NEWS
Page 2 | SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Grand old flags
Rice Legion retires nearly 70 BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER
Jackson Dietman, Scout BSA Troop 120 member, places an unserviceable flag into a fire as Legion commander Fred Segler Sr. looks on June 14 in Rice. The flags are inspected, properly folded and rendered unserviceable through a ceremony prior to their retirement.
Correction The name of a Sauk Rapids-Rice softball player was inadvertently omitted from “No hitter precedes season’s end” in the June 12 edition of the Sauk Rapids Herald. The list of seniors should have included the name of Denise Schultz. Our staff members regret this error.
RICE – When June 14 rolled around, members of the Rice Legion and Scouts BSA Troop 120 knew it was not just any Monday. June 14 was Flag Day, a holiday which commemorates the adoption of the country’s official flag 244 years ago. That original flag featured 13 red and white alternating stripes and 13 white stars set on a blue background. Twenty-seven versions have been flown over the country since its founding. It was not until July 4, 1960 – after Hawaii had been granted statehood – that the nation’s current flag was selected. Rice American Legion Post 473 hosted an Unserviceable Flags Ceremony at the Legion building Monday evening with Troop 120 participating in the event. Sixty-seven American flags were deemed unserviceable and honorably retired by the post. A formal assembly took place, which included a bugle call and prayer, before Legion members and Scouts had the opportunity to each retire a flag or more.
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Legion commander Fred Segler Sr. hands Trent Hinkemeyer a flag to be honorably retired June 14 as Scout BSA Troop 120 members – Jackson Dietman (from left) Jude Washnieski, Boden Washnieski and Josh Wiebe – wait their turn in Rice. American Legion Post 473 hosted an Unserviceable Flags Ceremony on Flag Day.
Scouts BSA Troop 120 members – Jesse Lorenz, Pierson Weeres, Jude Washnieski, Boden Washnieski, Josh Wiebe, Layton Lorenz and Trent Hinkemeyer – salute the flag as the Rice Legion color guard moves into place at American Legion Post 473 in Rice. Sixty-seven American flags were honorably retired at the ceremony.
Food Fest from front Several more volunteers also make the event possible, according to Phenow. Food Fest is a key fundraiser for a well-known, longstanding service organization. Participating in Food Fest helps the Sauk Rapids Lions Club generate more funds to give back to the community. Each year, members of the Sauk Rapids Lions Club sort and sell tokens that can be used to purchase food. In appreciation for the club’s efforts, the Food Fest committee provides a donation, and in turn, that money is returned to the community as the Lions make donations to different causes. The Sauk Rapids Lions Club makes several donations each year toward scholarships, community events and assisting people with hearing and vision loss. “We receive many requests from individuals in our community who may need help purchasing eyeglasses or hearing aids, and the Sauk Rapids Lions are always eager to help,” said club president Ashley Bukowski. After a long hiatus from fundraising, every opportunity to fundraise is appreciated by the Sauk Rapids Lions Club. “The community need doesn’t go away,” Bukowski said. “Our club is being more creative to meet the demands of the community.” When it comes to volunteer efforts, Sauk Rapids Lions Club members help to make events like Food Fest a roaring success, Bukowski said. Anywhere from 2540 Lions volunteer at Food Fest, and shifts are adjusted to fill the need. “We always hope for a successful Food Fest, even if it means more volunteer hours,” Bukowski said. Food, non-alcoholic beverages and games can be purchased with blue tokens, which will be sold for $1 each at two locations in the park. In one capacity or another, the Sauk Rapids Lions Club has been involved with Food Fest since its inception, according to Bukowski. “This event allows our club to be a part of the community celebration,” she said. The Sauk Rapids Lions Club also
sponsors the Miss Sauk Rapids pageant. “Both events help create and enhance a sense of community the Sauk Rapids Lions are happy to be a part of,” Bukowski said. Several other volunteers help make Food Fest a successful event, Phenow said. Members of Sauk Rapids Engine Company No. 2, comprised of retired firefighters whose projects include the restoration and continued maintenance of an antique fire truck, sell yellow tokens for the beer garden and are also compensated for their time. Beer tokens are $3 each. Engine Company No. 2 Retired Firefighters Association member Dennis Schlichting said eight members, divided into four shifts, will sell tokens this year. Proceeds support appearances by the city’s first fire truck, which turned 100 years old last year, and continued maintenance of the sentimental rig. The truck is driven in parades and also makes appearances at nursing homes and car shows, Schlichting said. Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from Sauk Rapids also volunteer at Food Fest. Both groups started volunteering in 2017, said Jess Rademacher, chartered organization representative for Cub Scout Pack 8. Members of Cub Scout Pack 8 provide trash cleanup all nine hours of Food Fest. Combined, the members contribute about 80 hours of volunteer time. About 14-16 Cub Scouts, plus an adult who accompanies each pack member, disperse and empty trash containers throughout the park, then retrieve them at the end of the night. Members of Boy Scout Troop 9 provide parking and traffic control for the event. Combined, they will contribute about 40 hours of volunteer time. About 10 Boy Scouts, along with adult leaders, will direct vehicles coming and going from Food Fest. Hockey programs and church groups have also volunteered at Food Fest, Phenow said. Read more about Rapids River Days events in Section C.
Lake Andrew
NEWS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021 | Page 3
from front
Without knowing their history, one might think Lake Drive Northeast, Alaina Place Northeast, Alaina Court Northeast, Jaclyn Lane Northeast and Chloe Way Northeast are decades old and have not ybeen maintained. The elatter is true, but the n streets are just 14 years old. The streets were built in 2007, but a final wear course was never finished due to the original developer, Scott Jarnot, reporting a lack of funding. Despite multiple requests through the years, Jarnot did not remedy the problem. The streets are experiencing pavement failure due to excessive cracking, potholing, subgrade settle,ment aging pavement g .patching and other severe distresses, according to Kruger, who has recommended an extensive scope of work. Proposed improvements include pavement replacement, spot replacement of curb and gutter, subgrade corrections, adjusting storm sewer structures and drainage improvements to areas with substandard storm sewer infrastructure. The proposed improvements are based on visual inspections. More problems could be discovered once the roads are dug. “There’s just a lot of unknowns,” Kruger said. The roads are a stark contrast to the people who live along them. Brought together by unfortunate circumstances, t property owners did not make the evening one of negativity and complaining. Instead of dwelling on the negligence that has caused the roads to fall apart, they banded together to find solutions, stopping frequently to point out problem spots and t ask Kruger what can be done. The group’s optimism did not surprise Jason Miller, homeowners’ association president. In spite of poorlyrated roads, he said the Lake Andrew neighbort hood is a hidden gem – inclusive, thriving and filled with great people willing to work together for the common good. The development currently has about 40 houses. “You go for a walk, and you’re gone for two
PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE
Lake Andrew resident Kevin Weeks (left) shows Watab Township engineer Kevin Kruger problem areas on a street in the rural Sauk Rapids development June 16. Property owners guided Kruger and Watab Township supervisors on a walking tour of poorly-rated streets in preparation for a proposed reconstruction project, slated to begin in August.
hours because you stop and talk to everybody,” Miller said. Miller and fellow resident Kevin Weeks have spearheaded efforts to rebuild the roads, which they said have fallen to a really bad state the last few years, causing drivers to grit their teeth and walkers to be extra vigilant about where they step. Several neighborhood meetings preceded the road tour. Neighbors worked collectively to convince local officials to take swift action before the roads get worse. Allegedly ghosted by Jarnot on several occasions, they refused to give up and took matters into their own hands, devising a call for action that the Watab Board is taking seriously. “We’re fixing a problem that we didn’t create, and we’re OK with that,” said Miller, who has lived in the development since 2014. Resident input will continue to be a critical part of the Lake Andrew reconstruction planning, considering property owners will be footing the bill. Lake Andrew streets are publicly-dedicated roadways, but due to not meeting standards, they were never accepted by Watab Township and therefore never maintained by the local road authority. Lake Andrew residents will be responsible for the cost of improving the streets to bring them to township road standards. The township will accept the roads after work has been initiated. Kruger estimates the proposed improvements could cost $751,000 but is hopeful that figure is worst-case scenario. With that figure, each lot would be assessed about $12,300 on their
property taxes. The first payments would be due in 2022. Property owners must agree to the assessments before the project can move forward. At a meeting following the road tour, township attorney Mike Couri said property owners of each parcel must sign a document waiving their right to appeal a special assessment of up to $15,000. Miller and Weeks are confident the waivers will be returned promptly. Miller said a poll previously conducted by the homeowner’s association determined that residents support a special assessment if that is what it takes to fix the roads. Jarnot has turned over his remaining 10 lots, and an ownership transfer to a limited liability company, established as the holding entity, is awaiting recording of property deed, Miller said. Per a written agreement, proceeds from sales of those lots would be used to defray payments of all
What’s Happening
assessed property owners. If approved, the project will be funded by a township-issued bond. Term length has not yet been decided, but as of June 16, interest rates would be 1.25% for 10 years, 1.5% for 15 years and 1.75% for 20 years, according to Todd Hagen, senior municipal adviser with Ehlers and Associates, Watab’s financial advisory firm. The town board has the final say on the bond, but supervisors said the decision will be made based on input from property owners. Now is an ideal time to bond as interest rates are extremely favorable, Hagen said. Kruger said bids for road projects have also been favorable. Street work could begin as soon as August, Kruger said. If so, an assessment hearing would take place in October or November after bids are received and contractors have a better idea what is needed to correct the issues and bring the streets to quality standards. The project could stretch over two construction seasons. Property owners were assured that bid prices would be locked in over multiple years and not impacted by inflation. Final assessment amounts include interest. Property owners would make payments based on a fixed amortization schedule. Some property owners expressed interest in paying off assessments early and lump sum payments in lieu of installments. Watab supervisors plan to discuss payment options with the Benton County Auditor’s Office. The next step in the process is a public hearing at 7 p.m. July 13 at the Watab Town Hall.
