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Beyond backgrounds:
Recovering heroin addict advocates for second chances
43 successful applicants total $365,887
Moilanen champions program helping people find safe places to live
BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER
BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER
PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE
Madison Moilanen celebrates one year of sobriety Feb. 8 in St. Cloud. A recovering heroin addict, she is an advocate for Beyond Backgrounds, a program intended to help people who are able to pay rent but face challenges in finding housing due to criminal, credit or rental history barriers in their background.
ST. CLOUD – Madison Moilanen has a past marked by trauma and addiction, but she said her former life does not define who she is now. Today, she is in recovery, and her sights are set on a career as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. Feb. 8 marked a year of sobriety for Moilanen. Homeless, disoriented and desperate to turn her life around, the 29-year-old entered inpatient treatment for heroin addiction last year. Originally from Duluth, Moilanen has lived in sober housing on the edge of Sauk Rapids since transitioning to outpatient treatment in June.
Moilanen page 3
Benoit completes three works in MLK contest Pleasantview Elementary student wins essay, visual art award BY JENNIFER MORRISSETTE HESSE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – Pleasantview Elementary School fifth grader Lauriel Benoit is a winner of the 2021 Dexter R. Stanton Essay and Visual Art Contest. A series of virtual community events commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. recognized Benoit with the honor during sessions Jan. 16-18. Benoit received a monetary award for her submission and has an opportunity to participate in a virtual artist-in-residence monthly program. The theme of this year’s MLK community celebration was “Neighbors Serving Neighbors.” To compete in the Dexter R. Stanton contest, Benoit answered the question, “How have I, or can I, help my neighbors and bring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream closer to reality?”
Benoit page 2
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PUBLIC NOTICES
Benton County page 2
2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Vol. 166, No. 45
County passes first round of state business relief grants
FOLEY – In front of Benton County commissioners Feb. 16 was Amanda Othoudt. Othoudt, Benton Economic Partnership executive director, sought approval for the first round of a second wave of coronavirus relief grants to area businesses affected by the health pandemic. The grants are the result of state funds allotted to the county following the Minnesota Legislature’s passage of a $216 million relief package passed in December 2020. Benton County received $787,399.76 to divide amongst the county’s businesses and nonprofits. The program was in kind with the federal coronavirus relief funds administered through BEP in 2020. In the first of two rounds, Othoudt said 71 applications were received, a total request of $914,488.
Plus
• Probate Notice - Underdahl - pg. 8 • Benton County Board of Commissioners Reg. Minutes, Feb. 2 - pg. 9 • Benton County Board of Commissioners Notice of Public Hearing - pg. 8 • Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Advertisement for Bids - pg. 8 • Minden Township Notice of Annual Meeting and Election - pg. 11 • Mortgage Foreclosure - pg. 8
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Lauriel Benoit, a Pleasantview Elementary School student, stands with her entries to the Martin Luther King Jr.-themed essay and art contest.
OBITUARIES • Karen S. Ehlert • Paul E. Naegeli
NEWS
Page 2 | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Crime & Public Safety
Sauk Rapids woman injured in intersection collision
ST. CLOUD – Two women were injured Feb. 15 in an intersection collision on Highway 23. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Sauk Rapids resident Kylee Partch, 18, was on a frontage road near 14th Avenue Southeast in St. Cloud when she attempted to enter onto Highway 23. Her vehicle was struck by Britney Biermaier, 32, of St. Cloud. The incident took place shortly after 10:30 p.m. The report did not disclose which party was at fault. Partch and Biermaier were transported to the St. Cloud Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The Benton County Sheriff’s Department assisted the state patrol on scene.
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The two Nelsons (not married) smiled and fellow residents clapped for them as they received their roySAUK RAPIDS – Wildwood Assisted Living in al headpiece, a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a handmade plaque. Sauk Rapids has new royalty. This was the third year Wildwood has had a ValTo celebrate Valentine’s Day, the senior living faentine coronation. The king and queen were chosen cility crowned a Valentine king and queen Feb. 12. Residents Jenner Nelson and Rhoda Nelson were by resident votes. crowned king and queen.
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auk Rapids Author, Gerry Feld, has released his fourth book, “Sarah Rosenbaum’s Dachau Redemption.”
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Two Nelsons crowned king, queen BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER
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PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE
Rhoda Nelson and Jenner Nelson are crowned Valentine queen and king Feb. 12 at Wildwood Assisted Living in Sauk Rapids. This was the third year Wildwood hosted the coronation, with the winners chosen by residents of the facility.
Benoit from front
Benoit could enter the contest by entering visual artwork, a written essay or a recorded message that articulated her answer. She submitted under all three. “I completed all three kinds of work, so I would be able to choose which one I liked best and see which one educated people more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his message,” Benoit said.
Benton County from front
Othoudt, on behalf of BEP, recommended 43 applicants be approved for grant money, a total of $365,887. A total of $421,512 remains to be expended by March 15. Othoudt said BEP used a comparison of revenues from the same stretch of time in 2019 and 2020 – for this round of relief, November and December. If eligible applicants realized losses of $10,000 in November
Her work and creativity paid off. Her award represents Pleasantview Elementary and the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, and she shares this honor along with several other St. Cloud area students in different age and grade categories. Benoit said participating in the contest has helped her gain confidence, and she was motivated to submit work because she wanted to talk about a great American hero. “I learned I could do anything I put my mind
to,” Benoit said. “I want others to think about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and I hope I inspire them to treat others in ways they want to be treated.” Benoit’s mom, Lauren, said the philosophy of treating others as you would like to be treated is one in which Lauriel firmly believes. “I am grateful this contest gave her the platform for her voice and artwork to be heard and seen,” Lauren said. “Her father and I are more than proud of our daughter’s talent to inspire others.
Being kind goes a long way.” The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. community celebration is an initiative of the Community AntiRacism Education group. The event began as a celebration at St. Cloud State University and is now sponsored and supported by many organizations. To learn more about the community celebration and the Dexter R. Stanton Essay and Visual Art Contest, visit www.stcloudstate.edu/care/mlkbreakfast/default.aspx.
and December 2020 as compared to November and December 2019, BEP suggested they receive a $10,000 grant. If realized losses were less than $10,000, BEP recommended granting the amount lost. Nine applicants were denied because they are home-based businesses, and seven were denied because their revenues increased over two comparisons. The county excluded home-based businesses from relief payments, partly because they are harder to vet, although they were not excluded in 2020. Seven applicants were denied because
BEP is waiting on more information from them; three were not approved because they came in past deadline; and two were denied because they were non-compliant with city ordinances. Commissioners are allowing applicants who missed the deadline or who needed to submit more information to remain eligible for future rounds of relief funding. Commissioners approved the business grants Commissioner Scott Johnson abstained. While Johnson was clear he supports getting the grants into the business community, he attended the meeting vir-
tually, so he was unable to see the updated list of applicants BEP was recommending. Johnson did not feel comfortable voting on something he had not seen, though he vocalized support. Othoudt suggested the board look into allocating remaining money to applicants who have already received payments from the county in the past because they have already been vetted. It would help speed up the process, Othoudt said, which is important on a tight time frame to make sure the money is expended.
NEWS
Moilanen from front
What’s Happening
Recovery does not end with treatment; addicts must learn to embrace it as a way of life. Having a safe place to life is a critical part of ongoing recovery, according to Moilanen. car and savings in the bank. Still, it will take time for her credit score to improve enough to meet most rental housing thresholds. “It’s those barriers that I’m afraid of,” she said. A program called Beyond Backgrounds, offered by Recovery Community Network, aims to help people like Moilanen who struggle to find housing because of credit, criminal or rental history barriers. Recovery Community Network is seeking additional landlords to partake in the program. Beyond Backgrounds offers landlords access to up to $2,000 of insurance if there is property damage or liabilities that are not covered by the security deposit, or if rent is not paid or eviction is pursued. The program exists so both landlords and renters move beyond background issues such as bad credit, drug crimes or former evictions, which often prevent people in recovery from finding stable and affordable housing. Recovering addicts have made bad choices, Moilanen acknowledged, but the mistakes of their past do not mean they are bad people. “Everybody deserves a second chance,” she said. Recovery does not end with treatment; addicts must learn to em-
Saturday, Feb. 20, 9 a.m. – Overeaters Anonymous. Call Joyce at 320-761-2275 or Donna at 320-291-7251 for meeting place. Visit oa.org for more information. Monday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m. – Sauk Rapids City Council Meeting. Sauk Rapids City Hall, 251 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Monday, Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m. – Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board Meeting. Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.
brace it as a way of life. Having a safe place to life is a critical part of ongoing recovery, according to Moilanen. Beyond Backgrounds helps to foster healthy lifestyles and new beginnings while giving landlords peace of mind, Moilanen said. “People are going to graduate from treatment, and they’re going to need a safe place to go,” she said. “Otherwise, you’re basically just throwing people back out to the wolves. That’s the key to rehabilitation; you’re trying to help people succeed.” People who are eligible for Beyond Backgrounds pay rent themselves. They truly want to better themselves, and many have not committed an offense for years, Moilanen said. “That shows a serious amount of commitment, of self-discipline,” she said. As they start anew, putting a tumultuous past behind them, Moilanen and many others in the recovery community have more to think about than themselves. Landlords who support Beyond Backgrounds are giving people like Moilanen’s daughter a wholesome place to grow up, reducing the risk of the cycle of addiction repeating itself. “People need a safe place to bring their children,” Moilanen said.
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 1-3 p.m. – Catholic Charities Senior Dining Frozen Meal Distribution. For people age 60 or older. All clients must complete an annual registration form. There is no cost to participate, and meals are distributed through a contactless, drive-thru format. Catholic Charities Emergency Services, 157 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 6 p.m. – Overeaters Anonymous. Call Joyce at 320-761-2275 or Donna at 320-291-7251 for meeting place. Visit oa.org for more information. Wednesday, Feb. 24, 5 p.m. – Meat Raffle Supporting Linda Palmer. Hosted by the Sauk Rapids VFW Auxiliary Post 6992. Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992, 901 N. Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids. Wednesday, Feb. 24, 6-7 p.m. – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Friday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Saturday, Feb. 27, 9 a.m. – Overeaters Anonymous. Call Joyce at 320-761-2275 or Donna at 320-291-7251 for meeting place. Visit oa.org for more information. Saturday, Feb. 27, 9 a.m. – Senate District 13 GOP Virtual Convention. Election of the board will be at this meeting. For questions, call 320267-6677 or email sd13republicans@gmail.com.
ROYALTON PUBLIC SCHOOL Royalton Kindergarten registration forms can be turned in in-person on Monday, Feb. 22 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Early Childhood Center/District Office entrance. Forms, handouts and the Zoom recording from Information Night can be found at www.royaltonpublicschools.org/kindergarten.
Call Dawn at 320-584-4160 if you have any questions or did not receive a registration packet. R6-2B-RB
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She will graduate from the nine-month program in March. Moilanen had been using drugs to cope with trauma, stemming from repeated abuse, since age 15. When other substances were not enough to mask the pain, she turned to heroin in her early 20s. Eventually, she lost custody of her young daughter and ended up on the streets. Cold, hungry and powerless over the highly-addictive drug and caught up in a swirling vortex of emotions, her mental health crashed alongside her finances. “Things really got bad with the heroin,” Moilanen said. “That drug will eat your soul. It’s so hard to get away from.” She spent years in abusive and co-dependent relationships, where her drug use originated. She wanted to leave, but with no other place to go, she fell deeper into the dangerous lifestyle of opioid dependency. “It’s vicious out there,” Moilanen said. Determined to be reunited with her daughter and give her a better life, Moilanen finally called for help. Admitted to a recovery program specializing in opioid addiction, she spent 90 days in a womens residential treatment facility in Wyoming, Minnesota. When Moilanen came to St. Cloud for outpatient treatment, she said it saved her life. “If I would have went back to that environment I was in, I probably wouldn’t have stood a chance,” she said of the likelihood of running into negative influences back home. “It was the best decision I ever made, coming to St. Cloud. There’s a great recovery community here.” Abstaining from drugs was just the beginning. The move provided not only a continuum of addiction treatment, but a safe place for Moilanen to lay her head at night. Life in a sober-living home for women has helped her focus on recovery as a way of life. She has found a sense of purpose, renewed hope, wholeness and healing. “You get nine months to set your whole life up,” Moilanen said. “There is no program like that anywhere.” Every day, Moilanen works to better her life and hopes to be with her daughter again. “Being separated from her so long broke
my heart, and it’s damn near killed me,” she said. Addiction recovery has become a cause close to Moilanen’s heart. In an effort to raise awareness and combat the social stigma attached to addiction, she frequently uses social media to reach out to people who are struggling. “Even if my story can get through to one person, then all that pain and suffering I’ve caused myself and other people wasn’t in vain,” she said. Moilanen has taken her advocacy work a step further as a volunteer for Recovery Community Network, a St. Cloudbased organization that works to broaden and strengthen recovery services for people with substance abuse disorders. “They’ve just been a huge inspiration to me,” she said. She attends recovery meetings and leads one for women. After completing a 46-hour training course, she became a peer recovery specialist and will use her personal experiences to help others. “That was one of the happiest days since I got here,” she said of receiving a scholarship to the training academy and then her certification. “I was so proud.” One day, Moilanen wants to work as an addiction counselor or technician. “It’s obvious to me now, what I’m supposed to do is help other people through their struggle,” she said. Now, she hopes to find a place to live. In a few weeks, her time at the sober-living home will end when she completes treatment. “The pressure’s on,” Moilanen said. Moilanen has not been convicted of a felony, but a low credit score, resulting from the financial fallout of her heroin dependency, is hindering her search for rental housing that is safe and free of the toxic environment that once swallowed her whole. “Lately, I’ve just been having these nightmares about what it was like to be in that lifestyle again,” Moilanen said. “It’s a nightmare. I’m running around in the middle of the night. I’m cold. I don’t have any food. … Clearly, these are anxieties of what I don’t ever want to have again.” Moilanen has maintained steady employment and is working toward a general education diploma. She has a driver’s license and a
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 | Page 3
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Page 4 | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
NEWS
OFFICE ASSISTANT The City of Rice is currently accepting applications for a part-time office assistant
General Duties: The Office Assistant provides clerical support, reception duties and requires excellent customer services skills. Duties will include answering telephone calls, processing licenses and permits, data entry, computer report generation, billing in addition to other duties as directed by the City Clerk. Minimum requirements: High school diploma, three - five years of customer service and support staff experience, valid driver’s license, proficiency in Microsoft programs. Salary dependent on qualifications. City application may be requested by calling 320-393-2280 or online at www.ricemn.us Resumes must be submitted with City Application. This is a 24 -30 hours per week position with the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. R7-2B-RB
Applications, cover letter and resume’s will be accepted until March 1st, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
IT’s coming!
