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Section B
Saturday, April 18, 2020
Same Local Coverage Since 1854.
Vol. 166, No. 2
2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Minnesota model predicts COVID-19 peak in July Mitigation efforts determine ICU demand, mortality
BY JENNIFER COYNE STAFF WRITER
The past few weeks have completely uprooted Minnesota communities as the spread of the novel coronavirus hit the Midwest state, and experts from the Minnesota Department of Health and School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota claim this is only the beginning. “Our mathematical model for COVID-19 follows the structure of a susceptible, exposed, infected, recovered model,” said Stefan Gildemeister, state health economist. “This allows us to mechanistically step through compartments of the disease progression. At each stage there is information that informs how the population travels through these compartments and how mitigation strategies change the probability of populations becoming exposed, infected and recovered.” Gildemeister explained Minnesota’s mathematical model for the progression of
Stitching
Janice Martin showcases some of her completed masks April 14 at her home in Rice. Martin has sewn 120 masks.
Area residents sew masks, donate personal protective equipment BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER
during the COVID-19 pandemic. Benton County residents SAUK RAPIDS – Lending are making masks and donating a helping hand is part of the fab- other personal protective equipric of society but even more so ment to various entities. One
place people can donate is to Benton County itself. Starting April 9, the county has hosted a donation drive each Thursday. In the first drive, the county received approximately 250 homemade masks, 350 pairs of latex gloves, 500 N95 masks and 18 containers of hand sanitizer. Donated supplies get
PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYER
passed on to police and fire departments within Benton County. “We established a drop-off location knowing how difficult it has become for first responders to purchase PPE from various suppliers given the nation-
Stitching page 2
District teachers, students, families experience learning curve with distance learning BY JENNIFER MORRISSETTE HESSE SRR COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
SAUK RAPIDS – Meagan Simonson, Sauk Rapids resident and parent to Mississippi Heights Elementary first grader, Leo, feels her son’s teachers have gone above and beyond to help with the school district’s transition from a traditional brick-and-mortar school model to one that utilizes distance learning, as mandated by Gov. Tim Walz’s March 15 emergency executive order that closed
COVID-19 page 5
Learning page 3 PHOTO SUBMITTED
Emily Ringsmuth, kindergarten teacher at Mississippi Heights Elementary School, instructs a class from her home during the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District’s first week of distance learning. The school began distance learning April 6 and will continue until May 4 in accordance with an emergency executive order issued by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
PUBLIC NOTICES • Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD No. 47 Reg. Minutes March 30, 2020 - pg. 11 • Assumed Name - CrossFit St. Cloud - pg. 11
OBITUARIES
• Dennis O. Burski • Dennis P. Sigler Dennis J. Zaun PG. 5
ST R
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Page 2 | SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Stitching from front
wide demand for these products,” said Monty Headley, Benton County administrator. “These donations can fill a gap until commercially-available supplies are back in stock, and we have been told by wholesale suppliers it could be months before new supplies are available.” Among those making masks is Janice Martin of Rice. Martin has made 120 masks thus far with more to be made once she gets more elastic. “I want to help as many people as I can from getting sick,” Martin said. “This is the least I can do. I’m trying to do my part, and I feel for the people
PHOTOS BY ANNA HINKEMEYER
Janice Martin sews a mask at her kitchen table April 14 in Rice. Martin has donated masks to friends, family, coworkers at Rice Elementary School and staff at St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls.
that have to be there helping others.” On average, Martin can make a mask in five minutes. Depending on the elastic, it may take longer.
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Martin’s masks have gone to various friends and family as well as to Rice Elementary School and St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls.
When Martin started sewing masks, she had to get reacclimated with her machine. “It’s been a while since I have used it,” Martin said. “But I figured I have the machine, the fabric was donated by a friend, and a couple people gave me some elastic so I figured I would do what I can.”
Various 4-H clubs around Benton County are also doing their part. The Pollard family, of Foley, is contributing as members and the club leader of the 79ers 4-H Club. Laura Pollard is a club leader and her daughter, Katelynn, is involved in 4-H. As a club leader, Laura continues to come up with projects that teach the 4-Hers skills. “I have known how to sew but never taught the children,” Laura said. “With the current need, this was a great time to teach them, and it has taught them a lot.” Thus far, the Pollard family has sewn 200 masks. After the masks are put together, Laura drops them off with a community member who then delivers all the masks to where they are needed. The Pollards’ first batch went to Country Meadows, a nursing home in Milaca. The second batch was donated to area birthing centers. As for the batch the family just com-
pleted, the destination is unknown. “Our masks can go anywhere which is a cool concept,” Laura said. “We started this because there was a need. Simple. If we can do our part to keep everyone safe and healthy with these masks, we can maybe make this go away faster. It means a lot to be able to help.” As for the Benton County donation drive, no end date has been set. Donations can be dropped off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the county property management office, located at 321 Sixth Ave., Foley. If the public has donations but are unable to deliver them during the drop-off time, people may contact Benton County Emergency Management at 320968-8146 to arrange an alternative drop-off time. “The county greatly appreciates the donations it has received,” Headley said. “We encourage anyone who might have protective equipment to donate where they are able.”
Visiit us at griver.o o rg Masks sit grouped together at the Pollard home in Foley. The family’s masks have been donated to Country Meadows in Milaca as well as area birthing centers. FRHBE14-4B-WS
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Katelynn Pollard sews a mask in her home in Foley. The Pollard family has sewn 200 masks. RS13-4B-MT
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | Page 3
Learning from front
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Leo Simonson, first grade student at Mississippi Heights Elementary School, holds a cake at his home in Sauk Rapids. Simonson has been distance learning at his home with help from his mom, Meagan.
at Mississippi Heights Elementary School. She thinks the district’s first weeks of distance learning have gone as well as can be expected, but said not being able to see her students in person is a challenge for her and other teachers. At the same time, Ringsmuth is grateful for the support she has received from her students’ families. “I don’t think my students could be successful without all of the time and energy that family members are putting in,” Ringsmuth said. “This is a difficult time for many, so I want parents and families to know that teachers are here to support learning in any way we can.” Ringsmuth and other district educators are getting support themselves as they learn to teach in new environments. District technology coaches, principals and instructional coaches are readily available to support teachers and answer their questions via phone, email and video calls. Shelby Chollet, Ed.D., academic achievement and support services specialist, said the delivery of materials and class content have had to quickly shift, and staff have adapted and supported each other during the change. “The creative solutions that teachers have implemented in their work are phenomenal to see,” she said. “We,
as educators, are having to pivot to create transformational experiences for learners one step at a time. Energy and enthusiasm in education always comes from relationships, camaraderie and perseverance. More than ever, our village needs to wrap around each other with optimism, empathy and understanding. We are applying an optimistic fellowship to support one another.” The positive attitudes helpful for distance learning success are needed on all fronts. Simonson said her family’s biggest challenge right now is balancing and blending remote work responsibilities with distance learning needs. “Leo is a first grader
Sauk Rapids
Johnson to chair Watab board for another year Meetings to take place first, second Tuesdays dependent on the month BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER
SAUK RAPIDS – The Watab Township Board of Supervisors met April 14 for its first regular meeting since annual elections in March. Supervisor Bill Little and clerk Kathy Sauer – who were sworn in prior – join treasurer Deborah O’Keefe and supervisors Julie Johnson and Steve Wollak as township leaders. The meeting took place at Watab Town Hall with public access via Zoom teleconference application. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first order of business was to approve a resolution to allow the board to meet by telephone or teleconference in the future. Then, the annual organizational meeting actions were met. Johnson was elected chair and Wollak vice chair of the board. The board will meet on either the first or second Tuesday of each month for the next year. Dates were decided upon to take into account bills and claims preparations as well as upcoming election dates. Town officers will receive $75 per meeting and $25 per hour for special meetings with a rate no more than $75. Authorized work outside of meetings will be compensated at $25 per hour. The clerk and treasurer are paid $25 per hour as well as a $250 treasurer stipend and $300 clerk stipend. Johnson asked Sauer and O’Keefe to keep track of their at-home work for three months in order to quantify the work they do outside of the township building. The board will then review the stipends at a later date. In other board news: – The board opened sealed bids for the 105th Street Northwest road reclamation and widening project. Sauer said she accidently opened one bid prior to the meeting but did not disclose the information to the board or others. Rice Contracting and Development Service of Rice was the lowest of seven bids at $185,284.65. Township engineer Nick Ander-
Watab page 5
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school buildings across the state. “I know my son’s teacher is there if we have any questions,” Simonson said. “The school’s digital learning management platform is a place where parents are commenting, and everyone seems to be helping each other figure out the problems. I feel like Leo’s work is very organized. We were able to borrow an iPad from the school because we did not have one and that has been great.” Superintendent Aaron Sinclair said the district has been able to meet students’ needs for devices and is also assisting some families in securing temporary, free internet access during this school closure. The majority of district families now have internet access. Jenny Bushman, Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools director of teaching and learning, said the time schools were allowed to prepare for distance learning prior to its implementation has helped the district adapt to a new educational reality, and the first weeks have been challenging but successful. “Overall, despite some bumps in the road, distance learning is off to a good start,” Bushman said. “There is certainly a learning curve for teachers, students, families and staff, so I think it is important that we continue to offer grace as we navigate this new way of teaching and learning.” Bushman believes distance learning is a work in progress and that an expectation of continuous improvement is still important. “While problems with our district’s learning management system were more prevalent during the first week of distance learning, teachers were flexible and responsive to these technology challenges,” she said. “We continue to explore additional ways to support the social and emotional needs of students and families right now while gathering and responding to feedback as we would in a traditional education setting. We also continue to explore areas such as grading and new ways of engaging with students.” e Emily Ringsmuth is a kindergarten teacher
and a younger student, so he is not able to just read through lessons and stay on track without some assistance,” Simonson said. “If I get a phone call for work, he just stops and waits until I can help him again.” In spite of the logistical challenges, Simonson remains upbeat about balancing all of her family’s needs. She knows distance learning will likely get easier for her family as time goes on. “Like anything, the more you do something, the smoother it goes,” she said. “I feel like every day it is easier to complete tasks and work with the school’s learning management system. We now know how and where to post work and navigate the process.” District administration does not know if students will return to school later this spring or if distance learning mandates will continue for the rest of the school year. At this time, the district is providing childcare for emergency, healthcare and essential workers and continues to offer food service for its students. Much of the district staff has work responsibilities that are similar to those they had before the implementation of distance learning. Some report to work on site and some work remotely from home depending on responsibilities. While what school looks and feels like has changed, the district’s commitment to students remains unchanged. “This new world of teaching and learning might look different than before for all of us, but the district’s focus and priority of doing what is best for kids remains our compass,” Chollet said.
