Sauk Rapids Herald - July 11 edition

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Saturday, July 11, 2020

Vol. 166, No. 14

Same Local Coverage Since 1854.

District prepares for fall under new leadership Bergstrom assumes superintendent role amidst pandemic planning

BY ANNA HINKEMEYER | STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – Transitions can be difficult.

Brad Bergstrom assumed the role as the superintendent of the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District July 1 amidst a pandemic and a looming decision about fall school programming. The shift in positions between the schools looks different than when he became superintendent in Thief River Falls four years ago.

“There are no community events or large gatherings where Brad Bergstrom I can stop in and visit with people, which makes it much trickier,” Bergstrom said.

Bergstrom page 3

Unemployment in area triple last year’s rate

Historic collapse might cause permanent changes

BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER

FOLEY – Minnesota’s unemployment insurance claims this year trounce that of any other in the state’s history.

Since mid-March, more than 835,000 unemployment insurance applicants have filed for benefits,

and the trend is no different locally.

In Benton County, 5,811 unemployment insurance applicants filed for benefits since March 16, most of which (1,442) belong to the 25- to 34-yearold demographic. That amounted to a 9.7% unemployment rate in May, which Cameron Macht said is within the top 20 unemployment rates in the state. Last year around this time, the rate was 2.9%.

Macht is a regional analysis and outreach manager for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Unemployment page 3

Two girls,

one direction

Phenow twins born conjoined, walking one year after surgery

W

BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER

hen people approached Blake and Breanna Phenow about their expected twins, they often gave them a hard time – reminding the Rice couple that one day they would be chasing one child one way while the other was darting in the opposite direction.

All the Phenows could think was, “I hope so.”

“This is everything we’ve prayed for,” Blake said. … “That’s what we prayed for – two little girls, running each direction.”

Today, at 19 months old, Ellerie and Emersynn Phenow are walking – something doctors were unsure they would ever be able to do. The identical twins were born conjoined back-to-back at the base of

their spine and buttocks in November 2018. Separation surgery proved successful on year ago, July 10, 2019.

We’re pregnant!

After dating for six years and marrying in October 2017, children were the next life step for Blake and Breanna. The two had talked about becoming parents, and their dream was realized when a doctor’s appointment confirmed a positive pregnancy test in May 2018.

An ultrasound, scheduled to confirm Breanna’s due date, revealed two heartbeats. The Phenows were having twins.

The doctor, suspecting the twins were monochorionic-monoamniotic, meaning identical twins that share one placenta

PUBLIC NOTICES • Benton County Board of Commissioners Reg. Minutes, June 16, 2020 - pg. 9 • Benton County Board of Commissioners Public Hearings - pg. 9 • Probate Notice - Peschl - pg. 8

and amniotic sac, asked the Phenows to come for another appointment. Aberrations in the sonogram caused medical staff to suspect the twins were conjoined but early imaging meant the couple would have to wait for answers.

At 13 weeks, on June 13, 2018, doctors confirmed their suspicions.

“I just cried a lot,” Breanna said of her initial reaction.

Blake said the news hit hard for the young couple but learning the seriousness of the complications hit harder.

The couple was referred to Children’s Minnesota Hospital for the continuation of their care.

Dr. Saul Snowise, Breanna’s obstetrician, discussed the situation with the Phenows, calming some of their fears.

“We didn’t know a thing about conjoined twins, you know,” Blake said. “He brought us a chart of the multiple ways they (babies) can be conjoined.”

The news was good:

OBITUARIES • Beverly B. (Monson) Dobis • Jerome H. Langer

PHOTO BY JESSICA GALL PHOTOGRAPHY

Emersynn (left) and Ellerie Phenow, of Rice, are 19 months old and walking after separation surgery took place July 10, 2019.

The identical twins were born conjoined.

The babies were positioned in a way where they could be separated and have a good chance of survival.

A journey into the unknown The Phenows attended many appointments to learn as much as they could about their babies before they were born.

“They always tried to leave us with something positive,” Breanna said of the medical professionals. “The first one, they saw four arms, four legs – so we took that as a win.

Then, they saw separate stomachs and bladders and kidneys and livers. We just took our mini-wins as they came.”

Phenows page 4

ST R

Publications The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.

Page 2 | SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

HONORING 4-H

Holly Heinen

Parents: Dave & Robin Heinen, of St. Stephen Age: 12 4-H club: Shamrock Shakers Years in club: 8 Tell us about your involvement in 4-H. I have shown goats, rabbits and horses and will be showing a chicken next year. I have also participated in cake decorating, flower arrangements, model rockets and crafts.

What is your favorite 4-H activity? Working at the 4-H lunch stand during the Benton County Fair. It is like getting to try out what it would be like to work in a restaurant. I have a lot of fun taking orders, getting orders ready and helping people.

Katie Grundhoefer Parents: The late Rick Grundhoefer & Pam Hupe, of Sauk Rapids Age: 19 4-H club: Shooting Stars Years in club: 12

Larkin Kleine

Parents: Bryan & Amy Kleine, of Sauk Rapids Age: 12 4-H club: North Benton Years in club: 4

Tell us about your involvement in 4-H. I have been a part of the Tell us about your involvement in 4-H. I am in photography, dog sheep, cattle and horse projects. I have also sat on the horse project project; I show my artwork, and I am signed up for chickens. development committee for two years as chair and as president of the What is your favorite 4-H activity? The 4-H lunch stand because Shooting Stars 4-H club for two years. the people I work with are so much fun. I enjoy working in the kitchWhat is your favorite 4-H activity? The horse project because of en and helping out however I can. how close of a group we have become and the encouragement we all Tell us about a memorable moment. When I first started the provide for each other. dog project, I made a lot of amazing friends. Four years later, we are Tell us about a memorable moment. The two times one of my still friends and can support each other in showing. My friend had steers got loose and ran around the fairgrounds until we caught them. already been in the dog project for a year and was really good. I was It was scary and stressful at the time, but now I look back and laugh. excited to learn everything I could in the dog project.

Tell us about a memorable moment. I showed a miniature horse which I leased from my mom’s cousin, and I got a blue ribbon. I learned a lot about how to show horses, and I went over to groom Describe one of your favorite projects. Showing steers was a lot and train it once a week. of hard work, but you developed an attachment to the animals after Describe one of your favorite projects. Goats are my favorite working with them for so long. animals to show, because they are so easy. I also like it because we have goats, so I was showing my own animals. I also like cake What have you learned during your time in 4-H? The importance decorating because it is fun to decorate with all sorts of different of dedication to your projects and how important it is to help others designs and be creative. I decorated a cake with fondant succulents, without receiving anything in return. which was a lot of fun. I really like flower arrangements because the flowers can be so pretty. I learned the names of a lot of flowers and Who is your 4-H mentor, and what did you learn from them? Kim Kampa. She has taught me so much about 4-H and has strengthened plants. my leadership skills immensely.

What have you learned during your time in 4-H? I have learned a lot more about public speaking, especially because I was president of our club, and the Robert’s Rules of Order. I also know a lot more about species and colors of animals and the different names. An example is knowing we have Nigerian dwarf goats, which is a really good milking breed.

Describe one of your favorite projects. I really liked how a photo I took last year turned out. Taking the photo was my favorite part. I was not really worried about how the photo would turn out; I just like taking them.

