Page 2 | SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Erickson from front distributed 8,200. “When I hand someone a pin, I often get told it made their day,” Erickson said. “I hear so many stories from people as I pass them out, and there are a lot of people impacted by Alzheimer’s. I have a goal of making this an Alzheimer’s pro-
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motion. When people wear these, I want them to be reminded of their loved ones.” Erickson’s buttons are a reminder of the journey Evelyn and he had with the disease – one that began in 2010. The couple began to feel distant from one another and have more disagreements. Erickson, believing he was at fault, fell into a four-year depression. Over time, Erickson convinced Evelyn to seek medical attention. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2010. Following the diagnosis, the couple shared some of the best years of their lives. “I finally understood it was not my fault, and she was not responsible for her behavior,” Erickson said. “It changed everything, and the depression was gone.” Evelyn continued to live at home until seven months before her passing when the disease became progressively worse. At that time, she was moved to the Good Shepherd Community in Sauk Rapids. Erickson said the days leading up to the move were the worst of his life. Erickson struggled for four months to find a place that could take care of Evelyn. Once Evelyn moved to Good Shepherd, Erickson relaxed
NEWS
knowing she was in good care. Erickson’s fondest memories are his visits to see Evelyn. They sat on the couch, his arm around her and his hand in hers; she would fall asleep. T h e memories fuel Erickson to continue passing out his pins. Erickson hopes to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease with the blue buttons displaying a smiley face that he designed. With each distribution, Erickson relays a message about the disease and how it affected his wife and he. Erickson has distributed pins to individuals in the St. Cloud area, often giving them out at the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA, the Whitney Senior and Recreation centers and the St. Cloud Technical and Community College where he volunteers. Erickson has also given pins in other areas of the state such as Brainerd. Buttons are traveling across the country with acquaintances who plan to be give them out in
PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYER
Four pins sit on a tabletop Jan. 6 in Sauk Rapids. Bob Erickson passes the pins out to raisie awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and in hopes of making someone’s day brighter with a smile.
Missouri and Kentucky. Often times, Erickson passes out pins at multiple locations before noon and continues the pattern throughout the day. He finds people after their workout at the gym, in booths at coffeeshops or even strolling
the streets. His outreach includes community events. Since the beginning, Erickson has funded the project. To him, spending money on pins is better than any vacation. “I could go spend a couple thousand dollars
to have two weeks of enjoyment,” Erickson said. “Or, I can spend money to pass out these pins each day and every day turns into a vacation day, making a difference and passing along a smile.”
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Page 4 | SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
NEWS
Buerkle to chair county board in 2020 Commissioners receive update on Foley veterans memorial BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – The Benton County Board of Commissioners rotated command Jan. 7 as it convened for its first meeting of the new year. Commissioner Spencer Buerkle, of District 4, will chair the board in 2020, with commissioner Warren Peschl, District 1, presiding as vice chair. Following reorganization, approval of the consent agenda and a few business housekeeping items, the commissioners heard an update from county administrator Monty Headley on the proposed veterans memorial. Members of American Legion Post No. 298 in Foley – Duane Walter, Gary Swanson and Gary Gruba – have organized a fundraiser to erect a veterans memorial within
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city limits. Last fall, Walter and Gruba appeared before the county board and asked that the county consider allowing use of its land for the memorial. The commissioners met further with the group at a committee of the whole. No official action will be taken on the memorial until an official site plan and design has been submitted to the board, but board members came to consensus to allow use of land along Highway 23 near the court administration and jail parking lot. “Former commissioner Walter visited me yesterday and he said the Legion has been quite successful in securing donations to construct the veterans memorial – so successful that they would actually like to expand the footprint of the memorial by about 10 feet,” Headley said. Headley said that rather than the initial 20-by-20-foot proposed memorial, the group would like to see a 30-by30-foot site that could recognize all branches of the military. Headley sug-
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Benton County Commissioners – Warren Peschl, Spencer Buerkle and Steve Heinen; (back, from left) Ed Popp and A. Jake Bauerly – stand inside the board room at the county administration building Jan. 7 in Foley. Buerkle will serve as chair and Peschl as vice chair for 2020.
gested the site potentially be moved further from the water retention pond while kept as close as feasible to Highway 23. “My concern is more long term about preserving as much of this land area as possible if the county ever needs to expand this building or parking on that side of the road,” Headley said. District 5 Commissioner A. Jake Bauerly said the location should be suggested by an engineer to take into account drainage. Headley said the Legion has yet to engage in a professional architect for design. In other board news: - Approved paying a $60 per diem for those serving at boards and commission meetings. - Approved appointing Chad Erdmann and Jason Tangen to threeyear terms on the solid waste advisory committee from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2022.
- Approved the commissioner appointments. Ed Popp, District 2, was added and Peschl removed from the Rum River One Watershed One Plan Committee. Steve Heinen, District 3, replaced Buerkle on the Career Solutions Region 3 Planning Board and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Peschl was added to the Tri-Cap Action Program Executive Committee. Benton-Sherburne Elk River Watershed and the Verso Site Redevelopment Workgroup were struck from the list of attended boards after disso-
lution or lack of meetings. - Approved the Sauk Rapids Herald and Benton County News as the official newspapers of the county. Meeting minutes and required public notices will be published in both papers. The board also approved an alternative method to disseminate bids for road construction projects, similar to in past years. The public works department will use the county’s website to provide bid advertisements to interested parties. - Approved the county’s depository financial
institutions as Frandsen Bank and Trust, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, Falcon National Bank, First National Bank of Milaca, Minnesota Association of Governments Investing in Counties, and all institutions which the county’s brokerage firms utilize. Human services board news: - Approved the chair of the human services board as Peschl and the vice chair as commissioner Popp. The schedule for these meetings will follow and coincide with that of the county board. Meetings will take place at 9:30 a.m. with the exception of the Dec. 1 meeting which will be at 7:30 p.m. - Approved allowing a social worker to assist jail inmates from Stearns, Sherburne, Wright and Benton counties for approximately eight hours each week. The Community Adult Mental Health Initiative has granted Benton County $33,448 to fund this position. Sandi Shoberg, mental health and licensing supervisor for Benton County Human Services, said most inmates need help in locating housing following release and the social worker will be able to provide referral services.
2020 Benton County Commissioner Meeting Schedule *All meetings at 9 a.m. unless posted otherwise
Jan. 7 March 3 May 5 July 7 Sept. 1 Nov. 3
Jan. 20 March 17 May 19 July 21 Sept. 15 Nov. 17
Feb. 4 April 7 June 2 Aug. 4 Oct. 6 Dec. 1 (7 p.m.)
Feb. 18 April 21 June 16 Aug. 18 Oct. 20 Dec. 15
Advertising: Our ad takers have no authority to bind Deadlines: The deadline for most news in the Herald is noon on Wednesthis newspaper, and only publication of an advertisement day. Exceptions are obituaries which have a deadline of 10 a.m. Thursday. shall constitute final acceptance of the advertiser’s order. The deadline for advertisements in the Herald is 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Letters: Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are welcomed. Letters must be signed with first and last name and include address and phone Subscription Rates: Free in Sauk Rapids and Rice number. Letters should be short and to the point (400 words or less). We P.O. boxes, city routes and rural routes. reserve the right to edit lengthy letters. Benton, Stearns or Sherburne Counties $50 per year Corrections/Clarifications: The Herald strives for accuracy. If you would Other counties and outside Minnesota like to report a factual error, please call (320) 251-1971. $55 per year $5 per month for snowbirds Mark Klaphake Joyce Frericks Missy Traeger Jeff Weyer Pat Turner Brian Dingmann Amanda Thooft Maddy Peterson Natasha Barber Maria Bichler Kayla Hunstiger Anna Hinkemeyer
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 2020 | Page 5
Township questions stormwater regulations Supervisors to have attorney review ordinance BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Watab Township is about to endeavor on a monthslong process of understanding its obligations as a MS4 permit holder. This fall, residents raised concerns to township officials in regards to legitimacy of certain Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems inspections, and they, along with the town’s elected officials, questioned the amount of taxpayer money spent in order to fulfill MS4 permit obligations. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, MS4 are roads with curbs, gutters, storm drains, catch basins and other features operated by public entities but not combined with sewer or treatment works. If MS4s are located in urbanized areas and used by a population of 1,000 or more they must satisfy MS4 permit requirements which are designed to reduce sediment and pollutants in stormwater from entering state waters. MS4 permit holders must develop stormwater pollution prevention programs and adopt best practices. Looking to further educate themselves on MS4 requirements and regulations, the Watab Town Board underwent presentations in the first weeks of January. The MPCA appeared at a training session Jan. 2, and Wayne Cymbaluk, township MS4 inspector and water resource specialist for Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District, spoke at the Jan. 7 meeting. The information provided led to more questions. “It’s complicated; that’s all I’m going to say,” said Julie Johnson, Watab Township supervisor. “It’s complicated, and I am not sure I have the full answer of what we are supposed to do ….” According to Watab
Township Ordinance 6, any land development activity that disturbs 1 acre or more of soil must have a stormwater pollution prevention plan and land disturbance permit approved by the township. This includes developments with lots that combine to be greater than 1 acre, subdivision plats and road construction. In addition, the ordinance – which is more restrictive than the state – dictates projects greater than 10,000 square feet that discharge into impaired or special waters must also abide by stormwater management practices. Cymbaluk, who has been the township MS4 inspector since 2014, presented this same information during his time at the podium and said that when his contract originated with Watab, it included small-, medium- and large-scale projects. “The township, I believe, at that time did not want to have to charge each individual property owner $300 for me to come out and review what they would have for a stormwater plan and come out and do inspections throughout the life of the project,” Cymbaluk said. “So, the township was taking it upon themselves to go out and do inspections on individual lots and calling it their MS4 program.” Cymbaluk said he was unsure if land disturbance inspections not required by the state could be deemed MS4 inspections but said any completed inspections benefitted the township by protecting its water resources.
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“The true MS4 inspections are supposed to be coming though myself and are the bigger projects or those common plat developments,” Cymbaluk said. The inspector said unless 1 acre or more is disturbed, projects do not need a permit through MS4. Ordinance 6 both reinforces and conflicts with Cymbaluk’s statements. In the ordinance, under stormwater management, the document reads, “any land development activity, regardless of size, that results in a building permit application,” must also comply. “We need some delineation on our rules,” Johnson said. Supervisors Johnson, Steve Wollak and Todd Waytashek agreed to send the ordinance to township attorney, Mike Couri, to review for conflicting language. “It’s going to be an involved process,” Johnson said. “I would expect this is going to take a year to a year and a half to complete, much like our subdivision ordinance and developer’s agreement. Stay tuned. There will be lots more
information coming.” The MPCA is in the process of reissuing its MS4 permit. Cymbaluk said the MPCA is rolling back restrictions that may benefit Watab Township; however, he has yet to receive official guidance. Johnson said once the MPCA completes in May or June, more work will be ahead for the township. “The date that permit is approved, we have five months to get our permit renewal in,” Johnson said. “… And then, once they renew our permit, we have 12 months to redo everything – our ordinance, our documentation, our forms, our programs….” In other board news: - Approved a bid to purchase two computers from Digital Majik Computer Clinic Inc., of St. Cloud. The computers will cost $649 each plus tax. - Approved a contract with WACOSA, of Waite Park, for cleaning of the town hall. The group charges $64.81 per hour per crew. Waytashek said the crew consists of four workers and one supervisor.
Sauk Rapids Police Department activity Dec. 30 2218 hrs: Officers responded to the 1200 block of Agate Court for a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, officers were unable to locate the vehicle. Dec. 31 1624 hrs: Officers were notified of a complaint for children using the skating rink on the 1000 block of Sixth Avenue North. The complainant was upset that the kids were going to ruin the ice. Officers contacted Sauk Rapids Public Works, which advised the rink was meant for skating and had no issues with people using it. Jan. 4 0026 hrs: Officers responded to the 1800 block of Eighth Avenue Northwest for a vehicle following him and flashing its lights. Officers met the male in the police department parking lot and were unable to locate the other vehicle. Incidents: 27 assists, 25 parking violations, 24 traffic stops, 21 various calls, 10 suspicious activity calls, 9 medical calls, 8 animals, 7 alarms, 6 child, 6 permits, 5 vehicles, 4 human services reports, 4 accidents, 3 civil, 3 domestics, 3 unwanted, 3 disorderly conduct, 2 property, 2 attempt to locate, 2 welfare checks, 2 harassments, 2 extra patrols, 2 ordinances, 2 driving and 2 warrants.