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OBITUARIES
Page 4 | SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Dennis O. Burski
Dennis P. Sigler
Services will be at a later date at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids for Dennis Paul Sigler, age 78, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and formerly of St. Cloud who died April 12, 2020, at Care Partners in Eau Claire. Burial will be in Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls. Dennis was born Jan. 4, 1942, in St. Cloud to Edward and Hortense (Genz) Sigler. He served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1960-64. He married Jean Daiker Aug. 24, 1964, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Denny was a truck driver for Fingerhut and Courtesy Auto Transport for over 35 years before retiring in 2004. He loved to share stories of his trucking days and pass on any wisdom he had with those who asked (and those who didn’t). He was a member of Sauk Rapids VFW Post No. 6992 and Marine Corps League Valhalla Detachment No. 171 and wore his Marine Corps jacket and hat with immense pride. Denny marched to the beat of his own drum. He loved any animal that crossed his path and had been known to share a snack with a squirrel or two. Denny was proud of his children and grandchildren and would be happy to tell anyone that would listen all about them. Although his heart was always in St. Cloud, he made lots of friends in Wisconsin when he moved there
Dennis P. Sigler
in 2014. He was known as “Grandpa Denny” and loved driving his grandkids and their families around and supporting them in all their activities. He was adored by many and will be so deeply missed. Survivors include his wife, Jean of Waite Park; sons, Todd (Joaquin Lerma) of St. Paul, Tim of Sartell; daughter, Nikki (Mike) Andrews of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Courtney, Tatum, Talon, Maggie, Katie and Ian; brothers and sisters, Bill (Mary), Pat (Nadine), Joyce, Jim (Laura) all of St. Cloud, Mike (Cathy) of Sauk Rapids, Judy (Wayne) Anderson and Dick (Kris) both of Rice, Janice Bear of Bakersfield, California,, Ken (Linda) of Waite Park and Joanie Sigler of Clearwater. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ed (Evie) and Charles Sigler. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at https://www. williamsdingmann.com R-16-1B
“Our Country is in Mourning, A Soldier Died Today.”
2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 (320) 251-1971 Sauk Rapids Herald (USPS 21690) is published weekly, 52 times a year, by Star Publications, 2 2nd Ave S, Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379-1651. Second-class Postage paid at Sauk Rapids, MN 56379. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Sauk Rapids Herald, 2 2nd Ave S, Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379-1651.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Official newspaper of the city of Sauk Rapids and Independent School District No. 47
Private graveside services were Thursday, April 16 at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Sauk Rapids for Dennis O. Burski, age 81, of Sauk Rapids who passed away peacefully at the ACE unit of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Sauk Rapids April 13, 2020, with his loving wife Pat at his side. The Rev. Ralph Zimmerman officiated. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids. Dennis was born June 10, 1938, in rural Sauk Rapids to John and Doris (Wittstock) Burski. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sauk Rapids. He attended country school and Trinity Lutheran School for seventh and eighth grade. He graduated in 1956 from Sauk Rapids High School. In 1960, he graduated from Drew’s Business College. He married Pat Visneski Oct. 17, 1959 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids.
Dennis O. Burski
Dennis worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 34 years and retired in 2000 as a member of the One Million Mile Club. During his years of postal service his dedication to delivering the mail on time to his patrons was his priority. While never complaining about the weather, he was proud of the service he provided. He was a 50+ year member of the National Association of Letter Carriers. Dennis’ pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He was a constant supporter of all their sporting events as well as music concerts and church events. He enjoyed camping especially at Fr. Hennepin State Park. Large campfires and outdoor
Dennis J. Zaun
A private service will take place in Assumption Cemetery in St. Cloud for Dennis J. Zaun, age 75, of St. Cloud, who died April 14, 2020, at the St. Cloud Hospital. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, St. Cloud. Dennis was born Jan. 12, 1945, to Alfred Sr. and Delphine (Busch) Zaun in Jordan, Minnesota. He married Karen Beckman Oct. 23, 1965, at St. John Baptist Church in Jordan. Dennis graduated from Mankato State University with a degree in accounting. He became a CPA and joined Price Waterhouse. Still in his mid-20s, he saw an ad in the Journal of
Dennis J. Zaun
Accountancy for a small accounting practice for sale in Wadena. He was his own boss ever since. To build his practice, he moved to St. Cloud and specialized in serving community bank clients throughout Minnesota. He often expressed gratitude for his clients putting faith in a young accountant. In a second-career as a banker, he served as
Advertising: Our ad takers have no authority to bind this newspaper, and only publication of an advertisement shall constitute final acceptance of the advertiser’s order. Subscription Rates: Free in Sauk Rapids and Rice P.O. boxes, city routes and rural routes. Benton, Stearns or Sherburne Counties - $50 per year Other counties and outside Minnesota - $55 per year, $5 per month for snowbirds
cooked meals were favorites. Deer hunting, birds, gardening and long walks were also favorite activities. He enjoyed picking up special rocks on his walks. His garden was a source of tasty vegetables for decades although two years ago he did declare “the rabbits won the battle of the garden.” He volunteered tirelessly at Sacred Heart Church and Sauk Rapids High School. He served as a hockey coach, Cub Scout leader and Girl Scout leader. He was an adamant supporter of all Sauk Rapids Storm athletics especially the hockey team. Survivors include his soulmate Pat, wife of 60 years; daughter, Cindy (Jerry) McCullough of Wadena; sons, Steve (Kathy) Burski of Mora and David (Shellie) Burski of Dardenne Prairie, Missouri.; seven special grandchildren, Matt (Brittany) McCullough of Esko, Chris (Laura) McCullough of Blacksburg, Virginia, Nick (fiancé Abbigale)
Burski of Duluth, Andrew McCullough, Alison Burski, Nate Burski and Justin Burski; two great grandchildren, Liam and Kaisa; sisterin-law, Joyce Burski of Rice; and brother-in-law, Wayne (Marcia) Visneski of Royalton. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Doris Burski; brother, John and wife Joanne; brother, Ralph; and infant brothers, Ronald and Donald. Special thanks to the ACE Unit of the Good Shepherd Community and its wonderful employees, Aegis Therapies with its amazing therapists who worked so hard to get Dennis walking again and Dr. George Schoephoerster for all your kind, compassionate care of our beloved Dennis. “Receive his soul and present him to God, present his soul to God Most High.” Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at https://www. williamsdingmann.com R-16-1B
president of the Farmers & Merchants State Bank of Pierz and was involved with banks in Park Rapids, and Eden Valley. Dennis had a strong work-ethic, an independent mind and generous spirit. In retirement, he golfed with friends in Minnesota and California. He enjoyed working on the property of his Long Lake home. He spent countless hours working at his home desk, including preparing tax returns for relatives and friends. He also supported CentraCare and Cathedral High School. Dennis will be greatly missed by his wife, sons, daughters-in-law and adoring grandchildren. Dennis is survived by his wife, Karen of
St. Cloud; sons, Todd of Sartell and Steve of Pacific Palisades, California; daughters-inlaw Kyoko (Ogawa) Zaun of Sartell and Priscilla (Haag) Zaun of Pacific Palisades; grandchildren, Emma Zaun of Sartell; Heidi and Wyatt Zaun of Pacific Palisades; brothers, Alfred Jr., Lee, and Ronald; sisters, Mary Ann Weingartner, Diane McMahon and Susan Neutgens. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Gregg; and brother, Roger. Obituary and guest book available online at https:// www. williamsdingmann.com R-16-1B
Letters: Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are welcomed. Letters must be signed with first and last name and include address and phone number. Letters should be short and to the point (400 words or less). We reserve the right to edit lengthy letters. Corrections/Clarifications: The Herald strives for accuracy. If you would like to report a factual error, please call (320) 251-1971.