Saturday, June 19, 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. Monday, June 21, through Wednesday, June 23 – Foley Fun Days. Click on “Special Sections” at www.saukrapidsherald.com to learn more. Monday, June 21, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. – CARE Boutique Sale. Cash and carry items for all ages. New items daily. The ROC Center, 141 Fourth Ave., Foley. Monday, June 21, 6 p.m. – Rice City Council Meeting. Rice City Hall, 205 E. Main St., Rice. Monday, June 21, 6:30 p.m. – Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board Meeting. Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, 1835 Osauka Road N.E., Sauk Rapids. Tuesday, June 22, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. – CARE Boutique Sale. Cash and carry items for all ages. New items daily. The ROC Center, 141 Fourth Ave., Foley. Tuesday, June 22, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Tuesday, June 22, 1-3 p.m. – American Red Cross Blood Drive. Catholic Charities Emergency Services, 157 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud. Make an appointment by calling 1-800-733-2767 or visiting redcrossblood. org. Tuesday, June 22, 4-6 p.m. – Rice Area Farmers Market. Sponsored by the Rice Area Women of Today. At the corner of Division Street North and East Main Street, Rice. Tuesday, June 22, 6 p.m. – Overeaters Anonymous. Alano Club, 23805 County Road 2, Cold Spring. For more information, call Joyce at 320-761-2275, Donna at 320-291-7251 or visit oa.org. Wednesday, June 23, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. – CARE Boutique Sale. Cash and carry items for all ages. New items daily. The ROC Center, 141 Fourth Ave., Foley. Wednesday, June 23, 6-7 p.m. – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Thursday, June 24, through Saturday, June 26 – Rapids River Days. See newspaper insert for more information. Tuesday, June 24, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – American Red Cross Blood Drive. St. Cloud Blood Donation Center, 1301 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud. Make an appointment by calling 1-800-733-2767 or visiting redcrossblood.org. Thursday, June 24, 3-6 p.m. – Sauk Rapids Market. Coborn’s parking lot, 110 First St. S., Sauk Rapids. Friday, June 25, 11 a.m. to noon – Living Waters Food Shelf Dispersal. Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1911 Fourth Ave. N., Sauk Rapids. Saturday, June 26, 9 a.m. – Overeaters Anonymous. Whitney Senior Center, 1527 Northway Dr., St. Cloud. For more information, call Joyce at 320-761-2275, Donna at 320-291-7251 or visit oa.org.
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NEWS/ OBITUARIES Edward F. Ribich
Edward F. Ribich, t age 90, died peacefully in his home June 11, 2021. He was born Nov. 20, 1930, to parents Luke A. and Frances L. (Anzelc) Ribich, in Biwabik. Ed joined the U.S. Navy in 1951, and served on the USS Maurice J. Manuel. He married Carol M. (Hawkinson) Ribich of Virginia, Minnesota, in 1951. In the years following, Ed worked as a mechanic at Erie Mining Company while attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth where he received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. While teaching in the Osseo School District, Ed attended St
Edward F. Ribich
Public Schools. Ed married Patricia Rae Murphy in 1988, and the two of them became an inseparable team of global adventurers. Together they nurtured their shared love of history and geography. Edward was predeceased by his wife Carol, his parents and his brother Luke J. Ribich. He is survived by his wife Pat, children Sharon (Tom) Neils, Kay (Kent) Smith, Mike (Joan) Ribich, step children Jim Pavek, Laura (Dave) Witschen,Todd (Christina) Pavek, and Patrice Pavek, 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren,
his brothers Robert (Rosemary) Ribich, Richard (Janet) Ribich, sister-in-law Betty Ribich and many nieces and nephews. A memorial gathering will be at ZiemerMoeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert from noon to 2 p.m. June 24. An interment at Lakeside Cemetery in Biwabik will follow. In lieu of flowers a memorial may be made to the Minnesota Conservation Federation. Go forth, hunt and fish, play your accordion, and adventure on, Dear ManR-24-1P ~
Railroad surgeon for years during which time he and his family had the privilege of riding the train to several conventions. He also served as the Medical Director of the Central Minnesota Detoxification Center and Good Shepherd Lutheran Home. Vern was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, served on the church board, and was one of the founding board members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Home. He was also was a member and past president of the Sauk Rapids Lions, Norwest Bank Board, Sauk Rapids School Board, Sauk Rapids Sportsman Club, Sauk Rapids Park & Rec Board, and Sauk Rapids Civic Club. Vern enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time outdoors. He loved sports and was an excellent
tennis player and bowler. Survivors include his sons and daughters, Dr. Richard (Jill) Neils of Oconomowoc, Wis., Kenneth (Char) Neils of Manhattan, Kansas, Carol (Jon) Copeland of Sauk Rapids, Mary (John) Ederer of Chanhassen and Judith Neils Quick (Thomas) of Des Moines, Iowa; sister, Dolores Rehder of Sauk Rapids; 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Vern was preceded in death by his parents; wife, LuVerne on Nov. 8, 2017; brother, Reinhardt Neils; and sister, Priscella Weber. Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church or Good Shepherd Lutheran Home. Obituary, guest book, video tribute and livestreaming available at www.williamsdingmann. com R-24-1B
Cloud State University and obtained a master’s degree in educational administration. Ed served the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District as an elementary principal before adventuring to Alaska where he served “Our Country is in Mourning, A Soldier Died Today.” as a school administrator in Galena and Metlakatla
Dr. Vernon E. Neils
Visitation was 10 a.m. to noon, followed by lunch and a time of sharing followed by services at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 15, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sauk Rapids for Dr. Vernon E. Neils, age 97, who passed away June 10, 2021, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Sauk Rapids. The Rev. David Hinz and the Rev. Keith Weise will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids. Vernon Emil Neils was born Jan. 13, 1924, in Sauk Rapids to R.G. and Pauline (Arndt) Neils. He married LuVerne Rausch Sept. 14, 1947, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. Vern honorably served our country in the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. Vern was a graduate of the University of Minnesota
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021 | Page 5
Dr. Vernon E. Neils
Medical School in 1948 and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota in 1949. He was a physician in Sauk Rapids-St. Cloud area from 1949-94 as a general practitioner, including obstetrician and surgery. Vern was a St. Cloud Hospital staff member starting in 1949. He was instrumental in starting the rehabilitation unit by serving as a member of Rehab, Alcohol and Chemical Addiction Committees. He was the Burlington Northern
Donald V. Kleinschmidt, Jr.
“Our Country is in Mourning, A Soldier Died Today.”
Donald was born Sept. 5, 1956, in St. Cloud to Donald and Deloris A celebration of (Dushaw) Kleinschmidt, life will be at 10:30 Sr. He married Gail a.m. Saturday, June 19, Reynolds June 2, 1978 and at Williams Dingmann together, they have lived on Family Funeral Home in the Iron Range the last 43 Sauk Rapids for Donald years. Donald was director V. Kleinschmidt, Jr., age of public works for over 30 64, who passed away at St. years. He was a member of Luke’s Hospital in Duluth Ducks Unlimited, Turkey June 8, 2021, after a heroic Federation, and National Donald V. 17-month battle with Rifle Association. Don was Kleinschmidt, Jr. cancer. The Rev. Thomas an avid outdoorsman who Knoblach will officiate. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. to the services Saturday at enjoyed hunting everything including bargains, fishing, Friday and one hour prior the funeral home. traveling and road trips on his Harley. He also enjoyed Personalize your kid’s toys & gifts! ts! cooking, baking, and most importantly, spending time with his family and having happy hour with his friends at the Akeley Muni. Don was a kind-hearted, loving, hardworking man, who was a jack of all trades. He Easy to install and perfect was very proud of his wife, timing for the Holidays! 320-352-6577 6577 children and grandchildren Located in the Sauk Centre Herald Office Give Logan a and will be missed by all 522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue • Sauk Centre, MN 56378 call today!
who knew him. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Gail of Mountain Iron; daughter and son, Melissa (Josh) Spiering of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. and Donald (Kelly) Kleinschmidt III of Duluth; grandchildren, Caden, Liliana, and Boone Spiering, Donald IV, William, and Evander Kleinschmidt; father, Donald Kleinschmidt, Sr. of Sauk Rapids; sisters and brothers, Vickye, Lora, John (Barb), Ron (Diane), Tom (Shirley) and Dave (Cindy); and numerous nieces and nephews that loved their Uncle Butch. Donald was preceded in death by his mother, Deloris; and his grandparents. Obituary, guest book and video tribute available at www. williamsdingmann.comR-24-1B
Commissioners talk American Rescue Plan Act Implements new pay scale BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – With half of the $7.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds already in Benton County’s bank account, county administrator Monty Headley allotted time at the June 15 board meeting to start deliberating on what commissioners might use the money for. While the scope of possible uses for the money is not yet entirely clear, commissioner Scott Johnson said, generally, he is not in favor of spending it on anything that would incur ongoing expense. For example, Johnson said he would not vote to use the money to hire employees because after the ARPA money is expended, the county would then have to levy to retain those employees. Commissioner Jared Gapinski said he agreed. “I want to spend it on projects that move the county forward,” Gapinski said. Even before the board had money available to spend, commissioners were seemingly in agreement that they want to use a portion of the funding for broadband-related infrastructure and buildout. Headley said the county could also use funds to recover lost revenue from years past, especially lost revenue related to the coronavirus pandemic. For example, Headley said, the county could refund itself in the hundreds of thousands of dollars for lost jail inmate revenue – a significant loss during the pandemic. Commissioners have time to make their decisions. They have until Dec. 31, 2024, to earmark funds for approved expenditures and until Dec. 31, 2026, to spend it. Shortly after the board discussed APRA funds, it approved two letters of understanding with the Teamsters Local 320 and Law Enforcement Labor Services labor unions, marking the first agreements with employees under the county’s new classification and compensation system. The Teamsters represent a broad spectrum of workers, and the LELS union represents deputy sheriffs, detectives and court security officers. Headley said he has meetings organized to negotiate with the remaining four unions before every county employee is officially under the new system. In other board news: – Pam Benoit, a Sauk Rapids resident and Minden Township supervisor, took to the open forum portion of the meeting for two reasons: To discuss a hiccup with her property tax payments and, more importantly, to question the residence of the county’s auditor-treasurer, Nadean Inman. Benoit claims Inman does not live in Benton County and therefore is not legally permitted to serve as auditor-treasurer. She said Inman should not have been appointed in the interim nor should she have been allowed on the ballot. Commissioner Ed Popp said the appointment was legal and that Inman pays rent in Benton County, which means she can legally serve as auditor-treasurer. Benoit had already sent a letter to the state auditor’s office, alleging election fraud. In a later phone call, Inman told the Sauk Rapids Herald that she resides in Sauk Rapids and she owns homes in Becker and LaPorte. – Commissioners adopted a five-year road construction improvement program proposal from county engineer Chris Byrd. Now available on the highway department’s website, the program lays out the next five years of road construction projects in the county, though not all of them are fully funded. Some projects in the program, especially those shared between the county and cities, may be moved up or back by a year or two.
