Sauk Rapids Herald - July 15, 2023

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Saturday, July 15, 2023

Wolgamott arrested for DWI

Vol. 169, No. 15

The Show

must go on on

BY MORGAN EGGERT | STAFF WRITER

Community is a driving force in a town like Sauk Rapids, so in 2020 in the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and when it became harder to have a strong kinship, especially in theater, Cullen and Sean Donahue created a space for performers to continue their acts.

Formal charges not yet filed

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

An area legislator was arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired last week.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Rep. Dan Wolgamott was arrested July 7 after a Minnesota State Trooper observed signs of alcohol impairment during a traffic stop in Kanabec County.

Wolgamott, 32, is in his third term of representing Minnesota House District 14B, which covers precincts in the cities of St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids as well as precincts in Minden Township, Benton County, and Haven Township, Sherburne County. He resides in St. Cloud. According to information provided by the Minnesota State Patrol, a trooper was searching for a vehicle after a complaint was made to Kanabec County Dispatch just after 6 p.m. of an individual drinking in a liquor store parking lot.

Wolgamott page 3

“Basically, everything froze and stopped,” Sean Donahue said. “The theater companies didn’t have a home and dispersed.”

Theater page 4

Benton County receives additional broadband funding

$3M awarded to Benton Communications

BY JAKOB KOUNKEL STAFF WRITER

FOLEY – As Benton County commissioners trudge forward with a project to bring reliable internet service to all corners of the county, the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development announced a $3 million Border to Border grant to Benton Communications to extend fiber service to areas of the county south of Highway 23. This adds to the $1.5 million Border to Border grant received in February for areas north of the highway. Once both projects are completed, virtually every area of Benton County will have access to high-speed internet service, according to a

press release issued by Benton County.

The portion of the project bringing service to the area

south of Highway 23 will service 836 unserved or underserved addresses in Glendorado Township and portions of Gilmanton,

PUBLIC NOTICES OBITUARIES

Maywood, Minden and St. George townships.

Broadband page 3

$1.00

PHOTO BY JAKOB KOUNKEL

Stakeholders Amanda Othoudt (front, from left) Beth Schlangen, Scott Johnson, Ed Popp and Jared Gapinski; (back, from left) Monty Headley, Chad Koenig, Steve Stang, Johanna Isaro Ngango, Christine Scherbing, Trish Perry, and Cheryl Scapanski gather July 11 in rural Foley. A broadband installation event demonstrated the project bringing broadband to unserved and underserved areas of Benton County is under way.

PHOTO BY SUBMITTED

Max Finlayson stars as Willy Wonka surrounded by other performers July 12 in the Performing Arts Center at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Central Minnesota Theatre, which moved its physical location to Sauk Rapids in spring, will perform “Willy Wonka” by its Better Times Theatre Company Saturday, July 15, and July 20-22.

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

Rep. Dan Wolgamott

Wendy K. Leeb Ronald Lyback Lorraine N. Mendel

All roads Freepor t Freeport

Hemker family builds a zoo

Wide-eyed children eagerly burst through the door entering Hemker Zoo with excitement; they are not quite exactly sure what to expect. The giddiness continues as they are greeted by penguins and a salmon-crested cockatoo, which chomps on corn and loves to show off his bright color and personality.

Where they head next is anyone’s guess. There are giraffes to the left, monkeys to the right, a rhinoceros pen in the distance and an indoor bird exhibit that elicits giggles at a frantic pace as exotic species land on shoulders and outstretched hands of adults and little ones.

It is all part of the fun at Hemker Zoo in Freeport, which features exotic creatures from all over the world. It was founded in 1977 and attracts about 80,000 animal-loving visitors annually.

The sprawling and usually bustling 20-acre facility is literally a family affair for Joan Hemker, who co-owns the business with daughters Jacqueline Poepping and Anne Blenker. Son Marcus Hemker and seven grandchildren also are involved, completing what is a

as customers strolled by. “Everyone that comes through our doors is young or young at heart. It’s a great meeting place for parents, kids and their grandparents.”

Joan and her husband, Mark Hemker, who passed away in 2006, bought the land that became the zoo. Mark was a waterfowl enthusiast, and the low-laying land was the perfect habitat to raise exotic birds.

Mark raised between 400-500 ducks from different parts of the world that were not seen on any Minnesota flyways.

“He raised birds from all over,” Joan said. “Before we even put a house on this

property, he was building bird houses. That’s how passionate he was about wildlife and waterfowl.”

Soon, Mark began trading waterfowl for penguins, and the idea for sharing their animals with the public while educating children was born. The Hemkers started by inviting troops of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to the property to learn about penguins while charging $1 a person.