What have you learned during your time in 4-H? I have learned how to take care of animals, how to be a leader, how to talk to a group and how to share my knowledge with others.

Who is your 4-H mentor, and what did you learn from them?

Ann Olson. She has taught me to be more confident and helps push me out of my comfort zone in a good way. Of course, my mom has also been a big inspiration. She and three others took on the dog project after the former leaders left.

Who is your 4-H mentor, and what did you learn from them?

I look up to a lot of the older 4-H’ers. They are always willing to help, and I have learned a lot about showing horses and goats because there are people who have shown those animals their whole lives.

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NEWS

Page 4 | SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Phenow from front

Conjoined twins amount to one in 200,000 live births in the United States, according to the University of Minnesota.

The physically-connected fetuses are at high risk for miscarriage, still birth and infant mortality.

Blake and Breanna began by traveling to Children’s Minnesota once every two weeks. He continued to work full time as a sales associate and she full time as a dental assistant. As the pregnancy progressed, she cut back on hours. When Breanna’s body began producing excess amniotic fluid around 22 weeks, appointments became more frequent – twice a week and all day.

Because early imagining could not detect details, for months, the Phenows clung to hope that their children were only connected by skin. An MRI was scheduled in late August 2018 to shed light on what the doctors and couple would face once the babies were born.

The imagining showed the babies’ spines were separated until the lower lumbar region where the spinal cords formed into one near the tail bone.

“That was just devastating for us because that was what we did not want,” Breanna said.

“That was an opposite of a win that day.”

Blake and Breanna said Dr. Joseph Lillegard – a pediatric surgeon who would perform the separation surgery – was honest and upfront with the couple.

“Our first question was, ‘Are they going to walk?’” Breanna said.

“He just looked at us and said, ‘I can’t (say), I don’t know.’”

Emotion overwhelmed Blake that day.

“We left there and we were talking about changing the house,” Blake said of how the two planned to accommodate their children. “We thought about everything you could imagine.”

Medical imagining does not allow physicians to see into the spinal cord itself – the nervous tissue shows as a large white

Emersynn (left) and Ellerie Phenow are tightly swaddled at 1 month old. The conjoined twins underwent separation surgery at 7 months.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GALL PHOTOGRAPHY

Blake and Breanna Phenow – holding their identical 19-month-old twins Emersynn (left) and Ellerie – have spent the past year watching their daughters develop, which includes learning to walk. The twins were born conjoined at the lower spine and a successful separation surgery left the girls with full mobility.

mass. Doctors would need to wait until surgery to know what was inside.

Were the nerves entangled and separate, or fused as one circuit?

“So now, from birth to surgery day, you don’t know if your kids are going to come home walking or moving their legs,” Breanna said.

Yet, doctors assured them, the babies’ quality of life would be good.

“People have kids with wheelchairs all the time, and they do it, so we would have been able to do it too,” Breanna said.

Eventually, appointments increased to three times a week, and at 32 1/2 weeks, Breanna was admitted to the hospital to wait out the birth of their daughters. A caesarean was scheduled for Nov. 27, 2018.

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Welcome Ellerie and Emersynn “Almost two weeks I was there,” Breanna said.

“My schedule C-section was Tuesday morning, and my water broke Monday morning but luckily I was there.”

Ellerie Bea and Emersynn Tammy Phenow were born at 5:20 a.m. Nov. 26, 2018. Ellerie weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces and was 17 3/4 inches long; Emersynn, 4 pounds, 14 ounces and 17 inches. The twins were 35 weeks, three days gestation.

“We were so over-themoon, you would have thought that nothing was wrong,” Breanna said.

“We were instantly obsessed with them.”

When Blake went to the meet his girls, the twins were laying in a hospital crib. He asked why none of the medical staff were doing anything.

“They’re perfectly healthy; there’s nothing that we need to do,” Dr. Lillegard said.

The twins were breathing on their own; they were not in pain, and they would not need the highend (Level IV) neonatal care that was expected.

“If you’re wondering if we were sad or if it was heavy with what we were going to have to go through, no,” Breanna said. “We were just lovedrunk. It was the best day ever.”

Blake agreed.

“It was the best day ever; everything about it,” he said. “Especially just to clarify and to see them not require any additional assistance.”

Conjoined twins need custom gear. A custom car allowed travel with the twins and was purchased with help from a Tanner’s Team Foundation grant.

Clothes were sewn by Breanna’s mom, Tammy Midas, and a custom carbed bag was special-ordered for protection from the cold Minnesota winter.

The family returned home roughly two weeks before Christmas.

Prior to welcoming their daughters into the world, the Phenows and medical staff made the decision to execute separation surgery within the first year. They prepared themselves for the big day by being patient and, even though the girls did not have immunity issues, the family was cautious of their environment. Breanna became a stay-at-home mom.

“We acted like the coronavirus was already present,” Breanna said.

Blake agreed.

“That’s because we knew that any sort of sickness could throw off surgery,” he said.

Hand sanitizer was a staple in their household.

Blake said much of what they practiced was ingrained in them as guests of the neonatal intensive care unit.

The twins needed to gain strength for their bodies to withstand the lengthy separation surgery, but they also needed to grow skin – expanders were placed in May 2019 to increase tissue that could be used to replace the void following operation.

Separation day, one year later Surgery was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. July 10, 2019. When the twins’ neurosurgeon, Dr. Joseph Petronio, cut into the area of the spinal cord that was connected, he and his medical team discovered the nerves were fused – Ellerie’s brain could be stimulated, causing a re-

action from Emersynn’s body and vice versa.

“He took one piece at a time,” Blake said of how the girls were successfully separated.

Breanna agreed.

“They tested fiber by fiber and then cut it in half with a laser,” she said.

Twelve hours later, the outcome was a miracle.

“They tested after and everything was in exactly in the same position as when they went into surgery – which was fully functioning,” Blake said.

Today, Ellerie and Emersynn are healthy toddlers.

“They’re both tougher than nails,” Blake said.

The Phenows said their girls are nearly inseparable, insisting on being in the same room as one another and putting up a fuss when not.

“They need to know where each other are at all times,” Blake said. “They don’t like when one’s not around.”

Breanna agreed.

“They’re either both laughing or they’re both crying, and they like to feed each other,” she said.

The girls attend physical therapy once a week to help them reach developmental milestones.

Despite the positive outcome, the Phenows are not shy to share the long road they faced awaiting their twins’ arrival – watching neighborhood children on the playground and trick-or-treating not knowing if their children would someday do the same. But, they think it is important for moms and dads to know that faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, children can lead healthy lives and families can pull through together.

Breanna said Blake remained her rock while both their hearts were breaking.

“I would always get so frustrated with him,” she said. “It was months in before he cried, and I didn’t understand. I was like, ‘Why aren’t you crying?’ I never got it, and he said, ‘These are my girls, and I’m not giving up on them.’”

The Phenows largely kept their story to themselves until this spring but said faith, family and close friends supported them throughout the process.

Focusing on the positives and praying pulled them through.