Page 6 | SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Xeriscaping Xeriscaping. This gardening term and set of practices may be useful for gardeners at this time considering the heat and diminished rainfall we have been experiencing. XeriGREEN AND scaping comes from GROWING IN BENTON the Greek word for COUNTY dry, “xeros,” and BY LINDA G. TENNESON “scape,” meaning the view. This word and gardening practice was started in Colorado in the 1970s when a severe drought occurred. It involves sound landscape planning and design, limitation of turf or lawn areas, use of water efficient plants, efficient irrigation, soil amendments, use of mulches and appropriate landscape maintenance. Xeriscaping does not mean replacing a lawn with concrete but rather the analyzing of property to use available water in the best possible way. Steep slopes on the south and west sides of a landscape will require more watering because they have more intense sun exposure. If possible, grow plants in areas with eastern or northern sun exposures. Terracing slopes is another way to keep moisture from draining away before it can be absorbed into the soil. Xeriscaping also involves a limited use of turf grasses that require a lot of water, such as Kentucky Bluegrass. Fine fescue grass, which may be allowed to grow taller than bluegrass, will survive droughts. Soil may also need to be amended to be able to absorb water quickly. Sandy soils may drain too quickly, and clay soil particles may be so tightly packed that the water runs off before it can be absorbed. Organic matter added to either type of soil for several years may partially solve these problems. Raised beds filled with a loam soil is another solution. Watering methods are an important factor in xeriscaping. Drip hoses put water near the plant roots and less of it is lost than if water is sprayed through the air. Deep watering once a week is a better practice than a shorter watering several times a week. Less frequent deep watering encourages plant roots to extend deeper into the soil. Deep roots allow a plant to survive and reach moisture that exists at lower soil levels. Mulch placed around plants but not actually touching their stems will keep the soil cooler at the surface and conserve moisture. Organic mulches such as straw, compost, wood chips, bark or even newspaper will help. Plastic placed under mulch is not recommended because it holds moisture at the surface where it is likely to evaporate instead of being absorbed into the soil. Plants that can survive during droughts include daylilies, Karl Foerster feather reed grass, sedums, hostas, shrub roses, asters and daffodils. Daylilies prefer full sun but will grow in partial shade, while sedums do best in shade. Hostas with dark green leaves will only grow in shade, but varieties with lighter green leaves will adapt in sunnier locations. Daffodils produce their blooms early in the spring when there is more soil moisture from snow melting. They naturally die back when drought conditions are more likely to occur. Asters are descendants of plants found in Minnesota prairies with drought adapting characteristics. Native plants may do better in drought conditions but are not essential to establishing a landscape that uses less water. Visit www.slideshare.net/Minnesotanativeplant/the-best-plants-for-30-tough-sitesuniversity-of-minnesota to read and download this book which contains plant lists compiled by the University of Minnesota and proven to grow in a variety of difficult situations including droughts. Linda G. Tenneson is a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener and Tree Care Advisor.
EDITORIAL
Letting go to embrace Every Thursday we jaunt down the hill are to me. to Harvest Church for my son’s guitar lesI have to buckle down. Even if it is dropsons. It’s an easy drive, and even better, I get ping by a note, be it the smallest gesture, it’s to drop off my son and head next door to my better than never making the attempt. friends’ house, Virgil and Sue. We sit and There is prepping for a long trip, the trip chat for about 25 minutes about everything itself, then post trip clean up and catching from their painted pottery to their children up. And, all I want to do is deliver special and grandchildren to their vegetable garden. packages to the people who mean so much But suddenly, I found out my son’s to me to help or show how much I care. guitar teacher is on sabbatical for the next Then, there are the glorious landscapes LIFE BY FAITH four months. Now it’s not so easy to see of Yellowstone. Precious time with fammy friends because our schedule has shift- BY MERCY NYGAARD ily, beauty beyond words to see, sounds to ed from our regular routine. If there is one hear that are unfamiliar to our routine, and thing I wish I could get better at it would be a sched- memories to treasure and thank our generous God for. ule. Routines make schedules easier, but we’re about Exploring his creation with dear people is a blessing to throw a wrench in our routine that I already have and a privilege. Not something to complain about or difficulty keeping. anticipate with drudgery. Whatever is in front of me Our family is planning a trip to Yellowstone Na- at the moment – the steering wheel, the small child’s tional Park soon. Packing for camping around Minne- hungry face, the older child’s desire to play a game, sota for one weekend is an undertaking for the eight my excited husband with great leadership skills – may of us let alone a long drive and a national park for 10 I take it in fully and be willing to serve where the Lord days. The kids have been excited for the Yellowstone points me. May I hold those who are hurting and far trip for so long, but I’m growing weary the closer it away and our loved ones not with us in my mind and in gets. I’m fonder of my garden, tending to it throughout my prayers. May I lay my worries of the garden down the day, every day. We collect eggs from the chickens, and pick up the wonders of our creator’s hand. And, and we water our newly-planted trees daily too. It’s may I have wonderful stories to come back and share kind of hard for me to be excited about leaving this with Virgil and Sue. place during Minnesota’s best weather days. Maybe our trip will give me the creativity I need to My heart is also heavy for the hurting. There are come up with a schedule I can stick to. so many hurting people I care about with health diMaybe I’ll throw the schedule to the wind and let agnoses: one sudden stroke, one sick while serving the Lord line up my priorities where he needs them. overseas, one with symptoms and no answers – the list Yeah, I like that idea better. goes on. There are people I want to serve, and there Here’s to letting go and embracing what is right in are graduates I want to show them how special they front of us.
Efforts to squash Becker gas plant must be stopped
As other states experience major energy grid could be downright catastrophic issues, Minnesota House Democrats and during one of our state’s infamous cold environmental extremists are looking to unsnaps in the dark of winter. dermine our state’s ability to produce affordThe economic hit to our area also able, reliable energy on a stable grid. would be significant if the gas plant in Specifically, they are looking to repeal Becker is squashed, eliminating our best a 2017 law that was enacted to replace coal chance to make up for jobs and economplants being shuttered in Becker with a natuic losses caused by our coal-fired units ral gas-fired power plant on the same Sherco being forced to close. Xcel accounts for property. This legislation passed the Legislaapproximately 75% of the Becker tax STRAIGHT FROM ture with bipartisan support as a stand-alone base, and failing to replace coal plants at THE CAPITOL bill to make up for lost coal energy by proSherco with a gas plant would be devasSHANE MEKELAND viding Minnesotans with more reliable, af- BY REP. tating for local taxpayers. MN HOUSE 15B fordable energy via natural gas in Becker. Nothing has changed in the four The bill which became law was authored years since that good bill to construct a by former Rep. Jim Newberger (my District 15B prede- gas plant in Becker passed on its own merits, again, with cessor) and Sen. Andrew Mathews. It was signed into bipartisan support. Yet the left now wants to kill this law by a Democrat governor, Mark Dayton. project and limit our energy options. House Democrats Now, due to opposition from extreme environmen- recently passed an omnibus bill which repeals the 2017 talists, we understand Xcel Energy is considering al- Becker gas plant statute. I offered an amendment to preternatives to the commitment that was made to Becker. serve the project, but House Democrats voted against it. If House Democrats and the activists get their way, we While this is concerning, I remain passionate about may never realize the benefits of this gas plant, which is seeing this project to the finish line and appreciate the crucial to our grid’s stability, providing baseload support work Sen. Mathews is doing in a conference committee to protect Minnesota from energy shortages other states to help stop House Democrats from rescinding the gas have experienced. plant from law. Legislative options are under considerOn any given day, roughly 80% of our state’s en- ation for now and into the future to ensure access to a ergy comes from coal, nuclear and natural gas. We are reliable, affordable energy grid in Minnesota. struggling to meet demand and cannot afford to shutter As I continue working on the legislative side of this coal plants without compensating with more natural gas issue, I encourage people to reach out to Xcel Energy baseload capacity. and area Democrat legislators to let them know where In fact, during our recent heatwave, the regional they stand on this issue. It would be nice to see other grid operator for Minnesota and 14 other states issued nearby legislators recognize the importance of this plant a Maximum Generation Emergency Warning due to in our region and help us push back against the liberal, unplanned power outages, higher-than-normal tempera- metro-centric agenda that is being pushed on Greater tures and higher-than-expected electricity demand. This Minnesota. So far, that has not happened. Public input alert to power plant operators indicated the supply of also can be provided to the Minnesota Public Utilities electricity on the grid was getting short, and they needed Commission on this issue (Docket 19-368) by visiting all units on standby, ready to produce electricity when mn.gov/puc/consumers/speak-up/. called upon. Our energy plan should be an all-of-the-above apIn other words, we already are flirting with disaster proach to provide Minnesotans with affordable, reliable and cannot afford to make ourselves more vulnerable to energy on a stable grid. The Becker gas plant would help energy shortages by reneging on the Becker gas plant. in that regard, and I will keep fighting to make it happen. While serious damage has been caused by mass power outages in states with more moderate weather, a failing
PUBLIC NOTICES BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 1, 2021 The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on June 1, 2021 in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN with Commissioners Beth Schlangen, Ed Popp, Scott Johnson, Jared Gapinski and Steve Heinen present. Call to order by Chair Popp was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. County Administrator Montgomery Headley requested to add the discussion of County Engineer Chris Byrd’s CR 55 construction project right-of-way (ROW) issue and to get direction from the County Board on how to proceed. Headley would like to add this item before Byrd’s Annual Report at 9:30 AM. Motion by Johnson and seconded by Gapinski to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried unanimously. Present to speak under Open Forum: Benton Economic Partnership Director Amanda Othoudt introduced the new Intern for Benton Economic Partnership Michelo Muleya to the County Board. Schlangen requested that Consent Agenda item # 6 be “pulled” for further discussion. Also pulled from the Consent Agenda was item # 10 by Sheriff Troy Heck. Motion by Heinen, seconded by Johnson to approve the remaining Consent Agenda: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 18, 2021 as written; 2) accept and file Management Team Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2021 as written; 3) accept and file the Management Team Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2021 as written; 4) approve the application for County Combination On-Sale, Off Sale & Sunday Sale Liquor License and authorize the Chair to sign; 5) approve SCORE Grant applications round II; 7) approve agreement with ArcaSearch for use of the E-Commerce portal for historical document viewing and retrieval by outside users for a fee and authorize the Chair to sign; 8) approve the 2021 Boat and Water Safety Grant and authorize the Chair to sign; 9) approve the T-CPR agreement with North Memorial and authorize the Chair to sign. Motion carried unanimously. Regarding Consent Agenda item # 6 (approve the Minor Final Plat entitled “The Cove 5th Addition” submitted by John Herold) Schlangen asked for clarification of the borders of the lots. Department of Development (DoD) Director Roxanne Achman stated that the property boundaries are correct but that in the aerial photo the property lines may not appear correct because the photos are taken from an angle. Motion by Schlangen, seconded by Gapinski to approve Consent Agenda # 6 to approve the Minor Final Plat entitled “The Cove 5th Addition” submitted by John Herold. Motion carried unanimously. Regarding Consent Agenda item # 10 (approve contract amendment to MN DOC Work Release Contract) Heck stated that this contract was already approved during the Regular Board Meeting on May 18, 2021. Motion by Gapinski, seconded by Heinen to remove from the agenda Consent Agenda item # 10 to approve a contract amendment to the MN DOC Work Release Contract. Motion carried unanimously. Next, Headley asked the County Board to consider the 2022 Budget Development Calendar and Budget Development Guidelines. Headley noted the highlights of the budget calendar which include presentations the week of August 9th, proposed budget and levy adoption on September 28th, a Truth in Taxation Hearing on December 14th and final budget and levy adoption on December 28th. Motion by Heinen and seconded by Johnson to approve the 2022 Budget Development Calendar and Budget Development Guidelines. Motion carried unanimously. Then, Headley discussed the future of the University of Minnesota Extension Office support staff position with the County Board. The retirement of the Extension support staff person provides an opportunity to examine the organizational model for providing support to the Extension Educators and Extension programs. After discussion with the Extension Regional Director and the County’s HR Director, Headley recommends making the Extension support staff position a University of Minnesota Extension contracted position reporting to the Regional Extension Office. The cost would be added to the County’s contract with the University for Extension programming. The estimated cost is $59,717 (versus the currently budgeted cost of $80,092). This topic will be discussed at the next Extension Committee meeting. Then, Headley asked the County Board to consider approving the New David Drown and Associates (DDA) recommended Classification and Compensation System. This requested item has two parts: 1) the new pay table with DDA’s recommended pay grades, job titles and new min/max hourly pay and 2) a promotional policy for the “Senior” classifications included in DDA’s recommendations. Upon County Board approval of the new Classification and Compensation System, the County’s Negotiating Committee will begin meeting with our Bargaining Units to discuss implementation. Actual implementation will occur once the parties have signed Letters of Understanding on an implementation plan. Motion by Gapinski and seconded by Heinen to approve the new DDA recommended Classification and Compensation System. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Heinen and seconded by Johnson to approve the promotional policy for the “Senior” classifications included in DDA’s recommendations. Motion carried unanimously. Next, Land Services Director Michael Harvey provided the County Board with an update on E-Recording, Recording, and Local Boards of Appeal for informational