Deadlines: The deadline for most news in the Herald is noon on Wednesday. Exceptions are obituaries which have a deadline of 10 a.m. Thursday. The deadline for advertisements in the Herald is 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Mark Klaphake Joyce Frericks Missy Traeger Natasha Barber Maria Bichler Anna Hinkemeyer Evan Michealson Jakob Kounkel Pat Turner Amanda Thooft Maddy Peterson
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | Page 5
Rice extends public access closure GRAPH PROVIDED BY THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Six scenarios highlight the potential impact of COVID-19 in Minnesota, including when peak cases may arrive, the intensive care unit beds needed and mortalities. The red numbers indicate a level of uncertainty with each scenario.
COVID-19 from front
COVID-19 during a webinar April 10 hosted by MDH and the university. The model, developed in partnership with MDH and the School of Public Health at the UMN, takes into account current statewide data on the spread of COVID-19. “We are working with a host of data, but the challenge with this model is that real time information is changing,” Gildemeister said. “This mathematical disease model is a powerful tool and has a place, but it’s not magic.” With current mitigation efforts, and extending the stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Tim Walz another four weeks past the current May 4
Statewide COVID-19 numbers
As of April 16 41,675 – Minnesotans tested 1,912 – Confirmed positive cases 1,020 – People no longer needing isolation 475 – Total hospitalized 213 – Hospitalized as of Thursday 103 – ICU as of Thursday 94 – Deaths as of Thursday date, health officials anticipate nearly 16 weeks until Minnesota reaches its peak COVID-19 cases and ultimately peak use of intensive care unit beds. This is what experts are referring to as Scenario 4 in the model. In this scenario, at peak week – anticipated July 13 – Minnesota will need roughly 3,700 ICU beds solely for COVID-19 patients. The state could also expect to see a mortality rate of 22,000
deaths. When modeling COVID-19 first began in early March, and no mitigation efforts were put in place, the state had 235 available ICU beds. With current measures in place and no others added or extended, it is anticipated the peak of COVID-19 cases would be reached by June 8, which would include the need for 4,500 ICU beds and result in 41,000 deaths (Scenario 2).
Watab from pg. 3 Watab Township Meeting Dates 2020-21 All meetings will take place at 7 p.m.
May 5 Aug. 4 Nov. 10 Feb. 9
June 9 Sept. 8 Dec. 8 March 2
son will review the bids and verify quotes. The bid will be awarded in May. – Approved a $7,075 quote from Independent Testing Technologies Inc., of Waite Park, for soil borings of West Lake Road and West Lake Court. The quote is for up to 25 borings and will be reduced by $225 for each sample not taken. – The board tabled a decision on potholes until more information can be verified. Minnesota Blacktopping, of Sauk Rapids, bid $900
July 7 Oct. 6 Jan. 5 April 6
per ton for hot mix while Midwest Asphalt Maintenance, of Belgrade, bid $395 per ton for granite chip mix. The board wanted to know more about the granite mixture and the willingness of the applicant to service the area more than one day. – The annual road tour is set for May 1. – Approved awarding lawn mowing services to Deluxe Yard Care, of Sauk Rapids. The board is seeking bids for ditch mowing and street sweeping of the roads that need to be striped this season.
Other model scenarios include a longer-term shelter-in-place order for those most susceptible to COVID-19 (Scenario 3), extend social distancing by another six weeks following the conclusion of the stay-at-home order (Scenario 3.1), or a longer-term slowed contact for all Minnesotans (Scenario 3.2). Each scenario provided estimates of top ICU demand and mortality. Scenario 3.1 provides the best outcome with a peak week of COVID-19 cases anticipated July 6, but ICU demands reaching capacity June 29 with 3,300 beds. This scenario also projects the least number of deaths related to COVID-19 at 20,000. “The more we can reduce contact, the fewer deaths and ICU demands there will be,” Gildemeister said. There is a level of uncertainty with every scenario, including days to peak, ICU beds needed and mortality. “These models are scenarios and none of the scenarios match exactly what the governor has done,” Gildemeister said. “What we do know is that changes to mitigation efforts will change the outcome.” State health officials are also working in concert with hospitals to determine if the ICU capacity is accurate. “Hospitals are telling us what they can handle,” Gildemeister said. “A lot of their models are more pessimistic than ours because they think at the peak, ICU numbers will be greater.” Minnesota’s pandemic profile continues to develop as more tests are conducted, positive cases are determined and deaths arise.
“Our model is only as good as its inputs,” Gildemeister said. “It will get better as we learn more about the disease in Minnesota.” The state is also taking into account data collected from other states to further refine the model. One tool experts are using is to look at the percentage of positive COVID-19 tests and cumulative tests per 100,000 individuals in a state. When comparing Minnesota to other states that have tested a similar number of people, the state has relatively low cumulative percent positive tests, less than 5%. “It is worth noting that at this point in time, our percent positive remains on the low side,” Gildemeister said. “However, state comparisons have to be done with extreme caution because circumstances are different.” While this model is useful in predicting the impact of COVID-19 in Minnesota, it is certainly not an affirmative tool to determine the pandemic’s course. State officials are anticipating several waves of the pandemic to run through Minnesota until widespread immunity is built for COVID-19. “Just because we’re home right now doesn’t mean the virus isn’t waiting for us,” Gildemeister said. “This is going to be with us in very challenging ways until a vaccine or treatment is developed.” More information about the state’s model is available at https:// mn.gov/covid19/data/ modeling.jsp.
Buildings shuttered until May 4 BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
RICE – Public buildings in the city of Rice will remain closed to public access until May 4. The city council approved extending the closure to coincide with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order at its meeting April 13. Staff continues to report to its facilities as usual, but the public is asked to contact the city by phone or email. Payments can be made through the dropbox in the rear parking lot of city hall or online. The city compost site opens at 4 p.m. April 21 to those who have a current sticker. Residents can request a sticker by contacting city hall. People who reside outside of city limits must pay a $40 fee and a sticker will be mailed to them. The compost site is open 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Site workers will be managing and ensuring social distancing but are not permitted to assist users until the order is lifted. Rental of city buildings is restricted at this time. In other council news: – Approved a 50cent per hour temporary raise for city employees. The city employs roughly 30 people in its office, compost and public works, fire, recreation and police departments. – The city will conduct a council meeting at 6 p.m. April 20 via the Zoom teleconference application.
Page 6 | SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Essential services in Benton County continue The stay-athome executive order issued by Gov. Walz exempted most all of county government, meaning our services were deemed essential and must continue COUNTY BOARD functioning. As BENTON OF COMMISSIONERS board chair, I want BY SPENCER BUERKLE,CHAIR to assure county residents that Benton County government is open and providing services to our residents. With the exception of our Department of Motor Vehicles office, all departments are open for business. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have changed how we interact with the public. We ask residents to call first and see if we can take care of your needs over the phone. Also, many county services can be accessed through the county website. If you need to meet with county staff in person, arrangements can be made to meet, although we may ask you screening questions to help determine if it is safe to meet face-to-face. We strongly encourage our employees to follow the recommended social distancing practices. Our vital public service employees remain on the job. Deputy sheriffs patrol our roads. Correctional officers watch over inmates in our county jail. Highway workers are busy on spring maintenance projects. Social workers continue investigating reports of child abuse and neglect. On behalf of the county board, I want to thank our dedicated county employees who continue doing this important work for our citizens in the midst of such challenging times. County residents should also know county emergency response personnel are actively engaged in coordinating the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Working from our Emergency Operations Center in the sheriff’s office, these employees help put resources where they are needed. EOC staff have been planning for additional hospital beds if local hospitals become overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. They have also put plans in place to house county residents in need of isolation and quarantine if the resident has no other place to stay. EOC staff have also worked to get personnel protective equipment into the hands of health care workers and first responders. We will follow the direction of Walz and public health professionals when making decisions to resume normal operations. On behalf of the county board, I want to thank our residents for their patience as we respond to this public health emergency.
Political letters to the editor policy – Political letters written regarding elections and election platform issues are limited to 250 words and are printed free of charge. (Ex: Go vote letters, immigration, gun control, universal healthcare). – Political letters endorsing or opposing a candidate, ballot measure or political party are subject to charges. Star Publications will charge a flat fee of $25 for 250-word or less letters. Display advertising rates will apply to letters exceeding the word limit. Payment must be received prior to copy deadline. – Paid letters to the editor will be clearly marked and set apart from those which are not. – Readers will be allowed to submit one political letter every 14 days. – All letters to the editor (political or not) require first and last names, addresses and phone numbers. Names and city of residency will be published in the newspaper along with the letter copy. – The final time and date to submit a political letter to the editor for the general election is 5 p.m. Oct. 14.
EDITORIAL
Watch this up?