“Word got out that there were penguins in Freeport, Minnesota,” Joan said. “So, I said, ‘We cannot have penguins in Freeport and not let people see them.’ I opened it up for groups, but our goal with them was it had to be educational.”

For instance, the first animals

the larger features at Hemker Zoo in Freeport. Customers have two opportunities per day to feed the humongous animals, who have been at the zoo for several years.

zoo for more than 40 years. The zoo also features otters, cranes, two species of monkeys, otters, an ornery-looking ox, camels, zebras and goats. Joan said the indoor bird facility is a favorite of children as the winged creatures are social with their human visitors.

Many of the animals are endangered or threatened. Joan said the largest reason these animals fall into that category is not because of hunting. Rather, their habitats are being taken.

“When you come to our zoo, you will see that we have a lot of endangered and threatened animals,” Joan said. … “My kids work very hard at trying to preserve species for not just your children but also your children’s children to be able to see in the future.”

The facility gets most of their animals from other zoos that can either no longer take care of them or the zoo goes out of business. They do get animals from private institutions, though Joan said they carefully vet which firms they receive them from, doing whatever possible to ensure they share the same values and caretaking procedures.

“One of our main goals with the kids, because we live in such a rural area, is to teach them that we have 20 acres of land and we are alternative farmers,” Joan said. “We’re taking care of animals. We might not harvest corn, but we will harvest babies from the offspring. We like to teach kids that this is America, and you can do whatever you set your mind to if you want to work hard.”

look at the welfare of the animals, if they appear content in their pens and how they interact with other animals.

“We get complimented on the animals’ welfare all the time,” Joan said. “These are things we work on daily that people don’t see.”

Though Freeport is small, keeping the community involved and giving back remains a focus. They use Freeport Veterinary Services if an animal appears ill.

They also are involved with a non-profit called The Guardians of Conversation, which helps support animal conservation and education efforts. Funds from this went toward the purchase of an X-ray machine that is available for area veterinary clinics.

Joan said she and her family look forward to each day and take pride in providing a community staple.

“A lot of these kids would never get to go to the zoo because their parents can’t drive them 100 miles to get to one,” Joan said. “I truly believe this is a gift to area families.”

people see upon entering the facility are penguins. They are able to swim and strut around in their enclosed habitat, but the fact it is warm raises questions from curious penguin fans.

Cue the educational piece.

“There are 17 different species of penguins, and out of those, only five species live cold,” Joan said. “When people come here, they think we have to cool our penguins. But this type of penguin lives close to the equator. So, they’re kept warm all year long. In the winter, we have to heat them. That’s one of the things we love teaching these kids.”

Once zoo-goers get through the gift shop and head outdoors, the road to adventure begins. The oldest animal on site is a 48-yearold sulcata tortoise. Some of the waterfowl have been around since the facility was founded, and a few reindeer have been

Joan said the zoo is hoping to obtain a male lemur leopard from a California preserve in fall. The next step would be obtaining a female lemur leopard in hopes of the animals would breed to create a rare exhibit for a zoo of this size.

The importance of maintaining habitat also is an important lesson given to the young zoo-goers.

“I tell them that’s why it’s so important for you to keep your bedrooms clean and your house clean,” Joan said. “It’s important to teach them in ways they can relate to so they can realize everything given to us is a gift. That’s how I raised my kids, and that’s why they care so much about this.”

The facility is open from May 1 through Oct. 31, but there is no off-season for the family. The animals are housed on-site year-round, and there is nearly constant construction and updating to be done on current buildings.

to be done on current buildings d the and a at the

Hemker Zoo is accredited by the Zoological Association of America, which Joan said is not easy to obtain. When the association inspects the zoo, they

while females are substantially

Freeport. It is considered one of the most widespread primates in Africa. A loud and large salmoncrested cockatoo is one of the rst animals customers see as they enter Hemker Zoo in Freeport. The cockatoo loves to show off for admirers with head-bobs and loud squeals.

(Left) One of two giraffes at Hemker Zoo in Freeport looks on as zoo-goers gather for the animal’s upcoming feeding July 11. Several people had the chance to feed the giraffes large

smaller.

June, July and August, the Sauk Rapids Herald will feature interesting people and places from our neighboring cities.

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Co-owners of Hemker Zoo – sisters Jacqueline Poepping (from left) and Anne Blenker and their mother, Joan Hemker – along with a greater one-horned rhinoceros take a moment during a busy day at the 20-acre zoo north of Freeport. Hemker and her husband, Mark, who passed away in 2006, founded the zoo in 1977.

Two greater one-horned rhinoceroses are one of

REGULAR

MEETING SAUK RAPIDS CITY COUNCIL SAUK RAPIDS GOVERNMENT CENTER, 250 Summit Ave N.