Rice Police Department activity
Jan. 1 0003 hrs: Officers were dispatched for gunshots on the 11000 block of Highway 10 Northwest. Upon arrival, officers observed a large firework shoot into the sky. Officers attempted to locate the correct property with no luck. Officers notified complainant it was fireworks and not gunshots. Incidents: 7 various calls, 4 assists, 2 medical calls, 2 records checks and 2 vehicles.
OBITUARY John R. Lund
A celebration of life will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at Living Waters Lutheran Church in Sauk Rapids for John R. Lund, age 72, who passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer Jan. 7, 2020. The Rev. Todd Mattson will officiate. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation was 5-8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the services Saturday at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids. John was born May 3, 1947, in Gaylord to Robert “Bob” and Ruth (Schmidt) Lund. He married Kathy Tongen May 18, 1968, in Gaylord. He was a graduate of Reisch School of Auctioneering and was in the auction business with his parents. John grew up in the trucking industry. Throughout his career, he worked in sales, management, safety and driver training, and in his retirement, driving. He was a founding member of Living Waters Lutheran Church and volunteered at the church and the Paramount Theater. John loved to drive, spend
John R. Lund
winters in Florida, and putz in the garage. No matter what he was doing, he enjoyed doing it with Kathy. He was well liked, personable, outgoing, thoughtful, meticulous and a true gentleman. John was dedicated to his family and was very supportive of them. Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Kathy of Sauk Rapids; son, Travis (Stacy) of Foley and daughter, Betsey Lund Ross (Frank Ross) of Sauk Rapids; mother, Ruth Lund of Gaylord; and grandchildren, Paige Folkerts, Bryce & Drew Lund, and Cullen Ross. John was preceded in death by his father, Bob; and sister, RaVae Hofferbert. Obituary, guest book and video tribute available at http://www. williamsdingmann.com R-2-1B
Session for food producers coming to central Minnesota
ST. CLOUD – Blazing Trails is a project of the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Renewing the Countryside. and the Minnesota Farmers Market Association. Three workshops will be offered in central Minnesota in the upcoming weeks. These events are hosted by University of Minnesota Extension. These workshops will offer insight into the world of food regulations. It is a chance for anyone with a passion for local farms and local food but is confused or intimidated by food regulations. The program is designed to be valuable to a wide range of people working in local foods markets; farmers, chefs and business owners are a few of the expected professions of the attendees. The Blazing Trails event will take place from 1-5 p.m. Jan. 27 in Sartell, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 28 in Cold Spring, and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 5 in Little Falls. Light refreshments will be provided. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Register at http://z.umn.edu/ centralmnblazingtrails. For more information on the Blazing Trails project visit http://www.misa.umn.edu/resources/ blazing-trails. Contact Katie Drewitz, extension educator for horticulture, small farms and local foods in Stearns, Benton and Morrison counties, with questions or registration assistance. Drewitz can be reached at wins005@umn.edu or 320-2556169, Ext. 1.
Page 6 | SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
A word for the new year
Erm ... is my word for the year. A little late and a little informal for a milestone year. I have never done this before, but if I were going to, 2020 has me saying, “Erm ….” The oftenabused ellipses following erm are just as important because I am highlighting an unfinished thought. Listen, I could have settled on a much nobler BY MERCY NYGAARD word such as intentionality as I Life by Faith have honed in on intentionally spending time where my time is needed most, or relationships because sharing life with each other has become a passion of mine. Teaching would have been a long shot but could have been a possibility as the Lord has called me to diligently teach my children and help women to glorify God. But, ironically, it is the constant state of learning I am in that has made it clear that erm and its ellipses should be my word for 2020. We all know it is not an actual English vocabulary word, but thank you for humoring me. Over the years, as a student of the Bible, a work from home wife and mom, and an advocate for older generations teaching the younger generations, God has taught me that he is far from finished teaching me. My marriage needs vital attention and my children do too. With 24 hours in a day, only God can give enough grace to complete work and schooling on top of that. When I get to spend any time at all in the Bible, it fills up my tank to get going and rest in between. There is no exact recipe. My husband and I plan, and at a moment’s turn, those plans change. It took our almost 1 year old, who surprised us upon conception, to guide us into God’s plan for homeschool and hobby farming. I did not think I could homeschool let alone raise another human being, but God gave us a baby and so much more. My tendency of trying to avoid mistakes and finding the recipe that works always lands me on my knees in prayer, asking for God’s perspective over my own flawed vision. Perspective is a game changer and it is always changing. Kids, school, marriage and relationships; God has used them to humble me time after time. You start making calls for your oldest to get their permit to drive, and then you are thrown for a loop changing your youngest’s diapers. When our kids were in school, I was always in favor of the teacher without complaints and now homeschooling has me appreciating teachers more than ever. Yet, when and if our children enter institutional school again, I will be carefully evaluating what I am paying for with high expectations. After 15 years of marriage, I think I have my husband figured out, and then we will get into a monumental argument. We laugh, we fight, we work harder, and we love harder. It is a conundrum to me, and our solution has always come when we let go and let God. Letting go and letting God is the only way we can continue on in relationships. We cannot fulfill God’s second commandment without first fulfilling his first. When you have first things first and you love God with all your heart, mind and soul; out of the overflow of that, you can love others as Jesus loves us. You can pour into someone younger than you and make them part of your family, and they may or may not receive any of it. That is why we must continue to serve unto the Lord and not unto man. “But Jesus did not commit himself to them, because he knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for he knew what was in man,” John 2:24-25. I have been in enough relationship debacles to know there are more to come. Some people cannot see the truth when it is in front of them, and I am always learning when and when not to speak. Maybe it is because discord thrusts me at Jesus’ feet where I am able to let it go. After spending some time there, I love him so much; I go right back to relationships for more – more sharing life together. So, what was it exactly that I was trying to share with you? Erm….
EDITORIAL
Plant sexual reproduction
Have you ever wondered what exImperfect blooms are those with eiactly happens after the wind or an inther stamens or pistils but not both, but sect moves pollen from one flower to both kinds of blooms may occur on the another? Cross fertilization takes place same plant. Cucumbers, pumpkins and when pollen or genetic material moves melons are examples of this. Imperfect blooms need the help of the wind or an from one flower to another. Flower insect to move the pollen from the male blooms have stamens which are long BY LINDA G. to the female bloom. growths that extend from the base in the TENNESON In addition, there are plants that middle of the bloom. Think of the parts Green and of Easter lilies that are often removed have only male or only female blooms. Growing in to avoid the pollen dropping off and Yew, poplar, willow, ash, mulberry, Benton County staining the petals. Each stamen has a holly and juniper trees must have a tree filament which is the long stem that extends from of each gender planted nearby so fertilization the center of the bloom and has an anther on the can occur. Apples have both gender parts in each top which contains the pollen. The stamens are bloom, but they are incompatible with each other. usually arranged around the pistil which is in the A different variety of apple tree must be plantmiddle of the bloom. Part of the pistil is a hollow ed nearby so insects can move pollen from one tube called the style. At the top of the pistil there tree to another. Many flower blooms encourage is a stigma which has a sticky surface to hold onto insects to pick up and deposit pollen by having any pollen that lands on it. The pollen is moved sweet nectar near the base of the stamens. For the down the style into the ovary. The ovary is where insect to take a drink, it must brush against the the seed production occurs. Surrounding the pistil stamen and pick up or deposit pollen from anothand stamens are colorful petals which attract in- er plant. Plant breeders do this same thing artifisects to visit and leave pollen they have collected cially by rubbing the pollen of one bloom against from other blooms. These parts are large enough another. Then, these blooms are often covered to to be seen on many kinds of flower blooms. But prevent additional pollen from being deposited. on some blooms, a magnifying glass is needed to Plants that are described by a name followed by identify the pistil and stamens. an X and then another name show which parent Roses, lilies and dandelions have both pistils plants were used in the crossbreeding process. and stamens and are called complete or perfect I recommend readers consult a reference blooms. However, they need insects or the wind book or an online source for a flower part diato move pollen from one bloom to another. Some gram which will make this subject easier to unperfect blooms are capable of self-fertilizing, pro- derstand. ducing new seeds without help. Their blooms are Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minoften small and less colorful because they do not nesota Extension Master Gardener and Tree Care need to attract an insect to visit them. Legumes Advisor. such as peanut, pea and soybean are examples.
Letters to the editor welcome Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are welcome. Letters must be signed with a first and last name and include an address and phone number. Letters should be short (under 400 words) and to the point, and be submitted by Wednesday at 5 p.m.
E-mail to natasha@saukherald.com
EDITORIAL/NEWS
Foreigner A week ago, my husband and na is willing to investigate Charlie if it I brought our puppy Charlie home is her idea, but if Charlie comes after from his breeder. Our beautiful Ausher, it is a no-go. tralian Shepherd pup was eager to see I think Athena has begun to realwhere he would be living, and I could ize Charlie is here to stay and figures not drive the 25 minutes home fast she better try getting along with this enough. creature, this foreigner, in our home. I brought Charlie home and imWith time the two will become best mediately had to clean up a couple BY ANNA HINKEMEYER buds and snuggle buddies. But for accidents as he excitedly explored his now, Athena keeps a comfortable disnew environment. One member of tance by hiding under tables and spyour family was not so eager and excited for our ing on this thing she is supposed to coexist with. new addition. Our cat Athena checked Charlie There is a lesson to be learned about tolerout for a split second before deciding she did not ance and acceptance by looking at these two. like him. She began hissing, growling and hid- Athena’s first impression of Charlie being scary ing in places she knew Charlie could not get to and harmful is slowly being edged away as she – namely downstairs or in our bedroom under the observes. While she probably will not want to bed. keep up with his puppy energy, I am sure she can While it has taken a couple days, and things provide a calming nature for him in the future. still are certainly not settled, Athena is warming Do not judge a book by its cover or a puppy by up to Charlie to the point of coexisting. She has its constant energy. Underneath, you never know gotten within a foot or two of him on a couple what you may find. separate occasions now but not any closer. Athe-
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 2020 | Page 7
BREAK CROSSWORD
Pulse on people Dolney announced as United Way grand prize winner ST. CLOUD – Paige Dolney, of Sartell Middle School, has been announced at the grand prize winner of the United Way Live United Essay Contest. United Way of Central Minnesota teamed up with U.S. Bank to ask fifth grade students from the area to share how they live united. United Way received over 600 submissions from central Minnesota schools. Of those essays, one grand prize winner and 14 runners-up were selected. The 14 runners-up are from the cities of Sartell and Sauk Centre and Discovery Elementary, St. Francis Xavier, Holy Family Sauk Centre, Rice Elementary, Kennedy Community, Madison Elementary, Sartell Middle, Lincoln Elementary, St. Katherine Drexel, Oak Hill El-
ementary, Holdingford Elementary and Paynesville Elementary schools. Dolney will receive the grand prize award of a $200 Visa gift card for her essay. “My family and I do many things to LIVE UNITED and help our community,” said Dolney in her essay. “Because of that I have learned how important it is and how good it feels to give back to the community. “We always participate in the Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Last year, I set a fundraising record for Jump Rope for Heart at Oak Ridge Elementary. “My favorite way we give back each year is by planning and hosting the Holiday Lights Party. It is a great way to enjoy holiday cheer with our friends and family while collecting hundreds of toys for kids who are less fortunate than I am. I help
my dad make all the yummy food and treats for our guests on the days before the party. Then, on the night of the party, I make sure that everyone brings a toy, so they can go on the lights tour. On the day after the party, I always love going through all the toys. There are so many of them that I want to have, but I realize that it feels so much better to donate them.” Albers named to Wartburg College dean’s list WAVERLY, Iowa – Isabelle Albers, of Sauk Rapids, was named to the Wartburg College fall term dean’s list. The college recognized 472 students for fall term. The list honors students who earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above in at least four course credits during the term.
