Sauk Rapids Herald - March 13

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Saturday, March 13, 2021

Do you know an outstanding community member?

Sauk Rapids seeks 2021 Citizen of the Year SAUK RAPIDS – The city of Sauk Rapids is accepting nominations for the 2021 Sauk Rapids Citizen of the Year.

Any citizen who has provided outstanding service to the Sauk Rapids community is eligible to be nominated.

Nominees may be active in faith-based or civic organizations, boards or commissions, community groups or business activities. Nominees may also be leaders in human service work in the community or work diligently behind the scenes. Adults of any age will be considered for their past and present community work.

Brochures can be picked up at the Sauk Rapids Government Center or be accessed online at www.ci.sauk-rapids. mn.us. Nominations are easy to submit and consist of less than one page of information indicating why this individual is deserving of the recognition.

Nominations should be returned to the Sauk Rapids Government Center office by April 5. They can be dropped off or mailed to 250 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids, MN, 56377; or emailed to rolson@ ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us.

Vol. 166, No. 49

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

Veterans Build awaits homeowner Habitat for Humanity seeks applicants for new home in Sauk Rapids

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – The Stars and Stripes wave in front of a new house in Sauk Rapids that will be the home of a military veteran or family members of a fallen veteran.

The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house on North Benton Drive was built by Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity. The non-profit, ecumenical housing ministry celebrated the new construction during a driving tour and flag-raising ceremony March 5.

Six veterans who helped with the build raised the American flag on the lawn of the property, backdropped by woods. Red, white and blue bags, illuminated by candles, lined a retaining wall and walkway to the new house where more volunteers gathered to commemorate its near completion.

Habitat for Humanity page 3 PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

An American flag flies above a new house in Sauk Rapids, built by Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity. The house was built exclusively for a veteran or family of a fallen veteran.

Pushing through the

pandemic

Citizen of the Year page 3

PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

Friends Ervin Christle (from left), Dick Schmanski and James Volk have coffee March 11 at Old Creamery Café in Rice. Owner Mark Larson has responded to challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic by making improvements to his business, including the addition of an outdoor patio.

Restaurants adapt as coronavirus restrictions wear on

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS/RICE – Dena Hagberg and her staff are carrying Jimmy’s Pour House through the coronavirus pandemic and into its 44th year.

But, it has not been easy.

Jimmy’s Pour House – a landmark restaurant started by Dena’s dad, the late Jimmy Lynch – was forced to halt in-person dining for 136 of 365 days in the past year due to pandemic-related restrictions.

The first closure began the night of St. Patrick’s Day 2020 – ironic, Hagberg said, because that was the day the Irish pub and restaurant opened in 1977. The shutdown last 85 days until June 10, 2020.

Hagberg thought the closure would be short term.

“At first you thought, ‘Well, we can do this for two weeks,’” she said. “Then, ‘OK, we can do it two weeks longer.’”

Pandemic impact page 5

PUBLIC NOTICES The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.

• City of Sauk Rapids Advertisement for Bids - pg. 18 • Assumed Name - A Clean Slate Painting - pg. 18 • Assumed Name - Create Good MN - pg. 18 • City of Sauk Rapids Advertisement for Bids - pg. 19 • Mortgage Foreclosure Postponement - pg. 16

• Sauk Rapids-Rice School Reg. Meeting Minutes, Feb. 22 - pg. 19 • Watab Township Advertisement for Bids - pg. 18 • Probate Notice - Barthel - pg. 18

OBITUARY • Jeanette “Jeannie” C. Ebensteiner

NEWS

Page 2 | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Humanitarian Award Turner receives

SRRMS social worker honored at MLK event

BY JENNIFER MORRISSETTE HESSE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,” said Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For Sauk RapidsRice Middle School social worker James Turner, community matters a lot and

this quote from Dr. King – his favorite – inspires him each day to speak up and use his time and talents to make the place he calls home a little better for everyone.

Turner was awarded the 2021 Humanitar-

40th Wedding Anniversary Jim and Cindy Gans Jim and Cindy Gans celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary Sunday, March 14, 2021. The couple was married at Annunciation Parish in Mayhew Lake in 1981 and have resided near Silver Corners ever since.

They have four children; Paul (Ellen), Peter, Maria, and John (Amy) and three grandchildren. They have Jim and Cindy Gans a mutual love for sporting events, gardening and an outdoor celebration this spending time with their summer with family and family. They hope to host friends.

ian Award at the virtual St. Cloud MLK Day Community Celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 18. The celebration is an initiative of the Community Anti-Racism Education group and began as a St. Cloud State University event but is now sponsored and supported by many organizations in the St. Cloud area.

Turner was born in Gary, Indiana, and his family moved to Milwaukee when he was in the sixth grade. After high school graduation, he attended Southwest State University in Marshall and graduated from St. Cloud State University in 1996. He earned a master’s degree in social work from Southwest State University in 2009. Turner has worked for the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District since 2013. He and his wife, Brenda, have been married for 24 years and have two daughters, Jada, 20, and Mia, 18.

Dr. Robert C. Johnson, professor emeritus of ethnic, gender and women’s studies at St. Cloud State University, nominated

What can you bring to the table?

5th Annual Food Drive All March Long All through the month of March, please bring your donations to any of our three locations, whether it be nonperishable food or money. We’ll match you dollar-for-dollar or poundfor-dollar up to $2,000 per location.

You’ll also get a reusable grocery bag to keep while supplies last. Let’s help stock our local food shelves together, because friendly still counts!

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PHOTO SUBMITTED

James Turner, Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School social worker, is the recipient of the 2021 Humanitarian Award, which was presented at the St. Cloud MLK Day Community Celebration Jan. 18.

Turner for this award because of his tireless and selfless work on behalf of those in our area. “(He) works with youth and their families to improve their status and wellbeing,” Johnson said in his nomination. “(He) also supports the elderly in the community, showing reverence and respect for their contributions, wisdom and experiences. He works to brings the young and old together, so they may benefit mutually from each other. Not many are doing this kind of work.”

Through his social work position at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School, those who know Turner are familiar with his positive attitude and friendly, approachable manner. He supports students and families in many ways as part of his work and serves as an advisor for the school’s Diggin’ Diversity multicultural leadership group.

Members of the group work to create a school community that celebrates diversity and brings students and staff together to learn about one another and form supportive relationships within the middle school.

“His positive and enthusiastic nature has helped so many students gain confidence in themselves and learn to advocate for themselves and others, and to contribute positively in school,” said Jessica Messerich, principal at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School. “He opens our eyes to who we need to be for each other and how

to do that in tangible ways.

Mr. Turner is loved and respected by all. We value his presence and are fortunate he is a part of our Storm family.”

Turner is an involved member of Calvary Community Church and is a volunteer with the Great River Children’s Museum. He participates in the St. Cloud African American Male Forum, on the African American Leadership Council, on the Benton County Child Protection Consultation Team and with Opportunity Matters. He teaches an evening social work class at St. Cloud State University and has mentored and supervised 14 social work internship students during his employment within the Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools.

Turner said he is honored to be a recipient of the humanitarian award but believes he shares this accolade with those who have helped him.

“This is a testament to all of the incredible human beings who shared their wisdom, time and care for me over the years,” Turner said. “This award is as much theirs as it is mine.”

When asked how he feels others might work to live out Dr. King’s mission as he tries to do, Turner said, “Every person, regardless of age, class, race or gender, has something to contribute to the continuation of Dr. King’s dream.

There are so many ways.

When you hear an insensitive comment or joke that hurts other people, speak up. When you are curious about something, ask questions. Try some ethnic food or visit a museum about another culture. Just try to have unbiased respect and acceptance of others, and don’t be so quick to judge.

Everyone has a story, so step out of your comfort zone and get to know someone who does not look like you. Seek to learn.”

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The 2021 Humanitarian Award is awarded at a celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in St. Cloud. James Turner was nominated for the award by Dr. Robert C. Johnson for Turner’s work in the area.

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | Page 3

What’s Happening Saturday, March 13, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – St. John’s Area School Bake Sale. SJAS Gymnasium, 215 Seventh Ave., Foley.

Saturday, March 13, noon to 5 p.m. – Central Minnesota Builders Association 49th annual Spring Tour of Homes. Ten builders showcase 15 homes. Find a color guide at Holiday Station stores or download the tour app ParadeSmart.

from front

“It’s definitely worthwhile to give somebody a home that’s going to be dependable,” said Scott Crawford, of IBEW Local 292 electrical union’s veterans committee, who volunteered on the build.

A veteran’s selfless service will come full circle when they and/or their family members move into the home, made possible by the sacrifices of volunteers, Crawford said.

Construction on the new Sauk Rapids home began in 2019 with some delays due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is the first Habitat for Humanity home in Sauk Rapids built exclusively for a veteran.

“We’re just happy to be part of the Sauk Rapids community,” said Jessica Dahl, volunteer coordinator for Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity.

The Veterans Build program aims to create safe, decent and affordable housing for veterans. Citing data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity reported that of 2.5 million veterans leading households, 24% have housing cost burdens.

Habitat for Humanity is looking for a homeowner for the house. To qualify, applicants must be a veteran – either in active duty, retired or discharged – or family of a fallen veteran. Another requirement is having a total household income falling between 35% and 60% of area median income. Applicants cannot have had a bankruptcy for two years prior to applying or have had a foreclosed property in the three years prior to applying.

“We would love to find a homeowner and get them moved in as soon as possible,” Dahl said.

The house is 1,734 square feet and designed with the option for accessible single-level living.

Entry to the home is free of steps, and the lower level features a kitchen, bathroom with a walk-in shower, bedroom and living space. The upper level has three more bedrooms and a bathroom.

With four bedrooms, the house would be ideal for a family, Dahl said.

People will also appreciate that the property has a country feel yet is close to town.

“We just love this lot,” .Dahl said.

Made possible by hun-

Sunday, March 14, noon to 5 p.m. – Central Minnesota Builders Association 49th annual Spring Tour of Homes. Ten builders showcase 15 homes. Find a color guide at Holiday Station stores or download the tour app ParadeSmart.

Monday, March 15, 6 p.m. – Rice City Council Meeting. Rice City Hall, 205 E. Main St., Rice.

Tuesday, March 16, 9 a.m. – Benton County Board of Commissioners Meeting. Benton County Administration Building, 531 Dewey St., Foley.

PHOTOS BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

Guests, including those who volunteered on the build, observe a moment of silence during a flag-raising ceremony on the lawn of a new Habitat for Humanity house on North Benton Drive in Sauk Rapids. Active, retired or discharged veterans or family of the fallen are invited to apply for ownership of the home.

A view of the kitchen in the new Habitat for Humanity home on Benton Drive. The home is 1,734 square feet and designed with the option of accessible single-level living.

dreds of volunteer hours, the house is almost complete, with heating, ventilation and air-conditioning work and cleaning remaining. It was designed to optimize energy efficiency for affordable utility bills and has maintenance-free siding. Dahl said Habitat for Humanity homes are built by professionals who do not compromise on quality.

A veteran or family of a fallen veteran who is accepted for the house will purchase it with a low-interest mortgage and make monthly payments of no more than 30% of their total household income.

They will be required to give 200 hours of their unpaid labor and time, also known as sweat equity; to take homeowner and financial wellness classes; and to serve as active ambassador and partner with Habitat for Humanity.

Because the Sauk Rapids home is nearly complete, the homeowner will complete their sweat equity by working on other Habitat builds, Dahl said.

“We really take a holistic approach,” Dahl said of balancing eligibility – a need for decent, safe, affordable housing – with the ability to pay a mortgage within their means and to partner with Habitat for Humanity.

Having a stable, decent and affordable home helps people more comfortably provide for their families, with many Habi-

tat for Humanity homeowners no longer requiring government assistance, Dahl said. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity, she said, also provides stability for children, helps people become engaged in their communities, and

Tuesday, March 16, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.

improves health, physical safety and security.

“It’s really a great program,” Dahl said.

The Sauk Rapids house was one of three featured on Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity’s luminary driving tour, part of a Spotlight on Gratitude event recognizing volunteers and donors. The other two houses are in St. Cloud.

“We are delighted to celebrate our amazing supporters by lighting up our Habitat builds,” said Hailey Hollenhorst, president of the Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity board of directors. “We see it as a way to provide a symbol of hope for future Habitat families and a way to show gratitude to our volunteers and donors during these times.”

Tuesday, March 16, 6 p.m. – Overeaters Anonymous. Call Joyce at 320-761-2275 or Donna at 320-291-7251 for meeting place. Visit oa.org for more information.

Wednesday, March 17, 6-7 p.m. – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.

Friday, March 19, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Catholic Charities Pack the Porches Food Drive. Drop off locations at Pioneer Place on Fifth, 22 Fifth Ave. S., St. Cloud and St. Cloud Hyundai, 900 Second St. S., Waite Park.

Friday, March 19, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.

Friday, March 19, 4:30-7 p.m. – Central Minnesota Builders Association 49th annual Spring Tour of Homes. Ten builders showcase 15 homes. Find a color guide at Holiday Station stores or download the tour app ParadeSmart.

Saturday, March 20, 9 a.m. – Overeaters Anonymous. Call Joyce at 320-761-2275 or Donna at 320-291-7251 for meeting place. Visit oa.org for more information.

Citizen of the Year

Saturday, March 20, noon to 5 p.m. – Central Minnesota Builders Association 49th annual Spring Tour of Homes. Ten builders showcase 15 homes. Find a color guide at Holiday Station stores or download the tour app ParadeSmart.

from front

The 2021 Sauk Rapids Citizen of the Year Award will be presented at 6 p.m. April 26 at the Sauk Rapids City Council meeting at the government center.

For more information, call committee member Ross Olson at 320-258-5302 or go to the city of Sauk Rapids website.

Sauk Rapids

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Sunday, March 21, noon to 5 p.m. – Central Minnesota Builders Association 49th annual Spring Tour of Homes. Ten builders showcase 15 homes. Find a color guide at Holiday Station stores or download the tour app ParadeSmart.

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Page 4 | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Pulse on People

Anderson wins essay contest

ST. CLOUD – Dylan Anderson, 12, of Sartell-St. Stephen Middle School, has won the Central Minnesota Noon Optimist Club’s essay contest based on a theme of “Reaching Your Dreams by Choosing Optimism.”

Anderson was awarded a $250 cash prize and certificate for the honor. In addition, the essay will be sent to the district level to be judged along with winners from other Optimist Clubs in the district. A $2,500 college scholarship will be presented to the first-place winner at the district level.

The Central Minnesota Optimist Club also recognized second-place winner Bailey Noble, 15, of Tech High School, with a $150 cash prize and third-place winner Trinity Sitzman, 17, of Rocori High School, with a $100 cash prize.

“Dylan Anderson did a wonderful job of articulating this year’s theme,” said Sandy Nadeau, club president. “We’d like to congratulate each of our three essay contest winners and express our appreciation to all the youth who participated in this year’s contest, despite the many challenges of the pandemic. We are so proud of the optimism of our community’s youth.”

