Sauk Rapids Herald - August 15 edition

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

Saturday, August 15, 2020

Same Local Coverage Since 1854.

Vol. 166, No. 19

Rice, Sauk Rapids mayors run uncontested One newcomer to challenge school board incumbents

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – The filing periods for Rice City Council and Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board positions closed Aug. 11 which sets the stage for the Nov. 3 election ballots.

These candidates join those from the city of Sauk Rapids and surrounding area who had previously filed in May. The Sauk Rapids Herald will feature candidates for the cities of Rice and Sauk Rapids and Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board prior to the general election.

Filings page 5

Sauk Rapids voyagers

discover maturation in Maine Storm graduates undertake 20-day canoeing expedition

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – On the morning of July 8, six adventurers from Minnesota set forth on a canoeing endeavor they would never for-

get.

They began in Fort Kent, Maine, neighboring the United StatesCanada border, paddling upstream on the St. John

River before branching off to several river and lake systems. The group concluded their expedition July 28 in Orono along the Penobscot River, 20 days after the beginning of their endeavor.

This time-consuming trek, undertaken by Sauk Rapids-Rice graduates Taylor Rau, Riley Rau, Jack Grabinski, Jaden

Roesner and Donovan Elyea and Academy of Holy Angels graduate Emery Rudolph, was a life-changing experience courtesy of Les Voyageurs Inc. – an outdoor program that sends teenagers to the Canadian wilderness in the hopes of developing growth and leadership skills.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Riley Rau (from left), Jack Grabinski, Jaden Roesner, Donovan Elyea and Emery Rudolph explore the waters July 23 at Webster Brook in Maine. While Maine was not the group’s original destination, they were happy to experience a Les Voyageurs Far North expedition there.

Les Voyageurs page 5

Sauk Rapids-Rice students to return to school buildings

District approves in-person model for beginning of 2020-21

BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – Sauk Rapids-Rice School District families and students now have an answer to how they will start the 2020-21 school

year.

In a reconvened special school board meeting Aug. 13, board members approved 6-1 an in-person learning model to begin the year. School board member Mark Hauck was the lone

PUBLIC NOTICES

• Sauk Rapids-Rice Schools Reg. Board Meeting, July 2, 2020 - pg. 11 • Sauk Rapids-Rice Schools Advertisement for Bids - pg.

11

dissenting vote. The motion included a “Resurgence of the Storm” slowstart plan. All students will begin school, but the introduction to in-person will be gradual. Further details will be released prior to the first days of school Sept. 8-9.

School page 5

PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYER

Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board chair Ryan Butkowski addresses the audience at a special meeting Aug. 13 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. The board approved an in-person base model for the 2020-21 school year, with a gradual introduction to buildings.

OBITUARIES • Howard E. Volkers

ST R

Publications The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.

NEWS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | Page 3

Millers

What’s Happening

Mike (left) and Mymy Bueckers, of St. Cloud

from page 2

Do you know of a free, public event or a civic group that has returned to regularly scheduled, in-person meetings? Email natasha@saukherald.com or call the Sauk Rapids Herald office at 320-251-1971 to have events placed in the What’s Happening calendar. Events published one issue before occurrence.

“We watched all of these events get canPurchase: Corn dogs and celed, and we thought cheese curds. our income was going What is the one fair food to be $0 for the year,” you must eat every year?

Rob said. “The more Monday, Aug. 17, 6 p.m. – Rice City Council Cheese curds. (impromptu locations) Meeting. Rice City Hall, 205 E. Main St., Rice.

What will you miss most we have added, the Monday, Aug. 17, 9 a.m. – ABILITYx Talk about the county and state closer we get to bridgwith Caroline Casey. Casey is the founder of ing the gap in our infair seasons? The people.

Valuable 500, a global movement putting discome. We are going to ability on the business leadership agenda. Free be OK because of the and virtual. Register at scsu.mn/ability2020. communities coming out and supporting us.”

Monday, Aug. 17, 2-8:30 p.m. – Sauk Rapids The Minnesota State Women of Today Pictures in the Park. Get Fair was also canceled your picture taken with your family and pets. due to the pandemic, Proceeds benefit the Tri-County Humane SoPurchase: Corn dogs. but fair organizers creciety. Sauk Rapids Municipal Park, 1001 River What is the one fair food ated the 2020 MinneAve. N., Sauk Rapids. sota State Fair Food you must eat every year?

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m. – Benton County Parade in its place. The Corn dogs and mini donuts.

Board of Commissioners Meeting. Benton sold-out event, that feaWhat will you miss most County Administration Building, 531 Dewey tures 16 fair food venabout the county and state St., Foley. dors, is slated for three fair seasons?

The different weekends in August and Tuesday, Aug. 18, 11:30 a.m. – Take Off food options and booths.

September.

Pounds Sensibly Weekly Meeting. Weigh-in Although Miller’s followed by meeting focused on healthy eating, Concessions will not incentives, fun and friendship. Atonement Lube participating, Rob theran Church, 1144 29th Ave. N., St. Cloud.

For more information, call 320-492-0410. said more of his business booths will move Tuesday, Aug. 18, 4-6 p.m. – Rice Area Farmtoward the Twin Citers Market. Sponsored by Rice Women of ies metro area and its Today. Veterans Memorial Park at the intersecsuburbs to accommotion of North Division and East Main streets date more customers. in Rice.

The Millers will be at Purchase: Fries, cheese curds, Cub Foods locations in Wednesday, Aug. 19, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Burgcorn dogs and hot dogs.

Maple Grove and White ers n’ Brats. Community Action Respecting What is the one fair food Bear Lake Aug. 21-22.

Elders fundraiser. CARE office, 321 Sixth you must eat every year?

Ave., Foley.

The Miller’s ConcesCheese curds. sions Facebook page is Thursday, Aug. 20, noon to 1 p.m. – Lunch ‘n’ What will you miss most the best place to find upLearn: Disability Rights in Federal Governdates on times and locaabout the county and state ment. Featuring Ann Cody and Charles Keltions of the trucks. fair seasons? The food. lett. Free and virtual. Register at scsu.mn/abil“We have been creity2020. ating the schedule as we go, and we are in a dif- “We are trying to find many communities as the Benton County Fair, Thursday, Aug. 20, 3-6 p.m. – Sauk Rapids ferent city and county new locations every possible.”

Miller’s Concessions Market. Coborn’s parking lot, 110 First St. S., all the time,” Rob said. week or two to get to as Sauk Rapids.

In the absence of was a well-received presence in Sauk RapFriday, Aug. 21, 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Arts Happy ids.

Hour. Featuring Tia Lihua, a dancer from Chi“Our time at Cona who is deaf and an advocate for people with born’s went very well,” disabilities. Free and virtual. Register at scsu.

Rob said. “We apprecimn/ability2020. ate the opportunity to give the community one Canceled: The Sauk Rapids Class of 1970 Reof the things they are union originally slated for Sept. 19. and months of preparaFor more information missing most this sumProceeds with

by CCS school lead- about CCS, visit catholic- mer – fair food.”

Canceled: The Sauk Rapids Class of 1980 Rein-person model tion ers. communityschools.org. union originally slated for Sept. 26. for school year “Student and staff safety and addressing the start holistic needs of our students to optimize learnSale Starts Monday, August 17th - Sunday, August 30th ing has been the priority ST. CLOUD – Cath- throughout our planning,” Coors Light & Cutwater olic Community Schools said Scott Warzecha, Coors Banquet Cocktails are moving forward with president of CCS. “There in-person learning this is a clear consensus from 24 pack $ 99 4 pack fall, scheduled to begin both education and medi- Monday-Thursday 9am-10pm • Friday-Saturday 8am-10pm • Sunday 11am-6 pm 16 oz. cans cans Sept. 1 in all CCS elemen- cal groups: We must Bud & tary schools and Sept. 8 at keep in mind not only Pabst Blue Cathedral High School. the risks associated with Bud Light Ribbon CCS is a consolidated COVID-19 for in-person DEALS OF THE MONTH All Available 24 pack cans & 24 pack cans school system and in- school programs but also bottles Beaver cludes St. Cloud schools the known challenges and $ 99 12 pack $ 99 All Saints Academy, Ca- consequences of keeping $ 99 Island bottles thedral, St. Elizabeth Ann students out of school.”

LIQUOR Seton and St. Katharine While CCS leaders $ 9912 pack WINE Drexel as well as Holy are ready to open in-percans Risata Cross in Marty, St. Fran- son learning at the beginSvedka Bacardi Windsor cis Xavier in Sartell, St. ning of the school year, Moscato Rum Vodka Whisky Joseph in St. Joseph, St. this plan is fluid and will D’Asti Mary Help of Christians be flexible to accommo1.75 L 1.75 L 1.75 L in St. Augusta and St. date distance learning or $ 99 $ 99 $ 99 All $ 99 Wendelin in Luxemburg. the hybrid model of in1.5 Liter Varieties The decision follows person and distance learn750ml Y O U R F U L L S E R V I C E L I Q U O R S TO R E « 312 B E N TO N D R I V E N. « 320-251-4185 state recommendations ing.

Carol Abbott, of Sauk Rapids

Grant (from left), Grace and Chris Stadther, of St. Cloud

Catholic Community Schools ready to reopen

Sauk Rapids

LIQUOR

9

$

AUGUST

11

Dark Horse Wine

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5

$ 99

Fulton

13

13

17

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2099

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NEWS

Page 4 | SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

School from front

The decision comes on the heels of the district’s safe learning plan approval Aug. 10, where superintendent Brad Bergstrom laid out the basics of each of the three learning models and how they will look throughout the district.

One of the factors that determines the learning model choice is the number of positive cases of COVID-19 per 10,000 residents in Benton County within a 14-day period. As cases rise, the district will shift from inperson to hybrid to distance learning as needed.

Bergstrom said other data is also considered, such as neighboring districts Sartell-St. Stephen and St. Cloud Area. Both in Stearns County, St. Cloud Area School District approved a hybrid learning model as students return to school this fall; SartellSt. Stephen will make its decision Monday, Aug. 17.

“I wish I had the ability to look into the crystal ball and see what the school year will look like,” Bergstrom said.

“I don’t foresee it being today we are here and tomorrow will be a different model. If we are changing models, we will need to give families time to plan and for the district to plan.”

OBITUARY Howard E. Volkers

A gathering of family and friends will be from 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids for Howard “Howie” E. Volkers, age 79, who passed away Aug. 12 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Sauk Rapids.

Howard Emil Volkers was born Feb. 25, 1941, in St. Cloud to Emil and Marie (VanHouse) Volkers. He married Anna Kotzer April 19, 1963, in Webster, South Dakota. Howie worked for Landy Packing for 22 years, Bauerly Brothers, Northern National Gas, and then back to Bauerly Brothers. He enjoyed going to the casino, traveling but not flying, and watching his grandson Jonathan raise bees.

Howie always had a smile and never got mad.

Howie is survived by his wife, Anna of St. Cloud; sons, Gregory (Susy) of Duelm, Daniel of Sauk Rapids, and David (Kathy) of Port Angeles,

Howard E. Volkers

Washington; brothers and sisters, Robert (Max) of Florida, Judy (Mark) Thompson of St. Cloud, Allan (Paula) of Albany, Marlys (George) Welle of Sartell, Mark (Mary) of Kimball, Steven (Lori) of Sartell, Wayne (Mary Jo) of St. Joseph, and Kevin of Sauk Rapids; 14 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter.

Howie was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Gene.

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

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

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

In-person model Sauk Rapids-Rice Public School’s Learning Plan In the in-person model, all students will learn Number of Benton Hybrid – attending at school full time, and County Cases In-person learning on an alternating per 10,000 over everyday childcare during school day schedule a 14-day period hours will not be offered.

Within the building, face 0-9 Cases Pre-K through Grade 12 coverings are required by students and staff who do 10-19 Cases Pre-K through Grade 5 Grades 6 through 12 not have medical exceptions, with the exemption 20-29 Cases Pre-K through Grade 1 Grades 2 through 12 of mealtimes and while exercising. This require30-49 Cases Pre-K through Grade 1 Grades 2 through 5 ment will extend at least through the expiration of 50+ Cases the governor’s statewide mask mandate.

Hybrid model The hybrid model will be a mix of in-person and remote learning days, split by the alphabet (with some exceptions) for grades 2-12.

