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Saturday, January 2, 2021

2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

Vol. 166, No. 39

New year, new laws Storage of sexual assault exam kits, health care plans highlighted

BY KATELYN ASFELD STAFF WRITER

New laws page 5

Hindsight 2020:

The good in a not-so-good year Readers share highlights of the past 12 months

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER

In many regards, 2020 was a difficult year.

The coronavirus pandemic, which has not gone away with the new year, impacted everyone in some way.

Throughout the year, however, Sauk Rapids and Rice residents demonstrated that hope is greater than fear.

A review of the Sauk Rapids Herald’s archives was a reminder that 2020 encompassed many positive stories that were published in this newspaper. Some of those stories involved people who saw

PUBLIC NOTICES

The Minnesota House of Representatives, in a Dec. 18 press release, highlighted two of the many new laws passed during the 2020 regular and special legislative sessions.

The first law is related to the submission and storing of restricted sexual assault examination kits – where the victim does not want the evidence in the kit to be analyzed – and unrestricted kits – where the victim signs a release to have their kits analyzed.

The law requires restricted kits, either prepared by a hospital or given to a law enforcement agency from a hospital, to be submitted to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension within 60 days and the BCA to store the kits for at least 30 months.

Because restricted kits are not analyzed, many law enforcement agencies often destroy the kits at three to six months, depending on the agency policies.

social, emotional and economic challenges as opportunities to do good and spread joy in the community.

Local acts of kindness in 2020 In January, the Herald featured Bob Erickson, who passed out custom buttons with the message “Share a smile with a stranger” in memory of his late wife, Evelyn. The pins raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and in hopes of making someone’s day brighter.

In February, the Herald featured Brandon and Clare Richards, who developed Impacks, kits that provide an easier and more affordable way to shop for school supplies.

In March, following the COVID-19 outbreak, community members stepped up to provide services that were void.

Businesses provided free lunches for

•Notice to the Creditors of the Claimants - pg. 14 •Sauk Rapids Township Notice of Election Filing - pg. 14 •Mayhew Lake Township Notice of Election Filling - pg. 14 •Minden Township Notice of Election Filing - pg. 14 •Benton County Planning Commission Public Notice - pg. 14

children and coffee to healthcare professionals, and a girl from Rice offered childcare for anyone who needed it while schools and daycares were closed. The Herald also featured a visual art contest the Rice Elementary PTA organized after schools suspended in-person instruction.

Craft store gift cards were awarded to artwork from three categories. The contest aimed to give kids something to look forward to and fill the gap as they remained home.

In April, the Herald featured the Jeremy and Mindy Thomes family, who transitioned a Little Free Library in their Sauk Rapids neighborhood to a Little Free Pantry in response to economic challenges posed by COVID-19. Min-

OBITUARIES • George M. Gazett • Roberta “Bobbie” Huberty

2020 page 3

ST R

Publications The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.

2020

from front

NEWS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2021 | Page 3

Readers share highlights of 2020

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dy’s parents did the same thing. miracle. A wedding, engagement, successful fall harvest The Herald reached out to readers via social media “We thought with the and siblings surviving COVID-19 were other positive and asked them what was good in 2020.

Their positive uncertainty right now, it anecdotes shared with the Herald. And, for one woman, experiences help to shed some light on a dark year. could help others,” Mindy said. a loss became a catalyst for growth.

Some of the respondents welcomed a child into their In nearby Rice, Janice family, including one baby girl whose Martin was busy making grandma called her homemade masks to a 2020 protect against Sandra the spread of Donna Rau: Jeannie Felix Grot: We Erickson: the coroWe were blessed having a were blessed with a new granddaughParticipating in the navirus. great-grandson, Ronan Dahl, and ter on our 20th anniversary, Sept. 30. What Trees from Toots donation Benton finding out we will have another made this extra special was that it was totally unCounty to the Good Shepherd expected.

My stepdaughter and her husband had been great-grandson, baby E Kruger, on had orCommunity of 75 small trying to conceive for over a decade. They had deganized or around Great-Grandpa’s birthday, Christmas trees for the a mask cided it just wasn’t meant to be. By the time Sarah March 28. What a blessing. Both our residents in honor of donation realized she was with child, she was already 23 sons are on the mend, one after a work my mom. drive, weeks along. Baby Esther was our 2020 accident and one after COVID-19. receivmiracle.

Our daughter made it through ing 250 homemade COVID-19. God is good. masks in the first week. At the time she was Brenda Lynn interviewed, Martin Sheet Metal & Heating, Inc. Taren Martinson: My had made 120 masks.

Clubb: I have a Emergency Stip: Went on our daughter was only In May, readers 24 Hour new job after five in the hospital once this first family trip and first learned how a non-profit Services years of not being year – the first time in 10 center for independent time on a plane to Florida Residential/Commercial • Sales • Service • Installation years.

We also have a living, based in Sauk able to work. in February. Got engaged • Heating & Air Conditioning new grandson this Rapids, was on our 10-year year.

Call for Free Estimate! equipping anniversary. some of 320.252.1371 Tarina Rae the most www.lyonheating.com Laudenbach: The birth vulnerof our daughter Ivy Jo on a b l e Feb. 29, 2020, Leap Day. people She was born at 33 weeks, Parish in Sauk – those Brenda Kaschmitter: Prepare for unexpected weighing 3 pounds, 7 Rapids. w i t h Spring planting and harvest went In De- power outages with a physical, ounces. well on the farm this year. And our c e m b e r , Generac home standby mental or daughter was married in September.

75 mini- generator developmental First wedding for our family. Thankful Christmas disabilities – with REQUEST A FREE QUOTE! for family and friends. trees were supplies to stay healthy, 877-228-5789 donated to engaged and enter7-Year Extended Warranty* residents of Good tained. Care packA $695 Value!

Stacy Alf: I Shepherd Community Offer valid December 15, 2020 - March 1, 2021 ages included in Sauk Rapids. The famhard-to-find lost my job due to *To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, Special Financing Available install and activate the generator with a participating ily of Louise “Toots” Erbasics such as COVID-19. So, I took Subject to Credit Approval dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions. ickson organized Trees toilet paper, Sauk Rapids, the pantry this opportunity to return paper towels, is intended to meet food from Toots to celebrate to college. It’s tough to laundry soap, and personal needs and Erickson surviving COsupport my kids, but dish soap, to show neighborly love. VID-19 at 97 and to bring in the end it will be snacks and disAcross town, Chris and hope to other residents of worth it. infectants.

Leah Beack built a candy the care facility. Down the % “More than slide that distributed Hal- road, Andy and Crystal anything, I think peoM u - loween treats from a safe Behrendt made a mailbox for letters to Santa and put ple need to know somen i c i p a l distance. body’s there, somebody Park in Sauk Rapids. The In November, 66 pa- it in their front lawn. The cares,” said Shawn Rea- event raised funds for the rishioners, each repre- couple said they wanted gan, Independent Life- Tri-County Humane So- senting a bead, prayed for to do something nice for styles marketing and de- ciety. an end to the coronavirus local kids, knowing they velopment manager.

In September, the pandemic as part of a liv- could not visit Santa in In June, family and Herald featured Merle ing rosary at Sacred Heart person this year. friends of Bernice Goulet Gales, who collected doSale Starts Monday Jan. 4th - Sunday Jan. 17th hosted a parade and mini nations from businesses concert outside the Good to purchase yard signs Shepherd Community in proclaiming “We Supcelebration of her 100th port Law Enforcement.”

24 pack cans & bottles birthday. The festivities Gales is the father of took the place of a tra- Sauk Rapids Police Offi$ 99 ditional birthday party, cer, Sean Gales, and said Monday-Thursday 9am-10pm • Friday-Saturday 8am-10pm • Sunday 11am-6 pm which was not possible the project was a labor of Michelob due to the pandemic. love to combat disdain Busch Reg & Golden Light In July, family and toward police. He origiRolling Rock DEALS OF THE MONTH 24 pack, friends of Evie and Keith nally collected enough 16 oz. cans 24 pack cans Kirchner of Rice sur- donations to purchase 51 3rd Street prised the couple with a signs. With the help of his 24 pack $ 99 $ 99 All Varieties cans parade to celebrate their friends, the cause grew to 12 pk. cans 50th wedding anniversa- 430 signs.

