Sauk Rapids Herald - May 16 edition

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Saturday, May 16, 2020

Same Local Coverage Since 1854. • 2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

Vol. 166, No. 6

Preparing for

reopening Restaurants waiting for clearance from state

PHO H TO HO HOTO TO BY

BY ANNA ANN ANN NA HINK HINK INKE KEMEYER YE

Maark Laarrso Mark s n sh showcases his new w patio seating area at tth he Ol he Old ld Cr C ea eame m ry me r Café in Rice May 13. Larson added the th e paati tio o aarrea to ex expa pand nd the num mber of cus u to ome m rs the e re est stau uraant can a acc ccom ommo moda d te as we w ll as to alllow for o mor ore e sp pac ace e to to mai aint ntaaiin soci so oc all dis ista tanc ncin ing g.

BY ANNA HINKEMEYER | STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – Restaurants in the area were ordered to close their dining rooms March 17. Some chose to close their doors for good; others offered takeout, drive thru or delivery options.

For restaurants like Danny’s Dugout in Sauk Rapids and the Old Creamery Café in Rice, not having doors open and tables available has significantly hurt revenue.

Although Gov. Tim Walz will not allow bars and restaurants to open when the stay-at-home order lifts May 18, restaurant owners are hopeful to be able to reopen by month’s end. Neither Danny’s Dugout nor the

Reopening page 3

Walz replaces with Stay Safe Minnesota

BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER

FOLEY – “Yes, the stay-at-home order is expiring and the dials are turning, but that doesn’t mean we’re care-free and can return to the way things were,” said Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to

Minnesotans on a 17-minute livestream May 13.

“It means we have to stay safe, take care, care for our own health and for your neighbor.”

Stay Safe Minnesota, a plan which replaces the stay-at-home order, takes three factors into account when considering how to reopen a business after the stay-at-home order expires May 18, Walz said.

First, the proximity between people at a given setting or activity. Second, how long people are in the same place within close proximity, and third, how predictable that setting is.

As an example, Walz said walking past somebody wearing a mask in a hardware store is more predictable than sitting down in a crowded restaurant.

Noncritical businesses like retail stores can reopen if they have a plan to safely return to operations

Walz page 4

Waiting for the pitch Patterson eager for Twins season

BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – Growing up, Doug Patterson became partial to the game of baseball. Playing on the diamond with friends and family fueled a lifelong passion for the game.

“I loved playing baseball,” Patterson said. “Baseball is my favorite sport, but growing up there was only one game a week on television. I spent a lot of time listening to the Minnesota Twins on the radio though.”

Those broadcast games turned Patterson into a diehard Twins fan. When Patterson moved to Minnesota from North Dakota in 2007, his love for the team was ex-

Patterson page 3

PUBLIC NOTICES

Stay-at-home order expires May 18

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Kade Patterson (from left), Doug Patterson and Keegan Patterson enjoy a game played by the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the Minnesota Twins’ single A minor league team, July 28, 2015, in Cedar Rapids. Doug has been a Minnesota Twins franchise fan since he was young and is missing the games due to COVID-19.

• Assumed Name - Cedergren Group - pg. 9 • Assumed Name - P & V Awesome Sauce - pg. 9 • Benton County Board of Adjustment Public Hearings - pg. 9 • City of Sauk Rapids Notice of Filing 2020 Primary Election - pg. 9 • City of Sauk Rapids Ord. No. 2020-785 - pg. 9 • City of Sauk Rapids Minutes, April 20, 2020 - pg. 9

OBITUARIES • Ellen L. Barber • Jean Peterson • Sean G. Vadies

ST R

Publications The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.

NEWS

from front

Old Creamery Café plan to open until they receive clearance from the state.

“I have lost about 90% of our revenue because of this,” said Jeremy Frey, owner of Danny’s Dugout.

“With our expenses, we are breaking even. I have employees that needed the money and did not qualify for unemployment, so I started take-out to help support them. The community has done a nice job supporting us, but our business model is focused on people coming in and buying drinks. The sooner we can reopen, the better.”

Mark Larson, owner of the Old Creamery Café, said he is averaging about 25% of his normal revenue and is unsure of how the future will look. One way he is preparing for the eventual reopening of his dining space is by adding a second outdoor seating rarea on the northwest corner of the restaurant. Larson said he can accommodate up to 40 more people once all of the tables are in

t t

Patterson from front

emplified.

Watching Twins games has become a family affair with his wife, Kristi, and their three children Kade, 20, Camden, 18, and Keegan, 15.

Patterson has passed down his devotion for the sport to his boys. Kade played baseball throughout his time at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, ending with his senior year in 2018. Keegan plays the sport as well.

“I enjoy watching other sports, too, but to me, baseball is super interesting,” Patterson said. “I have been a Twins fan for so long that I don’t ever think that will change. I

place.

Inside, Larson is prepared to restrict seating where needed. He plans to limit the restaurant to 10 people per section.

“If I have a party of five come in and need to put a couple tables together, they can sit together,” Larson said. “And then I have a party of two come in, they can also sit in that section while maintaining distance, but then I can restrict the rest of that section. It is going to be a challenge, especially here where I have the two outdoor spaces and the section in the back.”

One of the biggest changes at the Old Creamery Café is the salad bar and buffet. Currently, Larson and his staff have prepackaged salads, soups and bakery items available in a grab-and-go setting.

The buffet is something Larson is trying to decipher due to the public use of utensils such as tongs and spoons.

Larson has also changed the look of the counter area. Where three stools stood before is now the ordering counter. The

menus are posted alongside, people can order, and the food is given to them at the checkout counter when finished. Once the restaurant opens to dine-in customers, Larson plans for a similar concept of people ordering at the counter and the food being brought to the table.

Frey has been looking to out-of-state establishments and resources from the state of Minnesota for guidance, such as providing masks for employees, putting hand sanitizer stations at each entryway and having a plan to sanitize tables in between each customer. Frey is work-

celebrate with them when they are doing really well and suffer with them through the bad seasons when they are really bad.”

Patterson remembers the two World Series championships in 1987 and 1991. Particularly, he remembers game six of the 1991 series when Kirby Puckett made the leap to catch a fly ball over the left-center field plexiglass to stop an extra-base hit.

Patterson said he also remembers the walk-off home run Puckett hit in the bottom of the 11th inning to secure game seven.

“I wish I could have been in the stadium for that game,” Patterson said.

“That is probably my favorite game.”

As far as his favorite in-person game, Patterson said watching Jim Thome

hit a home run straight to center field is one of his favorite memories. He also remembers the first game his dad, Ron, was able to attend with seats in the first row behind the dugout on the first baseline.

Patterson and his family traveled to Florida for spring training this year and were in the stands before Major League Baseball suspended its season March 13 due to COVID-19. Typically by mid-May, the Twins have played close to 40 games.

Coming off a 101-win in 2019, Patterson said not being able to watch the Minnesota baseball team play is even more difficult.

“It is driving me nuts to not watch games, especially when there’s nothing else to do,” he said.

Sauk Rapids

Monday - Saturday 10am - 8pm • Sunday Temporarily Closed

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“I was excited to watch them, especially after going to spring training. I think they had a chance to be pretty good, so that makes it more difficult than if they were coming off a bad year.”

The lack of baseball and the talk that comes with it continues to be a disappointing absence for the Pattersons as the COVID-19 pandemic continues “At this point, I just hope baseball comes back this year,” Patterson said.

“If I can get to Target Field for a game, that would be great, but I at least hope to be able to sit down on the couch with my family and watch games on TV. That would be more than enough for me. I miss baseball a lot.”

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1999

Monday, May 18, 6 p.m. – Rice City Council Meeting. Rice City Hall, 205 E. Main St., Rice.

Monday, May 18, 6:30 p.m. – Sauk Rapids-Rice School District School Board Meeting. Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids.

Canceled: Thursday, May 21 – Foley Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Meeting.

Friday, May 22, 8 a.m. to noon – Sauk RapidsRice Middle School Device and Material Collection and Yearbook Distribution. For students with last names beginning in letters A-F. SRRMS, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids.

Friday, May 22, noon to 4 p.m. – Sauk RapidsRice Middle School Device and Material Collection and Yearbook Distribution. For students with last names beginning in letters G-M. SRRMS, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids.

Tuesday, May 26, 8 a.m. to noon – Sauk RapidsRice High School Device and Material Collection and Yearbook Distribution. For students with last names beginning in letters A-F. SRRHS, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids.

Tuesday, May 26, noon to 4 p.m. – Sauk RapidsRice High School Device and Material Collection and Yearbook Distribution. For students with last names beginning in letters G-M. SRRHS, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids.

Tuesday, May 26, 8 a.m. to noon – Sauk RapidsRice Middle School Device and Material Collection and Yearbook Distribution. For students with last names beginning in letters N-R. SRRMS, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids.

Tuesday, May 26, noon to 4 p.m. – Sauk RapidsRice Middle School Device and Material Collection and Yearbook Distribution. For students with last names beginning in letters G-M. SRRMS, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids.