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021 | Page 11
purposes. No action was requested. The Regular County Board Meeting was recessed at 9:45 AM to conduct a Human Services Board Meeting. The Regular Board meeting reconvened at 9:48 AM. Next, Public Works Director Chris Byrd discussed the CR 55 construction project regarding a ROW issue. The City of Rice was responsible for acquiring the additional highway easement necessary to facilitate the construction of CR 55 with wider shoulders. The City was only responsible for acquiring the ROW within the city limits and to acquire the additional road easement to be in Benton County’s name. After receiving a copy of the easement documents, Byrd found that they were written to be a Trail Easement and not a Highway Easement. Also, the easement was placed in the City’s name and not the County’s name. Byrd stated our Contractor is ready to start work, but we don’t have the necessary ROW to proceed. Byrd stated that the documents have not been recorded and we have the proper Easements up to the city limits of Rice, and that those documents have been recorded. City of Rice Clerk Julie Fandel does not believe that any of the easements from the City of Rice have been filed but will double check with their attorney. Fandel believes that there would be a consensus with the City of Rice to change the easement back to a Highway Easement and to put it in the County’s name. The City of Rice still needs to have a meeting to discuss this, and if the Council approves, they can start. Fandel stated the City of Rice is working to rectify the issue of changing the Easement to say Highway Easement instead of Trail Easement and to change the Easement back into the County’s name. Consensus by the County Board to have Byrd meet with the Contractor to explain what happened and to see if the Contractor can start the project outside of city limits and to provide updates to the County Board. Then, Byrd asked the County Board to adopt a Resolution to award a construction contract for tied projects SP 005-070-008 & SP 049-070-031. These tied projects are the installation of permanent pavement markings on recent reconstruction of County Road 78. Three sealed bids were received, and AAA Striping Service was the lowest responsible bidder at $37,886.50. Byrd recommends the County Board to award the construction contract to AAA Striping Service. Motion by Johnson and seconded by Gapinski to approve the contract as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Next, Byrd provided the 2020 Annual Report of the activities and expenditures of the Department of Public Works and Highway for informational purposes. No action required. Next, Board members reported on Commissioner updates and recent meetings they attended on behalf of the County. Under Commissioner Concerns, Heinen wanted to discuss parking along CSAH 3 (Golden Spike Road) during events at the raceway. Heinen stated parking along the side of the road on CSAH 3 is a safety issue when the speed limit is 55 miles per hour in that area. Currently the Sauk Rapids/Minden Township Joint Planning Board has approved three special event permits and they proposed “No Parking” signs to be placed on the road. Sheriff Troy Heck stated the Sheriff’s Office has placed temporary “No Parking” signs on the North side of the road and will continue doing so on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the raceway operators. Heinen got clarification from Headley and Assistant County Attorney Michelle Meyer regarding any liability that the County may be held accountable for. Meyer stated that since we are not creating the hazard, we should not be held liable for any injury or damages. Heinen stated that if any accidents occur as a result of this parking he would pursue a permanent solution, such as no-parking on both sides of CSAH 3. There were no new Committee of the Whole meetings to be added to our Committee of the Whole calendar. Meeting adjourned at 11:04 AM. Edward D. Popp, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-24-1B
Notice of Public Hearing The Benton County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on July 6, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. in the Benton County Boardroom, 531 Dewey Street, Foley, for the purpose of taking public testimony on possible changes to the Benton County fee schedule. The County proposes changes to fees for copies of recorded documents and new fees for online access to historical documents. All persons interested may appear and be heard at the time and place set forth above. Individuals unable to attend the public hearing can make written comment by writing to the Benton County Administrator, Benton County Courthouse, 531 Dewey Street, Box 129, Foley, Minnesota 56329. Written comments must be received prior to the public hearing. A copy of the current fee schedule and proposed changes can be obtained from the Benton County website (www. co.benton.mn.us) or by calling the Benton County Administrator’s Office at 968- 5000. R-24-1B
REGULAR MEETING SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL SAUK RAPIDS GOVERNMENT CENTER, 250 Summit Ave N. Monday, May 24, 2021 6:00PM MINUTES 1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Kurt Hunstiger called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Members present: Nick Sauer, Ellen Thronson, and Dottie Seamans. Members absent: Jason Ellering. 2. Additions or Changes to the Agenda NONE 3. Approve the Agenda Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the Agenda. Motion carried unanimously. 4. Approve Minutes A. 05-10-2021 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the 05-10-2021 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously. 5. Receive and File NONE 6. Mayor’s Communications • City Park Tour—Mayor Hunstiger noted that the City Council took a tour of the Southside/Lions Park project prior to tonight’s meeting. He stated that the parks are looking great. Mayor Hunstiger thanked Councilpersons Sauer and Thronson as well as City staff for all of their work in planning and preparing for the park project. • Governor’s Executive Order—Mayor Hunstiger stated that all throughout the pandemic, the City of Sauk Rapids has followed the Governor’s Executive Orders, which is why masks are no longer required in City-owned buildings. Mayor Hunstiger said that while things are slowly returning to normal, he wanted to encourage everyone to continue to support local businesses as much as possible. 7. Audience Items/Visitors Total Time Limit 2 Minutes for Items NOT on the Agenda NONE 8. Public Hearings NONE 9. Consent Agenda A. Approve Purchase of Guardian Tracking as Performance/ Training Tracking Software B. Approve Personnel Policy Updates C. Approve Equipment Purchase for Employee Workout Room D. Approve Purchase of Lions Park Playground Equipment E. Approve and Authorize Addendum to Annual On-Sale Liquor License for Old Capital Tavern’s June 13th DB Curtis Fundraiser Event F. Approve and Adopt Resolution Approving Temporary OnSale Liquor License and Temporary On-Sale 3.2 Beer License for the Benton County Agricultural Society Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Sauer to approve consent agenda items 9A-9F. Motion carried unanimously. 10. Regular Agenda A. 2020 Audited Financial Statement Presentation Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Sauer to accept and approve the 2020 audited financial statements as presented. Motion carried unanimously. B. Ordinance Regulating Sump Pump Discharge Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the Ordinance Regulating Sump Pump Discharge. Motion carried unanimously. C. Lions Park Open Air Shelters Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Sauer to accept the bid from Kevin Renslow and to move forward with rehabbing the Lions Park shelters. Motion carried unanimously. D. Park Redevelopment Project Naming Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the Committee’s recommendations for the park project naming. Motion carried unanimously. 11. Other Staff Items A. Rock the Riverside Food Truck Application and Agreement-Ross Olson noted that he has been working with Legal and the Park Committee to draft a Rock the Riverside Food Truck Application and Agreement, which was included with the meeting materials. Olson stated that applications for those wanting to participate in the Rock the Riverside Music Nights are due on June 9th. For each date that a vendor is selected, they pay $100 within two weeks of notification of successful application. The City of Willmar helped provide guidance as they run successful music events throughout the summer, which include food trucks. The Council agreed by consensus to move forward with the food truck plan for Rock the Riverside Music Nights. 12. Other Council Items and Communications NONE 13. Approve List of Bills and Claims Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the List of Bills and Claims. Motion carried unanimously. 14. Adjournment Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Sauer to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Hunstiger adjourned the meeting at 6:53 p.m. R24-1B
SPORTS
Page 14 | SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Senior long-jumper Vikings bolster narrowly misses state berth defensive line BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER
Tayton Philavanh nearly leaped his way into the Minnesota State High School League Class AA State Track and Field Meet. The Sauk RapidsRice senior improved his personal-best effort in the long jump by a huge margin, jumping 20 feet, 11 inches to place third in the Section 8AA Championships June 12 at Fergus Falls.
The jump earned him third place in the event, narrowly missing the state meet June 17-19 at St. Michael-Albertville High School. The top two finishers in each event advanced to state. Philavanh placed fifth in the preliminaries with a jump of 19-11 1/2 before improving his finals jump by almost a foot. He also placed fifth in the Central Lakes Conference meet June 2 with a jump of 20-2 1/4.
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Vikings fans received exciting news this week when star defensive end Danielle Hunter reported to minicamp, and veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson agreed to terms on a one-year contract. Minnesota’s defensive line was by far COLUMNIST the weakest position group SPORTS BY ANDY THAYER on a disappointing team last season, somehow managing to be weak against the run while concurrently generating almost no pass rush. Things should be dramatically different this year with Hunter and Richardson back in the fold. First and foremost, let’s not forget that Hunter is a game-changing pass rusher. Opposing offenses need to always be aware of his presence, and he will immediately bring credibility to the team’s front four. He posted 14.5 sacks in each of his last two seasons and became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 50 sacks. Hunter sat out last season with a herniated disk in his neck that required surgery, but if he’s healthy, he’s on the short list of best defensive ends in the entire league. Hunter has been openly disgruntled with his contract, which pays him $14.4 million per year and is the 13th-highest annual salary for a defensive end in the league. When healthy, he clearly deserves more money than that, and it’s easy to understand why Hunter was willing to hold out for more money. However, it was going to be difficult for the Vikings to give Hunter a substantial raise sight unseen after Hunter just missed a full season with a significant injury. Instead, the Vikings transferred $5.6 million of Hunter’s 2021 salary into a signing bonus, which gives him more money up front and gives the team an opportunity to assess his health and performance this year before hopefully signing him to a lucrative extension. The Vikings will need to make a decision on Hunter’s future by the fifth day of the 2022 league year by either signing him to an extension, picking up an $18 million roster bonus or releasing him. Richardson is a versatile veteran defensive tackle who previously played with the Vikings in 2018. He was released by the Browns in April in a move that created $11 million in cap space for Cleveland, and he’s excited to return to Minnesota where he’s already familiar with head coach Mike Zimmer and defensive line coach Andre Patterson. Richardson will combine with Michael Pierce, who sat out last season with COVID-19 concerns, and Dalvin Tomlinson, a free agent signee this offseason, to give the Vikings a new look on the interior of their massively improved defensive line. Last season, the Vikings ranked 27th in rushing yards allowed per game and 25th in passing yards allowed per game, and the primary root cause of that defensive ineptitude was poor play along the line. The Vikings are now adding four veteran players to that mix – Hunter, Richardson, Pierce and Tomlinson – who all have Pro Bowl upside. If the team can keep those guys healthy and get consistent play from their secondary, this defense could return to elite status almost immediately. There is reason for optimism among Vikings fans with training camp and preseason games around the corner. The team’s offense ranked fourth in the NFL in yards per game last season, and if the defense can return to the level of performance typically associated with a Zimmer squad, it’s not hard to envision a path back to the playoffs for a team that will be playing a third-place schedule.