Benton county resource guide The 2021 RESOURCE GUIDE
Help Your Business Grow! 7,650 COPIES PRINTED When we include your advertisement in this booklet, you have the opportunity to gain new customers, make new friends and gain valuable traffic for your business.
HURRY! Benton County 2020
Public invited to review arts board biennial plan
FOLEY – The Central Minnesota Arts Board is hosting a virtual public hearing March 4 for people to provide feedback on its biennial plan. The hearing begins at 4 p.m. through a Zoom link accessed at www.centralmnartsboard.org. A presentation will begin at 4:15 p.m. with questions and discussion allowed from 5-6 p.m. The Central Minnesota Arts Board is a regional arts council that serves Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright counties. The biennial draft plan, which will be available for preview after Monday, Feb. 22, includes information on grant programs, priorities and services for July 2021 through June 2023.
DNR adjusts married license procedures
ST. PAUL – Both members of married couples who want to purchase a combination angling or hunting license in person will need to be present at the sales location starting Feb. 18, when the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will begin requiring both spouses to provide and verify their own complete customer records on file to purchase a combination license. “These changes will bring the DNR into compliance with state and federal laws that require collect-
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Call Today!
Mi Missy Traeger missy@saukherald.com 320-291-9899
On-Site Manager – SupplY Chain Sauk Rapids, MN
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Purchasing, Receiving, and Expediting Products – Tooling and MRO products. • Restock vending machines and manage vending machine program. • Works closely with vendors to produce quotes, expedite orders, locate sources for product, and arrange product training. • Resolves on-site customer product and service issues by providing sales-related solutions utilizing common and alternative sources of information. Consults with other associates to locate the most effective sources of information. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• A High School Diploma or the equivalent. • Minimum 2 years inbound/ outbound telephone sales, outside sales, or customer service experience required. • Industry experience and knowledge preferred.
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ing this information for angling or hunting license sales,” said Steve Michaels, licensing program director. “The information helps prevent licenses being sold to people with violations or unpaid fines.” Customers will continue to pay the same price for combination licenses, which are discounted compared with purchasing two individual licenses. When purchasing a combination license in person, both spouses must be present, and, if age 21 or older, also must provide their current Minnesota driver’s licenses or identification cards. If both spouses are not present, the person present may purchase their part of the license and their spouse may obtain their license at a later date at no additional charge. If a spouse does not have a record on file with the DNR, that spouse can create one with their full name, birth date and social security number. If they are a Minnesota resident age 21 or older, they also will need a current Minnesota driver’s license or current Minnesota identification card. They can create their record anywhere DNR licenses are sold, or call the DNR license center at 877-348-0498 or 651-297-1230 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. New resident customer records for people age 21 and over cannot be created online.
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• Provides customer service in accordance with company standards to ensure customer satisfaction. • Communicates customer concerns to management and Outside Sales Associates to ensure the most effective and lasting problem resolution. • Resolves more complex credit and collections issues to enhance customer service. • Travel to Osakis, MN occasionally to support customer manufacturing operations. • Participates in special projects and performs additional duties as required.
SKILLS • Computer literacy and proficiency with email, various internet browsers and/or the Windows operating system required. • Excellent problem-solving and customer service skills are required. • Excellent oral and written communications skills are also required.
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Send resumes to Brian.Hilby@decotool.com DECO TOOL, AN MSC COMPANY
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.
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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 Nancy Powell Maria Bichler Ellarry Prentice Evan Michealson Jakob Kounkel Amanda Thooft Pat Turner Maddy Peterson
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Page 6 | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Two kinds of geraniums Did you know there are both annual and perennial geraniums? The annual form is grown outdoors and will die after a severe frost. The perennial form does die back in winter, but the roots remain alive and GREEN AND resprout in spring. GROWING IN BENTON COUNTY Both plants are in the geraniaceae, or ge- BY LINDA G. TENNESON ranium, family. The perennial version, usually labeled as a hardy geranium or cranesbill, is from the geranium genius. The annual version has the botanical name or genius pelargonium. The word pelargonium comes from the Latin meaning stork because the seed pods look like a stork’s bill. This same seed pod also looks like a crane’s bill hence the cranesbill name for the hardy geranium. Either version is easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil. If they receive less than eight hours of sunlight each day, they will grow but produce fewer blossoms. Gardeners may be further confused because there are several hundred varieties of hardy cranesbill and pelargonium geraniums. Pelargoniums may be started from seed or purchased as young plants which can then be planted outdoors once the last frost has passed. However, the most common plants sold in nurseries are labeled as zonal geraniums and have a broad, dark band of color on the edges of the leaves. Zonal plants have been bred to produce large blossoms but no seed pods. Consequently, they are propagated from cuttings which are clones of their parent plant. Regal or Martha Washington pelargonium geraniums have large blooms and scented leaves with a velvety feel. There are also ivy or trailing pelargoniums which can cascade over the side of a hanging planter, scented pelargoniums, one of which is supposed to smell like chocolate, and pelargoniums with variegated leaves. Pelargoniums usually have wide leaves with rounded edges, ranging in color from chartreuse to dark green while the hardy cranesbill leaves may be long and narrow. Pelargoniums blooms are usually made of several blossoms with small petals grouped together appearing from a distance to be a single large bloom. Hardy cranesbills have blooms consisting of a set of five or more petals spread out in a flat circle. Both versions come in a wide variety of colors from white to dark purple and sometimes emerge as one shade and then shift to a darker color as the bloom matures. The Martha Washington pelargonium prefers cooler nights and blooms in the spring and fall. It has both single and double flower petal varieties. Neither Pelargoniums nor hardy cranesbills require much fertilizer. If fertilizer is used, a balanced version with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is best. A soil test is always a good idea before adding additional fertilizer. Pelargoniums grow well in containers and are usually not bothered by rabbits. Plants that grow too tall, which are often referred to as being leggy, may be pinched back or the growing tips removed to encourage side growth. Regular watering is needed, although they will survive short dry periods. While there is no reason to dig up the hardy cranesbill in fall, pelargoniums may be dug up and overwintered indoors in pots. An alternative is to take cuttings before the first frost which will root and grow indoors becoming large enough to bloom by January and provide indoor winter color. Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota Master Gardener and Tree Care Advisor.
EDITORIAL
Fire through the night “That’s it,” my third born announced as houses. Below zero temps for long stretches he set down the heavy piece of wood that makes that difficult to do now. thudded on the fire place hearth. Remember those bare foundations that “That’s it?” I asked surprised. “We’re in last year revealed? What have you done to the middle of a polar vortex, we need wood.” sure them up with healthy, uncontaminated This all happened right before bed, and no teaching? By now you must be realizing one wanted to go outside to get more wood that binge watching shows does not fill the at this frigid hour of the night. It meant that void, livestreaming Sunday church services while we were sleeping, the chill would settle does not fill the void, and hanging around inside as the fire snuffed out. Being prepared drama filled nay-sayers does not fill the LIFE BY FAITH is something we don’t have to anticipate with void. I really like my children’s orthodonanxiousness (Phil 4:6-7), but we must prepare BY MERCY NYGAARD tist, but the big screen TV in the lobby with ourselves in the event of emergencies either nonstop CNN and MSNBC (drama filled by natural disasters or social disasters (Proverbs 21:20). nay-sayers) is ridiculously toxic. And, those poor recepIt’s kind of surreal every time someone mentions tionists are stuck there listening to it while they work that we’re coming up on one year since the coronavirus all day long. Right-wing media is the same as most netpandemic shut down the world. What would you have works trying not to tank financially are creating the most done differently if you knew social distancing was going extreme headlines and partial truths to grab attention. It’s to be a thing? If you knew the media was going to do ev- not too late to put your faith in Jesus and get to know erything it could to steal your attention and manipulate him as much as you can before he returns. Because of your actions, how would you react to it now? Disregard the Gospel, it’s never too late. He takes you just as you what you would do with selling and buying stocks. If we are right now. That porn addiction … throw it off, repent. knew then what we know now, I believe that not only That substance you’ve been abusing … throw it off, rewould we make sure we had one month’s supply of toilet pent. How about that rage monster that manifests when paper, we would be visiting our loved ones in the nursing you’ve been strained and you shout so aggressively that homes, our friends would be gathering with us, and we you scare the ones you love? Am I the only one who would be kicking our children off of screens and telling struggles with that? And so, I must throw it off and rethem to get out to any social event with chaperones. But pent. I must remind myself to lay down what’s good to that still would not have prepared us adequately for the find what is best. The Bible is the book that will teach inner struggles COVID-19 would bring. us how. The recent pandemic had stripped our coverings and To keep the house warm we have to keep logs on the made our foundations bare, revealing what we had built fire. Likewise, we must keep our fire stoked with God’s our faith upon. The social isolation has created more ap- word so our foundations are strong and able to weather pointments than therapists can take and more suicides polar vortexes, earthquakes, derailed viral trains, forced than we want to admit. Thank God for trials to wake social distancing, mobs and looting, war invasions and us up to what is truly important and sustainable for a mental strains. If you feel the logs burning down and the healthy mind and soul. Sin always takes away more than coals are turning into cinders, get into fellowship with it gives, and faith in Jesus and God’s design always gives God, grab your Bible, call those who can encourage you, more than it will ever take away. and you will be building up a rolling fire to carry through When COVID-19 hit like a derailed freight train last the night. Take one day at a time, making sure you have year it was, at least, warming up outside. Those overly enough wood for the night. Seeking firstly God will then cautious to have people in their home met in driveways everything you need be added onto you (Mathew 6:33). or simply got outside by themselves to get out of their
What makes me want to go back I grew up in the restaurant business. I didn’t always pay attention to the My family has owned a café and truck conversations above me, but I knew stop between New London and Spicer for Grandma was asking customers more 43 years. than just how their meal was. She asked Hillcrest used to be open 24 hours, about their kids and grandkids, their plans 365 days a year. For the past 20 years or for the holidays and how their loved one so, it was open from morning until night, was doing after the surgery. And she seven days a week, until it was forced to knew their orders, and ticket totals, by close to the pandemic. heart. There were a thousand things to It’s a grueling job. do behind the swinging door that led to BY EL the kitchen, but she always took the time Someone was always calling in sick EXPRESSIONS BY ELLARRY PRENTICE or failing to show up for their shift, so to get to know people who dined at the family members would forget about the tables along Highway 71. plans they had or the 12 hours they’d already worked About a month ago, just after restaurants reand head back in. Someone always complained, and opened for in-person dining, a Sauk Rapids owner something always broke. came to my table to ask me how I liked my burrito. That’s the nature of the business. But it didn’t end there. Like Grandma always did, she On the flip side, customers were like family. My asked me about my life and told me about hers. She late grandmother attended many celebrations and fu- talked about turning their dream into a reality and nerals for people who patronized the little restaurant their passion for what they do, even though it means she dreamed of opening when she and my late grand- long hours and many nights and weekends away from father moved from Iowa to Minnesota in the 1970s. home. A few people came in every single day for breakfast, I realized what I had missed about being the little infamous beef commercials, homemade pie and cof- girl behind the glass case and what we had in small fee. Their obituaries even said so. towns before dining out was limited to drive-thru and Growing up in the business has given me a life- car-side orders. long appreciation for family-owned restaurants and Due to the economic impact of COVID-19, my the hard-working people who operate them. aunts may not be able to re-open the restaurant. It’s a A recent visit to a family-owned restaurant in sad reality, though I take comfort in its long history Sauk Rapids evoked memories of waiting on custom- and knowing it was loved by many. ers with Grandma. I feel badly for the restaurants that have suffered When I was a little girl, she let me wear a waitress through this pandemic. As restrictions lift and life uniform that was 10 sizes too big, and I’d pretend to hopefully returns to normal soon, I hope people will write food orders in the green lines of a Guest Check give family-owned restaurants in the local communipad. When customers came to the till to pay their tab, ties extra support. they always stuck around to chat with Grandma some The burrito was great, but the owner’s kindness more. Below the cash register, I’d stare into a glass is what I liked the most. I’ll be going back again and case filled with silver-foiled peppermint patties and again. candy bars, hopeful Grandma would give me one before I went home.