“We always would talk about on the way home that we have good brains, we have good hearts, we had to run with that,” Blake said. “If they didn’t walk, we were going to love them just the same. It was hard to pull something out of every appointment, but we really did try to focus on that.”

t

NEWS/OBITUARIES Jerome H. Langer

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 11 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell for Jerome “Jerry” H. Langer, age 67, who passed away June 30, 2020, at St. Benedict’s Senior Community in St. Cloud. The Rev. Ronald Weyrens will officiate and burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids.

Jerry was born July 13, 1952, in Pierz to Carl and Martha (Koll) Langer. He

Jerome H. Langer

grew up on a farm in Pierz and lived in Sartell most of his adult life.

Jerry married Patricia Miller Aug. 27, 1977, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids.

He worked for Fingerhut for over 30 years and was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church where he served as an usher. He was a board member of Catholic

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020 | Page 5

United Financial.

Jerry enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, fish frys, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and playing cards with family and friends. He was easy going, loving and faithful, and he always put family first.

Most importantly, he was a wonderful father and grandfather who will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his daughter and son, Sara (Joe) Storkamp of St. Cloud and Jeff (Jen) Langer of Deer Creek; sister and brother, Cathy Paquin of Somerset, Wisconsin, and Gerard Langer of St. Cloud; grandchildren, Tessa and William Langer; mother-in-law, Dona Miller; sisters-in-law,

Kathy (Mike) Wolf, Kelly (Jay) Bares, and Lynda (Daryl) Senger; brothers-in-law, Chuck (Jane) Miller and Mike (Bridget) Miller; stepgrandchildren, Damion, Bella, and Makayla Zimmerman; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Martha; wife, Patricia in 2019; brothers, Lawrence and John Langer; sister, Mary Langer; infant sister, Theresa; fatherin-law, Charles Miller; and brother-in-law, Jim Paquin.

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

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Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992 Auxiliary, and Sauk Rapids American Legion Post 254 Auxiliary. She enjoyed decorating for holidays, collecting figurines and wind chimes, bowling, baking, playing cards, making friends, and spending time with her family. Bev was a strong survivor who was very independent, outgoing, giving and had an infectious smile.

Survivors include her daughters and sons, Wanda (Allan) Broda of Sartell, Linda (Barney) Molitor of Sauk Rapids, Kevin (Kristy) Monson of Rice, Marla (Greg) Williamson of Eden Prairie and Scott (Kathy) Monson of St. Stephen; brother and sister, Merlin Stelton of Watkins and Carol Lou (Rich)

Fuchs of Watkins; 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, David Monson and Alfred Dobis; and grandson, Kyle Molitor.

Special thank you to Good Shepherd Oaks Apartments, Country Manor Garden Cottage, and St. Croix Hospice staff especially Melissa and Kelly Jo. Memorials are preferred to St. Croix Hospice, Sartell.

Obituary and guest book available online at https://www. williamsdingmann. com.

t

Beverly B. (Monson) Dobis

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m.

Saturday, July 11 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids for Beverly B. Dobis, age 85, who passed away July 7, 2020, at Country Manor Health Care Center in Sartell.

The Rev. Thomas Knoblach will officiate t and burial will be in the parish cemetery. t Visitation will be from 8:30-10 a.m. Saturday, t July 11 at the church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids.

Bev was born July 22, 1934, in Kimball to Vernon and Edna (Stelten) Stelton. She t

t

Beverly B. (Monson) Dobis

married David Monson in September 1954 at St. Anne Catholic Church in Kimball and they later divorced. Bev married Alfred Dobis in December 1977 in St. Cloud. She worked as a bartender at Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992 and at Tom’s Bar. Bev was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church,

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Township board plans for repairs Federal funds available for bridge replacement

BY ANNA HINKEMEYER | STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – The Watab Township Board of Supervisors resumed its conversation regarding the Sucker Creek Road Northwest project at its July 7 meeting. In June, the board pulled the action item for further discussion.

The roadway’s bridge is deteriorating and must be repaired within the next five years. In June, supervisor and chairperson Julie Johnson said she did not want to move forward with road repairs until a plan was in place to repair the bridge as well.

Prior to the June 2020 meeting, the board had plans to move forward with patching the road, but decided it was a better use of financial resources to wait and only fill the potholes this year.

Bridge repair qualifies for partial federal funds, according to Nick Anderson, township engineer with Bogart, Pederson and Associates Inc. The township would be required to pay a small percentage of the cost.

No official action was taken, but Chris Byrd, Benton County public works director, has started the extensive paperwork process to apply for federal funding for the bridge.

The project is slated to be completed in 2024. Details and cost estimates will be determined as the project gets closer.

In other township news: – The 105th Street Northwest road project, which lies west of Highway 10, nears completion. Grass seeding will take place within the next week and resident mailboxes will be moved. Prior to construction, resident mailboxes were relocated to allow adequate room for road reconstruction.

– Postponed road striping for Frost Road Northwest, 85th Street Northwest, 95th Street Northwest and 105th Street Northwest until 2021 due to possible overlay projects within the township and the ability to complete all striping at one time.

– Approved the purchase of two poll pads for elections at a cost of $250 per year for each pad. The county supplies poll pads but the supervisors decided additional units were needed to allow elections to run smoothly.

– Johnson presented quotes from three companies for a locked dumpster at Watab Town Hall. Supervisor Steve Wollak asked about getting additional quotes to reflect collection twice per month in the summer but only once per month in the winter. Currently, board members dispose of garbage from the venue through their personal collection at their homes. The discussion was tabled to the August meeting.

The board’s next scheduled meeting is 7 p.m. Aug. 4 due to the primary election taking place Aug. 11.

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 5 p.m. Wednesday. Exceptions are obituaries which have a deadline of 10 a.m. Thursday. The deadline for advertisements in the Herald is 5 p.m. Wednesday.

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EDITORIAL

Page 6 | SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Extension Master Gardeners

Being an Extension Master Gardener does not mean you must have extensive knowledge before entering the program. It only requires a love of plants and a desire to share information with others. Participants in this program are not GREEN & GROWING required to know every- IN BENTON COUNTY thing, but they are taught BY LINDA G. TENNESON where to find researchbased answers to horticultural questions.

The University of Minnesota and other state universities are charged with educating the public on various subjects. The Extension Master Gardener volunteers are the result of this need to provide horticultural education to the public. They are organized by counties and meet in person or online approximately 10 times per year to exchange gardening news, provide volunteer opportunity information and enjoy the company of others with the same interests. The program has seven priorities: horticulture skills, plant biodiversity, pollinators, clean water, local food, climate change and nearby nature. Participants may further specialize in specific areas such as vegetables, fruits, annuals, perennials and more.

Entering this program requires completion of Horticultural 101 from the University of Minnesota. There is a reduced tuition fee that may be partially refunded following completion of the first year in the program. The course is given in two formats – online from January to May each year and in person at the same time at the Landscape Arboretum in Chaska.

First year participants, called interns, agree to volunteer 50 hours during that year, and they are assigned a mentor to guide them through the year as well. After the internship year, participants are asked to volunteer 25 hours or more and to complete six hours of continuing education each following year.

Completing these requirements is not difficult. Continuing education is offered in person at various locations and online through webinars and classes. Volunteer opportunities are offered at the monthly meetings of Extension Master Gardeners.

Plus answering questions for neighbors through the telephone or other means also counts as volunteer time. All time is recorded on the honor system in a university database.