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tim@saukherald.com tim@albanyenterprise.com
Page 8 | SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
News briefs CMBA donates to industrial technology programs through Tools for Schools ST. CLOUD – The Central Minnesota Builders Association has awarded 13 schools a total of $18,391 from its Tools for Schools Fund. Swanville, Albany, Apollo, Becker, Cathedral, Foley, Little Falls, Melrose, Sauk Rapids-Rice, Rocori, Tech and Upsala high schools and the Alternative Learning Center in St. Cloud have all received donations. The Tools for Schools Fund is run through the Initiative Foundation and was created in 2017. The vision of the Tools for Schools Fund is to offer increased support to schools by providing tools, supplies, grants, education and scholarships to further enhance learning opportunities for high school students in order to attract more interest in the construction trades as a career choice. To date, the fund has provided $107,575 through donations and matching funds from the CMBA to support work force development. Another $206,575 has been provided to schools for trade initiatives through the Tools for Schools Annual Scholarship which began in 2004. Three injured in Highway 23 collision ST. CLOUD – Three people suffered injuries following a crash at Highway 23 and County Road 4 in Gilmanton Township Monday. Carissa Hanson, 29, of Appleton, Doreen Hanson, 60, of Donnelly and a minor child were transported to the St. Cloud Hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. According to a release from the Minnesota State Patrol, a vehicle driven by Emily Shelton, 35, of Sauk Rapids, was traveling southbound on County Road 4 Jan. 6 around 5:15 p.m. when it ran a stop sign at Highway 23. Shelton’s vehicle was hit by a vehicle driven by Carissa Hanson, who was traveling westbound on the highway. Shelton and the two children who were passengers in her vehicle were not injured. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Foley Fire Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance assisted at the scene.
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Officers remain unchanged for 2020 School board holds organizational meeting BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – The structure of the Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board in 2020 will mirror
that of 2019. The board’s organizational meeting took place Jan. 6, and the same officers were elected as last year. Ryan Butkowski is chair, Jan Solarz is vice-chair, Robyn Holthaus is treasurer and
Lisa Braun is clerk. The board made changes to its meeting rotation. All meetings will take place in the board room at the Sauk RapidsRice district office with the exception of the April 27 and Oct. 19 meetings which will take place at Rice Elementary School. The meeting schedule for 2020 can be found online
at https://www.isd47.org/ schoolboard/dates-agendas-minutes. In other school board news: - The safe and secure entrance projects have been completed. Rice and Mississippi Heights elementary school staff moved into the new spaces over winter break.
Upper Mississippi Irrigators Association seeks membership Hosts annual meeting with free lunch RICE – Upper Mississippi Irrigators Association has planned its annual meeting along with the Morrison-Crow Wing Minnesota Corn Growers Association. UMIA invites current, former and prospective members to attend and benefit from a program to educate farmers and community members about the issues in our area. The annual meeting
will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Bowlus Community Center and includes a free lunch catered by Jordie’s Trailside Café. Presentations on important issues to farmers who grow crops in central Minnesota include “Coping with Farm Stress” given by Emily Wilmes, extension educator in Stearns, Benton and Morrison counties.
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Wilmes is the director of the Rural Stress Task Force and focuses on dairy, beef and farm safety and health. Attendees will also hear from Nathan Drewitz, a certified crop consultant and University of Minnesota Extension educator for crops, on “Managing Difficult Weeds in Central Minnesota.” Then, John Walsh, a certified public accountant with Anfinson Thompson and Company, PA will review 2019 tax law changes and how
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PUBLIC NOTICES
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 2020 | Page 11
NOTICE OF VOLUNTARY MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THE RIGHT TO ORIGINATOR STATED by said mortgage, or any part 582.032. VERIFICATION OF THE ON MORTGAGE: Resolute thereof; MORTGAGOR(S) DEBT AND IDENTITY Bank PURSUANT to the RELEASED FROM OF THE ORIGINAL R E S I D E N T I A L power of sale contained in FINANCIAL OBLIGATION CREDITOR WITHIN THE MORTGAGE SERVICER: said mortgage, the above ON MORTGAGE:None TIME PROVIDED BY LAW American Neighborhood described property will be “THE TIME ALLOWED BY IS NOT AFFECTED BY Mortgage Acceptance sold by the Sheriff of said LAW FOR REDEMPTION THIS ACTION. Company, LLC. county as follows: BY THE MORTGAGOR, NOTICE IS HEREBY M O RT G A G E D DATE AND TIME OF THE MORTGAGOR’S GIVEN, that default has PROPERTY ADDRESS: SALE: February 25, 2020 at P E R S O N A L occurred in conditions of 1710 Summit Place, Sauk 10:00 AM R E P R E S E N T AT I V E S the following described Rapids, MN 56379 PLACE OF SALE: OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE mortgage: TAX PARCEL I.D. #: Benton County Sheriff’s REDUCED TO FIVE DATE OF 190318300 Office, 581 Highway 23 WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL MORTGAGE: July 25, LEGAL DESCRIPTION Northeast Foley, MN ORDER IS ENTERED 2017 OF PROPERTY: to pay the debt then secured UNDER MINNESOTA MORTGAGOR: Lot Ten (10), Block by said Mortgage, and taxes, STATUTES, SECTION Mitchell Freeby, single. Two (2), Summit Oakes, if any, on said premises, and 582.032, DETERMINING, M O R T G A G E E : according to the plat and the costs and disbursements, AMONG OTHER Mortgage Electronic survey thereof on file and including attorneys’ fees THINGS, THAT THE Registration Systems, Inc., of record in the office of the allowed by law subject to MORTGAGED PREMISES as mortgagee, as nominee for county recorder in and for redemption within six (6) ARE IMPROVED Resolute Bank, its successors Benton County, Minnesota. months from the date of said WITH A RESIDENTIAL and assigns. COUNTY IN WHICH sale by the mortgagor(s), DWELLING OF LESS DATE AND PLACE OF PROPERTY IS LOCATED: their personal representatives THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE RECORDING: Recorded Benton or assigns unless reduced to NOT PROPERTY USED August 23, 2017 Benton O R I G I N A L Five (5) weeks under MN IN AGRICULTURAL County Recorder, Document PRINCIPAL AMOUNT Stat. §580.07. PRODUCTION, AND ARE No. 424686. OF MORTGAGE: TIME AND DATE TO ABANDONED.” ASSIGNMENTS OF $178,423.00 VACATE PROPERTY: If Dated: December 20, 2019 MORTGAGE: Assigned AMOUNT DUE the real estate is an ownerAmerican Neighborhood to: American Neighborhood AND CLAIMED TO BE occupied, single-family Mortgage Acceptance Mortgage Acceptance DUE AS OF DATE OF dwelling, unless otherwise Company, LLC Company, LLC. Dated NOTICE, INCLUDING provided by law, the date Mortgagee/Assignee of December 10, 2019 Recorded TAXES, IF ANY, PAID on or before which the Mortgagee December 19, 2019, as BY MORTGAGEE: mortgagor(s) must vacate the USSET, WEINGARDEN Document No. 440280. $180,618.26 property if the mortgage is AND LIEBO, P.L.L.P. TRANSACTION That prior to the not reinstated under section Attorneys for Mortgagee/ AGENT: Mortgage commencement of this 580.30 or the property is Assignee of Mortgagee Electronic Registration mortgage foreclosure not redeemed under section 4500 Park Glen Road #300 Systems, Inc. proceeding Mortgagee/ 580.23 is 11:59 p.m. on Minneapolis, MN 55416 T R A N S A C T I O N Assignee of Mortgagee August 25, 2020, unless that (952) 925-6888 AGENT’S MORTGAGE complied with all notice date falls on a weekend or 9 - 19-008623 FC I D E N T I F I C A T I O N requirements as required legal holiday, in which case THIS IS A NUMBER ON MORTGAGE: by statute; That no action it is the next weekday, and COMMUNICATION FROM 101310921706160197 or proceeding has been unless the redemption period A DEBT COLLECTOR. LENDER OR BROKER instituted at law or otherwise is reduced to 5 weeks under R-52-6B AND MORTGAGE to recover the debt secured MN Stat. Secs. 580.07 or
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PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The Sauk Rapids Police Department will conduct a public open house meeting on January 27, 2020 at approximately 5:00 P.M. at the City Council Chambers in the Sauk Rapids Government Center at 250 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, relating to the Sauk Rapids Police Department’s proposed implementation of body worn cameras and associated policy. A short presentation on the cameras and policy will be conduct by the Police Chief, followed by an opportunity to provide comments and ask questions. Copies of the draft policy will be available at the meeting and are posted on the City’s website. Any person desiring to comment on the on the implementation of body worn cameras and associated policy is invited to do so in writing or at subsequent the public hearing on February 10, 2020. Written public comments may be submitted to Sauk Rapids Police Chief Beise by email at pbeise@ ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us or U.S. Mail at 250 Summit Avenue North, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379. A quorum of the Sauk Rapids City Council is expected to be present at the meeting, but no action will be taken. Published in the Sauk Rapids Herald January 11, 2020. R-2-1B
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Sauk Rapids will meet in the Council Chambers at the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Avenue North, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota 56379 at 6:00PM or as soon thereafter, on January 27, 2020, to conduct a public hearing for Sauk Rapids Softball Inc. This application is to consider a request for an On-Sale 3.2 Beer License for Sauk Rapids Softball Inc., located at 40 10th Avenue South (Bob Cross Park) for the months of April through October of 2020. Any person wishing to express an opinion on the matter is invited to do so in writing or orally at the time of the public hearing. Inquiries should be directed to Dana Furman, Deputy Clerk at 258-5303 during normal working hours or to: Sauk Rapids Government Center 250 Summit Ave N Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 R-2-1B Public Announcement Advertising for Bids for County Public Works/Highway Department Construction Projects Whereas Minn. Statute § 331A.03 Subd. 3(b) and Minn. Statute § 331A.12 allows a county to use its website or recognized industry trade journals as a means to advertise to receive bids for construction projects. Let it be known that from this day forward that Benton County will use the Benton County website, http://www.co.benton. mn.us/ as the alternative means to disseminate solicitations of bids, requests for information, and requests for proposals for transportation related construction and maintenance projects. Public Works Director/County Engineer Chris Byrd,R-2-1B PE City of Sauk Rapids PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE You are invited to attend a public hearing on Monday, January 27th at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Sauk Rapids City Hall Council Chambers, 250 Summit Avenue North to consider the following matters that require a public hearing. APPLICANT CentraCare Health System and the St. Cloud Hospital (d/b/a Journey Home) PURPOSE To consider a Conditional Use Permit amendment to the existing Licensed Community Residential Facility which includes board and lodging for women over 16 by also allowing men. In addition, limitations to the number of hours of treatment services to individual residents to be changed from 20 hours per week to no limitation. Located at 1485 15TH St. Northeast in the 1City of Sauk Rapids. Please contact Sauk Rapids Development Director Todd Schultz at (320) 258-5315 or tschultz@ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us with questions or stop by City Hall to obtain a copy of the application. Any person desiring to comment on these matters is invited to do so in writing or orally at the time of the public hearing. Published in the Sauk Rapids Herald Saturday, January 11, 2020 R-2-1B
Page 12 | SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 2020 | Page 13
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The 2019-20 Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm gymnastics team includes Isabella Rudolph (front, from left), Elizabeth Krueger, Katlyn Schulz, Morgan Thompson, Katelyn Fouquette, Elie Weinert, Carley Weisenbeck and Sophia Markfelder; (middle, from left) Addison Breth, Liberty Kosloski, Ava Plemel, Emma Chapman, Vanessa Lwiza, Justus Floren, Kenzi Schmidt, Madison Hansen and Samantha Caruth; (back, from left) coach Megan Droogsma, coach Crystal Greeley, Taylor Heid, Kailey Reinert, Anna Walz, Brynn Molitor, Laci Legatt, Aubrey Moen, head coach Elizabeth Walek and coach Jared Helget.