EDITORIAL/NEWS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 | Page 7
Our state needs reliable, affordable access to energy California has experienced an unrelicertain energy industries and telling peoable power grid. Texas has suffered cataple he is putting out of work to get a job in strophic power outages. Now, the impacts solar or wind. With this bill, you cannot do recently have been felt in Minnesota with that unless you are in a union. rolling blackouts in parts of our state. I thought we were One Minnesota. While there may be different factors Aside from raising energy rates on contributing to each scenario, the fact reMinnesota families and reducing the remains: We need a reliable, diverse grid in liability of our power grid, the majority’s Minnesota to ensure affordable energy is approach also continues to exclude key there when we need it most. That said, entechnologies like hydro and nuclear. I ofSTRAIGHT FROM ergy proposals put forth by the House mafered an amendment to H.F. 278 allowing THE CAPITOL jority would take us the opposite direction. us to implement carbon-capturing technolSHANE MEKELAND The restrictions they propose ultimately BY REP. ogy and support more reliable baseload MN HOUSE 15B would compromise our grid, leaving us power, but the majority blocked it. vulnerable to the problems Texas, CaliforWhy would you not capitalize on nia and even our own state have encountered – all while technology that is already there and use it in our favor to increasing our energy bills. help us during high demand? I have been closely monitoring this situation as a This push to reduce our energy options, thereby limmember of the House Climate and Energy Finance and iting our baseload capacity, is coming at a time where Policy Committee. Among items on our agenda, we have demand for electricity is rising. For example, the goverdiscussed a bill (H.F. 278) to create a new mandate for nor wants to force more electric cars into our market by 100% carbon-free electricity in 2040 (yes, in less than placing California’s mandatory auto-emission standards 20 years). on vehicles sold in Minnesota. By the way, electric cars The bill also directs the state’s public utilities com- do not perform particularly well in cold weather, just anmission to implement new mandates in favor of labor other aspect where we need options. union and other specified groups. It says you must be Again, our energy policies should focus on deliverpart of an apprentice program to work on wind and solar ing affordable, reliable energy to Minnesotans. An allprojects, effectively creating a union-only requirement. of-the-above energy approach is the best way to ensure In Minnesota, only 20% of the construction work- your family is warm and safe when the brutally cold force belongs to a union – i.e., enrolled in a registered temperatures we just experienced return. apprenticeship program. The vast majority of construcThe House majority’s agenda limits our options and tion workers in the state would not be able to be hired on raises our costs. It compromises our grid’s stability and a project in their own city if they are not in a registered leaves us vulnerable – increasing the likelihood of wakapprenticeship program. ing up to a cold, dark house – just hoping the pipes do It is hard enough finding the qualified contractors, not freeze. subcontractors and workers to do this specialized work, Let’s embrace technology and the all-of-the above and this bill would only further limit the pool. approach on energy, acknowledging reality instead of On one hand, our new president is shutting down inviting trouble by handcuffing our state’s options
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Students earn degrees GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Sartell resident Reese Nordin earned a bachelor’s degree and a certificate in criminal justice studies from University of North Dakota following fall 2020 semester. MADISON, Wis. – Rice resident Tyler Snoberger earned a bachelor’s degree in computer sciences and mathematics from the University of WisconsinMadison following fall 2020 semester. ST. CLOUD – Rice residents Cameron Anderman, Julie Dubbin, and Carley Johnson and Sauk Rapids residents Joseph Bigelow, Emily Brewers, Shantelle Des Marais, Allie Frisbie, Hannah Fyten, Jennifer Nguyen, Robert Packert, Holly Pilarski, Nicholas Rudnitski, Ashley Simpson, Nathan Skalicky, Taylor Ullmann, Anna Weese and Emily Weizenegger earned bachelor’s degrees from St. Cloud State University following fall 2020 semester. Anderman graduated summa cum laude with a degree in nursing. Dubbin graduated magna cum laude with a degree in management. Johnson graduated summa cum laude with a degree in social work. Bigelow graduated cum laude with degrees in music and mass communications. Brewers graduated magna cum laude with a degree in criminal justice studies. Des Marais graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biomedical sciences. Frisbie graduated magna cum laude with a degree in early childhood education. Fyten received a degree in nursing. Nguyen graduated magna cum laude with a degree in management. Packert graduated magna cum laude with a degree in nursing. Pilarski graduated summa cum laude with a degree in addiction counseling. Rudnitski graduated magna cum laude with a degree in technology management. Simpson received a degree in liberal studies. Skalicky received a degree in liberal studies. Ullmann received a degree in recreation and sports management. Weese graduated summa cum laude with a degree in social work. Weizenegger graduated magna cum laude with a degree in nursing. ST. CLOUD – Rice resident Daniel Golombiecki and Sauk Rapids residents Chelsea Montag, Michelle Neu and Ryan Szymanski earned master’s degrees from St. Cloud State University following fall 2020 semester. Golombiecki received a degree in business ad-
ministration, Montag in applied behavior analysis, Neu in criminal justice studies and Szymanski in special education. Szymanski also earned a graduate certificate in academic and behavioral strategist. ST. CLOUD – Sauk Rapids resident Megan Magwire-Rogholt earned a doctorate degree in educational administration and leadership from St. Cloud State University following fall 2020 semester.
Students named to academic lists BROOKINGS, S.D. – Rice resident Connor Olson, Sartell residents Sydney Lund and Shauna Schmidt, and Sauk Rapids resident Michael Neubauer were named to the fall 2020 South Dakota State University dean’s list for achieving a GPA of 3.5 or greater. Olson, Lund and Neubauer achieved a 4.0 GPA. GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Rice resident Ainsley Holien, Sartell residents Patrick Stalboerger and Tyree Thompson, and Sauk Rapids resident Cullen Krueger was named to the fall 2020 University of North Dakota president’s list for achieving a GPA of 3.8 or greater. GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Rice resident Anna Walz, Sartell resident Grace Falconer, and Sauk Rapids residents Anna Fleming and Samantha Severnak were named to the fall 2020 dean’s list at University of North Dakota for achieving a GPA within the top 15% of enrollment. LA CROSSE, Wis. – Sauk Rapids resident Tara Metzger was named to fall 2020 University of Wisconsin-La Crosse dean’s list for achieving a GPA of 3.5 or greater. Metzger is a biology major. LINCOLN, Neb. – Kaitlyn Widvey, of Sartell, has been named to fall 2020 dean’s list at University of Nebraska-Lincoln for achieving a GPA of 3.7 or greater. Widvey is a senior, majoring in English. MOORHEAD – Kevin Cabrera Escobar, of Sauk Rapids; Megan Mohr, daughter of Chad and Michelle Mohr of Sauk Rapids; and Joshua Maricle-Roberts, son of Jon Maricle of Des Moines, Iowa, and Kris Roberts of Sartell, were named to the fall 2020 Concordia College dean’s list for achieving a GPA of 3.7 or greater.
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PUBLIC NOTICES
Page 8 | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 47 SAUK RAPIDS-RICE PUBLIC SCHOOLS CALL FOR BIDS 2021 SAUK RAPIDS-RICE MIDDLE SCHOOL EXTERIOR WALL REHABILITATION Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received for the 2021 SAUK RAPIDS-RICE MIDDLE SCHOOL EXTERIOR WALL REHABILITATION by Independent School District 47, hereinafter called the Owner, at the District Office Second Floor Door 2 located at 1833 Osauka Road NE, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota 56379 until 2:00 p.m., local time on Thursday, March 11, 2021, at which time and place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. In general, the work consists of the removal of the existing masonry face brick, doors, thru-wall flashing, roof edge sheet metal and associated materials and the installation of new masonry face brick, doors, thru-wall flashing, and roof edge sheet metal and flashing as specified. It is the Owner’s intent to award the project to one Contractor. The Responsible Contractor that provides the lowest responsive Base Bid is required to provide all labor necessary working within the District, fully equipped and staged until completion of the Contract or as directed by the Owner’s Representative. Bidding Documents have been prepared by ZMD Engineered Solutions, LLC (ZMD), 28 – 2nd Street NW, Suite #100, Osseo, MN 55369 (telephone: 763-515-8733) and will be available on Monday, February 22, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. To order documents and view project information such as Drawings, Specification, updated plan holder list, addenda and bid results, visit the Franz Reprographics web site at www.franzrepro.com and select the Franz Public Plan Room. Please login with your email address and password, or Register if this is your first time in the Plan Room. Select the project from the list of public projects. Once you have selected the project, please review the Bid Package Information for ordering documents. To receive Electronic Downloads, Bid Addenda and Shipped Order Confirmations for this project, you must make the following email address a Safe Sender in your Outlook Email: info@ipdservices.com These notifications are sent from this email address, not from the email address of ZMD Engineered Solutions, LLC or Franz Reprographics. If you do not do this, your email server may block the receipt of these notifications. To make an email address a Safe Sender, please do the following: With the Inbox of Microsoft Outlook open, select the Actions drop-down menu across the top of the Outlook screen. Then select Junk E-mail, and then select Junk E-mail Options. Next select the Safe Senders tab and then select the Add button. You can then type in: info@ipdservices.com and click OK. There is a ? (help) button in the upper right hand corner you can select for assistance with using the Online Plan Room. If you still have problems, please contact Franz Reprographics by phone at 763-503-3401. Documents may also be reviewed at ZMD, the Minnesota Builders Exchange, the La Crosse Builders Exchange, Dodge Data and Analytics and Reed Construction Data Plan Room. On Thursday, March 4, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., a pre-bid conference will be held at 1306 10th Street North, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379. Attendees shall meet in the front entrance of the bus garage. All interested bidders (Prime Contractors and Sub-Contractors) must submit with their bid the “Contractor Responsibility Affidavit and Acknowledgement Form” as provided in the Bid Documents verifying compliance to Minnesota Statute 16C.285, Subd. 3. A Bid Bond or Certified Check for 5% of the maximum bid payable to Independent School District 47 is required as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, the Bidder will execute and file the proposed contract and provide 100% Performance and Payment Bonds within ten (10) days after the award of the Contract. The Certified Check will be returned to the Bidder as soon as the Contract and Bonds are executed. If, after ten (10) days, the Bidder shall fail to execute said Contract and Bonds, the Certified Check or Bid Bond shall be forfeited to Independent School District 47, as liquidated damages. The Owner reserves the right to waive irregularities and to reject any and all bids. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of Sixty (60) days after the date set for the opening thereof. At the Owner’s discretion, liquidated damages in the amount of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per calendar day will be assessed against the Contract if the project is not completed on the dates indicated. This Advertisement for Bids is issued by the authority of Independent School District 47. R-7-1B
BENTON COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR THE PERFORMANCE FOOD GROUP PROJECT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Commissioners of Benton County, Minnesota, will hold a public hearing at a meeting of the Board beginning at 9:00 a.m., on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, to be held at the Benton County Board Room, Benton County Government Center, 531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN 56329 (the “County”), to have the County consider granting an abatement of property taxes under Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.1812 through 469.1815, as amended (the “Abatement Act”) on a portion of the property taxes to be levied by the County on property located at 625 and 725 Division Street N in the City of Rice, Minnesota consisting of the parcel identified as PID# 15.00323.00 (the “Property”), in connection with a two phase project consisting of the acquisition, construction, and equipping of an expansion to and renovation of an existing manufacturing facility located on the Property (the “Project”) to be owned and operated by Performance Food Group, Inc. dba Northland Cheese, or an affiliate thereof or entity related thereto (the “Developer”). The total amount of the taxes proposed to be abated by the County on the Property for up to a 15 year period is estimated to be not more than $400,000. Following the public hearing, the Board of Commis-
PROBATE NOTICE STATE OF MINNESOTA BENTON COUNTY DISTRICT COURT SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court File No: 05-PR-21-169 Case Type: Informal Probate Notice of Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative and Notice to Creditors In re the Estate of Janet Carol Underdahl, Deceased. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDI-
TORS. Notice is hereby given that an application for informal probate of the abovenamed Decedent’s Last Will dated March 4, 1995, has been filed with the Probate Registrar, and the application has been granted. Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following: Darla Lynn Schmidt, 5901 Westcliffe PL, St. Cloud, MN 56303, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative,
sioners will consider a resolution granting an abatement of a portion of the County’s share of property taxes on the Property for a period of up to 15 years. The abatement is a business subsidy under Minnesota Statutes, Sections 116J.993 to 116J.995, as amended (the “Business Subsidy Act”) which will help the Developer pay for a portion of the costs of the Project. A summary of the terms of the proposed business subsidy is available for inspection at the office of the County Administrator during regular business hours. Any person with a residence in the County or who is the owner of taxable property in the County may file a written complaint with the County if the County fails to comply with the Business Subsidy Act. No action may be filed against the County for the failure to comply unless a written complaint is filed. Any person wishing to express an opinion on the matters to be considered at the public hearing may appear and present their views orally or in writing. Anyone needing reasonable accommodations or an interpreter should contact the County Administrator’s office at (320) 968-5001. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the public may also monitor this meeting via Zoom or telephone rather than attending in person. A Zoom link and additional information are available by contacting the County Administrator’s office at (320) 968-5001 or via email at info@co.benton.mn.us. R-7-1B
or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. §524.3-607, and the court otherwise orders, the personal representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate. Any objections to the probate of the Will, or to teh appointment of the personal representative, must be filed with this court, and will be heard by the court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of
hearing. Notice is also given that, subject to Minn. Stat. §524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred. Date: February 2, 2021 Cheryl Woehler Probate Registrar Date: February 2, 2021 Cheryl Woehler Court Administrator
R-6-2P
NOTICE OF VOLUNTARY MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that default has occurred in conditions of the following described mortgage: DATE OF MORTGAGE: December 21, 1999 MORTGAGOR: Jeff Krippner, unmarried. MORTGAGEE: Bank One, NA. DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded January 4, 2000 Benton County Recorder, Document No. 263409. ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to: Franklin Credit Management Corporation. Dated January 10, 2005 Recorded January 18, 2005, as Document No. 322438. And thereafter assigned to: The Huntington National Bank, as trustee for Franklin Mortgage Asset Trust 2009-A. Dated June 28, 2010 Recorded June 30, 2010, as Document No. 375081. And thereafter assigned to: Wells Fargo Bank N.A., as Certificate Trustee not in its individual capacity but solely as Certificate Trustee, in Trust for Registered Holders of VNT Trust Series 20102. Dated April 20, 2012 Recorded May 21, 2012, as Document No. 388789. And thereafter assigned to: NYMT Loan Trust 2013-RP3. Dated May 14, 2013 Recorded November 4, 2013, as Document No.