Volunteers who are comfortable with public speaking may conduct classes online or in person at various locations when circumstances permit.

The Benton County Extension Master Gardeners have a display and education area in the Heritage Building at the Benton County Fair and host a spring plant sale, selling to the public and answering questions at the same time. They also host an education evening with speakers from the University of Minnesota or other agencies to increase public knowledge of various horticultural subjects.

In the past, they have sponsored bus trips to plant nurseries and places of horticultural interest. This group includes men and women, retired persons and those still working full or part time.

Applications, which include a background check and personal interview, are now open for the 2021 year. They may be requested from the Stearns County Extension office where Stearns, Benton and Morrison counties share an extension educator. Send an email to Katie Drewitz at wins0115@ umn.edu or call 320-255-6169, Ext. 1 for an application or to ask questions.

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

A sweet reward

ing is a beautiful reward. The giver’s re“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is ward is the act of being able to give itself. good; blessed is the man that trusts in Sometimes we see the gratefulness from a him!” recipient but even if we do not, giving with Psalm 34:8 exclaims we should para glad heart and blessing others is a beautitake in the sensation of flavor when we ful reward. come into contact with our savior. TastWhy does David give this invitation to ing what the Lord has for us is a physipartake in the physical sensations of flavor cal feeling we get to experience when we sample God’s goodness through living out and sight of the goodness of God? Charles our obedience to him. Seeing is witnessing Spurgeon said, “Unless we desire others LIFE BY FAITH God’s goodness with our own two eyes. It BY MERCY NYGAARD to taste the benefits we have enjoyed, we is not through hearing a description from are either inhuman monsters or outrageous someone else but witnessing by the power of seeing hypocrites. I think the last is most likely.” from the one who gives sight to the blind. Is the flavor If we are filling up every Sunday, warming the always sweet and is the sight always beautiful? pew and getting fat only to get fatter, we are going When we look at David’s life, the psalmist had to get really bad cholesterol and blood pressure in many ups and downs. David had courage through our walk with the Lord. There is not much reward what he knew about God’s promises and saw the re- with keeping it all to yourself. This goes against the wards after trusting in God through many obstacles. great commission in loving others and for us to share Those obstacles certainly did not taste good while our faith, giving as each other needs, bearing one angoing through them, and they definitely did not look other’s burdens, admonishing and serving with a glad beautiful. Honestly, there is a whole lot of ugly in the heart. world right now and really awful things happening Listen and take note. Misery loves company, and to good people all around me. But, the reward – the pleasure seekers also desire others to partake in their thing given in recognition of one’s service, effort or pleasures. Worldly pleasures will always take away achievement – is always, always sweet and beauti- from you. They will take away your sensations by deful. It is worth much more than replying to people’s sensitizing. They will take away from your joy by inpain, “God is good.” That diminishes the very real flicting pain. They will take away friendships as seekpain happening in the moment. Encourage, yes, but ing pleasure is only a self-focused pursuit. Although also weep with those who weep. the world wants everyone to do the same thing and Rewards from walking in obedience after you follow cultural trends, it is only for the purpose of have made God the lord of your life are going to look each individual’s own gain and leads to sadness, dedifferent to every person. One reward from loving struction, prison and death.

God with your whole heart is to find joy in walking Inviting others to partake in God’s goodness will in obedience. If we do not love him, it is a begrudg- always give and brings life everlasting. Every day we ing walk, filled with griping and complaining; joy is a draw nearer to the Lord’s return. Turn away from the sweet reward. Suffering is a given when you commit world. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of to live for Christ. If you have ever seen a follower God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Romans of Jesus go through a battle with grace and stamina, 6:23. Turn toward a life filled with trust in God. “Faith you most likely will find out it is not their first rodeo is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of with pain. Perseverance is a beautiful reward. Even things not seen,” Hebrews 11:1. Faith is trust, and the Lord’s discipline, although unpleasant in the pres- blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. ent, yields peaceable fruit of righteousness for those If you are trusting during a difficult time right that allow the training of it; training is a sweet reward. now, I am praying for you. And if you do not know My daughter’s reward from sharing her faith with her the goodness yet that comes from walking with God, long-distance cousin was to be asked by her cousin, do not wait a second longer. Oh, come, taste and see at a later time, why her faith is important to her and if that the Lord is good. her cousin should be looking for the same thing. Shar-

Letter to the editor Suicide: The hidden risk of addiction, mental health

Mark Jacobson, Winona It can be difficult for a person who suffers from addiction and mental health issues to ask for help.

Tragically, the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health can make a person feel worthless, helpless and hopeless. Addiction and mental health issues also affect the lives of loved ones.

There is no shame in reaching out when you experience unbearable pain and despair. Suicide is a hidden risk of addiction and mental health. Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other traumarelated disorders can lead to suicidal thoughts, which can be amplified with the use of drugs or alcohol. If left untreated, addiction and mental health issues can cause serious health complications including death.

People who appear happy, wealthy and in good health are not immune to suicidal thoughts. Under the influence of drugs or alcohol, people may lose inhibitions and take risks they ordinarily would not. Additionally, many people abuse drugs or alcohol in an attempt to relieve the symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions. About one in three

Traditional letters to the editor policy

people who die by suicide are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

We can all take action to prevent suicide. According to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, “Evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.”

Mental illness often coexists with substance use disorders or addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health condition or addiction, get help now. Addiction is isolating, but you are not alone. Get help today so you can live a healthy, fulfilling, sober life in recovery. There is no cure for addiction, but it is treatable.

Free 24/7 resources include the National Suicidal Lifeline at 1-800-273-8285 and the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. The latter provides service in English and Spanish and can provide referrals to treatment facilities, support groups and community organizations.

Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are welcome.

Letters must be signed with a first and last name and include an address and phone number. Letters should be under 400 words and to the point, and be submitted by 10 a.m. Friday. Anything over 400 words will be charged accordingly.