LIQUOR ry. The parade of 15 cars In October, Girl WINE W $ 99 Petri was led by Rice Police Scouts from Troop 636 New RRoscato Chief Ross Hamann. of Sauk Rapids unveiled Brandy Amsterdam In August, Sauk Rap- their Little Free Pantry, a Sweet Sw Redd 1.75 L ids Women of Today, a freestanding mini pantry, Apothic Wine Vodka & Gin 750 ml group of local volunteers, built by hand and funded $ 99 $ 99 99 hosted an event for fami- by cookie sales. Placed All Varieties • Excludes Apothic Fire $ $ 99 9 750 ml 1.75 L lies and their pets to have outside the Great River $ 99 750ml their pictures taken at Federal Credit Union in Y O U R F U L L S E R V I C E L I Q U O R S TO R E « 312 B E N TO N D R I V E N. « 320-251-4185 20 251 4185

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NEWS

Page 4 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Sister John Marie

from page 2

mission trips and playing the piano, so she considered playing organ as a nun or doing the work of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta as a missionary of charity.

Then, she realized she could love and serve others from one place.

“You can do all that with prayer,” she said. “I fell in love with that idea of anybody can help anybody, throughout the world, with prayer. That’s what led me to the cloistered life.”

She visited St. Clare’s Monastery and knew she was in the right place.

“I just fell in love,” Sister John Marie said.

“There’s so much joy coming from the sisters, and I said, ‘I want a part of that.’”

The seed planted by her grandparents has sprouted in the monastic community. Her religious name honors her grandfather John and “his very simple example of living a good, holy life,” she said.

Her grandfather, who passed away in 2014, taught her the significance of loving people, taking life day by day and leaving everything to God. A closed door Formation is the process Sister John Marie is following in making a lifetime commitment to the religious community. It can take nine to 12 years.

Her journey to the veil began two years ago, when she became an aspirant.

She lived in a brick house across the parking lot from the monastery, joining the Poor Clares sisters in the public chapel for mid-day prayer at noon and for Vespers, or evening prayer, at 4:15 p.m.

She helped the sisters

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Sister John Marie receives the habit, cord, guimpe, wimple and white veil of a novice. As a novice, she will complete a probationary period prior to taking vows.

in the enclosure gardens and worked a part-time job outside of the monastery. She also had a class with the aspirant mistress, learning about the life of St. Francis and the spiritual life. She was granted four visits with her parents, including two at their home in Wisconsin.

A year later, in November 2019, she became a postulant, entering the cloister and participating as fully as possible in the community, joining professed members for prayer and other activities.

On the day of her arrival, Sister John Marie and her family walked to the seldom-opened door to the enclosure and rang the bell.

“That’s the only time that door is open, is when you’re receiving a postulant,” Sister John Marie said.

A priest officiated a small ceremony to bless the vocation.

“Then, basically, I hug my family, and I walk on in,” she said. “The door shuts behind me.”

Once inside, she and the sisters said a prayer of thanksgiving. Then, for the first time, she spoke

2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 (320) 251-1971 Sauk Rapids Herald (USPS 21690) is published weekly, 52 times a year, by Star Publications, 2 2nd Ave S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379-1651. Second-class Postage paid at Sauk Rapids, MN 56379. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Sauk Rapids Herald, 2 2nd Ave S, Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379-1651.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Official newspaper of Benton County, the cities of Sauk Rapids and Rice and Independent School District No. 47

with her parents through a plexiglass visiting window from the inside of the enclosure. Their visits continue to be separated by a lattice to follow the no-interaction guideline typical of a cloistered monastery.

Postulancy is a formal step for those seeking admission to a monastery or other religious order. As a postulant, Sister John Marie wore a brown jumper over a white button-up shirt, a small black veil and a cross around her neck. In the mornings, she attended Mass and class, studying the history of the Poor Clares and the life and writings of St. Clare. Born into a wealthy family in 1194, St. Clare became a nun, choosing to live a life of austerity, seclusion from the world ld and poverty in a Benedictine tine monastery.

After er a year as a postulant, stulant, Sister John ohn

Marie became a novice this November. The novitiate is the period of training and preparation that a novice undergoes prior to taking vows to discern their call to religious life.

She helps the cook and house mistress in the kitchen. When she is not preparing meals, she attends class and continues to grow in the spiritual life.

“I’m being more and more integrated with the other sisters, really just learning how it all works,” she said.

In addition to prayer, a day in the life of the Poor Clares typically involves adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and scripture reading; a work period for chores; a rest period; and a recreation period where they do craft and sewing projects, make rosaries and visit. The sisters, who rely entirely on donations for survival, reserve time every day for silence. They keep up to date on current events through reading and accept prayer requests and letters from the public.

Sister John Marie will be a novice for at least two years before becoming a junior sister, when she will receive the black veil.

During her first year as a novice, she will have four in-person visits with her parents from behind the lattice. They can write to her several times a year.

The second year of the novitiate will involve more intense prayer to discern her call to vowed religious life. She can write to her parents just four

times and have one in-person visit behind plexiglass.

“I look forward to every day,” she said. “I still wouldn’t rather be anywhere else.”

A prayerful life Since arriving in Sauk Rapids, Sister John Marie has devoted her life to prayer.

“I’m going to make every little action of my life involve prayer so that I can help somebody,” she said.

The sisters practice gratitude daily. God’s love and the ability to pray for others are gifts Sister John Marie cherishes.

“I can spend my day loving God,” she said.

“And when we love God, of course we’re loving other people; we’re loving the body of Christ.”

During the coronavirus pandemic, the sisters have intensified their prayers for all its related suffering.

“Jesus knows exactly

what we’re going through,” Sister John Marie said of the social, emotional, physical and economic impacts of the public health crisis.

“I know it’s chaotic, and sometimes God seems distant. But we’re all in his arms.”

During a recent time of prayer and reflection, Sister John Marie thought about the holy family and the adversities they faced. Much like today, not much went as planned, she noted.

She encouraged people to establish hope, to look to the crucifix as a reminder of God’s love and to trust, even when life is hard.

“Throughout my life, he’s always been with me, even through times where I thought he was not there,” she said. “He’s still there.”

As the pandemic carries into a new year, the sisters will continue to bow their heads.

“Just know we’re praying for you,” Sister John Marie said.

“I loved their idea of poverty, relying completely on God. That I just found challenging and absolutely beautiful.”

- Sister John Marie

Sister Sist John Marie works in the kitchen at St. Clare’s Clare Monastery. When not assisting in meals, she stud studies to grow her spiritual life.

Advertising: Our ad takers have no authority to bind this Letters: Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are newspaper, and only publication of an advertisement shall welcomed. Letters must be signed with first and last name and constitute final acceptance of the advertiser’s order. include address and phone number. Letters should be short and to the point (400 words or less). We reserve the right to edit lengthy Subscription Rates: Free in Sauk Rapids, Rice and Sartell P.O. letters. boxes, city routes and rural routes.

Corrections/Clarifications: The Herald strives for accuracy. If Benton, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne and Stearns counties you would like to report a factual error, please call (320) 251-1971. $50 per year Elsewhere in Minnesota - $57 • Outside Minnesota - $60 per year $5 per month for snowbirds Deadlines: The deadline for most news in the Herald is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Exceptions are obituaries which have a deadline of 10 a.m. Thursday. The deadline for advertisements in the Herald is 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Mark Klaphake Joyce Frericks Missy Traeger Natasha Barber Maria Bichler Ellarry Prentice Evan Michealson Jakob Kounkel Pat Turner Amanda Thooft Maddy Peterson

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Page 6 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

What’s Happening Saturday, Jan. 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Christmas Tree Disposal. Free of charge with donation to the food shelf. Sauk Rapids Compost Site, 3135 Quarry Road N.E., Sauk Rapids.

Monday, Jan. 4, 12:30-6:30 p.m. – American Red Cross Blood Drive. First Presbyterian Church, 306 Norway Drive, Foley. Make an appointment by calling 1-800-733-2767 or visiting redcrossblood.org.

Monday, Jan. 4, 6 p.m. – Rice City Council. Meeting will include the Oath of Office for council members Chris Scheel, Emily Walters and Michelle Jorgenson-Keller.

Monday, Jan. 4, 7 p.m. – Sauk Rapids-Rice School District Organizational and Special Meeting.

Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids.

Tuesday, Jan. 5, 8 a.m. – Benton County Commissioners Oath of Office Ceremony. Benton County Administration Building, 531 Dewey St., Foley.

Tuesday, Jan. 5, 9 a.m. – Benton County Board of Commissioners Meeting. Benton County Administration Building, 531 Dewey St., Foley.

Tuesday, Jan. 5, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.

Tuesday, Jan. 5, 7 p.m. – Watab Township Meeting. Watab Town Hall, 660 75th St. N.W., Sauk Rapids.

Wednesday, Jan. 6, 6-7 p.m. – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.

Friday, Jan. 8, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.

Saturday, Jan. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Christmas Tree Disposal. Free of charge with donation to the food shelf. Sauk Rapids Compost Site, 3135 Quarry Road N.E., Sauk Rapids.

Crime & Public Safety

Sartell man dies in early morning crash

ST. CLOUD – Authorities have released the name of a Sartell man who died after an early morning crash on Highway 10 Dec. 29.