400359. And thereafter assigned to: Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB dba Christiana Trust, not individually, but solely as Trustee for NYMT Loan Trust I. Dated June 23, 2020 Recorded July 17, 2020, as Document No. 444419. TRANSACTION AGENT: NONE TRANSACTION AGENT’S MORTGAGE I D E N T I F I C AT I O N NUMBER ON MORTGAGE: NONE LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE ORIGINATOR STATED ON MORTGAGE: Bank One, NA RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SERVICER: Fay Servicing LLC M O RT G A G E D PROPERTY ADDRESS: 5 6th Avenue South, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 TAX PARCEL I.D. #: 19.00805.00 L E G A L DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: All of Lot 7 and the North Half of Lot 6, Block 11, Wood, Russell & Gilman’s Addition to the Original Town, Now Village of Sauk Rapids, Benton County, Minnesota. COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Benton O R I G I N A L PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $87,125.00 AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $ 115,932.15
That prior to the commencement of this mortgage foreclosure proceeding Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee complied with all notice requirements as required by statute; That no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof; PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows: DATE AND TIME OF SALE: April 13, 2021 at 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: Benton County Sheriff’s Office, 581 Highway 23 Northeast Foley, MN to pay the debt then secured by said Mortgage, and taxes, if any, on said premises, and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns unless reduced to Five (5) weeks under MN Stat. §580.07. TIME AND DATE TO VACATE PROPERTY: If the real estate is an owneroccupied, single-family dwelling, unless otherwise provided by law, the date on or before which the mortgagor(s) must vacate the property if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property is not redeemed under section 580.23 is 11:59 p.m. on October 13, 2021, unless that date falls on a weekend
or legal holiday, in which case it is the next weekday, and unless the redemption period is reduced to 5 weeks under MN Stat. Secs. 580.07 or 582.032. MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE:None “THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S P E R S O N A L R E P R E S E N TAT I V E S OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.” Dated: February 9, 2021 Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB d/b/a Christiana Trust, as Trustee Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee USSET, WEINGARDEN AND LIEBO, P.L.L.P. Attorneys for Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee 4500 Park Glen Road #300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (952) 925-6888 150 - 21-001379 FC THIS IS A C O M M U N I C AT I O N FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. R-7-6B
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money to construct a trail along the east side of CSAH 1 from Golden Spike Road to Osauka Road (high school entrance); although this trail lies just outside of County right-of-way for the most part, there are a couple short sections in which the trail enters the right-of-way of CSAH 1. Byrd stated “...those wanting to walk or bicycle to the high school can use the trail along Golden Spike Road...use the pedestrian crossings that have already been constructed at this roundabout at Mayhew Lake Road and Golden Spike Road...stay on the east side of the road all the way up to the high school...there wouldn’t be another crossing that needs to be constructed here at Osauka Road...from an engineering standpoint, for pedestrian safety...” Byrd stated that the Public Works Department is planning on issuing a utility permit to the City to allow them to construct their trail within County right-of-way; this is a 100% city- funded trail—the County does not intend to maintain the trail; however, the City is requesting that the County Engineer sign off on the plans. He noted that trail construction is planned for this summer. Heinen noted “...the City of Sauk Rapids has been looking at this for a very long time...the only question back then was how do we create the trail to go across CSAH 1...there is a trail system that goes from Osauka all the way around to every development...all the way up to Highway 10...this is just another piece of the puzzle to connect all the trails together...” Gapinski added “...we are already at 40 MPH going by the school during school zone...what happens if we just change it to 40 MPH at all times...that way it allows people to think about going a little slower to be able to get across...” Byrd stated that changing the speed limit permanently would require a traffic engineering speed study be performed. Popp pointed out “...they are going to have to cross by the roundabout... is there a potential need to install flashing pedestrian lights there...” Heinen stated “...I’m not speaking for Sauk Rapids, but that was one of the main concerns...” Byrd stated “...I wouldn’t want to do anything that isn’t warranted to install those kinds of things...there is a benefit to a roundabout with those splitter islands...when you get to that refuge, you can stop and wait for a clearing...right now, we don’t have the volume for pedestrians or vehicles...” Popp commented “...maybe we should have a conversation with the City if it would warrant flashers for pedestrians...I don’t want to see the County be liable...” Heinen stated his agreement, adding “...that would also fall on their responsibility for that signage...” Byrd clarified “...we are granting a permit...not necessarily giving them an easement...” He stated he will continue with the utility permit and signing of the plans; he will be in contact with the City of Sauk Rapids to discuss potential signage. Byrd reported that mill and overlays on County Roads 46, 88, 89 and 90 are planned for this summer; paving the shoulder along CR 88 is also planned. Although these are separate projects, Byrd stated plans to “tie” the projects together under one contract; advantages could include attracting more bidders and lower unit prices. He noted that these are sales tax projects; bid opening is scheduled for March 5th. In referencing the proposed trail construction by Sauk Rapids High School, Byrd stated “...we’ll have a lot of asphalt paving or bituminous paving in the area... the City may be the beneficiary of some good unit prices... but I don’t want to tie their project to ours...they’ve got a lot of federal requirements that we wouldn’t have in our project...” 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 9:46 AM. The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:47 AM to conduct a Ditch Authority meeting. The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 9:55 AM. Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of the county. Under Commissioner Concerns, Chair Popp commented “...the Upper Mississippi One Water One Plan... there is a meeting on the 18th of February...your SWCD Directors...Soil and Water Boards...it consists all the way from Crow Wing down to Sherburne into Wright County... consists of the cities of St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Sartell... some of the northern counties are torn between having one plan for that whole thing...and then it’s the Clearwater Watershed in Sherburne County...we have the whole Mississippi along there...some of the concerns...if we do this all under one plan, the cities and the river are going to grab a huge amount of the funding... Morrison has got the same concerns...from what I gather, I don’t think there
is a lot of interest in three plans...maybe more interest in two...we need to designate somebody to go to this meeting...there’s going to be a lot more players...if they are just going to have one body that’s going to decide the funding, I’m afraid Benton County and Morrison County are going to be left out...” Johnson/Heinen to appoint Commissioner Popp as the representative to the Mississippi River Watershed Board and Commissioner Gapinski as alternate. Motion carried unanimously per roll call vote. Johnson/Gapinski to set Committees of the Whole: February 18, AMC Virtual Legislative Conference; April 8, Association of Township Officers. Motion carried unanimously per roll call vote. Jason Aarsvold, Ehlers Public Finance Advisors, provided detailed information to the County Board on tools used to help promote economic development—tax increment financing (TIF) and economic development tax abatements. He explained that these tools can be used to encourage certain types of development or redevelopment that would not normally occur without assistance, leading to actions such as job creation/retention, redevelopment/ renovation of blighted areas, and assistance with housing or commercial development. Aarsvold referenced the Toppan-Merrill Expansion in Sartell as an example of an Economic Development TIF District. Amanda Othoudt, Executive Director of the Benton Economic Partnership, stated her hope that the County Board will consider using TIF and Tax Abatement to promote economic development in Benton County. Gapinski commented “...I think both of these tools are absolutely needed in this county...we need to spur some business/economic development growth...our three major cities, Sauk Rapids, Rice and Foley, have fourlane roads coming to them or through them...let’s use them to build business...” Popp added “...we have the work force in this county...” Othoudt referenced the county’s revolving loan fund (RLF) program, noting that it has not been utilized to its fullest extent. She stated “...BEP would like to propose to the County Board to, potentially, take that responsibility over and help promote that program...administer the program on the county’s behalf...the county already has a finance committee for their RLF...we are proposing to establish our own finance committee under Benton Economic Partnership...consisting of finance professionals...BEP would be able to process and facilitate those projects in a confidential manner...process the applications if they come to fruition...and present it to the County Board in a complete package...the revolving loan fund program, essentially, offers gap financing for certain economic development projects...you currently have two active loans...you have about $400,000 end cash balance as of January 1st...shifting that responsibility from county staff to BEP is what we are asking the County Board to consider...we could work with the County Attorney to put some sort of agreement together to set forth roles and responsibilities...” Monty Headley, County Administrator, explained where the funding for the county revolving loan fund came from. Gapinski stated “...I think trying to build this fund back up would be very good...make sure we are using it to attract business... partner with TIF and Tax Abatement...I think this really needs to be a team effort with cities to make sure we are attracting new businesses or retaining our businesses...and helping them expand...” Board consensus to send a letter of thanks to the current finance committee, letting them know that a new committee will be formed by BEP. Gapinski/ Johnson to turn the county’s revolving loan fund program over to the Benton Economic Partnership (upon a signed agreement between Benton County and BEP as prepared by the County Attorney’s Office). Motion carried unanimously per roll call vote. Gapinski/Heinen to conduct a closed meeting of the County Board (at 11:21 AM), pursuant to MN Statutes §13D.03, Subdivision 1, to consider strategy for labor negotiations. Motion carried unanimously per roll call vote. The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 11:55 AM. Johnson/Gapinski to adjourn at 11:56 AM. Motion carried unanimously per roll call vote. Edward D. Popp, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-7-1B
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BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 2, 2021 The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on February 2, 2021 in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN with Commissioners Scott Johnson, Ed Popp, Jared Gapinski, Steve Heinen and Beth Schlangen present (Schlangen joined virtually at 9:15 AM). Call to order by Chair Popp was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Johnson/Heinen unanimous to approve the agenda as amended—add item: Mississippi River Watershed Board appointment. No one was present to speak under Open Forum. Gapinski requested that Consent Agenda item #5 be “pulled” for further discussion. Heinen/Johnson unanimous to approve the remaining Consent Agenda: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 19, 2021 as written; 2) accept and file Committee of the Whole Minutes of January 12, 2021 as written; 3) appoint Angie Arnold to a three-year term on the Benton County Extension Committee— January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2023; 4) approve revisions to the Benton County Fiscal Policies as presented; and 6) approve 2021 Solid Waste Hauler Licenses Round 1 and authorize the Chair to sign— Tom Kraemer Inc.; Jim’s Mille-Lacs Disposal, Inc.; West Central Sanitation, Inc.; Waste Management of MN Inc.; City of St. Cloud; Opatz Metals and Rolloffs; Gary’s Trucking & More LLC dba Bumble Bee Express R.O.; Rapid Container Service Inc.; E-Z Disposal; Red-E-Bins USA LLC; and Veit Container Corp dba Veit Disposal Systems. Regarding Consent Agenda item #5 (final payment for CSAH 2 reconstruction project), Gapinski questioned the fact that this project dates back to 2019. Chris Byrd, County Engineer, explained that this project experienced a number of delays, including an added change order and negotiations with the contractor; final agreement with the contractor was reached late in 2020. Gapinski/Johnson unanimous to approve final payment to Rice Contracting and Development Services for Project SAP 005-602-016—CSAH 2 Reconstruction Project on Little Rock Lake, and authorize the Chair to sign (Consent Agenda item #5). The next item on the agenda was a public hearing to consider the minor final plat entitled “Pearls Addition” in Watab Township, submitted by JANNEW Properties, LLC/Sandra Saldana. Roxanne Achman, Department of Development Director, reported that the request is to split a parcel with an existing home on it into six residential lots, all over two acres in size; the property was rezoned in late 2020 from Agricultural to R-2 Residential. Achman stated “...it does back up against the railroad...we did reach out to the railroad and asked them if they had any concerns...their concerns were that people could cross the railroad if there was not a barrier put up...we did find out, in state statute, it is the responsibility of the railroad to install any sort of barriers...” She noted that Watab Township recently adopted their own subdivision ordinance which requires that plats with two or more lots be reviewed by their Planning Commission; preliminary plat and final plat approval was received through Watab Township. Sandra Saldana (PO Box 276, Sauk Rapids) spoke in favor of the request, stating her belief that it is a good fit with the county’s comprehensive plan and for economic development in the township and the county. The public hearing was opened at 9:11 AM. Achman referenced a letter received from Gloria Nelson (9760 Hemlock Road NW, Rice) who stated concerns with noise, agricultural smells, and the nearby railroad tracks. Gapinski commented “...concerns about fencing off the tracks...I know the railroad is supposed to take care of that...could we put something like that in this ordinance... my concern is more coming from me being on the fire department...and little kids...” Johnson commented that, from the Planning Commission’s perspective, these are responsibilities of the individuals who will, potentially, be buying these lots; the Planning Commission voted unanimously to move this forward to the County Board. Heinen was in agreement that it would be the responsibility of the individuals who bought these lots to petition the railroad for a fence. With no one else wishing to address the Board, the public hearing was closed at 9:14 AM. Motion by Gapinski to approve the final plat of “Pearls Addition” and authorize the Chair to sign the final plat. Second by Johnson. Motion carried per roll call vote with Gapinski, Heinen, Schlangen and Johnson voting aye and Popp abstaining from the vote. Chris Byrd, County Engineer, explained that the City of Sauk Rapids received Transportation Alternatives grant
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 | Page 9
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SPORTS/NEWS
Boys hockey returns to the rink Leadership line picks up points as Storm tie Bluejackets BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
Seeking a spark amongst his talented yet unpolished forward groups, Sauk Rapids-Rice boys hockey head coach Brady DeGagne moved junior defenseman Noah Jensen to forward before the team’s upcoming slate of games against Princeton and CambridgeIsanti. This transition is proving be a productive one, as Jensen picked up a pair of goals to help the Storm tie against the Bluejackets 3-3 Feb. 16 at Isanti Ice Arena in Isanti. “He’s making a strong case to continue playing forward,” DeGagne said. “He’s the kid that will go through a brick wall for you if you ask him to. He’s willing to do whatever we ask him to.” The versatile athlete has found success in developing a rapport with linemates Easton Portner and Brandon Bokelman, which resulted in the trio finding the first goal of the contest. Bokelman, following a pass from Portner, tried to find a goal at the back door before feeding it to Jensen, who stuffed the puck home on the blocker’s side to give the Storm a 1-0 lead. “I thought we played one of our better games of the season so far,” DeGagne said. “We played a physical game.” Against a strong first line that includes 11-goal scorer Jacob Ziebarth, the Storm defense solidified for one of its strongest showings. Cambridge-
Isanti did not receive many extensive looks in front of the net, and when they did, SRR goaltender Riley Weinand was in position to deny goals. The third-year start reeled in 33 saves on 36 shot attempts for a .917 save percentage. “He was our player of the game,” DeGagne said. “He was a leader from the back end, a strong force back between the pipes for us. I’m super happy with how he played and what he brings for this team.” The combination of Jensen, Portner and Bokelman teamed up for their second goal of the game less than 1 1/2 minutes into the second period, securing a twogoal advantage for the visiting Storm. However, despite their best efforts, this lead crumbled following a score from Ziebarth at 14:10. Cambridge-Isanti took control of the backand-forth showdown with a pair of goals 2:25 apart during a wild third period. All of a sudden, the Bluejackets were in front for the first time all game, and after SRR was called for a slashing penalty, CambridgeIsanti possessed all the momentum. Then came Bokelman, who sped down the ice during the penalty kill to pull off an astounding, shorthanded tally to even the score with six minutes to play. “He’s the heartbeat of the team,” DeGagne said. “I think if there’s a pulse we need to find, if there’s
a way to get things going, he will find a way to do it.” SRR received some opportunities toward the end of regulation and into overtime and could not cash in. But, all-in-all, it was a performance to be excited about. “It was a great day for hockey,” DeGagne said. “We fired on all cylinders.” The Storm battled the Willmar Cardinals Feb. 18. They will go up against their first repeat opponent of the campaign when they go on the road to face the River Lakes Stars at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at the River Lakes Civic Arena in Richmond. SRR CI
1 1 1 0-3 0 1 2 0-3 SRR: First period: 1. Jensen (Portner, Bokelman) 11:03. Second period: 2. Jensen (Portner, Bokelman) 1:23. Third period. 6. Bokelman 14:00. Goalie: Weinand 33 of 36.