Wednesday, May 27, 8 a.m. to noon – Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Device and Material Collection and Yearbook Distribution. For students with last names beginning in letters N-R. SRRHS, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids.

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Wednesday, May 20, 4:30 p.m. – Foster Parenting Informational Session. Hosted by Lutheran Social Service. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, learn more in this online presentation. Register at https://bit.ly/2KPV4LZ or by calling Jodi Raidt at 612-879-5219.

Thursday, May 28 – Sauk Rapids-Rice School District Last Day of School.

Natural t ral Lig Light & Natural Ice $ 99 LIQUOR

Some meetings may take place by phone or teleconference. Please consult with the respective agency.

Wednesday, May 27, noon to 4 p.m. – Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Device and Material Collection and Yearbook Distribution. For students with last names beginning in letters S-Z. SRRHS, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids.

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Sauk Rapids-Rice High School junior Kody Duffy was inadvertently omitted from “Tennis athletes, coaches upset about lack of season.” Coach Jamie Hatlestad had this to say about Duffy.

“Kody has been a steady contributor to the starting lineup, mostly at third doubles,” Hatlestad said.

“He has always had a great attitude, and plays wherever and whenever we want him to. He is a very fine gentleman on and off the court, and is a great asset to our team.”

In “Watab commits to maintaining roads,” a mistake was made. Frank Hard will serve as the deputy treasurer of the township.

We regret these errors.

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Stella Rosa Wines

Corrections from May 9

Coors Light & Coors Banquet

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Tuesday, May 19, 9 a.m. – Benton County Board of Commissioners Meeting. Benton County Administration Building, 531 Dewey St., Foley.

Sale Starts Monday, Mayy 11th - Satur Saturday, May 23rd

LIQUOR MAY

ing on a plan for seating, whether tables will be taken out or simply marked, if and how many barstools will be removed and how to ensure social distancing is maintained.

“I want to see what the requirements from the state are going to be before we start changing things,” Frey said. “We may not be able to open with bar service or may have to operate with limited hours if serving food, so we are simply waiting at this point. It doesn’t sound like we will get a lot of notice on anything.

I just wish we were open.”

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R20-1B-WS

Reopening

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 | Page 3

1530 Kilian Blvd SE, St. Cloud

OBITUARIES

Page 4 | SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Ellen L. Barber

A celebration of life will be at a later date for Ellen L. Barber, age 60, of Rice, who passed away May 7, 2020, at her home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids.

Ellen was born March 5, 1960, to Lester and Yvonne (Fontaine) Fischer in St. Cloud. She married Russ Barber Sr. April 5, 1981, in Sauk Rapids.

She worked for 22 years with the St. Cloud School District No. 742, at Talahi Elementary as a custodian. Ellen enjoyed being outdoors gardening, agate hunting, camping, boating, and taking road trips to Duluth. She was free spirited, strong willed, hardworking, and was happiest at the beach.

Most importantly, she was proud of her children and grandchildren.

Ellen is survived by her children, Russ (Mikki

Jean Peterson

Ellen L. Barber

Kelly) Jr. of Longville, Laurie (Tom) Fernholz of Rice; brothers and sisters, Linda Fischer of Santa Rosa, California; Joan Ransom of Santa Rosa, California; Mark (Pam) Fischer of Santa Rosa, California; Sasha Rausch of Sauk Rapids; and Bill Fischer of Hastings; grandkids; Lucas Barber, Chace Fernholz, Beau Fernholz all of Rice; and her dog, Ruby. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Russ.

Obituary and guest book available online at www.williamsdingmann. com.

R-20-1F

A Celebration of Life will be at a later date for Jean “Jeannie” Peterson, age 74, of Sartell, who stepped into eternity on May 9, 2020, after facing multiple sclerosis head on for over 30 years.

Jean was born July 14, 1945, to Jalmer and Vienna Lindgren in Grand Rapids. Her childhood and early married years were spent in her beloved hometown of Bovey.

Like most Iron Rangers, Jeannie’s tremendous pride of her hometown of Bovey, “Home of the Picture Grace,” was obvious within minutes of meeting her. She had many stories of her Bovey life and her infectious smile made it apparent how much she adored her Finlander roots.

Jean married Daniel Peterson Oct. 23, 1965, in Bovey. They spent their early married years in Duluth where Jean graduated from University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in teaching. They enjoyed

Sean G. Vadies

Private family services will take place for Sean Vadies who died May 7, 2020, at his home in Sauk Rapids.

A memorial service will take place at a later date after restrictions have been lifted.

Sean was born May 3, 1968, in St. Cloud. He went to Sauk RapidsRice High School where he played hockey and graduated in 1986. He then went to St. Cloud State University and completed a program to become a respiratory therapist. He married Deborah Christenson Aug. 3, 1991 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Raymond. Sean worked as a respiratory therapist at the St. Cloud Hospital.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. He is a member of Atonement

Jean Peterson

their years in Duluth socializing while making lifelong friendships.

In 1976, Dan, Jean and their three children moved to Sartell where they bought their dream home on the river. Many early morning coffee boat rides and socializing (once again) on the “Peterson Sandbar” were just a few of the things Jean enjoyed about her life in Via Riviera. Jean also enjoyed as much time as possible at their cabin on Island Lake where many memories were made with family and friends.

Jean was employed by the Sartell-St. Stephen School District as the

Walz from front

Sean G. Vadies

Lutheran Church in St. Cloud.

He is survived by his parents, George and Patty of Sauk Rapids; wife, Deb of Sauk Rapids; daughters, Megan, Kelsey (Justin) Kneiszler, and Abigail; grandchildren, Palmer, Will and Dominic; sister, Shannon and her children, Alex and Rian.

Obituary and guest book available online at www.williamsdingmann. com.

at no more than 50% capacity. Walz pleaded business owners should follow the new guidance, even though he is not requiring Minnesotans to wear masks or setting a time limit on how long a person can be in a store.

Restrictions on bars, restaurants, hair salons, theaters and other related businesses are staying in place for the time being.

“Stay Safe Minnesota will still ask people: Stay close to home, limit travel to what’s essential, but we can now gather with friends and family of less than 10,” Walz said, adding that, even when with family, it is important to remain 6 feet apart.

The decision comes after more than one month of Minnesota residents and businesses operating under a stay-at-home order. Although Walz said the situation is fluid and stressed that Minnesotans need to be prepared to dial it back again, he also said people in this state worked hard to allow for an increase in health care capacity, testing and personal protective equipment.

“We’ve turned the dial on businesses, we’ve turned the dial on social life,” Walz said. “We’re doing that because we’re trusting people to stay safe by making smart choices. However, we know that this will

gifted and talented teacher (a program she founded) and later as a classroom teacher. She enjoyed working with the students and watching them thrive through their schooling years. Jean was active in her church choir at Celebration Lutheran Church and loved to hum along while making her way through a day.

Somewhere in the 1980s Jean was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

She made it clear her diagnosis was not going to control her life and was determined to stay independent as long as possible. Jean kept herself active with her book club friends, her YMCA MS group, her children and grandchildren. These were her ways to battle this incurable disease.

Jeannie was described as a person whose, “positivity was infectious.”

We couldn’t say it better.

We love you Mom and will miss you every day.

Jean is survived by her three children, Kris (Scott) Schlichting of Rice, Jay

(Shelley) Peterson of Clear Lake, and Jill (Jason) Dekarske of Otsego. Her adored five grandchildren Jordan Schlichting, Jerad Schlichting, McKenzie Peterson, Daniel Peterson and Clara Dekarske, her beloved friend Sue Hansen, brothers Robert (Jayne) Lindgren of Estero, Florida. and Don (Judy) Lindgren of Estero, Florida., sister in-law Diane Jasper, the caring women who watched over her every day, nieces, nephews and so many dear friends.

Jean is preceded in death by her devoted husband Dan of 52 years, her parents, sister Janice, brother in-laws Bradley Eilertson and Joe Jasper.

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

Obituary and guest book available online at www. williamsdingmann.com

R-20-1B

Statewide COVID-19 numbers as of May 14 128,752 Minnesotans tested 13,435 Confirmed positive cases 9,136 Recovered patients 1,915 Total hospitalized 498 Hospitalized on Thursday 203 ICU on Thursday • 663 Deaths

Benton County has confirmed 109 cases of COVID-19 with two deaths related to the disease.

As of Thursday, Good Shepherd Community in Sauk Rapids is the only congregate care facility with positive cases, of which the facility has confirmed four resident cases.

mean that more people will get sick and some will end up in the hospital. We’ve prepared for that inevitability.”

Increases in intensive care unit capacity, ventilators, masks, gowns and gloves coupled with strategies for protecting the most vulnerable populations and future hotspots – all curated during the stay-at-home order – is Walz’s reasoning for loosening restrictions.

R-20-1B

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

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

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Letters: Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are welcomed. Letters must be signed with first and last name and include address and phone number. Letters should be short and to the point (400 words or less). We reserve the right to edit lengthy letters.

Corrections/Clarifications: The Herald strives for accuracy. If you would like to report a factual error, please call (320) 251-1971.