Is the world healing, ready to open back We assumed the first one was free, but then Nope, COVID-19 has not spiked yet in the second episode played and it had a capour area as projected. At least it is nice out. tion that read, “This episode was available Can we pull out the hose? Nope, the temto you for free by Jane Doe in Wyoming.” perature dropped below 30 degrees. Because So, by donating money, it helps keep the it is cold, at least I can binge-watch another streaming going so other people can watch show. Darn, the only ones left are undigniit for free. “That’s kind of neat,” I thought. fied and raunchy. But wait, whispers of a When I looked into if season two was finshow have crossed our path, a diamond in ished, it is still being filmed while they are LIFE BY FAITH the rough for the whole family. What can it trying to raise money for their costs. I guess be? A series that enthralls, gluing you to the BY MERCY NYGAARD that is another reason why I am writing. My screen and there is no profanity, no cavalier husband and I love it so much, we are hapsex-capades, fantastic acting, and it is based on real py to donate to keep it going; not just to bless others, events recorded in history. I am about to go against my but because we really want to keep watching. better nature and refer you and your family to sit down I will be honest. The first episode had my children together in front of the TV for this gift of a show. curious. The second episode had them wondering if This multi-season series I am referring you to is we should bail and move on to something else. But the called The Chosen, and it has been entirely crowdfund- third episode, it almost makes me want to cry. The third ed. It is now the No. 1 crowd-funded media project of episode was a story of man that loved the little children, all time. Dallas Jenkins, son of “Left Behind” writer and my children felt it through the screen. I am not sure Jerry B. Jenkins, told The Christian Post in an interview there was even a screen when we were watching it. As I that he wanted to create a short film about the birth of looked at our children’s faces, they were there – sitting, Christ in a fresh way. It led to supporters crying out, playing and in the presence of Jesus. We had to go to “We want more.” Anyone can be a supporter. One sea- bed, but they begged to watch more. son is finished, and the second season is being created I am assuming that if everyone donated a little as I type. But, it hinges on the financial support from something, it would go a long way. Listen to what Jendonations through its crowd funding campaign. The kins told The Christian Post in the same interview. crazy part of this entire experience is that everywhere I “We’ve had multiple people invest five and six look it is free. figures, but one woman wrote a check for $452,” he If you visit The Chosen website at https://www. said. “That’s clearly the exact amount she could afford. tudios.vidangel.com/the-chosen, you can play episode Shame on me if I don’t cry out for God’s help to make No. 1. If you search it on your phone, every link points sure I justify her faith in this project. God has been you to the application whether you have an Android or teaching me that my job isn’t to feed the 5,000, it’s just iPhone, PC or Mac. I downloaded the app in .2 seconds, to bring my loaves and fish. And it’s been humbling and the fastest I have ever had an app download. After it overwhelming to see so many people add their loaves was installed, the app gave me instructions on how to and fish. I don’t know exactly what God’s going to do, smart view it through our TV. There it was, this superb, but it’ll be fun to watch him multiply it.” quality filmed adventure, with breathtaking scenery of It truly is the same concept if everyone gave only what I imagine when I read the Bible, on our large fam- $5. Think about how much you pay to rent one movie. ily television. And it all seemed to happen in an instant In my humble opinion, this series will give back so when we usually have internet speed and technological much more than anything you have ever rented before. headaches.
Spring ephemerals While walking in woodlands, fields because the top of the pulpit shades or or parks, look for flowers emerging partially covers the center section. This from the soil. Many ephemerals will be plant sends its bloom up first and the blooming in the coming weeks. Look leaves follow a little later. In the fall, for the trillium, blood root and other the plant has red berries hanging where flowers defined as ephemerals, meaning the pulpit was in the spring. Dutchman’s wildflowers that appear in early spring, breeches look like an upside-down pair bloom and then die back until the followof pants with wide legs ending in narrow ing year. They grow in early spring when bottoms. The blooms are usually white the ground is barely warm, stay close to but may be a pale pink. The plant grows GREEN AND the ground and provide food for pollina- GROWING IN BENTON 8-12 inches tall. The large-flowered bellCOUNTY tors. Ephemerals will be blooming now wort has long twisted yellow petals surbefore the trees leaf out putting them in BY LINDA G. TENNESON rounded by wider leaves. The blooms deep shade. hang down looking like a bloom that has A wildflower handbook or online search will started to fade. This plant grows 1-2 feet tall and later provide pictures of the following plants and many produces a seed pod that looks like three miniature others. Enjoy these plants but leave them for oth- footballs stuck together. ers to enjoy also instead of picking them. Many of Marsh marigolds are found not in woodlands but these plants including their blooms are also toxic if in ditches and other moist areas. They have round eaten. Some may also have protected status under bright yellow petals extending from a yellow center Minnesota law. Look for bellwort which has yellow and grow from 6 inches to 2 feet tall. The pasque bell-shaped blooms that hang down. The leaves are flower is another open area plant often found on hillbright green, 1-3 inches long. Bloodroot is from the sides or ditches. The blooms are only 2 inches wide poppy family and has large white flowers with or- with five to seven petals. ange centers. The plant may grow to 10 inches tall. Finally, there are the several species of violets The lobed leaves are dark green and grow on pinkish that may be found in woodland, prairie areas or in stalks. A red juice bleeds from broken stems, leaves our own yards. Violets have small blooms, but their and roots, which is where the common name comes violet or dark purple color makes them more noticefrom. Trilliums grow both in the wild and in cultivat- able especially if they are blooming in our lawns. ed versions in our gardens. There are several variet- They grow low to the ground with leaves that resemies, some growing 1 foot tall or more and the blooms ble that of pansies and blooms that may fade to white may be pink or white. There are always three wide or yellow. petals with a yellow center. The blooms are large and Go to https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info more noticeable than some other wildflowers. for detailed information on these and other wildflowThe jack in the pulpit is easily identified by the ers. narrow green section that is surrounded by an arched Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota leaf with sides and a top. This flower is easily missed Extension Master Gardener and Tree Care Advisor.
EDITORIAL
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | Page 7
BREAK CROSSWORD
COVID-19 decisions should keep long term in mind Most of our attention amid the COThe governor’s actions – however VID-19 outbreak has been on the here well-intended they may be – are preand now as we try to mitigate the spread senting some real long-term, damaging of the virus. From the stay-at-home orconsequences, and his power needs to der to businesses closing and even the be checked. Two plans that ease the burlegislature operating from home on an dens of the governor’s peacetime emeron-call basis, I do not think any of us gency declaration were brought to the have seen times quite like these and surfloor Tuesday. vival mode has been the default. One proposal would lift the emerMy top priority right now is to engency declaration while also maintaining STRAIGHT FROM sure the people of Minnesota are as preimportant measures to protect veterans, THE CAPITOL pared as possible and our state agencies small businesses and law enforcement SHANE MEKELAND and health care systems have the proper BY REP. as our response to COVID-19 continues. MN HOUSE 15B resources at their disposal. Immense The other proposal was a wholesale liftpraise goes to the Minnesota heroes who ing of the emergency declaration and all are caring for the ill, protecting our communities, executive orders. I supported both proposals which, educating our kids and keeping our state moving as unfortunately, were defeated. best they can. The fact remains people in our communities unWith those things in mind, we do need to be derstand the dangers COVID-19 poses to our neighthinking about our future, and we find ourselves en- bors and are carful to do what is necessary to protect tering treacherous – if not unprecedented – territory each other. We urge the governor to fully consider the regarding the repeated, unilateral decisions by our impacts an extended stay-at-home order would have governor. His dozens of executive orders include in- not only on the local economies but on our relationconsistencies in application and beg the question of ships and communities. when enough is enough. House Republicans also are asking the governor People are on edge, fearful of what the future to include members of the public, legislators, repreholds when we come out on the other side of this CO- sentatives from small businesses and large corporaVID-19 challenge. I hear from business owners every tions, health care experts, and others in the planning day who say the governor’s forced shutdown could process for the eventual reopening of Minnesota’s cause them to lose everything they have worked so economy. hard to build. We are at a crossroads and need to act now. Let We all want to protect the health and safety us get off the essential versus non-essential workers of Minnesotans. The latest modeling information discussion because every job is essential to someone provided by experts at the Minnesota Department for one reason or another. of Health and the University of Minnesota indicates We all want to do our part to protect the health that by protecting the vulnerable and continuing to and safety of our neighbors during this crisis. Listen observe social distancing, we can begin the process to the advice of experts, and be sure to wash your of bringing our economy back. For the last month, I hands, stay home if you are sick, cover your cough have had the privilege of getting to know a constitu- and practice social distancing. ent who spent more than four decades working as a Minnesotans are strong people, and we will work microbiologist and epidemiologist with specialty in together to get through this. Keep the future in mind virology. He, too, sees a safe pathway back to work because we need a good place to land once we get immediately. If we can avoid three more weeks of there. economic devastation without an increase in ICU demand or deaths, we should have that conversation.