t

EDITORIAL

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020 | Page 7

Preventing theft For as long as people have had things tem, these technological advances can of value, there have been a small number help prevent theft or assist in catching of other people who are willing to take those responsible. The presence of sethose things of value for their own. Theft curity devices alone may be enough to continues to be one of the five most often convince a thief to move along. Having reported crimes in Benton County. Theft is a clear and high-quality image of a sustypically a crime of opportunity that happect or suspect vehicle can be a quality pens when a criminal is presented with lead in any theft investigation. Highcircumstances allowing him or her to easquality images combined with the crowd ily take something of value for their own. KEEPING BENTON sourcing power of traditional media and There are only two ways to prevent theft social media has contributed to the solvCOUNTY SAFE from affecting your world. You can either SHERIFF TROY HECK ing of many recent cases. Any type of chose to not own anything of value or do GPS or tracking technology present in your level-best to make your items of value difficult stolen items greatly enhances the ability of law ento detect, access and steal. forcement to recover your stolen property. GPS trackAll too often, criminals acquire their ill-gotten ing devices that can be attached to an increasing numgoods because these items are on display for anyone ber of valuables can be found for relatively modest to see. Because most people are honest and law-abid- prices online. ing, most people think little of seeing valuables left Finally, consider that thieves need to have an enin plain sight in a vehicle, recreational vehicles left vironment free of detection in which to operate. If outside in plain sight or tools lying in a pickup bed. the thief believes someone will see him or her and To a criminal, these all represent an opportunity to call law enforcement, the thief is less likely to strike further their criminal lifestyle. As you are going about in that area. Forming neighborhood watch groups or your everyday life, do your best to evaluate each situ- calling law enforcement right away when you see ation for the opportunity it presents to thieves. If you suspicious activity deprives the thief of his or her presee opportunity, conceal or better secure property to ferred environment. Getting to know your neighbors remove the opportunity and send thieves elsewhere. and reporting suspicious behavior will pay dividends Once you have done your best to keep valuables for everyone in the community. out of sight, take a moment to make sure those valuOf course, the best time to put all this into pracables are locked up. Lock your vehicles, lock your tice is before a thief pays a visit. Take a few moments homes, lock your outbuildings and lock your trailers. to consider how you might be able to better protect Use whatever means you can to make it as difficult the things valued by you and your neighbor from as possible to get into or at these valuables. It may be those who would seize the opportunity to make them inconvenient and sometimes seem unnecessary, but their own. the more difficult you make it for the thief, the more For more crime prevention information and likely the thief is to move on to an easier target. safety information, visit the Benton County Sheriff’s Theft prevention technology has a place in your Office website at https://www.co.benton.mn.us/211/ personal crime prevention strategy as well. Whether crime-prevention. You can also like and follow us it is something low-tech like motion sensing outdoor on Facebook and Twitter at @BentonMNSheriff for lights and a trail camera or something more advanced regular updates and crime prevention messages. like GPS trackers or a security and surveillance sys-

BREAK CROSSWORD

High-class pyrotechnics

There was a buy one, get 5,789 free sale works. However, I am pretty sure I will on fireworks this year. All weekend long, I continue to simply stay home. What we heard the booms of the celebratory pyrotechhave in our own backyard is the best of nics going off – many before dark. With so the best to celebrate Independence Day. many fairs and festivals being canceled, and Fireworks were not the only way I many cities around central Minnesota forecelebrated last weekend. On Friday, I going the annual fireworks shows, people escaped with my mom and a friend for a stepped up to the plate to provide in its place. pool day. We had a full day in the water, Our neighborhood was no exception. In floating and swimming, relaxing and fact, the fireworks lit in our neighborhood ON THE SIDELINES keeping cool. Did I get sunburned? Of were some of the best I have seen. We had BY ANNA HINKEMEYER course, but at the end of the weekend, it neighbors lighting off across the road from was worth it to ignore everything for a us. Being we have an incredible front porch looking day and relax in the waves. over their house and the woodsy area around it, we Of course, there was also time with family and had a front-row seat for the few they lit off. time to relax at home. Overall, though, it is imporIf we went out our backyard, we had even more tant to note the reason for our freedoms on Indepent possibilities. Our next-door neighbors lit off several dence Day. I made sure to pause and say a prayer for that brightly displayed. We also had a neighborhood those citizens who have served in our military as well party going on down the road. That property puts on as law enforcement officers, because in the end, we a yearly display of fireworks, and theirs were one of would not be a free country without them. I also said the best. For 15 solid minutes, they sent rockets into a prayer for their peace, for the sound of fireworks the air, exploding in a variety of bold colors. What is booming in the sky can cause flashbacks and trigger t even better is the last four minutes of their show was post traumatic stress disorder. If my Australian Shepconsidered the grand finale, and they had so many herd puppy was terrified from the loud bangs, I can fireworks launching into the air that it looked like it only imagine how these people feel. was daylight in the neighborhood.

So, with Independence Day 2020 in the rearview, For our first Fourth of July in our new home and I want to say thank you to all those who have served, in the neighborhood, we were welcomed with open and thank you to our neighbors for showing us the arms and an incredible fireworks display. On a typical class and celebratory nature of the development. year, many people gather in large crowds for city fire- Let’s do this again next year.

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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020 | Page 9

Ruhoff also noted that Benton County did receive a grant in March which is being used to fund many of the COVID-19 activities; additional CARES funding is expected.

Nadean Inman, Auditor-Treasurer, explained that the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office applied for a VEGA-2 grant to allow for the purchase of additional poll pads and was approved for a grant of $48,070.40; in order to use the grant monies, the county would need to approve matching funds of 25% of the grant amount, or $12,017.60. Inman stated that the additional poll pads would alleviate significant slowdowns in both checking in pre-registered voters and in registering new voters, as well as saving several weeks of manual data entry by Auditor-Treasurer staff. Peschl/Bauerly unanimous to approve $12,017.60 of matching funds, allowing the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office to purchase the needed poll pads using the VEGA-2 grant.

Inman reported that the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office received two inquiries regarding the possible sale of alcohol for consumption on the golf courses in early May when the Governor’s Executive Order #20-48 was in effect. She stated that on May 7th, after the first inquiry, her office contacted, and emailed, all Benton County golf courses, providing clear information regarding the executive order and stating that on-premises consumption of alcohol is not allowed on the golf course. Inman stated that, on May 19th, a second inquiry was received, and she reached out to the State Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement a second time for direction and was instructed to contact local law enforcement to look into the matter. She noted that, on May 20th, a deputy was dispatched to investigate all Benton County golf courses; on this date, two Benton County golf courses were found to be out of compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order #20-48—Wapicada Golf Course and Territory Golf Club. Inman stated that a subsequent call to the State resulted in their statement that “...due to all the rioting and things that were going on in the cities, they would prefer that this be handled on a local level...they just don’t have the manpower to look into it...their resources are being used in other areas...” Inman clarified that the Board did previously approve a reduced liquor license fee for all businesses (reduced by the number of months they were closed); each business will receive a refund of $550.00 for the three months they were closed due to the executive order. Phil Miller, County Attorney, stated “...all three golf courses in Benton County were checked...Oak Hill was in compliance...employees at Wapicada and Territory admitted to non-compliance...the golf courses were aware, based upon communications from our Auditor-Treasurer’s Office, that they were not to be selling alcohol...argue, if you will, how wise the executive order was, there was one golf course that was following the law and two did not... they have not been convicted or charged at this point... they are subject to a criminal citation...we have held off on that...as a matter of fairness, I think this is something the Board needs to look at...” Following brief discussion, motion by Bauerly to fine Wapicada Golf Course and Territory Golf Club $100.00 for their non-compliance. Second

by Peschl for discussion. Peschl suggested that these two golf courses not receive the $550.00 refund as previously approved by the Board for liquor license fee reduction for March, April and May. Following further discussion, Bauerly stated his intent to stand on his motion to fine each of the two golf courses a fine of $100.00 (they would remain eligible for the $550.00 refund). The motion on the floor failed with Bauerly and Peschl voting aye and Buerkle and Heinen voting nay.

The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:47 AM to conduct a Human Services Board meeting.

The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 9:57 AM. Administrator Monty Headley reviewed the 2020 Monthly Financial Report—activity through May 31, 2020. He reported on the Federal CARES funding, stating “...the legislature and the Governor have not settled on the total amount of CARES funding that they are going to dis-

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Benton County Board of Commissioners will conduct public hearings on July 21st, 2020 in the Commissioner’s Room, Benton County Government Center, Foley, at approximately 9:00 a.m. to hear the following: 1. Phase 2 LLC requesting approval to rezone Lot 11, Block 1, The Cove, consisting of 3.88 acres, from B, Business District to R-3, Single Family Residence District. Pursuant to Sections 11.9. The affected property is described as follows: Lot 11, Block 1, The Cove, Section 27, Watab Township.