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Page 14 | SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 17, 2019 The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on December 17, 2019 in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN with Commissioners Steve Heinen, Ed Popp, Spencer Buerkle, Jake Bauerly and Warren Peschl present. Call to order by Chair Bauerly was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Peschl/Heinen unanimous to approve the agenda as amended—add items: Collective Bargaining Agreement and Letter of Understanding with LELS, Inc. (representing Deputy Sheriffs, Detectives and Court Security Deputies); Collective Bargaining Agreement and Letter of Understanding with LELS, Inc. (representing Transport Officers, Civil Process Specialist, Public Safety Dispatchers, Detention Officers and Jail Recreation Director); 2020 Tobacco License Application for Westside Liquor; appointments to the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission; and City of Rice Transportation Alternatives funding application. Chad Popp (2281 – 165th St NE, Rice) and Denny Popp (2028 – 165th St NE, Rice) were present under Open Forum to request Board consideration of tarring a two-mile stretch of CR 40 between CR 78 and State Highway 25 . They stated their belief that this roadway is tar-ready and an opportune time to tar in conjunction with the CR 78 project scheduled for summer of 2020. Popp/Peschl unanimous to approve the Consent Agenda: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 3, 2019 as written; 2) accept and file Committee of the Whole Minutes of December 2, 2019 as written; 3) accept and file Committee of the Whole Minutes of December 4, 2019 as written; 4) approve a 2.5% general wage increase for non-union employees, effective January 1, 2020; 5) approve Resolution 2019-#40, delegating the authority to make electronic funds transfer payments during 2020, and authorize the Chair to sign; 6) approve Resolution 2019#41, establishing commitments of fund balance as of December 31, 2019, and authorize the Chair to sign; 7) approve Resolution 2019-#42, setting aside net proceeds of tax-forfeiture land sales in 2019 for county parks, and authorize the Chair to sign; 8) appoint Paul Wesenberg and Greg Bruestle to three-year terms on the Park Commission, with such terms expiring June 30, 2022; 9) award RFP for Sheriff’s Office jail control system to SGTS Inc.; 10) approve Application for Exempt Permit for Foley Youth Baseball Association to hold a raffle/bingo on March 21, 2020 at Jack & Jim’s Event Center, 11025 Duelm Road NE, Foley; 11) approve 2020 Tobacco License applications— Dollar General #16224 Rice; Midwest Investment LLC; 12) approve a Letter of Understanding with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. (representing Deputy Sheriffs, Detectives and Court Security Deputies) to allow voluntary participation in a Fitness Incentive Program, and authorize the Chair to sign; 13) approve a Letter of Understanding with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. (representing Transport Officers, Civil Process Specialist, Public Safety Dispatchers, Detention Officers and Jail Recreation Director) to allow voluntary participation in a Fitness Incentive Program, and authorize the Chair to sign; 14) approve 2020 Tobacco License Application for Westside Liquor; and 15) reappoint Scott Johnson and Dan Gottwalt to the Planning Commission for three-year terms January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022, and reappoint Jane DeAustin to the Board of Adjustment for a three- year term January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The next item was a public hearing to consider proposed changes to the Benton County Fee Schedule. Staff outlined the proposed changes: • Auditor-Treasurer—add $20 fee for Auctioneer’s License; add “$50 per event” fee for 1-4 Day Temporary Liquor License; add $100 fee for Liquor License Late Fee (renewing license after the expiration date); add “Delinquent and Forfeiture Publication Fee”—fee would be the actual publication cost; making changes to the Escrow Account fees—Escrow Accounts—Manually Processed ($5 per parcel annual maintenance) and Electronically Processed ($2.50 per parcel two times per year); verbiage changes from “Bulk Data Request Electronic” and “Bulk Data Request Paper” to “Electronic File Request” and “Paper File Request” and setting the fee for Paper File Request the same as the fee for Electronic File Request--$50 per hour (1 hour min.) plus $.10 per parcel; verbiage changes from “Tax Data Delinquent” to “Tax Search Certified” and from “Tax Search/ Certify” to “Tax Search Using Staff Time”—fee of $5 per parcel; reduction in fee for TIF Certificate from $400 to $250; add fee of $50 for Tobacco Retail License Late Fee (renewing after expiration date); verbiage change from “Special Event Permit” to “Large Exhibition Permit”; and adding a fee of $10 for Gambling License Application Fee. • Corrections—increase fee for Adult Gross Misdemeanor Supervision Fee from $120 to $200 (one- time fee); reduce fee for Adult Misdemeanor Supervision Fee from $120 to $100 (one-time fee); delete Juvenile Diversion Fee of $40. (These changes are dictated by the State.) • Department of Development—add $500 fee for Planned Unit Development Amendment; increase in fee for Building Plan Review—Residential from 40% of the Permit Fee to 50% of the Permit Fee. • Sheriff—change fee for 911 Call Recording to “staff time and cost of media”; add fee for Electronic Data on CD/ DVD--“staff time and $1 for each CD/DVD”; add fee for Electronic Data on USB Flash Drive—“staff time and $5 for up to 7GB of data; $8 for 7-15GB of data; $10 for 15-
PUBLIC NOTICES
31GB of data; and $12.50 for 31-63GB of data; requests over 63GB of data will be distributed over multiple USB drives and invoiced per the schedule”. The public hearing was opened at 9:18 AM. No one was present to address the Board; the public hearing was closed at 9:19 AM. Heinen/Buerkle unanimous to adopt the revised Benton County fee schedule, with changes effective January 1, 2020. Monty Headley, County Administrator, provided a summary of major factors in the final 2020 budget and levy: • The final 2020 levy increases 1.99%, or $392,835 from 2019, to a total of $20,119,369 • With this change for 2020, the ten-year average levy change for Benton County is a 0.87% increase (the proposed 2020 levy is $169,000 higher than it was ten years ago) • The final levy keeps the increase below the 7.8% expected growth in the County’s payable 2020 tax capacity, which translates into a reduced County tax rate in 2020; the estimated 2020 County tax rate will fall from 61.5% to 58.16% of tax capacity (down from a peak of 77.74% in 2013) • The final 2020 operating budget totals $45,026,581, a decrease of $665,678, or a 1.5% reduction from 2019 • The final 2020 levy increase is comprised of the following major elements: o Employee compensation and benefits $551,053 o Additional County Program Aid (245,061) o Funded“Policy Issues”(new funding) 271,943 o All other operating and capital budget changes (185,100) Total Levy Change for 2020 $392,835 • The final 2020 budget includes the following “Policy Issues”: o An additional Supervisor position in Human Services,based on a Human Services study recommendation to reduce the number of direct reports for current supervisors ($93,387) o Abolishing a vacant Community Health Specialist position to help fund the new Supervisor position ($81,082 in savings) o A Deputy Director position for Human Services as recommended by the Human Services study ($114,048/$81,599 net levy after revenue offsets) o A part-time position for the License Center to address increased customer volume at the DMV counter ($18,552) o Adding $35,000 to Auditor-Treasurer for increased election year expenses o Funding a new payroll and Human Resources information management system ($17,612) o Using$36,875inreservesforanUnmannedAerialVehicle(D rone)fortheSheriff’s Office o Using the County Board’s contingency account in 2020 to fund a new leadership training program for County managers • The 2019 State Legislature increased County Program Aid (local government aid) by $27 million statewide; this increase, plus the County Program Aid formula, provides Benton County with an additional $245,061 in Aid for 2020; the County’s total certified County Program Aid for 2020 is $2.7 million; without this additional County Program Aid, the County’s final levy increase would be 3.2%. Buerkle/Peschl unanimous to adopt Resolution 2019#43, setting the 2020 Benton County Property Tax Levy at $20,119,369, and authorize the Chair to sign. Popp/Heinen unanimous to adopt Resolution 2019-#44, setting the 2020 Benton County Budget as presented, and authorize the Chair to sign. Headley explained that the resolution setting elected official salaries for 2020 reflects discussion which occurred at the December 4th Committee of the Whole, providing for a 4% general wage increase for the County Attorney, Auditor-Treasurer, and Sheriff. Peschl/Popp unanimous to adopt Resolution 2019-#45, setting the 2020 salaries for the County Attorney ($123,735), County Auditor-Treasurer ($97,344), and County Sheriff ($114,736), and authorize the Chair to sign. Headley stated that the resolution setting County Commissioner salaries for 2020 reflects discussion which occurred at the December 4th Committee of the Whole, providing a 2.5% general wage increase for County Commissioners (the same adjustment that non-union employees will receive and consistent with the settled collective bargaining agreements so far this year). Buerkle/Heinen unanimous to adopt Resolution 2019-#46, setting the 2020 salary for County Commissioners ($30,162), and authorize the Chair to sign. BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION 2019 - #46 WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute §375.055 requires that the salary of the County Commissioners be set annually by Resolution of the County Board; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Benton County Board of Commissioners that effective January 1, 2020, the salary of each member of the Benton County Board of Commissioners shall be $30,162 and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Administrator is directed to publish this Resolution in the official newspaper of the County and one other newspaper in the County, pursuant to MN Statutes §375.055, Subdivision 1. Headley explained that the consensus from the Decem-
ber 4th Committee of the Whole was to maintain the current per diem rate of $60. Popp/Heinen unanimous to adopt Resolution 2019-#47, setting the County Board per diem rate for 2020, and authorize the Chair to sign. BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION 2019 - #47 WHEREAS, MN Statutes §375.055 and MN Statutes §375.06 allow the County Board to establish a schedule of per diem payments for County Commissioners for each day necessarily occupied in the discharge of their duties while acting on any committee under the direction of the Board; and WHEREAS, said statutes also permit County Board members to be reimbursed for necessary expenses, including travel expenses, while performing the official duties of County Commissioner, as set by Resolution of the County Board; and, WHEREAS, MN Statutes §375.055, Subdivision 5, provides that County Board members may participate in any group health insurance program instituted by the County Board for County officers and employees. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Benton County Board of Commissioners that: 1. In addition to annual salaries, County Commissioners may receive a per diem payment for attending meetings of commissions, committees and boards when such attendance is designed by the County Board. Pursuant to MN Statutes §375.055, Subdivision 5, members of the County Board shall not receive a per diem for services on the Board of Auditors, the Board of Equalization, or the Canvassing Board. As a matter of County Board policy, per diems shall not be paid for regular and special meetings of the County Board. Per diems for 2020 shall be as follows: a. Site inspections as part of the duties of a specific board, committee or commission: $10 per site, not to exceed five sites. b. All other boards, committees, commissions, when the individual commissioner or the full board is designated by the County Board to serve on said body: a per diem of $60. 2. County Commissioners may collect only one per diem each day, regardless of how few or many separate duties connected with the office are performed in such day. 3. In addition, pursuant to MN Statutes §375.055 and §375.06, each County Commissioner may be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in performing the duties of office. Travel in personal vehicles on official County business shall be reimbursed at the current standard mileage rate promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service or at another rate as determined by the County Board. Meal and other expense reimbursement such as registration and lodging shall be reimbursed pursuant to the Benton County Personnel Policies. 4. County Commissioners shall be eligible to participate in workers compensation and optional benefit programs instituted by the County Board for county officials and employees. The employer-funded portion of health insurance premiums for County Commissioners shall be the same amounts as provided non-union employees. 5. The County Administrator is directed to publish this Resolution in the official newspaper of the County and one other newspaper in the County, pursuant to MN Statutes §375.055, Subdivision 1. Monty Headley, County Administrator, explained that the County’s negotiating committee recommends approval of the collective bargaining agreement with LELS, Inc. (representing Deputy Sheriffs, Detectives and Court Security Deputies); the agreement provides a general wage increase of 2.5% in each of the three years (2020-2022) and health insurance as recommended by the Benefits Advisory Committee. Headley also detailed several “language clean-up changes” as well as some new changes (current pay to post-employment health care savings plan, comp time bank paid to health care savings plan). Peschl/Popp unanimous to approve a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc., representing Deputy Sheriffs, Detectives and Court Security Deputies, for the period of January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022, and authorize the Chair to sign. Headley stated that the County’s negotiating committee recommends approval of the collective bargaining agreement with LELS, Inc. (representing Detention Officers, Public Safety Dispatchers, Jail Recreation Director, Transport Officers and Civil Process Specialist); the agreement provides a general wage increase of 2.5% in each of the three years (2020-2022) and health insurance as recommended by the Benefits Advisory Committee. Headley noted several “language clean-up changes” and a provision to increase shift lead pay to match field training officer pay. Heinen/Buerkle unanimous to approve a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc., representing Detention Officers, Public Safety Dispatchers, Jail Recreation Director, Transport Officers and Civil Process Specialist, for the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022, and authorize the Chair to sign. Headley pointed out that, at this point, three of the eight groups have settled agreements for three years (20202022); negotiations will continue with the remaining five groups. He expressed appreciation to Commissioners Bauerly and Buerkle for their service on the negotiating committee, noting the tremendous investment of time involved. Steve Stang, I.T. Director, stated the need to engage