Half of the students will learn in-person on Mondays and Tuesdays while the other half will educate remotely.

Then, the groups will rotate to the opposite scenario for Thursdays and Fridays. The district opted to have Wednesdays as a fully remote learning day, which allows for cleaning between student rotations.

As with the inperson model, face coverings are required for any students and staff within district buildings.

Distance learning Families can opt to distance learn rather than choose the flexible learning models. Once the distance learning approach has been chosen, the family cannot reverse its decision until the end of a term.

“We live in a time where choice in education is integral, and I think that’s what makes the world go round,” Bergstrom said. “Families need to have a choice, and their family dynamics change too, so we need to provide that flexibility.”

If distance learning is chosen by a family,

for 2020-2021 Distance Learning No in-person attendance

Grades 6 through 12 Pre-K through Grade 12

* In hybrid and distance learning models, grades 2-12 will learn remotely (distance learn) on Wednesdays. Pre-K through Grade 1 will attend school on Wednesdays during in-person and hybrid models

or if the district moves into a hybrid or distance learning model, education will look different than last spring. Daily interaction with teachers and a consistent schedule are aspects of the model, and grading methods are being determined. Bergstrom said the district will need to be explicit with families as to what they are evaluating when it comes to grades.

Distance learning provides more consistency for special education students in the new school year than it did in spring, allowing those students to come into the buildings.

Along with the three models comes the flexibility of having two models within the district at once. Depending on where the guidelines from Benton County lie, Sauk Rapids-Rice could have age groups in varying learning models.

Many other aspects have gone into planning for the upcoming school year, such as childcare, meals and transportation.

Lunch, recess and transition times have also been thought about.

Childcare for students of essential workers grades 2-5 will be pro-

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, Rice and Sartell P.O. boxes, city routes and rural routes.

Benton, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne and Stearns counties $50 per year Elsewhere in Minnesota - $57 • Outside Minnesota - $60 per year $5 per month for snowbirds

vided on remote learning days in the hybrid model and grades K-5 if the district moves to a distance learning model.

If the district is inperson or hybrid models, those students in attendance will receive meals, and those in a remote environment will have the option for meals sent home by request. Breakfasts and lunches will be available through pick-up or delivery by request if the district is in a distance learning model. During the school day, lunchtime is expected to be different as well. The district plans to have elementary students eat in their classrooms. The middle school and high school lunch settings will depend on the learning model, but the schools will attempt to operate with social distancing measures in place to the extent possible and the least amount of intermixing of students as possible.

Bergstrom said recess will occur at the elementary level, as it addresses important physical activity and social skills and allows students to remove face coverings for a short period of time.

Transportation is another significant aspect to the district’s planning. If

the district is in a hybrid model, buses will be kept to 50% capacity. In an in-person model, buses may have a seating chart to allow as much distance between families as possible. Students will load buses from back to front and unload from front to back. The district has committed to thorough cleaning of the buses between the morning and afternoon routes.

Building administration is working on logistical specifics of each school building.

While the district received guidance on fall sports from the Minnesota State High School League Aug. 4, co-curricular activities are uncertain. Bergstrom said the district is going to try offering as many activities as possible but is waiting on further guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Department of Education and the MSHSL. With the district’s base learning model announced, Sauk RapidsRice students can expect to return to school buildings this fall, embarking on a school year which is sure to bring change as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

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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NEWS

Les Voyageurs from front

“It’s amazing to see how much they grow over a short period of time and how much responsibility they can take on,” Taylor Rau said.

“It’s always a bumpy ride, and they might not remember everything they need to do, so at the start, it’s like directing traffic. As each day went on, it was exponentially better and by the end, it was a well-running machine.”

If the normal bumps associated with the beginning of an expedition is directing traffic, then the first day of the group’s Maine adventure was like a monster truck rally. All six explorers failed to recognize that

their charted campsite points were positioned in miles not kilometers.

As a result, they paddled a grueling 25 kilometers before realizing they were nowhere close to their destination. It was a heartbreaking development as the team scrambled to reassemble their plan. The fate of the trip was at stake.

“It was a shock when Taylor pulled up the map,” Elyea said. “It was either we find something else to do, a new way to reroute this, or turn back and hang our heads, and all of this was for nothing.”

Behind some quick thinking from Riley Rau and Grabinski, the collective agreed on a new route, one that would not extend quite as far but would allow for a nice blend of rivers, lakes and portages. With a newlyfound surge of excite-

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Taylor Rau (from left), Riley Rau, Emery Rudolph, Jack Grabinski, Donovan Elyea and Jaden Rosner stand in front of a van and trailer July 30 in Sartell. The six adventurers paddled on canoes through the Maine wilderness from July 8-28.

ment, the group moved upstream, getting into a rhythm. They followed a relatively-static schedule, waking up at 5 a.m. and hitting the water by 7 a.m. The group ate lunch between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and concluded paddling whenever they reached their campsite.

Eight days in the group ran into more difficulties, this time as they approached a critical foothold in their route.

They had just completed a 2-mile portage from Mud Pond to Chesuncook Lake, an exhausting endeavor requiring consistent physical effort, and were prepared PHOTOS SUBMITTED to camp out for the night.

Jaden Roesner paddles in a canoe July 22 on Eagle Lake However, they did not in Maine. Roesner was one of five Sauk Rapids-Rice have the necessary pergraduates to visit Maine through the Les Voyageurs mit to continue and faced program. two difficult options.

“Once we got to the

Filings from front

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | Page 5

last river we were going to get on, we found out we needed a special permit to be on that river,” Riley Rau said. “We either had to do 15 miles of walking and carrying our canoes, or we had to go back the way we came and go down a different river.”

The group reversed course, once again facing another frustrating setback. However, the group had been compiling chemistry for some time. Roesner, Elyea and Riley Rau were all members of the same first-year Les Voyageurs expedition team, and the five Storm graduates also developed a camaraderie through shared experiences throughout high school. Despite being the last adventurer to join and the only non-Sauk

Rapids native, Rudolph quickly established positive relationships within the group.

“In terms of their personalities, they were very similar, so it was easy for everyone to be along,” Taylor Rau said.

“It’s physically and mentally demanding and everyone is going through it together. As long as everyone is helping each other out, they don’t have to worry about themselves.”

The boys overcame the portage dilemma, making it in good time as they continued forward. The rest of the trip presented beautiful sights and breathtaking moments. When thinking back to the trip, a few of the members recollect the same experience: sitting out on a lake, watch-

ing the night sky.

“The clouds cleared at 2 a.m. and the stars were clearer than I had ever seen in my life,” Grabinski said. “You could see the Milky Way Galaxy. Everyone sat and stared at the stars. There was no talking, just appreciation.”

And by the time they reached the end of the journey, they had grown accustomed to the Maine wilderness, a fondness not expected after the lingering disappointment of not being able to visit Canada.

“Doing everything last minute and still being able to go and have a great time with it, there was sheer determination,” Elyea said. “(It was like), ‘We want to do this, we want to get this done, so let’s hunker down and figure it out.’”

Elyea and Grabinski are hoping to band together as co-guides next summer, while the others are pondering what their Les Voyageurs futures hold. Regardless, their wild experience in the northern waters of Maine helped its undertakers grow.

“They don’t really have those anymore, but we feel like Les Voyageurs is what we consider to be our becomingan-adult ritual,” Riley Rau said. “It affects your adult life, because you feel like you’ve grown after you’ve done this.”

Who’s on the ballot?

City of Rice

Mayor Brian Skroch is running uncontested for a two-year term. Incumbent Chris Scheel and newcomers Michelle Keller and Adam Bourassa will compete for two four-year positions on council. Emily Walters, who was appointed by the council following the resignation of Kyle Walter, is running uncontested for the two-year council position.

Incumbent Bryan Anderson did not refile.

mayoral and a four-year council position, respectively. Jeremiah Dahler, who had been appointed to the council, is running for a vacant four-year council position previously held by Todd Novak – who has resigned from the council as he has moved out of city limits.

No one filed for the vacant two-year position on council.

when selecting people to fill three four-year terms on the school board.

Incumbent Lesa Kramer and Pam Raden did not refile.

St. Cloud Area School District

Seven candidates have filed for seats on the Independent School District 742 school board. Incumbents Al Dahlgren, Shannon Haws and Monica City of Sartell Segura-Schwartz, and Omar Abdullahi Podi, Scott Incumbent Mike Chisum and newcomers Aaron Andreasen, Hani Omar-Jacobson and Andrea PrepCity of Sauk Rapids Mayor Kurt Hunstiger is running uncontested for Johnson, Alex Lewandowski and Jill Smith are vying pernau are vying for four four-year terms.

Incumbent Jeff Pollreis did not refile. a four-year term. Incumbent council members Nick for two four-year terms on the Sartell City Council.

Incumbent Brady Andel did not refi le.

Sauer and Dottie Seamans and newcomer David Rixe are vying for two four-year council positions.

Royalton Public Schools City of St. Cloud Tyra Baumann, Rian Hofstad, Angela Roering Following the primary election Aug. 11, Mayor and Elizabeth Verley are competing for three open Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools Residents in Independent School District 47 will Dave Kleis is challenged by Steven Schiller for a four- four-year terms on the Independent School District have five candidates to choose from to fill four open year term. Incumbents George Hontos, Carol Lewis 485 school board.

Incumbents Noel Guerard, Ellie Holm and Mark four-year terms. Incumbents Ryan Butkowski, Mark and Jeff Goerger, Hassan Yussuf, Natalie Ratha and Hauck and Tracy Morse and Jan Solarz have refiled Buddy King are vying for three at-large seats, serving Petron did not refile. for their positions and will be challenged by Olivia four-year terms.

Kolbe.

Neighboring cities and districts

Foley Public Schools

Independent School District 51 residents will select from seven candidates to fill four four-year terms on the school board. Incumbents Ken Anderson, ShaCity of Foley Mayor Gerard Bettendorf and council members ron Kipka, Emily Lachinski and Valerie Timm will be Jeff Gondeck and Jack Brosh are running uncontested challenged by newcomers Patric Lewandowski, Amfor a two-year mayoral and two four-year council po- ber Britz and Lora Lepisto Brown (Dagel). sitions.

Sartell-St. Stephen Public Schools

Residents in Independent School District 748 will decide between incumbent Jason Nies and newcomers Mayor Adam Mueller and council member Shawn Taryn Gentile, Patricia Meling and Matthew Moehrle Bemboom will run uncontested for a two-year

City of Gilman

Page 6 | SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Lamium, a ground cover

I asked if there was an attractive but well-behaved ground cover.

My favorite ground cover is Lamium maculatum from the GREEN & GROWING mint family, also IN BENTON COUNTY known as spot- BY LINDA G. TENNESON ted dead nettle.

It is a native from Europe and Asia that provides food for pollinators. This cooperative plant covers the ground with matte green and white leaves that are variegated with larger or smaller white center areas.

The leaf edges are scalloped with tiny hairs on them. The blooms are purple, pink or white. The plant is related to the nettle that stings, but Lamium is called dead nettle because it does not sting. It grows low to the ground, averaging 6-12 inches tall. Once established, it spreads but does so slowly, and its runners can be redirected or easily pulled if it spreads where it is not wanted. It is usually sold in pots with the recommendation to plant them 1 foot or less apart to cover an area in a reasonable amount of time.

Lamium is a perennial, and while it will survive in full sun, the plant grows best in full or partial shade. It is deer and rabbit resistant and co-exists well with other perennial plants or under trees. I have it growing in the same area where tulips bloom earlier in the season. Lamium does best in well-drained soil and with sufficient water but also recovers well after a dry season. Do not plant it in areas where it will be walked on too much.

Beacon Silver and Pink Pewter have pink blooms. The White Nancy variety has of course white blooms, and Purple Dragon has magenta-purple blooms. All cultivars bloom off and on from spring to fall, with less blooms in mid-summer and dependent on the amount of rain. Some cultivars have leaves that are nearly all white while Pink Pewter has a narrower white center area than other varieties.

There are several cultivars which are less well known but similar in appearance.

The blooms consist of small petals that curve toward each other, somewhat like the perennial turtlehead. The blooms are small, but there are so many of them they show up well against the green and white of the leaves. The plant may be sheared or mowed once a season to inspire new growth. It may suffer from insects or slugs but recovers so quickly the damage may not be noticeable. Also, the plant crowns may rot if the plant spends too much time in wet soil. Visit the University of Wisconsin Extension at wimastergardener.org/article/spotted-deadnettlelamium-maculatum for further details on this plant.