In other results from the section finals, junior Carter Loesch placed fourth in the 110-meter hurdles in 15.67 seconds and also placed eighth in the 300 hurdles in 43.30. Loesch was .71 seconds away from qualifying for state. The Storm’s 1,600
relay of Loesch, Jack O’Brien, Jared Bentrud and Cole Gauerke placed seventh in 3:44.78. Senior Justus Floren was the lone Storm athlete to qualify for the state meet. She competes in the long jump June 19 at St. Michael-Albertville in St. Michael.
M R M t a t
SPORTS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021 | Page 15
Storm falls but not without a fight PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON
Members of the Sauk Rapids-Rice baseball team – Caleb Neeser, Evan Mader, Ben Rothstein, Rylan Robinson, Owen Arndt, Dane Dingmann, Conner Hemker and Terrence Moody – watch their neighbor and rival Sartell-St. Stephen before taking the field in the Minnesota State High School League Class AAA State Baseball Tournament June 15 at the Mini Met in Jordan. The Storm were held to four hits in their 2-0 quarterfinal loss to the Mahtomedi Zephyrs.
First state appearance in 32 years ends after 2-0 loss BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER
The game itself lasted 1 hour, 38 minutes. Memories of the state tournament experience for the Sauk Rapids-Rice baseball team, however, are likely to last longer – if not forever. The program made their second appearance in school history and first since 1989 when they faced Mahtomedi in the Minnesota State High School League Class AAA State Baseball Tournament quarterfinals June 15 at the Mini Met in Jordan. While the game ended in a 2-0 loss before a large crowd on a sunsplashed evening, the Storm proved more than worthy of their state trip after a regular season that had more downs than ups. “It was a dream come true playing in front of all these fans in this great
ballpark,” said Landon Lunser, a senior pitcher who scattered seven hits and struck out five in taking the tough-luck loss. “It was something I’ve wanted to do since I was a young kid. Not many teams get to do this and we did. It was great to be here.” The Storm (10-13) rattled off four straight wins in the Section 5AAA tournament as a No. 5 seed in what was widely thought to be a wide-open affair. They understood the level of competition would improve dramatically at this level, which ultimately was the case. Mahtomedi advanced to the championship with a 7-0 victory over Sartell June 16. “This was definitely the type of game we
wanted,” said Jeff Hille, Storm baseball head coach. “We wanted a pitcher’s duel and lowscoring game. We made a couple base-running blunders and needed a little better execution. I feel like we needed to make a little action happen on the bases and we were never able to do that. We just didn’t find a way to strike at the end.” Mahtomedi won the state championship in 2018 and was making its sixth state appearance in the past seven tournaments. The Zephyrs featured a dominating left-handed pitcher in senior Luke Laughlin, who proved tough as advertised. Laughlin kept the Storm off-balance for the duration with an effective fastball while picking his spots to use a curveball. He gave up four singles, striking out nine while never allowing a SRR baserunner past second base. “Anytime you see a
Sauk Rapids-Rice senior catcher Matt Krepp starts to chase Mahtomedi’s Perry Johnson down the third base line in a rundown during the Minnesota State High School League Class AAA State Baseball Tournament June 15 at the Mini Met in Jordan. Krepp teamed with his fellow infielder to tag the runner out, but the Zephyrs went on to a 2-0 victory.
lefty with velocity and some movement on his pitches, it’s going to be tough on your guys,” senior catcher Matt Krepp said. “He was able to execute his pitches, and we had a tough time getting good swings off of him.” Senior Andrew Wollak accounted for half of his team’s hits, while Terrence Moody and Connor Hemker had the others. The Storm strung together some solid at-
bats, forcing several full counts but could not get the key hit. “Their guy was throwing hard,” Wollak said. “His pitches were sinking, he was working quickly, and he was throwing breaking balls for strikes. If you throw strikes in high school baseball, you’re going to be successful. Landon
threw a heck of a game for us. It’s tough when it ends, but we got one of our goals in getting to the state tournament.” The Zephyrs managed a run in the bottom of the first when leadoff hitter Ethan Loss was hit by Lunser’s first pitch of the game. Baseball page 16
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Sauk Rapids-Rice senior second baseman Connor Hemker stares into the distance after the 2-0 Storm loss to thirdseeded Mahtomedi in the quarterfinals of the state baseball tournament June 15 in Jordan. Hemker had one of four hits for the Storm, who earned the right to play at state by winning the Section 5AAA title June 10 at Joe Faber Field in St. Cloud.
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Although the top of the wheat in Mark Czech’s field looks green and healthy as of June 16, Czech said the crop normally would be a foot higher at this point in the growing season. Czech said he will likely lose between 20%-30% of his wheat yield this year.
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Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, June 19, 2021
Herds with lowest somatic cell count recognized ST. PAUL – The annual list of top Minnesota dairy herds with low somatic cell counts has been released. SCC is a key indicator of milk quality – a lower SCC count is better for cheese production and a longer shelf life for milk. In honor of June Dairy Month, 96 Minnesota dairy farms are being recognized for superior herd management skills by achieving an average SCC of under 100,000. “I’m honored to be able to recognize these 96 dairies for their high level of excellence,” said Commissioner Thom Petersen, of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. “These dairy farmers work hard 365 days a year to produce high-quality, wholesome dairy products for all of us to enjoy, and I thank them for their contributions to feed Minnesota and the world.” Although somatic cells occur naturally and are not a food safety concern, dairy farmers monitor them because they can be used as a measure of the health of their cows. Processors also pay a premium for milk with low counts.
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SCC page 2B
Farmers in battle
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“The biggest thing is it’s hot, dry, and we need water. That’s it, and we don’t have to worry as much.”
BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – Whether the weather is too dry, too wet, too cold or too warm, as Mark Czech of Czech’s Roadside Acres in Gilman said, “It’s always something.” This year, farmers in Benton County are experiencing drought-like conditions they fear will negatively impact crop yields. A minor portion of northwest Benton County is in a moderate drought, according to information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The rest of the county is considered abnormally dry. In the month of May, the county experienced 1.42 inches less rain than in a normal year – a historically dry month. “The biggest concern I have right now is that we’re not getting any water,” said Nathan Drewitz, University of Minnesota Extension Educator for crops in Benton, Stearns and Morrison counties. … “If we don’t get water here soon, we might run into some issues with
– Nathan Drewitz,
University of Minnesota Extension Educator
PHOTOS BY JAKOB KOUNKEL
Standing in a field of wheat, Mark Czech assesses a field a few miles away from his farm June 16 in Gilman. Czech said his wheat crop is his main concern.
yield hits.” There are a multitude of reasons why dry weather can negatively impact crop yields other than plant hydration, Drewitz said, like the fact that drought-resistant weeds thrive under dry conditions. Additionally, without rain, chemicals and fertilizers are not absorbed
properly into the soil. “I worry about our weed control working properly,” Czech said. “One thing I did notice this spring is my nitrogen did not get rained into the soil. I saw corn that looked nitrogen deficient and it shouldn’t have been.” Workers on Czech’s farm
are broadcasting nitrogen in the meantime, giving the farm a 10-day window until the area, hopefully, receives rain. “Herbicides need to be activated and worked into the soil to work,” Drewitz said. Dry weather page 2B
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Page 2B | SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021| SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Dry weather
“It was probably the nicest planting season we’ve ever had,” Czech said. “From start to finish, we basically had no rain delays with corn or beans. … But right now, my wheat and alfalfa are suffering the worst for the same reason – no rain.” Corn and soybean seem to have the ability to extract moisture from deeper in the ground, Czech said, whereas wheat and alfalfa are more surface level, though he is surprised that his alfalfa looks to be in good condition. “The wheat is heading out right now, and it needs rain like, this week, otherwise we’re going to be going backward pretty quickly,” Czech said.
Jon Henry, a Foley area farmer who planted about 500 acres of corn from page 1B and soybean this season, agreed that the area needs rain soon. “To get residuals to work “The corn is showproperly, they need to be ing signs of drought right rained on to work them now,” Henry said. “It’s into the soil where seeds starting to curl.” are germinating. If we Like Czech, Henry don’t get rain, it sits on depends on rainfall rather top of the soil.” than an irrigation system Czech, who does not because, normally, the utilize an irrigation syschallenge is getting too tem, said he relies on much moisture, not too Mother Nature to water little. his fields. At this point in Henry has not been the season, his main conable to fertilize his apcern is his wheat crop. He proximately 215 acres of said he will likely lose corn yet this season be20%-30% of his wheat cause of the drought-like yield due to the recent PHOTO BY JAKOB KOUNKEL conditions. The fertilizer Mark Czech looks to the clear blue sky June 16 at Czech’s Roadside Acres in Gilman. A weather conditions. If the dairy and crop producer, Czech is hoping for rain. he uses requires water. absence of precipitation “Right now, the corn persists, so will his loss is in much more dire need of rain than soybean be- ful alfalfa or wheat yields, sources. percentage. Czech, Henry and cause of the amount of which Czech grows mostDrewitz will keep a close water the corn is taking ly to feed his herd. and the root structure,” Czech is unsure he eye on the forecast for the Henry said. would be able to buy next week, hoping dry Henry also said he is everything he needs for weather challenges come lucky he does not have cattle, noting that corn, to a close. After all, they livestock to care for. soybean and hay prices said, all they need is some Czech, however, is a dairy are higher than usual. On rain. “The biggest thing is farmer. top of that, prices will Not only does the dry, become more competi- it’s hot, dry, and we need hot weather leave less wa- tive as more farmers find water,” Drewitz said. June Dairy ter available for his cows themselves going through “That’s it, and we don’t Month to drink, but it also means every avenue they can to have to worry as much.” to all the area dairy farmers and their families Specials on there will not be as plenti- purchase remaining refor their dedication to the dairy industry!