The Central Minnesota Noon Optimist Club’s essay contest committee was a partnership among members from three youth-serving organizations, including Emily Steinmetz from Big Brothers Big Sisters, Aimee Minnerath from Boys & Girls Club and Alli Herold from Junior Achievement.

GRAPHIC SUBMITTED BY THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

A diagram details when sectors of state residents may be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Gov. Tim Walz expanded COLLEGEVILLE – Jack Grabinski, child of vaccinations to include two additional sectors this week.

Students named to academic list

Walz expands vaccine eligibility

Michael and Jessica Grabinski of Sauk Rapids, and Connor Kockler, child of Shawn and Kimberly Kockler of Sauk Rapids, were named to the St. John’s University fall 2020 dean’s list for achieving a GPA of 3.8 or greater.

ST. PAUL – Emily Kleman, of Sauk Rapids, was Those with underlying health conditions, name to the Minnesota Connections Academy honor essential frontline workers are next groups roll for superior academic achievement in the first semester of the 2020-21 academic year.

ST. PAUL – Gov. Tim ibility to provide available Academic requirements for the honor roll are based Walz announced Minneso- appointments to other elion grade level. ta is expanding vaccine el- gible Minnesotans. igibility as the state reachSeniors have borne Tschumperlin selected es its goal of vaccinating the burden of the coronafor national innovation program 70% of Minnesotans 65 virus pandemic, and the ST. CLOUD – Theresa Tschumperlin, chief op- years of age and older this Walz-Flanagan adminiserations officer at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, was week. tration has prioritized seselected to participate in a two-year innovation leaderThe March 9 an- nior vaccinations. Nearly ship program and will partake in a cohort with the Filene nouncement comes sev- 90% of COVID-19 deaths i3 program. This program is focused on innovation and eral weeks ahead of sched- in Minnesota have come equipping top credit union professionals with the mind- ule after the state moved from those age 65 years set, tools and network to lead and shape the credit union quickly to use more vac- and over. of the 21st century. Along with 23 credit union leaders, cine from the federal govTo ensure maximum Tschumperlin will begin work on the biggest issues fac- ernment. impact from the small ing the credit union industry.

As a result, the state number of vaccines the “I am honored to be accepted into the latest Filene has expanded eligibil- state receives each week, i3 innovation program, focusing on identifying and ity to the next two phases Walz issued guidance in solving the largest challenges within the credit union of Minnesotans. Provid- February directing providindustry,” Tschumperlin said. “Being able to participate ers have been directed to ers to vaccinate 70% of in this program will allow me to guide our organization prioritize people in these adults 65 years of age and and continue to bring best-in-class service, solutions phases, which includes older before expanding and experience to our members, our communities and Minnesotans with specific eligibility to other Minnethe credit union industry as a whole.” underlying health condi- sotans. He aimed to reach tions, food processing that goal by April. plant workers, and MinTo provide more flexLassman joins Tri-County Broadcasting SAUK RAPIDS – Minnesota rock radio veteran nesotans with rare condi- ibility to providers and get John Lassman joined Tri-County Broadcasting as host tions or disabilities that critical protection against of “The Johnny Rock Show,” weekday mornings on put them at higher risk of COVID-19 to even more ‘Rockin’ 101-WHMH and as Tri-County Broadcast- severe illness. Providers Minnesotans, two adwill then have the flex- ditional phases, which ing’s operations director March 1.

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

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

includes more than 1.8 million people, will be eligible for the vaccine beginning March 10.

Phase 1b Tier 2 populations, including: – Minnesotans with specific underlying health conditions: sickle cell disease, Down syndrome, those in cancer treatment or immunocompromised from organ transplant, oxygen-dependent chronic lung and heart conditions.

– Targeted essential workers: Food processing plant workers.

– Minnesotans with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk of severe illness.

Phase 1b Tier 3 populations, including: – Minnesotans ages 45 years and older with one or more underlying medical conditions identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

– Minnesotans ages 16 years and older with two or more underlying medical conditions.

– Minnesotans ages 50

years and older in multigenerational housing.

– Essential frontline workers: Agricultural, airport staff, additional child care workers not previously eligible, correctional settings, first responders, food production, food retail, food service, judicial system workers, manufacturing, public health workers, public transit and U.S. Postal Service workers.

All Minnesotans who have not received a vaccine may sign up at www. vaccineconnector.mn.gov to get updates on availability and eligibility. In some cases, health care providers or employers will have more information for patients or employees on vaccine availability.

Vaccine shipments from the federal government are increasing, but demand exceeds supply.

As more Minnesotans become eligible to get a shot, they should remain patient as providers vaccinate everyone who is eligible.

Advertising: Our ad takers have no authority to bind this Letters: Letters to the editor and other opinion articles are newspaper, and only publication of an advertisement shall welcomed. Letters must be signed with first and last name and constitute final acceptance of the advertiser’s order. include address and phone number. Letters should be short and to the point (400 words or less). We reserve the right to edit lengthy Subscription Rates: Free in Sauk Rapids, Rice and Sartell P.O. letters. boxes, city routes and rural routes.

Corrections/Clarifications: The Herald strives for accuracy. If Benton, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne and Stearns counties you would like to report a factual error, please call (320) 251-1971. $50 per year Elsewhere in Minnesota - $57 • Outside Minnesota - $60 per year $5 per month for snowbirds Deadlines: The deadline for most news in the Herald is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Exceptions are obituaries which have a deadline of 10 a.m. Thursday. The deadline for advertisements in the Herald is 5 p.m. Wednesday.

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Page 6 | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE | STAFF WRITER

A pavement inspection program has determined Watab Township roads need work.

Pavement forensic experts examined the condition of each paved road in Watab, specifically their level of distress. Each road was given a rating between 0 (terrible) and 100 (excellent).

Township engineer Kevin Kruger and his St. Cloud-based firm, WSB, are developing a pavement management plan for determining preventive maintenance and prioritizing rehabilitation projects.

Kruger, who grew up in Watab Township, was quick to the point at Watab’s March 9 annual meeting.

“Generally speaking, you guys have bad roads,” he told attendees.

Kruger said the expert road examiners, known to deliver consistent ratings town to town, found 40% of roads in Watab to be in poor condition.

“That basically means your road is shot, and we’re looking at full reconstructs,” he said.

Roads rated 0-40 need full reconstruction, and several Watab roads fall in this category.

About 20% of Watab roads – most of them newly constructed or more-recently maintained – are in excellent condition. When their ratings start to dip, say from 100 to 85, those roads need only seal-coating, which is relatively inexpensive, to bump up the rating again, Kruger said.

Just under 30% of roads are in good condition.

Roads rated in the 60-range could have another layer of asphalt added to them to extend their lifespan, a project that is significantly less expensive than waiting for the road to fail and to reconstruct it, Kruger said.

Some roads have sections in poor condition, with cracking localized to certain areas. Sometimes just those sections can be repaired, but corrective action is determined on a case-by-case basis, Kruger said.

Kruger said roads rated in the 50-80 range will steadily decline, but once they hit 40 or below, they start to fail quickly.

“That’s when you start to see the cracking, and more and more things are popping every freeze-thaw cycle,” he said.

Paved roads that do not receive proper maintenance typically have a shorter lifespan, between 35 to 40 years. A preventative maintenance plan that Kruger wants to implement would extend road life to 60 years.

Kruger said roadways are the township’s largest asset. He emphasized that preventative maintenance is much less costly than rehabilitation.

Full reconstruction costs about $4.25 per square foot, versus mill and overlay at $1.50 and seal-coating at 18 cents per square foot.

In general, a 1-mile stretch of road costs $1 million for full reconstruction, said Julie Johnson, Watab Township supervisor.

“It’s extremely important to stay ahead of the game,” Kruger said. “If you do nothing, you can kind of dig yourself into a hole pretty quickly if you keep ignoring your general maintenance and upkeep.”

The township’s overall road rating is 55, fairly low compared to other cities and townships Kruger has worked with.

“If we can capture some roads earlier, before they go into failing, we can extend the life of those roads for a much lower cost,” Johnson said.

The road ratings point to an imminent need to increase the road and bridge fund and focus on preventative maintenance to avoid substantial costs later on, Kruger said.

Some roads will inevitably need reconstruction, Kruger said, but the pavement management program will ultimately help the township get the most out of its available resources, improve the overall performance and life of its roads, and save time and money.

What might have cost a couple dollars a square foot as a mill and overlay for roads in the 50-60 range is going to cost three times that later if it is ignored, Kruger said.

“As roads keep deteriorating, your costs are going to go up and up…,” Kruger said.

2022 levy set at $780,000, up 1.9%

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER

RICE – Julie Johnson was re-elected to a three-year term as supervisor, and Deborah O’Keefe was re-elected to a two-year term as treasurer at the annual Watab Township election March 9.

Johnson, chair of the Watab Township Board, received 86 votes, and O’Keefe received 82 votes. Both ran unopposed.

Four write-in votes were cast for supervisor, with Todd Waytashek receiving three and Craig Gondeck receiving one.

No write-in votes were received for treasurer.

Following the election, Watab held its annual meeting at Old Village Hall in Rice to accommodate for social distancing.

About 30 residents attended the meeting, moderated by Jeff Wollak.

Levy will increase slightly Watab residents unanimously approved setting the 2022 township property tax levy at $780,000, up $15,000, or 1.9%, from the 2021 levy.

The levy will generate $80,000 for the general fund, as it did in both 2021 and 2020; $550,000 for the road and bridge fund, an increase of $25,000 from 2021; $35,000 for Fire District 1, a decrease of $10,000 from 2021; $55,000 for Fire District 2 (unchanged) and $60,000 for the bond fund.

Johnson reported that the township is in good financial standing and stayed within budget in almost every category.

The treasurer’s yearend financial report showed the township ended 2020 with a total fund balance of $742,510.38.

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Year-end balances were $146,447.40 in the general fund, $352,919.23 in the road and bridge fund (including $255,796.73 in savings), $92,926.96 in the Fire District 1 fund (Rice), $53,656.84 in the Fire District 2 fund (Sauk Rapids) and $73,465.78 in the debt service fund, used to pay down debt on the Fifth Avenue road project (unchanged).

The township ended 2020 with a total indebtedness of $345,000. The district pays a bond payment of about $50,000 to $55,000 per year, plus interest, Johnson said.

Nearly balanced, the 2021 general fund budget calls for total revenues of $208,435 and total disbursements or expenses of $208,550.

With $208,435 in revenue from property taxes, building permits, fees, etc., and $354,882.40 in government funds available, the budget projects an ending general fund balance of $146,332.40.

The 2021 budget projects that the road and bridge fund will take in $680,222.50 worth of revenue and from that, the township will spend $618,250, resulting in an ending balance of $61,972.50.

Meetings move to second Tuesday Watab residents approved moving regular township meetings from the first Tuesday of each month to the second Tuesday of each month, starting in May. (The April 6 meeting has already been scheduled.)

Prompting the change is the need to pay bills on time. Township clerk Kathy Sauer said Watab has incurred late charges on bills, which require board approval, because board meetings fall too late after receipt to pay the bills by their due date.

Sauer said a lot of businesses send bills the first of the month, so the township often does not

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receive them until after the meeting. Therefore, the township has to wait another month to pay them, which often results in a late payment and subsequent late fees.

For example, this month’s meeting was March 2, and Sauer received a bill on March 4 that will not be able to be paid until April 6. The late fee will be $20. If the meeting would have been a week later, on March 9, the township could have avoided the late charge, Sauer said.

In other annual meeting news: – Residents approved donating $3,000 to the Rice Recreation program in 2022. The program partners with the community to provide fun, safe and affordable recreational opportunities that enhance quality of life and promote healthy lifestyles.

Rice Recreation director Gene Thomsen said the city of Rice and others have been doing work to spruce up Old Village Hall, where the recreation department has been hosting open gym on Saturdays, following COVID-19 protocols. Kids have been participating in activities such as floor hockey and dodgeball. Thomsen said there are plans to upgrade the lighting in Old Village Hall so they can host volleyball there and other offerings.

Rice Recreation offered a summer ball program for kids in July and

hosted its first family movie night in August.

“It was just a different year, but I was still excited about how many different programs we were able to do,” Thomsen said.

– Residents approved renewing the township’s membership in Benton Economic Partnership with a contribution of $2,500.

Based in Foley, the non-profit development organization is committed to business retention and expansion, downtown redevelopment, workforce development, marketing the county and quality of life initiatives.

Sandra Saldana, who has been on the board of directors since BEP’s inception in 2016, commended its executive director, Amanda Othoudt, who has recruited 40 to 50 new members since she was hired in October and who is pursuing four economic development projects in the county.

Saldana said BEP has assisted several businesses in the county by providing COVID-19 relief funds. More than $1 million has been distributed in Benton County, said Ed Popp, BEP board member and Benton County commissioner.

– Residents set the 2022 annual meeting for 8:15 p.m. March 8 with location to be decided.

The township election will be the same day with voting from noon to 8 p.m. at the town hall.

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OBITUARY/NEWS Jeanette “Jeannie” C. Ebensteiner

Jeanette C. Ebensteiner, age 75, passed away suddenly Feb. 26, 2021, at her home in Sauk Rapids.

A Mass of Christian Burial was at 11:30 a.m.

March 12 at Williams Dingmann Funeral Home in St. Cloud for Jeannie.

Visitation was one hour prior to the services Friday at the funeral home. A Livestream of her funeral services was also provided on the funeral home website.

Jeanette “Jeannie” Clara Ebensteiner was born March 8, 1945, to Paul and Margaret Ebensteiner in Waite Park. She lived in St. Cloud until age 45, then moved to Sauk Rapids.

Jeannie loved her friends who lived with her at the

Jeanette “Jeannie” C. Ebensteiner

Granite Care Home where she received wonderful care for the past 30 years.

Jeannie enjoyed doing needlecraft, collecting jewelry, going to the lake with family, working at WACOSA, celebrating with ice cream cakes and watching her favorite T.V. shows. She was very sweet and kind and will be missed by many. Jeannie’s

family would like to thank Linda and Char and staff at Granite Care Homes for many years of love and care.

Jeanette is survived by her sister-in-laws Judy Ebensteiner and Patricia Ebensteiner, brother-inlaw George Sniezek, and her 14 nieces and nephews: Paul Ebensteiner (Renton, Washington) Rebecca Marie Ebensteiner (Ventura, California) Marjorie Hess (Camano Island, Washington) Ronald Hagen (Olympia, Washington) Donald Hagen (Orting, Washington) Susan Lenox Hagen (Olympia, Washington) Kelly Maupin (Camano Island, Washington) Shelly Morris (Mission Viejo, California) Sandra Johnson (Int’l Falls) Cheryl Mitchell

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | Page 7

(Coon Rapids) Paris Stephens (St. Cloud) Jean Ebensteiner (St. Cloud) Todd Sniezek (Daytona Beach, Florida) and Shana Ess (Minnetonka) Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Margaret, and brother Paul Jr. (June,) sister Patricia Hagen (Roger,) brother Gerald, brother Kenneth, sister Paulette Sniezek and nephew Michael Hagen.

