Tuesday of the month, 7-9 p.m. at the Sauk Centre Senior Center, 321 Fourth Street N., Sauk Centre. Goal is to promote the art of quilt making at all skill levels by discussion, lessons, and show and tell of your projects at our meetings. Little Sauk Legion Auxiliary Unit 417 Meeting: Second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Little Sauk Legion, Little Sauk. Western Stearns DFL Group: Meets every third Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m. potluck, 6:30 p.m. meeting. Location may vary, so please call 320-282-8312 for location. New members welcome! Sauk Centre History Museum and Research Center: Museum hours are Sunday and Monday - closed, Tuesday 1-5 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday 1-5 p.m., Friday 12-4 p.m. and Saturday research can be arranged by contacting the museum. Located in the Sinclair Lewis Library building at 430 Main Street. Any questions, call 320-351-8777. Mental Health Crisis Line: 320-253-5555 or 800-635-8008. Crisis Response Team for Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright counties.

PHOTO BY MARK KLAPHAKE

Tom Oschwald works at the counter as he prepares for the day Nov. 27 at Jitters Java Café in Sauk Centre. Tom and his wife, Kathy, both work full-time as owners of Jitters.

salad.” Whenever the Oschwalds looked out the front window of Cobblestone Court, they could see a vacant building across the street. It had once been an automobile repair shop and gas station, but the city had bought it years before. “The building sat empty for four or five years,” Tom said. “We would look out the window and say, ‘We should really do something with that building.’” The city considered moving its interpretive center and museum there, but the idea didn’t take off. After putting it up for sale but receiving no takers, the city decided to auction it off. The Oschwalds bid on the property and won. The site was ready to be made into whatever the Oschwalds imagined. “We spent over a year just working on the building,” Tom said. “The worst job I ever had in my life was stripping the paint off (the outside) because it’s not smooth brick; it’s block that had been painted. The rest of work I enjoyed, but not that part.” The Oschwalds first renovated and opened the south side of the building where the counter, kitchen and smaller seating area still stand today. A few years later in 2009, they developed the large space that had once been the three-bay garage area of the building. “Our plan was to develop that side and potentially open a wine bar there,” Tom said. They did get a wine and beer license and began using the space for private parties and business gatherings, but they struggled to find man-

agement and personnel for evening shifts in order to open the wine bar. Also, they were busy enough without it and began using the space for additional daytime seating and scheduled events. “We use it all the time,” Tom said. “It’s quite busy at lunchtime. It’s also great for little parties, 30 to 40 people or so.” The space has hosted baby and bridal showers, grooms dinners, wedding receptions and more. Like with all food industry businesses, Jitters faced challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, especially with staffing. Some employees took early retirement and replacements weren’t available. However, Jitters managed to stay open with reduced hours. “We didn’t miss a day,” Tom said. “Originally, we had to close the interior, so we had the drive-through, curbside (pickup) and delivery. Then later we could open with limited seating, so we had to take some tables out and space things further apart.” Since the labor market for restaurants hasn’t yet recovered completely, Jitters has not made it back to being open 11 hours each day, but the Oschwalds hope to extend hours again eventually. For now, hours are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., with an extended hour to 3 p.m. during the summer. Jitters currently employs from 15 to 25 people, mostly part time and dependent on the job market. “The food industry was one of the hardest hit industries,” Tom said. “It’s coming back some, so we’ll have to

“That represents about 24.4% of your expenditures,” Schulzetenberg said. Food service, a special revenue fund, did from front see a significant change in the 2022-23 audit, she said. All three meals offered to district students were reimbursed at a high level from General fund revenues were up about the federal government. 7.8% overall, or $1.2 million, SchulzetenRevenues and expenditures in the comberg said. The largest increase in revenue (5.8% or $636,000) came from state sources. munity service fund both increased. Schulzetenberg said that trend signaled Property tax revenues increased by a return to pre-pandemic level programming $322,000, related to an increase in the disfor the Sauk Centre School District. trict’s levy. “Overall, you had excess revenues in The district received $271,000 from community service of $126,000 and endfederal pandemic assistance funding and ed with $410,000 as a total fund balance,” increased investment earnings. she said, concluding her audit presentation, “State sources make up 68% of your revenue,” Schulzetenberg said. “The district which was unanimously approved Nov. 20 by originally planned a fund balance decrease of the seven-member school board. Other school board news: $843,000, but you modified that budget and — Approved the hiring of custodian decreased expenditures. You took a conservative approach to student count numbers at Susan Kerfeld, elementary special education teacher Lori Dierks and secondary paraprothe beginning of the year.” Regarding expenditures, Schulzetenberg fessional Lori Parkos. — Approved the resignation of custodian said the Sauk Centre School District had Shari Miller and the termination of elementaa 1.6% variance from its projected results ry paraprofessional Angela Denne. during the audit period. — Approved the 2023-24 seniority lists The district’s construction project created an increased expense, with benefit and for certified staff and non-certified paraprocontract general fund expenditures driving a fessional staff. — Approved a $41,000 contract with 7.5% overall increase. “You are spending 69.8% of your budget Electrical Productions Services for door changes in the high school building. on direct instruction,” Schulzetenberg said, — Set the World’s Best Workforce meetciting 2023 regular, vocational and special ing for Dec. 18 and the school board organieducational instruction costs. zational meeting for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Comparing revenues and expenditures Jan. 3, 2024. on a per student basis, Schulzetenberg said — Approved the following donations: the district is very close to districts of a similar size but below statewide averages, which $100 from Roelike Repair and $50 from Dan has been a consistent pattern over a five-year Welle Chevrolet for the FFA, $500 from Dan Welle Chevrolet for the softball program, period. $200 from Jerry Messer for woodworkThe district’s overall general fund baling, $50 from Winters, Meier and Larson ance increased from $7.37 million in 2022 Accounting, LLC for Positive Behavioral to $7.23 million in 2023, a total increase of Intervention Support, and $25,000 from the $691,000, Schulzetenberg said. Felling Family Partnership Fund and Merle Having a positive fund balance contributes to a district’s favorable bond rating, and Kathy Felling for an ironworker for the metal shop, two drill presses for the wood produces investment income and provides shop, pallet racking for the school warehouse working capital to meet cash flow needs. and a 3,000-pound forklift for the school A positive fund balance also offers a cushion for unexpected expenditures or reve- shop and warehouse. The next school board regular meeting nue shortfalls. will be at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 18, in the Unassigned general fund money ended school media center. the year at $3.9 million, up about $198,000 for the year.

School board

see. We need to work through the labor shortage, and if we can do that, I would like to get the hours back to what they used to be.” If hours are extended, Tom said, customers will be there. “In the year we were working on the building, people were knocking on the door and asking, ‘When are you going to open this place?’” Tom said. “We were busy as soon as we opened the door, and we’ve been busy ever since.” Kathy kept Cobblestone Court open for the first seven years after the Oschwalds launched their new venture before finally selling it to focus all effort on Jitters. “I had my store for 28 years,” Kathy said. “Jitters is a whole different ballgame. It’s been a huge learning curve for me, but it’s been fun.” The Oschwalds said they hope Jitters can continue when it’s time for them to hand it over to new owners someday. “When we do turn it over, I’m hoping we can find somebody local who will keep it like Jitters,” Tom said. “It would be up to them what they wanted to do, of course, but it would be nice if (Jitters) could continue on. I do think it has become a special meeting place.”