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | Page 9
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Four seniors await final season Talent and experience were slated to be radiated across the Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm baseball roster this season as several of the top players returned to the field. With the COVID-19 pandemic throwing off the spring sports season until May 4 at the earliest, SRR head baseball coach Jeff Hille is appreciative of the few practices they were able to have. “We had a good acclimation period in our four practices we were able to get in,” Hille said. “We got our routines down and got our guys throwing.” While the team held a 9-13 record last year, pitching was among the top skill overall for the Storm. Three of the lead pitchers were scheduled to head to the mound again this season – seniors Derek Durant and Trygve Hanson and junior Landon Lunser. Hanson holds a 3.212 ERA from last season with 10 strikeouts in 28.1 innings, making him the top returning pitcher statistically. However, Durant and Lunser were top contenders. Lunser boasted a 3.429 ERA in 16.1 innings in the 2019 season while Durant had a 5.46 ERA in 16.2 innings. At the plate, SRR returning seniors lead the way this season. Hanson had a .39 average, Nik Neeser a .333 average and Brady Pesta with a .329. Junior Andrew Wollak is expected to be a stellar hitter after earning a .222 average in 2019. While the four seniors are statistical leaders of the team, the Storm has a number of incoming underclassmen to add to its roster after losing nine experienced players from graduation. Matt Krepp, Brandon Bokelman, Connor Hemker and Caleb Neeser will all come into the season with varsity experience if the Storm take the field. Hille hopes the season can resume May 4. “We have a goal of competing for a section championship,” Hille said. “I wouldn’t have a problem if they move the season into summer.”
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Life insurance offered through Allstate Life Insurance Company and Allstate Assurance Co., 3075 Sanders Road, Northbrook, IL 60062, and American Heritage Life Insurance Co., 1776 American Heritage Life Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224. In New York, life insurance offered through Allstate Life Insurance Co. of New York, Hauppauge, NY. © 2018 Allstate Insurance Co.
CHANGING JOBS OR RETIRING? When your life changes, you may be faced with a critical decision: what to do with the money you’ve saved in your employer’s retirement plan. These assets are an essential part of your retirement strategy. Together, we can explore your options to help you make the most informed decisions. Contact me today to discuss if an IRA rollover is right for you. Erik L Hanson, RICP®, CLTC® Financial Associate St. Cloud Area Associates 2835 W Saint Germain St, Suite 550 Saint Cloud, MN 56301 320-253-4382 Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. They are also licensed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent. For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures. Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836
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SAUK RAPIDS – Rice Companies Inc. prides itself on being a one-stop shop for its customers, offering all steps of construction from architectural plans to the finished build. The third-generation company is led by chief executive officer and president Chris Rice, and was started by Chris’s grandfather, Jack Rice, in Beltrami County in 1953. As the family business re-
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located to Sauk Rapids in 1967 and grew under the management of Chris’ father, John Rice, the company diversified and added services starting with architecture, engineering and contracting. Today, Rice Companies has expanded to include real estate brokerage as well as maintenance and development services across its offices in Sauk Rapids, Glencoe, Mankato and the most recent addition of Fargo, North Dakota, March 1. “We are proud to be part of Sauk Rapids,” Chris said. “We love this town and will always be a part of Sauk Rapids. We have had a great partnership with the city and the community for the past 50 years and are looking forward to the next 50.” Family continues to be important and Chris’ sister, Jennifer Rice, is a project coordinator amongst a team of over 25 employees. Chris said 80% of the company’s work is within the Upper Midwest and 90% comes from repeat customers. While the company is willing to
“The further our work takes us, the harder it is for our crews to be able to come home to their families at the end of the day. We go wherever the work takes us but always have our employees in mind.” - president Chris Rice travel with its clientele, the majority of its business is executed near its locations. “Being a third-generation family company, we use that to lead by example and it guides what we do and why,” Chris said. “The further our work takes us, the harder it is for our crews to be able to come home to their families at the end of the day. We go wherever the work takes us but always have our employees in mind.” Being a family-oriented company coincides with community partnerships. The Sauk Rapids relocation created a strong partnership with Manny Fingerhut, who started the Fingerhut Corporation, and Coborn’s Inc. The first Coborn’s
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project for Rice Companies was in 1974, building the store located in the parking lot of the current Sauk Rapids store. Since then, Rice Companies has constructed many new stores and completed several remodels for the grocery chain. Rice Companies has also constructed buildings for many of the established businesses in central Minnesota. “If the business is established in the area, chances are we have had the opportunity to work with them,” Chris said. “We get to know their business almost better than ours. It makes getting to the end point of construction so much better. The end product can be much more tailored to their business because of the way we focus in and get to know them and what they do.” As Rice Companies continues to grow, the value of employees and partnerships within their communities remains a priority. “We truly think we are a full-service design and build firm,” Chris said. “We have all of these services in-house with a multi-location ability to serve customers with multiple locations. We continue to grow because of the people we have here, and because of them we continue to serve customers and continue to grow.”
News Briefs
NEWS
Metro Bus to temporarily eliminate fares ST. CLOUD – In an effort to maximize social distancing and reduce the spread of COVID-19, Metro Bus will stop charging fares for all services, including Northstar Link, effective April 17 until further notice. Metro Bus asks passengers to board and exit exclusively through the rear doors of the fixed route buses and encourages customers to only make essential trips at this time and to follow social distancing guidelines on the bus and while waiting for bus arrival.
Dislocated Worker Program continues to support laid off workers ST. CLOUD – Career Solutions, a partner of CareerForce-St. Cloud, is serving laid off workers through its Dislocated Worker Program. Layoffs are always challenging for workers and employers. Through Career Solutions Dislocated Worker Program, they help them both. If a worker has been permanently laid off (or notified that a layoff is coming) through no fault of their own, Career Solutions offers services at no cost that focus on preparing the employee to find a suitable new job. If an employer faces a permanent plant shutdown or large-scale permanent layoff, the organization can help the business proceed in an orderly and efficient way and provide onsite services for its workers. “We are trying to reach as many dislocated workers as we can during this COVID-19 crisis as we are
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | Page 11
no longer able to inform laid off workers in person at the Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment unemployment orientations like we normally would do,” said Tammy Biery, Career Solutions executive director, of the unemployment insurance process that has been discontinued during this time. “Our career planners are creatively working, still providing great service via phone, video conferencing, email, et cetera. We want to help affected workers in any way that we can. If you know of anyone losing their job, let them know about our services.” The Dislocated Worker Program is designed to help workers get back to work as quickly as possible and overcome such barriers to employment as difficulty transferring specialized skills to other occupations or industries, a decline in the market demand for certain skills, age or length of work experience, need for formal training or education, and lack of jobs with earnings at a level comparable to previous positions. Services are custom tailored to meet an individual worker’s specific needs. Working one-on-one with a counselor, workers develop a plan for employment that may include career planning and counseling, counselor-approved training, on-the-job training, information and assistance in getting a high school diploma or its equivalent, assistance in preparing resumes and cover letters, interview coaching, and referrals to community agencies.
Public Notice CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333
ASSUMED NAME: CrossFit St. Cloud. PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 101 Osseo Avenue N., St. Cloud, MN 56303 USA. NAMEHOLDER(S): Hybrid Farm St Cloud, LLC, 101 Osseo Avenue N., St. Cloud, MN 56303 USA. (4) By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. /s/ Ryan Avery 02/28/2020 R-16-2B
Public Notice SAUK RAPIDS-RICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 47 REGULAR SEMI-MONTHLY BOARD MEETING Monday, March 30, 2020 A semi-monthly meeting of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order by Chair Butkowski Monday, March 30, 2020 at six thirty p.m. remotely as provided by Minnesota Statute 13D.021. ROLL CALL Members present included Braun, Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Loidolt, Morse and Solarz. Others present were Superintendent Sinclair, Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman, Director of Business Services Johnson, Director of Buildings and Grounds Berghuis, incoming Director of Technology Zimpel, incoming Superintendent of Schools Bergstrom, and Interim Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Watkins (6:53 p.m.). APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Hauck and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021the motion was unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Agenda”. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Solarz and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Consent Agenda”. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None ACTION ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION TO HOLD FUTURE BOARD MEETINGS VIA TELECONFERENCE OR OTHER ELECTRONIC MEANS Resolution to Conduct Meetings by Telephone or Other Electronic Means Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools On this 30th Day of March, 2020 A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Braun Be it Resolved, that due to the current federal and state emergency declarations and guidance about limiting person-to-person contact due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, by action of the School Board of Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools all future meetings of the Sauk Rapids-Rice Board of Education will be conducted in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 13D.021—Meetings by Telephone or Other Electronic Means—until further notice. Due to the health pandemic, the School Board has determined that it is not feasible for at least one board member or the superintendent, be physically present at the regular meeting location. It is also not feasible for the public to attend at the regular meeting location due to the health pandemic. M.S. 13D.021 does not require that a physical location for each school board member be posted. Minnesota Statute 13D.021, Subd. 3., provides for the public to monitor a board meeting remotely to the extent practical. School Districts should make allowance for this if they have the tools to do so. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse, Butkowski Voting Against: None Board of Education – Clerk Lisa J. Braun
ADOPTION OF THE DONATION RESOLUTION A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Solarz and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021the motion was unanimously carried to adopt the Donation Resolution. It was recommended by the Minnesota School Board Association that a Donation Resolution be adopted in the Action area of the Agenda rather than in Consent. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None APPROVAL OF THE SRRMS PRINCIPAL A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Holthaus and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021the motion was unanimously carried to approve Jessica M. Messerich for SRRMS principal, effective 07.01.20 at a salary schedule placement of Step 10 on the SRRPA Master Agreement. Jessica was previously the SRRMS assistant principal during the 2018 – 2019 school year and is currently the SRRMS interim principal for the 2019 – 2020 school year. Jessica replaces Nate Rudolph. Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICIES A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Solarz and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to approve the following policies. • #714 (Fund Balances) is a “recommended policy” and will replace current policy #714 (Fund Balances). • #806 (Crisis Management Policy) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current policy #806 (Crisis Management Policy). Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None Respectfully submitted, Lisa J. Braun, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-16-1B
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NEWS/SPORTS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | Page 13
Empty ballparks, stadiums hit home People are hunkered down at home and supposed to go out only for necessities like groceries or essential work. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, people are finding alternative ways to occupy their time, including more time outdoors, watching TV and movies, or reading. As I think about the things we incorporate into our daily lives during this time, there is one group that comes to mind: sports enthusiasts and athletes. I know they are experiencing a void, and I am too.