Interment was at Assumption Cemetery, St. Cloud. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Granite Care Home, Inc. 100 Second Ave. S. Ste 102, Sauk Rapids MN 56379. Phone: 320-2614736 Obituary and guest book available online at www.williamsdingmann. com R-10-1B

BREAK CROSSWORD

Police department building to expand Needed space pushes project ahead on improvement timeline

BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – The Sauk Rapids Police Department will be getting a facelift.

With the addition of four officers since 2008 and the purchase of five additional squad cars with coronavirus relief funds this year alone, the department facilities are getting cramped.

The Sauk Rapids City Council approved a roughly 9,500-square-foot expansion to the existing building at its March 8 meeting in Sauk Rapids.

About a third of that space is an alternate to the project and could be approved or waived separately by the council.

Because of the department’s needs, the estimated $1.5 million expansion comes two years earlier than what had been slated on the city’s capital improvement plan. Sauk Rapids Police Chief Perry Beise said the growth of the city and the department, as well as rising construction costs, are motives for expediting the project.

“We moved in in 2012, and we are utilizing all the office space that we have currently,” Beise said. “There is going to be a need in the future as the city adds on more multifamily housing, apartment buildings and more houses. We’ll have more calls for service and when we have more calls for service, we eventually need additional staff and the department will grow.”

A new garage will consume most of the

wall to the north side of the building at a cost of approximately $100,000.

Beise said the department will continue to utilize the government center’s community room when those department meetings and trainings are necessary.

In other council news: – Authorized the County Road 1 Trail Improvements project for bids contingent on the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The city received $314,000 in MnDOT Transportation Alternatives funds for the project and needed to update its plans to meet federal requirements. The TA grant will fund about half the cost of the estimated $600,000 project that spans from along the east side of Mayhew Lake Road from Golden Spike Road to Osauka Road Northeast. The city hopes to bid the project in March with construction to be completed by August.

– The city is accepting nominations for the 2021 Sauk Rapids Citizen of the Year award. Nomination forms and more information are available

project. A building will be added to the existing police garage that will extend to Summit Avenue North. A 12-foot garage door will be installed on the south side of the building to allow officers to enter and exit via the Sauk Rapids Government Center parking lot. Originally, the plans called for the door to enter and exit directly onto the roadway, however, grading and elevation issues impeded that design.

The area will create 20 additional parking spaces indoors that will accommodate the entire police fleet as well as city administrative vehicles used by the building official and public works.

“We need the garage to also house the utility trailer that we use for training equipment and crime scene investigations and for speed trailers,” Beise said.

In addition to the garage, a buildout of office space will be constructed.

An alternate of the project is to finish those rooms.

A second alternate is constructing additional rooms In Loving Memory of for future police or city Harry M. use now rather than in the “Butch” future.

Monnier Although the police 3/27/1951 - 3/13/2019 department is in need of a large gathering space, as Beise commented on at a Because someone we love is in heaven, February meeting, the poWe have a little bit of tential room was swapped heaven in our home. for office space because Gone But Not Forgotten! of building codes. A space where a large amount Sadly missed by: of people could gather Sue, Harry E. & Meagan, would require the city to Garret, Jean & Mitch add a door and retaining

at www.ci.sauk-rapids. mn.us and found on the front page of this newspaper issue.

– The city is working with Whitebox Marketing, of St. Cloud, to name the riverside parks buildings and create an event name and marketing for the summer concerts in Southside Park. A subcommittee will bring a recommendation to the council for approval.

– Approved a site plan for a covered outdoor patio at Jimmy’s Pour House, 22 Second Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. The bar and restaurant will utilize four parking stalls to construct a 24-by-36 fenced patio area, with a pergola and corrugated steel roof.

There will be entrances from the parking lot and restaurant and the area will meet accessibility standards.

– Approved replacement of the fabric cover for the salt shed at public works. Greystone Construction, who fabricated the cover initially in 2004, will complete the task as the lowest of three bidders at $37,215.

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Page 8 | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

EDITORIAL

March gardening Warm weather may inspire gardeners to go outside and start work, but it is early to do some things. Fall blooming shrubs may be pruned now. Spring blooming shrubs such as lilacs should not be pruned until they have finished blooming.

GREEN AND Pruning now would GROWING IN BENTON COUNTY reduce the number of blooms that have al- BY LINDA G. TENNESON ready formed on the stems.

Avoid walking on damp areas of the lawn and garden because an individual’s body weight can compress the soil and make it harder for plant roots to absorb water and nutrients. Inspect trees, prune crossing or rubbing branches and remove those branches that have been damaged during the winter.

For starting seeds indoors, check the information on seed packets and start seeds under lights for the recommended number of weeks before the expected last frost. In this area in zone four, that may be as late as June 1.

Plants may be started earlier if they are started in or later transplanted to pots big enough to hold the larger and taller plant. Place them under a lighting system that will encourage the plant to grow without becoming too tall, often referred to as being leggy. Begonia, petunia, pansy, salvia, vinca and cool season vegetables are often started indoors and then transplanted when the weather warms. Consider the area where you will place the plants outdoors and their anticipated width at full size. One gardening book advised starting more seeds than needed in case some do not germinate or survive to reach full size.

Seeds may be sown in small trays and then later transplanted to individual pots. Heating mats manufactured for seed starting are one method for keeping the soil warm which encourages germination. Plastic covers or film may be placed over the top of the trays or individual pots to retain moisture. If these are used, check the containers each day and remove the covers once the seeds have sprouted. As soon as the baby plants have produced their second set of leaves, they may be transplanted into individual pots. A spoon is a good tool to use to scoop the baby plant out of the germination tray while disturbing the roots as little as possible.

Plants grown indoors should be kept under lights for 12 to 14 hours each day. While lights may be adjusted to keep them a few inches above the plants and encourage them to grow evenly on each side, it is more difficult to regulate the light reaching windowsill grown plants.

They often end up tall and somewhat spindly unless rotated daily.

Plants started indoors will benefit from a fan blowing air across them for a period each day. The fan mimics the force of the wind and encourages the plant to develop stronger stems.

Plants may be planted outdoors earlier if protective covers are placed over them when the overnight temperature is predicted to be close to freezing. Frost resistance differs from plant to plant. Any support structure that holds air in but does not touch the plant itself can provide protection. Plants started indoors in pots may be placed in wagons and wheeled outdoors during the day and indoors at night until after the last frost date. Gardening suppliers also sell various covers for individual plants that provide protection when placed over plants at night and removed during the day.

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

Church goer questions

What is my purpose in life? What hapcal messages that rarely use scripture at all. pens after I die? Isn’t death what every single You have to turn the question onto yourself, one of us was confronted with suddenly in “Why am I still here if this does not line up 2020? with what I read in my Bible?”

I wonder if the most important question That’s the ticket. We must be reading an unbeliever can ask is, “If there is a heaven our Bible. Church is not a once-a-week, and a hell, which one do I want to end up in?” hear the word of God event. Church is also If the answer is heaven, I hope the next quesnot the only place to hear the word of God. tion is, “How can I make sure I end up there?”

It’s every day at home when you open the Often, to find these answers, one finds book.

LIFE BY FAITH themselves searching in a church.

Don’t let a church convince you to As a follower of Jesus sealed with his BY MERCY NYGAARD overserve in all their programs at the exHoly Spirit, what is the most important repense of neglecting your family. Loving the quest you can ask God? If you believe in the triune God person you live with, may be the biggest evangelistic and his design for community and you desire church, work God has for you. God never says it will be easy. perhaps the most important request a teacher can ask So, go to church and gather with the other saints to help is, “Lord, please lead me to teach your sound doctrine.” build you up to get sent back into your home and the And as a part of the church body, I wonder if the most world. important request to ask God is, “Lord, lead me to a Church is for the followers of Jesus as the Latin church that teaches your sound doctrine.” I sincerely word corpus is used. Corpus means body. In this sense, wonder if this request never enters some Christians’ the Christian church is a corporation as in the body of minds. Those who teach are going to be judged more Christ (Corpus Christi). When the church gathers, they strictly (James 3:1). After making these requests, con- participate in corporate worship, corporate commutinue asking with thanksgiving, “Lord, thank you for nion, corporate prayer, fellowshipping with each other, your living word. Help me to understand your sound encouraging each other before you head back home and doctrine as I read it, as I hear it and as I aim to heed it.” into the world for work, school or as a stay-at-home God grants our requests as he promises he will individual. in these scriptures: Romans 12:2, Matthew 7:7, I John There is a sweetness of being a part of God’s fam5:14 and John 15:7. Based upon these three requests, ily where there are no generation gaps because of our you can know if the teacher of the church is teaching union with Christ. Church gives us the deep assurance according to God’s will. This is sound doctrine: Be- of eternal life that comes with hearing sound doctrine cause you have been saved by grace; love God, love taught Sunday after Sunday. Continue worshiping and others, read the word, pray, listen to the Holy Spirit, praying to God throughout your week, gathering with fellowship (church), communion and adopt an attitude your friends and neighbors in your homes, and opening of Jesus who came taking the nature of a servant. your bibles.

God will always lead his sheep to clean, unconMeet with those who are spiritually mature with taminated water. This water is not condemning, but it more life experience to help encourage you and equip is a rich gospel of grace. If you are asking the Lord to you to live for God’s glory. An older man should spend lead you to a church that teaches his sound, healthy, un- time with younger men and an older woman should do contaminated teachings, then you might start hearing the same with younger women, modeling by example red flags Sunday mornings if you are at a church that is virtuous lifestyles. not teaching of God but of man-made rules and regulaWhen sound doctrine is believed and practiced, it tions or cultural traditions. You may start hearing pros- produces effective lives and healthy churches. God’s perity teaching or power and reigning teaching, which loving kindness will be the clothing we wear to live out do not take scriptures into context but highlight them the beauty of the Gospel together, attracting others to incorrectly as the way you ought to live every single follow Jesus as we do, as they witness how we love one day. There may be other forms of watered-down topi- another (John 13:35).

Traditional letters to the editor policy

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 5 p.m. Wednesday.

E-mail to natasha@saukherald.com

EDITORIAL

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | Page 9

The importance of home, school partnerships I want to take this opportunity to basis. There are many great things going ba thank our families and community for orr on each and every day. Our goal is for on their commitment to our schools and nd yyou o to know which learning activities children. It has been a challenging year ar ar aand an n experiences are taking place so you to say the least, but we have worked edd ccan a best support your child beyond the together to thrive through unforeseen classroom and school day. en cla times. We could not have done it or conResearch shows that home-school nBy Nic Johnson, tinue to do it without your collaboration collaboration leads to improved student on co Sauk Rapids-Rice and partnership. achievement, better behavior, better atMiddle School As we know, children spend the matendance and more positive attitudes assistant principal jority of their time either at home with toward school and learning. For many their families or in school learning and socializing with months, families and schools have been driven to peers. Although both settings are vastly different, the work together to adjust to the challenges brought to purpose is the same: to support children as they de- the surface by the pandemic. Teachers and school staff velop socially, emotionally, physically and mentally. have had to rethink how they provide instruction and In order to significantly impact children, we must services to meet the needs of students through a range have a positive working relationship between home of formats. Families have had to restructure their lives and school. Strong partnerships are built on mutual to accommodate remote learning and provide support trust and understanding, open communication and col- while juggling work life and other responsibilities. By laboration. modeling teamwork, offering grace and showing grit, According to Edutopia, “When children observe we have navigated these unprecedented times side by that home and school are engaged in a respectful part- side. It is something we should all be proud of. nership for their benefit, they are likely to develop more As we move forward, our schools are focusing positive attitudes about school and achieve more.” on meeting the social and emotional needs of our As mentioned, our goal is one in the same: to sup- students, ensuring students are making progress acaport children in their development of becoming well- demically, and focusing on re-establishing our school rounded, healthy individuals. We must trust each other culture by reteaching school routines and expectations. to hold children to high standards and understand that We are cognizant of the fact many children and adults by working together, we are helping them become have not been in the building at full capacity for nearly the best they can be. Even though our current situa- a year, so there has been an adjustment period for all of tion with the pandemic has limited our ability to al- us to get acclimated to our new normal. We continue to low guests in our schools, we welcome our families to make progress every day. Our students and staff have be engaged by communicating with us, voicing input, been resilient and are dedicated to finishing out the providing feedback and being present in conversations year on a positive note. with children and their teachers.

Please continue to be involved and stay connected We understand that communication between as we transition into the third and final trimester of the school and home is critical. Now more than ever, par- school year. We value your engagement and partnerents have full access to their child’s education through ship. learning management systems such as Schoology and Go Storm!

Seesaw, and we strive to give you an inside look as to what is happening within our classrooms on a daily

Situational awareness A pandemic, civil unrest and the fear of it always has your best interest in mind.” crime have left many people feeling isolatAfter scanning your environment, you ed and uncertain about their personal safety. can move into the next phase of situational As much as we try to maintain a sense of awareness, considering your options and safety and security through our normal routaking action. By observing potential haztines, inevitably we will encounter someards before something unwanted happens, thing out of the ordinary or have to leave you give yourself the time to formulate a our comfort zone. plan to address the problem. Your response While there is little any of us can do to to the hazard you identified will depend make the world more predictable or seem KEEPING BENTON upon what kind of hazard is present. It less dangerous, each of us can take steps might be as simple as fixing that bunched COUNTY SAFE to better manage this uncertain world. The SHERIFF TROY HECK up rug. Your response might be to call 911 foundation for better management of unceror ask for help. Your response might also be tainty is a concept called situational awareness. Kelly to let a suspicious person know through a look or body Sayre, the founder and president of The Diamond Ar- language that you see them and are prepared to act. row Group, is an expert on situational awareness who Coming up with your options before you find yourteaches this concept to others. Sayre defines situational self in the situation is key in mental preparedness. If you awareness as, “using your senses and intuition to notice can make yourself appear less vulnerable, you increase something is off in your environment, understanding the odds a criminal will decide not to act on their crimiwhat that means to you and your safety, and taking ac- nal intent. Use distance, barriers and other people to tion to preserve your safety.” Increasing your situational keep you from having contact with anyone who makes awareness comes down to three simple steps: mental you feel uneasy. There is no such thing as a perfect plan, preparedness, observing and acting. but any plan is better than no plan at all.