Eric Sylvester Wochnick, 33, was struck as he was attempting to cross the roadway after crashing his vehicle, according to the report by the Minnesota State Patrol.

Authorities said Wochnick had crashed into trees on the right side of westbound Highway 10 and crossed into the eastbound lanes on foot where he was struck by oncoming traffic which included driver 35-year-old Jessica Clairmont and her passenger 37-year-old Daniel Kombo, both of Little Falls, as well as driver 22-year-old Brittny Tiemann, of Royalton, who rear-ended Clairmont’s vehicle.

The three remaining parties were uninjured.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office assisted the state patrol at the scene.

OBITUARIES/NEWS

Roberta “Bobbie” Huberty

Roberta “Bobbie” Huberty, age 84, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, at Ridgeview Place in Sauk Rapids surrounded by family. Due to the current pandemic, a ceremony will be held privately for the family.

Interment will be at the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids. A public celebration of Bobbie’s life will be held at a later date.

Bobbie was born to William and Doris (Haddenham) Gilroy on Nov. 8, 1936, in Everett, Washington.

She grew up in Arlington, Washington, and this is where she met the love of her life, Earl Huberty, while he was stationed at the Jim Creek Naval Radio Station. Bobbie

Roberta “Bobbie” Huberty

and Earl were later united in marriage in San Diego, California, Nov. 27, 1954.

Bobbie and Earl were owners and operators of Hubie’s Triangle Resort (now Rumors) from 1988-92. Her absolute favorite job was being a foster grandparent at Rice Elementary, but the position she cherished most of all was wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Even though Bobbie was a native of Washington, she became a true Minnesotan through and through. She loved the Vikings, Twins, and road trips to the North

George M. Gazett

Funeral services were 11 a.m. Dec. 31 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sauk Rapids for George M. Gazett, age 82, of Sauk Rapids, who died Dec. 26, 2020, at his home.

The Rev. David Hinz officiated and burial was in the church cemetery.

Visitation was one hour prior to the services Thursday at the church in Sauk Rapids. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home of Sauk Rapids.

George was born Oct. 27, 1938 in St. Cloud to John and Marguerite (Blaske) Gazett. He graduated from Rice Grade School and Sauk Rapids High School

George M. Gazett

where he played football, basketball and track. George proudly served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps from April 24, 1957 to April 23, 1960.

He married Evelyn Poganski Feb. 16, 1963 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sauk Rapids.

George graduated from Anoka Ramsey Technical College with

Shore. She truly enjoyed bowling, fishing, relaxing at the lake, and especially NASCAR Sundays with family and friends. Even though we are with a very heavy heart, we are uplifted with the thought of Mom being reunited with the love of her life, our dad. Our mom was an amazing woman who had a huge heart and always cared about the welfare of others. She had such a wonderful ability to make those around her feel like they have been her friends forever, and she will always be remembered as the best grandma ever.

Left to honor her legacy are: sons and daughter, Steve (Sandi), St. Cloud; Paul (Junko), Sartell; and Erin, Sauk Rapids. Grandchildren, Tyler, Megan, Keiko, Bethany, Naomi, Tanner, Tessa, Trenton, and Derek. Brothers and sisters: Lester Gilroy, Elvin Gilroy, Charlotte McKenzie, Donna

Groesbeck, and Kathy Nylen; brothers-in-law, Brian Groesbeck and Mel Wolters; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; mother-in-law, Malinda Middendorf; fathers-in-law, Richard Middendorf and Milford Huberty; brothers-inlaw and sisters-in-law, Doris Gilroy, Mel and June Huberty, Delores Wolters, Jo and Jim Barber, and James Huberty.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff from St. Croix Hospice and Ridgeview Place for their wonderful care and concern for our mom and grandma.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Foster Grandparents Program with St. Cloud Area Catholic Charities.

Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www. williamsdingmann.com.

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AAS degree and worked at Murphy Freight while attending college. He went on to work at National Bushing and after retiring from there worked at Larson Boats in Little Falls. George was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and was an active member of Rice American Legion Post 473 and Color Guard. He was an avid golfer, loved watching and playing football, and loved going to Lake Belletaine in Nevis to spend time with family and friends. George enjoyed spending time with family and friends and loved it when grand kids and grand puppies came to visit. He was

fun loving, had a great sense of humor and lived life to the fullest.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Evelyn of Sauk Rapids; sons, Gregory (Deborah) of Rice, Geoffrey (Holly) of Rice; grandchildren, Grayson and Kailey; sister, Marilyn Flores of Venice, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John and Daniel; grandchildren, Gabrielle Jo and Hailey Ann. Obituary and guest book available online at www. williamsdingmann. com.

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

News Briefs

MAT announces scholarship program for need as well as local businesses this holiday season.

The collaboration to support a community need high school juniors

grew when The Servion Group, along with members of the credit union, Greg and Teresa Rueter, and Patrick Mastin came together to provide hot meals to two local organizations.

Two hundred meals went to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud-Meals on Wheels Program and 10 meals to Terebinth Refuge. As part of the collaborative effort, Great River Bowl & Partners Pub prepared all 210 ham dinners.

“This has been a tough year for so many, and we feel it is part of our mission at the credit union to take purposeful action within our community,” said Jed A. Meyer, president and CEO of the credit union. “With community needs even greater this year due to COVID-19, we have remained focused on doing all we can through partnerships with local businesses and our membership.”

Partnerships included: collaborating with 21 local Area credit union pools to provide commu- businesses, providing 2,700 meals to the staff of the COnity meals VID-19 unit at St. Cloud Hospital; a food shelf donation ST. CLOUD – St. Cloud Financial Credit Union drive and Toys for Tots drive, and gift cards to area reslaunched a community driven initiative to help those in taurants that accompany consumer loans.

ST. MICHAEL – The Minnesota Association of Townships’ 2021 Scholarship Program will award up to five $2,000 scholarships to high school juniors. All students enrolled in 11th grade and attending a Minnesota public, private or parochial school, or a home-study program are eligible to apply for this program.

Since its inception in 2001, the MAT Scholarship Program has had over 2,000 submissions and 87 winners.

Applicants should submit a written essay using critical thinking on the topic of land use by May 1 Winners will be chosen by an independent panel of judges and will be notified by Sept. 1.

For more information and application details, call the MAT offices at 1-800-228-0296 or visit www.mntownships.org.

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EDITORIAL

Page 8 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Seed, plant catalog reading: Part 1 Seed and plant catalogs may have already arrived in your mailbox, and many more will come soon. Before deciding to buy a seed or plant based on the enticing photographs, read the fine print.

First check for the GREEN AND growing zone. Zones GROWING IN BENTON are areas of the country COUNTY where temperatures BY LINDA G. TENNESON extremes are roughly the same. They are based on the previous 30 years of temperatures. The latest zone map is based on 1976 to 2005 records. This information is important because plants will grow in more than one zone but not in all zones.

Minnesota zones range from 3A in the north to 5A at the southern edge. Benton County is in zone 4A, which means our temperatures do not usually go lower than 30 degrees below zero in winter.

In addition to the growing zone, small areas protected by a building or a hill will be what is called a microclimate. Plants in these areas may survive when planted farther north or in a lower number growing zone than is recommended, but it is a gamble.

Seed catalogs will usually state a range of zones a plant may be expected to survive in. A hosta shown on the cover of one catalog said it will grow in zones 3 to 9 meaning this is an adaptable plant that will grow anywhere from Minnesota to Florida. Many plants are not that adaptable.

Gardeners frequently experiment by trying to grow plants outside of the expected growing zones. Often this will work for a few years if the temperatures do not reach the expected extremes. There are plants, especially our spring bulbs, that need a period of cold in order to grow the following year. A gardener in Florida, for example, could not grow daffodils unless the bulbs were planted in pots which were placed in a refrigerator for several weeks during the winter.

Next, check the growing conditions the seed or plant requires. Light requirements are often shown by little icons. A white circle means full sun. A partially blacked in circle means partial shade, while a black circle means the plant will only grow in full shade. Note that full shade means six or more hours of sun each day. Trees and buildings may shade a plant for a short time at various times of the day, but the plant may still receive six hours of full sun, although it is not six consecutive hours of sun. Deciduous trees will not provide much shade until they have leafed out, so many bulbs requiring full sun will grow near them. The bulbs will have bloomed and gone dormant by the time the tree is fully leafed.

Vegetables and annual plants do not need to follow these requirements, except for the number of days from planting until harvest or first frost.

For example, a sweet corn variety shown on the latest catalog says 76 to 78 days meaning it needs that long to grow and produce corn ready for harvest. Gardeners can get around these requirements by starting seeds indoors under grow lights and then moving the young plants outdoors once the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has risen.

Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener and Tree Care Advisor.