ON THE SIDELINES
BY ANNA HINKEMEYER
I have talked with many senior athletes from the high school, and it is sad to see their feelings on missing out on their final sports seasons. Many looked forward to spending time with teammates
and seeing what the teams could accomplish. I feel for them, and I miss being on the sidelines watching games and meets. Beyond that, however, is a large community of enthusiasts who saw the NBA and NHL seasons cut short with the possibility the remaining games will never be played. The Minnesota Twins and other MLB teams started spring training, but the remainder of spring training and the first part of the season was canceled. While sports are not
Look who’s new
Darlene Hiscock shared the newest member of the family with her husband, Gerald, April 10. But because of visitor restrictions at Good Shepherd Community due to the novel coronavirus, she had to think of a creative way. The couple’s first great grandchild was born 2.5 months ago, and Gerald has been unable to hold or meet his greatgranddaughter. Darlene constructed a card for Gerald with several pictures of the little one to share the family’s good news. A staff member delivered the gift to Gerald. Cecelia Kremer, daughter of Josh and Kayla Kremer of Brooklyn Park, was born Feb. 1. Grandparents are Dale and Michele HisPHOTOS SUBMITTED cock of Rice. Darlene Hiscock, of Rice, holds Cecelia Kramer, her first
great grandchild. Cecelia is the daughter of Josh and Kayla Kremer.
considered an essential part of society, it is a part of life and a popular pastime for many Americans. In my family, it is common to be gathered around the TV watching sporting events. My brother is not himself because he loves watching sports. I visited with one of the baseball coaches in Sauk Rapids earlier this week at the ball field at Bob Cross Park, and there was a hint of sadness knowing the field may not be used this year. With uncertainty ahead surrounding COVID-19, I want the world to be aware of the sports enthusiasts in our community. They may be a little more down than the rest of us because in quarantine there is less athletic entertainment. Thankfully, there are ways to view sporting events even if not current. The Storm End Zone Club and Sauk RapidsRice football coach Phil Klaphake picked the top 10 games from recent seasons to air on YouTube. Past Twins games and other sporting events have been aired on TV. Still, it is not the same. To all the sports enthusiasts out there, I see you and am one of you. I cannot wait until the day we can gather for a solid nine innings. It will be great. Until then, keep watching your old favorites and talking about what is coming up.
SRR announces award nominees 12 students up for athlete, performer of the year SAUK RAPIDS – Sauk Rapids-Rice High School seniors are about to get deserved recognition. The district has announced six male and female nominees of two awards. Senior athlete of the year highlights the male and female seniors that have shown a high level of athletic skill, leadership, involvement, academics and character. The senior performer of the year award is a new award this year, encompassing the other half of Storm activities. This award highlights female and male seniors that have shown a high level of performing skills, leadership, involvement, academics and character. “It was important to not only recognize our athletes but also those that are representing our schools and communities in fine arts and competition-based activities,” said NaDean Schroeder, activities director. “We are one Storm activities department and one family, so it is natural for us to add this honor to our yearly awards.” The finalists for Senior Female Athlete of the Year are: Anna Lucas (girls swim and dive), Chloe Stockinger (soccer, hockey and softball) and Morgan Thompson (tennis, gymnastics and lacrosse). The finalists for Senior Male Athlete of the Year are: Kobe Lee (football and basketball), Joshua Schloe (football and basketball) and Durham Welch (soccer, football and hockey). The finalists for Senior Female Performer of the Year are: Elise Fedor (choir, band, drama, speech and art), Hillarie Markfort (culinary, band and drama) and Alyssa Tasto (drama and choir). The finalists for Senior Male Performer of the Year are: Kyle Conway (math league and knowledge bowl), Gavin Fuchs (DECA and math league) and Tyson Mushatt (robotics). The finalists were chosen from nominations made by coaches in every program and voted upon by administration, head coaches and program directors. The winners will be announced mid-May via social media. On Monday, Wednesday and Fridays starting April 22, videos of one athlete finalist and one performer finalist will be posted on the Sauk RapidsRice Storm Activities Facebook and Twitter pages.
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Gerald Hiscock holds a card April 10 in his room at Good Shepherd Community in Sauk Rapids. The card introduces him to his first great grandchild, Cecelia Kramer, who was born Feb. 1. He has not been able to see or hold the new family member due to visitor restrictions in place at the facility because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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SPORTS
Page 14 | SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Vikings 2020 draft preview With the 2020 NFL draft just one week away, the Minnesota Vikings have quite a few significant holes remaining on their roster. Because of the top-heavy nature of the team’s payroll and their limited flexibility in free agency, it is of paramount importance the Vikings address their ros- SPORTS COLUMNIST ter gaps in the draft. As we BY ANDY THAYER have discussed previously, the bill has come due for many of the players the Vikings drafted and developed, and they are now committed to paying players like Danielle Hunter, Anthony Harris, Erick Kendricks, Anthony Barr and Adam Thielen salary figures commensurate with their on-field contributions. However, if the Vikings can add starting-caliber players who they can keep on the roster at cost-effective salaries for multiple seasons in next week’s draft, they will have a chance at prying open their window of contention for a couple more years. First and foremost, the Vikings need to improve their offensive line talent and depth. I have seen quite a few websites and publications list defensive back or wide receiver as the team’s top needs. That is hogwash. As we saw in decisive defeats at the hands of the 49ers and Packers last year, the Vikings’ offensive line stood no chance against teams with fast and strong defensive fronts. If the Vikings cannot establish their running game to set up the play-action passing attack that accentuates the talents of quarterback Kirk Cousins, their offense is dead in the water and nothing else matters. No amount of window dressing is going to change the fundamental needs of offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak’s offense: He needs mobile linemen who can block in space and pass protect. Right now, the Vikings only have three guys who can capably play that way. The Vikings also need help in the secondary. With cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes (Colts), Trae Waynes (Bengals) and Mackensie Alexander (Bengals) all departing in free agency, the team’s projected starting cornerbacks are Mike Hughes, Kris Boyd and Holton Hill. That is not great. The team also has no depth at safety behind Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris after Andrew Sendejo signed with the Browns. Mike Zimmer is known for his ability to coach up defensive backs, and he is going to get his chance to prove it this fall when multiple rookies are going to be logging heavy minutes in his secondary. Finally, the team must acquire some depth at wide receiver. Adam Thielen, Tajae Sharpe and Bisi Johnson are the team’s top wideouts, and it gets depressing quickly when you look at the depth chart beyond those guys. Fortunately for the Vikings, this is a receiver-heavy draft, and something like 10 of the top 50 players on the draft board are receivers. The Vikings got a nice haul of draft picks for Stefon Diggs in their trade with Buffalo, and now it is time to cash in some of those chips to replace him. The Vikings have five picks in the top three rounds of the draft, including two first-rounders, so they are going to have multiple opportunities to address their needs. The pressure is on for general manager Rick Spielman, because, after Christian McCaffrey signed a record-breaking and market resetting deal for a running back this week, this is likely going to be Dalvin Cook’s last year in purple. With so many keep players leaving in free agency this year, the Vikings need to draft players at multiple positions who are capable of starting from day one if they want to maintain the level of success they have experienced over the past few years.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Taylor Jurek stands in front of his mounted turkey fans April 14 at his home in St. Cloud. Jurek hunts for wild turkey on his family’s land around Sauk Rapids and St. Cloud.