Few of us truly like uncertainty. Our minds are conSituational awareness is all about maximizing your ditioned to seek out familiarity and alert us to things that personal safety through observation and planning. Acare unfamiliar. Situational awareness is about removing cording to Sayre, each of us already possesses situationuncertainty by identifying potential hazards and hav- al awareness life skills. Sayre said, “Every day you look ing a plan in place to address those hazards. Situational at your surroundings or read another person’s body lanawareness starts with being observant of your surround- guage, you mentally go through your daily tasks in order ings, especially when you are in unfamiliar environ- to make efficient use of your time, and you take action ments. If you allow your mind to work at this task, you to accomplish those tasks. Start looking at those same will find it comes naturally to most people. Situational skills through the lens of your personal safety.” awareness requires you to be curious about your enviApplying the concept of situational awareness will ronment. Look around your surroundings with the pur- provide you with an increased sense of security in an pose of finding potential hazards. As you practice situ- uncertain world and may keep you from becoming the ational awareness you may notice everyday hazards like victim of a crime. a rug that is bunched up creating a tripping hazard. You For more crime prevention and safety informamay also notice hazards that indicate a potential for dan- tion, visit the Benton County Sheriff’s Office website at ger such as a suspicious vehicle that is parked across the www.co.benton.mn.us/211/Crime-Prevention. You can street from your home or a person who may be watching also like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter at @ you too intently.

BentonMNSheriff for regular updates and crime prevenTrust your intuition to alert you to potential danger. tion messages Sayre teaches that, “your intuition is key in two very important ways. It’s always in response to something, and

You called foul One characteristic a newspaper editor must possess is a thick skin.

I like to think I came to this job nearly six years ago with a bit of that leather already polished. Years in customer service, retail employment and life in general can certainly help in that ON MY SLEEVE regard.

BY NATASHA BARBER But, like in any public position, there will always be times that test our abilities and have us question our decisions.

In February, a letter to the editor came across my desk that surprised me. A gentleman showed a level of disgust for a conservative political commentator that I had not yet seen in my career.

The writer had feelings he wanted to share and chose the community newspaper as his platform.

As I formatted the words for print, I knew the letter was not kind, but I also knew it was not mine. To this day, I have not refrained from printing a letter to the editor from our readership, so I moved forward in treating the letter as I have in the past.

I was taught that despite my thoughts on an issue, every reader should have the opportunity to write and have published their voice. Letters to the editor are available to all residents – whatever that person’s skin color may be; a male, female or a person who identifies in another way; a 10-year-old or a 91-year-old; a person who makes an annual salary of $5,000 or $125,000.

The area of the paper gives a voice to those community members who may not have other means.

But, when does an editor need to draw the line and stifle freedom of speech?

This time may have been one of them. That has been made clear to me by a few emails or phone calls I have taken over the last week.

Although not all of the feedback came as constructive criticism, I value the people who shared their thoughts with me. No matter how the message was delivered, it helped me to contemplate my decision.

Criticism, no matter what profession you are in, is never pleasant, and growth is not always painless. I can tell you some of the initial conversations on this letter certainly made me want to throw up.

I will stand firm in my stance that the editorial page is a place that allows engagement, but one reader brought up a teaching point to me that I won’t soon forget.

“Is it a letter that will be in the best interest of our readership?” the writer offered in the email. In return, I asked myself, “Does the letter ad value to our readership?”

They say hindsight is 20/20, and in this instance, I have found that to be true. I may guard my pages more cautiously going forward with a few new rules or questions in my toolbox. I have realized that not all decisions in my role need to be as black and white as I may have thought; perhaps some issues are as clear as mud.

Nonetheless, I will continue encouraging people to express their views on the newspaper pages – while potentially asking them to do so in a less crass way. And, if for nothing else, I am grateful the letter provided an opportunity to discuss my actions and the newspaper’s role with readers; I will be better at my position for it.

A letter to the editor is an open forum. When active elections are not proceeding, letters are limited to 400 words and must include name, address and phone number. They can be mailed to Sauk Rapids Herald, 2 Ave. S., Suite 135, Sauk Rapids or emailed directly to me at natasha@ saukherald.com. Letters must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesdays before the following Saturday’s publication.

Please continue to write. I look forward to hearing from you.

NEWS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | Page 11

News Brief

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Lifetrack to merge

Metro Bus from PAGE 10

Since last March, riders have boarded and exited fixed-route buses through the rear door to limit contact with bus operators. Riders and bus operators are required to wear a mask at all times.

In early January, Metro Bus reduced weekday service on some of its fixed routes, including Route 22 in Sauk Rapids.

Instead of departing every half-hour, buses now PHOTO SUBMITTED leave hourly. Ramacher said leaves of absence A Metro Bus employee assists a rider in boarding the bus. Along with fixed-route bus among bus operators was transportation, Metro Bus also provides Dial-a-Ride, a shared-ride, operator-assisted the impetus for the modi- service in Sauk Rapids. fied weekday schedule, which is expected to last until at least the end of March.

Svihel said Metro Bus offers an online trip planner that tells riders which route to take after they enter a starting point, destination and inIn Sauk Rapids, Metro Bus offers rides seven days a week on dicate when they want to Route 33 and Route 22 and Monday through Friday service on Route travel. It can be accessed by visiting www.rideme21. Route 22 is not running until the evening on weekdays. trobus.com.

Route 33 will transport bus riders from Coborn’s Superstore in Dial-a-Ride, a Sauk Rapids to Crossroads Center mall in St. Cloud, with six stops in shared-ride, operatorbetween, including one near the St. Cloud Hospital. assisted service, is also Route 21 and 22 both serve Sauk Rapids almost exclusively, alavailable in Sauk Rapids beit one stop at East St. Germain Street and Third Avenue Northeast for those who qualify unin St. Cloud en route to the transit center. der certain eligibility criRoute 21 – weekdays only – is in Sauk Rapids from approximateteria, such as a disability or physical barrier. Svily 6:23 a.m. to 5:56 p.m. It starts at Coborn’s Superstore and stops at hel said Dial-a-Ride is a the middle school, south and east locations in the industrial park, good option for people the high school, a north location in the industrial park, Pleasantview who are unable to use Elementary School, the Good Shepherd Community, Country Manor fixed-route bus service. (in Sartell) and Fischer’s Garden Mobile Home Community before rePeople of all ages turning to Coborn’s. ride the bus, including Route 22 is currently running hourly at 5:45, 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 several young people, Svihel said. Students atin the evening on weekdays. On Saturdays, the route runs from tending St. Cloud State about 8:53 a.m. to 6:25 p.m. in Sauk Rapids and on Sundays, it runs University or SCTCC from about 8:53 a.m. until 5:25 p.m. in Sauk Rapids. can ride fixed-route busIn Sauk Rapids, Route 22 starts at Coborn’s and stops at Fischer’s es for free by swiping Garden Mobile Home Community, Country Manor (in Sartell), Good their valid campus ID. Shepherd Community, Pleasantview Elementary School, three locaThis January, Mettions in the industrial park, and the middle school before returning ro Bus gave more than 4,300 rides, according to to Coborn’s.

Ramacher. Numbers are Metro Bus offers an online trip planner that tells riders which down due to the pandemroute to take after they enter a starting point, destination and indiic and the modified sercate when they want to travel. It can be accessed by visiting www. vice schedule. In January ridemetrobus.com.

2020, before the pandemic hit central Minnesota, Metro Bus gave more than 8,000 rides.

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ST. PAUL – Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and Lifetrack intend to merge July 1.

On January 1, 2019, Lifetrack began a management services agreement with Lutheran Social Service that enabled Lifetrack to improve financial stability, share resources and continue its mission to strengthen resiliency in families. On July 1, Lifetrack will begin service delivery as Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.

Lifetrack was established in 1948 as the St. Paul Rehabilitation Center, responding to the needs of individuals disabled by polio and by military service during World War II. Today, Lifetrack offers Families Together, which combines home visiting services and a therapeutic preschool in St. Paul, employment services, and deaf and hard of hearing services across Minnesota.

The $4 million organization employs 83 staff who will become employees of Lutheran Social Service, a 156-year-old organization with an annual budget of $175 million, 2,500 employees and 10,000 volunteers that support one in 65 Minnesotans each year.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota began in 1865 when a Lutheran pastor and his congregation opened an orphanage for children near Red Wing in southeastern Minnesota. Through its mission to inspire hope, change lives and build community, the organization seeks to foster safe and supportive homes for children, restore health and wellness in families, empower people with disabilities to live the lives they imagine, and promote health, independence and quality of life for older adults.

Community Education Corner

Young inventor kit

The young inventor kit is a child’s first step into tinkering and inventing. Encourage your child’s tinkering spirit with this fun and engaging kit as they build an electrical circuit and learn about pneumatics. Your child will be designing, building and creating for hours on end. They may just invent the next big thing. The 175-plus piece kit contains tools, adhesives, building materials, craft items and a 16-page activity guide. It is packed with screwdrivers, screws, pliers, a 1.5-volt hobby motor, batteries and holder, scissors, wheels, clamps and more.

Order anytime. Pick up at Sauk RapidsRice Middle School, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids.

55+ Defensive Driving Four-Hour Refresher Course

If you have taken the eight-hour Defensive Driving Course, now you can renew your insurance discount with this refresher course. No driving or test required. Online Zoom course; stop by the Community Education office to pick up needed materials before class. A Zoom link will be sent prior to the course. You will receive a certificate in the mail to provide your insurance company.

Wednesday, March 24, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

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Page 12 | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

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NEWS

Page 14 | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Projects funded entirely by local option sales tax

BY JAKOB KOUNKEL | STAFF WRITER

FOLEY – Two road projects in Benton County are slated for work in 2021 as the winter season comes to an end, inviting warmer weather, and with it, road construction.

The first is a package of mill and overlay work to be completed on County Road 46 from Highway 10 to Highway 23. This roadway, also known as 10th Street Northeast, extends from near Ridgeview Place Senior Living past Summerland Family Fun Park in the city of Sauk Rapids and Minden Township. Quebecor Road Northeast and its appendage, 21st Avenue Northeast, will also be refurbished. Then, road construction staff will move southeast to include a portion of County Road 90. A leg from Second Street Southeast to County Road 7, which is near the St. Cloud Regional Airport, will also receive a mill and overlay.

“These are all mill and overlays,” said Chris Byrd, Benton County engineer and public works director. “We’re going to tie all these together under one contract.”

Mill and overlay work involves scraping the top 2 inches off the roadway and constructing a new surface, prolonging the life of the road.

After the top surface is removed through grinding, a compacted exterior remains until new bituminous pavement is applied.

“Think about it like this: You got a cake that’s been sitting out for a while, and the frosting is all dried and cracked,” Byrd said.

“We’re just going to scrape off that frosting and put new frosting on it to make it look like a new cake again.”

Byrd explained that a mill and overlay is most useful when the roadway surface has deteriorated but not to the point that maintenance requires replacement of the full depth of the pavement.

The second project is a full depth reclamation and shoulder widening of County Road 55 in Rice and Watab Township. The full depth reclamation starts at 105th Street Northwest in Watab Township and extends to County Road 2 within city limits. Shoulder widening will only take place up to city limits.

Full depth reclamation is for when the underlying surface of the road needs maintenance, Byrd said. The contractor grinds the hard paved surface, mixing it with the gravel below to blend it together. The blended material is reclaimed when a pavement mixture gets poured over the top.

“Just these two projects are going to exceed $2 million worth of work,” Byrd said, noting that it is less expensive to keep up on maintenance rather than wait until the road is in complete disarray.

The entirety of the two projects, Byrd said, will be funded by the local option sales tax that Benton County implemented in 2019.

These are the first projects that are going to be fully funded through the half percent increase to retail purchases, even though some sales tax money was used in projects last summer.

Byrd said much of the burden would be on the county’s taxpayers through the levy had commissioners not adopted the road tax three years ago.

Benton County accepted bids but has not yet awarded the projects.

District sees lowest absences all year Data illustrates distance learning’s impact on math, reading comprehension

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – In light of an unprecedented year of educational challenges, the Sauk RapidsRice School Board received positive news at its March 8 meeting.

Human resources director Dr. Holly Schoenherr reported that COVID-19 cases and COVID-19-related absences among staff and students are at the lowest they have been all year.

Between Feb. 18-25, the district had three active cases of COVID-19 among students and three cases among staff. During the same week, the district had 104 COVID-19-related absences among 3,898 students and eight among 676 staff members.

“It’s looking really, really good,” Schoenherr said.

Students are not yet eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but many staff members have been vaccinated, superintendent Bradley Bergstrom said. Opportunities to be vaccinated continue to be made available to staff, including bus drivers, he said.

In other favorable news, Jenny Bushman, director of teaching and learning, reported the district compared assessment data from fall 2019 and fall 2020 and found distance learning did not impact students’ math and reading comprehension as adversely as some have speculated.

Bushman’s testing data is intended to examine how reading and math comprehension was impacted last

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Byrd says light construction year in 2021

“Kids are not falling as far behind as we anticipated they might be. I’ve heard people say disit’s going to take them years to get caught up. No.”

spring, when the trict was forced to quickly pivot to distance learning due to the coro-navirus pandemic.

When Bushman hman reviewed data from m FastBridge and Measure sure of Academic Progress ess assessments, she found und that despite students learning remotely in spring 2020, results were not significantly different in most cohorts.

Bushman found the most significant difference was students shifting from the exceeds benchmark, the highest level students can score, down a notch to the low risk level.

“It’s so apparent in every grade level,” Bushman said. … “Our exceeds group shrinks.”

This is an overall observation. It does not mean there were not students who fell from exceeds to high-risk benchmarks. Yet, contrary to some opinions, the comparative data does suggest distance learning did not push the majority of students into high-risk levels.

“Kids are not falling as far behind as we anticipated they might be,” Bergstrom said. “I’ve heard people say it’s going to take them years to get caught up. No.” Board members said the data is a testament to the district’s educational excellence across both inperson and remote learning models.

“I saw a lot of hope in this data,” said Mark Hauck, board member.

Bergstrom agreed.

“There’s a lot of good news in this,” he said.

Board chairman Ryan Butkowski commended teachers for quickly addressing immediate needs when students returned to the classroom and the

- Bradley Bergstom, superintendent

board and administration for continuing to do what is best for kids during a most challenging time.

Bushman said school staff must continue to be flexible and to intervene and extend learning as needed.

“That purposeful instruction really helps bring kids up to speed,” Bergstrom said.

With the end of the school year fast approaching, the district wants to ensure students who could benefit from summer school have the opportunity to attend so their learning needs can be supported.

Bergstrom said they are checking into options for students who may need transportation to summer school. Districts are also pushing legislators to make summer school programs a priority.

Bushman and Bergstrom do not want summer school to be encumbered by remediation.

“We have to find ways to mix in things to keep our kids engaged,” Bergstrom said. “It cannot be just remediation, remediation, remediation. There has to be a good amount of it, but that’s not the only thing.

My experience has been it just turns kids off. They just stop coming.”

Bushman said the state recognizes a social-emotional component has to be a part of the summer school experience.

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments will be taken by Sauk RapidsRice students this spring.

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In other board news: – The district launched a revamped website March 12. The new design is better suited for navigation on mobile devices, which most people use to access school information.