AA Meetings: Thursdays, 11 a.m. at United Church of Christ in Sauk Centre. For more information, call 320-429-1620. AA and Al-Anon 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays in Sauk Centre at United Church of Christ. Back to Basics Meeting, Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Tutti Fruitti in Sauk Centre. For more information, call 218-240-1076. Wednesdays Big Book Meeting at 7 p.m., Civic Center, Melrose. For more information, call 320-241-3909. NA Meetings: Mondays at 7 p.m. at River of Life Church, Sauk Centre, and Fridays at 11 a.m. at Eagle’s Healing Nest Chapel, Sauk Centre. Alzheimer’s Support Group: First Tuesday of each month, 10 a.m. at Alternative Senior Care, 418 10th Street South, Sauk Centre. Cristina Rodriguez, Care Navigator/ Dementia Educator from D-CAN, is offering a support group. This service is on a donation-only basis and funded by Central MN Council on Aging as part of the Older Americans Act Program. If anyone wants to sign up for the support group or one-toone coaching, they need to contact Cristina directly at (320) 640-6724.

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wanted a very simple menu,” Tom said. “We knew we didn’t want deep-fried foods, which eliminated the need for a whole bunch of equipment and expense. We operate with one oven, a couple of grills, one or two hotplates — and that’s what we make everything on.” Jitters offers sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts along with a small breakfast menu. “Some of the sandwich and salad choices go back to day one,” Tom said. “Chicken wild rice salad has been on the menu since we opened, and I think it will always be on the menu.” Several of the choices for quiches and grilled sandwiches have remained as well, but new items are added regularly and others rotated out. Ninety percent of the food is made in-house by the Oschwalds and their staff. They do purchase most soups from a company that makes its products from scratch. However, chili and stews are made at Jitters as well as some soups. The Oschwalds purchase the bread they use for making sandwiches, but cookies, muffins and all other baked goodies are made at Jitters as are the salads and salad dressings. Jitters also offers a wide variety of coffee beverages. The Jitters business model has continued to work in an industry that often sees establishments come and go quickly. Perhaps that is in part because the Oschwalds spent several years brainstorming about Jitters before launching it. At the time, Kathy owned a different business, Cobblestone Court, which was a gift and home accessory store on Main Street. She had first opened the business in 1982 in a space that is now part of the movie theatre, but she moved it a year later to the old bank building across the street. Tom said the idea for a coffee shop and café was born one day in Cobblestone Court when two gentlemen shopping there told the Oschwalds they should add a little coffee shop inside the store. “There was a neat little room in the front that would have been ideal for that — but what they said kind of planted a seed. At the time, there really were only fastfood places and supper clubs around town. There wasn’t a coffee shop or a place where you could get a little more of an upscale sandwich or

Sauk Centre Senior Organization Meeting: Third Tuesday each month, 2 p.m. at the Sauk Centre Senior Center, Sauk Centre.

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Journaling the weekly happenings at

Holy Family School

Election Day is an important day for adults and for our community and country. Teaching kids the importance of voting early will help them understand their civic duty and why it is important to be an informed voter. In Mrs. Jensen’s Reading Class, students partake in voting during election time. We start with discussion on why it’s important to vote, how to be an informed voter, how to vote, and what happens after you vote. Students learn that only 66% of eligible Americans vote each year. The goal is to teach the importance of voting to young kids so they can make informed decisions when they turn 18. Why it’s important to vote Students learn how it is our civic duty to vote. We learn that voting gives Americans the power to choose. How to be an informed voter Students get a chance to research topics, laws or people that are being voted on to learn more before voting. They learn that you need to look into both sides before voting and be an informed voter. How to vote Students get to partake in voting with real life scenarios. They need to find their voting location ahead of Election Day, check in, find their private voting booth, fill out their ballots and submit ballots into the ballot box. This is an interactive way for students to learn the process of voting and prepare them for when they are adults. What happens after the vote Students wait for the votes to be counted and recounted. The results do not get shared immediately. They will find out the results the next day of school.

Mrs. Jensen’s Reading Class – including Sylas Deters (back, from left), Jay Wilber, Parker Roering; (front, from left) Harper Wander and Hailey Schlagen – made their own IDs and received “I Voted” stickers after voting.

Henry Homan is excited to enter the private voting Jack Borgerding submits his vote booth and make his voice heard. into the ballot box.

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SAUK CENTRE HERALD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | Page 5

OPINION The views expressed by our columnists are the opinions and thoughts of the author and do not reflect the opinions and views of newspaper staff and ownership.

Pumpkin or coconut?

Giving thanks Though many people seem to pass our faces full, we played round after round of over Thanksgiving and focus on Christmas, various card games. Thanksgiving has always been something to I taught my cousins how to play some of look forward to for me. my favorite card games, as they taught me how Spending time with my favorite people, to play theirs. As a few of my cousins and I eating tasty food and playing fun games are spent our time in the warmth of the house, my my favorite parts of Thanksgiving, along with brothers and a few other boys decided it would getting out of school for a few days, of course. be fun to brave the cold and play tackle football Every year, my entire family gets together outside. Ava’s Adventures to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter As that is not my idea of a good time, I by Ava Friedrichs and even the Fourth of July. I am not talking spent most of the day sitting around the table about just a few aunts and uncles and even laughing and playing every game we could some cousins; I mean the entire extended family gets think of. It is so easy to get sucked into all the bad things together. that are happening in the world, especially nowadays. We There are around 50 people, including aunts, uncles, all need to remember to be thankful not only on Thankscousins, grandmas and grandpas, all celebrating together giving. Being thankful is not something that should only in one house. We started off the day by having our big happen one day a year, but every single day. It is easy to Thanksgiving feast. We ate what felt like pounds of good get familiar with all your blessings and not appreciate food, cooked by my aunts, cousins and uncles. them as you should, as many of us are very fortunate. One of the foreign exchange students, Tilde, got to Not everyone gets an opportunity to get together as attend Thanksgiving with us this year as a temporary a family and celebrate, so appreciating every second of it addition to the family. As we walked around the table, is crucial. Being able to spend time with family, eat tasty filling our plates full, Tilde had a question about everyfood and play games might seem like regular Thanksgivthing. These questions consisted of “What’s this?” and ing festivities, but to me, these are some of my favorite “What’s that?” to almost every single dish. After stuffing memories that I will cherish forever.