Deadlines: The deadline for most news in the Herald is noon on Wednesday. Exceptions are obituaries which have a deadline of 10 a.m. Thursday. The deadline for advertisements in the Herald is 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

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EDITORIAL

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 | Page 5

Looking for the shade Lilacs, other shrubs

I wrote my column and promptly deleted coming like never seen before. And even the words and rewrote. I prayed. Again, I worse, some will eternally stay there who prayed through my struggle of taking great say they do not want God as the Lord effort to write what I assumed was goand center of their life here and now. ing to be smooth. With my hands wrung, I Do not let your sin keep you from apbegged, “Search me, know my heart, test proaching our loving Father. Tadashi conme, know my anxieties, see if there is any tinues in his lyrics: wicked way in me, lead me to the way.”

“Hid from your face My words could have sounded like a put ‘Cause I felt fake together Christian. Our kids fought, Mom You see my mistakes LIFE BY FAITH cursed, Dad neglected and kids acted out.

And still you give grace And, then came the Father’s loving hand BY MERCY NYGAARD Enticed by my friends of correction. He disciplined us. One of our Enticed by the end kids wrote something awful on the back of our ve- I’ll take it back if I could hicle, and I drove all over town not knowing it was To be home again there. We asked God for forgiveness. We corrected, I’m fighting, I’m fighting for hope tending to our children, each one in their special way. I’m trying just don’t let me go I am so thankful for God’s love for us that he I need you now more than before would correct us, guide and refine us. Maybe that was Until I’m, until I’m home.” my struggle in writing. There was nothing wrong with God’s home for us is worth fighting for. Fight the what I wrote. There are not enough words to describe enticement of your friends. Fight through suffering. our walk with God. Our walk is the love the Father has When we love and trust God, God will never let us go. given unto us that we should be called the sons of God. The home he has prepared for us is so gloriously better There is no perfect Christian at the other end of these than any home we, loving parents, try to prepare for words being typed. Instead, an unknown nobody with a our children. He will not force us to him, however. He past so painful it stings to remember, and a life so imper- needs us to repent and come to him where he eagerly fect with ups and downs I must constantly lean on God awaits with open arms. And here in his arms, in the for help, correction and strength. I bask in the glow of meantime, is the tree with strong branches and thick his goodness as I strive for obedience but not to sit and leaves where you will find shade and peace inside. Oh, only please myself. It presses me to serve others, lift- what manner of love. ing them up if I am able and sharing in our abundance.

Now, read Romans 8. Find a Bible or Google the “Some Good News,” a social media segment by entire chapter.

John Krasinski, continues to spread feel-good stories “There is therefore now no condemnation to those and acts of kindness. My concern, however, is that ev- who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according eryone may be looking for shade where the trees are to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. … Nor height dead. As artist Tadashi writes, “Trying to find my way nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to the peace inside.” Every single one of us, no matter to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ how much good we try to do, if we do not understand Jesus our Lord.” the reality of what Jesus accomplished on the cross, These life-giving verses are bookends to what if we do not accept his gift of salvation and freedom we, who believe, receive as sons of God even through from the law and direct line of communication with turmoil, angst, sickness, debt, divorce or loneliness. him, our home is not here nor heaven. There is a hell Brothers and sisters, join us today.

COVID-19 outbreak magnified the good, reveals shortcomings The COVID-19 outbreak has rethe balance of three co-equal branches vealed many things about our state. It of government in our state. Minnesotans has shown Minnesotans are eager to help deserve to know they have representaothers during tough times. It also has tion and their legislator is most accounthighlighted our willingness to sacrifice in able to them. This would show Minnethe name of safety. And, it goes without sotans we are serving their best interests saying, this pandemic has shone a light and we want to participate in creating on the incredible front-line workers who solutions when challenges arise. protect us each and every day.

The true cost of shutting down busiNow, as we face at least three straight nesses and sidelining workers also is STRAIGHT FROM months living under peacetime emergenstarting to reveal itself in economic THE CAPITOL cy declarations issued by our governor, terms. Minnesota’s bottom line has takSHANE MEKELAND en a $4 billion turn for the worse since some gaps in our state’s structure are be- BY REP. MN HOUSE 15B coming more and more apparent. the February forecast was issued. When For instance, Minnesota’s Constipeople are not working and businesses tution provides three equal branches of government, are not taking in earnings, it results in budgetary chalbut the extent to which the executive branch has used lenges for the state or, more precisely, the taxpayers. peacetime emergency powers has brought notice to an That is why I have authored a bill (H.F. 4651) imbalance in our representative system of government. making the state responsible for all just costs caused The governor has issued nearly 60 executive orders by the issuance of executive orders. The goal is to since first declaring a peacetime emergency March 13. make sure all the costs to citizens are thoroughly conOr, to say it another way, nearly 60 decisions which sidered before drastic steps are taken that could jeopimpact each and every one of us deeply have been ardize a person’s livelihood. We have 640,000 workers made by one person, without legislative accountability who are out of a job, entrepreneurs who are losing it or participation in the process. all and a state facing a $2.4 billion shortfall due to the Without doubt, we need tools allowing for swift COVID-19 outbreak and Minnesota’s response to it. action from a governor in the event of a crisis. But There needs to be direct accountability in our system, there also need to be limits and, in our current situa- and my bill would provide that. tion, the decisions warranting urgency were made long Finally, I would like to mention something that ago. Still, a governor has the latitude to continue issu- will be revealed over the long haul. While the class ing executive orders until the legislature puts a stop to of 2020 is suffering something of an injustice today, it. the future is bright for this year’s graduates, and I That process seems backward and a constitutional congratulate them. With that in mind, I fully support amendment has been drafted in the House to flip it. rescinding the statewide guidance that advises graduaIt would ask Minnesotans whether our state should tion ceremonies not take place this year. Schools vary require legislative approval for a governor to extend greatly throughout our state and flexibility should be a peacetime emergency beyond seven days. If the leg- provided. Local communities should be able to resume islature is not in session, the governor would need to careful planning and conduct safe ceremonies with call a special session to gain legislative approval for a proper distancing observed. If they can make it work, peacetime emergency extension of up to 30 days. let them do so.

This change would not help our immediate situation, but it is worth adopting for the future to restore

As the trees are putting out leaves, there are also many shrubs that are blooming or preparing to bloom. This year my rhododendrons (PJM variety) bloomed before our recent frosts and are displaying a lovely lilac color that reminds us the GREEN & GROWING lilacs will soon be do- IN BENTON COUNTY ing the same thing. The BY LINDA G. TENNESON choice of shrubs for a garden often depends on the space available and the desired bloom color.

Shrubs are also a way of blocking an undesirable view or to provide a backdrop for shorter plants.

Trees and shrubs generally do best if planted in the early spring before or as new growth starts. The second-best time for planting is in the fall because plants are essentially dormant, and the conditions provide the greatest chance for successful establishment. However, shrubs that are purchased in pots or balled and burlapped may be planted any time the soil can be worked.

If you are thinking of adding or replacing a plant in your garden, consider any of these shrubs.

Forsythia blooms early with yellow flowers on plants that may grow up to 10 feet tall. Lilacs come in a variety of cultivars, ranging in color from light to dark purple plus various shades of red and white.

Both the forsythia and lilac benefit from annual pruning, removing the oldest stems at ground level immediately after the flowering period has ended.

Do not prune lilacs at any other time or next year’s flower buds will be removed. Note, the Japanese tree lilac is a species of lilac but is a full-size tree that may grow to 30 feet tall. The tree lilac has similar blooms that are white and appear every other year on the tree in my yard. The mock orange is another fragrant shrub that blooms in the spring. Several of the cultivars listed on the University of Minnesota Extension website range in size from 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide to a miniature variety that grows only 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It is adaptable and grows in various soil types and pH levels. The weigela is a hearty shrub that shows how much it loves full sun by blooming profusely. The color ranges from pink to dark red. Some cultivars grow low to the ground at 18 inches in height while others stretch to 6 feet or more. The spirea comes in pink or white and in various heights depending on the cultivar. Blooming and pruning times are the same as for lilac and forsythia.

Rhododendrons and azaleas are popular and sometimes confused with each other. Rhododendron is the name of the plant family, and it is also the name of a shrub that grows well in this area if placed where it will receive light or partial shade.

Azaleas are in the rhododendron family and some cultivars, the Northern Lights hybrids, have been developed to grow in Minnesota. Unfortunately, I have not had good luck with azaleas as I have with rhododendrons. Azaleas lose their leaves in fall while rhododendrons do not. The rhododendron grows taller and wider depending on the cultivar.

Both plants have shallow roots that do not like to be disturbed.

An on-line computer search or reference book will provide information on these and many other shrubs that may fit in your garden and appeal to your preference of size and bloom color. Many of them also have colored stems that provide winter interest.

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

Letters to the editor welcome Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are welcome.

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

Friday. Anything over 400 words will be charged accordingly.

E-mail to natasha@saukherald.com

Page 6 | SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

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Sailor hoped to achieve an academic section or state award for the team’s success in the classroom.