Princeton 4, SRR 3 Despite a rousing, spirited comeback attempt by the Storm, it was not enough to overcome a miserable first period. The Princeton Tigers registered a trio of scores in the opening 17 minutes, eventually clinging to a 4-3 victory over SRR Feb. 13 at Princeton Arena in Princeton. Storm goaltender Grayson Kobluk rebounded from the tough start to make 24 saves as the Storm began the rally with a power-play goal from Jensen in the second period. The game-winning tally came from Tyler Berglund, who snapped home an even-strength goal seven minutes into the third period. SRR
responded with goals from Calvin Comstock and Teagan Dodge seven minutes apart, but Princeton held strong in the final three minutes for the win. Caleb Euteneuer recorded two apples in the tightly-contested loss. SRR PRI
0 1 2-3 3 0 1-4 SRR: Second period: 4. Jensen (Will White) 5:19. Third period: 6. Comstock (Cayden Christensen, Euteneuer) 9:56. 7. Dodge (Euteneuer, Landon Lunser) 16:38. Goalie: Kobluk 24 of 28.
Northern Lakes 7, SRR 3 The Storm returned to the ice following a twoweek quarantine looking to find their spark and to further establish their identity as a team. And while their longawaited ice appearance against Northern Lakes resulted in a loss, it was an entertaining bout that saw SRR give the oneloss lightning all they could handle. Northern Lakes built a third-period lead through three goals, catapulting them to a 7-3 victory Feb. 11 at Breezy Point Sports Center in Breezy Point. Owen Arndt, Jensen and Christensen all recorded goals in a threeminute timespan, giving them a 3-2 lead over the talented Lightning. However, Northern Lakes tallied the final five goals of the contest to leave the ice victorious. SRR NL
0 3 0-3 1 3 3-7 SRR: Second period: 2. Arndt 3:46, 3. Jensen (White) 4:51. 5. Christensen (Easton Portner) 6:34. Goalie: Weinand 21 of 28.
Police Activity Report Feb. 8-14
Sauk Rapids Police Department
alarms 6, civil complaints 6, DUIs/DWIs 5, permits to purchase 5, traffic stops 5, welfare checks 5, animal Feb. 8, 11:20 p.m. – Officer noticed a vehicle without calls 4, child calls 4, thefts 4, assaults 3, fraud calls 3, license plates parked in an apartment complex at 420 unwanted persons 3, domestics 2, drunks 2, property Summit Ave. S., Sauk Rapids. Vehicle had a temporary calls 2, vehicles 2 and violations of court order 2. tag that expired in October 2020. The remaining temporary tag was illegible due to window frost. The Rice Police Department VIN came back not on file. Benton County ran the VIN nationwide, and the vehicle came back registered in Feb. 13, 11:10 p.m. – While on patrol, an officer Indiana, but the registration was expired. The vehicle noticed three people walking in the snow bank behind was clear and not reported stolen. BP gas station and McDonald’s on the 2300 block of Pine Road Northwest, Rice. Officer made contact Feb. 10, 1:35 p.m. – A caller observed a male on and learned the people were juveniles. The juveniles video surveillance enter an unlocked vehicle at Ron’s said they were walking home from buying snacks at Cabinets, 380 Industrial Boulevard, Sauk Rapids. Staff the Holiday gas station. The officer’s squad car read confronted the male who exited the vehicle and ran. a temperature of 18 degrees below zero, and the Employee caught the male. Suspect was arrested and juveniles were wearing sweatshirts and light jackets. cited for tampering with a motor vehicle. The juveniles said they lived in a townhome nearby, but the officer drove them home and ensured they Feb. 10, 5:09 p.m. – Officers responded to a domestic made it into the home safely. Officer confirmed with a in progress on the 300 block of Summit Avenue Holiday employee that a group of three juveniles came South where a male party was threatening the caller in, bought snacks and walked away. with a firearm. The male was taken into custody and transported to Benton County. Incidents: Miscellaneous calls 10, suspicious activity reports 5, agency assists 4, assists 2, fraud complaints Incidents: Miscellaneous calls 27, assists 23, medical 2, medical calls 2, thefts 2 and traffic stops 2. calls 20, warnings 15, administrative citations (winter parking violations) 12, suspicious activity reports 8,
SPORTS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 | Page 11
Lumberjacks correct course through winning streak Granite City takes three divisional games
appearances during their minutes of the first period, stretch of disappointment overcoming a New Ulm was a 3-2 loss to the goal recorded just two New Ulm Steel Feb. 3, minutes before. Granite a contest that saw the City extended their lead Lumberjacks fire 48 shots behind a power-play tally on goal at New Ulm from reliable defenseman goalie Zach Foster only Halliday. BY EVAN MICHEALSON for the talented netminder Huber was lights-out, STAFF WRITER to make 46 saves. grabbing 23 saves while In a turning of tides, only allowing the one they received another New Ulm goal. The Granite City 2 1 1-4 shot at New Ulm’s GCL Lumberjacks trotted off 1 0 0-1 goaltending nine days NU the ice, smiles on their GCL: First period: 2. later and ensured they faces and their heads held got their revenge, scoring Masseth (Simon, Bjorn high. Their work was 15:37. 3. Skime four goals on 42 shots in Jorgensen) achieved. (Bartoo, Daikawa) 15:44. an all-around solid 4-1 Second period: 4. Halliday The team controlled victory over the Steel (Bartoo, Daikawa) 1:19. the pace throughout the Feb. 12 at New Ulm Civic Third period: 5. Shane matchup, scoring in all Prifrel 18:57. Huber 23 of three periods during a PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON Center in New Ulm. Masseth and Tucker 24. commanding 5-0 shutout John Blake takes control of the puck Feb. 17 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. The Skime scored seven win over the Alexandria Lumberjacks fired 45 shots on goal in a 5-0 win over the Alexandria Blizzard. seconds apart in the final Blizzard Feb. 17 at Sports Arena East in Sauk to work on the first 10 scored his third goal in of old, where we went Rapids. (minutes), but once we as many games with three years without losing “It’s a lot more fun get going and we start under seven minutes to them. We have to show to go to the rink and it doing the right things, remaining in the second up and play every night makes everything easier forcing other teams to period with assists from when we play them.” when you win,” said make mistakes, we’re Brett Reed and Richert, ALX 0 0 0-0 2 2 1-5 D.J. Vold, associate head tough to play against,” as every Granite City line GCL GCL: First period: 1. coach. “Winning solves Vold said. got involved in the highBenson (Braeden Bartoo) anything.” This assertive start to scoring effort. 8:25. 2. Richert Both teams got the contest made life easy Later in the second Metsa) 12:49. (Matthew off to a sluggish start, for Bailey Huber, who period, captain Carson period: 3. Masseth Second (Reed, as neither side could stopped all 18 Alexandria Simon was taken down Richert) 13:19. 4. Simon establish consistent zone shots on the way to his during a breakaway (O’Leary) 16:29. Third time while getting into eighth win in net. After attempt, leading to an period: 5. O’Leary (Simon, scrappy puck battles recording an overall .896 uncommon penalty shot Tal Halliday) 1:44. Huber 18 in the neutral zone. save percentage in his first opportunity. His close- of 18. However, Granite City eight appearances, the range shot went wide of Granite City 5, settled into a rhythm with second-year netminder the net, but the missed Willmar 3 their puck possession and has dominated to the tune chance proved to be Granite City trailed passing, finding the initial of a .955 save percentage inconsequential, as Simon the Willmar WarHawks score behind an accurate in his last three games. received a beautiful feed 2-1 while being outshot wrist shot from Camden “He came in and went from Hanson O’Leary to 24-13. Benson, his first as a through a sophomore pick up goal No. 12 one In one of the team’s Lumberjack. slump and struggled a shift later. most entertaining Nicholas Richert little to start the year,” “We tell our kids to stretches of hockey tapped in a loose puck in Vold said. “Now, once have a short memory, season, however, the front of the net to give the we have someone like because you can go out team cleared away all Lumberjacks a 2-0 lead that playing in net and and have a bad shift and concern, firing home four just shy of 13 minutes playing well, we’re tough just have a good one the goals in five minutes in an Carson Simon exchanges high-fives with the Granite City into the first period. to beat.” one after,” Vold said. impressive 5-3 triumph bench following a goal Feb. 17 at Sports Arena East in “We’ve still got Brockston Masseth “You don’t get a ton of over Willmar Feb. 13 at Sauk Rapids. The Lumberjacks captain now has 12 goals opportunities like that, Willmar Civic Center in in 19 games. but he came back and Willmar. scored on the next shift, Starting the scoring Public Notice which was great to see.” storm was Bartoo, who MINDEN TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF ANNUAL O’Leary found the totaled two points as an MEETING & ELECTION OF OFFICERS back of the net himself emerging point-scorer Notice is hereby given to the qualified voters of Minden during the third period, for the Lumberjacks. The smacking a one-timer Maple Grove native tied Township, Benton County, State of Minnesota, that the annual of Township officers and the annual town meeting past Alexandria goalie the game at 1:44 in the election will be held the second Tuesday of March (March 9, 2021). Atticus Kelly to add some third period, followed In the event of inclement weather the meeting and election goal insurance. immediately by scores may be postponed until the third Tuesday of march ( March The well-rounded from Simon, Reed and 16,2021) and if inclement weather also postpones, the election and meeting will be held on the fourth Tuesday of March victory is Granite City’s Masseth. third in a row, a sign of Huber made 30 saves, (March 23, 2021 ). Election polls will be open from 2:00 pm until 8:00pm at resilience following a a season-high. which time the voters will elect: 0 1 4-5 four-game skid. They GCL A treasurer for a two year term of office 0 2 1-3 visited the New Ulm WIL A supervisor for a three year term GCL: Second period: Steel for a prominent The annual meeting will commence at 8:05pm to conduct road matchup Feb. 19 and 2. Wyatt Halverson (Noah all necessary business as prescribed by law. The annual elecCody Dias) 8:40. tion and meeting will be held at the Minden Town hall located will slug it out against Bissett, Third period: 4. Bartoo at 2989 Golden Spike Road, Sauk Rapids, MN. 563679 the Willmar WarHawks (Cromwell, Kullan Daikawa) Absentee ballots can be requested from the Town Clerk at 7:10 p.m. Saturday, 1:44. 5. Simon (Sean at 320-200-8782 or 320-253-7915. In addition the townhall Feb. 20, at Willmar Civic Davidson) 3:49. 6. Reed will be open from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm March 9, 2021 for Center in Willmar. (Bartoo, Troy Dahlheimer) absentee voting. Due to the Election and Annual meeting date and time “We do have a little 5:21. 7. Masseth (Daikawa) The Regular monthly meeting for the township will be held beef with them, to be 6:37. Huber 30 of 33. on March 10, 2021 at 7:00 pm Granite City 4, honest, so games against Noticed by Ben Anderson tries to poke at a loose puck Feb. 17 at Willmar New Ulm 1 mean that Cynthia Abraham Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. The Lumberjacks much more,” Vold said. One of Granite Minden Township Clerk controlled the puck in a dominant 5-0 victory over City’s most frustrating “They’re not the Willmar R-7-1B Alexandria.