Note, there is a yellow lamium – Lamium galeobdolon or Yellow Archangel – which has larger leaves and yellow flowers, and spreads faster than other varieties. It is not as attractive as the Lamium maculatum and is listed as an invasive weed in the state of Washington. There is also Lamium purpureum and Lamium amplexicaule, related plants which are considered undesirable lawn weeds.

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

EDITORIAL

Storm technology: Behind the Scenes As families, students and staff prepare re trict’s tri dedicated instructional technology for the start of the 2020-21 school year, arr, staff s a who have curriculum and instruction st they will be greeted with smiles from the he experience ex and are committed to support district’s technology staff who work dililii-students st stu and staff. gently to plan, prepare and implement the he McCabe has been with the district technology that will support and lead us for fo 23 years; he manages all of the dishe tri networks, network resources, techthrough the year. At the beginning of the trict ISD 47 year, our students in grades 3-12 will renology support needs and any technology

By Cory Zimpel, ceive an individually assigned device that hardware related projects throughout the director of will provide the tools necessary to prepare district.

McCabe started his technology technology them to be 21st century learners. Pre-kincareer at 14 in his mom’s computer repair dergarten through grade 2 students will shop. After moving to central Minnesota also have access to devices in the classroom to support in 1992, he worked as a sales engineer for EdTech, and instruction and learning. in 1997, he began supporting and leading technology at What many people outside of the school district do Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools. not see is the time, effort and commitment to excellence Managing and supporting the high school fleet of the district technology team puts into every device used technology is Glen Fugleberg. Fugleberg maintains 1,400 by students in the six schools across the district. high school devices for students and staff. He came to the Every summer the Sauk Rapids-Rice Technology district in 2002 after spending a number of years in the Support Team, under the direction of network manager electronics and technology repair business.

Scott McCabe, refurbishes over 2,000 student and staff Bryce Jensen and Matt Grams, both with four years laptops and 3,600 student and staff iPads. This imaging in the district, manage the iPad fleet for the three elemenprocess is time consuming, methodical and a bit repeti- tary schools and the middle school. These iPads are in tive. Cindy Hiedeman, Alexa Martin, Alex Torvik and the hands of every third- through eighth-grader across the Hannah Voigt were on staff all summer to help process district, in addition to carts of iPads which are available the district’s student devices and aid in the installation of for students pre-kindergarten through grade 2. a district-wide phone system.

Jason Ahlgren is the network server administrator.

Every iPad goes through a systematic process in prep- His role is to keep all of the district online resources up aration for the upcoming school year. iPad cases are re- to date with data as well as monitor the more than 6,000 moved and cleaned, and the cable and charger are cleaned device inventory systems, managing over 140 district apand checked for damage. The device is relabeled and the proved apps and continually auditing the 940 staff and case is reinstalled. After this process is complete, imaging 4,700 student active directory records, which automatiof the device for the school year begins. In order to im- cally populate our online resources and logins. age a device, it must be erased, updated with the newest This summer was busier than usual as the technoloperating system, enrolled into the device management ogy crew also programmed and installed over 400 phones system and assigned to the correct student. Once assigned across the district, replaced outdated wireless access to the student, the device is logged into the system, and points and performed maintenance on district security finally, the device gets an app audit to make sure it is im- systems. aged properly. This is the process for one iPad; now, only Our thanks to the diligent and dedicated work the 3,599 left to go. The laptops accessed by high school stu- technology team performs every day. While their work is dents go through a similar process. Management of these largely behind the scenes, their work and partnership are devices throughout the school year is done by the dis- integral to student, staff and district success.

Not of this world

Isn’t it cool when you learn something happen when we are disassociating ourselves new about the same thing you have known away from the world into our own personal for a long time? The Bible does that for me gaining bubble? constantly. I have heard the phrase, “In the David Mathis wrote in 2012 on the Deworld but not of it,” for so long in my church siring God website, “The beginning place is circles. I have read it in devotions, and I have being ‘not of the world,’ and the movement been saying it for years. One writer chalis toward being ‘sent into’ the world. The aclenged me to look at it differently, and it has cent falls on being sent, with a mission, to the grown my relationship with God by knowing world – not being mainly on a mission to dishis character more clearly. Can I please share associate from this world.”

LIFE BY FAITH it with you?

Eight years later my eyes have landed You may have uncovered this truth long BY MERCY NYGAARD on this concept, and the Lord has blessed my before reading this. So, rejoice with me that heart, advancing it to build his kingdom and I have finally uncovered it for myself. Here is Jesus’ not my own. prayer to his father God, in John 13-18, concerning beMathis continued in his article, “Jesus’ true following not of the world: ers have not only been crucified to the world but also “But now I come to you, and these things I speak in raised to new life and sent back in to free others. We’ve the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in them- been rescued from the darkness and given the light not selves. I have given them your word; and the world has merely to flee the darkness but to guide our steps as we hated them because they are not of the world, just as I go back in to rescue others.” am not of the world. I do not pray that you should take This gives me so much joy. Jesus’ joy fulfilled in them out of the world, but that you should keep them myself as in verse 13. I no longer want to stay away from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I from worldly things because of the demise it may cause am not of the world. Sanctify them by your truth. Your in my heart but because of the demise it may cause in word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I also someone else’s heart. I no longer want to disassociate have sent them into the world.” from the world, but I want to help those that are of the I was challenged to rethink the phrase, “In the world become no longer of the world so they can be sent world, but not of it.” Start with, “Not of the world,” and out as well, to love God and love others, following Jethen finish with, “But sent into it.” If we keep our minds sus’ example. This is how to make disciple makers. set on, “In the world but not of it,” it’s kind of self-cenThose who have embraced Jesus and identify themtered. It puts our focus on disassociating ourselves from selves with him, go, your sent. Your mission: Love God, this world, which can force us into a bubble to enrich fill up your heart mind and soul with your love for him. ourselves for our own protection. When indeed, there Out of the overflow of that, love others and share the are children clamoring around, dabbling in harmful gospel. This commission is so awesome; it is not of this worldly things that need to be enriched and taught how world. to protect themselves from the evil one. How can that

EDITORIAL

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | Page 7

Aggressive behavior is on the rise

Without a doubt, 2020 has been a difficonflicting points of view and protests are cult year for people all around this country protected speech and helpful in advancing and world. From natural disasters to copconversations. When the intent of these ing with a global pandemic to civil unrest, activities changes from advancing the conrapid change and new stressors are the new versation to imposing a particular view normal in our daily lives. It is understandthrough harassment, threats of violence able the shine on our Minnesota nice has or intimidation, the law may be broken. dulled a bit. One alarming trend emerging When considering how to act when infrom this daily battle against the forces of volved in a conflict, for your own safety, chaos has been an increase in violent and KEEPING BENTON take a moment and evaluate whether your aggressive behavior. In June, I wrote about actions are advancing the solution or creCOUNTY SAFE the rise in domestic violence cases since SHERIFF TROY HECK ating more problems. If you are not sure the outbreak of COVID-19. However, this whether you are advancing a solution, ask upturn in violent and aggressive behavior is not lim- yourself if you will be proud of your actions six months ited to domestic abuse. A collection of nine categories from now. of call types which are all associated with interperKeeping safe in these turbulent times requires indisonal conflict indicate that, in general, we are having viduals to be restrained and smart. When dealing with a problem getting along with each other. These nine conflict, the best advice is to either disengage or be the categories include acts of disorderly conduct, disputes, person who works to de-escalate the situation. A top harassment, threats and unwanted persons. This collec- priority in our mission to keep Benton County safe is to tion of conflict incidents has seen a 40% increase in find and arrest people who engage in physical violence. call volume for 2020 when compared to the same time However, arresting the perpetrator will not heal your period in 2019. black eye or mend a broken bone. When conflicts esThis is a disturbing trend when you consider that calate into physical fights, both sides lose regardless of these types of behaviors are the starting point for situ- who threw the first punch. When faced with conflict, get ations that have the potential to turn violent or even to a place of safety and call law enforcement. Law endeadly given the wrong combination of circumstances. forcement will work to ensure your safety, determine if What may seem like a minor conflict can quickly turn any laws were broken and hold accountable those who into a life-altering event. Take the case of Anthony have broken the law. For chronic conflict situations, the Shriver, a 22-year-old man who died in St. Cloud in courts offer solutions like harassment restraining or2017 after being involved in a verbal altercation that ders and orders for protection. These orders give law escalated to a physical fight. The man who punched enforcement valuable tools in diffusing these situations Shriver and began a chain of events that lead to Shriv- and keeping them from escalating into violence. er’s death was ultimately sentenced to seven years in Finally, we could all benefit from keeping in mind prison, resulting in two lives being changed forever. that the angst we feel about the current conditions in One does not need to resort to violence to find which we find ourselves is likely shared by most everythemselves on the wrong side of the law. Harassment, one else you meet. The rude behavior of that driver in intimidation and threats of violence are all behaviors the lane next to you or that neighbor who will not stop which may not be protected by the First Amendment annoying you is likely as frustrated about something in and carry penalties in the law. Regardless of how righ- their life as you are with their behavior. I have yet to see teous you may think your cause is or your motivation a conflict situation that is escalated by using patience for engaging in this kind of behavior, that self-justifi- and kindness, so maybe we could all try that first. cation will likely serve you poorly as your case works For more crime prevention information and safety its way through the criminal justice system. Whether information visit the Benton County Sheriff’s Office the issue causing conflict is an interpersonal conflict, website at co.benton.mn.us/211/Crime-Prevention. You neighborhood dispute or even a nation-wide social de- can also like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter at bate, behaviors associated with these conflicts become @BentonMNSheriff for regular updates and crime preincreasingly problematic as they move toward intend- vention messages. ing to cause a specific person to feel fear. Discussions,

BREAK CROSSWORD

Letter to the Editor *This submission is being reprinted as errors occurred in the Aug. 8 Sauk Rapids Herald.

The lowly dandelion Pat Fouquette, Sauk Rapids Oh, to the dandelion plant of woe; Not in favor of man to grow.

A pesky weed as men would see; Growing about, where it’s not to be.

As most would say, it would not grace The average lawn, its favorite place.

As yellow appears, we know it grows; When white appears, we know it sows.

Misunderstood this fabled plant; The lawnmowers mercy, it will not grant.

Examine closely this yellow bloom; Its natural beauty, you cannot assume.

A yellow fire above the stem; Much delight, as a precious gem.

If someday, man fails to feed; No longer the dandelion a useless weed.

Within its stem, a nutrient grows; Known not to man, but God knows.

Food no more, and man in strife; This weed stands by, to save your life.

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Page 8 | SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

NEWS

Sauk Rapids-based organizing business opens retail coffer

Residents will be on the hunt for their next find at SOS Treasure Chest

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. But, what if those items aren’t trash at all?

Julie Braun has a home for her clients’ unwanted items.

Braun is the owner of Smart Organizing Solutions – a Sauk Rapids-based business that launched in June 2019.

After spending the last year helping others get their personal possessions in order, Braun began offering a perk to her package: She consigned items and sold them through social media.

Soon, inventory outgrew her garage and stor-

PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

Julie Braun (from left) and her daughters Morgan and Kelly stand outside SOS Treasure Chest Aug. 11 in Sauk Rapids. The retail business will host a grand opening Aug. 20-22.

age unit, and what started SOS Treasure Chest as a simple extension of is a retail treasure hunt her business became a re- so to speak and is locattail store of its own. ed at 24 Seventh St. N., Sauk Rapids. The large warehouse contains items from furniture to artwork, jewelry to toys – all items Braun’s customers are selling through consignment.

The store is hosting its grand opening Aug. 20-22. Following the weekend event, the retail location will be open Mondays and Wednesdays on a weekly basis and one weekend a month.

“Everything in here is from our clients’ homes,” Lamps line a shelving unit at SOS Treasure Chest Aug. 11 Braun said. “Every month

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in Sauk Rapids. The business sells items on consignment.

SOS Treasure Chest is a retail business that grew from Smart Organizing Solutions, a business Julie Braun launched in June 2019.

we have something new introduced. This month we have three household’s worth of stuff coming in.”