– Schoenherr presented results of a February survey that asked district families and staff about how the district has been doing with communication since July 2020. The survey garnered 511 responses from families and 229 responses from staff.

The majority of family respondents consider district-level communication to be very effective (56%) or extremely effective (21%), Schoenherr said. The majority of staff said communication is either very effective (54%) or somewhat effective (28%).

In terms of families’ impression of communications from the district, 47% said it keeps them adequately informed, 46% said it keeps them fully informed and 7% said it gives them only limited information.

The survey revealed that district emails are the primary source of information for families and staff.

Other top sources of information for families are social media, emails from a child’s respective school building and the district website.

Information most important to district families who responded to the survey is school calendar or schedule changes (86%), inclement weather (84%) and reminders such as conferences (71%).

Survey results said families prefer to receive general communication via email or text through Skylert, the district’s automated notification system.

Families prefer to receive emergency communication via Skylert, text or automated phone calls.

NEWS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | Page 15

Council supports Performance Food Group growth Approves investment application, tax abatement to help secure expansion project

BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER

RICE – Twenty-two jobs may be coming to Rice.

The positions are a part of an agreement between the city of Rice and Performance Food Group as the company seeks to secure expansion from its corporate headquarters.

The Rice City Council approved a Minnesota Investment Fund application and tax abatement for the business on the condition the company will be chosen for a two-phase $12.4 million expansion project. The action took place at the March 1 regular meeting at Rice City Hall.

PFG is the parent company of Performance Foodservice, and is exploring options to expand sites located along North Gateway Drive in Rice.

The location is competing with other PFG sites nationwide to secure expansion interest from its

decision-makers.

The business employs 262 full-time staff and more than 20 parttime workers at its cheese processing plant and wholesale food distribution business.

If PFG selects Rice for expansion, modifications will be made to the Northland cheese processing area of the existing facility. Plans include a $9 million investment in building and infrastructure and $3.4 million in processing equipment, according to Lloyd Haehnel, a general manager at Northland.

Haehnel said an area that houses three processing lines would be demolished and a 22,500-square-foot building erected. Upon completion, PFG would have a total of seven cheese processing lines. Cooler space would also be added.

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“The process will help us increase production capacity by about 50%-70% over the course of the next five years, and our goal is to add 22 new full-time positions to support this increase in business,” Haehnel said.

Amanda Othoudt, executive director of Benton Economic Partnership, has helped facilitate the project between PFG and the city.

Othoudt said PFG is applying for a $300,00 MIF loan that is administered through the Department of Employment and Economic Development by way of the city. A third of that money would be returned to the city in its revolving loan fund should the requirements of the loan be fulfilled, such as the 22 jobs.

The tax abatement involves both Rice and Benton County. PFG is seeking a $600,000 tax abatement, of which $200,000 of relief would be granted by Rice over the course of 15 years.

Benton County is slated to take action on the remaining $400,000 this month. The abatement

delays tax collection on the increased value of the property, allowing the corporation to recoup investment costs.

The tax abatement and MIF loan will only be granted should PFG be selected for expansion and proceed.

The next council meeting is 6 p.m. Monday, March 15.

In other council news: – The Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting is set for 6 p.m.

April 12 at Rice City Hall.

The meeting is for Rice residents to discuss their property valuation with Benton County Assessor Michael Harvey.

– Rice firefighter Caleb Voigt, who is the acting treasurer of the Rice Fire Relief Association, asked the council to consider increasing the firefighter’s pension by $300 per year of active service to $2,000 per year. Voigt said the department would be funded at 104% should the proposed increase take place. The council will consider the proposal at an upcoming meeting.

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The foundation donated $2,000 to the Rice Police Department to be used toward a drone purchase and $2,000 to be used toward Old Village Hall updates.

– Langola Township resident Jim Hovda addressed the council regarding a Feb. 18 incident.

A sidewalk in front of the Rice post office is in disrepair, and Hovda fell and injured himself in front of the building.

Hovda asked the city to begin documenting civil matters, such as injuries, as he was informed the police department does not write these reports following his fall. Hovda is concerned the city will not have documentation should they succumb to legal matters where the city could be held liable.

After the address, clerk Julie Fandel clarified that sidewalk maintenance is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. She also said when the incident happened, the post office asked for traffic cones and did not ask

for an officer.

Chris Scheel asked if the post office would be fixing the sidewalk.

Mayor Brian Skroch said the postmaster informed the city he would fix the sidewalk last spring, but the work had not been completed.

The council asked to invite the postmaster to the next meeting so they can discuss the responsibility and timeline of the repair.

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NEWS/SPORTS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | Page 17

Police Activity Report March 1-8

Storm gymnasts take to sections March 20 Athletes focus on attitude, approach during break

BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER

The Sauk Rapids-Rice High School gymnastics team is in a period of rest. The Storm tumblers took to the sidelines following the March 2 competition in Sartell. SRR’s final three regular season competitions were canceled.

But, the Storm athletes have at least one chance to shine before their season is complete. SRR hosts the Section 8AA meet March 20 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids.

“We will always focus on what we can control: our attitude and approach,” said head coach Elizabeth Walek of what the team is focusing on during the break. “We will also focus on resting and recouping a bit and doing some conditioning and flexibility as well. These kids will show up and do the work no matter what, with heads high and feeling proud. We will focus on preparing for sections just like any other team.”

Section 8AA will see competitors from Alexan-

dria, Bemidji, Buffalo, Moorhead and Sartell as well as from the cooperative teams of Brainerd-CrosbyIronton-Pequot Lakes and Tech-Apollo-Cathedral.

Last year, the Storm placed sixth in Section 8AA. The section team champion will advance to state and the top three individuals in the all-around as well as each event will advance to the individual state tournament.

SRR’s Liberty Kosloski and Kenzi Schmitz have each placed first in all-around competition this season, and those two along with Sophia Markfelder have found top placement in individual events at dual competitions.

Walek said the gymnasts will have an advantage at the March 20 competition because they will be competing in their home gym.

“Being at home for any big event helps,” Walek said. “Knowing that they can sleep well, not have a long bus ride and compete on the equipment they are used to are all things that I think make the experience better. And to host sections for our seniors is fun too because it’s just a little more meaningful being in your own gym.”

Seniors Schmitz and Justus Floren will graduate this spring.

SAUK RAPIDS – A Sauk Rapids man was charged with felony assault in the second degree and felony threats of violence after allegedly pointing a hand gun at another person.

Walter Scott Caywood, 37, faces seven years imprisonment and a $14,000 fine on the assault charge and five years imprisonment and $10,000 for threatening the individual.

According to a criminal complaint, Sauk Rapids police officers were called to the zero block of Third Avenue South shortly before 5 p.m. March 8. The home has a number of sleeping rooms where only individual renters have access to their space. A victim was walking down a hallway when Caywood appeared from his room in a shooting stance and pointed the gun at the victim, the complaint reads.

Caywood was interviewed and denied the act but admitted to owning a handgun. A search revealed a .22 caliber handgun with the hammer cocked and numerous .22 caliber shells.

Caywood was arrested, transported and booked into the Benton County Jail.

Sauk Rapids man arrested for alleged check forgery

March 2, 10:36 p.m. – A patrol officer noticed a male walking toward the entrance to Highway 10 from Benton Drive South. The male said he voluntarily left treatment and was walking to his brother’s in Big Lake. He said he needed to charge his phone, and he had money for a cab. Officer drove him to Kwik Trip in St. Cloud where the individual said he would continue walking. Officer advised him of the distance, but the male said he wanted to walk and proceeded. Male did not appear under the influence or a harm to himself or others.

March 3, 12:34 p.m. – A stop arm violation was reported

by Voigt’s Bus Company from the 800 block of Benton Drive North. The vehicle’s plate came back as not on file.

Incidents: Miscellaneous calls 27, assists 21, warnings 21, administrative citations (winter parking violations) 16, medical calls 16, animal complaints 11, disturbances 10, suspicious activity reports 9, welfare checks 8, child calls 7, traffic stops 6, alarms 5, traffic accidents 5, disputes 5, lift assists 5, property reports 5, permits to purchase 4, civil complaints 3, DUI/DWIs 3, missing person reports 3, parking complaints 3, disorderly conduct reports 2, thefts 2 and vehicles 2.

Rice Police Department

FOLEY – A Sauk Rapids man was arrested Feb. 24 after allegedly passing a stolen check.

Corey Nicholas Moeller, 32, faces one count felony check forgery and one count felony offering a forged check. Each count carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.

According to a criminal complaint, employees at the Kwik Trip gas station at 245 18th St. N., Sauk Incidents: Miscellaneous calls 11, traffic stops 4, Rapids, reported they had accepted a check from suspicious activity reports 3, animal calls 2, fire calls 2, Moeller in exchange for merchandise. The check was medical calls 2 and vehicles 2. under a different name, and staff said they witnessed Moeller write the check and be in possession of multiple checks of this nature. Employees had recognized Moeller from previous incidents.

Law enforcement contacted the people listed on Great River Regional Library is seeking a the checks to verify they were stolen and then contact- part-time Library Assistant for 9 hours per ed Moeller. Moeller said he did not know the checks were stolen and said they were given to him by an- week at the Royalton Library. other person.

Duties include providing exceptional service Moeller has a release condition to not be within .5 to patrons, conducting library programs mile of Kwik Trip stores. He was convicted for felony and assisting with outreach. theft by swindle Oct. 14, 2020, in Isanti County.

LIBRARY ASSISTANT

Sauk Rapids man arrested after gunfire in neighborhood

SAUK RAPIDS – A Sauk Rapids man was arrested after allegedly firing a handgun near a residential area.

Philip Lloyd Hanson, 39, was booked at the Benton County Jail after an incident March 8. Hanson was arrested for one count felony negligent discharge of a firearm in a municipality, two counts of misdemeanor carrying a firearm while under the influence, and one count misdemeanor disorderly conduct. The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.

According to Sauk Rapids Police Chief Perry Beise, law enforcement was dispatched to the 3400 block of Old Creek Place, Sauk Rapids, after receiving complaints of gunfire in the area. Officers were directed to an undeveloped area of the neighborhood by witnesses, and located an individual using a firearm.

Hanson approached officers and was arrested, transported and booked at the Benton County Jail. A handgun and large capacity magazine were collected as evidence.

No individuals were injured and no property was damaged in the incident.

March 2, 4:42 p.m. – An individual turned in up to 30 credit cards that the person said were found in the Walgreens parking lot, 115 Second Ave. N., Sauk Rapids.

Law enforcement notified the owner of the cards and that person recovered the cards from the police department.

March 2, 9:29 a.m. – Law enforcement was dispatched to a garbage fire near the intersection of 118 Street Southwest and 16th Avenue Southwest. Upon arrival, officer took a photo of the fire and then spoke with and identified the driver of a Waste Management truck on scene. The driver had picked up garbage along Third Street Southwest and then noticed smoke coming from the truck shortly thereafter. The driver found a safe place to stop and dump the load. The driver did not think the fire started due to garbage from the last pickup and was not sure where it may have started. The driver said there was not damage to the truck. Rice Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. Waste Management employees responded for cleanup.

Crime & Public Safety

Sauk Rapids man charged with felony assault

Sauk Rapids Police Department

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS HIRING AN

OFFICE COORDINATOR The City of Sauk Rapids is seeking a self-motivated, energetic individual for a full-time position for the Public Works Department.

The primary purpose of this position is to perform intermediate administrative and technical support work, reviewing and verifying various engineering related tasks; assisting in the preparation and maintenance of official city records; providing general support work for Public Works; assisting customers; maintaining files and records and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Director of Public Works or designee. This position is categorized as a Grade 6 which corresponds to a 2021 salary range of $48,097 $63,335. $23.12 (Starting) per hour.

A cover letter, resume, and completed city application form must be received at the Sauk Rapids Government Center—City Hall by 4:30 P.M. on March 22nd, 2021.

Send completed materials to the City Administrator, Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Avenue North, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379. Applicant materials can also be dropped off at the Government Center’s City Hall front desk or in the City’s drop box in the parking lot if the Government Center is closed.

Application materials, eligibility requirements including salary and benefit information are available on the City website at www.ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us as well as at Sauk Rapids Government Center.

Electronic/Faxed application submissions will not be accepted.

R10-2B-RB

Requires a high school diploma and two years of formal education or equivalent.

Along with six months of library or customer service experience.

For more information and to apply online, go to R10-1B-RB www.griver.org/jobs by 3/21/21.

CONSTRUCTION, INC. AGRICULTURE • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

HELP WANTED

• HIRING: Construction Workers • STARTING WAGE: $20+/hr, pay raises, bonuses • FULL BENEFITS: Paid health insurance, pension match, vacation, dental/vision/accidental insurance options • LOCAL WORK: Go home every night Apply in person!

320-836-2284 • www.arnzenconstructioninc.com 29033 County Road 17 • Freeport, MN 56331

HRS9-2B-MT

Page 18 | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 ASSUMED NAME: Create Good MN. PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 506 3rd Ave NE, Sartell, MN 56377 United States.

NAMEHOLDER(S): Desiree D Murphy, 506 3rd Ave NE, Sartell, MN 56377 United States.

(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/ Desiree D Murphy 02/17/2021 R-9-2P CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 ASSUMED NAME: A Clean Slate Painting.

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: 145 1st Ave SW, Rice, MN 56367 United States.

NAMEHOLDER(S): Reggie Harris, 145 1st Ave SW, Rice, MN 56367 United States.

(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/ Reggie Harris 02/27/2021 R-9-2P ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS RECLAMATION AND WIDENING OF 105th St. NW WATAB TOWNSHIP, BENTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA Sealed proposals for the furnishing of all labor, materials and equipment for the reclamation and widening and bituminous surfacing of 3,133 LF of 105TH St NW in Watab Township, Benton County, will be received by the Watab Township Board of Supervisors at the Watab Township Hall, 660 75th St. NW, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379, until 7:00 pm on Tuesday April 6th, 2021. Shortly thereafter, at 7:15 pm bids will be opened at a regular Town Board Meeting and publicly read aloud.

Major Items of work are: Common excavation 210 CY Pavement Reclamation 3,640 SY Type SP 12.5 Wearing Course Mix 2,100 Ton Granular Borrow 1,016 CY Aggregate Base Cl 5 1,819 Ton Erosion, sediment control and turf establishment items.

The contract is a unit price contract and is described in detail in the Project Manual.

All work included in the contract shall be completed within 20 working days of date of commencement as stated in the Notice to Proceed.

Project Plans and Documents Proposal Forms, Contract Documents, Plans and Specifications as prepared by Bogart, Pederson & Associates, Inc., Civil Engineer, are on file in the office of said Engineer located at 13076 First Street, Becker, MN 55308.