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 | Page 13
SPORTS
Boys basketball achieves wondrous win over Little Falls Storm players come alive in second half BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
After the Sauk Rapids-Rice R boys basketball team picked b up u an early lead over their Section S 8AAA rival Little Falls, they could not F seem s to separate from the pesky Flyers. They grew p a tad lax and watched as a once 11-point lead shrunk to three. Head coach Derek Peterson, after the Storm committed an ugly turnover, called a timeout and stressed the importance of effort in section games like these. The break in the action proved to be a wake-up call for SRR, who put together an impressive 35-9 stretch to pick up a clutch 67-
38 win over Little Falls Feb. 16 at Sauk RapidsRice High School in Sauk Rapids. “The guys really responded,” Peterson said. “They started flying to the ball, diving for loose balls. They started getting tips. They had their hands up. The energy changed.” The massive shift in momentum was sparked by identifying open driving lanes and making plays underneath the basket. The Storm piled up 38 points within the paint compared to the Flyers’ 12, whether it was one of Ethan Opsahl’s reverse layups or a dunk from Carter Loesch. “When we do well, we attack,” Peterson said. “We can sit back and shoot 3s all night, but
we need to attack. When the kids start attacking, things go well for us.” Opsahl started off slow, but like the rest of his team, launched into a new gear in the second half, eventually logging 23 points to go with four rebounds and four steals. Reigning Central Lakes Performer of the Week Andrew Harren was a nuisance off the bench, registering 13 points and six boards. “Best sixth man in the conference, in my opinion,” Peterson said. “He rebounds w e l l for us, he makes shots for us, he gets tipped balls and plays great defense. He’s all-around a really great player, and he’s just a sophomore, so that’s exciting.” SRR was effective at ending Little Falls’ possessions early, grabbing 12 steals while snagging 26 defensive rebounds. This helped the hosts build a 26-17 halftime lead and allowed them to take control of the contest in its later stages. In finding their third consecutive victory, the Storm also discovered their stroke, making 25 of 53 shots for a collective 47.2% field-goal percentage as a team. “Winning helps you mentally,” Peterson said. “After losing three straight, coming back and winning three straight shows what this team is all about.” The Storm continue their conference slate against the Bemidji Lumberjacks Feb. 19.
rebounds and a 40.9% shooting night to grow their advantage to as high as 16 points. No matter what the result has been, however, the Storm have brandished unrivaled resilience, and they demonstrated that facet once more against Tech, chipping away in small bursts to tie the game in the closing seconds after trailing the entire second half. Opsahl, despite a rough shooting night, was efficient from the stripe, making 10 of 11 free throws on his way to a team-high 25 points. Moilanen was present in the turnover battle all night, registering a ridiculous seven steals.
19 44 11-74 27 36 09-72 SRR: Opsahl 25 (3R), Mason Rudolph tries to make a step-back move Feb. 16 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Moilanen 14 (3R, 3A, 7S), Rudolph and the Storm bench were effective in Andrew Harren 12 (9R), Alex Harren 10 (10R), Loesch 7 quieting the Little Falls Flyers. They will undertake an get any easier for SRR, as (5R) and Mathies 6. PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON
anticipated rematch with the Tigers used 52 total the Apollo Eagles at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at Apollo High School in St. Cloud. “Both teams are playing well right now, so that should be a good test for us and a good game,” Peterson said. LF SRR
17 21-38 26 41-67 SRR: Opsahl 23 points (4R, 4S), Andrew Harren 13 (6R), Alex Harren 10 (5R), Elijah Moilanen 9 (7R), Dominic Mathies 7 (3R, 3A, 4S), Cooper Godwin 3, Loesch 2 (3R) and Mason Rudolph (3R).
SRR 74, Tech 72 (OT) Mahatma Gandhi once proclaimed that, “Heroes are made in the hour of defeat.” Alex Harren keeps the ball from trickling out of play Feb. 16 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. As Against the Tech demonstrated by Harren’s heroics in the Storm’s game Tigers Feb. 11, Alex against Tech, effort and attacking the ball are two of the Harren was a hero. main factors behind SRR’s three-game winning streak. The senior forward twice saved the Storm from the threat of defeat, sending the game to overtime with an offensive rebound and a put-back shot with three seconds to go before doing the same thing in the extra minutes to vault SRR to a thrilling 74-72 overtime triumph over the Tigers at Tech High School in St. Cloud. Alex Harren finished with a double-double, collecting 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Andrew Harren added 12 points and nine rebounds. The Storm were strong out of the gate, snagging a 9-5 lead before Tech bounced back and took an eight-point lead Carter Loesch picks the basketball off the ground Feb. 16 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High before halftime. It did not School in Sauk Rapids. Loesch’s two points came on a thunderous dunk that brought the Storm bench to its feet.
SRR SCT
Elijah Moilanen skies for an uncontested layup Feb. 16 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Moilanen had another strong night at point guard, putting up nine points and seven rebounds.
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Page 14 | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Dancers look to clean routines before section meet SRR travels to Forest Lake Feb. 26 with hopes in achieving state bid BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER
Despite limitations to the 2021 dance season, the energy has been elevated as Sauk Rapids-Rice dancers take the floor this year. “They have been really high energy and really excited,” said Ali Mohr, who has led the team as head coach for five seasons. “They just want to get out there and dance. We don’t have to motivate them by any means.” And yet, points fell for the Storm jazz team as they took stage at Anoka Feb. 13. Jazz tallied 352 points for eighth place after a tiebreaker with Elk River. SRR was one point shy. Mohr said although there were timing issues in jazz, judging can play a factor when recording lower scores. She said competitors’ scores fell alongside SRR when performing at Anoka. “That’s what is hard about dance,” Mohr said. “It’s up to the judges’ preference and impression and when you have different judging panels at different meets, you never know how it’s going to come out. Whereas in hockey and with goals you either got the goal or you didn’t. For dance, its judges’ choice.” The high kick team had a few memory errors according to Mohr but placed fourth with 373 points behind Brainerd, Anoka and Farmington, respectively. With non-section competitor Farmington removed, the Storm ranked third above Section 4AAA participants Blaine, Forest Lake and Elk River. The top three teams from the Feb. 26 section competition will advance to the Minnesota State High School League tournament. “You never know,” Mohr said on whether she thinks the high kick team will advance to state. “There are about five teams that are sitting between third and eighth (placements) that are all very close.” Mohr said the jazz team is sitting around seventh place but said the competition in that category is just as close, so the team could upset come next weekend. The Storm dancers invited Anoka, Rogers, Zimmerman and Buffalo to compete at an invite at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Feb. 19 and then host the Central Lake Conference teams Saturday, Feb. 20. The section tournament takes place Friday, Feb. 26, at Forest Lake Area High School in Forest Lake. High kick: 1. Brainerd 426 points of 500 (3), 2. Anoka 421 (6), 3. Farmington 392 (9), 4. SRR 373 (14), 5. Mounds View 364 (16), 6. Centennial 357 (19.5), 7. Blaine 356 (20), 8. Forest Lake 355 (22), 9. Shakopee 336 (29), 10. Elk River 328 (31), 11. Andover 324 (31), 12. Armstrong 317 (34) and Rosemount 280 (39). Jazz: 1. Brainerd 414 (3), 2. Anoka 408 (6), 3. Blaine 396 (9), 4. Farmington 387 (13), 5. Centennial 382 (14), 6. Forest Lake 360 (20.5), 7. Elk River 353 (22), 8. SRR 352 (22), 9. Shakopee 338 (28), 10. Andover 344 (29), 11. Armstrong 328 (30) and 12. Rosemount 251 (36).
Storm wrestlers battle below expectations at Rocori SRR loses twice in competitive triangular BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
Even as the Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm wrestling team has faced a myriad of struggles during a 2021 campaign that has been challenging to navigate, head coach Cole Wilson believes in his team’s ability on the mat. Unfortunately, the Storm cannot seem to capture that ability consistently, as the team lost to the Rocori Spartans in the second match of a triangular Feb. 12 at Rocori High School in Cold Spring. “The scores reflected our performance but not our ability,” Wilson said. “We very much underachieved on Friday night and are looking to make up for that this week.” The Storm received a pair of stout performances from wrestlers early on in the match, as Vance Barz
got the dual started with a win by fall at three minutes, eight seconds before Brayden Ness picked up a pin in the 126-pound matchup. U n f o r t u n a t e l y, despite staying even with Rocori early, SRR could not secure points to take close decisions, as Andrew Wollak narrowly fell to Evan Moscho in a 4-3 decision before senior Matt Krepp lost in a 3-0 decision to Ryan Rose in the 170-pound match. “These matches show us just how important it is to be consistent and perform at a high level every time you step on the mat,” Wilson said. “This consistency needs to be found in competition and in practice.” The Spartans proved to be too much for the Storm to handle in the middle weight classes, winning six straight matches after the teams were tied at 12. The streak was finally snapped with an impressive win by fall from junior Cole Ackerman, who is ranked ninth among Class AAA’s 182-pound wrestlers.
Despite facing a large deficit, the SRR bench got loud when Storm senior Joey Hoeschen broke a 1-1 tie in his heavyweight match, winning at 5:11 against Rocori’s Grady Minnerath. With this clear example of energy, the Storm look to translate these moments into a winning formula. “There is a vast amount of room for improvement,” Wilson said. “We may have been getting the energy back on the bench, but we need to do a better job of wrestling for each other.” The Storm received another shot at the Spartans, along with the Alexandria Cardinals, at a home triangular Feb. 18. They will face a pair of familiar opponents in the Willmar Cardinals and the Fergus Falls Otters at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at Willmar High School in Willmar. “Having experienced these matchups before, our guys should have a better understanding of what they’re up against, how to work in closing the gap in our losses and expanding the gap in our
SCHEDULE Saturday, Feb. 20 Saturday, Feb. 20 Tuesday, Feb. 23 Tuesday, Feb. 23 Tuesday, Feb. 23 Tuesday, Feb. 23 Tuesday, Feb. 23 Thursday, Feb. 25 Thursday, Feb. 25 Thursday, Feb. 25 Thursday, Feb. 25 Friday, Feb. 26
CLC Dance Tournament Girls Basketball vs. Fergus Falls Gymnastics vs. Alexandria Girls Basketball vs. St. Cloud Apollo Girls Basketball vs. St. Cloud Apollo Boys Basketball vs. St. Cloud Apollo Boys Hockey vs. Rocori-River Lakes Wrestling Triangular at Willmar Boys Hockey vs. Monticello Boys Basketball vs. Willmar Girls Hockey vs. Alexandria Area Gymnastics vs. Willmar
H A H H H A A A A H H H
9:00 am 2:30 pm 6:00 pm 7:15 pm 7:15 pm 7:15 pm 7:15 pm 5:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:15 pm 7:15 pm 6:00 pm
victories,” Wilson said.
106: Vance Barz won by fall 3:08. 113: Jack Barz lost by fall 1:01. 120: Luke Scheeler lost by fall 3:14. 126: Ness won by fall 2:25. 132: Ethan Anderson lost by fall 4:57. 138: Wollak lost by decision 4-3. 145: Owen Scheeler lost by technical 17-2. 152: Reid Kiffmeyer lost by fall 1:57. 160: Kieran Hixson lost by fall 3:04. 170: Krepp lost by decision 3-0. 182: Ackerman won by fall 0:47. 195: Graham Doherty lost by fall 2:15. 220: Dane Dingmann lost by fall 1:56. 285: Hoeschen won by fall 5:11.
Alexandria 50, SRR 21 The Storm entered the Rocori High School gym looking to make an impression after picking up their first win of the season in their previous appearance. Instead, a slow start sunk their hopes, as the Alexandria Cardinals dashed to a 27-0 advantage in a dominant 50-21 win over the Storm Feb. 12 in Cold Spring. Wollak picked up the first win of the evening for SRR, battling to a 2-1 decision win in the 138-pound matchup. Ackerman snagged a win by fall at 5:20, while Dingmann impressed mightily with a pin at 0:05 in the 220-pound showdown. Alexandria led by as much as 38 points, showing off their collective depth.
106: Vance Barz lost by fall 1:30. 113: Jack Barz lost by decision 7-4. 120: Luke Scheeler lost by fall 3:47. 126: Ness lost by fall 1:39. 132: Anderson lost by fall 1:01. 138: Wollak won by decision 2-1. 145: Owen Scheeler lost by fall 3:00. 152: Kiffmeyer lost by major decision 8-0. 160: Hixson lost by major decision 15-2. 170: Ackerman won by fall 5:20. 182: Krepp lost by decision 5-3. 195: Doherty lost by fall 2:52. 220: Dingmann won by fall 0:05. 285: Hoeschen won by forfeit.
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SPORTS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 | Page 15
Edwards improving rapidly
PHOTOSS BY EV EVAN AN MIC M HEALSON
Keanna n na Gug uggi g sber erg g (l (lef eftt center) attem mpts to grab a har mpts ard-to-reach rebo oun u d Fe Feb. b 12 at Sauk Rapi p ds-Rice High h Sch choo ooll in Saukk Rapids. The Storm cam ca me dow me own n wi with th jus ustt 20 reb bounds in a losss to Allex exan ndr dria ia..
Girls hoops fall to Cardinals Alexandria attacks in win over Storm BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
The Sauk RapidsRice Storm girls basketball team knew they were facing a strong opponent in the Alexandria Cardinals, but the team they faced in their Friday night homecourt matchup was more than they could handle. The Cardinals put together a shooting clinic, putting up 49 points in the first half alone in a dominant 73-34 win over the Storm Feb. 12 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. “Alex is a good team,” said Jon Roesch, head coach. “They have a nice program and have had a nice program for a number of years. Their girls were much more aggressive than ours, and there is a lot to take away from that even though the results aren’t what we wanted.” The Cardinals made a pair of 3-pointers to begin the contest, a sign of things to come for the Storm, who could not stop the visitors from establishing a rhythm beyond the arc. Alexandria made 10 of 27 3-point attempts, good for 37%. “Identifying who their shooters were was important, and that’s something we can take out of this game,” Coach Roesch said. “Whether it’s playing man-to-man or zone, recognizing who the shooters are and closing in on those shooters, contesting those shots, not giving them open looks.” SRR also fell into some of their recurring
Grace Roesch leaps to block a pass attempt Feb. 12 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Roesch put up seven points in a loss to the Alexandria Cardinals.
struggles, committing 28 turnovers on the night, often leading to Alexandria chances on the other end. The premature endings to possessions also meant the Storm did not take as many shots as
and grabbed three boards, while Grace Roesch made the Storm’s lone 3-point attempt of the night to go with seven overall points. Despite some impactful performances, there is room to grow and reliability to be discovered. “We’ve got to be able to be more consistent in everything we do,” Coach Roesch said. “We as coaches are telling our players we need to get better every day. We need to be able to look ourselves in the eyes and say, ‘We got better today.’” The Storm attempted to snap their ongoing four-game losing streak against the Sartell Sabres Feb. 18. They will seek more stability against the Fergus Falls Otters at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at Kennedy Secondary School in Fergus Falls.
they would have needed to make a comeback; SRR threw up just 35 shot attempts all night, making 12. Senior Kyanah Evans led the Storm in scoring with 10 points Girls basketball page 16
Kyanah Evans drives toward the basket Feb. 12 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Evans led the storm with 10 points.