Commissioners meeting page 15
PUBLIC NOTICES Commissioners meeting from page 14 and train employees to understand what to look for in suspicious emails and be aware of other attack vectors to ensure county systems and networks are safe. He explained that MnCCC has negotiated special bulk license pricing for counties to engage staff in security training and metrics with KnowBe4; KnowBe4 is a leading security company that specializes in electronic staff training and uses email phishing campaigns to measure areas where businesses need to focus on their end-user security training. Stang added that many Minnesota counties are already using this platform successfully; the proposed contract is for three years which adds an additional cost savings for the county and takes full advantage of the special pricing negotiated by MnCCC. Buerkle/Peschl unanimous to approve the three-year agreement with KnowBe4 for security awareness training and authorize the Chair to sign. Mike Harvey, Land Services Director, explained that the county is currently using Tri-Min Systems for all of our recording needs, but not all of their software. He stated that the proposed new software will reduce manual entry and verification of certain information on recorded documents to save staff time; the Recorder’s Technology Fund would be used for this purchase. Popp/Heinen unanimous to approve the agreement with Tri-Min Systems for an upgraded software package and authorize the Chair to sign. The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:37 AM to conduct a Human Services Board meeting. The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 9:48 AM. Mark McNamara from the Department of Development explained that, currently, Benton County is a signatory with Tri-County on a 20 year put-or-pay Waste Delivery Agreement with Pope/Douglas Counties. He reported that, in 2021, the delivery amounts of this agreement for Tri-County were to begin a tiered reduction of 15,000 tons over a five-year period with an additional reduction proposed to occur again in 2026; in an effort to continue TriCounty’s planned goal of landfill abatement, Tri-County recently agreed to amend the contract with Pope Douglas to maintain the current delivery rate of 50,000 tons for an additional five-year period. McNamara noted that, as part of this 20-year agreement, Tri-County is asking each participant county to renew, for an additional five years, the individual Allocation Agreements for waste deliveries to the Pope/Douglas facility. Following brief discussion, Peschl/Heinen unanimous to approve the Benton County/ Tri-County Solid Waste Management Commission Pope/ Douglas Allocation/Delivery Agreement, and authorize the Chair to sign. Roxanne Achman, Department of Development Director, provided an update on solar in Benton County. Report highlights: • Benton County is served by three electric companies: East Central Energy, Minnesota Power Company, and Xcel Energy. ECE is not currently supporting solar farms and are not planning to do so in the near future. Minnesota Power Company encompasses a stretch along Highway 10 in Langola Township and does not have a large solar garden program at this time. Xcel Energy serves a small portion of southwestern Benton County to include portions of Minden Township, Sauk Rapids Township, Mayhew Lake Township, and an area surrounding the City of Foley. • Through October 2019, Xcel Energy has 30 active applications/projects in Benton County. Of those, 22 are completed projects, 6 are in design and construction phase, 1 has been reviewed for application completeness, and 1 is in the review process. 29 projects have been approved by either Benton County or the surrounding orderly annexation area and one has not yet been submitted to the County for approval. One of the 29 projects has chosen not to construct due to costs. • Xcel Energy’s hosting capacity map appears to indicate that they have 0 kW available within their service area of Benton County. An Xcel Energy report states that 129 feeders in the state have zero hosting capacity, yet Xcel is aware that 97 of them have at least 1MW or more available. The only way to determine whether the next project is feasible or not is to complete an engineering study on the various ways in which to pull the capacity together. • Achman noted that the Planning Commission is working on a number of changes to the solar ordinance. Chris Byrd, County Engineer, explained that the City of Rice would like to submit an application to the Transportation Alternatives program to receive funds to build a trail known as the Fox Meadows Connection project; these are Federal funds and since Rice is a city under 5,000 in population, the county must be the “sponsoring agency”. Julie Fandel, Rice City Clerk, pointed out that the projected trail would be a safe way for residents of the Fox Meadow development to access the amenities of the city and a safe route to school. Byrd stated that if the application is successful, he foresees negotiation of an agreement with the city stipulating what participation (cost or staff time) the county would have in the design and construction of any project and any long-term maintenance requirements. Fandel noted that the City of Rice has adopted a resolution supporting their cost participation. She added “...the City of Rice is also trying to tie to Benton Beach and to Bend in the River...so residents can utilize all of the parks and all of the trails if they could connect...that’s obviously the long term...” Popp/Heinen unanimous to adopt Resolution 2019-#48, a Resolution Approving Sponsorship of
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 2020 | Page 15
Transportation Alternatives Project on Behalf of the City of Rice, and authorize the Chair to sign. Byrd reported that the engineering staff has been designing and putting together construction plans for next summer’s road construction projects; two projects, CSAH 12 and CSAH 2, are currently scoped as “mill and overlay” projects. He noted that the goals of these projects were to replace the existing poor condition pavement and bring the road up to a ten-ton design. Byrd stated that the CSAH 12 project has been identified as a “sales tax project”; additional goals on CSAH 12 include widening the pavement by at least one foot on each side and replacing the guardrail at bridge 347 just east of the CR 56 intersection to address safety concerns. He stated that the CSAH 12 project (6.5 miles) is going to cost more than the $975,000 that was identified for sales tax usage; the current estimate is about $1.4 million. Byrd stated that additional sales tax could be used or state aid funding is an option. He presented the CSAH 2 project as two sections—the western portion from the river to the railroad tracks and the eastern portion from TH 10 to TH 25. He detailed an option for addressing the pavement conditions on the western portion to meet a ten-ton design standard--the concern is “...we are overlaying rutted, cracked bituminous pavement...” (11-15 year design life); another option would be a reclaim (20 year design life). Byrd stated it would cost another $200,000 to do the reclaim option versus overlaying (he recommends the reclaim option). He continued by addressing the eastern portion of CSAH 2 and several options for addressing the existing pavement conditions; it is his belief that “we should be striving to get to a 10-ton design” on this portion of CSAH 2. Byrd stated his recommendation, as County Engineer, is to “pause doing an overlay east of Rice and look at reconstructing CSAH 2 from Rice to CSAH 1... from CSAH 1 to TH 25, it has been reconstructed and we could just reclaim that section...being a minor arterial with the higher traffic volumes, it does make it eligible for federal funding for reconstruction...focus west of Rice on CSAH 2 for next year, and let’s consider applying for federal funds on CSAH 2 on the east side of Rice...” Following brief discussion by Board members, Popp/ Heinen unanimous to approve Resolution 2019-#49, Resolution Certifying Availability of Local Match and Other Local Costs for FY 2024 Federal Transportation Project Submittal to Region 7W (CSAH 2 Reconstruction from TH 10 to CSAH 1), and authorize the Chair to sign. Byrd reported that the Region 7W Area Transportation Partnership and the APO are soliciting projects for consideration of receiving Federal funding for fiscal year 2024; the deadline for project submittal is January 3, 2020 and a resolution is required certifying availability of local match funding. Byrd indicated that CSAH 1 (from CSAH 29 to CR 78) is identified in the County’s five-year road construction plan to receive a full-depth reclaim and overlay in 2022; this roadway is eligible for partial federal funding and, if successful, could be funded up to 80% with federal funds—the remainder of the project costs would need to come from other sources (Byrd proposes using State Aid construction allotment to fund the local match). Byrd noted that the project spans APO boundaries so two resolutions and two grant applications are needed. Peschl/Heinen unanimous to approve Resolution 2019#50, a Resolution Certifying Availability of Local Match and Other Local Costs for FY 2024 Federal Transportation Project Submittal to Region 7W (CSAH 1 Full Depth Reclamation from CSAH 29 to County Road 78), and authorize the Chair to sign; also to approve Resolution 2019#51, a Resolution Certifying Availability of Local Match and Other Local Costs for FY 2024 Federal Transportation Project Submittal to St. Cloud APO (CSAH 1 Full Depth Reclamation from CSAH 29 to County Road 78), and authorize the Chair to sign. Byrd explained that the full-depth reclamation projects on CSAH 8 and CSAH 4 are planned for next year’s construction season and are receiving partial Federal funding; although the CSAH 6 full-depth reclamation project was identified for year 2021, staff is recommending that this project be “tied” to the CSAH 4 project and “let” at the same time. Byrd pointed out that this should save on mobilization costs and receive the benefit of lower unit prices (may require advancing of the State Aid allotment of which the County Engineer has no concerns). He stated that he will apply again for Federal funds for CSAH 7 (a resolution has already been adopted for that project). Byrd noted that CSAH 12 has use of sales tax identified; however, the other mentioned projects are not proposed for sales tax usage. Bauerly commented “...one thing we could look at is maybe borrowing from the garbage fund for a large project to get something done and then pay it back with sales tax...every district has needs...I talked to some other counties and they are going to bond and then use sales tax to pay back their bonds...instead of bonding, we just bond out of our garbage fund and then pay it back...no interest and no bonding costs... when you combine projects and move a plan in, you can get some economic savings...and then also other counties, like Stearns, they get the townships on board and when they do any paving, they combine them too...you get a bigger bundle and you get better prices...and if you “let” early, you will get better prices... look at more economic models for low-volume roads...I think a little creativity in engineering would serve the taxpayers well...every meeting we go to, everybody is talking about paving some gravel roads...maybe we need to think outside the box...and creative financing...and see if we can get some of this done in all parts of the county
where it makes sense...” Byrd commented “...that brings up an interesting discussion...what would be the standard that county roads should be built to and graded to...I think even the county-paved roads look different than township-paved roads...there’s obviously a difference in standards there...if we want to build roads, we certainly could build roads to a lower standard, lower width, lower structural capacity...” Byrd explained that the City of Sauk Rapids intends to submit a Transportation Alternatives grant application to assist with the construction costs to build a multi-use trail along Benton County CSAH 1 (Mayhew Lake Road); the main goal of the trail is to provide a safe route to bicyclists and pedestrians to the high school just off of CSAH 1. Heinen/Peschl unanimous to approve a letter of support for the proposed trail from CSAH 3 to Osauka Road, to be sent to the Sauk Rapids City Administrator. Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of the county. Under Commissioner Concerns, Commissioner Bauerly noted that Sherburne County passed a resolution in support of creating a St. Cloud Regional Airport Authority and Stearns County will consider a resolution at their January Board meeting. He added “...maybe the second meeting in January we should have a yea or nay vote by this group...City of Sauk Rapids will be taking it up on January 13th...so we will take some direction from the City of Sauk Rapids who is our major population area in our county...we wouldn’t be spending any more on economic development than we would if we had a full- time county employee...I think the airport has good economic development potential...” Popp commented “...I still have a couple questions on the out...” Heinen commented “...it’s going to take all three counties to make this work...” Popp/Peschl unanimous to set Committees of the Whole: January 9, Benton Sherburne Corn Growers Association; January 13, Sauk Rapids City Council Meeting; January 16, MICA 2020 Annual Meeting and Dinner; January 21, County Board Recognition of Employee Years of Service Milestones; and February 19, Discussion on County Road 55; Discussion on “Broadband”. Buerkle/Popp unanimous to adjourn sine die at 11:28 AM. Chair, Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-2-1B CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 (1) The exact name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Storied Acts of Kindness. (2) The address of the principal place of business is: 2022 27th St. SE Apt. 103, St. Cloud, MN 56304 United States. (3) List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, OR if an entity, provide the legal corporate, LLC, or Limited Partnership name and registered office address: Ethan Hauer, 2022 27th St. SE Apt. 103, St. Cloud, MN 56304 United States. (4) By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. Ethan Hauer 01/03/2020 R-2-2P