Faithfulness From the book, “Leaves of Gold,” an Spirit as our helper. To carry our cross unkown evangelist writes: When Pompeii is weakening to us, and Jesus’ power is was destroyed, there were many buried in made perfect in our weakness. The goal the ruins of it who were afterward found is not weakness so we can have Jesus in different situations. There were some perfect power; the goal is to glorify God found in the streets as if they had been faithfully and sometimes we are weak attempting their escape. There were some along the way. That is when we are able found in deep vaults as if they had gone to lean fully on him trusting in him and thither for security. There were some leaning not on our own understanding. found in lofty chambers. But where did Coming into 2021 with New Year’s LIFE BY FAITH they find the Roman sentinel? They found resolutions, keep in mind the ultimate him standing at the city gate where he had BY MERCY NYGAARD goal. The issue will never be our role of been placed by his captain with his hand moving up in position which we make still grasping the war weapon. And there, while up our own values for. The issue will always be the heaven threatened him, while the earth shook our goal because if our goal is not to glorify God in beneath him, while the lava stream rolled, he had everything we say and do, then we must go back to stood at his post. There, after a thousand years had the drawing board. We must re-prioritize. We must passed away, was he found. So, let Christians stand tap into faithfulness this year more than any. No to their duty, in the post at which their captain has matter who will end up in the commander in chief placed them. seat, we had better start prioritizing God’s word as Last week, I wrote about how we will need the ultimate authority and knowing what to look a lot of courage in 2021. Add faithfulness to that for upon Christ’s imminent return. task which will give virtues the ability to grow feet If we are not at the city gate, standing firm in and run. Faithfulness is the proof you truly believe our faith, we will be left behind to weather the God is sovereign and controls our circumstances. world in terrifying times. As we are faithful now, Faithfulness is worshipping God even during the God wants to use us to reach as many as possible difficult circumstances. It is putting down our own to turn hearts toward him. desires and picking up our cross to follow him.

Oswald Chambers writes, “The goal of In Roman days when crucifying was faithfulness is not that we will do work for God, established, everyone who was carrying a cross but that he will be free to do his work through us. through the streets was known to be headed to his God calls us to his service and places tremendous death. Jesus did this, and so he never asks us to do responsibilities on us. He expects no complaining anything he did not already do before us. on our part and offers no explanation on his part.

If we are followers of Jesus, everyone who God wants to use us as he used his own son.” sees us or spends time with us will know we are Thank God only Jesus is perfect, so we do not followers of Jesus by how we love one another. have to meet a huge standard to be able to be used They will know we follow Jesus by how we tread in by him. We must be faithful in our efforts to strive the storms. This is one of the most difficult things to be more Christ-like every day. To be faithful to do today, but does God leave us to figure it out in every circumstance means we have only one on our own? Of course not, he has given us his loyalty or object of our faith: the Lord Jesus Christ. word through the Bible. He has given us the Holy Letter to Editor

Save resources, speak up

Anthony Kroll, Sauk Rapids It is obvious Marc Jacobson wants to raise the political will in favor of helping mentally ill people get well. He wrote a good article on it in your last week’s edition. The article was called “Jailing people with mental illness.” I agree with him. And, I have met many people

who also agree with him.

Our country has the most people jailed. Mentally ill people who act illegally should get treatment for their sickness and not be jailed. This would be more appropriate and more practical. I keep thinking we want to make our country more friendly.

I wonder how much money

and other resources would be saved if less people were jailed. If more people would express themselves on this matter, we could develop the political will to move in this direction.

I thank those custodians of jails who are already offering treatment. I also thank those judges who prescribe treatment.

EDITORIAL

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2021 | Page 9

If 2020 is a test, after review, we will pass In a recent “Star Trek Discovery” custodial staff – have embraced innovation, episode (yes, Star Trek is on network creativity and teamwork, and for that, we television), the inhabitants of the thank them.

Discovery found themselves in a time Students are the future of our warp that reset itself every 30 minutes communities and the reason there are until the ideal outcome could be obtained. schools, learning plans, educators and In each 30-minute time frame, the crew mentors. Students, historically, have learned something new and adjusted its attended school in buildings with their methods, until, in the end, they obtained peers and have learned individually the desired result. and collaboratively in front of and RAPIDS-RICE beside educators and school staff. The Unfortunately, in 2020, we are unable SAUK SCHOOL DISTRICT to hit the reset button. Parents, students, SUPERINTENDENT fundamental principles of learning can be teachers and support staff, stakeholders achieved through either in-person or remote

BY BRADLEY D. and community members have been instruction, after all 2+2 = 4, and Newton’s BERGSTROM tasked with adjusting to an out of this Laws of Physics are the same whether it is world learning curve on the fly this year. introduced on a white board or on a Zoom screen.

Parents and guardians are teachers of life skills, But learning remotely is different, and students family dynamics, emotional well-being and how to be need to practice agility and patience. Students need an integral part of the immediate and extended family interaction, connection and socialization; soft skills unit. While some parents are masters of reading, that are difficult to achieve when students and staff language arts, algebra, history, technology and single are not in the same physical space. Learning is best or a combination of academic subjects, many are not, achieved when the formula – fundamental principles, nor do they aspire to be. But parents and guardians are in-person instruction and teamwork – can be balanced. amazing and do everything they can to ensure their Students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade have child or children are successful, happy and healthy. been academic pioneers; in 2020, they have fearlessly Parents in 2020 have shown amazing endurance, learned, attempted and accomplished new ways to resilience and grace, and for that, we thank them. communicate, socialize and achieve, and for that, we Teachers and support staff at area schools have thank them. always aspired to teach, model successful behavior, Finally, our community members and and make personal, emotional and academic stakeholders are the backbone of our communities connections with students. For hundreds of years, and the support system of area families, staff and teachers and staff have been honing their skills, students. Individuals, families, local and regional continuously learning ways to make a difference. businesses have shown compassion and generosity Supporting students’ academic, social and emotional by helping neighbors and strangers cope financially growth, pre-2020, has always been a delicate balance and emotionally. Their benevolence, though they too of instruction, collaboration and personal connection. may be struggling, is amazing, and for that, we thank Planning for the 2020-21 school year was and them. continues to be interesting to say the least. School staff As we celebrate the holidays and put a lock on find themselves trying to create meaningful learning 2020, let’s remember to reflect on the positive things experiences while being ready to pivot at any moment. we have learned and offered; patience, endurance, Serving students in distance learning is so much more resilience, grace, bravery, compassion, generosity, than uploading files and providing video links. Know benevolence, adaptability, agility, teamwork, that staff are working tirelessly during and after the innovation, creativity and the ability to pivot. school day to create and adapt current learning plans We have learned a lot in 2020. And, after review, to serve students and connect their classrooms. School I think we will pass. staff – teachers, paraprofessionals, food service and

BREAK CROSSWORD

Great-Grandpa was a moonshiner If you’re a parent of a Sauk Rapidswas ordered to be killed, but because of Rice freshman who happens to be in his relationship with the tsar, instead, geography class this trimester, you may his family and he were banished. They – or may not – know our students are received a one-way ticket to the United working on a genealogy project.

States.

I was quite pleased when I learned I’ll be honest and say I’ve never my son had to dive into our family tree. tried to debunk the mystery of how the Finally, it was something he needed to Warzechas came to this land. It seems communicate with me about, and, for the harmless enough to believe my ancestors most part, I could help him.

ON MY SLEEVE fled in the night on an empty stomach.

Fortunate for him, I had most of this BY NATASHA BARBER After all, the importance of this story is it work already figured out and could feed piqued my interest of our family history. him first and last names from one ancestry database Lucas and I never made it to the story of Nicholas, to the next.

Rosalie and their children before bedtime, but I did We covered the Warzechas and Legatts, then the see a spark of curiosity when I mentioned GreatBarbers and Fischers and eventually the families that Grandpa was a moonshiner. came before them.

Frank Waletzki had served time in Leavenworth.

Admittedly, ancestry has always been interesting The black and white mugs of prisoner No. 33553 and important to me, so while my son asked me confirm he was there – but not necessarily how or questions about my parents’ siblings that I could why. The bits and pieces I remember include how answer from memory, I silently connected the dots on when the feds came to take him away, they hauled in unanswered questions farther up the tree limbs. a sister first for not giving him away.

It seems only right that while everyone is rushing Family history can be a fascinating subject for into the new year, eager to put 2020 behind them, we any age. The answers don’t always come easily, and spent an evening on the carpeted floor under the glow some branches go dormant too soon. The climb to the of a lit Christmas tree, reminiscing on our pasts. top? Both frustrating and gratifying.