When the Minnesota Timberwolves selected 19-year-old Anthony Edwards with the first overall selection in last November’s NBA draft, they knew it was going to take time for him to reach his potential. Edwards was and COLUMNIST remains a precocious SPORTS BY ANDY THAYER bundle of energy. He’s built like a middle linebacker and can jump out of the gym, but on draft night, the finer points of his game needed significant refinement. The hope within the organization was that Edwards would develop over time into the third option in an offense led by the franchise cornerstones point guard D’Angelo Russell and center Karl-Anthony Towns. However, due to injuries to both star players and Towns missing significant time while he battled COVID-19, Edwards was thrust into a significant role earlier than the team expected. He took his lumps early on, settling for long jumpers and struggling to finish at the rim, and he hit rock bottom during a five-game stretch between Jan. 10-22 where he shot 19% from the floor. However, despite those struggles, Edwards flashed occasional glimpses of his playmaking skills, defensive abilities and explosive scoring skills, including more than 25-point outbursts against Golden State and Portland. As he gained experience, head coach Ryan Saunders finally inserted him into the starting lineup Jan. 29, and that’s when Edwards started to make significant strides. Surrounding him with better talent unlocked Edwards as a more efficient scorer, and as a starter, Edwards has averaged 18 points per game on 44% shooting. He’s blossomed in his last two games, posting 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists in a win against Toronto and 28 points, seven rebounds and five assists in a tough loss to the defending champion Lakers. In the Lakers game, Edwards went right at LeBron James and held his own, and it’s clear he could be the on-court tone setter the Wolves have sorely lacked since Kevin Garnett left town. We can officially put the Andrew Wiggins comparisons to rest. Edwards has an ebullient personality, and the rest of the team follows his lead. Point guard Ricky Rubio has said Edwards’ positivity and leadership has helped him break out of a recent scoring slump. It’s wild to think a 19-year-old is the one who is mentoring a 30-year-old veteran who was brought in for his experience and leadership, but it’s the reality of the team’s situation right now. With Russell out of the lineup for the next four to six weeks after an arthroscopic knee surgery, it’s pretty clear Edwards is already the team’s third-best player after Towns and Malik Beasley. For a 19-year-old, that’s incredible. In another brutal season for Wolves fans, the development of Edwards has provided a silver lining. With almost zero NBA-caliber talent at the power forward position, this team’s roster is deeply flawed, and the Wolves will almost assuredly finish outside of the playoffs and in the draft lottery yet again. The team’s first round pick will convey to Golden State unless the team finishes with a top-three draft slot, and that’s not guaranteed to happen even if the Wolves finish with the worst record in the league. However, if Edwards can establish himself as a franchise cornerstone and develop some chemistry with Towns, Russell and Beasley, the Wolves could have a solid young core heading into next season. Edwards is beginning to lay the groundwork for future stardom, and if he continues to develop on this trajectory, we could be looking at the nascent stage of a player with a realistic chance of becoming a perennial all-star.
Page 2B | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD & BENTON COUNTY NEWS
Schreiner from front
Although not raised on a farm, the Schreiner sisters have spent an ample amount of time on a beef and crop operation owned by their grandparents, Leon and Jeanne Lahr, near Mayhew Lake. “I like that there is more freedom,” Abby said of the farm setting. “I’m not constrained to the city, and I can do what I want. And, it’s the work that I like. It keeps me interested.” Abby, 15, helps with fieldwork and chores at her grandparents, and Ashlyn, who began working at O&S Dairy two years ago, is responsible for cleaning pens, caring for calves and milking the dairy’s 230 cows. Ashlyn joined FFA during the 2019-20 school year after being influenced by her twin best friends, Kaety and Kaelin Rainer. She had also taken multiple agricultural classes at SRRHS. “I was interested in joining FFA because I wanted to learn more about animals and agribusiness,” said Ashlyn, the chapter ’s secretary a n d
211 G
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Abby (left) and Ashlyn Schreiner are two members of the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School FFA chapter. The Schreiner sisters were not raised on a farm, but they have taken interest in agriculture.
reporter. “I feel like being involved with the chapter has influenced me to consider a career in agriculture.” After taking a year off from high school to await the recovery of the coronavirus pandemic, Ashlyn plans to attend Ridgewater College in Willmar to become a veterinarian. The decision seems to be a fitting aspiration: Ashlyn not only cares for animals but has taken it upon herself to rescue them as
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well. In summer 2020, Ashlyn noticed a dead opossum on the side of the road when she was driving. Knowing the animal is a marsupial – a mammal that cares for its developing offspring in a pouch on its body – Ashlyn checked the animal’s pocket and found seven baby opossums. “I couldn’t just leave them there,” she said. “I took them home, and I had to tube feed them every three hours for two to three months straight.” Five of the offspring did not make it after being injured in the crash. Yet, two of the animals are nearly 9 months old and have become companion animals that cannot be released into the wild.
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“They are not mean,” Ashlyn said. “I got them when they were only 63 grams; they were very tiny.” Ashlyn’s willingness to care for animals extends beyond small creatures. She has also re-homed and raised a Holstein steer that was born premature. “I took care of it at my grandparents’ farm,” she said. “He just turned 1 in January. … I would go there every day after work and feed him and bed him.” Being involved in the National F FA Organization has fostered Ashlyn’s inherit passion for animals and agriculture. She has participated in the small animals career development event, the Partners in Active Learning Support program, tractor day and the annual fall harvest corn drive. However, because of pandemicrelated limitations, she has yet to expand her career development event participation or attend the anticipated events such as the state and national conventions. Agricultural classes, such as animal science, have also helped foster her ambition. “That would be one class I recommend everyone take,” Ashlyn said of animal science. “You learn basics and a little bit more of all these different animals, especially dairy cattle. I like dairy farming, so I was very interested in that unit.” Ashlyn said with seven of 13 chapter members graduating this spring, she fears the pandemic will affect the chapter’s continuity
Ashlyn Schreiner holds seven baby opossums in summer 2020. She found the animals’ mother on the roadside dead and rescued the litter from the mother’s pouch.
because creating chapter new recruits, like Abby, interest has been difficult to join the group. in a virtual setting. Schreiner page 5B Luckily, there are
A nearly 9-month-old opossum is now a companion animal after being rescued from its mother’s pouch by senior Ashlyn Schreiner. Ashlyn intends to pursue veterinary science after graduating from Sauk RapidsRice High School.
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The Foley FFA chapter includes Alexis Aman, Blake Arnold, Jayden Baker, Kayla Barthel, Joshua Beack, Spencer Beauchamp, Jaykob Bechtold, Landon Beehler, Tanner Bemboom, Brock Bialke, Megan Blank, Travis Boyle, Courtney Brambrink, Danyel Brambrink, Tyler Brambrink, Kasandra Bruggenthies, Jesse Bursch, Lailah Corrigan, Lilly Dahler, Emma Dietz, Paige Dingmann, Mikayla Dirckx, Emilee Ertl, Haley Evenson, Ava Gadacz, Grace Gadacz, Joey Gadacz, Luke Gadacz, Michael Gadacz, Spencer Garcia, Allison Graham, Leighton Hackett, Lillian Jackson, Chance Jones, Kaylee Jurek, Riley Kipka, Emily Knechtsberger, Shelby Knosalla, Tyler Knosalla, Cale Kornovich, Madelyn Kremer, Braelyn Kuperus, Evangelia Kuperus, Hunter Kuschel, Seth Lebakken, Alli Lewandowski, Ben Lewandowski, Grace Loehrer, Holly Loehrer, Elizabeth Lorenz , Riley Mass, Morgan Matvick, Skylar Morris, Michael Moulzolf, Kailyn Neumann, Davin Novak, Thomas Novak, Ethan Olson, Hunter Olson, Lexi Olson, Emmit Olson, Tyrone Orton, Gabrielle Orton, Colten Peterson, Bryant Pierce, Katelynn Pollard, Gina Popp, Lainey Priglmeier , Lucas Randall, Lauren Rezac, Miranda Sam, Nicole Schaefer, Michael Schaefer, Jesse Schefers, Ryan Schefers, Hunter Schrader, Levi Selander, Krystena Sopkowiak, Dana Struffert, Riley Swanson, Alexa Szafranski, Bryce Talberg, Marley Wheeler, Elicia Wolff, Kendyl Young and Rayann Young.
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Page 4B | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD & BENTON COUNTY NEWS
NATIONAL FFA WEEK
LITTLE FALLS
FFA CHAPTER
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Little Falls FFA chapter includes secretary Lauren Wiherski (front, from left), historian Abby Borash, treasurer Jaycee Hegg, president Gracie Schultz, reporter Alicia Holtz, sentinel Madison Westerman, vice president Katie Schultz and officer at large Shelby Pint; (second row, from left) Madlyn Pint, Oliver Wiherski, junior officer Brent Hanfler, junior officer Tyler Westerman, junior officer Jenna Hegg, Aden Larson and Antonio Becker; (third row, from left) Josh Berendt, Christopher Statema, Kaja Blechinger, Devyn Bollig, Cullen Moe and Hank LeClair; (back row, from left) adviser Kim Czech, Deryk Harakel, Lucas Barton, Trevor Jelinski, Zach LeBlanc, Nicholas Popp and adviser Beth Berlin. Not pictured are Justin Hegg, Matthew Smude, Ashton Schwinn and Mylee Mrozek.
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• Develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership. • Increases awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being. • Strengthens the confidence of agriculture students in themselves and their work. • Promotes the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career. • Encourages achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs. • Encourages wise management of economic, environmental and human resources of the community. • Develops interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations and social interaction. • Builds character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism. • Promotes cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people. • Promotes healthy lifestyles. • Encourages excellence in scholarship.
Page 6B | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD & BENTON COUNTY NEWS
NATIONAL FFA WEEK
PIERZ
FFA CHAPTER
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Pierz FFA chapter includes members Erica Rudolph (front, from left), Nick Woitalla, McKenzie William, CDE coordinator Macy Hoffman, Brock Smude, reporter Liz Kelash and historian Marybeth Tautges; (back row) Kaylee Woitalla, sentinel Kaylee Pulak, Eddy Westmoreland, secretary Elissa Pawlu, president JT Pawlu, treasurer Ethan Hayes, Andrew Morris and Troy Gross. Not pictured are vice president Valerie Gall and adviser Pat Tax.
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The Pierz FFA chapter includes members Kyle Gadacz (front, from left), Emilee Smude, Tori Wagner, Josi Smude, and Jazmin Virnig; (back, from front) Marissa Hayes, Bryce Kowalzek and Jodi Nelson.
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The Royalton FFA chapter officers include treasurer Kaylee Rudolph (from left), president Aaron Betker, vice president Levi Crenna, secretary-reporter Alivia Pyka and sentinel Callie Vannurden. Not pictured are advisers Jennifer Betker and Michele Rudolph.
The Royalton FFA chapter includes Joseph Achen, Aaron Betker, Ashley Betker, Damien Bishop, Alisa Boser, Brian Boser, Breanna Brown, Levi Crenna, Jenna Dalton, Braydon Gibbs, Madison Hackett, Marizza Lenz, Mickaila Lenz, David Meemken, Abigail Nelson, Tess Nemeth, Janae Nichols, Alivia Pyka, Kaylee Rudolph, Zackary Rudolph, Preston Sauer, Maria Solland, Marissa Solland, Melanie Solland, Isaiah Solarz, Callie Vannurden, Kayden Vannurden, Nathan Wagner and Carrie Zabinski.
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Foley seniors use FFA as springboard for future
Corn, soybean markets surge Demand for U.S. commodities is good sign for growers BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER
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Th Thriving hriving agriculture group off ffers practical pr knowledge BY JAKOB KOUNKEL | STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – When Spencer Beauchamp and Luke Gadacz set out o to join the Foley FFA chapter, they were young, inspired inspi and eager to learn about the different things the agricultural-based organization could teach them. Now, as Foley High School seniors and elder o the chapter, they both tout their time in FFA members of resourceful, practical and educational experience as a resou that will serve s them going forward as future farmers. “Jus “Just learning all the skills that we did was really important,” Gadacz said. “It’ll help us with farming importa later iin our lives.” FFA page 2C PHOTOS BY JAKOB KOUNKEL
Foley senior FFA member Luke Gadacz works with soil in the classroom of Al Stemper, teacher and FFA adviser, Feb. 11 at Foley High School in Foley. Gadacz is on the soils and land preservation team.