2. Phase 2 LLC requesting approval of a 6 lot preliminary plat entitled “The Cove 3rd Addition” in the R-3 Residential District and MUD District. Pursuant to Sections 7.13 and 10.7. The affected property is described as follows: Lots 1-4 and Lots 10-11, Block 1, and Outlot G, The Cove, Section 27, Watab Township. *Effective immediately, the Benton County Board may conduct its regular, special or emergency meetings by telephone or other electronic means, as permitted by MN Statutes §13D.021. Some or all Board members may participate by telephone or other electronic means until further notice. At least one member of the County or the County Administrator will be present during meetings at the County Board’s regular meeting location, which is the County Board Room in Foley, unless otherwise noted on meeting notices. Pursuant to MN

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Statutes §13D.021, Subdivision 3, the County will provide the means for persons to electronically monitor such meetings remotely.

To conform to MDH and CDC guidelines to minimize gatherings we are requesting public comment in written form prior to the County Board meeting; 1. You may submit written testimony, which must be received by 3pm July 20th, in one of two ways: a. Email Roxanne Achman at Roxanne.Achman@ co.benton.mn.us b. Mail comments to the Benton County Department of Development, Attn: Roxanne Achman, 531 Dewey St, PO Box 129, Foley, MN 56329.

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

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

3. You may attend the meeting remotely by following the instructions below. a. The public can join the meeting from their computer, tablet or smartphone.

tribute to cities and counties...it’s a number somewhere between $500 million and $800 million...the guidance is still evolving as to how this money can be used...I had posed a question to MICA...if you are unable to spend a good share of your CARES funding, what would you do with it then... there’s a provision in the bill that some of it could actually go out to businesses and individuals who have experienced economic hardship as a result of the pandemic...that was a big topic of discussion...how would you administer this... what would be the basis for giving a business a grant...I believe that this CARES funding could essentially reimburse virtually all of our pandemic related expenses...and it even goes farther than that...there seems to be a presumption that virtually all of your public health and all of your public safety salary and benefit costs from March through November could be reimbursable with this CARES funding... in addition, the extraordinary costs which were incurred... like the extra sanitizing services, the contact station, and the PPE...I think there is an opportunity for the county to retain a fairly large portion of this funding to offset our costs...it seems to be the intention of the federal funding to help stabilize local government finances to get you through these next couple of years so you didn’t need to impose staff reductions or reductions in services...it seems like the dollars are very flexible...we’ve already levied for those costs this year...those CARES dollars could go into our fund balance...you might tap into that fund balance in 2021 and 2022 to help keep your budget more or less stable...”

Bauerly commented “...the best thing we can do, I think, is keep those funds and not raise taxes...or lower taxes... that helps everyone...otherwise, how do you pick “winners and losers” if it goes out to businesses...plus, we are going to lose revenue from the jail...looks like $300,000 to $400,000...the economy is going to be hurt...our tax capacity is going to go down with these restaurants closing...”

Headley added “...the current legislative consensus would give Benton County almost $5 million...a provision about sending resources out to businesses and so on is still in the bill...it says you must send at least 10% ($500,000) out to businesses or individuals who have experienced economic loss...I’ve heard lots of ideas of how these resources could be used...for example, Broadband came up...the challenge is that all the resources we receive, no matter how we intend to use them, must be expended by mid-November... of that total $5 million, whatever we haven’t expended, either ourselves or what we have sent out to other entities, must be returned...we could certainly say all of our salary expenses for our public safety and public health functions and various others, from March through November, related to COVID-19...we reimburse ourselves for all of that and then, essentially, we keep that in our fund balance and use that to help balance our budget in 2021 and 2022...we have to expend about $500,000 outside of the county...assuming that this bill stays in place...” Headley clarified that cities and townships with populations of 200 and above are receiving their own distribution. He suggested that the Board set a Committee of the Whole in the future to discuss the CARES funding in more detail.

Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of the county.

Under Commissioner Concerns, Bauerly questioned if a portion of the Federal CARES funding which the county receives could be distributed to Foley CARE. Headley will research whether or not non-profits who are providing services related to COVID-19 qualify to receive this funding.

No Committees of the Whole were set.

Peschl/Heinen unanimous to adjourn at 10:32 AM. Spencer C. Buerkle, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator County Board Minutes/June 16, 2020 R-28-1B

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BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 16, 2020 The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on June 16, 2020 in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN with Commissioners Spencer Buerkle, Warren Peschl, Jake Bauerly and Steve Heinen present and Commissioner Ed Popp absent (excused). Call to order by Chair Buerkle was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Peschl/Heinen unanimous to approve the agenda as written.

No one spoke under Open Forum.

Bauerly/Peschl unanimous to approve the Consent Agenda: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of June 2, 2020 as written; 2) approve 2020 Boat and Water Safety Grant, and authorize the Chair to sign; 3) approve Resolution 2020-#25, accepting donation of KN95 facemasks from Coborn’s Inc., and authorize the Chair to sign; 4) approve Purchase Money Security Agreement for S.C.O.R.E. Grant—City of Foley—for the purchase of eight Hampton park benches and eight By-the-Yard chaise lounges with wheels, and authorize the Chair to sign; and 5) approve Liquor License Renewals—Jack & Jim’s; Rumors Bar & Grill; Rollies; Coyote Moon Grill & Lounge; Henry’s Catering; Wapicada Golf Course; Molitor’s Quarry Grill & Bar and Pines Edge Liquor.

Connie Cardinal and Gini Kalton from Foley CARE appeared before the Board, requesting Board approval to operate a food stand and to conduct garage sales to help with their fund-raising efforts. Monty Headley, County Administrator, explained that the food stand would be located in front of the old Highway Department garage area— where CARE food distribution has occurred; CARE would also like approval to hold tented garage sales periodically on the grassy area to the north of the old Highway building.

Cardinal and Kalton noted that the food stand would operate this summer during lunch and evening weekdays and would be licensed by the MN Department of Health—days and times of operation would be determined at a later date.

Heinen inquired about any liability issues this would create for the county. Headley noted that the county has a lease agreement with CARE for office space; he did not know how this agreement might extend to activities occurring outside on county property— he will seek an answer from MCIT. Phil Miller, County Attorney, added “...I sit on the Board of Directors for CARE...speaking as County Attorney, typically what we look for is $1.5 million of insurance coverage...CARE has $1 million...do the risk analysis... the county should decide whether that is a risk they are willing to accept...” Bauerly/Peschl unanimous to allow CARE to operate a food stand and periodic garage sales on County property during the summer of 2020. Chair Buerkle noted that the Council on Aging has a number of grants available for which Foley CARE may be eligible.