TOWN OF WATAB COUNTY OF BENTON ORDINANCE NO. 9 SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE SUMMARY NOTICE The Town Board of the Town of Watab adopted a subdivision ordinance at its meeting on December 3rd, 2019 The subdivision ordinance regulates all subdivisions of property within the Town of Watab other than those specified in Minnesota Statues § 462.358, Subd. 4b(b). The subdivision ordinance sets forth standards for the dedication of streets and other public lands, design and construction standards for street, utility and other required improvements, posting of a surety to ensure construction of required improvements, applicable subdivision fees and charges, and other subdivision related requirements. The Town Board of the Town of Watab has approved the text of this Summary for publication and has determined that this Summary clearly informs the public of the intent and effect of Ordinance No. 9. Complete copies of Ordinance No. 9 are available from the Watab Town Clerk and are posted at the Great River Regional Library and on file at the Benton County Law Library. Dated: December 23, 2019 /s/ Christopher Davis Watab Town Clerk
SPORTS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 2020 | Page 17
New line combinations challenge Princeton SRR drops three games BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER
The Sauk RapidsRice boys hockey team is fresh off a two-week competition break, and extra practice time looks like it may pay off. The Storm has fallen short on scoring throughout the season, and the two games against River Lakes Jan. 2 and Chisago Lakes Jan. 4 were no exception. SRR lost to River Lakes 5-1 at the River Lakes Civic Arena in Richmond and to Chisago Lakes 4-0 at the Chisago Lakes Ice Arena in Lindstrom. “We are creating more opportunities but failing to execute,” said Ken Karna, Sauk Rapids-Rice boys hockey head coach. SRR found its groove Jan. 7 at home game against Princeton, playing different line combinations and remaining competitive but losing 4-3. Karna said the
of business against the Storm, taking the lead 12 minutes into the first and extending the lead early in the second. Less than 30 seconds later, Pesta took advantage of a power play opportunity and scored the team’s only goal with help from Portner. River Lakes added one more in the second and two in the third to send SRR home with a 5-1 loss. The Storm attempted 13 shots on goal to River Lakes’ 38. SRR sat six minutes on PHOTOS BY ANNA HINKEMEYER three penalties to River Senior forward Frank White looks to gain possession of the puck from a Princeton skater as teammates stand by to Lakes’ eight minutes on assist Jan. 7 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. Sauk Rapids-Rice had enough possession time to attempt 24 shots four. Weinand made 33 on goal. saves. weeks off allowed the close game with Princ- goal points. The game River Lakes 5, SRR 1 The Stars took care team to work with the eton Jan. 7 in a back- remained even until fashion. Princeton scored its finew lines and focus on and-forth small parts of the game Princeton took the lead nal goal and won 4-3. early in the second peThe Storm had conand scoring. The team travels to riod after a scoreless sistent shooting and the Bagley Youth Hock- first. Midway through attempted 24 shots. ey Arena in Bagley for the second, sophomore Princeton had 40. SRR Christensen sat eight minutes on a 3 p.m. game Saturday, Cayden Jan. 11 against Bagley found the back of the four penalty infractions net with help from ju- while Princeton sat 12 High School. nior forward Landon minutes on six. Junior Princeton 4, SRR 3 Sauk Rapids-Rice Lunser and junior de- Riley Weinand made 36 had a fender Dylan Geisel- saves. hart. Princeton folChisago Lakes 4, lowed with two more SRR 0 goals. The Storm had a The Storm started tough time getting past out the third period the Chisago Lakes goal- Junior defender Carter Kayser passes the puck to junior with two goals in the ie Jan. 4 in Lindstrom. forward Calvin Comstock as a Princeton defender closes early minutes. Senior SRR had 24 shots on in Jan. 7 in Sauk Rapids. Kayser earned one goal and one defender Brady Pesta, goal, but none capital- assist against Princeton. assisted by junior de- ized in the 4-0 shutout fender Carter Kayser, loss. and freshman forward Sauk Rapids-Rice Broden Fawcett, and and Chisago Lakes both Kayser, assisted by sat six minutes on pensophomore forward alty infractions. WeinEaston Portner, notched and made 31 saves. (Right) Sophomore forward Cayden Christensen nabs the puck away from a Princeton skater Jan. 7 in Sauk Rapids. The Storm lost 4-3.
Sophomore defender Caleb Euteneuer skates the puck down the ice Jan. 7 in Sauk Rapids. SRR played new line combinations in the game, leading to a tight game.
Senior Riley Weinand makes a save in goal Jan. 7 in Sauk Rapids. Over the past three games, Weinand has made a total of 100 saves.
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wrestling
SPORTS
Storm makes splash in Cannon Falls Sauk Rapids-Rice takes fourth with seven wrestlers
The Cannon Falls Invite’s top seven finishers concluded their productive wrestling tournaments with at least 85.5 points. Of those seven, six of them sent at least 10 wrestlers, including Woodbury’s invite-high 19. The lone exception, the Sauk RapidsRice Storm, displayed their impressive ability to maximize points in a fourth-place showing despite featuring only seven wrestlers Jan. 4 at Cannon Falls High School in Cannon Falls. The Storm accumulated 119.5 points, 4.5
points behind host Cannon Falls. “Our guys are hungry to score points,” said Cole Wilson, Sauk Rapids-Rice wrestling head coach. “What we do very well is make sure everyone is doing their job to help our team succeed.” Dante Haywood earned 26 points for the Storm as he catapulted through the 145 pound weight class with relative ease. The freshman defeated Payton Richard, of Century High School in Rochester, in a 10-0 major decision before taking down first place Woodbury’s Nick Howe via fall at 2 minutes, 28 seconds to move on to the championship.
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Come in to fill out an application at 32311 County Rd. 1 • St. Cloud, MN 56303 Or call Bob to discuss the position at 320-251-7033
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138: Wollak W went 3-1. He won in an 11-0 major decision, won by fall at 1:44, lost in an 8-0 major decis cision and won by fall aat 0:28 in the thirdp place match. 145: Haywood went 4-0. He received a bye iin the first round, w won in a 10-0 majo jor decision, won by fall at 2:28 and won in an 11-7 decision in the first rst-place match. 182: Aden Rollins R went 0-2. He received a bye in the first round, lost by fall at 1:56, received a bye in the consolation l i bracket’s second round and semifinals and lost in a 3-1 decision in the fifth-place match. 285: Farnick went 3-1. He won by fall at 0:16, won by fall at 1:16, won by fall at 2:23 and lost by fall at 1:41 in the first-place match.
“Our captains provide accountability. Without accountability to the smallest details, our success is surely to suffer.” - Cole Wilson, Sauk Rapids-Rice wrestling head coach
bracket championship. Farnick compiled 24 points, recording three consecutive fall victories, including a pair of climactic bouts versus Woodbury’s Ethan Chaney and Denis Tokin in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. He could not conquer Cannon Falls’ Ryan Linde in the finals, however, suffering a loss by fall at 1:41. The duo, who have impressed all season, do more than lead by example. They take charge and display remarkable amounts of responsibility. “Our captains provide accountability,” Wilson said. “Without accountability to the smallest details, our success is surely to suffer.” Every Storm wrestler found themselves in the top six in their respective weight classes, competing at a high level for points. Alex Diederich and Sawyer Simmons took fourth in the 106 pound and 132 pound weight classes, respectively, with 1-2 records. Andrew Wollak contributed points with a massive 11-0 major decision victory over Austin’s Sam Oelfke in the first round of the 138 pound weight class bracket. The junior later secured
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“We’ve been succcessful at individual tourrnaments with very few w guys simply because our ur guys that we do enterr can score a lot of bonus points,” Wilson said. Haywood concluded an impressive Cannon Falls outing with an 11-7 decision victory over Josh Hernandez, of St. Agnes High School in n St. Paul. Storm senior captains ns Jared Spohn and Hunter er Farnick, who entered d Cannon Falls with a commbined 25-6 match record, finished second in the 126 pound and 285 pound weight classes, respectively. Spohn, ranked No. 8 in Class AAA, toppled Century’s Jaden Peterson, Byron’s Eli Haight and Woodbury’s Will Bents before falling to No. 3 Ryan Henningson, of Winona-Cotter, in the
a quarterfinal win by fall over St. Agnes’ John Etnier and overcame a hard-to-stomach semifinals defeat to No. 9 Conner Higgins, of John Marshall High School in Rochester, to win the third place match. The Storm effectively battled on a day that saw them face more than their fair share of talented programs. “Brackets can get competitive,” Wilson said. “More competitors in a bracket makes for a higher level of competition.” Despite the team’s evident resilience and ability to maneuver on the mat, Wilson said the Storm needs to refine its technique as the season progresses. “In areas, I feel that we underachieved this week and that exposed us to what our individuals need to work on to become better wrestlers,” he said. Sauk Rapids-Rice, looking to build on a mostly-positive appearance in Cannon Falls, will face the Cardinals at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at Willmar High School in Willmar before participating in the Kiffmeyer Duals Tournament at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Tech High School in St. Cloud. “Our guys like to compete,” Wilson said. “Regardless of who it is, the energy level is going to rise come match time. Conference and section opponents bring that out in our guys even more.” 106: Diederich went 1-2. He received a bye in the first round, won a 4-2 decision, lost 7-3 and fell in an ultimate tie-breaker 6-5 (UTB 2-1) in the thirdplace match. 126: Spohn went 3-1. He won by fall at 0:52, won by technical fall, won by fall at 1:46 and lost in a 14-4 major decision in the first-place match. 132: Simmons went 1-2. He received a bye in the first round, won by technical fall, lost in a 5-2 decision and lost by fall at 2:59 in the third-place match.
Sauk Rapids-Rice: 0-3 at Little Falls Quad It seems like every year the Little Falls Quad flexes immense strength, and 2020 edition was no different. The Storm aggressively battled and took early leads but could not maintain their point advantages, suffering losses to AnnandaleMaple Lake, Little Falls and Bemidji by scores of 44-28, 39-37 and 59-16, respectively. Spohn defeated all three of his opponents, taking down AnnandaleMaple Lake’s Christopher Klatt by fall at 1:26, Little Falls’ Wyatt Baum by fall at 0:15 and Bemidji’s Coy Olsen by technical fall. Simmons followed up Spohn’s success in all three duals with wins of his own, clinching Sauk Rapids-Rice leads of 128, 16-9 and 16-12 against their dynamic opponents. However, the Lightning stormed back in round one, winning six of the final seven matches to turn a 14-point deficit into a 16-point victory. The Storm rode match wins from Brayden Ness, Spohn, Simmons, Wollak and Haywood to seize a 28-9 stranglehold against Little Falls. Once again, however, the Storm fell victim to an opposing surge as the Flyers used four fall victories to survive a climactic match. And despite Diederich opening up the matchup with a technical fall triumph, the Storm could not keep up with the reigning Section 8AAA champion Lumberjacks who fired off nine consecutive victories from weight classes 138 to 285 to win the
Wrestling page 19
Page 20 | SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Storm earns sixth in Border Battle invite SRR ousts Apollo, loses to Brainerd BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER
The Storm boys swim and dive team entered 2020 with a busy schedule. Sauk Rapids-Rice started by hosting Brainerd Jan. 2 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids, losing 114-72. They followed with their first appearance at the Border Battle invitational at the Hulbert Aquatic Center in West Fargo, North Dakota, bringing home sixth place of 15 teams. SRR returned home to host its annual diving invite Jan. 6 and to host the Apollo Eagles of St. Cloud Jan. 7, winning 105-69. The Border Battle invite was a welcomed accomplishment for the team as it was the team’s first time competing at the meet. Central Lakes Conference rivals from Alexandria, Brainerd and Willmar were in at-
tendance, but the Storm had the opportunity to compete against other top teams such as Andover and West Fargo. The Storm hit the road and travel to Willmar High School in Willmar to compete at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, against the Cardinals. SRR 105, Apollo 69 In an alternative style, Nelson had the Storm swimmers compete in different events than that they were accustomed Jan. 7. The head coach was looking to see who could earn postseason roster points as the Storm took on the Eagles. “It allows them to have fun and get out of their comfort zone,” Nelson said. “They learn some new things about their abilities.” The trials paid off as SRR consistently took the top three spots in each event through the first half of the meet. Seventh grade athlete Cash Walz
PHOTOS BY ANNA HINKEMEYER
Junior Tucker Hendrickson swims the breaststroke portion of the 200 yard individual medley Jan. 2 in Sauk Rapids. Hendrickson took second in the event.
made waves, earning the fastest time in both the 200 yard individual medley and the 100 backstroke. He also swam in the 400 freestyle relay, helping his team to a time of 3 minutes, 44.83 seconds.