Spreaders •
(Above) Se Seniors of the Foley FFA chapter – Krystena Sopkowiak (front, from left), Lexi Olson, Danyel Brambrink, Gina Popp, Kaylee Jurek, and Megan Blank; (back, from left) Spencer Beauchamp, Luke Gadacz, Joey Gadacz, Michael Mi Gadacz and Alex Vait – stand in the shop where they learn FFA related material Feb. 11 at Foley High School in Foley. Many of them are looking to get into agriculture related fields. Not pictured are Jayden Baker, Bak Tyler Brambrink, Haley Evenson, Spencer Garcia, Leighton Lei Hackett, Michael Moulzolf, Davin Novak, Hun Hunter Olson, Ryan Schefers, Hunter Schrader, Alex Szfranski and Rayann Young. Riley Swanson, Swans
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SAUK RAPIDS – If growers said, “Set it and forget it,” after the 2020 harvest, it might be time to take a look at corn and soybean markets. If not for now, for later. The prices of corn and soybean have jumped from one year ago. Corn hovers around $5 per bushel and soybean has breached $13. “Cash prices were probably about $3.30, so we’re close to $2 higher for corn,” said Nathan Hulinsky of the 12-month price difference. “It’s a really substantial increase.” Hulinsky is a University of Minnesota Extension Educator specializing in ag business management. He said Minnesota growers have not seen this high of corn and soybean prices since the 2012-13 season when the country’s Corn Belt suffered a major drought and ethanol production was on the rise. At that time, grain demand exceeded supply. So, what is contributing to this year’s surge? Hulinsky said one of the greatest influences is China. The country is buying a large amount of grain from the United States. In late January, China made the second-largest daily purchase of corn in U.S. history. One reason for China’s uptick in imports is likely the Phase One agreement signed Jan. 15, 2020. Under the pact, China agreed to purchase an additional $52 billion of U.S. agricultural commodities over a 2017 baseline for the period of 2020 and 2021. “It was a substantial increase,” Hulinsky said. “They’re not quite to that goal, but these purchases are putting them closer.”
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Page 2C | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021| SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
FFA
from page 1C Gadacz and Beauchamp are poised to take over their families’ farms as they lean into life post graduation. Ask them what career field they want to get into, they might answer “a corn field.”
Although they have a lot to learn, they said, FFA laid the foundation for a successful career in agriculture. “You learn about skills you never knew about,” Beauchamp said. “We do poultry – we learned about chickens. I don’t know about (Luke), but I don’t have chickens, so it was good to learn.”
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Not only do they learn about new things they would not have otherwise known, but they also partake in a broad diversity of subjects. Beauchamp and Gadacz are on the soils and land evaluation team and the ag mechanics team, and most FFA members take part in multiple disciplines. “They’re in school, and a lot of farmers need to be out doing something,” said Danyel Brambrink, president of the Foley FFA chapter. … “ It’s something they enjoy doing, and they’re able to do it at school with their friends.” The soils and land evaluation team deals with everything land and soil related. With the end goal to independently determine a soil’s efficacy, or lack thereof, for planting and other purposes, the team works year-round learning intimate details of the land. In competition, they must identify the topsoil, subsoil and underlying layer in a pit of soils, usually about 60 inches long. They use texture, color and experience in the field to figure out how wet the ground is, how erosion has impacted the land and whether or not the soil is ripe for crops, for example. The ag mechanics team learns about mechanisms behind the machines they
PHOTO BY JAKOB KOUNKEL
Spencer Beauchamp works on a diesel engine at Foley High School in Foley Feb. 11. Beauchamp is a member of Foley FFA and on the ag mechanics team.
operate on a farm or in an agriculture-related industry. Beauchamp said the team mostly works to identify problems within a machine and learns how to fix them. They also learn ancillary skills related to mechanics, like being able to name certain parts and welding. “I think if everyone gave it a try, a lot more people would like it,” Beauchamp said. “There
are so many different opportunities.” Brambrink agrees with Beauchamp that there is something for everybody to learn form and enjoy. As a cherry on top, students work alongside their friends. “We’re making it more for everyone in the school rather than just for FFA people,” Brambrink said, pointing to FFA week as an opportunity to increase
awareness. “We want more people to be aware of what FFA is and to be more involved in it.” Most importantly, the Foley FFA is inclusive to everybody, creates fun and exhilarating memories, and provides useful knowledge, Brambrink said. From home goods to the farm scene, FFA has a little bit of everything for everybody, and it will be memorable.
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 | Page 3C
March 15 deadline for Agriculture Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage I hope everyone, including livestock, were able to survive the extremely cold temperatures we endured the last couple of weeks. The Farm Service Agency does have the Livestock Indemnity Program if you are a livestock producer who suffered livestock deaths due to the extreme cold. A livestock producer must file a notice of loss within 30 calendar days of when the loss of livestock is first apparent. For 2021 losses, producers must also file an application for payment by March 1, 2022. Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs for 2021 must do so by March 15. Producers who have not yet signed a 2021
Prices
from page 1C A second reason China may be securing grain commodities is its attempt to recover from the 2019 African Swine Fever epidemic that shrunk the country’s pork production by as much as 50%. An estimated 300 million animals died or were euthanized as a result of the virus that was not a threat to humans. Jake Bauerly agreed that China is playing a role in the market increase. Bauerly is a Benton County corn and soybean grower. “It has to do a lot with China,” he said. “Whether its Phase One or internal demand, no one can really say for sure what their motives are. Maybe it’s the combination of the two.” Despite China’s trade agreement and rebounding pork production, the market lift was unexpected – even the United States Department of Agriculture
enrollment contract or who want to make an election change should contact their FSA office to make an appointment. Program enrollment for 2021 is required in order to participate in the programs, but elections for the 2021 crop year are optional and otherwise remain the same as elections made for 2020. ARC and PLC provide
income support to farmers from substantial drops in crop prices or revenues and are vital economic safety nets for most farms. Producers who do not complete enrollment by March 15 will not be enrolled in ARC or PLC for the 2021 crop year and will be ineligible to receive a payment should one trigger for an eligible crop. ARC and PLC contracts can be emailed, faxed or physically signed and mailed back to FSA. Producers with level 2 e-authentication access can electronically sign contracts. Staff can also work with producers to sign and securely transmit contracts electronically through two commercially available tools: Box and OneSpan. You can learn more about these solutions at www.farmers.
gov/mydocs. Producers may also drop off signed contracts at the FSA office. Call ahead for local mailing or drop off information and options for submitting signed contracts electronically. Producers are eligible to enroll on farms with base acres for the following commodities: barley, canola, large and small chickpea, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentil, mustard seed, oat, peanut, dry pea, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium- and short-grain rice, safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybean, sunflower seed and wheat. FSA recently updated the annual and benchmark yields for ARC and PLC program years 2019, 2020 and 2021. This data is useful to producer in choosing to participate in
either ARC or PLC. For added assistance with ARC and PLC decisions, the United States Department of Agriculture partnered with the University of Illinois and Texas A&M University to offer web-based decision tools to assist producers in making informed, educated decisions using crop data specific to their respective farming operations. Tools include: – Gardner-farmdoc Payment Calculator, the University of Illinois tool that offers farmers the ability to run payment estimate modeling for their farms and counties for ARC-County and PLC. – ARC and PLC Decision Tool, the Texas A&M tool that allow producers to analyze payment yield updates and expected payments for
2019 and 2020. Producers who have used the tool in the past should see their username and much of their farm data will already be available in the system. Producers are reminded that enrolling in ARC or PLC programs can impact eligibility for some crop insurance products. Producers who elect and enroll in PLC also have the option of purchasing Supplemental Coverage Option through their approved insurance provider. Producers of covered commodities who elect ARC are ineligible for SCO on their planted acres. For more information on ARC and PLC, including web-based decision tools, visit www.farmers.gov/arcplc.
did not expect the increase. In the USDA Agricultural Projections to 2030, which was released this month and took into account data through August 2020, the department estimated corn and soybean prices would remain virtually stagnant through the next decade. What does the market growth mean for growers? Not much – at least not for right now. Bob Heim is the owner of Heim’s Milling Company in St. Cloud. He has seen little uptick from growers looking to sell at high prices. “My experience this year is that most of the guys either sold it right off the field last year or sold it a little bit earlier to empty the bins for the new crop,” said Heim, who handles corn but not raw soybean. “Most of the contracting stuff was actually done late August, early September.” Growers will commonly lock in prices for their commodities before harvest – and sometimes even years in advance. When prices
creeped higher than cost of production, which Hulinsky estimates is approximately $3.50 for corn and $9 for soybean, Bauerly said many growers sold their excess crop for fear prices would dip. “Maybe 10% of the crop is actually changing hands right now,” Bauerly said. “But the good news is the new crop price – December corn and November beans – is up right now, so that’s going to be helpful.” In October and November, when harvest is at its peak and supply is abundant, corn is expected to have a cash price of $4 per bushel with soybean at $11. Bauerly said he has more than half of his 2021 crop sold and is contracting about a third of his 2022 crop now while prices are on the rise. “The good marketers say, ‘Don’t be afraid to lock in a profit,’” Bauerly said. “If I lock in half of my corn at $4 and the market goes to $5, now my average is $4.50. I’m
making good money.” Bauerly said there will always be a chance a grower locks in a profit only to find the market climbs even more – similar to this past harvest and the situation today. But, he said growers should not
hesitate because markets can always swing the other way and result in revenue loss. Hulinsky hopes growers are watching the market and doing what is best for their operation. “If they have an
opportunity to sell grain that’s not under contract, hopefully they are making some sales at these profitable levels to make some money,” Hulinsky said. “Now is probably a pretty good time to sell at these pretty good prices.”
Farm Service Agency News
by Ryan Brunn, executive director for Benton and Mille Lacs counties
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1,000 landowners enrolled in ag water quality certification Symanietz farm recognized as grower who pushed program toward milestone ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program has reached the milestone of enrolling 1,000 farmers and landowners from across the state. Now, more than 715,000 acres of land are helping to protect the state’s water resources. “Water quality is important to all Minnesotans, especially those who care for the land, and we want to thank everyone who has stepped up to protect and restore our state’s lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater through the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program,” said Thom Peterson, Minnesota agriculture commissioner. “We can
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be assured these certified farmers are managing their operations to protect water quality now and into the future.” The MAWQCP puts farmers in touch with local conservation district experts to identify and mitigate risks their farm poses to water quality. Producers going through the certification process have priority access to financial assistance. After being certified, each farm is deemed in compliance with new water quality laws and regulations for 10 years. There are also extra endorsements available to water quality certified producers for soil health, integrated pest management and wildlife. These endorsements celebrate farmers and landowners who are going above and
beyond to implement conservation efforts on their land. Since the start of the program in 2014, the Ag Water Quality Certification Program has: – Added more than 2,050 new conservation practices – Kept nearly 38,500 tons of sediment out of Minnesota rivers – Saved 110,000 tons of soil and 48,500 pounds of phosphorous on farms – Reduced nitrogen losses by up to 49%. – Reduced the equivalent of over 39,000 metric tons of carbon emissions per year The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program recognized five farms from across the state who pushed
the program to the 1,000-enrollee milestone – Martin Berg of Aitkin County, Ron Frank of Mower County, Duane Possail and Doug Possail of Lincoln and Lyon counties, Todd Stencel, of Waseca County, and Greg and Rebecca Symanietz of Stearns County. The Symanietzes farm 135 acres of owned and rented cropland including corn, soybean and alfalfa with oat as a nurse crop. They also operate a 40 cow-calf pair beef herd. Greg made improvements to his grazing system by adding fencing, an armored cattle lane and a watering system with a heavy use area protection surrounding it. These practices will allow him to rotationally graze his cattle on over 60 acres of pasture, as well as improve his pasture’s productivity, herd health and protect sensitive areas. He is also planning to plant a winter cereal rye cover crop on his corn and soybean acres to improve soil health, reduce soil erosion and improve water quality. “I got started with the program because I knew I wanted to make changes for my farming goals,” Greg said. “The program has given me good feedback and information while allowing me to make small slow adjustments over time.” The program is on target to meet Gov. Tim Walz’s goal of enrolling 1 million acres by the end of 2022. Farmers and landowners interested in becoming water quality certified can contact their soil and water conservation district or visit mylandmylegacy. com.
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Scholarship available for certified ag water quality farmers Funds support Farm Business Management Program enrollees ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is offering a new scholarship for farmers to learn business management strategies that will lead to profitable and competitive farming operations. The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program Farm Business Management Scholarship provides tuition money for the Farm Business Management Program. This program started
in 1952 and now serves over 5,000 farm families annually in Minnesota. It is offered at eight Minnesota State colleges. The Farm Business Management Program is a one-on-one, studentled program designed to provide education to farm owners and operators. The program helps students to meet their business and personal goals and focuses on using quality records and sound business decisions with
tools and other resources. “Our goal of offering this scholarship to the Farm Business Management Program is to assure our farmers are on better financial footing through good education,” said Whitney Place, MDA assistant commissioner. “We already know, thanks to a study by AgCentric and the Agricultural Centers of Excellence, that ag water quality certified farms have a 26% higher net income than non-certified farms, so it will be an added benefit to equip them with the resources of the Farm
Business Management Program.” Keith Olander, director of AgCentric and the Central Lakes College Ag & Energy Center, said having the ability to compare financial data to environmental practices on the farm offers a new management tool for producers who desire to change farming methods while maintaining profitability. The scholarship will award $140 per credit (approximately 75% of the cost of tuition) for new Farm Business Management students
in their first or second semester of the program and $90 per credit (approximately 50% the cost of tuition) for returning students in their third semester or beyond. Students must enroll in a minimum of two credits per semester, or four per academic year, with a maximum of 10 credits
per year. To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be water quality certified in the MAWQCP. To apply, contact a Farm Business Management instructor. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The deadline for spring semester is March 1.
Contract turkey producers eligible for aid Deadline Feb. 26 B U F F A L O – Contract turkey producers are now eligible for aid. United States Department of Agriculture officials extended the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program to contract turkey growers. Farmers who experienced pandemic-
related revenue losses in 2020 compared to 2019 may apply for payments from the program. “It’s been a tough year for everyone,” said Sarah Anderson, executive director for the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association. “This aid from federal officials, however, will help our contract turkey farmers weather the
challenges brought on by COVID-19.” Under the program, eligible contract growers could receive up to 80% of their revenue losses from Jan. 1, 2020, to Dec. 27, 2020, compared to the same timeframe in 2019. For more information on how to qualify, visit www.farmers. gov/cfap. Independent
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turkey growers were previously deemed eligible for CFAP-2 aid in September. The application period is open and runs through Feb. 26. Eligible growers should contact their USDA Service Center or www.farmers.gov/cfap for more information on how to apply. Oneon-one support with applications is also available by calling 877508-8364.
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