One of my favorite stories from my father’s side I indulge in the challenges of piecing together of the family is how we came to America. Whether obituary archives and learning about people through airtight or not, it’s a good tale that has been passed documented government records, but the stories down through generations. that have been passed around over a whisky at the The story goes that my great-great-great kitchen table or while looking through old photos and grandfather, Nicholas, was a guard for the Prussian finishing a freshman genealogy project are the most tsar. As a guard, he was one of a few who had access treasured. to weapons. One evening, his family was overcome So, take up a cup of kindness for auld lang syne, with hunger and a hare was taken – something that cheers to those who came before us, and here’s to was illegal for commoners. Someone heard the hoping for a happy and healthy 2021. gunfire and soon the antics were discovered. Nicholas

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Page 10 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

NEWS

Students share

holiday joy with children School district’s STEPS program adopts families in Sauk Rapids-Rice

BY JENNIFER MORRISSETTE HESSE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – Claire Updike, along with a team of high school students in the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District STEPS program, volunteers to bring smiles to local children. The students shop and wrap gifts for children whose families cannot afford holiday gifts.

Updike has been involved in the program’s longstanding annual holiday efforts for a couple of years.

She participates because her older sister did, and she said she saw the positive impact the

adopt-a-family program makes on area families this time of year.

“It’s important for me to get involved because I know we can sometimes take for granted how much we have,” Updike said. “It makes me happy to be able to say that I helped other kids feel a little happier right now.”

In years past, STEPS has hosted a pancake breakfast to raise money to fund the project.

This year an in-person event was not possible, so the group hosted an online silent auction in partnership with

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Faith Harper-Epps, intern, and James Turner, Sauk RapidsRice Middle School social worker, carry boxes of donated gifts to a vehicle in December 2020. The middle school helped distribute the gifts to families.

the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School students and staff. They asked for donations and assembled gift baskets for the event.

This year, STEPS Adopt-A-Family raised over $1,380 to provide holiday gifts for 22 area children.

Joyce Townsend, STEPS program office manager, said more people get involved in the adopt-a-family program every year. She said several community members reached out to offer items like new coats and handmade quilts to auction alongside the gift baskets. The community outreach warms Townsend’s heart, she said.

“It always feels good to give, especially this time of year,” Townsend said.

Townsend said the hands-on involvement from students is critical to the initiative’s success.

Claire Updike, a Sauk Rapids-Rice School District STEPS “We have more student, wraps a gift for the adopt-a-family program in students who get December 2020. The annual holiday effort provided gifts involved each time and for 22 area children.

Totes of wrapped presents await their recipients in December 2020. The STEPS AdoptA-Family program raised over $1,380 to purchase items for 22 area children.

that is because we now partner with the middle school,” she said.

This year, STEPS students came to the high school in small groups or individually to wrap the gifts. Packages were sorted and transported to the middle school for family pick-up Dec. 17, 2020.

James Turner, a Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School social worker, helped distribute the gifts along with intern Faith Harper-Epps. He said the initiative benefits both the recipients and the givers.

“A lot of times, students need to think about others in the larger community and the world,” Turner said.

“This event helps us teach our young people about giving back, which is very important for them. They get to feel how good it is to do positive things and make an impact.”

This year, STEPS Adopt-A-Family raised over $1,380 to provide holiday gifts for 22 area children.

NEWS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2021 | Page 11

Community Education Corner

Young inventor kit

The young inventor kit is a child’s first step into tinkering and inventing. Encourage your child’s tinkering spirit with this fun and engaging kit as they build an electrical circuit and learn about pneumatics. Your child will be designing, building and creating for hours on end. They may just invent the next big thing. The 175-plus piece kit contains tools, adhesives, building materials, craft items and a 16-page activity guide. It is packed with screwdrivers, screws, pliers, a 1.5-volt hobby motor, batteries and holder, scissors, wheels, clamps and more.

Order anytime. Pick up at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids.

Chemistry fun activity kit

This kit will have your budding scientist exploring science with engaging experiments and activities. First, learn about primary and secondary colors with Color Mixing Magic. Then, in States of Matter, your scientist will investigate the three most common states in our environment with exciting experiments. Finally, with Silly Slime, learn why slime is delightfully bouncy, stretchy and sticky as your scientist mixes up their own batch of slime and explores its properties. This kit is more than handson. It is hands in. Be prepared to have fun and get messy.

Order anytime. Pick up at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids.

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Police Activity Report Dec. 21-27, 2020

Sauk Rapids Police Department

Incidents: Medical calls 27, administrative citations (winter parking) 20, miscellaneous calls 17, suspicious activity reports 16, domestics 9, warnings 9, thefts 8, assists 7, disturbances 7, alarms 6, driving 6, child 4, lift assists 4, permits 4, welfare checks 4, animals 3, civil complaints 3, disputes 3, harassment reports 3, fraud 2, missing persons 2, traffic hazards 2 and warrants 2.

Dec. 23, 2020, 2:36 a.m. – A patrol officer located a vehicle with its dome lights on while patrolling the 200 block of Fifth Avenue North. Two males got out of the vehicle and quickly walked to the house. One male stayed to talk with the officer. The male, as well as a female on scene, had warrants for their arrests in Morrison County. Morrison County would not accept either person.

Rice Police Department Dec. 26, 2020, 6:48 p.m., 7:16 p.m., 10:04 p.m. – Three separate callers reported a suspicious female.

The female was detected on video doorbell security systems attempting to enter a locked vehicle, lifting door handles, stealing a doorbell camera and attempting to enter a home. The incidents took place on the 300 block of Fifth Avenue North and the 400 block of 18th Street Northwest.

Dec. 21, 2020, 2:44 p.m. – Officers responded to the 2000 block of Pine Road Northwest for a male in a vehicle who was feeling ill with previous health history. Male was accompanied by a female. Male was conscious and somewhat alert. Emergency responders arrived and took over care. The male was transported by Mayo Clinic Ambulance.

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Page 12 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

A near-miss white Christmas 2021 business relief

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER

The Minnesota Department of Revenue will send COVID-19 Business Relief Payments to eligible businesses under a $216 million economic relief package signed into law Dec. 16, 2020.

Eligible business owners do not need to BENTON ECONOMIC take action to receive PARTNERSHIP NEWS this aid. As part of this AMANDA OTHOUDT, package, the Department EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of Revenue will make direct payments to certain eligible businesses.

The state will also distribute funds to counties to provide further assistance to other local businesses.

This program provides direct payments to businesses required to temporarily close or reduce services in November under Emergency Executive Order 20-99.

Businesses in the following categories – as reported by the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance program – may be eligible: full- and limited-service restaurants, cafeterias and buffets, caterers, bars, breweries with taprooms, family wineries with tasting rooms, distilleries with tasting rooms, bowling centers, and gyms and fitness centers.

The DOR will send payments to eligible businesses that meet the rest of the program requirements: located in Minnesota, had at least $10,000 in taxable sales in 2019, filed sales tax returns in 2019 and 2020 and experienced a 30% drop in year-over-year taxable sales (AprilSeptember).

Please note, annual sales tax filers are not eligible for this program.

Eligible businesses will receive payment based on their unemployment insurance data.

The amount depends on their average number of employees for the period of Nov. 1, 2019, to Jan. 31, 2020.

The DOR will use current tax and unemployment records to determine what businesses are eligible and the amount of their aid payment. They will notify businesses through their e-services account by Dec. 31, 2020, and will mail the payments to the business address on its sales tax account in early January. Electronic payments are not available for this program.

The payments are considered taxable income and are broken down into the below amounts:

Employees (full and part time) 1 to 20 21 to 100 101 to 300 301 or more

Enough snow fell on Minnesota to give the area a white Christmas. The snow came in just the nick of time, arriving Dec. 23.

Blizzard conditions were observed across much of the state as an intense weather system produced a bit of rain, then multiple inches of snow, making for slippery roads. The storm followed a snow-drought that left some central Minnesotans dreading the prospect of a brown Christmas.

In Benton County, less than 3 inches of snow was recorded, according to snowfall reports from the National Weather Service. Totals reported from three locations in Rice on the morning of Dec. 24 ranged from 1.5 inches to 2.9 inches.

P l u m m e t i n g temperatures and strong winds exacerbated the storm on one of the busiest overall travel

PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

Sisters Charlotte (left) and Claire Ward play in the snow at their home in Sauk Rapids Dec. 30. The girls made snow angels, a snow fort and did cart wheels in the lawn following Tuesday evening’s snowfall.

days of the year. The state climatology office, operated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, dubbed the blistering waves of heavy, wind-driven snow the “Holiday Lights Howler.”

In parts of Minnesota, snow-covered roads and whiteout conditions led to no travel orders and closed highways – and even prompted National

ground Dec 25.

More snow arrived Tuesday afternoon and evening. The Dec. 30 snowfall dumped 3-6 inches of snow in central Minnesota. Rice had 5.5 inches of snow and Sauk Rapids 4.5 inches, according to snowfall reports from the National Weather Service.