Going places Welp, we did our best imitation of a Grisschool health club owned by broken knee’s wold Family adventure this past weekend for bro-in-law (cute kid’s dad), except there are no Thanksgiving, hopping into the minivan and treadmills or weight benches, just a dry sauna, making a 12-hour trek across the I-ways and steam room and cold plunge pool. The place byways of the Midwest, all the way to Detroit, was crawling with half-naked coeds sweating Michigan. up a storm and giving off the stench of leftover That’s right. Motown, baby. green bean casserole. Originally, our plan was to make a pitstop I’m kidding about the casserole. It smelled in Detroit and then mosey on up to New York like 1952, and it was glorious. The Schvitz harto visit the wife’s extended clan, but her brothkens back to a simpler day when a spa didn’t er attempted to play in a competitive soccer include mud masks, essential oils and pediIn Other Words by Bryan Zollman match at age 40 and broke his knee. cures. You simply start in the dry sauna, make I didn’t know you could break a knee, but small talk, jump in the pool and nearly die of then again, I am no doctor, I just write words a heart attack, then head into the wet sauna for down and try to make people think, smile, laugh or cry. more small talk, then back to the deadly plunge and back I did learn broken knees result in broken plans. Our to the dry sauna. Some prefer to then sit around in their New York venture was cut short because bro-in-law’s robes and sip on a cocktail as if it’s one big slumber party. bilateral leg weakness relegated him to the couch, which It was quite nice: relaxing, exhilarating and refreshing all was a fine spot on Thanksgiving Day considering there wrapped in one. was enough football on TV to keep us interested enough We hopped back in the minivan at 5 a.m. the next that we didn’t feel bad about being lazy. morning for the 12-hour trek home, and after I sneezed The day prior, I was able to sneak out with my niece “dad sneezes” eight consecutive times, my kids thanked and two nephews for a bowling venture that almost got the good lord for the invention of headphones. cut short because there were some shenanigans before we About three hours in, though, we smelled something even set our balls on the thing where you set the balls. funny. The car then started to shake, and lo and behold, I put my foot down and said, if there were any more we had blown a tire. Now I know how bro-in-law felt shenanigans, we were going to go back home and find when his knee buckled. something really boring to do, which sounded great to Stuck on the side of the interstate just outside Indiana, me, but was nails on a chalkboard to a 10, 7 and 5-yearwe called our Triple A service who said it would be about old who get bored every 12 seconds. a half hour. Meanwhile, 18-wheelers are thundering past Don’t even get me started on my 14-year-old who us like 747s on wheels. I got out and requested everyone thinks everything is boring and everyone is annoying. I else do the same, to which they replied it was too cold was beginning to think something was wrong with him out. So, there I was, pacing in the ditch waiting for a until I remembered my two older children also being an- semi-driver to choke on a cheddar brat while going 80 and tisocial and annoyed with everything from ages 14 to 16. take out my entire family as I witness the whole thing, and Pretty sure I was the same way back in 1989. my wife is snuggled up in the passenger seat sending me Driving back from the bowling alley, we had to take links to the kinds of shoes she wants for Christmas. Nine Mile Road, which I am guessing is one mile away The tow truck guy came and informed us our spare from Eight Mile Road, which is where Marshall Mathers tire was out of air, so he had to go to the next town to fill is from. If you are over 50 and reading this, you don’t it, leaving me with another 20 minutes of agony and my know who Marshall Mathers is, but he is a famous rapper wife with another 20-minute shoe-shopping spree. This who calls himself Eminem. I’ll never forget when my was getting more expensive by the minute. oldest son was 8 years old and I asked him who his idol We did survive this ordeal, although I have no nails was. I thought he would maybe say me, or at least some- left on my right hand. We eventually found a tire place one like Joe Mauer. who threw some good air under us, and we made it home Nope … it was Marshall Mathers, which is why my safe and sound a little after 8 p.m. son is not currently playing for the Minnesota Twins but A few days have since passed, and although I wasn’t instead is an aspiring rapper. too eager to roll the family tires across the I-ways and I thought maybe we could swing by and see old Mar- byways, I have decided it’s good to be going places, shall, but after hitting it big with his music, he has since especially when those places are full of people you traded in his old broken-down trailer house on 8-Mile enjoy, although I could have done without the sweaty Road for a mansion in the hills. Even though we didn’t muscle-bound guy at The Schvitz complaining about not get to see Marshall, we did get to see Aretha Franklin’s having any ice water. Dude, just go jump in that there voice coach. The Queen of Soul has since passed away, freezing water. but her voice coach is broken knee guy’s mother-in-law, Since the kids are older now — 22, 18 and 14 — it’s Mary. Mary is a sweetheart, as is her daughter (broken rare we all stuff ourselves in one vehicle and I force them knee’s wife), and she made a gigantic spread of Thanks- to hear my ear-piercing sneezes and my daughter forces giving fare. We didn’t talk much about Aretha as we were us to listen to Taylor Swift. My boys would argue both are too busy stuffing our faces and ogling at broken knee ear-piercing. guy’s wife’s brother’s daughter who had just learned how Going places is a good reminder that wherever you to smile and walk and was really good at being cute. go, there you are, and if you never went, you would never On Friday, we visited The Schvitz, which is an old know there truly is no place like home.

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Our 7-year-old granddaughter peered at me over the rims of her glasses just before we started serving Thanksgiving dinner. “Um, Grandma, um, what would your response be if I told you I don’t like pumpkin pie?” The dessert was actually a Random Reflections Part II pumpkin parfait, but she must by Diane Leukam have heard it was going to be pie. Anyone who doesn’t like pumpkin would understand her concern. Strangely enough, this makes me think of something I heard from one of my two daughters who works in the mental health field. It is about whether or not free will even exists in human beings, currently being hotly debated in the circles of psychologists and counselors. I would love to hear one of their conversations. One side of this debate would insist my response to something as simple as a question from my granddaughter would be nothing more than an action of my brain over which I have no control. I am obviously not qualified to debate the topic on a scientific level but, on the surface, it seems like yet another easy way to convince people they have no control — and, therefore, no responsibility — for their actions. Neuroscientist Robert Sapolksy’s new book, “Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will,” was released last month. As the title indicates, he is convinced free will does not exist. In Sapolsky’s mind, they are products of circumstance, and actions are functions of their brains as determined by their genetics, what has happened to them in the past and what is going on around them. I agree that we are, in fact, affected in many ways by those elements of our lives. It would be ridiculous to say otherwise. Sapolsky acknowledges some people excel in their specific realms, but believes they should not be paid any more for their work than anyone else. All of a sudden, this sounds like a very conscious expression of free will to promote socialism. Author Timothy Revell’s Oct. 18 story in NewScientist is called, “Why free will doesn’t exist, according to Robert Sapolsky.” Revell pulled a quote from Sapolsky, who states: “We are nothing more or less than the sum of that which we could not control — our biology, our environments, their interactions.” What a sad way to live; in many ways, he is reducing humankind to the status of mere animals. Sapolsky is an atheist since his junior high years, which would certainly affect his world view in the same way any person who believes in God is affected by those beliefs. As a Catholic myself — and most Christian denominations would fall into this category — we have been taught we are created, rational beings free to choose between good and evil. Logically, if forces of evil exist, so do forces of good, and there is plenty of evidence of both to go around right now. We consciously make our choices. I believe, though, the field of mental health is an entirely different discussion than whether or not free will exists. People are making decisions and taking actions that are affected by very real problems or differences in the way their brains function. This is an extremely oversimplified statement because all the elements mentioned earlier play into all of it, too. We are very complicated creatures, and I wish more resources would go into the mental health field. Let’s do that topic justice more fully in another column. As far as free will goes, anyone who has ever been a parent knows even a 7-year-old makes her own choices, some eliciting praise and others requiring discipline. Believe me, our non-pumpkin-loving granddaughter has a mind of her own. This sweet girl’s genetics and life experiences obviously help shape who she is, but she is her own person, perfectly capable of making her own choices. I can do the same. When asked what my response would be if she didn’t like pumpkin pie, I chose to say, “Then, I’ll ask if you like coconut!” She jumped for joy — and then chose coconut.

Life Hacks By Missy Traeger How to use common, everyday items to help with household problems. Have an ant infestation? Forget all the chemicals. Get a spray bottle, fill it three-quarters full with water and one-quarter full with salt. Shake well and spray the colony.

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Page 6 | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | SAUK CENTRE HERALD

CROSSWORD

NAMI provides support, services for mental health issues 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 during a National Alliance on Mental Illness presentation at the Melrose American Legion Nov. 10 in Melrose. NAMI-St. Cloud Area organized the event, which was sponsored by Stearns County Farm Bureau, Minnesota Dairy Initiative and Minnesota 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 farmer? It’s because that’s you and what you are.” The swing of feelings caused by hope and expectations versus the reality of getting the work done and crops in, changing prices and the need to meet payment schedules are not always understood by non-farming communities. “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 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.”

IN MEMORY In Loving Memory of Lois Pischke July 25, 1930 - Dec. 2, 2018

PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING

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 stressed the need to communicate.

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 extension office, farm mediators,

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A DV E R T I S E I N T H E

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 takeaways. “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.