Braun, who has dabbled in occupations from city administration to owning a construction company, said the idea to help others organize their homes and businesses

came to her in a dream.

The self-starter was tired of desk work and needed a change.

“I started researching home and business organization and found out professional organizing is a big business in the Twin Cities area,” Braun said.

“There’s a lot of them in the Twin Cities; it’s a

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A Schwinn World Traveler bicycle is awaiting purchase Aug. 11 at SOS Treasure Chest in Sauk Rapids. The retail location sells items for people who have downsized or organized their homes and businesses.

niche in St. Cloud that hasn’t been tapped into.”

The first home Braun organized was her parents; the family wanted to be proactive and downsize material possessions. Turns out, when Braun’s parents’ health declined one year later and the couple was ready to make a move, it was simple.

“There was no garbage left,” Braun said.

“No junk, no plastic bags, no boxes, no plastic containers – all of that had been purged.”

Braun said every client is different but the biggest task in organizing a person or family is sorting items by category.

“That can take a lot of time,” she said.

“People have batteries in three different closets. They have Christmas decorations upstairs, downstairs, in the crawl space.”

Allowing a third party to assist in downsizing can lessen the burden of parting with personal effects. Receiving a financial kickback with items as they choose to say goodbye is a reward for her clients.

“Every client has a tag and we put an item number on it,” Braun said of SOS Treasure Chest.

“We track it on a spread sheet so the client knows exactly what we have of theirs, what we listed it at to sell and what we actually sold it for.”

Braun employs her daughters Kelly, 31, and Morgan, 25, as well as four others. The group’s clients are as diverse as the items in the warehouse.

From a Sears Craftsman radial saw to a Victrola record player, a Schwinn World Traveler bicycle to a Pee Wee Herman doll, the variety is endless.

“I had a client this week who had been in our store and she saw a teapot that matched her grandma’s dishes,” Braun said. “It came with cream and sugar (pieces), and she called and asked if she could just buy the teapot. ... So, sometimes people will find things that add to their collections.”

With Braun’s team saving new client’s each week from their distress, one can only guess what type of fortune they will find on the shelves of SOS Treasure Chest.

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | Page 9

NEWS

MidCountry Bank partners with Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity representatives Kris Lehman (from left), Eileen Bitzan, Rick Nelson and Art Buhs (far right) accept a donation from Chris Vosbeek, CFO of MidCountry Bank, and Tony Sofio, St. Cloud MidCountry Bank branch manager, July 30 in Sauk Rapids. The bank provided a $100,000 grant to the non-profit to help fund its Veterans Build 2 project and ongoing work.

Donation will help fund Veterans Build 2 in Sauk Rapids

ST. CLOUD – Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity and MidCountry Bank have renewed their partnership to build safe and affordable homes for military veterans and their families. A $100,000 grant made by MidCountry Bank in July marks its second engagement with Habitat in central Minnesota and brings total bank contributions to this initiative to $175,000.

“We are so grateful for MidCountry’s care and support of service

member causes and, of course, this major gift and partnership in our local community,” said Rick Nelson, Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity executive director. “This provides important funding to complete our second Veterans Build in the area and anchor funding for a third. Our vision is to continue to serve the need for homes for veterans in the years to come.”

The Veterans Build 2 project is located in Sauk Rapids. With the build

approximately 50% complete, MidCountry’s timely grant will see it to completion. The house is being built by volunteers, along with more than 200 hours of sweat equity by the new homeowner, family and friends. With oversight of Habitat – as with all of their builds – local contractors provide and supervise the work, and many gifts-in-kind from suppliers and builders come together in making these homes a reality. Then, the chosen homeowner purchases the home from Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity with an affordable mortgage and payment.

MidCountry Bank president and CEO Steve Meads said, “We embrace the opportunity to join Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity in making homeownership possible for veterans in our community. They have given so much for our country. It is a privilege to give back.”

The search for qualified applicants for Habitat homes is ongoing.

Further information, applications and ways to become involved can be found at the Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity offices in St. Cloud or via www.cmhfh.org.

Pleasantview project moving toward construction Berghuis presents virtual tour

BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – Community members received a glimpse at what the new Pleasantview Elementary School may look like as the rebuild project moves toward the construction phase.

Brad Berghuis presented a virtual tour of the building at the Sauk Rapids School Board meeting Aug. 11 in Sauk Rapids. Berghuis is the district’s director of buildings and grounds. The virtual walk-through

highlighted a pod of classrooms, offices and common areas such as the gymnasium, media center and cafeteria.

Berghuis said bidding for the project will happen in early September, and he hopes to begin relocation of utilities in October or November. The construction of the school is slated to end in spring 2022, and the building will open to students and staff for the 2022-23 school year.

Pleasantview Elementary School students will continue to attend the current school building and the portables, which were installed in the school’s parking lot in November 2019, throughout the construction of the new school.

The school will be demolished once the new building is ready for occupancy.

The virtual tour video can be found on the district’s Facebook page or on YouTube.

In other school board news: – Superintendent Brad Bergstrom talked about the first Facebook live event, Storm Forecast, in which he answered questions from the community regarding preparation for the start of the 2020-21 school year. He thanked the community for tuning in and asking questions, and said the district plans to do more of the live virtual events.

– Approved the 2020-21 handbooks and district code of conduct.

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Page 10 | SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

NEWS

July weather, phenology in review Weather: Temperatures were a bit warmer than last year, and the area had more rain. Average high and low temperatures were 86.03 and 61.04 degrees. About the same on the low end but almost 3 degrees warmer FROM THE NORTH on the high end. The SHORE OF LITTLE warmest day was July ROCK LAKE

BY JIM HOVDA 2 at 95 degrees, and the low was 50 degrees July 23.

A total of 5.02 inches of rainfall accumulated compared to 4.22 inches last year. The most rain fell July 18 when I recorded 2.18 inches. We received good amounts of rain all month. The crops got a needed drink July 9 when I measured .89 on the gage. Crops were showing signs of stress. It was a good month for the green things. The rain was needed.

Local weather records: Our mid-summer temperatures dictate hot and muggy weather.

The coldest day occurred in 1969 when the mercury dipped to a chilly 40 degrees while in 1934 it made it to 107 degrees. I cannot remember when it made it to 100 degrees here.

The most rain, 12.81 inches, occurred in 1897.

Phenology: Bird activity first. The normal summer birds are here. However, the first migration (leaving) of summer birds seems to be happening. As of July 28, the purple martins, brown-headed cowbirds and grackles have left. It is notable when they arrive, but when they leave, it is not so easy to notice.

In early August, the tree swallows will be leaving. The seasons just keep rolling along.

My neighbor, Mark Soderholm, observed a couple of brown bats at night July 3. Sighting of bats is a big deal. They have been absent for a couple of years. Would crop spraying have something to do with it?

Jebb Willis observed a scarlet tanager at his feeder July 11. It was only here once this late in the summer.

Green things: My wife, Jan, counted 13 plants in bloom in our garden and buffer strip by the lake. This is one of the reasons we have so many pollinators here. This spring, I planted several giant sunflowers. Now, some are more than 8 feet, 5 inches tall.

Insects and critters: White Admiral, Monarch Tail Blue and a Skipper butterfly – although I am not sure which specific one it was – were all here along with lots of bees. My neighbor, Roxie Saldana, told me they have three otters in their pond. No fish left in the pond. Mark Soderholm reports an abundance of Leopard frogs and showed me a cecropia moth sitting on his deck ledge. I have not seen one in many years; it is a large moth (6-inch wingspan) with lots of color. Missing in action are the painted turtles. I have not seen one this year. They are usually in the road ditch at the north end of Little Rock Lake and have been gone since the road improvement project this spring.

Little Rock Lake: Lake levels remained stable, and the water temperature reached 82 degrees July 18. Last year at the first of the month, we started the drawdown. Algae remained about the same. Newly-planted vegetation seems to be doing well, at least on the north end of the lake.

PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYER

Betty Hauch (front) and Erin Lemke visit outdoors at the Good Shepherd Community July 27 in Sauk Rapids. The two visited at least five times weekly prior to the COVID-19 restrictions and now enjoy visiting outdoors at least once a week.

Lemke, Hauch reunited with outdoor visits MDH releases guidance for congregate care facilities

BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – Betty Hauch is more like a mom than an aunt to Erin Lemke. After Lemke lost her parents in her 20s, Hauch stepped into the role – even walking Lemke down the aisle on her wedding day.

Three years ago, Hauch moved from her home in Mankato to the Good Shepherd Community in Sauk Rapids. The move provided Hauch with hospice care and more visits from Lemke and her family, who live in Sartell. Lemke visited Hauch at least five days a week, where she would help with laundry and other household tasks, as well as leisurely activities.

When the coronavirus pandemic forced closings in mid-March, the daily visits were quickly halted, but the two were reunited with outdoor visits this summer. The Minnesota Department of Health released new guidance this week to support congregate care facilities in balancing visitor and safety restrictions with the well-being of its residents. The 22-page

document takes effect Aug. 29 and sets forth a process for facilities to open to greater visitation levels when appropriate.

If a positive case is confirmed within the past 28 days at a facility, the facilities return to level one – the most restricted level.

Since being able to visit outdoors, Lemke visits at least once a week and more if availability allows. The two appreciate the time together albeit with masks on and 6 feet apart.

“It is really nice to be able to see her, like really see her, again,” Lemke said. “It’s a bonus that we get to visit outside each time because she loved the he outdoors oors so much, and

we have always tried to get her outside as much as possible.”

When visitor restrictions were enacted in March and April, contact could only be made through phone calls.

The minimal interaction was difficult for Lemke.

Lemke had phone contact with Hauch’s care team which eased her worries, and she felt better knowing Hauch was getting extra visits and socialization with her hospice team.

When interaction increased to video calls, the time apart was made easier. As the Good Shepherd facilities transitioned to outdoor visits, the excitement surrounding physically reuniting was apparent.

Hauch has also become a grandmother to Lemke’s kids, as Hauch had no children or grandchildren of her own. Lemke remem-

bers Hauch traveling by bus and taxi from Mankato to Minneapolis to be there for the birth of Lemke’s first child.

Getting visits from Lemke and her children are Hauch’s greatest joy.

“She really likes being able to be a grandma to my kids and has always loved spending time with them,” Lemke said.

The routine of seeing each other multiple times a week has been limited for the past five months, but with new guidance in place by MDH the hope is the likelihood to spend time together returns.

“We are missing the opportunities to do things together,” Lemke said. “Being able to take her out for things in the past has been so good for her. We really cannot wait until things return to normal, and we are able to resume some of those things.”

“We are missing the opportunities to do things together.

Being able to take her out for things in the past has been so good for her.

We really cannot wait until things return to normal, and we are able to resume some of those things.”

– Erin Lemke

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

Crime & Public Safety

Public Notices

Sauk Rapids woman charged hearing and an adult witness verified with felony drug possession hearing two people in the residence. Law

TITLE: enforcement arrived at the apartment, LOCATION OF WORK:

ST. CLOUD – Rachel Schmelzer, 24, is due in court Oct. 12 after being charged with felony fifth degree drug possession. She faces five years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.

According to a complaint, the St. Cloud Police Department was dispatched to the 3000 block of Maine Prairie Road, St. Cloud, for a welfare check. Law enforcement found two people passed out in a running vehicle with its doors open. They also observed a scale, a type often used in narcotics sales, in the backseat of the vehicle.

Schmelzer sat up; the officer presented himself, and Schmelzer and passenger, Bryan Rakes, 27, woke up.

During a search, law enforcement located methamphetamine. They located a hypodermic needle on Rakes’ person. Rakes has also been charged with felony fifth degree possession.

Sauk Rapids man violates no contact order

ST. CLOUD – Tyron Oats, 39, is in jail after violating a no contact order. Oats has prior convictions of domestic assault and second-degree assault.

Oats is in custody at the Stearns County Jail and is expected in court Aug. 19. He faces five years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine for the felony charge.

On Aug. 6, St. Cloud Police Department was dispatched to the 700 block of 14th Street South, St. Cloud, after a probation agent reported seeing Oats during an online compliance

spoke with one occupant but suspected another inside, searched the home and OWNER: apprehended Oats.

Task force makes drug, firearms arrests ST. CLOUD – A large amount of methamphetamine is off the streets after the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force received a report that a felon was potentially in possession of firearms and methamphetamine.