Agape Warriors share love through a warm meal

PHOTOS BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

Payment amount $15,000 $25,000 $35,000 $45,000

For questions about this program and its payments, email withholding.tax@state.mn.us or call 651-282-9999.

Businesses that are not eligible for a COVID-19 Business Relief Payment may qualify for a county grant.

Benton Economic Partnership has once again partnered with Benton County and is in the process of developing a program and application process in anticipation of creating a new business relief fund to help businesses that continue to be impacted by COVID-19. BEP intended to have this program in place Jan. 5, so applications can be submitted as soon as the county receives the anticipated state funds.

For more information on this program, visit bentonpartnership.org or email Amanda at bentoneconmicpartnership@gmail.com to sign up for the BEP monthly newsletter.

Guard rescues at the governor’s request.

Snowfall diminished

by Christmas Eve, though the temperature remained in the single digits.

Temperatures warmed to the teens on Christmas Day. The Minnesota Climatology Office loosely defines a white Christmas as having 1 inch of snow on the

Sauk Rapids resident Eric Moyer takes an order for a Christmas Day meal for a participant at The Waters Church in Sartell. The meal was free to those who drove through the contactless drive-thru line.

Christmas Day dinner served over 700

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER

Eric Moyer, of Sauk Rapids, scoops food into a container Dec. 25, 2020, as part of Agape Warriors Ministry annual Christmas Day dinner at The Waters Church in Sartell. The meal served over 700 people.

SARTELL – Hearts and stomachs were warmed Dec. 25, thanks to a team led by Sauk Rapids resident Eric Moyer.

Agape Warriors Ministry organized the third annual Christmas Day dinner at The Waters Church in Sartell. More than 700 meals were served.

Before lunchtime, about 200 meals were delivered to Place of Hope, an emergency shelter in St. Cloud. Later in the day, Moyer said they made a

second delivery to Place of Hope. Meals were also delivered to Anna Marie’s, a shelter for battered women and their children, and to Quiet Oaks Hospice House and Respite Care.

Several more meals were picked up at the church. Instead of inperson dining, meals were distributed via a drivethru system outside the church. Volunteers took orders from people in their vehicles and delivered meals out to them.

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2021 | Page 13

SPORTS

Page 14 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Public Notices NOTICE OF FILING FOR TOWNSHIP ELECTION Notice is hereby given to qualified voters of Minden Township, Benton County, state of Minnesota, that filing for township office will be held for a 2-week period beginning: Dec. 29, 2020 through Jan. 12, 2021.

Affidavits of Candidacy shall be filled with the Town Clerk by appointment between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Dec. 29 through Jan. 12, 2021.

In addition the office of the Clerk will be open from 1 p.m. on Jan. 12, 2021.

Filing will close on January 12, 2021 at 5 p.m.

Filing fee is $2.00 and must be paid at the time of filing.

Offices to be filled at the March Annual Elections are: Treasurer for 2 year term Supervisor for 3 year term.

Absentee voting will be at the Minden Town Hall with the Clerk on March 6, 2021 between the hours from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Dec. 21, 2020 Cynthia Abraham Minden Township R-52-2B

NOTICE TO THE CREDITORS OF AND CLAIMANTS AGAINST CARLSON & LYTER DISTRIBUTING, INC. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by CARLSON & LYTER DISTRIBUTING, INC., that: 1. The corporation is in the process of voluntary dissolution pursuant to Section 302A.721, Minnesota Statutes.

2. The corporation has filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State a notice of intent to dissolve.

3. Said notice was filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State on December 8, 2020.

4. All claims by creditors or claimants must be in writing and must be filed with Ray Skolberg, CEO, Carlson & Lyter Distributing, Inc., %Greg Kummer, Security State Bank & Trust, 2202 11th Street East, Glencoe, MN 55336 5. All claims by creditors or claimants must be received

by March 26, 2021. Any creditor or claimant who fails to file a claim on or before March 26, 2021, and all those claiming through or under the creditor or claimant are forever barred from suing on that claim or otherwise realizing upon or enforcing it except as otherwise provided in Section 302A.781, Minnesota Statutes.

CARLSON & LYTER DISTRIBUTING, INC. By: /s/ Ray Skolberg Its: CEO R-50-4B

NOTICE OF FILING FOR SAUK RAPIDS TOWNSHIP ELECTION Notice is hereby given to qualified voters of Sauk Rapids Township, Benton County, State of Minnesota, that filing for town officers will be held for a two-week period beginning Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 and closing on Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 at five o’clock p.m.

Affidavits of Candidacy shall be filed, with the Township Clerk by appointment between the hours of nine o’clock a.m. and five o’clock p.m. from December 29th, 2020 through January 12th, 2021 at 4074 5th Avenue NE, Sauk Rapids, MN (please call for 320-250-7413 for an appointment) or at the Sauk Rapids Town Hall (4651 Mayhew Lake Road NE, Sauk Rapids, MN) January 12th, 2021 from one o’clock to five o’clock. Filings will close at five o’clock on Tuesday, January 12th, 2021.

The filing fee is $2.00 and must be paid at the time of filing. Offices to be filled at the March 9th, 2021 Annual Elections are: Treasurer for a two-year term Supervisor for a three-year term Absentee voting can be accomplished with the Sauk Rapids Township Clerk by appointment between the hours of 9 o’clock a.m. and 5 o’clock p.m. from February 5th, 2021 through March 8th, 2021 at 4074 5th Ave N.E. Sauk Rapids, MN (please call 320-250-7413 for an appointment) or at the Sauk Rapids Town Hall located at 4651 Mayhew Lake Road NE, Sauk Rapids, MN on Saturday March 6th, 2021 between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Posted by Daryl Sheetz Clerk Sauk Rapids Township R-52-2B

Does Mike Zimmer deserve blame for Vikings collapse?

Let’s not mince any words here. injuries. Cornerback Mike Hughes The Vikings had a realistic opportunity had his season derailed by a neck to make the playoffs, and their onceissue. You can definitely make a case vaunted defense completely and that the Vikings were undermanned. utterly collapsed. The team ranks 28th I just do not accept that as an in points allowed per game and 27th excuse for folding under pressure. in yards per game, and they saved Every single NFL team has to deal their worst performances for when with injuries to key players. The it mattered most. With their season Vikings got shredded by Mitchell on the line, the Vikings surrendered SPORTS COLUMNIST Trubisky and then followed it up by

BY ANDY THAYER an embarrassing total of 85 points in allowing six rushing touchdowns to consecutive losses to the Bears and running back Alvin Kamara in a game Saints. they needed to win to stave off elimination. The Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has been Vikings clearly have had issues with both poor known throughout his career for his defensive defensive schemes and fundamentals this season. acumen, but his favored unit clearly did not Zimmer’s defense spent the second half of the deliver this season. season primarily playing Cover 2 with deep “I’ve never had a bad defense – ever,” the safeties to protect the team’s young cornerbacks, Vikings coach said in August. but that clearly did not work against teams like Well, times they are a-changin’.

Chicago and New Orleans that can run the ball After allowing 52 points to the Saints and dominate the line of scrimmage. When the Christmas Day, Zimmer was quoted as saying team had players who were actually in position this defense was the “worst one I ever had.” The to make plays, they took poor angles, missed key for Vikings fans – and owner Zygi Wilf – tackles, could not generate pressure and failed is going to be determining whether this pathetic to make plays on the ball. It was a perfect defense was simply attributable to bad luck or confluence of poor coaching and poor play, and whether poor coaching also tainted the team’s the result is a team with playoff-caliber talent chances. If Zimmer cannot develop and lead a that has a 6-9 record. decent defense anymore, then he is not going to Zimmer is quick to point to bad luck and provide much value to the organization. injuries as the primary reasons for the team’s As we have covered previously, the Vikings precipitous defensive decline, but that was not were missing multiple key defensive starters the only reason his team struggled this season. for big chunks of this season. Defensive end The proof will be in the pudding. If the Vikings Danielle Hunter missed the whole season with do not exhibit better fundamentals and more a neck injury. Defensive tackle Michael Pierce nuanced defensive schemes early next season opted out of the season due to COVID-19 when they return to full strength, then Zimmer’s concerns. Linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric not going to have anyone else left to blame for Kendricks had to sit out multiple games due to his team’s failures.

Public Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS *Note time change to 6:00 p.m.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Benton County Planning Commission will conduct public hearings on January 14th, 2021 the Commissioner’s Room, Benton County Government Center, Foley, and beginning at *6:00 p.m. The Planning Commission will hear the following: 1. 6:00 p.m. Tim Rajkowski requesting approval of a 2 lot preliminary plat entitled “Cornerstone Acres” in the Agricultural District. Pursuant to Section 10.7. The affected property is described as follows: part of the NW1/4 SW1/4, Section 35, Section Watab Township.