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NEWS

SAUK CENTRE HERALD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | Page 7

NEWS/PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES W AY B A C K W H E N

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY said county as follows: GIVEN that default has DATE AND TIME OF SALE: 100 years ago • Nov. 29, 1923 25 years ago • Dec. 2, 1998 occurred in the conditions December 19, 2023, at 10:00 Westport elevator burns down Streese, Schurman weather Hurricane Mitch of the following described AM Sauk Centre Fire Department chief Ben DuBois received Debbie Streese, owner of Carefree Travel in Sauk mortgage: PLACE OF SALE: County an emergency call from Westport around 4:30 p.m. Monday, Centre, traveled to San Pedro Sula Oct. 24 for a three-day DATE OF MORTGAGE: June Sheriff`s office, Law reporting an elevator owned by the Monarch Elevator Com- business trip, bringing her mother, Florence Schurman. 11, 2021 Enforcement Center, 807 pany of Minneapolis was burning, endangering the village Streese intended to check out the hotels and diving condiORIGINAL PRINCIPAL Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, which is completely without fire protection. About a dozen tions for upcoming dive trips, and toward that end, a small AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: Minnesota to pay the debt secured by said firemen accompanied the chemical engine, making a record boat transported them to the family-run Coco View resort on $142,373.00 drive to the scene, and while it was impossible for them to a secluded, private peninsula. However, their trip became an M O R T G A G O R ( S ) : mortgage and taxes, if any, on save the building or its contents, they did keep the flames eight-day ordeal as Hurricane Mitch hit; Streese and Schur- Christopher Allen, a single man said premises and the costs MORTGAGEE: Mortgage and disbursements, including from spreading beyond the coal and cement shed of the man helped the owners pack their items and wares beforeElectronic Registration fees allowed by law, Best-Schultz Lumber Company. The elevator was a Westport hand and holed up in a nearby hotel as the storm battered the Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as attorney subject to redemption within landmark, built about 25 years ago by the Sawyer Elevator area, wind gusts reaching upward of 180 mph. They were nominee for six (6) months from the date of Company. evacuated to Houston late Saturday night. Everett Financial, Inc. said sale by the mortgagor(s), dba Supreme Lending, its their personal representatives 50 years ago • Nov. 29, 1973 10 years ago • Nov. 28, 2013 successors and assigns or assigns. Sauk Centre conserving energy Alternative Senior Care aims to visit DATE AND PLACE OF If the Mortgage is not reinstated RECORDING: under Minn. Stat. §580.30 or The Sauk Centre community is looking for ways to con100 seniors for Christmas Recorded: August 3, 2021, the property is not redeemed serve fuel in the face of a potential shortage. Starting Dec. 3, Alternative Senior Care in Sauk Centre is looking for Stearns County Recorder under Minn. Stat. §580.23, Main Street Theatre in Sauk Centre will be closed Monday donations and volunteers to help with their fifth annual Document Number: A1610085 the Mortgagor must vacate the through Thursday, opening only Friday, Saturday and SunChristmas for a Senior, hoping to lift the spirits of 100 seOF property on or before 11:59 day nights until further notice to conserve electricity. Sauk niors who would otherwise feel isolated during the holidays. ASSIGNMENTS MORTGAGE: p.m. on June 19, 2024, or the Centre Public Schools have submitted their contingency plan They are also seeking nominations of seniors who may be And assigned to: U.S. Bank next business day if June 19, to the Minnesota Department of Education, and their meaalone this Christmas and would benefit from the program. National Association 2024, falls on a Saturday, sures include reducing classroom temperatures during the Regina Felling, 90, is an ASC client who was a beneficiary Dated: July 18, 2023 Sunday or legal holiday. school day, lowering them further on weekends and holidays, of the 2012 Christmas for a Senior program, and she enjoyed Recorded: July 18, 2023, Mortgagor(s) released from limiting out-of-town scrimmages, limiting school vehicles everything gifted to her, including flowers, a toaster, kitchen Stearns County Recorder financial obligation: NONE Document Number: A1656593 THIS COMMUNICATION IS to 50 mph, cutting corridor lighting by half and limiting the towels, sheets and pajamas. Transaction Agent: Mortgage FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR amount of time buses can be warmed up. Electronic Registration ATTEMPTING TO Systems, Inc. COLLECT A DEBT. ANY Transaction Agent Mortgage INFORMATION OBTAINED Identification Number: WILL BE USED FOR THAT 100307110021315002 PURPOSE. L e n d e r / B r o k e r / M o r t g a g e THE RIGHT TO Originator: Everett Financial, VERIFICATION OF THE Inc. dba Supreme Lending DEBT AND IDENTITY OF Residential Mortgage Servicer: THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR Student Activities/ new pieces of equipment Eden Prairie, with over U.S. Bank National Association WITHIN THE TIME Classes: including a 2-by-3 CNC 20 years of teaching COUNTY IN WHICH PROVIDED BY LAW IS We have the following Router, two wood lathes, experience. Students will PROPERTY IS LOCATED: NOT AFFECTED BY THIS activities and classes. a 2-by-3 CO2 Laser have the option to use a Stearns ACTION. Please view the website engraver (can’t do metals), chair during the session. Property Address: 1017 10 1/2 THE TIME ALLOWED BY for more information or a timesaver sander, table We will all start and end Ave S, Saint Cloud, MN 56301 LAW FOR REDEMPTION contact us. saws, mitre box saw, on chairs. A simple health Tax Parcel ID Number: BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE by Brent Lieser 85.50882.0000 MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL — Basketball: Boys hand tools and much tip will be shared each SC Community LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF R E P R E S E N TAT I V E S and Girls, grades 3-6. more. The secondary session, appropriate for Education PROPERTY: LOT 5, BLOCK OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE — Youth Cooking school woodworking the current season as well. Coordinator 9, SOUTH SIDE PARK REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS Class (Grades 2-6): instructor will be on hand Dec. 6, 13, 20, 5:30-6:15 ADDITION TO ST. CLOUD, IF A JUDICIAL ORDER Dec. 13 and Jan. 9. Come to help you with your p.m. on the stage in the STEARNS COUNTY, IS ENTERED UNDER click on the Community for an afternoon of fun, projects. Sign up for one Shelby Auditorium. MINNESOTA. MINNESOTA STATUTES, making holiday treats to of the open dates. Pre— Defensive Driving Education tile to bring TOGETHER WITH AN SECTION 582.032, you to our Community sample at class, and bring registration is required Course, In-Person 4 EASEMENT FOR INGRESS DETERMINING, AMONG AND EGRESS OVER AND OTHER THINGS, THAT THE a container to take some with a maximum of 12 Hour Refresher: Dec. 13, Education listings. Contact information: ACROSS THE SOUTH 30 MORTGAGED PREMISES home to share with your participants per session. 5-9 p.m., in SH Room 1. FEET OF THE WEST 25 ARE IMPROVED WITH A Angie Christians, family! We will meet in The class fee covers Registration information: FEET OF LOT 4, BLOCK RESIDENTIAL DWELLING Activities/Community the FACS room, No. 123 the use of equipment; — Paper registration 9, SOUTH SIDE PARK LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, in the 5-8 building. These however, each participant directions: Please include Education assistant, angie. ADDITION TO ST. CLOUD. OF ARE NOT PROPERTY classes are for grades 2-6 will need to bring their your name, address, phone christians@isd743.org or AMOUNT DUE AND USED IN AGRICULTURAL (320) 352-2258 Ext. 4006 CLAIMED TO BE DUE PRODUCTION, AND ARE and will be from 3:10own wood for any projects number and the name Brent Lieser, 5:00 p.m. The instructor they would like to work of the class along with AS OF DATE OF NOTICE: ABANDONED. $142,412.33 DATED: October 30, 2023 is Mary Schmidt, a on. Participants can park payment. Please contact us Community Education THAT all pre-foreclosure MORTGAGEE: U.S. Bank director, brent.lieser@ retired FACS instructor in the parking areas near if you have questions. requirements have been National Association isd743.org or (320) 352at Long Prairie-Grey the shop and are required — Online complied with; that no action or Wilford, Geske & Cook, P.A. 2258 Ext. 4005 Eagle Schools. Please to bring eyewear. registration directions: proceeding has been instituted Attorneys for Mortgagee Follow us on Facebook register for no more than — Healing Movement Registration is accessed at law or otherwise to recover 7616 Currell Boulevard, Suite @saukcentreschools or on the debt secured by said two dates. If classes are for Balance, Flexibility online at our website by 200 Twitter @streetercommed. mortgage, or any part thereof; full, please go on the and Mobility: Instructor selecting the RevTrak Woodbury, MN 55125 waitlist and you will be Heather Zollman, owner Online Store; then, that this is registered property; (651) 209-3300 given preference at future and Instructor at Yoga PURSUANT to the power of File Number: 053762-F1 sale contained in said mortgage, H-44-6B classes. Mama’Z Healing Center/ the above-described property Yoga Studio in Sauk LOCAL CLASSIFIED Adult Activities and Centre, leads a gentle FOR RENT - 2 bedroom on Sauk Lake, Shady Lane. $900/month. will be sold by the Sheriff of Call 320-352-6171. HS-42-tfnB Classes: series of Qigong inspired