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When the initiative began in 2003, the 100 herds honored that year included those with SCC averages as high as 144,000, compared to the current goal of obtaining a SCC under 100,000. The SCC list of Minnesota dairy farms is online at www.mda.state.mn.us/ lowscc. Producers on the list in the Benton Ag Plus coverage area are listed below. Read more about managing SCC on pages 6B and 7B. Morrison County – Enchanted Dairy – Pike Hills Dairy LLC – Chad Waltman – Shawn and Sarah Winscher – Dennis and Wayne Wolters
Benton County – Ackerman Farms – Denn-Mar Farm LLC – Kent Happke – Brandon and Jill Marshik – Mitchell Mehrwerth Stearns County – Robert and Ann Cremers – Steve and Lori Dockendorf – Edgar Martin – Gregory Dairy LLC – High Point Dairy-Joe and Kim Engelmeyer – Knisley Dairy Inc. – Kuechle Dairy LLC – Jacob Mehr – Paul Mehr – Cory and Jenna Middendorf – Jeff Middendorf – Travis and Angela Scherping – Ryan Talberg – Jeremy and Amanda Wentland
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Page 6B | SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021| SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
June is...
DAIRY MONTH WE SALUTE AMERICA’S DAIRY FARMERS
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Happke Holsteins es e spons ored by th
Family’s keen herd management keeps cows healthy BY JENNIFER COYNE | STAFF WRITER
PIERZ – Kent Happke knows the value of a healthy herd. “The cows are healthier, and when they’re healthier, they give more milk,” said Happke of the importance of maintaining superior milk quality. Happke and his family milk 100 cows in Morrison County near Pierz. The family was recently recognized by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for sustaining a somatic cell count below 100,000 in 2020 with an average SCC of 66,000. “Being on the list is not at the top of my list, but it’s still nice,” Happke said. “It means we’re doing something right.” In milk production, SCC is a key indicator of milk quality. Although somatic cells occur naturally
and are not a concern for food safety, a lower SCC is better for cheese production and the shelf life of fluid milk. Dairy farmers also use SCC to monitor the health of their herd. “We started monitoring it 20 years ago when our co-op paid big premiums for a low SCC,” Happke said. “Now, the premium is much smaller, but SCC is still something we manage for.” The Happkes credit three herd management tactics that keep their cows healthy and SCC well below the 100,000 threshold – dry cow treatments, fresh cow care and a consistent milking routine. “It all begins with a good dry cow treatment,” Happke said. In the months leading up to a cow calving, the Happkes transition the animal from the lactation herd to the dry cow group. With this transition, each cow receives an internal teat sealant which protects the
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Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021 | Page 1C
18th Annual
June 24-26, 2021 Thursday PAGEANT Miss Sauk Rapids Pageant 7 p.m. Love of Christ Church 1971 Pine Cone Road S., St. Cloud Friday PARADE Rapids River Days Parade 6 p.m. Sixth Avenue Saturday 5K/1K WALK/RUN Tanner’s Team Foundation 1K at 8:30 a.m.; 5K at 9 a.m. 2-mile walk at 9 a.m. Bob Cross Park Saturday FOOD FEST Rapids River Food Fest 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Municipal Park Featuring 3 live bands on stage: Aaron Clafton – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gregory James - 1:30-4 p.m. Honey Badgers - 4:30-7:30 p.m.
A SUPPLEMENT TO THE
Farewell to 2019-20, 2020-21 M Morgan Thompson, Anna Lucas and Kaeleigh Rainer
Page 2C | Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021
55 years later
Ehresmann recalls reign as Sauk Rapids’ first princess BY NATASHA BARBER |STAFF WRITER
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Sandy Ehresmann, of Albany, stands in Southside Park in Sauk Rapids June 15. Ehresmann was the first Sauk Rapids Indian Day Princess and represented Sauk Rapids from August 1965 to August 1966.
Next week, crowds of people will gather in Sauk Rapids as the community celebrates Rapids River Days. The three-day event will feature a walk/run, food festival and pageant – all of which have their own historical timelines. But, the idea of municipal festivities is nothing new. Sandy Ehresmann, formerly Sandy Skeate, recalled her reign as the first Sauk Rapids Indian Day Princess at the newspaper office June 15. “It was a very special time in my life,” said Ehresmann, the daughter of Eldon and Anna and sibling to Sharon, Gary, DeBorah, Brenda, Kevin and Todd. According to the Benton County Historical Society, the Sauk Rapids Chamber of Commerce began planning for a community-wide festival in 1964. “I know that Sauk Rapids had been talking about doing a community celebration for a long time because all the small communities around us had celebrations,” Ehresmann said. That event came together Aug. 14, 1965, drawing upon a common theme. Sauk Rapids Indian Day evolved as a way to celebrate the city’s heritage and how trade between Native Americans and European settlers played an important role in establishing the village. The Sauk Rapids School District had claimed the Indians as its mascot more than 25 years prior and both the chamber and city had embraced the identity through other events and logos. “We had an Indian face as a logo on sweatshirts and on team apparel, but there was never disrespect,” Sandy said. … “It makes me so sad that Sauk Rapids has lost that part of their heritage and through no fault of their own.” The event – which continued consecutively through at least 1980 before slowly returning in the late ‘80s – featured signature attractions such as buffalo burgers, pony rides, a street dance and other entertainment. Organizers landed on selecting a Sauk Rapids Indian Day Princess to fit with the theme. “We were very excited,” Ehresmann said. “It was our own community celebration. We had pride that that was going to happen.” Ehresmann does not recall how many young women were sponsored by businesses to vie for the title of Sauk Rapids Indian Princess, but she estimates there were at least a dozen.
Ehresmann page 3C
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Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021 | Page 3C
Ehresmann from page 2C
“Dad was a Sauk Rapids business owner, and he knew that they had all been asked to sponsor a candidate,” said Ehresmann, whose father owned Skeate Fuel Company. “He opted not to, so I was very grateful to the American Legion who afforded me the opportunity.” Ehresmann had finished her first year at St. Cloud State College where she was studying to become an English teacher with ya music minor. Her dconnections to the Legion were in part because as a junior at Sauk Rapids High kSchool, Ehresmann had been chosen by the Sauk nRapids Legion Auxiliary Unit 254 to represent the rschool at Minnesota Girls State, a program that teaches about ngovernment and citizenship. She ”also knew some of the Legion members through her dad’s membership at the post. “I didn’t go looking for anything; dthey came to me,” Ehresmann said. “It twas an honor to have a business think ethat you were someone they would want drepresenting the city.” In addition to Minnesota Girls State, eEhresmann had been involved during her ttime at Sauk Rapids High School as a member of the class of 1964. She was in the yacademic top 10, a member of the National ,Honor Society, wrote for the school paper, aparticipated in band, choir and drama, and had roles as both a flag twirler and head ymajorette in the marching band. Rather than a pageant, the candidates yfor princess were escorted to a dinner eparty in which they stood and presented information about themselves in front of a panel. Then, they waited. “Dad had come home the afternoon of the coronation and said there had been talk; speculation by the business owners of who would be crowned,” Ehresmann said. “He named three girls, and I thought, ‘OK, they’ve narrowed it down.’ I wasn’t one of them, so I was really, really surprised (when I was picked). And then of course, I stood there thinking, ‘Why me?’ The only reason I could think of is I was the only gal going to college at that time.” Ehresmann was taken aback by her selection but embraced the role. A red and white costume was made for her by her mother’s friend, Mrs. James Lance Sr. “I guess I took it to the hilt,” Ehresmann said. “I made the head band, and Mabel Coborn found the red feather.” Ehresmann said Dan and Mabel Coborn chaperoned her at many parades. During her reign through August
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Sauk Rapids Indian Princess Sandy Skeate waves at a parade crowd during her reign from 1965-66. Both graduates of the Sauk Rapids High School class of 1964, Skeate married Duane Ehresmann in 1967.
1966, Ehresmann represented Sauk Rapids in parades including those of Princeton, Foley, Royalton, Paynesville and Albany. She made a few appearances at events such as a dairymen banquet and a community pageant in St. Cloud. “That very first parade and how unreal it seemed to be sitting in that parade representing Sauk Rapids,” Ehresmann said of her favorite memory from that time. Ehresmann, who now lives in Albany with her husband Duane, has three children and five grandchildren. As she looks back on her life, she considers representing the city of Sauk Rapids as one of her top 10 highlights, though she guards her memories closely and rarely talks about the role unless asked. “I’m guarded because it was so special,” she said. Ehresmann said it is overwhelming to her that 55 years after she hung up her sash, Sauk Rapids continues to offer young women a chance to represent the city to others. “I’m happy,” she said. “I’m happy for all the young women who have filled that role. There is so much good going on in the city even though it has changed so much since this first celebration.” As for her advice to the next Miss Sauk Rapids: “Embrace the role and dwell on those highlights of the village,” she said. “Be yourself. Be loving, kind and helpful.”
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The following women have served the Sauk Rapids community as queens, princesses or ambassadors. 1966 Sandra Skeate; 1967 Donna Braun; 1968 Pat Riedeman; 1969 Susan Ackerman; 1970 Barb Nelson; 1971 Rosalyn Franta; 1972 Vicki Mattson; 1973 Sue Zwick, Virginia Braun and Patricia Hommerding; 1974 Sharyn Thompson, Kris Stueve and Roberta Hommerding; 1975 Patricia Maier, Kay Ribich and Terree Keehr; 1976 Kathy Stromwall; 1977 Bonnie Jones, Becky Rhode and Penny Yozamp; 1978 Robin Rhode, Sherri Trushenski and Robin Johnson; 1979 Jean Braun, Colleen Reinert and Kim Maroney; 1980 Randi Claasen, Terri Kosloske and Marion Borgert. (No pageant took place from 1981 through 2003.) 2004-05 Candace Leyk, Megan Meyer and Emily Becker; 2005-06 Susan Meinz, Kelsey Moehle and Randi Carlson; 2006-07 Cassie Martin, Rachel Brewster and Kaelynn Kampa; 200708 Brittany Tischmak, Krista Corrigan and Ashley Bueckers; 2008-09 Jana Prow, Jenny Deering and Jessica Dingmann; 2009-10 Megan Gustafson, Shyla Inderieden and Kelsey Miller; 2010-11 Abby Fleck, Marie Pflipsen and Morgan Muehlbauer; 2011-12 Candyce Thompson, Ashley Bukowski and Kelly Elness; 2012-13 Tiffany Smith, Bethany Zwilling and Carissa Gaffy; 2013-14 Alisha Houdek, Ali Mohr and Lindsay Massman; 2014-15 Kayla Keller, Kaitlin Janson and Chelsey Haffner; 2015-16 Nikki Bukowski, Kelsey Christensen and Tana Hendrickson; 2016-17 Sydney Burk, Clo Meyer and Allyson Walz; 2017-18 Brooklyn Harren; 2018-19 Jenna Bukowski, Morgan Weinand and Anna Walz; 2019-20 and 2020-21 Morgan Thomson, Kaeleigh Rainer and Anna Lucas.