The Storm’n Sabres ended its 2019 season with a 2-9 record, so developing knowledge and play variety was and is a goal for Sailor as the program continues to build in numbers and success on the field.

With a strong set of seniors exiting the program, Sailor wishes the 2020 season could have commenced.

“I feel for my seniors who won’t be able to play at the high school level again,” Sailor said. “I am proud of this senior group, and they have done a lot to help this program get on the right path.”

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Bjelland: Going to practice and playing games with my boys, Luke and Abdul, on d-pole.

Carlson: Being with the other seniors. It was the most fun when we were all having fun together.

Engle: Getting on the field to deliver some big hits. I really like the physical sports I play, – football, wrestling and lacrosse – so I am pretty physical throughout all of my seasons. I am bigger than most guys on the lacrosse field, so I will miss getting to knock them off their feet.

Schumacher: The actual game of lacrosse. I love the game and am always happy while I am playing.

Swenson: My teammates. I have a lot of friends on the team, and I am going to miss them all.

Wadood: Playing with Jake and Luke.

Wolfe: Spending time both on and off the field with my teammates.

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What is your favorite lacrosse memory?

Bjelland: Our game against Brainerd because we won, and I had a really big hit.

Carlson: When I went out junior year and did not get cut from the team.

Engle: I took two shots on goal last year during a game, and both times I hit a teammate in the chest and did not score. It was pretty funny, but unfortunate because I did not score.

Schumacher: My first varsity start. It was freshman year against St. Cloud.

Swenson: My first goal in seventh grade when I was new to lacrosse.

Wadood: When I was moved up to varsity.

Wolfe: My first high school game in Duluth.

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BY ANNA HINKEMEYER | STAFF WRITER

Jake Sailor was set to start his second season as head coach of the Sartell-Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm’n Sabres boys lacrosse team. Instead, he is reacting to the season’s cancellation and having to be apart from his athletes.

“It’s disappointing not being able to have a season,” Sailor said. “A lot of guys have put in a lot of time in the off-season preparing.”

At the core of returners are the seven seniors – attacker Jacob Bjelland, midfielders Logan Carlson, Jack Engle, Carter Schumacher, and Gavin Swenson, and defenders Abdul Wadood and Luke Wolfe. Sailor also expected extensive progress from juniors Avery Kouba and Cobi Kiffmeyer and sophomore attacker Aiden Hilger. The team also had 20 freshmen coming into the program which is some of the biggest growth the program has seen.

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Page 8 | SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

BREAK CROSSWORD

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SRRHS, Mix 94.9 partner for virtual prom

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SAUK RAPIDS – Juniors and seniors at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School were scheduled to dance the night away at prom April 25. Instead, the current pandemic kept the tradition from happening.

To help alleviate some of the emotion behind missing prom, SRRHS partnered with Mix 94.9 to put on a virtual prom May 9.

The prom included two hours of commercialfree music on the radio station, where students request songs or give shoutouts to friends and dates.

Teachers and administration also provided on-air commentary.

Principal Karl Nohner was among those to speak at the beginning of the broadcast. In addition to welcoming students to the virtual prom, Nohner wished students well and thanked them for their persistence during distance learning. He also had a special message for the class of 2020.

“I am thinking about you especially tonight,” Nohner said. “This is a spring none of us have wanted for you, but I am incredibly impressed with your perseverance through

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The five, along with other juniors and seniors at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, were scheduled to attend prom that evening, and while the school could not host prom, the district partnered with Mix 94.9 to host a virtual prom May 9.

challenges and your dedication to finish strong. I have seen these characteristics from this class the last four years and am so thankful I have had the chance to be part of the journey with you. You are an amazing group, and we are excited for the memories and celebrations yet to come this spring.”

In addition to the music, the station’s website was changed to reflect the prom theme “Starry Night.” It included a virtual grand march with photos submitted by students and literature and images surrounding the theme.

“This whole journey is new to all of us,” said Jennie Weber, student support at SRRHS. “Staff are constantly trying to make our students feel supported and loved, but it’s hard to do when we are all doing school from home. The memories of

2020 prom is something none of us expected to turn out like this.”

Makenzy Heder submitted photos for the grand march and listened to the broadcast while at work. However, much of her celebration was done April 25. She and her sister, Mallory, along with Allie Chapman, Morgan Westre and Hannah Guhlke dressed up, took pictures at Munsinger Gardens in St. Cloud and ordered takeout for dinner.

“My coworker was a lot of fun and did the cupid shuffle with me when it came on,” Makenzy Heder said. “I was glad the five of us were able to be together and celebrate our prom through the circumstances.”

While the thought was appreciated in holding a virtual prom, it was not comparable for many seniors. Chapman said she feels robbed of the memo-

ries she was supposed to make with her friends before leaving for college.

“There is nothing the school can really do to make up for not having a prom because it’s just not the same at all,” Chapman said. “There was no getting ready with your best friends, no taking pictures in our dresses with family and friends, no grand march and no dancing the night away with my best friends.”

Mallory Heder said she appreciated the thought the school put into the alternative prom, and it will be something to remember for a long time.

“Missing out on our senior prom and the rest of the memories that come along with it was hard at first, but we learned to make the most of it,” she said. “We were fortunate enough to have done something for prom to look back on.”

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PUBLIC NOTICES CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS NOTICE OF FILING FOR THE 2020 STATE PRIMARY ELECTION Notice is hereby given that a Municipal Primary Election will be held in the City of Sauk Rapids, Benton County, on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 for the purpose of electing candidates for the offices listed below. The filing period for these offices begins at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 until 5:00 PM on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

CITY OFFICES One (1) Mayoral Seat-Elected at Large-Four (4) Year Terms Two (2) City Council Seats – Elected at Large – Four (4) Year Terms Filing of Affidavits of Candidacy for City Offices shall be at the City Clerk’s Office, Sauk Rapids Government Center-City Hall, 250 Summit Ave N, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, 56379 from 8:00 AM on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 until 5:00 PM on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

The polling places for the City’s precincts are: 1. The polling place for the 1st Precinct voters is the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Avenue North; 2. The polling place for the 2nd Precinct voters is the Community Arts Center (CAC) at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, 901 1st Street South; *Voters were previously assigned to Mississippi Heights Elementary School 3. The polling place for the 3rd Precinct voters is the Discovery Church, 700 18th Street North West; *Voters were previously assigned to Pleasantview Elementary School 4. The polling place for the 4th Precinct voters is the Riverside Church, 1702 West Highview Drive; 5. The polling place of the 5th Precinct voters is the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Avenue North; 6. The polling place of the 6th Precinct is a mail ballot precinct until further notice R-18/20-1B

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 ASSUMED NAME: P & V Awesome Sauce.

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 205 6th Ave NW, Rice, MN 56367 USA. NAMEHOLDER(S): Rebecca Lyn Scott Dombrovski, 205 6th Ave NW, Rice, MN 56367 USA. (4) By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. /s/ Rebecca Dombrovski 03/11/2020 R-19-2P CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 ASSUMED NAME: Cedergren Group.

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 809 Halliday Road, St. Cloud, MN 56301.

NAMEHOLDER(S): Alissa Cedergren, 809 Halliday Road, St. Cloud, MN 56301.

(4) By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required fields, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. /s/ Alissa Cedergren, Owner 03/05/2020 R-19-2P

SUMMARY OF PUBLICATION ORDINANCE No. 2020-785 The following is the official summary of Ordinance No. 2020785 approved by the Sauk Rapids City Council on May 11, 2020: AN INTERIM ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A MORATORIUM ON NEW STORAGE FACILITIES WITHIN THE CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS. It is the intent and effect of this Ordinance to temporarily prohibit the construction, development, or conversion of storage units until the City of Sauk Rapids can study the appropriateness of current ordinance requirements and adopt amendments if necessary.

A complete, printed copy of the ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular office hours at City Hall or the entire Fee Schedule may be viewed on the City’s website at www.ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us.

R-20-1B

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 | Page 9

REGULAR MEETING SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL SAUK RAPIDS GOVERNMENT CENTER, 250 Summit Ave N. Monday, April 20, 2020 6:00PM MINUTES **Due to COVID-19 and the resulting emergency declared by the Minnesota Governor, this meeting was conducted virtually under Minn. Stat. 13D.021. This meeting was shown live on Charter channel 181.** 6:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Kurt Hunstiger called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Mayor Hunstiger performed roll call. All members present.

Due to the meeting being conducted virtually, Mayor Hunstiger reminded everyone to please identify themselves prior to addressing the Council. He noted that all applicable votes will be conducted via a roll call vote.

2. Additions or Changes to the Agenda Todd Schultz requested to pull agenda items 9-G, 10-A, and 10-B until a later City Council meeting. Schultz explained that further conversations need to take place with the National Park Service as it relates to these agenda items. Ross Olson requested to add update for Limited Off-Sale Liquor and Wine as agenda item 11-B. 3. Approve the Agenda Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the Agenda as amended.

Motion carried unanimously.