200 MR: 1. Jack Christoferson, Tucker Hendrickson, Steven Ritten and Noah Blodgett 1:54.21; 2. Ethan Moriak, Preston Johnson, Cris Villagra and Jack O’Brien 1:56.36; and 3. Alex Lucas, Isaac Freese, Thomas Daniels and Matt Woeste 1:56.71. 200 FS: 1. Cole Bonovsky 2:04.58, 2. Hayden Zabinski 2:12.44 and 3. William Nielsen 2:13.13. 200 IM: 1. Cash Walz 2:19.31, 2. Freese 2:20.56 and 3. Daniels 2:26.79. 50 FS: 1. Hendrickson 24.67, 2. Villagra 26.83 and 3. John Moran 27.25. Diving: 1. Elijah Grabinski 244.05, 2. Hayden Zabinski 145.90 and 6. Owen Chilson 107.35. 100 FLY: 1. Moriak Senior Preston Johnson performs the backstroke as a part 1:01.70, 2. Freese 1:06.54 of the 200 yard medley Jan. 2 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High and 3. Lucas 1:15.26. 100 School in Sauk Rapids. The Storm lost to Brainerd 114-72. FS: 1. Christoferson 55.38,
Seventh-grade athlete Alex Lucas swims the freestyle portion of the 200 yard individual medley Jan. 2 in Sauk Rapids. The Storm hosted Brainerd, losing 114-72.
Bonovsky, Isaac Freese, Thomas Daniels and Tucker Hendrickson 1:45.55; Jack Christoferson, William Nielsen, Cris Villagra and Jack O’Brien 1:55.14; Noah Blodgett, Preston Johnson, Hayden Zabinski and Kobe Knettel 2:07.72; and Matt Woeste, John Moran, Alex Lucas and Cole Sowada 2:20.10. 200 FS: 7. Ethan Moriak 1:55.36, 10. Cash Walz 2:00.66, 31. Steven Ritten 2:12.44 and 45. Lucas 2:22.26. 200 IM: 10. Hendrickson 2:15.38, 26. Nielsen 2:29.07, 38. Johnson 2:40.61 and 41. Villagra 2:46.55. 50 FS: 9. Daniels 24.08, 17. Freese 24.84, 24. O’Brien 25.44 and 42. Jaxon Young 26.91. Diving: 2. Elijah Grabinski 399.45, 15. Zabinski 247.55 and 27. Owen Chilson 83.85. 100 Diving invite FLY: 11. Bonovsky 59.52, SRR hosted its sec13. Daniels 59.66, 28. Zabinond annual diving inviski 1:06.52 and 33. Villagra 1:10.12. 100 FS: 25. Ritten tational Jan. 6, welcom57.42, 31. O’Brien 58.83 and ing divers from Buffalo, 39. Young 1:00.64. 500 FS: Monticello and Willmar. 5. Moriak 5:21.36, 8. Walz Nelson said the goal of 5:33.51, 28. Christoferthe invite is to give divson 6:06.73 and 29. Luers the opportunity to cas 6:10.88. 200 FSR: 6. perform an 11-dive rouFreese, Daniels, Hendricktine prior to true team, son and Moriak 1:36.16; 200 MR: 6. Cole Ritten, Nielsen, Young conference and section and Walz 1:45.70; and Sowada, Moran, Woeste and Knettel 2:01.64. 100 BK: 8. Bonovsky 1:00.41, 21. Christoferson 1:05.70 and 52. Blodgett 1:18.25. 100 BR: 4. Hendrickson 1:04.55, 9. Freese 1:06.29, 24. Nielsen 1:15.47 and 32. Johnson 1:19.06. 400 FSR: Villagra, Ritten, Young and Walz 3:57.93; Lucas, Zabinski, Moran and Johnson 4:13; and Blodgett, Woeste, Knettel and Sowada 4:32.79. Team rankings: 1. Brainerd 389, 2. Alexandria 322, 3. Andover 211, 3. WillSophomore Jack O’Brien swims the 50 yard freestyle event Jan. 2 in Sauk Rapids. O’Brien took sixth in the Swimming page 21 event with a time of 25.39 seconds. 2. O’Brien 56.09 and 3 Villagra 1:00.72. 500 FS: 2. Hendrickson 5:43.95, 3. Daniels 6:01.96, 5. Nielsen 6:17.31, Blodgett 6:35.57 and Kyle Petermeier 6:48.41. 200 FSR: 1. Moriak, Freese, Bonovsky and Daniels 1:36.48; 3. Lucas, Grabinski, Zabinski and Nielsen 1:47.90; and 4. Kobe Knettel, Cole Sowada, Woeste and Johnson 2:00.59. 100 BK: Walz 1:07.36, O’Brien 1:12.16 and Ritten 1:23.68. 100 BR: Bonovsky 1:11.99, Moriak 1:13.65 and Lucas 1:25. 400 FSR: Christoferson, Zabinski, Ritten and Bonovsky 3:43.14; Nielsen, Walz, O’Brien and Hendrickson 3:44.83; and Villagra, Blodgett, Moran and Johnson 4:08.95.
championship and the state tournament. Grabinski represented well, taking third. West Fargo Border Battle Invitational The Border Battle invite was a special experience for the Storm, with the meet being held in the same pool used for the 2016 Olympic Trials. “A number of notable athletes in our sport performed in that pool, providing an opportunity for our team they will likely remember for quite a while,” Nelson said. SRR made a stunning first impression at the meet, coming home with sixth place of 15 teams. Among the most notable performances were the sixth-place finish from the 200 medley relay team of Bonovsky, Freese, Daniels and Hendrickson, the seventh place Moriak finish in the 200 freestyle and the second-place finish from Grabinski in diving.
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 2020 | Page 21
Gymnasts achieve season high
SRR hosts Brainerd, Willmar in conference meets BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER
PHOTOS BY ANNA HINKEMEYER
Senior Morgan Thompson performs a flip over the vault platform Jan. 2 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Thompson earned a score of 8.7 in the event, taking ninth place.
The Sauk RapidsRice Storm gymnastics team has a lot to celebrate after its first string of meets in 2020. From a season-best team score of 134.5 points against Willmar to personal skill achievements, the team and SRR gymnastics head coach Elizabeth Walek are excited. “The team really pulled together and did some amazing things,” Walek said. “Both meets went very well.” The Storm hosted Brainerd Jan. 2 and Willmar Jan. 7, both at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Both meets resulted in losses, but SRR is not focusing on defeat. Rather the team is positive about its accomplishments. Vault is the strongest event for the team right now, with the team averaging scores of 8.945 against Willmar and 8.78 against Brainerd. The Storm spent time clean-
ing up its beam routines and establishing stronger connections which paid off particularly in the meet against Willmar. SRR improved scores reaching the high eights. The Storm host Sartell at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, at Sauk RapidsRice High School in Sauk Rapids. Willmar 137.35, SRR 134.5
Kosloski 8.75, 9. Thompson 8.7 and 10. Schmitz 8.55. Bars: 2. Samantha Caruth 8.4, 5. Walz 8, 6. Weisenbeck 7.95, 8. Floren 7.925 and 9. Kosloski 7.85. Beam: 3. Weisenbeck 8.5, 6. Thompson 8.25, 7. Ko-
sloski 8.15, 9. Schmitz 8 and 10. Caruth 7.7. Floor: 4. Weisenbeck 9, 6. Caruth 8.475, 7. Thompson 8.35, 9. Ava Plemel 7.85 and 10. Floren 7.75. All-around: 2. Weisenbeck 34.525.
Vault: 2. Carley Weisenbeck 9.1 points of 10, 4. Liberty Kosloski 9, 5. Kenzi Schmitz 8.95, 6. Justus Floren 8.925 and 8. Morgan Thompson 8.75. Bars: 5. Sophia Markfelder 7.85, 6. Anna Walz 7.85, 7. Kosloski 7.75, 8. Floren 7.575 and 9. Weisenbeck 7.3. Beam: 2. Kosloski 8.8, 5. Schmitz 8.5, 6. Floren 8.45, 7. Weisenbeck 8.4 and 10. Thompson 7.85. Floor: 4. Weisenbeck 8.55, 5. Floren 8.475, 6. Thompson 8.275, 7. Kosloski 8.05 and 9. Vanessa Lwiza 7.7. All-around: 3. Kosloski 33.6, 4. Floren 33.425 and 5. Weisenbeck 33.35. Brainerd 141.125, SRR 134.2 Vault: 4. Weisenbeck 9.075, 7. Floren 8.825, 8.
Eighth-grade athlete Samantha Caruth flips around the bars Jan. 2 in at meet against Brainerd at Sauk Rapids. The Storm lost to the Warriors 141.125-134.2.
Junior Justus Floren transitions during her bars routine Jan. 2 in Sauk Rapids. The Storm hosted Brainerd for the meet, losing 141.125-134.2.
Swimming from pg. 20 mar 211, 5. West Fargo 179, 6. SRR 177, 7. Fargo North 157, 8. Fargo South 154, 9. Davies 104, 10. Sheyenne 103, 11. Melrose-Sauk Centre 102, 12. Bemidji 69, 13. Detroit Lakes 55, 14. Grand Forks 51 and 15. Morris 6.
Brainerd 114, SRR 72 Coming into the meet, Brainerd had a 3-0 season with a first-place finish in a multiple-team invitational under its belt. The Storm fell short 11472. “Brainerd has always
been a very tough team,” Nelson said. “One noticeable difference (this meet) was the depth of their team. We fell short as we moved to the depth of our team.” SRR started the meet with a first-place finish in the 200 medley relay and progressed through the meet with several more top-two finishes. 200 MR: 1. Bonovsky, Freese, Daniels and Hendrickson 1:44.93; 4. Christoferson, Nielsen, Villagra and O’Brien 1:56.42; 5. Lucas, Johnson, Zabinski and Moran 2:05.55; and Daniel Agre, Chris Anderson, Ian Eichers and
Freshman Liberty Kosloski performs her bars routine Jan. 2 in Sauk Rapids. Kosloski earned a score of 7.85 in the event. Kolby Wagner 2:54.41. 200 FS: 2. Moriak 1:54.25, 3. Walz 2:01.70 and 6. Ritten 2:14.04. 200 IM: 2. Hendrickson 2:13.18, 5. Johnson 2:42.92 and 6. Lucas 2:43.57. 50 FS: 3. Freese 24.38, 4. Daniels 24.46 and 6. O’Brien 25.39. Diving: 1. Grabinski 240.60, 5. Zabinski 108.25 and 6. Chilson 83.20. 100 FLY: 3. Bonovsky 59.50, 4. Daniels 1:00.68 and 6. Zabinski 1:04.84. 100 FS: 4. Nielsen 56.62, 5. Ritten 57.78, 6. O’Brien 58.53 and Lucas 1:04.87. 500 FS: 2. Moriak 5:21.87, 3. Walz 5:34.70, 6. Christoferson 6:12.25 and Blodgett 6:40.69. 200 FSR: 2. Freese, Hendrickson, Moriak and Daniels 1:35.24; 3.