Jim McDermott, Emergency Management Director, and Nicole Ruhoff, Community Health Administrator, provided updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. McDermott commented “...everything points to the virus slowing down in Minnesota...the number of cases are going down, as well as the number of deaths, hospitalizations and ICU admissions...infrastructure is all set to handle a resurgence if needed...” Ruhoff added “...there was a release of data from the Department of Health about long term care... deaths and cases...our local long-term care agencies do have the opportunity to do testing now facility-wide... some in our region have opted to do that...I believe that will be opened up to group homes and assisted living as well...I want to praise our local businesses because they are really doing a great job with their infection control processes...one new area we are certainly watching is our seasonal workers and migrant workers... we have no concerns with the Benton County area at this time...CentraCare has moved their respiratory clinic from the area it was in to the St. Cloud Medical Group Northwest site...” County Board Minutes/June 16, 2020 1

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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020 | Page 13

Black bear sightings

DNR says reports down this year

D

BY JAKOB KOUNKEL | STAFF WRITER

espite what seems to be increases in black bear sightings in the Benton County area, Department of Natural Resources Area Wildlife Manager Beau Liddell said it is hard to determine swings in bear populations based on public sightings – especially year to year.

The public does not always report bear sightings to the DNR, making it hard to get a comprehensive understanding solely based off public sightings. Even when they do, Liddell said he only gets a handful every year. He said this year public bear sightings are down compared to the last few years, but that the metric is difficult to track.

“I’d say we’re definitely pretty low – the lowest of the last three years and maybe of the last 10,” Liddell said.

“It’s a real gray area.

There’s just no way we can faithfully track bear populations (locally).”

While Liddell said reports of bear sightings are down, Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck said the public might not be reporting bear sightings as often because, in the last 10 years, they have become accustomed to seeing bears in the area.

That might be a result of the DNR’s efforts to increase bear populations in Minnesota, which Liddell said was declining until the DNR stepped in.

After searching

through the last 12 months of reports to the sheriff’s office, Heck said there were two reports of accidents where a vehicle hit a bear as well as a bear sighting in Watab Township. He said the reports were unusual and an increase from years past but also that there were so few reports that the reports are likely statistically insignificant.

Bear populations are figured on a statewide database as opposed to locally, and usually the DNR looks at three- to four-year trends as opposed to single-year, local data.

Even when more bear sightings are reported, whether it be to the sheriff’s office or the DNR, extenuating cir-

cumstances could be the cause. For example, if it is a bad food year, more bears might be seen at bird feeders or in crop fields, but that does not signify a larger local bear population.

Adam Steffes, who lives north of Mayhew Lake, is all too familiar with bears at his bird feeder. A black bear he caught on a trail camera tore down two of his bird feeders just 50 yards from his house.

His neighbor to the north said he saw a bear in his hay field, searching for food.

“I had the bird feeders set up pretty well,” Steffes said of his original suspicion that a bear was in his yard. “I had them bolted into the tree and (the bear) actually took the bolts right out. … I don’t think a raccoon could’ve done that.”

Steffes, who used to hunt bears, said he was surprised that it turned out to be a bear but is not

“Living with bears in Minnesota” A resource from the DNR – If you live in Minnesota, you live in bear country.

– The black bear is common in Minnesota and can live throughout the state.

– Black bears are naturally curious and cautious animals that avoid human contact.

Prevent conflict and stay safe by reducing the availability of bear attractants, like food, and prepare for bear encounters.

– Once a bear finds a food source, it will return repeatedly.

– Black bears have an incredible sense of smell and are attracted to dog food, birdseed, garbage, fish entrails, fruit and grease.

– Anyone who encounters a bear should have respect for the animal but should not feel that it is an inherent threat.

not a sign of increasing bear population

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Adam Steffes caught a black bear on his trail camera June 22 at his house in Mayhew Lake. While Steffes is not concerned about his safety, he removed anything that might attract the bear back to his property out of precaution for his wife, kids and dog.

concerned for his safety.

“I don’t mind bears,” he said. “I don’t think they’re going to hurt us.”

Since the incident, Steffes removed the bird feeders and is making sure his garbage is secure – something Liddell and Heck agreed is a good idea if the public is concerned about bears in the area.

Liddell said there are basic precautions that can be taken, like

making sure a bear does not have easy access to food and making noise if heading into the woods alone. Liddell also said black bears are typically non-aggressive unless threatened.

“Bears don’t typically attack you,” Liddell said. “When I say it’s exceedingly rare, one out of thousands (of bear encounters result in a dangerous situation).”

However, when it comes to ensuring per-

sonal safety, Liddell said bear spray is effective.

The DNR’s website has a public resource for living in what he calls bear country, which he said includes the entire state of Minnesota.

If encountering a bear, Heck said the public can report it to the sheriff’s office, but that it would be better to report it to the DNR unless there is a threat or dangerous situation.

Pulse on People Students earn degrees WINONA – Michael Marlin, son of Michael and Michelle Marlin of Sauk Rapids, has received a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University in Winona following spring semester.

RIVER FALLS, Wis. – Sauk Rapids residents Brooke Bukowski and Katie Lucas have received bachelor’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin in River Falls. Bukowski earned a degree in biology. Lucas earned a degree in criminology.

FERGUS FALLS – Rice resident Damion Theisen graduated from the Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Fergus Falls following

spring semester. Theisen studied electrical line worker technology.

ST. JOSEPH – Students are candidates to receive bachelor’s degrees following spring semester at College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a commencement ceremony is planned for spring 2021.

Raeley Walz, child of David and Deanne Walz of Sauk Rapids, will receive a degree in integrative science.

Nicole Bukowski, child of Mike and Julie Bukowski of Sauk Rapids, will receive a degree in global business leadership. Dakotah Dorholt, child of Darin Dorholt of St. Joseph, will receive a degree in sociology. Cassandra

Evans, child of Mark and Ellen Evans of Sauk Rapids, will receive a degree in communication and economics. Larissa Kleen, child of Diane Kleen of Sauk Rapids, graduates cum laude and will receive a degree in nutrition.

Students recognized for spring semester honor lists EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Rice resident Danyelle Yoerg and Sauk Rapids residents Keanna Brudwick and Thomas Stiegel were named to the dean’s list at the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire for achieving a GPA of 3.7 or greater.

MANKATO – Rice resident Tan-

ner Hackett and Sauk Rapids resident Hannah Supan have been named to the honor list at Minnesota State University in Mankato for achieving a GPA of 3.5 to 3.99. Nevaeh Braucks was named to the high honor list for achieving a 4.0 GPA. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Paige Sunstrom, of Sauk Rapids, was named to the dean’s list at Augustana University in Sioux Falls for achieving a GPA of 3.5 or greater.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Kelsey Gertken, of Sauk Rapids, was named to the president’s list at University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa for achieving a 4.0 GPA.

NEWS/ SPORTS

Page 14 | SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

News Briefs

Cyclones athletics on hold through fall

Appointments required for Class D license knowledge tests ST. PAUL – Instead of waiting in line, Minnesotans must schedule appointments online for class D driver’s license knowledge tests. The tests are at 14 regional exam stations, including St. Cloud.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division is discontinuing class D knowledge tests on a first-come, first-served basis and will require appointments beginning Monday, July 13. This is due to the high demand brought on by the eight-week closure of exam stations.

Commercial knowledge testing and the motorcycle knowledge test will continue to be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

To schedule an appointment, visit https://www. drive.mn.gov.