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Page 4C | Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021
Falling in line
Marching Storm kicks off 2021 season BY NATASHA BARBER | STAFF WRITER
After a year of bell covers, masks and canceled or virtual performances, members of the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School band are ready to set the tone for what is ahead. The Marching Storm returns to the street stage this summer for four performances. About fifty-five musicians and color guard members will present “Out of Darkness, Light” on the streets of Foley, Sauk Rapids, St. Cloud and Alexandria. Drum majors Madeline Neussendorfer, a graduate of the class of 2021, and Kathryn Stiegel, class of 2022, will lead the marching band.
“We’ve got a full show ready to go, and we’re going to be performing at four parades this year,” said Zach Sander, who is in his first year as the director of Sauk Rapids-Rice High School bands. “So, a little fewer than normal but we’re still getting a chance to go out in the community and share our music.” Sander and Dr. Ward Miller, who arranges the Marching Storm’s music, chose the performance’s music and title as the two reflected on the last year and the coronavirus pandemic. Sander said “Out of Darkness, Light” consists of three main
PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
The Marching Storm performs at the Rapids River Days Parade in June 2019 in Sauk Rapids. After a canceled 2020 season, the musicians return to their street stage for four parades in June.
pieces of music. The band incorporates Mozart’s “Requiem” that was composed for a funeral Mass and portions of “The Firebird” Suite by Igor Stravinsky, which tells the story of a rising phoenix. “The opening of the
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show is a lot of dark and angry music,” Sander said. “It has some violent sounds. It’s intense. It can be aggressive. The middle portion is much more tug at your heart strings in a pretty sad way. … That leads into our sort of rise from the ashes celebration.” Although not all the parade judges have yet confirmed, Sander said the Marching Storm will be judged by festival rating. He said rather than bands competing against each other to the tenth of a point, judges will assign ratings to the performances – such as superior, excellent, good and fair – similar to Minnesota State High School League contests. “Each band will still get feedback from the judges, and, to us, that’s the important part,” he said. The kickoff to the Marching Storm’s practice season was delayed this
spring but it was at peak intensity in early June as school let out. The musicians and color guard participated in Camp Week – seven eight-hour practice days – which coincided with Minnesota’s heat wave of above 90-degree temperatures. Now, the band has returned to its three-days-a-week schedule prior to its parade performances. “The heat was a challenge for sure,” Sander said. “We tried to alternate spending time inside and outside as much as possible to give the kids a break. … The kids were great; they toughed out through a lot. We were making sure they were very careful about
hydration and monitoring for heat exhaustion and things like that.” A second challenge this spring was the absence of the 2020 parade season. “We have essentially two years of first-year members who haven’t marched at the high school before, but that also means we have a leadership group that has a lot less experience than they would in a normal year,” Sander said. “The rising juniors and seniors, and our handful of graduating seniors, are learning as a group what it means to be a leader instead of individually like they would in the past.” Despite the trials, Sander said, like the phoenix, his students are rising to the occasion. “I appreciate the challenge,” Sander said. “It’s fun to be able to teach the kids regardless, and I’m glad we have the opportunity to do it. I was telling them and telling the parents the other day that if they can get through this, they can get through anything.” And next week, the Marching Storm will share their take on the last 15 months. “I think the kids are starting to grab on to the music in a really cool way,” Sander said.
Marching Storm schedule The Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School marching band is not performing this summer.
Wednesday, June 23, 6:30 p.m. Foley Fun Days Parade Friday, June 25, 6 p.m. Rapids River Days Parade Saturday, June 26, 9:30 a.m. Granite City Days Parade Sunday, June 27, 1:30 p.m. Vikingland Band Festival
Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021 | Page 5C
parade lineup Friday, June 25, 6 p.m. 11 marching bands will be featured in the Rapids River Days Parade: Alexandria, “The Herd” Buffalo Senior High, Foley, KMS Marching Saints, Milaca HS, Milaca Intermediate, Owatonna, Sartell High School, Sartell Middle School, and Winona Cotter. The Sauk Rapids-Rice High SchoolMarching Storm will host the participating bands.
Enjoy the parade! 2021 Rapids River Days Parade ROUTE Parade STARTS at Pleasantview Elementary School on 6th Ave. N. and ENDS on 1st St. South at Summit Ave. Departures must be made by turning LEFT or RIGHT onto Summit Avenue. (See yellow Exit Routes). Drive
BAND BUSES MUST ENTER OFF HWY 15 onto 18th St N
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28. Great River Federal Credit Union 29. Cub Scout Pack 8 30. (Band) “The Herd” Buffalo Senior High 31. Heart & Mind Life Coaching for Kids 32. Premier Asphalt Services 33. SRR Storm Football Team 34. Rice Companies, Inc. 35. Foley Ambassadors 36. (Band) Foley Marching Band 37. Collins Bros Towing of St. Cloud 38. Granite City Roll-Off 39. Granite City Motor Park 40. (Band) Milaca Middle School Marching Band 41. Benton County ADA Dairy Princesses 42. Studio B 43. Ridgeview Place Senior Living 44. Republic Services 45. (Band) Milaca High School Marching Band 46. St. Cloud Osman Shrine Go-Karts 47. Farmers & Merchants State Bank 48. Girl Scouts Service Unit 28 49. (Band) Owatonna Marching Band 50. SRR Girls & Boys Basketball Teams 51. Grey Face Rescue 52. Unique Movers 53. (Band) Kerkhoven Murdock Sunburg Marching Saints 54. Auto Value Parts Stores 55. Central MN Credit Union 56. Coborn’s 57. (Band) Alexandria Marching Band 58. Ultimate Autism Foundation 59. St. Cloud Toyota 60. Aspen Storage 61. Andy’s Towing
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1. Sauk Rapids Police Chief Perry Beise 2. Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck 3. Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992 Color Guard 4. Sauk Rapids American Legion Post 254 Color Guard 5. Benton County Mounted Patrol 6. Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service 7. Sauk Rapids Engine Company No. 2 8. Sauk Rapids Fire Department 9. (Band) Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Marching Storm 10. 2019-20, 2020-21 Sauk Rapids Community Ambassadors 11. Mayor Kurt Hunstiger and Ruth Hunstiger 12. 2021 Miss Sauk Rapids Royalty 13. St. Cloud Antique Auto Club (Pantowners) 14. (Band) Sartell Middle School Marching Band 15. Sauk Rapids Herald 16. St. Cloud Financial Credit Union – PARADE SPONSOR 17. Hair & Body Works 18. League of Women Voters of St. Cloud Area 19. (Band) Sartell High School Marching Band 20. ISD 47 Storm Robotics 21. Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm Dance Team 22. GATR Truck Center – PARADE SPONSOR 23. Purpose Driven Realty Team - Edina Realty 24. (Band) Winona-Cotter Marching Band 25. Dvorak Eye Clinic 26. Change the Culture 27. Sauk Rapids Youth Hockey
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Enjoy Rapids River Days!
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A switch to Miss Sauk Rapids Pageant will crown queen, two princesses BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
The Sauk Rapids Community Ambassador Pageant has changed its name. Reverting to its roots, the coronation will again be called the Miss Sauk Rapids Pageant and will crown one reigning Miss Sauk Rapids and two supporting princesses. The pageant and program, which gives young women a platform to represent their community, will take place at 7 p.m. June 24 at Love of Christ Church, 1971 Pine Cone Road S., St. Cloud. The event will be open to the public and tickets will be sold at the door. Seven candidates will vie for the title of Miss Sauk Rapids. They are Brielle Andvik, Addison Bemboom, Maggie Fernholz, Taylor Sidla, Kendal Stucke,
Olivia Theis and Chelsey Vogel. The youth participated in an educational program the week of June 14 and will be judged on an interview, essay, stage question and evening gown presentation on the day of the pageant. In addition to the royalty representing Sauk Rapids at events throughout the year, Miss Sauk Rapids will participate in the Minneapolis Aquatennial July 21-24. Lindsey Trimbo, Kathi Sauerer and Marla Elness are coordinating the Miss Sauk Rapids pageant. All have experience in pageantry. The city of Sauk Rapids hosted a coronation from 196680. After a hiatus, Elness
Photos by:
Page 6C | Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021
Brielle Andvik B
Sponsored by Active Nutrition, of Sauk Rapids S S Senior at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Daughter of Clint and Amy Wenger D and sibling to Tanner, 20, Breckin, 12, and Kenzington, 9 a
and a small committee reestablished Miss Sauk Rapids in 2004. The pageant’s name changed to the Sauk Rapids Community Ambassador Organization Pageant in 2013. Over 75 young women have represented the city over time. Reigning 2019-20 Sauk Rapids Community Ambassadors – Anna Lucas, Kaeleigh Rainer and Morgan Thompson – will crown the new royalty. The three agreed to extend their reign following the cancellation of the pageant in 2020.
Addison Bemboom A
Sponsored by Inventure Properties, of St. Cloud S Senior at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School S D Daughter of Joel and Trisha Bemboom a and sibling to Megan, 21, and Andrew, 16
Activities and community involvement: I am involved in A Minnesota Honor Society, Link Crew and the Storm Leadership M TTeam. I am student council president and a captain of both tthe track and field and tennis teams. Tell us a little about yourself. I will be a senior this upcoming school year and am so excited. I enjoy playing tennis and running track. In the summer, I nanny and spend lots of time with friends and family. I love to travel, read and make others smile. Why are you interested in being Miss Sauk Rapids? I am interested in being Miss Sauk Rapids because I want to give back to the community and stay involved. I also want to be a positive face for our community. How do you make a difference in the Sauk Rapids community? I make a difference in the Sauk Rapids community by being an active community member and attending events. I also try my best to create a positive and welcoming environment for all. What is your favorite aspect of Rapids River Days? I love that Rapids River Days brings everyone together and creates a positive space for all. It is fun to see the community come together and spend time doing what we all love. If selected, what would you like other communities to know about Sauk Rapids? I want to share that our community is continuing to grow and develop, but we remain welcoming and with a small-town feel.
A Activities and community involvement: Volleyball, track a field, student council and youth volleyball. and T us a little about yourself. I like being by people and Tell making them smile, being with my friends and family, and being active in both my sports and jobs. I also like meeting new people and gaining new experiences. Why are you interested in being Miss Sauk Rapids? I want to have new opportunities to grow, and I want to meet new people to build connections. I also want to provide a positive role in the community and gain new friendships. How do you make a difference in the Sauk Rapids community? I make a difference by helping the youth volleyball program. When I was younger, I looked up to the older kids and wanted to be like them. Helping with volleyball helps me become a better role model. What is your favorite aspect of Rapids River Days? I like how it gets the community involved in the parade, food festival and run. I also love how it brings people together to have a good time and create a happy feel. If selected, what would you like other communities to know about Sauk Rapids? How welcoming the community is and that we have a newly-developed Southside Park for friends and families to enjoy and gather.