2. 6:05 p.m. JANNEW Properties requesting approval of a 6-lot preliminary plat entitled “Pearls Addition” in the R-2 Residential District. Pursuant to Section 10.7. The affected property is described as follows: That part of the NW1/4 lying Northeasterly of the Burlington Northern Railroad, Section 15, Watab Township.

3. 6:10 p.m. Clean Trust Partners, LLC, landowner and Svihel Community Solar, LLC, applicant requesting to amend interim use permit #19-367 from 27 years to 35 years in the Agricultural District. Pursuant to Sections 7.2.5(G), 9.20 and 11.7. The affected property is described as follows: SW1/4 SW1/4, Section 23, Gilmanton Township.

4. 6:20 p.m. MAH Holdings LLP, landowner and Travis Scott dba TS Dirt Works LLC, applicant, requesting to operate a contractor shop in the Agricultural District. Pursuant to Sections 7.2.4(N), 9.9 and 11.6. The affected property is Mayhew Lake Township Filing described as follows: W1/2 SW1/4 SW1/4, Section 8, GilFiling will be open from Dec. 29, 2020 to Jan. 12, 2021 manton Township. for the following offices: 5. 6:30 p.m. Randy DeMarais requesting an after the fact 1 supervisor 3 year term conditional use permit to operate a cabinet shop and contrac1 treasurer 2 year term tor shop in the Agricultural District. Pursuant to Sections Filing fee is $2.00 7.2.4 (I) & (N), 9.9 and 11.6. The affected property is deElection March 9, 2021. Polls open from noon to 8 p.m. scribed as follows: part of the NE1/4 NE1/4 and part of the Annual meeting will convene at 8:05.

SE1/4 NE1/4, Section 4, St. George Township.

Contact Lawrence Thell. 5248 115th St. NE, Foley ANYONE wishing to be heard with reference to the Phone: 320-250-5966 or 320-287-2391 above will be heard at this meeting.

Lawrence Thell *Effective immediately, the Benton County Planning Mayhew Lake Township Commission may conduct its regular, special or emergency R-52-2B

meetings by telephone or other electronic means, as permitted

by MN Statutes §13D.021. Some or all Commission members may participate by telephone or other electronic means until further notice. At least one member of the Planning Commission or the County Department of Development Director will be present during meetings at the Planning Commission’s regular meeting location, which is the County Board Room in Foley, unless otherwise noted on meeting notices. Pursuant to MN Statutes §13D.021, Subdivision 3, the County will provide the means for persons to electronically monitor such meetings remotely.

To conform to MDH and CDC guidelines to minimize gatherings we are requesting public comment in written form prior to the Planning Commission meeting; 1. You may submit written testimony, which must be received by 3pm on the hearing date, in one of two ways: a. Email Roxanne Achman at Roxanne.Achman@ co.benton.mn.us b. Mail comments to the Benton County Department of Development, Attn: Roxanne Achman, 531 Dewey St, PO Box 129, Foley, MN 56329.

2. If you wish to make in-person comments during the public hearing, the Board room capacity may be limited to maintain social distancing standards. Anyone who physically attends the hearing will be required to follow social distancing while waiting in the hallway and will be allowed to enter the Board room one at a time to testify during their chosen hearing.

Please limit your testimony and if possible, have one person testify if your for a group shares the same concerns.

3. You may attend the meeting remotely by following the instructions below. a. The public can join the meeting from their computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/687827373 b. You can also dial in using your phone.

Phone: 1 (872) 240-3212 Access Code: 687-827-373 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/687827373 R-53-1B

s k e

SPORTS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2021 | Page 15

Winter competitions receive long-awaited start date Contests begins Jan. 14

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

n .

SAUK RAPIDS – l eDuring the entirety of Gov. lTim Walz’s nearly monthylong pause on youth and oadult activities within the estate of Minnesota, winter esports athletes bided their rtime, clinging to hope .that their campaign would eresume at some point.

Minnesota State pHighThe School League ,affirmed those beliefs with ethe announcement of a lhighly-anticipated Jan. 14 estart date for competitions, naccording to a release. d “The first word dthat comes to mind is texcitement,” said Elizabeth dWalek, head coach of tthe Sauk Rapids-Rice gymnastics team. “I know dwe all have been patiently swaiting.”

Throughout the t pause, Sauk Rapids-Rice’s . sactivities sought ways to estay active and prepared nfor an eventual return sto their beloved games. rIndividual physical activity at home and occasional over-the-phone or online communication proved to be essential methods of stabilization for the upcoming season. For example, the Sauk RapidsRice boys basketball team held two virtual meetings a week, staying in touch and developing team rapport, even as they could not practice drills together.

“Everyone remained hopeful and excited and were willing to work with

what we had available, which was virtual meetings,” said Derek Peterson, head coach. “That kept everyone engaged and excited, and the kids did as well as could be expected.”

When Walz held a press conference and announced his intentions to gradually bring back winter activities Dec. 16, it did not become a scramble drill to get players and coaches ready for their Jan. 4 practice start date. The gears have long been in motion, with Walek emphasizing consistent team communication throughout the offseason and across the year, pandemic or not.

“I know our season is in the winter, but checking in with my athletes over the course of the entire year, just keeping them motivated and letting them know I’m there as a support, that’s what we’ve been doing,” she said.

With practices beginning, expectations are far different than ever before. Benton County’s case numbers have seen a trickling decrease since they reached their peak in early November, but with 14-day positive case rates per 10,000 people still eclipsing 100 as of the most recent data, the MSHSL has passed down additional guidance for the winter sports season.

Face coverings must be worn at all times, including

practices and competitions, with a few exceptions.

Masks have been deemed potential choking hazards for wrestlers during matches, swimmers are advised against wearing masks in the water, and gymnasts and cheerleaders can choose to remove their face coverings during an event if they feel it will impede safety.

“As the Storm moves into competition, we will follow the guidelines that have been set out for all of us and will adapt the best we can in those activities that there is some wiggle room,” said NaDean Schroeder, Sauk RapidsRice High School activities director. “We are excited to start, but, as always, our priority is the safety of our participants, and we know that those setting the stage for us to participate are also making safety the priority right now.”

Safety and adaptation will be all the more important for sports without any leeway when it comes to removing face coverings during a competition. Adhering to the latest guidance comes down to establishing clear expectations before a unique season begins.

For Peterson’s basketball players, physical exertion will sometimes make it difficult to breathe under a mask and it may be a struggle to adjust, but they will be prepared.

“During practices in the first 10 days, we’ll test the limits,” Peterson said.

“Once they hit that first competition, they have to

Football Contest Week 16 winner: Bob Erdmann, Waite Park

Watch for the Grand Prize Winner in next weeks paper!

Thanks for playing!

How to place an ad In one of the ST R Publications

keep pace and play with those masks on. We want to see how it goes in practice, and we want to have them as ready as possible for that game situation where things will not be slowed down for anybody.”

Spectators will not be allowed at practices, and pod sizes are limited to 25 people or under.

While attendance limits for the upcoming season are unknown at this time, the likelihood of no fans come game time remains realistic. Despite these hurdles, excitement remains the biggest emphasis for Sauk RapidsRice’s winter sports squads as their maintained hope and optimism throughout the pause has proven to be fruitful.

“It gives everybody a focus, a time to plan, a time to prepare,” Walek said. “I think if anything, we’ll take this day-by-day and that’s OK. If changes happen, we’ll hear it, we’ll know it, we’ll understand it, and we’ll adapt and do what we need to do.”

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1061 Highway 23,Suite 2A Foley MN 56329 320-968-7220

Page 16 | SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

IT’s coming!

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Publications

Leading the

Maria Nathe

Grade: 12

Parents: Tony Nathe and Anastasia Nathe Accomplishment: Is a member of the Sauk Rapids-Rice Minnesota Honor Society.

What is your favorite part about MHS? My favorite part of MHS is it is a society devoted to helping others. The people involved in MHS are people who are devoted to helping others.

What were some of the activities MHS did for Christmas? The biggest activity we did for Christmas was the blood drive. The other things we did for Christmas include writing Christmas letters to the nursing homes and to some people at the hospital.

We also made a holiday video that we sent to some of the nursing homes.

We helped with Toys for Tots.

What is your favorite MHS function?

My favorite function to help with is the blood drive. Normally, we have a big group of people helping with the blood drive at the school. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions,

Leading the Storm is

important to be involved in school activities. There is a different feeling when a school has school spirit. Also, when people join in it makes it more fun and then even more people want to participate. It is also good to connect with your peers and meet new people.

How do you make a difference at school? I always try to be a positive we helped with the blood drive at a and happy person. Happiness is church. My favorite part of being a part contagious. of the blood drive was sitting next to the people giving blood, talking with Which teacher has impacted your them and trying to make them feel education most? There has not comfortable. I know how much their been just one teacher. Some teachers who have impacted me most are Ms. donations help others.