Scoping the birds Jurek speaks of turkey hunting hobby BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER
season. Last year, Jurek shot his biggest bird yet, an 11-inch bearded tom with 1.25-inch spurs. Shooting the bird rivaled the sota, Jurek can only bag experience of shooting the eastern subspecies his first turkey all those of wild turkey. Western years ago, Jurek said. states are home to the “I had to be really Merriam subspecies, the patient with him besouthern United States cause he was older and has Rio Grande and a extremely smart,” Jurek small area in Florida said. “I sat in a blind for hosts the Osceolas. 20 hours and had to be “If you can get all careful with my moves four, it’s a grand slam,” to not spook him.” Jurek said. “That’s a goal After killing a turkey, of mine someday.” Jurek harvests the breast When he started meat, which he said is hunting the birds, he the only part of the bird used a rifle. Today, he rothat is edible without betates between that and a ing too tough. bow. As the 2020 Jurek prefers to slow hunting season opened cook the meat after seaApril 15, Jurek is eager soning with seasoned salt, onion and garlic powders, and cream of onion and mushroom soups. “It’s like Thanksgiving dinner in the middle of spring,” Jurek said. “It tenderizes the meat and combines so many flavors.” In the six-week season, Jurek will combine time alone in the fields with party hunts, where he spends more time setting up decoys and calling the birds than hunting. One thing is for sure, though, Jurek is eager to have early morning hunts with dreams of shooting his next bird. “I love hunting turkey,” Jurek said. “They are some incredibly smart creatures and being out there studying their patterns and bedding has a thrill to it. I am PHOTO SUBMITTED excited to see what I can Taylor Jurek poses with his biggest turkey kill in spring find this year.” to spend as much time as possible outdoors over the next six weeks. While Jurek only hunts turkey for about 25 days of the year, he puts in plenty of field time, averaging five to six hours per day. “My hunt varies depending on what I am using,” Jurek said. “If I have the gun, I move around quite a bit, but the bow presents more challenges and forces me to be still and spend more time in a blind.” Even though it is only his third year using a bow, Jurek enjoys the challenge more than using a firearm. Using a bow allows him more hunting time with a fuller
SAUK RAPIDS – Quiet, cool and crisp spring mornings in fields and forests is one thing Taylor Jurek enjoys most. “You can almost hear the ice and frost melting from the leaves and grass,” Jurek said. Then a gobble breaks the silence, giving reason to the trip. Jurek, a St. Cloud resident and graduate of Foley High School, has been hunting turkeys for the past nine years. He started hunting around the same time as his father but became involved with the National Turkey Federation youth mentorship. When Jurek shot a turkey in his first year, he was hooked. “I really enjoy being out in the fields,” he said. “The key is getting out there and to them without them seeing you. They have incredible eyesight and pick up on the slightest movement.” Jurek usually hunts on his family’s 300 acres or that of surrounding neighbors’ property in rural Sauk Rapids and St. Cloud. He has also hunted in other areas of Minnesota but hopes to take trips out-of-state in the future. Hunting in Minne- 2019. Jurek has been hunting turkeys for nine years and hunts with both rifle and bow.
SPORTS
Page 16 | SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Fishing from pg. 15
Road 2 as well as near the Highway 10 bridge where the lake meets Harris Channel. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, people are allowed to participate in outdoor activities such as fishing as long as the proper license is acquired. Most state-managed public accesses are open; however, amenities such as docks may not yet be available. The DNR urges people to stay close to home, avoid congregating with others and follow social PHOTOS BY ANNA HINKEMEYER distancing guidelines set forth by the Minnesota St. Stephen residents Mark Kurtz and Caleb Kurtz, 9, hold a northern pike that was caught April 11 from Little Rock Department of Health.
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Lake near the Highway 10 bridge. The duo released the fish shortly after as the season opens May 9.
visit us online!
www.saukrapidsherald.com
Rice resident Alex Blommer (from left) and Royalton residents Brady Bauer and Tanner Fleck cast their lines April 11 off the County Road 2 bridge where Little Rock Creek enters Little Rock Lake in Rice. The weather reached the mid-50s Saturday.
Leading the Leading the Storm is
What is your favorite part about clay target? I enjoy shooting with kids from school in a laid-back but competitive setting, and it is great offseason practice to prepare for the coming hunting season.
Tyler St. Onge Parents: Sue and Brian St. Onge Accomplishment: Captain of the clay target team.
What other activities are you involved in at school? Nothing else.
How do you make a difference at school? I try to lead by example, am engaging with students and teachers in the classroom, and do What is your best performance to date? my best to help fellow students with anything Scoring 97 out of 100 at the Alexandria state I can. shoot sophomore year. Which teacher has impacted your educaHow have you been practicing your skill tion most? Mary Levinski. She has always since school has been out? In my family, pushed me to see the finer details in all I am hunting is important, so we are always out doing, and she has helped tremendously in shooting targets and competing against each my high school years. She has always been a friend and a teacher to all her students and other whenever we have free time. understands student’s lives more than most What has been the hardest part about the teachers. season being put on hold? Not being able to enjoy the nice shooting weather we have What is the best advice you have ever received? When thinking about your future and been having. what you want to do, do not do anything a How do you prepare in the minutes lead- computer could do. Second would probably ing up to performance? I try to calm my be nobody cares, just work harder. nerves by taking deep breaths, and I pretend I am out shooting ducks and geese, not What is your favorite meal, movie, social media and song? Steak, corn and potatoes, competing. “The Benchwarmers,” Snapchat and “Ol’ Red” What is your favorite Storm tradition? The by Blake Shelton. homecoming pep fest
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Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, April 18, 2020
Varied showman Boyle prepares breeding heifer, goat, hens for fair time BY ANNA HINKEMEYER | STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – Travis Boyle is a freshman at Foley High School, but when he is not spending time studying, he can be found outside, working with one of his animals. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Boyle finds himself with more free time to spend on animal care. “During these times when you can’t go hang out with your real friends, I spend a lot of time with the animals and make them trustworthy,” Boyle said. “I work with them a lot, taking them on walks and concentrating on what I feed them.” Boyle is preparing a Simmental beef breeding heifer, five Boer junior meat goats and 19 guinea hens to show at the Benton County Fair this summer. It will be his second year showing his heifer and participating in the goat project, but his first time in the poultry project. Partaking in 4-H began seven years ago for Boyle, when he decided the animals to be more than pets. His aunt was the leader of the Green Acres 4-H Club which gave him a good place to start. “When I started with 4-H, I didn’t know what I was doing,”
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With schools, restaurants and foreign food markets closing due to COVID-19, the American dairy industry, a critical link near the beginning of their supply chains, has been affected. With the disruption in the market, milk price has plummeted; the average dairy farmer needs a price of about $17.50 per hundredweight of milk to break even, but over the past few weeks, the price has declined to $11 cwt. of milk. “Nationwide, we’re a big industry,” said Lucas Sjostrom, executive director of Minnesota Milk Producers Association. “Prices will be sent up or down if the supply is off by 2% over normal. As COVID-19 has closed businesses, especially restaurants, I’ve heard reports of processors in Minnesota and nationwide who are in the food service channel who have lost
about 50%-70% of their business.” Besides the food service industry which makes up about 30% of the dairy market, dairy exports, which make up about 17% of the market, are 90%-95% gone. One factor to the decline is more countries opting to rely on their domestic protein rather than import from a country with COVID-19, even if that makes milk prices higher. Minnesota dairy farmers have been through bad market years before, and to help them through those times and prevent an excessive profit loss, many producers have coverage including Dairy Margin Coverage and Dairy Revenue Protection. Most Minnesota dairy farmers buy DMC on a five-year plan, while DRP is sold by quarters of the year and can be bought up to the third quarter of 2021. However, with the prices falling, there is no chance to lock in a good price. To help dairy
Lucas Sjostrom,
farmers’ financial concerns, Minnesota Milk introduced its Dairy Coronavirus Recovery program April 9, allowing for direct payments to farmers and time for processors to readjust their supply. Minnesota Milk is also contacting the United States Department of Agriculture, asking them to purchase more dairy products. “We’ve got more hungry, unemployed people than we’ve had in a long time, and so it’s better to purchase more retail dairy products,” Sjostrom said. Minnesota Milk also shares information at the local level to let Dairy page 6B
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BENTON AG PHOTOS BY ANNA HINKEMEYER
Travis Boyle holds one of his guinea hens April 14 at his family farm in Foley. Boyle will be showing poultry for the first time this year, and chose guinea hens as they are uncommon in the poultry project.
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | Page 3B
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from front Boyle said. “The people welcomed me, and they have really helped me grow with and be inspired by the animals. I have learned a lot.” Among the biggest lessons Boyle has learned, patience and trust with the animals are high on the list. Boyle also feels he has learned leadership and time management skills as he juggles care of his animals with club meetings and other obligations such as schoolwork. “I want to keep going with 4-H simply because of the things I have learned,” Boyle said. “I have built a lot of character for the real world with my experiences, and I am excited for what’s next.” When he looked into showing poultry, Boyle knew he did not want a common breed to
show. He owns peacocks, but they are not a 4-H qualified breed. After reviewing the qualified birds, he settled on the guinea hens. “I wanted to try something new,” Boyle said. “Now I am waiting for them to get a little older to start working on their feathers and preparing them for show.” The breeding heifer was Boyle’s first project of interest. The heifer was chosen from the family’s herd of 50 cattle and brought into the show ring for the first time last year. Boyle said he chose this heifer for its mellow and friendly demeanor. “She would walk right up to me when I was around the herd,” Boyle said. “I really like her.” Last year, Boyle broke the animal to be led and worked with it enough to show. Now, he is focusing on building muscle and trying to make the animal more competitive. Last year was also Boyle’s first year with
the goat project, and he is already expanding. After acquiring his junior meat doe in June 2019 while being fed on a bottle, Boyle knew he wanted to do more. This year, he purchased four more goats. Boyle plans to start his own flock and sell goats in the future to help other 4-Hers begin projects. “Goats make up such a small percentage of the show barn, but they are just as competitive as sheep and pigs,” Boyle said. “By bringing more goats this year, I hope to raise awareness and gain more interest from 4-Hers.” With his time continuing to be spent with the animals, Boyle is eager for the 2020 Benton County Fair and the potential of his show animals. “I really hope we get to have the fair this year,” Boyle said. “I am going to be really disappointed if we don’t.”
Travis Boyle trains his breeding heifer on a lead April 14 in Foley. Boyle showed his heifer for the first time last year and is working on developing muscle and training to make her more competitive.