4. Approve Minutes A. 2-19-2020 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded

by Councilperson Seamans to approve the 2-19-2020 Special City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

B. 03-09-2020 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the 03-09-2020 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

C. 03-24-2020 Emergency City Council Meeting Minutes Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the 3-24-2020 Emergency City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

D. 04-06-2020 Special City Council Meeting Minutes Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to approve the 4-06-2020 Special City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously with Councilperson Seamans abstaining.

5. Receive and File NONE 6. Mayor’s Communications NONE 7. Audience Items/Visitors Total Time Limit 2 Minutes for Items NOT on the Agenda Due to COVID-19, this meeting was conducted virtually, so in-person testimonies were not possible. Residents were asked to contact Ross Olson, City Administrator, if they had any concerns that they would like shared with the Council.

8. Public Hearings NONE 9. Consent Agenda A. Approve a One-Time Reduction in Liquor Licensing Fees for Restaurants and Clubs NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Benton County Planning Commission will conduct public hearings on May 28th, 2020 the Commissioner’s Room, Benton County Government Center, Foley, and beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Planning Commission will hear the following: 1. 7:00 p.m. Doug Friedrich, Friedrich Properties LLC, requesting a conditional use permit to operate vehicles sales and repair in the B-2 Business District. Pursuant to Sections 7.9.4(C) and 11.6. The affected property is described as follows: part of the NE1/4, Section 12, West Langola Township.

2. 7:10 p.m. Tim and Gloria Rajkowski requesting a conditional use permit to allow mini storage in the Agricultural District. Pursuant to Section 7.2.4 (BB) and 11.6. The affected property is described as follows: part of the NW1/4 SW1/4, Section 35, Watab Township. *Effective immediately, the Benton County Planning Commission will conduct its regular, special or emergency meetings by telephone or other electronic means, as permitted

by MN Statutes §13D.021. Some or all Commission members may participate by telephone or other electronic means until further notice. At least one member of the Planning Commission or the County Department of Development Director will be present during meetings at the Planning Commission’s regular meeting location, which is the County Board Room in Foley, unless otherwise noted on meeting notices. Pursuant to MN Statutes §13D.021, Subdivision 3, the County will provide the means for persons to electronically monitor such meetings remotely.

In person public comments will not be heard, to conform to MDH and CDC guidelines to minimize gatherings.

You may submit written testimony by emailing Roxanne Achman at Roxanne.Achman@co.benton.mn.us or by mailing it to the Benton County Department of Development, 531 Dewey St, PO Box 129, Foley, MN 56329. Written testimony must be received by 3pm on the hearing date.

The public can join the meeting from their computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/687827373 You can also dial in using your phone.

Phone: 1 (872) 240-3212 Access Code: 687-827-373 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/687827373 FR-20-1B

B. Approve 2019 Funds Transfer C. Approve and Adopt Resolution Approving Temporary OnSale Liquor License and Temporary On-Sale 3.2 Beer License for the Benton County Agricultural Society D. Approve and Authorize Amusement Permit for Mixed Martial Arts Event at Sports Arena East E. Approve 2020 Plumbing and Mechanical Contractor Licenses F. Award 2020 Bob Cross Parking Lot Improvements G. Approve Awarding 2020 River Avenue Improvements H. Approve Hiring a Probationary Employee for the Fire Department Motion: Moved by Councilperson Seamans and seconded by Councilperson Sauer to approve consent agenda items 9A-9F, and 9H. Motion carried unanimously.

10. Regular Agenda A. 2020 Southside Lift Station Improvements B. Sauk Rapids Riverfront Park Bids 11. Other Staff Items A. April 27th Regular City Council Meeting Has Been Canceled Mayor Hunstiger noted that a decision has been made to cancel the April 27th Regular City Council meeting. He explained that there might be the need for a Special City Council meeting depending on where things are at with the meeting with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as it relates to the park project.

B. Limited Off-Sale Beer and Wine Ross Olson noted that the Governor recently signed legislation that allows for limited off-sale beer and wine sales to go with food orders while the shelter in place order is in effect. This legislation was passed in an attempt to support restaurants that have been forced to close due to COVID-19.

Olson explained that this law automatically goes into effect unless a city wants to deny it. He said that he has not heard from anyone on the Council who has an issue with the limited off-sale beer and wine legislation, and instead it appears as just another way in which to further support the restaurants during this difficult time.

C. Benton Drive Project Scott Hedlund stated that the bids for the Benton Drive project were opened earlier today. Hedlund said that the low bid was under the engineer’s estimate for the project. He said that he hopes to bring the bids to the Council within a month.

D. 9th Street South Lift Station Project Scott Hedlund stated that they held a pre-construction meeting for the 9th Street South Lift Station project. He reviewed the proposed timeline for the project, which is anticipated to start in July and be done in early August.

12. Other Council Items and Communications A. Thank You- Mayor Hunstiger thanked City staff for doing a great job at staggering people when it comes to scheduling and for being flexible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

13. Approve List of Bills and Claims Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Sauer to approve the List of Bills and Claims.

Motion carried unanimously.

14. Adjournment Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Hunstiger adjourned the meeting at 6:16 p.m.

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EDITORIAL

Page 10 | SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Local students earn degrees MANKATO – Rice residents Maurya Bushman and Taylor Gerads along with Sauk Rapids residents Hannah Supan and Alexander Van Heel received bachelor’s degrees from Minnesota State University-Mankato May 9.

Bushman graduated cum laude with a degree in biology. Gerads earned a degree in dental hygiene. Supan earned a degree in family consumer science. And, Van Heel earned a degree in construction management.

Commencement was celebrated through a special website, and each graduate received a personalized video message by email. Commencement-in-a-box packages were shipped to students’ homes the week prior.

MOORHEAD – Three area students received degrees from Minnesota State University-Moorhead this spring.

The university celebrated its graduates in a variety of ways throughout commencement week, and students are invited to walk in a future commencement ceremony.

Rice resident Britta Peterson as well as Sauk Rapids residents Dylan Curto and Mandi Loxterkamp earned degrees.

Peterson graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in elementary inclusive education.

Loxterkamp received a master’s degree in nursing.

Curto received a specialist degree in school psychology.

Police Report

Sauk Rapids Police Department activity May 4 0335 hrs: Officers received a noise complaint from the 900 block of Benton Drive North.

Officers attempted to contact the tenant with no luck. They received a second complaint and issued a citation.

May 5 0457 hrs: Officers received a complaint of a male looking in vehicle windows on the 1200 block of Third Avenue South. The male was not found.

May 10 0500 hrs: Officers observed a backpack and a book in the middle of the road on the 1100 block of Fourth Avenue North. Officers placed the property at the police department.

Incidents: 24 assists, 21 suspicious activity reports, 17 various calls, 16 thefts, 15 medical calls, 11 welfare checks, 9 animals, 8 traffic stops, 8 disturbances, 7 civil, 6 alarms, 5 child, 4 property, 4 domestics, 4 traffic hazards, 4 driving, 3 open doors, 3 harassments, 3 frauds, 2 human services reports, 2 permits, 2 vehicles, 2 burglaries and 2 dvs.

Rice Police Department activity May 5 0020 hrs: Officers observed a male biking without a lamp on the bike. Officers advised male to get a light that could be visible from at least 500 feet away. Male said he would install one as soon as he could.

Incidents: 9 various calls, 4 suspicious activity reports, 3 assists, 2 traffic stops and 2 records checks.

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Take me out to the ballgame Normally by this time of year, I would have been on the sidelines of the baseball field multiple times, shooting photos with my favorite camera lens and taking notes for the Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm baseball games. I am normally eager about the progress of the team as they near section playoffs and prepare to play summer ball with the Sauk Rapids Legion Post No. 254 team.

I am also usually paying close attention to how the Minnesota Twins season is shaping up and to what kind of success they are building on from the previous year.

This year, the baseball diamonds are eerily quiet and players are mourning the loss of the

ON THE SIDELINES

BY ANNA HINKEMEYER

season. When Gov. Tim Walz issued the extension of distance learning for all schools within the state of Minnesota in April, the high school spring sports season disappeared.

For our Storm baseball players, there was still hope for their summer Legion baseball season until the announcement of the cancellation came last weekend. I was as disappointed in the canceled season as

the coaches and players. With no sports to cover at the high school level this spring, I have missed my time on the sidelines, and I was looking to summer as a light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel.

Part of me does not understand the cancellation because I feel players and coaches on the field, as well as fans in the stands, can social distance for games. If large retail stores are deemed essential and can have countless people socially distanced throughout their space, what reasons are there that 25 kids cannot be on a baseball field outdoors to do something they love? Regardless, the call has been made and many are saddened.

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been one of my favorite sports to watch. Growing up, I often watched Twins games on TV with Papa John as well as with my parents. Both of my brothers played ball from little league on, with my youngest brother, Jack, playing through high school. I enjoy going to baseball games at any level, and my husband and I will even play random oneon-one games at a park down the road from our home to pass our free time.