Copies of the specifications, bid documents, and plans for use by Contractors in submitting a bid may be downloaded at: https://www.questCDN.com for a $15.00 fee. Plans and specs are also available at: Bogart, Pederson & Associates, Inc.at the address listed above for a printed copy fee of $100.00.

Bid documents obtained by any other means or from any other website may result in bids being rejected due to lack of response to project addendums, if any.

The Township Board reserves the right to waive any informalities or to reject any or all bids or accept an individual component thereof. Each Bid must be accompanied by a Bid Bond in an amount equal to 5% of the total bid.

Julie Johnson, Chair, Watab Twp. R-10-2B

PUBLIC NOTICES

REGULAR MEETING SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL SAUK RAPIDS GOVERNMENT CENTER, 250 Summit Ave N. Monday, February 22, 2021 6:00PM MINUTES 1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance Acting Mayor Nick Sauer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Members present: Ellen Thronson, Jason Ellering, and Dottie Seamans. Members absent: Kurt Hunstiger.

2. Additions or Changes to the Agenda Ross Olson requested to add Mississippi Park Project Entertainment for the Summer as agenda item 12-B. 3. Approve the Agenda Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the Agenda as amended.

Motion carried unanimously.

4. Approve Minutes A. 2-08-2021 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the 2-08-2021 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

5. Receive and File NONE 6. Mayor’s Communications • Steve Kosloske, 33 Years of Service, Retirement Recognition—Acting Mayor Nick Sauer and Public Works Director, Pete Eckhoff, recognized Steve Kosloske for his 33 years of dedicated service to the City of Sauk Rapids. Acting Mayor Sauer and Eckhoff thanked Kosloske for his service and congratulated him on his retirement.

7. Benton County Update—Benton County Commissioner, Jared Gapinksi, provided an update on what is new and in the works in terms of Benton County. He said that he wants as Commissioner to maintain a open line of communication between the County and Sauk Rapids. Commissioner Gapinski stated that he is still very new in his role as Commissioner, so he is taking the time to learn the ropes.

8. Audience Items/Visitors Total Time Limit 2 Minutes for Items NOT on the Agenda NONE 9. Public Hearings A. Applicant City of Sauk Rapids Purpose To Consider 2021 Overlay Improvements, An Improvement on 4th Avenue North from 18th Street North to County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 29 1.

1. Open Public Hearing 2. Close Public Hearing Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously.

3. Consider Action Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the Resolution Authorizing Preparation of Plans and Specifications for the 2021 Overlay Improvements. Motion carried unanimously.

10. Consent Agenda A. Approve Benton County Maintenance Agreement B. Approve Change Order for LED Conversion Downtown C. Approve 2021 Plumbing and Mechanical Contractor Licenses D. Approve Personnel Policy Updates—Pulled for Clarification E. Approve Resolution Authorizing SEH to Prepare a Feasibility Study for the 2022 2nd Avenue North Improvements F. Approve LELS Collective Bargaining Agreements for Police Officers and Sergeants for 2021 through 2023—Pulled for Clarification Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve consent agenda items 10A-10C and 10-E Motion carried unanimously.

10-D. Approve Personnel Policy Updates Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the Personnel Policy updates. Motion carried unanimously.

10-F. Approve LELS Collective Bargaining Agreements for Police Officers and Sergeants for 2021 Through 2023 Motion: Moved by Dottie Seamans and seconded by Ellen Thronson to approve the LELS Collective Bargaining Agreements for Police Officers and Sergeants for 2021 through 2023.

Motion carried unanimously.

11. Regular Agenda A. 2021 Pleasantwood Addition Improvements Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the resolution approving plans and specifications and authorizing advertising for bids for the 2021 Pleasantwood Addition improvements. Motion carried unanimously.

12. Other Staff Items A. April 6th Board of Appeal and Equalization Open Book Meeting Ross Olson noted that the Benton County Assessor’s Office will be holding the local Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting in an “open book” format on April 6th at 9:30 a.m. at the Sauk Rapids Government Center.

B. Mississippi Park Project Entertainment for the Summer Ross Olson said that with this being the first year that the new park improvements will be finished, there has been talk with some council members about possibly having weekly music in the park at a family-friendly volume for the summer. Olson said that he has been meeting with and working with the Sartell High School’s Music Director who has experience in this type of thing. The thought process is that this gentleman would help with the soundboard and music production aspect of each of the weekly shows. Olson explained that the hope is to have a high level of consistency with the lights and volume levels each week.

Olson stated that they are currently thinking that Thursday evenings would be a good night for the music to take place in Sauk Rapids as they do not want to interfere with other ongoings in the area on other week nights.

Olson explained that the plan would be to have an opening acoustic act that would play for an hour and then a full band would take stage and place from 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. He said that the goal would be to book local talent.

Olson stated that this is all in the early pre-planning stage, so things may change due to the Governor’s Orders as it relates to the pandemic.

Olson noted that he has been working with a number of bands. He stated that the bands will be compensated based on what is a fair amount. He said that local businesses would be asked to participate in sponsorship, which would allow the local businesses some ownership in the events.

The Council agreed by consensus to move forward with weekly entertainment in the park for the summer months.

13. Other Council Items and Communications A. Area Planning Organization Award Councilperson Seamans announced that the City of Sauk Rapids was approved for a grant of $1.135 million at their February 11th meeting. She said that the City had originally requested $1.3 million. Councilperson Seamans explained that this is for a large road improvement project along 2nd Avenue South to Benton Drive to 10th Street South. Planned improvements include sidewalk, lighting, drainage, and water main improvements. She noted that this is a very large project that is overdue as it has been 60 years or more since this road has been done. Councilperson Seamans stated that the Sauk Rapids project was the number one project recommended by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). She explained that currently there is a targeted amount of $2.3 million, but if that amount goes up the Sauk Rapids project could receive the full requested amount. Councilperson Seamans concluded by saying that this money is for project year 2025.

14. Approve List of Bills and Claims Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded

by Councilperson Ellering to approve the List of Bills and Claims. Motion carried unanimously.

15. Adjournment Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded

by Councilperson Seamans to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Acting Mayor Sauer adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m.

R-10-1B

PROBATE NOTICE STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF BENTON IN DISTRICT COURT SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE DIVISION Court File No: 05-PR-21-335

sota 56379, as personal representative of the estate of the above named decedent in unsupervised administration, and that any objections thereto must be filed with the Court. That, if proper, and no objections are filed, a personal representative will be appointed to administer the estate, to collect all assets, pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, and sell real and personal property, and do all necessary acts for the estate.

Notice is further given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said estate are required to present the same to said personal rep-

ORDER AND NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In Re: Estate of Edwin Joseph Barthel, a/k/a Edwin J. Barthel, Deceased.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: It is Ordered and Notice is hereby given that on the 12 day of April, 2021, at 8 a.m., a hearing will be held in the above named Court at 615 Highway 23, Foley, Minnesota, for the probate of an instrument purporting to be the will of the above named deceased, dated February 8, 1985, and for appointment of Jerome A. Barthel whose address is 978 4th Avenue North, Sauk Rapids, Minne-

resentative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred.

Dated: 03-01-2021 /s/ Michael S. Jesse Judge of District Court /s/ Jennifer Siemers Court Administrator Deputy Joseph S. Mayers KELM & REUTER, P.A. Attorney No. 0295747 1287 2nd Street North, Suite 101 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 (320) 251-1423 R-10-2B

PUBLIC NOTICES SAUK RAPIDS-RICE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 47 REGULAR SEMI-MONTHLY BOARD MEETING Monday, February 22, 2021 A semi-monthly meeting of the Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 Board of Education was called to order by Chair Butkowski Monday, February 22, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom.

The Board Meeting was live streamed to the Sauk RapidsRice High School Commons.

ROLL CALL Members present included Braun, Butkowski, Hauck, Holthaus, Loidolt, Morse and Solarz. Others present were Superintendent Bergstrom, Director of Teaching and Learning Bushman, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Schoenherr, Director of Business Services Fiereck, Director of Buildings and Grounds Berghuis, Director of Technology Zimpel, Rice Principal Paasch, and PV Principal Froiland.

APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Braun and unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Agenda”.

SCHOOL BOARD APPRECIATION/RECOGNITION Superintendent Bergstrom recognized the Board of Education for their service, vision and for the vital role they play in the success of Sauk Rapids-Rice students, staff, families and community. Because of their hard work and diligence, our children are preparing for a bright future.

CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Morse and was unanimously carried to approve the meeting’s “Consent Agenda”.

PUBLIC INPUT There was no public input at 7:03 p.m.

ACTION APPROVAL OF PLEASANTVIEW BUILDING SITE ADDITIONS A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to approve the Pleasantview building site additions. The approval includes classroom additions for future growth and increasing the size of the cafeteria for community use. Bids for the Pleasantview project’s initial plan came in and were awarded under budget primarily due to the strong representation of local bidders and the current climate due to COVID-19.

APPROVAL OF SRRHS CLASSROOM LIGHTING UPGRADES A motion was made by Hauck, seconded by Braun and unanimously carried to approve the bid from Design Electric, which awards Design Electric the contract for the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School’s classroom lighting upgrade project. Bids were received and opened on Thursday, February 2, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Design Electric submitted the low bid.

AUTHORIZATION TO RESCIND THE CHANGE ORDER THRESHOLD A motion was made by Solarz, seconded by Morse and unanimously carried to rescind the change order threshold

DOCUMENT 00 11 13 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS 2021 Pleasantwood Addition Improvements Sauk Rapids SEH No. SAUKR 156560 Notice is hereby given that Online Bids will be received by the City Administrator until 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 25, 2021, via QuestCDN for the furnishing of all labor and material for the construction of 2021 Pleasantwood Addition Improvements.

The bid opening will be conducted via GoToMeeting, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud: 2021 Pleasantwood Addition Improvements Bid Opening Thursday, March 25, 2021 12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. (CDT) Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/575828653 You can also dial in using your phone (for supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly): United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 - One-touch: tel:+18668994679,,575828653# United States: +1 (571) 317-3116 - One-touch: tel:+15713173116,,575828653# Access Code: 575-828-653 Any person monitoring the meeting remotely may be responsible for any documented costs. Message and data rates may apply.

Major quantities for the Work include: 3,264 SQ YD Reclaim Bituminous Pavement 19,199 SQ YD Remove Bituminous Pavement 10,936 CU YD Common Excavation 2,100 CU YD Pond Excavation 8,950 LIN FT 6-Inch Perforated Pipe Drain 8,618 CU YD Aggregate Base 20,683 SQ YD Geotextile Fabric Type 5 4,594 TON Type SP Bituminous Mixtures 2,751 LIN FT 12- to 24-Inch RC Pipe Sewer 3,562 LIN FT Clean Pipe Sewer (Storm) 28 EACH Construct Drainage Structure 13,163 LIN FT Concrete Curb and Gutter 63 SQ FT Sign Panels Type C 54 SQ FT Sign Panels Type Special 2.80 ACRE Residential Seeding The Bidding Documents may be seen at the Issuing Office of SEH located at 1200 25th Avenue South, P.O. Box 1717, St. Cloud, MN 56302-1717, 320.229.4300.

The Bidding Documents may be viewed for no cost at

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | Page 19

SECTION 00 11 13 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sauk Rapids Police Garage Expansion City of Sauk Rapids Sauk Rapids, Minnesota The City of Sauk Rapids invites bids for the Sauk Rapids Police Garage Expansion in accordance with the bidding documents prepared by Rice Companies, Inc. Bids will be received for separate Bid Categories managed by Rice Companies, Inc., construction managers.

Project Scope: Sauk Rapids Police Garage Expansion will include: Concrete Footings/Foundations and Floor Slabs, Precast Concrete Wall Panels, Structural Steel Columns/ Beams, Steel Barjoist, Steel Decking, Membrane Roofing, Hollow Metal Frames/Doors with Hardware, Aluminum Windows, Gypsum Board Assemblies, Flooring Finishes, Painting, Fire Suppression, Plumbing, HVAC and Electrical, Sitework/Building Excavation/Utilities, Bituminous Paving/ Concrete Curb and Gutter, Fencing, Landscaping/Irrigation.

Bid Date/Place of Opening: Sealed bids will be received on or before March 25th, 2021 @ 3:00pm and will be publicly opened and read aloud at that time. Bids will be received by the City of Sauk Rapids, 250 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids, MN 56379.

Submission of Bids: Each bidder will be responsible for submitting the required bid forms in a securely sealed envelope. The envelope shall be marked to indicate the following.

1. Name and address of the bidder 2. Name of the project 3. Name of the bid category bidding.

The envelope should be addressed to the City of Sauk Rapids and should be hand delivered at the location designated. No other forms of bids shall be accepted.

Prebid Meeting: Will be held on site at 250 Summit Ave. N., Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 on Tuesday March 16th, 2021 at 10:00am.

Bidding Documents: Copies of bidding documents will be available for digital download through the office of the construction manager, Rice Companies, Inc. contact the office at 320-252-0404. Plans will also be available through Minnesota Builders Exchange and St. Cloud Builders Exchange.

Documents will be available on March 9th, 2021 contingent on city council approval on March 8th, 2021.

Bid Security: Submit with each bid, a certified check or acceptable bidder’s bond payable to City of Sauk Rapids in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid. The successful bidder will be required to furnish satisfactory Labor and Material Payment and Performance Bond. Bids may not be withdrawn within thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of opening bids, without the consent of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to accept any bid or to reject any or all bids, or parts of such bids, and waive informalities or irregularities in bidding.

Prevailing Wages: Not required.

Consideration of Bids: The bidder acknowledges the right of the Owner to reject any and all bids, accept any bid, waive informalities in bids submitted and waive minor discrepancies in bidding procedures, as deemed to be in its best interest. Each bidder agrees to waive any claim it has or may against the Owner, the Construction Manager, the Architects and respective employees, arising out of or in connection with the administration, evaluation or recommendation of any bid.

Bids may not be withdrawn for a period of (30) calendar days immediately following the date of receipt of bids.

Prior Approval: This project has a prior approval clause http://www.sehinc.com by selecting the Project Bid Information link at the bottom of the page and the View Plans option for product substitution.

R-9-2B from the menu at the top of the selected project page.

Digital image copies of the Bidding Documents are available at http://www.sehinc.com for a fee of $30. These docuPersonalize your kid’s toys & gifts! ts! ments may be downloaded by selecting this project from the “Project Bid Information” link and by entering eBidDocTM Number 7619805 on the SEARCH PROJECTS page. For assistance and free membership registration, contact QuestCDN at 952.233.1632 or info@questcdn.com.

For this project, bids will ONLY be received electronically. Contractors submitting an electronic bid will be charged an additional $30 at the time of bid submission via the online Easy to install and perfect electronic bid service QuestCDN.com. To access the electrontiming for the Holidays! ic Bid Worksheet, download the project document and click 320-352-6577 6577 Located in the Sauk Centre Herald Office Give Logan a the online bidding button at the top of the advertisement. Pro522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue • Sauk Centre, MN 56378 call today! spective bidders must be on the plan holders list through Quest CDN for bids to be accepted. Bids shall be completed according to the Bidding Requirements prepared by SEH dated February 22, 2021.