Benny Wiggins, 39, of Sauk Rapids, and Corine Kirmeier, 29, of St. Cloud, were taken into custody Aug. 5 on multiple charges.

Wiggins faces one felony count of first-degree possession of 50 grams or more of cocaine and methamphetamine as well as a gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor weapons charge. He faces 30 years imprisonment and a $1 million fine along with penalties for the lesser charges.

Kirmeier faces the same felony charge as well as a gross misdemeanor weapons charge.

Both are expected in court Oct. 12.

According to a complaint, after locating Wiggins in Waite Park, he was detained, and the vehicle was searched.

Law enforcement found methamphetamine exceeding 60 grams, pills, two rifles, one handgun and ammunition as well as drug paraphernalia. They located identification and financial cards belonging to Wiggins and Kirmeier, connecting them further to the crime.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS New Pleasantview Elementary School Pleasantview Elementary School 1009 6th Ave N. Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools – ISD 47 1833 Osauka Rd. NE Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 (320) 253-4703

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ICS 1139 Franklin Ave. Suite 1 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 Contact: Kyle Walter (kyle.walter@ics-builds.com) 320-309-9227 Wold Architects & Engineers 332 Minnesota Street, Suite W2000 St. Paul, MN 55101 (651) 227-7773 Northland Consulting Engineers 102 S 21st Avenue West, Ste 1 Duluth, MN 55806

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Obernel Engineering 1400 Van Buren St NE Unit 130 Minneapolis, MN 55413 CIVIL ENGINEER: Obernel Engineering 1400 Van Buren St NE Unit 130 Minneapolis, MN 55413 FOOD SERVICE CONSULTANT: Rippe Associates 10400 Yellow Circle Drive, Suite 100 Minnetonka, MN 55343 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This project consists of multiple work scopes for all of the work necessary for the construction of a 104,500 SF Elementary School, demolition of the existing elementary school, site improvements, parking lots, and all associated utilities and amenities.

BID DATE AND LOCATION: Sealed bids will be received at Sauk Rapids-Rice District office at 1835 Osauka Rd NE, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 then virtually opened and read aloud. Virtual meeting information will be issued via an addendum. Bids will be received and stamped-in prior to 2:00 PM local time on September 3, 2020.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE: A pre-bid conference will be held at 3:00 PM on August 24th, at Pleasantview Elementary ,1009 6th Ave N. , Sauk Rapids, MN 56379. A site walkthrough will take place immediately following. No extras will be allowed because of the bidder’s misinterpretation to the amount of work involved, bidder’s own error, negligence, or failure to examine the site.

START DATE: Work will begin after receipt of the signed contract from the Owner. The anticipated award date is September 22nd, 2020. Pre-construction and submittals work related to the project is to commence immediately after receipt of the signed contract. The onsite work will begin on the premises no later than October 5th, 2020 SUBSTANTIAL AND COMPLETION DATE: Owner requires all work to be substantially complete in different areas throughout the site on or before milestone dates as listed in the Summary of Work as well as the overall construction schedule provided in section 01 32 10 Project Schedule Requirements. Final completion of all Phase 1 work must be completed by May 6, 2022. Phase 2 work must be completed by August 19, 2022 R-33-2B

Public Notices SAUK RAPIDS-RICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 47 REGULAR SEMI-MONTHLY BOARD MEETING Monday, July 20, 2020 A semi-monthly meeting of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order by Chair Butkowski Monday, July 20, 2020 at seven o’clock 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 Bergstrom, Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman, Director of Business Services Johnson, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Schoenherr, and Director of Buildings and Grounds Berghuis.

APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Hauck and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Agenda” as amended.

Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski M Vo Voting Against: None C CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Holthaus an and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 th the motion was unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Consent Agenda”. in Vo Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, M Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None Vo A ACTION APPROVAL OF THE LONG-TERM FACILITY MAINA TENANCE PLAN TE A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Loidolt an and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to approve the Disth tri trict’s 10-year Long-Term Facility Maintenance plans, w which also includes the District’s Health and Safety Plan.

The District is required to submit the plan as well as a stateTh m ment of assurances to MDE by July 31 each year.

Vo Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski M Voting Against: None Vo

APPROVAL OF AN ADDITIONAL SPECIAL EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION DRIVER A motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Loidolt and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to approve an additional special education transportation driver position for 5.75 hours daily. This request for an additional position is due to an increase in student need.

Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None APPROVAL OF INDIVIDUAL AGREEMENTS A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Solarz and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to approve the Individual Agreements for the School Age Child Care Coordinator and Director of Business Services.

Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #524 A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Morse and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #524 (Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current policy #524 (Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy).

Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #701 A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Braun and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #701 (Establishment and Adoption of School District Budget) is a “recommended policy” and will replace current policy #701 (Establishment and Adoption of School District Budget).

Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #701.1 A motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Loidolt

and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #701.1 (Modification of School District Budget) is a “recommended policy” and will replace current policy #701.1 (Modification of School District Budget).

Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #702 A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Solarz and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #702 (Accounting) is a “recommended policy” and will replace current policy #702 (Accounting).

Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None ADOPTION OF PROPOSED POLICY #703 A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Hauck and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #703 (Annual Audit) is a “recommended policy” and will replace current policy #703 (Annual Audit).

Voting For: Hauck, Loidolt, Braun, Solarz, Holthaus, Morse and Butkowski Voting Against: None These policies require two readings before adoption, and will be posted for stakeholder input before official adoption.

ADJOURNMENT With no further business appearing before the Board, a motion was made Holthaus, seconded by Solarz and per MSBA guidance and Minnesota Statute 13D.021 the motion was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m.

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-33-1B

Page 12 | SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

NEWS

Pines Edge Grocery and Pines Liquor serve customers Aug. 5 in Rice. The businesses were acquired by Midwest Investments July 1 and will be expanding with more grab-and-go food options in the coming months.

Pines Edge changes ownership

Restaurant, other updates in works

hood along Highway 10 southeast of Rice sits the Pines Edge Grocery and Pines Liquor stores.

RICE – Nestled in The business has been a a residential neighbor- staple in the community for a number of years, and it will go through HUGE - HUGE - HUGE another transition under MULTI-FAMILY new ownership.

GARAGE Midwest InvestSALE ments, of Tennessee, acLast Sale of the Year! Plus Many New Items quired the building and Wednesday - Friday businesses July 1, and August 19th-20th-21st 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. have some significant Saturday - August 22nd changes in the coming 9:00 a.m. to ???

All new Avon products at full discount prices, months. The company name brand clothing - infant thru adult, has 12 gas and grocery glassware, 20 gal. Red Wing crock, 93 pc. set of Red Wing pottery (Random Harvest is the stores in Minnesota, name of it), pictures, wall decor, toys, tools, exercise equipment, 20 pc. porcelain nativity with a total of 40 nationset, much more too numerous to mention. wide. In central Min1111 4-1/2 Ave. N. nesota, the group owns Sauk Rapids Near Good Shepherd Nursing Home

R33-1P

BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER

Trails Edge in Buckman and the BP gas station in Rice.

“We are excited to be here and have such a great store,” said Shelley Miller, manager of the company’s Minnesota locations. “We are in the process of doing some remodeling to improve the building and add in some more offerings.”

The biggest change to come is the reopening of the restaurant space.

Midwest Investments and Miller had someone approach them about opening a Mexican restaurant in the vacant space, which was formerly Twin Pines Family Restaurant and later Fudgin Delicious Ice Cream & Hom Décor.

Miller is unsure of an opening date for the restaurant due to renovations but said the ad-

ditional eating establishment will bring diversity to the Rice area.

“Our biggest concern when bringing in a restaurant was that we did not want to take away from what is here,” Miller said. “Rice already has the Creamery (The Old Creamery Café), so we did not want to make it seem that we were coming in and taking away their business. We just want to add to what is already here, and we think adding the Mexican restaurant is the best way to do that right now.”

Within the gas station, plans are underway for expansion. Hot food items consist of burgers, hot dogs and single slices of pizza. They plan to expand pizza selections to 6-inch pan pizzas as well as larger pizzas available for pickup or

PHOTOS BY ANNA HINKEMEYER

Shelley Miller stands in front of Pines Edge Grocery Aug. 5 in Rice. Miller manages the business for Midwest Investments, along with 11 locations throughout Minnesota.

take-and-bake options.

Four-piece chicken dinners will also be part of the menu.

A full-time cook will be on staff to offer food options like cheese curds, mozzarella sticks and chicken strips as well as sandwiches.

“We know gas station food does not have the greatest reputation, and we are out to change

Manea’s Meats We thank you for your business!

The Sausage Th S Specialists S i li t www.maneasmeats.com

(320) 253-8683 114 2nd Ave N., Sauk Rapids, MN

We are here because of you!

Think of us when grilling this Summer!

R1-eowtfnB-TV

ALL LINES OF INSURANCE

www.tricoins.net www ww w tr ttric tri ric icoi oins ins net et

Tri-County Insurance 800 Industrial Dr S Suite 206 Sauk Rapids, MN • (320) 251-2552

Tri-County Insurance Foley Frandsen Auto Bank Lobby Foley, MN • (320) 968-6496

Shelley Miller stands in the vacant restaurant space attached to Pines Edge Grocery Aug. 5 in Rice. The space will accommodate a Mexican restaurant following renovations.

R11-eowtfn-TV

that,” Miller said. “By having a cook on staff for eight hours a day, we will be able to ensure the products are fresh and the best quality possible for our customers.”

The inside of the store will be painted and remodeled with new equipment installed.

Outside, the building will get a fresh coat of paint and new canopies and gas pumps. The store already serves a variety of people from local residents to those traveling north for the weekend, but Miller hopes the building will appear modern and attract more customers.

“This store has a lot of loyal customers who already stop in regularly,” Miller said. ...

“We want this to be a destination stop where people stop in because they remember we have great things to offer. We are happy to be here and look forward to getting to know our customers.”

NEWS

News Briefs

Census takers begin home visits ST. PAUL – Census takers are visiting homes across the state who have not yet responded to the 2020 census. The door-to-door visits will take place through Sept. 30.

Census takers have completed social distancing and safety protocol training and will be required to wear a face mask. The employees can be identified by a valid government identification with their photograph and the United States Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date. To confirm the census taker’s identity, the public may contact the regional census office at 312-579-1500.

Minnesota falls under the Chicago Regional Census Center.

People may self-respond to the census online at 2020census.gov, by phone at 844-330-2020 or by mailing back a completed questionnaire to avoid a census worker visiting their home. All census takers speak English and are bilingual. If the census taker does not speak the language of the household, a return visit can be requested.

Census workers will make up to six attempts to collect data from each housing unit. They may leave notification of their visit, attempt to reach the home by phone or seek information from neighbors, building managers and others in an attempt to count possible residents.

The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. The goal is to count everyone who lives in the United States as of April 1. Census statistics are used to determine seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and allocate federal funds.

For more information visit 2020census.gov.

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | Page 13

programs throughout central Minnesota over the past 27 years.

Through the program, Stearns Electric Association gives its member-consumers the opportunity to give back to the community by rounding up their electric bill to the nearest dollar.

Forty-three organizations were selected to receive funds totaling between $250 to $2,000 in this round of contributions. A total of $28,500 was awarded in July.

The following area organizations received funding in July: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, Sartell-St. Stephen Education Foundation, Sauk Rapids Fire Department, St. Cloud Technical and Community College, St. Stephen American Legion Post 221 and WACOSA.

DNR hosts virtual open house about deer

ST. PAUL – Anyone interested in discussing deer and deer management can tune in to a virtual open house from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, hosted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The meeting will include a presentation from Barbara Keller, the DNR’s big game program leader, who will share information about Minnesota’s deer and deer hunter population, explain some of the upcoming changes for this fall’s hunting season, and describe how the public can provide input about deer management in their areas. There will also be time for questions and answers.

As part of Minnesota’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DNR will be using a web-based platform to host this deer open house online.

Registration for the event is required and available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/deer/management/ deer-open-houses.html. Attendees are encouraged Operation Round Up to submit questions in advance on their registration achieves $2.5 million milestone form.

The open house will be recorded and available on MELROSE – Stearns Electric’s Operation the deer open house webpage for those who cannot Round Up Program achieved a major milestone in attend.