Mckenzie-Marlin, all of the Johnsons What other activities are you (and especially Adam Johnson) and involved in at school? As well as Ms. Burnham. being secretary of MHS, I am a postsecondary education option student Who has been a mentor to you? It is at St. Cloud Technical and Community important to always have an adult in College, and I hope to be on the prom your life whom you can count on to committee. I do a morning workout have your best interest in mind and at the high school when I can. I would you can always go to with anything. For have been in the fall musical as I was me, Kristina Klatt at the high school the previous year. I do spend a lot of has been that person. my time working at my job, Jimmy’s What is your favorite meal, TV show Pour House, which I love. and song? Kung pao chicken with Why is it important for you to be wontons and fried rice, “Friends” and involved in school activities? It is “Last Dollar (Fly Away)” by Tim McGraw.

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Saluting great accomplishments in the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School

BENTON AG Serving rural Benton, Morrison, Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties

Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, Saturday January 2 2, 2021

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Beef on the starting block

Heritage Angus Farms sees sales lift amid pandemic

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SAUK RAPIDS – It is not hard to find the detriments caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

There are over 5,000 deaths associated with its havoc in

Minnesota alone, and some small businesses, after being forced to shutter, are suffering revenue losses to the point they may not recover.

Yet, to every dark cloud there is a chance the sun will shine and create a silver lining.

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Heritage Angus Farms.

The 40-acre farm – home to Patrick Hillman, Dr. Christina Mattson, their children and a budding beef operation – received a boost on the brink of the pandemic’s wrath.

“The pandemic was a demand.” springboard for us, for sure,” Hillman, a full-time said Mattson, who works framing subcontractor, agreed. full time as a veterinarian “It pushed us to make at St. Joseph-Cold Spring- bigger leaps,” he said.

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Dr. Christina Mattson and Patrick Hillman (left), owners of Heritage Angus Farms, are raising beef cattle on their 40-acre property in rural Sauk Rapids with the help of Elmer Schlangen. Heritage Angus Farms is seeing an uptick in beef sales amid the coronavirus pandemic thanks to their direct sales and delivery marketing strategies.

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Page 2B | SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2021| SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Heritage Angus

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The story of Heritage Angus did not start in March, however. Four years of hard work, persistence and patience set the Sauk Rapids beef operation up for success.

Hillman and Mattson are not farmers by blood; they both attended high schools in the suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Christina spent her teenage years participating in the arts, and Patrick engaged in hunting and fishing.

Yet, farming found the young family, and the PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER story started with one vet Beef cattle eat at Heritage Angus Farms in rural Sauk call in 2015.

Rapids Dec. 9, 2020. Patrick Hillman and Dr. Christina “He was calling to Mattson began the farm after purchasing property in have my boss out (to 2016. look at his horses) and he got me,” Mattson said.

“That’s how I met him.”

As the two began dating, agriculture was the topic of conversation.

“I pretty much immediately started peppering him with, ‘Are you interested in farming?

Are you interested in having some land?’”

Mattson said.

Mattson had been turned on to the agricultural lifestyle while

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A Summer Feast Box was one offering Heritage Angus Farms provided consumers in summer 2020. The farm sells direct to consumers via their website and delivers product to consumers’ doors.

working with producers through her studies at Iowa State University.

She specifically was attracted to the cowcalf beef model and the flexibility it allowed.

“It seemed like a workable agricultural system with other things people are doing in their lives,” Mattson said.

In 2016, Hillman and Mattson set their sights on a beef operation of their own when they purchased property in Minden Township, Benton County.

“The place that you see right now is not what we bought,” Hillman said. … “The feedlot wasn’t done. The bunks weren’t here. The gravel wasn’t here. Nothing was here.”

Mattson said “bones” of the property, such as an old barn and a couple outbuildings, were included with land but that most of what the

operation is today was built from the ground up.

Today, an 85cow herd of half registered Angus and half commercial Angus crosses inhabit the farm.

All the livestock born on the farm remains. Steers are fed-out for processing and replacement heifers are raised to develop the operation.

While continuing their careers off farm, Hillman is in charge of feeding and daily business operations, and Mattson is in charge of health and reproduction.

Elmer Schlangen, a retiree who grew up on a farm near Richmond, helps as needed with daily operations.

“This place would not run without him,” Hillman said. “He’s a vital part of our operation, 100 percent. He cuts hay in the summer; he is hauling silage for us right now out of Glencoe. He’s family.”

Mattson agreed.

“He’s our blessing,” she said.

An extra set of hands is not the only blessing the operators have received. Hillman’s forward thinking to change its business model to direct sales in 2018 and a consumer-friendly website that launched just ahead of the pandemic paved the way for profit in 2020.

“It really simplifies the customer’s experience,” Mattson said of the website that allows consumers to order specific meat cuts and have them delivered directly to their doors.

“When people were looking for a local beef option, we were right there to make it very simple for that customer to order through us.”

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Heritage Angus Farms beef cattle stand inside the feedlot Dec. 9, 2020, at the farm in rural Sauk Rapids. Currently an 85-cow herd of half registered Angus and half commercial Angus crosses inhabit the farm.

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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2021 | Page 5B

BENTON AG Plus

We want your As we head into the new year and begin our fifth year of Benton Ag Plus in February 2021, Star Publications would like our readers to share with us their insight on how we can improve. We strive to engage our readers in every issue and are

feedback!

setting goals to continue telling the stories of our area agricultural community.

Typically, in a year not plagued by the coronavirus pandemic, we can have these conversations face to face at business expos, county fairs

and farm shows. That was not the case in 2020.

Please help us by sharing your thoughts on the below template or by emailing us directly at natasha@ saukherald.com.

We greatly appreciate your readership.

1. What topics do you most enjoy reading about in Benton Ag Plus? ____________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Is there a type of livestock you feel is missing from our coverage? If so, what? ___________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What non-livestock topics do you wish we covered more of?

(Farm succession planning, regulatory changes, crop disease, etc.) ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. We cover Benton, Morrison, Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties and some areas of Stearns and Sherburne.

Of those counties, is there an area you wish to read more about? ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Do you know of a farm family in your community that we should feature? Why? (Please include contact information if you feel comfortable doing so.) __________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Additional thoughts? ________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Please send comments to: Sauk Rapids Herald, 2 Second Ave. S. Suite 135 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 Or, email them to natasha@saukherald.com

BENTON AG

Page 8B | SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2021| SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Seeds from page 7B In the past, I have used wood chips between beds as a way to keep the garden clean and reduce weed pressure, but this year, I am going to use white clover. Clover adds organic matter to the soil over time, and if left to flower,

provides valuable nectar to pollinators.

Do not feel like you need to plant a cover crop in every bed. Challenge yourself to start small with one bed and build toward more as you get the hang of it.

Minimize disease pressure Did you have any particularly challenging pathogens in your garden in 2020? If so, I hope you took the time to identify them. If you know which diseases you struggled with last year, you can look for resistant varieties to plant in 2021.

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Seed catalogs include information about resistance traits, but I tend to start with this (https:// www.vegetables.cornell. edu/pest-management/ disease-factsheets/diseaseresistant-vegetablevarieties) resource from Cornell, which provides a long list of varieties from many companies. It is a great place to start if you are looking for resistance to a specific pathogen.

In addition to resistant varieties, remember to rotate your crops. An ideal rotation is three to four years, so if you planted tomatoes in your garden bed last year, try not to plant anything from the solanaceous family (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, tomatillos, potatoes) in that spot for the next few years.

Have fun Gardens are therapeutic. They bring us joy for a wide variety of

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Heirloom dry beans can be stored long after the garden is dormant. Natalie Hoidal, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, encourages people to explore varieties of fruits, vegetables and flowers to see which they might most enjoy growing.

reasons. colors and textures.

Some people find Rainbow carrots the greatest joy in flavor, may yield a bit less than others find garden joy in standard orange carrots, but if it makes you happy to pull purple, yellow and red carrots from your garden, plant them.

When I started gardening, I had a utilitarian approach. I felt like I needed to maximize production from my small space. But over the years, COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL EXCAVATION I have begun to add more flowers and plant fun • Site grading varieties just for the joy of it.

• Ditch excavating In particular, I have • Road/driveway construction invested more space this year into heirloom dry • Clearing/grubbing land beans. Not only do I love growing beans, but it brings • Demolition me joy to see them in my • Construct building pads cupboard all winter long.

I have found that as LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED a result of adding flowers and fun varieties, I enjoy my garden more, and I SAUK RAPIDS, MN see secondary benefits like Dirtworks2000 Inc. Dirtworks2000.com more beneficial insects as a BA27-eoBA-TV result of the flowers.

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