In addition to digital plans, paper copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from Docunet Corp. located at 2435 Xenium Lane North, Plymouth, MN 55441 (763.475.9600) for a fee of $100.

Bids will only be accepted from Contractors who purchase Bidding Documents as noted above.

Bid security in the amount of 5 percent of the Bid must accompany each Bid in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.

A Contractor responding to these Bidding Documents must submit to the City/Owner a signed statement under oath by an owner or officer verifying compliance with each of the minimum criteria in Minnesota Statutes, section 16C.285, subdivision 3.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive irregularities and informalities therein and to award the Contract in the best interests of the Owner.

Ross Olson City Administrator Sauk Rapids, Minnesota Publish: Sauk Rapids Herald: February 27 and March 13, 2021 QuestCDN: February 27, 2021 City of Sauk Rapids website http://www.ci.sauk-rapids.mn.us: February 27, 2021 R-8/10-2B limit which was approved on 04.22.19. The initial change order threshold was established to monitor expense changes for the district’s safe and secure entrance project. The threshold was appropriate for a project of that size and at that time, however the threshold, if maintained, may delay the Pleasantview building project and cause disruption to the timeline.

Authorization to rescind the threshold gives the district’s Director of Business Services and Superintendent the flexibility to address change orders.

APPROVAL FOR ADDITIONAL FOOD SERVICE POSITION TIME A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Hauck and unanimously carried to approve the addition of three food service meal pick up positions for 2.5 hours on Wednesdays for the remainder of the 2020 – 2021 school year. The request was based on meal service/meal pick up procedures in order to fulfill district COVID-19 protocols.

APPROVAL OF GIRLS’ HEAD TENNIS COACH A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Holthaus and unanimously carried to approve Trisha Bemboom to serve as the Girls Tennis Head Coach, effective 08.16.21 at a salary schedule placement of 11% of BA+15, Step 12.

ADOPTION OF THE DONATION RESOLUTION A motion was made by Braun, seconded by Solarz and unanimously carried to adopt the Donation Resolution. The Minnesota School Board Association recommends the Donation Resolution be adopted in the Action area of the Agenda.

APPROVAL OF THE 2021 – 2022 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Braun and unanimously carried to approve the 2021 – 2022 Sauk Rapids-Rice School Year Calendar with non-substantive additions, the calendar was reviewed by the SRREA and district leadership teams.

ADOPTION OF POLICY #203.5 A motion was made by Holthaus, seconded by Braun and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #203.5 (Agenda Format) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current policy #203.5 (Agenda Format).

This policy required one reading as no substantive changes were recommended.

ADOPTION OF POLICY #214 A motion was made by Morse, seconded by Solarz and unanimously carried to adopt the following policy.

• #214 (Out-of-State Board Travel) is a “mandatory policy” and will replace current policy #214 (Out-of-State Board Travel).

This policy required one reading as no substantive changes were recommended.

ADJOURNMENT With no further business appearing before the Board, a motion was made Holthaus, seconded by Loidolt and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Lisa J. Braun, Board of Education Clerk Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47 R-10-1B

SPORTS

Page 20 | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Storm struggles Storm girls hoops make to score against second-half strides SRR enters Spartans final week of

points (9R), Froiland 13 (3R, 3S), Grace Roesch 6 (3R, 4A), Kyanah Evans 5 (3A), Belle Haddy 4 (9R), Courtney Paulsen 4 (4R), Emily Schloe 3, Keanna Guggisberg 1 (3R), Mackenzie Felchle 1 and Corina Miller 1.

Boys basketball remains regular season

BY EVAN MICHEALSON second in section STAFF WRITER

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

Even without two of their distinguished playmakers, the Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm boys basketball team gave the red-hot Rocori Spartans all they could handle in their weekend matchup.

The Storm chipped away at Rocori’s doubledigit lead but failed to pass them in a 59-51 loss March 6 at Rocori High School in Cold Spring.

“We had our chances to take the lead in that game and to win that game and just couldn’t get over the hump, but we played hard and played pretty well,” said Derek Peterson, head coach.

Rocori led by as much as 12 points in a first half that saw the host Spartans do just enough against a high-powered Storm defensive effort, shooting 46.3% from the field while averaging a point per possession.

Losing leading scorer Ethan Opsahl and point guard Elijah Moilanen to a COVID-19 quarantine already made things difficult, but the Storm did not get the rolls they were searching for on offense. They put up just 20 points in the first half and compiled a measly 34% shooting percentage.

“Sometimes, they just don’t go in,” Peterson said. “I think it was a little bit of bad luck, and I feel the kids were in rhythm, weren’t rushing things, got the open looks and they just rimmed out.”

However, the Storm conducted a resilient comeback behind forward Carter Loesch, who logged 12 points and nine rebounds while making 6 of 8 free-throw attempts. The athletic frontcourt specialist utilized his size and strength to create offensive opportunities for the struggling Storm.

“We felt like Carter had an advantage down low, so we drew up some plays and got him the ball,” Peterson said. “He did an excellent job and used that athleticism and strength to take advantage of the mismatches he got.”

Dominic Mathies was the team’s primary point-getter, compiling 13 points on 15 shot attempts.

While SRR pulled within one possession twice in the second half, Rocori stood strong when it mattered and outscored the visitors 22-17 in the final minutes to claim their fourth victory in five games.

The game against Rocori was the final game of the regular season as the Storm’s remaining lineup was canceled. Section 8AAA quarterfinals begin Friday, March 19.

The last time the Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm girls basketball team faced off against the Bemidji Lumberjacks, it was a 26-point loss that was the first of eight defeats in nine games.

So when the teams took to the court in their second Section 8AAA showdown, the Storm searched for any signs of improvement from their previous debacle.

While the Storm saw several positives from the outcome, Bemidji did more than enough to catapult themselves to a 69-51 triumph March 8 at Bemidji High School in Bemidji.

“Overall, we saw some progress that was made,” said Jon Roesch, head coach. “We’re making improvements as a team and are trying to get better each and every day.”

Four Lumberjacks reached double-digit scoring as Bemidji took advantage of yet another lackluster opening for SRR. Lumberjack Marlee Bieber scored 10 points in the first 18 minutes, with Bemidji emphatically taking control of the game early on their way to a 43-point first half.

“We got off to another slow start, missed a lot of close shots, layups,

PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

Sophomore Mia Rogholt takes a jump shot inside the key at the Storm’s home game against Rocori March 6 in Sauk Rapids. Rogholt was a force to be reckoned with, logging 17 points and eight rebounds.

short shots and dug ourselves a hole,” Coach Roesch said. “We had an uphill battle climbing back into the game.”

However, the Storm reestablished their resolve and aggressiveness and did not let Bemidji extend their advantage.

Central Lakes Conference Performer of the Week Mia Rogholt continued a dominant stretch of play with 13 points and nine rebounds.

“She’s stepped up and is starting to figure out how to go strong to the basket, being more aggressive, and that’s really helped her,” Coach Roesch said.

Adyson Froiland logged 13 points, three rebounds and three steals as the Storm stayed even

with Bemidji in the second half, logging 38 rebounds on the night.

The Storm battled the Willmar Cardinals March 12. SRR ends their regular season with a matinee matchup against the Detroit Lakes Lakers at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at Detroit Lakes High School in Detroit Lakes.

SRR 26 25-51 BEM 43 26-69 SRR: Rogholt

Rocori 73, SRR 70 Despite high-end talent, the Storm have often struggled to maintain consistency.

Against a top-30 team in the Class AAA QRF rankings, they put everything together in a downto-the-wire game to remember.

Unfortunately, despite 20 points from Grace Roesch, the Rocori Spartans left the court with a 73-70 win March 6 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids.

The Storm’s afternoon was marred with 29 turnovers, a product of forcing passes. As a result, Rocori held a lead the entire game up until the second half, when SRR briefly grasped a 6463 advantage.

Rogholt piled up 17 points and eight rebounds in another gritty performance.

Storm GBB page 21

13

SRR 20 31-51 ROC 28 31-59 SRR: Mathies 13 points (3R), Loesch 12 (9R), Alex Harren 8, Andrew Harren 7 (8R), Jayce Walrath 7 (5R), Mason Rudolph 2 (3R, 3A) and Andrew Kath 2.

SRR 58, Sartell 56 The Storm have a knack for winning t h e high-pressure, blood-pumping games, and they did so again in a revenge game against their rival Sartell.

Moilanen made an uncontested lay-in shot with six seconds left as the Storm overcame a seven-point halftime deficit to down the Sabres 58-56 March 4 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids.

Opsahl led SRR with 24 points. Alex Harren was all over the stat sheet, accumulating 13 points, three rebounds, three steals and three blocks.

SAR SRR

33 23-56 26 32-58 SRR: Opsahl 24 (6R), Alex Harren 13 (3R, 3S, 3B), Mathies 11 (3S), Moilanen 5 (5R, 4S, 3S), Loesch 5 (6R) and Andrew Harren (5R).

Sophomore Mackenzie Felchle drives toward the basket in the Sauk Rapids-Rice girls basketball game against Rocori March 6 at the Sauk RapidsRice High School in Sauk Rapids. Felchle recorded three points and five rebounds as eight Storm players scored in a 73-70 loss.

Sophomore Grace Roesch powers into a crowded key March 6 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. SRR was highly effective on their two-point attempts, making 61% of such shots.

SPORTS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | Page 21

Storm wrestling tackles tough loss at sections SRR falls to Moorhead in first round

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

All season long, the Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm wrestling team has looked to carve out consistency on the mat. In the team’s first-round showing against the Moorhead Spuds, it finally looked like the team’s individual wrestlers turned a corner.

Sadly, a string of forfeits, including one in the heavyweight match, led the team’s hard-to-stomach 42-33 loss March 8 at Moorhead High School in Moorhead.

“It’s tough, but I think we know that we win that dual with a full lineup,” said Zach Brown, assistant coach. “In any loss, you look to find positives,

and I think we found some positives to take from this as we move into individual sections.”

Vance Barz and Jack Barz gave the Storm a boost to begin the competition, winning the 106and 113-pound matchups by fall, respectively.

Andrew Wollak took control of the 138-pound matchup, using his experience and skill to win a 3-0 decision over Arzheen Shahin, who had suffered just two losses during the regular season.

“As a team, we’ve definitely improved all year and that goes with our goal to peak at section time,” Brown said. “It is always important for the growth of our athletes to be able to find success, especially at the end of any season.”

When all of SRR’s chips were in the middle of the table, they delivered. Kieran Hixson

picked up his first pin of the campaign, taking down Jack Olstad at four minutes, 51 seconds in the 152-pound battle to give the Storm a 21-20 lead.

“Giving up forfeits at any weight can really take away momentum but having strong performances from some of our guys can really liven up the bench and get us moving in the right direction,” Brown said.

Even as the Storm forfeited three weight classes, giving Moorhead 18 points, SRR was hanging right with the Spuds all the way through the match. Cole Ackerman and Joey Hoeschen earned hard-fought pins in the 182- and 220-pound showdowns, respectively, as the Storm piled up five wins by fall in a fantastic outing from its wrestlers.

“Training for the end of the season is an important part of our philoso-

phy,” Brown said.

With the loss, the Storm look to the Section 8AAA individual wrestling tournament, which will take place Wednesday, March 17, at Bemidji High School in Bemidji.

“We have a number of guys with high aspirations for this season, and as a coaching staff, we’re excited to see how this season ends,” Brown said.

106: Vance Barz won by fall 1:00. 113: Jack Barz won by fall 1:07. 120: SRR lost by forfeit. 126: Brayden Ness lost by decision 2-0. 132: Ethan Anderson lost by fall 1:45. 138: Wollak won by decision 3-0. 145: Reid Kiffmeyer lost by technical fall 16-0. 152: Hixson won by fall 4:51. 160: SRR lost by forfeit. 170: Matt Krepp lost by major decision 11-3.

182: Ackerman won by fall 3:20. 195: Beaux Sychampanakhone lost by fall 1:30.

220: Hoeschen won by fall 0:13. 285: SRR lost by forfeit.

Storm GBB

from page 20 ROC 42 31-73 SRR 31 39-70 SRR: Roesch 20, Rogholt 17 (8R), Evans 9 (3R), Froiland 7 (7R, 3A), Paulsen 6, Schloe 4 (3R), Haddy 4 and Felchle 3 (5R).

Brainerd 62, SRR 55 Some missed shots aside, the Storm sat in an impressive position at the halftime break against the Brainerd Warriors. The teams were deadlocked at 22, a testament to their ability to defend at all levels of the court.

Unfortunately for SRR, their momentum wavered slightly, allowing Brainerd to seize a 62-55 victory March 4 at Brainerd High School in Brainerd.

Rogholt scored seemingly at will, dashing inside the paint for 20 points on 8 of 13 shooting, while Grace Roesch and Evans followed close behind with 15 and 10 points, respectively.

Haddy swatted away four Brainerd basket attempts.

SRR 22 33-55 BRA 22 40-62 SRR: Rogholt 20 (6R), yRoesch 15 (5R), Evans 10 k(6R, 4A), Schloe 4, Guggistberg 3, Froiland 2 (5R) and Haddy 1 (4R, 4B).

Vikings cuts continue, Reiff released With the March 17 start of the NFL free agency period looming, the Minnesota Vikings made another significant move to free up cap space, releasing veteran left tackle Riley Reiff.

Unlike the decision to release Kyle Rudolph last COLUMNIST week, whose athleticism SPORTS

BY ANDY THAYER is clearly declining, this move was a bit of a surprise. Reiff has been one of the few reliable options along the team’s much maligned offensive line, where he has held down the left tackle position and protected Kirk Cousins’ blindside while serving as a team captain for the past four years.

This move saves the Vikings up to $11.75 million in cap room, which they desperately need to address issues across the roster. Reiff was due a $5 million roster bonus March 19, so if the Vikings were planning to move on from him, this was definitely the time to do it.

Reiff took a pay cut last season after the trade for Yannick Ngakoue, and he was clearly done offering the Vikings discounts. Ideally, the Vikings could have kept Reiff around at a reduced cap number, but the truth of the matter is the team has depth at the tackle position. They desperately need to acquire a decent guard in free agency. Reiff is a solid player, but this move indicates the Vikings are convinced they can approximate his production by moving either Ezra Cleveland or Brian O’Neill to the left tackle position and recognize they can use $11.75 million more effectively elsewhere.

An obvious fit for the Vikings would be guard Kevin Zeitler, who was released by the Giants to clear cap space. The Vikings previously showed interest in Zeitler when he was a free agent in 2019, and his skills as a pass-protector and experience in zone-blocking schemes make him an immediate upgrade for the Vikings at guard.

Nothing unravels the Vikings’ zone running or play-action passing offensive game plan more quickly than interior pressure, and they absolutely need to improve at the guard positions to shore up that weakness.