2020 by awarding $2.55 million in grants to 4,867 non-profit organizations and community service Law enforcement scholarship available

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

Choose which paper(s) you would like your ad to appear in.

Benton County News Benton Ag Classy Canary Country Acres Dairy Star Sauk Centre Herald Sauk Rapids Herald Star Shopper The Star Post

(formerly Melrose Beacon & Albany Enterprise)

How would you like to submit your ad?

BY PHONE Call 320-352-6577 • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday

BY MAIL 522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue, Sauk Centre, MN 56378

BY EMAIL Contact Robin Brunette by email at robin@saukherald.com

All ads will also be placed online.

FOLEY – The application period for the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association annual Law Enforcement Scholarship Program is open. Applications must be submitted to the applicant’s local sheriff’s office by Oct. 16. Winners will be announced Dec. 28.

Up to 15 $600 scholarships will be awarded this year. These scholarships are made possible through the coordinated efforts of the 87 sheriff’s offices in Minnesota.

The members of the MSA give special recognition to the financial needs of students who are attending a peace officer skills course, or pursuing a two- or fouryear law enforcement degree. The MSA recognizes some students need outside help in meeting the costs of training, even though they excel academically.

The scholarship committee, in making its selection of awards, intends on achieving representation from all geographical areas of the state and encourages qualified students from throughout Minnesota to apply with their local sheriff’s office.

Application forms and a statement of procedures are available in person at the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and online at co.benton.mn.us/237/forms or mnsheriffs.org. Scholarships are only available to students enrolled in one of the following three courses of study: mandated POST Skills program, in their second year of a two-year law enforcement program, or in their third or fourth year of a four-year college criminal justice program.

AmeriCorps seeks area tutors MINNEAPOLIS – Area schools are seeking five Minnesota Reading Corps tutors for the 2020-21 school year to help students struggling with literacy.

Tutors are being sought for three levels of commitment: 35, 25 or 18 hours a week, beginning in August. Tutors can opt to serve a single semester or make a commitment for a full academic year.

Full-time tutors receive a stipend and can earn funds for student loans or tuition. This education award can be gifted to a family member if the tutor is 55 or older. Many tutors also qualify for additional benefits like free health insurance and childcare assistance.

Anyone interested is encouraged to apply now at readingandmath.net or by calling 866-859-2825.

Pulse on People

Students earns degrees DULUTH – Sauk Rapids residents Chase Brudwick, Abigail Ellerbusch, Jason Swanson and Aaron Weber along with Rice resident Matthew Huberty earned degrees from The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth following spring semester.

Brudwick earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Ellerbusch graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Swanson earned a certificate in teaching. Weber graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology, and Huberty earned a doctorate in physical therapy.

MADISON, Wis. – Michele Severson, of Sauk Rapids, earned a master’s degree in occupational therapy from University of Wisconsin in Madison following spring semester.

Students named to spring semester dean’s lists COLLEGEVILLE – Richard Carriveau, child of Wayne and Brenda Carriveau of Rice; Jack Grabinski, child of Michael and Jes Grabinski of Sauk Rapids; Connor Kockler, child of Shawn and Kimberly Kockler of Sauk Rapids; Preston Kopel, child of Scott and Shelly Bauerly Kopel of Sauk Rapids; and Logan Weis, child of Jill Adelman-Weis of Rice, were named to the St. John’s University dean’s list for achieving a GPA of 3.8 or greater.

ST. JOSEPH – Madison Davis, child of Chris and Nancy Davis of Rice; Dakotah Dorholt, child of Darin Dorholt of Sauk Rapids; Cassandra Evans, child of Mark and Ellen Evans of Sauk Rapids; Larissa Kleen, child of Diane Kleen of Sauk Rapids; Rachel Leen, child of Donald and Cindy Leen of Sauk Rapids; and Jenna Bukowski, child of Mike and Julie Bukowski of Sauk Rapids, were named to the College of St. Benedict’s dean’s list for achieving a GPA of 3.8 or greater.

Police Activity Report

Sauk Rapids Police Department Aug. 3 0928 hours: Officers observed a male camping at Municipal Park, and advised him to pack up and leave. Male was cooperative and when officers checked back, the area was clean and vacant.

Aug. 6 0750 hours: Officers conducted a welfare check on two people sleeping in a vehicle on the 300 block of Benton Drive North. The parties said they were fine, and officers allowed them to stay.

Aug. 7 1827 hours: Officers received complaints of several cars doing doughnuts in the parking lots of Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School. Officers checked the area but did not locate the cars, only rubber marks left.

Incidents: 28 animal complaints, 22 assists, 21 suspicious activity reports, 17 various calls, 14 medical calls, 12 traffic stops, 12 driving, 8 thefts, 7 disturbances, 6 property, 6 welfare checks, 6 harassments, 5 permits, 3 human services reports, 3 suicidal persons, 2 child, 2 assaults, 2 accidents, 2 domestics, 2 unwanted, 2 vehicles, 2 burglaries and 2 escorts.

Rice Police Department Aug. 4 0256 hours: Officers observed furniture and other items illegally dumped in the ditch along Ninth Avenue Northeast. Officers contacted the people who dumped the items, and the items were picked up.

Incidents: 10 various calls, 3 traffic stops, 3 assists and 2 thefts.

SPORTS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | Page 15

Sauk Rapids golfer

achieves an ace in Brainerd

Peckskamp creates cause for celebration at Madden’s

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – The 14th hole for Mike Peckskamp during his Aug. 7 golf outing felt like all the others before it.

The astute Sauk Rapids golfer aimed slightly to the left of the hole, standing 165 yards away, before completing a smooth swing. As the ball launched into the air, he was not ready for what would happen next.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Peckskamp’s ball Mike Peckskamp holds a celebratory plaque Aug. 12 at his home in Sauk Rapids. The landed on target and plaque recognizes Peckskamp’s hole-in-one during a golf outing Aug. 7 at Madden’s on rolled right underneath Gull Lake in Brainerd. the pin, carrying out the rare hole-in-one at The Classic at Madden’s on Gull Lake in Brainerd.

L “You think the ball is close and might be in, but until you actually get out there and look down the flag, you don’t know,” Peckskamp said. “I was excited I made it.”

When the golf veteran went to check how close he was to an ace, he saw another golfer, approaching from the previous hole, jumping up and down in jubilation, clearly celebrating something. When Peckskamp arrived at the pin, he discovered the accomplishment.

This is not Peckskamp’s first hole-inone.

Peckskamp page 16

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Twins weather their first rough stretch of 2020 After a sizzling 10-2 start, regression and tough luck were bound to come for the Minnesota Twins. It happened swiftly late last week in the form of a fourgame losing streak that included a sweep at the hands of the Royals in Kansas City. In a typi- SPORTS COLUMNIST

BY ANDY THAYER cal 162-game season, a four-game losing streak is a blip on the radar. In this shortened 60-game season, however, it is the distressing equivalent of a 10.8-game losing streak. The Twins were able to right the ship with a series win in Milwaukee, but last weekend will hopefully serve as a strong reminder that the Twins cannot afford to have many more extended slumps in the final six weeks of the 2020 regular season.

It is hard to believe, but with 19 games in the books for the Twins, their 2020 season is already nearly one-third complete. The American League Central Division has proven to be considerably more competitive than expected with the Tigers and White Sox both boasting winning records and the last-place Royals sitting at a respectable 8-11 mark. The Twins are in first place and have the best run differential (+33) in the American League, but their lead on the second place Tigers has shrunk to a razorthin 1.5 game margin. After a rough eight-game road trip where they stumbled to a 3-5 record, the Twins need to take care of business during a seven-game homestand at Target Field against the Brewers and Royals starting Aug. 14.

What went wrong in Kansas City last weekend? First and foremost, the offense went uncharacteristically cold and was stymied by a legitimate Royals bullpen that features promising young power arms. The Twins posted 10 runs at Kauffmann Stadium during the sweep, which is not disastrously bad, but the 3.3 runs per game they scored in Kansas City is well below their season average of 5.2. It does not help that Josh Donaldson continues to be plagued by calf issues and has not taken the field since August.

The Twins’ formidable bullpen also got touched up in KC, with Cody Stashak, Lewis Thorpe and Sean Poppen all allowing crooked numbers during ineffective appearances. Combine that with rough outings from setup man Trevor May and closer Taylor Rogers in Pittsburgh and Milwaukee, and it was not the best week for the team’s bullpen. These things happen, but they do not usually happen at all once.

The good news for the Twins is Byron Buxton is on one of his ridiculous hot streaks, with five homers in the team’s last seven games. Despite a cold start to the 2020 season, Buxton is slugging .533 in 102 games since the beginning of last season. To put that in perspective, Nelson Cruz is slugging .543 this year. When Buxton is healthy and playing consistently, he is an extrabase hit machine that plays gold glove defense at a premium position and steals bases at an extremely high rate. In other words, he is an MVP caliber player if he can stay on the field. That’s a big if, obviously, but he is healthy now, and it sure is fun to watch.

If some underperforming regulars like Jose Berrios, Miguel Sano, Mitch Garver and Luis Arraez can get things going, the Twins are going to be just fine. There is not much time left to right the ship – the team’s 1.5 game division lead is going to evaporate quickly with only 41 games left to play if multiple key players continue to scuffle.

SPORTS

Page 16 | SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Peckskamp from front

He achieved his first at Wapicada Golf Club over 40 years ago, his second at Blackberry Ridge Golf Club 14 years ago and his third at Territory Golf Club last year. As a result, the feeling was less surpris-

ing to him, but it was a delightful sight for his companions.

“I got more excited when my sister-in-law, my brother-in-law and my wife were hooting and hollering more than I was,” he said. “It was

Thousands of golf balls line the walls of Mike Peckskamp’s basement Aug. 12 in Sauk Rapids. Peckskamp is a dedicated golfer who collects golf balls as a hobby, often donating them to organizations.

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fun to see that kind of reaction from myself and the people that were with me.”

Peckskamp finished in 77 strokes on the par-72 course, completing an all-around solid outing. Despite the impressive feat at hole 14, gaining the admiration of the golf course is not his goal; a dedicated competitor, Peckskamp saw his hole-in-one as simply an effective shot to help boost his score total.

“I like to play a good round,” he said.

“A hole-in-one round is considered an eagle, so that helps my score a lot. For me, it’s exciting when you know it’s in there, but it’s more exciting for me knowing it helped my score.”

Peckskamp was reluctant to tell the golf course about his shot.

He was happy with his performance and was ready to grab a bite to eat with his friends and family. However, someone who had witnessed the event notified the clubhouse, who approached the longtime “You have an event like a aficionado and asked hole-in-one that is a once-in-ahim to write down his name and the informalifetime opportunity, playing a game tion surrounding the that people can play for their entire hole-in-one. life and then being able to celebrate Madden’s on Gull Lake holds a special that with good friends, it’s a climax appreciation for holeof the season, it’s the climax in-ones, which are only of a golfer’s career.” completed through staggering odds. They hang - Glenn Hagberg, head golf up celebratory plaques on a wall as a club tradiprofessional at Madden’s. tion, dating back to the course’s origin in 1997.

“You have an event opportunity, playing a This may not be filike a hole-in-one that game that people can nal hole-in-one in Peckis a once-in-a-lifetime play for their entire life skamp’s diverse area and then being able golf resume. Before his to celebrate that with most recent claim to good friends, it’s a cli- fame, he golfed for six max of the season, it’s straight days, and has hit the climax of a golfer’s the course at least three career,” said Glenn times every week durHagberg, head golf pro- ing the summer. He is fessional at Madden’s. a regular at Blackberry

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Nancy Peckskamp and Mike Peckskamp stand at the site of Mike’s hole-inone Aug. 7 at Madden’s on Gull Lake in Brainerd. Mike has achieved the rare feat four times over a 40-year span.

Ridge but loves to visit the beautiful greens that Minnesota offers, including Madden’s, a location he visits every golf season.

“It’s one of the best golf courses in the state,” he said. “It’s just beautiful. The courses here, from the country club and Blackberry Ridge to Territory, they’re all well-cared for. We’re fortunate around here.”

And even when he’s not piling up impressive scores, Peckskamp is heavily involved in the sport. A passionate hobby of his is collecting golf balls, which he then gives away. He donated 3,000 golf balls to the St. Cloud VA Health Care System and 1,000 to the Sauk Rapids-Rice girls golf team this year alone, and he has stored close to 1,700 of the sport’s spheres in his basement. He also owns a golf hat signed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.