Chelsey Vogel C
S Sponsored by Neurobehavioral Associates, o of St. Cloud S Senior at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Daughter of Randy Vogel and Andrea Vogel D and sibling to James, 21 a
A Activities and community involvement: Volleyball, culinary, d drama and the Youth for Christ program. T us a little about yourself. I have a household of five Tell – Mom, Dad, my brother and dog. I love traveling and trying new things. My favorite things to do are to spend time with family, fish, shop and dance. Why are you interested in being Miss Sauk Rapids? I am interested in being Miss Sauk Rapids because I would love to be a positive role model for younger kids and the community. Also, trying new things is interesting to me, so being Miss Sauk Rapids will be an amazing opportunity. How do you make a difference in the Sauk Rapids community? I make a difference in the Sauk Rapids community by being a positive role model, having a welcoming spirit and having a happy personality. I also make a difference by being involved. What is your favorite aspect of Rapids River Days? My favorite aspect of Rapids River Days is watching the Sauk Rapids community come together as this past year we were all isolated. The smiles and happy faces are so heartwarming. If selected, what would you like other communities to know about Sauk Rapids? Sauk Rapids is a welcoming, supportive and creative community. Welcoming by introducing others. Supportive with people showing positive energy. And, creative community by making new activities and events.
Kendal Stucke K
Sponsored by Kelm and Reuter, of Sauk Rapids S
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A Activities and community involvement: Swim and dive t team. T us a little about yourself. I enjoy being around my Tell f friends and family, traveling, swimming and being with my t teammates. I am outgoing and like trying new things. Why are you interested in being Miss Sauk Rapids? I would like the chance to be Miss Sauk Rapids to be a positive role model for the people of Sauk Rapids. I like trying new things, and Miss Sauk Rapids gives me that chance. How do you make a difference in the Sauk Rapids community? I am a positive person who works hard and always tries my best. I love being around people and working with others. What is your favorite aspect of Rapids River Days? Being around everyone, listening to the music and watching everyone enjoy their time. If selected, what would you like other communities to know about Sauk Rapids? Sauk Rapids is a great community with loving people and everyone supports each other.
Page 8C | Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 202 2021 02 0 21
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Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021 | Page 9C
Sauk Rapids Municipal Park FREE Admission, FREE Parking
SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2021 11AM – 8PM
Rapids River Food Fest 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 26 Municipal Park
2021 Schedule of events Blue Tokens are purchased for all food, beverages and games – $1.00 each (bag of 20 for $20) Yellow Beer Tokens are $3.00 each at the Beer Garden.
LIVE BANDS ON STAGE:
Aaron Clafton............................................................11 am - 1:00 pm Gregory James..............................................................1:30 - 4:00 pm Honey Badgers......... ....................................................4:30 - 7:30 pm
TOKENS:
Food Token Sales (2 locations in the park) ............10:30 am - 7:45 pm (Blue Token= $1.00 each) Beer Token Sales (near the beer garden)...............11:00 am - 7:45 pm (Yellow Token=$3.00 each)
More Food, More Fun For Everyone!
CRAFTERS AND PRODUCT VENDORS:
Crafters and product vendors will be selling items all day. Located in the Open Pavillion. Come see what’s new from: ThirtyOne, Scentsy, Avon, Norwex, Tupperware, Handmade Soaps, Young Living Oils, Lularoe, Color Street Nails, Homemade Blankets, Jewelry, and More!
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25 FOOD VENDORS will be serving all your favorites... Smoked turkey legs, burgers, steak sandwiches, New York-style hotdogs, brats, meatball subs, Philly cheese steak sandwiches, BBQ brisket sandwich, BBQ chicken wings, crab fritters, pizza, popcorn chicken, chicken sandwiches, cheesy turkey sandwiches, Italian cuisine, gyros, potatoes with toppings, sweet potato fries, twisted taters, french fries, corn-on-the-cob, corndogs, hot roast beef, taco-in-a-bag, bread sticks, giant pretzels w/cheese, giant pickles, quesadillas, wontons, chicken and beef shish-kabobs, stirfry beef pitas, shredded pork sandwiches, porkchop on-a-stick, pig wings, pork rinds, nachos, and cheese curds. Don’t forget Schwan’s ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, itty bitts ice cream, shaved ice, sno cones, carmeled apples, fruit kabobs, chocolate strawberries, kettle corn, cookies, and mini donuts for dessert! Along with rootbeer floats, smoothies, lemonade, limeade, iced coffee and hot coffee, the Pepsi pop stand and Budweiser beer garden will quench your thirst.
GLENSPRECISIONAUTO@GMAIL.COM Rapids River Food Fest Inc. is a non-pro t organization. All proceeds from the event are placed back into the Sauk Rapids community.
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Page 10C | Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021
Ta nne r Fuls
FILE PHOTO
John and Cindy Fuls high-five a runner as they cross the finish line of the annual Tanner’s Team 5K. This year’s 1K walk/run for kids and 5K run/2-mile walk for all ages will be Saturday, June 26, at Bob Cross Park in Sauk Rapids.
‘10 for the Team’
Established in memory of Tanner Fuls, foundation celebrates 10th anniversary at 1K/5K BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER
Tanner Fuls was a Sauk Rapids boy who taught his family how to live, laugh and listen. Tanner passed away from a form of preleukemia Nov. 27, 2010, but his legacy lives on. For 10 years, a foundation established in Tanner’s name has been providing financial assistance to families in central Minnesota who have children with lifethreatening illnesses. Tanner’s parents, John and Cindy Fuls, established the Tanner’s Team Foundation in
2011. The non-profit organization helps families cover housing, transportation and household expenses incurred during their child’s medical care and treatment. “We wanted to keep his memory alive and his legacy alive by helping families who need it most,” Cindy said. Their only son, Tanner was just 11 when he passed away. Tanner was athletic, vibrant, positive and kind-hearted, his parents said. The red-headed boy made an impression on everyone who met him. John and Cindy know
the worry and despair of trying to make ends meet while faced with an insurmountable health battle. Members of their foundation work as a team to ease financial burdens, including living expenses, which continue to mount despite parents often having to put their jobs on hold. “During our journey, we just had amazing people surrounding us,” Cindy said. “We wanted to pay it forward.” Tanner’s Team has helped 421 families in 45 central Minnesota counties. The foundation has awarded $443,000 to families of children with
life-threatening illnesses. The goal is to reach $500,000 by the end of the year. John said he never dreamed the foundation would help as many families as it has. Cindy and he look forward to helping many more. “We’re not going
anywhere,” John said of their ongoing commitment to helping families. One of Tanner’s Team Foundation’s biggest fundraisers of the year will take place during Rapids River Days. The 10th annual Tanner’s Team 1K/5K run and 2-mile walk will be
Saturday, June 26, at Bob Cross Park, 901 First St. S., Sauk Rapids. Check-in starts at 7:15 a.m. The 1K walk/run for youth ages 10 and under starts at 8:30 a.m. The 5K run/2-mile walk for all ages starts at 9 a.m.
Tanner’s Team page 11C
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Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021 | Page 11C
Enjoy Rapids River Days!
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SUBMITTED PHOTO
Pictured smiling in the Fuls’ last family photo are siblings Tanner and Maddie (front, from left) and their parents John and Cindy. The photo was taken during Tanner’s hospitalization, shortly before he passed away from a form of pre-leukemia in November 2010. A decade later, a foundation established in his name is going strong.
Tanner’s Team Participants will receive free T-shirts featuring a special 10-year anniversary design, John said. “10 for the Team” is this year’s theme. (2021 would have been the 11th event but was canceled last year due to the pandemic.) “Join us as we run, walk and skip our way past the finish line in honor of the families in our community who currently face, and have endured, devastating medical and financial circumstances,” reads a message from the foundation. As is tradition, John and Cindy will be cheering on participants at the finish line. They have given a lot of high-fives through the years, and with each one they feel Tanner’s spirit. “We always say, it’s all because of Tanner we’re here today,” Cindy said. Tanner is the inspiration behind the foundation’s message, “Together we learn, together we fight, together we win.” “He definitely has a piece of each of these families he’s helping,” Cindy said. Tanner’s Team typically participates in the Rapids River Days parade, inviting families they have helped to join them on the float. They have decided not to have a float this year, because COVID-19 prevents a risk to ill children whose immune systems are already compromised. Other Tanner’s Team fundraisers have included an ATV event in Isle and a birthday bash for Tanner. New in 2020 was a virtual Christmas concert that was such a success they plan to host it again this December. Private donations have also been instrumental in helping families of children with life-threatening illnesses. About 60% of funds awarded by the foundation have helped pay mortgages or rent. Donated funds also assist with paying for utilities, transportation, vehicles, family weekend getaways and more. “We’re so glad that we chose this avenue,” Cindy said of providing direct support to families. John and Cindy have lived in Sauk Rapids for 25 years. “It is a wonderful, giving community,” Cindy said. The greatest rewards for John and Cindy have been meeting families the foundation has helped, building relationships with board members, volunteers and supporters, and working with other organizations. The Fuls family is thankful for the support and opportunities to spread awareness about Tanner’s Team, John said.
Cell: (320) 250-1023 • Office: (320) 258-5204
702 9TH AVE. S., SAUK RAPIDS, MN 56379
from page 10C
Tanner’s story Tanner touched many lives and continues to do so, John and Cindy said. Tanner’s battle started the summer of 2010. John and Cindy had noticed bruises on Tanner throughout the summer but thought they were from him being an active boy. But that July, when he hit his arm on the corner of a table and it turned black and blue within an hour, they knew it had to be examined. Medical testing at Children’s Hospital and the Mayo Clinic eventually revealed Tanner had myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare disorder in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells. Tanner needed a bone marrow transplant. Tanner started chemotherapy at Children’s Hospital Sept. 13, 2010, and was discharged Oct. 6, 2010. Due to his strong body and successful chemotherapy treatments, he was able to reduce the number of cancerous cells in his blood. For the next three weeks, he enjoyed life to the fullest, accomplishing his ultimate goal of planting the flag at center ice before the start of an Oct. 28, 2010, Minnesota Wild game. A day later, Tanner was admitted to the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital, where he met legendary Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre and caught a pass Brett threw him. He then began more chemotherapy and radiation. Cindy and John said Tanner was strong and so positive at that time, never complaining about his pain. On Nov. 8, 2010, a day his family calls his second birthday, Tanner received a bone marrow transplant. Sadly, just five days later, he developed an infection and was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit and placed on a ventilator. Despite many ups and downs, things appeared to be moving in the right direction. The family remained hopeful for a full recovery. Around 9 p.m. Nov. 27, 2010, Tanner’s blood pressure and vitals dropped. Although medical staff did everything in their power to save Tanner, he passed away at 11 p.m. After his death, Tanner’s family made a promise to each other to keep his spirit alive within themselves by helping other children dealing with childhood cancer or other serious illnesses. “We miss you, and we love you to heaven and back,” reads a message from the Fuls family on the foundation’s website.
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Page 12C | Sauk Rapids Herald | Rapids River Days 2021 | Saturday, June 19, 2021
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