Monday, June 26, 2023 6:00PM

MINUTES

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Kurt Hunstiger called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All members present.

2. Additions or Changes to the Agenda

Ross Olson requested to add Accepting Donation of Bob Cross Batting Cages as agenda item 9-H.

3. Approve the Agenda

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously.

4. Approve Minutes

A. 6-12-2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve the 6-12-2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

5. Receive and File

A. 3-13-2023 EDA Meeting Minutes

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Seamans and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to receive and file the 3-13-2023 EDA Meeting Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

6. Mayor’s Communications

• Thank you—Mayor Hunstiger thanked the Public Works, Police, and Fire Department for all of their help with the Rapids River Days festivities.

• Passing of Former Mayor Brad Gunderson—Mayor Hunstiger stated that he would like to extend condolences to the family of former Mayor Brad Gunderson. Hunstiger noted that Brad Gunderson sadly passed away last week. Funeral arrangements had not yet been made public.

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 Brine System for Public Works

B. Approve Modifications to Public Works Office Coordinator

Position and Baker Tilly’s Recommendation on Salary Placement

C. Approve and Authorize Amusement Permit for Church of the Sacred Heart’s Parish Festival

D. Approve and Authorize Resolution for a Temporary 3.2 Beer Liquor License for Church of the Sacred Heart

E. Approve Installing Security Cameras in the Evidence Storage Area for Police Department

F. Approve Change Order No. 2 to the Division Street Improvements Project

G. Approve 2023 Plumbing and Mechanical Licenses

H. Approve Accepting Donation of Bob Cross Batting Cages

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to approve consent agenda item 9A-9H. Motion carried unanimously.

10. Regular Agenda

A. 2024 Second Avenue South Improvement Project

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Ellering to approve the Resolution Ordering the Preparation of a Feasibility Report for the 2024 Second Avenue South Improvements project. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Sauer and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to approve a Resolution Accepting the Feasibility Study and Calling for a Hearing for the 2024 Second Avenue South Improvements project. Motion carried unanimously.

11. Other Staff Items

A. Rock the Riverside Concert Series—Ross Olson provided an update on last week’s Rock the Riverside event in which Bolton & Menk was the sponsor. Olson thanked this week’s sponsor, which is Premier Real Estate Services. He noted that Dave Lumley will be the opening act with Stone Road as the headliner.

B. Water Usage Update

Mayor Hunstiger asked Craig Nelson, Utilities Director, about the current drought and any water usage concerns that Nelson might have. Craig Nelson said that the rain over the last weekend did definitely help to get flows down. He reminded everyone about the odd/even watering ordinance. Nelson also suggested that residents refrain from watering in the middle of the day to better conserve water.

12. Other Council Items and Communications

13. Approve List of Bills and Claims

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Ellering and seconded by Councilperson Thronson to approve the List of Bills and Claims. Motion carried unanimously.

14. Adjournment

Motion: Moved by Councilperson Thronson and seconded by Councilperson Seamans to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Hunstiger adjourned the meeting at 6:30 PM R-28-1B

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that default has occurred in conditions of the following described mortgage:

DATE OF MORTGAGE: January 5, 2002

MORTGAGOR: Jeffrey Ralph Millner, a single person.

MORTGAGEE: Homeland Mortgage, LLC.

DATE AND PLACE OF RECORDING: Recorded January 18, 2002 Benton County Recorder, Document No. 282046.

ASSIGNMENTS OF

MORTGAGE: Assigned to:

First Federal Savings Bank.

Dated January 10, 2002

Recorded January 18, 2002, as Document No. 282047. And thereafter assigned to: Washington Mutual Bank, FA. Dated January 10, 2002

Recorded January 18, 2002, as Document No. 282048. And thereafter assigned to: Wells Fargo Bank, NA. Dated April 7, 2007

Recorded April 17, 2007, as Document No. A347525. And thereafter assigned to: Specialized Loan Servicing LLC. Dated January 25, 2019 Recorded January 25, 2019, as Document No. 433959. And thereafter assigned to: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as trustee for the benefit of the Freddie Mac Seasoned Loans Structured Transaction Trust, Series 2019-3. Dated March

3, 2020 Recorded March 5, 2020, as Document No. 441612.

TRANSACTION

AGENT: NONE

TRANSACTION

AGENT’S MORTGAGE

IDENTIFICATION

NUMBER ON MORTGAGE: NONE

LENDER OR BROKER AND MORTGAGE

ORIGINATOR STATED ON MORTGAGE: Homeland Mortgage, LLC

RESIDENTIAL

MORTGAGE SERVICER: Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc.