Community Ed corner

— Morning Lap Swim: Monday – Thursday, 6-7 a.m. — Adult Indoor Pickleball: Wednesdays, 6:00-8:30 p.m.; Sundays, 1-3 p.m. In the elementary gym and cafeteria. — Open Woodworking Shop: Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Are you interested in working in the secondary school Woodworking Shop? They have many

tapping, movement and breathing for bringing harmony to the body and mind. These practices create a deeper connection with nature and improve flexibility, mobility, focus, energy, stress relief and so much more for all ages. Heather is a 500 hour certified Yoga teacher through the Yoga Loft in Willmar, with Level 2 training in Qigong through Spring Forest Qigong in

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PROBATE NOTICE STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF STEARNS DISTRICT COURT SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court File No: 73-PR-23-8942 NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS In Re: Estate of DEBRA ANN SWEZEY, also known as DEBRA ANN BETOW SWEZEY, Decedent. Notice is given that an Application for Informal Probate of Will and Informal Appointment of Personal Representative was filed with the Registrar, along with a Will dated September 29, 2023. The Registrar accepted the application and appointed KAREN BANAL, whose address is 18380 ADA DRIVE, SAUK CENTRE, Minnesota 56378, and MARK BETOW, whose address is 32156 415TH AVENUE, SAUK CENTRE, Minnesota 56378, to serve as the personal representatives of the decedent’s estate. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal

City of Sauk Centre Notice of Winter Parking Rules Winter Parking Rules will go into effect on December 1 and remain in effect until March 31. During this period no on-street parking is permitted from Midnight until 7:00 a.m. on all streets except the downtown district where no parking is permitted from 2:00

representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representatives. Any objection to the appointment of the personal representatives must be filed with the Court, and any properly filed objection will be heard by the Court after notice is provided to interested persons of the date of hearing on the objection. Unless objections are filed, and unless the Court orders otherwise, the personal representatives have the full power to administer the estate, including, after thirty (30) days from the issuance of letters testamentary, the power to sell, encumber, lease, or distribute any interest in real estate owned by the decedent. Notice is further given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the decedent’s estate are required to present the claims to the personal representatives or to the Court within four (4) months after the date of this notice or the claims will be barred. Dated: November 21, 2023 /s/ Heidi Rasmussen Registrar Ann R. Mitchell (MN #203543) Ann R. Mitchell Attorney at Law 508 Main Street S, Suite 5 Sauk Centre, MN 56378 H-48-2B

a.m. to 7:00 a.m. People parking in violation of these rules are subject to ticket and tow. Please make provisions for alternate parking locations during these times. If you have any questions, please call City Hall at 320352-2203. H-46-3B

SPORTS

SAUK CENTRE HERALD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | Page 9

Jennissen, Dragons ﬂying high

PHOTO BY EVAN MICHEALSON

The Sauk Centre boys basketball senior class consists of Jay Neubert (front); (Back, from left) Owen Messer, Ethan Riley and Andrew Drevlow. The Streeters have strung together two straight 20-win seasons and look to extend that streak this winter.

Solving the puzzle Sauk Centre boys basketball team boasts unparalleled depth BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

After a 2022-23 season that ended in the section semifinals against the eventual state champions, the Sauk Centre Streeters boys basketball team is riding a hard-to-stop wave of momentum to begin the 2023-24 winter campaign. However, the Streeters are not dwelling on last year, when they completed their second-straight 20win season, won the West Central Conference and catapulted themselves into section contention. They are focused entirely on what lies ahead. “We’re trying to find the balance of wanting expectations to be high, but appreciating that we’re good and not getting caught up on trying to be perfect,” said Kevin Kuefler, head coach. “We’re trying to be as good as we can be and enjoy the time we have together.” True to this optimistic mindset, Sauk Centre’s practices have been energetic so far this winter, with the players bringing everything they have each time they enter the gym. Part of what has made this year’s preseason so enthralling is the sheer number of players who feel they have what it takes to earn varsity minutes. “Since I’ve been here, there’s been more compe-

tition than there has ever been,” Kuefler said. “That’s improved our practices.” With experienced veterans like Matthew Warring and Corey McCoy moving on from the program, the identity of the Streeters might be taking a significant shift, as a once-undersized scrappy Sauk Centre team receives a size boost in the form of bigs Troy Hansen and Chad Herickhoff. “Chad and Troy are 6’6” and 6’7”, which are unique pieces we haven’t had,” Kuefler said. “…I’m hoping we can do a better job of getting rebounds, both offensively and defensively.” Sauk Centre will not live and die on their newfound height, though. The likes of Ashton Trisko, Jeric Schloegl, Jacob Drevlow, Adam Neubert and Noah Borgerding all could contribute to the varsity roster in some shape or form. “We have different people that can do different things, so a key for us is team buy-in,” Kuefler said. “Some games it might be this player, some games it might be this player.” There is a lot of positive, exciting uncertainty when it comes to this Streeters team, but they also boast several surefire performers who have fueled

PHOTOS BY MARK KLAPHAKE

Senior guard Andrew Drevlow tries to drive past a defender during their home scrimmage Nov. 25. The Streeters are looking for a third straight 20-win season.

the program’s previous playoff runs. Jay Neubert is in the final season of what has been a 2,000-point scoring career to this point, while fellow upperclassmen Ethan Riley and Andrew Drevlow have been multiyear starters. Additionally, guard Damian Ahrens will once again bring his athleti-

cism to the starting lineup. With seemingly endless talent and an eagerness to prove themselves in a tough conference and section, the Sauk Centre boys basketball team is ready to begin a journey of improvement. “We have the pieces,” Kuefler said. “We just have to put them together.”

