PRSRT STD ECR U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #861
11 2nd Ave. N., Unit 103, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
“Minnesota’s Oldest Weekly Newspaper” Vol. 162, No. 8
Construction begins on Second Street North SAUK RAPIDS — The third leg of a transportation project, presented nearly ten years ago after the construction of the Sauk Rapids Regional Bridge, is slated to begin May 31. The $13.2 million “3 Up the Hill” project will replace the current Second Street North with a four-lane roadway from Third Avenue North to Highway 10. Roundabouts will be placed at Sixth Avenue North and Summit Avenue and a trafÀc signal will direct Áow at the Stearns Drive intersection. According to Benton County Public Works Director Chris Byrd, the Àrst phase of construction will likely involve widening of the eastern portion of the CSAH 3 project to allow for underground electrical or storm/sewer work that will need to be completed prior to road work. Since the project involves city utilities, limited disruptions of city water supplies will occur when contractors install temporary water lines and switch back to new lines. The city of Sauk Rapids will be contacting residents regarding such disruptions. Questions about water or sewer service can be directed to Sauk Rapids Public Works Department at (320) 253-7780. During the completion of the project over the next year, the roadway will remain open to trafÀc as much as possible, but will encounter some short-term (less than two weeks) closures. The Àrst closure will start June 6 and last approximately one week. It will allow for utility work which crosses Second Street North. Most work on the roadway will occur during daylight hours Monday through Friday, with some occasional Saturday work. In order to minimize trafÀc or water/ sewer service disruptions, some work will occur at night. Construction will continue through the summer and should be substantially complete by fall 2016. Final landscaping and a second pavement layer will occur in the spring of 2017.
Construction continued on pg. 2
Sauk Rapids, Benton County, Minnesota 56379
A continuation of the Frontiersman, The Free Press, Sauk Rapids Sentinel and St. Cloud Sentinel.
(USPS 482-240)
June 2, 2016
Get going and start doing Class of 2016 receives encouragement for future by NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER ST. CLOUD — A high school graduation ceremony is a rite of passage that symbolizes persistence and dedication and it was no different for the 277 Sauk Rapids-Rice seniors who participated in commencement May 31 at Saint Cloud State University’s Halenbeck Hall. Superintendent Dr. Daniel Bittman congratulated the Class of 2016 and conveyed the seniors’ journey from elemen-
tary through this past year. “Life will not get easier. It will not slow down. And it will not get less complicated,” Bittman said. “However, you have a solid foundation, and you have the tools and skills to succeed.” As the evening progressed, salutatorian Brooke Lorentz brought a light-hearted cheer to the event, when she stopped to put on her Mickey Mouse ears before addressing her fellow
PHOTO BY MISSY MUSSMAN
Rebecca Schubert receives her diploma during commencement on May 31.
Graduation continued on pg. 2
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
The Sauk Rapids-Rice senior class receives their diplomas during commencement on May 31.
Black bear sighted near Rice by NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
RICE — Bear sightings have been reported to Sauk Rapids Herald by residents who live outside the Rice community. Sightings have been reported from near both Benton County Road 12 and east of Benton Beach or 125th Street NW. According to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), although they have received reports of sightings in Todd, Morrison and Benton counties, none of these reported nuisance bears. Spring bear sightings have been common in the area for decades and the DNR said there is no evidence the bear population is increasing in Benton County. The DNR advises bear will take advantage of any foods available. They will attempt to eat anything that
resembles food in the look, smell or taste and attracted to homes by garbage, bird feeders, pet food, charcoal grills, fruit trees and gardens. They will return regularly once they Ànd a source of food. If a bear comes in your yard: • Don’t panic. Don’t shoot. Don’t approach. Most bears fear people and will leave on their own. If a bear woofs, snaps its jaw, slaps the ground or brush or bluff charges; you are too close. Back away slowly and go inside and wait for the bear to leave. • If a bear refuses to leave make loud noises or throw something to scare it away— but keep distance. Always allow the bear an escape route. A black bear which is surprised or believes it is cornered will attack a perceived threat.
• If bear is treed leave it alone. Remove both people and pets from the area until the bear has left. • Though bear cubs may look cute and cuddly, keep a wide berth. Generally black bears pose little risk of harm to people and will Áee when encountered. A black bear sow who senses her cub is in danger is an exception. Stay away to avoid giving the sow the impression her cubs are threatened. The DNR has the responsibility to reduce conÁicts between bears and people. The best way to avoid bear problems is to not attract bears in the Àrst place. If you have persistent bear problems or want more information on bears contact the MnDNR Wildlife OfÀce in Little Falls GRAPHIC SUBMITTED or area manager Beau Liddell For the last 10 years, black bear sightings are common during at (320) 616-2450 ext. 222. the spring near Rice, according to the DNR.
Memorial ceremonies offer reflection by NATASHA BARBER & ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITERS
Crowds gathered in solace under the morning sun’s rays at cemeteries May 30, remembering those service members who gave their lives in battle. Memorial Day programs were spread throughout the morning hours given by the Sauk Rapids American Legion Post No. 254, Rice American Legion Post No. 473, Sauk Rapids Veteran of Foreign War Post No. 6992 and their auxiliaries along with local Boy Scout troops and the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Marching Band and Color Guard. Ceremonies were held at the Sauk Rapids cemeteries as well as Langola Township, Graham Township and Rice’s Immaculate Conception cemPHOTO BY ANNA SALDANA eteries. Rice Mayor Dale Rogholt (rigth) and Rice Legion Command“For almost 150 years er Fred Segler welcome community members and guests to our nation has set aside this the Memorial Day services May 30 at the Immaculate Concepday to remember those who tion Church cemetery in Rice.
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Members of Sauk Rapids Boy Scout Troop No. 9 raised the Áag at the Memorial Day service at Sauk Rapids cemeteries May 31.
sacriÀced their lives in de- chelle Fischbach of District gathered to remember those fense of our nation and our 13, who attended the Sauk Memorial Day freedom,” said Sen. Mi- Rapids service. “We are continued on pg. 2