To our group of four seniors, I am sorry. I am saddened you had to end your high school baseball career and summer ball career with canceled seasons and empty fields. I am sorry you will not get the opportunity to play another game with the friends and teammates you have grown up with. Most of all, I am sorry you will not get the thrill of running the bases, swinging the bat or chasing after a fly ball in the outfield.

I am longing for those moments as much as you are. Know you are appreciated and loved by the families, coaches, teammates, fans and community despite not being able to gather at the ballfield for a game.

My heart goes out to all who are missing out on a spring sports season, but especially those who would normally be at the baseball games.

Baseball is a part of who I am, and I cannot wait until we can all be at the diamond on the sidelines.

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SPORTS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 | Page 11

Four honored at virtual ceremony

BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – Each year Sauk Rapids-Rice High School coaches honor senior athletes for contributions and accomplishments. The highest honor bestowed to one male and one female by the activities department is athlete of the year. This year, male and female performer of the year was added to the list.

However, there was no rushing to the stage to claim a trophy and hold it high May 14. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Sauk Rapids-Rice

School District shifting to distance learning programming, the four awards were presented in a virtual ceremony.

“Even though this is not how we would like to celebrate, it is still important to Storm activities and families,” said NaDean Schroeder, SRRHS activities director.

Chloe Stockinger and Durham Welch were named athletes of the year while Ellise Fedor and Gavin Fuchs took home the honor of performers of the year.

Stockinger is a three-sport athlete in soccer, hockey and softball. As a forward for the girls soccer team, Stockinger was the lead scorer in 2019, tallying 17 goals and five assists while helping the team to the Section 8A championship game against

Bemidji and a 13-4-3 overall record. On the ice, Stockinger served as the starting goalie for the Storm’n Sabres, making 654 saves on 709 shots against her.

She earned two shutout games this past season.

While Stockinger did not take the field as a senior shortstop on the Storm softball team, she posted 20 hits, 10 RBIs and 15 runs on a .333 batting average in spring 2019.

“It’s a really exciting way to wrap up my career, since I did not get my softball season,” Stockinger said.

“This is an awesome award that was earned not in a single moment but throughout my career.”

Stockinger will continue her athletic career on the ice with Augsburg University’s

womens hockey team in Minneapolis while pursuing a degree in exercise science.

Welch was named male athlete of the year

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You will receive a certificate in the mail to provide to your insurance company.

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Hurdles to baseball’s return Of the major American professional sports, baseball seemingly has the clearest path to a return amid the COVID-19 pandemic. There is less direct contact between players than in many other sporting competitions, which theoretically makes spreading a virus less likely, and there is already a blueprint in place SPORTS COLUMNIST

BY ANDY THAYER with the KBO league in South Korea having already resumed play. Major League Baseball’s owners have approved a proposal that would allow the league to return to play in early July, but there are still many legitimate hurdles in place that would need to be cleared in the next few weeks for meaningful baseball to be played by Independence Day. First and foremost, there are myriad safety concerns associated with baseball’s return. Washington Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle succinctly laid many of them out on Twitter Monday afternoon, citing a need for well-defined preventive measures, clear clubhouse controls, testing frequency, protocols for non-players, the desire for long-term healthcare benefits, questions about the long-term effects of the disease and the need for a clearly-defined procedure for handling confirmed cases as major concerns players want addressed before discussing the nuts and bolts of returning to play. Those are all legitimate concerns, and while we all want to see our favorite baseball players back on the field, those same players have every right to be worried about their safety.

The second potential roadblock, and the one I think is most likely to derail the proposal on the table, is related to finances. Of course it is. The owners have offered up a 50-50 split of revenue for the 82-game season that is being proposed, and that has almost zero chance of being accepted by the players. Revenue is going to drop precipitously with half the schedule being dropped and many games likely being played in empty stadiums, so players would need to be willing to accept massive pay cuts if they accepted this deal.

MLB players are signed to fully guaranteed contracts. Player salaries do not unilaterally increase when team revenues increase (as they have every single season from 2001 until 2018), so why should they unilaterally decrease if the owners experience decreased revenue? Remember this – baseball’s owners are multibillionaires, and they are not the ones who are going to be risking infection if play is resumed in less than two months. Would you rather have your money go to some fat cat owner or the players who are out there entertaining you every day? I personally have zero sympathy for the owners in this situation. They are clearly using a national emergency to institute a salary cap and cut the pay of employees that are going to be risking their safety on a daily basis. From a financial perspective, the proposal the owners approved is a slap in the face to the players.

Finally, the players need to get back into game shape to play competitively. When spring training was canceled in March, many players returned to homes that were not equipped with state-of-the-art training facilities. Like many of us, most players have probably had other more pressing concerns than fitness in the past two months. In order to return to play in July, players are going to need to start preparing immediately. The owners’ proposal calls for a mid-June spring training period, but a couple of weeks is not enough time for a starting pitcher to prepare to pitch deep into a ballgame. That spring training timeframe needs to be accelerated if we want a quality on-field product at the official start of the season.

If MLB wants to return in early July, a clear and detailed safety protocol needs to be ratified by both the players and owners immediately. Once that is in place, the owners need to get real about negotiating a legitimately viable financial proposal, and they will need to hammer out an actual compromise (and not a one-sided deal that will further line the owners’ pockets) with the players association as quickly as possible. If the players can report to training facilities in early June, there might be hope for baseball on the Fourth of July. If any of these things fail to happen, any hope for a viable baseball season in 2020 is going to start disappearing quickly.

SPORTS

Page 12 | SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Honored from front

and is a three-sport athlete, competing in boys soccer, football and boys hockey. As a defender in soccer, Welch helped prevent goals from other teams. His defining moment of the 2019 season was scoring the game-winning goal in the Section 8A quarterfinal match against Sartell. It was the first time in program history Sauk Rapids-Rice triumphed over Sartell, and the win advanced the soccer team to section semifinals.

Simultaneously in the same season, Welch served as the kicker on the football team.

In 2019, he scored 12 points, half of which were field goals. During the winter season, Welch skated with the boys hockey team as a forward where he scored eight goals and claimed three assists.

“This award means everything,” Welch said. “All of my hard work the last four years has paid off. It’s a surreal feeling.”

Welch will attend St. Cloud State University in the fall, where he will play for the school’s newly formed mens soccer team.

Fuchs is the firstever recipient of the male performer of the year award. Fuchs has

Chloe St ockinge r

been involved with DECA since he was a freshman, earning seventh at the national competition in 2019, as well as serving as a district representative. This year, he was co-president of the SRRHS chapter and qualified for nationals.

In addition to DECA, Fuchs is also involved in cross-country, track and field, student council, math league, Minnesota Honor Society and Green Team.

“This was a good surprise amidst everything going on,” Fuchs said. “I’ve been in a lot of different activities, and it feels good to be recognized for that.”

This fall, Fuchs will attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to major in neuroscience with a double minor in Spanish and pharmacology.

Fedor received the female performer of the year award for her involvement in activities throughout SRRHS. She has been involved in speech, band, choir, Minnesota Honor So-

Durham

Welch

ciety, Project 4 Teens, Students against Destructive Decisions, Storm Leaders and drama. Fedor’s most notable accomplishments come from speech, band and choir. In speech, she is a three-time storyteller all-conference champion in the Central Lakes Conference, as well as the Section 8AA champion for the 2019-20 season. Her music career has earned her several Section 8AA superior ratings in solo-ensemble competition, with one vocal entry earning a perfect 40 of 40 score. She has also been invited to participate in many honor band events.

Fedor plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to pursue a degree in astrophysics and participate in music as time allows.

“I am so incredibly honored to have even been considered for this award, and in receiving it, that feeling has more than multiplied,” Fedor said. “My activities through high school

Ellise Fe

dor

have been the single most influential part of my life throughout the last four years, and this recognition means more to me than I can begin to say.”

Stockinger was

Gavin Fu

chs

nominated alongside female athletes Morgan Thompson and Anna Lucas. Josh Schloe and Kobe Lee were the other male athlete nominees.

Fuchs was nominated with male performers

Tyson Mushatt and Kyle Conway, while Alyssa Tasto and Hillarie Markfort were the other female performer nominees.

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Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, May 16, 2020

Officials offer guidance for COVID-19’s impact on rural communities

BY JENNIFER COYNE STAFF WRITER

The novel coronavirus has devastated populous communities in Minnesota.

Those in rural areas are at a great risk for the impacts of this pandemic, both economically and healthwise.

“Even the most rural communities will not have the same impact of urban communities with COVID-19, but we need to take this time as an opportunity to prepare for when it does come,” Zora Radosavech said. “We’re not home free.”

Radosavech is the director for Rural Health and Primary Care in the Health Policy Division of the Minnesota Department of Health.

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A decade of growth

Sauer reflects on years in industry, prepares for future

BY JENNIFER COYNE STAFF WRITER

PIERZ – It has been 10 years since Branden Sauer began his dairying career, and where he is today is almost unfathomable to the 30-year-old.

“The first day I woke up to a freshened heifer, and I knew that was the beginning of the next 40 years,” Sauer said. “Starting out was tough and looking back, I never thought I’d be this far.”