The collegiate basketball journey has not been an easy or expected one for Jacob Jennissen. However, the Sauk Centre High School graduate and former Colorado State performer is turning heads in his return to the state of Minnesota, playing BY EVAN MICHEALSON a key role for the red-hot MinWinning with worth nesota State University Moorhead Dragons men’s basketball program. The 7-foot, 1-inch Jennissen demonstrated his talents in one of the team’s toughest tests of the young season, reaching double-digit scoring with 11 points on 4-for-7 shooting while leading the Dragons with 11 boards in MSUM’s 86-72 victory over No. 17 Black Hills State University Nov. 18. Jennissen followed up this performance with more time on the court, totaling two points and two rebounds in an 83-79 win over Northern Michigan Nov. 25 before compiling three rebounds and three blocks in an 85-77 triumph over Michigan Tech Nov. 26. The Dragons bring a 6-0 record into their Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference schedule, which kicks off with a formidable foe in Northern State University Thursday, Nov. 30. • Also excelling in hoops is Tori Peschel, who is in the midst of her senior season for the St. Cloud State University Huskies women’s basketball team. Peschel made her season debut against Valley City State Nov. 11 and did not disappoint, recording eight points on 3 of 4 shooting to go with six rebounds and four assists. She also logged six points, six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and three steals in SCSU’s 71-64 win over the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Nov. 18. • A large-scale event for former Streeter Kali Sayovitz arrived in the form of the Purdue Invite Nov. 16 to Nov. 18 at the Morgan J. Burke Aquatic Center in West Lafayette, Indiana. The senior Purdue Boilermaker made it to the finals in two events. She was the second swimmer on Purdue’s 400-yard freestyle B relay and helped the grouping drop nearly three seconds off their seeding time and take eighth with a time of 3 minutes and 24.86 seconds. Sayovitz also competed in the 100 freestyle, where she ended up 18th at 51.18 in the finals following a 51.61 preliminary race, missing out on the top 16 by milliseconds. Purdue won their home invitational with 1,093.5 points. • Megan Heveron and the University of Minnesota-Morris Cougars were also at a gigantic swimming and diving competition, participating in the Augie Invite at Augustana University Nov. 16 to Nov. 18. Heveron was kept busy through solid swims in multiple events. The freshman swam in prelims in the 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke and 200 individual medley and qualified for the finals in a pair of relay events. The UMM relays involving Heveron, the 200 freestyle relay and the 400 freestyle relay, finished at 1:44.36 and 3:51.02, respectively. The Cougars took third out of six teams with a score of 946.5. • Mikayla Haskamp and the College of St. Benedict Bennies women’s swimming and diving program took part in a thrilling Minnesota state matchup Nov. 18. Facing Gustavus Adolphus, Macalester College and Morningside University in the Gusties’ annual Grace Goblirsch Invite, Haskamp was effective in the water. The sophomore finished ninth in the 50 freestyle at 26.25, snagged fifth in the 100 freestyle at 56.84 and was a member of two top-five-finishing CSB relays. The Bennies finished third with a score of 612. • Kayla Sayovitz returned to her home state Nov. 17 as a member of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Blugolds women’s swimming and diving team. The 20-year-old logged appearances in two individual events against St. Cloud State, notching a 200 individual medley time of 2:29.77 in an exhibition race. She also reached the wall at 1:15.87 in the 100 breaststroke. With Kayla serving as the second swimmer, the Blugolds 200 medley E relay recorded a 2:01.44 mark. The Blugolds fell to the Huskies 189-112. • Eli Fletcher has been the epitome of consistency for the Alexandria Blizzard of the North American Tier 3 Hockey League. Prairie Centre’s all-time leading scorer is at the forefront of Alexandria’s scoring success, having found the back of the net a team-leading 12 times so far in 19 career junior hockey games. He has also picked up 11 assists, putting him at 23 points overall for the campaign. From Nov. 11 to Nov. 24, Fletcher was red-hot, scoring a goal in four straight games for the Blizzard, who boast a record of 13-4-2 through 19 games.

Border

BATTLE MELROSE

4 Junior Damian Ahrens handles the ball during the Sauk Junior Troy Hansen soars in for a layup during the boys Centre basketball scrimmage Nov. 25. Ahrens is one of several basketball scrimmage Nov. 25. Hansen stands 6’6” and will be returning starters for the boys. called on to play stout defense and rebound for the Streeters.

SAUK CENTRE

VS Streeters

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.

SPORTS

SAUK CENTRE HERALD | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | Page 11

Boys hockey from page 10 A shorthanded score put Northern Lakes up 2-1 late in the first period before the floodgates opened in a three-goal second period for the Lightning, who sent the North Stars to a tough loss

on their home ice. “The energy and effort and the speed in which they play, we can learn from that and bring that every game,” Wehrman said. “We’re going to be okay.”

Prairie Centre will face Windom for the first time in program history at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Windom Arena in Windom. NL 2 3 3-8 PC 1 0 0-1 First period: 2. Bick (Fuchs, Rieland) 11:10. Goalie: Holman 36 of 44.

shot O F T H E W E E K PHOTO BY MARK KLAPHAKE

Asher Cebulla (19) and James Rieland (3) check a Northern Lakes player off the puck during the second period of their matchup Nov. 28 in Sauk Centre. The North Stars host Detroit Lakes Dec. 7.

Holiday Friday. December 8th, 2023 PHOTO BY MARK KLAPHAKE

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Senior forward Zac Bick blasts the puck past a Northern Lakes defender and their goalie and scores the North Stars lone goal in their home game Nov. 28 at the Sauk Centre Civic Arena. The North Stars lost 8-1.

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Streeter S C O R E B O A R D Boys basketball SC 7th grade team defeated Paynesville 43-39 SC 7th grade team defeated Osakis 35-33 SC 7th grade team defeated Melrose 36-26 SC 7th grade team lost to Melrose 27-21 SC 7th grade team defeated West Central Area 58-39 SC 7th grade team defeated Albany 35-32 SC 7th grade team lost to Albany 33-8 SC 7th grade team defeated Minnewaska Area 37-33 SC 7th grade team defeated Minnewaska Area 24-21 SC 7th grade team lost to Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta 26-20 SC 7th grade team lost to Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta 32-17 Girls basketball SC defeated Cathedral 75-34 SC JV defeated Cathedral 74-38 SC C squad defeated Cathedral 51-7 Boys hockey PC lost to Northern Lakes 8-1 PC JV lost to Northern Lakes 7-0

20 YEARS AGO The Sauk Centre Mainstreeters boys basketball team is preparing for their opening night clash against Osakis at home on Tuesday. Last Saturday, the Streeters hosted a 10-team event on three gym floors, and while the team did well in its matchups against Royalton and Parkers Prairie but seemed to run out of gas in the next two. Sauk Centre will eventually be playing seven of the nine teams who came to the Saturday event. Quote of the week Sauk Centre guard Cierra Kortan on the Streeters girls basketball team’s seasonopening win: “We have an amazing group of girls and we all play so well together. I’m excited to see what this season will have in store for us.”

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Jacob Drevlow approaches the finish line at the Minnesota State High School League Class A CrossCountry State Tournament Nov. 4 at Les Bolstad Golf Course in Falcon Heights. Drevlow took 28th out of 160 participants with a time of 16 minutes, 51.8 seconds in his second straight trip to state.

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The Sauk Centre girls swimming and diving state qualifiers for the 2023 season are Olivia Marsh (from left), Pyper Vogt, Carmen Loxtercamp, Maizie Jennissen, Addison Bick, Brooke Bromenshenkel and Stella Schirmers. The Streeters represented the program in seven different events at the Minnesota State High School League Girls Swimming and Diving State Meet Nov. 16 to Nov. 18.

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2023 ALL AREA

ALL ST R FOOTBALL 2023 COACH

OF THE YEAR

CHRIS MOSCHO | BBE HEAD COACH

Moscho leads Jaguars to Minneapolis offense and a disciplined, clutch defense, the BBE’s longtime leader earns coach of the year honors dynamic Jaguars executed 11 consecutive wins in 2023 with an PHOTO SUBMITTED

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coach Chris Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa football head kids during his with Moscho enjoys some time s A Football Minnesota State High School League Clas at U.S. Bank er emb Nov State Tournament festivities in d by area Stadium in Minneapolis. Moscho was vote ons Allicati Publ Star coaches and local media as the . Year the of h Coac ’s Area Football Team Broaster Chicken “Fresh from the Coop”

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BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

By any documented statistic or schedule, the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars football team’s competitive schedule began with a 46-14 win over Bagley Sept. 1. However, the foundation for what eventually became a special season for the Jaguars started in the offseason with regular trips to the weight room, a practice that became a staple of the team’s success. At the helm of this driven, hardworking BBE bunch was Chris Moscho, who was named the Star Publications All-Area Football Team’s Coach of the Year by area coaches and local media following an 11-1 season. “It’s honestly more about the players that come through,” Moscho said. “They buy into our system and that leads to today.” Led by Player of the Year Luke Dingmann and a

2023 PLAYER

OF THE YEAR

average margin of victory of over 29 points. Oftentimes, BBE felt it could outwork and wear down its opponents, a credit to the team’s offseason training that left its players in excellent physical condition. “We had the edge,” Moscho said. “We were probably stronger in a lot of spots. The dedication these players had toward the weight room and offseason workouts led to that 11-0.” The final triumph of the campaign was the biggest one of all, as a 28-6 win over Mayer Lutheran in the Minnesota State High School League Class A Football State Tournament quarterfinals gave the Jaguars the experience of a lifetime: a game against Minneota at U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis. While BBE could not keep its season alive for a spot in the championship, it was a memorable season that Moscho and his players will never forget. “As a coach, you couldn’t be prouder,” Moscho said. “Everybody was thinking this was a successful season, even with that last state tournament loss.”