Walz, Ritten, Nielsen and O’Brien 1:43.94; and 5. Zabinski, Johnson, Moran and Young 1:50.33. 100 BK: 3. Bonovsky 1:00.93, 5. Christoferson 1:07.99 and 6. Villagra 1:15.64. 100 BR: 1. Hendrickson 1:05.30, 2. Freese 1:06.84 and 5. Nielsen 1:15.95. 400 FSR: 2. Bonovsky, Walz, Christoferson and Moriak 3:50.60; 5. Young, Ritten, Blodgett and Villagra 4:05.31; 6. Lucas, Woeste, Kyle Petermeier and Knettel 4:27.35; and Eichers, Evan Scapanski, Agre and Gavin Butkowski 5:07.13. Freshman Carley Weisenbeck vaults over the platform Jan. 2 in Sauk Rapids. Weisenbeck took fourth in the event with a score of 9.075.
Page 22 | SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Cousins leads Vikings to upset victory over Saints Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins finally came up big when it mattered most, and the Vikings upset the heavily favored New Orleans Saints 26-20 in a thrilling overtime road victory in the wild card round of the playoffs last by ANDY THAYER Sunday. Sports Columnist After years of failing to deliver when the stakes were highest, two flawless throws from Cousins Jan. 5 completely changed the narrative around the veteran quarterback. In one fell swoop, Cousins permanently shed his reputation for not being a clutch player. His 42 yard completion to Adam Thielen on the Vikings’ winning drive was an absolute dime and a back-breaker for the Saints; he could not possibly have delivered a more accurate and timely pass. He followed that up with a perfectly-thrown corner fade to Kyle Rudolph on a crucial third-and-goal that resulted in the game-winning touchdown. You cannot play the quarterback position better than Kirk Cousins did in overtime in a hostile environment in New Orleans last Sunday. I feel so happy for Cousins. This guy has been a solid quarterback his entire career, but for whatever reason has been unable to play his best in front of a national audience. He has never won a “Monday Night Football” game and prior to Sunday had not won in the playoffs either. It was becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss his growing collection of failures on the biggest stages as a series of flukes. For better or worse, Cousins was billed by Vikings fans as a quarterback messiah that was supposed to get the team over the hump and lead the Vikings to the Super Bowl after Case Keenum took the team to the NFC Championship game two years ago. Cousins was paid a premium salary (at the time) and was perhaps unfairly held to MVP standards by fans. News flash: Cousins is never going to be an MVP. He does not create plays with his legs like Deshaun Watson or Lamar Jackson. He does not surgically dissect defenses like Patrick Mahomes or Drew Brees. However, he is a rock-solid quarterback who makes good decisions and delivers strong and accurate passes if he has a clean pocket and a clear throwing lane. Heading into last season, there was no better option at quarterback for the Vikings than Cousins. On Sunday, the team was rewarded for their decision to invest in him. The return of a healthy Adam Thielen also had a major impact on this game. He is a slippery route runner with great hands and a knack for finding open pockets in defenses, and he repeatedly helped the Vikings move the chains before his huge catch in overtime. Thielen’s seven catches for 129 yards were a godsend for a Vikings team that had been missing a reliable third down receiver for most of the season, and his game perfectly complements Stefon Diggs’ speed and ability to make big plays downfield. When both Thielen and Diggs are healthy and operating in a positive mental state, the Vikings pack one of the most formidable onetwo punches at wide receiver in the NFL. The Vikings travel to San Francisco for a divisional round playoff battle with the top-seeded 13-3 49ers Saturday, Jan. 11. I would not count the Vikings out in this game especially if a couple of their injured cornerbacks can get back on the field. It was clear the Saints underestimated Adam Thielen when developing their plan for last Sunday, and it will be interesting to see how San Francisco’s defense tries to contain a Vikings offense that is back to full strength. If they load up on defensive backs, Dalvin Cook will shred them on the ground. If they try to play a zone, Adam Thielen will find holes. If they play man coverage and try to bring extra pressure, Diggs will be open for explosive plays. If the offensive line can give Kirk Cousins enough time to read things, and the Minnesota defense can keep 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo reasonably in check, the Vikings have a real shot to win in San Francisco.
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PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON
Granite City’s Jacob Schuldt lays out an Alexandria skater as the Blizzard apply offensive pressure Jan. 4 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. Schuldt and the Lumberjacks defense made Alexandria uncomfortable in a 4-0 win.
Sommers barrages Blizzard as Lumberjacks prevail Granite City defeats divisional foes Willmar, Alexandria BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
Talented scorers like Carson Simon, Daymin Dodge and Blake Spetz making their presences known has made it easy to forget how difficult Bailey Sommers is to stop. The veteran leader of the Granite City Lumberjacks had a weekend to remember, compiling five goals and six points in wins over the Willmar WarHawks and Alexandria Blizzard. Granite City 4, Alexandria 0 On Saturday, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson garnered comparisons to Michael Jordan for his electric comeback-fueled performance against the Bills in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs. That same night, however, there was another Jordanesque performance happening in Sauk Rapids. Granite City Lumberjacks co-captain Sommers energized the home crowd with a captivating hat trick as the Lumberjacks dominantly shut down divisional rival Alexandria in a 4-0 win Jan. 4 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. “We felt pretty good about Saturday night’s game,” said D.J. Vold, Lumberjacks associate head coach. “Alexandria is a good team, and they bring toughness and effort. We did a good job shutting them down in every aspect. It was a good team win, and we were happy with the result we got.” It took a while for Gran-
ite City’s offensive machine to fire up, as the Blizzard applied immense pressure in the first period. The Lumberjacks were sent to the box three separate times for minor infractions, including high-sticking and roughing penalties against co-
captain Ryan Pogue. Thankfully, behind the determined play of star-caliber goaltender Nate Johnston and the clutch Lumberjacks defense, Granite City survived a hectic Alexandria rush and returned the favor. With threeand-a-half minutes to play in the first period, Sommers won a faceoff in the Blizzard zone and flipped a backhand shot past Ville Hyttinen to give the Lumberjacks the first lead of the game. The goal marked Sommers’ 100th point as a member of the Lumberjacks. “It shifted the momentum
Lumberjacks page 23
Granite City co-captain Bailey Sommers celebrates after scoring his third goal against the Alexandria Blizzard Jan. 4 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. Sommers leads the surging Lumberjacks with 18 goals.
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 2020 | Page 23
from page 22 for us,” Vold said. “It’s tough having to kill penalties in the beginning of the game because you might end up falling behind. We came right after their goalie, who made some good saves in the first period.” A few minutes later, the Redwood Falls native struck again, rushing the net with Pogue and stuffing a rebound opportunity behind Hyttinen as Granite City took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission. “Bailey is a leadby-example guy,” Vold said. “When you score a hat trick, it’s hard not to follow him. He played really well the night before, and it seemed like his whole line was moving their feet and making opportunities for themselves. Bailey buried three of them.” Granite City, outside of those penalty-ridden early minutes, completely controlled momentum throughout the contest, getting the puck out of their zone in a hurry while forcing Blizzard skaters into low-percentage chances. “We’re trying to
PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON
Granite City forward Carson Simon carries the puck out of the zone Jan. 4 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. Simon and the Lumberjacks defeated the Alexandria Blizzard, 4-0.
City outshot the Blizzard 40-26, including a 31-17 ratio in the first two periods. “I think our guys know that they’re a tough opponent and that if we don’t show up, it will be a tough night,” Vold said. “We respect Alexandria and the effort they bring, and I think that helps how our guys prepare and how they show up for the game.” Countering Alexandria’ss eff effort on this night dria was the lline of Troy Dahlheimer, Pogue and Som“Nate comes to mers, who received explay in the big games cellent looks on net cell all night. Sommers and frankly, we need him in nnarrowly missed those. He’s done a great job of oout on his third ggoal toward the performing in tight games. He’s eend of the second been at his best, and it shows pperiod when his with the numbers he’s put up.” shot rang off the sh crossbar. cro - D.J Vold, Lumberjacks The third-year T associate head coach forward’s hustle was forward eventually rewarded, eventuall however, however as defenseman Jack H Helle found him for his third goal of the make the game as easy on ourselves as possible,” Vold said. “We did a good job of getting pucks out of our end. When we keep them to the outside, we get turnovers much easier.” Nicholas Richert extended Granite City’s lead 50 seconds into the second period with a lightning-fast one-timer as the Lumberjacks found sustained success in the Alexandria zone. Granite
lopsided affair 31 seconds into the final period. “Their line has been really, really good since the break,” Vold said. “There are three guys on that line who can do it every night, feeding off each other and doing really well. It makes it easier for everybody.” The win earned Johnston his second career shutout and his 12th win in as many tries as a Lumberjack. The rookie has accumulated an astonishing .935 percentage, lifting his squad to win after win. “Nate comes to play in the big games and frankly, we need him in those,” Vold said. “He’s done a great job of performing in tight games. He’s been at his best, and it shows with the numbers he’s put up.” Johnston and the confident Lumberjacks have won 11 of their last 12 games and continue to hold down the second spot in the West Division. They played the Willmar WarHawks for the third time in four games Jan. 8 at Willmar Civic Center Arena in Willmar, winning 5-2. The recap of that game will appear in the Saturday, Jan. 18, Sauk Rapids Herald. Next up is a roadtrip to Wausau, Wisconsin, to compete against the RiverWolves in a two-game series beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, at Marathon Park Ice Arena. “These last couple of weeks, we’ve played
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more games than practices,” Vold said. “They want to go and play games and hopefully win. We want to win the West Division and go to Chicago and win the Fraser Cup, but it starts with winning games.” Granite City 9, Willmar 4 The Lumberjacks were submerged into unfamiliar territory during the first period of their divisional matchup with the Willmar WarHawks. Willmar’s inconsistent offense struck rookie goaltender Bailey Huber and the Granite City defense with four firstperiod goals, leaving the Lumberjacks down two goals heading in the first intermission. Granite City had trailed after one period just four times in their first 27 contests with the playoff-contending squad constantly in a winning position. It was a fairly new situation. Despite the challenge, the Lumberjacks found a way as Pogue
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and Sommers combined for four goals in a 9-4 triumph Jan. 3 at Sports Arena East. Granite City scored four times in a high-flying second period. Sommers kickstarted the rally with a penalty shot goal, using a wicked backhand shot to best Willmar goalie Luke Weberg. Nick Plautz and Pogue tallied their fourth goals of the season at 12:49 and 13:52, respectively, before Nathan Green and Cody Dias connected on a score to give the home team a 6-4 advantage. The momentum did not halt for the Lumberjacks, who emerged from the locker room for the third period hungry for more goals. With 12 minutes to go, defenseman Erick Bromberg prevented a Willmar clear, carried the puck closer to the net, and wheeled around to fire an unassisted beauty. Huber denied 25 shots as Granite City improved to 23-5 with the spectacular comeback.
COME JOIN US! • Sat., Jan. 11 7:30 pm
Granite City Lumberjacks vs. Wausau River Wolves at Marathon Park
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• Sat., Jan. 18 7:30 pm
Granite City Lumberjacks vs. North Iowa Bulls at Mason City Arena
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Full-time WRITER
Star Publications has a full-time position available in central Minnesota for an aspiring journalist. This is a great opportunity for someone who would like a career in community journalism with a company that thrives on strong local journalism. Preferred candidates should possess a journalism degree or have experience in writing.
Duties include, but are not limited to: • Writing human interest features • Hard news • Developing story ideas • Proofreading and taking photos
If you are interested in this position, please send your resume and three writing samples to natasha@saukherald.com.
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Publications R1-NB
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