All things considered, the hole-in-one at hole 14 will be a moment Peckskamp long remembers – a testament to the large slew of outcomes golf offers.

“When it’s heading towards the green, you never know what might happen,” he said.

Lenz sisters page 7B

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Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, August 15, 2020

A passion to educate

Popp represents Minnesota dairy farmers on Midwest Dairy Corporate Board

BY KAYLA ALBERS STAFF WRITER

Rubes Sponsored by Fluegge’s Ag

Popp page 3B

PHOTO BY JENNIFER COYNE

The picking crew for Janson Sweet Corn – Gareth and Evelyn Nouis (front, from left); (middle, from left) Eden Andres, Carissa Andres, Candace Stangl, Graci Stangl, Brenna Andres, Janice Janson, Roger Janson, Kelly Nouis, Keith Janson and Matt Janson; (back, from left) Brant Andres and Kyle Gill – gather after picking sweet corn Aug. 7 near Buckman.

The group picks 150 potato sacks of corn every day. Not pictured are Alyssa Gall and Logan Janson.

A summertime staple

Jansons grow, harvest sweet corn for central Minnesota

T

BY JENNIFER COYNE | STAFF WRITER

he height of summertime in central Minnesota is marked with long days spent outside that conclude with an evening cookout. And for many, those cookouts include the Janson family’s sweet corn.

“I always thought I would retire out of this, but people tell me I can’t quit,” Roger Janson said. “Everyone counts on our corn.”

Roger and his wife, Janice, and their son, Keith, operate

Janson Sweet Corn from their farm near Buckman.

Throughout the year, Keith and Roger oversee planting and field operations while Janice is the business’s bookkeeper. She also helps pick and coordinates the stands. The family runs three roadside stands in Buckman, Royalton and Onamia, as well as provides corn to grocers in Little Falls and Pierz.

This year, harvest began July 20. From then until early September, the Jansons and a collection of neighborhood children handpick each baker’s dozen that is prepared for customers. They begin at 5:45 a.m., filling 150 potato sacks with corn – approximately 7,800 ears – every morning of the week off the farm’s 35 acres.

“We began planting in April this year and put away the planter July 1,” Roger said. “This way it’s not all ready at the same time.

We can spread the season out.”

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ROYALTON – Doug Popp, of Royalton, has a deep passion to educate the public about the dairy industry and to help dairy farms. Such interest makes his newly elected role to Midwest Dairy’s corporate board a fitting position for Popp.

“I think sometimes you can identify with a person who is living closer to the same life as you,” Popp said of his role on the board. “I want to give back to the farmers.”

Popp was recently elected to the leader position as a dairy farmer from central Minnesota. Popp milks 40 cows with his family on their fourth-generation farm near Royalton.

Popp’s first taste of leadership was in his high school years. He served as a board member for the Morrison County American Dairy Association. Then in 2001, he was elected to the Minnesota Division Board for Midwest Dairy for two consecutive two-year terms.

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spending money,” Roger said.

Then in the mid 1980s, Roger and Janice expanded the family business by selling their sweet corn in area grocery stores.

At the turn of the 21st century, the Jansons reorganized the business and focused on the local stores in Pierz and Little Falls as well as roadside

stands.

“We were running a lot more acres back then,” from front Janice said.

Roger agreed.

Roger grew up on his “We have four sons father’s dairy farm across and two daughters, and the street from his current that sweet corn put them residence. As a high all through college,” he school student, he helped said. harvest a small plot of For some time, the sweet corn that he sold out couple reduced their sweet of his church’s parking lot. corn acreage. Then, Keith “Back then, it was just returned to the family farm in 2013 which allowed the Jansons to ramp up production.

Every fall, the Jansons review sweet corn varieties and purchase seeds based on what they believe their customers will enjoy the following summer.

“There are a lot of varieties, and we always try to plant the best, the sweetest because that’s what people like,” Roger said. “We have never Roger Janson scouts his sweet corn fields Aug. 7 near focused on yield but Buckman. The Jansons plant corn in stages so the last to quality and flavor.” ripen is in September.

This year, the family tried a new variety.

“Customers are coming back for more; that’s how we know it’s really good,” Keith said.

The Jansons carefully watch their crop throughout the growing season. Every field is irrigated and fertilized to ensure proper nutrients are available for the corn, and the fields are monitored for wildlife, such as raccoons or deer.

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Jansons

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER COYNE

Roger Janson evaluates an ear of sweet corn Aug. 7 at his farm near Buckman. The Jansons plant 35 acres of sweet corn to sell throughout central Minnesota.

pick about 20 days after the first tassels appear. To be sure of the quality of the crop, Roger scouts the fields daily and samples ears that are nearing ripeness.

“Every year is better than the last,” Roger said. “This year is just

phenomenal. We opened our season about 11 days ahead of schedule.”

When it is time to pick, the Jansons welcome the help of more than a dozen youth from the area.

“Some of these kids are second- or thirdgeneration pickers,” Roger

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Kelly Nouis packages a dozen ears of sweet corn Aug. 7 at a Janson Sweet Corn stand in Buckman. Nouis regularly mans a stand for her family’s business.

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said. “Their dads picked for us when they were kids.”

Janice agreed.

“All the neighbor kids have picked corn at Jansons’,” she said. “It’s a nice job because they have to get up early, but then they’re done by morning before sports practice or anything.”

While Janice, Keith and the Jansons’ daughter, Kelly, oversee the stands, Roger is in charge of delivering the product to retailers.

“Family is a part of everything we do,” Keith said. “We all help with the stands and get the corn to customers.”

Over the years, the Jansons have created quite the name for themselves and their sweet corn.

“About three years ago, we started using social media and our presence has grown so much,” Keith said. “This year, our first post saying we were open for the season reached 29,000 people.”

As the business retains its presence in central Minnesota, the Janson family is grateful for the support of the local communities. Oftentimes, they use their sweet corn to help support local charities or town festivals.

“We’ve done a lot of sweet corn boils,” Roger said. “I firmly believe that the more you give back, the more your business grows.”

And whether providing dozens of ears of corn for a cookout or simply microwaving an ear of corn for lunch, growing and eating sweet corn is a summer staple for the Jansons.

“There’s just nothing that beats a juicy burger and side of sweet corn with lots of butter,” Roger said.

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Farmer sentiment

With his newest position, Popp will represent his district farmers for one year.

“Everyone’s term on the board will be up in 2021 because of redistricting,” Popp said. “I’ll only serve one year but hope to be reelected.”

As a member of the corporate board, Popp represents Minnesota dairy farmers and brings their concerns to the corporate members of the remaining 10 states in the organization: Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.

In his new position, Popp travels to board meetings with members of the other eight divisions of Midwest est Dairy.

Popp also assists sts in promoting the he dairy industry and d properly educating the public on the benefits of dairy consumption. Popp always welcomes visitors to the farm to help promote dairy. y.

He enjoys making ng connections with the he families who come me to buy sweet corn, rn, pumpkins and gourds ds that the family grows every year, which is all part of promoting dairy.

The dairy farmer feels it is the corporate board’s responsibility to provide information to the public about where their food is sourced.

“That has continued to be my passion, to promote dairy,” Popp said. “As each generation comes in, not everyone knows where their food comes from.”

At a recent corporate board meeting, the members met with individuals who shared their views on the health benefits of dairy foods, animal care and sustainability in the dairy industry. Each individual expressed their concerns, as well as their enthusiasm, about the future of dairy.

Popp sees the influence that social media has on the information that individuals get about dairy online and the positive message that can be spread.

“We take care of the cows because they take care of us,” Popp said of the message dairy farmers aim to promote.

Popp’s passion for dairy farming traces back 42 years ago when he got a very young start

Farmers are often referred to as the eternal optimists, but as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, that optimism is fading.

According to the latest Purdue University Ag Economy Barometer, farmers have become more The Business concerned than ever about of Farming what is going to happen to by Roger Strom their business in the months ahead.

Of those surveyed, 61% said they were fairly or very worried about coronavirus impacting their farm’s profitability and two-thirds said they need Congress to pass another bill to provide economic support so they can stay in business.

With so much uncertainty, farmers are not building or buying big ticket items; 56% of the farmers said they are holding off on buying equipment. In fact, John Deere reported their net income for the quarter that ended in April was down 40% from a year ago, and John Deere executives have lowered their expectations for earnings for the fiscal year by $1 billion. The company is now in the process of cutting salaried manager positions.

Meanwhile, a report from the American Farm Bureau shows the number of farm bankruptcies is tapering off, down 40% this last quarter, as the result of financial help from the CARES Act. Eighty percent of the filings are in the Midwest, Northwest and Southeast with Wisconsin dairy farmers filing for the most bankruptcies in the country. That makes three years in a row that Wisconsin has had the most farm bankruptcies. In the last six months, Wisconsin has had 69 farms going bankrupt compared to Minnesota where there were 36 filings.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall issued a statement saying, “The fact that we saw bankruptcy filings slow in the first six months of 2020 shows how important the economic stimulus alongside the food and agricultural aid from the CARES Act have been in keeping farms above water, but the economic impact of the pandemic is far from over. It’s imperative that Congress addresses the challenges facing farmers and ranchers in current coronavirus relief legislation.”

As relief payments end, the experts are predicting an even bigger increase in the number of farmers calling it quits.

On another subject, if you have not shopped for groceries lately, you may be in for a shock.

Prices are up nearly 6% from a year ago as a result of the pandemic.

The biggest price increases are for beef and veal which are up over 25% from a year ago. Prices for dairy products are up 5%, egg prices increased 12%, and pork and poultry prices increased 11% and 8%, respectively.

We are told the price increases are the result of disruptions in food supply chains and the shift from restaurant eating to preparing meals at home. … just say’n’.

from front

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Popp family – (from left) Nicholas, Doug, Jane and Emily – milk 40 cows on their dairy farm near Royalton. Doug was recently named to Midwest Dairy’s corporate board.

“It teaches the kids a good work ethic and they like agriculture.”

– Doug Popp of raising his family in the dairy industry.

While Popp’s wife works off the farm, she also handles all of the care of the calves and all of the mixing of ration for the dairy cattle.

Emily is attending the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities for a degree in agricultural communication and is one of the main milkers on the farm and started when she was 14.

Nicholas handles the skidloader and baling

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in the industry.

Popp’s dad bought a dairy farm from his uncle in 1975. Then, Popp and his father began milking three dairy cows and continued to grow from there.

The farm now has a tiestall barn big enough for 40 cows.

“The farm is pretty efficient for its size,” Popp said. “We have automatic take off, a harvester and a manure pit.”

Popp dairy farms with his wife of 26 years, Jane, and their two kids, Emily, 19, and Nicholas, 16.

“It teaches the kids a good work ethic and they like agriculture,” said Popp of raising the kids in the dairy industry.

Each member of the family has a role on the farm.

work and has stepped up to help out on the farm when Popp leaves for board meetings that require days away from the farm. Both kids haul silage and do field work on the farm.

“It is truly a family affair,” Popp said. “The family has had to step up to the plate while I was gone.”

Being a member of Midwest Dairy’s corporate board has not only helped Popp grow personally, but it has also shown his kids the importance of being involved in the community.

For Popp, being someone who farmers can come to with their concerns is an important responsibility.

“If they trust you and see you as a good individual in the community, they will want to come to you,” Popp said.