MORTGAGED

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 264 Birch Drive, Foley, MN 56329

TAX PARCEL I.D. #: 13.00648.00

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: LOT TWENTY-ONE (21), BLOCK SIX (6), FOLEY DEVELOPMENT PLAT IN THE CITY OF FOLEY; COUNTY OF BENTON, STATE OF MINNESOTA.

COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Benton

ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $115,000.00

AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE:

$90,073.27

That prior to the commencement of this mortgage

requirements as required by statute; That no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof;

PURSUANT to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above described property will be sold by the Sheriff of said county as follows:

DATE AND TIME OF SALE: August 15, 2023 at 10:00 AM

PLACE OF

SALE: Benton County Sheriff’s Office, 581 Highway 23 Northeast Foley, MN to pay the debt then secured by said Mortgage, and taxes, if any, on said premises, and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns unless reduced to Five (5) weeks under MN Stat. §580.07.

TIME AND DATE TO VACATE PROPERTY: If the real estate is an owneroccupied, single-family dwelling, unless otherwise provided by law, the date on or before which the mortgagor(s) must vacate the property if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property is not redeemed under section 580.23 is 11:59 p.m. on February 15, 2024, unless that date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, in which case it is the next weekday, and unless the redemption period is reduced to 5 weeks under MN Stat.

Secs. 580.07 or 582.032. MORTGAGOR(S) RELEASED FROM FINANCIAL OBLIGATION ON MORTGAGE: None

“THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.”

Dated: June 15, 2023

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as trustee Mortgagee/Assignee of Mortgagee LIEBO, WEINGARDEN, DOBIE & BARBEE, P.L.L.P.

Attorneys for Mortgagee/ Assignee of Mortgagee 4500 Park Glen Road #300 Minneapolis, MN 55416 (952) 925-6888

38 - 23-003597 FC IN THE EVENT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW: THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.

R-25-6B

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Sauk Rapids will meet in the Council Chambers at the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Avenue North, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota 56379 at 6:00PM or as soon thereafter, on July 24, 2023, to conduct a public hearing for Matthew Adam Beedy D.B.A “Lost Times Tavern”.

This application is to consider a request for an On-Sale Liquor License, Special Sunday Liquor License, and Seasonal Outdoor Sales for Lost Times Tavern located at 2 North Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379.

Any person wishing to express an opinion on the matter is invited to do so in writing or orally at the time of the public hearing. Inquiries should be directed to Dana Furman, City Clerk, at 258-5303 during normal working hours or to: Sauk Rapids Government Center 250 Summit Avenue North Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 FR-28-1B

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Benton County Planning Commission will conduct public hearings on July 27th, 2023, the Commissioner’s Room, Benton County Government Center, Foley, and beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Planning Commission will hear the following:

1. Gerald and Jill Lentner requesting an interim use permit to operate a mining operate in the Agricultural District. Pursuant to Sections 7.2.5(C), 7.14.5(J)(4)(a), 9.16, and 11.7 of the Development Code. The affected property is described as follows: NW1/4 less S990ft of W700ft & less 330ft lying east of W700ft, Section 1, Alberta Township.

ANYONE with comments regarding the above will be heard at this meeting.

FR-28-1B

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Notice is hereby given that the city council of Sauk Rapids will meet in the council chambers of the city hall at 6:10 p.m. on July 24, 2023, to consider the making of the 2024 2nd Avenue South Improvements, an improvement on 2nd Avenue South from Benton Drive to 10th Street South, and the “side” streets of 6th Street South from Broadway Avenue South to 2nd Avenue South, 7th Street South from Broadway Avenue South to the railroad tracks, 8th Street South from Broadway Avenue South to 3rd Avenue South, 9th Street South from Broadway Avenue South to 150 feet east of 2nd Avenue South, and 3rd Avenue South from 8th Street South to 9th Street South, by Reconstruction of the Streets, Sidewalks, Drainage System, Water Main, Sanitary Sewer, and Street Lighting pursuant to Minn. Stat. §§ 429.011 to 429.111. The area proposed to be assessed for such improvement is property along 2nd Avenue South from Benton Drive to 10th Street South, and the “side” streets of 6th Street South from Broadway Avenue South to 2nd Avenue South, 7th Street South from Broadway Avenue South to the railroad tracks, 8th Street South from Broadway Avenue South to 3rd Avenue South, 9th Street South from Broadway Avenue South to 150 feet east of 2nd Avenue South, and 3rd Avenue South from 8th Street South to 9th Street South. The estimated cost of the improvement is $5,201,996.42. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the hearing. Such persons as desire to be heard with reference to the proposed improvement will be heard at this meeting.

Ross Olson

City Administrator

Published in Sauk Rapids Herald on July 8 and July 15, 2023.

R-27-2B

Notice of Hearing on Improvement