LUKE DINGMANN

SENIOR | QB/DB | BBE Parents: Mathew and Josie Dingmann

fellow All-Area nominees Brett DeRoo, Luke Illies BBE’s Dingmann becomes player of the year like and Jack Lundberg who deserve the credit for BBE’s passing success. “The receivers, they made it a lot easier for me,” he said. “Most of them were open every play, so it made it tough for me to pick who to throw to. They were everyLuke Dingmann could be the dictionary definithing I could ever want, and they had speed.” tion of “leader by example.” Speed was also an element of Dingmann’s game. Off the back of a stellar senior campaign that saw After scrambling for 300 yards in his junior season, the him energize a powerful Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa incredible athlete took his two-way game to the next Jaguars offense, Dingmann was selected as the Star level in 2023, picking up 736 yards on the ground on 78 Publications All-Area Football Team’s Player of the rushes, including 10 touchdowns. Overall, he collected Year by area coaches and local media. 39 touchdowns on the season. “It means a lot that other coaches have a lot of The Jaguars went 8-0 in the regular season before respect for me and respect for my game,” he said. defeating Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City 60-8 and UpsaDingmann’s game, after all, is nearly impossible la/Swanville Area 32-8 in the Section 4A postseason. not to respect. The big-time thrower was a critical They also took down Mayer Lutheran 28-6 in the Mincomponent of the Jaguars’ 11-0 start to the season, nesota State High School League Class A Football State dazzling both through the air and with his legs. He Tournament, clinching a spot in the state semifinals and completed 140 of 191 passes – a 70.5% completion a trip to U.S. Bank Stadium. percentage – for 1,903 passing yards, showing great “Everyone was hoping we would win so we could efficiency. get down to U.S Bank and see what that experience was In Dingmann’s mind, however, it was weapons like, and it was amazing,” Dingmann said. BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

BELGRADE • BROOTEN • ELROSA

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2023 season stats: 140-for-191 (70.5% completion percentage) for 1,903 passing yards, 78 rushes for 736 yards, 10 rushing TDs, 39 total TDs. Career stats: 374-for-600 for 5,103 passing yards, 70 passing TDs, 195 rushes for 1,245 yards, 24 rushing TDs. Career accomplishments: All-District, Minnesota Mr. Football finalist, District QB of the Year, District Player of the Year, captain, shattered the quarterback records at BBE. Coach’s comments: Luke has rewritten the BBE quarterback record book. He is very coachable and a hard worker. Luke will do whatever it takes to get the job done. He is on the Minnesota All-State and is a Mr. Football finalist.

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Page 1B | NOVEMBER 30 & DECEMBER 6, 2023 | THE SAUK CENTRE HERALD & STAR POST

THE SAUK CENTRE HERALD & STAR POST | NOVEMBER 30 & DECEMBER 6, 2023 | Page 1B

FIRST TEAM ANDREW OLSON

SENIOR | WR/CB | ALBANY Parents: Brian and Missy Rieland

SENIOR | RB | ALBANY Parents: Josephine Dennis

2023 season stats: 1,138 passing yards (sixth-most in school history), 14 passing TDs, 150 rushing yards, one rushing TD, 62 tackles, 21 extra points. Career accomplishments: East Central District QB MVP, AllDistrict, All-Section, team MVP. Coach’s comments: Andrew was an all-around, complete football player who was a force for us on both sides of the ball.

2023 season stats: 92 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks. Career accomplishments: East Central District Defensive Line MVP, All-District, All-Section, team’s Defensive Player of the Year. Coach’s comments: Grant was a tremendous football player who led us in tackles from the defensive end position. His highlight of the season was an amazing 18 tackles versus Montevideo in the section semifinals.

2023 season stats: 82 tackles, seven sacks. Career accomplishments: East Central District Linebacker MVP, All-District. Coach’s comments: Cooper is a tremendous student of the game and can identify tendencies in an offense and use that to his advantage.

2023 season stats: 421 receiving yards, four TDs, 449 kick return yards, one kick return TD (the first in school history). Career accomplishments: East Central District Specialist MVP, All-District, All-Section. Coach’s comments: Jack had a special season and was able to impact games in many different aspects. Versus Sauk Centre, he had a kickoff return touchdown, an interception touchdown and a 40-yard punt return.

2023 season stats: 917 rushing yards, 14 rushing TDs. Career accomplishments: All-District. Coach’s comments: Adam was a true home run threat every time he touched the ball.

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JUNIOR | RB/DB | HOLDINGFORD Parents: Dan and Nancy Bieniek

2023 season stats: One rush for 6 yards, one TD, 50 tackles,

2023 season stats: 94 carries for 646 yards, seven rushing TDs, 18 catches for 226 yards, three receiving TDs, 31 tackles, two sacks, eight tackles for loss, two interceptions, three forced fumbles. Career accomplishments: All-District. Coach’s comments: You cannot teach speed. Jack started off the season as our third back and quickly proved why he was our workhorse by midseason. He runs a 4.6 40.

2023 season stats: 90-for-145 (62% completion percentage), 1,341 passing yards, 17 passing TDs, four interceptions, 145 carries for 680 rushing yards, 12 rushing TDs, 38 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, 3.5 sacks, one interception, one blocked punt. Career accomplishments: District Quarterback of the Year, AllDistrict, All-Section, Class AA Academic All-State. Coach’s comments: Three-year starter. Made a tremendous leap as a player this season. Was the leader of our football team and played excellent football on offense and defense. Very good long snapper. Tremendous wrestler and baseball player.

2023 season stats: 129 carries for 879 yards, 11 rushing TDs, 31 receptions for 405 yards, five receiving touchdowns, 25 solo tackles, four assisted tackles, two interceptions. Career accomplishments: All-District, All-Section. Coach’s comments: Explosive runner who has excellent vision and speed. A home run threat from anywhere on the field. As good at receiver as he is at running back.

2023 season stats: 12 catches for 138 yards, three interceptions. Career accomplishments: First Team All-District, three-year starter on defense, two-year starter on offense, one of the team’s leading tacklers this season, eight career interceptions. Coach’s comments: Max was a quiet leader and loved playing the game of football. He was undersized but played his heart out.

2023 season stats: 23 solo tackles. Career accomplishments: Two-year starter on defense, seven career sacks. Coach’s comments: Played undersized at the outside linebacker position. Showed a ton of improvement throughout his career.

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JERIC SCHLOEGL

SENIOR | OL/DL | SAUK CENTRE Parents: Brian and Stephanie Riley

SENIOR | RB/DB | SAUK CENTRE Parents: Lowell and Dorothy Helgeson

SENIOR | WR/DB | SAUK CENTRE Parents: Aaron Neubert and Ann Hess

JUNIOR | WR/DB | SAUK CENTRE Parents: Nikki Schloegl and Steve and Kim Ahrens

2023 season stats: Three sacks, two fumble recoveries. Career accomplishments: 2022 All-Section, 2023 All District and All-Section. Coach’s comments: Great leader on our team, always ready to work and get better. He was a great center and defensive lineman for us. A good athlete on the line at center, using his athleticism to block bigger defensive lineman and getting down the field to block linebackers. On the D-line, he used his athleticism to fly around, making plays all over the field. He was in the backfield causing chaos for the other teams.

2023 season stats: 140 carries for 904 yards, eight rushing TDs, eight catches for 39 yards, one fumble recovery. Career accomplishments: 2023 All-District and All-Section. Coach’s comments: Great young man with a good attitude and work ethic that was an awesome running back and defensive back for us this season. Hard runner with amazing speed and quickness. Had an ability to get outside the defense and outrun everybody. Anytime he had the ball in his hands, you knew there was a chance he could go to the end zone. On defense, he could lock down any man he covered one-onone. Also, was a fearless tackler and didn’t shy away from contact.