Sauer milks 90 cows in Morrison County near Pierz. The cows are housed in a freestall barn and milked in a double-9 parallel parlor, which Sauer began using last month.

Previously, the cows were housed at his family’s farm site nearby. There, they were housed and milked in a 35-stall stanchion barn.

“I was switching cows for eight years,” Sauer said. “It was not fun. When I was milking by myself, it took three hours.”

Sauer rented the facilities, and purchased feed from his dad as he built his own land base over nine years. In 2019, a

PHOTO BY MARK KLAPHAKE

Branden Sauer milks 90 cows in Morrison County near Pierz, Minnesota. The 30-year-old started farming a decade ago, and recently purchased a farm site with a freestall barn and parlor.

neighbor and former dairyman approached Sauer with the opportunity for the young farmer to rent 80 acres and purchase the farm site with 160 acres.

Today, Sauer owns the farm site and runs 500 acres.

“From day one, this was always my goal. Two years ago, I priced out a freestall barn and was working on a manure pit that I was going to build (at

my parents’ farm),” Sauer said.

“Then, this opportunity came by, and it’s a piece of land right across the road that will never come for sale again.”

Sauer still houses his youngstock – from calves to springing heifers – at his family’s farm, with the milking and dry cows at the other property.

“I’m slowly working on buildings and where I want ev-

erything,” Sauer said. “Hopefully by fall I will have everything moved over there.”

Over the last decade, Sauer has strategically managed his farm business for growth and sustainability in the industry.

He started his herd while finishing up his degree at Ridgewater College in Willmar in 2010.

Sauer page 3B

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Page 2B | SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

A resurged role in Minnesota agriculture Krekelberg furthers career as farm safety, health specialist SAUK CENTRE – After nearly a decade of Minnesota farmers being without a University of Minnesota Extension educator specifically working for the safety and health of the agriculture community, the role is filled.

Emily Krekelberg stepped into the redeveloped position April 27, leaving behind

her job as the livestock extension educator for Benton, Morrison and Stearns counties.

“I’ve always had a passion for helping farmers,” Krekelberg said. “If I can play one small role in positively impacting their lives, that helps me sleep better at night.”

Krekelberg now acts as the farm safety and health educator based in extension’s regional office in Rochester. She

Emily Krekelberg

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farm safety and health throughout Minnesota.

“I took this job because it will push me out of my comfort zone and force me to think out of the box,” Krekelberg said. “I love that.”

While the position and initiatives Krekelberg will lead are still being ironed out, she said she will work with state organizations, such as Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Minnesota Farm Bureau Association, in curriculum development for youth tractor, grain and livestock safety, and COVID-19 response work, among other topics.

“More and more we’re seeing deaths and entrapments happening on farms,” Krekelberg said.

“It was time to ask what can extension do.”

The specialist’s interest in assisting the agriculture community stems from growing up on a dairy farm near Le Sueur.

“Farmers are such extraordinary people,” Krekelberg said. “While farming is not for me, I have this huge passion to get involved.”

Her personal experiences with both farm safety and health have made Krekelberg the perfect fit for this newfound role in extension.

“Farm safety is something I really care about. I’ve seen the impacts accidents have on families, and I don’t want any family to go through

what mine has had to go When one thinks of through,” Krekelberg farm safety and health, said. “And in speaking there are many aspects. of health, I’ve recently One of Krekelberg’s had my own experiences key points of interest is with mental health. We suicide and decreasing can’t expect to be under the prevalence of farmers stress and taking shortcuts taking their own lives. without the increased risk “Another goal I’d like of accidents.” to accomplish is getting In addition to farm safety to be a part of Krekelberg’s new farm culture,” Krekelberg position, she will continue said. “How do we get it her work as director for integrated into farmers’ the Rural Stress Task daily work?”

Force.

In the past seven By pairing these years, Krekelberg formed two responsibilities, lasting relationships Krekelberg is hopeful and social connections to create with dairy a stronger farmers, and connection others in the between the agriculture organizations community, in a way throughout that further “We all need to c e n t r a l assists her share a unified Minnesota. agriculture While no message and longer and rural based f a m i l y get information in the triaudiences. county area, W i t h into the hands Krekelberg everything, of farmers. I’m is looking though, forward to really looking there will be continuing challenges in forward to it.” t h o s e Krekelberg’s relationships.

- Emily job.

She Krekelberg anticipates “Through my some people previous job not being in extension, receptive to certain I’ve gotten on farms, I’ve recommendations to heard people and what is address safety on farms. on their mind,” she said.

“There are so many “That’s helped me make groups and people across this career move. I’m the state that have worked excited to collaborate with with this,” Krekelberg other people and reach the said. “We all need to share same and new audiences. a unified message and get As always, their support information into the hands is tremendous.” of farmers. I’m really As Krekelberg looking forward to it.” familiarizes herself in her new role, she wants to be accessible and approachable to meet the needs of farmers as she works to promote farm safety and health.

“It’s so important to stay safe stay well and take care of yourself.

Self care is not selfish,” Krekelberg said. “You hold the key to having a good day.”

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from front Sauer had a group of 20 heifers due to calve all around the same time, and then he purchased cows to fill the barn.

“I fed calves for a few days with the milk, and then once I had enough to hit the agitator, that’s when I had enough to sell,” Sauer said. “I think my first milk check came when I was milking six cows. I started in May, but my first check didn’t come until the end of June. That was stressful.”

Dairying over the last 10 years has not been easy, but Sauer has found ways to make it a viable career choice.

All loan payments are automatically taken out of each milk check before Sauer receives the check.

And, he makes sure all bills are paid before using any remaining income for purchases or personal savings.

“It used to be that my

COVID-19 from front

She provided insight into how Greater Minnesota will be affected by COVID-19 during the CRPD Rural Response Webinar hosted by the Center for Rural Policy and Development May 1.

M i n n e s o t a Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove and Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen joined Radosavech in the presentation.

Health care disparities apparent As COVID-19 makes its way through the state, testing availability, intensive care unit bed capacity and the ability to receive care without traveling long distances is a burden rural communities carry.

“With many of our rural communities having a lower population density and less intermixing of people, it is feasible (COVID-19) will move towards an area at a lower speed,” Radosavech said.

“But once it’s in that area, it will move through exponentially.”

The state health department has worked with large health care systems and area clinics to improve testing capabilities. They have extended testing and

first check of the month covered all the bills and the second check was mine,” Sauer said. “Now, I need both to pay the bills.

Bills always have to come first, because once you’re behind, you’re always behind. And you’ll never catch up.”

To get ahead, Sauer took advantage of the years when the milk price was high. At those times, he paid off loans and prepurchased commodities for the farm.

Then, when milk prices started to slide, Sauer buckled down and focused on simply covering his expenses.

“In 2015, I actually didn’t have a feed bill until June because I pre-bought so much feed. Then, I could buy a tractor that spring because I had no bills,” Sauer said. “I can’t say there’s no money in dairy farming, because that’s the only check I get, and I’ve done a lot over the last 10 years. You just have to keep after it and get better and better.”

Part of furthering Sau-

er’s dairying career is paying close attention to the herd and its potential.

He has bred and fed for high components, and strives for a low somatic cell count.

Sauer credits his achievements to the work of his team, and the help of his dad and girlfriend on the farm.

“I work with everyone – the agronomist, nutritionist, anyone who can help,” he said. “The neighbors are helpful. Last year, I had my big tractor go down, and we were late planting to begin with.

They let me rent one of theirs.”

After milking in a tiestall barn for almost a decade, Sauer was ready for a facility that was kinder on his body. Sauer’s trusted network and sound business plan helped make the decision to relocate the milking herd an easy one.

“If this opportunity wouldn’t have come up, I don’t know how much longer I would’ve took it.

I was tired,” Sauer said. “It was night and day differ-

ence. I think I’ve gained almost three hours of less chores, and I’m milking 20 more cows.”

But the move was not seamless.

“As soon as I got inspected, the cows were there the next morning,” Sauer said. “That first milking in the parlor was a disaster, but it still only took two hours. Now, I’m down to about 1.5 hours to milk and wash.”

In the last 10 years, Sauer has accomplished more than he ever thought possible when he first decided to milk cows. And with careful management, he plans to be a dairy farmer for the long haul.

“Where I’m at now, I thought it would take 20 years to get here. It’s something that I want to keep doing,” Sauer said.

“As long as the bills and loans are paid for, then I’m going to keep doing it whether it’s $20 milk or $12 milk.”

Mark Klaphake contributed to this article.

provided resources to health care providers through two COVID-19 response grants totaling $200 million.

Contact tracing has also increased to help better understand the spread of the virus.

“We’re really encouraging people to be in touch with local public health for testing and contact tracing because that’s the easier way to identify transmission,” Radosavech said.

“When we can (identify transmission), we can be better prepared to isolate.”

In Stearns County, COVID-19 testing is available at the CentraCare clinics in Sauk Centre, Melrose, St. Cloud and Paynesville, and Williams Integracare Clinic in Sartell. There are no Benton County locations administering testing.