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Page 6B | SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Dairy farmers like connecting in person, but virtual workshops offer growth Partnerships allow opportunity in COVID-19 crisis
futures dropped 20% to 30% in most months. Many farmers were very concerned about Submitted by the in Minnesota, Iowa, the markets. University of Minnesota North Dakota, South As chairs of the Extension Dakota and Nebraska – I-29 committee, Salfer has traditionally led the and Fred Hall, his dairy expo on the Tuesday of education counterpart at ST. PAUL – As expo week. Iowa State University, the late Kenny Rogers “We decided to re- discussed having a once sang, “Every open registration and webinar discussing the hand’s a winner and re-promote the program outlook for dairy prices. every hand’s a loser.” nationally,” Salfer said. Salfer contacted Marin For now, Jim “After canceling the Bozic, a University of Salfer, University of in-person program, Minnesota professor Minnesota Extension we only had four who focuses on dairy educator based in participants request a dairy markets. He St. Cloud, must focus refund. We ended up also contacted the on the wins. having almost 50 more Minnesota Milk The Central Plains join us online. We have Producers Association, Dairy Expo scheduled participants from 24 which stays abreast of for March 24-26 was states.” the ongoing state and canceled due to the Milk prices during federal legislation. COVID-19 disease COVID-19 a concern Both Minnesota caused by the novel 2020 was expected Milk and I-29 put out coronavirus. The to be a profitable year the word and 427 people I-29 dairy-beef short for dairy farmers. ended up viewing live course – named for However, in early online March 25. the Interstate 29 that March, because of “The webinar was connects collaborators COVID-19, 2020 milk only one hour, but the
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Dairy farmer Craig Roerick (left) talks with Jim Salfer, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, in 2019 at Roerick’s farm in rural Swanville. Salfer and other educators have been connecting with farmers through online interactions rather than in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
question and answer portion went on for another 45 minutes,” Salfer said.
Minnesota Milk Producers Association Director of Education
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Jenna Davis said the group appreciates the collaboration. “By working together, we are able tog provide these timely to p opportunities to more opp farmers and industry far members,” she said. me In-person extension Ineducation will return ed While online workshops are not w new, the current n situation is forcing more in-person events online and e also creating new a topics and needs. to “As with our regular events, we give reg them homework and the are available to them as they implement what wh they’ve learned,” Salfer said. “Extension has never been a model of giving people a steak dinner and a $10,000 speaker and then everything goes back to life as usual. Our strength is in tailoring our program to their needs.” Dairy farmers and the extension educators who often bring them together know this quarantine situation will not last forever. “After people are cooped up like this, I’m guessing we will have very good attendance when we can meet again,” Salfer said. “We may restart with small groups, maybe five to eight nearby farmers or farm couples and families at a time. And we will make plenty of time to interact.”
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | Page 7B
Cow comfort: It is for tie stalls too Loan maturity for
Plans underway for 2020 Alfalfa Harvest Alert Project University of Minnesota Extension is working with the Central Minnesota Forage Council, agribusinesses and farmers on the Alfalfa Harvest Alert Project again this year. Cooperator sites have been arranged in Stearns, Benton, Morrison and Wright counties. Information will also be shared from McLeod and Sibley counties, similar to what has been done in the past. The goal of this project is to encourage farmers to stay in tune with their fields related to their feed needs and past experiences. This project kicks off when alfalfa reaches between 14-16 inches tall. Project cooperators will sample fields Monday and Thursday mornings. Generally,
Dairy
from pg. 2B businesses, especially grocers, know there is not too little milk to be had. “If you’re going to put up signs that limit milk production, you may be hurting your grocery store’s profitability in the long run,” Sjostrom said. “Overall, dairy takes up about 3% of the shelf space but is about 10% of the revenue and about 20% of the profit at a grocery store, so relationships with Midwest Dairy and Minnesota Milk are really important. If
when alfalfa gets around 24 inches tall, we can expect to start seeing buds. With alfalfa, the bud stage is usually when forage quality is in the range for better quality dairy hay and harvest takes place provided weather cooperates. Normally the last 10 days of May is when harvest occurs, but this varies based on the weather and winter injury. Last year, alfalfa sample collection started May 14 and ended June 6. Clipped samples are tested to determine relative feed value, neutral detergent fiber and other alfalfa quality factors related to harvest decisions. Quality and maturity will also be estimated through an equation called the Predictive Equation for Alfalfa Quality. This they’re hearing from their suppliers that they’re short on milk, we can tell them they might not be short on milk in the future.” For its part, one of Midwest Dairy’s programs has been to send cooler bags to Minnesota schools so they can keep their milk cold as well as informing schools and food banks about their options when it comes to purchasing dairy; for example, the Minnesota Department of Health now allows 2% milk in food programs instead of skim or 1%. While keeping dairy farms afloat is a primary concern of organizations such as Minnesota Milk
University of MN Extension
by Nathan Drewitz
process uses the stage of maturity and height of the tallest stems to estimate RFV and NDF. The RFV numbers correspond to what you could expect from a fresh cut sample lab test. Due to forage and harvest losses, there could be a 15 to 25 point drop from what the fresh cut sample test or PEAQ chart indicates. So, if your goal was 175 RFV, you might start harvesting and Midwest Dairy, the differences between each farm and how well they are protected against collapse are so varied that it makes it difficult to make a one-size-fits-all program. “This is a huge disruption, and some farms and companies have protected themselves from huge disruptions better than others,” Sjostrom said. “Our job is to solve the immediate crisis – that farmers are short on cash – without screwing up the long-term market demands so we don’t create more problems than we started with six to 12 months from now.”
when the fresh cut test of PEAQ chart indicates 200 RFV. Consider your own nutrition goals and past experience when deciding on the proper time to harvest alfalfa. The Alfalfa Harvest Alert Project information will be shared with KASM 1150 AM and KTLF 960 AM radio in the Stearns, Benton and Morrison county areas. Internet users can search for Minnesota Crop News for information. You can also call me at 608-515-4414 to get the latest updated results from the project. Other counties will be working with radio stations and information access points. Questions about this project can be referred to Nathan Drewitz at the phone number listed. We appreciate the hard work by all of the farm and agribusiness cooperators and sponsors for this project.
Marketing Assistance Loans extended to 12 months
Provides producers with marketing flexibilities amid COVID-19 uncertainties
WASHINGTON – Agricultural producers now have more time to repay Marketing Assistance Loans as part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s implementation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020. The loans now mature at 12 months rather than nine, and this flexibility is available for most commodities. “Spring is the season when most producers have the biggest need for capital, and many may have or are considering putting commodities under loan,” said Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. “Extending the commodity loan maturity affords farmers more time to market their commodity and repay their loan at a later time. We are extremely pleased the USDA can offer these marketing flexibilities at this critical time for the agriculture industry and the nation.” Effective immediately, producers of eligible commodities now have up to 12 months to repay their commodity loans. The maturity extension applies to nonrecourse loans for crop years 2018, 2019 and 2020. Eligible open loans must be in good standing with a maturity date of March 31 or later or new crop year (2019 or 2020) loans requested by Sept. 30. All new loans requested by Sept. 30 will have a maturity date 12 months following the date of approval. The maturity extension for current, active loans will be automatically extended an additional three months. Loans that matured March 31 have already been automatically extended by USDA Farm Service Agency. Producers who prefer a nine-month loan will need to contact their FSA county office. Loans requested after Sept. 30 will have a term of nine months. Eligible commodities include barley, chickpea (small and large), corn, cotton (upland and extralong staple), dry pea, grain sorghum, honey, lentil, mohair, oat, peanut, rice (long and medium grain), soybean, unshorn pelt, wheat, wool (graded and nongraded); and other oilseeds, including canola, crambe, flaxseed, mustard seed, rapeseed, safflower, sunflower seed and sesame seed. Seed cotton and sugar are not eligible.
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When we hear the phrase cow comfort, wet knees, that means your cows are an image of free stalls is usually what getting more than wet knees. One final pops into our heads. Perhaps a bedded consideration for bedding is how it works pack. But, are we remembering tie stalls? for manure removal in the gutter system. Should not all cows be comfortable, no You want a bedding that will not clog the matter how they are housed? Here are system and can be removed easily. some things to consider for cow comfort Another important aspect of cow in tie stalls. comfort in any type of barn is ventilation. As always, adequate and proper Tiestall barns offer some ventilation bedding is a must. Some tie stall managers challenges, especially with their lower UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA like to use mattresses or waterbeds. ceilings. Low ceilings can create stagnant EXTENSION These are great options for the concrete air which is troublesome in the summer surface but should still use some bedding EMILY KREKELBERG months. Fans are a great way to keep for maximum comfort. Most farmers opt air flowing and provide your cows with to use straw, sawdust or sand for their bedding. Each proper ventilation. Now is a great time to look at the has its advantages and disadvantages. current ventilation in your tiestall barn and make The important thing is that whatever is used is any necessary additions or changes before summer properly managed. This includes using the right comes. amount and adding more or changing the bedding Dairy cows can thrive in any environment as long when necessary. as they are properly managed. A major part of that Use the kneel test to see if the bedding is wet. management is good cow comfort. Kneel down into the bedding. If you stand up with
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