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Benton County Fair 4-H winners Grand champion static exhibits: – Creative crafts grades 3-5, Ben Zintek of Shamrock Shakers – Creative crafts grades 9-plus, Emma Jopp of Duelm – Demonstration, Claire Chmielewski of Busy Bees – Elements of photography grades 3-5, Khloe Hackett of Graham – Elements of photography grades 6-8, Henry Gramke of Running Rapids – Fine arts grades 3-5, Elise Gramke of Running Rapids – Fine arts grades 9-plus, Kennedy Pederson of Minden – Performing arts grades 3-5, Eliza Jopp of Duelm – Performing arts grades 9-plus, Emma Jopp of Duelm – Photo manipulation grades 9-plus, Katelynn Pollard of 79’ers

Reserve grand champion static exhibits: – Child development grades 3-5, Zoe Spiczka of Granite Clouds – Fine arts grades 3-5, Spiczka

Grand champion livestock exhibits: – Beef purebred dairy steer, Chase Dahler of Cornerstone Clovers – Beef registered junior yearling, Ashley Betker of Elk River Critters – Dairy goat dry yearling doe, Brooke Goertz of 79’ers – Llama performance course grades 9-plus, Marizza Lenz of Minden – Market lamb, Alexandria Burdette of North Benton – Meat goat senior meat breeding doe registered or grade, Taylor Posch of St. Pat’s – Meat market goat wether, Posch – Poultry chickens bantam breeding pen, M. Molitor – Poultry chickens breeding pen, M. Molitor – Poultry chickens egg production pen of brown egg layers, Mickaila Lenz of Minden – Poultry chickens egg production pen of white egg layers, A. Molitor – Poultry chickens market pen, Mickaila Lenz – Poultry ducks breeding pen, Claudia Schlough of Central MN – Poultry ducks market pen, Schlough – Poultry guinea market pen, A. Molitor – Poultry guinea breeding pen, M. Molitor – Rabbit small breed senior buck over 6 months, Izzy Bukovich of Independent – Sheep market lamb wether, Burdette

Reserve grand champion livestock exhibits: – Dairy goat senior doe kid, Lydia Hunt of Duelm – Llama performance course grades 9-plus, Mickaila Lenz – Meat goat junior meat breeding doe registered or grade, Posch – Poultry chickens bantam breeding pen, A. Molitor – Poultry chickens breeding pen, Mickaila Lenz – Rabbit small breed senior buck over 6 months of age, Bukovich Results were submitted by University of Minnesota Extension Benton County.

Text, email MDA’s rural helpline ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is offering two new ways farmers and others involved in agriculture can contact the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline: text and email.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for our farmers to get the help they need when they need it,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen.

“COVID-19 has come on top of several years of high costs, low prices and bad weather for farmers. We know chronic stress takes a toll on people and can really affect the way they cope with challenging situations.”

The confidential service, available 24/7, connects Minnesota farmers and others in the agricultural community to counselors who can serve as a sounding board, provide emotional support, link callers with

a rural mental health specialist, or help them find information about financial and legal resources. Users are welcome to remain anonymous.

Contact options now include: – Phone (toll free): 833-600-2670 – Text: FARMSTRESS to 898211 – Email: farmstress@state.mn.us The MDA also encourages people who are worried about family or friends and are not sure how to help to use this service.

The MDA’s companion Coping with Farm and Rural Stress in Minnesota website at www. minnesotafarmstress.com received 4,600 visits in 2019 and has already seen more than 5,000 in the first six months of 2020.

Minnesota 4-H will offer virtual statewide showcase events ST. PAUL – In most years, thousands of 4-H’ers from across Minnesota earn trips to the Minnesota State Fair where they demonstrate their learning about raising and showing animals, among many other 4-H projects.

This year, that experience will be different. University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota 4-H announced the week of July 27 that state-level

showcase competitions for livestock and other projects will take place online in August and September.

4-H has offered in-person showcase experiences that meet social distancing requirements in about half of Minnesota counties this summer, in partnership with local fair boards. In other counties, 4-H and local leaders have offered virtual events. Each decision

was made based on health and safety guidelines and the capacity to deliver a high-quality experience for youth. Young people in sixth grade or older who earned a blue ribbon at either an in-person or virtual county showcase are eligible to participate in a virtual 4-H statewide showcase.

“These online events offer an opportunity for 4-H’ers to present their projects to qualified judges who will offer

insight on the youths’ skill development, and help them prepare for future in-person events,” said Jennifer Skuza, state 4-H director. “We are proud to have showcase options available for 4-H youth who have worked so hard to prepare their projects over the past months.”

Local 4-H educators will provide registration information about the statewide showcases to 4-H families who are eligible.

A deeper look into white mold on soybeans

BY ELIZA CARLSON University of Minnesota Extension

ST. CLOUD – White mold, or Sclerotinia Stem Rot, is a destructive disease that is quite common throughout Minnesota.

The occurrence of white mold varies widely from year to year and from location to location depending on

weather conditions and past field history.

There are different types of conditions and factors that favor white mold on soybeans: prolonged wet and cool weather; high plant populations; high fertility; narrow rows; and early planting.

There are different symptoms that indicate the presence of white

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mold. During flowering, we look for lesions developing at nodes at the bottom of the plant.

After the lesions or markings expand, the tops of the soybean plants become grayish-green and then wilt and die.

At this point in the year, stems become soft and mushy and covered with white moldy growth. In some instances, soybean

plants can be killed in patches within the field or seen standing upright in affected fields.

There are ways to manage and decrease the chances of white mold on soybeans plants: select white mold resistant soybean varieties; lower plant populations; plant in wider rows; reduce irrigation frequency during flowering; plant later; proper weed management; add small grains into the crop rotation Foliar fungicides can also be used but this does depend on the situation. When looking at fungicide applications, consider the cost of application, application timing and chemicals used to help maximize the effectiveness and return on investment.

BENTON AG

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUG. 15, 2020 | Page 7B

A 4-H competition unlike any other

Lenz sisters’ passion highlighted in virtual judging

BY KAYLA ALBERS STAFF WRITER

ROYALTON – It was an unusual year for Benton County 4-H with no fair, but that did not stop youth from completing their projects and showcasing them in a mvirtual platform.

Sisters Mickaila, 17, and Marizza, 15, Lenz, of Royalton, presented both static and livestock projects in the county’s first virtual judging, and earned seven champion and reserve champion ribbons with their llama and poultry projects.

“It’s a reward for working a lot,” Mickaila said.

The Lenz sisters have been involved in 4-H since they were in third and second grade.

While they love the many projects they are involved l p e d H d s h d s

in, animals hold a special place in their hearts.

“A lot of hard work goes into anything that we do, especially with the animals,” Mickaila said.

“With the llamas it shows that we work a lot more with our animals.”

Marizza’s favorite project is working with the llamas.

Each sister has their own llama – Marizza has Snickers and Mickaila has Aspen. This is an advantage for the sisters because they work with the animals whenever they have time. Most 4-H participants have to lease a llama to work with, and have to work around the schedule of the owner, said Mickaila.

The llamas go through a series of obstacles and showmanship at judging.

To prepare for judging, the sisters have obstacles

PHOTOS BY KAYLA ALBERS

Mickaila (left) and Marizza Lenz hold chickens a part of their 4-H poultry projects Aug. 10 at their home near Royalton. The Lenz sisters competed in several virtual 4-H competitions this year and received a combined eight champion and reserve champion honors.

set up on their property to practice. They work with them out multiple times a week.

Mickaila’s favorite project is her Rhode Island Red bantam breeding pen. She has a couple more years left in the 4-H organization and before then hopes to exhibit at the state fair s with her bantams. n Virtual judging e provided a few challenges o for the sisters this summer. e None of the participants could practice together and getting the projects done on time were a few of the struggles for the sisters.

“The showmanship this year is was harder than normal because you didn’t get to talk to the n judge face to face and rMarizza Lenz shows her fine arts projects at her home they didn’t get to see nAug. 10 near Royalton. Lenz exhibited the projects in the all the details that are a ninth grade and above division for Benton County 4-H. necessary in judging,” o e n t t r t e y t d l p

s t e g , f n s e n

Mickaila said of the having someone video virtual judging. tape it, it takes away the Marizza agreed. atmosphere of showing “For animals it with other exhibitors, and was most difficult for not interacting with the

judge,” she said.

Yet, the sisters’ hard work paid off. Marizza took top honors in the llama performance course for grades 9-plus competition, and Mickaila followed with reserve champion. Marizza was named champion of the llama showmanship competition for their age group, and Mickaila took reserve champion honors. In the poultry project, Mickaila was named reserve champion showman in her age group, and also garnered the reserve champion ribbon for her breeding pen and champion ribbons for her market pen of chickens and egg production pen of brown egg layers.

The girls also exhibited fine arts projects in the grades 9-plus division.

Throughout their 4-H careers, the Lenz sisters have also shown miniature horse and dogs.

However, this year, those projects were not offered for virtual judging.

Lenz page 8B

Mickaila Lenz poses with her llama, Aspen, Aug. 10 at her home near Royalton.

Throughout the summer, Mickaila and Aspen practiced completing an obstacle course to prepare for the virtual competition.

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Modern Farm Equipment is committed to providing quality equipment backed by a full-line of parts and service. Your satisfaction is important to us and our goal is to keep your operation running smoothly.

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BA33-1-B-WS

320-352-6543 Hwy. 71 South

www.modernfarmequipment.com

WE HAVE 4 CERTIFIED CROP ADVISORS To help serve your seed, application, fertilizer, precision and AgChem needs.

Stop in or give us a call for more information!

Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC 16250 HWY 10 NW Royalton, MN

BURN DOWN DAYS

Wednesday, Aug 26th 11a.m.-3 p.m.

FEED SPECIALIST ON HAND

Bring in 6-8 stalks of corn from whichever field you will start chopping on, we chop them for you & check it’s moisture.

ECOSYL:

(320) 584-5520

Ecocool/Ecocool Grain contents:

Inoculant with more proven research than any other on the market... ”TRUST IN ECOSYL”!

• Ecocool contains L. buchneri bacteria, proven to keep feed fresher & more palatable.

Forage quality can’t be put at risk. Treat with Ecosyl and know your forages are protected!

• Silage inoculant with proven performance!

• A rapid fermentation with rapid pH drop is critical to maintain forage quality.

Ecosyl does just that.

BA5-1B-DP

SAUK CENTRE, MN

320-468-2161 Hwy. 27 West

Lenz

PEOPLE...PRODUCTS...KNOWLEDGE...

BA14-1B-BP

PIERZ, MN

PHOTO BY KAYLA ALBERS

Marizza Lenz leads her llama, Snickers, through an obstacle Aug. 10 at her family’s home near Royalton. The llama project is Marizza’s favorite 4-H activity.

Helmets are only part of MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

• Keep your animals on feed, with fresh, cool, palatable silage.

• Silage treated with Ecocool, reduces spoilage & yeast.

• Prevent silage spoilage at feedout with Ecocool inoculant.

Short on Labor? Short on time?

1

Automatic AGRi-Speed HITCH 3

2

• One person operation - eliminate the need for a second hand for hook-ups • Simple drawbar mount • PTO compatible • Fast, reliable, few moving parts

Give us a call!

• SAFER - Doesn’t require climbing on or off tractor • Meets or exceed D.O.T requirements • Available for pick-ups, choppers, tractors, wagons, etc.

Quantities limited. While supply lasts.

Gilman Co-op Creamery FEED & FARM SUPPLY STORE

Gilman, MN 320-387-2770 Open M-F 7:30-7, Sat. 7:30-5, Sun. 8:30-1 Good service - fair prices - every day

WWW.GILMANCREAMERY.COM

Please Watch for

We ship anywhere

BA33-1B-BL

MOTORCYCLES & Fl y C o n tro l tu b s

$

10 O F F / t u b dur ing the mo nth of Aug

OAK PARK Co-op Creamery

ust

Fly Control Supplements Prevents House Flies, Horn flies, face flies and Stable flies

320.968.7864 16623 Ironwood RD NE, Oak Park, MN Store hours: M-F 8 to 5 & Sat 8 to 12

BA33-1B-RB

The sisters got started in 4-H because both of their parents, Dennis and Malissa Lenz, participated in 4-H. Up until a few years ago, their mother was the 4-H dog instructor.

“They really liked it, and we decided we would like to try it,” said Marizza of her parents’ involvement in 4-H. “It’s really fun.”

The sisters have learned through participating in 4-H, and they have met a lot of people as well.

“Leadership and hard work go a long way,” Mickaila said. “If you stick with something, people are more likely to ask you for advice.”

Marizza agreed.

“I have learned how to communicate with others and to help other 4-H members with their animals,” she said.

Because the sisters are so close in age, they often compete in the same age division, which creates a little friendly competition between the two. They both want to do their best, while still cheering the other on.

Mickaila has two years left to compete in 4-H events with her sister.

“I want to show that I worked harder than her,” Mickaila said. “But we are constantly cheering each other on, even though you might not be able to see it.”

Although this was an unusual year for judging, the Lenz sisters are constantly working with their animals to be better for the next competition.

Whether virtual or inperson, their hard work does not go unnoticed.