As with urban communities, those in Greater Minnesota are encouraged to shelter in place in an effort to not overwhelm the alreadystrapped health care system.

Main streets feel economic toll of COVID-19 In Benton County, 20.9% (4,641) of the labor force has filed for unemployment since March 15. While DEED has been proactive in helping these individuals receive unemployment insurance through the state and the national Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security

Act, much of the state’s rural economies are built from self-employed individuals.

“We know this crisis hits rural parts of the state differently than the metro,” Grove said. “If you’re self-employed, we’ve had to find new ways to find your income history and get unemployment insurance to you.”

Until recently, those individuals were denied insurance.

However, through state and national efforts, Minnesota has now paid out more than 57,000 self-employed individuals unemployment benefits, Grove said.

The department is also working closely with employers if they must go through a major layoff during this crisis.

“We have a rapid response team that moves in quickly to educate workers about unemployment insurance,” Grove said.

“Then, we’re providing workforce development and opportunities for these individuals to find jobs. We’re doing it right now in Worthington and elsewhere.”

Along with the rapid response team, the department is overseeing ethnic media outreach to share messages of workplace safety, unemployment insurance and more to Minnesota’s diverse workforce.

Agriculture in a triage situation While COVID-19 only affects human health,

food production has become a victim in the pandemic.

“Ag has been thrown a lot of curveballs every day with things we haven’t anticipated; for example, what we’re seeing with large scale meat processing and how that’s also affecting small scale processing,” Petersen said.

With processing facilities shut down because of outbreaks in their employees, the state department is reviewing ways in which these businesses can return to normal operations, how summer farmers markets will operate, and what will food processing look like post COVID-19.

“We’re beginning those discussions,” Petersen said.

“Just because President Trump’s order was helpful in getting the plants reopened, it doesn’t mean they’ll open right away. If workers don’t feel safe, they won’t come to work.”

For those farmers affected by the plant closures, the state has worked with small processing plants to accommodate more animals in providing grant funding to help build capacity and categorize plants from custom to equal to.

“A local locker can take 20 hogs off the market, but there are still 2,500 hogs that need to go through a door a day,” Petersen said. “They just don’t have the capacity.

It’s a storage issue.”

PHOTO BY MARK KLAPHAKE

Branden Sauer milks his herd of 90 cows in a double-9 parlor at the farm site near Pierz. Sauer purchased the farm in April.

Farmers can apply know is the best way to for compensation keep people prepared.” through the federal government, although the amount is finite. The state government is also looking into financial assistance opportunities for Minnesota’s pork farmers.

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Page 6B | SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

COVID-19 forces change in Princess Kay finalist selection

Statewide dairy princess workshop moves to virtual event

BY SHERRY NEWELL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ST. PAUL – The uncertain timeline of Minnesota’s COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in the cancellation of Midwest Dairy’s annual dairy princess seminar, an event which serves as the backdrop for selection of the 10 finalists for Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

County princess coordinators and American Dairy Association county chairmen were notified of the decision in April along with members of the Midwest Dairy Minnesota Division board and county princesses who had already registered for the event.

The organization is planning to conduct judging virtually, us-

SR20-1B-JF

ing Zoom software, May 15-17, the event’s original date. The finalists’ names will be announced on the Princess Kay Facebook page at 2 p.m. May 17, the same time it would have happened during the luncheon that normally caps off the weekend of workshops and competition.

“The hotel where our event was scheduled notified us they were closing until the end of May,” said Theresa Reps, Midwest Dairy agricultural affairs manager and staff lead for the state’s dairy princess program. “At that point, our committee had to decide what to do. Given all the uncertainty at this time, the decision was to move forward with virtual judging to get finalists in place.”

The princess committee is a group of Minnesota Division board members and two county promotion board

members along with an industry representative and former princess.

“We’re sad we can’t get all the princesses together,” Reps said.

“It’s a fun event and a cool celebration, but we certainly don’t want to put anyone at risk.”

Reps said the new plans provide an opportunity for county princesses who might not have otherwise been able to compete for a finalist position. The committee is waiving the limit on how many candidates a county can advance to statewide judging.

Normally, each county can send princesses to the finalist judging based on their county contest numbers. Since some counties have completed their contests, and others called off events and local judging due to the pandemic, the committee leveled the field with the

new ruling, Reps said.

“Another nice thing is that princesses who were originally not available for the weekend might now be able to make the time to be in the contest on that one day (May 16),” she said.

Princess Kay finalists are selected based on an application, a personal interview, a speech and a mock media interview with separate sets of two judges assigned to each component.

Reps said the virtual judging will have the same portions, but with the participants – staff, committee members, judges and princesses – all remaining at home.

Reps said princesses must have submitted applications by May 1, and all materials will be distributed May 4, so each candidate has the same amount of time to prepare. Midwest Dairy will provide a tip sheet to help them do their best during the online judging.

“Our goal is to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible,” Reps said.

For instance, advice on things like lighting and background will be provided. There is also a plan to provide a phone number for troubleshooting in case technical or timing problems come up during the judging.

“One advantage we have is that nearly every girl is already doing e-learning right now, so working online is not unfamiliar to them,” Reps said.

If high-speed internet is not available

to a princess, she will be able to connect via cell phone signal using the same software. The scorecard is also being changed to put less emphasis on the visual aspects of evaluation because each competitor will have different surroundings, and their speeches and mock media interviews will be delivered sitting down with a limited view.

With judges in different locations, the scoring will also be entered electronically by each judge.

Reps hopes to schedule professional finalist and group photos in July.

Just like the state princess committee has adapted Princess Kay finalist judging for the pandemic’s limitations, the current Princess Kay’s activities have changed.

“Naturally, she’s had events canceled, so we have worked with her to expand her digital activities,” Reps said. “For instance, she hosted a dairy-themed craft day on Facebook recently.”

Similarly, Reps and the committee plan to encourage county princesses to stay active despite having fewer events to attend.

“We want to do everything we can to work with these young women to be active and find resources for them,” she said. “Princess Kay faces the same challenge right now that county princesses face. But they can be a positive light for dairy in a dark time.”

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Minnesota FFA to hold 91st annual convention Event takes place virtually May 19-21 real time, along with an opportunity for all students to take part in interactive workshops and panels, while recognizing student involvement and leadership,” said Juleah Tolosky, Minnesota FFA executive director.

The Minnesota FFA State Convention begins at 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 19. The Minnesota FFA Convention app, which supplies links to convention events, will be available beginning May

15 and can be downloaded at https://crowd. cc/mnffa2020. Additional details and the convention schedule can also be found at https://mnffa. org.

The convention, with “Illuminate” as its theme, will feature keynote speeches from FFA state and national officers as well as the announcement of the 2020-21 Minnesota FFA officer team.

Convention content will be available at https://

Equipment guards: The unsung hero of farm safety unguarded shaft.

In addition to large equipment, also consider smaller tools. Tools like angle grinders and power saws are used often. These smaller pieces of equipment are still capable of causing a lot of damage and can lead to injury. Proper guards should be in place and replaced as they get damaged. In addition, prevent damage to guards by performing regular maintenance like replacing discs and blades.

There is a lot of hazardous equipment

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Expenses related to general operation of the business, such as salary or benefits, are excluded from the program.

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All too often, I see an equipment safety shield or guard sitting in a corner somewhere on a farm, collecting dust. When I ask about it, the common answer is something like, “I had to take it off to fix something, and it was too much hassle to put it back.” I understand that on the farm, time is money. However, those guards are there for a reason. They are a simple mechanism in prevention.

My dad lost his leg after getting it caught in an auger that did not have a proper guard in place. Had a guard been there, his life would look drastically different.

Again, guards are on equipment for a reason.

Equipment with augers are common on the farm.

Most commonly, an auger will have a guard or cage around the intake. The purpose is to prevent objects from getting pulled in. On older equipment, it is possible the guard may need to be replaced as improvements have been made to safety equipment over time.

Power take-offs are also common farm equipment. Guards for PTOs should include shields on the PTO stub of the tractor, the implement input driveline and the implement input connections.

These guards should be checked regularly for damage.

If the rotating guard on the implement input driveline can no longer rotate independently, it is as dangerous as an

www.youtube.com/user/ minnesotaffa and will be shared on the organization’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

The FFA Career and Leadership Development events, which are an important part of a typical state convention, will not take place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the virtual format will include award ceremonies, honoring individual success in supervised agricultural experiences within Agriscience projects, as well as proficiency awards, State FFA Degrees and State FFA Stars.

FFA will also celebrate excellence in community service, agricultural literacy efforts and overall FFA chapter program excellence. Significant contributions of supporters will be honored through the Minnesota FFA Alumni Hall of Fame and Minnesota FFA Foundation recognition programs.

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MINNEAPOLIS – Recognizing 91 years of success in school-based agricultural education, the Minnesota FFA will host its annual convention virtually May 19-21.

Organization leaders will use a virtual format to conduct a portion of the activities which normally take place during the state FFA convention in late April at the University of Minnesota.

“We are proud to provide an experience that can be accessed in

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