By using the cap room freed up by releasing Reiff to acquire Zeitler or another strong free agent guard like Joe Thuney or Gabe Jackson, the Vikings would improve and balance their offensive line significantly. The team also needs help along the defensive line, at linebacker, cornerback and safety, and it is going to be interesting to see what they do in free agency and in the draft to try to plug all of those roster holes without much room under the salary cap. Reiff and Rudolph might not be the only two veteran cap casualties we see this month.

PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

Senior Emily Schloe protects the ball in the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School girls basketball game against Rocori March 6 in Sauk Rapids. Schloe was one of five Storm players to record at least three boards in a 70-point showing.

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SPORTS

Page 22 | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Heating up with Hanson Granite City wins three games in spectacular week

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

Hanson O’Leary has left an incredible mark on the Granite City Lumberjacks during his first NA3HL season.

Heading into the team’s Wednesday night showdown with the Alexandria Blizzard, the mustwatch offensive playmaker was second on the team in points with 22.

And just two days after committing to Concordia College in Moorhead to play Division III college hockey, O’Leary continued his reign of terror on the opposition, recording both a regulation and shootout goal and guiding the Lumberjacks to a 3-2 win over the Blizzard March 10 at Runestone Community

Center in Alexandria.

“Hanson is a dynamic offensive player, and the nights when he is on, he makes everyone around him better,” said D.J. Vold, associate head coach. “He has a knack for pushing the pace of games and putting pressure on other teams offensively, and that’s huge for the group as a whole.”

The Blizzard took advantage of a defensive mismatch to pick up a quick goal 19 seconds into the contest, and even as Granite City controlled the puck for a majority of the first period, it was not enough to cut into Alexandria’s lead. That is until O’Leary picked up his ninth goal of the cam-

paign at just over eight minutes in the second period with assists from Nicholas Richert and Tucker Skime.

“We were just a step off of a lot of things, but we found a way to win the game, and that’s the sign of a good hockey team,” Vold said. “When you don’t have your best stuff and you find a way to win, it means you’re doing something right.”

Despite the huge score, Alexandria struck back 48 seconds later to grab the advantage once again – one they would maintain into the second intermission.

The red-hot Shane Prifrel evened the scoreboard with his third goal of the season less than three minutes into the third period.

“Shane is a guy who can do everything you want him to,” Vold said.

“If you built a hockey

player in a lab, he would look like Shane Prifrel.”

With the teams fighting hard for that elusive final goal, it took a shootout to determine the victor. Carson Simon registered a goal on Granite City’s third attempt of the shootout before O’Leary faked out Alexandria goalie Atticus Kelly for the deciding tally.

The Lumberjacks held a much-anticipated rematch with the Blizzard March 12. They host the Willmar WarHawks at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids.

GCL ALX

0 1 1 0 1-3 1 1 0 0 0-2 GCL: Second period: 2. O’Leary (Richert, Skime) 8:04. Third period: 4. Prifrel (Simon, Braeden Bartoo) 2:25. Shootout: Brett Reed, GCL (missed), Colin Tushie, ALX (missed), Bartoo, GCL (missed), Caleb Strong, ALX (missed), Simon, GCL (goal), Nikolai Rajala, ALX

Mortensen (Prifrel) 5:37.

5. Halverson (Reed, Prifrel) 6:28. 6. Halliday (O’Leary, Brockston Masseth) 8:22.

Third period: 8. Halverson (Cameron Cromwell, Sean Davidson) 4:09. 9. Prifrel (SiGranite City 7, mon, Dias) 12:33. Josh WeyNew Ulm 2 In the team’s eighth andt 17 of 19.

(goal), Tal Halliday, GCL (missed), Cole Klingbeil, ALX (missed), O’Leary, GCL (goal) and Carter Rieland, ALX (missed). Bailey Huber 24 of 26.

game of the season against the New Ulm Steel, it was forward Wyatt Halverson who took the lead, recording a pair of goals in a stout 7-2 win March 7 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids.

Granite City outshot the last-place Steel 38-19 while demonstrating their hard-to-match depth, as six Lumberjacks found the back of the net.

Prifrel skated his way to a season-best performance, logging four points.

NUM 1 1 0-2 GCL 2 3 2-7 GCL: First period: 1.

Cody Dias (Simon, Prifrel) 4:18. 2. Skime (Dias, Simon) 7:14. Second period: 4. Kyle

Granite City 3, Alexandria 2 Third-year forward Simon came through once again against the Blizzard, scoring the gamewinning goal in the third period in a 3-2 victory March 5 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids.

ALX GCL

0 2 0-2 0 2 1-3 GCL: Second period: 2. Anderson (Simon, Dias) 3:38. 4. Dahlheimer (Kullan Daikawa, Anderson) 15:14.

Third period: 5. Simon (Skime) 4:34. Huber 27 of 29.

Storm’n Sabres start slow in loss to St. Cloud Girls hockey co-op gives up six goals

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

Despite a high school hockey game’s 51 minutes of regulation time, it can take only a few minutes to determine how a contest is going to go.

The Sauk RapidsRice-Sartell girls hockey team learned that the hard way, as the St. Cloud Icebreakers recorded four goals in five minutes to claim momentum in a stunning 6-1 victory March 10 at Bernick’s

Arena in Sartell.

“I don’t think we got off to a very good start,” said Marty Anderson, head coach. “We got behind early, and that really hurt us.”

The line of Cailey Davidson, Katherine Bell and Ava Schmidt were dominant on the night, registering a pair of goals in 31 seconds to give St. Cloud a 2-0 lead. The trio combined for 10 points overall.

SRRS found a score of their own through the scrappy offensive zone effort of seniors Taylor Scepaniak, Jayden Lommel and Ingrid Buiceag-Arama. All of sudden, the Icebreakers led by one.

“All three of them are really hard workers, and that’s what they do,” Anderson said. “They had a nice game, and it’s nice to see the seniors playing well as the season is winding down.”

Within the next two minutes, however, St. Cloud expanded their advantage to three, a testament to their fastpaced style of play and their ability to capitalize on opportunity.

Despite taking 19 shots, SRRS only managed to fire home that lone first-period goal.

Cashing in on their close looks will be a primary emphasis heading into the section playoffs.

“Sometimes you have

goal scorers, sometimes you have hard workers and sometimes you have both,” Anderson said.

“We’re not short on effort, but we’re short on finishing, and we really lack a pure goal scorer.”

The Storm’n Sabres will close out the regular season with a battle against the well-rounded Northern Tier Stars at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at East Bethel Ice Arena in East Bethel.

SC 4 1 1-6 SRRS 1 0 0-1 SRRS: First period: 3.

Scepaniak (Lommel, BuiceagArama) 10:35. Morgan Dorn 21 of 27.

Willmar 6, SRRS 5 The Storm’n Sabres’ failure to find goals during their stretch of

PHOTOS FROM THESE GAMES NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Girls Basketball vs. Rocori Boys hockey vs. Fergus Falls Find them online at www.saukrapidsherald.com under ‘photos’

losses seemed to reach its end in an entertaining slugfest with the Willmar Cardinals.

Despite putting up five goals on 38 shots, however, they were kept off the win column, as Madison Garberding snuck in a goal from a bad angle in overtime to send SRRS to a 6-5 loss March 8 at Willmar Civic Center Arena in Willmar.

SRRS recorded three goals in a highly-active first period, with two goals coming off the stick of Kelly Carriere, who later scored the gametying goal with 3 minutes and 17 seconds left in the contest to earn the muchdeserved hat trick.

Lommel and Morgan Cromwell recorded a pair of points, while Lauren Wensel picked up three apples.

SRRS 3 0 2 0-5 WIL 1 3 1 1-6 SRRS: First period: 1.

Lommel (Anna Lundeen) 2:31.

2. Carriere (Cromwell, Wensel) 6:13. 4. Carriere (Wensel, Wieland) 10:14. Third period: 9. Cromwell (Lommel) 15:52.

10. Carriere (Wieland, Wensel) 16:43. Dorn 29 of 35.

Bemidji 3, SRRS 1 SRRS’s stretch of missed opportunities and unfriendly puck luck hit a new low against the Bemidji Lumberjacks.

Despite playing a measured, well-rounded hockey game, the Storm’n Sabres only converted

one goal on 47 shots in a disappointing 3-1 defeat March 6 at Bernick’s Arena in Sartell.

After Bemidji struck first to take a 1-0 lead in the second period, Lommel evened things up just a minute later as SRRS kept the Lumberjacks off balance.

However, Bemidji notched a pair of goals in the third period to snag their first win of the season.

BEM 0 1 2-3 SRRS 0 1 0-1 SRRS: Second period: 2. Lommel (Buiceag-Arama) 13:58. Dorn 24 of 27.

SRRS 2, River Lakes 2 The high-octane matchup between the River Lakes Stars and the Storm’n Sabres always brings the fireworks, and their latest meeting was no different.

In a battle of stout goaltenders, neither team could gain an edge March 4 as the matchup ended with a 2-2 tie at Bernick’s Arena in Sartell.

Dorn reeled in 35 saves for an astounding .946 save percentage, while River Lakes senior Hailey Kraemer made 30 stops of her own.

RL 0 2 0-2 SRRS 1 1 0-2 SRRS: First period: 1.

Wensel (Wieland, Carriere) 8:49. Second period: Brayley Vandenburg (Rachel Lindmeier, Cromwell) 14:44.

Dorn 35 of 37.

SPORTS

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | Page 23

Competition proves challenging for Storm boys hockey

Fergus Falls, Bemidji hand SRR losses

BY EVAN MICHEALSON | STAFF WRITER

Despite their under .500 record, the Bemidji Lumberjacks boys hockey team is a fierce opponent to some of the state’s strongest competition and poses a strong threat on any given night.

The Sauk RapidsRice Storm saw this playmaking ability emerge early and often, as the Lumberjacks dashed to a quick 3-0 lead in roughly 12 minutes.

Bemidji sent the Storm to a 7-1 defeat March 6 at Bemidji Community Arena in Bemidji.

“Overall, we worked hard and stuck to our game plan, but good teams like that will capitalize on missed opportunities and capitalize on mistakes,” said Brady DeGagne, head coach.

Bemidji dominated time of possession and controlled the pace of play with all four of their lines, firing 46 shots on goal as 12 Lumberjacks recorded a point. Ethan Maish and Tate Hammitt each tallied a pair of goals as

Bemidji wrapped up the first period with four goals.

“As far as we’ve come and with all the things we’ve done to make ourselves a better team, we’ve got a long way to go,” DeGagne said. “It’s a great reminder to us and a reality check for us a little bit that we’ve got to understand there’s bigger fish in the sea than our little corner of Minnesota.”

Easton Portner logged the lone SRR goal, an even-strength tally at 12:42 in the first period with an assist from Brandon Bokelman.

Grayson Kobluk took the loss in the forgettable outing but managed to reel in 39 saves. He has now made 79 stops in his last two games, both losses.

“He’s the kid that can make the first save, and we didn’t do a good job of picking up those second and third shots,” DeGagne said. “Overall, his performance was fine.

He did a great job.”

The Storm showed progressive improvement throughout the

PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON

Will White breaks through the defense for a quality scoring chance March 4 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. The Storm could not get anything past Fergus Falls goalie Ben Swanson in a 6-0 loss.

contest, allowing two goals and one goal in the second and third periods, respectively. Bemidji’s shot totals also dropped by period as SRR adjusted to their competition.

“I think we acclimated well in the second and third periods and played much better hockey, as pure as it can be,” DeGagne said.

The Storm took on North Branch March 11.

They battle the Prairie Centre Blue Devils in their regular season finale at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at Sauk Centre Civic Arena in Sauk Centre.

SRR 1 0 0-1 BEM 4 2 1-7 SRR: First period: 4.

Portner (Bokelman) 12:42.

Kobluk 39 of 46.

Boys hockey page 24

Nolan Thell fights for a puck against the boards March 4 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. Thell and the Storm played scrappy against the No. 8 Fergus Falls Otters but could not find the back of the net in a home loss.

SCHEDULE

Teagan Dodge (left) and Brandon Bokelman react to a Fergus Falls goal March 4 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. The Storm endured a difficult week, losing to the Otters and the Bemidji Lumberjacks.

Sat., March 13 Sat., March 13 Sat. March 13 Sat., March 13 Sat., March 13 Wed., March 17 Thurs., March 18 Fri., March 19 Sat., March 20

Section Boys Swim Meet State Class AAA High Kick Dance Tournament Girls Hockey vs. St. Francis-North Branch Girls Basketball vs. Detroit Lakes Boys Hockey vs. Sauk Centre Section Individual Wrestling Tournament Section Girls Basketball Quarterfinals Section Boys Basketball Quarterfinals Section Gymnastics Tournament

A A A A A A TBD TBD H

8:00 am 9:05 am 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 7:15 pm TBD TBD TBD TBD

SPORTS

Page 24 | SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Boys hockey from page 23

Fergus Falls 6, SRR 0 The Storm defended their home ice with energy against the No. 8 team in Class A, but they could not keep the Fergus Falls Otters down for long.

The Otters ramped up their aggression as the game progressed, taking home a 6-0 win March 4 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids.

The Storm were outshot 46-19 as Isaac Young and Carter Thielke scored two goals each for the Otters.

SRR’s Kobluk made 40 saves in net in a valiant effort.

PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON

Evan Daniels skates toward a loose puck March 4 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids. The Storm received strong competition in the Fergus Falls Otters and Bemidji Lumberjacks during an eventful week.

FF 1 2 3-6 SRR 0 0 0-0 SRR: Kobluk 40 of 46.

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Leading the Joey Hoeschen Parents: Tad and Stacie Hoeschen Accomplishment: Senior on the Sauk Rapids-Rice wrestling team.

What is your favorite part about wrestling? Pushing myself mentally and physically to achieve individual goals as well as team goals.

What is your favorite thing to do with your team? Home duals, so we can all hang out and play Hacky Sack or Spikeball and hang out as a team.

How do you prepare in the minutes leading up to competition? I put my earbuds in and listen to “Thun-

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Leading the Storm is

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How do you make a difference at school? I try to have a good attitude and bring energy to the classroom.

Which teacher has impacted your education most? Brian Olmanson. He made learning fun and helped me with new ways to study to prepare for college and derstruck” while I pace back and forth my future. thinking about what I need to do when I step on the mat.

Who has been a mentor to you? My dad. He has shown me what it means to What other activities are you involved be hardworking, dedicated, humble and in at school? Football and DECA. accountable, which has helped me become the person I am today.

Why is it important for you to be involved in school activities? School What is your favorite meal, movie, soactivities are where I met most of my cial media and song? Steak stroganoff, friends, and they have taught me many “Thor: Ragnarok,” TikTok and “Zim Zimlife lessons. ma” by Joyner Lucas.

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Good Luck to All Sports Teams!

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