2023 season stats: 35 catches for 548 yards, nine receiving TDs, 19 carries for 92 yards, two rushing TDS, three interceptions and one fumble recovery. Career accomplishments: 2021 All-Section, 2021 District Special Teams Player of the Year, 2022 All-Section, 2023 All-District honorable mention. Coach’s comments: Very talented young man that’s a great worker at his craft. He was an amazing receiver and defensive back for us. It seemed like every play he was open or if he was covered, you knew if the ball was thrown anywhere close to him, he’d find a way to bring it in. Once he had the ball in his hands, you saw his hard work and talent shine, always making one or two guys miss or just outrunning the defense. On defense, he was a ball-hawking safety. If the ball was in the air near him, you knew he was going to break up the pass or make the pick. He would run downhill and fill the run, taking down runners. A very good tackler.

2023 season stats: 53 catches for 651 yards, nine receiving TDs, 40 carries for 188 yards, one rushing TD, two interceptions and one fumble recovery. Career accomplishments: 2023 All-District honorable mention, 2023 District Wide Receiver of the Year. Coach’s comments: A tireless worker that always wants more from himself and a great teammate. He wants to play his best for his teammates and team. Once he gets the ball in his hands, look out, because he will either run by you or over you. On defense, he flies around with reckless abandon and if you throw in his area, it’s getting knocked down or picked.

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SENIOR | OL/MLB | BBE Parents: Craig and Julie Hanson one fumble recovery. Career accomplishments: All-District, captain. Coach’s comments: Max played middle linebacker and offensive guard. He played over 97% of the snaps this season. He is tough as nails and pushes everyone in practice to be better every single drill.

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1800 2nd St. S. • Sauk Centre, MN

Howard Marthaler 320-250-2984 Jason Marthaler 320-249-6062 Karl Larson 320-808-8012

Fuel up before you head out at your 24 hour

TRUCKERS INN

RESTAURANT & STATION 1422 Main St. South Sauk Centre Restaurant 320-352-3429 Station 320-352-5241

Propane Available!

Congratulations

WE’RE PROUD OF YOU! www.mn-bank.bank

TRUCKERS INN TRUCK STOP & RESTAURANT

Member FDIC

SAUK CENTRE LONG PRAIRIE PELICAN RAPIDS

SPONSORED BY:

COOPER ROERING

Ultra High Speed Internet 131 6th St. Albany, MN

Office Hours:

SPONSORED BY:

insuranceaves.com 320.356.9440

Using Fiber-to-the-Home Technology to Deliver

Dr. Jason Spychala Dr. Kara Engelbrektson

SPONSORED BY:

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2023 season stats: Has not given up a single sack this season. When we run, we run behind Cooper. Career accomplishments: All-District. Coach’s comments: Cooper spends his free time going to camps and in the weight room. We run behind him when we need the tough yards. Cooper is getting looks from some D-II colleges.

Phone: 320-256-4275

#26

JUNIOR | LB | ALBANY Parents: Jason and Rebecca Brinkman

2023 season stats: 25 catches for 405 yards, seven receiving TDs, 52 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, one TD. Career accomplishments: All-District, captain, All-District Defensive Back of the Year. Coach’s comments: Brett was a huge surprise this season. He was a solid JV player last season and immediately came into camp and proved a point that was ready for varsity. He was the unanimous Defensive Back of the Year in our district for a reason. He is always locked on the best wide receiver, doesn’t miss tackles and is a lockdown corner.

826 County Rd. 13, Melrose, MN 56352

ADAM DENNIS

#18

SENIOR | OL/DE | ALBANY Parents: Jason and Tessa Wohletz

JUNIOR | WR/DB | BBE Parents: Aaron and Sara DeRoo

MAX WEHLAGE

JACK RIELAND

SENIOR | QB/S | ALBANY Parents: Mark and Katie Olson

LOCATIONS Belgrade | Elrosa | Willmar

COOPER #77 BRINKMAN

#54

SPONSORED BY:

BRETT DEROO

GRANT WOHLETZ

#15

Congratulations All Star Teams! Fueling the hungriest athletes

1 1-877-256-3680 www.rahnfuels.com w

Restaurant 320-352-3429 Station 320-352-5241 Located “In the Middle of Minnesota” • I-94 & Hwy. 71 Sauk Centre, MN

Page 4B | NOVEMBER 30 & DECEMBER 6, 2023 | THE SAUK CENTRE HERALD & STAR POST

SECOND TEAM DEVON #71 SCHAEFER SENIOR | OL/DE | ALBANY

#10 TOBY CEBULLA SENIOR | RB/FS | BBE

HARLEY #61 WEBER JUNIOR | DL | BBE

MASYN #22 PATRICK SOPH. | WR/RB/DB | HOLDINGFORD

#52 WILL PILARSKI JUNIOR | G/LB | HOLDINGFORD

Parents: Karen Schaefer

Parents: David and Susan Cebulla

Parents: Tammy Weber

Parents: Keith and Jessica Patrick

Parents: John and Amy Pilarski

2023 season stats: 60 tackles, six sacks and one interception.

2023 season stats: 62 tackles, 46 carries for 169 yards, two TDs.

2023 season stats: 37 tackles.

2023 season stats: 45 carries for 355 yards, one rushing TD, 27 receptions for 454 yards, six receiving TDs, 33 solo tackles, seven assisted tackles, three interceptions.

2023 season stats: 31 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles, two sacks.

#6 JAXON BARTKOWICZ SOPH. | LB/QB | HOLDINGFORD

DAVID #50 HEINEN SENIOR | OT/DE | HOLDINGFORD

KOLTON #34 HARREN SOPH. | LB/RB | HOLDINGFORD

DAMIAN #7 AHRENS JUNIOR | QB/LB | SAUK CENTRE

#54 TROY HANSEN JUNIOR | OL/DL | SAUK CENTRE

Parents: Joe and Jolene Bartkowicz

Parents: Brian and Michelle Heinen

Parents: Rich and Janelle Harren

Parents: Steve and Kim Ahrens

Parents: Adam Hansen and Missy Meyer

2023 season stats: 41 solo tackles, 19 assisted tackles, three sacks, two interceptions.

2023 season stats: 26 solo tackles, nine assisted tackles, three sacks.

2023 season stats: 41 solo tackles, 22 assisted tackles, 3.5 sacks.

2023 season stats: 1,584 passing yards, 18 passing TDs, 105 carries for 586 yards, five rushing TDs.

2023 season stats: Two sacks, two fumble recoveries.

#55 LUKE MJUNIORCCOY | OL/LB | SAUK CENTRE

#3 LUKE ILLIES JUNIOR | WR/DB | BBE

#50 LUKE FIEDLER SENIOR | OL/DL | SAUK CENTRE

Parents: Matthew and Crystal McCoy

Parents: Pat Illies and Steph Sabol

Parents: Paul and Stephanie Fiedler

2023 season stats: Two sacks, three fumble recoveries.

2023 season stats: 30 catches for 389 yards, two TDs.

2023 season stats: Two sacks, three fumble recoveries.

The Star Publications All-Star Football Team is decided by participating coaches and local members of the media. Coaches nominate their players, and then the coaches and members of the local media vote for a ﬁrst team, a second team and a player and coach of the year.

Convenience at it’s best. • Broasted Chicken • Bone-In Wings • Pizza • Appetizers & More!

13209 100th Ave. Villard, MN

A LOTTERY, LP, ATM, CCAR WASH, FUEL & DELI

320-352-3894

701 East Highway 55, Brooten, MN 56316 | 320-346-2424

WE’RE PROUD OF YOU! www.mn-bank.bank

SAUK CENTRE LONG PRAIRIE PELICAN RAPIDS

Member FDIC

Way to go team! MINNESOTA TRAILER OPERATIONS

Congratulations

320-746-2255 | polartank.com

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ENTRANSINTERNATIONAL.COM/CAREERSMTO