PHOTO BY WE GOT GAME PHOTOGRAPHY

The Sauk Rapids seventh grade B girls basketball team – Ella Jevne (front, from left), Bailey Seaman and Aubry Klug; (back, from left) Lauren Schloe, Emily Berg, JosaLynn Morford and Olivia Mohs – are the recipients of a Youth 1st Team Award following their good sportsmanship March 7-8 at the Minnesota Youth Athletic Services Grade State Championships in the Twin Cities metro area. The team is coached by Shane Berg and Ryan Klug.

Girls basketball team recognized for good sportsmanship Seventh grade B earns Youth 1st award

OWATONNA – The Sauk Rapids seventh grade B girls basketball team is a recipient of the Youth 1st Team Award. The team was selected for the award because of their sportsmanship during the 2020 Minnesota Youth Athletic Services Grade State Championships March 7-8, which took place in 14 locations across the Twin Cities metro area.

“One of the goals within the

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sociated with the team (parents, fans and spectators).

The award is presented in partnership with Youth 1st, Federated Insurance, Pearson, Cash Wise, Bennerotte & Associates, Jaguar Communications, The Retrofit Companies, U.S. Bank, Profinium, Pizza Ranch, Heartland Chevy Dealers, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Institute for Athletic Medicine and Urban Air Adventure Parks.

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MYAS mission is to promote sportsmanship, teamwork and cultural interaction through sporting competition,” said Dawson Blanck, MYAS executive director.

“The entire MYAS team is thrilled to be able to partner with Youth 1st to help us meet those goals within our programs.”

The Youth 1st Team Award recognizes positive behavior from players, coaches and everyone as-

Sam ple

ST. CLOUD – The St. Cloud Technical and Community College Cyclones, in coordination with member colleges in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference, have put the athletics season on hold through the fall semester due to COVID-19.

The presidents of the member colleges of the Minnesota Colleges Athletic Conference determined that football, volleyball and soccer seasons would be canceled; only the low-risk fall sports of clay target and golf would continue with seasons this fall.

MCAC consists of 24 two-year colleges in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

While the news is disappointing for SCTCC’s student athletes, the college is working with each of the 90 students in Cyclones Athletics to determine the best path for them moving forward, both athletically and academically.

The Cyclones mens and womens basketball seasons are on hold through the fall semester, including practices and competitions. Discussions about potential for spring athletic seasons, which includes the remaining basketball seasons as well as softball and baseball, will continue.

The SCTCC Cyclones are members of the National Junior College Athletic Association in addition to MCAC.

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SPORTS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2020 | Page 15

Chiefs sign Mahomes to historic contract extension

PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON

Dane Dingmann hits a fly ball July 7 at Foley High School in Foley. The Sauk Rapids-Rice 18U team struggled to make solid contact all game long, striking out 11 times.

Sauk Rapids-Rice U18 squad struggles in opener Storm scores just once against Foley

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

A long, hard-fought atbat between Sauk RapidsRice cleanup hitter Andrew Wollak and Foley pitcher Ryan Chmielewski ended with an extremely close pitch hugging the outside of the plate.

Wollak, knowing the count was full, set down his bat and prepared to jog to first base. A trip to the basepaths would be a promising start to the inning, and the Storm needed anything they

could get.

However, Wollak’s journey to first was canceled abruptly when the umpire called strike three. The SRR left fielder then turned away from the first-base line and shrugged toward his dugout.

That fateful at-bat was just one of several disappointing outcomes for the Storm, who struggled to piece together opportunities against Chmielewski in a 5-1 loss to the Falcons July 7 at Foley High School in Foley.

The game marked the beginning of the Central Minneso-

ta League 18U independent baseball season.

“It’s great to be back out there playing,” said Kade Patterson, coach of the SRR 18U team. “With everything going on, it’s just awesome to see the guys back on the field competing.”

Derek Durant recorded SRR’s first hit of the campaign, a single to right in the first inning.

Baseball page 16

(Left) Connor Hemker tosses a ball toward first base July 7 at Foley High School in Foley.

Hemker was impressive in his relief appearance, allowing just one run in three innings of work.

(Above) Alex Harren delivers a pitch July 7 at Foley High School in Foley. Harren was the starting pitcher for the Sauk Rapids-Rice 18U team in their season opener, tossing three innings against Foley.

On Monday, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs agreed to the largest contract extension in the history of sports. If Mahomes plays out the entire 12year deal, he would reportedly make $503 million, which would be an incredible sum for any athlete, much less a football player. However, despite the sticker shock, this deal SPORTS COLUMNIST

BY ANDY THAYER could end up being a team-friendly deal for the Chiefs by the time we approach 2031.

Mahomes is an unprecedented talent. In his first season as a starter, he threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns and was the league MVP. In his second year, he was named the MVP of the Super Bowl after he led the Chiefs to a comefrom-behind victory against an incredible 49ers defense.

Logic dictates you cannot do much better than that, but Mahomes does not seem beholden to constructs such as logic.

He is only 24 years old, and the best might be yet to come.

The Chiefs were wise to lock up their precocious superstar quarterback with a long contract extension this summer for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, the most important and difficult player for any football team to acquire is a quarterback who elevates the level of play of his teammates. Mahomes most certainly fits that bill, and the Chiefs no longer need to worry about finding that critical roster puzzle piece for the next 12 years. Another reason this deal was wise for the Chiefs is because the NFL’s salary cap is tied to revenues. This looks like a massive deal right now, but Mahomes is really only making 14%-18% more in annual salary than Carson Wentz and Jared Goff (15.4% of the 2020 salary cap versus 13.7% and 14.3%, respectively).

The Chiefs back-loaded this deal to avoid taking massive cap hits in the early years of the contract – partially to give themselves flexibility to keep their championship roster intact but also because the NFL’s salary landscape is likely to change significantly in a couple of years. After the 2022 season, the NFL will renegotiate its TV contracts, and many experts predict the salary cap will increase from $198.2 million to over $300 million. At that point, this Mahomes deal is going to look like a bargain, and there will still be nine years left on the contract. That is a huge win for the Chiefs.

There is a good chance Mahomes and the Chiefs will renegotiate this deal prior to 2031. If Mahomes continues to play at an MVP level, he will assuredly deserve to make more money in 2022 after the salary cap increases. Contrarily, the biggest year on the contract will fall in 2027, when Mahomes stands to make $59.5 million. If Mahomes gets hurt or his play falters, the Chiefs will want to renegotiate the deal or cut him in March of 2026 when only $38.9 million of dead money will remain on their cap.

This deal sets the bar for future quarterback contracts.

Dak Prescott and Deshaun Watson are both Pro Bowl caliber quarterbacks looking for new deals from their teams, and you can bet their agents noted that one of their peers just signed a deal for Mike Trout money. While neither Prescott nor Watson is as good as Mahomes, they are certainly going to start negotiations north of $40 million per year now that this contract is on the books. Kirk Cousins, who is making an average of $33 million per year through the 2022 season on his new extension with the Vikings, is going to look downright affordable after the ink dries on those Prescott and Watson extensions.

The best player in the NFL just got signed to the largest contract in the history of professional sports, and it will likely end up being a team-friendly deal. There is not a single team in the NFL that would not have offered Mahomes this contract if they had the opportunity. When you think of everything that Mahomes brings to the Chiefs, this was an easy decision for the team. They are going to be Super Bowl contenders for as long as Mahomes is healthy and under center. And, with Tom Brady having left New England, we might just be looking at the start of a new dynasty in the NFL.